Two Restaurant Qualities- Food and Service

Two ingredients for a successful restaurant are excellently prepared food and impeccable service. Without this basic mixture, patrons will be reluctant to return. Factors such as price point, type of cuisine, and specials may lure one through the door, but the quality of the food and the service will ensure a returning customer.

Why The Movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Hits Home

My adventure began when I made the decision to accompany my husband to India. Even though I have been back in the States for 1 ½ years, I remain fascinated with India.  Once I read about the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I made plans to see it.

I wondered if my impressions would mirror the reactions of the main characters. Would the movie capture the richness of modern Indian life and would I be able to commiserate with their plight? Living in India is very different from taking a 2 week vacation. Would the actors be able to convey that difference?

Matilda in London- A Must See

If you find yourself in London,don’t miss the special opportunity to attend a play or a musical. Once a theater ticket is added to your “must do” list, it becomes a question of choice. Just like New York City, the options in London are overwhelming. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank award-winning Broadway producer, Doug Meyer, for his recommendation to see  Matilda, a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book.

Opulent Harrods in London

What comes to mind when you think of British food? Umm…Umm… fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, and tea time with scones.

At least for my food sensibilities, the list doesn’t have much to offer. It’s no wonder that my Google search came upon a sarcastic quote from A.J. Liebling (20^th century journalist and author):

 “An Englishman teaching an American about food is like the blind leading the one eyed.”

On a second look, Liebling wasn’t too fond of American food either. Perhaps he longed for delicate French pastries.

Looking For Jewish London

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

–Saint Augustine, a 5^th century Roman Christian theologian

Without travel, my life would not be complete. Each time I explore new places, I pick up bits and pieces of history and culture and simultaneously satisfy my appetite with a new array of food choices. Books and the internet can only provide part of the story.

Holding Hands With Uncertainty

What was the best part of the last movie you watched? Was it the plot, the performance of the actors and actresses, the escape from reality, or did the story strike a raw nerve inside of you?

On my recent transatlantic flight from London to Toronto, I viewed The Vow. I instantly became engrossed in the story as I recalled how close I came to losing my husband, Ira.  Just a couple of years ago, I stood over his lifeless body in a Denver emergency room. His future was uncertain.

Timeless Messages From Sanskrit Tales

Countless animal fables are read each day in primary classrooms around America. If you’re looking for a fable that is rooted in ancient Indian culture consider-  Once A Mouse … and/or The Brave Parrot.

An Adventure on the Horizon- Having Fun with Emma’s Turtle, by Eve Bunting

Usually when I am searching for a particular book, I’ll find my intended target. Occasionally, I’ll stumble on something unexpected and be delighted by the slight diversion. Such was the case during a recent trip to the Louisville Public library.  My electronic search for “picture books-India,” included Eve Bunting’s Emma’s Turtle (illustrated by Marsha Winborn, Boyd Mills Press, 2007).

Hmm, I was unfamiliar with this title and was curious to see what one of my favorite picture book authors had written about India. Well, India was only part of this delightful story.

A Monkey Tale I Can’t Resist

When I lived in India, I had mixed feelings about the monkeys who had the freedom to venture wherever they pleased. On the one hand, I was fascinated by their cleverness while, on the other hand, I was fearful of their potential belligerence.

After living in close proximity to monkeys, I can’t resist sharing a story written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott, an expert in trickster tales. Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India (Harcourt Children’s Books, 2011) is bound to appeal to youngsters as well as adults who like to see animals outfox one another. This is the final story out of a series of six multicultural tales that were created by this notable Caldecott winner.

Juvenile Fiction- Realistic or Imaginative

A dozen years ago, our family made the audacious decision to relocate to Colorado. I can still remember how I fretted over the potential effect on my two youngest sons who were finishing 3rd and 7^th grade. My main objective was to minimize the trauma associated with moving to a new state. I did my best to include them in most aspects of the process.

As I backed out of the driveway of our Northbrook home for the last time, my youngest son began to whimper uncontrollably. We were leaving his secure world and heading into unknown territory. My chest tightened and my heart raced as I attempted to reassure him that everything would be alright even though I had no idea what he would encounter at his Colorado school or in our new neighborhood. I suddenly had my own set of doubts. How would our family handle this transition?