Because we had a Labor Day Barbecue to attend on Monday, my parents treated me to a birthday dinner Sunday night. Hey, I was born in England, so technically, it was my birthday at the exact time we celebrated… Not that I didn’t celebrate on Monday as well. Two birthdays are better than one.
Tell me if any of you have this problem: You’re such a good cook that you don’t normally like to eat out, because the entire time, you’re sitting there thinking, “I could make this better.” When I do eat out, I try to go to places that offer food I can’t easily make myself, such as Indian (like this past Sunday’s dinner) or Korean (think Hangawi in NYC) or Ethiopian, like my vegan Ethiopian post of a few years ago.
This weekend, we decided to try a new restaurant, called Clay Pit. Well it’s not really new, but it’s new to us. They have a separate section specifically for vegetarian items, so I was a happy camper. Plus, when I called ahead of time (to ensure that the vegetarian items could be made with oil, not butter), the manager told me that they can even change some of their non-vegan dishes to accommodate my needs if I so desire, such as leaving the cream out of the dahl. A lovely offer, but I didn’t even need to take advantage of it, as there were plenty of already-vegan options at my disposal. Sometimes it’s actually simpler if there aren’t; it’s easier to decide! That night, I went with Aloo Ghobi, a traditional Indian cauliflower-potato dish. However, since I’m not the biggest potato freak (I think they’re mushy and bland), I asked for mixed-veggie Aloo Ghobi instead.
Above, my no-potato Aloo Ghobi, alongside an order of roti bread. This was so good! You bet your socks I licked the dish clean (when no one was watching, of course). The whole-wheat roti bread was a perfect accompaniment for the saucy curry. Ingredients: whole wheat flour, oil, water, and salt. That’s it. Oh, it was so soft and flavorful… I must learn how to make this!
Curry close up. The veggies were cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, peas, and broccoli.
You are a very pretty girl, Katie!
I just found your blog yesterday from HEAB, and I’ve already become a huge fan. I’ve added you to my reader and am excited to follow :). Also, I think Larabar MUST have known it was your birthday. Or at least that you have a huge following. I emailed them asking if they could send me samples of the new flavors and they sent me four BARS, not boxes. And not even a new flavor! I’ll just have to hope to win your giveaway! 😉
Awwwwwww thank you!!
I hate Indian food – but that looks good!!
And awesome you were born in England – I’m English! Happy belated birthday anyway, as I don’t thik I said before..I’m glad you had fun!
Haha, I usually think, “I could make this for the whole family for 1/4 of the price of my serving…”
I totally with you on dining out! Why shell out 15$ when you can make it, only slightly better, at home?
I am so glad your birthday din was delish!
happy birthday cutie! sorry i didn’t get a chance to say it yesterday. but this way you can drag out the day even more hehehehe.
p.s. even with your head cut off, you’re beautiful :).
Abby, you are such a sweetie! 🙂
I want that indian food soooo much! Looks amazing.
I am really glad that you had a nice birthday, and that we all made you feel special. Well, you are, so you better feel like that 😉
Enjoy your birthday week dear 😉
I’m happy you had such a great birthday! That Indian food looks incredible. I tend to prefer Indian or Asian type places too mostly because they taste more flavorful to me. Mm, now I want Aloo Ghobi.
That dish looks fab! I am also over the mushy potato!
Happy Birthday again! My mom was also born in England! That’s an odd little co-inky-dink.
Have a great bday week!
You are gorgeous and sweet and smart and talented! Is there anything you don’t do?
FLY!
(Anyone thinking of the line from “Ever After”?)
Hahaha love that movie!
Glad you had a good birthday Katie! You deserve so much happiness and all good things, and I wish you all the best. Can’t wait to read more about your lovely day.