V-day

Had a really nice one....

Started it by having a facial at a new spa that I read about...
It is a tiny place tucked in the basement of a bungalow in the Hollywood neighborhood. The facialist gave me a lot of good advice and used yummy essential oils. I especially like that the owner is an herbalist and aromatherapist who uses her own natural product line that uses essential oils rather than chemicals.

http://www.spawillamina.com

During the day Fede was surprised by a bike-delievered valentine that Gladys and I ordered last weekend. A cute bikey valentine with her message (poorly transcribed) and some vegan chocolate. Very Portland. He loved it. Gladys called later in to find out what he thought. She's a very considerate 9 year old (I like to think I've played a part in that).

We had dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant - Vindalho. My parents gave me a gift certificate for my birthday, and I finally used it! Thank you!!! It was one of the best meals ever, and we got seated up in the balcony area...quieter and more intimate than the noisy dining room.

We ordered a lamb curry and chicken stew...both fantastic. However the lamb was literally melting in my mouth. I kept wanting to ask - how do you do that? The chutney sampler is amazing too, and our crab cake appetizer was yum. I know I'm going on and on....but truly it is such a great place to savor flavors of India. Not mouth scorching, but complex and clean. The chef uses local ingredients, so each season the menu changes...very Portland. I took a cooking class here last fall, and that was my fine introduction to this restaurant. Now I've got Fede hooked too.


http://www.vindalho.com


Definitely did my part to support the local economy today.