tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50060990632038718222024-03-21T00:10:46.914-07:00Lipstick Junkie- Every Shade of RandomPea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-81248404093522869182014-04-04T02:04:00.001-07:002014-04-05T02:34:05.992-07:00Bread Winners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's another article featured in the DNA today. Listing down only 5 places for good sandwiches was a tough task, and am sure you might have something in mind that might be better than what's listed here. Do feel free to share your feedback in the comments below-<br />
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What's the first thing that comes on your mind when you are hungry and running out of time? And pat comes the thought, 'How about a sandwich?' The fact that it's super easy to prepare and can be made in varied styles, sandwich makes for the perfect snack for people on the go, for a tea-time get-together, or just for those days when you don't feel like cooking.<br />
Referred to as Banh Mi in Vietnam, Cemita in Mexico, Hoagie in the US, or simply the Vada Pav in India, you will find sandwiches in every part of the world, and every time with a different name. Pune being the hub of the young people, sandwiches are one of the most popular snacks which you will find at almost every nook and corner of the city.<br />
1.<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;"> Marz-o-rin</strong><br />
This is the first recommendation that comes up each time there's a mention of the word 'Sandwich'. We recommend their chutney sandwich, which has a hint of sweetness in the green chutney and is loved by everyone. It is said that out of 1000 sandwiches sold everyday, around 700 are the chutney ones. You can also try the chicken sandwiches here.<br />
Located on MG Road, Camp</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2014/04/03/224750-sandwich2.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; height: 300px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /><br />
2.<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;"> Brooklyn Shuffle</strong><br />
Come here for the Chicken Club Sandwich. It's the presentation that you should look out for. Sandwiches (and burgers) here are served with a portion of onion rings, fries and coleslaw. You need no extra encouragement to pop in besides the magical mix of chicken, cheese and toasted bread.<br />
Located in Koregaon Park<br />
3. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;">A1 Sandwiches</strong><br />
A simple roadside stall with no frills, this joint serves some of the best sandwiches in the city. Located in the bustling Camp area, this stall is popular for its Veg Club Sandwiches. The minimalist sandwich made of cheese and green chutney is priced at at Rs 40, which can be easily shared between two.<br />
Located in Camp</div>
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<img alt="Choclate-sandwaich" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2014/04/03/224751-sandwich3.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; height: 301px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 600px;" /><br />
4. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;">Flavours</strong><br />
No place can make the chocolate sandwich the way these people do. Priced at Rs 50, their choco sandwich tops the list of best sandwiches in the city. One bite, and the blend of chocolate and butter will have you coming back for more. There are currently four outlets in the city, but if your are new in Pune, you won't find it dfifficult to locate the one in Fergusson Collage Road.<br />
Located on FC Road, in Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar and Pimple Saudagar</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2014/04/03/224752-wadapav.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; height: 300px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 451px;" /><br />
5. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;">JJ Garden</strong><br />
Since the Vada Pav is included in the Top 10 Sandwiches of the world, we would't leave this one out of the list. A tiny road side joint, this one is one of the most highly recommended sandwich joints by Puneites. Try the vada pav with their authentic green chutney, and we're sure you will not stop at just one.<br />
Located in Camp</div>
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*Picture credit- DNA, Pune</div>
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Here's the link to the article- <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/lifestyle-the-5-sandwiches-you-must-have-in-pune-1974884" target="_blank">http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/lifestyle-the-5-sandwiches-you-must-have-in-pune-1974884</a></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-50211251741927509832014-03-30T05:37:00.001-07:002014-04-09T05:30:50.828-07:00My first published interview! - Hiten Tejwani, DNA Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i><span style="color: white;">He balances a hectic professional life with a healthy personal life,stressful shooting schedules, and sneaks in a little me-time every once in a while. Yet, he's willing to learn more. Hiten Tejwani now has a Bollywood film, Tere Aane Se, up his sleeve.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>After 12 long, hard-working and very successful years, Hiten is a face to reckon with on Indian Television. He’s currently seen on TV in Pavitra Rishta and Sanskar Dharovar Apno Ki. Why the shift to Bollywood? This and a lot more, on this candid chat with the humble actor-</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>From television to films- Why this shift?</i></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Frankly speaking, I feel anyone who starts acting, be it in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">theater</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, TV , or even advertisements, is looking at Bollywood. After 12 long years in this industry, I have learned a lot, and there’s always something more to explore. I have always wanted to get into Bollywood. I have been an Assistant Director in the past, and have even edited many films. When I was offered roles in television soaps, I wanted to explore. All that I am today, every part of my success and experience- it’s all because of TV. </span></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>How has your experience been so far, shooting this film?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>It’s been great! It’s challenging. There’s not much that I can reveal right now, but all that I can say is that there is a whole lot of hard-work that I have put into this character I am portraying. The film starts with me, Sanjeev, a 60 year old, reminiscing about his life. And then you go on to see me play a college student, a mischievous young rock-star…and how his life unfolds, the circumstances that make him that 60 year old man. You’ll see the character evolving, and it’s a journey I want to take you through. It’s extremely challenging. Especially since this is not something you have seen before.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How have you prepared for this role?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The most challenging part is that there is absolutely no reference to any other character. I couldn’t refer to any material. Everything has been thought of carefully, it’s all my imagination. I take an hour before the shot, sit back in my dressing room, and think- about Sanjeev, what he would feel, what he would go through, and after 60min, I walk out of my room as Sanjeev. And once again, it’s not been easy. All the roles I have portrayed in the past, all the experience I have got from TV, all of this has contributed to this particular role. In the last 12 years, I have done a whole range of roles, and it’s all helping me today.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>What do you prefer shooting for- television or films?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Well…they are almost the same nowadays. The main difference would be the time it takes to shoot a serial or a film. With TV, you don’t get much time to prepare. It’s all done that day itself, on the set. Shoot, and leave. But I don’t really feel there’s much difference now. Gone are the days when it took 3 years for a film to be completed. It’s all done very quickly now. I can’t really pick a favorite.</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>What next?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Let’s see. I have 3-4 scripts, will go through them once I’m done with this film. I’ll take it one step at a time</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Any dream role?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>I want to portray a character that becomes a classic in the coming years. I want people to look back, and remember this character distinctly, even years later.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How do you keep in touch with your fans? Any special message you’d like to give them?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>I’m active on social media, I interact with them on Instagram and Twitter. I also reply to the text messages. Everyone’s been really kind to me, and I want to thank them for the appreciation. There will be roles that I will probably be experimenting with in the future, but that’s only because I want to learn more. I request you to keep the support coming in, and once again, thank you for being there for me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;"><i>And with this, we ended the chat. What was meant to be an interview left me feeling liberated. The zeal and enthusiasm to keep learning was overwhelming. We wish you all the best for the film Hiten!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Here's the link of the DNA article-</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><i><a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61978&boxid=36813&ed_date=2014-03-29&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2" target="_blank">http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61978&boxid=36813&ed_date=2014-03-29&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2</a></i></span></span><br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-73114453618022997182014-03-26T00:44:00.002-07:002014-04-09T05:31:31.373-07:00Street Shopping, Pune: Featured on the DNA website<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: white;">Oh look, I've been featured again! <Wouldn't have known had a friend not called me up to tell me about it. *sigh* God bless him.></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Here is the article-</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/lifestyle-shop-the-street-smart-way-in-pune-1972291" target="_blank">http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/lifestyle-shop-the-street-smart-way-in-pune-1972291</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">As we enjoy the luxuries of globalization and modernization, it's difficult to let go of the habit of haggling with street vendors, something that most of us have grown up with. With prices almost skyrocketing, seeing the jealousy and disbelief etched upon your friends faces as you show off your best buys is turning out to be quite a delightful experience. Getting good deals from Sarojini Nagar, Delhi and Colaba Causeway/Linking Road, Mumbai are now passé. Pune is now opening up to the culture of street shopping.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Street shopping , though a little off-track, can be one of the most exhilarating shopping experiences of your lifetime. This is not something that a novice shopper can deal with.The variety of products available at astonishingly low rates, the sense of achievement on having bagged a good deal, picking up triple the number of products for half the amount you’d spend at a mall, and to end it with a finger-licking roadside chaat – this experience is not to be missed out on if you are in India. </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><b>If you are looking at funky products, fabulous bargains, or simple photo opportunities, M.G.Road and F.C. Road in Pune are a must try. Clothes, jewelry, bags, shoes, home décor items, ethnic items, you name it, they have it. Navigate your way through traffic, kids selling stickers and balloons, and other shoppers as you peruse the stalls. </b><b>From branded items off the runways to dirt-cheap seasonal trends, MG Road and F C Road are a fusion of traditional and modern styles. These shopping destinations in Pune attract a whole lot of young college crowd, looking out for inexpensive trendy items. The quality of the products picked up is questionable, but something worth Rs. 300 that lasts for 3 months is something that most of us as shoppers can live with.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">The people, the smells, the tastes, the organized chaos, the cacophony of sounds - all of this combined makes for an enthralling shopping experience. There are 2 rules that we absolutely must not forget while street shopping-</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Don’t buy in haste, there is ALWAYS a better deal waiting for you at the next store</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>BARGAIN.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Street shopping is an exciting experience, you never know what you might find. Every buy here has a story. Plan out a day of street shopping with your girls, and shop till you drop! End it on a relaxed note with wine and kebabs at the Greek-themed bistro-By The Way if you are at F.C. Road, or with a Barman’s Pitcher and some Masala Fries at Thousand Oaks’s, Camp if you are looking at something fun near M.G.Road. </span></b></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-18485994230700351202014-03-23T19:58:00.000-07:002014-04-09T05:31:54.302-07:00Beef Steak Burger <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: white;">Yay to another feature being published!! DNA, Pune, Page 2 :</span></div>
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<a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61713&boxid=34941&ed_date=2014-03-24&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2" target="_blank">http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61713&boxid=34941&ed_date=2014-03-24&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2</a></div>
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<span style="color: white;">What seems like a millennium ago, a phenomenon called Burgers (previously known as Burger King) arrived in Pune. Back then, Pune Camp (M.G. Road) was populated with a cosmopolitan crowd; a mix of foreign students, Christians, Parsis and the elite. The crowd went wild for this place, and for someone who had started this as a small experiment, it ended up being a main business. 25 years since this phenomenon hit this town, Mr. Shapoor Irani, the man behind the burger joint, is still coming to terms with the fact that this place is one of the most famous burger joints in Pune.“I am an MBA graduate, I had nothing to do with this field when I decided to open this joint. I recognized the need in the market for burgers, had an empty space lying around back home, and decided to give it a shot. It’s become such a big hit, it’s not easy!” </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Considering it’s esteemed competition, this joint is surprisingly low-key. Orders are taken over a small counter , while the cooks prepare the burgers in the background. While the orders are competently prepared, the options are straightforward- burgers, fries and drinks.All the customers are loyalists, and word-of-mouth publicity has got it this far. If you are in Pune, looking for a fast-food quick-fix, you know where to go.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The Beef Steak Burger has established itself in the competitive market. Mr. Irani went on to tell us how people from Mumbai and Goa come over on weekends to get a taste of the special beef burgers. “On weekends, it’s maddening. There is a long queue of customers waiting to order, and the guys in the kitchen work at the speed of lightning. All the beef burgers are sold out EVERYDAY, there are people who settle in for the chicken burgers because the beef ones are over. I feel bad, but there’s nothing that I can do. I want to continue providing good quantity of quality food, at inexpensive rates.” On quizzing him about the daily sales he smiles and says- I can make 200 burgers, and I can make 10,000. Depends, you can never say. But we are always well prepared.” Does he wish to expand the business? “No not as of now. I have a tough time handling this, how much can one man do? Everything here is freshly prepared, I do not sell frozen patties. The shelf-life automatically decreases, so I can’t be looking out at franchises. I want to give my undivided attention to the 2 stores, I don’t want to compromise on quality, quantity, prices, or my attention” Mr. Irani’s passion for the business is reflected in the way he tells us how a burger is made, describing each step in detail while preparing a burger by himself. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The store has 2 branches, one on East Street and the other one at Koregaon Park. The stores open at 11:30am and close down by 10:30pm, and are always buzzing with customers. A beef steak burger is priced at Rs. 80. The customers know what they want, and they know they can get it here- cheap, filling, and most importantly, consistent. Majority of the customers are students, and that is something that has not changed since the store opened back in 1988-89. “The foreign students would come here for the beef burgers, you’d get the loyal AFMC guys coming in every evening, and every Sunday you’d find the NDA chaps occupying the whole place, all throughout the day. Pune has been very kind.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">A good burger is a beautiful thing, almost like an unimprovable piece of art- a satisfying messy presentation of ketchup, cheese, mayonnaise, beef and of course the custom-made buns. If you're looking out for messy American burgers that remind you of Jughead while you eat them, you will definitely enjoy this place. And if you are lucky enough to get Mr. Irani to spend some time with you, you’d not want to leave. </span></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-22415603985310638532014-03-19T21:48:00.000-07:002014-03-23T07:43:49.096-07:00A Mediterranean Affair- Casero, Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Before I start, here's the link to the published article (DNA,Pune Edition):</div>
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<a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61505&boxid=35622&ed_date=2014-3-20&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2" target="_blank">http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61505&boxid=35622&ed_date=2014-3-20&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2</a></div>
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With a whole lot of Italian, Indian, Oriental and
Continental restaurants springing up all over the city, this one comes as a
pleasant change. With absolutely no hint of an Indian touch, Casero takes you
on a delectable trip across Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Greece. </div>
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White stone walls, green doors, a strong breeze, a white
fence lined with potted palms, little lamp shades at every table, and soft jazz
music playing softly in the background-
this place will definitely remind you of a sea-side bistro in Greece or Italy. The
staff is polite, courteous, and makes sure every need of yours is attended to. </div>
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The journey across the Mediterranean coast starts as soon as
you are handed over the menu card. Hand-made paper clipped on a heavy wooden
slate, the menu card provides a detailed description of all the food items.
Casero means “home-made” in Spanish, and this is exactly what works for them.
There is something about the place that will make you feel at home, and this is
what makes the culinary experience all the more exciting. </div>
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Warm, buttery, lightly toasted bread served with some light
and refreshing hummus, and a couple of fresh fruit mocktails were brought to our table while we browsed through the
menu. Mr. Mahesh Kini, the owner of Casero, came over to us and suggested we
try out a few of their specials. “We use authentic Mediterranean style of
cooking, which is why you will not find even a little hint of any Indian
flavors in the food. “ </div>
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Starters:</div>
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Green Tomato and Goat Cheese </div>
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This is a fried patty, soft and cheesy with a thin slice of green tomato in the center, with a little hint
of sweetness. This is served with a yogurt based dip, and if you are in the
mood for a new (cheese) flavor, I recommend you try it. </div>
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Spanakopita</div>
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A thin, soft, buttery pastry stuffed with spinach, this is a
must try for all you vegetarians. The flavor of the spinach is refreshing, and
mixes well with the buttery pastry. </div>
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Moroccan Style Lamb Balls</div>
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Oven baked, sautéed in the home-made tomato sauce, this one is a
little tangy. The meatballs are soft, and the flavors are overwhelming. </div>
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Souvlakia</div>
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This is a grilled chicken preparation served on skewers, and
has a fresh flavor of lime, olive oil and herbs. Very light on the stomach, do
try it out. </div>
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Kalamar Tava</div>
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This one’s been highly recommended by many, and is a Turkish
preparation of squids stuffed with shrimps. Fresh, soft, and full of flavor,
this extravagant preparation is fit for a king. </div>
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Main Course</div>
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Artichoke and Phyllo Parcel</div>
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This one is an oven-baked phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese
and pan- sautéed leek. Buttery, cheesy, soft and light, this dish melts in your
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Root Veg Saganaki</div>
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This is a deep-fried patty made our of root vegetables
(carrot, beetroot and radish), served with some home-made tomato sauce. Tangy
and sweet at the same time, this is served with feta cheese. If you like your
cheese, do try it out. </div>
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Casero Signature Paella</div>
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This involves prawns, chicken, crab and pork sausages served
in lemon rice. A good mixture of flavors, this too has been highly recommended
by many.</div>
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Harissa Chgicken</div>
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This one was my personal favorite. It’s chicken cooked in chilly paste and bell
peppers in a foil. If you are looking out for something spicy, try this. The
moment you open the foil, the aroma of the chilly engulfs you, and the flavor
of the bell peppers and chilly seeped right into the chicken makes this quite a
refreshing chicken preparation. </div>
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Lamb Shank Tagine</div>
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This is mutton served in thick gravy. A little sweet, with a
strong flavor of all the right garam masalas, the mutton is cooked with
caramelized onions and dates. The aroma will take you back to your history
books, and remind you of the Turkish Sultans and their trade of spices, and their rich foods.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilH0UnZtmSMCL16hftSgEIRaRRjZs-h4gU1_2MXFfh9gpoAz-CL8vZ59Z33G4b92Bg2RLiylEbQOtEhAiLysNsD_g7eVKKX3BtsINBi9XMZ9XBm919rkUQSCbmklqDlAQj1Atx9ngVMQU/s1600/IMG-20140318-WA0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilH0UnZtmSMCL16hftSgEIRaRRjZs-h4gU1_2MXFfh9gpoAz-CL8vZ59Z33G4b92Bg2RLiylEbQOtEhAiLysNsD_g7eVKKX3BtsINBi9XMZ9XBm919rkUQSCbmklqDlAQj1Atx9ngVMQU/s1600/IMG-20140318-WA0030.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The advantage of this
cuisine is that it’s very light on the stomach, and even after all those dishes
we had appetite for some desserts (tee hee)</div>
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Desserts </div>
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Dark Chocolate Rum Torte</div>
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This one has been
highly recommended by many, and there was no way we were going to be left
behind. 70% dark chocolate, with a strong flavor of rum- If you love dark chocolate, genuine dark bitter chocolate, there is no
way you can be missing out on this. </div>
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Arabian Nights</div>
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This is a much lighter option compared to the chocolate torte.
