writing

Nothing Fancy + Friday Links

Egg Sandwich with Ham, Broccoli Rabe and Dubliner cheese

Just a sandwich. Not a lot going on there. Some ham, greens, and oh that egg!

This is perhaps not a very typical FSK post in as much as there is no real recipe, but this dish is rather close to me. Or, I should put it as, several meals similar to this one have been my sustenance for the last few weeks.

Needless to say, I am a very good customer for eggs. I honestly eat at least one a day. These ones are pasture laid and delivered to me from a farm upstate along with my raw milk (I am not getting into that debate. It works for me, thats all).

If you followed my

Instagram

, you would have seen my confessions of my struggles with not being distracted from feeding myself well. Eggs were my trump card. At the very least, I would have an egg. On top of whatever I could easily rummage. Until, I realized that an egg a day on its own, does not keep the doctor away.

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So, I started doing a few basic things to help myself -

1.

Plan ahead

- Captain Obvious. But, one that easily slips by unnoticed. I make shopping lists over the weekend, for the week's groceries and produce to be picked up from the Farmers market. I have started adding a couple more places to stop at bakery and butcher, for bread, crackers, and cured meats.

2.

Eat fruit

- Notwithstanding the lack of whole portions for lunch, I typically eat small portions. That means, I need to eat every 3 to 4 hours. That is a pinch, if I cooked properly for lunch. But, the 3 pm slump made me crave a walk outside, a cup of coffee and something to nibble, which, usually ended being something sweet and too much of it. To break that cycle, I stock up on fruit and cottage cheese. Slicing fruit is not much activity, dollop of cottage cheese and something else or nothing at all and I am good to go now. Also, I end up eating a lot of fruit, which, is great!

Croissant Sandwich

3.

Take a walk or run outside

- Here is the thing. When you focus deeply on something, one becomes oblivious to a lot of the other senses. Mental or physical labor have a way of dulling hunger and thwarting motivation to shift focus. Forcing yourself to step away breaks that solitary mode. Also, a breath of fresh air is good for stimulating the appetite. For most of us leading sedentary work lives, it also becomes hard to justify full size meals when you aren't working it off physically. A run solves that!

4.

Join a group

- Peer pressure, group therapy, challenge, whatever! It works :)

Meeta

and I are starting an

Instagram series

, with the hashtag

#cookingfor1

. We are going to be posting the meals that we cook for ourselves. I will tell you, this already has me thinking and smiling about the meals I want to make for myself. Of course, the motivation stems from posting it online. Nevertheless, it helps me tactically and strategically, I am sure, it will become more incorporated in my life without the necessity of a push.

So, come and have a look at our food. We are roping in a few of our friends for added visual stimulation.

Sandwiched

In other news,

- I am loving this new magazine in that photo,

Mordern Farmer

. A touch hippie and launching off a lot on Mr. Pollan but its the concise version with updated information on things we relate to today.

- The

Saveur Best Food Blog award nominations

are out. No, I am not on the list yet. But there is a ton of talent on it. Get some food porn into your system.

- I have smoking on mind this weekend. Fish. What were you thinking?

This book

is great for DIY deli items.

- On my nightstand now is

Jamie's magazine latest issue

+

historic cuisine of Britain

.

-

This

is a beautiful read on enjoying food.

- What

an idea

and love her recipes!

- I have to restock my chocolate to make

this

ASAP.

- Love

this imagery

- Her

sketches

- The

lightbox kickstarter

project. Rather cool.

So, have a great weekend and don't forget to make your lists! :)

As to this sandwich, go on, you know you want it. Get a bit of olive mustard in there for some punch. Smack!

Give me words and I will give you my heart

Park Central Hotel

Sometimes words fail me. Spectacularly.

I think of myself as a writer.

Words have always had an enchantment for me. More than images, I grew up with words. They have the power to transport me, transfer my being, and transcend the everyday.

I have a way with words.

Words speak to me. This may seem vapid, but, it isn't. They tug at my heart. They build visions in my mind. They make me swoon. They lift me up.

Yet, I am an intermittent wordsmith.

The Book - The Dead Rabbit
Jack - Dead Rabbit mixing

I have been enraptured for hours by authors who are able to capture the beauty, in something even as prosaic as the English language. Books were my solace for most of my childhood and young adult. I have certainly read for learning but I always gravitate to the form that allows creativity and expression without bounds, that of fiction.

