masalaminds may - june 2014

Region-wise Italian specialty pizzas Rediscovering paradise - TuscanyWhat to expect when having dinner with ItaliansBlissfully Italian cheesesFascinating Carnevale di Venezia

May- Jun 2014 www.MasalaMinds.com

Dolce Vita! Italy

2 MasalaMinds.com • May - Jun 2014

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Trending Now Tea-flavored cupcakes, Colorful pastas, Chia seeds, Golden Buddha temple at Dambulla & Street cars

Kitchen Corner Aceto Balsamico (Balsamic vinegar) of Modena, & recipes of classic risotto and refreshing limoncello

MasalaMinds Online Community User Reviews about Italian food products & dining out

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Region-wise Italian specialty pizzas

Rediscovering paradise - Tuscany

What to expect when having dinner with Italians

Blissfully Italian cheeses

Fascinating Carnevale di Venezia

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Dolce Vita! Italy

May - Jun 2014 • MasalaMinds.com 3

C O N T E N T S

Editorial Disclaimer: All material published are the copyright of MasalaMinds. Views expressed in the magazine are of the contributors and does not necessarily bind the Editor or the Publisher of the magazine. MasalaMinds does not hold responsibility for the outcome of decision or action based on the information contained in the publication.

Global palates are expanding, and international food sections are growing in every market all over

the world. Whether you’re near or far from home, your favorite comfort foods are always nearby.

Globalization has also generated interest in exploring other locations and cultures – understanding the

local mindset and shopping like a native, be it for food or other products and services. Rooted in passion

for food, culture, and travel, MasalaMinds explores these topics and gives you the tools to help you plan

your perfect getaway or find your new favorite flavors.

Our sister site MasalaMinds.com can help you work through the multitude of issues that you face when

you move or travel to a new place, region, or culture by connecting you with feedback from folks who

have paved the path for your journey. MasalaMinds.com also collects advice from the locals in your new/

current location. Think of MasalaMinds as a substitute for the network of family and friends that you left

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MasalaMinds.com provides a place to lead others in your exploration. Or, you can simply start wandering

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food


food

Pasta is getting a face lift! Demand for gluten-free and low-carb cuisine is motivating retailers to come up with new innovations while creating pastas. Raw spinach and eggs are added to make green pasta, while red pasta is made by adding tomatoes, carrots and eggs to the flour and unsweetened chocolate and eggs are added to make brown pasta. Other variants like basil fettuccine, and kamut spirals are also seen. Cooking flavored pasta can be simple. Saute garlic in olive oil, add the cooked pasta and finish it with a drizzle of butter. Tasty, quick as well as healthy! What’s not to love?

Now you can drink your tea and eat it too! This year, the stage is all set for tea-flavored cupcakes. Tea brews lend their earthy flavor to cupcakes, resulting in exotic and appetizing combinations. Earl grey tea with its and smoky flavor works especially well. Those who prefer green tea can try green tea infused cupcakes with almond cream and cheese frosting. Enjoy this sweet treat and experience the difference.

Colorful pastas

Tea-flavored cupcakes

Trending Now


foodTrending Now

Poaching, a simmering cooking process is fast gaining popularity over boiling as a healthy cooking option. While boiling food squeezes out their proteins and moisture, poaching allows the proteins to unwrap slowly, and preserves the moisture too. The poaching liquid can be water, broth or milk and can be flavored with aromatics like herbs and spices, vegetables like onions and celery or acids like lemon juice or vinegar. Cooking chicken breasts slowly in simmering broth ensure that they will turn out succulent. Add a poached egg on toast along with grilled tomatoes and mushrooms; add salad leaves, sprinkle salt and pepper to make a favorite brunch item.

