Spice Market comes to Atlanta at the new W, Midtown

Spice Market, Atlanta
Jean George's Spice Market features cuisine inspired from the street food of South Eastern Asia.
www.culinaryconcepts.com
http://www.jeangeorges.blogspot.com/

My favorite dishes:
black pepper shrimp with sundried pineapple
spices chicken samosas with cilantro yogurt
shanghai noodles (in pic)
pork vindaloo
thai jewels

San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rican colones are 490 to a dollar. We were in San Jose for the weekend. Cindy and Ernesto will be moving there in June for a year. I will miss them very much but will fly often to visit. This trip was more about getting a feel for the neighborhood than about rainforests or volcanoes. It was fun. Some thinngs that we covered on this trip...

1) Escazu and Santa Ana neighborhoods

2) El Pueblo nightlife, bar areas downtown

3) The park that runs in the middle of downtown and along sabana sur neighborhood

4) Hotel Grana de Oro -- Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 35-room hotel has the warmth and comfort of a private home. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxuriant plants at every turn. Italian tile fountains that grace the intimate atrium are a must. The breakfast is great as is the bar/cafe area.

Cancun, Mexico

This is one of the most inspirational books I have read. It is the story of Lance Armstrong who battles cancer, defies his odds for survival and wins Tour De France making the idea of a medical miracles a reality. I hear a miracle happens everyday. This, like mum's case is one of them.

My favorite lines:

"The truth is that cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me. Why would I want to change, even for a day, the most important and shaping event of my life?"

"I don't check my mother at the door"

"i want to die at a hundred years old after screaming down an Alpine descent on a bycycle at 75 miles per hour"

A prayer for mum, for life

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pusti - vardhanam /Urva - rukamiva BandhananMrtyor - muksheeya Ma - amritat

The Maha Mrityunjay is a mantra that is said to rejuvenate, bestow health, wealth, a long life, peace, propsperity and contentment. The Mantra is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and bliss.The prayer is addressed to LORD SHIVA.

By chanting this Mantra, Divine vibrations are generated which ward off all the negative and evil forces and create a powerful protective shield. And it is said to protect the one who chants against accidents and misfortunes of every kind. It is a vibration that pulsates through every cell, every molecule of our body and tears away the veil of ignorance.

It ignites a fire within us that consumes all our negativity and purifies our entire system. It is also said to have a powerful healing of diseases declared uncurable even by the doctors. It is a Mantra to conquer death and connects us to our own inner divinity.Known as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva, Maha Mrityunjay evokes the Shiva within and removes the fear of death, liberating one from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Sundance Film Festival 2008

I was lucky to go to Sundance this year to do some interviews with the press for Delta. The Delta Sky 360 lounge is located across from the post office (Address was 449 main Street I think). In here we have displayed our wines, Chef Michelle Bernstein menus and appetizers, Samples form Todd English and wines from Andrea Robinson. Also in here is our lie flat 777 LR seat and our refurbished BE seat with our seat back In-Flight Entertainment. The lounge is frequented by customers, employees, partners, travel agents, media and execs. Hope we get some hits with the media. This is such a cool space. I stayed with Tina Wilmore who has an amazing place on Mahre Drive about 15 minutes form the main drag. Tina and Bill are awesome hosts.

New Years 2008

I was in New York and it was awesome! Started off in Time Square, followed by a great party (Thanks Annika!) at Delta's Sky 360 Lounge located at 101 West 57th street and finally ended up at Wyclef's house (I'm not kidding....yes, that's him in the red hat). I wished him a Happy New Year! Annika knew his manager so we got invited. He was cool and most people there were his family and friends.

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots

16 and 0 woohoo!

I am a New England Patriots fan. More than that, I am a Tom Brady fan. How could you not be? Living in Boston for 6 years will do that.

