24 April 2021

From the bartender’s corner – Tamarind Martini

While looking for cocktails that use Spicy Tamarind vodka, I came across this recipe. It actually does not use tamarind vodka. Instead, it uses tamarind paste (which I had!!).

Thoroughly mix half a lime worth of juice, couple of pinches of Tajin salt, quarter spoonful of tamarind sauce and a spoonful of sugar in a mixing glass. Pour ice, 2 ounces of vodka (I used Tito’s) and 3 ounces of water and mix thoroughly. Pour into a martini glass that has been rimmed with Tajin salt.

Nice tarty taste with a kick from the Tajin salt…

Category: Cocktails | LEAVE A COMMENT
24 April 2021

Finally, got the clearance!!

The good news is that after fourteen months, I got the message that I am finally cleared to go back to hospices to spend time with people who are in the last stages of their lives. Need to still get the painful subcutaneous Mantoux test done (to test against TB), but right now I have been assigned two young ladies (both 87) pining away their last days in two different hospices. And I have a brand new mask to show off too!!

The bad news is of course, none of my old friends that I got abruptly sundered from are there any more. In fact, most passed away without even being able to see their loved ones at the height of the pandemic.

Category: In Transit | LEAVE A COMMENT
23 April 2021

This was a favorite song for my mom

Brought out one more vinyl record from the India trip, cleaned it up and listed to it. Nazrulgeeti by Anup Ghoshal. One of the favorite songs for my mom is on Side A – “Nai chiniley amaay tumi”

I think the words go this way…
“Nai chiniley amaay tumi
Roibo aadhek chena
Chaand ki janey kothay fotey
Chaandni raater hena”

Roughly translated…
“So what if I remain a stranger to you
Somebody vaguely familiar to you?
The moon does not know either
Where the fragrant flowers bloom in the moonlit night”

Category: Music/Poetry | LEAVE A COMMENT