Valentine's Day
Why not celebrate Valentine's early and go this weekend Feb 9, 10 or 11 with a classic movie and a meal? Come visit Old Town Music Hall in classic El Segundo for a special screening of Casablanca - then stroll hand in hand 2 blocks to Sausal and enjoy "nuevo rancho cuisine' and save room for a divine dessert. There will also be a special menu for Valentine's Day.
Read more details about Date Night in El Segundo: The Argonaut
Sausal’s Angry Mussels are steeped in a chili cream broth
Sausal’s taco platter offers an unexpected variety of flavors
Happy 2018!
Have a peek at my cooking collaboration and interview with Dr Allen Arnette plus a few recipes (download) from Spice Health Heroes available for free to inspire to add a little spice to your life! With help from 21 international contributing chefs and 8 medical doctors, learn a little more about how these 30 spice heroes not only make food taste better but can help our bodies and brains rebalance! Just released in Germany, Italy and now Spain and Peru, now available in 9 countries!
You can pick up a special priced signed copy of Spice Health Heroes at Parkview Health and Wellness Center … and I will personalize it for you!
If you choose to order on Amazon.com, would really appreciate a review!
Thank you!
Warm wishes and Happy New Year!
with love and laughter,
Natasha X
25 Years Ago Backstage at the Ahmanson
April 29, 1992, hours after the Rodney King acquittal verdict was read out, the cast and crew readied ourselves for our 8 p.m. performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre in downtown LA.
Quick Hannibal pose in the “Wigwam” with Christopher Aponte, former ABT dancer.
Curtain up, the chandelier rose and the sold out performance went as planned through the spectacular opening number of Act II: “Masquerade”, just after 9 p.m. After the full cast costume change, one of the singers and a few dressers went outside for some fresh air and could smell smoke-a lot of smoke wafting from a bit further east: we were soon to learn that The Parker Center Police Headquarters, a few blocks away, was ablaze as rioters attacked and firebombed it and other buildings in downtown Los Angeles.
This of course was 1992, before mobile phone access to instant news, so the audience had no idea what was developing-but we certainly did. Backstage became a hub of controlled nerves as the stage managers desperately tried to get any vital updates while we continued our show.
Sliding on the pointe shoes in the quick change corner backstage right for warm up.
By 10:37 p.m. at curtain call, from what I can remember, stage manager Barbara Mae Phillips came onstage and spoke to the audience in a calm voice explaining that while they were enjoying the performance, that due to the escalating violence in Los Angeles, the governor had declared a state of emergency and most of the freeway ramps were closed, including the Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10) and Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). The only safe and remaining freeway out of downtown was the Ventura Freeway north (US Route 101). She insisted, “lock your car doors, don’t stop for anyone and get home safe”.
Cast, crew and audience escaped downtown and the theatre was dark for several days. When the curfew lifted and we slowly returned to a sense of normalcy, we were reminded of what had just happened to our City of Angels as teams of National Guard units patrolled backstage halls and front of house of our theatre home; The Ahmanson.
Under the exit sign backstage after the show with National Guards-on our return to the theatre.
The Times Weekend Review in London
SIX SPICY LUNCHS FOR THE WEEKEND – chosen from my new cookbook SPICE HEALTH HEROES , featuring two recipes from Chef Peter Gordon & Chef François Kwaku-Dongo.
Click HERE to download the article!
Seven Spices for Health
Join in a workshop Dr. Eleni Tsiompanou, one of the eight medical doctors featured and wrote the foreword in my new cookbook Spice Health Heroes, is offering on November 12th. Learn how to use spices in your everyday life to make so-so dishes sing with flavor while supporting your health and wellbeing.
To get all the details on this event go to Health Being.
Vanilla Table Cookbook Signing & Demonstration
Join Surfas in welcoming Chef Natasha MacAller to our Test Kitchen. Chef Natasha’s book, Vanilla Table, will convince chefs and cooks alike that vanilla is anything but plain. With over 100 dishes including starters, mains, brunch, desserts and more, you will never think of vanilla the same way again! Chef Natasha’s book also includes collaborations with several international chefs (including Jonathan Waxman, Jim Dodge, Alan Wong, Duff Goldman, Yotam Ottolenghi, Sherry Yard, Nancy Silverton, and Gina DePalma).
Vanilla Table Cookbook Signing and Demonstration with Chef Natasha MacAller
Test Kitchen, Surfas Culinary District Culver City
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016
1 - 3 p.m.
Free Demonstration and Book Signing
You will not want to miss Chef Natasha demonstrating:
Chicken Stroganoff with Chantrelles and Vanilla
Smoked Trout Johnnycake Stacks
Banana Polenta Upside Down Cake
Vanilla Table is a complete course in how to use the world’s most delicious and adaptable spice – from savory appetizers and delicious entrees to indulgent desserts and decadent drinks.
Recipes and samples will be provided. Reservations will not be taken for this event so please arrive early as seating is limited. Book signing will commence after the demonstration.
Savour by Peter Gordon
Available to purchase on Amazon
Arriving after production meeting at @quartouk with #jacquismall and the team for my new book, the group of us taxied it over to The Providores and Tapas Bar soon joined by friends family and fans of Peter Gordon and the beautiful, creative and flavourful tastes from his book Savour #PGsavour published by Jacqui Small. Great catch ups with friends and owners #Peter G,#Michael McGrath and #Peter B and the lovely wait staff and Providores outstanding kitchen crew, helmed by @Pauljmelville. @RachelCooper kept Peter gliding through the crowds while I met the gracious and talented Chef Cyrus Todiwala of Namaste his award winning restaurant in Hackney, and #Kyleenewton owner creator of @newtonandpott @broadwaymarket that makes the most beautiful jams, chutneys and fermented veg as well as a few cocktails! Another Kiwi does good in London! Cheers! A very lovely and gracious #nigellalawson @nigellalawson in attendance said her hellos to all around. A wonderful welcome back to London!