A member of the mint family, and a staple food of the ancient Mayans, Chia seeds are drawing the interest of many due to its health benefits. These seeds are gluten free, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, dietary fibre and protein. They help to reduce cholesterol, and promote brain strength, weight loss, healthy teeth and bones. Make a delicious dessert of creamy chocolate chia pudding by mixing cocoa powder, brown sugar, and instant coffee powder with chia seeds. Top it with a spoonful of whipped cream. A yummy treat as well as a healthy option!

travelPoaching gains traction

Chia seeds


travelTrending Now

The Dambulla cave temple in Sri Lanka has been a popular World Heritage site for over 22 centuries. The enormous Buddha statue, petal shaped balconies, and a mouth doorway creates an impressive and serene pilgrimage. The cave of ‘Maharaja Lena’ (cave of the great kings) includes 60 Buddha statues, with detailed workmanship of superior merit. Scenes depicting various happenings in the life of Gautama Buddha are carved in the rock walls. An awe inspiring destination.

Streetcars which were ditched during the early 50s have made a comeback in the US. One can have a glimpse of gliding street cars in four cities including; New Orleans, Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland, with a few more cities to trail soon. This is expected to add to the tourist attraction along with the vintage cars that cater more often to tourists. While some European cities and Melbourne already have an established network of streetcars, US cities are also headed that way. An urban design legacy!

Golden Buddha temple at Dambulla

Return of the streetcars


Dolce Vita! Italy


Dolce Vita! Italy


Region-wise Italian specialty pizzasPizzas are probably Italy’s best contributions to the culinary world. Recipes are passed down through generations, and are guarded as secretly as pirate’s treasure. Specific regions of Italy have their own recipes dependent on the ingredients grown locally. Here are a few of them. Buon Appetito!

Margherita pizza from CampaniaWhen Queen Margherita visited Naples of Campania region, the pizza Margherita was created; named after her. With ingredients representing the three colors of the Italian flag, basil (green), tomatoes (red), and mozzarella (white) this is the one of the most popular pizzas’ throughout the world today. No fancy toppings are added or even needed here! Simple but ultra delicious! Treat yourself to an authentic Margherita and take your senses on a trip to Italy!

Dolce Vita! Italy

Good things in life like love and laughter are free; add a Focaccia pizza to it, and good things get a lot better! The flavorful Focaccia Genovese with a thick golden crust is the pride of Ligurian cuisine. Black taggiasca olives of Liguria, onions, and anchovies


Focaccia from LiguriaGood things in life like love and laughter are free; add a Focaccia pizza to it, and good things get a lot better! The flavorful Focaccia Genovese with a thick golden crust is the pride of Ligurian cuisine. Black taggiasca olives of Liguria, onions, and anchovies or sardines are used as toppings to make it more delectable. The Recco-style Focaccia with two thin layers of crust and silky cheese in between is mostly made in the coastal villages of Italy.

Dolce Vita! Italy


Pizza Bianca from RomePizza Bianca (white pizza) is Rome’s culinary classic, square shaped sublime flat bread with soft core and thin crispy edges. A drizzle of olive oil, rosemary sprigs and sprinkled salt provide the entire flavor. No cheese, pepper or tomatoes in sight. Though it is often eaten plain, some snack bars in Rome stuff it with fresh figs, prosciutto, and mozzarella. Eat in Rome as the Romans do. Relish your pizza Bianca with fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, and a glass of wine. Divine!

Dolce Vita! Italy


Panzerotti Pugliesi from ApuliaYour quest for exotic pizza ends here. Mini pizza pockets are filled with a combination of cheeses like parmigiano reggiano, pecorino or caciocavallo along with egg, parsley and nutmeg. They are then folded over and pinched to close before being baked or deep fried to a perfect golden-brown crunch. Irresistible goodness in small bites.

Dolce Vita! Italy


Sfincione from SicilyAuthentic Sfincione (Sfinciuni in Sicilian) comes from Palermo region of Sicily, while other regions in Sicily have their own variations. These are rectangular in shape with thick crust. Herbs, cheese, anchovies and tomato for toppings. A vibrant flavor of Sicily.

Dolce Vita! Italy


Rediscovering Paradise – TuscanyThere are rare moments in life when one experiences blissful tranquility and wonders if heaven is here. Enjoy the feeling; countless times at the heart of Italy – Tuscany.