This is a platter containing a rich, creamy milk based dessert, a walnut filled
baklava, and a refrigerated preparation of saffron milk.</div>
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A must-try for those looking out for a completely new
culinary experience. I’m definitely going back for more. </div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-2851498376064053042014-03-18T02:49:00.000-07:002014-04-09T05:32:54.665-07:00Arthur's Theme, Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A hot and lazy Sunday afternoon saw us walking into Arthur's
Theme.The place was empty, and I had my doubts about entering. But I've never
heard a bad review about Arthur's Theme, which is why I decided to go ahead with this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A small place with wood paneling and dim lights immediately
takes you to a small café somewhere up in the Himalayas. Full marks for the
presentations- lights, music, the wine bottle on the table; this is exactly
what you want on a lazy weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We took the table by the window, and proceeded to
order. Because it was uncharacteristically hot (it’s only mid March!) I decided
to go ahead with a non-alcoholic Sangria. The staff is polite, courteous, and
extremely humble. My drink was served within 10 minutes. After having spent all
of Sunday morning “café-hopping”, in search of that one drink that would make
the heat bearable, I had finally found it. Sweet, cold, and a strong
flavor of apple-what more could one ask for? Once again, full marks for the
presentation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We ordered an Alfredo, which is batter-fried calamari, served
with a garlic dip. This one arrived in 15 minutes, and just by the smell of it
we knew we had ordered a winner. A rich buttery aroma filled the place while I
tried to get a good shot. After a certain point I could not hold back any
longer, so please forgive me for this poor quality image. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The squids were fresh, not too chewy, and absolutely
delicious! Perfect for beer and game nights. The dip compliments it perfectly,
and I strongly recommend this dish for starters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We then ordered a Mariana and a Duncan (I LOVE the names of
the dishes here!) Here’s the verdict-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mariana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">I expected potato skins, and was a little disappointed to see
them being served like this-</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">But the disappointment was short-lived. The potatoes are
crispy, tasty, and go well with the yogurt dip. You can’t stop after one. The
garlic and herbs blend well to give a distinct flavor to this dish. Highly
recommend it, do try it out. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Duncan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">Classic chicken wings in barbeque sauce. Even though it’s a
standard preparation, no one has ever managed to do a good job. This one,
however, is as close to perfect as you could get. It looked a little messy to
eat, but once we started, we finished off 8 wings between the 2 of us within 15 minutes, I kid you not. The caramelized barbeque sauce does the magic. Try it,
please do!</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: white;">I’m glad Sunday ended on such a happy note. It’s good to see
a few old places that have managed to keep up their standards. I am DEFNITELY
coming back again, this time with the boyfriend. Good food, affordable prices,
and an ambiance that gives you the experience of fine-dining somewhere in the mountains,
Arthur’s Theme is highly recommended. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-26822482366908764772014-03-14T22:18:00.000-07:002014-04-09T05:33:35.416-07:00Cafe Yezdan, Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: white;">Another feature in DNA this morning...I think I can get used to seeing my name in the papers every weekend (kidding) This one is a feature on Cafe Yezdan, one of the oldest Irani Cafes in the city. Have a look-</span><br />
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DNA e-Paper Link: <a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-15" target="_blank">http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-15</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Here's the article-</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For decades, Iranian cafes have been a popular haunt for youngsters looking out for their daily quota of bun-maska and chai. Standing strong since 1964, Café Yezdan has seen modernization, contemporary problems, rising prices of real estate, youngsters unwillingness to carry on the family business, and a lot more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Continuing the Iranian-Zorastrian trade of “chai-khanas” (tea-houses) in India, Café Yezdan was started by Khodabanda Irani after having fled Iran. The Irani Cafes present in Pune are a mix of Muslim owned and Parsi owned cafes. The Muslim ones are much more in number, and Café Yezdan is one of the very few Parsi owned Irani cafes left in the city.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Situated at Sarbatwala chowk in Pune camp, this little café is always bustling with customers. From 6:00am till 8:00pm, there is not a single minute where you’d see the waiters idle. Before we met the manager, we decided to ask a few waiters about the place and business- “ Bun Maska chai aur Broon bahut famous hai. Broon bahut jaldi khatam ho jata hai, aur yahan ka bun-maska chai toh poore Pune mein famous hai” (the bun-maska chai and broons are very famous; broons get over quickly, and the bun-maska chai is the most popular item on the menu) The staff here is extremely jovial, helpful, and efficient.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even with food prices going through the roof, Café Yezdan is still more competitively priced than several other eating places,and a good option for those who find it wasteful to spend much on a cup of tea. With the marble table tops, Irani chairs, tiled floors, and ceiling fans ambiance might not be their forte. But this has never stopped the customers from coming in for a plate (or more) of the special chai and bun-maska. It has developed it’s own style over the years, one very different compared to other restaurants -there is a distinct presence of the old-world style of the Iranis. This has, over the years, become an iconic feature in the locality.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“We recently renovated the place 10 months ago, and now we see men getting their families along. We have seen an increase in the number of women in the café. With the “No smoking” rule, women and children are feeling a lot better at our café” said Mr. Shapoor Irani, grandson of the late Khodabanda Irani. He continues, “The buns are all out-sourced from Persian Bakery, and the broons from Imperial Bakery. We do not have an in-house bakery. Everything else is prepared right here. And majority of the sales are of the bun-maksa and chai.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Majority of the customers are individuals with modest means, looking out for simple and wholesome meals and snacks. This café also sees a bunch of people meeting for interviews, or plain social gatherings. Like all the Iranian cafes, this one too has created a loyal following, irrespective of caste and class.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bun-maska and chai for two cost us a total of Rs. 70. Unless you are not too particular about hygiene, there is no reason you should be missing out on the bun-maska chai they have to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Café Yezdan is a simple,homely abode to people from all walks of life, looking out for good and inexpensive food. The simplicity is what makes it unique. A musty try for all Punekars.</span></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-39688251309689538722014-03-10T22:01:00.000-07:002014-03-10T22:01:31.423-07:00A lunch for one- Dario's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tried the Onion Tart for lunch this Monday. A quick summary-<br />
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1.The service has improved since the last time I visited (back in June 2013) Or maybe it's the lack of customers on a Monday afternoon. Either way, I didn't have any complains as far as the service was concerned.<br />
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2. The Onion Tart was a tad bit too oily. Oily enough to put you off, you know what I mean? If you're paying a bomb for something, you don't want to be served something that LOOKS unappetizing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLATRu9NpAck2mgVKaf-8BYncmfAUEnEcM2MaHbHoRgEZj1FtUdAQqxYdbclQ_ChLw5oKiUtHUdIy7r9kz5vyaGXTbxjo2mfomOWt7Dkr8_NZ2V-fibCEZku1zYV_T2zGVbfZPJw5uvpn/s1600/DSC_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLATRu9NpAck2mgVKaf-8BYncmfAUEnEcM2MaHbHoRgEZj1FtUdAQqxYdbclQ_ChLw5oKiUtHUdIy7r9kz5vyaGXTbxjo2mfomOWt7Dkr8_NZ2V-fibCEZku1zYV_T2zGVbfZPJw5uvpn/s1600/DSC_3723.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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3. The tart was served with mashed potatoes. Honestly, even the accompaniments ended up disappointing me. Mashed potatoes are best enjoyed when smooth, creamy and soft. The texture reminded me of thick rice pudding. And it wasn't even tasty. I could do a better job with mashed potatoes, and that's saying something.<br />
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It's heart-breaking, paying 450 bucks for something that doesn't satisfy your taste buds, and ends up clogging your arteries. Tch tch!<br />
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4. I also ordered a mocktail- the Pussy Cat. A distinct flavor of pineapple, this drink gave me the perfect sugar rush I had been craving for all day. Worth paying 200 for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TdcNdbI7TLhEjy8M6g9UsjZb53WSXbT06SZo4GyuclOrdsW0O-rtf3iS3ILBlvNe3iK4FIGpgsRhOZoaB2imD3iyGfL1VUn3eQaFo2GglFIC3SkkhdRpzqL9faScgDLa99wjfeSraEoU/s1600/DSC_3720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TdcNdbI7TLhEjy8M6g9UsjZb53WSXbT06SZo4GyuclOrdsW0O-rtf3iS3ILBlvNe3iK4FIGpgsRhOZoaB2imD3iyGfL1VUn3eQaFo2GglFIC3SkkhdRpzqL9faScgDLa99wjfeSraEoU/s1600/DSC_3720.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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I'd love to come here again, it's beautiful, and extremely relaxing. I could come here alone and spend hours writing, while sipping mocktails. I wish they would do a better job with the food though. </div>
Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-32827767779761698162014-03-10T02:18:00.002-07:002014-03-23T21:26:35.817-07:00Gimme some oven! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">There are bad days only a <span class="il">chocolate</span> <span class="il">cake</span> can fix. Having one of those days, and your favorite <span class="il">cake</span> shop is shut? Bake your own!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Flour (maida) : 1 ½-2 bowls</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Curd : 1 bowl</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Butter : 3/4<sup>th</sup> of a 100gm bar</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Eggs: 2</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Sugar: 2 bowls</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Cocoa Powder : 4-5 tablespoons</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Vanilla Essence : 1 tablespoon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Baking Soda: 1 tablespoon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">It’s fairly simple- mix it all up, and beat it till there are no lumps in the batter. It’s a basic recipe, but very few seem to have got it right. Maybe there’s a secret to baking a simple <span class="il">chocolate</span> <span class="il">cake</span> too, you never know. Here’s what works for me-</span></div>
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<span style="background-color:transparent;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>No measurements- 2 bowls might mean 1 and 3/4<sup>th</sup>, or 2 and 1/3<sup>rd</sup> or 2 and 1/4<sup>th</sup>…you get the point.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Brands- I experimented with a few, and saw the difference in the <span class="il">cakes</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>The butter- There are a few recipes that include salt as an ingredient. Amul butter does the job.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>The curd- Mother Dairy. Nestle is a little too sour. Amul works too. (Curd is a better option compared to milk, the <span class="il">cakes</span> turn out richer)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>The sugar- Don't grind the sugar. This way the <span class="il">cakes</span> turn out a little sticky and gooey.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>The baking powder- don’t use baking powder that’s more than a month old.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span> The secret ingredient- add a little (1/3<sup>rd</sup> bowl) of boiling water once the batter is ready, and mix it up once more. This was a tip I picked up from Nigella’s cooking show. It helps in making the <span class="il">cake</span> fluffier (yes it does!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Sometimes a simple <span class="il">chocolate</span> <span class="il">cake</span> can save the day.<br /></span></div>
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</div>Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-63806448784763949982014-03-07T19:45:00.000-08:002014-03-23T21:28:03.164-07:00First Feature Article- DNA Pune, Page 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Waking up to congratulatory messages and mails can only mean one thing- I'm doing SOMETHING right. The confidence gives me a high, and even though it's a small step, it's worth the effort. Writing feels liberating, and it feels good to be acknowledged. It's just the beginning though...one small step at a time.<br />
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Here's what I wrote-<br />
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<b>Red Velvet Cake at Fat Cat’s Café</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">A quaint little café situated opposite Salunke Vihar, Wanowarie, Fat Cat’s Café will remind you of a small bistro you might stumble upon somewhere in the English countryside. Melanie Andrade is the owner and chef at Fat Cat’s Café, while Sunil Kirpalani takes care of the business.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">The moment you open the door, you are greeted with a delicious aroma which instantly makes you drool. The mint interiors provide a calming effect, and it’s quite refreshing to get away from the hustle bustle of the city life. The café also has a book shelf- perfect for some "me" time.Melanie and Sunil are very patient with the customers, and help them choose a dish that suits the mood. They are <span class="il">one</span> of the most genuine people <span class="il">one</span> can come across, and the love for baking is reflected in all the dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Melanie has always been fond of baking, and catered from home before she decided to open the café. We were a little curious to know where she learnt her fabulous cooking skills from- “Oh I haven’t learnt anything. Just a whole lot of experimentation, that’s all. I’m lucky it turns out well.” This answer left us a little speechless, and we couldn't help asking – “You haven’t learnt any of this…?” She must be used to this reaction by now, because she smiled back politely and said “Touchwood”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">We couldn’t help but agree.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">The café serves pies, quiches, sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and also has a special menu every weekend. The concept is interesting, and ensures nothing is wasted. The meat served is fresh, and in generous quantities. We asked a few of the customers to recommend a few dishes. “Red velvet cake” was the prompt answer. Even Sunil and Melanie agree- “it’s flying off the shelves, but you need to try some of the other stuff too!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Red velvet cakes have slowly gained popularity, but very few have managed to do a good job.The red velvet cakes here are by far <span class="il">one</span> of the best you will have in Pune. A slice of red velvet cake is priced at Rs. 100; <span class="il">one</span> bite and you’ll know it’s worth it. Warm and fresh, this cake melts in your mouth. The cream cheese on top gives the cake a distinguishing flavor, and you’ll know you’ve tasted something that could <span class="il">one</span> day be <span class="il">one</span> of the wonders of the city.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">The best part about this place is you cannot stop after <span class="il">one</span> pastry. We ended up eating a lot more than what we had planned, but since the food is fresh and well cooked (not to mention delicious) we are not complaining. In case you haven’t tried out the red velvet cake (or other cakes for that matter), we recommend you visit this café soon.</span></div>
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Check out the article at-<br />
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http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-08<br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-80797697039520728562014-03-02T10:51:00.000-08:002014-03-02T10:51:35.269-08:00Deliciousness and Laughter- Fat Cat's Cafe <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weekend has been the best one that I’ve had this year. Catching
up after months, re-visiting old memories, and a whole lot of bonding over good
food- awesome weekend was awesome. Laughter and good food have been the
highlights of the weekend, and why not? A place like Fat Cat’s Café can only
guarantee deliciousness and laughter, duh! </div>
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We planned to meet up for a coffee, and ended up spending
the whole evening here. Similarly on Sunday we stopped by to eat a red velvet
pastry (we all have our cravings) and ended up eating a lot more (as soon as
you walk into the café, I think the aroma clouds your judgment, and you end up
ordering all that’s on display. It’s not a bad thing) So here’s a summary of
what you might have missed if you didn’t come over to Fat Cat’s this weekend (
:P)</div>
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Bacon Cheese Quiche</div>
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Crab Melts</div>
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Coffee Cake</div>
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Red Velvet Pastry</div>
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Apple Pie</div>
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Baked Raspberry Cheesecake</div>
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Cold Coffee</div>
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Here’s what it went like (warning- pictures might make you drool)</div>
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Bacon Cheese Quiche</div>
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A soft creamy blend of bacon and cheese, complimented by a delicate flakey crust that enhances the flavor. Take a look at the inside of this-</div>
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The red bacon with the creamy cheese is sure to make one drool. And it tastes better than what it looks like. And I doubt you’d get any other place that would be so generous with their bacon servings.</div>
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Crab Melts</div>
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One word when you bite into it- “mmm” You don’t even want to take some time out to say “It’s awesome”. The name is self explanatory- the crab melts in your mouth.</div>
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Also, it’s one of those rare occasions where you’ll find such authentic and tasty and FRESH crab anywhere in this city. If you’ve missed this, I feel bad for you.</div>
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Coffee Cake</div>
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Melanie (the baker/owner) continues her magic with baking. I’ve had the red-velvet cake, the baked cheesecakes, and now the coffee cake. And I think I have found my favorite (yes, imagine something better than the red velvet cake. Imagine.)</div>
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The flavor of the coffee, the frosting, the chocolate- I’m drooling while writing about it. You get the point.</div>
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Red Velvet Pastry</div>
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Everyone’s heard of the red velvet pastry here. Everyone. I don’t need to say anything about this, it’s found it’s niche.</div>
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"It looks like Christmas!!" </div>
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Apple Pie</div>
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Autumn at grandma’s place for a family re-union- this is what the apple pie will remind you of. Of laughter, memories, nostalgia, sweetness, and good food, this apple pie will remind you of a happy childhood.</div>
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Baked Raspberry Cheesecake</div>
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I’ve had the blueberry cheesecake and absolutely loved it ( the red velvet cake was even ignored for a couple of minutes while I drooled over the cheesecake last weekend) Hence the decision to try out this new flavor. I personally prefer the Blueberry cheesecake, but I feel even if they come up with a plain cheesecake I’ll love it. Magic, that’s what it is.</div>
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Cold Coffee</div>
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Yes, even the cold coffee deserves a mention. And I love the way they are served chilled with ice, it’s like the stuff you see in ads. Reminded me of the days I used to come back home after my evening games, and mum used to have a glass of cold coffee waiting for me at the table. Good thought ^_^</div>
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So if you don’t know what to try out here, come along, have a cup of coffee, read a book, eat a red velvet cake, and experience magic.</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-49782437411160526982014-02-28T08:17:00.000-08:002014-02-28T08:17:02.138-08:00And I have pancakes for lunch <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went over for lunch this afternoon (yes, lunch, cos I eat pancakes for lunch. No kiddin!) and since it was an unconventional lunch place, I ended up having a good time. Good food and good company is always a winning combo :)<br />
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And here's what we ordered-<br />
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Vanilla Cinnamon French Toast (yes, it's the second favorite here)<br />
Onion and Corn Pancake<br />
Grilled Salami<br />
French Fries<br />
Coffee<br />
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Who wouldn't be excited about a lunch like this, eh? :)<br />
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Vanilla Cinnamon French Toast- Love. Try it (have recommended it in a previous review too)<br />
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Onion and Corn Pancakes - This is the first time I've tasted pancakes that are not sweet (had a bad experience in Mumbai with a crepe once, decided to stick to the sweet preparations only) and BOY are they good. Soft, fluffy, thick- they make it like they mean it! The corn and onion pancakes go very well with the sour cream, and you absolutely must try this!!! MUST!<br />
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Grilled Salami- you can't really go wrong with this. Crispy, well cooked, not too much oil- have it for breakfast maybe, with eggs and coffee.<br />
