... but from time to time, I reminisce about no other than what it would have been like if we never moved from New Jersey. I don't know what is wrong with me, or if I'll ever get over the move... but sometimes I just sit back and wonder.
I was going places in NJ. I was a black belt in tae kwon do with dreams of training for the olympics (got my black belt in '98, and the first year they were in the olympics was to be 2000... it was a big deal). I may have gotten nowhere with that but it was a passion. I was a straight A student, very well liked by teachers and peers alike, and despite all the family issues, had a great life overall. I wanted to be a dentist... so badly.
And then we moved. Two months after I got my black belt. A mere couple weeks after I found out what boys were and that I could maybe like one. Just a month before I'd start 7th grade.
Do you know, even now, I say I am from NJ. I lived in Canada, met M there, but I am from NJ. Honestly... it's a part of me. What was it? I want to get over it, but I don't want to lose the memories and the fondness of it. I just wish we never moved.
Yes, I know. Maybe I wouldn't have met M. If it was meant to be, it would be. If we are meant for one another, we will have met. This is not a concern.
Just needed to get it out. It sounds so pathethic. I am no different than anyone right... wanting to be a kid again. I just get into these nostalgic moods.
Sigh...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Taste of India... finally!
Over the last few weeks, I've had a unquenchable craving for Indian food. I looked through several cook books (yes, I'm a bad house wife that uses the aid of cook books for my meals), however the spices required were not easily attainable.
Now there are a couple Indian restaurants in Panama. In August, M, myself, and our guests visited Delicias del India. They will continue to be a stop to by fresh meat (goat in particular). The food was decent... typical tandoori chicken. But it was quite bland and didn't have that extra touch. To be fair it was also very new when we went, so I will probably try it out again.
There is another restaurant that has recently opened called Mawabis (Nawabis sp?). For those in Panama, it is across from Del Prado. From what I hear, it is very good. I have yet to go. We had actually planned to go Sunday for dinner, but as you read further you'll see why plans changed.
A third restaurant is called Masala. It, apparently, is not very good at all. For the most part, people have recommended us not to go. I am sure we will end up going anyways, and when I do I will post a proper review (as with the other restaurants).
I just found out today that Beirut, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city, serves an Indian menu too. But you have to ask for it. Top secret and whatnot. The suspense is definitely worth trying out :).
There used to be an excellent (from what we've been told) restaurant called Taj Mahal. They apparently did quite well, but not well enough to be make it worth staying apparently. From what we hear, people here are quite apprhensive to try new foods... not sure how true that is. People always tell us they'd love to have Indian. But, nonetheless, the restaurant was said to have mainly catered to ex-pats and tourists.
So... in our quest for spices, we were lead to Kings Food (next to Farmacia Arrocha in Paitilla). And I must say, they had all the spices imaginable, and all the brands we are used to. They also had dry pre-mixed rubs for different dishes as well. They had dry snacks, cookies, and crackers... as well as drinks lie Thums Up and Limca. You will find everything your heart desires in terms of spices there.
But... but, that's not what this is about. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and guess what? On weekends they serve Indian food. And noth just Indian food, extremely authentic tasting, delicious Indian food. M and I went with 4 friends (none of whom were Indian by the way)... and between us had Dahi Vada, Chicken Biryani, Mutton, Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Naan, and Pav Bhaji. It was awesome. I was in heaven that day. The tummy ache at the end of the day (hey, I haven't had so many spices since I moved to the country!) was totally worth it. Sigh.
*As an aside: this Sunday, a British-Indian expat couple whom I met online is taking us to a vegetable market which apparently has a big variety of vegetables, including Kaylan (sp? Chinese Brocolli) and Okra. Will update on how that goes.
Now there are a couple Indian restaurants in Panama. In August, M, myself, and our guests visited Delicias del India. They will continue to be a stop to by fresh meat (goat in particular). The food was decent... typical tandoori chicken. But it was quite bland and didn't have that extra touch. To be fair it was also very new when we went, so I will probably try it out again.
There is another restaurant that has recently opened called Mawabis (Nawabis sp?). For those in Panama, it is across from Del Prado. From what I hear, it is very good. I have yet to go. We had actually planned to go Sunday for dinner, but as you read further you'll see why plans changed.
A third restaurant is called Masala. It, apparently, is not very good at all. For the most part, people have recommended us not to go. I am sure we will end up going anyways, and when I do I will post a proper review (as with the other restaurants).
I just found out today that Beirut, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city, serves an Indian menu too. But you have to ask for it. Top secret and whatnot. The suspense is definitely worth trying out :).
There used to be an excellent (from what we've been told) restaurant called Taj Mahal. They apparently did quite well, but not well enough to be make it worth staying apparently. From what we hear, people here are quite apprhensive to try new foods... not sure how true that is. People always tell us they'd love to have Indian. But, nonetheless, the restaurant was said to have mainly catered to ex-pats and tourists.
So... in our quest for spices, we were lead to Kings Food (next to Farmacia Arrocha in Paitilla). And I must say, they had all the spices imaginable, and all the brands we are used to. They also had dry pre-mixed rubs for different dishes as well. They had dry snacks, cookies, and crackers... as well as drinks lie Thums Up and Limca. You will find everything your heart desires in terms of spices there.
But... but, that's not what this is about. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and guess what? On weekends they serve Indian food. And noth just Indian food, extremely authentic tasting, delicious Indian food. M and I went with 4 friends (none of whom were Indian by the way)... and between us had Dahi Vada, Chicken Biryani, Mutton, Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Naan, and Pav Bhaji. It was awesome. I was in heaven that day. The tummy ache at the end of the day (hey, I haven't had so many spices since I moved to the country!) was totally worth it. Sigh.
*As an aside: this Sunday, a British-Indian expat couple whom I met online is taking us to a vegetable market which apparently has a big variety of vegetables, including Kaylan (sp? Chinese Brocolli) and Okra. Will update on how that goes.
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