Almora

Date: June 3, 2010
Name: Almora
Address: Moshav Even Sapir

Professional food journalists make sure to jot things down in a small pad. When we go on our foodventures, D always writes an organized entry with the place, prices and other blog-worthy details. Alas, this pad was lost and recently re-surfaced, like money in last year's winter coat.

This was a special day - the next day, D would board an airplane heading to the United States for graduate school. Almora is located in Even Sapir, a small moshav just outside Jerusalem. Technically "out of town," we decided to make a day out of it, and include a visit to a small spring called Ein Ashkaf. We invited M, our co-adventuring friend and sometime driver, to join us. We began by dipping our feet in the water before heading out for lunch.

Feet. Water. 'Nuf said.

We arrived mid-afternoon, and sat inside to escape the heat. But the pop music from the radio didn't sit well, so we moved outside to enjoy the beautiful day from beneath the grape-vine covered porch.The tables had colorful tablecloths and the view of the Jerusalem hills was gorgeous (as usual). We were the only people there.

After a few minutes, the owner/chef/waiter approached our table with menus, recommendations, and plenty of chit-chat. We ended up ordering samosas which were OK, and crispy wada which was good. The bahargia was, as D described it, "eh" (read: not so exciting). The soy was watery and the vegetable dossa lacked peasauce. Appitizers cost 50 NIS and thali cost 47 NIS. Everything (besides the view) was hovered right beneath mediocre. After the meal, R and M ordered the traditional chai. Unfortunately it was not as sweet as we would have liked, but still quite good.

Chai is for Lovers

Although the food was not as fabulous as expected, the atmosphere was very nice and welcoming and we felt like we were being hosted. The portions were generous and the owner/chef/waiter sat with us and told us about the place. Almora is open only when he's in the country. For the past ten years, he's traveled to India twice a year, where he studies and teaches Indian philosophy. Upon his return, Almora opens his doors. His lease on the structure was coming to an end, and he wasn't sure whether he'd re-sign the lease.

Since then, Almora has indeed closed. Culinary-wise, perhaps not a big loss. But we would recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxed eating experience with a good view (and interesting conversation with the owner about anything in the world, east or west.). In fact, the restaurant seemed like a lovely place for weddings (not that we're looking...). We're glad we had a chance to eat there, and will continue hunting down Indian food world-wide!

Samosas for the 99%

Name: Himalayan Heritage
Address: 2305 18th St. NW, Adams Morgan, Washington, DC

The last two months took me from busy to busier as I became involved in OccupyDC. While life as the 99 percent most definitely isn't honey, there are some awesome kickbacks. First, I've met amazing people. Second, I had fascinating and (mostly) positive mind-blowing conversations with people from all walks of life. Third, I got to experience DC nightlife (read: meetings at the 24/7 McDonalds).

Meetings typically ran until midnight, after which I'd head home with my committee friends. Although we live in the same neighborhood, there's enough of a distance between our homes that we could either take separate buses/bike, or extend our time together by walking (not barefoot, sans snow) home (uphill, one way).

One night we picked up Indian take-out from Himalayan Heritage. I wasn't particularly hungry and had eaten Indian the day before. Nonetheless, I'm always ready for samosas and always excited for an opportunity to blog.

The samosas were delicous. The dough was a bit thick, but it was quite crispy and the filling was properly seasoned with cumin and coriander seeds. It was too late, and I was too tired to remember much more. But I'd definitely eat a Himalayan Heritage samosa again!

Thumbs up from DecCom!