India is a busy place. 1.2 billion people living in a country one third the size of the US makes for a crowded country. The first thing I notice about India every time I go back there is how close everyone stands to each other. Starting from the Immigration and Customs lines at the airport, you can not help avoid an awkward proximity with strangers. If you are still in your "western" mindset and leave too much space between you and the person in front of you, someone might just remind you to move up in the line a bit! India is a country on the move - everyone is rushing to be somewhere! I was used to this hustle and bustle of India while growing up there. My parents would wake up early, and … [Read more...]
Sea bass with Meyer Lemon Purée and Zucchini Salad
We lived in Florida for about five years before moving to Vancouver. One huge plus of living in Vancouver is that we get to see all the seasons here! During our morning run today, we noticed the fall season slowly sneaking in through the door. The air has started to cool down a bit, and the heat of the summer sun is giving way to the murkiness of the fall. I saw the first bit of the fall colors on the trees this morning. The cycle of life is turning - the old is withering away, gradually making way for the new. No matter where we are in this cycle, we have to appreciate our purpose in it. We wanted to celebrate the last of the summer days with a light and refreshing summer dish … [Read more...]
Roasted Beetroot and Pickled French Melon Salad
Summer is full of surprises at the farmer's market here in Vancouver. We get so much fresh bounty from local farms - plum tomatoes in all shapes & sizes, peas, green beans, cabbage, zucchini, sweet onions, buttery new potatoes, loads of kale and other greens, berries, plums and recently apples. This surprise element is one of the main reasons I started frequenting the Farmers Market. I used to buy my produce at Whole Foods, but somehow, the availability of everything all the time put me in a cooking rut. I would buy the same produce, and cook the same dishes every week. This was unacceptable for a person who quit her full time job to attend culinary school. I had to challenge … [Read more...]