The New Year is upon us. And that means time to get our resolutions in order. And no matter what your resolutions may be, there are just some things that deserve some investigating.
Common Resolutions:
--Eat Healthier
--Lose Weight
--Join a Gym
--Get out of Debt/Pay off Car/Credit Card/House/etc.
--Get a Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Get Married
--Get a Better Job
--Have Kids
--Travel More
--Be More Adventurous
--To Stick to Resolutions
--To Not Make Resolutions
During the month of January, I will be making various features on at least half of these. And if you are in Santa Barbara, you have some exploring to do. And if you aren't, hopefully this will inspire you to find similar things in your area, wherever you may be.
And for those of you who make the resolution to not make resolutions, you should at least make the resolution to be happy!
Have a Happy New Year, Celebrate Safely, and Stay Tuned!
--Ari
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas, Everyone!
I'll be out of town for the holidays but I will try to update as I can. Have a safe and happy holiday!
--Ari
I'll be out of town for the holidays but I will try to update as I can. Have a safe and happy holiday!
--Ari
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Indian Cuisine, Part III
Good Indian food is hard to find. Not that there is a lot of ways to go wrong but there are some distinctive differences that can make or break a dish.
Some of the best Indian food that I've had is in San Francisco, California. But that doesn't mean that good Indian food can't be found in other places. And this doesn't mean that Indian food in London, England isn't as good either. In fact, it's quite good and worth going all the way to London for. But what about here? Santa Barbara, California has a good selection of places to choose from. And each one is uniquely different.
On that list we have:
Spice Avenue
All India Cafe
India House
Flavor of India
Spice Avenue:
Quaint location on State Street and probably the most expensive of the four, though still reasonable. They have a tasty lunch buffet as well as some exquisite menu options. Their curries also tend to be a bit spicier than the other locations in the area. This is a location that should not be missed.
All India Cafe:
Located on Lower State with a classic restaurant ambiance. Review currently pending.
India House:
India House's ambient setting is perhaps, by far, the best of all the other locations in the area, lending itself to the feeling of an Indian Bazaar. Located on Lower State across from All India Cafe, their curries are good but still not as good as the other locations in the area. Though, they do boast the country's best lunch buffet. They are worth checking out if only for the atmosphere.
Flavor of India:
This restaurant has a normal restaurant setting but the appearance is definitely not an indicator of the quality of food. Flavor of India has been described to me as equally good as those found in London. Located on Upper State near San Roque, they meet the expectation of the aforementioned description. They have a variety of naans to choose from and if you choose to go for their lunch buffet, they will bring you unlimited plain naan during your visit. Their rice pudding is also of a thicker consistency which makes it one of the better rice puddings over the other locations.
My personal favorite: Spice Avenue for Dinner. Flavor of India for Lunch Buffet.
Some of the best Indian food that I've had is in San Francisco, California. But that doesn't mean that good Indian food can't be found in other places. And this doesn't mean that Indian food in London, England isn't as good either. In fact, it's quite good and worth going all the way to London for. But what about here? Santa Barbara, California has a good selection of places to choose from. And each one is uniquely different.
On that list we have:
Spice Avenue
All India Cafe
India House
Flavor of India
Spice Avenue:
Quaint location on State Street and probably the most expensive of the four, though still reasonable. They have a tasty lunch buffet as well as some exquisite menu options. Their curries also tend to be a bit spicier than the other locations in the area. This is a location that should not be missed.
All India Cafe:
Located on Lower State with a classic restaurant ambiance. Review currently pending.
India House:
India House's ambient setting is perhaps, by far, the best of all the other locations in the area, lending itself to the feeling of an Indian Bazaar. Located on Lower State across from All India Cafe, their curries are good but still not as good as the other locations in the area. Though, they do boast the country's best lunch buffet. They are worth checking out if only for the atmosphere.
Flavor of India:
This restaurant has a normal restaurant setting but the appearance is definitely not an indicator of the quality of food. Flavor of India has been described to me as equally good as those found in London. Located on Upper State near San Roque, they meet the expectation of the aforementioned description. They have a variety of naans to choose from and if you choose to go for their lunch buffet, they will bring you unlimited plain naan during your visit. Their rice pudding is also of a thicker consistency which makes it one of the better rice puddings over the other locations.
My personal favorite: Spice Avenue for Dinner. Flavor of India for Lunch Buffet.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Indian Cuisine, Part II
Monday, I reviewed and featured a Southern Indian restaurant in San Francisco, California.
Today's Menu: Northern Indian in San Francisco, California.
Northern Indian, as previously mentioned, is the most common form of Indian Cuisine and consists of curries over Basmati Rice with naan, chutneys, and sauces.
