Category: Hotels and Restaurants

Sagar Ratna:Redefining South Indian Food

Light as air,crispy and paper thin,the marks of the spiral style of spreading the batter on the hot tava,stuffed with well spiced and flavoured potatoes topped off with coconut seasoning,now that is a Dosa that the Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence Colony,Delhi, serves you with.We all have seen long queues in front of restaurants and eateries that offer Mughlai,Continental,Italian,Chinese,Thai or simply amazing North Indian food,yet Sagar Ratna restaurant will be the first of its kind to have a really long queue out side its gates for something as simple as sambhar rice,idlis vadas and dosas in a place like Delhi,that has no shortage of absolutely fantastic and flamboyant other cuisines of n number of different origins.The majority being eaters of typical Rajma Chawal and Chhole Bhature seem to be hell bent for getting a seat in this restaurant ,so as to savor the ultra light and simple food straight from the south.Mind you ,when i say that the food is simple i do not imply that it lacks in any manner in taste and flavour.The richness of the food here is the most undeniable facet.
The neatness maintained here is absolutely remarkable.A spic and span place with glistening plates and glasses,polite waiters efficiently taking orders,the air a mix of coconut and incense ,the ambiance has its own tranquil yet lively quality.
With a vast menu that covers an amazing variety of vegetarian south Indian dishes,it becomes a task to select particular dishes that you would order.The types of Uttapam and dosas itself are numerous to such an extent that you may no longer be able to stick to the tag of “monotony” when it comes to South Indian cuisines.Types of rices available,be it lemon rice,coconut rice etc to name a few,also add to the peacock feathers of this restaurant.The vadas though not as varied as the other dishes definitely have a taste and crispiness that is unmatched for.
Coming to the “must order” dishes,the South Indian platter tops the list.Though you can also get your fair share of dosa treat,this platter includes Uttapam that is topped with crispy tomatoes ,onions and capsicums(the toppings can also be changed) in a slightly sour tasting batter as an alternative to dosa,a portion of lemon rice that are set to tingle your tastebuds with their tangy flavour,, topped with mustard seeds and cashew nuts peanuts,the crispy reddish brown vadas,soft spongy idlis,a serving of tangerine and yellow coloured aromatic sambhar,servings of the different varieties of chutneys to accentuate the taste and yes for the people with a major sweet tooth, here comes Payasam ,Suji and badam ka halwa.Not to forget,the absolutely satiating butter milk.

Proceeding with the list of “must order”,opting for any dosa mentioned in the menu does quite the trick.Each type of dosa has its own unique flavour and appeal ,hence it is really a tough call to rank them.One could nevertheless rank them in accordance with the fact that how filling each is.The rava masala dosa is a common favorite .A commendable job of taste enhancement is done by the chutneys here.
The Four feet never ending family dosa is yet another addition to the spectacular menu .Just in case we have a gargantuan pang of hunger,this dosa will do just the trick for you and your family/friends.

The filter coffee is yet another must try.The coffee is perfectly brewed and the aroma is addictive.Guess Cafe Coffee Day and Starbucks have an Indian competitor!
The Halwas and payasam available are amazing treats at the end of any meal.Serving deserts that are the right kind of sweet,maintain a praiseworthy balance of flavours.With each bite you can taste the tinge of saffron and sugar mixing softly over your tongue.
With numerous other branches over the entire city ,Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence colony is a four star on zomato.The best amongst all its chains of restaurants,it has the most amicable staff ,a quick and neat service,and a lively atmosphere.The simplicity of the food that envelopes within itself the complexity of flavours amalgamated by chefs in the most professional and sophisticated a fashion,makes the food absolutely unmatched for,when it comes to overall dining standards.Redefining South Indian cuisines and the general approach towards them,Sagar Ratna offers a variety of dishes that are clearly a fusion of the west and aspects of our nation as well.Not only this,but they also offer North Indian dishes as an inclusion to the South Indian Thali with their scrumptious puris and rasam,which they efficiently recreate on each plate,the flavours distinct yet likable.

A versatile restaurant,with a flexible approach to its customers,the name and fame of Sagar ratna is well deserved.Ideal for a simple yet classy dine in,or a casual ,relaxed breakfast and lunch,this place definitely steals the show.
A vast ,all encompassing south Indian menu,extremely likable service and atmosphere,versatile,fusion based dishes,perfection in flavour and remarkable balance of spices,now that is the true mark of a good restaurant.So jump in for dosas and idlis galore!Its really worth a try!BON APPETITE!

May 31, 2014
Tunday Kababi:Serving Perfection

The effortless tossing and spinning atop fingertips that have mastered the art of making soft,well spanned rumali rotis,skewers being fanned ,the spicy aroma of kebabs being made on open charcoal flames ,the soft smoky smell that lingers in your nostrils,the slicing and dicing of fresh salad,onions chopped into rings and the chutney being made on stone ‘silbatta’ ,coriander,chillies and lemon grounded into a perfect mix. This is the heavenly sight of the Tunday Kababi’s open kitchen in Aminabad ,Lucknow.
Established in the year of 1905,this place has still not lost its charm and flavour.It has never ceased to amaze people.The city of Nawabs has yet another ace in its deck of foody cards.With numerous franchises across the nation,in fact some even around the globe,The original Tunday Kababi is the Kohinoor of its kabab kingdom.