It was a record-setting night for the Patriots. Brady set an NFL single-season record for touchdown passes (49) and Randy Moss broke the single-season mark for touchdown receptions held by Jerry Rice with his 23rd of the season when the two teamed up on a 65-yard score in the fourth quarter. The Patriots also set the NFL single-season record for points scored (589) on Brady's 4-yard touchdown pass to Moss in the second quarter, breaking the 1998 Minnesota Vikings' mark of 556.

Habitat for Humanity

This was an incredible experience. The village of Nagewadi is in a remote area north of the commercial center of Karjat about 3 hours from Mumbai. Delta and Habitat helped build 8 homes for tribal farmers and their families. The village has a mix of kucha and pukka houses. The pukka houses belong to people that can afford a home; the kucha houses are made from reed and cow dung paste. I was assigned to build a home for Chebi and Vithal Thorad, and their three girls, Ashwini, Sadhna and Manda.
We worked all day from 8 am to 4:30 pm in 95 degree heat. The home was built from bricks and mud. Following a brief learning curve, I soon got the hang of it. The last day of the build we decorated the houses for a dedication ceremony that was very emotional. We presented the families with steel cooking utensils for cooking. The children had created Rangoli's (colorful designs on the floor to signify celebration/a happy occasion). We took several Polaroid pictures of the kids and families and left them behind for them. The joy on their faces was precious. This rewarding feeling and the smiles on the children's faces makes it all worthwhile. To me it was a life-changing experience. There is no doubt in my mind that we got more out of this than they will.

We got a lot of media coverage which was unexpected but great for Delta

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/perry-garfinkel/may-deltas-force-be-wi_b_74814.html

http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=127371

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/11/13/stories/2007111350440300.htm

http://in.news.yahoo.com/071115/43/6namp.html

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Dreams-make-a-smooth-landing-for-these-tribal-families/239569/

Thanksgiving in Dubai

The 5 key things you should do if you go there:

1) Dune Bashing: We went to Hatta dessert not far from the city. We rented 4 Runners and a crazy driver. Driving on the dunes is something to experience.

Best memory: The video of us in the 4 runner, free henna and belly dancers under a moonlit sky

2) Burj Al Arab I have blooged about this building before. This time we ate lunch at the restaurant. Probably the most expensive lunch I will ever eat but totally worth it for the experience. The food and wine was excellent too. Best memory: Ajay chugging wine in a 7 star hotel leading to Smita driving his Mercedes home.

3) Gold Sukh: I have never seen so much gold lining a single street. Everything you can imagine in gold.

Best memory: Cindy trying on several gold rings (like she was going to buy something?) and telling the shop owner how he should have used more expensive and precious stones or something like that.

4) Jumeriah Beach

Best memory: While we decided to lay out in our bathing suits, we noticed that most others were in full Arab gowns while people in the water were wearing regular underwear (and I mean cotton boxers, briefs and such. do they not sell bathing suits in Dubai?)

5) Bab-el-shams

If you can afford it, do it. This is a Dessert Retreat complete with luxury, dunes, pools, camel rides, spas, awesome food and so on. We just went there for dinner.

Diwali in Mumbai

We landed on Diwalin night. The city was awake with firecrackers, music, lights and people everywhere. Nameeta was leaving to go to a puja(prayer) at midnight so we decided to join her. Didn't go to bed until 4 am and even at this hour the city was alive! Diwali is the festival of lights.

Girls weekend in NYC

Hotspot #1: Dream Hotel 210 W 55th Street between Broadway and 7th; sexy and stylish lounge and rooms

Hotspot #2: Sky 360, Delta's new lounge on 55th and 7th

Hotspot #3: Eva lounge on the penthouse of Dream hotel; excellent DJ Friday nights

Hotspot #4: Bayleaf Indian buffet 49 W 56th Street between 5th and 6th; Lunch buffet was very good with lamb vindaloo, shrimp curry, methi malai mutter, pumkin and such dishes.

Halloween 2007

Counting Crows in Sky 360 (NYC)

Smita with Adam Duritz - lead singer of Couting Crows at Sky 360 (corner of 57th and 6th) in NYC on October 21, 2007. The Delta lounge is a cafe by day and a club by night. Stop by if you are ever in Manhattan -- we have free internet, coffee, wine tastings, ipod and phone charging stations, cool music and nightly events.