Toscana (in Italian) is a land of shaded woods, sandy beaches and hilly areas dotted with castles and vineyards, a place where colors of nature explode in a way words couldn’t describe. Medieval castles speak a thousand tales, while their churches and museums preserve the world’s best repository of renaissance art. The picture perfect vineyards, and mountain villages surrounded by olive groves are dreams from another world.

Dolce Vita! Italy

San Gimignano

Pisa

Lucca

Florence


Popular destinations:Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a pearl of a city, laden with cultural charms. The ‘Duomo’ is the city’s iconic landmark and one among the ‘big three’ monuments of Italy (the other two being Pisa’s leaning tower and Rome’s Colosseum).

Lucca, known as the walled city, with its cobbled streets, reddish orange roofs and handsome piazzas is a perfect destination to be explored by foot. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers. Wandering through the streets of this city makes one feel like entering an illuminated manuscript. Built on the banks of the Arno River, the city of Pisa offers many attractions including the world famous leaning tower of Pisa, Palazzo Agostini and many more. Take a leisurely stroll through the ‘Lungarni di Pisa’ and the riverside streets to experience the romantic flair of this city.

Dolce Vita! Italy

II Palio

Carnival of Viareggio

Pinocchio


Culture & festivalsEach carnival season during the months of February and March, Tuscany celebrates the Carnival of Viareggio and Carnival of Foiano della Chiana with much gusto and jubilation. The Carnival of Viareggio with its 141 years of history includes numerous parades with eye-catching paper mache floats with masked dancers aboard them. Thousands of spectators take to the streets for the celebrations and parades. Every year on July 2 and August 16, the city of Siena comes to life during the celebration of II Palio, one of the most spectacular festivals of Italy. This urban horse racing dates back to 1600’s where ten jockeys compete bareback around the medieval square of ‘Piazza del Campo’ to win the Palio, the silk banner depicting Madonna and the child.

Pinocchio hails from Tuscany, no word of a lie. His birthday is celebrated on the 25th of May in the Tuscan town of Pescia- Collodi. The Pinocchio Park attracts hordes of tourists who come to experience the fun and adventure of a fairy-tale day.

Dolce Vita! Italy

Ravioli di ricotta

Fagioli in fiasco Lardo di Colonnata


Gastronomic delightsTuscan cuisine describes the bounty of the land, with age-old recipes that are passed down through generations. Thyme, rosemary, olive oil and fennel are used generously in many of the dishes. Tortelli and ravioli are classic Tuscan pastas. The Ravioli di ricotta of Florence, pasta with ricotta cheese and boiled spinach filling and served with sage-infused butter has gained immense popularity today. Because of their high intake and love of beans, Tuscans are known as ‘mangiafagioli’ (bean eaters). A trip to Tuscany remains incomplete without trying the prized cured meat, Lardo di Colonnata, transparent slices of pig’s back fat that melt in your mouth. Last but not the least, grab an artfully hand-crafted gelato (ice cream) made with natural ingredients from one of the ‘gelaterias’ around here.

Dolce Vita! Italy


Italians love food. We try to make every meal sit-down because it keeps our families closer together. By every meal, I don’t just mean the customary breakfast, lunch, and dinner either. When I was 16 years old, I was surprised to learn that the FDA recommends you eat three meals a day. Not seven. If you are presented with the opportunity to enjoy a dinner with your

Italian friend and their family, here is a little insight to give you a preview of what to expect.

Italy is a very lawless country. They have very few rules, and the ones they do have are frequently broken with no consequence. What Italy does have though, are strict food laws. For example, it is prohibited to order a cappuccino with your raviolis. You most definitely cannot dine on lasagna, and wash it down with an espresso. It’s just not accepted. I guess this goes without saying- Italians take food and food etiquette very seriously.

As serious as Italians are about committing food crimes, please don’t let this affect your dinner plans. When you arrive at your friend’s home, expect to be kissed on the cheek, twice. Right to left is the order so you don’t bump noses with anyone. A guest should not sit down at the table until invited to do so.

