This past week I received the sweetest comment from an anonymous reader who wrote, “You rock! Your blog has become my go-to for Indian recipes. I (basic white American) am married to a Punjabi man. I struggled with lame recipes for years. When I stumbled upon your blog, I finally started getting it right. He frequently requests this Aloo Palak. Bonus - my MIL occasionally compliments my cooking. Thanks!”
Such a sweet comment. Hey, if I can get a white girl to please her Punjabi mother-in-law - who are a tough audience to please, I’m thinking my recipes must really rock! HA! Okay okay, enough self-adulation. Thank you “anonymous,” whoever you are, YOU.MADE.MY.DAY!
Just a reminder, the OSCARS are on this Sunday! Can't wait to see who is wearing what, and watch all the celebrity gossip on E! It's the only time of year I am really into celebrities. And I can't wait to watch Adele perform! It's all going to be so exciting!
Now onto Friday’s Favorites!
1. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Next weekend I am off to a much needed vacation in Playa del Carmen in the Rivera Maya. If anyone has been to Playa del Carmen, NOT Cancun, Playa del Carmen, I would really really appreciate tips on where to eat along Avenida 5 (5th Avenue), mainly places for great coffee, breakfast, margaritas, and fabulous meals. Ideally, I’d like to stay “on” the beaten path since I am traveling to Mexico, you know, MEXICO! Additionally, any recommendations on touristy things/activities to do, where to shop, go clubbing would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!!!
2. Chocolate Bars @ Trader Joe’s
Ever since my friend, Ameena, mentioned Trader Joe’s 72% Dark Chocolate as one of her “vices,” I had to pick some chocolates up from TJ. To begin with, I didn’t even know TJ sold chocolate bars, let alone “organic” chocolate bars. Woohoo! And since I am going on a beach vacation, I could lose a couple pounds and improvise healthy dark chocolate for my weekly cupcakeaddiction to help curb my sweet tooth. So far I’ve tried the following TJ chocolate bars:
Organic Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao Super Dark – just the right amount of sweetness, a good healthy option with a cup of tea. 1/2 a serving = 2 squares => 90 calories, 6 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat. ~ $2 a bar @ Trader Joe’s
Swiss Dark Chocolate with 30% Whole Hazelnuts – Swiss chocolate is always a winner, and I’m pretty sure this is a knockoff of Lindt. So delicous, the nuts are the best part. Downfalls – first ingredient is “sugar” – not good! And there is no mention of what percentage of dark chocolate is involved here. 1/2 a serving = 1 big square => 110 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat. ~ $4 a bar @ Trader Joe’s
Ever since my friend, Ameena, mentioned Trader Joe’s 72% Dark Chocolate as one of her “vices,” I had to pick some chocolates up from TJ. To begin with, I didn’t even know TJ sold chocolate bars, let alone “organic” chocolate bars. Woohoo! And since I am going on a beach vacation, I could lose a couple pounds and improvise healthy dark chocolate for my weekly cupcake
Organic Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao Super Dark – just the right amount of sweetness, a good healthy option with a cup of tea. 1/2 a serving = 2 squares => 90 calories, 6 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat. ~ $2 a bar @ Trader Joe’s
Swiss Dark Chocolate with 30% Whole Hazelnuts – Swiss chocolate is always a winner, and I’m pretty sure this is a knockoff of Lindt. So delicous, the nuts are the best part. Downfalls – first ingredient is “sugar” – not good! And there is no mention of what percentage of dark chocolate is involved here. 1/2 a serving = 1 big square => 110 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat. ~ $4 a bar @ Trader Joe’s
3. The Portofino Shirt @ Express (Fantasia Blue & Color Block True White)
Believe it or not, I haven’t gone shopping since December, shocking init? This is mainly due to the weather being so cold in New York City and when it’s so cold outside I don’t bother walking around the city to shop. Neways, a couple months ago I bought these semi-sheer shirts from Express that look great for work or just a night out. My nieces, Jazz and Rhea, helped me pick out this royal blue color, my new favorite shade of blue. Just FYI, these shirts are still selling at Express in a variety of colors, I seriously want them all. ~ $50 each @ Express
TELL ME: Have you been to Playa del Carmen, Mexico? If so, where do I eat, shop, dance?!?!? Help me!
What is your favorite Trader Joe's Chocolate Bar?
Really a very nice comment from ur reader....
ReplyDeleteI did a short study abroad in playa del carmen omg, it's so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOMG OSCARS YEAH DRESSES :D
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
I need to make that aloo palak for my in-laws!! And yay for vacations. Can't wait to hear about it - it's on my short list of places to go while we're in Miami and can find cheap flights. :) Have a great weekend, N!
ReplyDeleteWow, Playa del Carmen is soo exciting! Believe it or not I work for a Latin American Tour Operator. I have emailed your gmail address with all the reccomendations we have on my work website! Happy travels! Can't wait to see the pictures!