Cancer

I want to write about cancer but I don't know just what to write. It came into our family 2 years ago when mom unexpectedly found an unusual occurance on her tongue. Now, a few years, miracles, prayer, radiation, doctors, tears, fights, victories, drugs, hopes and days later we face it again. Mom is a survivor and I know she will fight this but it makes me so mad that we cannot kill the cancer completely and any time it can creep back into our lives like an ugly nightmare. Mom, I love you so much and I am so proud of you. We are by your side but it is your strength, spirit, attitude, courage and happy smile that will win this fight :-)

I know how much you love bougenvilla bonsia so here is my gift to you :-)

US Open

I was fortunate to watch the mens quater finals and mixed double finals for the US Open this year. I saw Chela, Ferrer and Paes on center court at Arthur Ashe stadium in NYC. Watching Leander Paes was exciting since he is from India and I was very familiar with his game and past. My dad is an avid Tennis fan so I grew up watching Tennis religiously.

Luke and Maureen

Luke is my godson. He lives in Boston with his mom Maureen. We share the same birthday and it feels like yesterday when I was in the hospital waiting for him to be born. I can't believe he is 7 now. Maureen and I have been friends for 11 years. We met in Boston when I lived there between 1996 and 2003. I love Boston and I love going back there to see my friends. Just can't do the cold and the high cost of living anymore. Luke, Maureen Alana and I goofed off this weekend and played in malls. I think the shopping is much better there than in Atlanta. It was awesome to see them. Maureen and Luke just lost their apartment to a fire. The reality of the fire really hit me when we went inside and saw the destruction. They are doing really well though and have the prayers and support of friends and family.

Absolut Ice Bar Copenhagen

The bar has a temp of -5 degress and is located in Hotel 27 which is in the heart of Copenhagen very close to Town hall square and Tivoli gardens.

The walls, artwork, chairs and even the glasses are made of ice. They will give you boots, parkas and gloves. The cocktail "Snow Queen" made with Absolut Currant and Mango puree was fantastic!

Biking

So I bought a kick ass bike this weekend. The freedom park and stone mountain trails are really close by and I finally went on a long and awesome bike ride today. Couldn't figure out what happens after the trail goes over Boulevard so didn't quite get to the zero mile mark at Georgia Tech but will have to figure that one out. The other direction I hear is an 18 mile stretch of buildings, trees, parks all the way to stone mountian.

I bought the bike at Outback in Little 5, only a couple miles from my home. http://www.outback-bikes.com/

Edgemont, my sales guy was so helpful and very knowledgeble and I would highly recommend him if you are in need for a bike and especially if you are a new biker like me. I tested both the Specialized and Bianchi models in my price range and ended up getting a Bianchi Bay City Cross-Terrain® bike. It is lightweight, versatile comfortable with an upright riding position with easy-to-operate shifting and brakes. They have all the gear and accessories like th ebike racks, helmets etc.

Cooking with Smita

http://www.cookingwithsmita.com/

Since food and wine and cooking are a passion for me, I have decided to start another blog with recipes.

If you like to cook ethnic food, check out my food blog @

http://cookingwithsmita.blogspot.com/

Bon Appetite!

Virgin America

So I experienced Virgin America on Friday, Aug 10 from JFK to SFO. The inflight experience was really quite amazing. I felt like I was in a night club for the entire flight. What really stood out and impressed me:

- the lighting (makes a huge difference)

- the trio of appetizers (shrimp cocktail, melon w/prociutto, mozarella tomato) and trio desserts (mousse, creme puff or raspberry)

- the thai chicken green curry with bok choy served over rice complete with cilantro garnish (definitely one of the better thai green curries ive had and believe me I know my curries!!)

- powerful brand experience (personally i think Virgin is one of the best brands in the world; tough to say given they are the competition..)