When inspired, I have been known to hold forth in evocative prose, and sometimes, even poetry. An image, a feeling, a thought so strong that it ties a deep connection between heart and mind. Then, I sing, eloquently.

Yet, there are vast expanses of time, when I sit vacuously in front of my screen, willing, pleading, coaxing my brain to come in aid. While the neurons stubbornly refuse to oblige, I plod along with insipid writing in the hope that an abysmal representation of my potential will stir patriotic feelings within the synapses. Reverse psychology, some call it. It has mixed results is all I can say.

For the chunk of my life that I had to use my brain, the left half was always in command and it remained lit up like a harbor pretty much round the clock. On such occasions as when the right was emboldened enough to make a stand, the left obliged, albeit superciliously, to what it considered, artistic deviances. I as a person reveled in this ability to switch without having to quite take sides.

I am told that writing, much like any other profession, is a work of practice and patience. Lacking in both, I hold on to the fantasy of it being a rush of divinity captured hurriedly on paper. The more abrupt the stroke, the more lucid the message. That is to say, I continue to defy the advice of the likes of any other established author, in not discipling my mind into a routine. Mostly, I think this is because I have simply never had to buckle down to learn something.

Cocktail - Park Central Hotel
Spicy Sweet Chicken Drumsticks - Park Central Hotel

Often times, when words fail me, I have simply diverted to fill my pen with light rather than ink and to speak visually than metaphorically. As I embark on the next stage, where, I envision using both towards the common goal of expression, I realize the need to engage with words, ever more. To express what I see in fictionalized eloquence that makes the reader stop, think and comprehend.

The beauty of fiction is not in its diction but in the mastery of prose. We, as food writers/bloggers/commentators inherently create fiction and attempt to, with varying degrees of success, to ground, the notion of what we fabricate, with the reality of our lives. I am always drawn to those successful attempts and am inspired by those who can harness the powerful sensuality of words. There are several examples of beautiful writing that offer a glimmer of shine but there are some, who make it a beacon of their lives, one that shines that deep and luminous.

Some of my favorite blogs to read for their writing -

Jamie Schler - Plated Stories & Life is a Feast

Beth Kirby - Local Milk

Sarah - The Yellow House

Jeanne - Cooksister

Melissa - The Traveler's Lunchbox

Tara - Seven Spoons

Dead Rabbit Cocktail

Today's photos are simply a celebration of life and laughter! They were shot in Park Central Hotel and The Dead Rabbit. The former is a newly renovated hotel in the heart of New York's midtown bustle, yet separated from the madness of Times Square. I am usually not a fan of hotel restaurant but this one proves me wrong. Under executive Chef Nathaniel Eckhaus, The Park Kitchen, prospers from the chef's former experiences at Eleven Madison Park, Bar and Beouf.

The Dead Rabbit needs no introduction. New York's hottest cocktail lounge is creating waves across the industry and doing wonders in shifting the mindset on the Irish. Classy cocktails served in an user-friendly and approachable atmosphere with food that matches the quality of the beverage is not something associated with your average Irish pub. But, then the Rabbit is anything but average. Manned by beguilingly young mixologists from Belfast, the lounge upstairs is a pride for the nation!

2013 - The Year in Review

Pavlova

What a year this has been?! It felt like it sped by but, really, it did not. Looking back now, I can feel every moment of the year in the same pulsating heat of the moment then.

Twelve months ago, there was no way I would have predicted how this year went and least of all, my big move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and how much I love it here now! This year has been filled with pleasant surprises and some not-so-welcome ones that nevertheless always had a silver lining. Even this month has been an especial roller coaster testing me as a person.

I am happy I have survived and am going to walk in 2014 smelling of roses and with plans to plant a metaphorical garden!

As far as this site is concerned, it was indeed a landmark year completing five years of existence and in that time seeing several reincarnations as I worked on figuring out who I am and where I wanted to be. This was my medium of expression. I wrote essays here about introspection, analysis and metamorphosis; words tumbling out needing an outlet to gain meaning. Thanks to all who supported me in those questioning moments and reached out to make me feel a part of an incredible community.

I pushed myself this year to do somethings that I hadn't before and in general experiment in life. As I close the curtain on 2013, it feels right to share some of the highlights of the year with you...

Partnerships and Published Work

Clients Collage

SANDALS RESORTS

,

ZONIN WINES & LE CIRQUE

,

WHOLE FOODS

,

SPENSER MAGAZINE

I can now call myself a

journalist!

