tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55970644430869515552024-03-15T14:47:12.265+05:30RUPALI DEAN -TRAVELLER AND FOODIEI have a passion for all things good in life- be it travel, food, watching plays& films, photography, drinking champagne or just getting pampered in a Spa. Luckily being a Hotel Management graduate, an ex-chef, nutritionist and a journalist, I am eminently qualified to do my job of writing and sharing experiences. My blog is my world and my posts are my straightforward thoughts...come along with me on my culinary voyage!Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-69363637040305501712022-03-30T17:28:00.000+05:302022-03-30T17:28:06.495+05:30JAMAICA UPDATES COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR TRAVELLERS<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKQ3DKmM8Fks1Bct6lY6TTWWEupx6ZnnFUQ01DOS-RTb2M2vbVeIMWPjrunOkIqWclt71xBy9zBr_85eY2EwgDqaHNe_xw4gWQqogsbwKEOXMf2drKEAAmle5RDaviRsT1BFZeY5cTG5ODiV8X6x4_VFwb69rNWkITsFjYWjBXU2VQ-ZhmiJsQHiibA/s1800/Adventure_Portland_RioGrande_Rafting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKQ3DKmM8Fks1Bct6lY6TTWWEupx6ZnnFUQ01DOS-RTb2M2vbVeIMWPjrunOkIqWclt71xBy9zBr_85eY2EwgDqaHNe_xw4gWQqogsbwKEOXMf2drKEAAmle5RDaviRsT1BFZeY5cTG5ODiV8X6x4_VFwb69rNWkITsFjYWjBXU2VQ-ZhmiJsQHiibA/w640-h360/Adventure_Portland_RioGrande_Rafting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Effective March 1, 2022, international visitors to Jamaica will no longer be required to obtain travel authorization to enter the island. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Travellers 12 years of age and older will only need to provide a negative result from a COVID-19 Antigen or PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel. Additionally, travellers to Jamaica will no longer face travel-related </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">quarantine measures.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Eliminating travel-related quarantines and the need for travellers to fill out and receive approval of the Travel Authorization form are key steps in relaxing our travel protocols as the global spread of COVID-19 declines,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are confident that these refreshed entry requirements will increase the appeal of Jamaica as a destination of choice and help us continue on our path to recovery for the tourism sector and wider economy as a whole.” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTv7PRnQALrnTbCUAk5tKd4gQQMKEvGqDHwV1qVZWL7fW7PRCi8vsMLSRpq16rIHJnHGc_ctQuKJca8BVwqQsXmtYJKT67nbD35P8mqBHRGzwqHDn8QtGtbl3dvZoc12Fd6ayBSAuwKd9BGTj843OpeeZprkU_uQc2mOk1iRixQp1P54gT6VGlcslEQ/s500/unnamed-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTv7PRnQALrnTbCUAk5tKd4gQQMKEvGqDHwV1qVZWL7fW7PRCi8vsMLSRpq16rIHJnHGc_ctQuKJca8BVwqQsXmtYJKT67nbD35P8mqBHRGzwqHDn8QtGtbl3dvZoc12Fd6ayBSAuwKd9BGTj843OpeeZprkU_uQc2mOk1iRixQp1P54gT6VGlcslEQ/w400-h266/unnamed-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;">“We are continually reviewing our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols to align with best practices from internationally recognized organizations and ensure that Jamaica retains its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations,” noted Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “These changes are timed to go into effect as destinations across the globe are enacting similar revisions to their travel requirements.” </span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The health and safety of every Jamaican and every visitor to the country remains the island’s top priority through its comprehensive Jamaica CARES program. Jamaica CARES is a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the island’s comprehensive health and safety protocols which were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels recognition and allowed the island to safely reopen in June of 2020. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBgR6D090Hd8cKmMqtwqbi098ONkqwLORvwnborU2xixYyZUuxGtM2qjc6RgcmSmn5NzHZWcoa-mWR--90XNiQvDbbVzke1GtjFGVwCwHF3UmBw2aZirNrP7owuULMCNzaMHH5yU0YM-fnKiyoTErlI4wy2uTF78rkpBdN7ywBU1DNgpdaazpQ4Ng8Q/s3500/COUPLES%20DANCING%20ON%20JAMAICAN%20MUSIC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="3500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBgR6D090Hd8cKmMqtwqbi098ONkqwLORvwnborU2xixYyZUuxGtM2qjc6RgcmSmn5NzHZWcoa-mWR--90XNiQvDbbVzke1GtjFGVwCwHF3UmBw2aZirNrP7owuULMCNzaMHH5yU0YM-fnKiyoTErlI4wy2uTF78rkpBdN7ywBU1DNgpdaazpQ4Ng8Q/w640-h480/COUPLES%20DANCING%20ON%20JAMAICAN%20MUSIC.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">For more information about Jamaica, go to </span><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BksmMiQu_5HKhAxb5rqyPW3KrPBXqiUqotZ7sjvcklbUWr-bh71fn4HMW2yyt2VGl1aa__sFGgGCFLuPBwiDO0CSPMxrW9NCUvGDdSelNoeNAUXtm0PYse4Y5tJ3k2R4CSTsqxeMJZDZDeaO4OLmEw==&c=Cg4jT7I1n3HNAufBZeGiT7QQXclulgtStpDdYtLhlVeyqRBN87xC9A==&ch=F1zBKVWWE_eswYaGvILzF5s_Omg8z3ObHisWIAaSdXXA2DAodRN_6A==" style="color: #954f72; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;" target="_blank">www.visitjamaica.com</a><p></p>Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-5446015664073778342021-12-30T10:38:00.002+05:302021-12-30T10:38:07.457+05:30GET READY FOR WELLNESS ADVENTURES IN JAMAICA<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you think about a holiday to Jamaica, you’re thinking about sitting on a beach hearing to Bob Marley and eating jerk chicken perhaps. To be honest, that swishes astounding. But do you have any inkling how many breath-taking escapades are offered in Jamaica? </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7hSsv4YcA9Vxd0eXMZJvyuXkLr_-tjAgN5z_KNgCqHeuYbqgEql6swwTcu7FWypBy8kbWuiyakSI7pYRNQWtCshzHVnPw142_wC3N-lB1VkmzWnkwFTaf6RkWZUPwtgDd1oLHHG1DuGAPG5fYUOSoiYGImP_5LtL_Nbvg6gLkywlNqoMhPba51wbWgQ=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7hSsv4YcA9Vxd0eXMZJvyuXkLr_-tjAgN5z_KNgCqHeuYbqgEql6swwTcu7FWypBy8kbWuiyakSI7pYRNQWtCshzHVnPw142_wC3N-lB1VkmzWnkwFTaf6RkWZUPwtgDd1oLHHG1DuGAPG5fYUOSoiYGImP_5LtL_Nbvg6gLkywlNqoMhPba51wbWgQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">From river rafting, ascending the waterfalls, ziplining over a crown of trees, hiking across the mountains or scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea,</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">there is no dearth of life-changing activities in Jamaica.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vacations in Jamaica offer the chance to go yonder the sandy beaches and outstanding scenery for thrilling adventures you will always reminisce. The terminus has a lot to offer to vacationers who pursue to accomplish better health and well-being on holidays! The Jamaican land instinctively lets you maintain your health during or as an outcome of their trip, which is why it is an impeccable destination for can’t-sit-still-on-a-beach lively voyagers! Envisage the escapade of an era. You feel hot blood pumping through the veins while your heartbeat matches the island drums. As you expect the indefinite, finally, you have gotten a blissful moment diverse with enthusiasm, fear, pride, and relief. Here’s a list of the top adrenaline pumping excursions in Jamaica to help lovers of nature and outdoor adventure plan their visit! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4wwsquTJsY9hwnbsyCPz81UItBDK1fESuaReCNbUx6ruPs914XEtg_gzacmb5t_1dMxEDn4k5hHC6APGCldy6JWSQKri7-ZCcOt32PIlMU8kRCUHjBB7hJ3Kb3PEJ47ZYdBURJK_lp5YfuKn3vSQ0DRTANZVg-zFQOMV6SJytb0wzSz7tG1ZMg34TfA=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4wwsquTJsY9hwnbsyCPz81UItBDK1fESuaReCNbUx6ruPs914XEtg_gzacmb5t_1dMxEDn4k5hHC6APGCldy6JWSQKri7-ZCcOt32PIlMU8kRCUHjBB7hJ3Kb3PEJ47ZYdBURJK_lp5YfuKn3vSQ0DRTANZVg-zFQOMV6SJytb0wzSz7tG1ZMg34TfA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;">Mountain Adventures let you look no more for a stimulating hike and a remarkable experience! If you would like to endeavour outside the treetops, cord up your sneakers and head for Blue Mountain Peak. Rejuvenate by raising your lungs with fresh air as you board on this mountain journey. The peak of Blue Mountain is the utmost in Jamaica and the sight is debatably one of the best you will ever witness!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Experience a bit more of a heart-pumping epinephrine rush on Treetop Adventures, wizard through trees on zip lines watching imposing views, such as YS Falls’, the majestic Martha Brae River, Dunn’s River Falls, and historic plantation houses or climb one of the several waterfalls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventure Parks comes with plethora of turquoise waters, lush green lands, and profound caverns in all resort areas, conquering bumpy terrains with ATVs, soaring through the air on zip lines, and manoeuvring rushing waters are common adventure park activities. Popular picks Jamwest Speedway and Adventure Park, Yaaman Adventure Park, and Chukka Cove Adventure Park and Falls all offer these selections in addition to others that make each site an exclusive experience. Kool Runnings aka Jamaica’s major water park, bids go-kart sprinting and paintball activities as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What shouts adventure like discovering the unknown of deep, dark caves? To experience the tales of Cave Adventures, discover the veiled secrets of Green Grotto Caves in Runaway Bay or discover the neighbouring caves of Roaring River in the core of a western town, or hike the craggy Cockpit Country where the Windsor Caves are found. Observe rock formations, feeble clicks of bats quivering high above, and glittery walls making spectral cavern ventures, more captivating.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At Dolphin Cove, intermingling with stingrays make this, a place where you come for the day but evoke for a lifetime! Get up familiar and intimate with incredible animals, swim with dolphins, loving the thrill and love of marine creatures in their biological environment. Remember to take along your wipe, sunscreen and be equipped to have fun! Encompassed are glass-bottom boat rides, kayaking, snorkelling with stingrays, watching Shark Shows and entrance to the beach!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-10084783816679171292021-09-14T07:34:00.002+05:302021-09-14T07:34:15.282+05:30TRAVELLING WITH A PARENT IN THE PANDEMIC ? HERE'S WHAT TO DO!<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUe8C2gWBJo/YUAAa4bpHlI/AAAAAAAAaP4/fcE96cFOnqcE7-moppSAzFiSKvBAhbIMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/In%2Bvilla%2BBBQ%2Bby%2Bthe%2BOcean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1440" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUe8C2gWBJo/YUAAa4bpHlI/AAAAAAAAaP4/fcE96cFOnqcE7-moppSAzFiSKvBAhbIMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h358/In%2Bvilla%2BBBQ%2Bby%2Bthe%2BOcean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Covid-19 has transformed the scope of travel. Amid closed borders and cancelled flights, travel came to a near halt, but today boundaries are opening and international travel is not a vague dream anymore…. we travelled internationally as a family after nearly two years or probably more…. but it was smooth and easy, all thanks to proper planning in spite of travelling with a parent who needs a wheel chair as she can’t walk long distances.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmPaiiDkOVs/YUAArunOjhI/AAAAAAAAaQA/IhQ7dY9PBMsbYgnHRo4Ax7et5FU_mVYfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IndiGo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2048" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmPaiiDkOVs/YUAArunOjhI/AAAAAAAAaQA/IhQ7dY9PBMsbYgnHRo4Ax7et5FU_mVYfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h518/IndiGo.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">READ THE FLIGHT RULES FOR YOUR DESTINATION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">It really isn’t fun reading a drawn-out list of flight rules; but it’s even worse, reading them at the last moment. More so if you’re at the airport. I opted for the shortest route from Delhi to Male with <a href="https://www.goindigo.in/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">IndiGo</a> and also because I was travelling with my mother who needs a wheel chair at the airport and IndiGo never lets me down on that front. So, first things first, I read the travel rules for Male on the airline website, <a href="https://www.goindigo.in/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.goindigo.in/</a>which said that it is obligatory to enter the country only with a Covid Negative report from any ICMR <a href="https://www.icmr.gov.in/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.icmr.gov.in/</a> listed lab not longer than 72 Hours prior to travel, post which the details are to be uploaded 24 hours in advance to the flight on <a href="https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/</a>There is no isolation and it is one procedure less with visa on arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">BOOK MEALS & SEATS WELL IN ADVANCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">It’s always a good idea to book in advance for the best fare and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">fast forward for priority in luggage as you really wouldn’t want to wait too long in a que; and most certainly the front row with XL seats on IndiGo. They do not cost too much and one is more relaxed with a preferred seat. We booked two window seats (to catch the landing views of the Island country) and two aisles and fortunately for us the flight wasn’t too full so no one sat on the middle seats in our row. We love the sandwiches which can only be prebooked, so I ensured to prebook meals for the four of us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">MEDICINES & ESSENTIALS CHECK<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Always carry regular off the counter medicines like crocin, disprin, Ornof etc, some band aid, sprays like Moov etc for emergency use apart from the regular prescribed medicines. <b><i>We bought a whole set of disposable and N 95 masks and pocket-sized sanitizers to carry along for both our check in and hand carry luggage.</i></b>Since we were travelling to the Maldives we packed our sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, hat, slippers and costumes. For my mom I carried light pyjamas and shirts so she could get the whole feel of being in the Maldives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">CABS FOR THE WHOLE PROCESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">We had booked two cabs for our pick-ups and drops both ways<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">since we are four with luggage and I must say that the JW Marriott drivers follow their covid protocols to the T, right from sanitizing the car after each passenger use to keeping a mask and sanitizer for the passengers for use in the car and there’s also a transparent barricade between the driver’s seat to ensure social distancing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEMN6S_Iso0/YUAA96GvMeI/AAAAAAAAaQI/VDnA2IXs5F8iXjrwXFdsVPqpb1tewIfegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Room%2Bat%2Bthe%2BJW%2BMarriott%2BNew%2BDelhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEMN6S_Iso0/YUAA96GvMeI/AAAAAAAAaQI/VDnA2IXs5F8iXjrwXFdsVPqpb1tewIfegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h418/Room%2Bat%2Bthe%2BJW%2BMarriott%2BNew%2BDelhi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">BOOK A HOTEL NEAR THE AIRPORT FOR PRE & POST TRAVEL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Our IndiGo flight was at 9Am so we decided to take stay at the JW Marriott in Aerocity <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delap-jw-marriott-hotel-new-delhi-aerocity/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delap-jw-marriott-hotel-new-delhi-aerocity/</a> the night before. We left home after finishing all pending work at 4PM and reached the hotel well in time for a relaxed evening. Immediately upon entering the JW Marriott, our bags are taken care of and we are whisked away to our rooms for check in, (I have already emailed the hotel our id’s) and the most delicious lotus biscoff cheesecake I have ever tasted waiting for us and now we begin to unwind as we leave the hustle and bustle of the capital on the other side. This is where the expedition truly begins. I booked my mother in for a Spa, so she could sleep well and be fresh for the flight the next morning. There was an amazing live band at their restaurant K3 so after an early dinner we called it a night. Our wakeup call at 5: 15 Am came with morning tea and toast and we reached the airport all excited and fresh for our Maldives trip. While alighting from the cab, my mother looked at me proudly and said, “good we did this, now we can check in aaraamse!”. I smiled as I knew she’d be happy that on the way back too, I had booked us two interconnecting rooms for the night as it’s always nice to come back from a journey to a cosy bed and hot dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruU1gCUvh-4/YUACCX4HSrI/AAAAAAAAaQY/O6owZqF2Rb4K8NdzoZwMYYPYiAO4BkNEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG-8886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruU1gCUvh-4/YUACCX4HSrI/AAAAAAAAaQY/O6owZqF2Rb4K8NdzoZwMYYPYiAO4BkNEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG-8886.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">AT THE AIRPORT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The hotel’s staff was waiting for us to help us with our luggage and a wheel chair and assistance until we checked in. At the IndiGo counter, a sanitized wheel- chair awaited my mother. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The protection apparatus has advanced to permit you into the airport. Previously a copy of the ticket and ID worked. Now, the safekeeping workforces sit behind a glass divider to maintain distance and also scan your boarding pass bar code for a validity check. This somewhat breaks the procedure but it’s for our own wellbeing There are several IndiGo personnel at the airport terminal, just that the new procedures make everything contactless. Thanks to the fast forward pass, our bags were checked-in …in a jiffy and since we all have cards with access to the airport lounge, we had breakfast there until it was time to board. <a href="https://www.goindigo.in/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">IndiGo </a> goes an extra mile for its wheel chair passengers and having a parent well taken care of makes you feel at ease too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">IN THE FLIGHT</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">We all get a kit that encompasses a mask, a face shield and travel-size sanitary packs to safeguard the flight experience. Wearing masks is obligatory through the whole span of the flight outside any eating or drinking. I have pre-booked the food so there is no exchange of cash (another less contact). The crew is extremely efficient and kept checking in on my mother if she was ok. When we land, we literally scream, “Touchdown” with pure bliss athwart our expressions! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">AT LANDING AND CONNECTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Once again </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://www.goindigo.in/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">IndiGo</a> staff didn’t let me down, thanks to mom’s wheel chair we got precedence with immigration. Luggage was out in a jiffy as we had booked it in priority. They handed us over to our hotel’s airport staff before finally bidding us adieu. We had booked a family beach villa with two- bedrooms at the Hideaway Beach Resort <a href="https://www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com/maldives" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com/maldives</a> with the white platinum plan which entitled us to lounge use and butler service. The journey was smooth and we booked a domestic flight transfer instead of a Seaplane as it’s more convenient when you are travelling with a parent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF4dtxpxuCs/YUABrinaOBI/AAAAAAAAaQQ/yz-3yE1Y8Jw9Y6nM8qPQaSAlEqEfcd6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Hideaway%2BMaldives%2B-%2Bfamily%2Bvilla%2Btwo%2Bbedroom%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF4dtxpxuCs/YUABrinaOBI/AAAAAAAAaQQ/yz-3yE1Y8Jw9Y6nM8qPQaSAlEqEfcd6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Hideaway%2BMaldives%2B-%2Bfamily%2Bvilla%2Btwo%2Bbedroom%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">CHOOSE ACCOMODATIN WISELY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Selecting a resort was moderately easy. The vital measures for me were sanitation and maintenance, impeccable service and of course, a beach villa with two bedrooms! Liberally spaced, this alluring tropical bliss, 575 sqm in size, is an indulgence villa which is cheerful with a glowing Californian vibe – whitewashed woods and coral stone stimulated interiors giving a pastoral Robinson Crusoe panache experience, seamless to feel one with nature. Retreat is significant, we were treated to a gigantic patio with seaside access. We equally enjoyed fluttering in our private swimming pool large enough for the entire family…. the perfect Hideaway. Owing to Covid Hideaway Beach Resort offers us an amended experience, but one still wrapped in a warm welcome, even if the smiles are hidden by masks. We felt protected, if sporadically dreamlike, but it does not take too long to get used to merge this ‘new normal’ into holiday routines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptyVIq5W1g4/YUACN_0DGeI/AAAAAAAAaQc/1D_dkevUGvsn9N9NS3Gv2D5fevQqTzQJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/dip%2Band%2Bdine%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptyVIq5W1g4/YUACN_0DGeI/AAAAAAAAaQc/1D_dkevUGvsn9N9NS3Gv2D5fevQqTzQJACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dip%2Band%2Bdine%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">EXCURSIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Travelling with a parent would mean to create memories with them and not let them feel left out, so the best way is to strike a balance with sightseeing and activities, make them a part of some and keep them busy if you are doing something else.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">We had booked a Sand bank picnic but the sea was choppy on that day and it would have been difficult to take mom along so the hotel swapped it for a private beach villa picnic which actually turned out to be even better as the food was piping hot and the drinks chilled. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Since my mother can’t swim or snorkel, we booked a Dip and Dine evening where the table is placed in a swimming pool and you can dip your feet and enjoy the meal and the breath-taking ocean views …. best way to get a feel of being in the Maldives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">We couldn’t take mom along for the Sunset & Dolphin Cruises but she was happy to be in the Villa by herself as we set up a movie and high tea for her while we were gone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">RETURN LEG<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">We get our PCR tests done for our return voyage too and fill in the Air Suvidha self-declaration forms <a href="https://www.newdelhiairport.in/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.newdelhiairport.in/</a> which is mandatory along with uploading a Covid negative report. I am more self-assured than ever as <a href="https://www.goindigo.in/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">IndiGo</a> safeguards the essential safety defences at every touchpoint through the voyage, from the luggage drop counter all the way till it’s claimed and made the whole travel experience contactless and hassle-free. Life can’t get any better than this, more so during a world-wide pandemic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>My story first published in </i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i> <a href="https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2021/09/13/holiday-with-elderly-parent-during-pandemic-447019/" target="_blank">American Bazaar</a></i></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-19572986224571252922021-03-07T09:43:00.000+05:302021-03-07T09:43:14.725+05:30FIRST DOMESTIC FLIGHT IN THE PANDEMIC ON A FAMILY VACATION WITH INDIGO<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA6S7X-pzwA/YERP-V9hAyI/AAAAAAAAY9o/dYAUZ7TzhkQCiqZNy99rP4rkpxfw1QhTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/family%2Bthat%2Btravels%2Btogether%252C%2Bstays%2Btogether.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA6S7X-pzwA/YERP-V9hAyI/AAAAAAAAY9o/dYAUZ7TzhkQCiqZNy99rP4rkpxfw1QhTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/family%2Bthat%2Btravels%2Btogether%252C%2Bstays%2Btogether.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;">Inspite of 2020
playing havoc in everyone’s lives. I still want to hug the time we have and
make reminiscences that last forever. By being brave as a family, acclimatising
to amend and endure to succeed in situational stress, overcome hurdles and
accomplish great things for the several escapades that lie ahead.</span></i></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;">Flying down to
discover an Indian city to ring in the New Year is a ritual, being a family who
loves to travel. This time round after several days of research and ponder I
decide to plan this vacation post the New Year celebration chaos is over and I
am not even going to lie — if there’s one thing that I like about the pandemic,
it’s having my own space with flights.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">First things
first, I zero in on Udaipur as it’s a short haul flight, hoping to minimize
time at the airports and contact with other travellers. I chose IndiGo based on
my previous experiences with them handling my mother who’s a wheel chair
passenger. It is natural for anyone to be nervous about travelling during the
Pandemic, but my mother is glad to be flying with IndiGo as I ensure her that all
safety precautions are in place. Coming from a family of doctors, some even forefront
soldiers during the pandemic, along with her will-power, made it easy for me to
convince her to join us in this voyage. I Web Check in a day before, select
seats of my choice, fill health insurance forms, print baggage tags, in order
to remain as contactless as possible.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting
to The Airport</span></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are not
confident to take a public cab and the park and fly option doesn’t work for us
as we fly in from Terminal 2 and arrive at Terminal 3 on our way back….so I
have booked a cab from Andaz Hotel Aerocity…believe me it is the best decision.
