Karen and Richard Carpenter Fans

In 1970, A&M Records issued a press release entitled “Karen in the Kitchen: Who Says a Young Female Superstar Can’t Be a Top Notch Cook?” where singer Karen Carpenter shared some of her favorite recipes. Since I first heard about this article, I have wanted to compile a list of Karen’s personal and family recipes, as she was said to be an excellent cook.

“Cooking is a pleasure for me; I’ve always loved to cook ever since I was a child.”

– Karen Carpenter from the A&M Press Release Karen in the Kitchen: Who Says a Superstar Can’t Be a Top Notch Cook?

Disclaimer: Though this choice of topic may be seen as insensitive at first glance regarding Karen’s condition, It is important to remember that according to friends and family, she was an amazing cook. She enjoyed making and trying new foods. This article is only meant to celebrate a hobby and talent that Karen had for cooking and baking. This article will also talk about restaurants that she loved/went to This is not written to come across as insensitive, though I understand it may be perceived that way. This is written from the perspective of a fan, who’s main interest and goal is to learn about and thoroughly research various topics regarding the band, Carpenters. Much of this article is based off of the A&M press release Karen in the Kitchen, which is mentioned various times in the following text. In this interview, she openly talks about her favorite recipes and love of cooking. Other quotes are featured from Randy Schmidt’s book, Little Girl Blue, among various other articles of Karen choosing to talk about food or dieting in a healthy way. Nothing is or will be included regarding her unhealthy eating habits or her disorder. Nothing written here is being encouraged or endorsed by me concerning dieting. The only thing I will recommended is trying some of the recipes! With that being said, I hope you all enjoy this article.

Karen’s Favorite Restaurants

Starting off in their hometown of Downey, CA…

McDonalds on Lakewood Boulevard in Downey, CA— This particular location is the oldest McDonalds in the United States. McDonalds remains one of the biggest fast food chains to this day. An occasional family treat, Karen and Richard allegedly enjoyed Big Macs the most!

Sambi of Tokyo on Firestone Boulevard in Downey, CA (Closed)— a favorite among the Carpenter family, they often celebrated at this Japanese restaurant; probably because it was the closest thing to the Japanese cuisine the Carpenters enjoyed on their many trips to Tokyo among various other Japanese cities. Karen once said, “”We had food in Japan that flipped us out.” She named escargot (snails in English) and steak (Tapan Yaki in Japanese). “It took us two hours to eat.”‘ According to Little Girl Blue by Randy Schmidt, on November 9, 1981, the family celebrated Karen and Richard’s father, Harold’s 73rd birthday at Sambi of Tokyo.

Elsewhere in California…

The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA — Karen not only frequented the Beverly Hills Hotel’s historic restaurants with her good friends, but she also held her wedding here in the Crystal Room on August 31, 1981. The meal consisted of a starter of (Karen’s favorite) shrimp salad, a main course of chicken chasseur with broccoli polonaise, rice pilaf, strawberries Romanoff, and Parducci Chablis wine. For dessert was a five-tiered chocolate and mocha cream wedding cake.

Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, CA — she would often order a shrimp salad here. This chain of restaurants is one of the oldest in Los Angeles, and still exists today in multiple locations. Though the shrimp salad does not appear on the menu today, It can still be made ordering any of their salads with shrimp.

Hamburger Hamlet on Sunset Strip (Closed) — As many other A-Listers, Karen Carpenter was a regular at this popular restaurant, and actually had a regular table according to friend Karen “Itchie” Ramone. The restaurant opened its doors in 1950. Sadly, its 24 locations across the United States started closing down over time. In 1987, Koo Koo Roo bought 14 Hamburger Hamlet locations for 33 million dollars. Though it’s uncertain what she ordered here, Hamburger Hamlet was most known for its exotic burgers made with several different kinds of toppings including baked beans, chili, bacon, and so much more.

Among the famous visitors here were: Sharon Tate, Peggy Lee, Alfred Hitchcock, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Bette Davis, just to name a few.

Coco’s Restaurant and Bakery — In “Star” magazine, Karen was quoted saying “All the guys would want to go to eat at Coco’s” after a gig, and she would eat a “hamburger patty and cottage cheese.” This interview fails to mention the specific location of the Coco’s Restaurant the Carpenters went to. Considering where they lived, my best guess would be the location in either Van Nuys or Culver City.

Jack’s at the Beach on the Ocean Park Pier in Santa Monica (Closed)– This popular ocean-view restaurant in Santa Monica was founded in 1917 by Jack Compselides. Unfortunately, in 1975, the restaurant was demolished along with the rest of the Ocean Park Pier.