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Fries- Crisp, tasty, and stayed that way even after cooling down. What more does one need? Though bad French Fries can spoil your mood. Luckily, these are good)<br />
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Lunch was a fun affair, and I suggest you do go try it out some day you are feeling a little too mischievous. (Not adventurous, but mischievous )<br />
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Happy eating!<br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-71942603624706620632014-02-25T08:51:00.000-08:002014-03-23T21:32:33.991-07:00Cos I eat Dessert for Breakfast - Peter's Pan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a morning person, I have always enjoyed breakfast scenes. Call me at 7:00am for a breakfast meeting, and I will be there 5 min before time. Scientifically proven, the breakfast must be the heaviest meal of the day...plus after killing myself at the gym every morning I could eat enough for 2 people. So you get the drift. Meet me for breakfast, and you'll never really regret it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I met a school friend after ages- yes sadly it's that point in life when all the close ones are all over the world. Meeting someone for even a day now gets me excited, and meeting someone who is equally excited about breakfast and chocolate and FOOD made this even more special. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to a small cafe in the neighborhood- Peter's Pan. It's been here for quite some time, and I have gone here a bunch of times for pancakes and well, pancakes. This is one good thing about this place- it's been so long, and they have maintained the quality of their pancakes (maybe even got better!) So yes, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out that pancakes was part of our breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what we had-</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanilla Cinnamon French Toast</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banana Caramel Pancakes</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(All for 230 bucks, hell yeah!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The verdict-</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">French Toast</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Three thick slices of toast, covered in caramel sauce. The sight of the dish gave me a sugar high, I kid you not. Here, have a look-</span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYE3Yu4vGDCgCVmVIKiHK45_zkYuwHK-R06BJbIp44FEXKe7yJkvKuYHRfRuNHSrt4qAkMnjx-PCCMWnHULIpK3B9CpL03-ZKy3nGLx7Uqthf1n97q78t_Klpnbq0mOQvNCs7XP6xPaWf/s1600/DSC_3639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYE3Yu4vGDCgCVmVIKiHK45_zkYuwHK-R06BJbIp44FEXKe7yJkvKuYHRfRuNHSrt4qAkMnjx-PCCMWnHULIpK3B9CpL03-ZKy3nGLx7Uqthf1n97q78t_Klpnbq0mOQvNCs7XP6xPaWf/s1600/DSC_3639.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2d2d2a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">One bite of this beautiful dish, and I couldn't STOP. I ended up eating 2 out of the 3 slices (I must learn some self-control) There is not too much egg, which is good (I once had a bad experience with French Toasts when the egg was a little too much, and it ended up smelling a little stale once it got cold) and the flavor ended up being almost perfect. What was missing was the cinnamon- there was absolutely no hint of cinnamon in the bread, when in fact it was one of the main reasons I had chosen that particular option (They had Jalapeno and Cheese French Toast too, but well, blame my sweet tooth for ordering desserts for breakfast) Vanilla cinnamon did sound a little more interesting..so yes, I was a little disappointed with the missing cinnamon. But that was probably just in the initial 3-4 bites...after that I think we were too busy catching up to even bother about missing cinnamon. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Banana Caramel PANCAKES</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">This has been a personal favorite here. I have my moments once in 3 months when I come over for banana caramel pancakes. It pains me to see how people don't think banana, caramel, whipped cream served with pancakes cannot be a good thing. I agree, not everyone is ambitious when it comes to trying out new food and flavors. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2d2d2a; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Here I am, assuring you that you are going to love this little change, and that you might want to shift over from chocolate too.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2d2d2a; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qSXPy_bS8FjAx67P9Yfu-riSobmeAukS4BH4JmzE2Hv_3GU9kg5F78x8IKfR52__kwf3wGi1wHzZJfFlPIjjjpbBX9mzysjI7JYqJdhCrhM7kJNV-MYO5neR2vvANdeXj1iRqER3PJb/s1600/DSC_3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qSXPy_bS8FjAx67P9Yfu-riSobmeAukS4BH4JmzE2Hv_3GU9kg5F78x8IKfR52__kwf3wGi1wHzZJfFlPIjjjpbBX9mzysjI7JYqJdhCrhM7kJNV-MYO5neR2vvANdeXj1iRqER3PJb/s1600/DSC_3640.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Do give it a try. The pancakes are soft, fluffy, and filling. One plate contains 3 pancakes, so maybe you could come over and try it out one fine evening. Just a little food experiment :) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The service is a little slow, you might have to wait a little too long for your order to be ready, but in the end it's all worth it. </span></span></span><br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-49637990054877648432014-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:002014-02-22T08:12:17.047-08:00Chill scene Saturday- Shatranj, Pune. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A not-so-hectic weekend, after ages. And honestly, I was craving for a break. So while friends were making extensive plans of going to fancy places for dinner, I suggested we do something different. Surprisingly, it was very easy to convince everyone for a lunch at Shatranj, Koregaon Park. Many had heard of the place and it's wonderful tandoori items. I'd heard about it sometime last year, from a friend. Seeing his excitement while he described a relaxed Saturday evening at Shatranj with his colleagues, I made a mental note to visit the place as soon as possible.<br />
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So here I was on a Saturday afternoon, excited about finally being here. The place is spacious and well-managed I must say. The seating is outdoor, in an open air arrangement. One is unlikely to find such an ambiance in other parts of the city- a quiet green place where you can unwind over beer and good food, and not spend much by the end of it. Perfect for an outing with close friends after a hectic week, this place is more enjoyable during the night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVmy14NiXB62R5tyjGmhZPqMSw-84rOswZQKTDSVW6DRmv13OwriGXE78n0fgItJM0KsYCcL8ZQl1LLfpRh_1uZNdvsjE2hateRzs9OIdROs-0Em6jnhNHFJHzGU9a2DiDDWegxeT0En8/s1600/ambiance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVmy14NiXB62R5tyjGmhZPqMSw-84rOswZQKTDSVW6DRmv13OwriGXE78n0fgItJM0KsYCcL8ZQl1LLfpRh_1uZNdvsjE2hateRzs9OIdROs-0Em6jnhNHFJHzGU9a2DiDDWegxeT0En8/s1600/ambiance.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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The service is prompt, and it's reassuring to know that the waiters have a good idea about the menu (they helped us decide our order) It's the confidence with which the waiters recommend dishes that makes you want to try them out.<br />
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This is what our lunch looked like-<br />
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Paneer Tikka<br />
Fruit Punch<br />
Margarita<br />
Chicken Tawa<br />
Veg Lahori<br />
Dal Fry<br />
Cheese Garlic Naan<br />
Jeera Rice<br />
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Here's how it went-<br />
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Paneer Tikka<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTLTjD6kg2FCDuVXN5KZPFNmmzzVA1jnb5mhyS0hTKd51g2XHTJ2LcaYqs_8qMWzpYcgxHxSL8m8LWTTx2eGVfVq-UdR4cAb_EUHqpBAf7is_7lQui0V8kQzLcKi435N9FoLrM02sELey/s1600/pt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTLTjD6kg2FCDuVXN5KZPFNmmzzVA1jnb5mhyS0hTKd51g2XHTJ2LcaYqs_8qMWzpYcgxHxSL8m8LWTTx2eGVfVq-UdR4cAb_EUHqpBAf7is_7lQui0V8kQzLcKi435N9FoLrM02sELey/s1600/pt3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK-6axtcZxq7nWqdb_S-ZV-hn-4axS9sP2Rg6jVQ-8ib5JL9hXXNoVkeuJ4ykXyH0kG3_Urxrr1I4L-T4m8AZCzeNxDZo_RdqXFDjlv4Y55YM157ldhHkUUXG-zL2GFv7BBaGN-IHiXcz/s1600/pt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK-6axtcZxq7nWqdb_S-ZV-hn-4axS9sP2Rg6jVQ-8ib5JL9hXXNoVkeuJ4ykXyH0kG3_Urxrr1I4L-T4m8AZCzeNxDZo_RdqXFDjlv4Y55YM157ldhHkUUXG-zL2GFv7BBaGN-IHiXcz/s1600/pt2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0MtpnNdkAM1CIpoJ52W7015KiQgaPUn01OkGKAF-C0VK-l575W9oH2hA5NHTseomtWPhwWuu1BKzZyJyzCTE3T9jjYyOf0PBR4XfFVQ3Hny9npUyPVHdYJpLKib2vr0vTQyE19CMXIY7/s1600/pt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0MtpnNdkAM1CIpoJ52W7015KiQgaPUn01OkGKAF-C0VK-l575W9oH2hA5NHTseomtWPhwWuu1BKzZyJyzCTE3T9jjYyOf0PBR4XfFVQ3Hny9npUyPVHdYJpLKib2vr0vTQyE19CMXIY7/s1600/pt1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
The paneer could have been a little softer- it tends to become a little hard when it cools down. The masala too didn't seep in too well (though I feel that's how it works with paneer?) The masala is a little salty, though overall the dish tastes fresh and average. It is served with onion- a little cabbage in the salad would actually help balance out the extra salt. We had to ask for the chutney to be served along with it. I suggest you have it with the green chutney, it's pretty refreshing.<br />
In a nutshell- average. There are a few changes that can be made to the presentation, but otherwise it is an okay dish.<br />
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Fruit Punch<br />
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If in case you don't know it by now, I live on sugar rushes. That's why you'll see me eating a whole lot of desserts, ad drinking a gazillion mocktails. So the Fruit Punch shouldn't come as a surprise.<br />
This mocktail is sweet, refreshing, and when left on the table, takes you to a shack in Goa.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BF1hZ4cwlHnwce5uUr2KFI641LMsQ0YM0lTPR_CyIwL3pubWx64o7D0UJ-RghmxM9HU2WzDI528d9rQQZAjLlse6NHDUWDQsgNmml1ak5-tamwL6LSOXoaV229yHMC1iRCydRtd-Pgey/s1600/ptf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BF1hZ4cwlHnwce5uUr2KFI641LMsQ0YM0lTPR_CyIwL3pubWx64o7D0UJ-RghmxM9HU2WzDI528d9rQQZAjLlse6NHDUWDQsgNmml1ak5-tamwL6LSOXoaV229yHMC1iRCydRtd-Pgey/s1600/ptf.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
The drink looked a little heavy though- milk, along with pieces of fruit. The drink is a combination of apple, chickoo and orange juice. Perfect, if you ask me, though it could do without the apple pieces in the drink. I really enjoyed the drink, and I suggest you try it on a hot summer day.<br />
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Margarita<br />
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This one was a disappointment. Since I don't drink, I only had a sip of it, but it was enough to give me an idea- it's TOO sweet (they could do away with the concentrated sugar syrup I feel), a little too strong (maybe cos of the excess sugar, alcohol, and cherry liqueur clashing horribly) and there are smalls pieces of something jelly-like in the drink. Do away with the ice and the jelly and the concentrated sugar syrup...let the drink be a little more easy and relaxing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAPcFLGTBRP4A9isStKqckk6G_FKSDMbrxURR_p05JIwPkO4qWzIWD5LnKJH_-V7nPMo13wf5w-uX56N1L40yiTLVqTJ-KDs4mENQbfjgt87KXf7EG9Db7J3wsisSBD8nWRWQSTHQWQY4/s1600/margarita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAPcFLGTBRP4A9isStKqckk6G_FKSDMbrxURR_p05JIwPkO4qWzIWD5LnKJH_-V7nPMo13wf5w-uX56N1L40yiTLVqTJ-KDs4mENQbfjgt87KXf7EG9Db7J3wsisSBD8nWRWQSTHQWQY4/s1600/margarita.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Though of course Shatranj is a place you'd like to visit for beer..but once in a while when you do feel like having a cocktail, it must be good.<br />
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Chicken Tawa<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERbu45nAeH39_d8QabzyV_oA4bEehjTfdK4N3sSDPdzWxZUGmN87yU1jFpoUAkjNY9xfTBmoiZpDfZI_SDo2zgwnjl1zpyT8L4QeTQfcMOlvpj3eeYFaIXusOh1aOLYsishPQTHgw9BTT/s1600/tawa+chkn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERbu45nAeH39_d8QabzyV_oA4bEehjTfdK4N3sSDPdzWxZUGmN87yU1jFpoUAkjNY9xfTBmoiZpDfZI_SDo2zgwnjl1zpyT8L4QeTQfcMOlvpj3eeYFaIXusOh1aOLYsishPQTHgw9BTT/s1600/tawa+chkn.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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The dish looked extremely appetizing. Served on a "tawa", this dish came with a thick rich gravy, garnished with tomatoes. The dish tasted as good as it looked. There was a generous quantity of chicken, and the pieces were well cooked and fresh. They could be a little softer though- they could try grilling the pieces a little more before adding them to the gravy. But overall the dish is absolutely delicious, with a nice blend of flavors. This dish is medium-spicy...and almost perfect. This is the kind of good food you would want to eat after a tiring and long week, you know. Do try this, please!<br />
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Veg Lahori<br />
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This one was a recommendation by the manager. He seemed very confident and positive about it. He also kept insisting we take the whole portion, instead of ordering it by plate. After much persuasion, we gave in. After having one bite of the dish I understood what he meant by asking us to order a larger portion. This dish is one of the tastiest veg dishes I have eaten in a long time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu_3UEb-4aPHyYY78A7bLsft3rVOjAqpxDb9_F2bJo7UK_ZJhuy3TTM6Om4BXGd_rRv45Yzv4pAKaVbwOOMJoXC67UuajCzOGXzvnwXj4znxvkyJmibzDMJtXw5QK9MIv3YuPGEPFHgNC/s1600/vh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVu_3UEb-4aPHyYY78A7bLsft3rVOjAqpxDb9_F2bJo7UK_ZJhuy3TTM6Om4BXGd_rRv45Yzv4pAKaVbwOOMJoXC67UuajCzOGXzvnwXj4znxvkyJmibzDMJtXw5QK9MIv3YuPGEPFHgNC/s1600/vh3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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It looks rich, appetizing, and if you haven't already filled your stomach with starters, it will definitely make you drool. The gravy is semi-thick, rich, and a little sweet. The taste reminded me of the food I had back in Punjab (which basically is a compliment since the Mughlai food up north is mostly brilliant) This is one of those dishes you'd not want to waste, no matter how full you are. TRY IT!<br />
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Dal Fry<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7o_uUpp-_7674ffws-DQop8bszZL2i-X5ISe0WcJ9acfQOY9UHfBWhrDCUDCU_so1y9UTT76EGDoDi14ZQ_g4UQAa9zlmUpIL8C1x3UG3qW1yCAFJyOpceFVSFfF_OTHK9zysY-vrm-l/s1600/dt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7o_uUpp-_7674ffws-DQop8bszZL2i-X5ISe0WcJ9acfQOY9UHfBWhrDCUDCU_so1y9UTT76EGDoDi14ZQ_g4UQAa9zlmUpIL8C1x3UG3qW1yCAFJyOpceFVSFfF_OTHK9zysY-vrm-l/s1600/dt2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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An inviting color, a delicious aroma, a strong flavor and a rich tadka, this dish will vaguely remind you of home. This with some jeera rice, and you're sorted. Very light on the stomach, and a lovely after-taste. You MUST try this out. Even a simple dish like a dal fry can be tasty, you know.<br />
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Jeera Rice<br />
This is well cooked, and it's one of those rare times when I actually got a hint of the jeera in the rice. Coupled with the dal fry, this was one refreshing meal!<br />
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Cheese Garlic Naan<br />
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The cheese does get a little dry once it cools down, so you might not get the flavor after some point. Though the cheese and the garlic together make for an interesting combo.<br />
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Do visit if you're looking for a place to unwind,good food and cheap liquor. It's quite a good deal if you consider the ambiance and the good food, and the service. Not bad, if you're not looking at anything fancy, just a laid back evening with your close friends, beer, and good food.<br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-83085866189223495372014-02-20T08:30:00.001-08:002014-03-23T21:33:32.027-07:00Aamchi Pune, to Our Pune-Happy Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Valentine's Day: a time of the year reserved only for our better halves, the special loved one, soul mates and family. More often than never, we leave this day aside to make all those lengthy preparations to come through, trying our best to make our special someone feel the love. But when do we stop, think and spend time with something that we’ve been with all these years? The place will be permanent, even though the people may change. The city that has made us what we are, and has been the center of all the opportunities that we seized without a second thought. The city with a deep rooted culture, yet cosmopolitan. Amchi Pune, the city with Ravivar Peth and Shaniwad wada, M.G Road and Koregaon Park... a place where you can celebrate Ganpati in Dagdusheth, and the Pune Wine Fest at Rohi Villa.</div>
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So why not celebrate the most romantic day of the year with your city? That’s precisely what I came across this year, at Phoenix MarketCity, and absolutely loved the initiative! A refreshing take on Valentine's day, it did changed my perspective this time around. </div>
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It only came to my notice after I saw #ILovePune on Twitter, which not only got me to look up the details of the contest, but also observe and participate. Each reply brought a smile on my face, lighting up my mood with every tweet. It was lovely to see so many people I don’t know, connect with me on our hometown (Social Media Junkie Alert, yeah!) I have spent a large chunk of my life travelling, but since the last 12 years, Pune has been my home. It has given me the people I value the most, and the education and profession I’ve always longed for..opportunities and life lessons, it's been a wonderful journey here in Pune. This is precisely why every tweet got me a little nostalgic about old times and growing up in this place. I’ve seen it change from a small town with the only shopping ‘mall’ being West Side in M.G Road, and the only multiplex being Inox back in 2001, to a city with multiple malls (Phoenix Marketcity being one of the biggest) and a gazillion multiplexes. I doubt the younger generation will be able to see such a magical and drastic change over a reasonably short period of time. I’ve watched this change, been a part of it, grown with it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">I decided to pamper myself this Valentines, and headed over to Phoenix for some shopping. On reaching, I saw a small crowd collected near this enormous flex board where people would come and write why they loved Pune. They were also sticking something that looked like coins ( on inquiring, I found out that they WERE coins) I loved the vada pav cartoons that some of them were making, and the bun-maska chai...there was a really cute cartoon of a dog holding up an umbrella for a cat... looking at the pictures got me nostalgic. And it doesn't stop here! The money collected after selling the coins is being donated (Yes, I was curious, cos it struck me as odd. Why would you collect money on Valentine's, right?) to an NGO- Ekansh (for physically disabled people) What a BRILLIANT initiative!</span></div>
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They even let people get pictures clicked where they’d get the polaroids within no time. Since I was alone, I couldn't really get myself to draw or take pictures (where are your friends when you need them? :P ) Jokes apart, I was pretty impressed by the innovation of this particular idea. </div>
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I would never have stopped to think about the love I have for my city on Valentine’s Day. I absolutely loved how beautifully Phoenix brought out this new way of looking at this precious romantic day, yet bringing out the essence of it. We never forget to dedicate time to make our loved ones feel better, but how often do we spare a few minutes to thank the city that has made us who we are? </div>
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Being from an Army background, I should be used to traveling every 2 years. But Pune does this to people...no one wants to leave Pune,we all get back here.One way or another.</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-1956188519569880022014-02-19T19:42:00.000-08:002014-02-24T06:42:59.490-08:00Being Featured On Thought Catalog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes, you read that right. I am still trying to get over the fact that this happened with me. Of course, it's no big deal, but then you don't really come across such exposure everyday, you know.<br />
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Honestly, Thought Catalog is like my guilty pleasure. So yes, it was a little embarrassing to find out that an article was actually published! I was in shock for 5 minutes...and then it struck me. Of course I was happy, of course I was squealing! But within seconds I realized this would mean a whloe lot of negative feedback from ALL OVER THE WORLD! (That's the worst part about the arts..it's so subjective, you are bound to get haters) But it's been 36 hours since the article was published, and I've not got bad reviews *touchwood* (Though there were two who went off on another tangent- something about how I made feminist sound like a bad thing. Lulz, cos I go on to say something on the lines of "to each his own" Oh well, the word I should have used was"humanist" So yeah, my bad too. Someone was kind enough to point that out to me. Anyway, I sincerely hope they got my point)<br />
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Also, phew!<br />
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*Note- It's been 5 days, I'm guessing the negative comments have started pouring in. I am not surprised. It does hurt to see yourself being misunderstood, and even though you don't want to know it, you end up clicking on the link and reading all that people have to say.....*sigh* Some people,very simply, told me this- you have written something which has been published on an international portal, you are bound to get feedback. Not everyone will agree. You just got to be strong. Don't bother what something someone sitting in a chair in some remote corner of the world has to say about this. This is what you felt, and you wrote it.<br />
And yes, there are those who agree, and I am glad they liked reading it (I get around 20-30 mails everyday from people thanking me for the article) and then there are those who absolutely hated my guts the moment they read the article. To some I might be oblivious, naive, or maybe a plain and simple fool. But I have nothing to prove to anybody. I know where I come from, and that's enough to keep me from changing my stance on the whole thing.<br />
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In case you haven't checked Thought Catalog (and don't wish to in the future) here's what I wrote-<br />
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<h1 class="fontsize_44 grid_12">
20 Generalizations Indian Girls Are Fed Up With</h1>
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Sometimes life isn’t fair, and though people are opening up to the idea of the “<span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_5" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">modern woman</span>”, there are a few who judge us incorrectly, especially here in India. I won’t go into a lengthy explanation; once again, I am just trying to prove my point here. It is definitely going to sound feminist, but I assure you, I believe in equality of the sexes. I am just expressing my opinion here. Not everyone might agree, but you might want to read it.</div>
