Monday, February 1, 2010

Dhal Bhat Night: forks are for sissies!

My cousin Steven recently visited Nepal on a three-month volunteering mission. He came back thrilled by the experience, humbled and full of incredible stories, food and pictures.

The family got to experience a taste (literally) of his journey through Nepal this last Saturday, when he invited us over for a dinner of Dhal Bhat. For extra added fun, he served it the traditional way. (read: no cutlery).

The food was delicious - aromatic with all the spices hand-blended; there was rice, lentils prepared two ways, a veggie curry and a delicious mango chutney. I was a little concerned over the lack of forks when I saw the consistency of some of the lentils, but as Steve suggested, if you just mix it all up, the rice absorbed some of the extra liquid, and it became more realistic. Steve served us all in traditional Nepali dress, and taught us some basic phrases, which I wish I could better get my tongue around.

Suffice it to say that while some remain mortified by the entire experience, (well, at least the feeding portion), it was a stellar night with beautiful pictures and even better company!

Thanks, Steve!

1 comments:

Char said...

Haha Dad doesn't look too comfortable with the whole situation. I can't believe you actually got him to eat with his hands! I'm sorry I missed out on the whole shindig, but I'll catch up with everyone next time I'm in town :)

C
xx