Every second Wednesday, the editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit, Sonia Chopra, shares what’s going on at BA – the stories she likes to read, the recipes she has made and much more. If you Sign up for our newsletterYou will get your letter before anyone else.
Hello everybody,
Are there any restaurants that you keep an eye on even though they are not in your town? Given the nature of my job, it’s probably not surprising that I do this all the time and become obsessed with cafes and bakeries, brunch spots, bars, and fine dining restaurants across the country (and around the world!). It’s helpful to our work – giving context, finding sources, telling the best possible stories – but it also means my list of eating pails is getting really, really long.
For years Juhu Beach Club, head chef Preeti MistryThe bright street food restaurant in Oakland was high on the list. From the other side of the country, I looked at the menu: cobblestones and sliders, smoky black cardamom negronis, and a slew of dosa waffles. For the restaurant’s anniversary, which coincided with the Hindu holiday of Holi, Preeti held a party every year, and I’ve always wanted to go to the party. When the restaurant closed in 2018 I thought I had missed my chance. That’s why I’m so excited that Mistry has agreed to move on A menu of fun and delicious Holi recipes for our April issue now available at the kiosk. ((Subscribe to receive future editions here!)
In normal years, Chef Preeti Mistry is known for throwing a hammering Holi party.
Photo by Alanna Hale
Known as the Festival of Colors, Spring, and Love, Holi is about getting together with friends, family, and your wider community. When there is no global pandemic, people usually gather on the streets, in parks and other outdoor areas to play the game of colors and smear each other with vibrant powder or water. It’s an old and evolving tradition, but Juhus Holi parties always felt to me like the best part of what the festival could be. “As a queer company, we basically chose the word love,” Preeti told me as we spoke for the story. “Love wins. Love is love. It is ours. This is how we get the festival of love.”
Below are the recipes Preeti came up with for the story. I haven’t made a big blowout for Holi this year, but these recipes are great for safely celebrating the coming of spring at home. I’m talking about my new favorite Bombay sandwich, complete with jammed onions and a punchy Green chutney (Seriously, it’s that good). The fry chicken wing with an extremely cool burnt masala that mimics a smoky tandoor taste. And the mango lassi I know I’ll drink whenever I can get my hands on ripe mangoes (or canned pulp). They are spring-like and bright, and I hope they bring you joy this season.
Let me know if you will try any of these or if you and your family have your own traditions to celebrate spring. I am [email protected].