Dolce Vita! Italy

What to expect when having

dinner with ItaliansBy Dianna Sbabo


As you begin the meal, be prepared to finish your food. Leaving large amounts of food left-over on your plate is considered an insult to the cook. Italians strongly object to the American habit of picking out healthy food and leaving it in a neat pile on the side of the plate. Eat your veggies, an Italian cooked them so they will be delicious- scout’s honor! As for salad dressing, Italians use oil and vinegar so don’t expect to smother your salad in ranch dressing and don’t even think about asking for any “Italian dressing.” Depending on the authenticity of your friend’s Italian customs, you might need to hold your fork in your left hand and knife in the right. This will surely impress anyone caring to watch your ways.

When everyone is done eating and the host/hostess shows signs of cleaning up, it is very admirable to offer to help. Don’t worry, you will not have to wash or rinse any dishes on a full stomach; your offer will be much appreciated but humbly declined. At this point there is nothing left to worry about. There you have it, you have managed to survive a dinner with an Italian family without insulting anyone and even impressing them with your knowledge of Italian food etiquette. Congratulazioni!

Dolce Vita! Italy

‘The king of Cheese’,Parmigiano Reggiano, more commonly known as Parmesan cheese in other parts of the world, originates from the fertile Po River valley in Northern Italy, where pure grass fed cows produce the perfect milk for the cheese makers. An authentic wheel of this cheese is easily recognizable with its pin dotted name etched onto its rind. A firm, grainy cheese with a golden sheen, which finds a place of pride in most cheese boards! The small broken chunks not only enhance the board but also pack a punch in each small bite. It can be added to sauces for a rich, nutty flavor or flaked over salads or grated on pastas for a savory finale. It is important to let the cheese come to room temperature to the let the flavors unfold. Last but not the least, the rind can be tossed in soups, stocks or sauces to impart its signature nutty, full flavor.

More than pasta and pizza, Italy offers a mouth watering collection of cheeses that ought to be in every foodie’s repertoire.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Blissfully Italian cheeses


Dolce Vita! Italy


Dolce Vita! Italy

The classic Pizza Cheese! With a delicate, milky flavor and wonderful elasticity; when heated, Mozzarella is a huge favorite among Italians, as well as worldwide. It is an extremely versatile cheese with numerous culinary uses. Available in various forms, fresh, smoked, marinated with herbs, this cheese can be enjoyed fresh or as an ingredient for classic Italian favorites like pizzas, paninis, calzones, chicken and eggplant parmigiana. The classic Caprese salad, which has layers of sliced mozzarella and ripe tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, some basil and black pepper is an easy to make but scrumptious salad.

The Mozzarella di Bufala, made with water buffalo’s milk produces a more luscious, and creamier mozzarella than regular cow’s milk mozzarella.

Mozzarella

Ricotta is a soft white cheese with a crumbly texture made from the whey of ewes’ or cow’s milk. It is equally used in sweet as well as savory dishes. The cheese serves as an ideal filling for raviolis, shells and pastas. There are many types of ricotta, from fresh ones to salted and dried varieties. Ricotta Salata, is made from fresh ricotta that has been pressed, salted and aged for at least 90 days. This classic white lasagna cheese has a firm, yet not solid, texture and a mild, sweet and supple taste. It is perfect for dicing, crumbling or grating and pairs well with fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, pastas, olives and light wine. It makes a terrific topping for salads and pastas especially with spinach.


Ricotta & Ricotta Salata

MascarponeCrafted from cow’s milk, Mascarpone is a sweet, creamy cheese with a mild buttery flavor and smooth spreadable texture. This extremely versatile cheese is sometimes used as a substitute for whipped cream. It makes a great accompaniment for fresh fruits and berries, serves as a delectable spread for crackers & breads or melts smoothly into sauces and soups for that luxurious creaminess. Though Mascarpone forms an essential ingredient in many Italian desserts, perhaps, its most popular use is in the much-loved dessert, the Tiramisu.


Provolone Another kitchen workhorse, Provolone is a full flavored, semi-hard whole cow’s milk cheese aged at least two months to develop its tantalizing taste and creamy, buttery texture. Depending on the aging time and moisture content, the cheese’s flavor can range from mild and medium to sharp or extra sharp. There are two kinds of Provolone - Provolone Dolce, which is young and sweet, and Provolone Piccante, which is mature and has a sharper, more pungent taste. A layer of provolone is likely to make any sandwich, whether hot or cold, better. Top your grilled burger with a slice of provolone or shred it into your lasagna or any baked pasta dish for a perfect gooey finish.



