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Austin’s best Egyptian-inspired BBQ food
A sampling of the food at KG BBQ. Photo courtesy Maurice Chammah
On a recent rainy night I grabbed dinner with friends at KG BBQ, the mouth-watering, newly opened fusion brainchild of Egyptian emigre Kareem El-Ghayesh.
- El-Ghayesh told me he moved to Austin in 2016 to learn the ways of the city’s great pitmasters, putting in time at Lamberts, Interstellar, Kerlin and Valentina’s before striking out on his own.
The scenes: The food trailer is stationed at Oddwood Brewing, a pizzeria-brewpub with at least a half-dozen shaded, outdoor picnic tables and plenty of cozy indoor seating.
Just a taste: We tried the grilled chicken kebab, marinated in sumac, garlic, thyme and honey — and it’s tender to the teeth; the pink buttermilk potato salad, a Texas classic dressed up in a roasted beet puree, with fresh dill and jalapeños — y’know, the kind your grandmother use to make; a golden, aromatic rice cooked with turmeric, bay leaf and cinnamon, tossed with candied nuts; and classic smoked brisket served, in a typical twist, with a pomegranate-infused barbecue sauce.
Excellent moves: Serving smoked meat with a chimichurri sauce of mint, parsley and Serrano chilies, with garlic, onion and cumin.
Three-word reviews: A smorgasbord of yumminess.
What we’re still thinking about: The cardamom and pistachio rice pudding.
- Do not leave KG BBQ without buying this rich dessert, finished off with pistachio butter and topped with whipped mascarpone and halvah.
if you go: KG, located at 3108 Manor Road, by the intersection with Airport Boulevard, is open Thursday through Sunday, 11am to 8pm — or until sold out.
Michelin added 18 new stars to its California guide, including eight restaurants in LA
One of the world’s most prestigious dining guides announced its annual California accolades this evening, revealing a new class of coveted star- and Bib Gourmand-award inductees. Michelin, which employs a team of anonymous international inspectors to visit and rate restaurants, fanned out across the country and found only one restaurant newly deemable of three stars — the highest level of rating within the company — though garnered 17 new accolades of one star. Two of these were also awarded green stars, signifying sustainable practices, and 15 other restaurants gained notice for their high quality at good value.
The stars are the most impressive of Michelin’s various accolades, where one star signifies “a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars “excellent cuisine, worth a detour,” while a three-star rating translates to “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
In 2022 Addison, in San Diego, is the only restaurant in California to newly garner three stars — marking the increase by one star from last year’s awards, and representing the first three-star restaurant in Southern California since Michelin’s return to the state in 2019. The guidebook took one year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, then returned last year.
“First and foremost, when we’re looking at a restaurant in the star category, we are evaluating the restaurant on five very specific criteria,” said a chief Michelin’s inspector who has served as such for more than a decade. “We’re looking at the quality of the products that are featured, we’re looking at the harmony of flavors, we’re looking at the mastery of cooking techniques, we’re looking at the personality of the chef as it comes through in their cuisine, and we’re looking for consistency between each visit.”
Of the 18 additions to the statewide guide, this year’s new one-star awardees include eight restaurants in the LA area, though Kato — included as a new addition — previously held one star. Representatives for Michelin shared with The Times that the “new” designation refers to the restaurant’s move to a new location and slight reformatting. Representatives could not divulge how many inspectors are employed, but said that numerous inspectors based globally are flown to North America for visits considered for the California guide, and vice-versa.
Other local awardees include 715 Sushi and Camphor, both in the Arts District; Citrin in Santa Monica (whose sibling concept, Mélisse, maintained its two-star rating from 2021); Gwen in Hollywood (Maude, its sibling restaurant in Beverly Hills, maintained its star award); Hatchet Hall in Culver City; Manzke in Pico-Robertson; and Sushi Kaneyoshi in Little Tokyo. The beverage team at Manzke also garnered the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award this evening.
In 2022 no LA restaurants were newly awarded two stars. With the exception of Vespertine, which is currently closed, all area restaurants that held two stars in 2021 — Hayato, Mélisse, n/naka, Providence and Sushi Ginza Onodera — maintained them in 2022. Restaurants that did not maintain their one-star rating from 2021 includes Bistro Na’s, Cut, Le Comptoir, Pasjoli, Rustic Canyon, Shunji and Sushi Inaba.
In Montecito, developer and recent mayoral candidate Rick Caruso’s restaurant Caruso’s — housed within the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel complex — earned one star as well as a green star. Farther up the coast, new one-star additions include Cyrus in Geyserville; Localis in Sacramento; Nisei in San Francisco; Osito in San Francisco; Press Restaurant in St. Helena; the Restaurant at JUSTIN in Paso Robles, also awarded a green star; San Ho Won in San Francisco; and Ssal in San Francisco.
