One of the most common questions I get asked by people of all races and creeds is, "What made you get so involved in Indian culture?"
It's a valid question. There are many who like the music, the food, the art, the history, but usually these people like little subsections of India and don't have some fervor or passion to delve deep into all aspects of desi life.
When I'm having a conversation with someone its fun to explain it anecdotally, but I've been thinking about what I want to express in this blog and where to take it into 2013 so I thought the best way to start would be a multi-part introduction to myself as its writer and to analyze exactly what the recipe was in my life to go from Small Town American Girl From the South to Ecclectic Exciting Engineer in Seattle Who Promotes Bollywood Dancing and Indian Culture.
That is quite a journey and it has provided certain challenges in my life both personal and professional. I think I want to share some of them in the future and this background I will be providing will give insight to why I feel certain ways.
I speak a lot and am usually never concise. I will try to give an abridged version of the first 28 years of my life to catch up to the events which I think most strongly influenced my path.
I grew up on a barrier island on the southwest coast of Florida. You can see where my house was here.
Growing up here meant in order to visit friends, go to school, or anything on the mainland I needed to get into a boat, and then a car to go anywhere. It was always a challenge making plans to do anything. I was somewhat isolated, despite being social. In retrospect I've always had a duality in my personality, one which loves and thrives being on my own and finding ways of being creative and amusing myself, and the other which desperately loves the company and attention of others and wants to be the life of every party.
I excelled in school and got my first personal computer at home when I was in 6th grade. Using it through high school inspired me to go to college to study computer engineering (and play copious amounts of video games). I graduated in 2008 from University of Central Florida as a computer engineer. No, really, I have proof :)
It was difficult finding work when I graduated so in 2009 I moved to Seattle to find a job. I thought I had to go where the work was and Seattle has a very focused tech corridor since theres Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Expedia, AT&T, Samsung, Tmobile, etc. The list goes on.
Finally my first job was working as a contractor doing software testing for AT&T. With an extreme sense of smalltown girl just made it in the big city, I was about to begin a journey not even I could have dreamed of...
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Monday, November 5, 2012
Kabab Palace
Food, food, food! I write a lot about food! I love to cook as well as eat so thankfully there is room to do both as I discover my passion for Indian culture.
One of the better Indian restaurants in Bellevue I feel is Kabab Palace which is right near Mayuri Grocery and Video. I do recommend their lunch buffet as you get a decent amount of food for an affordable price, however I find their dinner setting to be nice to meet with friends. The quiet atmosphere and white linens lend nicely to a hearty lunch or celebratory dinner.
I was there for my birthday last year, actually, and the crowd favorite by far was the chicken tikka masala. I don't quite know exactly what the minute difference is between a nice tikka masala gravy and butter chicken (or paneer) gravy but both are fantastic. I think I like the tikka masala more because it is a bit spicier. Definitely get this dish.
I also recommend their biryani and, well, I haven't had a dish there I didn't like. They are also a halal restaurant so bonus for any Muslim readers! The staff was also kind enough to let some friends and I bring in Thums Up from the next door grocery. For those who aren't familiar, Thums Up is essentially Indian Coca Cola. The recipe is slightly different but eventually the Coca Cola company bought the brand and really now it is accurate to say its Indian Coke.
The devil is in the details, and while many desi restaurants will have a TV with some Indian show on, I never really watch them for long except here. I've seen and begun to learn about cricket, interesting pseudo local ads for companies and services which actually seem kind of sketchy to me, and when a movie is on I'll totally pay more attention. Its a small and cheesy touch that just makes the experience a little more fun. I'm sure there are others who could care less or don't think its appropriate, but I strangely like it.
One of the better Indian restaurants in Bellevue I feel is Kabab Palace which is right near Mayuri Grocery and Video. I do recommend their lunch buffet as you get a decent amount of food for an affordable price, however I find their dinner setting to be nice to meet with friends. The quiet atmosphere and white linens lend nicely to a hearty lunch or celebratory dinner.
I was there for my birthday last year, actually, and the crowd favorite by far was the chicken tikka masala. I don't quite know exactly what the minute difference is between a nice tikka masala gravy and butter chicken (or paneer) gravy but both are fantastic. I think I like the tikka masala more because it is a bit spicier. Definitely get this dish.
