Wagamama - A review

This Japanese restaurant looks modern with an far east touch to it's decor. Food is very tasty and very new. Though the menu doesnt cry out Japanese, still the dishes are good. We even tried to recreate their carrot ginger juice  in our other blog on food. Check this out. This recipe is simple and very easy to fall in love with. Their noodle dishes are very good. They got some really hot stuff on their menu. The menu is printed on the placemat, Very creative and easy to use. The dessert menu is pretty impressive though nothing out of the blue.

The seating arrangement is like a long table(wooden of course) and long wooden benches. It reminded me of my college canteen days. But still you get your privacy. You will know what we are talking about once you visit this restaurant.

Hungry Mother - Restaurant review

Hungry Mother
233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA

This Restaurant is hidden with its small board which is possible to be missed but all I can say is DONT MISS IT. The place is an old house converted into a restaurant. They serve southern food and do it with a modern touch. The place is dimly lit to create a romantic atmosphere but it also kid friendly. Nicely furnished and decorated. The waitresses are very friendly and thoughtful. We tried the oyster stew( though we ordered the shrimp and grits, it was not available), Catfish over dirty rice, cornbread with sorghum butter(very good) and finally the dark chocolate pudding with biscotti to go with. All of them tasted heavenly. Did I mention that we were complemented with collard greens for not serving us shrimp and grits(not that we loved collards, but it is the thought that counts). We appreciate the nice gesture.

Before I forget, let me mention the peanut butter chocolate cubes left to us when the bill was served. Prices are slightly high but the atmosphere calls for it. It is a good place to go and has been ranked first for a third date by Boston magazine. My daughter loved the small Hungry mother icon badges at the reception.

The word: worth the money.

Takumi - Restaurant Review

Takumi Japanese Sushi & Hibachi
197 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Nashua, NH 03060
603.891.1717

Website : www.takumijapanese.com

Yes, this is the one we are going to review today. Had been there on Saturday and should say fell in love with place the very instant. Don't know whether the zen style architecture has something to do with this. And to everybody's(me n my hubby) surprise, my daughter is always in good spirits in a Japanese place. The place is large and adequately decorated. The food was par excellance. We ordered the steamed and salted edamame, Naruto sushi and Tempura Soba(Tempura prawn and veggies). The drinks included virgin pina colada, sake of some imported state and apple juice for the kiddo. They were all very good and satisfactory. They even had an excellent buffet.

The prices were a little high than usual but it was worth the experience.

The Word: Give it a try...Excellent on all grounds.

Solea -Review

We had tapas for the first time. so we are practically new to this. Tapas is eating small portions of the variety of dishes. It is a nice way to try a lot of dishes and good for those who can manage to eat only a little, like me. We tried Solea, Moody street,Waltham, MA.

The ambience was very good though a little on the dark side, with beautiful and extraordinary chandliers especially those in the bar. The waiters/waitresses and the manager are all very friendly. Service is fast. The dishes kept coming one after the other. We tried the Artichoke and spinach fritters, Wild, hot and spicy potatoes, grilled chicken breast with ancho chillies, tomato, garlic and red wine sauce, scallops in saffron cream and finally the Lobster and crab ravioli in Langostino sauce. The potatoes and the fritters were an explosion inside the mouth. the mango juice was too good.

Friendly's Onion rings

Well, we are a fan of the infamous chain Friendly's. We love everything on the menu especially the sundaes. Some of our favourite are chicken parm melt, cod fillet melt. The onions rings get a special mention as it is at this place where they are at their best. very crunchy. they dont get soggy for a long time. very big sizes yet very crunchy and delicious.

