5 Spices 50 Dishes

I came across Ruta Kahate’s 5 Spices 50 Dishes cookbook while browsing Amazon and this ol’ book stood on top of the list with 41/2 stars. Being a bit bored of the South Indian cooking, I decided to give it a try.

As with all cookbooks, this onez divided into sections – Lentils, Meat, Chicken and Vegetables to name just a few. I tried Railway Potatoes, Mushroom and Peas, Steamed Cauliflower with Tomato Sauce and Cabbage stir-fry with a few improvisations to suit the palate. These are common-day recipes in most Indian households but the reason I highlight this book is its a pretty good starter for non-Indian folks interested in trying out Indian cooking at home. My only grouse is that having a hard-core veggie family makes it really difficult to find substitutes for meat-based dishes and as a result I have to contend with the most predictable vegetables.

The ingredients are simple enough and most recipes are simple and are usually a permutation/combination of the 5 spices listed on the blurb. The abundant images provided make it easy for readers to envision the dish they are attempting to cook . This book is recommended for first-time cooks, folks tired of searching food blogs and of course those who are trying Indian food for the first time.

Tea at Fortnum & Mason

What wouldn’t I give for a nice cup of Oolong tea and a slice of Sultana and Pecan tea bread on this lovely friday evening when I’m actually sitting at my desk in NYC. Sigh! The very thought prompted me to start writing about this wonderful book “Tea at Fortnum and Mason” that I discovered through Roses over a Cottage Door and after much debate ordered one from Amazon. The blog also made me think of buying a nice Royal Albert tea set which I plan to do so in maybe 4 years from now.

Anyways sticking to my point , this lovely bluish green book (seems to Fortnum & Mason’s signature color) by Emma Marsden features delectable recipes that can help you whip up an awesome high tea, something I was able to try in Sri Lanka! I tried the Sultana and Pecan tea bread recipe and it came out very delicious! Raks and I were so hooked on to this recipe that we made it again. I had to make a few measurement corrections to the recipe though to get that perfect flavor that we both liked. The cucumber sandwiches too came out great. Apart from that the book contains a few recipes for brewing tea with a few historical facts on high tea thrown in for good measure.

While the other recipes look delicious, they do need a bit of prep work and when I say this, I’m referring to getting all the necessary ingredients on hand. Totally worth buying for your recipe collection!

Kati Rolls on a wintery evening

The Kati Roll Company

I don’t normally blog on restaurants or eateries…not in my blog genre. But this post is courtesy Raks who is busy exploring photography. Plus on a chilly wintery evening, this place seemed to be the best place to visit for a warm Kati Roll and a hot masala chai.

After an impromptu trip to the Guggenheim, we alighted at 38th street and after a short walk on 39th street between 5th and Ave of Americas we reached The Kati Roll Company. Their menu is quite simple consisting of combination of egg+meats, egg+vegetables and well egg.

Highlights of this place is authenticity of the Kati rolls minus the Americanized versions. My favorite is the Achari Paneer roll which reminded me of the Paneer Tikka roll that I used eat at the Kolkatta Roll Call in India. I felt these were well made with just the right amount of tanginess from the mint chutney minus the greasiness that’s common in the Indian rolls.

Achari Paneer Rolls

I can vouch for the Chana Masala as well. Aloo Masala is the least spiciest. For meat-lovers, the Chicken roll is recommended and a lot of people prefer the Beef rolls as well.

Link to the website – http://www.thekatirollcompany.com/

And now for the ambience…the ambience is simple with a rustic feel courtesy all the old movie posters. It can end up being nostalgic for people who’ve grown up watching old Bollywood films.

Restaurant Entrance

                    

Posters of bygone movies

Restaurant interiors

Rainforest Cafe

I finally got to visit the Rainforest Cafe…and its truly a place apart both interms of ambience as well as the food. The ambience is awesome.

This pic is of an acquarium at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Chicago. The cafe has an array of exotic colorful fish across its various acquariums spread in the cafe. You get the feeling of having entered a jungle or rather a zoo. Of the desserts that they have, their volcano chocolate cake or something of that name is delicious.