MasalaMinds Aug - Sep 2013 by MasalaMinds

Aug - Sep 2013

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Spanish Food Trail Dining Traditions in Spain Culture Spotlight Local Cultures of France

Kitchen Corner

Tarta de Tomates y Queso (Spanish Cheese and Tomato Pie)

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Vitamin Straws | Last Minute Travelling

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Opinions about your neighborhood and personal cultural experiences to help others explore and discover new tastes

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MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

CONTENTS

27 09 29 23 05 11 Culture Spotlight

Trending Now Vitamin straws | Frozen Greek yogurt | Travelers go green | Last-minute travelling on the rise

MasalaMinds

dives into French regions and customs. Get to know about the diverse cultures of France and their delicious local cuisines

Spanish Food Trail Explore tastes of Spain through scrumptious dishes, local dining habits, and gloriously bold Spanish wines

Kitchen Corner

MasalaMinds Online Community

Spotlight on

Reviews on

food festivals

Oregano, a

Spanish products

around the globe,

popular Italian

and places

from Oregon and

Events

Details about

herb | Recipes for

Ireland to South

Spanish Cheese

Africa and India

and Tomato Pie & Sangria Con Vino Rojo

Editorial Disclaimer: All material published are the copyright of MasalaMinds. Views expressed in the magazine are of the contributors and does not necessarily bind the Editor or the Publisher of the magazine. MasalaMinds does not hold responsibility for the outcome of decision or action based on the information contained in the publication.

Aug-Sep 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ MasalaMinds.com

Global palates are expanding, and international food sections are growing in every market all over the world. Whether you’re near or far from home, your favorite comfort foods are always onhand. Globalization has also generated interest in exploring other locations and cultures – understanding the local mindset and shopping like a native, be it for food or other products and services. Rooted in passion for food, culture, and travel, MasalaMinds explores these topics to bring you the best content to help you plan your perfect getaway or find your new favorite flavors. Our sister site MasalaMinds.com can help you work through a multitude of issues that you face when you move or travel to a new place, region, or culture by connecting you with the feedback of folks who have paved the path for your journey. MasalaMinds.com also collects advice from the locals in your new/current location. Think of MasalaMinds as a substitute for the network of family and friends that you left behind when you move or travel to a new place. Wherever you go, we will be there for you. As part of the MasalaMinds community, you’ll also be able to give back the knowledge you gain by sharing your own experiences via reviews, comments, or pictures. Love a product or business? Let us know so that others may benefit from your input and make more accurate buying decisions. After all, when you discover items that take you down the memory lane or open your mind to new possibilities, it’s only fair you share your find with others! You are forging a channel as you set down roots in a new place. MasalaMinds.com provides a place to lead others in your exploration. Or, you simply have to start wandering the trails others have blazed before you to find great restaurants, grocery items, and travel destinations. Add your voice to our community at MasalaMinds.com. Facebook.com/masalamindspage Twitter: @masalaminds

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Trending Now Vitamin Straws

ver think your straw could be part of the meal, not just a tool to help you sip frosty milk shakes? Now they can! Tubulars™ Vitamin Milk Straws give a complementary boost of 16 invigorating vitamins while flavoring the milk at the same time. The UniBeads are

pellets embedded in the straws designed to dissolve when liquid passes through, providing a natural dose of energy till the last drop.

Frozen Greek Yogurt takes the US Consumer Market by Storm

hether you need a quick snack, breakfast, or light lunch, yogurt is a versatile option. It mixes well with fruit and granola and comes in countless flavors, so how could this tasty treat get even better? As an alternative to ice cream, big brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Oikos have crafted frozen Greek yogurt. This new style of healthful dessert is appearing on restaurant menus and in grocery stores worldwide. Dannon, the worldwide leader of dairy products, has even gone so far as to open yogurt shops in NYC, which offer both fresh and frozen Greek yogurts.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Trending Now More Travelers Go Green

hile it is generally believed that the travel industry contributes significantly to waste and pollution, there are signs that practices are changing. Travelers are getting increasingly conscious towards sustainable holiday trips and expect destination managers

to lead the way. This includes preserving natural resources, supporting local cultures, and cutting down on wasteful conveniences in lodging. Travel companies are also making attempts to integrate sustainability into their offerings.

