If You’ve Seen One Monkey
Every once in a while, something gets stuck in my head and it just stays there. That’s the way it was with the golden monkeys at the San Diego Zoo.
No sooner had the Zoo started their advertising campaign regarding their new addition, than the thought of seeing the monkeys in person got stuck in my brain and I couldn’t get it out. So, off I went to San Diego to meet a monkey. Have I mentioned that they are truly ugly little things?
But see them I did. I wandered around the Zoo and got my fill of golden monkeys and fascinating exotic animals and wondered what made it so urgent that I see those monkeys.
After indulging myself at the Zoo, I decided to look around and make the most of my trip. I visited the Harbor and Old Town for great Mexican food, stopped at the Del Coronado for a wonderful lunch and visited a bunch of restaurants that were recommended to me.
All in all, a good trip. Staying oceanside, eating good food, great California weather and Golden Monkeys. Memorable!
San Diego has its very own take on food. It’s a blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine and I love the combination.
While I was there, I found this little Mexican restaurant and the special was a cold curried eggplant soup. I’m not usually a fan of cold soup except for Vichyssoise, but then, who knew I needed to see golden monkeys?
And who knew curry and eggplant was Mexican? Apparently, the owners! Here’s the recipe I was given. Mexican or not, I like it in warm weather!
COLD CURRIED EGGPLANT SOUP : In 3 quart saucepan melt ¼ cup butter. Add one medium onion, chopped. Saute until soft. Add 1 Tbs. curry powder. Cook over low heat 2 minutes.
Add 1-1/4 lbs. peeled eggplant cut into ½ “ cubes and 1 qt. chicken stock. Boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until eggplant is soft. Transfer to food processor or blender until pureed.
Return to saucepan, add ½ cup half-and-half, ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. white pepper. Taste for seasoning. Let cool then chill for 4 hours.