On Nov. 29 Michelin added 15 new Bib Gourmand winners to its California guide, 10 of which were in the Los Angeles region. The value-driven accolade denotes the ability to order an appetizer and entrée, as well as either a glass of wine or dessert, for $49 or less, sans tax and gratuity. New awardees include All Day Baby, Caboco (currently closed in the Arts District, though owners are hoping to reopen in a new location), Chulita, Flavors from Afar, Ipoh Kopitiam, Lalibela, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Pijja Palace, Pizzeria Bianco and Saffy’s .
Christian Davis, standing, and Meymuna Hussein-Cattan are co-founders of Flavors from Afar on Fairfax Avenue. Last week the restaurant garnered a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
To Christian Davis, co-founder of Little Ethiopia’s Flavors from Afar, the Bib Gourmand news came as a welcome surprise. Davis learned from his restaurant’s award by way of his friend, who had texted congratulations that morning. The restaurant never realized he’d been visited by a Michelin inspector, nor did he know his business could be considered for an award beyond Flavors from Afar’s general inclusion of notable spots announced earlier in the year.
The nod not only confirms their choices in and out of the kitchen, he says, but also
Best Organic Oils for a Healthy Lifestyle
In the quest for a healthy lifestyle, the type of oil you use in your cooking can play a significant role. Organic oils, derived from sustainably grown sources, offer a wealth of health benefits while aligning with eco-conscious principles. In this article, we explore the world of organic oils, highlighting the best options for promoting well-being and the role they play in a holistic approach to healthy living.
Understanding the Essence of Organic Oils:
Organic oils are extracted from crops that are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. The resulting oils are not only free from harmful chemicals but also richer in nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a health-conscious lifestyle. From salad dressings to sautéing, the choice of oil can significantly impact the nutritional value of your meals.
Exploring the Best Organic Oil Choices:
Coconut Oil:
A versatile favorite, organic coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that is easily metabolized for energy. It has been linked to improved brain health, weight management, and immune support. With its high smoke point, coconut oil is suitable for various cooking methods.
Olive Oil:
Often regarded as the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, organic olive oil is a potent source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It supports heart health, aids in digestion, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Extra virgin olive oil, obtained through cold-pressing, retains the highest level of nutrients.
Avocado Oil:
Extracted from the flesh of ripe avocados, organic avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. It promotes healthy cholesterol levels and is known for its potential to enhance skin health due to its high content of oleic acid.
Flaxseed Oil:
A potent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, organic flaxseed oil supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory responses. It’s best consumed raw or added to already cooked foods to preserve its nutritional value.
Sesame Oil:
Organic sesame oil, derived from sesame seeds, offers a unique nutty flavor and is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. It has been linked to improved oral health and may contribute to healthy skin when applied topically.
Comparing Oils:
The debate between coconut oil vs. olive oil often arises, with each offering distinct advantages:
Coconut Oil:
Its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. The MCTs in coconut oil are efficiently metabolized and provide quick energy, making it a favorite among those following a ketogenic diet.
Olive Oil:
With its rich content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is ideal for dressings, low-heat cooking, and drizzling over finished dishes. Its potential benefits for heart health and inflammation make it a staple in the Mediterranean diet.
Organic Farming Methods:
Organic oils are a result of sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and reduced impact on the environment. By choosing organic oils, you’re supporting methods that promote ecosystem balance, conserve water resources, and reduce carbon emissions.
Contributing to Organic Foods Movement:
By embracing organic foods, you’re participating in a larger movement toward conscious consumption. The demand for organic products encourages more farmers to adopt organic farming methods, which not only benefit individual health but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Incorporating Organic oils into Your Lifestyle:
Cooking:
Use organic coconut oil or olive oil for sautéing, baking, and roasting to enhance the nutritional value of your meals.
Salad Dressings:
Create flavorful and nutritious dressings by blending organic olive oil with herbs, vinegar, and seasonings.
Drizzling:
Elevate the flavor of your dishes by drizzling organic avocado oil or sesame oil over salads, soups, and cooked foods.
Smoothies:
Add a tablespoon of organic flaxseed oil to your morning smoothies for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
In the realm of healthy living, the choice of oils matters more than you might think. Organic oils not only provide essential nutrients but also support sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to a healthier environment. Whether you opt for the richness of coconut oil, the elegance of olive oil, or the uniqueness of avocado or flaxseed oil, you’re making a conscious decision to nurture your body and the world around you. As you embark on this journey of holistic well-being, remember that even the smallest choices, such as the type of oil you use, can have a significant impact on your health and the planet.… Read More