Even the waffle fries especially the loaded with cheese ones are a delight. Their popcorn shrimp and chicken are great tasting too. Hats off to the batter guy. The service is fast and really friendly and

Panera bread - Review

Panera Bread - Having been in US of A for 3 years now, just recently I had the chance to eat at Panera Bread. Have always thought of it as the Au bon Pain type of nook and have never really preferred it when I am too hungry. Well but I declare myself wrong as the place was great- great cafe-cum-rest and eat atmos with booths and individual tables plus the WiFi. Also the food os freshly made everyday from the meaat , buns to the cookies. Food is delicious for a fast food chain and they even have the half sandwich, half soup choice. They give a fruit or bread along with a cup of soup. They make orders a whole meal.

Lastly some bonus points, If you happen to to be there at around 9pm or around when close, they gie away free cookies and cakes that are left over as they always bake new ones every day. So have some real good healthy fun.

The word: Great-Worth going often.

Positive Thinking

The adeptness of absolute cerebration is abundant added than alone a saying. I know, I accept apparent it in activity and accept accomplished it repeatedly. In actuality I achievement to afresh and Very soon. Absolute thoughts are one of the best able things we as individuals can 'grant' ourselves. Anyone who is afflictive actuality about absolute bodies is addition who is agreeable to be discontented. Having absolute thoughts is as abutting to what we will anytime get to accepting acceptable dreams while awake. This blazon of mindset has EVERYTHING to do with our success in business, life, sports, academics, you name it. It absolutely empowers you to go above what you may accept anticipation was already doubtful for yourself. If you are attractive for the 'secret' about how to become acknowledged again you aloof begin it apparent and simple. Let's attending at 3 means a absolute brainy attitude can and will affect our lives and our success. Instills a 'Can Do' Attitude Ever apprehension how 'positive people' backpack about an attitude that they can achieve annihilation - and with a smile! Well there is a acumen for that and it is because they absolutely do accept it. You see assertive you can be acknowledged at article afore you alike attack it is bisected the battle. As the adage goes 'if you accept you can, you can, and if you accept you can't, you're right.' Each and every one of us has the adequacy of accomplishing annihilation as continued as we absolutely accept we can. Whether it is claimed or able our attitude or behavior can accord us the backbone to achieve or additionally accumulate ourselves from succeeding. It like acrimonious aperture #1 or aperture #2 whichever way we choose, be it absolute or negative, it is acceptable that our accomplishments will follow. Instills Added Energy Whether you accredit to this mindset as a absolute attitude, a able acceptance or a abysmal built-in belief, your activity akin will be additional by your own enthusiasm. In the changed if you alarming article accept you anytime noticed how it saps your energy? You don't attending advanced to it in the worse way so accordingly it absolutely drains what activity you may have. A aerial activity akin will advice you achieve added while additionally attention your backbone to go on alike further. Instills Greater Resolve With a absolute angle it is accessible to discount setbacks and accede them aloof acting or accessory inconveniences. Our expectations are already set to achieve and we apprehend annihilation beneath accordingly our alertness to 'go on' comes automatically with little accent or doubt. This abundantly increases our affairs for success in business or activity back setbacks are article we can calculation on. The adeptness to artlessly blast through these barriers after backward will generally times be the aberration amid success and failure.

Wishing you all a positive and successful new year. Catch you all next year. Enjoy your holidays.

My experience with Julie And Julia

Well I am talking about the book, not the movie though I am dying to watch the movie.

Well, the book is not a really a laugh out loud type but it definitely funny in it's own style, very very honest and the determination of Powell to complete the project is showcased beautifully. The book is a feast in itself if you love loads of butter and lard. The finale was touching and the thoughtful closure by paying a tribute to JC with a bar of Land-o-Lakes butter is beyond everything.

Well there is diappointment on the front where one comes across snippets from JC's life as they end abruptly and the best part of her life was left out.

All in all good work for a first time writer and good luck to your future, Powell.

Grappa, Watertown, MA - Salt less

We went to Grappa yday after shopping at Target. Grappa Restaurant nestled among the houses near the Target is small, chic and richly decorated. With beautiful paintings of women, highly intricately designed chandlier and adequately lighted room, beautiful window stills in place, this place makes one fall in love with its high end atmosphere but can say the same about the food there. They seem to be missing the main ingredient - salt. Call me an introvert, but I just cant eat without salt. The dishes costs little high. Not kid friendly, more a bring your girl friend here to impress type of a nook.

