Day: August 9, 2024

Sumptuous Saturday Dinner at Bircos: A Modern Indian Culinary Delight

Last Saturday, we had the pleasure of dining at Bircos, a modern Indian restaurant that my husband recently discovered. He had visited Bircos with his friends and was very impressed with the food. We were in for a real treat, and the evening turned out to be a memorable culinary experience.

Bircos offers a contemporary twist on traditional Indian cuisine, and we were excited to try some of their specialties. My husband, who always has a keen sense for good food, took charge of ordering a lovely spread for us to share. The meal started with chicken biryani rice, a fragrant and flavorful dish that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The rice was cooked to perfection, with tender pieces of flavorful chicken hidden within, each bite bursting with aromatic spices.

Next up were the fish tacos, a delightful fusion dish that combined the rich flavors of Indian spices with the lightness of fresh fish. The tacos were a refreshing contrast to the other dishes, offering a unique and modern take on Indian cuisine. The cheese naan was another highlight, its warm, buttery layers filled with gooey, melted cheese, making it an irresistible accompaniment to the curries.

One of our all-time favorite dishes, the Palak Paneer, did not disappoint. The creamy spinach sauce, perfectly spiced and balanced, was the ideal backdrop for the soft, succulent cubes of paneer. We also savored the butter chicken masala (another favorite Indian dish of ours), a rich and creamy dish that was both comforting and satisfying. The chicken was tender, and the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

The mutton vindaloo was another standout, offering a spicier kick that my husband particularly enjoyed. The mutton was cooked until tender, and the fiery vindaloo sauce was full of bold, intense flavors that lingered pleasantly on the palate.  Cass requested the Punjabi samosa, a crispy, golden pastry filled with a spiced potato mixture that was simply delightful. The Methi Paratha bread added a touch of earthy flavor to the meal, its subtle bitterness from the fenugreek and other herby flavors balancing the richness of the other dishes.

Unfortunately, Sherilyn couldn’t join us again as she had dance rehearsals that evening. However, we ordered an extra portion of Palak Paneer for her to enjoy later, knowing how much she loves it. The servings at Bircos were generous, and despite our best efforts, we couldn’t finish all the rotis. We gladly had them doggy-bagged home, extending our delicious dinner to the next day.

The prices at Bircos were reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the food. The restaurant’s ambiance was warm and inviting, and the waiting staff were exceptionally helpful, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.

Bircos has definitely earned a spot on our list of favorite restaurants, and we look forward to returning soon to explore more of their modern Indian creations. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indian dishes or curious about innovative takes on familiar flavors, Bircos is a must-visit.

Bircos

Address: 9, Jalan Setiapuspa, Medan Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 017-648 6309

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5 Simple Ways To Relieve Stress and Relax

In our frenetic life in this competitive world, stress has become our constant companion. It is of vital importance to prioritize our mental health and find effective ways to relax and relieve stress. Failure to take care of our mental health can lead to depression, anxiety and panic attacks.  Here are six simple ways to help you relax and tame stress, allowing you to reclaim your sanity and happiness.

1.  Meditate

Meditation is a popular way to bring short-term stress. It does not cost you any money and brings lasting stress management benefits. There are many forms of meditation and you can try out each method to see which works best for you.

You can form a mantra in your mind which you repeat softly while you take slow deep breaths. Or, you might take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, which involves being in the moment. Mindfulness involves concentrating on what you see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

Praying is also a form of meditation. Repetitive prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer or the Universal Mantra can be a form of meditation to help release anxiety and unhappiness.

2.  Application of Steam Eye Mask

The steam eye mask from Ditoi is an innovative self-care product that offers a unique blend of soothing heat and comfort like a mini eye spa that can help you unwind, relax, and destress. This product is made from a non-woven fabric soaked in hyaluronic acid essence and plant essence and freeze-dried to hydrate dry skin around the eyes. It can relieve eye strain and fatigue, soothe you to sleep, offer an overall calming and relaxing feeling to your eyes, and put you in a better mood. Its portability makes this steam eye mask convenient to carry with you anywhere. You can use it during your lunch break in the office, on the plane, in the car, and before bedtime.

3.  Regular Exercise

Prioritizing physical activity is key to managing stress and keeping mental health in check. When you exercise, your body pumps up your brain’s feel-good hormones, called endorphins while cortisol, also known as the stress hormones are busted. According to research, a 20 to 30-minute cardio activity can help you feel less stressed.

4.  Do Things That Bring You Joy

Listening to music or singing is a great stress reliever.  It takes the stress off your mind when you belt out the lyrics of your favorite songs on the radio. If music and singing aren’t your jam, turn your attention to other hobbies you enjoy such as dancing, painting, reading, ice skating, baking, cooking, or even shopping. Retail therapy is a great way to de-stress!

5.  Get a Pet

Studies show that patting a pet can help reduce your stress and even blood pressure. Pets help you relax and cope better when you’re unhappy and under high pressure in difficult times and situations. They bring you happiness and make you laugh at their antics. Playing and snuggling up with a pet can raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine, creating happy feelings for the person and their pet.

Conclusion

It is vital to prevent and manage stress because long-term stress can increase your risk for a wide range of health issues such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases.  Whether you engage in kickboxing to kick out your blues or pamper yourself with a steam eye mask to relieve tension in your eyes and head, learning to wind down and chill takes practice. It is possible to learn how to cope with your stress and stay happy.

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HEALTH FREAK MOMMY