The driver is bang on time and the car is well sanitised. In my opinion, the
best thing to do when flying is being fully prepared. We are all
wearing our masks from i-protect and carrying our individual sanitizers,
sanitizing wipes and sprays (I use Svish as it is non-gassy unlike the rest).
Andaz goes the extra mile and co-ordinates the wheel chair for my mother with
IndiGo, right at the entry.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At
the Airport<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We made sure to
arrive an hour and a half before our scheduled departure since, so that we
could comply with the new airport safety measures and the new normal. My
mother’s wheel chair is well sanitised in front of us, we drop our bags at the
counter and the best part is everything is contactless.</span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am extremely
impressed with IndiGo not only is it inexpensive but is dependable and
proficient too; the staff ensure lines flowed safely, efficiently and
effectively. As we make our way to the boarding gate, we straightaway notice
the inflow in hand sanitizer places near all touch points. You’d be surprised
at what can find to touch during a brief walk through the airport, so this is
one safety measure I am truly happy to see implemented and would be even
better-off to see stay.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeU3ACsW8sg/YERRv1U3UwI/AAAAAAAAY94/1oXEL9QkLDMIVEZdzcF54YZrsjbsImcZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/My%2Bmother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeU3ACsW8sg/YERRv1U3UwI/AAAAAAAAY94/1oXEL9QkLDMIVEZdzcF54YZrsjbsImcZACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/My%2Bmother.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
The flight<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone is
given a kit that comprises a mask, shield wearing and travel-size sanitary
packs to ensure their flight experience is safe and comfortable.
Wearing masks and face shield is compulsory during the complete length of the
journey outside any eating or drinking. Food- wise, I have booked from the food
options online in advance. The Chicken Junglee Sandwich is a family favourite. The
flight attendants are friendly and helpful, checking in on my mother if she was
ok. All this really helps ease any anxiety we were experiencing and our one
hour flight is extremely pleasant. When we land, we literally yell, “Touchdown”
with pure happiness across our faces!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where
we stay</span></span></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhwT-iXrnRM/YERSsW8iS4I/AAAAAAAAY-A/FfUzuY_S7fU41l3nIOoHcdXHklzx2T0aACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Boat%2Barrival%2Bat%2BThe%2Bleela%2Bpalace%2Budaipur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhwT-iXrnRM/YERSsW8iS4I/AAAAAAAAY-A/FfUzuY_S7fU41l3nIOoHcdXHklzx2T0aACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Boat%2Barrival%2Bat%2BThe%2Bleela%2Bpalace%2Budaipur.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></u></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></u></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Situated by the tranquil Lake Pichola and bordered by the visions of the
Aravalli mountain range, Leela Palace Udaipur is a modern-day palace hotel
which brings the magnificence and extravagance of the Land of the Mewar. All 80
guest rooms and suites relish picturesque views of the lake, heritage city and
mountains. Our indulgent holiday here is quite breath-taking, along with
spotless butler services and gorgeous dining options. The Leela Suraksha
Program in conglomerate with Bureau Veritas India, shapes on The Leela’s
current rigorous cleaning procedures and is intended at inspiring sanitisation,
cleanliness and wellbeing measures to supply a safe atmosphere for everyone
that works or visits. I am g</span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">lad we to stay at Leela Palace (also the
winner of Travel + Leisure USA’s World’s Best Hotel Award)! All in all with so
many effective safety measures in place, I am at peace with our decision to fly
with IndiGo as a family and begin the New year with more hope to fly!</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First published in Travel And Leisure</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><span><a href="https://www.travelandleisureindia.in/people-and-personalities-in-the-know/family-vacation-during-the-pandemic/">https://www.travelandleisureindia.in/people-and-personalities-in-the-know/family-vacation-during-the-pandemic/</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p>Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-64297448475478092502020-04-26T11:55:00.000+05:302020-04-26T11:58:43.640+05:30DINING WITH A VIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Step on an acme
of culinary creativity and immerse in the breath-taking views</span></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvzw7CPCasU/XqUnXeFICkI/AAAAAAAAWvQ/shZQjNdDGno7xhsaiEP2d-uemUmhD0e-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Thiptara%2B-%2BTerrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvzw7CPCasU/XqUnXeFICkI/AAAAAAAAWvQ/shZQjNdDGno7xhsaiEP2d-uemUmhD0e-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thiptara%2B-%2BTerrace.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">THIPTARA,
DUBAI<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Set in the
opulent gardens of the Palace Downtown, <a href="https://www.addresshotels.com/en/hotels/palace-downtown/dining/thiptara" target="_blank">Thiptara</a>, translates into ‘magic at the
water’ and absolutely live ups to its name with its impeccable location with
implausible views of the Dubai Fountain which looks more mystic when it
dances at night and the Burj Khalifa. Though the restaurant has full glass
windows which gives an experience of being in the middle of the water; try and
book your table in the alfresco section so you can watch the fountain show that
happens every half an hour. The cuisine here is refined with the Chef
assimilating the throng of fragrant spices to a tangy, sweet, spicy and savoury
whole. The ‘Yam Som O’ a piquant salad made with Pomello and ‘Phed Sam Road’,
duck Bbq are simply delightful. Traditional desserts make for a sweet ending to
a possibly ‘chili hot’ meal. Recommendations go for the Asian fruity sorbet and
mango sticky rice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">JAAN,
SINGAPORE</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFjb4RNGFuw/XqUnfCuVXhI/AAAAAAAAWvU/t75VkE0Vv2YT6pB_FUJr1vkg86w2hyA4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/JAAN%2B%252C%2BSingapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFjb4RNGFuw/XqUnfCuVXhI/AAAAAAAAWvU/t75VkE0Vv2YT6pB_FUJr1vkg86w2hyA4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/JAAN%2B%252C%2BSingapore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16pt;">Perched on the
70th floor of Swissotel - The Stamford, a spectacular skyline facing the Marina
Bay district, the views would leave you enthralled and you would someway spend
some time gawking across with a fall in love feeling. On the seasonal menu,
Chef Kirk Westaway is reinventing British cuisine reflective of his heritage
and is no 32 on the Asia’s 50 Best list. The freshly baked sourdough bread that
comes with fresh Devonshire butter, sliced right beside the table is a
mainstay. <a href="https://www.jaan.com.sg/" target="_blank">Jaan</a> excites with its modest elegance, be it the dining air or the
conceptualisation of its menu. The dishes are unswerving in terms of standards,
striding of the courses are well-timed and the service is professional. Request
for a window table for the best dining experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">RAW,
TAIPEI</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOXUPuFT20s/XqUnqubK6hI/AAAAAAAAWvc/qq0AwVfkq-0etrFUFZ9XvSNiJvXGI5bQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RAW-ART%2BISNTALLATIONS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOXUPuFT20s/XqUnqubK6hI/AAAAAAAAWvc/qq0AwVfkq-0etrFUFZ9XvSNiJvXGI5bQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/RAW-ART%2BISNTALLATIONS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16pt;">The first thing
that greets you are the gorgeous interiors. A wide, open plan dining
room aesthetically adorned with arresting wooden assemblies and contemporary
light fixtures. It is an image of modern, uncluttered elegant to compliment the
alluring 8-course meal which awaits. Brainchild of ridiculously brilliant
chef <a href="https://www.raw.com.tw/indexContent.aspx/" target="_blank">Andre Chiang</a>, here sunny conversations fill the bistro, speckled with
sporadic expletives at the vision of yet another grandiosely fashioned dish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">QUAY,
SYDNEY</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jL7G8kQDFkg/XqUn34SZKgI/AAAAAAAAWvk/E3gHKNQporoTrBffEphIHaaKIG1Ne9R8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/QUAY%252C%2BSYDNEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jL7G8kQDFkg/XqUn34SZKgI/AAAAAAAAWvk/E3gHKNQporoTrBffEphIHaaKIG1Ne9R8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/QUAY%252C%2BSYDNEY.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Located at the
Overseas Passenger terminal area amid Circular Quay area and The Rocks, </span><a href="https://www.quay.com.au/" style="font-size: 16pt;" target="_blank">Quay</a><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
juts out like a sanctuary watching the beautiful harbour with full views of the
Opera House and the bridge. Chef Peter Gilmore and his team efforts and
prospers at binding local produce and blending flairs and practises from
different parts of the world.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFdoIRNd8v4/XqUoBniyRsI/AAAAAAAAWvo/Yt224yoe2j0XD9fIHVYgiXIGL41h5sS_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/QUAY%252C%2BSYDNEY%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFdoIRNd8v4/XqUoBniyRsI/AAAAAAAAWvo/Yt224yoe2j0XD9fIHVYgiXIGL41h5sS_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/QUAY%252C%2BSYDNEY%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>The magnificent backdrop of the Harbour Bridge on
one side and the Sydney Opera house on another enhances the sophisticated
appeal of this place.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ARD
BIA NIMMOS, GALWAY<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vwduUE3Z1s/XqUoNzzIeGI/AAAAAAAAWvw/CVhwXwX3MUcfPTSGPt8ZfyobOpMPIXd9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ard%2Bbia%2Bat%2Bnimmos%252C%2Bgalway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vwduUE3Z1s/XqUoNzzIeGI/AAAAAAAAWvw/CVhwXwX3MUcfPTSGPt8ZfyobOpMPIXd9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ard%2Bbia%2Bat%2Bnimmos%252C%2Bgalway.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16pt;">Located close to
the notable Spanish Arch, housed in the 18th Century Custom House on the
east bank of the River Corrib; point where chic meets west Galway, where land-living
meets sea, where a conjunction of paths meets a union of waterways, this
<a href="http://www.ardbia.com/" target="_blank">restaurant </a>represents all that is wonderful about Irish food. The much praised
restaurant takes full benefit of the abundance of indigenous
produce. Comfort dishes like avocado toast with poached egg and the
essential Irish lunch: a baked ham and Gubbeen cheese toasted sandwich with
tomato relish are the order of the day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My story first published in ET Travel</i></span></div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-29313171901811075062020-04-15T12:26:00.002+05:302020-04-15T12:26:39.336+05:30NOT JUST EMA DATSHI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUJsasc1HZI/XpasOocaRUI/AAAAAAAAWqs/htvuokfqt9oC-wvm9yqHPsPkWphuIXmXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BLocal%2Bfood%2Bspread%2Bat%2BBabesa%2BVillage%2Bin%2BThimpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUJsasc1HZI/XpasOocaRUI/AAAAAAAAWqs/htvuokfqt9oC-wvm9yqHPsPkWphuIXmXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/The%2BLocal%2Bfood%2Bspread%2Bat%2BBabesa%2BVillage%2Bin%2BThimpu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Paro and Thimpu are two gems, located just an hour drive from each other – perfect for a long weekend for food and nature lovers. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5aGQaCdCBA/Xpasf_mGC_I/AAAAAAAAWq4/Sumvygnb1Vkza7i2-2yP8i2C2SRQM3jPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/views%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Broom%2Bin%2BParo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5aGQaCdCBA/Xpasf_mGC_I/AAAAAAAAWq4/Sumvygnb1Vkza7i2-2yP8i2C2SRQM3jPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/views%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Broom%2Bin%2BParo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A less than two hour flight whisks us from the airport in Delhi to Paro, and what’s on the other side of the window makes it the most gorgeous ever, peaks of Mt Everest & Kanchenjunga seem to get ever closer as our plane glides over the majestic Himalayas. The scenic beauty doesn’t end here; we are treated to unbelievable views of a few mountains at the airport and then the river on the five minute ride to Le Meridien Paro, where we are putting up for the next two days before heading to Thimphu.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>EMA DATSHI</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts of Bhutan might not immediately conjure its cuisine. Instead, you probably think of the hike up Tigers Nest and Dochula Pass, but even though the simple ‘Ema Datshi’ aka Cheese and Chillies is the National dish, Bhutan cooks up some exciting food. I was introduced to Ema Datshi on one of my trips to Kolkata and became quite fond of it. So the moment we settle in, it’s a no-brainer that I had to go look for the authentic version. I find many variations here like the classic with fresh green chilli and cheese and one with dried red chilli, my favourite is the one perked up with ‘zoidey’ which is a fistful of cheese, crushed garlic and garnished with coriander leaves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BUTTER TEA</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk_Tz-Bc-xM/Xpaq5tR2seI/AAAAAAAAWqk/wDqvWCPw-HcBGh7h02lVs6XdaqdgAqKqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Suja%2Btea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk_Tz-Bc-xM/Xpaq5tR2seI/AAAAAAAAWqk/wDqvWCPw-HcBGh7h02lVs6XdaqdgAqKqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Suja%2Btea.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But first a cup of ‘Suja Chai’ which is basically light pink in colour from the processed tea leaves and soda bicarbonate used as a facilitator for the taste and colour. Salt and butter is added and then churned in a plunger, the basic rule being to serve it hot without letting it boil, else the butter would separate, surprisingly far from putting off, I am a convert; I also learn this tea not only boosts energy but the butter helps prevent chapped lips. Suja is my favourite drink through my trip and I love, that it is always ready and kept in a thermos at all times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzYPZooNsQk/Xpatj1tWWAI/AAAAAAAAWrQ/UDDhhDqdHOYvgiCYsgwTuLA6rxX-Tbw5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/chillies%2Bin%2Bparo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzYPZooNsQk/Xpatj1tWWAI/AAAAAAAAWrQ/UDDhhDqdHOYvgiCYsgwTuLA6rxX-Tbw5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/chillies%2Bin%2Bparo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;">MOMOS IN PARO</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the car, there is an awed hush, this passionately lush landscape, has stunned us all. Windows are my new best friends; they keep the nippy weather out and the view picture -perfect. At the market, we decide to first stop by at the bustling ‘Momo Corner’, I have one bite of the beef ones and the juice squirts; it’s moist, full of flavour and decadent. The cabbage and cheese one is equally delicious and six plates of all varieties disappear in no time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Qc6Eq3zjQ/Xpav9PP3WKI/AAAAAAAAWr4/gpLTNXTXn5cJW0uAEvEtx2pgcIFkbM2_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paro%2Bmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Qc6Eq3zjQ/Xpav9PP3WKI/AAAAAAAAWr4/gpLTNXTXn5cJW0uAEvEtx2pgcIFkbM2_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paro%2Bmarket.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;">OF CORDYCEPS</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The market is delightful and the town area in Paro is a great place to haggle over keepsakes. Akanksha my daughter buys a Kira (traditional dress), and I go for a prayer wheel. Meanwhile Bakshish my husband finds his ‘Cordyceps’, popularly called Caterpillar Fungus or white Gold, the most rare and expensive mushrooms in the world. Of course he buys some and we also try some Cordycep tea in of the local shops.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>DOMA</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I notice my driver and many other locals chewing on Betel, he says it keeps them warm. This appears quite like the ‘Saada paan’ with lime paste and other additives and is christened ‘Doma’, though strictly speaking only the nut is called Doma. I try one which induces a sort of ecstasy and I guess this sensation of happiness contributes to the popularity and yes it sort of gives me a feeling of heat in the body too, but I know if I have some more, I may get too happy, so I stop at just tasting one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>THE LOCAL STUFF</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Early Next morning we are off to explore all the must dos in Paro starting off at the famed Tigers Nest, post which we stop enroute for some ‘wai wai’ and ‘Thukpa’…Aah life’s simple pleasures! There is a splash of colour to my left where roofs of houses have ‘red hot chillies’ drying on them thanks to the Sun; on my right is the temple where flags add more colour. My driver tells me that the biggest chillies are blanched and then sun dried too for a yellowish creamy colour which widens the possibility of a different taste and texture. We also try ‘Singchang’, which is basically the liquid that seeps out of the mass of fermenting grains…quite like the earliest form of alcohol!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MOST POPULAR RESTAURANT</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8pk38TNX4E/Xpas1JgUVhI/AAAAAAAAWrA/jTd7n-F98bc4rsI8BQWlMhPIddBcj2mfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/our%2Bmeal%2Bat%2Bsonam%2Btrophel%2Bin%2Bparo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8pk38TNX4E/Xpas1JgUVhI/AAAAAAAAWrA/jTd7n-F98bc4rsI8BQWlMhPIddBcj2mfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/our%2Bmeal%2Bat%2Bsonam%2Btrophel%2Bin%2Bparo.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the sun lowers ‘Sonam Trophel’ comes alive with foreign tourists clutching dog eared copies of Bhutan guidebooks; this quaint restaurant has a basic set up and meals that are local and delicious. We are ravenous after all that walking and go for momos to start with, these are big, juicy and the best I have ever had, followed by ‘Phaksha Paa’, a classic stew of slow simmered boneless pork with radish, ginger, local spinach and red chillies of course, Ema Datshi which is made with yak milk cheese, is many scoops better than the one I have tried before and goes amazingly well with the red rice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A TRADITIONAL MEAL IN THIMPHU</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmx-eo-nzFE/XpauHM16TJI/AAAAAAAAWrk/iHlkB2eGlT0-ZkW_3w753JX-sPZd-LT5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Babesa%2Bvillage%2Brestaurant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmx-eo-nzFE/XpauHM16TJI/AAAAAAAAWrk/iHlkB2eGlT0-ZkW_3w753JX-sPZd-LT5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Babesa%2Bvillage%2Brestaurant.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chef Sunil Jajoria of Le Meridien Thimpu suggests Babesa Village and food on offer here is intended to be shared and therefore, is very much beneficial with family style service so we ask the chef and our guide Tashi to join in. In a delightful traditional setting the restaurant opens out onto a sort of a three storeyed house, a definite Renaissance influence in the doors, and a nonchalant veranda, keeping its touch of relaxed simplicity giving free lead to decadent reverie. We begin with munching on ‘Zow’, basically rice fried after it being soaked in water, its crunchy and addictive. On the menu there are of course many varieties of Datshi (cheese as we all know by now), we order ‘Kewa Datshi’, and this one has potatoes in it along with chillies, cheese and onions and is yummy, ‘Sikam Paa’ aka air dried pork, ‘Nakey paa’ which are boiled fiddlehead ferns, ‘Mengay’, the first harvest rice mixed with egg, butter, perilla seeds and garlic, ‘Gondu fried’, a tasty crispy fried egg and some local greens. Bhutanese food is heavily cheese-oriented but a meal is never complete without some vegetables and dried ‘thingnay’ a kind of pepper on the side. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">A LOCAL BREAKFAST</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmRcPOChYpI/XpavNSdrBXI/AAAAAAAAWrw/qsgCKQa1S2M0RJ7J0Pwk_e2NZTiAm9NKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Le%2BMeridien%2BThimphu%2BExterior%2B01.TIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmRcPOChYpI/XpavNSdrBXI/AAAAAAAAWrw/qsgCKQa1S2M0RJ7J0Pwk_e2NZTiAm9NKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Le%2BMeridien%2BThimphu%2BExterior%2B01.TIF" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jajoria fixes us a local breakfast of ‘Datshi buckwheat pancakes’ with Fresh Banana and Honeycomb Butter, which are as delicious as they sound, beautifully light and fluffy, and the yak cheese really works well in the hot pancake. He also serves us a warm ‘bathup’ a cheesy soup with some vegetables, butter and noodles thrown in and ‘Suja tea’ to wash it down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TRAVEL EATS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are ready now to visit the famous Dochula pass where we catch spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range that form a grandiose backdrop to the calmness of the 108 chortens gracing the range. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIvdf5s4usU/XpatQ5DJQHI/AAAAAAAAWrI/lyrRp7G5KMIzybWRNrJDz8bCD7gMyiD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dochula%2Bpass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIvdf5s4usU/XpatQ5DJQHI/AAAAAAAAWrI/lyrRp7G5KMIzybWRNrJDz8bCD7gMyiD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/dochula%2Bpass.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We stop for Suja and ‘chips sprinkled with chilli powder’ from a street side tea stall. Lunch is ‘momos’ and ‘thukpa’ enroute Tashichodzong, a monastery and fortress. I bite into the dried ‘Yak cheese’ which my guide gives me to try and I must say it has to be one of the best cheeses I have ever tasted; it melts in my mouth, not too soft, a mild flavour milky, almost-perfect. I make a mental note to buy it on my way out of the country along with some ‘Peach wine’ from the region.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Incredible, Stunning, awe-inspiring, every word is too less, too scant for this landscape; I need new words to describe what is around me; the beauty of Bhutan, its cuisine and culture has completely thrilled me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv8CZDElrY8/XpatyHfR94I/AAAAAAAAWrY/DBFcjEu8GDErSFOeiPCrs8Y6Q_PU7yHPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/at%2Bthe%2Bview%2Bpoint%2Bwhere%2BI%2Bcan%2Bsee%2BBuddha%2Bon%2Bone%2Bside%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcity%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv8CZDElrY8/XpatyHfR94I/AAAAAAAAWrY/DBFcjEu8GDErSFOeiPCrs8Y6Q_PU7yHPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/at%2Bthe%2Bview%2Bpoint%2Bwhere%2BI%2Bcan%2Bsee%2BBuddha%2Bon%2Bone%2Bside%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcity%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bother.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>My story first published in HT BRUNCH</b></div>