PecorinoEssentially all sheep’s milk cheese from Italy is referred to as Pecorino, therefore it covers a wide variety of cheeses but the most popular of these is the Pecorino Romano. Fresh ewes’ milk from the lush fields of Tuscan Maremma, Sardegna and regions around Rome is crafted into this savory masterpiece with an attractive golden hue. This quick maturing cheese is a fundamental ingredient in southern Italian cuisine. Seldom eaten as table cheese, Pecorino is ideal for grating and cooking. It can be used in lieu of the Parmesan in cooking but moderation is the key word while using this cheese because of its sharp, salty and intense flavor. The Pecorino Pepato is a very pretty looking variety with a sprinkling of black peppercorns.


Fascinating Carnevale di VeneziaIn the romantic city of Venice, the everlasting tradition of carnival gives life to a precious form of art – beautiful masks and exotic costumes.

Though carnivals are a national phenomenon throughout Italy during February and March, the carnival of Venice is undoubtedly the most popular one where the whole city bursts into life and gets engulfed in an outburst of tradition and fun. It started during the 10th century to mark the victory of ‘Serenissima Repubblica’ (Republic of Venice) and is annually celebrated since then. The city gets immensely crowded with people dressed up in elaborate costumes and mysterious masks. Revelers have no dearth of means of enjoyment and participate in merriments like gondola parades, balls, masquerades, parties, street performances, competitions and parades with spectacular floats.

As with every celebration that happens in Italy, food is an important part of the festivities and the carnival is no exception. Sweet fried treats called ‘Castagnole - small soft dough balls sprinkled with powdered sugar’ and ‘Galani - sweet & thin fried pastry strips’ are to be found all over the city and are a must-try.

Dolce Vita! Italy

Castagnole

Galani

Piazza San Marco Square


Dolce Vita! Italy

Magical MasksThe most fascinating feature of the Venetian carnivals is the elaborate masks adorned by participants. These masks are an example of fine artistry, an expression of beauty in an explosion of colors. Not only do these masks protect the wearer’s identity, they also create a mysterious aura around the person wearing it, which intrigues all on-lookers. Traditional Venetian masks are handmade with paper-mache as the base and then embellished with jewels, lace and feathers. Craquele, a special technique is used to paint some masks by which the masks get a cracked-eggshell effect providing them with an authentic antique look. If one arrives in Venice during this carnival unprepared for the celebrations, there is no need to be disappointed. Attractive theatrical costumes are available for rent or sale and numerous face painters can be found all over the city. The carnival of Venice casts its enchanting spell on all people, whether locals or tourists, and transports them to a surreal, almost magical world.

Craquelé Mask


Aceto Balsamico (Balsamic vinegar) of

Modena

Kitchen Corner

Balsamic Vinegar from the towns of Modena and Reggio, Italy, is a rich flavorful vinegar with an intense aroma and a complex sweet-tart flavor. It is made using traditional vinegar-making methods, which is strictly regulated by the balsamic consortium. It is crafted from the must of Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes then aged in wooden barrels. A self-preserving condiment that does not go stale, it is truly a perfect vinegar and complements everything from breads and salads to artisan cheeses and fresh fruits. Here are a few culinary explorations with this sweet and sour woody condiment.

Drizzle some balsamic vinegar into a shallow bowl containing extra virgin olive oil, and add fresh rosemary or basil leaves, if preferred. Dunk your crusty bread lightly in this oil and have a bite straight from heaven.


Kitchen Corner

Cut figs in quarters forming flowers, and arrange them with slices of prosciutto ham, salad rocket and cheese. Give your final touch with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. A multicolored mélange that tastes awesomely good!

Arrange mozzarella over sliced tomatoes, sprinkle salt and pepper, and decorate with basil leaves. Give a magic touch by sprinkling some balsamic vinegar. Taste it, and you will simply turn into a salad lover!

Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt over zucchinis quartered length wise. Brush them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and grill until golden brown. Your taste buds will fall in love with this flavor.

• 2 cups arborio rice • 1 cup white wine• 6 cups chicken broth • 3 tbsp butter • 1 large onion, chopped • 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced • 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated• 1 tbspfresh parsley, chopped• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Melt the butter in a wide bottomed saucepan; add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.

• Add the rice & sauté for 30 seconds.• Add the wine and a cup of the chicken broth & stir. • Keep stirring until the broth is almost absorbed and then

add in another cup of broth. • Keep repeating the procedure while constantly stirring

until the rice is fully cooked. The rice should be tender with a bite to it.

• Add the parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

RisottoPreparation Time: 40 minutesServes: 4

Ingredients Preparation


Kitchen Corner

• 1 bottle vodka (750ml) • 8 lemons, preferable organic• 5 cups water• 3 cups sugar

• Zest the lemons lightly with a vegetable peeler. Do not go too deep and use only the yellow part of the zest.

• Place the peels in a big airtight glass jar and cover with all the vodka.

• Allow it to rest for about 10-15 days in a cool place. Do not expose to sunlight.

• After the resting period is over, prepare basic simple syrup by boiling together water and sugar. Let the syrup cool off completely.

• Add it to the lemon peel and vodka mixture and allow resting for another 10-15 days.

• Strain the mixture into glass bottles and refrigerate or freeze. Serve chilled.

LimoncelloPreparation Time: 20 minutesReady in 20-30 days

Ingredients

Preparation


Kitchen Corner

MEMBER REVIEWS ON PRODUCTS & [email protected]

Gnocchi by AnnaTry This!

By: Angela Moen

Lambrusco Dell Emilia by Donatelo Fruity and Bubbly

By Chaya Chugani

This is a delicious Italian dish. Having eaten it before in Italy, I know that it is a very tasty food! Gnocchi is

popular in Europe and is also available in America. It can be made in many different ways. It is generally

served with a type of sauce and can have meat or vegetables with it. It is a unique alternative to ordering

a normal pasta dish when eating out. I highly recommend this food. My family prepares it at home all the

time.

Soft Ricotta Cheese by Tesco Versatile Tesco soft Ricotta Cheese

By Jagruti Raj

Ricotta cheese is made from cow’s milk and can be used in both sweet and savoury cooking. It has a fresh

and mild flavor that doesn’t overpower any dish that it is used in.

The best discovery for me was when I learned that ricotta cheese can be used in Indian cooking (as it is

suitable for vegetarians) and from that day onwards it has had a very special place in my Indian kitchen

too! I can now make khoya, peda, barfi (all traditional sweets) without compromising on authentic Indian

taste. So now there is no need to despair if you don’t live in an area that doesn’t stock mawa or khoya,

instead just visit your local supermarket and grab a pot of ricotta cheese!

I am not a drinker, in fact I quite detest alcohol. I wonder why it has to be the “Centre” of all celebrations...

why cant we clink a glass of juice instead of something alcoholic? Being young I have been subjected to

a lot of peer pressure to try this cocktail or the other. I was then introduced to this wine called “lambrusco”

by my friends and found it very pleasant to the taste. Its available in rose, red and white... I like it for its

fruity, sweet and pleasant taste. It is not dry or bitter to the palate and very pleasant for people who do

not like strong drinks. I suggest if you have never tasted or liked wine to sip this, I am sure you will like

it. By the way I must add its very inexpensive...under 2 Euros a bottle :) What more can one ask for???

MasalaMinds Online Community


Gnocchi by AnnaTry This!

Sweet Peppers - Calabrese Sauce by Barilla Sweet Peppers

By Mearsmedia

Barilla is a well known respected pasta sauce in the United States. The Sweet Peppers - Calabrese Sauce

is made from sweet red bell peppers, fresh garlic and tomatoes, olive oil, parsley, pepper and green bell

peppers. The Calabrese sauce is a light sauce perfect over Ziti or Penne pasta. The Barilla pasta tastes

great over ground beef or turkey. The pasta sauce is so easy to cook just heat in a sauce pan on top of

your stove and stir.

