The Spice of Life

I had mentioned before of my “phone guy” occupation, well to be a bit more specific, I install and troubleshoot network and telephone equipment for residential and commercial customers. “Can you hear me now?” In my first post I had mentioned that given the choice of any occupation, I would choose Professional Traveler and this is as close as I can get right now. My cubicle is a van and the roads are my passageways. It is a position that suits me because, as in the words of the Allman Brothers, “ Lord, I was born a ramblin man” (In more ways than one it seems).

My travels take me to interesting places and new discoveries of all kinds. One thing I love to explore and search for is great places to eat. Today I happened across a small place that I found excellent. When trying new places, I am drawn to the smaller establishments, the mom and pops or 'the hole in the wall' types. They are usually less crowded, more personable and their smaller floor plans put me that much closer to the exits ;-). I have not been to an Indian restaurant in America and the building I happened to be working in was right next door to a brand new Indian Cuisine joint.

The Spice of Life, it was called and I made a B-line for it after packing up my tools. I walk in the door and this little old Indian lass immediately smiles and says, “Will you be having the buffet?” My cautious optimism showed in my grin. Buffets are like anything else, they can be great, mediocre, or serve slop that would make a Navy Mess Specialist look like Justin Wilson. Ah, but I digress. The buffet was a small one, which in my book is a mark in their favor, as quality and quantity don't often mix. After a quick look over the selection I nodded, picked up a plate and started treating my pallet to some fine Indian Cuisine.

I ate Paneer Pakora. Paneer is a type of cheese common in Indian cooking and Panner Pakora is a type of cheese dumpling that is deep fried - they were great. Joining my new dumpling friends were a healthy scoop of Bombay Aloo – potatoes cooked in a spicy sauce, a bit of Egg Curry – hard boiled eggs in a spicy curry sauce, a leg of Chicken Roganjosh – dunno what was in it but it was tasty. As a plate cleaner, I had a few pieces of Naan (flat) bread. Underneath it all was a bed of basmati rice. It was superb, I sampled each one first before I tore into it with reckless abandon. The little old lady came over several times to ask if everything was o.k. and she gave me a little background on some of the dishes I was eating (now that I think back, maybe it was the growling at her patrons who edged to close to my table that kept her coming back). You will not get that at a chain restaurant - the cordial and engaging owner that is; I growl at lots of folks.

The second plate contained more of what I had in the first and an added sample of some type of shredded cabbage dish but I can't remember the name. No complaints on the second plate whatsoever. I polished the meal off with a small bowl of Kheer (spiced rice pudding) and a couple Gulab Juman. The rice pudding was excellent but the Gulab Juman was a little sweet for my taste buds. Gulab is some type of pastry ball that is served in a very sweet syrup.

It was a great experience and now I have a new place marked to have lunch when I am in that area. So a pox on house Mc'Donald, and lord Burger King! In the words of Mr. Cowper - “Variety ’s the very spice of life”

Talk to ya soon.