THE BLESSED THAI CHILE
MONKS BLESS THAI HOT CAFE - A poignant ceremony last week officially opened the Lemon Grass, a Thai café featuring spicy fare underscored with the tiny Thai Hot chile, which is similar to cayenne and piquin chiles. Owned by restaurateur Kimberly Ming, the café is located at the new and striking Hadley Centre adjacent to Glenn Cutter's on El Paseo. "It is a tradition in Thailand," said Ming's eighteen-year-old daughter, Annette, "to have a restaurant blessed before it opens." Twenty people witnessed the ritual performed by five monks from the Buddhist Temple of New Mexico in Albuquerque. A lovely reception, attended by about 75, followed.
The monks, in yoga position, performed the ceremony in the dining room, which is decorated with impressive Thai artifacts and furnishings. The blessing, given in chant, began with an invitation to the angels and saints to listen to beautiful music (the chanting) and to reflect on the Buddhist scriptures, based on part by five precepts, which prohibit killing, stealing, harmful language, sexual misbehavior, and the use of intoxicants. The fifth, said Annette, is especially important. "When you alter reality through the use of alcohol or drugs, you lose control of yourself and are more likely to break the other disciplines." By observing these precepts, the three roots of evil- lust, hatred, and delusion- may be overcome.
"When we invite the angels to join us, it is because we are asking them to send good deeds to share. They bring good to everybody," said Annette.
Following the religious ceremony, guests were invited to serve dinner to the monks. "After a blessing, it is a tradition that the monks dine first," said Annette. "They are not allowed to serve themselves, they can only receive." Since monks practice celibacy, any form of female contact is prohibited. Female guests who served, therefore, could not directly pass a dish to a monk. Rather, they placed the dish on a cloth held at one end by the monk.
While guests sampled interesting appetizers like Meing Kum, a spinach leaf topped with ginger, sundried baby shrimp, red onion, toasted coconut and roasted peanuts, the monks resumed their yoga positions to receive gifts, baskets of toiletries, from Kimberly and Annette. "People who receive a blessing, especially the poor people who live in the countryside, will give monks a gift of necessities to thank them for traveling to their home," said Annette.
Following dinner, about a dozen of us, including the Mings, were blessed by the monks with Holy Water. The ritual also includes the gradual pouring of water from one cup to another. "As you pour," said Annette, "concentrate on a deceased loved one and send them good deeds." The water, signifying the deeds, is then dispersed at the base of "preferably a big tree with strong roots," she said. "Since we don't know where the dead are - in heaven or hell - it is important that the roots be large so the water can be channeled far." Water, Annette said, is an essential part of surviving. "Some spirits, especially those in hell, are burning all over. They are very thirsty."
The Lemon Grass has an extensive menu, listing unusual dishes that will tempt a variety of palates. Chef Noung Bell joins Kimberly in creating these sumptuous dishes served by staff wearing Thai apparel. On Saturdays, Mongolian barbecued beef, prepared in the dining room on an impressive 7-ft. grill, will be featured. Lunches range from $7 to $9; dinners, $10 to $17. The café, closed on Tuesday, is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Lemon Grass is expected to have a beer and wine license within three weeks. For more information, call 523-8778.
CASE CLOSED - Several readers asked me where they could purchase epazote, a pungent, strong flavored Mexican herb I mentioned in a recent article. After placing several phone calls to area grocers, I found one that carries it. Celso Silva, produce manager at VanWinkles IGA on Main, says customers can find the herb in the produce department. A quarter ounce dried costs 69 cents. Epazote acts as an anti-gas agent when combined with beans. It is also used to make tea and enjoyed by many for its alleged soothing and calming qualities. I have several recipes that ask for epazote but I haven't tried them. As soon as I do, I'll share the "winner."
CHILE INFLAMED TONGUE REMEDIES - An anonymous voice mailer claimed he had "the perfect remedy" for a chile inflamed tongue. "No one believes me when I tell them a sip or two of hot, fresh coffee will kick it. You will be surprised that in just a few seconds the pain will subside."
Beth Owen e-mailed her surefire cure: "Fresh tomatoes cut the heat better than anything I've tried. Better than ice cream!" Beth mentioned that, although fresh tomatoes work best, store-bought also does the trick.
Let me know if these remedies work for you, or if you'd like to share one of your own.