Last-Minute Traveling Gains Traction

hanks to technology, customers are opting

to make last-minute travel decisions more and more frequently. These bargain hunters wait until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on their way to their final destination to book hotels and select tour packages.

MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013

Trending Now Mini Desserts = Fewer Calories

ike to end your meal with a sweet note but can’t stomach

the guilt? US brand Seasons 52’s desserts, or “Mini Indulgences,” include stand bys like old-fashioned carrot cake, chocolate peanut butter mousse, and mocha macchiato. And given the restaurant name, of course they have seasonal flavors too, like pumpkin pie and strawberry shortcake. These desserts are designed to pack high-impact flavor into a shot-size glass so, even on a diet, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Temperature Tolerant Cadbury Chocolates

he best memories of chocolate bring to mind the luscious, smooth texture as it melts on the tongue. How would you feel if your chocolate hesitates to melt ? Mondelēz International, the maker of Cadbury chocolate, has spent 10 years researching and is close

to introducing a chocolate that is temperature tolerant. While regular chocolates melt at a temperature of 37 °C, these would refuse to melt even at 40°C, making them more suitable for states and countries with warmer climates.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Trending Now Savory Meat-Filled Pies

ost of us love pies, but fruit is not the only filling avail-

able. While sweet pies make a delicious occasional treat, savory pies can be enjoyed as an everyday meal. Chicken pot pie is a classic American pastry dish stuffed with meat, vegetables like peas and carrots, and flavorings like broth and black pepper. As summer gives way in September, these warm pies will keep away the chill of autumn!

Family Vacations on the Rise

little smart work and preplanning can make your family vacation fun for you, the kids, and even your in-laws. Families are increasingly using vacations as a way to carve out quality time together. Parents prefer to take their children on holiday trips that allow

them to enjoy and create unforgettable memories. Predominantly, parents of teenage children prefer long trips that keep them far from the daily grind while bringing the whole family closer together. These getaways create lasting memories and help parents pass down a love of travel and appreciation for other cultures to their kids.

MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013

Culture Spotlight

The Local Cultures of France By: Alysa Salzberg

e often make generalizations about French food – but the truth is, just like any country, there isn’t one standard cuisine. What we think of as typically French hails from either the central countryside

or the big city of Paris, where there’s immense cultural diversity. In the capital there are far more transplants than native-born Parisians, and all seem to have the unmistakably “French” attitude at first. But once you get to know them, Parisians native or not are truly wonderful people. Paris aside, what are some other regions of France? The extreme northern region of France, Nord-Pasde Calais, is influenced by Flemish culture, its proxim-

ity with Belgium, and a working-class past. There are several regional dialects here, most famously Ch’ti. Northern French are known for their hospitality and for being boisterous in their daily lives, especially during Carnivale, celebrated in February. One regional dish is boudin noir, a sweetblood sausage with ginger, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, and raisins. For something sweet that’s more pleasing to most palates, try the local confection Bêtise de Cambrai, a minty hard candy with a touch of caramel. On the opposite end of France, inhabitants of the country’s southern coast have a distinct culture and accent, influenced by their position near the Mediterranean Sea. In the French Riviera the weather is warm, perfect for spending the day at the beach, and their cuisine reflects that lifestyle with dishes like Bouillabaisse, which is a Provençal fish stew, and Salade Niçoise, a mix of tuna, black olives, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients. Located about 150 miles off the coast of Nice, the Island of Corsica became a part of the country in 1769, but while Corsicans speak French, they’re also influenced by the history of Italy. It shows in their cuisine, and includes savory tarts baked with herb-infused soft cheeses as well as pastas stuffed with Swiss chard. The southwest region of France, running along the Pyrenees Mountains, is particularly known for its gastronomy. Hearty foods like Cassoulet (a bean and sausage dish),duck confit, and Jambon de Bayonne (dried salted ham) are local specialties. Basque traditions overlap with those in nearby Spain, including a regional variety of bullfights and a love of paprika and red peppers. Slightly more inland in southwest France is Bordeaux, famous for its red wine of the same name, and Périgord, known for world-renowned foie gras and black truffles. These are only a few of the distinctive regional cultures in France. There are many others, including German influenced Alsatians, mountain dwelling Savoyards in the Alps, and the peoples from Brittany, who hold onto their Celtic origins. Immigrant communities have also influenced French culture, especially those from North African countries like Morocco and Algeria. Couscous, for example, is now widely consumed throughout France.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Culture Spotlight

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Spanish Food Trail

SPANISH FOOD TRAIL

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail

Dining Traditions in Spain Spain has introduced some of the best dishes to the culinary world; yet the country’s cuisine is not as popular worldwide as Italian, Mexican, or Chinese cuisine. Spanish food is not spicy, but is bright and full of flavor. Here are a few fabulous dishes from Spain to offer a little glimpse of what it’s like to dine there – but of course you’ll have to taste them yourself for the full experience!

