In Praise of Marmite

Posted by parallel

I know, I know, you are thinking “What on earth is that?” Well, it is the magical ingredient of good gravy and once you try adding a teaspoon of the stuff to yours, you will thank me. Americans may recognize its younger brother from New Zealand called Vegemite, from the song. Marmite comes in a vaguely spherical glass bottle with a wide yellow lid. You can get it at The Head Nut, 2408-10 Haverford Road for sure and maybe at your local supermarket in the ethnic section.

Marmite is a yeast extract, a byproduct of brewing beer, with a very strong salty taste. It originated in England and happens to contain many things that are good for you as well as tasting good. It is a dark brown, almost black, viscous goo that looks like it could be used for surfacing a road. Some have become addicted to using it mixed with butter on toast, but that is an acquired taste. A teaspoon of Marmite in a mug of hot water makes a something that is a fair substitute for consommé.

Talking of soup, I recently had the best soup I have tasted for several years at Kaya’s restaurant, at 5 Brookline Blvd., Havertown. Although it is fairly new, I must have driven by it a dozen times without noticing it. Looking on-line for somewhere different to celebrate my wife’s birthday, I saw it was the only restaurant nearby that had mainly five star reviews. Inside, it is artistically decorated with just the right lighting to have a nice atmosphere and still see what you need to. The food was very good. Highly recommended. Kaya's Fusion Cuisine is owned and operated by Michael & Jessica Hawthorne.