Scents for cents, from curry to wall paints

Shopping, dining, wining and more with CAROLINE and friends

We have all heard friends bragging about how they make their own curry, the best in town. For people always on the run like me, there is a wonderful quick-fix option available at the Foodie store and in Minimax in Bal Harbour, Paitilla. The mall is just around the corner from the Avenida Balboa Arrocha and near to Kings, the famed Indian food store, where you can purchase everything from spices and rice to Bollywood movies.

If you want to create a good impression at your next dinner party, go ethnic. For just $3 you can buy a Japanese curry “bar” that can add be added to veggies, chicken or beef recipes. Just add a couple of pieces of the chocolate-looking tablet ten minutes before serving and let it melt. The aroma will cause a great impression.

It also gives your curry a lovely creamy consistency. My pick: curried lentils over jasmine rice. Available in mild, hot and hotter.

FRAGRANT WALLS

For those who have redecoration projects ahead, and plan to paint a small room I found little magic in a pouch. Paint SCENTsations is a a room freshener that you add to a gallon of paint for a lasting aroma (6 – 12 months). Again, it’s another Caroline pick for under $5. Available in six different scents, my favorite, Vanilla bean.

Sold at Glidden stores.

FREE CONCERT

Bolivia commemorates the 184th anniversary of its independence and on Thursday invites you to share the celebration at free concert at the Ascanio Arosemena auditorium in Balboa.

The concert starts at7 p.m. and will showcase different regions of Bolivia with Charango master Ernesto Carvour, Rene Alinas and Adan Tarraga. Concert is free, however donations are accepted. More information at 269-0274.