Examiner - a new attempt at free-lance journalism

I started writing for Examiner.com.  I never thought I would agree to be an unpaid free-lance journalist;) after years of professional experience in India.  But hey, breaking into the world of free-lance journalism in the US hasn't been exactly easy - not in this economy, not with my lack of a media network.  So the Examiner, it is.  At least it let's me get published and I receive some good feedback from their group of editors backing this venture.

So here goes a link to one of my recent articles... read, comment and enjoy!

http://www.examiner.com/x-30849-Austin-Vegetarian-Food-Examiner~y2009m11d28-Brunching-at-Magnolia-Cafe-vegetarian-style

Hudson's on the Bend - a review

My husband and I finally visited Hudson's on the Bend after giving it a miss for many occassions and celebrations. My biggest questionmark was - what could they possibly have for a vegetarian? My husband on the other hand swore he wouldn't be at peace until he had eaten there... so I called them for his 33rd birthday and asked about veggie options. The Maitre D' rattled off salads ("we veggies aren't cows who graze on salads, grrrr"), then talked about a crabmeat appetizer. I cut her off ta tthat point saying, "Vegetarians don't fish..." Her response? "yeah they do...". At that point I was sorely tempted to hang up and say, "So much for a good first impression, lady." but decided to stick it out for my husband's sake.

We ended up going there on a Tuesday night when it wasn't too crowded and found it to be charmingly off beat for a top-ranked Austin restaurant. Of course the crowd inside was dressy and expensive-looking. While my husband and I argued over how we would define the interiors "rustic" or "Texan and wannabe rustic"... the friendly server started us off with some coconut-mang-melon shooters spiced with a tad of chili, courtesy of the chef, and to cleanse our palates. We loved it so much, we asked for it as a drink, but since they were only making courtesy shooters, our server winked at us and told us he would get us a couple more. Next, the unbelievably delectable bread served on a skillet with tasty butter (two types - one sweet and tangy, one herb-spiced).

Vikram noshed on the "Smoked Duck Diablos" (duck, jicama, jalapeno, fig in balsamic, wrapped in applewood bacon) appetzier while I ordered the Tossed Greens salad in a roasted poblano lime dressing. I am not a big fan of a bunch of greens tossed together with accoutrements and salad dressing, so only enjoyed it so much. Honestly, I couldn't even get the flavors of the dressing. But Vikram thought it was the best grass he'd ever grazed on! The chili-spiced, smoky glaze-dip served with his appetizer was palate-awakening, for lack of a better term. It's like the smokiness and spice twirled together and woke up my tongue from some deep sleep! Very different, very enjoyable!

I ordered the token veggie entree on the menu "Black bean tamale, roasted poblano stuffed with corn and veggies, served with mashed potatoes and corn bread", while Vikram was torn between every menu item and ended up ordering the "Grilled Pheasant Breast stuffed with Cliantro Pesto, seved with Duck Tamale and White chocolate Tomatillo Sauce". Of course he was making orgasmic sounds throughout his meal. I enjoyed my meal too, surprisingly... and loved the fact that almost everything had a roasty, smoky, spicy-chili flavor to it...

We even ordered desserts - mine a chocolate mouse (since I had been obsessing for chocolate mousse ever since I saw it the previous day on a Food Network show) and Vikram's was a Belgian-chocolate covered Pecan Pie. Needless to say we almost had to unzip our jean buttons when we got back into the car! Hudson's also says goodbye to everyone with goodie boxes (each with a special chocolate in it).

Was a delectable, enjoyable, 3-hour birthday dinner!