Food Talk

I’ve had quite a few occasions to celebrate recently – I guess that’s natural when your family suddenly doubles. So currently, I have been looking at a few places in Delhi that would bail me out of a house party. May I add here, that I am pleasantly surprised with the increased options that the City has to offer since the time when I just returned from studying in Bombay. Gone are the days, when a meal at only a 5 star would mean a decent outing. Also gone are the days, where outside of the 5 stars, one had the limited, yet evergreen choices of Moti Mahal, Chor Bizzarre, Nirulas, Much later entrant PBN and the like. One factor that has possibly really improved the Food & Beverage scene in Delhi is the opening of malls, which made their debut in Gurgaon and only later hit Delhi. But, its better late than never.

Just thought I’d share some of the nicer places I have visited in the last couple of years. Some of these may be not the newest but are still nice to visit:

For the Indian food lovers, there is Veda by Rohit Bal. And the nicer part is that you no longer need to go to shady Connaught Place for the meal. There is an outlet that’s now opened at the DLF Promenade at Vasant Kunj. The interiors are quite pretty, but am not certain that they would match everyone’s tastes. While they are open for lunch and Dinner, it certainly is a dinner place. Also, avoid going there with very old people – and if you do, take up the task of ordering for them as its only a few candles and not very bright lighting that makes the place quite romantic. There is also Punjab Grill - It’s a venture by Jiggs Kalra, the food columnist and culinary writer. I will be visiting it soon, but it sure combines traditional Punjabi food with a hint of fusion (in some of their menu items) in quite a pleasantly contemporary setting. They have an outlet each at the Select City Walk Mall, Saket and the Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. My vote would go to the one in Delhi – as their terrace is quite pretty. Ambience Mall, however is quite the hub for Indian food with Nawab Ganj Safari and Sahib Sindh Sultan being th other options. Zest is the venture of the DLF group into hospitality. Located at the top floor of the DLF Emporio Mall in Vasant Kunj, it is the place to be currently. Serving seven cuisines, including Indian, a meal here is possibly the only thing can afford in the Mall. Getting a table there is tough even on weekdays, and they don’t take reservations beyond 8:30. They have a lounge-bar where you can wait for your table and sip a drink or two. The best place if you’d like to throw a party though, is the Terrace – just make sure you hit the right weather. What could improve at the Restaurant however, is its service. The Staff is not very well trained in F&B operations. From not knowing the menu well enough to undesirable attitude, interacting with the Restaurant Staff could possibly be the only dampener to an otherwise enjoyable evening.

The newest kid on the block of Oriental restaurants is Taman Gang. It’s at the DLF Promenade in Vasant Kunj and if I may add, ridiculously over priced (even though the vegetarian food we had was quite nice). However close by is Kylin at Basant Lok Complex, Vasant Vihar. Situated over three floors, the food is quite appetizing. Though I went there with my grand parents, amongst others, it’s more a place for the not so old. Yum Yum tree in New Friends Colony is the other place to try. The food here was excellent, the ambience chic and pleasant and the price very reasonable. Mainland China also has an outlet in Delhi at Masjid Moth. While it is a nice place and the food is good too, but the wait for the table can be quite a put off. Their other outlet in Gurgaon however seems like a better option if you don’t mind going a little outside of Delhi. Also in Gurgaon is Monk at the Galaxy Mall. Inspite of the tremendously positive feedback, it was a sheer let down. Very positively on my black list of restaurants. Something which is a mystery to me currently on the Oriental scene is Indochine. I had been there last year and had really loved the place. But too my surprise, when I went looking for it last week, it had been shut down. But I do know, that’s it moved to somewhere as I have an invite to a cocktail party there in the near future. Would be happy if someone can be help me resolve this one out.

For the more western world food, my personal old time favourites for Italian food have been Sartoria (Vasant Vihar) and Azzurro (Saket). Italics in Vasant Vihar and Tonino on MG Road are also good. New on the scene however are Magique (within garden of five senses) and Smoke House Deli at DLF Promenade. While MAgique is more rustic looking, the latter is quite chic and modern. The open air spaces in both these restaurants are the best part. In fact, at Smoke House Deli, if you manage a table outside on a weekend, you can also enjoy the very huge screen and a colourful musical fountain. Opposite Smoke house is also Mocha Art House – Am guessing owned by the same Mocha People, it seemed like a nice place for coffee. Though, the coffee, inspite of being in huge quantities is also good at Smoke House. Between the two outlets of Smoke House at Masjid Moth and Vasant Kunj, my vote would go to the latter. The most recent visit however was to Cibo at Hotel Janpath. And it was undoubtedly a very very pleasant surprise. The food is excellent and the setting quite romantic. It is a little on the expensive side, but you don't mind it all that much since the experience the restaurant offers is rather enjoyable. Continuing with Western/fusion food, there is also Tabula Rasa. This place, atleast when it opened seemed like a hot spot for the Richie Rich. I happened only to go there once, and that too when I was not paying the bill, so I cannot complain. But overall, a nice place. Close by is also Manre, with its claim to fame being the Michelin Star rating and ownership by Ramola Bachchan (Big B’s erstwhile sister in law). I am still to go there, so no reviews on it yet. Another concept that recently hit Delhi was the Italian Buffet at Frescos at Ambience Mall. Very reasonable, the place is quite a hit for someone who does not want to eat at the food court, wants a feel of good western food in a nicely done up restaurant combined with a visit to the Mall.