I also recommend their biryani and, well, I haven't had a dish there I didn't like. They are also a halal restaurant so bonus for any Muslim readers! The staff was also kind enough to let some friends and I bring in Thums Up from the next door grocery. For those who aren't familiar, Thums Up is essentially Indian Coca Cola. The recipe is slightly different but eventually the Coca Cola company bought the brand and really now it is accurate to say its Indian Coke.
The devil is in the details, and while many desi restaurants will have a TV with some Indian show on, I never really watch them for long except here. I've seen and begun to learn about cricket, interesting pseudo local ads for companies and services which actually seem kind of sketchy to me, and when a movie is on I'll totally pay more attention. Its a small and cheesy touch that just makes the experience a little more fun. I'm sure there are others who could care less or don't think its appropriate, but I strangely like it.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Shalimar Grocery & Cafe
Have you ever been really hungry and needing groceries at the same time? You know how that turns out, you go to the store for 5 things, and your appetite convinces you to come out with $100 more stuff than you intended to buy?
So the best place to go to satisfy your appetite and finish your shopping is this great place down in Redmond called Shalimar Grocery and Cafe. Theres a wide variety of desi fare to shop for - groceries, personal care items, seasonal and festival items. I strongly recommend the phulka there in the clear package, they really are delicious and super fun to cook!
If your hunger can't wait until you get your items home and into the kitchen stop by the cafe. The biryani is great and the chicken tikka masala even better. The chef who is there now is experienced as he previously worked at Kebab Palace for 8 years.
If you're a non desi, it can be a little intimidating walking into a store and not recognizing things you typically aren't exposed to in your every day kitchen. Learning the differences between rice grains and lentils can seem daunting but I find that just asking friends or even the folks shopping can really open up new avenues of cooking and even inspire new friendships.
If you're not ready to jump into learning how to make a Dum Biryani or complicated gravy style dish, then I recommend starting with some snacks. If you aren't afraid of having bad breath, Masala Peas are delicious, low calorie, and delightfully tasty as well as crunchy. I don't mind the punjabi mixes of dried nuts and ground chickpea based snacks nor the southern style Sev. If you're looking for sweet and savory, though, have some jalebi, gulab jamon, or even laddoo. Jalebi will be orange and look like a pile of red vines wound in a circle. Gulab Jamon are, in the words of an old coworker, "syrup-y donut holes," and laddoo are traditionally had to celebrate weddings but are also donut hole shaped. I like them the most and suspect because of that they are the highest in calories!
Believe it or not, local DJ RDX is the owner over there and he's really pleasant to deal with. He will help you find what you need if you're a seasoned veteran of indian cooking, and if you're new to it like me he can give you some hints and tips. If all else fails, you can always pick up some Maggi noodle but I think he'll be able to help you find everything you're looking for!
The only downside for me personally is making the trip over to Redmond from downtown Bellevue but sometimes its good to get out and get some fresh air. I'm also a fan of Inchin's Bamboo Garden nearby, but that is another post for another time!
So the best place to go to satisfy your appetite and finish your shopping is this great place down in Redmond called Shalimar Grocery and Cafe. Theres a wide variety of desi fare to shop for - groceries, personal care items, seasonal and festival items. I strongly recommend the phulka there in the clear package, they really are delicious and super fun to cook!
If your hunger can't wait until you get your items home and into the kitchen stop by the cafe. The biryani is great and the chicken tikka masala even better. The chef who is there now is experienced as he previously worked at Kebab Palace for 8 years.
If you're a non desi, it can be a little intimidating walking into a store and not recognizing things you typically aren't exposed to in your every day kitchen. Learning the differences between rice grains and lentils can seem daunting but I find that just asking friends or even the folks shopping can really open up new avenues of cooking and even inspire new friendships.
If you're not ready to jump into learning how to make a Dum Biryani or complicated gravy style dish, then I recommend starting with some snacks. If you aren't afraid of having bad breath, Masala Peas are delicious, low calorie, and delightfully tasty as well as crunchy. I don't mind the punjabi mixes of dried nuts and ground chickpea based snacks nor the southern style Sev. If you're looking for sweet and savory, though, have some jalebi, gulab jamon, or even laddoo. Jalebi will be orange and look like a pile of red vines wound in a circle. Gulab Jamon are, in the words of an old coworker, "syrup-y donut holes," and laddoo are traditionally had to celebrate weddings but are also donut hole shaped. I like them the most and suspect because of that they are the highest in calories!