Paella What can be more Spanish than the traditional paella dish? Legends state that a Spanish princess travelling through the southern countryside stopped in a village inn for a meal. The owner, impressed with her beauty, personally prepared a special dish, combining the finest seafood, rice, and other ingredients he had in a casserole. The princess was so impressed with the dish she asked its name. The mozo (bachelor) replied “paella,” derived from para ella, meaning “for her.” Originally from Valencia, this rice dish includes vegetables, meat, fish, and other seafood. Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is added to impart its unique flavor and bright yellow color. Three main versions of paella are prevalent. Paella Valenciana is made of green vegetables, rice, rabbit, duck, snails, beans, and seasoning. Paella mixta is cooked with a blend of seafood, beans, meat, vegetables, and seasoning. Paella de marisco (seafood paella) is exactly what it sounds like; rice, seasoning, and lots of seafood.

Tortilla Española This famous Spanish omelette, also called tortilla de patata (potato omelette), is made with potatoes, onions, and of course; eggs! It is served as an appetizer, or as a part of lunch.

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Spanish Food Trail Patatas Bravas This easy-to-make dish is made of potatoes simply cut in irregular shapes. These are served with fiery tomato sauce, and are similar to home fries, the American breakfast staple. Served as a part of tapas, it is usually savored with a glass of white wine.

Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico Named after the ancient practice of drying salted ham, Jamón Serrano is made from domesticated white pig. The ham is usually served in thin slices, or occasionally diced. Jamón Ibérico is made from an ancient breed of pigs believed to descend from the Mediterranean boar, differentiated by their black hooves, which are sometimes displayed with the food to ensure its authenticity. Considered to be one of the most prized examples of Spanish cuisine, Jamón Ibérico has a higher fat content than Serrano and is very expensive.

Polbo á Feira (aka Pulpo á Galega) Meaning “fair-style octopus,” polbo á feira is the signature Galician dish. It is prepared by dipping the meat in hot water until the tentacles curl. Then the octopus is boiled for a couple hours and garnished with paprika, olive oil, and coarse sea salt. If overcooked, it gets chewy, but when cooked correctly, it turns up tender and juicy.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail Sangria & Spanish Liqueur A few beverages are famously Spanish, and one beverage you can always spot tourists flocking to the bars in Spain for is Sangria. But if you want to taste traditional sangria at its finest, get yourself an invitation to a Spanish carnival. The fruit-filled beverage can also be made at home with your favorite bottle of wine, preferably Rioja wines from Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prime grape-growing region, and is ideal to enjoy with a good steak. Another Spanish drink, Licor Cuarenta Y Tres, is a blend of 43 different ingredients. Its glowing golden color, hints of chocolate, and warm vanilla-citrus flavor makes it the ultimate after-dinner liqueur. Getting to know about the food and drink of a country is one of the best ways to get a feel of the culture. Make sure to try out these dishes to experience what Spain has to offer.

MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013

Spanish Food Trail

El Desayuno (Breakfast) Spaniards start their mornings with a simple meal, such as Magdalenas, which are light lemon-flavored cakes, usually with a cup of cafĂŠ con leche, espresso with milk. Churros, long thin donut made from lightly fried dough and traditionally sprinkled with sugar or honey is another breakfast favorite. What a sweet way to start off the day!

Aug-Sep 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail

Tapas Tapas are snacks and appetizers in Spanish cuisine. Much is the Spaniards’ love for tapas that they have created a verb out of it; “Vamos a Tapear!” Let’s go eat tapas! These snacks can include warm or cold dishes, mostly finger foods, and vary with every season and region. Tortilla Española, shrimp in garlic sauce, and patatas bravas are a few popular items. For the best tapas, you have to stand and wait in a crowded bar, but this is part of the fun! Relax, enjoy your tapas when they finally arrive, and don’t forget to ask for la cuenta (the bill) before you leave.

