Monica Bhide is a culinary cultivator, explorer and teacher – as well as
her family’s resident chef. When it comes to food, she’s just as
curious about the how and the why things are made as the influences that
different cultures have in today’s kitchen. She’s the author of three cookbooks – “The Spice is Right: Easy Indian
Cooking for Today”; “The Everything India Cookbook;” and “Modern Spice”
(Simon and Schuster, 2009). Modern Spice was also customized for the
Indian market and published in India by Random House.
How did you get into food writing?
I was an engineer with two master’s degrees, a six-figure dream
career in training and development, a big house, friends, a loving husband and
two amazing children. On a personal level I was fulfilled, but on a
professional level, something was missing.
Then, one day, my whole world came to a standstill. A very,
very dear friend suddenly passed away in a freak accident. She was in her
mid-thirties and had been married the same year that I had. Her death and other
circumstances really made me question my life choices. After some serious soul
searching, I quit my job to become a full-time writer. It has been eight,
wonderful, amazing, years since I made that decision.
Favorite ingredient?
I am so bad: my favorite ingredients change with time! Used
to be curry leaves with their lemony, earthy flavor but these days I am quite
seriously obsessed with garlic.
How would you describe DC Cuisine?
Twenty years ago, when I first moved to DC, it used to be
non-existent! Now I would say vibrant and trendy!
How long have you lived in DC and
how did you end up here?
About 11 years in all. I first came to DC to go to school. I
got my Masters degree from George
Washington University.
After that, I moved around a lot and then ended up back in NoVa about ten years
ago.. and I just love it here!
Who are your culinary inspirations?
Oh, so many. But I would have to say that the number one is
my father. He inspires me so much: to learn about new ingredients, to use them
in different ways and to never be afraid in the kitchen.
What
is your favorite local restaurant and why?
Oh, so many! I adore the mussels and lamb at Indique Heights, the palak chaat at Rasika,
everything at Oyamel and Estadio... So much good food in DC now, it is hard to
pick a favorite!
Favorite
farmers market?
I really like the ambiance at the Fresh Farm market in the
Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle
What
is your favorite food show?
I rarely watch food tv but when I do, I am all about
Ina!
Do
you have a favorite cookbook? Number of cookbooks in your collection?
I think I have close to several hundred and they are really
taking over my house! I adore them all.
What are your most exciting challenges right now?
I am working on a novel! A first for me. Wish me luck!
Favorite local food blog besides your own?
I am a huge fan of Metrocurean.
Kitchen appliance you can’t live without?
My grinder for spices and herbs.
Any
upcoming trips?
I am heading to Paris
in March to learn to cook and live like a Parisian!
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