I was fortunate to work with the now Head Chef of OM, Jaime, during an Arboretum class taught by Raghavan Iyer.
His teacher, Raghavan, credentials straight from the OM website read: "Raghavan Iyer is an internationally awarded cookbook author and culinary educator. He is a two-time James Beard Award finalist and a Julia Child Award winner for Cooking Teacher of the Year. His most recent cookbook, 660 Curries, has been shortlisted among the top cookbooks by National Public Radio, The New York Times, Boston Globe, and Food and Wine Magazine."
Raghavan is of the best teachers; particular yet creative, harsh but forgiving, talkative and reserved. I've been very pleased to work with him and hear the stories of his tours to spice plantations in India.
Raghavan introduced Jaime as the chef for the upcoming opening of OM, a new modern Indian restaurant opening downtown. During the class we worked to prepare the meal for the always huge number of attendees. I quickly told Jaime my story of the first time I worked with Raghavan where I mistakenly de-seeded the Thai chili peppers from the recipe. You never de-seed for his recipes. Never.
Finally months after the opening my husband and I were able to get to OM and try out some of the flavors that I have been using from 660 Curries. We weren't disappointed. The Naan was amazing, all the Tandor items perfectly seasoned, and after the waiter found out I knew Jaime we were able to go back into the kitchen and talk to him. Man is it hot back there! Must be all the chili seeds....
I highly recommend trying this restaurant out if you are in the Minneapolis area!
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