A typical eatery with all the cooking,simmering,frying and brewing happening right in front of your eyes,attaining a seat here is a tough bargain.
A colossal menu that comprises of every Mughlai dish you could think of,presents before you a dilemma that is tough to tackle,let alone dismiss.
To choose between biryanis ,kormas,shorbas and kebabs is without a doubt a really tough call.But to ease that tensed nerve ,here is a suggestion,begin with the all time favorite and famous KABAB.
Galuati,seekh,shaami,kakori,pasinda and boti kabab.Yes THOSE are the types of kababs that you have to choose from.Though it totally depends upon what your personal choice of kabab is,yet for those who are treading on the Nawabi grounds of mughlai food for the first time,a personal favorite is the Galauati kabab.
This particular type of kabab is a favorite of a vast majority,hence in all possibility ,even the rarest of cases who are not fond of anything mughlai will develop a liking to the galauati ,the moment their tastebuds come in contact with the kabab.

What is so special about it?
Well now,getting into the details of WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL,we begin with the preparation.Galauati kababs are made from mutton that is well beaten ,tender and juicy.They are then kneaded and rolled into soft lumpy round masses and then pressed down in a perfect circular shape on the ‘tava’ heated on charcoal flame.Flipped more than three times,the benefit of such rigorous cooking methodology will be uncovered as soon as your order arrives.The subtle smoky and spicey smell of crispy kababs is the most prominent of all sights in your plate.Taking the first bite would require you to break a portion of the soft rumali roti and as you pressure your finger on top of the kebab,the crispy crust of it breaks away ,paving way towards a soft ,juicy center. Precisely,this is the beauty of tunday ke kabab.Its not just a treat to the palate but a visual and olfactory treat as well.
Having made your first bite,the very moment you place it on your tongue,you would experience a subtle yet savory blast of flavours.The spices ,the way the mutton is marinated ,the smoky charcoal aroma,the freshness of the chutney and salad,all work together to conjure up the most fantastic of mughal food experiences.After the first,there is no stopping,you shall devour all the contents in your plate.
If your stomach still allows ,the butter chicken,Nahari mutton,Mughlai parantha,mutton curry and mutton biryani are also a must try.Neither too spicy nor too bland,maintaining the perfect balance of flavours the butter chicken and mutton gravy are also among the list of popular favorites.

The Mughlai parantha comes by as a surprise element. Clad in the spongy soft armor of flour made exterior with beautiful brown-1red spots bearing the sign of being well made,resides the core made up of mutton stuffed in every interstice of it.
This preparation is one beast of a dish that absolutely escalates the sensitivity of your tastebuds,catapulting you to the most sensuous of all palatial pleasures.The biryanis have a similar effect.Yet as stated earlier,the kababs are the show stealers .On the whole ,Tunday kababi offers you dishes that envelope your senses and make every bite an experience so indulgent that it leaves an everlasting mark on your memory.Each cell in your brain,stomach and tongue shall remember its delicious and delectable taste.Your olfactory nerves shall tingle at the mere thought of it,and the salivary glands shall water at the name of its dish.

Amazingly enough,an order for two people costs around Rs.250 or so and what is even more praiseworthy is just how filling this food is!As far as the hygiene,quality and validity of the praises showered are concerned,well it has been functional for over a hundred years,has numerous franchises and has a four and a half stars on Zomato,now that speaks volumes!A complete paisa vasool,each penny shelled out is justified by each bite you eat.Value for money,great taste,unforgettable experience and a delectable treat to the senses all under the same roof. The royal foody stroll in the fields of Nawabi Kababi would not have been possible without them!BON APETITE!

May 29, 2014
PANGS OF HUNGER :THE PARANTHA PARADISE

Beyond pizzas ,beyond sizzlers and yes way beyond every five star hotel’s food ,lies the PARANTHE WALI GALI in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.This city has a vast menu and a colossal buffet to satiate a foody’s taste buds,but one’s road to a finger licking dish is not complete in Delhi until and unless you venture into the scrumptious alley of Paranthas .

Every person that walks on the path of Chandni Chowk can easily point out the way to the Paranthe wali Gali.All you have to do is ask if your preferred way of exploring a new area is GPS free.be rest assured that the Paranthe wali Gali offers a lot more than just paranthas. Your first step in there ,and you will see sweet shops and eateries lined up offering you the Desi way of treating your palate and tummy.you name it and they have it.Gulab jamun ,Imarti,Jalebis ,Ras Gullas ,Mishti Doi ,Lassi, an unbelievable range of types of parathas ,whatever possible typical Delhi dish that you can name or think of is what will definitely make you hungrier than ever.
There is not just one eatery that will serve you a plate full of happiness but around dozens of such eateries ,situated in every nook and corner of that very place.

Beginning with the highlight of our foodie journey,that is ,parantha ,one would be absolutely amazed to see the types of paranthas available (even to an Indian ,let alone foreigners.!) .Well thought combinations of Paneer( Cottage cheese), Ghobi (cauliflower),Dal (pulses) ,mushroom ,Kashmiri,mirchi(chilly) and mix parantha are just a handful of the actual menu.These names are only the beginning of all things tasty.Enter any one eatery and you would see a framed photograph of some famous celebrity shaking hands with the cook.Guess we have no reason to doubt the taste and quality of any eatery.