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Spanish Food Trail

LaComida

This is the largest meal of the day (lunch), with multiple courses and wine, taken around 2 or 3 p.m. A typical lunch starts with a plate of Serrano ham followed by asparagus, artichokes, mushrooms, and other charcuterie-style plates. The second course follows with bean soup and bread. As all Spaniards love seafood, the next course is rice with shrimp. And that’s not all! Then comes the meat entrée including steak or roast lamb. And what big meal is complete without dessert? Seasonal fruits, icecream, soft cheeses, or cream cakes are offered to complete lunch. Then you’ll certainly need a shot of espresso to stave off sleepiness and get on with the day.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail

La Cena (Dinner) Dinner is smaller than lunch and eaten much later than in other cultures, starting around 9 or 10 p.m. Common dinners include white rice with fried eggs and tomato sauce, fish with a small salad, or roast chicken with rice. Green salad is a must have, and dessert like flan or the traditional Spanish vanilla custard, might finish the late-evening nosh.

MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013

Spanish Food Trail

Bienvenido a España

esmerizing scent of roses and orange blossoms lingers around the quiet residential area of Baeza, perched on a cliff in the mountains of Andalusia, Spain. The Juanito Hotel stands in majestic Baeza at an altitude of 770 meters, high above the two surrounding rivers, Guadalquivir and Guadalimar. Established in 1953 by Juan Luis Salcedo Martines as a small bar, The Juanito has gone through a magical transformation over the past 60 years, expanding to incorporate a hotel. Throughout its years of business, The Juanito Hotel has hosted prominent figures including the King of Spain, Vargas Llosa, and many renowned painters andmusicians.

Whether you are planning for a lavish holiday or a business tour, the hotel offers comfort and luxury, making your stay in this historic town a memorable one. Talking exclusively to MasalaMinds, The Juanito’s proprietor Juan explains that running the hotel is complementary to his main business, the restaurant, so a good meal is always easy to come by. Equipped with 33 rooms and 2 suites, the hotel adds a touch of contemporary sophistication in a very traditional Spanish town.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail

Juanito’s Restaurant Spanish cuisine is rooted in the ways of the past, with most dishes cooked exactly how they were, several centuries before. Juanito’s Restaurant honors this great tradition. The extra virgin olive oil used in its tempting culinary creations comes from the family’s own mill and fruits from the property’s olive groves. The restaurant enjoys the acclaim of being the only Spanish restaurant in Baeza preparing recipes with pure virgin olive oil, giving a rich flavor to its menu items. Juan fondly describes his favorite ingredients used in the restaurant, including Luisa’s artichokes, served in three ways: as a raw salad, fried, and dipped in batter. He also speaks about the cod, served as an appetizer. The fish is prepared in a unique style you won’t want to miss. Last but not least is Juanito’s wine cellar. It includes over 500 wines, and the bottles are carefully preserved so as to optimize the aging process. Consumer habits are changing drastically, and any customer-oriented business has to keep up with the ever-changing trends to stay successful for several decades. Juan has a few words to offer about how he managed the business during tough times and improved his establishment over the years. He believes that hard work and persistence play a leading role in his success. To aspiring business owners, he offers that “creativity, energy, and a drive to keep going makes successful entrepreneurship.” But one thing will never change; their fantastic desserts.

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Spanish Food Trail

Vino

Queso

Espana

(wine & Cheese from Spain)

nspiring Gaudi’s architecture, the art of Picasso, the flowing movements of flamenco dancers, and death-defying bullfights– all of which pulse with a rhythm that is uniquely Spanish, along with Spain’s greatest tradition; wine. Spanish wines lead the country’s culinary world, complementing its delectable dishes. Next to France and Italy, Spain is the third largest producer of wines. The country’s hot and mountainous region boasts more vineyards than any other nation, and its wine making history is more than a thousand years old.

Rioja, a region of Spain produces some of the best wines in the world. The grapes are used to produce white, rose or red wines which pair well with seafood, meats as well as poultry. The Rioja tinto (red) is great as a sipping wine and an excellent ingredient for marinades or red sangria. (see recipe on page # 26).