Au Petit Cafe on Ventura Boulevard — One of Karen’s favorite types of food was French food. This taste may have been acquired throughout the Carpenters’ visits to France whilst touring Europe. In 1975, Karen and Richard were interviewed at this particular restaurant for A&M in promotion for the Carpenters’ album, ‘Horizon.’

Pink’s Hot Dogs on N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles — the Carpenters reportedly would grab some hot dogs at this popular historic Los Angeles jive in between rehearsals and recording sessions. This stand was located just a few blocks down from A&M Records’ previous studios, which is where they were signed and recorded all of their albums. It still stands today!

Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard — this historic American restaurant was started all the way back in 1919, and has consistently been a well loved location for quite some time. With that being said, it’s not surprising that Karen and Richard were customers here at one point or another; However, one mention of this restaurant regarding the Carpenters was not necessarily a happy one.

According to the book ‘Carpenters: The Musical Legacy,’ to take some of the load off of Richard from finding material, arranging, producing, promotions, and touring, in 1976, the Carpenters decided to look for a new producer. Famed producer, Joe Wissert, signed on at one point, but suddenly had a change of heart. “We get a call,” Richard says. “‘Joe would like to meet you for lunch at Musso & Frank.’ We met him and he said, pretty much, ‘I don’t know that this is going to work.’ And that was that.”

Ma Maison in West Hollywood (Closed) — As previously mentioned, one of Karen’s favorite types of food was French food. Wolfgang Puck’s popular Hollywood restaurant served a variety of food that, again, probably temporarily satisfied the craving while the Carpenters were not on tour across Europe.

Edelweiss Candy on Canon Drive — Karen once went to this candy store with her friend, Frenda Leffler. She was fascinated with the candies being hand-dipped. “Oh my God… Now this is a candy store!” she exclaimed.

Karen was a big fan of chocolate.

In the early 70s, she once said that one of her favorite foods was chocolate ice cream, and many close friends have recounted that she adored Snickers bars. She even wore a sweater with the word ‘Snickers’ embroidered on it for a 1977 photoshoot with Harry Langdon.

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park — Karen and then-boyfriend, Mike Curb, would often try to eat somewhere private and secluded, as they preferred something more intimate. Though Karen loved her fans, both Karen and Mike hated being mobbed and interrupted by fans asking for autographs while enjoying a nice evening. This popular theme park’s restaurant was the exception, though they did opt for a more private table.

Over in New York…

Serendipity in Manhattan — Karen enjoyed going to this popular restaurant with her best friend, Itchie Ramone, during her stay in New York while making her solo album.

The Bottom Line in Greenwich Village (Closed) — Karen also went here with Itchie Ramone during her stay in New York. The Bottom Line is a popular music club. There, Karen would eat white fish with “an abundance of lemons.”

Joe’s Pier Fifty-Two at West 52nd Street, New York City, NY (Closed) — At this famous restaurant, Itchie Ramone recalls her and Karen eating “stone crab claws until the stone crab season was over.” This restaurant was located directly across from A&R Studios, where Karen was working with Itchie’s husband, Phil Ramone, to record her self-titled solo album in 1980.

Elsewhere…

Annabel’s in London — though this restaurant is moved from its original location at 44 Berkeley Square, it still stands at 46 Berkeley Square. Karen first met one of her best friends, Olivia Newton John, at this pub in 1971. The restaurant was founded in 1963 by Mark Birley.

“I’ve been a musician since I was 16, a singer a few years after that, but it’s never stopped me from inventing new recipes or perfecting them.”

– Karen Carpenter from the A&M Press Release, ‘Karen in the Kitchen.’

Karen Carpenter’s Recipes

Carpenter Family Iced Tea

In 1965, The Richard Carpenter Trio, one of Karen and Richard Carpenter’s first bands along with bassist Wes Jacobs, was formed. They went on to win the 1966 Hollywood Bowl annual “Battle of the Bands” competition with an instrumental piece entitled ‘Iced Tea,’ but this wasn’t just the name of a jazzy tune.

The group would often end their garage rehearsals sipping Iced Lemonade-Tea, a Carpenter family recipe often prepared by Karen and Richard’s mother, Agnes. By her late teens, Karen had adapted this recipe. It was said to be her personal favorite beverage. She even noted in a Star Magazine article from 1973 that she “hated water.” To her, this was the best substitute.

Directions:

Mix together tea, a 1/2 cup of water, and sugar. Add lemonade concentrate, stirring constantly. Add lemon juice, and the rest of the water.

Ingredients:

*This recipe makes four servings.

3 Tablespoons of Instant Tea (Or substitute tea bags in a cup of water, and remove on cup of water from the recipe).

1/2 Cup Sugar

1 Can of Frozen Lemonade

4 Cups of Water

Juice of 1/2 Lemons

I have attempted to make this on several occasions, and It’s quickly become one of my favorite drinks as well. Unfortunately, I don’t believe instant tea is made anymore. I actually substituted it by making Lipton tea in a cup of water, which replaced one cup of water in the recipe. It is a very refreshing, summer drink– probably perfect for that year-round hot California weather.

