From Penang – My first day, in pics

I am travelling alone after ages. Was looking forward to the trip with mixed emotions.  Excited to travel, sample some new food and be on my own for a change and also sad I couldn’t share the experience with Atul. I know that’s contradictory but that’s exactly how it felt. One thing I wasn’t.. atleast to start with.. was anxious. Having travelled on my own extensively, there wasn’t much to be worried about I thought.

Hot Chocolate and its cohort – Churros

Do you remember the first time that you heard of ‘hot chocolate’? I do. It was in an obscure restaurant in Muradabad where my dad was posted. I was about 8 and mom, didi (elder sister) and I were visiting my dad during Diwali. I was excited about getting a much longed for glimpse of the world (and food) outside the protective circle of home and family.  So when we went out for a meal to a local restaurant in Muradabad,  I almost died of excitement when I discovered the words ‘hot chocolate’ on the menu. I bet atleast some of you have had this moment – of hearing the worlds HOT CHOCOLATE and then logically visualising gooey, rich, thick, dark chocolate as a hot luscious drink. It’s what any sane kid would do, right? A dark brown river of joy.. all my favourite books, toys and tv shows rolled into one and much much more. A prodigal moment even. A heralder of all the good things that growing up and consequently the freedom to eat out would mean.

Some rooting and my favourite Mutton Curry

There are some days for me when NOTHING hits the spot like a really good Indian curry. Not a generic add an MDH masala curry but the real deal. Made from scratch. Like a good fish curry. Mom style. Red, fiery, coconutty, tangy…with shiny curry leaves, crackling mustard seeds and plenty of spice.