Roger Hayot

Owner/Chef Authentic Cafe Restaurant Los Angeles, California

There's almost always a line out the door waiting to experience the flavors that inspire Roger Hayot's cuisine at the Authentic Cafe in Los Angeles. He borrows from the cuisines of the American Southwest, Latin America, Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, "the sun countries", for the intense tastes he creates.

Well known for using authentic ingredients and for blending varied influences, Roger manages to balance the exotic with the comfort of old family recipes.

Growing up in Chicago, his father's Moroccan and his mother's German families played a big role in the development of the eclectic flavors found in his recipes.

"Walking into my grandmother's apartment building on a Friday night, even before reaching the front door, I would be welcomed by wonderful Mediterranean aromas that wafted through the hallway."

Once inside her home, I was bombarded with the colors and variety of foods on the table.

My grandmother always cooked with sun chokes, which have a nutty flavor. They can be baked, or boiled and mashed like potatoes. They are also delicious raw in salads. "If you do cook them, make sure not to overcook them, as they will fall apart."

Roger Hayot's first cook book, published by MacMillan, is called Dinner at the Authentic Cafe. In recipe introductions, special features, and a glossary, Roger explains the uses and availability of his ethnic ingredients, dishes, and utensils. If you love to eat your way through the cuisines of citrus-garlic-chile friendly countries, this book is for you.

The Authentic Cafe Restaurant is located at 7605 Beverly Blvd., in Los Angeles' ethnic Fairfax district. The telephone number is (213) 939-4626