Yum, Round One.

It's the moment you've all been waiting for. My food diary, part UNO.

Over the last few weeks, I have been sampling quite a few different types of cuisine and restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy.

Let's start with my next door neighbor, 100 Ft. Restaurant. This little place has an extensive menu. The hummus is to die for, salads are great, the pasta is comforting, and the chocolate brownie is too good to be true. It can be uncomfortable going to a restaurant alone, however I have make an exception at 100 Ft. because it's delicious.

After shopping in Bangalore one afternoon with a friend from work, she took me to an Italian restaurant called, "The Only Place." Although, I don't eat much steak they apparently have fabulous cuts of beef, which is somewhat unheard of in India. The table next to us actually ordered steak and it looked very much like a US steak, so I assume the rumors are true. I do however eat cheesy things, which was basically my entire meal. I had spinach lasagna and cheese bread. I've really been missing my cheese, so this was pure soul food to me.

Onto Indian food... I've decided my favorite Indian food is paneer, which is a type of cottage cheese/cheese product. Surprise. As I've mentioned, I enjoy Indian food, but my stomach doesn't always agree. Luckily, paneer seems to be just fine. I've also developed an obsession with Naan, which in India is out of this world good! Indian food is basically buttery spicy curry liquid, oily veggies/lentils, or carbs, so it doesn't do much for the waste line, but "when in Rome." I recently ate a restaurant called Sikander where I had garlic paneer and naan with mint chutney.

Indian food is also known for it's rich, sugary sweets. I am not a huge sweet fan, but have I've made an exception here to gain the full Indian cuisine experience. Recently, a co-worker of mine had a family wedding and brought home made Indian sweets to work. I am not entirely sure what they are, but I know they taste like pure sugar and honey, with spice. Everything in India has spice.

Another mention of the Goan Seafood. It was truly amazing. Goa is known for it's ability to serve fabulous seafood and it lived up to it's reputation. Again, we were at Tito's Restaurant, a famous bar in Baja Beach.

Don't worry, I am not nearly done.. more to come!

Congrats all Around!

My bestest friend, partner in crime, the cheese to my macaroni...got ENGAGED last weekend! I was able to call and congratulate her, which made my Goa trip even more amazing. Hearing her voice was such a treat, especially during such an important and exciting event in her life.

Congrats Brooke and Britt! Love you to pieces.

This week I also received a new baby cousin! Congrats Shawna! I can't wait to meet you Tinley!

So much to celebrate and look forward to when I return.. Brooke's engagement, Kristen's wedding, Laura's wedding, meeting a new baby cousin! Oh.. and Hillary living in the US!?!? I am sure much much more...

Dad! Dvoraks in India!

I pass the Dwaraka Family restaurant every day on my way to work. The first time I saw it I actually did a double take because I thought it said Dvorak. Then, I immediately thought of my Dad as I knew he would enjoy the fact that in some way, shape, or form the Dvorak's integrated themselves into India.

I haven't gotten the courage to stop yet, and not sure I will. I just smirk at the restaurant as I pass Monday through Friday, making me think of my family, and especially my Dad.

I think Dwaraka is as close as it get's here!

Goa = Paradise

I spent last weekend with a few friends in a little Indian paradise called Goa, which is located on the Arabian Sea in southwest India. Absolutely Amazing.

Surprisingly, my flight was very smooth although the plane came equipped with a set of propellers, which raised alarm. I turned green as I boarded the plane, but woke up an hour later unharmed and with a lovely view of a tropical landscape bordered by the ocean.

We arrived around 7:30 am on Friday, leaving us the entire day to soak up the sun and relax. As we drove from the airport to our resort, we passed palm tree after palm tree, beach hut after beach hut. Straight out of a magazine.

Our resort, which was located in south Goa was equipped with a casino, two restaurants, a huge pool including a swim up bar, a beach side bar, and of course direct access to the beach and ocean. Money, Food, Booze, Water. Basically, everything you could ever need.

We spent most of the day Friday poolside and bar side. I managed to get so burnt that I am still nursing my back and shoulders. Being in the sun and relaxing by the pool felt so great, that I neglected to use sunscreen appropriately. My poor little skin is used to 30 degree weather, and was thrown into a tail spin when it came into contact with that much sun. I can say I learned my lesson.

Friday night, we stayed around the resort, watched the sunset on the beach, ate a late dinner, and had two for one doubles at one of the restaurant bars. Having numerous rounds of vodka/sodas or vodka/OJs, which I have decide is my tropical drink of choice, made me feel at home.

We also decided to check out the hotel’s famous dance club, which was supposed to be one of the most happening bars in Goa. There were four people at the club, which was made up completely by our group. It was hysterical. This time of year is actually considered the “off-season” in Goa because of how hot it gets, so that likely contributed to the lack of attendance at our dance party.

The next day, we woke up to enjoy an early morning Dolphin cruise. I was pretty sure we weren’t actually going to see any dolphins, but to my surprise we did. I was also very certain that the boat we were on was going to sink considering it had six unsteady seats, was steered from the back, and the gas tank was filled with a gas can while we were on the boat. Fortunately, the boat made it back to shore after we spotted some dolphins, so in my book it was a successful venture.

The rest of Saturday we lounged around again soaking in the relaxing vibe of Goa. That evening, we headed to Baja Beach in north Goa, to check out the famous party scene. We had about an hour and half drive, but north Goa is known for it’s wild bars, and popular restaurants, so we had to check it out.

When we arrived we immediately went to the beach, which was packed with people and beach side huts. We ate dinner at Tito’s Bar, which had delicious Goan seafood. We called it an earlier night than expected, but were still able to enjoy a few drinks first.