</div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-25323217262827412362020-04-13T12:17:00.002+05:302020-04-13T12:17:37.349+05:30TOP 5 POPULAR FOOD TO TRY IN TAIWAN <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Taiwan
is a foodie’s paradise….do not miss these if you are travelling!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">P.S Please notice everyone wears masks and handles food even otherwise in Taiwan.</span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOjV72-ZUXg/XpQIGYExz2I/AAAAAAAAWnw/w5a5EQ_0Ibcr4wTBg9LDQUFXyHddBPbFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/din%2Btai%2Bfung.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOjV72-ZUXg/XpQIGYExz2I/AAAAAAAAWnw/w5a5EQ_0Ibcr4wTBg9LDQUFXyHddBPbFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/din%2Btai%2Bfung.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SOUP
DUMPLINGS AT DIN TAI FUNG<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Founded in 1972,
the original location of this Michelin starred dumping house is at xinyi store,
Taipei 101. While they have a complete menu, the most widespread dish, and claim
to fame is the Xiao long Bao aka the Taiwanese soup dumplings. Inspite of
making tons of dumplings, they are hand-made, and one can really palate
the difference. To savour the dumplings, one needs to dip it in a bowl of 1
part soy sauce to 3 parts vinegar sauce. Then spoon it and jab a hole in the
cover to release the rich golden broth in the spoon. And lastly eat and enjoy. Interestingly
each dumpling grips closely 21 grams of filling and is prepared with exactly 18
folds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ROASTED
DUCK AT RED LANTERN</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J31dF-QT0s/XpQIzItvqDI/AAAAAAAAWn4/oLB2fo9FVtEvRAiBakZvE_PJsqBnxDjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cherry%2BValley%2Broasted%2Bduck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8J31dF-QT0s/XpQIzItvqDI/AAAAAAAAWn4/oLB2fo9FVtEvRAiBakZvE_PJsqBnxDjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Cherry%2BValley%2Broasted%2Bduck.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chef Jeffery Lin
has determined that seventy five-day old ducks weighing over 3.2 kilograms are
best for a roast duck cuisine. This special variety of ducks were imported from
China and reared in Cherry Valley, England, hence named after the Cherry
Valley. Chefs deftly slice the ducks within 15 minutes of serving in a
theatrical manner at the table, to ensure the duck is juicy and the skin is
crisp. The duck cuisine is served in 5 ways as the Chef utilizes the whole duck
for appetising cuisine. The hearty stew duck combination is full of rich
flavours</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1janmXSGJG0/XpQI8cXgvmI/AAAAAAAAWn8/3DFDzz4mF9YCTtDjbPwsopT-jhDJzu2vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DUCK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1janmXSGJG0/XpQI8cXgvmI/AAAAAAAAWn8/3DFDzz4mF9YCTtDjbPwsopT-jhDJzu2vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DUCK.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FRENCH
TAIWANESE AT RAW</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrity
Taiwanese chef André Chiang gave Taiwan a big gift in 2014. He created RAW
helmed by inborn chefs with an emphasis on indigenous produce. <span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Here Parisian gastronomic panache is pigeon-holed by close by sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared using cooking techniques but presented in a bistro-like fashion. The gorgeous eight-course menu is an exploration of Taiwan’s exceptional topography and micro-seasons.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay3TtJwrrpE/XpQJHbPkmnI/AAAAAAAAWoE/snR0itxM-Ws5xvJHz5DNY7s29T-xVOeagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RAW%2B2019%2BSpring%2BMenu_%25E6%25B0%25B4%25E6%259E%259C%25E7%258E%2589%25E7%25B1%25B3%25EF%25BD%259C%25E7%2594%259C%25E8%259D%25A6%25EF%25BD%259C%25E5%259F%2594%25E9%2587%258C%25E9%25A6%2599%25E8%258D%2589%2BFRIUT%2BCORN%25EF%25BD%259CAMA%2BEBI%25EF%25BD%259CTAIWAN%2BVANILLA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay3TtJwrrpE/XpQJHbPkmnI/AAAAAAAAWoE/snR0itxM-Ws5xvJHz5DNY7s29T-xVOeagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/RAW%2B2019%2BSpring%2BMenu_%25E6%25B0%25B4%25E6%259E%259C%25E7%258E%2589%25E7%25B1%25B3%25EF%25BD%259C%25E7%2594%259C%25E8%259D%25A6%25EF%25BD%259C%25E5%259F%2594%25E9%2587%258C%25E9%25A6%2599%25E8%258D%2589%2BFRIUT%2BCORN%25EF%25BD%259CAMA%2BEBI%25EF%25BD%259CTAIWAN%2BVANILLA.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">GRILLS
AT SHILIN NIGHT MARKET <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of
the leading night markets in Taiwan with respect to food, and also one of the
most prevalent points of Taipei’s nightlife among tourists. You would come
across several grill stalls along the maze of alleyways. Go for the chicken
wing, chicken drumsticks and much more. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06YRJvtOMzs/XpQJczqsILI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/ikqzXuO6iNk1n9X7PVer9i1oncKCl0N2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/night%2Bmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06YRJvtOMzs/XpQJczqsILI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/ikqzXuO6iNk1n9X7PVer9i1oncKCl0N2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/night%2Bmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recommendations go all out for the
Sausage Wraps Duo which syndicates two dissimilar types of sausage in a
roll. Look out for the U-shaped arena with live prawns and many flocking
around to exhibit their prawning skills! One gets seven small rods and a
container at the beginning of the session. By means of a modest wooden
stick with a bit of thread and a tiny hook hanging off it, one has to challenge
one’s catching skills! The prawns are delicious and hard work pays!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">GREEN
TEA ICE-CREAM IN YILAN <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the Xing-Yuan
Tea Garden, a holiday farm in Zhong Shan Village in the Dong Shan district, the
owner Liu offers several Do It Yourself activities. One of them being making of
the tea-flavoured ice cream. It is fun to measure out ingredients mainly milk,
cream sugar and the green tea paste. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwHrnKUkTq0/XpQJ36PmpGI/AAAAAAAAWoY/kY9wx3DcdFEzqD3o_1v8_-BO641vf2biQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hand%2Bmade%2Bgreen%2Btea%2Bice%2Bcream%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwHrnKUkTq0/XpQJ36PmpGI/AAAAAAAAWoY/kY9wx3DcdFEzqD3o_1v8_-BO641vf2biQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hand%2Bmade%2Bgreen%2Btea%2Bice%2Bcream%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tighten the steel box and secure it in an ice box and then dance to the
tunes of peppy music while continuously shaking the ice-cream container. 20
minutes of shaking and dancing, voila! Your ice cream is ready for consumption.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">My story first published in ET Travel</span></i></div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-60306227127174451822020-04-10T09:11:00.000+05:302020-04-10T09:11:56.210+05:30DESSERT MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><i>Desserts area the fairy tales of the kitchen, a happily ever after.... </i></b></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Top 5 popular sweets
eaten in various parts of the world <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgF87sUkQLw/Xo_nz9LJqJI/AAAAAAAAWmE/lpTn7UMW6MAcE6Vu_Mc-lADMoFzMMviCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pakhlava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgF87sUkQLw/Xo_nz9LJqJI/AAAAAAAAWmE/lpTn7UMW6MAcE6Vu_Mc-lADMoFzMMviCACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Pakhlava.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">PAKHLAVA
IN SHEKI, AZERBAIJAN</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Pakhlava has
some distinctions in diverse regions grounded on the materials and baking
methods. Sheki is one of the most ancient cities in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijan" target="_blank">Azerbaijan</a> and extremely
popular for its sweets. This sweet is shaped like a diamond (symbolizing fire)
pastry made of rice flour, tastes sweet and spicy and is moistened with butter
and generously soaked in syrup. A layer is rolled out from the pastry with
thickness of minimum 2 mm, put into baking tray, oiled and extravagantly
filled with a filling of nuts. This procedure is continued, until about 10
layers are achieved, some even make 14. The nuts that beautify the top of each
piece represent the star that illuminates up the commencement of a new life.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">CHOCOLATES
IN BROC, SWITZERLAND<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jtSd3vohJw/Xo_oJ-QAsoI/AAAAAAAAWmM/gRR6IvQMNScE5gXiw0TmKLeDRXP6ltaeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Chocolates%2Bin%2BSwitzerland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jtSd3vohJw/Xo_oJ-QAsoI/AAAAAAAAWmM/gRR6IvQMNScE5gXiw0TmKLeDRXP6ltaeACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Chocolates%2Bin%2BSwitzerland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">With outstanding
quality of raw material procured from numerous parts of the world, chocolates
here are distinct owing to their thoroughness and exquisiteness. Just a few
minutes by train, outside of Gruyere, is Broc; <a href="https://cailler.ch/en/maison-cailler" target="_blank">Maison Cailler</a>, the
only milk chocolate factory of Cailler-Nestle in the world which
seems like a fantasy wonderland. The voyage over the factory depicts the record
of the finding of the cocoa beans and finally, discovery of Cailler chocolate.
The crusade paints a picture of cocoa beans which has been categorised
inversely in diverse eras. You can see how the good quality of milk from the La
Gruyere region is used in the chocolate. Each chocolate is prepared with
devotion and exactitude to pass the difficult test of perfection. Did I mention
that the tour, with plenty of chocolate tasting, is free?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">KOUIGAMANN
IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8QEoTmAU5Y/Xo_oWeoucyI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/Rm1ErGIlpSYNCdgTzl9yQq7ZVflGuiX7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KOUIGAMANN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8QEoTmAU5Y/Xo_oWeoucyI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/Rm1ErGIlpSYNCdgTzl9yQq7ZVflGuiX7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/KOUIGAMANN.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">There’s nothing
quite like the ecstasy of biting into a sweet savoury Kouigamann as a breakfast
treat or a late night snack with a cup of coffee. It is a sort of cake, made
with copious amount of butter, so much so that the dough is puffed up by its
cooking that it looks more like a pastry. In fact it’s similar to a croissant –
though additional buttery and sugary one. It is known to originate from the
Brittany region of France but Kouign Amann Day became an official day in 2015,
submitted by San Francisco bakery b. patisserie. The best ones to have are at
the <a href="http://www.dandelionchocolate.com/visit/" target="_blank">Bloom Chocolate Salon </a>inside Dandelion factory on 16th Street.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">STICKY
DATE PUDDING IN DUBAI, UAE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98cTqoKnBBI/Xo_ov4V-PZI/AAAAAAAAWmY/bg6xjSeUWKkAhfGJyLt4KOvsfugOfo9ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sticky%2Bdate%2Bpudding%2Bat%2BAyamna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98cTqoKnBBI/Xo_ov4V-PZI/AAAAAAAAWmY/bg6xjSeUWKkAhfGJyLt4KOvsfugOfo9ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/sticky%2Bdate%2Bpudding%2Bat%2BAyamna.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Dubai loves its
dates and these the soft and sticky ones have the power to make any dessert
slightly more comforting. For a sweet date treat with Morrocan flair, try the
one at Shangri-La’s coffee shop, sticky date pudding – a warm sponge with
vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Bateel Cafe is equally famed for its dates
and the pudding. And a place you definitely cannot miss eating this gooey
middle eastern delight is at Ayamna at <a href="https://www.atlantis.com/dubai" target="_blank">Atlantis The Palm</a>, hands down No 1 in
Dubai.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">MANGO
STICKY RICE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He74YRXIhzE/Xo_o6MCIKKI/AAAAAAAAWmc/eqfiREOd6nA_j_n9FrdCFaAWad6YjXU4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mango%2Bwith%2Bsticky%2Brice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1555" height="528" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He74YRXIhzE/Xo_o6MCIKKI/AAAAAAAAWmc/eqfiREOd6nA_j_n9FrdCFaAWad6YjXU4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mango%2Bwith%2Bsticky%2Brice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">This humble
sweet savoury combination of coconut flavoured sweet sticky rice with ripe
yellow mangoes is the most popular in Thailand. This is best eaten warm
and is frequently completed with a trickle of sweet coconut cream and
topped with a smidgeon of roasted sesame seeds or mung beans. This can be found
from various street food stalls to most old-style Thai restaurants and even as
part of the high end magnificent Sunday brunches offered by some of Bangkok’s
top hotels. Saffron at the <a href="https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/bangkok" target="_blank">Banyan Tree</a> being one of the favourites.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>My story first published in ET Travel</i></span></div>
<br /></div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-28715975699468458382020-03-12T11:52:00.001+05:302020-03-12T11:52:17.931+05:30DINING ON THE WATER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Take the delectable
feast to the waters</span></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/bangkok/dining/saffron-cruise-by-banyan-tree">SAFFRONCRUISE BY BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgz6gi3B4-0/XmnT1dlqLRI/AAAAAAAAWVY/fUFXuGAGKwM5NYXfV5R_o_xl365EhYTZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Saffron%2BCruise%2Bby%2Bbanyan%2Btree%252C%2Bbangkok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgz6gi3B4-0/XmnT1dlqLRI/AAAAAAAAWVY/fUFXuGAGKwM5NYXfV5R_o_xl365EhYTZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Saffron%2BCruise%2Bby%2Bbanyan%2Btree%252C%2Bbangkok.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">If you are a
food and culture aficionado this river boat cruise appreciating Thailand’s creative
legacy and the eternal magnificence of the Chao Phraya River is for you. The
Saffron cruiser is contemporary and lustrous in the flair of a yacht rather
than the typical transformed rice barges. The al fresco Moon Deck where one is
welcomed with a cocktail echoes the Banyan Tree Hotel’s iconic Moon Bar at
Vertigo, its signature circular bar lit in blue taking midpoint. Guests can opt
to enjoy their meal here or in the lower deck dining area which is air
conditioned, softly lit with wrap-around glass both overhead and to the side to
get panoramic views of the river’s sights counting the Temple of Dawn and The
Grand Palace. Traditional Thai dishes that are skilfully prepared and
ingeniously presented. Additionally there is live entertainment and cultural
performance.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">All in all, the experience
celebrates Thailand’s rich cultural heritage like none other in total panache.</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://merivale.com/venues/berts/">BERT'SBAR AND BRASSERIE AT NEWPORT, AUSTRALIA</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eS7aSuHmC8/XmnT-3JCXMI/AAAAAAAAWVc/CAXKmy8gX5gbPouc_sKJD9pLE5zvn1-qACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bert%2527s%2Bnewport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eS7aSuHmC8/XmnT-3JCXMI/AAAAAAAAWVc/CAXKmy8gX5gbPouc_sKJD9pLE5zvn1-qACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bert%2527s%2Bnewport.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">With The
Newport’s littoral setting and gorgeous views that have been drawing locals
since the 1880’s, Bert’s is evocative of the grand hotel dining of the 1930’s
bringing a touch of glamour to the beaches while still retaining that local
Aussie charm. As you expeditiously take off from Rose Bay Seaplane Base, you
can’t help being in awe at the striking views over Sydney Harbour. The seaplane
pilot travels up across Sydney’s gorgeous Northern beaches before alighting at
Pittwater where a water taxi awaits to transfer guests to Newport where Bert’s
is located. Enjoy a glass of champagne before gorging on decadent food focusing
on fresh seasonal Australian produce. And of course you head back the same way
you came.</span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://www.movenpick.com/en/asia/maldives/kuredhivaru/resort-kuredhivaru/overview/">BODUMAS ATMOVENPICK KUREDHIVARU, MALDIVES</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGHYwbqvtQY/XmnUH3dUKbI/AAAAAAAAWVg/qLxjgpbY9yo8UnwISTlAtaYzBaxNaWy2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BODUMAS%2BAT%2BMOVENPICK%2BKUREDHIVARU%252C%2BMALDIVES-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGHYwbqvtQY/XmnUH3dUKbI/AAAAAAAAWVg/qLxjgpbY9yo8UnwISTlAtaYzBaxNaWy2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/BODUMAS%2BAT%2BMOVENPICK%2BKUREDHIVARU%252C%2BMALDIVES-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The appeal of
beachside dining and the embrace of calm Indian Ocean breeze encounter up at
this romantic overwater restaurant in the Maldives. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Set an on
overwater marquee at the M</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">ӧ</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">venpick Resort Kuredhivaru posing
spectacular views of the ocean and the beach, Bodumas is the go-to place to get
lost in the pulsing thumping of waves, while the sun falls behind the horizon –
perfect for a dreamy and cherished dinner over outstanding service. Seafood
seasoned with global influences, contribute to the great experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://scomas.com/">SCOMA'S SEAFOOD,SAN FRANCISCO</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktfGLCxg-k/XmnP-asdiiI/AAAAAAAAWVA/SCcVJiA3IuwnMRpw1NGBIX5mIJswz66_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/scoma%252C%2Bsfo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktfGLCxg-k/XmnP-asdiiI/AAAAAAAAWVA/SCcVJiA3IuwnMRpw1NGBIX5mIJswz66_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/scoma%252C%2Bsfo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Located on the
water in a notable landmark building overlooking San Francisco Bay at the end
of Pier 47 since 1965, Scoma offers diners quixotic views while serving
excellent fresh in season seafood with an Italian accent. The ambiance is
welcoming and old school, thanks to it being in a working 46-foot fishing boat.