ReplyDeleteso great to see how much of an impact your blog has on others...this is one of my favorite blogs! I always look forward to your posts. Have fun in Mexico!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice comment from your reader! And I admire her for cooking for her in-laws...I am actually quite nervous when I have to do the same.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like the chocolate...the 73% (purple bar) is my favorite. I go through those like there's no tomorrow.
I've never been to Mexico so I can't help on that topic but I hope you have a fantastic time!
@Ameena - thanks, it was a sweet comment. I admire her as well. I really enjoyed the chocolate bar, I wanna try all of them, especially the USDA ones with nuts. Mexico is so close for you, and that's probably why you venture off more to the east coast. I've been there once and I really enjoyed it. Thanks Ameena!!!
ReplyDelete@Mari - Thanks so much, I'm glad you feel that way. You are so sweet. I hope to have fun in Mexico, especially with the food.
ReplyDelete@Sejal - wow, you work for a travel group. Believe it or not, there are only 2 things in the world I am passionate about... food and travel, and it has been my dream to work with a travel agent/group, maybe someday! Love looking up vacation spots for myself and others. Thanks so much for your help, will check my email. Much appreciated! :-)
ReplyDelete@Parita - if I were you, I would visit the Caribbean and some of South America while you live in Miami... the tickets are a lot cheaper. Unfortunately there is nothing around here from NYC that is worth flying for, maybe Eastern Canada and Chicago. Do it while you can! The Aloo Palak is pretty awesome, or shall I say rocking? Lol. :-)
ReplyDelete@Guru - yup.. Oscars = fancy dresses. Love it! :)
ReplyDelete@Akila - it is a very sweet comment. Thanks.
ReplyDelete@Squishy - OMG, if you did a study abroad, give me some tips.. would really appreciate it. :)
Hi Nisha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet comment. I really love it too when one of my readers who has tried a recipe leaves a comment. It really makes my day.
Wow, I would love to visit Mexico. Looks like heaven on earth.
@Asmita - Yeah.. it's validation, we all need it time to time. Mexico is a lot of fun, been there once, and I really had a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteReally nice compliment from your reader, well done Honey!...I also have a punjabi mother in law (we all live together too :-p) love to see some more recipes to please them because it's really difficult to cook for her when she already does it with perfection!
ReplyDeleteAlso too love TJ chocolates...discovered them when in Chicago YUM..do you know if you can buy them online?
I would love to be on that beach right now. I have only been to Cancun, Mexico and I really loved it. Beautiful beaches and food!
ReplyDeleteReceiving comments like that are always such a pleasant surprise! To add to her comment, I have to say that your blog is always filled with great recipe suggestions and meal ideas..and your photography skills make your fod look as delicious as it sounds! I've never been to TJs but am dying to try their PB & J bar of chocolate...trust me to say that :)!
ReplyDeleteUm, YES! to TJ's chocolate. My favorite is the Fair Trade Organic dark chocolate bar. And unless you want another addiction, DON'T TRY the dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt and turbinado sugar. seriously. addicting. amazing.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Heidi
@Heidi - Thanks for the tip - Fair Trade Organic Dark Chocolate Bar w/almonds and sea salt. YUM! It all sounds so exotic. Thanks.
ReplyDelete@Khushboo - It sure is, always a pleasant surprise. Thanks so much for your kind words Khushboo, really makes me happy that I'm doing something right. I didn't even know TJs had a PB&J bar, I'll have to look that up too. :)
ReplyDelete@Natalie - I am really looking forward to the trip.. heard good things about Cancun. :)
ReplyDelete@Amelia - I give you a lot of credit, I can only imagine the stress and having to please your MIL with cooking. There are some good recipes with step-by-step instructions if you look under "Recipes." Regarding TJ's chocolates, no, I don't think they sell them online unfortunately. :(
ReplyDeletewhat a nice comment and seriously, whatever recipes I have tried from your blog- its always delicious :) :) have a great vacay dear. I am so in love with that blue shirt, that color is just pretty pretty pretty!!
ReplyDeleteTJ's need to make an appearance in Orlando, Florida. Puhleaseeeee!!
ReplyDeleteI love their dark chocolate and pretty much, every bar I've tasted ;)
Enjoy vacationing, jetsetter.
@Dixya - thanks girlfriend. You are so sweet to say that. Love the blue shirt too, they still have them.
ReplyDelete@Kiran - I'm surprised TJ isn't in Orlando, what's holding them back? I do like their chocolate, too many choices, hence too indecisive. Thanks girl! I am a Jetsetter! Ha.
ReplyDeleteI may not have told you, I had also cooked your Aloo Palak sometime last year and it was delish. After mostly cooking dry sabjis and bored I wanted something with gravy and had tried yours.
ReplyDeleteHave fun next weekend trip! :)
@Nisha - So glad you tried the Aloo Palak subzi.. hope you like it though. :)
ReplyDelete