The Best Things Ashy Ever Ate - 2

The sequel took a while, but as they say, better late than never! So here's my second installment of some of the best things I have ever had. Additionally, I have come to realize that, through this series I would like to narrate some of the memorable experiences from my travels, wanderings and restaurant-outings.

What: Galinha Com Camaraoes
Where: Atasca Portuguese Dining in Cambridge, MA
We went to Atasca on Valentine's Day this year. J & I love trying out new cuisines and so he picked this place which was complete surprise for me! It was our first time trying the Portuguese cuisine. I ordered this yummy chicken savory dish that came with a red-heart flaky pastry (special Valentine’s Day touch) and was not sweet at all. It reminded me of the 'Indian' khari-biscuit; it's a soft, flaky, pastry which we eat usually by doing a dip-dip in the tea :)
If you love trying different cuisines and are in the Boston area, then you I would highly recommend you to try this place. 
  
What: Churros
Where: Toro Salao, Puerto Rico
We had one of the unique dining experiences at ‘Toro Salao’ in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – alfresco and beneath the stars! I remember we tried the Spanish chilled veggie soup – Gazpacho, Chicken Paella (aka biryani) and finished off the meal with Churros! Churros are soft balls of dough, deep fried and then sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar. You savor them as-is or dip in the warm chocolate sauce. In any case, the churros were ‘mucho delicioso’!

What: French Toast with Peaches & fresh berries
Where: Exchange Street Bistro, Malden, MA
What could be more fantastic Sunday than having a warm French toast with fresh berries and peaches for brunch? And if you happen to get this comforting breakfast at a walking distance from your home then, I would say it’s your lucky day! Well, it was my lucky day for sure, one beautiful 'Boston-summer' Sunday! Exchange Street bistro was a classy restaurant in our neighborhood (in Boston)and though we never dined there, I will always remember the sophisticated brunch we had!

What: Koffee in Kulhad
Where: At a tea/coffee shop by the Lake Fateh Sagar, Udaipur, India
On our trip to Udaipur in Jan 2012, the ‘Koffee in Kulhad’ was an experience in itself! The coffee was no doubt delicious, warm, sweet and milky – just the way coffees are made in India. But the best part was the 'kulhad' (earthern coffee cup) which enhanced the coffee flavor like 100 times. With the backdrop of scenic Lake Fateh Sagar, in Udaipur, I would say it makes as a perfect spot for memorable ‘coffee conversations’!

What: Gourmet Bhel-puri
Where: Indique Heights, Chevy Chase, MD
Bhel-puri is rice puff snack that you get on the streets of Mumbai or any other city in India. It’s usually made fresh in front of you by ‘Bhaiyya’ (street vendor) and wrapped in a cone of newspaper ready for you to devour in as you sit by the 'Marine drive' or choose to eat it as you travel in the crowded local train compartments. So you can guess my surprise when bhel-puri was served to me in such a glossy way! Well nonetheless, I loved the presentation and the spicy-tangy taste wasn’t compromised at all. This was our bar-snack while we sipped on Indian-flavor infused drinks at 'Indique Heights'. ‘Indique Heights’ has a unique ambience and serves great quality Indian food. If you are in the Washington DC area, it is highly recommended for an Indian-dinner outing.

P.S.: I  have been thinking of changing the blog's look for some time now and finally on the notable date of 12/12/12, the blog went through a make-over!
I was aiming for a more 'neat-n-clean' look here; I hope I have done justice to that. I would absolutely love to know any feedback or suggestions from a reader's perspective. Do drop a comment below!

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The Best Things Ashy Ever Ate - I

We are foodies. Me and my husband. Epicurious, voracious foodies. We just love to eat, hog and indulge in gluttony. With our travels in and around the US, I have tasted the most decadent, creative and one-of-its kind dishes. We hunt/yelp restaurants, food trucks, food-joint, diners to succeed in our quest in finding the top-notch restaurants and their best dishes ever.

I decided to spin this quest of ours in a post; for me food blogging is about sharing 'the best thing I made in my kitchen' as also 'the best thing I ever ate'! After all, in today's era restaurant food too plays an important role in a foodie's life, right? While blogging about the outside-eating experience, I have taken a page or two out of the ultimate foodie channel in US - Food Network and decided to present to you *drumroll please* The Best Things Ashy ever ate!!

What: Barbeque (BBQ) sauce over chicken skewers with Mufungo –

Where: The Parrot Club, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Mufungo is traditional Caribbean dish and  essentially is made of mashed plantains. It’s usually stuffed with veggies or meat and our favorite was with Chicken. Mashed plantains taste more like mashed potatoes. The BBQ sauce was luscious and full of flavor; chicken was cooked perfectly in spices. Mufungo is a must-have if you are in Carribean. The restaurant itself was funky and true to its name, the decor was totally inspired from Parrots! If you are strolling around in Old San Juan, this place is a must-visit. 

What: Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp

Where: Island Hopper, Boston

Hmm, the aroma of pineapple fried rice makes my mouth melt. Add to it the presentation - innovative and picture-perfect. The shrimp cooked delicately with the spicy thai rice – delish and filling. Sumptuous lunch perfectly done! This restaurant is a favorite of one of my friends and she frequented this place for some Thai-time. I am sure she will be happy reading that I featured this place in my post :)

What: Potato Croquettes

Where: Cuchi Cuchi, Boston

Small bites of gooey mixture of potato and cheese deep fried. Slurp! And can you get more exquisite with the presentation? Husband found this gem for my birthday dinner and boy oh boy! was it a fantastic place or what. I had a memorable dinner there. Not just the great food, but the whole ambiance and the experience is unique, ashy's guarantee! The decor is complete retro and so are the servers - they are dressed up as Flappers  (the bold and beautiful women of the 20's) and are a sight to see!

What: Mexican Deep-fried Tomato

Where: Cuchi Cuchi, Boston

Yes, I had two deep fried dishes, one after another, so sue me! The deep fried tomato was placed in a pool of tomato salsa; every bite was yumm-o! The restaurant specializes in International cuisine, one dish from every part of the world. If in Boston, highly recommended!

What: Nutella-Strawberry-Banana Crepes

Where: Paris Creperie, Boston

Ending on a sweet note. Do I need to describe this decadence? No, right?
Just one thing, don’t drool please :P

Hope you enjoyed this foodie journey dedicated to my passion in finding 'Excellence in Decadence'.
Do drop your comments on how you liked this new segment?

P.S.: Over the weekend, I went for a salon treatment with my BFF and now I have a complete new look.
A sneak-peek is coming up!!

P.P.S.: Today's my Moms budday, I call her aai - thats mom in Marathi language. So I have already wished on call, on FB and now on my blog! Shes my inspiration for style (of course!), she loves to read and travelling is her passion (mom-dad are back from a trip to Europe). Happy Budday to you aai! May all your dreams come true and you travel to more exotic places and get me goodies! love you loads!