Pacific seafood served here is caught on small boats, and brought to the pier
by local fishermen; Scoma has a detached building for treating fresh fish. The
velvety clam chowder, speckled with bacon, could be a meal in itself. But the
most famous dish is the petit combination Louis, a smaller version of their
classic with both shrimp and the Dungeness crab. Remember to ask for a bib!</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://noma.dk/">NOMA,COPENHAGEN</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HityZs1jQlk/XmnURF9scrI/AAAAAAAAWVk/-ww4CW9G62Yvi_rsKPRrlNPiPzgjJkkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/noma%2B2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HityZs1jQlk/XmnURF9scrI/AAAAAAAAWVk/-ww4CW9G62Yvi_rsKPRrlNPiPzgjJkkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/noma%2B2.0.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Positioned on a
small lake just freestanding the centre of Copenhagen, Noma’s new location was
previously an ammunition room facility for the Danish military. Planned by
celebrated architect Bjarke Ingels, the spot's 11 buildings stretch over 60
metres from end to end, and are intended to look like an Old Danish village.
After being greeted by Ali Sonko and his smile, you walk down a striking flower
wizened boulevard before finally entering the restaurant. Michelin star Chef
Rene Redzepi is only too mindful of the latent of his land and with inordinate
proficiency amalgams them into a symphonic perfection into menus that vary
according to the season.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duwGhc23CW4/XmnUnruSiYI/AAAAAAAAWVw/eptIFKGLhbUgwsBrIhjH7NmDGfT0OT0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Noma%2B2.0%252C%2Bcopenhagen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duwGhc23CW4/XmnUnruSiYI/AAAAAAAAWVw/eptIFKGLhbUgwsBrIhjH7NmDGfT0OT0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Noma%2B2.0%252C%2Bcopenhagen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Mohit at Noma, Pic Courtesy Giuseppe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>First published in ET Panache Travel </b></span></i></div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-86217402664481417742020-01-15T23:37:00.000+05:302020-01-15T23:39:57.295+05:30MÖVENPICK KUREDHIVARU MALDIVES WITH GO AIR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When
Go Air announced its winter schedule for Malé, Maldives, timed ahead of the
upcoming holiday and wedding season in India and with fares as low as INR 9,999
all-inclusive, anyone would be enticed…so why blame me ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLGLLx4T_Y/Xh9UYxtB4xI/AAAAAAAAV4A/wzoTFvosNW8X-AQt3wqx4khf5VA8mfnjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GoAir%2Baircraft%2Bpic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufLGLLx4T_Y/Xh9UYxtB4xI/AAAAAAAAV4A/wzoTFvosNW8X-AQt3wqx4khf5VA8mfnjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/GoAir%2Baircraft%2Bpic1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NEERJA
ON MY FLIGHT<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flight G8 33
took off from Delhi at 10.35 am on a Wednesday afternoon, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bang on time and
I make myself comfortable in my aisle seat, only to realize later that a window
seat would have got me some better views on landing, I was flying to Maldives after
all..! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OLXrFKa2QM/Xh9Q5bZaUZI/AAAAAAAAV28/FHp3AUV6YroigJu6o-1tXP6BUZCRcXOFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OLXrFKa2QM/Xh9Q5bZaUZI/AAAAAAAAV28/FHp3AUV6YroigJu6o-1tXP6BUZCRcXOFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4628.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneha Rajput on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I make friends with one of the flight attendants Sneha Rajput who I
notice is doing her job rather passionately…it is evident that she totally
enjoyed making passengers on board feel at home including little kids. She
ensures I would get to enjoy the landing views and actually went out of the way
to ask a passenger to exchange seats with me towards the landing, who luckily
for me obliges…perhaps it is Sneha’s smile that worked its magic and also
because he is newly married and much too engrossed in conversation with his
beautiful wife. Go Air is a no frills flight but is comfortable and enjoyable and
flight attendants like Sneha Rajput set it apart and I arrive in Malé at 02.15
pm and of course appreciating the views as I land the heavens literally open!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">MÖVENPICK
KUREDHIVARU<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A bit of rest at
the lounge and a sea plane ride north of Male International Airport later, I
reach an untouched sanctuary and tropical retreat that is huddled in the
unobstructed Noonu Atoll. As always, there is a welcome team which is very
efficient. I am handed a refreshing glass of some citric mock tail and
taken to a golf cart which takes me to my room. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sudqhe4OAAo/Xh9TKFzWLbI/AAAAAAAAV3Y/DEh40XsahwkMCCCqtqEOBAmNtt9ngga2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Movenpick-Maldives-plunge%2Bpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1224" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sudqhe4OAAo/Xh9TKFzWLbI/AAAAAAAAV3Y/DEh40XsahwkMCCCqtqEOBAmNtt9ngga2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Movenpick-Maldives-plunge%2Bpool.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My </span></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">over water</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> villa has a private plunge pool…. I am in heaven already! It’s a good idea to
have your experience tailor made. I have clubbed my visit with a photo shoot….a
magazine is doing a story and needs a pleasantly plump lady to model and write
about her experience… I am glad they have selected me. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhsOM3E4Owg/Xh9TSl1bAwI/AAAAAAAAV3g/YWwzzx9esWosf1Bh9MFKz8x3GvsMgznyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rupali%2BDean%2Bmodellng%2Bfor%2Bus%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMovenpick%2Bin%2BMaldives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhsOM3E4Owg/Xh9TSl1bAwI/AAAAAAAAV3g/YWwzzx9esWosf1Bh9MFKz8x3GvsMgznyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rupali%2BDean%2Bmodellng%2Bfor%2Bus%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMovenpick%2Bin%2BMaldives.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
As I set my feet upon
the powder-white beaches and explore the resort, I discover, there’s so much to
do here from Unwinding at the Sun Spa by Esthederm, refocusing your energy with
yoga to exploring colourful marine life or simply Savouring wonderful cuisine
at the three restaurants and marvelling at stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean.
Parents can rejoice for they also have a Little Birds Club for the kiddos to
enjoy. I spend my days trying not to burn myself on the beach, writing my
pending articles, catching up on my reading, drinking lots of coconut water and
eating well, retiring for a movie. Life on the island is easy. In the resort
bubble, I didn’t have to stress about getting around, meals, or what to do. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">The staff is
super friendly, they knew how to make a good drink, and there is always food
around. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TifhOQ3wB-k/Xh9ThsR55MI/AAAAAAAAV3o/irJ9zuN42-0cDSHTsSizPm5ORUXKxZSzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Movenpick-Maldives-ONU%2BMarche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TifhOQ3wB-k/Xh9ThsR55MI/AAAAAAAAV3o/irJ9zuN42-0cDSHTsSizPm5ORUXKxZSzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Movenpick-Maldives-ONU%2BMarche.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Meals in the package are buffet style at Onu Marché unless you pay
extra for the romantic seafood restaurant Bodumas on stilts or enjoy an
interesting selection of grills from the a la carte menu at latitude 5.5 like I
did. For a selection of decadent delights, I try not missing the
Mövenpick Chocolate Hour – offered complimentary, every day. All In all, Mövenpick
Kuredhivaru is a place for dreamers… The 5-star boutique resort amazes with
outstanding villas, enclosed by lush nature, turquoise coves and infinite
horizons. Only 72 overwater pool villas and 30 beach suites can be found on the
entire island, which guarantees solitude and silence. The villas are
large and comfortable, and is like enjoying having a big house with all luxury
amenities to yourself. Being able to watch the stars from your private pool is
simply priceless. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Wd-5EbaPs/Xh9UIsn5yEI/AAAAAAAAV34/3WClX3-sOqcrWSVKkTmejKMidEeQkRwEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Movenpick-Maldives-review-file-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1224" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Wd-5EbaPs/Xh9UIsn5yEI/AAAAAAAAV34/3WClX3-sOqcrWSVKkTmejKMidEeQkRwEACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Movenpick-Maldives-review-file-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FAST
FACT</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The airline
added 2 new aircraft to its growing fleet within a single day. An Airbus
A320neo was brought in from Hamburg in Germany and another A320neo aircraft
arrived from Toulouse in France. This makes it a rare twin delivery in the
history of Indian aviation and has helped GoAir double its fleet in less than 2
years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7D_CuOnLjTw/Xh9SuFbxwNI/AAAAAAAAV3M/xWdMdc8thtA-fRnTQ_90P38O92JcRqf_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Twin%2BAircraft%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7D_CuOnLjTw/Xh9SuFbxwNI/AAAAAAAAV3M/xWdMdc8thtA-fRnTQ_90P38O92JcRqf_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Twin%2BAircraft%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DID
YOU KNOW?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>* </b>GoAir
is part of the 283 year old $ 5.5 billion Wadia group</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">* GoAir
flies to 8 international destinations, including Phuket, Malé, Muscat, Abu
Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuwait and Singapore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">* GoAir
has set a record by being the only airline in India to achieve
On-Time-Performance leadership for 13 months in a row.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">* GoAir
took the delivery of 54th aircraft on the eve of its 14th Anniversary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">* GoAir
has placed a firm order of 164 aircraft and it will add one aircraft every
month on an average in the foreseeable future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">* GoAir
has flown 77 million passengers since its inception in 2005; aims to touch the
100 million passenger mark in the next two years.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></i><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AT
A GLANCE</span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flight
tickets can be booked through the official Go Air <a href="https://www.goair.in/" target="_blank">website</a>, or through the Go Air
mobile app. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">Mövenpick Resort
Kuredhivaru Maldives</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">Where?</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"> Kuredhivaru Island, Maldives,
20026- Noonu Atoll, Maldives </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcJJJLy63ws/Xh9S6NoXPdI/AAAAAAAAV3Q/Q_WHC5pEt4s6MoWx_Sp9gwE_PSdGglzrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Movenpick%2BResort%2BKuredhivaru%2BMaldives-Overview%2Bof%2Bthe%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcJJJLy63ws/Xh9S6NoXPdI/AAAAAAAAV3Q/Q_WHC5pEt4s6MoWx_Sp9gwE_PSdGglzrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Movenpick%2BResort%2BKuredhivaru%2BMaldives-Overview%2Bof%2Bthe%2BIsland.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">Tel:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">+9606563000; </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">E-Mail:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">resort.kuredhvaru.reservations@movenpick.com</span></div>
</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.movenpick.com/en/asia/maldives/kuredhivaru/resort-kuredhivaru/overview/">Movenpick
Maldives</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>first published in Hospitality,Food & Wine Magazine by Rupali Dean</i></span></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-5905191625087718542019-07-06T09:42:00.002+05:302019-07-06T09:59:54.052+05:30The Deccan Gourmet trail At the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you are still eating chicken 65, please stop. It has been so many moons since its
début on Deccan Delhi menus…. this prevalent is now a cliché!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">At the JW
Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Shri Bala and Executive Chef Sandeep Pande’s kitchen
team are busy making a fragrant Kozi Ularthiyatu as part of the hotel’s Deccan Gourmet
trail, on at K3 till the 7th of July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-tTblMYlBU/XSAecP7p2HI/AAAAAAAAUqQ/k3fyMImFv1UBbu0U0eJ6oMfad1QhkT4JwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-tTblMYlBU/XSAecP7p2HI/AAAAAAAAUqQ/k3fyMImFv1UBbu0U0eJ6oMfad1QhkT4JwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG-5428.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dissimilar to how most restaurant
kitchens make this popular, heavily spiced, dish, in Shri Bala’s version, only Black
pepper, curry leaves, garam masala and salt are added to the chicken. Her recipe
is honest to goodness and slow fire!</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">'I just serve what
we cook at home,' Shri Bala says, conversing why her food tastes so different
from most South Indian food festivals’. ‘I can cook for 500 people’ says Shri
Bala excitedly, serving me out the Bisebela Bhaath.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-punb0fdwd2c/XSAXTquH92I/AAAAAAAAUpA/L_n5_TmEBYk9-kU5eGT2nvyf5MQdUbQigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-punb0fdwd2c/XSAXTquH92I/AAAAAAAAUpA/L_n5_TmEBYk9-kU5eGT2nvyf5MQdUbQigCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-5534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Ma</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">tamaal</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A chartered accountant and
a lawyer by profession, Bala was discovered by Chef Ashish Bhasin (now Executive
Chef at the Leela Ambience, Gurgaon) <span style="font-family: inherit;">when she posted a challenging message on
his Facebook wall which led to him actually take her trade test which she
passed with flying colours and from then here has been no looking back for this
Chennai based passionate home chef. We </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">caught up</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">with</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Shri Bala and Ashish Bhasin over a meal a</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Ma</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">tamaal</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">he nex</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t da</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">y</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"> bu</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">tha</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t is 'Another s</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">or</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">y </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Another </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">day' ( </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">those</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"> who follow Pande on Instagram will know </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">t</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">his line well)!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJxAUDfkcpY/XSAd5e8vClI/AAAAAAAAUqI/7_eJLDGOeSYi-Am3eBxe_Pokx6mF7oGGgCLcBGAs/s1600/DKImage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJxAUDfkcpY/XSAd5e8vClI/AAAAAAAAUqI/7_eJLDGOeSYi-Am3eBxe_Pokx6mF7oGGgCLcBGAs/s400/DKImage.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">Shri Bala has
also worked with Sandeep Pande before, when he was spear heading the kitchens
of Weligama bay Marriott Resort and Spa in Srilanka.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmmGKi3N1NE/XSAfZIZNoGI/AAAAAAAAUqY/3Hl9VygW95QK_oeOk8C9U8F8QgKg62tSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-5437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmmGKi3N1NE/XSAfZIZNoGI/AAAAAAAAUqY/3Hl9VygW95QK_oeOk8C9U8F8QgKg62tSwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG-5437.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">Coming back to the Deccan Gourmet
trail at K3; The cyclic menu includes unusual dishes, counting a velvety poppy
seed kheer cooked with sugar and coconut milk, fried semolina fritters and
minced mutton deep fried with select Chettinad spices, in addition to
well-loved staples like fish cooked with red chilli and coconut paste, Mangalore
style chicken curry and a fragrant Moplah biryani. The assortment surely enlarges
diners’ gastronomic horizons. Since savours are either acquainted or easy on
the palate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qStNW0lRwz8/XSAXjOKwZ6I/AAAAAAAAUpM/vVoHXQUU5pcjOwPKXmYgOVvXgB_U8RTUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BDeccan%2BGourmet%2BTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qStNW0lRwz8/XSAXjOKwZ6I/AAAAAAAAUpM/vVoHXQUU5pcjOwPKXmYgOVvXgB_U8RTUQCEwYBhgL/s400/The%2BDeccan%2BGourmet%2BTrail.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16pt;">The Deccan Gourmet
trail is on till July 7, 2019. For reservations, contact: +91 11 45212121</span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-81544485309072117232019-02-03T11:36:00.003+05:302019-02-03T11:36:32.094+05:30TOP 10 MUST DO’S IN BAHRAIN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttds2jwHSqQ/XFaEdtL7KFI/AAAAAAAAT2M/AeYCT29yElU6P1ZumeLcOBvEMaQQagXUwCLcBGAs/s1600/ME%2BAT%2BON%2BOF%2BTHE%2BRESTORED%2BHOUSES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttds2jwHSqQ/XFaEdtL7KFI/AAAAAAAAT2M/AeYCT29yElU6P1ZumeLcOBvEMaQQagXUwCLcBGAs/s640/ME%2BAT%2BON%2BOF%2BTHE%2BRESTORED%2BHOUSES.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bahrain,
the thirty three-island archipelago burrowed among Saudi Arabia and Qatar in
the Arabian Gulf, smoothly manages the contemporary and the medieval.</span></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TRADITIONAL
BREAKFAST</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIZzidj1hlw/XFaBBeLUgyI/AAAAAAAAT1I/Eit41lsLmmUEqh7SCUpIP5jrr894b0_UACLcBGAs/s1600/BAHRAINI%2BBREAKFAST%2BAT%2BHAJI%2527S.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JIZzidj1hlw/XFaBBeLUgyI/AAAAAAAAT1I/Eit41lsLmmUEqh7SCUpIP5jrr894b0_UACLcBGAs/s640/BAHRAINI%2BBREAKFAST%2BAT%2BHAJI%2527S.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make your way through the renowned
cheerful and gorgeous Manama Souk in quest of Haji’s Cafe. This is a go to
place for incredible, no frills authentic Bahraini Breakfast…. a festivity of
Bahraini home cooking and culture. The Bahraini breakfast is a strong meal encompassing
star dishes such as shakshuka, mihyawa, Balaleet and the
staple karak tea, quite similar to our masala chai. Balaleet is distinctively
Bahraini with sweetened cardamom-infused vermicelli noodles capped with a savoury
omelette. With its uncommon pairing of salty with sweet, I have doubts about
trying this one. Far from turning off I am a convert.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BAHRAIN
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0R4Rte3zmog/XFaBOuHYvQI/AAAAAAAAT1M/WxjejpTtQYwfwaxUQ0VC1sK2YNvEP6BwACLcBGAs/s1600/Bahrain%2BInternational%2BCircuit%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0R4Rte3zmog/XFaBOuHYvQI/AAAAAAAAT1M/WxjejpTtQYwfwaxUQ0VC1sK2YNvEP6BwACLcBGAs/s640/Bahrain%2BInternational%2BCircuit%2B%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Absolutely worthy of a visit whether
the Formula 1 event is on or not! Take a circuit of the remarkable track where
legends from Lewis Hamilton to Jenson Button have raced and even imitate the
greats by making use of the go-kart track on site. For an exhilarating off the
road thrill I go for the Land Rover Experience A first of its kind, it offers
3.5 kilometres of unpredictable manmade terrains such as sand, rock, hill and
water landscapes. I am a fan!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TREE
OF LIFE</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VXAws84vtw/XFaCQAD7N1I/AAAAAAAAT1U/k-WxTbZdjcgAI1bRM5zTIA5xAifig-47QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Tree%2BOf%2BLife.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VXAws84vtw/XFaCQAD7N1I/AAAAAAAAT1U/k-WxTbZdjcgAI1bRM5zTIA5xAifig-47QCEwYBhgL/s640/Tree%2BOf%2BLife.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">What makes The Tree of Life
or Shajarat-al-Hayat unique is the secret of its survival.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Situated 10 km from Askar and about 3.5 km
west from Jaww, this 32-feet tall Prosopis cineraria has been making
an apparently incredible living out of dry sand for roughly 400 years. There is
no ostensible source of water and other flora for miles around.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AL
FATEH MOSQUE</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcEY0797Gt8/XFaCfpRMMJI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/qHoMbDmQ7o4Y6PDz5ZbWsUjPeTQYx_CaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Al%2BFathe%2BMosque%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcEY0797Gt8/XFaCfpRMMJI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/qHoMbDmQ7o4Y6PDz5ZbWsUjPeTQYx_CaQCLcBGAs/s640/Al%2BFathe%2BMosque%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bahrain’s largest; the mosque at first
glance is humble with a fawn brick and stone facade, characteristic of Bahraini
monuments. The geometrical patterns, engraved windows, spires and surah’s etched
