Anita Lo
Anita Lo, chef and owner of Annisa in New York City, is one of the most respected female chefs in the country, earning numerous accolades for her inventive contemporary American cuisine, which reflects her multicultural upbringing and classical French training. Food & Wine magazine named her one of the 10 “Best New Chefs in America” in 2001, and she placed fourth on the first season of Top Chef Masters. A newly renovated Annisa, which was destroyed by a fire in 2009, has reopened just one year later with many of the same elements—clean design, a welcoming atmosphere, a small menu, and a few signature dishes. But it's also shaken it up with new additions to the menu, many inspired by Lo’s recent travels and her renewed perspective on cooking, eating, and being a chef in New York City.
Recipe
There's nothing more beautiful than eating a stuffed flower, and this recipe for squash blossoms is an easy one.
Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Herbed Cheese in Fritter Batter by Jody Adams
This is a fairly easy recipe for the home cook to replicate, and it's great for the summer season. This morning I visited The Early Girl Farm in East Moriches on Long Island and picked up a case of gorgeous mixed summer squashes, many with their blossoms still intact. There's nothing more beautiful or fun than eating a stuffed flower.
For an underground favorite in the culinary circle, look no further than L'Artusi in New York City.
L'Artusi, NYC
L'Artusi on West 10th Steet is a great Italian restaurant run by Chef Gabe Thompson and his wife Katherine, the pastry chef. The food is consistently fantastic, and they're not getting the attention they deserve.
For those hard-to-answer kitchen questions, Joy of Cooking will be your go-to source.
I love Joy of Cooking. It has everything from how to break down an armadillo to how to make classic, old time favorites
Food Destination
The Japanese are fanatical about ingredients, and I always see something there I've never seen before.
Japan
Japan is my favorite food destination. People are fanatical about ingredients there. Nothing goes to waste, and I always see something there I've never seen before. I've been to Tokyo a few times, but would really like to return to see the countryside.
Plus: Check out Hungry Beast for more news on the latest restaurants, hot chefs, and tasty recipes.