Each of the available eatery is established since decades and is run by at least the third generation of the actual founder.At around 9’o clock in the morning you can visit this place throbbing with customers,the air a mix of orders being shouted out and the aroma of mouth watering food ,fresh pickle and chutney,topped off by the incense burning in a corner.
Having ordered your preferred choice of parantha,you will be served with a huge cabin plate filled with different types of pickles, syrups and chutneys .Aam(mango) pickle{sour and sweet} and chutney, nimbu (lemon) pickle{sour and sweet},hing ka achaar, Sonth ,mirchi(chilly) pickle etc are to name a few.
Within five to ten minutes ,the waiter arrives with the ordered parantha .Do not , at any cost be deceived or disappointed by the size of the parantha.not any bigger than a standard size quarter plate,it is well stuffed and cooked perfectly.regardless of its size,each bite melts into your mouth ,and even before you are able to finish half of that parantha,you will realize that it actually is quite filling.Not to forget the different varieties of appetizing raitas that they offer as well,along with plain,salted or sweet dahi.
Adding to the titillating aspect of your taste-buds,here comes lassi. A glass full of pure ,creamy lassi,be it sweet salted or mix would do justice to every gulp that you take .Who thought that such a non complicated dairy beverage could do wonders to the tongue and tummy.
After gorging on all that yummy food,it is never too late to enjoy something sweet,speaking of which,one would immediately find oneself in an identical state of a child in Charlie’s chocolate factory.Yes ,the treats are that amazing.
The mere sight of hot ,soft,spongy gulab jamuns being made in chashni(sugar syrup),the flawless design of crisp,juicy jalebis and imartis,the cool fragrance of ras gullas,would make space in your stomach in a mere matter of seconds.it takes a mere jiffy for each of these treats to envelope your taste-buds and catapult you to a savory sensation,that asks for more.For those who do not have Such a prominent sweet tooth can top there food with Bhalla Papdi and chaat,a place that serves you with the soft and crispy variety of all things that can be classified under the category of chaats and Gol Gappes.
You are going to return back home,stuffed like new year’s eve turkey ,happy, hail and hearty ,with a lingering taste of all that you ate.Never before would any memory of your’s had been as tasty as the one that you made in the Paranthe wali Gali.
It is obvious that not many of us enjoy the idea of street food and delicacies served by around the corner eateries,some of us might be sticklers for hygiene ,or simply that one might lack taste in desi food..Though it is worth the assurance and conviction,that one must visit the Paranthe wali gali ,at least once,and you are bound to be freed of any hesitation and hygiene issues that grasp your perspective otherwise.These eateries maintain good levels of hygiene,provide mineral water to drink and have freshly prepared stuffing .everything simmers,brews and cooks in plain sight.It is worth every penny that you spend and every step that you take.
So walk in to the paradise of Paranthas and numerous other street food items.

May 29, 2014
Festa Italiana: How to Eat Healthy at an Italian Restaurant

On days that you don’t feel like cooking, what do you do? For many of you, the likely answer is order a pizza. It’s true. The urban Indian audience has been fast developing a taste for Italian food. And it’s not just the promptly delivered, hassle-free pizzas that we go for either. For many of us today, bruschetta, pasta, and lasagna are standard choices when eating out. But what are the implications of an appetite for cheesy pizza, creamy pasta, and gooey lasagna for your heart and waistline? Obviously, adverse. So does that mean you have to give up on your favourite Italian restaurant in favour of your health? Or would you continue your liaison with Italian food, albeit with a guilty conscious? Thankfully, there’s an effective middle path. The two major variables in Italian food are pasta and sauce, and both have the power to steer you towards obesity and heart disease. That’s the bad news. The good news, though, is that they don’t have to. There are ways to make your experience of dining at an Italian restaurant easier on your conscience and your midsection.

Good things first, authentic Italian is arguably one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. What accounts for this win? The answer is its star ingredients: tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and basil. Studies have shown that lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, may help prevent breast cancer. One of the best ways to get cancer-fighting lycopene into your system is by consuming cooked tomato products: half a cup of tomato sauce has more than 20 milligrams. Plus, garlic, and traditional Italian herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, and basil are great sources of vitamins A and C. Olive oil is known to help lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, and burn belly fat.

Notice how melted cheese isn’t on that list of power Italian staples? Italians typically use Parmesan or other hard cheeses instead, grated in small amounts for a big flavour boost. It’s the Americanised versions of Italian dishes that typically tend to be loaded with fat and calories. And it is here that you have to be careful. Here are a few guidelines on how to choose right from amongst your favourites when eating Italian.

Pasta:

Pasta is basically just dough made from durum wheat and water, extruded or stamped into various shapes and typically cooked in boiling water. It provides quick burning carbs and is lower on the calorie meter than traditional Indian staples like steamed rice. However, it’s not the pasta but the sauce that you need to be careful about. Sauces are the big players in Italian cuisine. As such, choosing your sauce carefully is crucial to your nutritional success. Marinara is a smooth basic tomato sauce that is virtually fat-free and delivers at least one serving of fruit in the form of antioxidant-packed tomatoes. Go for Arrabiata if you like your food spicy. It is basically the same as Marinara, but with red pepper flakes that give you an instant burn. Pesto is high on fat content, but most of that is healthy monounsaturated fat from olive oil. Besides, the addition of basil and garlic adds a concentrated punch of cancer-fighting compounds. Butter and Parmesan offers just fat from the sauce and quick-burning carbs from the pasta. Alfredo is the same as Butter and Parmesan, but with the addition of heavy cream. If you are looking for something heart-healthy and light, this is not the sauce for you.

Pizza:

Pizzas are family farourites. But a careless order can turn your pizza into a fat-loaded nutritional disaster. Opt for whole-wheat thin crusts instead of cheese-filled or deep dish ones. Veggie toppings are a good call. Think tomatoes, artichokes, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, onions, garlic, and peppers. Skip the pepperoni, meatballs, and sausages – they add more calories than you might be prepared to bargain for. If you want meat on your pizza, go for chicken chunks. Avoid extra cheese. You could even ask for lesser cheese or no cheese at all and simply sprinkle a spoonful of Parmesan on top for flavour.

Lasagna:

While the traditional recipe can be effectively altered at home to cut the calorie content, the restaurant versions are so loaded with fat that it is all but impossible to order a lasagna without dealing a heavy nutritional blow to your body. If you frequent Italian restaurants, it is probably a good idea to give this comfort food a miss.