- new white leather seats (massage feature, awesome recline for a FC seat, red pillows)

- the ability to order food and have it delivered to your seat in coach

- very good entertainment system and content -- music, movies, games, large screen, sleek black units (nothing spectacular but just very good)

Bourne Ultimatum

Saw it last night - opening night and definitely worth it. Talk about action packed. The third in the Bourne series was the best of the 3. It is non-stop action from start to finish and Jason Bourne is perfect as always -- the tough guy with the emotional side that is showcased brilliantly. The close up hand-held style of filming made it tough to see the scenes clearly but it was what made it a thrill ride (car chases and bathroom fight scenes were off the charts and totally insane!!!). Easily best action movie of summer 2007. So, go see it on the big screen!

Smita's top tunes this week

4 in the morning - Gwen Stephani
Get it Shawty - Lloyd
You know i'm no good - Amy Winehouse
Our time now - Plain White T's
Apologize - Timbaland & One Republic
Umbrella - Rihanna & Jay-Z
Big girls don't cry - Fergie
Makes me wonder - Maroon 5

Smita's top 12 restaurants in Atlanta

12 Taqueria del sol(Mexican): simple, fish tacos, margheritas, salsa trio, warm chips, 2 buck tacos

11 Six feet under (American): oyster shots, best burgers, upstairs patio

10 Eclipse de luna (Spanish): Tapas, Music, Sangria

9 Fritti (Italian): truffle oil mushroom pizza, atmosphere, unique pizza's

8 Bhojanic (Indian): Thalis, shrimp appetizer, band on fridays, outdoor seating

7 Surin (Thai): Highlands, best nam tok, coconut chicken soup

6 Agave (Southwestern): tuna tartar, civeche, margheritas,

5 Ecco (Eclectic): Meats, cheeses, outdoor patio, club vibe, nice bar,

4 MF (Sushi) : Awesome sushi

3 Top spice (Malaysian): roti canai, spicy burn your mouth shrimp

2 Krog bar (Mediterranean): Wine pairings are beyond good; awesome apps, 3 gelatos, nice bar

1 One Midtown Kitchen (Fusion, Eclectic): Atmosphere, wine bar, baked goatcheese, mussles

Boeing 787 Dreamliner launch on 7-8-07

Today is a big day in Aviation. It is the launch of the Boeing 787 as planned on 7-8-07. This jet will will transform the civil aviation industry forever. The airplane is 50% composite plastic and the fuselage uses carbon fibre. This makes the plane lighter saving 20% on fuel. The inside is sweet too -- 3 settings for lighting, bigger windows, higher humidity. Price is a cool $150 millionish and they are selling like hotcakes. Range is about 8000 nm -- JFK-BOM, LAX-BKK

2 am

2 AM and I'm still awake,
writing a song
If I get it all down on paper,
it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary,
screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them,
however you want to
But you can't jump the track,
we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass,
glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand.
and breathe,
just breathe

Mumbai Siteseer

Cindy, Nami and I were responsible for a home made video that went live on delta.com on Delta Siteseer. The theme was "markets of Mumbai" Here is the youtube link. Check it out!Above is the Taj Mahal hotel and the Gateway of India. I took this picture while returning from Elephanta caves by boat. This is a great day trip.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Westin, Resort and Spa is located on Port Royal Plantation which is walking distance from HHH (airport). Alternate airports are Savannah which is about is about 45 minutes away or Charleston which is a 2 hour drive.

Within the Port Royal plantation, there is bicycle and jogging paths, three championship golf courses, and sixteen tennis courts. The hotel can also arrange for kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding. Runner's World Maps are available for 3-mile and 5-mile jogging/walking routes from the hotel. We did the 5 mile walk/run around the golf course -- it was awesome. Didn't have time to rent bikes -- maybe next time.
We also found a great Thai restaurant just 5 minutes away called Ruan Thai -- excellent nam tok. There is a really good selection of restaurants pretty close to the hotel.