Suvir

Tomato Soup From Memory's Kitchen

When Smita and Rahul Bhaiya have cravings, I have to go down memory lane and ensure that what I prepare is the 'Best-Of" in that category. And so, when Smita asked for a tomato soup, I was put to task. Searching in my head, for the best versions of this ubiquitous and most generic of soups. Very quickly and rather assuredly, I came up with Mom's, Betty Osborne's and Wendy London's (Mrs. London's in Saratoga Springs, New York) as my favorite three versions of tomato soup.

One dish, one pot, pressure cooking, fuss free indulgence

I am a purist for the most part. Fads and trends are happily and easily ignored by me. What occupied many today, and then is dropped by them tomorrow, for another momentary passing indulgence, is often not even a thought that I contemplate.

Ravenous - Good Fries, Bad Attitude.

The sight of the owner scratching her nose and not bothering to even wipe her hands on a napkin, let alone wash her hands, should have told me everything I needed to know. But this may have been the most pleasant thing proprietor Lauren could have done or said. Since the website for Ravenous does not list her last name I called the number provided at several places to get that information. Lauren answered the phone promptly. My request for a last name for Francesco (her husband) and her resulted in her telling me she could not understand me and her hanging up on me. My accent seems to have been an issue. I guess voice-coaching is in the horizon for me.

The Magical London Empire

That I ate the best ever Fried Green Tomatoes at Max London's should be no surprise to me or anyone else. I am always amazed that the London Empire of Saratoga Springs never lets us down. Over the last couple of days, Washington County (and the greater North Country, NY) has hosted some very distinguished Foodies in its lap, without perhaps even knowing so. That these foodies marveled at the discoveries made at Mrs. London's and Max London's, did not come to me as a surprise, but certainly shocked and awed our guests. It is a testament to the talents, the vision and the love that permeates every plate that comes out of the kitchen at Max London's and all the confections at Mrs. London's.