in Kufic lettering are unremarkably understated. But as I enter, I am
in awe! The lavishness could be of an extravagant five star hotel lobby. The Scotland
made carpet in the prayer halls, Italian marble flooring; a 3 and a half tonne
Swarovski crystal chandelier from Austria suspending in the main hall; French
made 952 hand blown glass lamps inside the mosque and the dome … one of the prevalent
fibreglass domes in the world. My favourite part is hearing about Islam, only
to realize it preaches just like any other…to be God fearing and a good human
being.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NATIONAL
MUSEUM<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The nine main halls across six
sections capture over five thousand years of Bahrain’s history. What enthral me
are the life size dioramas of Bahrain’s daily life, particularly on giving
birth, death, wedding customs, clothing, architecture and more. I equally enjoy
a cup of coffee at the Darseen café overlooking the ocean at the end of my
tour.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BAHRAIN
FORT</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjX6OljxTtE/XFaDIaDkuLI/AAAAAAAAT1s/TBZZ8FdBQx0hCU0wV1Hmo7tJEj1JZ7P-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Bahrain_Fort_Horses_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjX6OljxTtE/XFaDIaDkuLI/AAAAAAAAT1s/TBZZ8FdBQx0hCU0wV1Hmo7tJEj1JZ7P-wCLcBGAs/s640/Bahrain_Fort_Horses_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most intense bequests of
the past is Bahrain’s craggy forts and Bahrain Fort well merits being listed as
a UNESCO World Heritage site. Civilisation has valued the dune for epochs and
the fort’s museum digs deep into the assets that have been dug up, and linger
to be dug up, all around the site. Sunset is one of the best times to take a
picture of the fort.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AL
JASRA HANDICRAFT CENTRE</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3B6rafZV9w/XFaDhmD_UkI/AAAAAAAAT10/K0jQFgP33kEIY9fJpTTj0YgU357sjq6jgCLcBGAs/s1600/AL%2BJASRA%2BHANDICRAFT%2BCENTRE%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3B6rafZV9w/XFaDhmD_UkI/AAAAAAAAT10/K0jQFgP33kEIY9fJpTTj0YgU357sjq6jgCLcBGAs/s640/AL%2BJASRA%2BHANDICRAFT%2BCENTRE%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bahrain’s modern art scene is
thriving, but so is the local artistic temperament. The Al Jasra Handicraft
Centre is where local artisans congregate to make everything ranging the gamut
from baskets to traditional musical instruments in trades that have been
practised in the country for years.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BBQ
AT THE DISAPPERAING ISLAND</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7KRhSPA6_M/XFaDtfhaKsI/AAAAAAAAT14/sR74F6TpIXoHZUjhqzYYDrU3cy2YL_J9gCLcBGAs/s1600/BBQ%2BAT%2BTHE%2BISKAND.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7KRhSPA6_M/XFaDtfhaKsI/AAAAAAAAT14/sR74F6TpIXoHZUjhqzYYDrU3cy2YL_J9gCLcBGAs/s640/BBQ%2BAT%2BTHE%2BISKAND.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A roughly forty minute’s boat ride
from the Marina would get you to Jarada Island for an amazing Robinson Crusoe
experience. The confines of civilization do not exist and the deserted island
can be yours until early evening. Unload your picnic basket, go for the BBQ, be
a beach bum but remember to leave in time before the island disappears….which
it does every evening owing to the high tide.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">LOCAL
DINNER<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Head to Emmawash for a traditional
meal and enjoy scribbling on the walls. Yes this restaurant not only serves
middle eastern fare and recommendation’s go all out for the beef kebab and
khuboos bread, but the best part is scribbling on the walls …no fret they white
wash them every year!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SHOPPING<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You
may be walking through the many souks of Bahrain or through the splendid malls
across the country. Manama is a buyer’s delight. Start at the Bab
Al-Bahrain Souk, moving on to a thread of elegant yet unforgettable shops that
line the streets behind the souk. The City Centre happens to be the largest
mall in the country, packed with over 300 select brands outlets and 60 dining
destinations and is also home to Carrefour. Drop by to the Dragon city for
china made products arranged so orderly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">First Published in The Free Press Journal</span></i></b></span></div>
</div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-30510658054040208802018-03-29T11:31:00.001+05:302018-03-29T11:37:22.326+05:30WONDERFUL WANAKA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_XWw-51CZM/Wrx7bOj66sI/AAAAAAAASAI/odbhyD7BHA0mfMuiQfr698H4H4LYmTUBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_XWw-51CZM/Wrx7bOj66sI/AAAAAAAASAI/odbhyD7BHA0mfMuiQfr698H4H4LYmTUBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">T</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">he ride from Franz Josef
to Wanaka is most scenic and finally when I reach the town of Wanaka
nestled lakeside, encircled by colossal mountain ranges and nature reserves, I
fall in love with perhaps one of the most beautiful locales in New Zealand…. </span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLASvuxiQvU/Wrx323rm2TI/AAAAAAAAR_0/EiAG8uNEooIBy25Q8bxOxhnNQXD4VsWOgCLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Bzealand%2B479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLASvuxiQvU/Wrx323rm2TI/AAAAAAAAR_0/EiAG8uNEooIBy25Q8bxOxhnNQXD4VsWOgCLcBGAs/s640/new%2Bzealand%2B479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FARM TO FORK….LITERALLY!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMu5GnwLiB0/Wrx_urEXaeI/AAAAAAAASAk/1RgWQb8KQsE8RC7Vcpk59zVfqy23PmexACLcBGAs/s1600/Bistro%2BGentil%2BCREDIT%2BBistro%2BGentil%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMu5GnwLiB0/Wrx_urEXaeI/AAAAAAAASAk/1RgWQb8KQsE8RC7Vcpk59zVfqy23PmexACLcBGAs/s640/Bistro%2BGentil%2BCREDIT%2BBistro%2BGentil%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I
drive into Wanaka right in time for lunch and my first stop is Bistro Gentil
where in a magical setting surrounding a pretty courtyard, Chef Mario Rodrigues
garners the regional produce and sublimates them through his imaginative and
refined cuisine, bursting with flavours and respectful of the product. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzGbFs96cqk/Wrx9MNekRkI/AAAAAAAASAY/r5_HKPo_iq8D0-DRp1evyPhPnmet7Oe2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzGbFs96cqk/Wrx9MNekRkI/AAAAAAAASAY/r5_HKPo_iq8D0-DRp1evyPhPnmet7Oe2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG-3561.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He
conceives dishes with intelligence and intuition, subtlety and creative spirit
and I get to savour the essential delights of the table. House made chicken
liver pate is served with the most artistic flair without compromising on the
taste, a most original dish beyond creative but still ‘organic’ as opposed to
science experiments<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a highlight for
me. On offer are also Maude wines, from the nearby vineyard to reduce the
environmental footprint of transporting this! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">OF NATURE & LOCAL MAORI CULTURE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAJ3Ddp7aYY/Wrx7CggnoNI/AAAAAAAASAE/EVlvmTZZ85MCVRYmCDu8b2YpeEU_NNUzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAJ3Ddp7aYY/Wrx7CggnoNI/AAAAAAAASAE/EVlvmTZZ85MCVRYmCDu8b2YpeEU_NNUzgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3677.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wanaka
is one of the most scenic places I have encountered. The majestic craggy mountains
and the beautiful lake form a magnificent backdrop to this beautiful town.
Wanaka has so much to offer that it is almost surreal I love their outdoors and
the fabulous food, but no holiday to Wanaka is complete without a picture of
the world famous Wanaka willow tree! Wanaka is also the preliminary point to
discover nearby Mt. Aspiring and the National Park. I am staying at the
Edgewater Resort and pulling away myself from the scenic beauty of the lake
from my balcony is bit difficult, but a walking tour with my Maori guide Joe takes
me closer to the lake and the tree and the local culture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hW5zGzso3xs/Wrx3PMZGbOI/AAAAAAAAR_s/R98piNlF_jc4iK3aO-jdNVPkZlGa0zDZwCLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Bzealand%2B550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hW5zGzso3xs/Wrx3PMZGbOI/AAAAAAAAR_s/R98piNlF_jc4iK3aO-jdNVPkZlGa0zDZwCLcBGAs/s640/new%2Bzealand%2B550.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With Joe, I get to experience an up close
and personal Hongi and Haka at the Wanaka Tree which ended with a unique Maori
bone carving necklace as a souvenir of my experience. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">LAVENDER FARM & AERIEL VIEWS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I
love lavender in its original state as it brings a sense of peace and calm and
looking at beautiful lavender fields is something I truly enjoy. For an
entrance fee of just about a 100 INR, I get to wander over the 10 acres
lavender field and gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-myImegnsCIk/WryAbTAMkaI/AAAAAAAASA0/2gCtO7UZJZYX1CMXJLkh9Qp4PJwj3xzwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-myImegnsCIk/WryAbTAMkaI/AAAAAAAASA0/2gCtO7UZJZYX1CMXJLkh9Qp4PJwj3xzwwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3783.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> I see the
fruit trees, alpacas and sheep. Of course, a lavender farm is inevitable to
retail its products. Out here, there is a wide variety of products to choose
from, including oils, lotions and the works. My favourite part is enjoying a
scoop of lavender chocolate ice cream in their quaint little café. I am in love
with the natural ambience, peaceful and oh so charming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHROmuMA-Bg/WryAJIvItsI/AAAAAAAASAs/GQOkhcFJPtQAWQ_EXvx35g1mRf9mF646gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHROmuMA-Bg/WryAJIvItsI/AAAAAAAASAs/GQOkhcFJPtQAWQ_EXvx35g1mRf9mF646gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3800.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
At 3030 metres high,
Mount Aspiring is often called the ‘Matterhorn of the South’ I take a Southern
Alps air flight over Lake Wanaka and Wanaka Township and am simply mesmerized
by the views; Highlights include, Treble Cone ski field, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Matukituki
Valley, Bonar and Voltar glaciers, Mount Aspiring& the Southern Alps. I am
back in town by the early evening to grab dinner and to get my fill of yet
another sunset over the lake before heading for a movie at Ruby Cinema &
Bar and calling it a day!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FAST FACTS</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKOXcgZhevc/WryBFj4yiZI/AAAAAAAASBE/HfWCUVPgBow3SXV6xGd1cWI0UO2CAXXQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKOXcgZhevc/WryBFj4yiZI/AAAAAAAASBE/HfWCUVPgBow3SXV6xGd1cWI0UO2CAXXQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Best Place to Stay:</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Stay in one of Edgewater's studios, suites
or apartment accommodations on the shores of Lake Wanaka.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best Places to Dine</b>: Bistro Gentil for a farm to table experience, Big
Fig for slow food served fast & Francesca’s for super awesome Italian.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>My story first published in Statesman</i></span></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i></b></div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-28694517878409864432018-02-19T16:49:00.000+05:302018-02-19T16:51:41.795+05:30MASTER CLASS WITH CELEBRITY CHEF TANMOY SAVERDEKAR @COFFEE TREE BY CINEPOLIS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSQqAHaD63Y/WoqxU7H7WmI/AAAAAAAARzQ/6B_IYWEiinMasQcOm6G717RrWbg4ywPpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSQqAHaD63Y/WoqxU7H7WmI/AAAAAAAARzQ/6B_IYWEiinMasQcOm6G717RrWbg4ywPpACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-0151.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A great start to the weekend came in
the form of a masterclass & a fun cook off at Coffee Tree, Cinepolis’s signature coffee shop</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THE CHEF</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Friday
the 16th of February was indeed a special day! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of us were lucky to meet and cook along
with Tanmoy Saverdekar, one of the most popular chefs in Bengaluru and for sure
signifies a vital reference point for aspiring chefs. He comes with a 20 year
experience in the food space and is best known for his aptitude to innovate and
his novel creativity, with great attention to the presentation of dishes. He’s
the owner of The Winking Macaron a premier boulangere and is also a consultant
chef to many aspiring restaurateurs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byP_G9xiK3A/Woqw890CgfI/AAAAAAAARzM/OYuibnoqco8F5lhP3r3c9Cul6-akdxyggCEwYBhgL/s1600/MSP_8258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byP_G9xiK3A/Woqw890CgfI/AAAAAAAARzM/OYuibnoqco8F5lhP3r3c9Cul6-akdxyggCEwYBhgL/s640/MSP_8258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THE COFFEE TREE EXPERIENCE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I
would say thanks to Cinepolis India for giving us this wonderful insight into
what goes into the making of the Coffee Tree experience! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LdC-uuryt4/WoqykmtP2vI/AAAAAAAARzk/Du-iZtyfaok5Hu6ZHPaZEEHQmJCnuzbaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LdC-uuryt4/WoqykmtP2vI/AAAAAAAARzk/Du-iZtyfaok5Hu6ZHPaZEEHQmJCnuzbaQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-0192.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A well balanced
‘finger, fork and spoon’ menu is available for order at the well-stocked coffee
shop, attached to the cinema or one can choose to order in at the seat as well,
with dishes ranging from Penne Arrabiata, Grilled chicken double decker
sandwich, chicken momos to brownies to a range of exciting beverages like the
Strawberry frappe and Mint Mojito. The USP of the Coffee Tree lounge is that
even the non-cinema goers can drop in for a sip and bite here!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THE MASTERCLASS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In
this impressive culinary master class, Chef Tanmoy astoundingly stood out as an
artist with the plate as a canvas and food as a medium. His objective over this
exclusive master class was to showcase some of his favourite combos from the
‘Coffee Tree’ menu. We also learnt that inspite of the many restrictions of
fire safety and equipment used in a Cinema Kitchen, Cinepolis ensures freshness
and taste in all items on the menu. The excited chatter of the audience built
up as Chef Tanmoy talks about the 3 combos he’s going to demonstrate! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDQ6zfWi_L8/WoqxrXcyGsI/AAAAAAAARzU/VuhlBP1nWSkaYWxSXg6e1aY_eHka0_RZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDQ6zfWi_L8/WoqxrXcyGsI/AAAAAAAARzU/VuhlBP1nWSkaYWxSXg6e1aY_eHka0_RZwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-0226.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The
star of the show at the masterclass was the Chilli Cheese toast …which tastes
divine with Oreo Milk shake. The Chicken Burger with cold coffee, Veg pasta
with Masala lemonade was equally stellar.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THE COOK OFF<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Whether
you are an ambitious chef or an open the packet and heat kind of a cook, there
is something exhilarating about participating head-to-head in a fast and
furious cook-off to determine who will create the most crowd pleasing dish in
under 20 minutes! Ayesha Tabassum from Indian Express Indulge, Ravi & Akshay
from EazyDiner & Deepa a food blogger competed fiercely! These winners from
the Instagram competition announced in the beginning of the masterclass got
luck to cook a double decker sandwich and a Mint Mojito using their creativity!
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0ds9lP1e1E/Woqxyq0xYlI/AAAAAAAARzY/ZUCrm1gZEPwWprM5Z2k0UHK2ZVAeyT08QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0ds9lP1e1E/Woqxyq0xYlI/AAAAAAAARzY/ZUCrm1gZEPwWprM5Z2k0UHK2ZVAeyT08QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-0225.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With grillers on, very quick hands chopping vegetables, the participants
powered on as Chef Tanmoy engaged with each one and enlightened the audience on
the his favourite foods, motivation for becoming a chef. Chef Tanmoy gave interesting
tips like rubbing Mint on the palms before muddling it for extra flavour, using
just the correct amount of filling for the perfect bite etc! The Culinary Cook
Off also exhibited that Coffee Tree is a dining destination where fresh and
choicest ingredients are vital to creating the menu!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-48612370745534995802017-11-14T10:45:00.000+05:302017-11-14T10:48:06.879+05:30MASQUE TRAVELS TO THE CAPITAL THIS DECEMBER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjUNIyvabv4/Wgp53ZLsRjI/AAAAAAAARLU/_1J-hE8Fdxkdz9lkBXlo9fEq5QhwlPLpQCLcBGAs/s1600/Rhododendron%2B%2526%2BBegonia%2BSorbet-%2BAT%2BPRATEEK%2BSADHU%2527S%2BMASQUE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjUNIyvabv4/Wgp53ZLsRjI/AAAAAAAARLU/_1J-hE8Fdxkdz9lkBXlo9fEq5QhwlPLpQCLcBGAs/s400/Rhododendron%2B%2526%2BBegonia%2BSorbet-%2BAT%2BPRATEEK%2BSADHU%2527S%2BMASQUE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhododendron & Begonia Sorbet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I
bump into him at Tian a few years ago, where Chef Vikramjit Roy introduces me
to him saying, ‘This guy is a genius’ and we all sit down at the alfresco area post
dinner (I was staying at the Maurya so was in no hurry to rush back). He talks
about the chefs he looks up to; about his growing up at a farm in Jammu where his
weekends would go in spending his time in the fields. He was born in Kashmir
and originally wanted to become a Commercial Pilot. He was young, and gained
experience in several places including a stint at Alinea, French laundry and Le
Bernardin followed by a tour of some of Europe’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Sadhu
thinks his hitting the stride may be rooted in the fact that ‘It wasn’t until my
tenure under Rene Redzepi at Noma that I learnt how to cook from the region and
harnessing the soil’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A
lot of Prateek’s memories are sensory. He would visit his Aunts farm every
Sunday. Naturally curious and always driven, he could be found in the Farm
kitchen by his 10th birthday and over the coming years spent most of his free
time there, learning the basics with his Mom and Aunt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Prateek’s
step into Masque came, he says, as a result of disillusionment with cooking
after he returned to his homeland as he found it hard to source ingredients in India
that were as good as those in New York, and he also felt that the dishes he was
putting together were simply copies of those from the restaurants he worked at
his stint as the Sous Chef of Le Cirque in Bangalore.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUh-xG01eV4/Wgp7ToUa_AI/AAAAAAAARLs/LLRbaQJB67Uv0LmuLN7Os07G3F8bzq7YACLcBGAs/s1600/Smoked%2BPotatoes%252C%2BButternut%2BSquash%2BAT%2BPRATEEK%2BSADHU%2527S%2BMASQUE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUh-xG01eV4/Wgp7ToUa_AI/AAAAAAAARLs/LLRbaQJB67Uv0LmuLN7Os07G3F8bzq7YACLcBGAs/s320/Smoked%2BPotatoes%252C%2BButternut%2BSquash%2BAT%2BPRATEEK%2BSADHU%2527S%2BMASQUE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked Potatoes, Butternut Squash</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A
tour of India taught him about its possibilities. Sadhu learnt India being a
diverse country has different terrain and topography. Soon it became an
ambition, this expedition for new ingredients and flavours. When a local forager
in Ladakh made him experience Sea buckthorn, Sadhu saw the runway before him. ‘For
me India defines local produce, be in chocolate from Pondicherry or sea
buckthorn from Ladakh. It can be any ingredient grown in that particular
season. Seasonality is what we are serious about here at Masque’.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRa_u5Ne10M/Wgp6CTT9RbI/AAAAAAAARLY/RdUf5XILxeQp8_7dInAFJTy0ojcFg3BpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Buckwheat%252C%2BSalted%2BCaramel%2Bat%2Bmasque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1264" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRa_u5Ne10M/Wgp6CTT9RbI/AAAAAAAARLY/RdUf5XILxeQp8_7dInAFJTy0ojcFg3BpwCLcBGAs/s400/Buckwheat%252C%2BSalted%2BCaramel%2Bat%2Bmasque.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckwheat, Salted Caramel </td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I
have dined at Masque thrice and each time has been a great experience. I still
remember the tomato course on their first tasting menu wherein they focus
on delivering the taste of a naturally grown tomato, (which comes
from their flagship farm from pune) onto the plate with
few complimenting flavours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Prateek
is restless, a good sign, he does various collaboration meals at Masque in
Mumbai and also travels across the world where he showcases his food. The last
one in Mumbai was with Garima Arora of Gaa (I have written about it in a
previous post). And this time round, Masque travels to the capital….yes in
Saadi Dilli; showcasing his skill for reaching just yonder the possible: here’s
this Indian guy showing us things we may have never seen before – things from India.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7fgWszPJc/Wgp6yJHyGpI/AAAAAAAARLg/NkdkZYABE0UHAymO03T0hiIkSh_JEqhoACLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7fgWszPJc/Wgp6yJHyGpI/AAAAAAAARLg/NkdkZYABE0UHAymO03T0hiIkSh_JEqhoACLcBGAs/s640/mumbai%2B001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FAST FACTS</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>WHERE?</b> Masque will host a pop up at The Lodhi in Delhi on 1 Dec, 2
Dec, where the people of Delhi can sample what really is the buzz about Masque.