Amore - Mumbai Just another local Gelataria?

By: Magali Caira

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again - Mumbai has way too many chain gelaterias. And with all of them

having Italian, it’s very hard to distinguish between them.

Amore’s ‘claim to fame’ is that they do not use any artificial flavoring or preservatives. And so the prices

are a bit more as compared to some others. They have some nice flavors.

Maybe I’m not a gelato connoisseur but I couldn’t find anything different or better about this place. It’s as

good as the rest, in my opinion.

Being Italian, I tend to be very picky when it comes to boxed Italian-ish food like family-size frozen lasagna

and oven-ready frozen pizza. By picky I mean that I don’t eat these items by choice. I’ve consumed small

portions of these foods while visiting friends homes out of sheer politeness. I saw this particular pizza while

grocery shopping and thought to myself ,”I’ll make myself one of these frozen wannabes just to see if it

comes out of the oven looking even remotely close to the pizza pictured on the box.” I got home, popped

the pizza in the oven for 22 minutes and out came a perfectly baked- fluffy crusted pizza. It was wonderful!

I even found myself snacking on another delicious slice at 2:30 am! Digiorno blows every other frozen

pizza pie right out of the oven. I definitely recommend this to anyone against frozen pizza like I used to be.

I guarantee this will change your opinion.

Pepperoni Pizza Traditional Crust by Digiorno If it’s not delivery, it’s DiGIORNO!!

By: Cloudy Sbabo

I know the name makes it sound so typical ‘Pizza Inn’. The first thought in the mind is some local shop

with the average tasting pizza. You may choose different options for the toppings but no matter what you

choose it tastes the same in the end. Well, It is a local take out shop but everything that I have tasted in

their menu is not ordinary at all. The twisted ‘curly fries’ have a different crispy coating that I love the most.

Another different item in their menu is ‘Cheesy Delight’ it is creamy cheese that does not leave you with

a ‘I should not have eaten this’ kind of a feeling. A part from the side orders , their burger meals, chicken

nuggets, and the Pizzas taste pretty good. They even offer pizzas with the cheesy bites which actually

tastes quite cheesy.

Pizza Inn, LondonNot so typical

By: Tayyaba Nasar


Masalaminds Online Community

Events

Thrissur pooram elephant festivalDate: May 8th to May 10th, 2014Location: Thrissur, India

The festival pays tribute to lord Shiva with elephants as a main attraction. Get immersed in the rhythmic beating of the drums, and enjoy a visual feast of fireworks and folk dancing for an ethnic experience.

GalunganDate: May 21th to May 25th, 2014Location: Ubud, Indonesia

This festival happens once in 210 days, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The Balinese believe that during this day, their ancestral spirits visit the earth, and celebrate it with religious ceremonies, and fruit and flower offerings.

The New Orleans wine & food experienceDate: May 21st to May 24th, 2014Location: New Orleans, US

Hundreds of restaurants and wineries participate, featuring local flavor and delicious cuisines inspired by diverse cultures. Relish special wine tasting events and dining evenings, along with art and music performances.

Citrawarna festivalDate: Mid May to mid June, 2014Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The festival showcases the best of Malaysian culture through dances, traditional costumes, parades, artworks, jewelry and much more. Traditional delicacies are also available at the event to entertain foodies.

Inti RaymiDate: June 24th, 2014Location: Cusco, Peru

The festival includes nine days of lavish feasts, vibrant costumes, music and worship of the Incan sun god Inti. Watch folk performances, and the theatrical presentation of the Incan ceremony, which is the major attraction of the festival.

Haro wine festivalDate: June 29th, 2014Location: Haro, Spain

A grape bash and wine splash festival. Come armed with your squirt guns, and wine filled balloons, enjoy the party as long as you like wine, and finish off the day with more wine and tapas.


Looking for a foodie getaway or cultural escape? Look no further than our calendar of upcoming cultural and culinary events to make your plans for May and June.

masalaminds may - june 2014

Documents

italian food products

masalaminds community

local culture

new place

copyright of masalaminds

travel culture festivals

new tastes

international food sections