Good service and the pork chops looked delicious and only takes 45 mins to get it to your table.
will rate it a 5 on 10.

Olive Garden Restaurant - A Review

Olive Garden is a chain restaurant group. They serve Italian food and in enormous portions, I mean enormoooous. But the generous portions doesnt mean the food is bad. They food tastes excellent and I fell in love with it in the first bite.

I had the Tour de Italy- lasagna, pasta and chicken parmesan. They were divine. Lets not forget the soup and softee soft bread sticks that come along as accompaniments. They even are generous with their bread sticks to give customers to take back home.

I would rate it 9.8 on a scale of 10.

A tribute to Mutton biriyani at Kabab & Tandoor

Kabab & Tandoor, Waltham, MA is a new Indian restaurant where food is really awesome. Our family is a fan of the mutton biriyani needless to say about the other spicy and tasteful dishes. Serving is need and fast to suit our appetite. Also the ambience is good and kid-friendly. They have a wide range of dessert menu too. The cuisine is Hyderabadi halal based.




Thought we owe them one. For more reviews click here.

699 Main St
Waltham, MA 02451

(781) 899-0022

www.kababandtandoor.com

Falun Dafa - Truthfulness, Benevolence and Forbearance

Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong, or just Dafa) is a high-level cultivation practice guided by the characteristics of the universe—Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance.

"Cultivation" means continuously striving to better harmonize oneself with these universal principles. “Practice” refers to the exercises – five sets of easy-to-learn gentle movements and meditation. Cultivating oneself is essential; practicing the exercises supplements the process.

Over time, the principles of Dafa unveil the deepest and most profound truths of the universe. Following the principles, practitioners of Falun Dafa are able to reach very high realms, enlightening to the true meanings of life, and finding the path of return to their origins and true selves.

While the exercises have deep inner meanings, they also help to reduce stress and can bring great improvements in health and fitness.

We heard about it at the Independence day celebration at hatch shell, Boston downtown. Started to practise. Hope our readers will find it useful too...For more info, visit www.falundafa.org

You can read the website it many languages and also all the books and videos are free of cost...

Check List for a great party

There are many accasions to host a dinner party at home. Whether it's a small casual gathering or a special celebration, we offfer you a quick check-list to pull off your next party in style.

• Buy your groceries a few days before your event. Last minute trips cost you time and make you tired.
• Double- check the pantry . Do you have enough condiments, beverages and napkins. Also , check the frezeer for ice.
• A day before the party , prepare as many menu items as possible. Wash and trim vegetables ahead of time. Peel and slice potatoes- they will stayfresh and crisp if left soaking in water overnight.
• The night before, set the table and chill beverages.
• Save even more time by making dessert a day in advance.
• Burn a CD of your favorite songs to play as background music.
• Most importantly, make sure you have prepared enough food for your guests .
• Don't send your guests home hungry! Haaaave ample amounts of food for the evening. enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day

All time favourite Doordarshan turns 50

The country's first television network, Doordarshan, celebrated its Golden Jubilee at the Siri Fort complex in the capital.

The celebrations, launched yesterday, will continue till the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Aruna Sharma, Director General, Doordarshan said, ‘‘The country’s first TV network turns fifty in September. DD is today facing problems of cable operators not sticking to the mandatory showing of DD channels. However, the network plans to increase its visibility and go digital in remote areas.’’ Introducing the guest of honour, music maestro A R Rahman, she said, ‘‘ What better way to mark our golden anniversary than to have the winner of the Golden Globe and the Academy award with us.’’ Elaborating his association with DD, Rahman said, ‘ ‘ My association with DD Madras Kendra goes back to the Madras Telugu Academy’s show, ‘Spirit Of Unity’ that was telecast on the network in the early 90’s.’ ’ Rahman had composed the show’s title track and won the national award for it. Prior to this, he appeared on shows like Wonder Balloons on Madras Doordarshan channel.

