Soul Food Sunday's--Taking it back to where it all started

When I woke up this morning, I started thinking about the food that has fueled my passion for food and influences the way I cook. Weekly trips to Pink Pepper with my dad made me fall in love with Thai food, my mouth is watering just thinking about the Garlic Naan Bread and Chicken Tikka Masala from Taste of India, but what started it all was some good ole soul food straight from my mom's kitchen. Hmmm,I figured I would start of the new year with a meal that not only influences me but it's what my clients crave the most!
I haven't gone out for any good soul food in ages so I wasn't sure where to go, the valley was definitely out of the question, so I hopped on google, checked out a few websites and decided on Bertha's Soul Food Cafe located in Los Angeles. I must say I was expecting something a bit more jazzy from viewing their website but I was here for the food so let eating begin. To drink, I ordered the sweet tea and for my meal I indulged in the short ribs which came with rice and gravy, macaroni and cheese, greens, and some sweet cornbread muffins. For all who don't personally know me--- I am a hard food critic and my palate is rarely wrong. My food arrives and I can't wait to tear into my short ribs covered in gravy. They're tender and fall right off the bone. The greens are tangy and sweet, and the cornbread muffins are soft with light buttery crust. Overall is wasn't the "party in my mouth" I was expecting but I could feel the love in the food so I was satisfied.Will I go back,probably not but my twice-a-year craving was fulfilled until the holiday's arrive later this year! I'm now suffering from the "itis" and it's time to go to sleep...Nite Nite

LA Girls in a DC state of mind

Part of the LA Girls DO Cook team is bringing the West coast to the East! We headed to the nations capital to see how the DC ladies are bringing it. Especially with Michelle Obama's push for healthier living amongst the youth we just had to come check it out for ourselves! Not only are we turning heads with our LA Style, we're picking up little tidbits of flair from the lovely ladies of Washington!

DC sexy involves: bright colors! We were surrounded by DC natives who sported the vibrant colors in not only their wardrobe but right down to the nail colors!!!

LA Sexy: Racy colors. Deep wine reds, and french tips! You know we LA ladies keep it classy and always red carpet ready!

On the layover from LA to DC, we picked up the book " SKINNY BITCH" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin! Beyond the cussing and potty mouth approach that the authors chose, this is an excellent book! It really made this half of the team take a second look at what we eat!... this is not your run -of- the- mill diet book and it is because of the book that we have decided to spend our time in DC as vegans/ vegetarians!

So far, we have discovered DC's Chop't! A delightful menu that caters to the vegan and vegetarian diet. Yummy and filling! We recommend the vegetarian powerhouse option...


So far, we can definitely say that DC is its own culture with its own the slang, music, and food. The ladies don't go off of what media fashion dictates, centepede twists, gogo music and chicken mumbo sauce... where else in the world can you find that?

We don't just ORDER....We COOK!

Hello all you fabulous people out there!! I am a self taught Celebrity Chef, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up on the west coast, my interests were going to the beach and always having a good time...with weather like it is out here, why not? As I got older, my interests changed....I began to see the place where I always lived as something bigger.

People move out to L.A. with dreams of acting, singing, dancing, modeling, and more....with Hollywood being the center of it all....the ultimate goal is to be a big star!! They spend their days auditioning, commuting, planning, networking, and partying...with little time left to cook or really prepare good meals for themselves. I have friends all over the globe, and those from the south especially, are always cooking these big meals, and eating very well!! You all know the sayings..."Everything's bigger in Texas"..."Home fed and Homegrown"....here in L.A., I always hear men saying that L.A. girls can't cook, all we know how to do is order. I personally have always loved to cook, and I don't miss a beat.

Well, this blog is going to be dedicated to all the beautiful women, who in the midst of chasing dreams and making money, are taking time with me to learn new recipes, cook, party plan and show their domestic side....behind the red carpets and all the glam...

L.A. Girls DO Cook!

Let me show you our journey!

xoxo,

Chef Ameera