Dining with An Author

I had the honour tonight to dine with Sundari Francis-Bala, the author of Olly Jolly Says Count Your Blessings.

A beautiful read for all ages. And an even more beautiful message guaranteed to reduce your stress levels and put a big smile on your face.

The author herself is as fascinating as the book she produced.

After a glass of wine together and many exchanges of ideas, she suggested a South Indian dinner - the food she was raised on. 

The destination - Madras Dosa House - was a cosy family run restaurant on Fraser Street that is worth the trip.

The author, fluent in half a dozen languages or more, ordered us a wonderful feast, all in Tamil.

I bet not many readers have heard of Idly - soft patties that you drizzle lentil soup on and eat with coconut and tomato chutneys.

Or the Vada, deep fried patties that, I learned, are best eaten soaked in that same lentil soup. 

And then a feast of food appeared.

Chicken Chettinad, Vegetable Korma, Lamb Pepper Fry - all including some of the most sophisticated spicing I have ever tasted in an Indian Cuisine. But my favourite surprise was the Utlappam - fermented crepe stuffed with onions and curry leaves.

  

Thank you Sundari for the beautiful book, the exotic dining experience and the lovely evening together.

Olly Jolly Says Count Your Blessing is available from Friesen Press.

Highly recommended, this book makes a memorable gift for any loved ones, young or old (and for yourself too).



And many thanks for the great restaurant discovery.

Madras Dosa House

5656 Fraser Street

Vancouver, BC

www.madrasdosahouse.com