Vishu, the Malayali New Year is usually celebrated lavishly, with people shopping for "Kodi vastram" (new clothes), visiting friends and family, children asking around for Vishu kaineetam (money) and most importantly the grand Vishu sadhya (a vegetarian meal with a combination of curries served on a banana leaf). This Vishu was different, in light of recent events, we couldnt go out to friends and family, shopping too was kept to a minimum.

My family and I didnt let this dampen our moods; we set up a Vishu kani, and video called friends and family. Later that afternoon, the heavenly smells of sadhya drifted in, as my mother unpackaged the delivery from Calicut Notebook. Soon after we got our hands into the sadhya. I tasted the uperi, pappadam, naranga achar, pulli inchi, pachadi, kichadi, thoran, kootu curry. avial, sambar and kalan, one after the other savoring the taste.

The feeling of simply swiping parippu payasam off the leaf and into my mouth was delightful, it is true when they say nothing like a sadhya can put you in a festive mood, especially a sadhya from Calicut Notebook, Calicut Notebook a Malabari fusion restaurant popular in the UAE, known for its service and variety of dishes. Calicut Notebook is one of the best restaurants when it comes to fusion cuisine, they combine the best of Malabar to a variety of other cuisines and come up with ravishing new tastes.

Calicut Notebook is a restaurant my family and I go to often, with tastes that leave you wanting more, its hard to not go back. With the New Year comes new beginnings, we hope this is the year we begin afresh and the world flattens the curve. Until then, lets stay together at home. #stayhomestaysafe