Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Adventures in Food

Last week was a culinary adventure of sorts for the Jackson '5'.  We were recently introduced to a sweet Iraqi family who invited us over for dinner last Tuesday.  We were a little nervous that the little Mr. and Miss would say things like, "ewwww!" "What's that?!" or our all time favorite, "I'm not eating that!" But to their credit, they did wonderful and tried everything that was placed before them.  And honestly?  Everything was delicious!  


We learned that Iraqi dishes contain a large variety of rice, vegetables and meats and it is customary to serve Iraqi tea (a strong brewed sweet tea served HOT!) right before the meal.


Our hostess served us Kibbeh, Turshi (pickled vegetables), Tabbouleh, Lahmacun, and Laffa.  They serve everything family style and you just sort of grab and pass.  Honestly, we were so warmly welcomed, and Iraqi's really take hospitality very seriously.  They make sure you are comfortable and well-fed, then send you home with a huge mound of leftovers!  We had such a wonderful time with our new friends!






Then on Thursday, we went out for Indian food for the first time:




  We feel like we are fairly adventurous as far as food goes, so we couldn't believe that we hadn't tried Indian food yet.  This was an equally yummy meal, and once again, the kiddos were troopers and tried everything!


We ordered cheese Pakora, Samosas, Lamb Vindaloo and Chicken Tikki Masala.  Really, the flavors don't compare to anything I've ever had and everything was so amazing!


So, I suppose last week was about trying new things and making new friends...and we loved it!


So, question...what is your favorite ethnic food?

5 comments:

Teri said...

Indian food is the great love of my life. I introduced my husband to it and he loves it, too! ANd Tabouleh is awesome.....people who don't try to broaden their culinary horizons have no idea what they're missing out on! Trader Joe's has amazing amazing garlic naan and patak's makes a really good curry paste if you want to try it yourself at home sometime!

Mamasita said...

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Thai food... Yum-O!
Glad your foody adventures have been successful :-)
xxoo.

Katie Fisher said...

I'm so happy to hear you have Iraqi friends in Des Moines. =D Yes, they (like most Middle Easterners) make the BEST food! mmmMMMmmmm boy do I miss lahmaçun! Now I'm sure it's your turn to have them over! Oh and Indian food is SO yummy! I love Chicken Tikki Masala and have a great recipe for it.

No favorite ethnic food here ... there's too many to choose from!

Nicole @ one half world said...

I cannot believe you guys hadn't been to India Star yet! That is our favorite restaurant in DSM. We probably get take out once a week. Also, they have a good lunch buffet so if you ever want to catch a quick lunch, we should totally do that! Also, Iraqi food sounds great!!

Sunshine - www.cancersurvivor26.blogger.com said...

Mmmmmm...that sounds awesome. Loved the post. I like Spanish food and west indian food. I would love to try indian food.

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