Bruschetta:

Love bruschettas? This Italian version of chips and salsa has much more going for it than the bottomless baskets of fried tortillas. A full order will run about 600 calories — perfect for a table of four. Opt for the mussels. Low in fat and packed with protein, they make a good start to your meal.

Penne alla Vodka:

Here’s a tricky one. The alcohol gets cooked off, but before it goes it helps extract flavours that would otherwise remain hidden in the tomatoes. However, the caliber of the sauce depends entirely on what’s used in the house recipe. Ask your server if your dish is closer in color to the red of tomato soup or the washed-out pink of white zinfandel wine. If it’s the latter, look elsewhere.

Chicken Marsala:

Made with chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and Marsala wine, this preparation has all the potential for being full of health if the original recipe is followed. However, more often than not, in restaurants chefs get carried away with the prosciutto and oil and this simple staple may pack in a whopping 900 calories or more.

Cannoli

This authentic Sicilian dessert consists of pastry dough stuffed with sweetened ricotta, a cheese that shares much in common nutritionally with cottage cheese. As long as the portion size is reasonable, cannoli is any day preferable over a 700-calorie slice of tiramisu. To keep it around 200 calories, look for a piece about 4 inches long. If served two to a plate, share them.

Gelato:

The Italian ice cream is made with milk instead of heavy cream. Although that doesn’t make it a zero-impact food, but it is undoubtedly a massive step above Haagen-Dazs.

Now that you have the facts, tips, and tricks down, head out to your favourite Italian restaurant with confidence and enjoy a guilt-free Italian feast!

May 26, 2014
Dessert Dreams

Whats life without dreams and who said the dream has to be productive? It can just be a whim and the whim to eat is the best kind. Here I share with you two of my most delicious whims. One was surmounted and second is eluding me.

The Cheesecake Factory. The place where penny works! This comes from a diehard Big Bang Fan who also happens to be a foodie; unfortunately she is not so well read. The first time I heard of a cheesecake was on FRIENDS with a whole episode seeing chandler and Rachel stealing an old lady’s cheesecake and wolfing it all up on multiple occasions. The idea seemed awesome to me, cake made of cheese. Yummy. The fantasy was well enjoyed and lapsed. With big bang theory the memories came rushing back.

So basically cheesecake contains the main layer as a mixture of soft fresh cheese mixed with eggs, sugar etc. It is usually a layered preparation with the bottom layer made up of crust, graham cracker, sponge cake or even cookies. The cake can be either baked or unbaked. It is usually refrigerated. The topping can be glazed sugar, whipped cream, fruits or even nuts. The most loved flavors of cheesecakes are strawberries, chocolates, key-lime and the ever green one is the classic one.

When the two layers of the cake have to be separately prepared the time taken and the preparation level has to be on the heavier side. This little drop of heaven takes three hours of hard work to be ready. However the buttery, soft and crumbly cheesecake is going to be worth every bit of your time. Internet is full of ‘steps’ to make the perfect cheesecake so just get the eggs and get to work. The few basics that can make or break (literally) your cake are: whipping is the most tedious and the most important part of the process. Make sure you whip as long as possible for it just gets better with every whip. Make sure the crust doesn’t crumble as cheesecakes are notoriously crumbly and finally make sure the temperature is right for your kind of dessert. If you would rather buy than make, just Google out the top 10 places in and around your city and go nuts!! The cheesecakes are all yours.

Now for the dream of Cheesecake factory. I did get to live my dream on my visit to States last year i.e. in 2013. I had tasted cheesecake before (bakeries, Pizza huts etc.) but it just didn’t feel right. In the state of Colorado. I visited the Cheesecake Factory and it was just what I wanted it to be. The air was peppered with slight waft of cheese. It was soothing not overwhelming, it was sweet but not too sweet. And when I finally saw the stand lined with all the cheesecakes I would imagine, the foodie inside me had reached its personal paradise.

From classic one to kiwi and Oreo flavor they had it all. There was a chocolate, marshmallow and even Godiva special chocolate. The taste buds were in trance. In my enthusiasm I ordered 3 separate cheesecakes while my cousins looked on and shared smiles. Later after a single pastry I was full and overfull. Yet I couldn’t stop, I knew I would regret it if I did! (Just like Chandler Bing! FRIENDS). I put the remaining precious pastries in a container and jived my way home. Mission accomplished. What I did not foresee was that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy such lovely delight back home. New Dream: Go to States again!

The second part of dessert dreams is Lemon Meringue. This started when I was in school and some story about some cruise had the girl drooling over a lemon meringue. My professor was a foodie or let’s say a connoisseur of fine dining. He went on to explain the dessert in great detail and the whole class was glassy eyed when the bell finally signaled the end of the class. From that day on, lemon meringue has been elusive preparation for me.

Lemon meringue is a type of pie with a short crust, a crust that doesn’t rise when we bake it. The preparation has only one base crust with the lemon filling as the middle layer and the meringue on top of it. Meringue in itself is a dessert and is made of whipped cream, eggs etc. The one thing about meringue is that it is completely fat-free and hence can be added benefits for the diet-cheaters like me. The preparation is very delicate and requires a very soft and sure hand.

The cupcake or the pie both are supposed to combine the rich sweet and tart flavors of lemon and top it with sweet meringue. The bite has to mix the awesomeness of both the worlds. Haven’t been lucky yet to chance upon one of these but may be some day on some cruise I will drool over these tiny perfections!

If you know where I can find these amazing meringues, please ping!

May 23, 2014
Haunted Hotels Around the World

We are programmed to receive.
You can checkout anytime you like,
But you can never leave!