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1. Not every <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_8" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">girl wants</span> to get married by 23. So before you ASSUME she’s of marriageable age, ask her what her views on marriage are. One hint, might save you the drama- just because she does not want to get married now does not mean she never will. She has other plans for herself right now, let her live a little.<br />
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2. Just because a girl wishes to do her PhD after <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_11" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Masters</span> does not mean she doesn’t want to settle down in life. Give her a break, and respect the fact that she has the confidence to take that up, cos yeah, PhD is no joke. There will come a point when she would happily devote herself to her family, and balance it out with her <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_4" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">work life</span>. Her degrees, or lack of them, won’t make any difference. Let her study while she wants to, okay?<br />
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3. Just because she is 27 and unmarried does not mean she’s been rejected by many men. Maybe, being single is a choice she has made.<br />
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4. Having a boyfriend does not make her characterless.<br />
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5. Just because she has recently gone through a break up doesn’t mean she is <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_21" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">vulnerable</span> and available.<br />
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6. Just because most of her friends are boys, does not mean she is “having a good time” with all of them.<br />
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7. Just because she has a drink in her hand does not mean she is an <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_13" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">alcoholic</span>.<br />
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8. Just because she wore a <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_3" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">short skirt</span> to one party does not mean she dresses up that way every day.<br />
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9. Just because she is ambitious doesn’t mean she isn’t a <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_7" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">family person</span>.<br />
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10. Just because she doesn’t discuss her plans doesn’t mean she’s clueless <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_6" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">about life</span>. Give her a chance, alright?<br />
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11. Just because she is outspoken doesn’t mean she is a rebel.<br />
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12. Just because she comes <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_23" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">home</span> late from work does not mean she is <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_18" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">sleeping</span> around with her colleagues.<br />
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13. After a hectic week, give her some time to relax <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_1" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">over the weekend</span>. Don’t make that one weekend party make her look like a she’s a frivolous party-girl without a job.<br />
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14. Just because she is out <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_20" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">shopping</span> alone does not mean she is <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_15" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">depressed</span> or lonely. It’s how she relaxes, respect that.<br />
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15. Just because she is on a <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_14" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">holiday</span> alone does not mean she doesn’t have <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_12" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">company</span>. Maybe it’s a break to get back her lost confidence, or maybe that’s how she is. Admire her spirit instead of giving her advice, okay?<br />
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16. Just because she is a woman doesn’t mean she can’t <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_9" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">kick ass</span> in <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_2" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">military school</span>.<br />
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17. Just because she has a tattoo doesn’t mean she is attention seeking. Maybe that’s her way of <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_19" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">expression</span>.<br />
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18. Just because she doesn’t know how to cook doesn’t mean she won’t make a <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_10" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">good wife</span>. Remember when you were just married and cooked chicken curry which was um, a disaster?<br />
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19. Just because she likes everything <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_24" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">pink</span> and shiny and fluffy doesn’t mean she lives in her own world. She can handle some situations much better than her male counterparts.<br />
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20. Just because she is pretty does not mean she is a whore. And just because she is friendly does not mean she is flirting with you.<br />
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Yes, we cry, we are emotional; we take things personally, and sometimes over-react to situations. But this does not give any one the right to judge us in the wrong way. Times are changing; <span class="w323635vo5zi" id="w323635vo5zi_16" style="border-left-color: transparent; border-right-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-top-color: transparent; border-width: 1px; color: blue; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; float: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">don</span>’t confine her within those boundaries, no matter how orthodox you are. There are some who might be fighting this losing battle, yet compromising on their decisions and plans, just to please society. Respect that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In case you do want to check it out, here's the article- <br />
<br />
http://thoughtcatalog.com/pea-tea/2014/02/20-generalizations-indian-girls-are-fed-up-with/#iHVTlX2fop5gfvpH.01<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping Calm..and drinking Coke. Picture Credits to ze boyfriend. </td></tr>
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<In case there are more of you who decide to get super aggressive about "feminism", do go through the comments, or well, let me clarify-<br />
<br />
1. Too angry<br />
2. Too distracted<br />
3. Operating from the space of knowing only those who abuse the power of being feminists.<br />
4. MY BAD. Geddit? MY BAD.<br />
<br />
<br />
In case you feel some points are applicable to boys as well, I am sure you have a reason for saying so. And I respect that.<br />
<br />
In case you feel I am degrading women, well I clearly didn't mean to. This is something that most of my friends have faced, and I am writing out of experience. Coming from an Army background, I have been all over India. And have faced many such issues personally, no matter how progressive the families have been.THAT'S the space I am operating from. In case you don't agree, you are more than welcome to share feedback, but let's not make this a debate. Some experience it, some don't. Let's leave it at that.<br />
<br />
Thank you><br />
<br />
<br />
Cheers!</div>
</div>
Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-52375200686918628822014-02-15T10:11:00.000-08:002014-02-15T10:11:35.397-08:00The Flour Works, Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Weekends. A new place to visit, a new dish to try, a new
experience, a new mood, a new story. This Saturday was no different.</div>
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Albeit a little late (people and foul mood to be blamed for
the procrastination) I headed over to The Flour Works for work. Situated at a
quiet corner in Kalyani Nagar, The Flour Works is a café hidden away from the
hustle bustle of the city life. Though
the ambiance was quite a disappointment.
I follow them on Facebook, and from the updates that I have been seeing,
I had high expectations. To keep it
short and simple- I have seen prettier places. The seating arrangement outdoors
is well spaced out, but they could definitely improve the presentation.
Honestly, it looks like a glorified parking lot. The indoors is much better,
but there’s a particular smell that didn’t quite suit my liking. I decided to
sit outside, even though it’s cozier indoors.
A place one could come on a date with- white curtains, lights, seats by
the windows, wine, a table for two, and all that jazz. The couples did seem
lost in their own world <Valentine’s season….*super sigh*></div>
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I chose a table outdoors, and settled down with my diary and
laptop. It was 15 minutes later that I was offered a menu card- service is a
little slow here, as I found out during the course of my visit. The waiters are
friendly and quick, but I wish I didn’t have to keep prompting them. </div>
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The menu has an interesting choice of dishes. Starters, Main
course (pastas, etc), Sandwiches, Burgers, Pizzas, Desserts, and the
beverages. I decided to order myself a
Chicken Sandwich- safe choice, and easy to eat.I also ordered a Ginger Jolt,
something to wash down the sandwiches with.</div>
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The sandwiches arrived within 15min, which is a good
turnover time I feel. Though the Ginger
Jolt took 45 min (told you, slow service) The sandwiches looked good, and I
couldn’t wait to bite into one of them. </div>
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I was dreading they’d be bland, with mayo. But BECAUSE they
exceeded my expectations, I was more than overjoyed. The bread isn’t hard, the
chicken is fresh, the lettuce is fresh and crispy, the onions give the perfect
flavor (or else this would be a bland dish too) and the cheese is absolutely
perfect. As soon as you bite into the bread, you get a generous amount of
chicken in your mouth, and a hint of butter, and CHEESE. There’s just enough
cheese to hold the two pieces of bread together, and to give a strong flavor at
the end. As I said earlier - perfect
quantity of cheese. The sandwich is served with a small portion of fries, which
is EXACTLY how much is needed. By the end of it, it got a little heavy with the
butter and cheese and chicken, but on a better day I’m sure I could finish it
off. When you are too confused with the
variety of choices being offered here, do consider having this sandwich. It’s a
9/10 from me. </div>
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The Ginger Jolt gets a 10/10. As the name suggests, it jolts
you out of your mood (in a good way of course) A sugar rush (which is what I
live ON I guess :/) a strong flavor of ginger, and a hint of lemon- this is
what fixed my mood today. And it’s a strange combination of flavors, which is
what’s so refreshing and intriguing about it. This is applicable to all the
refreshments being offered here. Absolutely LOVED what they had to offer. I’m
definitely coming back for the drinks here. </div>
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<Pssst- I heard the women on the other table talking
about how brilliant the CCCV is. That’s next on my list></div>
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It was a heavy meal, but thanks to the drink I didn’t get
too lazy. By the time I finished working, the sun had already set, and the
crowd around me had changed completely. There were couples on dates, young
girls gossiping, girlfriends catching up…the vibe of the place had changed. It
was definitely better than what it was in the afternoon, but I still feel the
space outside can be made much prettier. </div>
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And since I cannot resist sweets, I managed to pick up a
carrot muffin too. So yes, I’m now going to take your leave. The muffin awaits
me. Happy reading folks!</div>
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P.S.- Muffin: Minus the walnuts, it would have been good.
Walnuts make it bitter. 4/10.</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-59387525946713554922014-02-14T00:36:00.000-08:002014-02-19T06:51:16.947-08:00Mother of God- CHOCOLATE! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A chocolate launch on a Thursday evening at Oakwood Premier, Pune came as a refreshing break in the middle of a very mundane week. A slight breeze, flowing gowns, glitter, lights, and chocolate- the moment we entered the venue,we were transported to another world (you know, a place with rainbows, butterflies, unicorns and beautiful people) Couldn't have asked for a better start.<br />
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Hosted by Chef Kunal Kapoor, this event started off with a whole lot of Chocolate gyaan.Which reminds me to share one very interesting fact with you- The government of Belgium controls the cocoa content in all the chocolates that are manufactured in the country, and every Belgian chocolate has a minimum of 35 per cent cocoa content (God bless them) And Magnum uses pure Belgian chocolate for all it's ice-creams.The flavors of Belgian dark chocolate combined with the velvety richness of chocolate ice-cream: Magnum has finally arrived in India.<br />
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<Pssst: Eva Mendes has been the international brand ambassador. Hope this gives you an idea of the level of richness we are talking about><br />
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The first official experience of the chocolate started with 3 delicious samples-<br />
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SAMPLE 1- This one was a plain milk chocolate. Sweet, milky, and not my type.<br />
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SAMPLE 2- The dark chocolate. This one was used to make the Invitations, if I am not mistaken. I finished off a huge bar of dark chocolate in 2 days (the invitation tasted this good, how could I miss out on the official launch? Well played Magnum, well played) This one was liked by a majority of those present.<br />
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SAMPLE 3- This one was milk chocolate covered with a layer of dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is too sweet and milky for my liking (Milk chocolate is not chocolate, I belong to that school of thought)<br />
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<By the time Kunal took us through the samples, the one on our table was over. 3 girls, what more would you expect?><br />
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Another very interesting thing- next time you eat a chocolate, bite into it, roll the chocolate over your upper pallete with your tongue, inhale through your mouth, and notice if the chocolate melts. Only very rich, pure chocolate will melt, others will stick to the mouth(and teeth) Kunal shared with us an incident where a person in Bangalore came up to him and told him how he had no difficulty in eating Magnum chocolates even though he had braces (and cavities) So yeah, good news for those who wear braces ^_^<br />
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Magnum gets all the chocolate from Barry Callebaut, the world's largest manufacturer of chocolates.Magnum is introducing 3 flavors in the Indian market- Classic, Almond and the Chocolate Truffle. We all got one Chocolate Truffle to sample, and that turned out to be the highlight of the evening.<br />
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The chocolate ice cream looks huge, and trust me it is. If I were to have this after dinner, I'd probably share this with another person. But if I knew this was for dessert, I'd probably skip dinner and have 2 ice-creams instead. *sigh*<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random dreamy moment while I waited for my chocolate ice-cream to arrive. Boyfriend refers to this as my "food has been spotted" look. Some people just know you too well ^_^</td></tr>
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We were asked to hold on to the bars before biting into them (the wait was torturous) The first bite, and I zoned out for a couple of minutes. Which is why I had no clue what to say when the mic was thrust into my hands, asking me to describe the experience-<br />
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"Umm...there was a crack sound as soon as I bit into the chocolate, yeah....and the ice-cream just melts in your mouth. There's so much chocolateeeee *I tend to reach higher decibels when I'm a little too excited about things*"<br />
Kunal then went on to describe various forms of "mmm" , but I had happily zoned out into ice-cream land once again, and by the time I realized I needed to take a picture, I was here-<br />
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The ice-cream tasting was followed by a small experiment, where we were all given ice-cream bars, and were asked to make a sundae of our own.<br />
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Marshmallows, glitter, silver dust, chocolate sauce, and gummy bears. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, our very own- The Prom Dance<br />
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This activity concluded the event, and everyone rushed to get their pictures clicked with the Chef. We girls, on the other hand, were busy playing with silver dust, and eating gummy bears. Yeah, we be girly that way.<br />
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Though of course we did manage to get one picture clicked with Kunal, who very humbly thanked us for being there. This was followed by an interview with the journalists, and yeah, I had a few awkward moments in the spotlight <will share pictures and links once I get hold of them> Once again, thank you Magnum for introducing us to mind-orgasmic chocolate. The experience started off on such a beautiful note, you have found some loyal customers for yourself, right here.<br />
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We then shifted to a beautiful corner inside, ordered a pizza and some white wine, and what followed was a wonderful evening with the girlfriends, filled with gossip, laughter, and all things pretty. The simple pleasures of life ^_^<br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-73143277029842989142014-02-11T11:47:00.002-08:002014-02-11T11:47:51.723-08:00Street Food- Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A couple of my friends studying at SIMC PG started off as “foodies”,
and then decided to DO something about it. It’s a lovely project they have come
up with, and I’m glad they considered me worthy enough to help them out with
it. The project is simple- share your best street food experience in Pune, over
a period of one month. Because there are a lot of options, they decided to
limit it to the top 30 places only. In a nutshell-</div>
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The #TastyThirty Project- 30 days. 30 places. Rs. 3000. </div>
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It had been a long Monday for me. With 3 hours of sleep the
previous night, a movie shoot, and a bad cold, I was trying to get myself some
shut eye when they called. And things I
am passionate about, I won’t ever say no to. So it was no surprise when I met
them an hour later at MG Road, Pune. </div>
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After having apologized profusely about the sneezing, I
headed down with Rohit Goidani and Sneha Iyer to our first stop that evening,
the Chat stall at Hanuman Mandir. Here’s how it went-</div>
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Hanuman Mandir Chat Stall</div>
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Set up along the main wall of the Hanuman Temple, this stall
is famous for it’s Aloo Tikki and Pani Puri. We were here at 5:15pm, and the
place was crowded. There was a group of school girls who were enthusiastically
ordering a variety of chats while we stood in one corner, trying to make up our
minds. We settled in for the Aloo Tikki Chat after we figured we’d never be
able to agree on a common dish. Priced at Rs. 30, the Aloo Chat doesn’t have
the aloo tikki (patty) that one would expect. Instead, we got potato pieces
mixed with onion, puri (crushed) and chole. The puri was soggy, the potatoes
were a little warm, and there was not enough salt. For all the hype that’s been created around
it, I don’t think it was that good. </div>
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A1 Sandwiches </div>
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The last time I came here was back in 2008. When eating
sandwiches from the roadside stalls was considered badass, and if mum got to
know, we’d be grounded for a week. I’m assuming the day our mothers stopped
bothering about what we ate outside, was probably when we stopped frequenting these
stalls. Anyway, it was a pleasant feeling, asking for the Veg Club Sandwich
with extra cheese after all these years. </div>
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A1 Sandwiches has been running successfully since 1986, and
opens every day at 4:30 in the evening, and goes on till 11:30 each night. It’s
a pity they don’t have delivery, or else I would have managed to order this
home too. Almost 350 sandwiches are sold every day, with the Veg Club Sandwich
and the Toast Sandwich being the bestsellers.
Priced at Rs. 40, the Veg Club sandwich comes hidden underneath a layer
of finely grated cheese. And from what I
remember, this tasted, if possible, even better than the one I had eaten back in 2008! The bread, butter, vegetables
are all fresh. The ketchup and cheese give it a perfect taste, but what makes
this dish delicious is the chutney they use. The green chutney prepared
everyday is unlike what you have at other sandwich stalls. “USP hai, USP” quips
the shopkeeper enthusiastically, while applying chutney to the bread slices.
And we believe him <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
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If you haven’t tried Anil A1 Sandwiches yet, I suggest you head over to the
stall RIGHT AWAY. They also accept party
orders, btw <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Karachi</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBvhat1V8i0JfB6W_dSDtG3NC4TRVwbCHSM1cba80uQaYMJ0xC7gtqi3XJAl1dbWexmyO0Ul0e7PC1-mW3y8TSd2cqlE7b-D7dQ3c47FYbmhqKk_HWgS5ApeV7TFbzZeVBtKzz2-MepCE/s1600/DSC_3476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBvhat1V8i0JfB6W_dSDtG3NC4TRVwbCHSM1cba80uQaYMJ0xC7gtqi3XJAl1dbWexmyO0Ul0e7PC1-mW3y8TSd2cqlE7b-D7dQ3c47FYbmhqKk_HWgS5ApeV7TFbzZeVBtKzz2-MepCE/s1600/DSC_3476.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, we headed down to Karachi Sweet mart, which is
situated right at the beginning of Shivaji Market. This shop opened back in 1947, and has been
dishing out mouth watering sweets and snacks since then. I remember eating
their Dhoklas as a child, and just to relive those childhood memories I got the
two of them here to eat some tasty dhoklas with me.
One plate of Plain Dhokla comes for Rs.20 only, and the quality of the
same has been maintained over the years. Fluffy, spongy, sweet yellow dhoklas.
