Back Soon...

Last I heard, there was a foot of snow in Chicago. I am in Kolkata right now, typing away on my laptop while the temperature is a mere 60 degrees outside. And we are having the time of our life. I will be back here to share my stories from India soon. Normal blogging activities should resume from the 15th Feb.

New Year's at the Paramount Hotel New York City

Here's a clip from inside of the club where we spent our New Year's Eve (2007):

A simple yet savvy starter

If you're having a cozy dinner party, this is a wonderful little appetizer you can serve by itself, or with a green salad.

Get the biggest shrimp you can find, and make sure it's cleaned beforehand. In a hot skillet, warm some olive oil. Once hot, lower hear, and add a little chili powder (to taste), salt and pepper, and two teaspoons of lemon juice, and mix well. Now all you have to do is add the shrimp, one at a time. Leave on each side for about 4 minutes till it turns a lovely pink. Repeat for each shrimp individually, and replenish the mixture if needed.

Voila! To serve it attractively, you might want to try individual sushi plates, like the one in the picture. Since this cooked in the shell, guests might find it helpful to have both a fork and perhaps a steak knife to eat it. I have also served it with a dollop of coriander chutney, which might be easier to find in an ethnic/South Asian grocery or a World Market. You should also be able to find a recipe online. Otherwise just use your imagination.

America's oldest Pizzeria

If you are in New York City, do not miss the opportunity of tasting some of the tastiest pizza ever made. Head straight for the intersection of Spring and Mott in Little Italy, to savor the deliciousness at Lombardi's. They have a huge sign outside declaring themselves as 'America's Oldest Pizzeria', but you won't care about the authenticity of that declaration after you've tasted their pizzas.

The picture was taken on the 31st of December 2007, and just look at the line! Although the wait was long (50 minutes!), it was well worth it. Lombardi's has tons of atmosphere and it was good to see the locals clamoring for a place in line with bright-eyed tourists, such as ourselves. Nestled amongst gritty tenements , this is a part town which is refreshingly New York compared to the touristy madness of Midtown, so if you've never been down here, make the trip.

Coming back to Lombardi's, we were ushered down to the basement dining room which was a quirky little room, walls adorned with old black and white family photos, classic film posters, or celebrity fans of the establishment. Two of the four walls carry wines to satisfy all tastes. Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra blared alternately from the speakers around, their loud booming voices barely audible underneath the crowd who were enjoying themselves tremendously.

Between the two of us, we managed to wolf down a 18" large pepperoni pizza in 25 minutes. Brooklyn Ale added to the wonderful experience. The exquisitely sweet and tangy mozzarella and tomato sauce was like nothing else I'd tasted before. I could never go back to Domino's ever again.

Lombardi's is at 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012.