Karen Carpenter’s Chewy Pie

Appearing in an article entitled “Karen Carpenter Feels Close to Mom, Culinarily Speaking,” from the same A&M Karen in the Kitchen press release, Karen said in an introduction to the recipe: “This is Chewy Pie. It doesn’t do anything. It just stands there. Mom got the recipe from a lady in New Haven.”

Directions:

Crush saltines. Mix sugar and baking powder together and add to saltines. Beat egg whites until stiff, and then fold in saltine mixture. Fold in nuts. Add vanilla extract. Butter a pie dish, and pour mixture in. Bake for 35 minutes. Let sit with the door open about 10 minutes after. Beat whipping cream and cover once cooled. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and refrigerate. Chill until ready to serve.

Ingredients:

*This Recipe Makes Eight Servings.

16 Crushed Saltine Crackers

1 Cup of Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder

3 Egg Whites

3/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 Pint Whipping Cream

3/4 Chopped Nuts

Chocolate Shavings

Peach Mabel

Directions:

Crush vanilla wafers in a large plastic bag with a rolling pin. Use half of a box at one time. Coat the bottom of an 8×10 baking dish with the crushed wafers. Save a small amount to put on top at the end. Mix butter, vanilla and almond extract, sugar, and salt in a blender until smooth. Add eggs and blend until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix gelatin with cold water quickly and blend with other ingredients. Fold in one pint of whipped cream to mixture— it can be homemade or store-bought. Dice the canned (and drained) peaches and fold into the mixture as well. Add mixture to your baking dish, and sprinkle the saved wafers onto the top. Refrigerate before serving.

Ingredients:

1 Egg

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 tsp. Almond Extract

1/2 tsp. Salt

4 Tbs. Butter

3/4 Cup Sugar

1 Pint of Cool Whip/Whipped Cream

1 Package of Knox Gelatin

1/4 Cup Cold Water

1 Box of Vanilla Wafers

2 Cups of Canned Peaches, Drained

Shrimp Suisa

Featured in the same press release, found in another article entitled ‘Karen Carpenter Feels Close to Mom, Culinarily Speaking,’ Karen mentions a Shrimp dish she likes to call ‘Shrimp Suisa.’

Directions:

Melt butter and add celery and onion. Cook until onion is tender. Stir in green Chile salsa, steak sauce, sour cream, and salt. Cook until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in shrimp and heat through. Serve with hot cooked rice.

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine

1/2 Cup Chopped Celery

1 small onion, minced

1 7-Oz can green Chile salsa

1 tbsp. steak sauce

1 Cup Dairy sour cream

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 lb. of shrimp, cleaned and cooked

Hot cooked rice

Carpenter Tomato Sauce

An article published in 1971 entitled “Karen Has Created Carpenter Sauce,” from the same “Karen in the Kitchen” press release, Karen shares her famous tomato sauce recipe.

Directions:

Chop onion, mince garlic. Mix together ingredients over the stove. Let reach a boil, then simmer for several hours.

Ingredients:

1 Large Can of Tomato Puree

2 Small Cans of Tomato Paste

1/2 Bag of Parmesan Cheese

1 Medium Onion

2 Buds of Garlic

Garlic Salt to Taste

“Far Out” Eggplant

In the same article as mentioned in the Carpenter Tomato Sauce recipe, Karen’s “Far Out” Eggplant recipe is mentioned. This recipe uses the exact same tomato sauce listed above. “One of her specialties is what she calls “Far Out Eggplant.” “Much of the success of that recipe,” she says, hinges on her tomato sauce.”

Directions:

Take one medium eggplant; peel and slice it thin. Dip the pieces into an egg and milk mixture. Dip in flour. Fry slices in oil. In a casserole dish, alternate layers of eggplant with sauce, parsley sprigs, strips of mozzarella cheese. Top with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Bake at moderate temperature until bubbly. Cool and enjoy!

*Though the ingredients are not listed out in this article, the directions are. It is assumed that 1 or 2 eggs are used, and an equal portion of milk is mixed with the eggs. Amount of flour for frying is also unspecified.

Ingredients:

1 Medium Eggplant, peeled and sliced.

1 Egg

Milk

Flour

Vegetable Oil (Use Oil of Choice)

Carpenter Tomato Sauce

Parsley Sprigs

Mozzarella Cheese Strips

Parmesan Cheese

Honorable Mentions:

Carpenter Family Homemade Chili Recipe

Another one of Agnes Carpenter’s recipes was homemade Chili. This is said to have been another one of Karen’s all-time favorite home cooked meals. This recipe has also not surfaced.

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