Continuing the association, Rahman’s 52-episode reality show, The Big Band would be telecast on DD as a part of its golden jubilee celebrations. This co-production between Doordarshan and Phat Phish India limited, will create fusion bands encompassing a host of artists from different musical genres. With Rs one crore as prize money, the show promises to entertain.

Mr K R Harish, Managing Director, Phat Phish India said, ‘ ‘We are excited to bring in content that will not only kick start the celebration but also start a new era on Doordarshan.’ ’ In an interaction with media persons, Rahman discussed his plans to build a studio in Los Angeles and compose something on the lines of Michael Jackson’s track , ‘Heal The World’, to spread the message of peace and harmony in India.

Referring to the three doctorates awarded to him, he said in a light vein, ‘‘ You can call me Dr Dr Dr Rahman.’’ On being asked about his association with lyrical legend Gulzar, the musician told UNI in his trademark petal voice, ‘‘When two excited people work together, it spells magic. Gulzar saab has a childlike quality and notices little nuances in my music. We are working again in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming project.’’ A glittering music concert, inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, maneuvered the celebration forward. Congratulating Doordarshan for its fifty years, Ms Soni said Doordarshan had given the countrymen their first television viewing experience and had a wide reach. It had entertained viewers with all genres and will continue to succeed.

The concert witnessed Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa belting out chart topping Rahman songs from movies like Rang De Basanti and Swades and enthralling the gathering. Kher said these songs were chosen keeping also in mind the proximity of the day to Independence Day.

Hindustani classical performances by the students of K M Music Conservatory, Rahman’s music school in Chennai, saw the audience cheering for them throughout.

While Hariharan (Rahman’s associate since his debut movie, Roja), renowned drummer Sivamani and playback singer Sadhna Sargam sang his numbers, the musical genius weaved magic with the piano.

The musical medley, strung like a necklace of pearls, held the audience in rapt attention and concluded with Rahman thanking Doordarshan for their association.

What Indian parents need to know and do?

So that was funny but what is coming next is no laughing matter. Read it and keep your family safe.

• If your child has fever, throat infection, body ache, consult doctor.

• Must go to a doctor at any government facility meant for swine flu.

• Swine flu testing is done only at government hospitals.

• Nose and throat swabs will be taken and tested.

• Child will not be quarantined if there are no symptoms.

• If clinical symptoms exist, child will be hospitalized, and tamiflu will be given only if the tests are positive.

• Act early to ensure quick recovery.

• Rapid screening advised by private hospitals not legal.

• Do not go for rapid screening as it's not 100 per cent accurate.

In times of crisis the worst thing is to panic so if you or your family member is having flu-like symptoms without wasting time go to the nearest designated hospital or doctor and get tested if he advises. If you have any queries don't listen to rumours and panic, call toll free helplines: 1075 or 1800-11-4377. Swine flu is certainly curable with timely intervention, correct diagnosis and a five-day medication.

Some specific precautions to be taken against H1N1:

• A mask to cover your nose and mouth is a must. These are not just regular masks but a special one called N-95 which filter microbes in the air that you inhale and exhale.

• A mask is a must when you are in a high-risk situation particularly when you have to go to a hospital to get tested and you have to be in the waiting room. Also keep the mask on when you are in a crowded place.

• Cover your mouth surely while coughing and sneezing turn your head and cough into your shoulder.

• Wash your hands in case there is body contact with someone who's got cold and cough.

CrimeFest 2010 Adds Third Award Category

TheBookseller.com is reporting that CrimeFest, an annual festival of mystery in Bristol (UK), will add an e-book award to its current list of CrimeFest Awards, which currently includes one for the best humorous crime novel (the Last Laugh) and another for the best spoken mystery (the Sounds of Crime). The festival is also launching a new website later this year.

CrimeFest 2010 is scheduled for May 20th through 23rd of next year.