And the chutney served is sweet, and makes it taste even better. Searching for mouth melting dhoklas that won’t taste bland? You know where
to head to. </div>
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<I also sampled a piece of the Bengali Pedha, which was
good (a little dry, like the sandesh). Priced at Rs. 300 per kg, I think it’s
worth a try></div>
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JaiShankar </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKConqB1ykVeAe2ZnxOOSM05dM7R1D6B4iWTKYAXvTP-nSoHqkF29Y5S-ndGtDEX_408rKsRcDzTpDAcufHT_WLpu5BQ_pIONXb51E9oQEZ8r7JMo6_4R7lzSH14dEnWPxyvqeDFX1rXI/s1600/DSC_3478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKConqB1ykVeAe2ZnxOOSM05dM7R1D6B4iWTKYAXvTP-nSoHqkF29Y5S-ndGtDEX_408rKsRcDzTpDAcufHT_WLpu5BQ_pIONXb51E9oQEZ8r7JMo6_4R7lzSH14dEnWPxyvqeDFX1rXI/s1600/DSC_3478.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who HASN’T been here? This place is known for it’s bhel in cities all over India. We had the Pani
Puri, which without any doubt was BRILLIANT. There are very few places where I
actually dare to have the pani puri. This one here is hygienic (as compared to
other roadside stalls), and tasty. Must try, in case you haven't already. </div>
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Aditya Dabeli</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj-ismBKUt4AR7d4kDq6PRZkjWNKTAi6pChvHm68WpyVHNHl8FagXUkASZ0khfv_pHE0j2zqUk6dGzpIK19OkFFs0HIq-HJwuzQ8erbI70b_Hx3Y3C6vaGe0kXDoYjYILmxeyRiX56Qc0/s1600/DSC_3480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj-ismBKUt4AR7d4kDq6PRZkjWNKTAi6pChvHm68WpyVHNHl8FagXUkASZ0khfv_pHE0j2zqUk6dGzpIK19OkFFs0HIq-HJwuzQ8erbI70b_Hx3Y3C6vaGe0kXDoYjYILmxeyRiX56Qc0/s1600/DSC_3480.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4PoLCASpoeDIZ8RpViCJoVq0rk1UWAuYm4_vtHR9yjsy8rDkp4ZxvNmRDoIJ3tQEIUoIrY9FxpEnXAM4vtYFfs8yoRTqIgRsFeUEQtf2z-RwhlLaH1gZ352lAsg39fPbfI-Uc1_67YFP/s1600/DSC_3481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4PoLCASpoeDIZ8RpViCJoVq0rk1UWAuYm4_vtHR9yjsy8rDkp4ZxvNmRDoIJ3tQEIUoIrY9FxpEnXAM4vtYFfs8yoRTqIgRsFeUEQtf2z-RwhlLaH1gZ352lAsg39fPbfI-Uc1_67YFP/s1600/DSC_3481.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hfCqmnZdeCpLteVnK4Mk2VNFsQPXKSB91ku1Fw98z36MzJR6XfCZN6b2P8pZ6GYx15eD0SnWD4Ag232S2qc0w2kJ0kixF-jsAYtK_or7EB5K70P6J8uTc76n_FGeSTCGZHwi_Qk-cRN0/s1600/DSC_3484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hfCqmnZdeCpLteVnK4Mk2VNFsQPXKSB91ku1Fw98z36MzJR6XfCZN6b2P8pZ6GYx15eD0SnWD4Ag232S2qc0w2kJ0kixF-jsAYtK_or7EB5K70P6J8uTc76n_FGeSTCGZHwi_Qk-cRN0/s1600/DSC_3484.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yeah, never heard of this, I know right? But it’s the same
Dabeli guy who keeps shuffling along Centre street. We were lucky to catch him at the end of
Centre Street(he seems to have settled there permanently) He’s been making
Dabeli for the last 19 years, and has also opened a bigger shop near
Babajan Chowk recently where one can sit and eat fried snacks. The plain Dabeli
is priced at Rs. 12, while the Cheese one is for Rs.25. </div>
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He styled the Dabeli for us (he wanted the food to look flattering) and by the time we started eating, the Dabeli had turned a little cold.
The dabelis used to be much better, but that’s because he used a lot more oil earlier I
believe. This one is good, but could have been spicier, and could do with a little
more salt. </div>
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Pakodas at…the UnNamed Stall</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPtpItUl6D2PjOkHmaTQsnKIb7mBPavZA3oBv028VYx_PrKkXalXJML4Ez365DZc19gG7qYI0jOKvtOxSK775QuIAUKdB3c6E3I_ubbMQWm0JIgkObKVVaNcN_1ZJ5jPdJ-LB2RxPJ323/s1600/DSC_3486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPtpItUl6D2PjOkHmaTQsnKIb7mBPavZA3oBv028VYx_PrKkXalXJML4Ez365DZc19gG7qYI0jOKvtOxSK775QuIAUKdB3c6E3I_ubbMQWm0JIgkObKVVaNcN_1ZJ5jPdJ-LB2RxPJ323/s1600/DSC_3486.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtpu5KbqT4r3KpOUqMi6o0rAAvi6AQu9JaeE4D6iA2cPkwhuE1ObSrD5Uo04cY72CBz8dUTeTzhHxvWAwyo8_igq3w5QDL868q_vSyzUweEvcdZXZiY8nQCy0Dqqm45a2VEUB8YFLC17M/s1600/DSC_3485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtpu5KbqT4r3KpOUqMi6o0rAAvi6AQu9JaeE4D6iA2cPkwhuE1ObSrD5Uo04cY72CBz8dUTeTzhHxvWAwyo8_igq3w5QDL868q_vSyzUweEvcdZXZiY8nQCy0Dqqm45a2VEUB8YFLC17M/s1600/DSC_3485.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Right next to the Dabeli guy is a lady who makes pakodas,
and is extremely possessive of her stall (she didn’t let us click pictures!) Rohit
is quite a charming gentleman that way, he got her to give us 3 types of
pakodas to sample. All for Rs. 10. She told us the stall had been around for
the last 12 years, and because they faced a lot of competition, she woulodn’t
allow us to take pics. Though she was pretty inquisitive about the college and
the project. By the end of it, she giggled shyly and pointed out to the stall
when Rohit asked her the name of her shop- "Shree Swami Samarth, bus yehi
naam hai”</div>
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The aloo pakodas were not too good, nor were the plain onion
ones. The dal pakodas were good, yes, but the flavor wasn’t strong enough.
Maybe some chai and rains would get you in the mood, you never know. </div>
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Poona Cold Drink House</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKcdRr7AkziwbJ8JmNdOxpUZ9b8PvHy6sE02xRKQdw1j4_02r0AuI8XBxWRGMy5DQeoD2C_Up083HVSHkUl8raZj4igwgoy-qFyFzLBOnbhvyQuMZ5yfzJbVHuD1k9w4TMXbYOocGI6bJ/s1600/DSC_3487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKcdRr7AkziwbJ8JmNdOxpUZ9b8PvHy6sE02xRKQdw1j4_02r0AuI8XBxWRGMy5DQeoD2C_Up083HVSHkUl8raZj4igwgoy-qFyFzLBOnbhvyQuMZ5yfzJbVHuD1k9w4TMXbYOocGI6bJ/s1600/DSC_3487.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6BTzIjECzgJPfjoalxaRTLd82GkMe5JTM3YqXZS66QgxYKTvcOdKbJMosTT5sEJD9xWTd7vdfZ2DvmOnAFrrwCr4F6tptduMF7YqrsJu3oGMgmqCL5IcE2HFlDOkAiJ65Vqwz6530L0X/s1600/DSC_3489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6BTzIjECzgJPfjoalxaRTLd82GkMe5JTM3YqXZS66QgxYKTvcOdKbJMosTT5sEJD9xWTd7vdfZ2DvmOnAFrrwCr4F6tptduMF7YqrsJu3oGMgmqCL5IcE2HFlDOkAiJ65Vqwz6530L0X/s1600/DSC_3489.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This place
turned out to be quite a disappointment.
I had once been here back in the 1990s, after a long day (and evening)
of shopping and walking around the whole of MG Road. I don’t remember much of anything
back then, but I do know that it had been a refreshing experience. This time, I
decided to try the Chocolate Milkshake. As I said earlier- I was disappointed.
For Rs.70, the quantity is quite a lot, yes, but it’s too thick, with absolutely
no flavor of chocolate. The milk and the
ice cream are a little too creamy, and instead of making you feel refreshed,
they made us super sleepy. </div>
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The milkshakes are a definite no-no, but I wonder how the
rest of the stuff is. The place seems pretty popular. </div>
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The Pune Zarthosti SevaMandal </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-Xh5u_JSZmXw576hW1cNStWDYD5X8BZwJFLripqjD4CHNUn2B4-H3gJdyItSv54yK1oQr_mMtBQZ6dUoOAnZaDFgeAHsBRHU60cFcEaPU_JiVnETYBtIZDtTKqUO75MXJWSb8KgtXpdo/s1600/DSC_3495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-Xh5u_JSZmXw576hW1cNStWDYD5X8BZwJFLripqjD4CHNUn2B4-H3gJdyItSv54yK1oQr_mMtBQZ6dUoOAnZaDFgeAHsBRHU60cFcEaPU_JiVnETYBtIZDtTKqUO75MXJWSb8KgtXpdo/s1600/DSC_3495.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlEWQMtKTXezKYxPIFg4AtXx_jVvNi-EKCNKaZ-sOeoaSirUwC8zdSoQBF4Lk77OByIpmzwzShGsaQ55wJQOfH6V-XFrHXJh7QLgrpANblhVprsCsmt9f9OOUU7td565LTMbFCiSwKvz2/s1600/DSC_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlEWQMtKTXezKYxPIFg4AtXx_jVvNi-EKCNKaZ-sOeoaSirUwC8zdSoQBF4Lk77OByIpmzwzShGsaQ55wJQOfH6V-XFrHXJh7QLgrpANblhVprsCsmt9f9OOUU7td565LTMbFCiSwKvz2/s1600/DSC_3498.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The name sounds pretty heavy-duty, doesn’t it? It’s just another
innocent looking stall on the footpath on the main road. I have passed the stall/shop several times
during my frequent visits to MG Road, but never stopped to eat here. I wasn’t
surprised to see a small crowd here (it’s always packed) As soon as I made my
way to the counter, I was shocked to see the prices. 10 bucks for a veg spring
roll? Hell yeah I’m having it. 10 bucks for an orange slush? Get me that too,
duh. </div>
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We ended up sharing the Orange slush (which was bloody
brilliant) and the spring roll. I didn’t quite like it much, cos when I hear
spring rolls, I want noodles. And this one has none. Might as well call it a
veg roll. But for what it’s priced at, I’m guessing it’s worth it. Other stuff
looks great here too, I’ll try them one
by one <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Garden Seekh Kebab</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4FcyF1-Rrd4KjEqmHYPyCGkJxBGXZaisn6LpiHkQU9UTevM6IcoybePgilZZpJzVPf6W7zELSFOypzBwNqDLtJpKWSi1YElG-Jhjor4q28ZcBnZmrRZhcPmww0UwE94cTUlKH4TlwMHB/s1600/DSC_3501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4FcyF1-Rrd4KjEqmHYPyCGkJxBGXZaisn6LpiHkQU9UTevM6IcoybePgilZZpJzVPf6W7zELSFOypzBwNqDLtJpKWSi1YElG-Jhjor4q28ZcBnZmrRZhcPmww0UwE94cTUlKH4TlwMHB/s1600/DSC_3501.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This guy sits with his mutton/beef/chicken meat, coal and skewers in a dark corner of a
footpath, right opposite JJ Garden. On a
cold night, the heat and smell of the kebabs is pretty welcoming. He serves only non-veg tikkas (with 2 pavs),
so do not come here if you don’t eat meat. Mohammed Farooq has been sitting in that place
for the last 15 years, preparing kebabs for his customers while
enthusiastically discussing a topic as per his liking. Yesterday, it was all
about posing for our photos, and knowing which paper would the photos be
published in. He happily posed for us while making the kebabs. Sweet chap.</div>
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The chicken tikka plate was absolutely worth it. For Rs.75,
I doubt I’d get chicken tikkas anywhere. The chicken was well cooked, and the flavor of
the masala had seeped right in. Do try it, it’s healthy even!</div>
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JJ Garden Vada Pav</div>
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I like the fact that they are humble enough to stay at their
stall and produce hundreds(maybe thousands, they wouldn’t tell) of vada pavs
every day, after all these years of fame and fortune. Started in 1972, this famous vada pav joint
has made news in Delhi. A friendly chap, he told us about a few men
coming down from Delhi eating at his stall recently, since they had heard the
vada pavs there were great. The owner showed us a newspaper clipping he has stuck to the wall behind the counter, trying to prove his point. And of
course we believe him. No one staying in Pune has not tasted them (if you
happen to be one such case, kindly go eat one now, before someone finds out),
and not fallen in love with them. There is MAGIC in the food, you know, it
makes you happy. Very few foods can do that to you. Experience it while you
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Try the vada pav with the green chutney, it adds on to the
flavor. And if you want to explore a bit further, team it up with a piece of
green chilly. Perfect!</div>
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There are a few places remaining, which I shall be talking about
later. This was a great experience, and I don’t see why you mustn’t be a part
of it too. Go on, try the stuff, and do feel free to share your feedback <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<Stay tuned for more updates, coming up next week></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-53944239341034585992014-02-10T23:14:00.000-08:002014-02-10T23:14:37.551-08:00A lazy Sunday afternoon - Brooklyn Shuffle, Pune <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A lazy Sunday morning spent lazing around on the couch,
watching Shrek and wondering what to eat for lunch. And before we knew it, we
were on our way to Brooklyn Shuffle. You know, a change from the routine, a
change of place, change of food, ambiance, mood, everything. Brooklyn's got
such a happy feel to it, then why not? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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We reached a little late for lunch (2:45pm) and were
surprised to see the place buzzing with people.The staff here is
super friendly, and within a minute we had found a perfect corner for the three
of us, with cozy blue chairs and a sun-lit table. You know, the perfect Sunday setting. </div>
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We decided to order 3 dishes for the 3 of us, which turned
out to be a lot since the place is a little too generous (it’s a GOOD thing)
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1 Fried Chicken Burger</div>
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1 Chiken Banh Mi Sub</div>
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1 Chicken Mac and Cheese</div>
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Along with this, we ordered-</div>
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1 Cappuccino</div>
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1 Fresh Pineapple juice</div>
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1 Coke </div>
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Here’s the verdict-</div>
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Fried Chicken Burger</div>
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10/10 for the presentation. The fries in the bucket, the
onion rings on the side, coleslaw, and the humongous burger on a wooden plate.
All for you to eat. I was afraid to touch it cos it looked so BEAUTIFUL. The
fried chicken patty looked juicy and tempting, the size of the burger was a bit
overwhelming, and the quantity of the entire dish, along with its
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One bite into the burger, and I was a little disappointed.
People love the fried chicken burger here, is what we were told. But maybe I
was expecting spices, a little flavor..a little something that seemed to be
missing. The coleslaw in the burger ended up making it a little too bland I
guess. I had to eat the burger with ketchup to get a strong flavor. I also had
to remove the pickles and the coleslaw from the burger to get a strong taste,
but it didn’t really work for me. I would suggest they added a little flavor, a
little spice, so that it doesn’t taste bland. </div>
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Chiken Banh Mi Sub</div>
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Once again, 10/10 for the presentation. But again, the
taste was a little disappointing. The bread was hard since it was toasted, and
it made eating the whole sub a difficult process. The sub had a little tangy flavor
cos of the pickles, and the chicken was well cooked, but I could have done with
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Chicken Mac and Cheese</div>
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Goes without saying, 10/10 for the presentation. This came
accompanied with 2 pieces of bread, and was the best dish on the table. Oh, the
cheese and the white sauce- PERFECT. It tasted as good as it looked . Yes,
this was bland, but it’s SUPPOSED to be so. It tends to get a little too heavy
for the stomach since there’s so much of pasta and cheese to be eaten, but sit
around for a couple of hours, and you can finish it off easily. And it’s worth
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The Cappuccino was brilliant. Light, not too milky, a
perfect froth..*sigh* (Psst- I live for
coffee)</div>
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The fresh Pineapple juice- MUST TRY IT. Perfect sugar rush,
fresh, and TASTY. </div>
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Also, you must know that when I say I am a foodie, I mean
it. So if you thought I was leaving before having dessert, you were wrong. Yes,
after all that, my mother and sister were looking at me as if I had gone nuts,
but hey, life’s too short to miss out on dessert!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywZ9kKRNcOnZGsNc_jGQXnLKL6cpYEhcAmDr2MXyAX2fNqiaFgL6FSMpqTvsSPy7skm_CsNgnkMcagOxsoZ4MawgnZje47D393PfEWJVnyeHt_cFX9eh9ibiU43tRzWQ-CiPd1AuETfiu/s1600/IMG-20140209-WA0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywZ9kKRNcOnZGsNc_jGQXnLKL6cpYEhcAmDr2MXyAX2fNqiaFgL6FSMpqTvsSPy7skm_CsNgnkMcagOxsoZ4MawgnZje47D393PfEWJVnyeHt_cFX9eh9ibiU43tRzWQ-CiPd1AuETfiu/s1600/IMG-20140209-WA0025.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I ordered the Apple Crumble Pie. I have eaten this
earlier, and have written about it. It was good back in December, and now it
seems to have become even better. Yeah, can you BELIEVE that? It’s warm, the crust tastes like
Shrewsbury biscuits (much tastier than the biscuits actually) and the apple
inside is warm,sweet, and mixed perfectly well with cinnamon. It is served with one
scoop of vanilla ice cream. My sister and mother, who claimed to be too full to
eat more, had half of the pie together. (OMG, this is SO yum, how do I stop?
