Good Food
California’s new food critics, “Zaitoun,” and Tomatomania
Soleil Ho and Tejal Rao belong to a new wave of food critics who are helping to redefine the craft. Writer and activist Yasmin Khan talks about her travels to modern Palestine, which have yielded a book full of humanizing stories and recipes.
By Evan Kleiman • • 56m ListenSoleil Ho and Tejal Rao belong to a new wave of food critics who are helping to redefine the craft. Writer and activist Yasmin Khan talks about her travels to modern Palestine, which have yielded a book full of humanizing stories and recipes. Plus: the return of the world's largest tomato seedling sal.
In this episode
6 storiesSan Francisco’s new food critic is changing the game
The San Francisco Chronicle’s new restaurant critic Soleil Ho recently published her first slate of reviews.
Read the story15 minMeet the New York Times’ first California food critic
Last year the New York Times appointed its first California food critic in Tejal Rao —yet another sign of the state’s recognition as a dining powerhouse.
Read the story9 minReal-deal Lebanese cooking at Hayat’s Kitchen
In search of Lebanese cuisine, Bill Addison recently paid a visit to the new location of Hayat’s Kitchen in the Hollywood Hills, where he discovered fresh kibbeh nayeh and an ample selection of baked sweets.
Read the story5 minWhat is the Palestinian kitchen?
Yasmin Khan ’s numerous visits to modern Palestine taught her that the food there is not only inseparable from politics, but also its historical influences, including Arab, Jewish, Turkish, and Bedouin civilizations.
Read the story13 minTomatomania is back!
As we ramp up to tomato season, we look to an expert in Scott Daigre . Scott is the force behind Tomatomania , the largest tomato seedling sale in the world—and it’s right here in Southern California.
Read the story7 minMarket Report: Garlic Chives
Also known as Chinese leeks or nira , garlic chives are favored in many Asian cuisines for their sharp, grassy flavor. Also a fan: executive chef Danielle Sobel of the Japanese-influenced Pacifique in West Hollywood.
Read the story9 min
