A maverick in the kitchen, Chef Hannah An has always looked to elevate traditional Vietnamese dishes with unusual pairings of spices, sauces and ingredients not widely used and frankly not thought of!
On a recent relief trip called “Roots for Peace”, Hannah journeyed to the Quang region of Vietnam to find new inspirations from spices and fresh produce to create a plethora of not only delicious and technical dishes but most importantly mindful of the health benefits.
Hannah rediscovered the native peppercorn spice grown and planted in that specific area whose endless health benefits include cancer prevention, stimulation of digestion, cough and cold relief, weight loss, skin improvement and anti-depressant.
In honor of her spice journey, Hannah is creating a special “Roots for Peace” 5-course “benefit menu” at The District by Hannah An in which the menu items incorporate the peppercorn spice including a caramel, chocolate black peppercorn pudding and a new ginger black peppercorn sauce she has created.
10 Spices for Your Weekly Diet
1) Peppercorn Spice
a. To prevent cancer: The piperine in black pepper can be credited with the prevention of cancer, and becomes twice as potent when combined with turmeric. The spice also has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other anti-oxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases. The best way to eat pepper to harness maximum benefits is to eat freshly ground pepper, and not cook it along with food.
b. Stimulates digestion: Again, the piperine in black pepper eases digestion and stimulates the stomach, which then secretes more hydrochloric acid that helps to digest proteins in food. So a bit of pepper in food will actually help you to digest it faster.
c. Relieves cold and cough: Black pepper is antibacterial in nature, and therefore helps to cure cold and cough. A teaspoon of honey with freshly crushed pepper does the trick. It also helps to alleviate chest congestion, often caused due to pollution, flu, or a viral infection. You can add it to hot water and eucalyptus oil and take steam. And given that black pepper is rich in Vitamin C, it also works as a good antibiotic.
d. Enables weight loss: You might not want to believe this, but black pepper is brilliant when it comes to extracting nutrients from food. And its outermost layer contains phytonutrients, which helps to break down fat cells, and also increases metabolism. If you eat fresh pepper, and begin to perspire, that’s the pepper helping your body to get rid of excess water and toxins. But you need to control consumption – a pinch with your food (one meal) is enough.
e. Improves skin: Did you know that crushed pepper is one of the best exfoliators nature has provided us? Don’t use it directly though; add a bit of honey, curd, or fresh cream to it. It also enables blood circulation, and provides the skin with more oxygen. Adding it to your food also takes care of unwarranted skin wrinkles. Black pepper is known to help in the cure of Vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses pigmentation, and creates white patches.
f. Addresses depression: It’s said that the piperine in black pepper helps to deal with depression. It stimulates the brain, and helps it to function properly by making it more active.
2) Turmeric
Contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory effects
3) Garlic Can
Combats sickness and improves heart health
4) Ginger Can
Treats nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties
5) Cinnamon
Lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect
6) Sage Can
Improves brain function and memory
7) Rosemary Can
Helps prevent allergies and nasal Congestion
8) Peppermint
Relieves IBS pain and may reduce nausea
9) Holy Basil
Helps fight infections and boosts immunity
10) Cayenne Pepper
Contains capsaicin, which helps reduce appetite and may have anti-cancer properties
About The District by Hannah An
Influenced by thousands of years of Vietnamese culture and the diverse districts of her native homeland, restaurateur Hannah An debuts The District by Hannah An, a harmonious dining experience that arouses the five senses and introduces guests to a contemporary interpretation on the traditional flavors of Vietnam. Hailing from the established Crustacean Beverly Hills hospitality family, the restaurant is Hannah’s first solo endeavor and a very personal expression of all she holds dear to her native Vietnam. Combined with the ethos prevalent throughout Southern California of utilizing the bounty of fresh, local produce and seafood, the menu showcases recipes discovered during her travels throughout the country—whether in districts filled with street vendors or those laden with French-trained chefs. At The District, Hannah’s contemporary flair defines the setting, as well as the plate, combining chic West Coast style with elements of 19th century glamour. Occupying an elegant yet approachable indoor-outdoor space on Los Angeles’ centrally-located Third Street, the restaurant features a distinctive cuisine that honors cultural and culinary tradition while creating a quintessentially L.A. experience, with Hannah serving as one’s personal host and guide.
The District by Hannah An
8722 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