Yes! This is one the biggest accomplishments of the year. I am a

chosen contributor for

The Daily Meal

and write for independent magazines. This year, I also widened my client work base and have partnered with passionate providers and purveyors. For a complete

list of my clients

, click

here

.

Experiments in Food

Glutenfree Collage

STUFFED EGGPLANT

,

LENTIL PANCAKES

,

ALMOND TORTE

,

PEAR & OATS SHORTCAKES

The thing about growing older and being fairly aware of your body is that, over time, you realise that you can't really eat & drink all that you could in your twenties and be just fine the next day. I am not allergic to any food type but I do contend a preference for certain items not being in my diet on a regular basis, including yeast, gluten and package cow's milk. So, that meant experimenting! I switched to almond milk and am now playing with raw milk. Will let you know how the latter it goes. I started making more gluten free and vegan meals. And, in doing so, not only rediscovered some of my past (Indian cuisine is largely gluten free) but also had a ton of fun playing with my food!

Farmers Markets and Seasonal Produce

Farm Produce Collage

RAMP SCONES

,

PEACH LATTICE PIE

,

ROASTED PLUM ICECREAM

,

LEEK AND TOMATO GALETTE

,

CABBBAGE RELISH

Pledging to a healthy lifestyle means eating what should be eaten rather than what can be eaten. I am reading Omnivores Dilemma now. If you have read it, you know what I mean. Even if you haven't, I think it's common sense to try to eat local and seasonal, so that the body gets the most when it needs it. So, in that effort, I signed up for the CSA again this year, supporting a farm in upstate NY. I also did my grocery shopping from farmers' markets, real seafood stores and local butchers. Surprisingly, I found that contrary to popular belief, this lifestyle is no more expensive than buying from grocery stores. It does however mean that I have plan what I get when because, well, market dynamics are a reality (Saturday markets are more expensive than weekday ones). All in all, a year of fantastic eating!

Certifications and Classes

Bread Class

STACKED FRENCH TOAST

,

HANDMADE BAGELS

,

CROISSANTS

This year, I took my first class in food. Really! I have never studied anything other than science or numbers. Even my attempts at learning French were a bit half-hearted. I did an intensive certificate course in Bread Baking at the International Culinary Center in May. It was a time in my life of much disarray and the course was just what I needed to get back some perspective. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of class. It is ironic that I found that I am mildly unhappy with gluten but the techniques and tips I picked up on the course with stay with me for a lifetime. Plus, I have now have a certificate too! Ha!

Experiments in Photography

Photography Collage

The camera has always been my friend. This year I tried to break away from the standards of styling and express my whimsies through my photographs. I love black and white photos and I realised food and life is beautiful in binary tones. I also enjoyed giving in to spontaneous ideas using things of practical use as unintended props. So much fun and so much learning! It only goes one way! :)

So, that was my 2013.

Wish you all a fantastic end of year! May your hearts be filled with hope and your mind with dreams for a fabulous year ahead!

xoxo

Asha

I in Ireland

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Dance there upon the shore;

What need have you to care

For wind or water's roar?

And tumble out your hair

That the salt drops have wet;

Being young you have not known

The fool's triumph, nor yet

Love lost as soon as won,

Nor the best labourer dead

And all the sheaves to bind.

What need have you to dread

The monstrous crying of wind?

-- W. B. Yeats, 1916.

One of the greatest poets whose literature we read as kids. And, we were always led to believe he was English, meaning British. But, he really is Irish. Born in Dublin.

I am not really a poetic soul, even though I may be moved to a semblance of it sometimes. But, I do appreciate playing with words and being able to capture the transitional into a more concrete art form like literature, music, humor. And, according to IDA Ireland's latest commercial, the land possesses all that; the gab, the glint and the wit. So, I decided to check it out for myself. I was also inspired by some Irish food bloggers on Instagram and those I met at FBC 2013. The idea of living off the farm is just honestly becoming ever more appealing. I am not growing old, just wise. Dare you say otherwise! Besides, I was very curious about this phenomenon of Dublin.

I started in Dublin and spent a total of 5 days in the land of spuds with a couple of days of retreat in Cork county where I got a good healthy dose of the rugged Irish landscape and blessed self-sustained country living including eating off the land and noshing on honest tomatoes!

