The hot seat

Photo: Martha Williams

Ingredient Lately, I’ve fallen in love with fresh ginger root. Its qualities allow it to be used in both sweet and savory foods. It can be warm, sweet, pungent or fiery. It gives a great finish to a nice tender piece of meat, and it’s also great to steep fresh ginger in chai, which my mom does.

Kitchen gadget I have this great sushi knife a friend gave me after her trip to Japan. I seldom use it for sushi, but it’s become my favorite piece of equipment in the kitchen. It has special ridges and spacing on the blade to make every cut perfect.

Restaurant I really like Japonais (600 W Chicago Ave, 312-822-9600) for Gene Kato’s ingenuity and the sensual atmosphere, and Baba Palace (334 W Chicago Ave, 312-867-7777)—where else can you get supertasty nan and lamb curry at four in the morning?

Inspiration Traveling to Dubai recently introduced me to a slew of cooking techniques and traditions from all around the world. An amazing Chinese chef from the Szechuan region taught me how to clean, gut and filet a blowfish.

Music Zero 7 is my favorite cooking music right now. I also really dig the song “Love Is My Religion” by Ziggy Marley. When I’m cooking at home, I love listening to Stevie Wonder.

Between Boutique Café and Lounge, 1324 N Milwaukee Ave between Paulina St and Hermitage Ave (773-292-0585).