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Spanish Food Trail

Spain produces an amazing array of over 400 artisan cheeses with each region having its own distinct cheese. This great variety of cheese comes from Spain’s diverse climatic and geographic conditions as well as farming customs rooted in age-old traditions. Manchego, the most popular cheese from Spain is easily recognizable by the zigzag pattern etched into its inedible rind, which is a legacy from a time when the cheese was wrapped in sheets of woven grass. It is a sheep’s milk cheese, made from the whole milk of the Manchega sheep grazing on the plains of La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. This cheese is rich and buttery and becomes sweeter with age. It is perfect to eat as it is, on a piece of bread or can be paired with red wines (Rioja, Cabernet Sauvignon) or a dry sherry (Fino). More than 50% of the cheese produced in Spain is made from a mixture of cow’s, goat’s and/or sheep’s milk. QuesoIberico is one such cheese made with a blend of all three milks. Its distinctive nutty or fruity taste and rich buttery texture makes it ideal as a snacking or grilling cheese.

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Kitchen Corner

Zingy

Oregano Have you ever seen or, more importantly, tasted oregano? If you have ever ordered an Italian pizza or pasta dish, chances are you have. Legend has it that Venus, the Roman goddess of love, created the plant and gave it a fragrance as beautiful as herself. Ancient Greeks and Romans even crowned bridal couples with these leaves to symbolize happiness, love, and honor. Oregano’s name can be traced back to the Greek origanum, meaning “joy of the mountains,” and was first recorded as such by Hippocrates, who used it for its healing properties. Similar to marjoram, oregano has a strong flavor with an earthy aroma. Though largely used as a food flavoring, the herb has versatile applications. The Kitchen Convenience Oregano is mostly used in American, Greek, Italian, and Latin cooking. This pungent green leaf has the affinity to flavor variety of foods starting from simple vegetables to egg dishes and meat. It is sprinkled on Pizzas to enhance its flavor, and minced bits are added in toast. Some tips on cooking with oregano: •

A Greek salad garnished with minced oregano leaves is all crunchy, colorful and takes less than ten minutes to bring it from fridge to the table.

•

Make a flavorful addition to your kitchen with this oregano vinegar. Gather one cup of fresh oregano leaves with 10 peeled garlic pods, 2 green chilies and four cups of white vinegar in a jar and keep it for 3 to 4 weeks. Filter it and store. This kitchen vinegar tastes great in salads, marinades, and stir fries.

•

Crush dried oregano leaves slightly to activate its essential oil before adding it to dishes. To enhance the aroma and taste of the leaf, add it at the end of the cooking process.

Oregano Oil for Natural Beauty Oil extracted from this leaf is a great beauty element. Oregano used to make essential oil is different from the one used for cooking. Pure and undiluted oil is extracted by steam distilling the leaves. It is used for making cosmetics due to its ability to cure skin disor-

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Kitchen Corner

Quick facts about Oregano Availability: Year-round What to Buy: Bright green leaves without brown patches Cooking uses: Pizza and pasta toppings, marinades How to Store: Wrap in moist paper towels and refrigerate in perforated bags. Keep up to 3 days.

Medicinal Values Oregano, often called a miracle herb, can be used for treating both internal and external ailments. It can be consumed as fresh leaves, or in juice form, and is good for treating disorders like indigestion, cough, and sore throat. Endowed with antibacterial and antifungal properties, its oil is a natural cure for athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foot and minor skin infections. Make the most of this plant by eating just a single leaf every day!

MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013

Kitchen Corner

Tarta

Spanish Cheese

Tomates

and

Queso

Tomato Pie Recipe

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes Serves: 6 Ingredients

Directions

• 1 store bought pie crust

• Preheat oven to 375ºF.

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

• Place the pie crust in a 9” pie pan.

• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

• Heat oil in a pan and saute the onion, garlic and parsley for 2-3 minutes.

• 1 cup white or yellow onion, chopped

Spread this mixture on the pie crust and top with the chesses

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Place the cherry tomatoes, cut side down, all over the pie.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Sprinkle with oregano,salt and pepper.

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• Bake till the crust is done and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Cut in wedges and serve hot.