:/) Well yeah, the dessert made up for the disappointment with the burger and
the sub earlier. </div>
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I’ll be coming back. This time for coffee, the pie, and some
writing (the place has a quiet space outside where you can sit at a table
quietly and read/write, lost in your own world)</div>
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Happy Eating!</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-10432986644545888732014-02-09T08:03:00.001-08:002014-02-10T09:56:17.062-08:00Djuma Soundsystem at Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond, Pune. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It’s not every day that you waltz into the suite of an international DJ to take his interview. What was supposed to be a formal interview ended up being a friendly chit-chat over pizza and <healthy> drinks. We entered the suite and found him lounging around in shorts and a t-shirt, talking to his entourage about lack of sleep and wondering how much time would the interview take. I assured him I won’t take more than 10 minutes (and well, I did not), and quickly proceeded with my questions.</div>
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I tend to do a whole lot of background study before I take something up. So I had already read a couple of interviews of Dj Mikkas, and had found out that he lived in Denmark, and had no musical background. His favorite places to perform are Berlin, and in India he loves the scenes at Goa, Gurgaon,Pune and Bangalore. He finds India a very tough country to please; he enjoys his music and feels as long as his enthusiasm is alive, he does not need to think about competition. And there is no particular type of music he plays, it depends on what the crowd likes, the mood, the atmosphere, everything.</div>
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Knowing all the important stuff, I thought I’d get a little casual. It did surprise him a little bit. “Oh, casual…like, what’s my favorite color?”</div>
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“You read my mind..that’s exactly what I was going to ask you! So, what is your favorite color? <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>”</div>
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Mikkas <laughs>- Ah well….Black. Black is my favorite color.</div>
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This was how the “interaction” started, and by the end of it, we were happily instagramming pictures with each other. Sweet and humble beginnings. </div>
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Me- Where are you from?</div>
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Mikkas- I live in Copenhagen, but I am originally from Norway.</div>
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Me- How was your childhood like?</div>
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Mikkas- Cold. I remember, when we were further north for the first 7 years, the sun wouldn’t set at night.(Midnight Sunset) And it was COLD.</div>
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Me- Oh yeah, I know about this. My folks were there for quite some time. Fascinating. </div>
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So, how were you like, as a boy?</div>
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Mikkas- oohh *thinking* Um, pretty regular, you know. Just the average school boy I guess. Not much of a loner, no, but I remember I would go for walks alone, thinking about different beats in my head. There was music in my head, lots of it. I started deejaying when I was 14. Yeah, that young.</div>
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Me- Why music?</div>
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Mikkas- There was so much music in my head, I had to do something about it! I saw it (still do) as a form of expression. I was a movie maker, had my own TV production, but music was what I was meant to be doing.</div>
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Me- If not music, what would you be doing?</div>
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Mikkas- Ah well, I think I would have been a movie director.</div>
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Me- So…why India?</div>
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Mikkas- Why not? <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> It’s difficult to please the audience here, and I love the challenge. It’s a pain, trying to plan and co-ordinate things here, but once you LAND here, this place opens up a whole lot of opportunities for you! Things magically fall into place once you get here <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Me- How’s it been so far?</div>
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Mikkas- Warm. So warm. Back where I come from, it’s freezing cold. This feels nice.</div>
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Me- How’s it different, coming here as a tourist, and coming here on business?</div>
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Mikkas- I still feel like a tourist. I came to India 20 years ago, as a tourist. I don’t think anything has changed about it.</div>
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Me- So, where do you plan to go next, after Pune?</div>
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Mikkas- Bangalore.</div>
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Me- How was Delhi?</div>
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Mikkas- Honestly speaking, I didn’t think it was successful. The crowd comprised of mostly the hotel guests, and the average age was what..60? :/ But hey! I made them dance!!! There was a 60 year old couple going nuts on the dance floor!</div>
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We performed at another club, where yes, they had a younger crowd, almost 200-300 of them, but people were rowdy!</div>
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Me- So, what should we expect tonight?</div>
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Mikkas- ah well, let’s see. I play what the crowd wants. I start with my slow tracks, but I have noticed Indians prefer the loud, pumped up beats. So I will gradually move on to that later. I don’t force my music, I want people to feel comfortable.</div>
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Me- Last one! What’s your favorite food here? <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Mikkas- Oh, food! Um, I like the fish curry in Goa, and the breakfasts. I like Dosas!!</div>
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And on that hungry note, we concluded the interview, and headed down to the pool side for some coffee and snacks.</div>
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At the table, we ended up discussing random things, like party hopping in Goa, Goa trance parties, hitchhiking, the brilliant hospitality at the hotels, the view from the room,the works. Mikkas is a humble guy, who smiles at everyone, orders his beet root and carrot juice, sips on it quietly while instagramming pictures, and is a very very good listener. He is an international music artiste, but on a personal level, he is just one of us. And his entourage had so many interesting stories to tell us (we discussed mobile phones, telephones back in the 90s,vegetable shopping, and typical Indian bringing up at lengths) that we didn’t realize it had been 2 hours already. I even forgot to complain about my Oreo Shake being too milky (I had expected chocolate!)</div>
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We were back at Vivanta at 7:15pm, where the opening DJ had just started spinning out his tunes. The energy was kicking in, and it felt positive. We found a table at the back, and started gossiping like little girls having met after so long (Girls. There’s so much to discuss) The place filled up by 8:30pm, Mikkas had just started his act, and was playing soothing beats. After a certain while, we couldn’t help but join the guys in the front- the music was energetic, the pulse was loud, the lights and beats were perfectly synchronized, the atmosphere was trippy, and the crowd was getting into the flow of things. Mikkas himself was energetically jumping around, moving along to the beats- one would never think the man up there had got only 4 hours of sleep the previous night. The passion was seen, right there.</div>
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And the night was GOOD. This is the kind of music that gets you high and moving, without any alcohol. Yeah, that good. Never saw a dull moment or a drop in the energy levels till the end. By the end of it, a little girl (she was 4) was dancing along to Mikkas’ music. Brilliant energy, a whole lot of passion, and it was all reflected in the music. A brilliant night, after ages! Haven’t seen this scene around in Pune, no I haven’t.</div>
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Honestly, I would love it if he came here again. The only down side to the event was the food. There were 2 options available in both veg and non veg, and a little too over-priced. But I doubt that mattered to anyone, almost EVERYONE was on the floor, dancing.</div>
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So yeah, I made new friends, experienced new music, and once again gained new insights into a completely new industry. It was a good exposure, and I know for sure, there will be more to come.</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-25959837515323460382014-02-04T00:28:00.000-08:002014-02-04T00:40:56.473-08:00Chung Fa, Pune - A Review <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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6 days- 2 reviews, 5 articles and 1 movie shoot. A hectic
week was followed by a lazy (and hungry) weekend. While everyone was getting dressed for a
night of drunken revelry, I lazed around in my pajamas in front of the TV, on
my couch, contemplating the various ordering in options available. After 45min
of struggling with the voices in my head, I decided to try out Chinese food. And not just any
Chinesefood , mind you- food that I can devour with such enthusiasm, that I’d make
Adam Richman trying to eat a cheeseburger with 20 patties(Man Vs Food, for those who don’t know) look civilized compared to me. </div>
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Hence, Chung Fa. It’s 6km away from home, I need to pay a
100 bucks extra for delivery, but WHO CARES. When there’s good food to be had,
money is just another number. </div>
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I have a standard dinner order here-</div>
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Veg Hakka Noodles</div>
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Chicken Chilly (dry)</div>
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Chicken Manchurian (dry)</div>
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I have eaten the Beef Chilly and Chicken Fried Rice too, and
loved it. That’s the standard lunch order <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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Here’s the verdict-</div>
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Veg Hakka Noodles</div>
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This is by far the best noodles I have ever eaten, and that’s
saying something. The quantity is generous. Super generous even! And the
quantity of vegetables they add- pretty amazing to see how nothing has
changed over the last 20 years that I have been eating here. The noodles are
thin, the oil in which they are made does not taste stale, the vegetables feel
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In fact, do not add the garlic sauce to the noodles for
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Chilly Chicken</div>
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I usually order the dry one ‘cos I have this irrational
reasoning (which might be true) that there is more flavor in the dry dishes,
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The quantity, once again, is generous. The chicken is well
cooked. The corn flour doesn’t stick to the pieces, nor does it fall off (food
which is falling apart is quite a turn off, you know) The chicken is fresh too
(stale chicken tends to give a characteristic after taste) And it’s unlike the
chilly chicken you have at other places- you won’t see capsicum and chilies,
but the spring onions,garlic, and sauces get it absolutely spot on. I prefer the chilly chicken here compared to the ones at any other place. Try this. </div>
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Chicken Manchurian</div>
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A little sweet, this one comes with tomatoes and capsicum. I
repeat- generous quantity, well cooked chicken pieces, and good presentation.
This time though, there were too many tomatoes and a little extra oil in the dish. Once again, the
preparation is quite different as compared to what you get at other places, so
I guarantee you will enjoy this. Do give it a try, and decide for yourself. </div>
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The night ended on a very very VERY happy note. Mean girls,
good food, the couch, and I. I live for these weekends. </div>
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Do go try out the food here- if you are not comfortable with
the place, you can always order in. The place is small, a little dingy, but
neat. Have seen a wide variety of crowd there, but I personally prefer ordering
in (because a-too lazy, and b- good food must not always be eaten in a
civilized manner. I prefer being a little un-lady like at home )</div>
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Do check it out and share your feedback! </div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-42873608485782985912014-01-31T10:48:00.000-08:002014-02-20T10:21:59.085-08:00#100Happy Days- The Happiness Challenge <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a wonderful concept, I personally believe. Haven't found many who'd agree with me, but I ain't doing this for them. </div>
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Before I go ahead with this, I'd like you to take out 5 minutes to check out the website:</div>
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100happydays.com</div>
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Hopefully this means that people will now KNOW the concept, and probably understand the reason why some of us might want to follow it.</div>
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It's very easy to be sad in life, extremely easy. Things like not getting your morning coffee can spoil your day. Have you ever stopped to think about how many of these little things have we taken for granted? This challenge is taking me there, one day at a time. Days when I feel nothing has made me happy, I realize we take the word "happy" for granted. We only acknowledge "ecstasy". So yes, my pedicured feet and cup of nesquik have made me happy, and I shall instagram them!</div>
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I usually instagram pictures at the end of the day. If in case I do not have any pictures., I do make sure I tweet. End of the day works for me since it gives me time to reflect on all that has happened that day. It sounds cliched, but it does make me realize the importance of the little things that I've taken for granted in life. </div>
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Anyway, here's my journey so far...follow me, and try doing it too. It takes a little time to get used to, but you see the effects soon. </div>
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(The Challenge was accepted on 2 Jan 2014)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrkO1TUnqEMvje07RyzJ_aaoIt5qm2BcSdBsDE9TDlL1navyY5UGfb3P677r2Hnxm1QhTUCQDCmfrgE8YnQuO1aL681q1ZeN0IFUPMDReeHbZ4m9Qq5nDVAKOFF7IitgTKbZoAANobhaL/s1600/nesquik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrkO1TUnqEMvje07RyzJ_aaoIt5qm2BcSdBsDE9TDlL1navyY5UGfb3P677r2Hnxm1QhTUCQDCmfrgE8YnQuO1aL681q1ZeN0IFUPMDReeHbZ4m9Qq5nDVAKOFF7IitgTKbZoAANobhaL/s1600/nesquik.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1- Nesquik and emails. Comfort zone ^_^</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6jJi3WRET02Qi5A9IP7rAPyDDwv8-LGp2-RushrRu3EHckCfIqjFF2MSTThBB7M2hIwrlBi1JPPtBhUhAN3lrZ4Ana0wUGpp9dKA62gCEi39XE4KdJRf97FjH8L4SPUeLKTmHU8-XXJ-/s1600/IMG_20140103_201031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6jJi3WRET02Qi5A9IP7rAPyDDwv8-LGp2-RushrRu3EHckCfIqjFF2MSTThBB7M2hIwrlBi1JPPtBhUhAN3lrZ4Ana0wUGpp9dKA62gCEi39XE4KdJRf97FjH8L4SPUeLKTmHU8-XXJ-/s1600/IMG_20140103_201031.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2- An impromptu plan to eat out, and BOY was it good! Tandoori Chicken is very very very under-rated. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kF-A0mQFtnYqpSe4yjcOn8izRsGJ4NtujIxBY_7oxqZNnQS0l1nSSsXIEpyJATIxNAbAEbsHSSM1unYm3_GrVKZKQyZJ_BPa31JLrcS1aoEGs8hgILmOMRk2O5oV0ZMN4iWUkcsXeYON/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-04-06-50-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kF-A0mQFtnYqpSe4yjcOn8izRsGJ4NtujIxBY_7oxqZNnQS0l1nSSsXIEpyJATIxNAbAEbsHSSM1unYm3_GrVKZKQyZJ_BPa31JLrcS1aoEGs8hgILmOMRk2O5oV0ZMN4iWUkcsXeYON/s1600/Screenshot_2014-01-04-06-50-53.png" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Waking up to check my phone, only to see that smile. *sigh*<br />
Butterflies in tummy is how each day starts, this can't be restricted to 100 only. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqg1lRUtSzvwNJZr6zXxbsNxCL7cA0ETSXIFpR4V46BZ8PMsPFU8N4KIB9STPM-5qlWyMTqEDTd4qvblcZUp-zwWCrB9VsaRWhOMwz7ddmdeA8WH0rn_9v1ivjtsVVZ3HI_m8od-xbkxp/s1600/IMG-20140104-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqg1lRUtSzvwNJZr6zXxbsNxCL7cA0ETSXIFpR4V46BZ8PMsPFU8N4KIB9STPM-5qlWyMTqEDTd4qvblcZUp-zwWCrB9VsaRWhOMwz7ddmdeA8WH0rn_9v1ivjtsVVZ3HI_m8od-xbkxp/s1600/IMG-20140104-WA0001.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3- Dad's birthday :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_JJOgDwTZQ8xyspeV4A0odxQrxZ1b0cRfPB6kweF0DvIn4TZErZPjtLfq5s1dtlfAA-8lKdjMC6j9OI8lR0KQqeq-B_uJhFMgjIEq8E6lHg7Qs3sUzbpYl0lzzZ2DaROIcbPDxFfni-O/s1600/IMG_20140105_195315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_JJOgDwTZQ8xyspeV4A0odxQrxZ1b0cRfPB6kweF0DvIn4TZErZPjtLfq5s1dtlfAA-8lKdjMC6j9OI8lR0KQqeq-B_uJhFMgjIEq8E6lHg7Qs3sUzbpYl0lzzZ2DaROIcbPDxFfni-O/s1600/IMG_20140105_195315.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a tiring 4 hours at the mall (NEVER shop during sale season, spending 2k extra is WORTH it)<br />
and picking up one lipstick (must control urge to pick up pretty colored expensive lipsticks) and listening to<br />
the younger sister complain about life, in general. Sister's day out- Day 4.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VEVnYHbHet3gfl3XjBGG56duQ9YgjDpd_jf8cZjh8OywjwXRIBNyGePEQKO26mGX1pEGRVBQKSsCOkzPhCVkpXuObYCkMaOsC9FHnwvDWc8xqkDaJLtdBJtkWNvu-8H8uAdLGxK3o5el/s1600/DSC_3077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VEVnYHbHet3gfl3XjBGG56duQ9YgjDpd_jf8cZjh8OywjwXRIBNyGePEQKO26mGX1pEGRVBQKSsCOkzPhCVkpXuObYCkMaOsC9FHnwvDWc8xqkDaJLtdBJtkWNvu-8H8uAdLGxK3o5el/s1600/DSC_3077.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5 - Another random plan to fulfill butter chicken and appam cravings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7WN97UydVNt6iZQzxWMrhSi1sj6JKSqEO84cqR0SUo9I9MpecqdHeRQ1-FcIfZ0Xpf2g52PQhz9XOLOeo724JrdyKFCNFSC-uW8xrCBXBGMiUB5UJ8AX8qRYjoi6f-vrcm8dOfagr74/s1600/IMG_20140108_235936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF7WN97UydVNt6iZQzxWMrhSi1sj6JKSqEO84cqR0SUo9I9MpecqdHeRQ1-FcIfZ0Xpf2g52PQhz9XOLOeo724JrdyKFCNFSC-uW8xrCBXBGMiUB5UJ8AX8qRYjoi6f-vrcm8dOfagr74/s1600/IMG_20140108_235936.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6- Finally remembered his birthday this year. What started off as a quiet dinner turned into a chaotic (yet fun) night. Also, this is the first time I landed up at a house party absolutely un-invited, only to have the whole world I usually try avoiding present there. Highlight of the night- me being the only sober one around (I don't drink), it was fun seeing people surprised by my ability to have fun with people I openly hate, especially when I hadn't even had a sip of alcohol to drink.<br />
High five to me. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRahl1_1dI6SXr3oAB9DGL5C2Wg_ba3Sq1-PxRl3uQmOOD2uggzbnvMq4AsGKE5-AE6bMZXNdc6wRrrUiPliBt44jgiSKEOe78PeB33_zYpcYrRqJJWxiK4Qcu-2IhwlZ0MwYSF3DWSUWH/s1600/IMG_20140108_221840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRahl1_1dI6SXr3oAB9DGL5C2Wg_ba3Sq1-PxRl3uQmOOD2uggzbnvMq4AsGKE5-AE6bMZXNdc6wRrrUiPliBt44jgiSKEOe78PeB33_zYpcYrRqJJWxiK4Qcu-2IhwlZ0MwYSF3DWSUWH/s1600/IMG_20140108_221840.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambling on about life's little problems, only to see her doze off. She's forgiven, cos she's cute.<br />
Day 7 with le sister.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT0X22nu8ud0xCvENZvEYtkIDQTJ8pHh4g42IHu9NE1pDJRNfX1gVycP2Wk-K0KCYDOks4UTwJpQNEo_fl-XeU7eI9iIDRYhuIhLWiGtZUkEolCz1jKcZP1r3FyVlBfzlQfxSdS4ZxMJG/s1600/IMG_20140109_153232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT0X22nu8ud0xCvENZvEYtkIDQTJ8pHh4g42IHu9NE1pDJRNfX1gVycP2Wk-K0KCYDOks4UTwJpQNEo_fl-XeU7eI9iIDRYhuIhLWiGtZUkEolCz1jKcZP1r3FyVlBfzlQfxSdS4ZxMJG/s1600/IMG_20140109_153232.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day8 - After downloading the NBA 2K14 twice, visiting the post office once, burning the game onto DVDs twice, buying a completely new game, testing it, and finally sending it to le boyfriend. What started off as an annoying task ended up making me feel very um...awww. Cos I'd not do it for anyone, duh. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDfkwOZs3abLv2xj0c1EAVJnTfSiP9MXkE8M7VwuNoWhXrZ5jw4aG1U_vaRxAOex5UXrt-C1Psed8P57ODvtZNtvvTEQJe_jtyepA89HusYeM7lIGjvwnwzLzGySJn-Kr5TOsABYmLmx-/s1600/IMG_20140110_132740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDfkwOZs3abLv2xj0c1EAVJnTfSiP9MXkE8M7VwuNoWhXrZ5jw4aG1U_vaRxAOex5UXrt-C1Psed8P57ODvtZNtvvTEQJe_jtyepA89HusYeM7lIGjvwnwzLzGySJn-Kr5TOsABYmLmx-/s1600/IMG_20140110_132740.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 9- found a lot of stuff while cleaning my room. This is an airport ticket from 5 June 2013.<br />
