Roti enews:: OCTOBER '06

1. SPECIALS FOR OCTOBER

Appetizer: Tandoori Scallops - There are few seafood lovers who can resist the distinctive flavor and texture of this gift from the ocean. We will marinate large sea scallops in yogurt, turmeric, cumin, paprika and mustard powder before roasting them in the Tandoor oven until golden brown on the outside and serving on a bed of mustard greens. $11.

Main Course Chicken dish: Dhaniwal Murg Korma -  This Kashmiri dish is named after 'dhania' the Hindi name for cilantro, and is a major ingredient in the sauce. The sauce is green in color due to the use of cilantro and its fresh herbaceous flavor makes it ideal for eating in our 'Indian summer'. It is made with boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, simmered in a sauce containing cilantro, garlic, onions, yogurt, peppercorns, turmeric, cardamom, paprika, cinnamon and cloves. This dish will add another great hue to the very colorful dishes that typify Indian cuisine and your table will look like a work of art by the time you finish your meal. $13.

Vegetable dish: Makai aur Khumb - This vegetarian dish is made with fresh corn, diced red and green bell peppers and shitake mushrooms. These are cooked in a sauce made with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and cloves. An uncommon, but tasty and colorful dish from north India. Enjoy! $10.

Due to the great reception you gave our September specials, we will continue to offer them through the month of October, in addition to the new October specials. To remind you, the September specials were:

Appetizer:
Malai Kofta $11

Main Course Seafood dish:
Salmon Masala $16

Vegetable dish:
Aloo Kebab $10

Coffee: Served in French press style right at your table. Decaffeinated coffee is also available. $5

The August specials of the Goa Prawn Curry and the vegetarian Miloni Sabzi have been discontinued.

2. WINNER The winner of a complimentary dinner for 2 valued at $60 for the month of September '06 is: Nancy McCallister

CONGRATULATIONS, and please continue to add your business cards to the collection bowl at the front of the restaurant, and fill out the feedback forms in the guest check envelope after you complete your dining experience. This will insure your chances for future monthly draws of a Roti dinner for 2 valued at $60.

These complimentary dinner prizes need to be used within the month following the draw, so the September '06 winners should call in and reserve their table within the month of October '06. We will notify winners by phone as well as by adding their names to the newsletter.

3. SPOTLIGHT ON THE ART AT ROTI Many people have commented on the fine art photography in the restaurant, so I thought I would give you more information about this talented local photographer. Her name is Lisa Kistine and I first came across her artwork 4 years ago.

"Lisa Kristine is a San Francisco based photographer specializing in images of remote indigenous peoples. Initially spending nearly five years in Asia, she immersed herself in world philosophies and religions. Upon her return in 1988, she showed her first body of photographic work. For over 20 years, Lisa has documented in over 55 countries on six continents throughout the world and has been active in publications, galleries, foundations, museums and educational venues.

Lisa Kristine is respected as a skilled photographer. Her intuition and passion, coupled with a strong attention to technical detail make for stunning enlargements that boast crisp, sharp grain and sensual color saturation. The work, both inspiring and evocative, draws a connection between the beholder and the engaging subjects of the photographs. Each exquisite print is opulent and elegant, allowing the image to be viewed with reverence and sensitivity. As haunting as the images are thought provoking, the artist wishes to open a dialogue about the diversity, beauty and hardship of our interlocking world." ref: www.migrationphotography.com.

4. TASTES OF INDIA The next tasting of 'bite-sized' delicacies and new wines is upon us. Please join us on Saturday October 14 '06 at 4pm for some fun with fellow food lovers and hopefully you will also learn something new about Roti and our style of Indian Cuisine. You can make reservations by calling 415 665 ROTI (7684) and let us know your name, telephone number and size of party. Walk-ins will also be welcome.

5. RECIPE RELEASE With the arrival of our Indian summer, it is a good time to re-introduce some delicious salad dishes to your guests...one last time before winter. Our recipe for Kachumber is always very popular and the delicate heirloom tomatoes turn it into an extra tasty treat. Click here to download a PDF file of Roti's Kachumber recipe.

6. INDIAN IMMERSION a. Is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday a national holiday in India?
b. What is the population of India (roughly)?
c. What is the name given to the 5000-year-old Indian natural healing science?
(see answers below)

Indian cultural activities out and about town... in addition to Roti being the cultural experience of great Indian Cuisine in the West Portal 'Village':

• Roti is sponsoring the Red Tie Gala at Nieman Marcus, in aid of the Little Sisters Of The Poor St Anne's Home on Lake Street. The Gala will be held on Friday November 3rd from 7pm to 11pm. Look for us there and come and enjoy some of our great food.

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS Recently Dr Joe Blumenthal (Cardiology) dined at the restaurant and told us of his efforts this summer to raise money for the American Heart Association. He cycled solo, though energetically supported by his wife Maureen in the 'support wagon', from Victoria, Canada to Point Reyes, California, covering a total of 1020 miles over a period of 25 riding days. In so doing he raised over $20 000 for Heart and Stroke Research. Joe is no Lance Armstrong, nor 20-something triathlete, but at 71 years of age, complete with titanium knee, titanium hip and titanium bicycle, he decided that he could do something to make a difference. We applaud him and all others who do likewise.

 

To send us your suggestions and comments for future newsletters, please email us at rotinews@yahoo.com . Please do not use that email to unsubscribe from the newsletter. The link at the end of this newsletter will be the most automatic, immediate, and effective way to unsubscribe.

We look forward to seeing you at Roti in the near future. Warm regards, Susan Gujral On behalf of our family, the Executive Chef and the great staff members of Roti Indian Bistro, West Portal.

Answers to Indian Immersion Questions a. Yes. October 2nd is Gandhi Jayanthi and is a national day of celebration for all Indians (ref: Consulate General of India in San Francisco)
b. Over 1 billion (1,095,351,995 - July 2006 est. as per CIA Factbook)
c. Ayurveda (ref: Indian Mirror)