An Indian Summer.

Sorry guys, I know it has been a while since we last posted something... we have been busy travelling. We decided since the summer is coming to an end, why not spend a few weeks in India? and that's exactly what we did! We started the trip with Calcutta as our first pit stop where it was raining non-stop since its the monsoon season.. but the rain didn't damper us from spending quality time with the family and eating some great street food. Then we were off to Goa for some sun, sand, sea and some more amazing food and drinks. I personally have really been looking forward to visiting Goa since my last trip was when i was 5! The rest of India may still have a little bit of essence left from the British Raj, not Goa... from  the food to the language to even their Joie de vivre is still very much Portuguese. 

Images by: Richa

Other than eating  lots of pork like pigs...we loved the laid back life style and the shack style living in Goa, and it is sure to become one of our regular place to go to... Hope everybody else had a fabulous summer. 

The Plantation.

It has been a crazy week of hopelessly looking at new flats and after searching from one side of the island to the other, I think it is safe to say that there is finally a glimmer of hope...and I can only imagine planting in front of the TV with a nice chilled drink and a refreshing salad.

Granted, its a Wednesday, but hey... I'm allowed to reward myself for climbing up and down endless stairs and all the hard work!

Image by: richa

I ended up making a Vermicelli salad - Thai style with lots  of chili, lime and sweet basil and the only drink I could think of having with is the Plantation which I read about in American drink's blog. But as usual added a little twist to it...
What You Will Need:

Image by: richa

Image by: richa

Muddle the basil and lime together with a muddler. Add the Gin, Cointreau, grapefruit juice and the ginger infused sugar syrup and shake with ice for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass and if desired, top with some sparkling water. Garnish with sweet basil and a slice of grapefruit.

I was pleasantly surprised that this recipe wasn't another Rum concoction, given its name... if you are a Gin fan, this is a must try... and if you are not, after you try this, you will surely be converted!