Onam Sadya at Spice Village

Onam is the biggest South Indian festival commemorating Harvest (late August to early September), and the legendary return of King Mahabali. It is usually celebrated with fantastic vegetarian banquet (Sadya), gorgeous vibrant flower arrangements (called pookkalam) in various mandala like shapes, snake boat races, music, elephant parades, dance and more. This Hindu festival that revisits the legend of King Mahabali receiving Lord Vishnu's blessings is celebrated by almost every Keralite regardless of religion. Growing up, in North America I was fortunate to belong to a local Indian community that is now known as HMS, where we would celebrate Onam every year. Every family would bring vegetarian food, the elder men would do a reenactment of the boat race with an energizing song, the ladies would do a few typical dances, and the kids would also do some typical dances. The food is always a highlight for me, because the all vegetarian spread was delicious. Here in NYC, I have celebrated Onam Sadya at Spice Village in Tuckahoe. Don't let the name fool you, it is not overly spicy, it is full of flavor and freshness! Every person I have suggested this place to has gone back for more. Today, in honor of Onam, they had a lovely spread of typical South Indian Vegetarian items, Papadum (like an Indian chip), and the Lamp in the front of the restaurant was lit. If you are interested in delicious, flavorful Indian food, visit Spice Village in Tuckahoe, super Yummy! ~ Namaste and Happy Onam!

My favorite Indian Restaurant, Spice Village

Growing up eating the yummiest of yummy Indian Food, from my mom's home cooking, to my relatives, and the best of Indian cuisine during my frequent trips to India, I consider myself to be a good resource of TASTE quality. Unfortunately, many people think that Indian food is just spices which translates into heat and indigestion. It is actually flavor heaven. Indian dishes use Spices that are meant to add flavor and enhance the health benefits of the food. We use turmeric which is a common spice in Ayurvedic medicines, we use cinnamon which helps regulate blood sugar, cumin & coriander which add flavor and help to strengthen the stomach lining, as well as promote a healthy colon. While I can go on and on listing the health benefits to various ingredients in Indian food, this post is about my favorite Indian Restaurant. Spice Village in Tuckahoe, NY (take the Metro North West to Tuckahoe and you will find it) is by far the most authentic Indian Restaurant I have been to. Most times when I go there, I speak with the friendly staff in Malayalam which is the Indian dialect that both they, and my parents speak, this adds to the homey atmosphere for me. But the taste of the food.....WOW!!! The chefs are from my parents hometown area (Kottayam, Kerala, India) and make everything taste delicious, and very much like home cooking. This is THE BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT to go to. They offer a wide variety on the buffet with both North and South Indian items. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian options. The food is healthy and tasty. I have been to many Indian restaurants and found that the food was too spicy, too salty, too creamy and I could taste if it was fresh or not. This restaurant is PERFECT! As I type this blog post, I am joyfully digesting another amazing lunch from Spice Village. While my stomach is adjusting to coming off my 30 day fast, I make the sacrifice and "take one for the team" as they say when it comes to this place. If you want to eat Indian food and love it, go to Spice Village. Everyone I have sent there so far, have gone back repeatedly, brought friends and been so grateful to have found this cuisine treasure. For Holidays they tend to offer more items on the buffet so here are some pics of my Valentines Day lunch. Some of my favorite items include cabbage thorin, masala dosha, vada & sambar, gulab jamun, dal, and the chilly cauliflower dish that is on my plate in the picture above ~ Peace & Hugs, Ambria

Pictured:

1) Ambria with a plate of masala dosha, mouth watering strawberries, chilly cauliflower, mushroom curry, okras and a giant smile of delight on my face.

2) the wide variety of delicious buffet items

3) the Valentines Holiday Indian Dessert table (THE BEST & FRESHEST sweets you will enjoy)

India's Independence Day

This past Saturday August 15th, marked India's independence day. The day when India was independent from British rule and tyranny. I had my own belated celebration at my favorite Indian Restaurant in Tuckahoe, NYC "Spice Village". The food at this restaurant is similar to eating at your favorite Indian Aunty's house in India!!! For those of you who may not have a favorite Indian Auntie in India....the food is just plain YUMMMMMY!!! Incredible Vegetarian items, delicious desserts and buffet lunches! I was excited to see that they will be having special Onam Sadya for a few days towards the end of August and leading into September. For those of you who don't know...Onam is a South Indian Festival, specifically from the state of Kerala. Onam Sadya is the huge feast of vegetarian items that are specially prepared to celebrate this festival. If you are not on vacation in South India for Onam, where you will feast on amazing food, watch Boat Races, witness beautiful art displays made with fresh flowers and more.....All vegetarians should check out the Onam Sadya at Spice Village. It is the thing closest to Authentic Indian Cuisine in NYC! I can't wait!!! For more info about my favorite Indian Restaurant in NYC visit: http://www.spicevillage.net/