East/West (Even) | Veggin' Out And About

Sheba’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Fairfax, VA

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Mar 8, 2013 in -Cuisine, Ethiopian, Fairfax, VA, I-495, I-66 | 0 comments

Sheba’s Ethiopian Restaurant is the most elegant of the D.C. area Ethiopian restaurants we visited. Sheba’s boasts a freshly restored dining room with orderly tables bedecked with white tablecloths and prices that are beyond reasonable. The owners are Azeb Gide and her husband Million Hundessa, who Azeb proclaims to be a gifted cook. Her talented but camera-shy chef, Adanech Hussen, assisted in preparing the spicy red lentil dish for our video.

Azeb feels it is important to cook with healthy, whole foods. “My children eat at this restaurant. This is the food I feed my family, of course I want it to be made of the best ingredients possible.” Azeb has taken care to choose the best cookware as well. Rather than using the cheaper aluminum cookware she chose all stainless steel to avoid any concerns about aluminum’s potential contribution to Alzheimer’s disease. She takes the health of her patrons seriously. (more…)

Sahib Fine Indian Cuisine, Johnson City, TN

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Feb 17, 2013 in I-26, Indian, Johnson City, TN | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

Sahib is an authentic Indian restaurant located right off of Interstate 26 in Johnson City at the Roan Street Exit, Exit 20 if you are heading south, exit 20A if heading north. It is a little tricky to get to. From Roan Street take a right onto Brown’s Mills Road.. It is located behind the Days Inn, facing the interstate.

The food is very good. Vik Vantrana and Chef Gurvinder Singh co-own Sahib. Chef Singh runs the kitchen while his wife, Ekta, and Vik’s cousin, Barry Nirola, manage the dining area. Vik is the general manager overseeing the entirety of the business. While the building is not the newest on the block and is beginning to show its age, the food is marvelous and the service is friendly and accommodating. Barry and our favorite waiter, Daniel, will take good care of you. (more…)

Palak Aloo (Potatoes & Spinach) Video from Sahib’s Restaurant

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Feb 17, 2013 in I-26, Indian, Johnson City, TN | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

Vik Vatrana and his former partner, Chef Guvinder Singh, of Sahib’s Indian restaurant in Johnson City, TN, generously contributed this recipe for North Indian Palak Aloo, North Indian Spinach and Potatoes.

Before cooking this recipe, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully and have everything within reach so you won’t be scrambling for ingredients in the middle of the process. This is a very quick dish to make. Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of ingredients. You are using many of the same ingredients in the sauces and the main dish. This is very easy to prepare. You’ll be an expert in no time! (more…)

Roti from Sahib Fine Indian Cuisine

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Feb 16, 2013 in I-26, Indian, Johnson City, TN | 0 comments

Here is a great short video on making Roti from Sahib Restaurant in Johnson City TN.

Jade’s Market (Jade’s Market has been sold and is now Angkor Bistro)

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Jul 23, 2012 in Asian, Grocers, I-26, Johnson City, TN, Thai | 0 comments

by Danielle Bussone

Jade’s Market has been one of Johnson City’s best kept secrets. But the secret is out! Located conveniently near Johnson City Medical Center right off of State of Franklin Road, you won’t find better Thai food anywhere. There is a lunch buffet for carnivores and a menu from which Tara can convert any of the recipes to vegan, all costing a modest $7.59. Drunken Noodles is Rich’s favorite, I love the Pad Thai equally well. Much of her herbs and vegetable produce come from Tara’s own garden, even the keffir lime leaves essential to Thai Cuisine. The restaurant is named after one of her twin girls, Jade. She also owns Lola’s Bistro and Wine Bar which is named after the other twin, Lola, located near The Olive Garden off N. Roan Street. (more…)

Jade’s Market (now Angkor Bistro’s) Thai Drunken Noodles

Posted by Danielle Bussone on Jul 18, 2012 in Asian, Grocers, I-26 | 1 comment

One of the dishes Rich and I love most at Jade’s Market and Eatery is her flavorful Drunken Noodles.

Recipe For Thai Drunken Noodles

1 tsp canola oil

1 tsp of chopped garlic

1/2 cup white onions, large dice

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup mixed bell peppers, large dice

1/2 cup baby corn, cut into 1 inch pieces

1/2 cup fresh broccoli

1 1/2 cups rice noodles (soaked)

1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp thin soy sauce

1 tsp dark sweet soy sauce

1 tbsp chili garlic (sambal oelek)

2 tbsp thai basil (8-10 leaves)

Vegetables can be added as much or as little as you like. For this example, Tara uses white onion, multicolored bell peppers (large dice), broccoli pieces, sliced carrots, baby corn cut into chunks, and Thai basil.

Add a little vegetable oil to a hot wok or skillet. Add vegetables and garlic and stir constantly until a little soft. Stir in rice noodles. Add a little water if needed to make sure they cook through. Add remaining ingredients and continue to stir until vegetables are crisp tender and noodles are done, 1-2 minutes. Serve hot. All of the sauces for this dish can be purchased at Jade’s Market or can be purchased at a Thai or Asian Market in your area.