The weekend was just what I needed. I was absolutely dreading heading back to Bangalore. It’s hard to leave such warm, laid-back, beautiful beach where you have not a care in the world.

It’s funny though, because on my drive from the airport in Bangalore, I thought to myself how nice it was to be home. Then I realized that was the first time I truly felt like I had a home in Bangalore.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

One thing you learn very quickly being 7500 miles away from home is how much your family and friends mean to you!

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful and amazing Mom! I couldn't ask for anything more! Have a wonderful Mother's Day brunch. Thinking of you.

Cheers!

Oh the things you learn in one month...

I really can’t believe I have been in India for one month! It seems like just yesterday that I landed in Bangalore at 2 am with no clue what to do or where to go. I like to think I have quickly adapted to the lifestyle in India and somewhat understand what is going on. I have spent the last few weeks taking in everything around me and enjoying my experiences in a country where chaos is the norm. I thought I would share some of my observations/revelations over the last four weeks that truly make India a unique and puzzling little place. These are in no particular order. Enjoy.

1. Routines do not exist. The one thing I am certain of is that I go to work Monday through Friday. I don’t take the same route, it doesn’t take the same amount of time. Some days I feel good, some days I feel terrible. Some nights I sleep, some nights I don’t. Sometimes stores have diet coke, sometimes they don’t. I think you get the picture. You can be certain that the when you think you’ve got it down or have established some type of routine it will be interrupted.

2. Traffic rules do not apply, seat belts are not worn, honking never stops, a family of four CAN fit on a motorcycle (baby included), and every time you cross the street you risk your life.

3. It is wise not to eat/drink an hour to two hours prior to getting into a car. This is important for a few reasons. First, there is no way of telling how long you will actually be in the car. The commute to work can take 45 mins or it could take an hour and a half. Second, if you happen to be on the longer side, there is definitely no way you will find a bathroom if necessary. Third, with cars passing you on both sides and weaving in an out of traffic, motion sickness is inevitable and I have come to realize, the less that is in your stomach the better. (Thanks Cassie)

4. Real authentic home cooked Indian food is amazing. Although, it may not always agree with my stomach, it tastes delicious. A dedicated food blog is coming after I have had a few more samplings! I promise it will be worth the wait.

5. Showering and using the bathroom on the side of the road are acceptable actions and should not cause alarm. Neither should the cows that literally roam free.

6. The best and worst smells can be experienced here. There are these little white flowers that smell like heaven and induce a calming feeling. I love them. In the semi-organized grocery store I have found the Perishables smell like fresh herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Just lovely. However, since my nose picks up every little scent in a five mile radius, I often pick up smells of garbage, body odor, and poo. Not so great.

7. Using the street as a garbage can happens often. It is completely unfortunate.

8. Saying NO doesn’t always translate into NO. It appears that sometimes is means, please continue to stand here and repeat the question or pressure me into buying something that is ridiculously over priced that I don’t want or need.

9. When “security guards” rush at you when you enter a store and try to take your bags, they are not stealing from you, but apparently preventing you from stealing. They will also always check your receipt when you leave and punch or stamp it. They don’t at all look in your bags, so I am not sure what they are checking, but it is must be important.

10. I have never been in a place filled with so much color. Buildings, temples, and signs are various shades of purple, blue, orange, and yellow. Everything is bold and everything is vibrant. It is quite intriguing.

Well, that about wraps up my one month worth of insight into India. I am so lucky to have this experience and look forward to what the next four months hold for me.

Over. Over. Wicket.

That's right, CRICKET!

Last weekend, I successfully attended my first cricket match, as my first attempt failed due to the torrential downpours that Bangalore has been receiving. The game featured my new found home team- the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Pune Warriors. Best Part, RCB took home the WIN!

I am happy to report that along with the rest of India, I am a cricket fan. Cricket matches can range from 4 hours to 5 days so I suppose I should say I am a four hour cricket match fan. The stadium was packed with people and actually resembled an American baseball stadium holding thousands and thousands of people. It was such an energetic, colorful, and exciting environment.

I am basically a pro at understanding the cricket game now, so let me give a quick run down. For a four hour game, each team will bat once and field once. Each "inning" has 20 overs, in an over is 6 bowls (pitches). So, each team will receive 120 pitches to score as many points as they can.

In the middle of the field there is a strip of dirt where the batters will receive their bowls. There are two batters at a time and two pitchers at a time. Each pitcher will bowl one over, alternating back and forth. The batter that is pitched the ball will try to hit the ball into the "outfield" which could potentially give their team 4 or 6 points depending on where the ball reaches, or if the batter does not reach "outfield" they have the opportunity to run across the dirt strip to the other end, which would count as 1 point per run. (Typically 1 to 2 points depending on how long the field team takes to recover the ball)

As the batters change positions after they complete a run, whoever is across from the current pitcher in the over will bat. The batters will continue to bat until the field team gets a batter "out" or completes a wicket. There are a few ways to get out, which I won't get into because I think you grasp the concept. Technically, a batter could bat the whole game if they never get out. Usually, the stronger batters are first, and the team will get through 4-5 batters in their inning. Clear as mud right?

The RCB team is actually doing really well this season, so I really enjoyed watching them play. A few of the players were even on the India Team that just one the World cup, including my future husband, Virat Kohli. I have my first Indian crush and he is a well paid athlete. Duh. Apparently Indian cricket players are the third highest paid athletes in the world following American basketball and American golf. After my marriage to Virat, I will be well on my way to being an Indian princess.

I think I might just be a cricket fan for life. I sure hope the pubs in Minneapolis, let me watch the Indian league next summer! At least the World Cup. Fingers crossed.