Bartaco, West Hartford , Connecticut review

It was a usual February day, the chill felt like tucking in the furry comforter and stay cozy at home. But, the matter of the fact was that it was my birthday and my family wanted me to take out for dinner. I was reluctant and wanted to stay at home. My little one was after me and I couldn't say no. I had no clue where we were heading for dinner and then here we were at the Bartaco. Vivacious Bartaco instantly took away my winter sluggishness. With a gracious greeting, modern contemporary laid back sitting and a bit of hustle and bustle made me alive in the winter freezing February. The high ceiling, ivory walls, earthy light shades stroked a tropical vibe and the food spoke a lot about Mexico and Latin America.

As a sober, I chose housemade pomegranate lemonade and hubby got grapefruit ginger juice. I never had pomegranate lemonade before, I must say it was one of the coolest and refreshing lemonade I have ever had. The tint of lemonade not just took the look but the taste as well to another level. The ginger grapefruit juice was mild and with a taste of tanginess. People who incline toward tangy drinks, it is certainly for them.

I am one of those people who are really bad at portion control. Here in Bartaco, the menu is designed in such a way that you don't end up eating or wasting too much food. Bartaco is a high street style inspired food with the menu comprising of bowls and tacos.

We started with Guaco. A hint of chilies lime oozed freshness. Then we had myriads of tacos. Baja fish, Roasted duck, Crispy rock shrimp, Falafel, Chicken chorizo and Portobello. My kids loved the Baja fish a bit spicy yet crispy outer shell and soft inside surely delectable one. My husband loved the delicately cooked duck meat with the kick of tangy tamarind. Falafel taco was a delight, a crispy yet not greasy. Portobello was my favorite, ah how I loved the roasted Portobello cooked in perfection with spice and glit of garlic. I couldn't resist just one. As the tacos are small it gives you the option to try out more choices. Our waiter suggested to try at least three and he was so right.

We ended the sweet day with a sweeter note and had a coconut gelato, you can choose a cup or cone. We had a cup of the deliciousness of course. We can go back to Bartaco again with a special day or not.

A springy saree day in a winter afternoon

Winter seems like really long this year. I am looking forward to spring. Looking forward to the more springy outfit. A few days back it was my birthday and wanted to wear something different and something springy too. And then I have this blue Thakai jamdani muslin saree, but the saree asks for more spring or summer weather. Spring is a little far and I wanted to feel like spring and then the idea of wearing a saree came to me. Blue is always my favorite and this saree has three colors - yellow gold, rose gold and silver creepers on the sides. I went easy on accessories with this silver earring from my Spain trip and the bracelet with delicate filigree Spanish silver work. My hair and makeup is basic and minimal. The saree is feathery soft and easy to wear. Someone like me can easily wear it, who is not really an expert in wearing saree.  This saree is casually worn at home and hope you like it.

Pond House Cafe brunch , West Hartford , CT review

When it comes to birthdays, something is really special about it. But, when it is your son birthday, it is even more special. Watery idyl and surrounded by beautiful garden, even in New England winter you are fortunate enough to witness it. A trendy offbeat and array of hearty and tasty food made Pond House Cafe for our birthday boys delicious destination for his birthday brunch. With a warm welcome, we were seated in our table, subtle yet tastefully done with a tint of sparkle with overlooking the pond from the open and spacious airy bright windows is Pond House Cafe.

We were welcomed with warm cornbread and strawberry preserve, a treat for your eyes and tummy.  Our two little kiddos started with their favorite chocolate milkshake. I and hubby had coffee. The Pond House Cafe brunch menu is compact with locally sourced ingredients yet has a choice for every craving with set in seasonal changes.

I had green goddess omelet - Three egg omelet stuffed with spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. A buttery shell omelet stuffing with juicy succulent veggies. Delectableness in every bite and I never knew that kale could taste any better. And housemade roasted white and red potatoes balance it out with health and indulgence.

And our birthday boy got Breakfast  Quesadilla - Flour tortilla filled with cheddar and pepper jack cheese, diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, and scrambled eggs. Served with pico and sour cream. Lucious yet flavorsome cheese and hearty veggies make it one scrumptious lunch choice.

My husband had Eggs Florentine - Two poached eggs on an English muffin with spinach, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts then topped with hollandaise sauce.  Served with a crispy potato pancake. This is one of the most innovative yet cleverly served dishes. Love the poached eggs with crispy potato pancakes. Piquant potatoes with dainty taste is a must try.
Unlike birthday it was memorable with creative culinary experience, consciousness and definitely ask for us to enjoy the spring, of course with great food.

10 pictures that will inspire you to visit Istanbul, Turkey

      Once you enter Istanbul you feel like coming home warm welcoming. City of the best of both worlds east and west, an enthralling architecture, humongous history makes ones must visit in their lifetime. Visiting the blue mosque, taking a cruise in Bosphorus, discovering vivid vistas from Galata tower to shopping in Grand Bazaar, drink Turkish tea and glued in the glamour of  Dolmabahce Palace.