Curry Cravings

05/21/2026

Sometimes life slaps you so hard with a curveball that hurts like ££ and makes you question EVERYTHING: every relationship, friendship, every human that you were kind to or cared about.

But, instead of crying, you drop off inventory at a galley that supports your creativity and work, even if the economy is so terrible that they don’t have a lot of sales but welcome you anyway, you don’t cancel on your friend - instead go see a movie in the middle of the afternoon, with a glass of cold beer.

And for a few minutes, in that movie theater - your own troubles don’t exist.

Adulting is not easy. Thank goodness for those who don’t mind me venting even if they can’t help.

PSA: Drinking is never the solution. Ever. Never ever.

05/18/2026

I asked the Universe for rain yesterday, and I was rewarded today. The fresh mist, the sounds, the cool wind .. all soothing…

05/16/2026

Not just cowboys or NASA in - it was such a wonderful surprise. From spectacular art (Hello.. Frida!! Hello.. Kusama..) at , the *gorgeous* , beautiful sky, bowers of roses and ofcourse - OMG caliber food. A few incredible yumminess destinations include: (duh), , and . Spoilt for choices!!

05/16/2026

Taking some time to reset my study in preparation for my next cookbook. I found things like my first inquiry into looking into finding a cookbook agent (2012, they rejected me), then the notebook I used to map out the numbers for my first Kickstarter (for A Dozen Ways..) and then this, a card from an old professor from grad school at .. the legend, Bob Riley. He was critical and exacting but encouraged my creative writings in a way no other teacher had. When I wrote my first cookbook, “A Dozen Ways”, I sent him a copy. He responded with this kind note. I don’t think he ever cooked from it, but it was my duty to let him know how much I appreciated him.

I have a recipe that pays homage to him and to a paper I wrote for him, in “India In A Cup”. You’ll just have to see. I think Bob Riley will laugh his heart out when he sees the recipe. Oh how I miss the good people.

Who saw something in you back before the world did?

01/23/2025

Is this your restaurant?

How hospitality industry FAILS its customers, THROWS money away and yet hopes for growth.

>> Restaurant One - a seemingly popular franchise with prime real-estate spot. Busy decor. Several take out orders, but very few dine-in patrons. Food was 'Meh' - they have potential but no motivation.

>> Restaurant Two - new franchise location of an international brand with a less than-prime location. Decor was lacking. Food was good, but menu was sorely incomplete - i.e. lots of advertised things missing from the menu, and NO motivation to do better.

>> Restaurant Three - robust marketing plan, part of an international brand. Still working on how to attract a specific clientele.

>> Restaurant Four - local franchise, prime real-estate, trendy decor, very solid marketing plan (with top tier PR firm). Terrible food. And I mean T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E.

Trust me - it wont matter if you find a top tier marketing agency but are not able to identify the gaps in reaching your ideal customer base.

Knowing Indian cuisine inside out, and knowing what it takes to churn a restaurant out of the ho-hum rut of the 'curry house' label, I can spot 'room-for-improvement' in less than 30 minutes of dining somewhere.

I've been consulting with folks in the hospitality industry for several years - a pep talk here, a marketing plan there, even coaching PR folks by showing them the disconnects - all helping businesses develop a vision for growth. I never put it down as one of the many hats I wear in my business - until recently.

If you are in the hospitality industry or are part of a PR / marketing group and want to reach a discerning consumer, to enrich your community - reach out and lets create a plan. You will be helping yourself.

10/12/2024

What does DEI have to do with Barbie (or viceversa)? Or me?

I was honored when NPR/ Goats & Soda vertical asked for my thoughts on the new Indian Barbie collaboration with designer Anita Dongre.

It took a long while for my daughter to do her own make-up well, that was good for stage. Purple eyeshadow, orangish blush and bright fire engine red lipstick do not work well on desi kids. Eventually, my taller and ebony haired desi kid would be in the back row. But, she has always loved to dance, and she would rely on YT videos to figure out how to do it. She still takes dance classes at college and now is a pro at her make-up. And, she's also a DEI advocate.

Yay to Kamala Thiagarajan for this insightful and well crafted piece... and also for offering me space to share candid thoughts.

The new doll is being scrutinized for the color of her skin, her facial features and her garb. Early reviews are Barbie-tastic.