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper to taste

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

Kitchen Corner

Sangria Con Vino Rojo SANGRIA WITH RED WINE

Preparation Time: 15 minutes with 2 hours of refrigeration. Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients • 1 botlle red wine (750 ml) like Rioja,Merlot,Shiraz • 1 cup orange juice • ¼ cup brandy • ½ cup sugar • 1 orange,sliced into thin rounds • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds • 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds • 1 apple, cored and sliced thin • 2 cups ginger ale or club soda • 1 stick cinnamon ( optional )

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Directions • Combine all the ingredients except the soda or gin ger ale in a large pitcher. • Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let the flavors meld. • Just before serving, add the soda or ginger ale. • Serve in glasses filled with ice.

MasalaMinds Online Community

REVIEWs

oN Spanish Products & Places

Thanks to all our members below for contributing with their reviews! New users can chime in by joining MasalaMinds.com.

@MasalaMinds.com

San Sebastian No wonder it’s a foodie heaven! My favourite destination was - San Sebastian in the Basque country (I was strictly told by the taxi driver on the way from the airport to the hotel that this was neither Spain nor France! But what I want to quickly come down to is the food…Oh! Words can’t describe the experience of tapas bar hopping in the streets of the old town there…you need a day or two of subtle observation of the locals to understand the art of getting your food from a 100 sq ft shop filled with 100 people and actually casually enjoying it while you By Sweta

have serious worldly conversations with your friends sipping wine all the while. There are few other places which get better that the greater San Sebastian area on the planet and I understood better why this place has the highest number of Michelin star restaurants per square feet that any other place of earth- it is because the locals cook with passion, feed with love and do little else but eat!

Alvalle Original Gazpacho Excellent and Value for Money Think of a Spanish soup and gazpacho comes immediately to mind! This famous cold Spanish soup is a blessing on a hot summer day. Its 100% vegetarian and vegan and what i also love about this readymade soup is that it has so many versions. A “suave” one meaning it is mild in taste and has less or garlic. There is now one that does not contain cucumber so those who can’t digest cucumbers don’t have a problem. There is an almond variety, an Andalusian variety and the “original” one. We love the original one and the By Nitu Chugani

small pack is great to carry and travel around with. This product is also available in the US and also in the UK...so if you like gazpacho and don’t feel like making it... this brand is the best and worth its price!! It also contains pure extra virgin Spanish olive oil so imagine the goodness one is sipping :)

Mercado De San Miguel, Madrid If you’re a foodie, this is the place to be! As I wandered through Madrid, I realized the whole food situation was going to be a big problem because of the language barrier. Not many people speak English and I spoke no Spanish but I figured it all out when I happened upon the Mercado San Miguel. No need for me to say a word, just pointed. The olives are some of the best I had, The Jamon is varied by region and I suggest you sample as much as you can. There is really limited seating so you are pretty much eating while standing up, it’s simple and everyone By: Kat Von B

moves from counter to counter. Yes, it is a bit pricey but the convenience and the fantastic food displays more than make up for the prices.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

MasalaMinds Online Community

Casa Labra, Madrid Typical Spanish Tapas Bar In the heart of Madrid in the Puerta del Sol just opposite the department store El Corte Ingles you can find this famous tapas bar. La Casa Labra is very famous for its “Croquetas de Bacalao” (cod croquets) and it’s “Bacalao Rebozado” (batter fried cod). Both are made to perfection and served to you hot. Here you will see tourists and locals eating tapas with a beer. It’s always crowded with great typical Spanish ambience. If shopping in El Corte Ingles and want a break, I suggest you step into this place for a beer and a “tapa”. By Nitu Chugani

It’s an experience by itself to see so many people enjoying their tapas. Hope you do too!

Souvenirs 78, Barcelona Your One Stop Shop for Souvenirs If you are in Barcelona you just cannot miss Ramblas which is the most famous street in Barcelona. It is so entertaining as it’s flooded with tourists, cafes, and shops. It has a pedestrianized Centre and with traffic flowing on either side. You can just sit on a bench and get entertained, or have a lovely Spanish cafe, tapas or a jug of sangria in many of the cafes/bars there. The street is also full of souvenir shops where you can pick up mementos of your trip. One such shop is SOUVENIRS 78.. it stocks an amazing collection By: Chaya Chugani

of Spanish souvenirs, t-shirts of F.C BARCELONA and many many other lovely things. The friendly staffs speak in many languages and if you mention my name you will get a discount! So if you are planning to visit Barcelona do stop and shop here!