Where seasonal produce and regional harvests will decide the menu and not
cuisines and their sub-genres. Where fine-dining is not a lifestyle, but a way
of life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zpc1u4ClFs/Wgp7lScRe5I/AAAAAAAARLw/Z77avr0_MCQB3I5fYJXwljw36bJxTZWtACLcBGAs/s1600/Heirloom%2BTomato%2Bat%2Bmasque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zpc1u4ClFs/Wgp7lScRe5I/AAAAAAAARLw/Z77avr0_MCQB3I5fYJXwljw36bJxTZWtACLcBGAs/s640/Heirloom%2BTomato%2Bat%2Bmasque.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heirloom Tomato</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">WHEN? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1st
December - Dinner, INR 8500+taxes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2nd
Lunch & Dinner, INR 8500+taxes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>FOR BOOKINGS</b>: <a href="tel:+91%2022%202499%201010" target="_blank">+91 22 2499 1010</a> / <a href="tel:+91%2098190%2069222" target="_blank">+91 9819069222</a> or
email at <a href="mailto:bookings@masquerestaurant.com" target="_blank">bookings@masquerestaurant.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-47736569933119895592017-10-10T19:06:00.002+05:302017-10-10T19:15:45.261+05:30KODE- MUMBAI'S FIRST FREESTYLE BAR AND KITCHEN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAP_OT2QPkM/WdzMMt4miOI/AAAAAAAAQ9s/dmb--PR_R60qkc1WC9M3SAkVZ5PGwoqUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Forgotten%2BPetal%2BSour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAP_OT2QPkM/WdzMMt4miOI/AAAAAAAAQ9s/dmb--PR_R60qkc1WC9M3SAkVZ5PGwoqUgCLcBGAs/s640/Forgotten%2BPetal%2BSour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Forgotten Petal sour...must try cocktail from the many creative ones on the list</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One
of the most breathy and a brand new concept projects from the Massive
team, this Kamla Mills freestyle bar has a freestyle take on their menu. It’s cozy
and casual where you can find great cocktails and elevated fare that will generally
put standard issue pub grub to shame. The menu is filled with lots of not quite
so standard fare. The wall behind the long Island bar features an alluring spectacle
of spirits and a wide-ranging selection of wines.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqo8pyFfh2U/WdzLE2hfeTI/AAAAAAAAQ9c/-V9h7S0R2s86Ph_Gy597BqwSmnrt0KamACLcBGAs/s1600/Herb%2Bcrusted%2Bscotch%2Beggs%252C%2Bbaby%2Bgreens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqo8pyFfh2U/WdzLE2hfeTI/AAAAAAAAQ9c/-V9h7S0R2s86Ph_Gy597BqwSmnrt0KamACLcBGAs/s640/Herb%2Bcrusted%2Bscotch%2Beggs%252C%2Bbaby%2Bgreens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From
the pondering section of the menu, the Herb crusted Scotch Eggs, with a crispy
crunchy coating, a runny egg yolk and punchy flavours of Harissa, set the
tone for the rest of the meal; food that is comfortable, imaginative and
hearty! For starters we sample the Home Made Churros. Infused with delicate togarashi
flavour, they jaunt the flawless tension between soft and springy. My favourite
part of this dish is the house-made goat cheese mousse served aside these savoury
churros; a hint of honey adds imperialistic flamboyance to the typically
pedestrian sauce.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XX5ePRqOVA0/WdzLhaM-c-I/AAAAAAAAQ9g/zXyLrC76aPE9xYWUdDFr1lmaVMXsSsE4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Homemade%2Bchurros%252C%2Bhoney%2Band%2Bgoat%25E2%2580%2599s%2Bcheese%2Bmousse%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XX5ePRqOVA0/WdzLhaM-c-I/AAAAAAAAQ9g/zXyLrC76aPE9xYWUdDFr1lmaVMXsSsE4gCLcBGAs/s400/Homemade%2Bchurros%252C%2Bhoney%2Band%2Bgoat%25E2%2580%2599s%2Bcheese%2Bmousse%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I instantly determine that this is where Kode earns its magnificent
freestyle label. I also had the smoked chorizo Pide and Kode makes, without
question, the best Pide I have ever had in the city, which is saying a lot
since Pides are one of my favourite things. I personally really enjoy the fresh
touch of parsley and coriander sprinkled on top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If
lobster, oscietra caviar, black truffles tickle your fancy, then the wood fired
oven pizza featuring this should satisfy your cravings, the hand rolled pizza has
a great flavour and the black truffles has a pleasantly subtle gamey taste to
it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRZ8Vj0Q-t4/WdzL4uMnJHI/AAAAAAAAQ9k/2Mai00Wwb5wc4UGA00k8D7T6HWmgLCoPACLcBGAs/s1600/18%2Bhour%2Bcooked%2Blamb%2Bshanks%252C%2Bblue%2Bcheese%2Btruffles_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1410" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRZ8Vj0Q-t4/WdzL4uMnJHI/AAAAAAAAQ9k/2Mai00Wwb5wc4UGA00k8D7T6HWmgLCoPACLcBGAs/s640/18%2Bhour%2Bcooked%2Blamb%2Bshanks%252C%2Bblue%2Bcheese%2Btruffles_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="562" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Recommendations go all out for the 18 Hours Cooked Lamb Shanks, fork tender
and scrumptious with add-on polenta, jus, and blue cheese truffles which give
the dish panache. The Tres Leches lives up to its name. Served with a milk
crisp, it has definite notes of sweet condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy
cream. The portion was ample and it cascaded into a melting river of yumminess,
adding a lovely creamy consistency when I put it in my mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr1B7I1auXQ/WdzMBHiogFI/AAAAAAAAQ9o/ebhrv-QtSHEutBbIxirQy0rV6L81ck6QACLcBGAs/s1600/tres%2Bleches%252C%2Bmilk%2Bcrisp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr1B7I1auXQ/WdzMBHiogFI/AAAAAAAAQ9o/ebhrv-QtSHEutBbIxirQy0rV6L81ck6QACLcBGAs/s320/tres%2Bleches%252C%2Bmilk%2Bcrisp.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I
love the laid back vibe of the place and the familiarity of it all and I
certainly recommend checking it out. Service is just as pleasant as the
tasteful interior. Friendly without being obtrusive, our server did not hesitate
to suggest his favourite dishes off the menu. If you haven’t experienced freestyle
resto bar before then Kode will certainly surprise you…pleasantly. Both the bar
menu and the food menu promise that all manner of appetites will be satisfied. One
word of warning though, it’s quite popular, so get there early, it fills up
fast.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkSis9GEVsQ/WdzMnuF8ZvI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/dZVvXluQV68WvYauka_-E2ZDdi5I1VZKACLcBGAs/s1600/Bloody%2BMary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkSis9GEVsQ/WdzMnuF8ZvI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/dZVvXluQV68WvYauka_-E2ZDdi5I1VZKACLcBGAs/s640/Bloody%2BMary.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Bloody Mary is to die for</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">FAST FACTS</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHERE?</b> Ground Floor - 11, Oasis City, Kamala Mills - Entrance No 2, Lower
Parel, Mumbai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FOR RESERVATIONS: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">077188 82924</span></span></div>
</div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-7304444020023625972017-09-24T11:52:00.001+05:302017-09-24T17:43:17.606+05:30THE GAA MASQUE COLLABORATION MEAL IN MUMBAI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtBcWv1eggU/WcdJbnr9W2I/AAAAAAAAQvs/ErSqL3xcbpMyNtpk6Q3UASKdZFCD7y6LwCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtBcWv1eggU/WcdJbnr9W2I/AAAAAAAAQvs/ErSqL3xcbpMyNtpk6Q3UASKdZFCD7y6LwCLcBGAs/s640/mumbai%2B066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prateek Sadhu & Garima Arora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Prateek Sadhu’s
Masque is no stranger to collaboration meals. His collaboration with Mathew Orlando,
head chef of Amass was a big hit and this one with Gaa was sold out within a
month.<span style="text-align: left;">On the Occasion of its first anniversary Masque
celebrated over a collaboration meal with Chef Garima Arora of Gaa, Bangkok!</span></span></i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxahzErxYCk/WcdK9jsiakI/AAAAAAAAQv8/D-DOxAvUh5E7In35XBEJS4aa5X9gIPjygCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxahzErxYCk/WcdK9jsiakI/AAAAAAAAQv8/D-DOxAvUh5E7In35XBEJS4aa5X9gIPjygCLcBGAs/s640/mumbai%2B006.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu begins with the first course in the Masque kitchen...Garima Arora explains how to eat this tender and delicious corn with the gorgeous corn custardy dip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chef Prateek
Sadhu takes the very best from the fertile land of India. Simplicity made
elegant; the quintessence of Masque cuisine!! on the occasion of Masque's first
birthday chef collaborated with Garima Arora of Gaa Bangkok and both
focused their talents on producing light and delicious dishes, using Avant
-garde techniques to revisit Indian Ingredients heritage! The menu is sixteen courses, profoundly
showcasing Indian ingredients.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NS14B2-X28/WcdKDd1Z92I/AAAAAAAAQv0/v63TwFMLedEUows6dJf8i14Gx72M9-9iQCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NS14B2-X28/WcdKDd1Z92I/AAAAAAAAQv0/v63TwFMLedEUows6dJf8i14Gx72M9-9iQCLcBGAs/s400/mumbai%2B043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barramundi/Milk Skin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Garima’s winner of
a dish is the beautiful Barramundi wrapped in a taco like casing which she
calls Milk skin. The exclusively stylish plating is drool worthy and one would
want to dig into it right away, and so I did! The milk skin is actually ‘Malai’,
inside which sits this flavorful fish ….sinful indeed! Her minced chicken,
quite like the Thai Larb is a stunner and marries well with the Black sticky
rice.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gf2ngPqSYA/WcdMLTC8uOI/AAAAAAAAQwI/fbbKjDxCcJ0OXJ9NzC7FY4Q1h9wCDBN3QCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1543" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gf2ngPqSYA/WcdMLTC8uOI/AAAAAAAAQwI/fbbKjDxCcJ0OXJ9NzC7FY4Q1h9wCDBN3QCLcBGAs/s640/mumbai%2B021.JPG" width="616" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Liver/Toast.....couldn't be better than this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Right off the bat, Prateek
Sadhu takes the trail less trekked with something familiar, yet done in a totally
outlandish way. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DJoKJs0d2c/WcdLw8j7GBI/AAAAAAAAQwE/kAbK9CV-czkNTSvz2PQ_ZxQjDFVXRIPNgCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DJoKJs0d2c/WcdLw8j7GBI/AAAAAAAAQwE/kAbK9CV-czkNTSvz2PQ_ZxQjDFVXRIPNgCLcBGAs/s400/mumbai%2B037.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ice lolly of Seabuckthorn is served with a black
pepper mousse, and presented simply and beautifully that you can mistake this
pre dessert for a Salmon and cream cheese bagel. Goodness, we have this berry in Ladakh and I have
never experienced it like this before. I wish I had a few more bites. It’s refreshing,
subtly sweet and umam<span style="font-family: inherit;">i!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Indeed yes, I have
had standout meals with a robust native focus, but Masque is the first to offer
such a panoramic swing of the country. Each dish in the menu ended up as short
term lesson for geography , history and a compliment to our home-grown
culture.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ny4NefaEo3E/WcdM88haFEI/AAAAAAAAQwQ/_YZCMjde-4kBcjg0gN4ESMuXwf20P8v5ACLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ny4NefaEo3E/WcdM88haFEI/AAAAAAAAQwQ/_YZCMjde-4kBcjg0gN4ESMuXwf20P8v5ACLcBGAs/s320/mumbai%2B016.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divine Duck Doughnuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN">THUMBS
UP</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN"> 1.When talking
about native and exclusive produce, India is absolutely abundant. For a hunter like Sadhu, our country is an absolute cornucopia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN"> 2. The menu
cultivates a passion for taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN"> 3. Respectful
of the seasons from genuine tastes the plates are classical and original<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJwgKM2k6F4/WcdOi1c0GZI/AAAAAAAAQwc/H-JTJZvt8pIbNoL9SEBgufeUg4r5isV1wCLcBGAs/s1600/mumbai%2B024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJwgKM2k6F4/WcdOi1c0GZI/AAAAAAAAQwc/H-JTJZvt8pIbNoL9SEBgufeUg4r5isV1wCLcBGAs/s640/mumbai%2B024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: 0px;"> My able company at the Gaa Masque collaboration meal! </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100001404052164&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/divia.thanidaswani?fref=mentions" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;">DiviaThani</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: 0px;"> Editor In Chief of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine, Purva Mehra co founder & Editor The Daily Pao & Greg Foster Editor Architectural Digest</span></div>
</div>
Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-82135522621324963062017-08-22T16:53:00.001+05:302017-08-22T17:15:42.657+05:30THE RETURN OF THE RAJ @ SAFFRON, THE TRIDENT GURGAON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbc_c9hjzmU/WZwSpvvs8hI/AAAAAAAAQh8/bEvD2o3uqE8T2FzajoV0-NCe_bTNUx4qACLcBGAs/s1600/British%2BRaj%2BCuisine%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbc_c9hjzmU/WZwSpvvs8hI/AAAAAAAAQh8/bEvD2o3uqE8T2FzajoV0-NCe_bTNUx4qACLcBGAs/s640/British%2BRaj%2BCuisine%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nargisi
Kofta aka lamb mince Scotch egg, originated from Nagra flower pattern of
yellow, white and brown…yet barely the elevations of fine dining in these
days of gastronomic tall change of direction, where truffles are handed out with all
the indifference of chips, and desserts named Death by Chocolate as more of an unwavering determination than an alarming threat. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg6J6qxCcr4/WZwSspAgCtI/AAAAAAAAQiA/nqF3qFfLKxQaoAI8ST1KI2aX1Flw2mH7ACLcBGAs/s1600/British%2BRaj%2BCuisine%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg6J6qxCcr4/WZwSspAgCtI/AAAAAAAAQiA/nqF3qFfLKxQaoAI8ST1KI2aX1Flw2mH7ACLcBGAs/s400/British%2BRaj%2BCuisine%2B1.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yet, in Days of The Raj,
when Raj cuisine was the most favoured, history has it that once of the best
things to savour was the Nargisi Kofta!!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It’s
not surprising that this special cuisine still excites and especially if it happens
to celebrate authentic flavours, just like at the Trident where Executive Chef
Sandeep Kalra and his team explore age old recipes and use as inspiration the
legacy of the khansamas!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On
other days too Saffron is really the place to be if you like the whole fine
dine Indian feel restaurant replete with Indian music. It helps that many swear
this place makes the best Aloo meat Tari Waala juice and Awadhi Murgh Biryani
in the city. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Anyways
coming back to The Return of the Raj menu, it is rational in size, featuring
all the favourites: Country Captain chicken curry, Jhalfarajie, Camp Soup, Chingri
Samosa etc. There’s the ever-popular Dak Bungalow Roast, which already has intransigent fans
notwithstanding being centuries old, thanks to its yoghurt chicken oven
cooked with spices. If you are in
the more permissive mood try the Railway mutton curry that arrives with Lachha
parantha, which are synchronized crisp, crumbly and decadent. However,
what really is the star of the show is the East India Fish curry, which is
a Bay of Bengal Bekti in traditional Bengali style. I try the aromatic curry,
paired with steamed rice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrG_ovi4sHk/WZwS0Um2xWI/AAAAAAAAQiE/95SsMqV5lMMPyslgKmvf9hPTWOIEpBIaQCLcBGAs/s1600/British%2BRaj%2Bcuisine%2Bat%2BSaffron%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrG_ovi4sHk/WZwS0Um2xWI/AAAAAAAAQiE/95SsMqV5lMMPyslgKmvf9hPTWOIEpBIaQCLcBGAs/s400/British%2BRaj%2Bcuisine%2Bat%2BSaffron%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">History
can be quite fascinating. Especially when it is a part of a food festival in
a place like Saffron!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FAST FACTS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">~ A Play
of Spices : The flavours of India under the British Raj at
Saffron, Trident Gurgaon between 21st August
and 8thSeptember, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Timings:</b> Open For Lunch & Dinner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>For Reservations call: </b>0124 2450505<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">CHEF SPEAK<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WreC0HCQ5OA/WZwSMi2V82I/AAAAAAAAQh0/JRRvvvyfQ7seCXRhz35ieOD9RwE7tsGzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Chef%2BSandeep%2BKalra%2B-%2BExecutive%2BChef%2BTrident%252C%2BGurgaon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1542" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WreC0HCQ5OA/WZwSMi2V82I/AAAAAAAAQh0/JRRvvvyfQ7seCXRhz35ieOD9RwE7tsGzwCLcBGAs/s400/Chef%2BSandeep%2BKalra%2B-%2BExecutive%2BChef%2BTrident%252C%2BGurgaon.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chef
Sandeep Kalra, Executive Chef, Trident, Gurgaon says, “It is a great privilege
to present the richness of authentic Indian recipes from a bygone era,
recreating the cuisine with consistent and delicious food. Our culinary endeavours
reflect The Oberoi Group’s belief that it’s important to revive the Traditional
Indian recipes in these modern times and our dedication to uncompromising
quality”.</span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0443, Udyog Vihar Phase V, Udyog Vihar, Phase V, Sector 19, Gurugram, Haryana 122016, India28.50107 77.0888629999999470.7532654999999977 35.780268999999947 56.2488745 118.39745699999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-16323499441530534012017-06-06T09:21:00.003+05:302017-06-08T11:00:18.158+05:30THE CONCIERGE THAT STOLE MY HEART<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izlt_p4nmY8/WTYlmxguqAI/AAAAAAAAP54/kMXu_u-e5SwbR7FtWE7f7gsiPKw5PM9vwCLcB/s1600/20170525_130142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izlt_p4nmY8/WTYlmxguqAI/AAAAAAAAP54/kMXu_u-e5SwbR7FtWE7f7gsiPKw5PM9vwCLcB/s640/20170525_130142.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There
must be something about Marriott and absolutely brilliant Concierge services.
My first encounter was at the Renaissance Powai in Mumbai with Anthony
Arockinadan, the Navigation Desk Manager a few years ago who’s also won an
Award for his excellent service and we even covered him on our YouTube Channel ‘EatStayChill’
( you can later go on to the link and watch the video).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And
recently during my stay at the Marriott Marquis in Bangkok I had another chance
example of an unforgettable customer service win. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Please
be warned…. this service story will tug at your heartstrings. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So
my daughter Akanksha and I wanted to go to a store which sold chef coats and aprons,
the address of which we had found online and later in the evening to dine at Suhring.
