Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Yoong Tong

This Saturday, my husband Ron and I tried a new place for dinner.  Yoong Tong in Northborough, MA.  The atmosphere was nice, the food was great, and the waiters were very friendly. They have a huge menu from everything to sushi to pad thai to curry.I tried the Yoong Tong Fresh Rolls which were light, refreshing and flavorful.  Steamed vermicelli, shrimp, lettuce, mint, and fresh basil served with an awesome peanut and chile tasting dipping sauce.  The Tiger Eye Sushi was a great combination of asparagus, tuna, salmon, and tempura.  Finally, the Massaman Curry was the best! Chicken in Thai Indonesion curry sauce with peanuts and sweet potato.

If you are living in the area and are thinking on having dinner without the kids- give this place a try. Let me know what you think of it!


Yoong Tong I is located at :
278 Main St, Rt 20 
Northborough MA
508-393-7714
Open 7 Days.
LUNCH ::: Monday-Friday – 11am-2:30pm
DINNER ::: Monday-Thursday – 5pm-9pm
Friday – 5pm-10pm
Saturday – 3:30pm-10pm
Sunday – 3pm-9pm
(No Lunch – Dinner only on Holidays)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Veggie and Chickpea Curry

I wanted to share this recipe because it is TASTY!  Also, a constant problem that I have is finding time to cook dinner at night.   I work at least 3 nights a week and weekends tutoring for SAT and just about any other standardized test imaginable.  Often times I don’t get home until far after supper.  Rather than having my husband who puts in more than a full days work resort to burgers and fast food I rely on the crock pot as my favorite kitchen tool and healthy dinner saver.
  If you like fresh vegetables, curry and coconut flavors this is a great recipe to try.  It was a hit with the whole family.  Enjoy!

V eggie and Chick Pea Curry
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups chopped onion
1 cup ( ¼ inch thick) slices carrot
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp grated, peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
2 (15 oz) cans chick peas, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups cubed baking potato
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup (1 inch) cut green beans
¼ tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 oz) can vegetable broth
 3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup coconut milk
4 lemon wedges

Step 1:
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and carrot; cover and cook 5 minutes  or until tender.  Add curry powder, sugar, ginger, garlic, and chile; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 2:
Place onion mixture in a 5 quart slow cooker.  Stir in chickpeas and next 7 ingredients.  Cover and cook on high 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.  Before serving, mix in spinach and coconut milk until spinach is wilted.
Step 3:
Serve with lemon wedges.  ( use lots of lemon juice to bring the flavors out!)  Serving Suggestion:  white rice or couscous.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Ghiloni Park


I’ll be honest, I am loving this unseasonably nice weather!  The snow can hold off until next year as far as I am concerned.  My daughter is enjoying it too.  A few days ago my husband and I took her to Ghiloni Park in Marlborough, MA.  She had a blast on the walking trail that runs adjacent to the park kicking through the dry crunchy maple leaves, throwing them in the air and watching them float back down to earth.  When she’d had enough of the trail she announced in her most authoritative 2 ½ year old voice, “Time for park!”.  My husband and I rushed after her, trying to keep up with her pace, energy, and enthusiasm. 
Ghiloni Park has a little something for everyone.



·         A nice walking trail that is stroller accessible and provides great shade in those hot summer months
·         Basketball Court
·         Skate Park
·         Large fields that  the town uses for recreation
·         Playground that has a ton of things to keep the kids busy and entertained
Swings
Slides
Balancing beams
See saws
Climbing webs
·         Separate toddler park
·         Benches and picnic table
·         On site restrooms
·         Huge Parking Lot



So, if you are looking for a place to take the kids to run off some energy and have some fun- check this park out and let me know what you think!

*Ghiloni Park is located at 239 Concord St.  Marlborough MA 01752