While I will be doing repeat visits to my latest discoveries above, am always looking for nicer places to go to. As and when, I will write more…

She for Shop

I recently heard this saying on returning from my US trip (where I did tons and tons of shopping as usual) and I could not help but relate to it - "Whoever said money cant buy happiness did not know the right places to go and shop."


I love to Shop and I don't understand how people don't. Is it not a kick to buy something new for yourself or for your loved ones? Anyway, I dont mean to sound opinionated in this post. Instead, this post is meant to pen down some notes/tips on enthusiastic shoppers:

• The 'Shopaholic' series by Sophie Kinsella is a must read for all the people who enjoy to shop. Its simply amazing the way you can relate to Rebecca (aka Becky) Bloomwood Brandon.
• Its true that a lot of what is available abroad is now available in India. So shop sensibility when abroad
• Do not shop anywhere else outside India other than USA. No, I dont intend to help the economy from recession - but you wont regret believing me. The same Zara shoes that cost 40 GBP in London cost 30 USD in New York. Bath and Body works (exclusively in USA)/ Abercrombie & Fitch/ Coach/Calvin Klein/ Ralph Lauren - All the stuff that you get at EXHORBITANT (read possibly 20 times) prices anywhere else in the world is available in the best quality in our very own shopping paradise. If you locate a factory outlet nearby, you get even luckier. I may sound like am crazy - but this is after having shopped in multiple countries (trust me, I did not return from any trip without shopping - untill I reached USA). Whoever said Thailand was a shoppers paradise!!!!
• Fridge Magnets and souveniers make for one my most enjoyable shopping items. Recipe books is the other favourite.
• Shoes - Can't seem to get enough. men, including my husband find it tough to relate to more than just a couple of pairs. But a nice pair of shoes can brighten the dullest of days!! But again....
• "When women are depressed, they think of something to eat or shop. men invade another country. Its a whole different way of thinking."
  

Reconnecting

The last 6 months have been hectic, new, mysterious and a lot of fun and left me with no time to reconnect with my thoughts. But after having read some of my favourite blog rolls, I just had to write something - even if its gibberish

• Bharat Darshan is what I am upto lately. I often wonder whether its worthwhile getting back to good old days of globetrotting instead. To add to the confusion, my husband also questions my decision on the move
• I am no expert on marriage - but one thing for anyone who is looking to get married - its only for when one is mentally ready for it.
• Its much simpler to complain and crib about what one does not have but much more enjoyable to cherish what you do have.
• However corny, but I am happy when I see him happy
• Opposites do attract - but some similarities are important
• Us vs. I - Wish it came as a natural choice equally to all
• Can one really have two sets of parents?? Yes. However, one being only in law, to love both equally seems to be a utopian concept. Does it mean shying away from responsibilities - NO!!
• I never knew I could be this happy when everything around me was about change and adjustment. Thanks V!!

An old draft - Nov 2008

Not that I am getting the time to sit and think, but in the empty pockets of time, the mind wanders..towards the life ahead with all its changes. The largeness of the day fast approaching is only just settling in, and that too is just the beginning. Keeping aside the emotional quotient, a new life with new people does give me those occasional butterflies. Overall, a lot of anxiety put to rest. But sweet lord, this is it. Am going to stop making sense beyond a point because words are just not there to describe the feeling.

Now: 9 months, still settling but happiest I've ever been. Marriage - It's different!!

Fasting & Feasting

I have not read the book, and I don't know what it's about. But I know that I should be celebrating getting married and feasting, but am fasting instead. Without any intent of making a mockery of our Indian culture and value system, I am compelled to know the rationale behind so many beliefs that we have. And one of them being today. Will Indian husbands really live longer if their wives don't eat and drink for a day. Don't wives pray for their mates health, wealth and happiness every single day, that they need to do make special efforts on this one day in the year. Am not so much into womens lib, so am not going to go that route and argue about how men should also do something similar.

I may sound it, but I don't mean to be complainitive. It's a festival and a part and parcel of our tradition and culture. Though I may want to rationalise it, I don't think I have it in me to challenge it.

