A romantic interlude with herbs
Jes sent me this photo of Sameerah Muhammad -- from her iPhone, no less. Sameerah is the owner/chef/wait staff and, I guess, chief bottle washer of The Bistro (31 S. Arlington, 410-528-1700) near the Hollins Market.
It inspired me to give her a call, and she's quite spellbinding. I asked her how she would describe her cuisine, and she said, "a romantic interlude with herbs." ...
(Photo courtesy of Jes Porro)
I asked for an example of just what that would be, and she came up with grilled salmon, either curried or with jerk seasoning, red beans and rice for $8.95, and as I understand it, two sides as well. She doesn't want to charge too much for the food, she said, because her primary goal is to introduce new tastes into the neighborhood.
Eating at The Bistro is like being invited into her home for a meal, Sameerah added. I think that means don't be in too much of a rush. Just sit back and enjoy the smooth jazz on the sound system while she fixes your food. Also, reservations are important. The Bistro has five tables indoors and two out. You wouldn't want it to have more until Sameerah gets more of a staff.
"Food is not prepared in a hurry," she explained, "when you're putting love and magic together with herbs and other ingredients."
Comments
After reading about the BISTRO restaurant, I wondered over to Sameerah's BISTRO at 31 S. Arlington Ave. in the beautiful Historic Hollins Market neighborhood, and was more than intriuged. She does indeed put a whole lot of love and positive thought into her cusines! I ordered a grilled salmon pita with a side of red beans and rice, and a side of coleslaw. My taste buds were so satisfied! The way she uses herbs and light spices makes for a very tasteful lunch or dinner. She also has a special sauce, which she refers to as 'Sameerah Sauce', which is so delicious! What a great undiscovered gem of a restaurant! The food was more than great and the host, well she is an amazing spirit!
Posted by: Santokh Singh | August 2, 2007 11:24 PM
Ms. Sameerah catered my ordination ceremony, with over 400 in attendance. People are still talking about her delicious recipes and fine presentation. I often return to the Bistro to have a meal that is made with lots of love, not to mention made with supreme culinary expertise. It's always a joy to be a recipient of her healing menu and radiant presence. ~ Rev. Nate, Philadelphia, PA
Posted by: Rev. Nate Walker | August 11, 2007 10:24 PM