The Ukranian Indian

Yesterday, I released a fun little video "PITCH IT WITH VIKRAM VIJ", where I pitch my mom's specialty dish -The Curried Perogy - to the acclaimed Indian chef from Vancouver.

I think there are a couple things you should know about me.

The specialty dish is inspired equally by the Indian side AND the Ukranian side of my family (I can hear the question marks being hurled at me from across the world wide web). Yes, Ukranian.

My mom and step-dad, Jim, just celebrated their 26^th wedding anniversary. Through Jim, we have been exposed to many things we wouldn’t have otherwise, and one of those ways is how the Ukranians are just like the Indians. Seriously - there’s no such thing as starvation or isolation. You go for a short visit with one person, and soon there is a party with a smorgasbord of dishes: perogies, cabbage rolls, sausages, and desserts – and these are quite often hand-made.  Feasting is part of the package. And, just like us Indians, them Ukranians have got a couple show-stopping dance moves. 

Jim also brought theatre, books, art films, and the symphony into our lives so I owe much of my love of the arts to him. And last but not least, Jim brought his amazing family into our lives. Here’s one of the great ones: Emily, my green-eyed, blonde-haired, kindred spirit of a cousin, in front of the world’s biggest perogy (on her recent road trip to Alberta).