Top of the world

Such a feelings coming over me
There is wonder in most everything I see
Not a cloud in the sky
Got the sun in my eyes
And I won't be surprised if it's a dream

Something in the wind has learnt my name
And it's telling me that things are not the same
In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze
There's a pleasing sense of happiness for me

~ Carpenters~

By the window sill..

You are vibrant, young and stylish
You cheer me up when I walk into my room
You put me to sleep, you wake me up
You cool me down, you brighten my day
You are worth every minute it took to find you

Oh how I enjoy having you around...my new curtain drapes

'Commercial' Entertainment

It is quite an art to deliver a message in a matter of 45-60 seconds, don't you think?? And some of these guys did a fantastic job at it in my opinion.

I used to love this one, and almost to run to the TV room everytime this commercial would start - just to see the delightful expression of happiness that the woman potrays here.


The phones available today are although much smaller than the one in this commercial, but such commercials are just so rare to find today.


Singing along with Lehar Pepsi aha!!! There was another one on pepsi from the days Aishwarya Rai was a model and played Sanjana along with Aamir Khan (Yes, I used to be quite crazy about him in those days, so therefore the affinity with the ad). Well, dint manage to find that one, but this one brings back memories too..


Extinct drink - Extinct commercial


Though the sound quality of this one aint great, but the childs expression on 'Jalebi' is to die for


Simplicity in creativity

Journal art

A well wisher recently told me that he's bored of what I've put up here. And everytime I have been thinking of writing something since, a small teeny weeny performance pressure grips me. Anyhow, now I am over it, so here goes:

1. Have found myself actioning on the things I have been wanting to do for a while now, and I am loving it. For starters, this was possibly the first birthday of it's kind I had. Yes, I did turn 28 - but you know, it's really not that old. It's only and hopefully only half my life - there is so much more in store to learn from the second half. Anyway, so turning old is not what made me spiritual/religious and took me to Amritsar - and neither was it to meet a marriage prospect (I had atleast 4 people asking me that question). It was the want of doing something different. Given the liking I have taken to travel, the desire to see more of my own country, and value of the time I have with my parents, I decided to give up the usual wining and dining and do this instead. And I thoroughly enjoyed turning 28.


2. Have taken to a new interest - Art. No, not visiting art galleries and museums and trying to comprehend what others express. But trying to express myself in black and white, and a little bit of water and colour. And it is fascinating. Well, am just a beginner and am yet only trying my hand at the simpler techniques. But hopefully, the interest will last long enough so I can finally have something to tell the mummy's and daddy's when they ask me about my hobbies :-). Come on, you know me better than that - that's not even remotely the reason.


3. I called up the organisers of various dance classes conducted in Delhi. I will soon pay up for the weekend batch, but atleast I have a registration number now - am moving in that direction.


4. Am also finally back to the rythm of one hindi movie a week. And am so glad Ads has moved to Delhi - Its what they call 'ek teer se do nishane' - I can pamper her, as well as have company for the most trashy movies ;-) But I am thinking about BeeforBollywood.


5. The other thing that is keeping me busy these days is reading the shopaholic series. Am still on confessions, but it already has made me confess on the shopaholic instincts I am developing. Am hoping its a commonality with women my generation and age. And more so, just a phase..


6. Work is really uninteresting these days. The Organisation has done some bit of restructuring and everyone is trying to deal with the change. So am I. Hopefully I have made the right decisions. One of my oldest colleagues and once upon a time the only friend at work has resigned. And that is pretty much seems the end of our roller coaster ride together.

Journal art is something I read about as I was researching my new found interest. You get rid of the clutter in the mind by writing a journal, and then close your eyes and draw random lines with a blank mind. A shape automatically emerges, which you fill in for a complete painting. My journal's done, so now lets give the art a try.

Jai Hind

With all entertainment channels at their patriotic best this weekend, it dawned on me (Its a pity, I need external influence to trigger such thoughts)...How selfless were the people who fought for our country? What did they get in return? Pride and honour? From who? Generations like ours and the ones to follow who don't even know the names of all the martyrs who bled for us. Such immense passion for something you don't even reap the benefits of. Does the mass Indian even value the armed forces...does he even know that in so many countries in the world, every citizen needs to serve in the army for a period of their lives..

And its not just the freedom fighters or the soldiers of the armed forces...August 14 was one of those nightmarish days when our good ol' capital could not handle the downpour, and it took commuters an average of 4-5 hours to return home from work. What did the traffic policeman get by soaking himself in the rain, wading through the water barefeet and controlling traffic. Ok, that's his job and that is what he is paid for - but he is doing a job thats for the welfare of people, and not just himself. How many of us would like to leave the comforts of our homes and do something like that.

Wow.. and here I am torn between my day to day saga of what is wrong in my life. What am I doing thats beyond the influence of my material needs. Can't think of anything. And how many people do I personally know who are....