"A Taste of Moroccan"

Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. This is a result of the centuries-long interaction of Morocco with the outside world. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Spanish, Corsican, Portuguese, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African cuisines. The cuisine of Morocco has been influenced by the native Berber cuisine, the Arabic Andalusian cuisine brought by the Moriscos when they left Spain, the Turkish cuisine from the Turks and the Middle Eastern cuisines brought by the Arabs, as well as Jewish cuisine. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan food. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients, like saffron from Tiliouine, mint and olives from Meknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez, are home-grown. Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. The most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco is beef; lamb is preferred, but is relatively expensive. Couscous is the most famous Moroccan dish along with pastilla, tajine, and harira. The most popular drink is green tea with mint. The tea is accompanied with hard sugar cones or lumps.

This class will alternate on Wednesday's with other cuisines.

Menu to include such dishes as:

Moroccan Spiced Carrot Salad with Cilantro

Chicken Tagine with Fennel and Olives

Moroccan Style Vegetable Stew with Harissa Yogurt Sauce

Chickpea Ragout

Please register for classes via my online calendar if you have a pre-paid voucher:

Another Big Thanks!!

Just wanted to thank all of you that made my September busy, fun and a true success! I had some amazing groups last month and Simmer and Sear wouldn't be what it is without you!

A Big Thanks goes out to:
PwC, thanks so much Sima for all your efforts and thanks to the whole gang! That chocolate molten cake was amazing!

Drinker Biddle Reath, what a great group of lawyers, thank you Anhthu for organizing your large group and thanks goes out to your whole team!

Justina H., what a great way to celebrate a family reunion. Hope you had fun Mom!

Christy P., also, what a great way to celebrate a bridal shower. Congrats on the upcoming wedding!


The calendar is overflowing for October and I can't wait to see how it all turns out!! I will keep you posted!
Chef Anna

Come Experience "A Taste of Italy"

Come experience a taste of Italy! Feel like you are in Italy without leaving your own city. I will be hosting a cooking lesson party on Monday's starting September 12th @ either 11am or 6:00p.m. We will be making two incredible dishes from the regions of Tuscany.

The Italian cuisine was reflected by the cultural variety of the regions in italy and by the Italian history, which was influenced from Greek, Roman, Norman and Arab civilizations. The Italian cuisine is considered as a prime example for a 'perfecto' cuisine, and is imitated all over the world.

The Roman cuisine for example usually uses sheep's cheese and organic meat , on the other hand, Tuscan cooking is using white beans and bread without salt. In Rome the pizzas are very thin like crackers, and Neapolitan and Sicilian pizzas are thicker. than their counterparts. The Northern Italian dishes are influenced by French cooking, because of the proximity of the French border. Emilia-Romagna is the number one with wheat production in italy, and is also known for their stuffed pasta. Napoli is considered as the home of pizza and mozarella.

This class will be held in my Russian Hill kitchen in San Francisco. Space is limited so please sign up soon if you are interested in coming. Please provide your own wine. Gratuity is very much appreciated :)

Menu will vary with dishes such as:

Handmade Potato Ricotta Gnocchi ~ sauces will vary.

Risotto Milanese ~ This delicately saffron seasoned dish is what Italy is all about.

Tomato Florentine Soup

Caesar Salad with homemade dressing and homemade parmesan croutons

Chicken Marsala - Boneless skinless chicken breasts, crimini mushrooms, marsala wine and lots of butter of course! :)

Italian Bruschetta

Chicken Parmesan with a basil pancetta tomato sauce

Classes begin September 12th 2011

You may register for classes now

Please register via my online calendar:

Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italiano (Those Who Eat Well, Eat Italian)
Chef Anna