Nothing can make me forget the hug and the tears that flowed during that extremely painful goodbye. I choke up looking at it. But yes, it makes me happy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR-B6k_0EUpYGmkcXmKYfftaLxWZAZPv0ySxSQhIxwu9Qoj5ECDrrpS8tpxETu9eLygDEvrdsQbhDAYQCvE-MUAu8P5i2bQXOJGXpcQrYydwPLdUYj9rWttfsgHXagGViaKrNucHSoyE5/s1600/IMG_20140111_193736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR-B6k_0EUpYGmkcXmKYfftaLxWZAZPv0ySxSQhIxwu9Qoj5ECDrrpS8tpxETu9eLygDEvrdsQbhDAYQCvE-MUAu8P5i2bQXOJGXpcQrYydwPLdUYj9rWttfsgHXagGViaKrNucHSoyE5/s1600/IMG_20140111_193736.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 10- Successfully managed to pick up things I didn't need. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTfa-qCadPOP_3Rat8Bj8sjDTXtcWPtWoNKUZ1zo4wkb8eAmiJHWoNlgEHhMrVXQLATgKMiP6lhG0Y0A6V36UuT37Z5zleE4q976EoaHVJyVv14H7gDxUvL8Xu2fGlDcLb5dtKQkGsWfR/s1600/IMG_20140112_215955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTfa-qCadPOP_3Rat8Bj8sjDTXtcWPtWoNKUZ1zo4wkb8eAmiJHWoNlgEHhMrVXQLATgKMiP6lhG0Y0A6V36UuT37Z5zleE4q976EoaHVJyVv14H7gDxUvL8Xu2fGlDcLb5dtKQkGsWfR/s1600/IMG_20140112_215955.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 11- Nesquik, Pulp Fiction, and Sundays. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwcnBQ3KuGGipJIYXt2FiKYaDGShzn54K2XX7N0fWldPIVao9_XVQT4l1KjYezZjwJRzvSHraKPqLJ19LuVGtsR0buhSwYIKlBD7BLwrc3rtFBcKKNijrzKt2VvSrntt-GvPh9Ud8-VwB/s1600/PicsArt_1389615298028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwcnBQ3KuGGipJIYXt2FiKYaDGShzn54K2XX7N0fWldPIVao9_XVQT4l1KjYezZjwJRzvSHraKPqLJ19LuVGtsR0buhSwYIKlBD7BLwrc3rtFBcKKNijrzKt2VvSrntt-GvPh9Ud8-VwB/s1600/PicsArt_1389615298028.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 12- Gossiping with le sister. And a little bit of nostalgia. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lOlXwsAvstFn89uBATFMH2vRarIEMHsiq4buzJo8QDOIRg592l92pocP73UTTkjaldEnX7ODih2kgc_dHGWYWYuBK774qcpa3CXYjCUccr4Pi8iMHNSL4lqUXYtyTiM_H1FI8r15dNzx/s1600/DSC_3136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lOlXwsAvstFn89uBATFMH2vRarIEMHsiq4buzJo8QDOIRg592l92pocP73UTTkjaldEnX7ODih2kgc_dHGWYWYuBK774qcpa3CXYjCUccr4Pi8iMHNSL4lqUXYtyTiM_H1FI8r15dNzx/s1600/DSC_3136.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 13- Food review! Didn't know it at this time, but it's helped me become a biggie in the food bloggers circle in Pune! </td></tr>
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Day 14- I decided to explore a little more. And I'm happy to say that I'm now learning how to interpret artwork. It's very very interesting. Changes perspective, you know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91wO5nZbnKzQNlu7hKqadoPQKqQa557PgVQlKI3TCpmc81yDv5QYqgCldb5IMzd_Kl4a2_lSGlTWno8oiKlYL0axOVkjIQcG-OZngEExO3nov9t6vjklu5kjh5TK5fLgw-11MtvFbVtNF/s1600/IMG_20140116_141043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91wO5nZbnKzQNlu7hKqadoPQKqQa557PgVQlKI3TCpmc81yDv5QYqgCldb5IMzd_Kl4a2_lSGlTWno8oiKlYL0axOVkjIQcG-OZngEExO3nov9t6vjklu5kjh5TK5fLgw-11MtvFbVtNF/s1600/IMG_20140116_141043.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 15- won them on Twitter. No one can possibly be unhappy around chocolates. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6wezNMbK3ugBWS7w-QuQn3CeJT2NQqeo_v2RutWBjW4nz3kO9Ykbk1sWxnbrV6lLGEcozNmvooIRNqPYYNFlktolAkR3dNhZQSgQenB2rdb8HZfdgBZh-nycimux-G6E67a_ITQ3Eu7B/s1600/IMG_20140116_221220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6wezNMbK3ugBWS7w-QuQn3CeJT2NQqeo_v2RutWBjW4nz3kO9Ykbk1sWxnbrV6lLGEcozNmvooIRNqPYYNFlktolAkR3dNhZQSgQenB2rdb8HZfdgBZh-nycimux-G6E67a_ITQ3Eu7B/s1600/IMG_20140116_221220.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 16- Met these boys after 2 weeks, and it felt like forever. There are a few people you meet who end up being a part of you. These are a few of my peeps. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH1zGwTFR1VRftgHFS-CKgY8BHhIgandsN4QK54XzKFsFxoTNwSEQBxQl4mSWXs80wVd_6UxdLhjQOMYI1nT-BtrSdt_8F5v0RabXzPux0GQ7AOBMygzixalNDytxyRUMplp1bSE-_Ez/s1600/DSC_3160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH1zGwTFR1VRftgHFS-CKgY8BHhIgandsN4QK54XzKFsFxoTNwSEQBxQl4mSWXs80wVd_6UxdLhjQOMYI1nT-BtrSdt_8F5v0RabXzPux0GQ7AOBMygzixalNDytxyRUMplp1bSE-_Ez/s1600/DSC_3160.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 17- A day that starts at 3:00pm, followed by coffee and carrot cake, and ends with biryani from Blue Nile. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls_w3kIQZ-0rlgCxpbvkzAHKmeJYWMQXTBIiZS6g7yKi-lu0YPnk0sN5FhrY2A64MYgIKJzJwkZPZhVRzkPXMiz0cro4H2MbmdIrZ2d-jtb4yAsW5P_EYB79y3OnPsionNCanfbFoVnfZ/s1600/DSC_3158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls_w3kIQZ-0rlgCxpbvkzAHKmeJYWMQXTBIiZS6g7yKi-lu0YPnk0sN5FhrY2A64MYgIKJzJwkZPZhVRzkPXMiz0cro4H2MbmdIrZ2d-jtb4yAsW5P_EYB79y3OnPsionNCanfbFoVnfZ/s1600/DSC_3158.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 17. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL0AWSCpiWM7aEnHByLKVyV_ioet7BwfTAN_iSY8-GrW158nJcS2yVGKaS3ygMH9yU_-cU6JLkYPITMHWwxZ3dWnabM9P6Ywn_nPBH_oPtJ3wuXBBWSstmJJ6tbfC5igwO_3T0X8fdRoP/s1600/DSC_3163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL0AWSCpiWM7aEnHByLKVyV_ioet7BwfTAN_iSY8-GrW158nJcS2yVGKaS3ygMH9yU_-cU6JLkYPITMHWwxZ3dWnabM9P6Ywn_nPBH_oPtJ3wuXBBWSstmJJ6tbfC5igwO_3T0X8fdRoP/s1600/DSC_3163.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 18- Yes, I'm still too excited to put this into words. Review of the Fat Cat's Cafe. And people LOVED it. I'm glad I could share this experience with them ^_^</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XHOPrfC1Rkam1UL3z6Fph25YpxJVRJyRZTHbpfrvhgKcRJDMkFKwEfcgOtvB79a_lc8WyBc8UIJGtffEhXZunXaMNc3WPn6j9oWvbqASWMPJH8fzStgJzwb-HGLGwdoHPCkOGSXoKy0o/s1600/IMG_20140119_233635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XHOPrfC1Rkam1UL3z6Fph25YpxJVRJyRZTHbpfrvhgKcRJDMkFKwEfcgOtvB79a_lc8WyBc8UIJGtffEhXZunXaMNc3WPn6j9oWvbqASWMPJH8fzStgJzwb-HGLGwdoHPCkOGSXoKy0o/s1600/IMG_20140119_233635.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19- dinner with my peeps! A "Pulp-Fiction" mood followed by complete madness. Also ended up reviewing the place (Mad House Grill) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jTWQDUXXvPEHFDuMsOs5Ms7dPtV4poYsMTaHKBHjzNTUB-K4JVexYiECC8CRwwBfFBTnoyJQ6xoxWDIfKwj4c1p3WLIFb41pkmMulbT6nmZocgZN9BDJ72cdtVK7VRn3KKr3wGZUEWA9/s1600/IMG_20140120_230651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jTWQDUXXvPEHFDuMsOs5Ms7dPtV4poYsMTaHKBHjzNTUB-K4JVexYiECC8CRwwBfFBTnoyJQ6xoxWDIfKwj4c1p3WLIFb41pkmMulbT6nmZocgZN9BDJ72cdtVK7VRn3KKr3wGZUEWA9/s1600/IMG_20140120_230651.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 19. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OPzxQ7t8qXc52EkOqjyRsoLwx4bJLB-7NYio33CEY0ghEEK_qGz4DIosMeypkQ0WvsF564-IpENFS6PTz4WIGuiTQ1kGSyWk4uUZC90WuU5kTPAPY8DHcuKvrtJYRdVxYatYR5uGK3ez/s1600/DSC_3201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OPzxQ7t8qXc52EkOqjyRsoLwx4bJLB-7NYio33CEY0ghEEK_qGz4DIosMeypkQ0WvsF564-IpENFS6PTz4WIGuiTQ1kGSyWk4uUZC90WuU5kTPAPY8DHcuKvrtJYRdVxYatYR5uGK3ez/s1600/DSC_3201.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 20 - Brain storming session with le sister. My skills had left me impressed. </td></tr>
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Day 21- my blog post went viral. The post was regarding the defamation of the Indian Army done by the music artiste Delhi Sultanate. I received messages from all over the country, thanking me for standing up for them and not being intimidated by the "bullies" I hadn't expected the post to get that big, but it was overwhelming, nonetheless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTS1itMKpqhrn5JBfkICP99MsI-9bxRrtPT8k5O84lLZxMprHvlABa7Nwd-kuHrocrGlSF8-hXDlshAxfD33WAG1xHCErCtSQ6RVze5r93bNlE8BcT0vzshUvQfv83iwetG3yXSYp8GuG/s1600/rith+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTS1itMKpqhrn5JBfkICP99MsI-9bxRrtPT8k5O84lLZxMprHvlABa7Nwd-kuHrocrGlSF8-hXDlshAxfD33WAG1xHCErCtSQ6RVze5r93bNlE8BcT0vzshUvQfv83iwetG3yXSYp8GuG/s1600/rith+gifts.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 22- friend from the US came down for a visit. What started with dinner and drinks (also got a few free flaming shots from the manager *tee hee*) ended at 2:00am after an eventful night of dancing. Also ended up bumping into people from Mumbai who seemed to recognize me from Twitter, and were in Pune for a few shows. Ah well, felt good :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-Xuwwsv8cC7tuWVwd2Tlah-yNG-uZY0NSM5xTdsQZyYNNaYquZ5eBm-8eUVwDFQTXVi7MugXvh4LuZidkBpmMYZeFqaCLKWAj7eZrQmNT_xdmqtD-kMxiDe0euO3qCT8eMefo30iqWdD/s1600/PicsArt_1390587500262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-Xuwwsv8cC7tuWVwd2Tlah-yNG-uZY0NSM5xTdsQZyYNNaYquZ5eBm-8eUVwDFQTXVi7MugXvh4LuZidkBpmMYZeFqaCLKWAj7eZrQmNT_xdmqtD-kMxiDe0euO3qCT8eMefo30iqWdD/s1600/PicsArt_1390587500262.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 23- Was invited for a food review to Taj. Made a whole lot of contacts, and yes, the review was loved by many.<br />
Once again, I was overwhelmed. </td></tr>
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Day 24- Networking. It's important.<br />
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Day 25- Kick-started the day with the Republic Day parade on TV. So PROUD of the country and it's defense forces ^_^<br />
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Day 26- It finally struck me that maybe it was time I made a few long term decisions. A whole lot of contemplation, lots of mood swings later- I know I am ready. And a little more determined than what I ever was. A new me. Feels good.<br />
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Day 27- 19 hours of non-stop shooting (YES, I BAGGED A *tiny* ROLE IN A MOVIE!!!) Made a whole lot of new and extremely interesting friends. Cant' wait to get my hands on the photographs that were clicked that day.<br />
And suddenly I don't see movies the same way anymore. What we see is MAGIC. What goes behind all the magic is um..organized chaos. 5 takes for one angle, you kidding me? But the difference is seen on screen. Daniel (who has a special nick-name for everyone and calls me sassy) very casually said "we don't know what we are doing, all that we know is we need to do our best. It's automatically transferred on to the screen"<br />
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Oh also, I am apparently not camera conscious! So much happiness!!! Plus the director is a humble and friendly human being, and I know I've made a nice friend ^_^<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtQStz6ALUUslf192uUYrAcAIzhJY88iz5qofvpag67aqR6QIYumA0lt9uLHTCLN3X-bEetELBcVqm9aTb2t82SMEAYIBSnCx9hpb8aDHVOljtKK_8hGxUCKvrP4nlIetUUtrQF15yK6I/s1600/DSC_3340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtQStz6ALUUslf192uUYrAcAIzhJY88iz5qofvpag67aqR6QIYumA0lt9uLHTCLN3X-bEetELBcVqm9aTb2t82SMEAYIBSnCx9hpb8aDHVOljtKK_8hGxUCKvrP4nlIetUUtrQF15yK6I/s1600/DSC_3340.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 28- Pedicures make me happy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0o88yX15KIGLkK5UJuQgl4ZW_GkOuqpPpeWSUpbsN-YsS1FmbuJexL35-KYPQgKxYvajtyLtKZghum1nQ9D25JTa1PVNmSB-JMSx3T1r48N5EeIV1rAiXbVsayW9eNNP1oOV5YAw1OGj/s1600/IMG_20140130_175500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0o88yX15KIGLkK5UJuQgl4ZW_GkOuqpPpeWSUpbsN-YsS1FmbuJexL35-KYPQgKxYvajtyLtKZghum1nQ9D25JTa1PVNmSB-JMSx3T1r48N5EeIV1rAiXbVsayW9eNNP1oOV5YAw1OGj/s1600/IMG_20140130_175500.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 29- Won these on Zomato. Awesome, I know right?<br />
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Day 30-<br />
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Resisted the temptation to eat something at Fat Cat's Cafe while I sat there for 30 min. I am SO PROUD of my will power right now, I am going to reward myself with an entire cake tomorrow. </div>
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Yeah.<br />
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Day 31-<br />
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People are selfish, sadistic, and at times extremely ruthless. No one is going to save you, you are in this all alone. If you want to fight, be prepared- NO ONE is going to support you though your struggle.<br />
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I don't get angry easily. Yes, it is very easy to tick me off, but anger is something I'd experience once in 6 months. But when I am angry, God save you. No, I will not throw things at you, I will not yell at you, I won't even FIGHT sometimes.Oh, you won't even know I am angry!Anyway point is, when furious, I tend to go mad internally.<br />
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So I'm sorry, my patience has been tested. I'm livid, so livid that I can't get myself to EAT. Or SLEEP. I'm going to try and remove the frustration on the treadmill and in the pool. No one can make me feel so UNWANTED and get away with it. Just because I don't want to fight doesn't mean I don't understand what's happening. Why am I making others sound like evil villains? Because they haven't given me a reason to feel otherwise.<br />
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What's happy about this day? Well, there's hope. And that some day, the goodness will be returned to me.<br />
What goes around comes around- Karma.<br />
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Also, the emotion of hate can only be reserved for someone you love very dearly. When I love, I love.<br />
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Day 32- Got a mention in DNA-Pune for going ahead with this challenge. Aww well, I feel famous ^_^<br />
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Day 33- Dad's classmate from down to meet him from Australia. Seeing his excitement on meeting a friend after 30 years was more than enough to get us happy high on life. A night full of reminiscing, wine, and oooh, gifts from Australia!! Hello CHOCOLATES!<br />
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Day 34- Writing. Writing makes me happy. Wrote a review for Chung Fa, Pune. Well, I write about food only because I want people to share my good experiences with people, and not cos I am getting free food, you know. And the food at Chung Fa is really good! It's sad that so many haven't eaten here. Hence, the review.<br />
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Day 35- Got my first real break as a lifestyle blogger. A couple of newspapers have now given me projects, and yes, I have been working on them. It's great news, and yes, I am overjoyed.<br />
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Day 36- Another review. Another story. Another mood. Read- nostalgia.<br />
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Day 37- Picked up BEAUTIFUL earrings (must stop myself from buying things on pure impulse) Anyway, I also got a free red velvet pastry at my FAVORITE coffee place in Pune, The Fat Cat's Cafe. Oh God bless them, that's all that I can manage to say. #droolmax<br />
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Day 38- An interview of an International DJ. An event to write about. Another surprise invitation to a launch party. Free dark chocolate. Oh this day was EXCELLENT! (Even though friends did cancel out on plans without bothering to inform me beforehand, or coordinating with me to begin with, especially when I had worked out my schedule according to them. *sigh* Shit happens.)<br />
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Day 39- It started off on a bad note. Depressing even. Ok I have my days when I absolutely MISS my boyfriend, a little too much for my own good. There is so much to talk about, and all I'd want is to spend some time with him. Ah well, karma. My patience and love shall one day pay off I guess. Anyway, what started off on a depressing note slowly spiraled downwards into self pity and rage. And then I just decided to take my mum and sister out for a chill scene lunch. There's a diner in town- The Brooklyn Shuffle. Not my kinda food, but the mood was such. They had a great time, I personally didn't enjoy much, but well, the evening ended on a good note.<br />
Family. Friends. Love. We take too much for granted.<br />
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Day 40- A Monday morning that started at 5:00am (I had a movie shoot at 7, and it was 10 degrees here in the morning, and I FROZE) The shoot went off well, I got back home, caught up on some sleep, and spent the whole evening eating street food cos well, it's project I have taken up. So right now, I am running a temperature, eating maggi, getting work done, and LOVING it. Writing gives me a high. Working hard, so that I don't have time to think about other depressing stuff (like how I miss him and REALLY need to meet him soon and God to give us SOME SUPPORT cos otherwise He is being super sucky) feels liberating. You know what I mean? :)<br />
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Day 41- WRITING. Most of the days, wriitng has made me happy. That's ONE thing I've learnt through this exercise. So yeah, not bad eh? This time I wrote a review for Brooklyn Shuffle (again)<br />
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Day 42- #TastyThirty is a brilliant initiative taken by a couple of students who are just passing out from SIMC PG. They wish to promote the top 30 street food joints in Pune. They asked me to help them out with a few places, and I was more than happy to accept the invitation. We visited street food jionts all over MG Road, and I can't wait to go ahead with the second phase of this project. I also wrote about this on the blog. Here's the link-<br />
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http://everyshadeofrandom.blogspot.in/2014/02/street-food-pune.html<br />
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Day 43- Magnum chocolates has launched in the Indian market, and Pune was one of the few cities that was selected for a launch event. I've covered it in the link given below, do have a look-<br />
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http://everyshadeofrandom.blogspot.in/2014/02/mother-of-god-chocolate.html<br />
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Day 44- Valentine's Day. Ignoring past hang ups, I decided to be in love today. And there's nothing happier than the feeling of being in love, and fighting for it.<br />
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Day 45- This day was about me, myself and I. Cos no one is on their way to save you. Sounds depressing, but once you learn to accept this fact, it's a confidence booster. So yes, for me, this was a day about being my aggressive self. It felt nice, after very very long.<br />
Oh yes, I also wrote :)<br />
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Day 46- Brunch. Whites and pinks and the girls and mocktails. I love brunches!! ^_^<br />
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Day 47- FINALLY managed to watch Hasee Toh Phasee. If you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you go ahead and do so now. It's the cutest and most refreshing thing you will come across in recent Hindi cinema.<br />
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Day 48- An article that I had written in the vaguest of moods(with absolutely no intent of having it published anywhere) gets published on THOUGHT CATALOG. Yes, guilty pleasure, I was caught, and well, excited as well as paranoid. Excited cos it's not everyday that your article gets global recognition. And paranoid because I had NO CLUE what I had written (I am moody that way) plus was sure I could have done a much better job.<br />
As I found out hours after it being published, I had made a goof up in the opening line, which did turn off quite a few people. Well, I do accept my mistake, plus I hadn't even edited the draft I sent to TC, and yes, I must have been high on God alone knows what to have sent it in the first place.<br />
Anyway, peace out women. Peace out.<br />
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Also, gossiping with the girls over coffee and cake can't ever be disappointing ^-^<br />
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Day 49- I need 50 hours in a day to get through stuff like this. Gym. Work. Brainstorming sessions. Gossiping with the girls. CAKE.Writing. Reviewing. The day started at 6:30am, ended at 1:00am (only to be repeated the next day) But hey guess what, this is FUN. There is so much to do, there is so much to leanr..it's EXCITING.<br />
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Day 50- I am halfway through!! This makes me happy to a certain extent, yes it does. Plus a long long day (it's 11:45pm, and I can't see myself going to bed before 1:00am) filled with a whole lot of KICKASS work, meetings, coffee, conversations, and writing. Plus the boyfriend got internet signal for a while, so yes, chatting with him has got me a little high on life again :)<br />
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-55205792806288969972014-01-30T09:08:00.001-08:002014-01-31T02:25:57.425-08:00In The Moment <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<Just because it's happening in my head doesn't mean it's not real></div>
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The choice is yours.</div>
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Happy reading!</div>
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All our lives, we are looking for answers. Will I pass this
test, will I get the job, will I get a degree, will I get the dress in my size,
will she say yes, will I find true love…the list is never-ending. It saddens me to see people get so busy
trying to find answers, that they forget to live. It’s something that we take
for granted, we hardly ever stop to see what’s going on around us, IN THE
MOMENT. I gave a couple of interviews today, where a gentleman asked me – “What
are you willing to add to the organization? And this might not necessarily be a
professional skill” It took me 5 seconds to think about this (which in my world
is a lot since I have answers ready before you have asked me the question) and
said vaguely- “Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm to live. To enjoy life outside of work.