Traditional indian dresses

It does not come as a surprise to see different Indian attires getting worldwide popularity. Few of the distinctly Indian dresses have been seen to be worn by famous celebrities and renowned personalities. Indian fashion world never had it so good. There have been instances of Indian dresses being shown in Hollywood movies. Even the fashion week being organized in India witnesses some well known designers and models flaunting Indian dresses.

Despite the modern fashion sense and rising popularity of western clothing, traditional Indian dresses have continued to retain their charm. The basic dresses worn by Indian men and women are still in place. Indian men are very fond of attires like dhoti, kurta, pyjamas and lungis. These are basic clothes of Indian men especially rural people. Depending upon the regions, colors and religions more variety can be seen across India. Indian men are also very fond of shirts and trousers that are more of western clothing pieces.

Among the most popular and seen basic Indian clothes, sari definitely holds the edge over other clothes. The best part about sari is that it is not made for a particular size. It is not even tailored. Known as one of the most graceful attires, sari gives a particular aura to the wearer. It is symbolic of factors like status, region, age, religion and occupation of a woman. Sari is accompanied by blouse or choli. It is believed that choli first came into existence around the tenth century AD and since then it has continued to evolve. Salwar-kameez is a popular attire normally associated with Indian women. Originated in Jammu and Punjab region, it is considered as a very comfortable and stylish piece of cloth. Salwar-kameez has several varieties along with appealing textures and beautiful designs. Like sari, it is used across India. Churidar is quite similar to salwar except for the fact that it is slightly tighter. Churidar is often used with kurta.

How to dress better?

While there are no hard-and-fast rules of fashion, most style authorities agree on a few basic principles. These hold true, no matter how cheap and tacky your clothes are. In other words, these are the 5 commandments of the fashion Bible:

1. Always look neat and clean.

2. Make sure your clothes fit.

3. Don't overdo trends.

4. Keep ultra-bright colors away from the face.

5. Ignore lame clichs
   

1. 
   Always Look Neat and Clean
   
   This just makes sense. Unless you're going for the just-rolled-out-of-bed rocker look, it's best to keep your jeans unfrayed, your shirt unstained and your shoes unscuffed. Grunge is over, so live with it. Take good care of your clothes, making sure you follow directions like, "dry clean only" and "wash with like colors." Polish your boots. De-fuzz your sweaters. Even if you can't transform yourself into the world's snappiest dresser, you can always improve your appearance by looking well-kept. Go on, make your mama proud.
   
   Make Sure Your Clothes Fit
   
   It's known as the "quadruple breast" syndrome, and we hear it's highly contagious. Never heard of it? It occurs when a woman chooses to wear a bra that is at least one size too small, resulting in cups that, well runneth over. Ill-fitting clothes are a fashion no-no, whether it's pants that are too long, skirts that are too tight or jackets that are too short. Resist the temptation to forgo buying one size larger simply because it's not the size you "usually" wear. Sizes vary from designer to designer, so stick to what lays nicely on your body. Repeat it like a mantra: Smooth lines, smooth lines, smooth lines. . .
   
   Don't Overdo Trends
   
   Let's say leopard print is "in." In an effort to look oh-so chic, you go out and buy a hat, blouse, skirt, bag and shoes-all in leopard print. Bad move. Experimenting with fads is fun, but head-to-toe isn't the way to go. Similarly, don't saturate your wardrobe with any single style or silhouette. Cargo pants are cool, but not if they're the only kind of pants you own. Moderation is key.
   
   Keep Ultra-Bright Colors Away From the Face
   
   No matter what your skin tone, you won't look good (trust us) in a neon green sweater. This doesn't mean that you have to skip the loud hues all together. Simply incorporate bright items into your look as low on the body as possible. Remember: Florescent yellow shoes, not a florescent yellow top. A hot pink clutch, not a hot pink scarf. Let your face star in its own show.
   
