A cup of Assam Tea

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 ...

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.

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 wit...

        Once you enter Istanbul, you feel like coming home to a warm welcome. A city of the best of both worlds, East and West, with enthralling architecture and a vast history, makes it a must-visit in one's lifetime. Visiting the blue mosque, taking a cruise on the Bosphorus, discovering vivid vistas from Galata Tower, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, drinking Turkish tea, tickling your taste buds with Turkish delight or vivid kabobs, and gazing at the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace.

Happy 70th republic day India. India's independence has a lot to do with Ahimsha silk or peace silk Khadi. Unlike khadi, my home state Assam is a proud curator of Eri silk. This subtle understated light beige or cream color silk has huge importance in Assamese culture.      After the festive season bids adieu in Assam, the mild winter arrives. My grandfather used to wear the Eri shawl to protect him from cold. Not just my grandfather, in those times a quintessential Assamese winter essential was an Eri shawl and still is.     Cultivated domestically the word Eri came from Assamese word ‘era’, which means castor as the silkworm feeds on castor plants. Eri is also called ahimsa or peace because while producing eri threads it does not require to kill the worm as moths leave the cocoon naturally and then the cocoons are harvested to be spun. Isn't it enthralling?      Eri silk was once considered as an essential part of the bridal trou...

      Do you ever wonder what the taste of country-style cooking or village inspired cooking in southern India is? Even though I come from India, I have never visited the southern part of India yet. If I imagine southern Indian village style cooking, my mind instantly clicks a picture of earthy rustic flavorful cooking, a good dose of spices and of course all natural ingredients served in banana leaves, ah solace.       A few weeks back one of my friend mentioned about Kumar's the newly open Indian restaurant in Manchester, CT  with inspiration from Southern Indian village style cooking. I couldn't resist but to visit soon. Entering Kumar's I discover a hut in Kumar at the entrance felt good at the little effort to bring southern India to Connecticut USA, as huts are an integral part of an Indian village. It was busy Saturday night at Kumar's, it would be great if you can call ahead and ask for a reservation, otherwise, the wait is super long. As w...

After moving to the USA when I tried sticky rice in a suburban Thai restaurant in my city, the taste exactly felt like the bora saul in Assam. That reminds me that Assam has a huge connection with Thailand and is believed to be Assam Ahom king came to Assam in golden stairs from Thailand. While migrating Ahom brought food from Thailand to Assam and probably sticky rice is the result of Ahom's immigration from Thailand.    In Assamese culture, bora saul or sticky rice has great significance whether Bihu  or any festivity. Whether making a flattened rice cake (pitha) or as a cereal or preparing just by itself,  it serves any occasion or festival.    A mild flavored, luscious in taste, small oval in size after cooking it gives little silky texture. Without this glutinous rice, Bihu  festivity is incomplete.               Variety of Pithas from Bora Saul or Sticky rice   A snippet of Bora sau...