To wake up early every morning and work out. To eat healthy. To be quirky.
Yeah, enthusiasm.” Maybe I was a bit too
honest, maybe that’s not what he had in mind, but my intuition tells me I’ve
nailed it. </div>
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Point being, the interview made me realize I had once again
managed to take life for granted, being too over dependent on others for my
happiness. Everyone goes through bad phases in their lives, since when had I
turned into the depressed weakling who’d stay in bed for days on end because
things weren’t going her way? </div>
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I’ve been going through a lot of negativity lately. Low-self
esteem, rejections, incorrect judgments being made by the society, the works. I
did think it had something to do with unemployment. But I’d hardly call myself
unemployed. My blog has crossed 10,000 views, my food reviews are doing well,
my passion for food is being recognized by industry stalwarts and yes, I’m on a
high! So no, this negativity has nothing to do with unemployment. It’s just…a low phase in life. </div>
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I don’t usually express myself, but when I want to, and I can’t-
that’s a painful scenario. So here I am, living in the moment- </div>
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<b>Getting Inked</b></div>
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Initially I thought tattoos were just another attempt at being
cool. A few close friends got inked, and it made me realize that yeah maybe,
that really mattered to them! So yes, I respect you for all the tattoos you
have on your body, ‘cos I’m assuming you know what they mean and that they
really matter to you. Just another way of expression is how I’d like to see it. So yes,I'm getting inked. A
word/ symbol that will always be an outlet. A fierce, yet hidden expression. There are many such words I could
think of while speaking to the tattoo artist- faith, perseverance, focus,
optimism, karma, respect, fierce. She said she will get back to me in a day. I
want this to come out really well, since it’s something that would remind me of
that ONE quality that has seen me through some very very tough moments in life.
A word that might only make sense to me-
I’m okay with it, as long as it does. </div>
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So yes, I’ve thought about it. And I deserve this. The one
who figures the meaning and feeling behind the tattoo, deserves me, or so I'd like to believe. </div>
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<b>Writing </b></div>
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I guess the repressed feelings of rage and sadness inspire
me to write. So here I am, writing this
instead of a food review. I write because it makes me happy. And seeing people
being positively influenced by my writing gives me confidence. So hey, hang in
there, do what makes you happy. </div>
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<b>Missing Someone Is Healthy</b></div>
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You know the early morning sleepy cuddling that he probably
doesn’t know he’s doing but you feel warm and tiny and fit into that nook? And
him holding on to your hair while he sleeps, so that you won’t leave his side? And the hugs where you can’t reach up till his
shoulder, instead you settle in to hear his heart beat? And holding his hand only to have it jerked off in surprise since he hates PDA? And stealing his last slice of pizza? And the hug at the
airport, where you wished time would freeze? </div>
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That. </div>
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<b>Fight</b></div>
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For yourself. But if it’s about love, fight for the two of you. </div>
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If you are lucky, once in your lifetime you do come across someone who accepts you for exactly who you are. He doesn’t look at your qualifications, your background, the way you dress up, your weight, none of it. He connects with you on a spiritual level. So don’t be surprised when he knows the voice in your head, or when he can say what you have in mind,10 seconds BEFORE you’ve thought of it. It sounds impossible, yes, but if it does happen to you, hold onto that magic. And fight for it. He’ll make you vulnerable, hopeless, defenseless, but he will stay there as long as you support him.</div>
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So do your thing girl, smile, and spread the joy!</div>
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<b>Love</b></div>
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Long distance. 8 months. I can’t even BEGIN to describe how saddening that is. Every time I have to tell someone about him, I choke after saying this. So yes, it’s a relief that people get the point and don’t ask me to explain further. But it’s been a happy journey. Not too many ups and downs, it’s been a learning process of sorts. If I could use one word (okay two) to describe him, I’d say he’s God-sent. I’ve discovered myself as a person, and I only have him to thank for all the positive changes that have happened in my life.</div>
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What sucks is when things are perfect, but something/someone doesn’t let you be. You get what I’m saying? We haven’t had fights, we haven’t been depressed; yes it’s been hard, but it’s also been beautiful. It’s been 18 months, and I still get butterflies thinking about him. It’s magical, yeah. So it’s not humanly possible to un-feel this, if in case we have to. There are a whole lot of external problems, but we’ll make it through. Right? We have to. I know we do. (I've been told)</div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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<b>Settle Down in Life</b></div>
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All my life, I have been a restless soul. I’ve always found it too hard to settle down, in my professional as well as personal life. After being independent for so long, after going from one place to the other, rejecting one boy after another, I have finally come to a point where I feel I can settle. But….I can’t. </div>
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<b>Society will Judge</b></div>
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You can’t help it. This is no reason for you to refuse going
out. You want to act, go become an actress. You want to write, go become a
writer. Why must you be bothered by what people think of you? Shouldn’t they
respect your decisions instead of making you sound like Satan? Society will
judge, all that you can do is go ahead, make your life, and have a valid
justification for all your decisions. </div>
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<b>Explore your options</b></div>
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Who said you need to do a desk job just because you have an
MBA? Who said you can’t write? Or act? People will always try to put you down- I faced a lot of opposition when I decided to quit my job and explore writing.
It’s been 28 days, and I’ve reached places. I’ve also managed to get a small
role in a movie! (yeah, me, Captain Klutz) So yeah, go out there and explore
your options! The things you will learn during the process will leave you more
confident than ever. You will learn from your failures, and you will find your
calling. </div>
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Go out there, live a little!</div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5006099063203871822.post-47447751033400976302014-01-24T09:48:00.001-08:002014-03-23T21:38:07.854-07:00Maharashtrian Food Festival- Mystic Masala, Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A table for two by the
window, a view of the pool below, bottles of spices adorning the walls, soft
Indian music playing in the background, and some authentic Maharashtrain
cuisine all made up for a very beautiful dinner experience at the Mystic
Masala,Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few of my European
friends suggested I go to the place to check out some authentic Maharashtrian
food at the food festival at Mystic Masala. A little surprised (since I know
Maharashtrian food is oily and spicy, a definite no for most foreigners) I decided
to head down on the evening of 24 Jan 2014 for a quiet dinner with my family.
The hospitality and service has always been brilliant, hence I didn't have to
think twice before making this impromptu plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being a passionate
foodie, I was a little curious to know the idea behind this festival ( It’s
Maharashtrian cuisine in Maharashtra, why would people come here when they can
eat this at home?) Mr. Aditya Mehendale, the man behind this idea, was kind
enough to spend some time with me and answer all my questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Mehendale swears
by Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond, Pune. Any celebration, no matter how grand or
personal it is, happens at Taj. “Taj is like family. I love these guys” is what
he had to say. On his mother-in-law’s 75<sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">birthday, he approached the management at Taj
with his own menu, asking them to prepare all dishes mentioned in the same. The chefs
were so impressed by the recipes, they decided to go ahead with a full
fledged Maharashtrian food festival. Being passionate about food and cooking,
Mr. Mehendale gladly accepted this offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A connoisseur from
royal lineage, Mr. Mehendale is an extremely humble human being. He has been
passionate about food since he was a child, and has been cooking (sometimes,
along with the Peshwa cooks) since the age of 12. It saddens him to know how
Maharashtrian cuisine is perceived to be very limited. The idea behind this
particular food festival is to showcase the range of dishes available in this
cuisine. He wants people to explore this, and he is releasing a book with 80
non-vegetarian (only) recipes in the Maharashtrian cuisine (the book is expected to
release by end of April). Being a part of the royal families of Maharashtra, he
wants to share with everyone the Peshwa style of cooking authentic Maharashtrian
food. He has taken out time to train the chefs at Mystic Masala, and has had a
wonderful experience. His beautiful wife, Dr. Tarita Shankar, joined us at our
table for a while. A beautiful couple, they made me feel at home with their
charm and enthusiasm. The passion for food and hospitality is seen by the
energy they exude. Not wanting to take too much of their time, I thanked
them for all the information they had shared with me. One of the secrets he did
share before he left the table- "the food can be preserved for 10-20 days,
this is the food the warriors carried with them when they went to war. Do you
want to know how? Traditional Maharashtrian cooking did not involve tomatoes.
And the quantity of oil used was also very little. This helped in easy
preservation…..enjoy your food!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Head Chef was kind
enough to send across a customized menu for tasting, seeing how I was genuinely
interested in the food. By the end of it all, I could not help thanking him for
his hospitality and the lovely food he had prepared. The menu for the night was
as follows-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicken Pickle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
am not a fan of pickles, because I don’t usually like the oil and the sourness.
So when a bowl of chutney came to our table, I was pretty surprised to know
this was dry, and had no traces of oil. The chicken was dry, well cooked, and
soft. The pickle was a dry mixture of coconut shavings. It wasn't sour, which
is what I loved about it. If you like traditional oily and sour pickles, you
might find this a little bland. But it's not worth missing out on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kothimbari Vadi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
was a coriander flavored vegetable patty. Unlike a typical patty, it was crispy
and had a very strong flavor of coriander. Quite an unusual taste if you ask
me, usually you get only a hint of the coriander flavor. By taste, It reminded
me a lot of a coriander flavored Dhokla. Light, and with hardly any oil, this
is a snack I recommend you must order.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Surailchi Vadi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Soft, steamed, well cooked, with a flavor of the masalas and coconut mixed together, this is a traditional Maharashtrian besan roll. A light snack before the main course, it is definitely a must try if you are going in for the authentic Maharashtrain experience.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K-Q3g1qhg_UBB9s-onTtV3rHuTIH2mfF8SoXO9hHldOQkzbSdEkhXkGkME7ZLAB4ENf3h6oeutdMk1I7zfyDqjbMLL1y_JU_E6dXAbOxgGHVVe-V5VpZxRcKhibA_r-PxzXYfAOjc0XF/s1600/DSC_3286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4K-Q3g1qhg_UBB9s-onTtV3rHuTIH2mfF8SoXO9hHldOQkzbSdEkhXkGkME7ZLAB4ENf3h6oeutdMk1I7zfyDqjbMLL1y_JU_E6dXAbOxgGHVVe-V5VpZxRcKhibA_r-PxzXYfAOjc0XF/s1600/DSC_3286.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sol Kadi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
was an interesting mixture of kokum and coconut milk. It came in a champagne
flute, looking pretty in pink. The taste was even better. The refreshing taste
hits you, and it feels cool as it goes down your throat. A tangy drink, it has
a slight hint of sweetness too. A perfect refreshing start I must say. Usually
drinks fill you up, and you can’t enjoy your meal. Won’t say this about the Sol
Kadi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prawns Malwani Tikka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
look so appetizing; I could not wait to get my hands on one of the red tiger
prawns that were sent to our table. They are covered with a red paste made out
of spices and red chillies, and are absolutely gorgeous to look at. The prawns
are well cooked, soft, and have a very pleasant flavor (sea food tends to have
a typical smell and taste, this was thankfully devoid of those) Do try them
out, you won’t be disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicken Konkani Tikka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
can never go wrong with this. The juicy well cooked tikka melts in your mouth,
and the flavors of the spices reminds me of a barbeque and grill night in a
jungle on the way to Goa, somewhere near Sawantwadi (true story) Try it, but it
might get you a little too full, so maybe you could order this on your second
trip here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicken Pandra Tikka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is a white colored grilled chicken tikka. Do not be misled by the color, since
most of the white tikkas are either sweet or bland. This one is spicy, and
tastes very unique. I personally have never tasted anything like it. Which is a
very nice change since I feel most of the tikkas at a place end up having the
same basic flavors. I suggest you try this, it’s unlike the usual tikkas. A
little heavy once again, one plate serves 6 tikkas. So order accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Agre Mutton Tikka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
typical mutton kebab, this one is a little dry as compared to the others. It’s
spicy, soft, and has a strong tinge of black pepper, this would go well with a
glass of beer. Try this if you want a change from the usual chicken. It’s
lighter compared to the chicken tikkas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
starters were accompanied with a salad that was mainly onion mixed with
yoghurt. Very refreshing, I would be trying this one at home too. The strong
flavor of the onions is nullified by the yoghurt, leaving a cold and refreshing
sensation in your mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here
are the chutneys that you could opt for –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thecha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
flavor of the green chillies hits you absolutely right, this is the kind of
chilly that one enjoys. A chutney made out of green chillies, coriander and a
slight amount of garlic, the tangy yet refreshing flavor leaves a perfect after
taste in the palette.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Garlic-Peanut
chutney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
the name suggests, this is a red colored, spicy, dry mixture of garlic and
peanut. The taste will immediately take you back home, where grandmothers would
sit all day making chutneys and pickles. I have always loved this chutney, so
it wasn't surprising that I managed to finish 4 tablespoons of it. Try this
with papad for an interesting combination.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also
known as butter milk. Or chach. It’s a light drink that goes perfectly with all
the non-vegetarian dishes. You don’t feel too heavy; in fact, this actually
makes you feel like you could eat more! It’s got a refreshing taste, with a
hint of green chilly in the after taste. I could trade water for this, no
kidding!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pitla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that is made in every household multiple
times in a week, and is best enjoyed with Jowar rotis. This is a thick curry
made mainly out of besan, with a whole lot of flavor added due to the variety
of spices that goes into it. This one was a little bland, though the
consistency was fine. I found it a little average, I have had better Pitla at
the homes of a few of my Maharshtrian friends. If you would like to try it, do
ask them to add a little extra spices. If you want this bland, then what you
get would be fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matki Misad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
honestly thought I would not get the same taste of the misad I’d get at a local
street-food joint, or at home. Well, I was mistaken. The taste, once again,
reminded me of the misad we cook at home. The hint of sweetness, the spicy
after taste, the well mixed flavors of coconut, rye and coriander were exactly
like what you would get in your own kitchen. I recommend you try this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amti with Drumsticks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
dish was apleasant surprise. Thin with a rye tadka, this was a sweet and
tangy curry. Gud (jiggery) and imli were used to give it the sweet taste. The
after taste made you crave for some more. Very light on the stomach, this is the
first time I have genuinely enjoyed Amti. Do not miss this one.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Malwani Fish Curry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well
cooked black pomfret with tamarind, this came with a semi-thick brown gravy.
The fish was well cooked, and did not have that particular sea-fish smell that
I was talking about. Very light once again (surprisingly, since most of the
semi-thick gravy dishes end up making one feel very heavy), this can be enjoyed
with rice. But if you are not a big fan of tamarind, you might not enjoy the
sourness . Personally, I enjoyed it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sukkey Mutton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This,
I was told, was a Kolhapuri specialty. The well cooked mutton pieces came in a
thick gravy (something on the lines of tawa chicken) and garnished with
coriander. A a slight tinge of garam masala remains in the after taste. The
first bite might feel a little bland, but once the masalas dissolve in your
mouth, the spices will hit you. It’s brilliant, try it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Navsacha Kumbhda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
name means a gift to the Gods. And why not, this chicken curry is so rich in
flavors, it seems fit to be given to the Gods. Out of all the non vegetarian I
had eaten there, I personally preferred this one. The curry has a very unique
taste, and I suggest you don’t miss out on this.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmWUcaxQGbvUz905vWNgfxLA7ioSPgz-HZlij8sGsJiv7bEn7czYuvi2r38an9E3Jltuo-VZ2WJvJsWPkaHPuVOxfrIRB55FvDR272_l9GqAJSKdCouA4CWKgKLJ-jH0w7F6YxMvKnnnQ/s1600/DSC_3293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmWUcaxQGbvUz905vWNgfxLA7ioSPgz-HZlij8sGsJiv7bEn7czYuvi2r38an9E3Jltuo-VZ2WJvJsWPkaHPuVOxfrIRB55FvDR272_l9GqAJSKdCouA4CWKgKLJ-jH0w7F6YxMvKnnnQ/s1600/DSC_3293.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
main course was eaten with Jowar and Bajra rotis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Modak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
are the tastiest modaks I have ever eaten. Steaming hot and soft, these
dumplings are made of rice, and filled with coconut and jiggery and dry fruits.
The modaks I have eaten elsewhere are either too sweet, or too hard. This one
was fresh, soft, mouth melting, and just the right amount of sweet. Even
when it cooled down, it did not lose its softness. Even while waiting for them
to cool down, the rich smell of ghee was making me a little too impatient. No
matter how much you have eaten, do not leave without trying this out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amrakhand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is the famous shrikhand with a flavor of mango. This is light, fresh, and
tasty. Life is too short to miss out on desserts. So do have this along with the
modaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last
night was an exciting dining experience- the taste of Maharashtra, all in one
place. I even enjoyed eating vegetarian food after so long. Plus all the food
is very light on the stomach. Mr. Mehendale and Mr. Sachin Joshi have done a
brilliant job at this collaboration, and the passion for food and cooking was
reflected when they seemed so happy seeing people leave the place with a smile
on their faces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
may no longer drive down to Kolhapur to taste your favorite Maharashtrain
cuisine anymore, all that you wanted is right here, along with much more. So do
come down soon, this festival might change the way you look at Maharashtrian
cuisine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pea Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04054608293986808572noreply@blogger.com0