   Ignore Lame Clichs
   
   Chances are, you've heard them all: "Don't wear white after Labor Day." "Make sure your shoes match your bag." "Never pair stripes with plaid." Well, we're here to say that it's all a bunch of hogwash. In today's "anything goes" fashion arena, it's important to be creative and open to new ideas. If this means ignoring old adages and overstepping traditional bounds, so be it.
   
   Now we're going to directly contradict ourselves: Even though we just told you to avoid clichs, there are some fashion mistakes that are always wrong. Take our word for it.
   
   * Never wear head-to-toe denim. (Silly, maybe, but true nonetheless. You'll look like a convict or a cowboy.)
   * Never wear sneakers with hose.
   * Never wear pleated jeans.
   * Never match your makeup with your outfit.
   * Never wear black velvet in the summertime.
   * Never overdose on a single fabric (don't wear nylon bottoms with a nylon top). Never wear large costume jewelry.
   * Never let your panty lines show.

World eBook fair is back

Hey book lovers! Here's something to feast your senses.

Download from 2 million e- books for the month of July or get many of them on your cellphone.
Visit here for the lovely collection.

This is the 4th World ebook fair.

These are the statistics.

100,000 from Project Gutenberg
500,000 from The World Public Library
1,385,000 from The Internet Archive
250,000 from eBooks About Everything
17,000 from IMSLP's Music eLibrary
=========
2,252,000 Grand Total

You will find all the information here.

Travellers Restaurant on I-84

"FOOD and BOOKS" says the giant sign outside The Traveler Restaurant in Union, Connecticut. Union, which has a population of about 700 residents, is the state's smallest town, and you might not even know you're passing through as you leave Connecticut driving eastbound on I-84. You can't, however, miss the bold sign that touts this unique restaurant, where 100,000 books are given away every year!We saw it on our trip from NJ to Boston.

I'll take you inside the restaurant and tell you more about its unique book giveaway program, but first, here are all of the details you'll need if you want to visit this roadside restaurant.

The Traveler Restaurant
1257 Buckley Highway, Union, CT
860-684-4920
Located off I-84 eastbound or westbound at exit 74 in Connecticut, just west of the Massachusetts state line.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

If you love books, you'll feel right at home the moment you step inside The Traveler Restaurant. Shelves of books surround the main floor dining room, and all of the volumes you see are available for free with the purchase of a meal.

Keep in mind, now, that you won't exactly find the latest bestseller among the 5,000 or so selections available at any given time. The Traveler Restaurant obtains its books from library discard sales, auctions, flea markets, book fairs and other used book sources. The menu says: "Our hope is that each and every one of our guests finds a book on our shelves," and if you're patient and spend some time browsing, it's almost guaranteed that a volume or two will catch your eye.

When the price is "free," the quest for the perfect choice becomes a bit of a game. You'll find that the time spent waiting for your meal to arrive flies by as you wander the restaurant in search of a book to call your own.

Marty Doyle, the original owner of The Traveler Restaurant, was a book collector who came up with the restaurant's unique marketing concept because he wanted to thin out his own collection. The current owners have continued the free book tradition, and they give away an estimated 50 tons of books each year.

Lovers of literature will enjoy perusing not only the restaurant's shelves but its walls, which are decorated with literary memorabilia including photos autographed by well known authors such as New England's own Dr. Seuss.

If you're a book collector or even just an avid reader, you'll also want to venture downstairs to the Book Cellar. The 20,000 old books on the cellar's shelves aren't free, but they're priced reasonably, and you just might find a volume you'll treasure among the stacks.

It's easy forget that this cozy roadside spot is first and foremost a full-service restaurant. Don't get so lost among the bookshelves that you allow your meal to get cold!

The Traveler Restaurant offers a diverse menu with something for everyone, from steaks and seafood to salads and sandwiches. We had crab cake dinner and an omelette. They were good. Turkey is cooked fresh every day and served several different ways. Vegetarian items are available, and there's a kids' menu, too. Solo diners will find this a friendly and comfortable place to dine and browse.