It started with a surprise. Let me explain. You see, the typical weather is supposed to be cool when you are comfortable with a wrap on and make it a wet proof one, as it is likely to sprinkle a bit at some point in the day. For the days I was there, it was all barmy and clear skies. Not a spot of rain. Brilliant weather indeed for a roll around the city and country. My visit coincided with the only heat wave they have had in 20 years! I came back to a cooler NYC with a deep tan and believe you me, I didn't need any more brown in me.

Now, if you were any history buff, you would have immediately caught on that I visited two rivaling counties! Dublin and Cork have had a long standing rift on who the real heir to Ireland is. Thing is, as they tend to do in this land of ballads, they start nationalistic or countyistic, drink a lot of Guinness (Dublin) or Murphys (Cork) and then forget the whole point of the conflict and go about storytelling, singing and dancing. And, so, the question hangs, until the next football (Gaelic) clash. A good-natured lot these and who can deny them a bit of discord.. not like they are feeding the IRA, right? Right!

So, anyway, I landed in Dublin, armed with a list of places to eat and foods to taste. The black pudding was up there! Then there was lamb, fish, cheese and oh yes, the potatoes :). Staying at a hostel that was centrally located was convenient. Nearly, everything is in walking distance. So, it was only a matter of a couple of days and I was done walking High street several times, through Trinity College, into the fancy barrister ridden parts of the city, cut through the parks and settled for a glass of local wine accompanied by some spectacular local food cooked with passion for the dish and the land.

During my stay, I have to say, I encountered a lot of passion. The Irish are well very proud of their Irish and Catholic heritage. Rome may find them too North to bother with, these days, but they love the pope. No, not the German one. He was a bit unconventional and difficult to understand! (well, he was German after all) The others, especially the ones from 100 or so years ago. I reckon the Brazilian isn't making much inroads in their hearts either.

There is an interesting culinary movement going on in Dublin. The trend of local is catching on and quite a few places are making their name on that tag line. Fortunately, they are able to deliver very well on that promise. Unfortunately, it comes at a very steep price. I found it very curious that the average meal there cost more than a equivalent one in Manhattan (a far more expensive city on the living index scale) even discounting the currency effect. Now, that leads me to muse upon the fiscal state of the country but this is not place for it. Suffice it to say, you had better go with your pockets full.

After a couple of days of city beat, I was yearning for the country side and some natural beauty. Three hours South it was thus to Cork, a county that benefits from the proximity to the sea and held to the country by rugged hills. It's a stunning part of the country with the warmth of the sea currents lending to a milder weather throughout the year. As you sit by the water, surrounded by ancient forest and unmoving hills, it is very easy to feel at peace and one with the world. It is a feeling that one feels when in any largely untouched piece of nature and after the urban chaos that is every day, such a break is not just rejuvenating but also invigorating.

The land is storied by spirits and ancient myths and it is hard to not catch a whiff of that heady wind and drift away into a land of dreams and castles. I caught myself several times day dreaming of running through the land, free spirited and laughing with the glint of soft setting sun reflecting in my hair and creating a halo of warmth and good cheer. I want that! Ok, I then woke up and realised it was a dream but I was still amidst some splendid beauty. Thank God for that! I still remember that dream... vividly :)

So that was the fabled land. It was interesting, inviting and entertaining! Also, if you are in Cork, don't miss the Middleton Whisky tour. Ironically, Jameson, a Dublin born Irish whisky maker moved their distilling operations to Cork several years ago and the Jameson Distillery in Dublin, now is just a tourist shell! :)

Footnote: I like Murphys better than Guinness. No offense to anyone... :)

Restaurant list at end of post.

DUBLIN

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CORK

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Dublin Restaurants:

L Mulligan Grocer

- Gastro Pub. Good food and draft beers at London prices

Seven Social

- Cute little Irish focused joint. Well executed and tasty menu with ample sized portions. Lovely wines and a knowledgeable owner who is also the friendly sommelier. Pricey but given the portions you can share more and eat well. Closed on Sunday.

Wuff

- Loved this place. Great for brunch. Younger crowd. Simple but thoughtful dishes and great coffee and baked goods.

The Brazen Head

- The oldest pub in Ireland. It is a quaint food with really good Irish food (read: black pudding) at great prices.

The only place I missed while in Dublin was dining at

The Winding Stair

! Marked for next time.

