Nepalese Flavors
Kharel, who lives in Edgewater, had his eye on Evanston for a long time. “This is a cosmopolitan community with a sophisticated customer base,” he says with a nod toward the busy scene outside his front windows. “In addition to being a college town, it’s an easy drive from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.”
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What really sets the momo apart is the accompaniment. Called aachar, it’s as versatile as Indian chutneys. This version looks like a coarse-ground Dijon mustard and has much the same consistency. Made with tomato and pistachio nuts and seasoned with ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, the aachar’s aggressive seasoning complements the mild flavor of the minced chicken and cabbage used in the filling.
Mt. Everest is at 618 Church in Evanston, 847-491-1069. –Barbara Revsine
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Nathan Mandell.
