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vrnalini@gmail.com

Testimonials

Dear Ms. Varadarajan

Yes, I did get your last e-mail with the menus. I'm going to try some of these out this weekend, although I have made the vellai chutney before - to great reviews! Thank you so much for putting these menus together for me. Many times you see a lot of recipes that sound terrific, but you're not sure what really matches together, especially for an "occasion"! Anyway, I like to try new things out first, before I make them for other people -- just so I know what to expect, you know?
And, no, I'm sorry to say that neither of us has ever been to India, although it is on our list of places to go when the right opportunity comes along!
Thank you again for going to the trouble of putting these menus together for me. I'll definitely let you know how it goes and if I have any questions or problems.
Regards
http://flamingomusings.blogspot.com
Renee J. (RJ Flamingo) - Florida USA - 10th September 2008

Hi, Viji

I am flattered that you found my review of your book, Vegetarian Samayal. I also own Festival Samayal, and find them both to be very enjoyable cookbooks to use. I think the Yogurt book will most likely be next!
As I said in my blog post, your cookbooks make certain assumptions about your readers' backgrounds and familiarity with things such as ingredients and processes. But since my husband and I own over 60 Indian cuisine cookbooks and have been cooking (and eating!) Indian food for years, this hasn't been too much of a problem for us. It's also been the tastiest way to increase our vegetarian repertoire! And I admit to a growing preference for south India cuisine.
While I have your attention, I would appreciate your advice, if it's not too much trouble. Would you have any recommendation for a menu for a small wedding anniversary dinner party? Just a few people, very casual.
Thank you for contacting me and linking to my blog.
Regards
http://flamingomusings.blogspot.com
Renee Joslyn (RJ Flamingo) - Florida USA - 6th September 2008

Hi Viji Aunty..

Now I only realize how to address you after seeing your site.
I enjoy your site. There is a lot of information. It’s amazing that only by the things you learn in everyday life you can create so many awesome books! I see the word “Tambaram” in the site. Are you in Tambaram? Maybe you saw in my site I lived in Tambaram for 2 years as I studied at MCC. I enjoyed my time there and in fact my local guardians are Tamil Brahmins so I had a lot of experience eating and loving this cuisine. As I read the various contents for the books My mouth was watering. In fact few of my favorite items I saw..keerai mulagootal and vatthal kozhumbu (which you can compare my recipe here http://shakahaari.blogspot.com/2008/01/vatthal-kozhumbu.html ) Maybe I have not seen all the info yet, but do you have material on the varieties of dosa/rice podis? I want to learn these and I am not finding good recipes with good instructions… I take it your sons/daughters are living in US…so you get to travel here to meet them and their children. Nice.
Also, when you saw my site not sure if you saw the Navarathri posts and golu photos. I have kept some traditions with me I learned in Chennai..One being golu.. This year’s was very beautiful.
Ok thank you.
Regards
Jennifer - from the US 12th October 2008

Hi Viji,

I had spelt samayal wrong and hence couldn’t log in. however I later corrected myself and could visit the site. Now I should congratulate myself for having met an illustrious person @ BTH. You are truly awesome.
How did you develop such a rare interest and talking to you on the subject could be so interesting. You are the winner of international award too!! Congratulations on your achievement. I feel so enthralled to have befriended you.
You have created such a wonderful identity for yourself and you have a great family to support you in this venture.
Hope to see you some time in future.
Regards
Rani Ramesh - from Trivandrum Oct 23rd 2008