Food I Eat: Papri Chaat

Street food is my weakness. It’s hard enough when I have to walk or drive by a vendor and NOT stop, but when they come directly to my house and stand outside my door ringing their bell (which musically calls to my stomach) I have a hard time refusing. Every day between 5:00 and 6:00 in the evening the Chaat Wallah strolls by our house, pushing his yellow cart,
5 Great Things: Milwaukee

We were recently visiting in Milwaukee and I found myself making the inevitable comparisons that come with living in a foreign country. By the end of our trip I was ready to return to Kolkata, looking forward to the food and getting back to work and our “normal” life here. But as I look back, there are things that I miss – that you just can’t get here in India.
People I Know: Chotu

This is Chotu (with my parents). Or rather, this is Anupham Anupam Mahato – whom we refer to as “Chotu” which means small, and standing at under 5′ he certainly is. He’s also the youngest in his family, which consists of his Mother and 2 brothers. Chotu has been working for our family for many years and has developed a wide range of skills. Cooking, cleaning, fixing random
The caste system and religion collide with small town India.
- Up early for a quick drive into the city to drop our maid at the bus station on way to her village. Will she come back? Stay tuned… #
- Caturanga (Chaturanga) : so old the complete rules are considered "unknown" but definitely spawn chess. No Bishop. Elephant instead. #
- Badminton originated in India. Was a game called Poona – named after the city Pune where it came from. English stole it and devised rules. #
- Foundations of Chess – also originated in India – from the sanskrit named game – Caturanga which translates to "an army of 4 divisions." #
- Shampoo!? Yes, shampoo is a word and concept from India – introduced to England via a Bengali businessman. #
- Radio – invented in 1895 by JC Bose in Calcutta – was not "interested" in patenting the idea or technology. #
- The smell of fresh baked cookies invades the house tonight. A tasty Diwali treat! #
- Diwali fireworks banging outside despite stern warnings from police. Holiday weekend has begun. #
- New restaurant in Kolkata called the "Cream & Fudge Factory" just opened. Sounds delicious… #
- This sounds sort of dirty :: Via @Cricinfo_news: Younis to meet Butt next week :: http://bit.ly/m2DsA
Hope the meeting goes well… #
- This sounds sort of dirty :: Via @Cricinfo_news: Younis to meet Butt next week :: http://bit.ly/m2DsA
India’s malnourished population seems to be major hurdle to future growth.
- Beyonce's "Single Ladies" fever has hit India :: http://bit.ly/lsWhq :: Put a Dot on it!? #
A very funny explanation of the rules of cricket through a lens of pies…
- Considering introducing India to the concept of "gleeking." Terrified about the potential hysteria this could cause. #
- 4 year old's birthday party: see a kid wearing an "It's all good in the 'hood!" shirt. What a gangsta… #