Today's Feature: Aslam in San Francisco, California
Aslam is located in the Mission District about two blocks from Monday's feature, Dosa. Aslam is an excellent choice for Fine Northern Indian Cuisine. A bit on the pricier side but well worth the expense. They take Indian Cuisine to a whole new level. With a variety of naans, appetizers, and curries to choose from, your mouth will never get bored. This is also a restaurant where reservations are highly recommended as the wait time can exceed 1 hour. Is it worth the wait? Definitely. Should you have to wait? No.
My personal favorite: Meat Samosas as an appetizer and Goat Cheese Naan.
Today's Menu: Northern Indian in San Francisco, California.
Northern Indian, as previously mentioned, is the most common form of Indian Cuisine and consists of curries over Basmati Rice with naan, chutneys, and sauces.
Today's Feature: Aslam in San Francisco, California
Aslam is located in the Mission District about two blocks from Monday's feature, Dosa. Aslam is an excellent choice for Fine Northern Indian Cuisine. A bit on the pricier side but well worth the expense. They take Indian Cuisine to a whole new level. With a variety of naans, appetizers, and curries to choose from, your mouth will never get bored. This is also a restaurant where reservations are highly recommended as the wait time can exceed 1 hour. Is it worth the wait? Definitely. Should you have to wait? No.
My personal favorite: Meat Samosas as an appetizer and Goat Cheese Naan.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Indian Cuisine... So Much More than Chicken Tikka Masala
The title holds true. And anyone who has a true affinity for Indian Cuisine can attest to that.
First things first: Know The Region
There's Northern Indian and there's Southern Indian. Northern is the most common form of Indian Cuisine that consists of curries over Basmati rice with a traditional bread called Naan. Southern is more like a pita-style Naan stuff with potatoes and meat seasoned similarly to Northern dishes but without the curry. Southern dishes are also served with various chutneys and sauces. In all actuality, everything is the same in both Southern and Northern Indian Cuisines, except the execution. The spices, the sauces, the chutneys, it's all the same.
Most cities are homes to at least one Northern Indian Restaurant or have one within a 30-minute drive. But finding a Southern Indian Restaurant is a bit harder. In all of my travels, I have only found one. And that one, is definitely worth trying out.
Today's Feature: Dosa in San Francisco, California
Located in San Francisco's Mission District, this is a restaurant worth checking out if you are adventurous with new foods and like things on the spicy side. Dosa is open for both lunch and dinner and is moderately priced and all menu options are a definite winner.
Enjoy!
First things first: Know The Region
There's Northern Indian and there's Southern Indian. Northern is the most common form of Indian Cuisine that consists of curries over Basmati rice with a traditional bread called Naan. Southern is more like a pita-style Naan stuff with potatoes and meat seasoned similarly to Northern dishes but without the curry. Southern dishes are also served with various chutneys and sauces. In all actuality, everything is the same in both Southern and Northern Indian Cuisines, except the execution. The spices, the sauces, the chutneys, it's all the same.
Most cities are homes to at least one Northern Indian Restaurant or have one within a 30-minute drive. But finding a Southern Indian Restaurant is a bit harder. In all of my travels, I have only found one. And that one, is definitely worth trying out.
Today's Feature: Dosa in San Francisco, California
Located in San Francisco's Mission District, this is a restaurant worth checking out if you are adventurous with new foods and like things on the spicy side. Dosa is open for both lunch and dinner and is moderately priced and all menu options are a definite winner.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Christmas Time is Here...
...And so the shopping begins.
Some people will be easier to shop for than others. And for those difficult people, we often turn to gift cards for the sake of simplicity. But what if there was another option?
Gift baskets? Nope. They're generally filled with wine, cheese, crackers, salamis, and chocolate or candies. Why are they a bad choice? Because not everyone drinks wine or likes the kind of cheese selected. Who are they good for? Foodies. Wine tasters. People who have a passion for this sort of thing. But they are a rare breed and not everyone has these sorts of people on their shopping lists. So what's the next best thing?
Artisan chocolates. Most people like chocolate. And most cities have an artisan chocolate shop.
Here in Santa Barbara, California, we have Chocolate Maya. Chocolate Maya is located on State and Gutierrez Streets. They have a quirky chocolate quote on a whiteboard positioned outside the shop that changes frequently and they have an extensive selection of some of the world's finest chocolates to choose from.
In addition to their selection of world chocolates, they have their own variety of truffles and chocolate candies ranging from ganache-filled truffles to caramel-filled chocolates. Each one, hand-crafted and unique. Ranging from holiday specialties such as pumpkin spice and reindeer-shaped truffles to everyday specialties like soft caramel with sea salt and strawberry balsamic ganache. They also have a variety of hot chocolates and chocolate teas, english toffees, and cacao nibs.
My personal favorite: Milk Chocolate with Honey and Champagne Truffle
--Ari
Some people will be easier to shop for than others. And for those difficult people, we often turn to gift cards for the sake of simplicity. But what if there was another option?