Dublin Hostel -

Generator Hostel

Cork stay - Ireland Farm Stays

The Magic of Spain and my article on Seville in Spenser Magazine

Sevilla - Flamenco 1

There is one country that I visited last year that I have not made any mention of in this blog, yet.

Spain!

Last October, I spent two beautiful weeks traveling through the country, absorbing its heritage, history, culture and cuisine.

The journey began in

Barcelona

, when I stepped off the Ryan Air flight after an blink-of-the-eye visit to Rome, a multifaceted city that thoroughly pampers the pleasure seeking traveler. My eye-opening journey through Spain's history began here on a bike tour through the old and new parts of the city with a very amusing, knowledgeable and I suspect hungover tour guide! Ironically, he was an young American, an history major, who found Barcelona's many offerings irresistible enough to stay for a few years now and make a good living by regaling tourists on these tours. The tour took us through everything that was of note in the city from the St. Catherine's cathedral to Sagrada Familia to the erstwhile Olympic Park, now residential area. {Unfortunately, I was afraid I would be unable to manage a bike and the camera at the same time. So, I don't have any photos of the tour :(}.

Apart from history and its legacy of strikes and protests as an expression of the continuing clashes between the Catalan and Spain, the city exudes a vibe that is impossible to not become intimately involved with and be sucked joyfully into its thrills. Spectacular tapas places dot every little alleyway, and there are many of those, and serve freshly prepared simple to elegant dishes that are a delight washed down with local Spanish wines. A note on these wines; they pack a punch of flavor and are an amazing accompaniment to the bold palate of the Spanish cuisine. The city's location on the coast makes it a perfect spot to indulge in

ceviches

or seafood based dishes (a coffee smoked trout I tried at one place is memorable).

For the discerning tastes in art and music, there is no dearth of exhibitions and concerts. The Palau de la Música Catalana, designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Gaudi, is a stunning work of art in itself. The most striking element of the construction is the concert hall itself with its glorious skylight of stained glass designed by Antoni Rigalt whose centerpiece is an inverted dome in shades of gold surrounded by blue that suggests the sun and the sky.! {Again, apologies for the lack of photos but please google the place! It is divine!}

From Barcelona, my travel took me

South along the coast to Valencia

, a peaceful laid back town by the sea where everybody really just seemed to be enjoying the lovely weather and beautiful hues of the sea. And, ofcourse, the place is well

renowned for its Paella

. Sitting by the sea at

La Pepica

and cleaning out a whole huge order of paella between two was perhaps one of the most satisfying afternoons I have spent in a long while! The fish was so fresh and so perfectly cooked and so full of flavor, it really would have been a crime to leave any behind!

Sevilla Title

The next stop was further South to the

old capital of Spain, Seville

. This city is without doubt one of my favorites in Spain. Steeped in history, it marries so many different cultures, religions and attitudes in beautiful harmony; it is indeed a delight to experience and one that was unexpected and entirely pleasant. The people are very friendly and strike up a conversation with you despite language barriers. The place is my muse for

my latest article for the

Summer Issue of Spenser Magazine

. To read my

full account of the city and its stunning offerings, please

click here

! If you are looking for an

off-the-beaten path Spanish weekend experience

, I would urge you to pack your bags and take a flight into Seville. The place enthralls the visitor with Flamenco, food, art and a variety of cultures.

And, then it was off to

Madrid and the Basque region

. Looking back, I need to revisit these places to get a real feeling for the places. My stay in Madrid was marred by rain and it was really not the best time to get the most of the city. And, Bilbao was great but the stay was too short to be in any way memorable. I will definitely come back to the Basque region and, especially, San Sebastian to explore the cuisine here which has a distinct influence of the French from across the Northern border, a cuisine that is closest to my heart! :)

Overall, I left Spain with a good dose of vibrant energy pulsing through me and a desire to come back for more!!

I am experimenting with a new way of presenting photographs in travel posts, due to their volume. I am posting photos from each of the places below this text chronologically by place. For Sevilla, please click on the Spenser article for full story and photos. Do let me know if you find this style easier to process than my usual.

BARCELONA

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Old Coffee shop Barcelona
Barcelona - Beer Bucket
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Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum Art
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Guitar Concert-1

VALENCIA

Valencia - Boats by the Quay
Valencia -  L'Hemisferic
Valencia - Central Mercado- Sea food
Valencia - Pulpo at the Market

SEVILLE

For full story and more photos from Seville, please click here.

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Sevilla -Spanish Wine

BILBAO

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