Barrenetxe, San Sebastian Must Visit Places This gem of a bakery cum confectionery is so unbelievably good that it should be a part of the San Sebastian must-visit places. On our three day visit, we ate here everyday and sometimes twice a day, and of course carried bags full of stuff to eat throughout the day!! The store has awesome breakfast items likes muffins, breads, fresh orange juice and coffee along with a horde of delicacies. It is brightly lit with a cheerful atmosphere and a bar like seating where you can choose from a variety of items on the counter By: Nidhi

and they are placed on your plate, one after the other. The (txintorros) cupcakes with almonds and candied orange with a crunchy almond topping are to die for! The pastries, cakes, chocolates, cigar shaped cookies, candied fruits – everything was simply delish!

Lizarran, Madrid A Canapé Anyone? Lizarran is a chain of Spanish tapas bar all over Spain in all the main streets. I went to have a quick bite with my friends for the first time the other night and was surprised to find it full of people. Its a perfect place to meet up with friends anytime of the day for a beer and a canapé or “pincho” as they are called. The variety is amazing... You will find canapés out of sliced baguette topped with hot and cold toppings: famous Spanish “jamon de serrano” (parma ham) , Spanish omelette (tortilla de patata), cheese...etc. Its By : Chaya Chugani

very reasonable too! You don’t have an expensive menu to choose from, you can just have a nibble and walk out. They also serve paellas and grilled meats.

MasalaMinds.com • Aug-Sep 2013

Events Looking for a foodie getaway or cultural escape? Look no further than our calendar of upcoming culinary events to make your August and September travel plans. Feel free to contact us with ideas for future listings. The Bite of Oregon

Date: 9th – 11th August 2013 Location: Portland, Oregon, US The event includes more than 80 menu items from local restaurants, food carts, and The Oregon Bounty Chefs Table. And since Portland is also known as Brewtopia, expect to taste the incredible offerings of over20 craft breweries along with the flavorful wares of local wineries and distilleries. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, the festival will also have an Iron Chefstyle cooking competition, cooking demonstrations, live music, and more.

Foodies FEAST

Date: 16th – 18th August, 2013 Location: Battersea Park, London, UK This event invites foodies to London to experience a one-of-a-kind picnic featuring UK’s best restaurant, artisan, and street food items– all in one place. There will be drinks master classes, a Chefs’ Theatre with Michelin-starred guests, World Food Pagodas, pop-up restaurants, and hands-on classes for children.

Raw Fruit Festival

Date: 1st – 7th September, 2013 Location: Andalusia, Spain This festival is a place for meeting new friends, enjoying nature, and of course eating lots of succulent fruit. There will be raw meals of fruits and veggies prepared by a chef, plus art projects, dancing workshops, live music, and activities including yoga and mountain bike rides.

The Hermanus Whale Festival

Date: 20th – 24th September, 2013 Location: Hermanus, South Africa The only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, The Hermanus Whale Festival will put these deep sea mammals in the global spotlight for its 22nd year. Events include the Two Oceans Wine Food & Music Marquee, Marine Endangered Species Expo, and several styles of athletic races as part of Hermanus Adventure Week. And, of course, whales will take center stage alongside performers and musicians.

Kagyat Dance festival

Date: 28th – 29th September, 2013 Location: Sikkim, India This two-day cultural festival centers on performers who enact a variety of themes in Buddhism. You’ll be transported to another world as artists with painted masks perform ceremonial sword dancing to the sounds of chanting monks, resounding drums, and trumpeting horns.

Galway International Oyster Festival

Date: 27th – 29th September, 2013 Location: Galway City, Ireland This internationally recognized Irish oyster and seafood festival began in 1954 and has been called “one of the 12 greatest shows on earth” by The UK’s Sunday Times. The Galway Oyster Fest celebrates Irish culture – especially food – with highlights including the Tribal Feast Off, the World Oyster Opening Championship, Gala Mardi Gras, Oyster Hot Spots, and foodie talks.

Aug-Sep 2013 • MasalaMinds.com

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MasalaMinds.com â&#x20AC;˘ Aug-Sep 2013