Gift baskets? Nope. They're generally filled with wine, cheese, crackers, salamis, and chocolate or candies. Why are they a bad choice? Because not everyone drinks wine or likes the kind of cheese selected. Who are they good for? Foodies. Wine tasters. People who have a passion for this sort of thing. But they are a rare breed and not everyone has these sorts of people on their shopping lists. So what's the next best thing?
Artisan chocolates. Most people like chocolate. And most cities have an artisan chocolate shop.
Here in Santa Barbara, California, we have Chocolate Maya. Chocolate Maya is located on State and Gutierrez Streets. They have a quirky chocolate quote on a whiteboard positioned outside the shop that changes frequently and they have an extensive selection of some of the world's finest chocolates to choose from.
In addition to their selection of world chocolates, they have their own variety of truffles and chocolate candies ranging from ganache-filled truffles to caramel-filled chocolates. Each one, hand-crafted and unique. Ranging from holiday specialties such as pumpkin spice and reindeer-shaped truffles to everyday specialties like soft caramel with sea salt and strawberry balsamic ganache. They also have a variety of hot chocolates and chocolate teas, english toffees, and cacao nibs.
My personal favorite: Milk Chocolate with Honey and Champagne Truffle
--Ari
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Happy December
It's December 1st.
We all know what that means: Christmas music is constantly played in every business establishment that plays a radio during operating hours, the need to finish the Christmas shopping for everyone on your list, the decorating to be done to make it feel a little more like the holidays even if you live away from the snow-covered mountains and brightly colored trees, and the baking and cooking that comes with the festivities.
One of the staples of this time of year as the cold, brisk air hits your face and causes your windshield to freeze over are wonderful, hot beverages. And we aren't talking about coffee. Sure, there are those seasonal Starbucks coffee drinks for the holidays: pumpkin spice lattes, peppermint mochas, etc. There are also the non-coffee drinks: hot chocolates and apple ciders.
And then there is something better... Drinking Chocolate. This is a richer, more indulgent beverage. And there are some wonderful places to get them.
Today's Feature: Christopher Elbow in San Francisco, California.
Located in the Hayes Valley, this artisan chocolate shop opened in 2008. They have a wide variety of actual chocolates, candies, and gift assortments. And they also have an extensive list of exquisite drinking chocolates. And while they can be quite expensive for the amount that you get, they are most certainly worth checking out. And they are topped with a spoonful of fresh, housemade whipped cream.
My personal recommendation: Dark Chocolate Raspberry
Happy Chocolate Drinking!
We all know what that means: Christmas music is constantly played in every business establishment that plays a radio during operating hours, the need to finish the Christmas shopping for everyone on your list, the decorating to be done to make it feel a little more like the holidays even if you live away from the snow-covered mountains and brightly colored trees, and the baking and cooking that comes with the festivities.
One of the staples of this time of year as the cold, brisk air hits your face and causes your windshield to freeze over are wonderful, hot beverages. And we aren't talking about coffee. Sure, there are those seasonal Starbucks coffee drinks for the holidays: pumpkin spice lattes, peppermint mochas, etc. There are also the non-coffee drinks: hot chocolates and apple ciders.
And then there is something better... Drinking Chocolate. This is a richer, more indulgent beverage. And there are some wonderful places to get them.
Today's Feature: Christopher Elbow in San Francisco, California.
Located in the Hayes Valley, this artisan chocolate shop opened in 2008. They have a wide variety of actual chocolates, candies, and gift assortments. And they also have an extensive list of exquisite drinking chocolates. And while they can be quite expensive for the amount that you get, they are most certainly worth checking out. And they are topped with a spoonful of fresh, housemade whipped cream.
My personal recommendation: Dark Chocolate Raspberry
Happy Chocolate Drinking!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Ambitions
Welcome!
It is here that I hope to enlighten the ambitious. I initially wanted to start this based solely on local restaurants in Santa Barbara, California; featuring and reviewing some of my favorites, some new up-and-comers, and some old favorites. But when I realized that I spend a great deal of time traveling, I figured I'd best venture farther and create something beyond the confines of the city limits. So here it is. The blog that will feature places to visit, sights to see, restaurants to eat at, bars to drink at, and places to travel. I hope to enlighten. But most of all, I hope to inspire.
--Ari
It is here that I hope to enlighten the ambitious. I initially wanted to start this based solely on local restaurants in Santa Barbara, California; featuring and reviewing some of my favorites, some new up-and-comers, and some old favorites. But when I realized that I spend a great deal of time traveling, I figured I'd best venture farther and create something beyond the confines of the city limits. So here it is. The blog that will feature places to visit, sights to see, restaurants to eat at, bars to drink at, and places to travel. I hope to enlighten. But most of all, I hope to inspire.
--Ari
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