Does Hotel California by The Eagles send a shiver down your spine when you hear those words? Remember how Percy Jackson was stuck in a Hotel for 4 years and did not realize because time passed rapidly? The Shining – Haven’t you read/watched that book/movie and felt claustrophobic and terrified? What happens when there are hotels which are acclaimed for being haunted? Find out – Go pack your bags, book a ticket, get a room. Stay. Befriend a ghost or kill the idea of ghost in your mind. Or go watch Hotel Transylvania.

• The Savoy, India

The Savoy is haunted by the ghost of Lady Garnet Orme. She was murdered here and one of the theories is that she was poisoned, but the case remains unsolved. It is supposedly Agatha Christie’s inspiration for her novel ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’. The doors swing open (must be the wind), the toilets randomly flush on its own (must be the plumbing). But what about the phantom of a woman that people see lurking in the passages of the hotel? Do savour your meal at The Savoy.

• Hotel Burchianti, Italy

Feel someone’s breath on your neck but don’t see anyone around? Is it icy? You might be in the Fresco room of the Hotel Burchianti. It was a hotspot for the 20th century intellectuals. A child’s ghost hops and skips. An apparition of woman knits. A maid haunts the stairwell. Various ghosts clamour here for your attention.

• The Crescent Hotel, USA

The Crescent Hotel has the honor of being called ‘America’s Most Haunted Hotel’. A man in a hat nodded and he was not a human. This image was captured on thermographic camera by the crew of the show Ghost Hunters. You have your proof but the scary thing is that this is not the only ghost, there are 7 more. Norman Baker, a former owner, used to scam people by claiming to cure cancer. A cancer patient who came for the treatment haunts the hotel along with Baker. In 1967, it was almost burned to ground. From the ashes, the spirits shall be woken!

• Toftaholm Herrgard, Sweden

The history of Toftaholm hotel is what tragic love stories are made of – a peasant boy in love with a Baron’s daughter, the father disagrees, tries to marry her off to another guy and what happens on the wedding day? The peasant boy enters room 324, commits suicide by hanging himself and never leaves that room. The guests have heard creaking windows and doors. Set by the Lake Vidostern, the hotel has the grandeur of 14th century architecture but feels like a melodrama.

• Mountain Park Hotel, South Africa

Making plans for your Saturday Night? Go to Mountain Park Holiday Resort Hotel for a guided ghost tour. The detailed history of the haunting is told and a paranormal photography contest is held. A ghost-dog called Wisp, a child called Matilda (not the Roald Dahl one) and 5 other ghosts haunt the hotel. Creepy ambience, creaking floors, stooped ceilings are some of the ghostly attractions. Meet and greet the ghost!

• Russell Hotel, Australia

Imagine waking up to a couple of seamen staring at you. For this creepy experience, head to Russell Hotel. The floors creak and footsteps are heard even when no one is around. A sailor’s soul haunts the room number 8 of the hotel. It was a sailor’s home during Colonial times and ghosts of seamen saunter around. A whistle to the open sea(man)!

• The Schooner Hotel, Britain

60. Sixty. That’s the number of spirits believed to haunt The Schooner. It has been declared as ‘The Most Haunted Hotel in Great Britain’ by The Poltergeist Society. Various smugglers, criminals stayed here and there has been human slaughtering and suicides. Children’s cries, women screams have been reported from room number 28. A hidden door connects the room 16 and 17, a boy’s apparition knocks on the doors and a floating image is seen in the corridors and at the bedpost. The ambiance of the hotel is eerie, with a soldier’s and a hand-maid’s ghost lurking around and people being engulfed by fear. It’s palpable!

• Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada

What happens when you spend most of your time at the office? If you are Sam McCauley then you start to haunt your work-place. He worked as a Bellhop at Fairmont Banff Springs and after his death, people have reportedly seen him in his uniform, trying to help them out. In addition, a bride who died on her wedding day haunts the hotel too. It is located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains. So if you’re chased by a shadow of ghost, you might be forced to do an impromptu edge-of-the-cliff jump.

• Dryburgh Abbey House Hotel, Scotland

The Grey lady committed suicide by jumping off the bridge and drowning. Dryburgh Abbey is built on the site of that lady’s house. Her lover was a monk, who haunts the abbey, all the while chanting. What’s that inscrutable sound that you hear? Listen closely. Someone’s chanting right next to you but you say there is no one around? Sure?

May 23, 2014
The World’s Food Festivals

Travelling is a stress-buster for many people. They cherish going to new places, meeting new people, knowing new cultures, listening to new languages and their nuances, and of course trying new and exotic cuisines. Eating while travelling is a high for most foodies but the chance to travel to eat is as irresistible as it can get.

Food Festival is one such alluring event where we travel to an entirely new place, sometimes a new country to taste the authentic bites as well as some of the best international foods which are showcased by the best in the business. Food Festivals happen round the year in all parts of the world but there are certain food festivals in the world which are known for their uniqueness as well as for their wide range of mouth-watering cuisines showcasing some of the best foods in the world specially prepared by the best chefs.

There are several food festivals across the globe, and some of the most unique and popular one’s are listed here :

1.Mendzona Wine Harvest Festival, Argentina, South America

Food is such an important part of South America’s culture such that most festivals in South America would include lots of food, fun and party. There is a saying that in the Latin America “You will never go home hungry”. South America boasts of some of the world’s most colorful carnivals and food festivals, especially in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia. Among these festivals, The Mendzona Wine Harvest Festival is one of the most popular food festivals in all of South America. This annual harvest festival in Argentina’s wine province is an opportunity for its eighty communities to come together and celebrate the food and harvest season which makes this event very special. It is a festival that is celebrated over all the 18 departments which make up the Mendoza Province. The event begins in December and goes on until the first weeks of March.