We went to the concierge desk and this girl called ‘Super’ with the most
gorgeous smile in the world took out google maps for us, best way to reach etc
to save maximum time and finally called for a taxi to take us to our first stop,
as she was explaining the way to our cab driver, she heard thunderstorms and
immediately got us two umbrellas, just in case it began to pour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We
bid her a bye and happily drove past; a few seconds later, it started raining
cats and dogs and we decided to change our plan, got off the cab and went in
for a foot massage instead. When the rain stopped, we got back to the hotel and
bump into ‘Super’ and she was like ‘How are you guys? Hope all well? I called
at the store to check if you both had reached and I was really worried for you
when they told me you haven’t’ (We were not carrying phones that worked or she
would have called us). We told her the scenario and went back to the room to
dress and change for our dinner at Suhring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fi_jhr_XyLM/WTYmAXaJxEI/AAAAAAAAP6A/NBNBvzYyNicr5UjSF-UlbIgg5-LgwBwiACLcB/s1600/22%2BBangkok%2BMarriott%2BMarquis%2BQueen%2527s%2BPark%2BHotel%2BLobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fi_jhr_XyLM/WTYmAXaJxEI/AAAAAAAAP6A/NBNBvzYyNicr5UjSF-UlbIgg5-LgwBwiACLcB/s640/22%2BBangkok%2BMarriott%2BMarquis%2BQueen%2527s%2BPark%2BHotel%2BLobby.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The moment Super saw we were at the
lobby and ready to go, she suggested ‘Being traffic time, the best suggestion
is by the Sky train’ and she had a step by step map ready in English and Thai (in
her beautiful handwriting) just in case we lost our way. And as we left, she
said, ‘You are checking out late afternoon, give the store another try in the
morning’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEi0_EvHS9Q/WTYmnqQy-TI/AAAAAAAAP6E/nm9323Wrc9o-9Fu171nltASj6hAqd2svACLcB/s1600/20170525_130145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEi0_EvHS9Q/WTYmnqQy-TI/AAAAAAAAP6E/nm9323Wrc9o-9Fu171nltASj6hAqd2svACLcB/s320/20170525_130145.jpg" width="217" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We reached Suhring so easily thanks to Super, and guess what when we reached our Hotel room
that night, there was a map to the store from Super and a message reading ‘Give
it another try’ with a smiley. And of course we decided to give the store
another try the next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Post
breakfast with the map in our hand as we moved towards the lobby, Super with
her infectious smile greeted us and boarded us in a cab. We reached rather
quickly as there was hardly any traffic at that time. Moments later as we were
selecting, we heard the store manager receive a call from Super to know we had
reached all fine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDNxaPL_29E/WTYl2fuhzmI/AAAAAAAAP58/XG8Ul985gDEq2HhHhXTq_R1d5m9y6UrSwCLcB/s1600/20170525_131437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDNxaPL_29E/WTYl2fuhzmI/AAAAAAAAP58/XG8Ul985gDEq2HhHhXTq_R1d5m9y6UrSwCLcB/s640/20170525_131437.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And as we left the hotel that afternoon and bid Super and her
colleague Oak a goodbye, it was like leaving behind a part of the family.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Truly
People want to deal with other people and we seek human to human engagement. Our
engagement with Super was such a personalized experience. Super could have
easily given us directions or just a city map and circled places on it like
most hotel concierge do, but she went the extra mile. It’s rare to come across
people who do their work out of passion. With Super it was a relationship that
extended beyond expectations and one that has led to such a memorable
experience. ..Super you are Super! Kudos!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPp7-m2rEbk/WTYmy_KrwFI/AAAAAAAAP6I/yHhy4p5A7bozr-d26vexz_wuAjEG0xb4QCLcB/s1600/21%2BBangkok%2BMarriott%2BMarquis%2BQueen%2527s%2BPark%2BFacade%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPp7-m2rEbk/WTYmy_KrwFI/AAAAAAAAP6I/yHhy4p5A7bozr-d26vexz_wuAjEG0xb4QCLcB/s640/21%2BBangkok%2BMarriott%2BMarquis%2BQueen%2527s%2BPark%2BFacade%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">CHECK IT OUT</span></u></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: justify;">WHERE: </b><span style="text-align: justify;">Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Klong Ton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bangkokmarriottmarquis.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">bangkokmarriottmarquis.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>TEL</b>: +66 (0) 2 059 5999<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>WEB:</b> <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bkkqp">www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bkkqp</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-70216857675488496872017-05-29T10:34:00.000+05:302017-05-30T08:22:15.170+05:30THE GOJI KITCHEN & BAR AT THE LARGEST HOTEL IN BANGKOK GOES WORLDWIDE ON CUISINE AND GRANDIOSE ON ITS SELECTION – THIS IS NO ORDINARY BUFFET!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It’s
always a virtuous sign when you just can’t decide what to order. It’s a shared
problem here, where breakfast is a cut above.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BK_f1fpzb3Q/WSuqPARui_I/AAAAAAAAP0o/jSJ3HTVOUUwpzkrIIpbX6-Ma4VNY3wqOgCEw/s1600/29%2BGoji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bchefs%2Bin%2Baction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BK_f1fpzb3Q/WSuqPARui_I/AAAAAAAAP0o/jSJ3HTVOUUwpzkrIIpbX6-Ma4VNY3wqOgCEw/s640/29%2BGoji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bchefs%2Bin%2Baction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Marriott
Marquis …the first in Asia Pacific and the largest in Bangkok. This fresh milestone
in the heart of the Thai Capital takes its inspiration from the Thai Queen’s
passion that ‘the cultural heritage of Thailand resides within its people’ and
this hotel mergers fabulous Thai hospitality with the ‘Travel Brilliantly’ values
of the Marriott brand. It is a portrayal of urbane luxury, a favoured among
those seeking vital easing collective with an elegant ambience. It brags wide-ranging
facilities, including over 1,300 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function
space across 37 venues, two swimming pools, the Quan Spa which is a calm oasis and
a collection of restaurants and bars…one of which is home to the focus of my
visit that morning…aka Breakfast at the Goji Kitchen & Bar! A hotel buffet
does not have to mean queuing up for lukewarm titbits, uncertain hotpots and gelatinous
eggs. There is a glorious thing happening out here and the daughter and I are
excited to dive in.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">AMBIENCE <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK-dzSkNWvA/WSurQgazkCI/AAAAAAAAP08/LCwr8IFBmrwf-biJfZ8WN8lzLNPSvpBmQCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK-dzSkNWvA/WSurQgazkCI/AAAAAAAAP08/LCwr8IFBmrwf-biJfZ8WN8lzLNPSvpBmQCLcB/s640/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Attentive staff takes
your order for tea or coffee as soon as you take your seat. Overlooking Bangkok’s
Benjasiri Park, Bright and welcoming, Goji can seat 240 diners. Views of
verdant greens echo in the cuisine itself, which is environmentally-friendly organic
and sourced locally. There are also private dining rooms in case you are a
larger group or celebrating!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmlWFz3thEk/WSuq-iJPQMI/AAAAAAAAP00/xYNADkf4yRQRJ650NTfJXSIGvps8AAgTQCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Italian%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmlWFz3thEk/WSuq-iJPQMI/AAAAAAAAP00/xYNADkf4yRQRJ650NTfJXSIGvps8AAgTQCLcB/s640/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Italian%2Bstation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">WHAT’S ON OFFER?</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM_rwi98y5U/WSurlAMqf2I/AAAAAAAAP1E/s_hJVjwzHAMos4hn7qOA9rdMA2cQQwcJQCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_hot%2Bstation%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM_rwi98y5U/WSurlAMqf2I/AAAAAAAAP1E/s_hJVjwzHAMos4hn7qOA9rdMA2cQQwcJQCLcB/s640/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_hot%2Bstation%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Think
a bounty of authentic, modern Asian cuisine, a glut of top quality ocean fresh seafood,
an old-style roast carvery, sashimi and sushi station, Indian selection, Hainese
chicken rice corner with its own expert chef, South American Parrilla Grill, handmade
Chinese steamed buns, Dimsums galore, make your own salad bar, a huge Bagel
selection <i>(I encrusted mine with dill cream
cheese and superbly grated cooked beetroot sharp with a wee bit of horseradish,
the perfect bite, creamy and fresh all at once)</i>, fruits, juices, finest cheeses,
cold cuts, breads, yogurts , eggs to order, pancakes, waffles …replete with
live dramatic cooking stations, and an eye-popping milk bar to make any milk
lover pinch themselves in disbelief. Oh, and did I mention they have got a
fresh Sugar cane press? Anticipate sushi and sashimi, steamed dumplings and
buns, noodle and rice dishes cooked to order, and the freshest seafood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HILzrhxjWwg/WSurJfbCzEI/AAAAAAAAP04/CziDYCSPR78CWNpB3Z_axUvADNGyB8pGwCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Seafood%2Bstation%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HILzrhxjWwg/WSurJfbCzEI/AAAAAAAAP04/CziDYCSPR78CWNpB3Z_axUvADNGyB8pGwCLcB/s320/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Seafood%2Bstation%2B8.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Come
hungry. So kudos to lead chefs, Itthi Nitayaporn of Thailand, Jasvir Sanghera
of Thailand and Watanabe Masayuki of Japan, who obviously know a thing or three
about excellent, slightly off-piste textures and flavours and maintaining the
perfect taste. Textures rule in dishes such the scramble egg, opt for one that
gets chunky with salmon and covered in bonito flakes that wave in the heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ86mdxdBxc/WSuqsy-qqYI/AAAAAAAAP0s/8l6I1b0Js5s2mXJhscGH--5TtMDpPBcpwCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Dessert%2Bstation%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ86mdxdBxc/WSuqsy-qqYI/AAAAAAAAP0s/8l6I1b0Js5s2mXJhscGH--5TtMDpPBcpwCLcB/s640/Goji%2BKitchen%2B%252B%2BBar%2Bbuffet%2Bline_Dessert%2Bstation%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
then at the end see if you still have some room for dessert, and ask for the bill,
and leave beaming promising to return very, very soon.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">CHECK IT OUT</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: justify;">WHERE: </b><span style="text-align: justify;">Bangkok
Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Klong Ton, Klongtoey,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bangkokmarriottmarquis.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">bangkokmarriottmarquis.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>TEL</b>: +66 (0) 2 059 5999<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>WEB:</b> <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bkkqp">www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bkkqp</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>EMAIL:</b> <a href="mailto:restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com">restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>VERDICT</b>: I only tried the breakfast buffet out here, but from
stylish breakfasts to high-flying lunches, exciting evening buffets to memorable
family brunches, Goji Kitchen & Bar has something to suit all tastes and
every occasion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqKF0HsRWTE/WSuraOF0-8I/AAAAAAAAP1A/e_Ykr-p-nS0n0V1iAETBwj690p_YKQNowCLcB/s1600/Goji%2BBeerTerrace_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqKF0HsRWTE/WSuraOF0-8I/AAAAAAAAP1A/e_Ykr-p-nS0n0V1iAETBwj690p_YKQNowCLcB/s640/Goji%2BBeerTerrace_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">INTERNATIONAL GOURMET BUFFET PRICE <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Breakfast buffet</b>: THB 850++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lunch
buffet: THB 790++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dinner
buffet (Sunday – Thursday): THB 1,200++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dinner
buffet (Friday – Saturday): THB 1,800++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sunday
Brunch buffet (Sunday): THB 1,800++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">BEVERAGE PACKAGE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Free
flow fruit juices and soft drinks: THB 99++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Free
flow fruit juices, soft drinks and beers: THB 499++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Free
flow fruit juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverage exclude champagne: THB
950++<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-40677371861071376892017-05-06T10:22:00.001+05:302017-05-14T07:18:04.098+05:30MOTHER CHILD BONDING - COOK AS YOU TRAVEL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62pxFa8MIjI/WRe3Qj3jSCI/AAAAAAAAPso/l8ARHOdb-oUaZ7aYiaXqmpaC04em8Z03QCLcB/s1600/france%2B109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62pxFa8MIjI/WRe3Qj3jSCI/AAAAAAAAPso/l8ARHOdb-oUaZ7aYiaXqmpaC04em8Z03QCLcB/s640/france%2B109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The
finest way to Bond with your Child is to experience striking customs by
indulging on local produce, appreciating regional spices and sitting down to
share a meal.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da8TOe4Ww-U/WQ1WcDM6skI/AAAAAAAAPpk/EblEFxZPHN03YOoHTtuy87mt-s2ZhownACLcB/s1600/france%2B112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da8TOe4Ww-U/WQ1WcDM6skI/AAAAAAAAPpk/EblEFxZPHN03YOoHTtuy87mt-s2ZhownACLcB/s640/france%2B112.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘COOK
AS YOU TRAVEL’ A FAST CATCHING TREND TO
BOND</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Trying some of the
best eating out places each metropolitan and province has to offer, devouring
popular dishes and local treats is a fun way to bond. If you love cooking
and more essentially eating…then a local cuisine learning session is unquestionably
for you! By educating to cook a local cuisine in the country you are in you
straight away get an advantage as your coach is acquainted with the food, knows
the local way to make it, and even gives you advice on the correct cooking
techniques; carry home recipe cards are usually a part of the package. And
trust me it’s exciting to start the day at a local market then sit down to a
meal of your very own making …a perfect way to bond with your children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">HOW
DO THESE COOKING CLASSES WORK?</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Learners are
characteristically teamed up with multilingual chef instructors competent in
the cuisine of the region. Some packages are suited to a widespread multi-week
gastronomic voyage: Learning nuances of terrines and pates in Strasbourg,
cheese making in Switzerland, foraging for Truffles in Alba or cooking Javanese
cuisine in Indonesia. Other half a day or day long sessions outfit to those who
merely want to have fun while cooking on their travels. Hotels and resorts
are progressively offering classes as well. So all in all, these classes can
house budding chefs of all ability-levels, with charges stretching from free
and up. All you need to do is, discover the seamless gourmet get-away to ensemble
your palate and your budget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuiKZKo7KmU/WQ1VpXZ3vVI/AAAAAAAAPpg/LPz8Q0W1_nQixrcH6EybUqjI6llECeIFwCEw/s1600/france%2B127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuiKZKo7KmU/WQ1VpXZ3vVI/AAAAAAAAPpg/LPz8Q0W1_nQixrcH6EybUqjI6llECeIFwCEw/s640/france%2B127.JPG" width="568" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A
TASTE OF THE CLASSES</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Honestly, when it
comes to culinary classes and workshops there is such a respectable range
world-wide, that we are spoilt for choice! More than just humble store selling
kitchen utensils, Tools of the Trade in Singapore is a very food-focused retail
outlet that has cooking studios, a bistro and even a gourmet market all
appropriate positioned next to one another. The cooking classes they offer
are very well-received with chefs coming in to give demonstrations and teaching
you how to make anything running the gamut from a lesson in ‘slow food’ or
‘local treats’ like the famed Chilli Crab. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGZ64rWr9No/WRe2dO8wQII/AAAAAAAAPsg/QHvZERePPZwXZ_A-qBO_L7vDNHFWG2S-wCLcB/s1600/chef%2Binstructor%2Bof%2Bblue%2Belephant%2Bcooking%2Bschool%2Bdrinking%2Biced%2Bcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGZ64rWr9No/WRe2dO8wQII/AAAAAAAAPsg/QHvZERePPZwXZ_A-qBO_L7vDNHFWG2S-wCLcB/s640/chef%2Binstructor%2Bof%2Bblue%2Belephant%2Bcooking%2Bschool%2Bdrinking%2Biced%2Bcoffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The constant workshops and classes
at the Blue Elephant in Bangkok class begins with registration followed by a
visit to the market with the chef instructor which is a very hands-on
experience, as he walks you around the market, explaining various ingredients; you
get to shop in the local markets for seasonal ingredients, before you head back
to the cooking school. For each dish, the chef explains and demonstrates,
then you go to the kitchen on your individual work station, gather ingredients,
and prepare the dish you have just learnt and of course you will enjoy a sampling
of the dishes for yourself. Workshops at Tam’s in Nice, France pay homage to
tried-and-true local dishes and include a cooking class, lunch with wine and a
field experience. Go on a flower and vegetable market tour with Chef Tam, and
then get into the fancy kitchen by the Sea, where you can learn the secrets of
Salad Nicoise and more. At her school, Chef Tam teaches you the secrets of
capturing Nice’s essence and helps you master your Nicoise dishes of your
choice. She also peppers her instructions with humorous and gossipy tidbits. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">my story first published in ET Travel</span></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-17653668506553814652017-04-14T09:41:00.000+05:302017-04-14T10:52:17.772+05:30HOW DO PUNJABI CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE EASTER??..A QUESTION WE HAVE VERY OFTEN BEEN ASKED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JRrGlfzVNE/WPBK0w54-qI/AAAAAAAAPgM/sq9igwoJiBkLck7I8dSIl7RnHLOOtl8uwCLcB/s1600/france%2B151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JRrGlfzVNE/WPBK0w54-qI/AAAAAAAAPgM/sq9igwoJiBkLck7I8dSIl7RnHLOOtl8uwCLcB/s640/france%2B151.JPG" width="586" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have A Blessed Good Friday & A Happy Easter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘I remember getting
dressed in new clothes and going with Mom and Dad for Sunday service which
started at 11 Am post which we had Lunch cooked by the members of the church;
but my favourite part was the Sunday School at the Church where we were told
interesting stories from the Bible, there used to be an Easter Hunt where real
boiled eggs were hidden and we hunted for them with the given clues. We also
painted eggs in school and it was a whole lot of fun’, <b>is a really sweet anecdote, my husband Bakshish shared with me of his
childhood memories of Easter…</b></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For me as a kid,
Easter had always been about Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies. I recall
begging my mother to buy me an Easter egg from Flury’s when we lived in Kolkata
and after that, she would buy me an egg and a chocolate bunny every Easter. I
am a Hindu by birth, married into a Punjabi Christian family, got baptized after
several years of my marriage in Bethany at the same spot where Jesus was
baptized, ( an urge the place being so pure and blissful) and now belong to both religions, that said we as a family just
follow one rule, God is one and teaches the same thing ...no matter what
religion and we celebrate all festivals with great gusto. I feel lucky to have
grown up with parents who loved celebrating things and gave me the full
spectrum of experiences. You may have noticed I have inherited that sense
of celebrations and fortunately for me, my husband has been brought up the same
way as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For those who do not know, Easter Sunday
is the most Exuberant of the celebrations because it holds the miracle, faith
and aptitude of the Resurrection! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">I am sure you must be curious
to know, how we celebrate Easter. </span></b><b>Well,<span style="color: red;"> </span></b>we celebrate all festivals with great gusto and as a
rule believe in spreading happiness among street and Orphan kids. On Easter we
distribute chocolate Easter eggs to these kids with a little goody bag and
there’s no better joy when these kids give you back a smile and sometimes a
kiss and our daughter <b>Akanksha</b>
has been instilled with the same values. </span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As
a family of foodies , we still make our traditional food during the Holy week
at home, but what has changed is that previously we used to invite friends and
family over at home, but now we go out for Easter Brunch with the family,
though we try and stick to traditional food ….for example this Easter we have
booked a table at <b>Bernardo’s</b> as they have a special Goa Kerela theme and since
Easter is big in both the regions, we are sure …it’s going to be an Easter well
spent.</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">For Punjabi Christians, the traditional
cuisine is very Desi</span></b>…there are NO cakes
or pastries. Meat Aloo curry, mutton or Jeera pulao, Raita, a Veg dish, Salad and
halwa was an integral part of the meal. If it was a smaller congregation, the
meal comprised of Meat curry, Jeera Pulao and Halwa and if it was a really
small congregation then Puri & halwa for that perfect savoury and sweet
mix. <b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>Things have changed slightly, now
instead of the church members cooking, there are caterers hired and the menu
has additions of western influenced dishes like cakes and other sweetmeats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A FEW TRADITIONAL PUNJABI CHRISTIAN EASTER
RECIPES</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN3BBSbmmK8/WPBLKgbCEKI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/_xUJo0xAB9o1usrfIixzbcXGvVyn8v-dACLcB/s1600/france%2B131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN3BBSbmmK8/WPBLKgbCEKI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/_xUJo0xAB9o1usrfIixzbcXGvVyn8v-dACLcB/s640/france%2B131.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby Bakshish Dean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">MEAT POTATO CURRY</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Makes</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> 4 Portions<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mutton: 1 Kg; Potatoes: 400 Gms; Ghee: 125 Gms;
Ginger: 20 Gms; Garlic: 20 Gms; Green chilly: 3-4 no.; Onions: 500 Gms;
Tomatoes: 250 Gms; Cardamom (Black): 4 nos; cloves: 4 nos; Bay Leaves: 2 –3
nos; Black peppercorn: 2.5 Gms: Cinnamon sticks: 2 sticks; Turmeric: ½ tsp; Red
chilli powder: as desired; Fresh Coriander: 25 Gms; Salt: to taste. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Method<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Buy mutton in mixed pieces </span><span lang="EN-US">of Chaamp, Puth and Nalli <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Cut Potatoes into quarters lengthwise; finely chop ginger, garlic and
green chilies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Finely chop onions and tomatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">In <i>handi</i> heat ghee, add the <i>whole </i>Garam masala, when it
crackles, add chopped ginger, garlic & green chilies. Then add mutton,
onions, turmeric, red chili & salt. Fry on medium heat till light brown.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">]</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Add Potatoes, sauté for a bit, add water (about 2 ½ cups), cover &
simmer on slow flame till the mutton is tender. Remove mutton & potato
pieces from gravy & keep aside. To the gravy add tomatoes and cook till it
leaves oil, add about a cup of water & simmer. Put the mutton and potato
pieces back into the gravy and give it a boil. Add water as per desired
consistency. Check seasoning. Garnish with finely chopped coriander. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">MUTTON PULAO <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Makes </span></b><span lang="EN-US">4 portions<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Basmati rice: 250 Gms; Ghee: 100 Gms; Black cardamom:
2 nos; cloves: 3-4 nos; Cinnamon stick: 1 no; Bay Leaf: 1 no; Mutton with bone
(Nalli): 500 Gms; ginger: 5 Gms; Garlic: 5 Gms; Green chilly: 5 Gms; Onions
sliced: 125 Gms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">METHOD<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">]</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Clean mutton; finely chop ginger, garlic and green chilly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">]</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Wash & soak rice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Heat Ghee in a handi, add whole Garam Masala, when it crackles, add
finely chopped ginger, garlic & green chili, add the sliced onions and
mutton, add salt and <b>“Bhuno”</b> well. Add water and simmer till mutton is
almost done, adjust water so that it is double the quantity of rice, bring it
to a boil, correct salt and add the soaked rice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Stir gently to mix well, correct seasoning if required<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Cover the pan after it has gently boiled for a few minutes, lower the
heat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">] </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Cook slowly until rice is cooked and the stock completely absorbed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove and keep aside covered, rest the pulao for
about 15 minutes then serve.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOd33vST5GQ/WPBJ4T7JtKI/AAAAAAAAPgA/q8_Kegnbnp4ZiqTNAYE5EjdDm56iPoyFwCLcB/s1600/special%2Bpulao.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOd33vST5GQ/WPBJ4T7JtKI/AAAAAAAAPgA/q8_Kegnbnp4ZiqTNAYE5EjdDm56iPoyFwCLcB/s640/special%2Bpulao.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipping of the Easter Story by Prerna Gauba in Today's HT CITY</td></tr>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-77480328028113120752017-04-02T10:24:00.000+05:302017-04-03T13:13:57.191+05:30OLD IS GOLD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A step back in time to dine in the
world’s oldest restaurants is a fascinating experience.</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYJ4X8wKtr0/WOCBlhDTKYI/AAAAAAAAPak/sgOZCqnBeUEDNtOxU1v5Y2NFZiIIPjyTQCEw/s1600/BOTIN-WORLD%2527S%2BOLDEST%2BRESTAURANT%2Bin%2Bmadrid%2Bspain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYJ4X8wKtr0/WOCBlhDTKYI/AAAAAAAAPak/sgOZCqnBeUEDNtOxU1v5Y2NFZiIIPjyTQCEw/s640/BOTIN-WORLD%2527S%2BOLDEST%2BRESTAURANT%2Bin%2Bmadrid%2Bspain.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">BOTIN, MADRID</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The
setting is quaint, along a medieval row of restaurants that line the Plaza
Mayor. Botin is crowded with tourists and locals, it’s just crowded!
