End of a Decade

Lee's Birthday is today!  Somehow, he gets to celebrate his birthday for at least two days since it is the 29th down here in New Zealand today and then the 29th up there in the USA tomorrow!!

The weather was a bit rainy today and Lee had to work so we didn't celebrate much during the day, but we went to his FAVORITE Indian Restaurant for dinner.  During previous visits, I think we ate here at least 2 times a week and when Lee was down here for work alone, he probably ate here 4-5 times per week.  The guys that work here got to know him really well - same table every visit, same beer to start, same wine with dinner and always the little extras like butter ice cream :)

The food at Nite Spice in Newmarket is really amazing and something to write home about.  Best Indian food we've had in any country we've been - although we can't yet include India in our countries visited...

nite spice, newmarket - auckland

We had the tandoori platter for our appetizer (kiwi=entree) with amazing tandoori prawns, lamb chops, and chicken tikka.  For entrees (kiwi=main) we had Chicken Tikka Masala and Chili Paneer with Garlic & Plain Naan.  No homemade birthday cake for Lee this year since we don't have our kitchen stuff yet, but we did get his favorite dessert - Gulab Jamun.

For those of you that have not had it, gulab jamun is traditionally served at most Indian restaurants although the flavor can vary slightly.  It is like a little round doughnut made from buffalo milk and deep fried.  The little doughnuts are then served in a hot sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rosewater - very yummy!  At Nite Spice, gulab jamun is served with a side of ice cream - double yum with the hot sugary syrup and doughnut :)

Happy Birthday Lee!!!