Here, you can spend the day wandering the grounds trying some of the most fabulous wine you will ever get to taste and the wine chocolates are a specialty of this festival. The food festival has a carnival atmosphere and there is a lot more to look out for during this festival

2.Taste of Melbourne, Australia

Australia has one of the world’s most cosmopolitan societies and the “Taste of Melbourne” highlights this fact even more. Every year thousands of food lovers visit Melbourne to take part in the annual food festival “Taste of Melbourne”. The people come here to enjoy the brilliant sunshine, have a drink or two and walk around the thousands of stalls which are lined up serving food from some of the city’s best restaurants and also some of the world’s favorite dishes prepared by the best chefs themselves.

This is a three day event which takes place during the month of November during which the city develops a special craving for food and many people can be seen visiting these food festivals with family and friends. The taste of Melbourne’s success has resulted in springing up of many new food festivals in other major cities like “The Taste of Sydney”, “The Taste of Perth” and so on. The food and wine varieties in these festivals are abundant and are a must for any foodie who visits Australia during the months of November.

3.The New Orleans Food and Wine Experience, USA

The New Orleans often called the most “unique” city in USA is located in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is called a feaster’s fantasy by many people because of the out of the box eatery options provided to the people during these festivals. They include eating in food trucks and sipping glasses of grape in a typical street party atmosphere.

The Mardi Gras of food fest, this May marks New Orleans’ 22^nd annual foray into food and wine with “The New Orleans Food and Wine Experience”. This event unlike other food festivals which offer just different types of food adds a whole new perspective by organizing seminars about food and also organizes events like “The Big Gateaux Show” display which shows the areas affinity for desserts.

4.Versoix Chocolate Festival, Switzerland

The Versoix Chocolate Festival, Switzerland is definitely one of its kind. The entire festival is dedicated to chocolates and it is a dream for any chocolate lover. There are two different areas to the festival. As you walk out of the Versoix train station you head into a tunnel and at the end of this tunnel you can either take a left or a right. The left turn heads downhill to the Favarger chocolate factory while the right turn heads to a White tent of chocolaty goodness. There are other vendors outside the tent for those who seek substantial food in addition to the sugar overload. I think the vendors end up selling more water and items to drink than food, as it is a necessity to have something after a few minutes of consistent chocolate tasting. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to sample the different varieties of chocolate available from the many chocolate makers in the Geneva area. You also enjoy seeing the many different Easter bunny creations made by these shops.

The fact that Switzerland is known for its chocolates is known, but the Versoix Chocolate festival is a rich experience and one which should not be missed by anyone who has a “sweet-tooth” for chocolates.

Festival of Happiness

Festivals generally bring a lot of joy and happiness to people, and it reminds us of the special festival sweets and savories our mom’s make. But if the festival itself is dedicated to FOOD, then there can’t be a greater happiness. Enjoy the food, Enjoy the festival and when they come together never miss them.

May 18, 2014
A Dinner at Kenyan Shore of Lake Victoria

Well, if you had expected this piece of writing to talk about the restaurants alongside the shore of Lake Victoria, then you might be getting wrong!! Kenya, one of the major hubs for tourism sport and wildlife safaris in Africa, is well known for its exotic culture and lifestyle. However it may turn out to one’s dismay to know that none of the restaurants in Kenya serve its traditional dishes. To taste them, you would have to visit the local Kikuyu, Abaluhya and Luo tribes. If that sounds too difficult a task, then here’s the easy way – learn the recipe and DIY….. Now that sounds exciting, doesn’t it – an evening dinner prepared by yourself at the lakeshore!!

A traditional Kenyan dinner can be separated into two menus – one with the Irio as the main course, and the other with the Ugali as the main course. The first menu is as follows –

The starter, The Oyster Mombasa

Steak and Irio with sauce dishes and salad relish

The dessert, Coupe Mt. Kenya

Kenyan tea or coffee

The second menu also called the Abaluhya menu has the Ugali as the main dish with the Maziwa Ya Kuganda (sour skimmed milk) as the dessert. Here’s how each of these recipes are made:

THE OYSTER MOMBASA

Ingredients:

3 dozen oysters (smallest available)

Wine garlic sauce:

½ cup melted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup Chablis (French white wine)

4 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp salt

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

Few drops Tabasco (hot sauce made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar and salt)

Method of preparation:

Open 32 small oysters, leave them on the half shell and place on baking sheets.

To prepare wine garlic sauce, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Chablis wine, chopped parsley, salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce.

Ladle half of the above sauce on each of the oysters.

Bake at 350’F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Ladle the remaining sauce over the oysters again.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

STEAK AND IRIO

Method of preparation

Drain peas and measure the liquid.

Put the peas through a vegetable mill or sieve to make a puree.

Drain kernel corn and add the liquid to that of the peas.

In a 2-quart saucepan:

Prepare 4 cups instant mashed potatoes following package directions and using the vegetable liquors as part of the required liquid.

Add 3 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.

Blend the puree of peas into the mashed potatoes until a smooth green color results.

Fold in the drained kernel corn.

The consistency should be that of firm mashed potatoes.

The Steak:

In a large skillet:

Cut 3 lbs fillet mignon (or any steak) in 2 x 1/2 x 1/2-inch strips.

Sauté in 4 tsp margarine oil until lightly browned.

Remove the steak from the skillet.

Blend in 6 tbsp flour to make a roux.

Add 2 cups onion soup made from a packaged mix and cook to medium-sauce consistency.

Correct the Seasoning with salt, pepper, and a little Tabasco.

Return the steak to the sauce.

Make a large mound (about 1 cup) of Irio in center of dinner plate.

Form a hole in the center about 2 inches in diameter.

Fill the hole with 1/2 cup of the sautéed steak and gravy.

