first generation Archives

Kiss Me, I’m American

Posted on July 4, 2017April 22, 2019 by Indrani

When I was in high school, I made a button to wear that said, “Kiss Me, I’m American.” It was around the 4th of July and I thought it was pretty clever. A fellow Indian teenager asked why I was wearing it because I was so clearly Indian. But, what does “American” mean and why…

Family Roots from One Seedling

Posted on February 24, 2016April 22, 2019 by Indrani

When I first saw this picture, my initial thought was, “Wow. It looks just like Rishi.” Rishi is my baby brother. Well, not so much a baby anymore but that is a story for another time. The next thought in my mind was not just one thought but a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The…

What does monbool mean? monbool is a word I made up. Mon (pronounced mōn) was my mother’s childhood nickname and Bool was my father’s childhood nickname. The passion I have for what I am doing came from them, so I have named this journey in their honor.

I am Indrani, a first generation Indian-American whose parents originally migrated from Kolkata, India. My passion and inspiration for cooking developed from spending time in the kitchen and learning from my father who would cater for large gatherings. My mother encouraged all forms of art, including drawing, dance and music. Growing up with a strong, traditional Indian upbringing, my parents also encouraged participation in the American culture. And now in my own mixed culture family, the fusion of Indian and American traditions is embraced by my husband and children.