I enjoyed some of the best authentic cuisine on behalf of the mother of my girlfriend. Today is her birthday, and while she was born in February like myself, she is not an Aquarius but a Pisces. Horoscopes are funny, fantastic things to which I do not personally subscribe. I have known people to live their lives according to interpretations of what their star signs mean, but today's remarks are not for them.

I have things to say about Utsav.

The Appeal of Appetizers

I figured that with a table of five adults and two kids, appetizers would be necessary. The calculation I didn't make? Kids hardly eat, even if they are hungry. When they are not, I have yet to witness anyone more fickle than a child. The two sisters would only nibble at the paratha and naan, barely taste the tikka masala sauce accompanying, or the aloo gobi, the dish that would transform plain, homely cauliflower into a crunchy, saucy appetizer I didn't want to give away.

We ordered vegetable and lamb samosa that did not disappoint.

^{I had to have a beer.}

Enjoying Everyone's Entrees

I am a novice gourmand when it comes to Indian cuisine; although I tasted some around the time of my birthday, I cannot say I was decisive this afternoon. My Bangledeshi brother who plans to get married in April has made sure I taste chicken tikka masala, but I love shrimp. So, today's special occasions forced my hand, and I enjoyed the Tandoori Shrimp, which came in sizzling! off the grill.

I could not believe the sounds I heard- something like fireworks set off underneath the seafood, I swear. The cast iron skillet gave the shrimp a nice crispy sear, and I could tell these gentlemen who served us did not slack. Undercooking seafood is a popular tactic, as the heat permeates finishing the cooking process even at the table. As such, I didn't dig until the audio cut off- who wants to burn themselves on such good food?

I'm glad I ordered it, because I could tell Melani's mother loved it. With a good reason too, the meaty jumbo shrimp did not lack in size and some zucchini basted with a tomato sauce gave it the chance to shine.

Leaving Leftovers Behind

It wasn't personally my idea, since I loved the food so much I was ready to take everyone else's plates home. The younger kids didn't bite so much, maybe for lack of enjoyment or interest, but Melani thought of her younger brother and offered to let him have the everything from our meal. I couldn't say no. Utsav, which apparently means festival, helped me celebrate a fun birthday and flavors I seldom see on my usual Burger King and Subway runs. I'm grateful for the chance to try stuff like that, so much so, I'm going to make a Yelp account and leave a positive review.

^{If writing keeps them in business as much as my dollar, I'll do it.}