Smooth around edges of the Irio so it looks like a volcano.

EAST AFRICAN SALAD RELISH

Method of preparation

Combine 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded with ½ cup carrots in very, very thin slices, ½ cup sweet onions (Bermuda or Spanish or scallions), and ½ cup green pepper in fine strips.

Fluff the mixture up.

Fill small sauce dishes, allowing about 1/3 cup per person.

COUPE MOUNT KENYA

Method of preparation

Any fruit ice cream will serve for the Coupe Mount Kenya, especially peach ice cream. Fruit sherbet may also be used. Canned pineapple may be substituted for the fresh, but it does not have the same zing.

Mash 4 or 5 ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted. There should be 2 cups.

Whip 1 cup heavy cream with ½ cup sugar until stiff.

In a bowl, combine 2 cups mashed mangoes, 2 tbsp lemon peel cut in tiny ribbons, ½ cup condensed milk, and ½ tsp salt.

Fold in the whipped cream.

Pour into freezer trays or a 6-cup mold and freeze.

PINEAPPLE RUM SAUCE

In a 1-quart sauce pan,

Simmer 1 cup pineapple juice (canned) and 1 cup sugar until it dissolves and syrup is formed.

Add 1/2 cup white rum. Let to cool.

In a 2-quart bowl:

Cut 3 cups fresh pineapple in ½ inch dice.

Pour the Pineapple Rum Sauce over the pineapple.

Marinate for several hours.

Place 1 scoop mango ice cream in a wine glass.

Top with pineapple rum mixture

Garnish with 1 tbsp pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped.

UGALI

Measure and bring to boil 4 cups of water in the saucepan.

Add the corn flour slowly while stirring with a wooden cooking utensil. This can involve a 10 to 20 minute process of slowly adding cornmeal and stirring, then adding more as needed.

Continue adding corn flour while still stirring to a thickened consistency. Use the cooking utensil frequently as the dough thickens.

Cook to a desired texture. The texture is usually thicker than mashed potatoes and is best cooked until the dough pulls from the side of the pot. Take care, as it can be very hot.

Turn the cooked ugali onto a serving plate. Use a wooden spoon to transfer it.

With its beautiful rock-lined shore and sparkling lake view, an evening meal at Lake Victoria should not be missed from your list of to-dos while holidaying in Kenya!

(Recipe sources from http://www.africa.upenn.edu)

May 18, 2014
The Flavor of Marina

The Marina beach in Chennai is one of the prime tourist destinations for anyone who visits Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The beach boasts of a coastline which can rival any of the top beaches and is often called as the “World’s second longest beach”. The place is famous for its stone statues and people who visit Chennai never miss going to this beach. But for the people of Chennai, the Marina Beach reminds of the innumerable kiosks which include the children’s favorite ice cream shops, the famous “bhajji kadai’s” and of course who can forget the cheap, yet tasty fast foods! The Marina Beach offers some of the tastiest yet affordable food in Chennai.

The choice of cuisine is exceptional and almost unbelievable when you look at the price and size of these shops. The Marina offers food at all prices for all seasons.

The Typical Chennai Humid Day

The Chennai weather can be really cruel during summers because of scorching heat and the beach offers a pleasant change during evening’s .It is the most popular place for evening walks and jogs. The people who visit the beach during summer evenings crave for the sugarcane juice which is definitely Marina’s favorite drink. The sugarcane juice is made from fresh sugarcanes as and when they are ordered and they don’t use any essence. The fresh sugarcane juice gives a real pleasurable feeling and at a maximum cost of Rs.10-15 it is certainly a bargain.

The other thing to look out for is the little ice-cream shops on wheels which line up the service road adjoining the beach. These ice cream shops are the hotspots for all the love-birds and family alike. There are various outlets which offer ice creams but “Kwality Walls” is certainly the most preferred choice. The Choco-bar ice-creams and Cornetto are worth a try and the premium “Magnum” range of ice-creams is a feast for any ice-cream lover.

Another life saver on hot afternoons is the freshly cut watermelons. They satisfy your taste buds and also manage to quench your thirst! A real “double dhamaka” I should say!

The Occasional Cool Days

There are days when the weather God’s show some mercy and Chennai has a relatively cooler climate. The Marina offers its classic “filter kaapi” for a true chennaite who loves his coffee. This is not the best coffee you will have in town but certainly good enough on a pleasant evening and the best thing is that “filter kaapi” can be bought from wherever you are sitting as these “coffee-wallahs” walk around the beach selling their coffee and you are saved from the trouble of walking a long distance to buy them. Watching the sea sipping on your coffee on a pleasant evening is a real kick!

If watermelons are for hotter days then definitely cut green mangoes with chilly powder and salt is the perfect way to cap off a pleasant evening. The sour sweet fruit tickles your tongue and can make you yearn for it all the more!

Food for Every Season

There are certain foods though which actually define your day at the Marina and they don’t have any particular season or time. You haven’t seen the best of Marina if you haven’t tasted the “beach bhajji”. There are various joints and several food chains which offer “bhajji” in the city but the “bhajji” you get in the beach is definitely the best. The “bhajji” consists of chopped vegetables incorporated into a dough made from rice and gram flour, spices, and sometimes herbs, then fried until golden. The “chilly bhajji” and “onion bhajji” are certainly the favorite among foodies at the beach.

The other favorite of people who visit the beach often is the “sundal”. It is a familiar sight to see young boys from the nearby fishermen areas who go to schools in the morning sell tasty “sundals” in the evening. The “sundal” like “bhajji” is definitely a specialty of Marina and “beach sundals” definitely taste better than even some of the home-made ones. The “maanga sundal” and “pattani sundal” are something to savor from your visit to the beach.