Believe it or not, local DJ RDX is the owner over there and he's really pleasant to deal with. He will help you find what you need if you're a seasoned veteran of indian cooking, and if you're new to it like me he can give you some hints and tips. If all else fails, you can always pick up some Maggi noodle but I think he'll be able to help you find everything you're looking for!
The only downside for me personally is making the trip over to Redmond from downtown Bellevue but sometimes its good to get out and get some fresh air. I'm also a fan of Inchin's Bamboo Garden nearby, but that is another post for another time!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Moksha
Moksha can have a spiritual meaning, however Moksha in Bellevue's case is an upscale Indian restaurant.
I first saw this place as I was walking by the mall after spending way too much money on a DSLR camera, a new hobby of mine. It looked somewhat crowded. I raised an eyebrow.
The very next Friday I went there with a friend to see what it was all about.
Tall ceilings with a beautiful paint job, and an inviting bar make this what other Indian restaurants near Bellevue aren't; a classy joint. I ordered a mojito, my friend an Indian beer, and some small plates. It was just after 9pm and their website advertises late night hours on Fri/Sat but we were told the kitchen was almost closed. They let us get shrimp 65, chicken kebab, samosas and lamb pastries. The chicken kebab was literally one piece of chicken on a stick, the shrimp 65 was exactly that, 6 or 5 pieces of very delicious and nearly spicy shrimp. I liked the veg samosas better than the lamb pastry but both were still very good.
By the time we ate the food which wasn't quite enough to fill our stomachs, I asked the bartender to make me a drink he hadn't made in a long time. I got some kind of raspberry martini that wasn't half bad. I told him this is like drinking Barbie and James Bond at the same time. Overall our bill was 70$ including tip. I found the bartender to be the most friendly and serviceable, the food good, but overpriced, even for Bellevue. Come on, its an Indian restaurant.
Just because its situated in Lincoln Square doesn't mean I want to pay downtown Bellevue prices for an average experience. I would go back again but preferrably when I'm not the one footing the bill. They have a happy hour from 3-6, I think its probably your best bet if you want to try this place out unless you're able to hit them up for the lunch rush.
Tall ceilings with a beautiful paint job, and an inviting bar make this what other Indian restaurants near Bellevue aren't; a classy joint. I ordered a mojito, my friend an Indian beer, and some small plates. It was just after 9pm and their website advertises late night hours on Fri/Sat but we were told the kitchen was almost closed. They let us get shrimp 65, chicken kebab, samosas and lamb pastries. The chicken kebab was literally one piece of chicken on a stick, the shrimp 65 was exactly that, 6 or 5 pieces of very delicious and nearly spicy shrimp. I liked the veg samosas better than the lamb pastry but both were still very good.
By the time we ate the food which wasn't quite enough to fill our stomachs, I asked the bartender to make me a drink he hadn't made in a long time. I got some kind of raspberry martini that wasn't half bad. I told him this is like drinking Barbie and James Bond at the same time. Overall our bill was 70$ including tip. I found the bartender to be the most friendly and serviceable, the food good, but overpriced, even for Bellevue. Come on, its an Indian restaurant.
Just because its situated in Lincoln Square doesn't mean I want to pay downtown Bellevue prices for an average experience. I would go back again but preferrably when I'm not the one footing the bill. They have a happy hour from 3-6, I think its probably your best bet if you want to try this place out unless you're able to hit them up for the lunch rush.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Welcome
I want to introduce myself for the first post in this blog. My name is Christie Lo. I currently work for Expedia in production triage support and am also an event manager for Bollywood Dreams Entertainment.
The unique combination of working in the tech field in Seattle and meeting so many Indians stirred a cultural curiosity that quickly boiled into a spicy love affair with music, movies, languages, and traditions of India.
The purpose of this blog is to express my personal opinions on local events, restaurants, movie reviews, and maybe some of my own artistic expression as well. It is not necessarily the same view as Bollywood Dreams Entertainment or Expedia.
Thank you for viewing and remember to like my page on Facebook!
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