Established in 1725, there is a reason this place is still in business, the
food is fantastic and their service is world class and so is the wine! It is
the oldest restaurant in the world and they have a Guinness book of world records
certificate in the restaurants front window to prove it! The Botin experience
takes one behind closed doors on a guided visit of the restaurant’s history and
its anecdotes. The kitchen with clay ovens, date back to 1725, where they cook
suckling pigs even now. Do peek in at Bodega and the room where Ernest
Hemmingway sat to write. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">ZUR LETZTEN INSTANZ, BERLIN<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">City centre
banqueting with the dreamy echo of a clan abode, ‘Zur Letzten Instanz’,
Berlin’s oldest restaurant precisely reads into the last resort and has done a prosperous
business since 1621 with such genuine indigenous fare as roast pork knuckle and
Bouletten (Berlin-style meatballs) that go best with a mug of frothy
beer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srgdEn327bE/WOCB9fsCrSI/AAAAAAAAPao/BsTDGtEPg0IB6LldCTmEvTqALtBXD4kWgCLcB/s1600/OLDEST%2BRESTAURANT%2BIN%2BBERLIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srgdEn327bE/WOCB9fsCrSI/AAAAAAAAPao/BsTDGtEPg0IB6LldCTmEvTqALtBXD4kWgCLcB/s400/OLDEST%2BRESTAURANT%2BIN%2BBERLIN.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the menu is genuine and native German cuisine showcasing Berlin
specialties, and interestingly each dish is baptized after a lawful process, for
example‘Beweismittel’ which translates into Evidence and actually is a
cabbage roll with mashed potatoes and salad. Another enjoyable creation is the
‘Zeugen-Aussage aka witness testimony’ the pork knuckle set flawlessly together
with the farmhouse bread, sauerkraut, pureed split peas and smoked bacon.</span></span></div>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">CASA PASTEIS DE BELEM, LISBON</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4z3oZQIS08/WOCCxeX5YcI/AAAAAAAAPaw/jVEWxSR4jbIPxVb2PaeHXx22Nz2x-rKTQCLcB/s1600/At%2BCASA%2BPASTEIS%2BDE%2BBELEM%252C%2BLISBON..%2Bthese%2Begg%2Btarts%2Bare%2Bextreemely%2Bpopular%2Bin%2Bportugal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4z3oZQIS08/WOCCxeX5YcI/AAAAAAAAPaw/jVEWxSR4jbIPxVb2PaeHXx22Nz2x-rKTQCLcB/s640/At%2BCASA%2BPASTEIS%2BDE%2BBELEM%252C%2BLISBON..%2Bthese%2Begg%2Btarts%2Bare%2Bextreemely%2Bpopular%2Bin%2Bportugal.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do make a stop at
the No 1 rated egg tart place in town. History has it that a little before the
18th century, Catholic Monks at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos of Belem, created
this creamy dessert. As you stand in the serpentine queue outside you will discover
that the service is swift, and you will move along the line very quickly. Order
at least 2 tarts each and make yourselves comfortable on the table. They are
decadent to the core with a warm (just out of the oven), light crispy pastry
shell enclosing vanilla scented mouthful of custard which is luscious and one
can choose to sprinkle it with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Definitely worth
the wait…!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">BIN ATEEK, MUSCAT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztAK0SeImmI/WOCDeVyK9mI/AAAAAAAAPa4/BdLKt1oOLRoJdI6mJfbma_UJAbugQOr9ACLcB/s1600/meal%2Bat%2Bbin%2Bateek%2Bshare%2Bthat%2Bmeal%2Bcommunity%2Bstyle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztAK0SeImmI/WOCDeVyK9mI/AAAAAAAAPa4/BdLKt1oOLRoJdI6mJfbma_UJAbugQOr9ACLcB/s640/meal%2Bat%2Bbin%2Bateek%2Bshare%2Bthat%2Bmeal%2Bcommunity%2Bstyle.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The restaurant has a
few floors, divided into private rooms, named after various places in Oman. One
is made to seat on the carpeted floor and the meal is brought on large
traditional round trays to be eaten community style, just like at the home of
any Arab. The highlight being the shuwa which is lamb cooked for up to two days
wrapped in banana leaves in an underground clay oven while marinated in herbs
and spices such as red pepper, garlic, cumin and coriander. The Mashuai aka
spit roasted fish served on a bed of lemon rice is another great choice. Not to
be missed is also Maqbous, a saffron flavoured rice dish cooked over white or
red meat, their version of our Biryani. The other native curry dishes, based on
various meats such as beef with green beans and potatoes or spicy fish in lime
and coconut milk do not disappoint either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">my story first published in ET Panache Travel </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-14800489435219897822017-03-23T20:48:00.004+05:302017-03-23T21:04:01.045+05:30threesixtyone° GOES MICHELIN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Oberoi, Gurgaon plays host to Michelin
Star Chef Mario Paecke - Chef de Cuisine at the restaurant Luce D’Oro, this
season at threesixtyone°. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRWS38ImUJQ/WNPkbPGtu3I/AAAAAAAAPUQ/Q47rmoq73Corb5HnqRoH_wv8ectT-YtZgCLcB/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRWS38ImUJQ/WNPkbPGtu3I/AAAAAAAAPUQ/Q47rmoq73Corb5HnqRoH_wv8ectT-YtZgCLcB/s320/IMG-20170323-WA0015.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Michelin
Star chef Mario Paecke who is at the helm of award winning restaurant Luce
D’Oro is an amazing cook with an amazing palate who does remarkable things with
minimal ingredients … seasonal and distinctive! The Oberoi Hotels are famous
for their exceptional service which basically means they create a warm air for
the diner and allow them to relish the good things in life with good
people. For me, <b>threesixtyone°</b>
at The Oberoi, Gurgaon seemed to deliver just that. I was in the company
of my dear husband, appreciating an extraordinary meal, fenced by smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You
begin with a choice of wine pairing or not, my recommendation is to go for it,
the wines do complete justice to the food! And to answer this question (people
have been asking ever since they have seen my posts) – does the menu deserve
the hype? Yes, it does! This is not just food; it is skill experienced on manifold
dimensions. It’s decadent, filling, and gorgeously presented. Each course is exclusive
and unforgettable. Everything on the plate was amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPL8sUlojl4/WNPkIyY4lII/AAAAAAAAPUM/eZYyyNdYK9sKrxbRMi1siV6wK9qEJlmUgCEw/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPL8sUlojl4/WNPkIyY4lII/AAAAAAAAPUM/eZYyyNdYK9sKrxbRMi1siV6wK9qEJlmUgCEw/s640/IMG-20170323-WA0014.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dishes
come in perfect speed, so one can savour each bite, and just when you have
taken it in, comes the next course. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One minute, it’s an intense pairing of bicolored
chestnut pearl goat cheese with lemon; next, it’s a velvety and superlative
Beetroot soup which is interesting as it has different textures, crunchy and
good, married with savoury creamy liquid full of flavour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvdj8nAljs8/WNPlYoN9FkI/AAAAAAAAPUY/KPs1MW5bDBMdMTi2jA96oY5hi9IzJsSAQCLcB/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvdj8nAljs8/WNPlYoN9FkI/AAAAAAAAPUY/KPs1MW5bDBMdMTi2jA96oY5hi9IzJsSAQCLcB/s320/IMG-20170323-WA0044.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
what truly stood out for me were the Black Cod with carrot, freeze dried Pomello,
gen mai chai, in which every bite tasted different. I will never forget the
taste of the Cod and its texture. The beetroot soup, the celery with Peruvian
Asparagus with the mustard saying hello were also big hits on my palate.
The dessert was unique, with flavours that have no comparison in my dining
experience. A very light and delicate marshmallow cloud drizzled with the
caramelized toffee; the ginger crumbs over the apple sorbet, the parfait combination
added a fantastic dimension and tied it all together. The way the Apple, Ginger
and toffee was treated, truly couldn’t have been a better way to end the meal
and of course paired beautifully with the N.V Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port
from Porto.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvZMF2Gk0tI/WNPmHENpDQI/AAAAAAAAPUg/ie0hImr5nYQHHPia2IuXNsxzHltTyDZ9ACLcB/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0031%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvZMF2Gk0tI/WNPmHENpDQI/AAAAAAAAPUg/ie0hImr5nYQHHPia2IuXNsxzHltTyDZ9ACLcB/s640/IMG-20170323-WA0031%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">VERDICT</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">An
insanely inimitable experience in a gorgeous setting with flawless service; I
was asked, is it worth trying? Should I not miss this? The answer is, YES, go
check it out and experience savours you never thought existed with understated
use of ingredients, thus permitting each ingredient to stand-out for its sole
flavour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm3vpmPnyz0/WNPmtIj9cFI/AAAAAAAAPUo/XST8f4osivEvogTUqcBmek-gUe2ylb8IgCLcB/s1600/IMG-20170323-WA0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm3vpmPnyz0/WNPmtIj9cFI/AAAAAAAAPUo/XST8f4osivEvogTUqcBmek-gUe2ylb8IgCLcB/s640/IMG-20170323-WA0035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FASTFACTS</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Chef Mario Paecke
presents his signature seasonal cosmopolitan culinary style in a seven
course degustation menu exclusively at threesixtyone˚ between 22nd and
27th March 2017 for dinner only.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><b>The Oberoi,
Gurgaon’s resident Sommelier Rakesh Awaghade has paired the entire seven course
menu with hand-picked wines from the restaurant’s extensive cellar of rare and
specialty vintages from around the world.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"><b>The seven course
wine paired menu is priced at Rs. 6200 plus taxes and Rs. 3900 for food only.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;">For Reservations </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;">:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: -18pt;"> 0124 2451234</span></b></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597064443086951555.post-75630496693361086252017-02-23T10:32:00.002+05:302017-02-23T10:32:32.489+05:30THE CULTURAL EMIRATE, SHARJAH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tourism in Sharjah is family oriented,
and the many museums created are all child-friendly; Sharjah city is absolutely
worth a visit: all excursions start at the amazingly and appropriately named Ethnic
Roundabout, where Renaissance look alike buildings casing numerous museums ring
the roundabout….</span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">CULTURE GALORE</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Emirate of
Sharjah is a distant call from the allure and flashiness next door and it takes
only a little bus ride to get from one to the other, and is borderless but the dissimilarity
is amazingly beautiful. The folks of Sharjah have oil wealth too, they drive
their share of Ferraris, have their grand buildings and 5 star hotels, but you
only need to casually scuff the external to learn that they are profoundly entrenched
in their traditions. The finest museum to visit is certainly the Sharjah
Art Museum, the leading art gallery in the Gulf, with an inspiring assortment
of Arabic and Orientalist art. It’s a great idea to take a tea break on the
third floor, with its stunning domed ceiling decorated with patterns and the
night sky. A gathering of old buildings house yet more museums; and there’s
also a striking fort. One old house, conserved as it would have been when
the family lived there, gives a thought-provoking vision into how wealthy Arabs
lived before the onset of the high-rise apartment. Sharjah’s heritage centre
lies on the north side of the corniche, and opposite it, old-style dhows from
Iran still nod on the harbour, as they have done for years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPg_qqcPSE/WK5s2O8SmcI/AAAAAAAAPIw/x4ikRYfqy6I_M7Hmv5QcR1253cDIMuP4gCLcB/s1600/sharjah%2B323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPg_qqcPSE/WK5s2O8SmcI/AAAAAAAAPIw/x4ikRYfqy6I_M7Hmv5QcR1253cDIMuP4gCLcB/s640/sharjah%2B323.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The souks
especially the Central Souk is beautiful in the heart of town, is the perfect
place to shop for souvenirs, and rates are lesser than in Dubai. Sharjah is
also the place to come if you want to get a hint of genuine Arab life. Head for
the beach, serene and beautiful; In Arabic culture, the beach is a place to
meet and hang out, to picnic with family and friends.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FRIDAY MARKET<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With
a swarm of stalls vending fruits, vegetables, clothes, accessories,
domestic items, portable prerequisites and handcrafted goods, the market is
a must visit and an interesting insight to the local culture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o540eF66KS4/WK5sVNx0OcI/AAAAAAAAPIo/TYkh_J1jTWcn4irnttIp7DXfWhns70cIACLcB/s1600/sharjah%2B159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o540eF66KS4/WK5sVNx0OcI/AAAAAAAAPIo/TYkh_J1jTWcn4irnttIp7DXfWhns70cIACLcB/s640/sharjah%2B159.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Most of the
people include families visiting food stalls complete with an assortment of
dishes and snacks including samosas, Vadas as well as Kadak Chai.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">DESERT SAFARI IN MELIHA</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUErdEd5gZI/WK5qmS9oNfI/AAAAAAAAPIA/nD5M7V_0j1cCLuqb62pO-gdUWKzE4XjPQCLcB/s1600/camel%2Brock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUErdEd5gZI/WK5qmS9oNfI/AAAAAAAAPIA/nD5M7V_0j1cCLuqb62pO-gdUWKzE4XjPQCLcB/s640/camel%2Brock.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The
desert safari is an experience unique to the social and cultural fabric of
Sharjah. Visiting Sharjah and going back without boarding on a desert safari is
quite impossible indeed! This safari gives a real chance to experience the many
flavours of Sharjah courtesy a complete range of activities. The inexplicably alluring
desert sands make for a beautiful landscape while the dune bashing sessions signify
pure adventure and adrenaline pumping vehicle dexterity. Also denoted to as
Dune bashing, this activity can securely be measured the biggest attraction on
desert safari trips where automobiles are seen immaculately balanced above sand
dunes. Arabia’s superb deserts come thriving with a multitude of fascinating
experiences for tourists at these safaris. The Meliha desert safari is a brew
of adventure, excitement, warmth and amorousness diversified into one extremely
pleasant experience that will create memories to be prized for a lifetime
indeed! Meliha, Sharjah has its own exclusive excursion desk where you can
book a desert safari adventure for your entire family without any hassles. Not
only are the tour packages really affordable, they also throw in numerous supplementary
lures that you will not get elsewhere! Do not miss taking pictures of the Camel
Rock and fossil exploring!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FAST FACTS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYD5DQrJsuM/WK5r8_WyTEI/AAAAAAAAPIY/nHiGIGBP_nQyKzjgfT0eWXfaMlaubqUVwCLcB/s1600/AA_0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yYD5DQrJsuM/WK5r8_WyTEI/AAAAAAAAPIY/nHiGIGBP_nQyKzjgfT0eWXfaMlaubqUVwCLcB/s640/AA_0442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Best Way To Reach</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">: Fly Air Arabia, it’s a great budget airline; For
Reservations: </span><a href="http://www.airarabia.com/en" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">http://www.airarabia.com/en</a><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-i9aCpL-U/WK5sGI-pR2I/AAAAAAAAPIg/9jSzo1r6NRwTsBnvzIYP_tQqrP32jU77wCLcB/s1600/Oceanic%2BPool%2Band%2BBeach%2Bportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-i9aCpL-U/WK5sGI-pR2I/AAAAAAAAPIg/9jSzo1r6NRwTsBnvzIYP_tQqrP32jU77wCLcB/s640/Oceanic%2BPool%2Band%2BBeach%2Bportrait.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Place to Stay:</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> Oceania Khorfakkan Resort & Spa, Corniche Road -
Al Mudifi – Sharjah offers breath taking views at affordable rates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My story first published in Statesman</span></div>
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Rupali Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16974938325862757110noreply@blogger.com0