Chicken tikka masala ( back left ) and Chicken 65 ( back right ), alongside a chicken plate at Kebab | Kurry
OPPOSITE PAGE , RIGHT AND THIS PAGE , LEFT : ASHLEY RYAN ; TOP RIGHT : COURTESY OF RUM SOCIAL KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
pickled Fresno chiles . The garlic noodles are another favorite for those seeking piquant dishes , as the noodles are cooked in a broth filled with Caribbean jerk and Cajun spices ; the bowl also incorporates shishito peppers tossed in bang bang sauce for further fuel . You can also expect some heat from Rum Social ’ s Jamaican curry cauliflower , available as a side .
Along Laguna Canyon Road , you ’ ll find Kebab | Kurry , an Indian and Afghani eatery that incorporates a wide range of spices in its cuisine . “ Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking , providing depth , aroma and complexity to dishes ,” says Majid Mahkri , the restaurant ’ s owner . Chicken 65 is simply unbeatable , though you can tell by the vibrant red hue that it ’ s definitely not for the weak of heart . This deep-fried chicken dish features signature spices , yogurt , tomato sauce and , of course , red chiles . But , really , you can ’ t go wrong with anything on the menu here ; each and every item is crafted with a blend of spices that packs in the flavor .
And while ingredients are important , Mahkri says the way the dishes are cooked also plays a role in how much heat is present . “ Each ingredient is added at a specific
Above : Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails ’ spicy tuna poke ; below : Red Devil curry at Thai Bros .
stage to ensure optimal cooking and fusion of flavors ,” he explains . “ For instance , spices are often tempered in hot oil at the beginning of the cooking process to release their aromatic oils and infuse the dish with their essence . Vegetables and meats are then added in a specific order , allowing them to cook evenly and retain their individual textures . This meticulous attention to timing creates a symphony of flavors that sets Indian cuisine apart .”
Mahkri adds , “ Spicy dishes have a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries ,” and with so many flavorful offerings bringing the heat throughout Laguna , we couldn ’ t agree more . /
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 57