Finally, the “Marina Fast-Foods” which are merely 10X10 feet shops which get exceptional crowds especially during the evenings. They offer complete dinners at exceptionally low prices and are a must try for any foodie who visits the Marina. These shops offer everything from Chinese to Thai to North Indian foods. They offer starters like Chilly Paneer and Chicken varieties like Chicken 65, Chilly Chicken and some exclusive Chinese starters like Dragon Chicken, Pepper Chicken are a hit with youngsters who are the main targets for these fast food kiosks.

Hygiene Concerns

The beach food for all its variety and affordability has always been scorned upon by people because of its obvious hygiene issues. There have been several questions which have been raised about the hygiene and sub-standard products which have been used in preparing these foods, especially the oil used for making “bhajjis” and vessels used for making the food. But the shopkeepers have realized these concerns and have started using standard products and are quite open to suggestions made by customers. Though the hygiene issues are not completely forgotten the people are starting to open their mind to these kiosks after these assurances.

In spite of all these issues, one cannot deny the fact that these food outlets are an integral part of the Marina beach and they deserve to be so, after all “No place is a good place, if it can’t offer you good food!”

May 18, 2014
Popular restaurant Chains visited by the Populace

Restaurants are the first thing that come in our mind when there are plans of going out with friends or family. And when it comes to choosing restaurants, we go for the most acclaimed ones, with highest ratings and the best reviews. We sometimes prefer international cuisine with a bit of Indian touch to satisfy our taste buds. This is the list of some of the famous national and international food chains visited quite frequently.

Pizza Hut:

Pizza Hut was originally an American chain of restaurants which later became an international franchise. Pizza Hut has various outlets in major cities of India. It offers garlic breads, pasta, lasagne and desserts, in addition to pizzas. The pizzas offered by the Indian outlets have been slightly modified to suit our taste buds. They are more spicier, added with Indian flavours. It is one of the best hang-outs for pizza lovers, with a good ambience and an excellent service. The fun part about Pizza Hut is that you can clang the bell after you’ve paid your bill to express your satisfaction with their services.

Domino’s Pizza:

Also an American franchise, this is the second largest pizza chain in the US after the Pizza Hut. Similar to the Pizza Hut, Domino’s have tailored their pizzas to cater to our taste buds. Domino’s explains their lack of cutlery by saying thus, ‘Our pizzas taste better without knives and forks’. Domino’s outlets are seen in every locality we go to, thus providing an excellent home delivery service. Most of the time, they keep their 30-minute delivery promise, but when they don’t, they don’t delay the delivery by more than 10 minutes. It is the best way to enjoy a sleepover with our friends, munching on pizzas and listening to the stories each other has to offer.

Cafe Coffee Day:

Unlike Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza, Cafe Coffee Day is an Indian cafe chain. Abbreviated as CCD, they specialize in coffee, tea and finger foods. It is very famous among the youth and the outlets are present at many places in India and as well as a few international outlets are available at Prague, Karachi, Vienna and Dubai. The atmosphere is relaxing and composed, and many students visit CCD to discuss about their projects or simply to hang-out. It has been mentioned in the books ‘Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition’ by Chetan Bhagat and ‘The Bankster’ by Ravi Subramaninan.

KFC:

Initially known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was first established in Kentucky, and has now spread to become an international franchise. It is frequented by chicken lovers who devour lovingly on the food and drinks. KFC is known for its famous catering trade secret, the ’11 herbs and spices’. The secret has been signed by Colonel Sanders himself (the founder of KFC), and is kept in a safe vault in Louisville. Despite specializing in chicken, KFC also has a wide range of dishes for the vegetarians. KFC is sought-after for the ease in which the orders are placed and the minimal time taken to receive it.

McDonald’s:

Another American corporation, which has spread its roots to various countries, McDonald’s is yet another famous food chain in India. They specialize in burger, and like Domino’s and Pizza Hut, they have ‘Indian-ized’ their burgers. One of McDonald’s special feature is the drive-in takeaway services, which only very few restaurants provide. It is the kids’ favourite hangout because they get a chance to take pictures with the McDonald’s mascot and get free toys in their Happy Meals. What better way is there to have meals than play with the free toys, right?

Barbeque Nation:

Like the Cafe Coffee Day, Barbeque Nation is an Indian restaurant chain. It is especially famous for its mouth-watering starters and desserts. The starters are unlimited, which would be added on and on, until the famous trademark flag is let down. When the flag is down, it is an indication that the starter service be stopped.. The service is excellent, and the attendants make sure that there is not one moment when we are not chewing. After a point, the refilling is overwhelming, and we end up pulling the flag down. The main course provided here is excellent too. In addition to these, there are at least half a dozen different desserts, excluding the ice-cream, to choose from. Personally, I would recommend their starter, Cajun spiced potato as a must-try.

Mainland China:

This Chinese cuisine was started by yet another Indian hotelier. A favourite haunts among the lovers of Chinese cuisine, this chain of restaurant’s food claims to have authentic Chinese taste. The setting of the restaurant provides a very Chinese feel to the entire place. One of the most trusted food joints, it is frequented by their regulars and newbies alike.

Subway:

Yet another American fast-food joint, Subway is one of the famous fast food joints in India, with their outlets available in most of the shopping malls. Subway is one of those few fast-food joints that boast on the fresh and healthy food provided by them. They don’t employ the use of preservatives and each sub if freshly prepared. In addition to subs, they also provide salads and cookies. It can be safely said that Subway is the healthiest restaurant in this list.

These restaurants are more popular than most regional ones because of their various outlets. There are many more food joints, which are smaller in scale, but is constrained within a particular locality, which serves food as wonderful as the ones mentioned above.

May 16, 2014