VEGETARIANISM THE LATEST FAD

Hectic lifestyles with a bombardment of health messages sure leave most of us confused. Most of us try diets, and the latest trend now is a Vegetarian food diet and there are posh only vegetarian restaurants opening by the dozen! Transition to vegetarianism is on the rise and more and more people are worried about what they are eating and soon enough Vegetarian food consumption will boom worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to research, vegetarians tend to live longer on an average than those who eat meat-based food regularly. This is the main reason why people all around the world are becoming vegetarians. After all, herbivores are generally healthier than carnivores. This is also the reason why doctors recommend following a vegetarian diet to patients with obesity, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, gout, ulcers, arthritis, hypertension, allergies, gallstones, piles, colitis, kidney stones, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

Interestingly Vegetarianism dates back to a time before recorded history. Many anthropologists believe that most early humans ate primarily plant foods, being more gatherers than hunters. While being a vegetarian isn’t for everyone (including me), I meet lots of people every day who tell me they are vegetarians or would like to become one! According to many big name industry analysts and food companies, is that vegetarian dining and a reduced level of meat consumption is a rapid growing top food trend across the world. Proof of this can be found in the grocery store. Where Heinz used to be the only vegetarian baked beans available, now there are several varieties on the shelf, from Campbell’s to store brands. On most menus throughout the US, Canada and Europe I noticed vegetarian options for those who prefer the vegetarian diet. Vegetarians believe that this diet is much healthier than the average diet, which includes animal products. Last time when I flew by Emirates to Seattle, I noticed the vegetarian meal option seemed very creative for an airplane.

The Vegetarian Mezze Platter On Emirates Business Class

At a wedding dinner I again noticed a gamut of dishes for the vegetarians and while eating in a restaurant in India, l have noticed the growing trend toward vegetarianism. 

 Verdure Ripiene - at Artusi, a posh Italian Restaurant in Delhi

Interestingly on a recent trip to Mumbai I stayed at the Sofitel Luxury Hotel and I was mesmerized by the splendour of classical French Heritage and the magnificence, beauty and luxury of a world-class hotel. Interestingly with The Bharat Diamond Bourse aka the world’s largest Diamond Bourse having moved to Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Luxury Hotel has been smart and opened ‘Tuskers’, a Vegetarian Dining Bar especially for the selective eaters.

True to its name the restaurant is inspired by the most regal of creatures, the merciful vegetarians i.e. the Elephants. I found Tuskers to be a delicious mix of contemporary ambience echoed in the rich warm leathers, walnut chesterfields, carpets, grill works, elephant motifs and plush wood. The restaurant had on offer the choicest vegetarian fare, simmered to perfection in the most exotic spices. To complement the food, the wine cellar houses a fine repertoire of wines and the bar offers a range of exclusive and rare single malts, as well as classic cocktails.

A VEGETARIAN SAGA BY MICHELIN STAR CHEF VIKAS KHANNA

Master chef Vikas Khanna recently launched his book alongside KitchenAid’s cordless hand blender with excellent Vegetarian recipes.

‘Hymns from the Soil’ is an exquisite amalgamation of gentle, pure, heart-warming tales from a vegetarian kitchen that overflows with nature’s harvest. The recipes in the book accentuate the purity and spirituality of vegetarian food while bringing in cultural and regional nuances. This food journey is interspersed with Vikas’s own personal journey – whether it is going back to his kitchen garden in Amritsar and waiting for the cardamom to grow as a curious child or to exploring the cardamom spice farms as an adult, with the same level of excitement and enthusiasm. Hymns from the Soil offers a heartening tribute as Chef Vikas Khanna bows to Mother Earth.

CELEBRITY BYTES

Gaurav Gera

Shahid Kapoor is the winner of the title of Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Man for 2011 after a fierce battle on PETA Asia Pacific website. Singer Faye Wong had been crowned Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Woman. 

Actor Director Deepak Tijori

Actor Director Deepak Tijori has been a vegetarian all his life, ‘I relish simple vegetarian spicy food. I love moong and masoor dal and any good dish made out of potatoes… and I make the most awesome masala rice and aloo pyaaz tamatar ki subzi’, shares Tijori. 

Gaurav Gera, who is now the famed “Jhumroo” at Kingdom of Dreams is a vegetarian too and loves salads, ‘Being a pure vegetarian sometimes I don’t have too many options if Iam travelling’, jokes Gera, ‘That said, My favourite cuisine is South Indian. I often come to ‘Chennai’ at culture gully at Kingdom of Dreams for the Dosas’, he further adds. 

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi gave up Non-vegetarian food as he thinks vegetarian food is healthier.

Comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi

 ORGANICALLY VEGETARIAN

Certified organic vegetarian products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts; this is because the organic food supply is limited as compared to demand. Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labour input and because farmers don't produce enough of a single product to lower the overall cost. In spite of that within the last year most supermarkets began setting up organic vegetarian food sections to sell mostly locally grown organic produce including fresh vegetables, fruits, rice and tea. The popularity of organic foods can also be attributed to promotional and educational efforts conducted by local academic and environmental groups.

All in all vegetarian practices meet the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs…so GO Green…what say?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING A VEGETARIAN

> Studies have shown that by following a well-balanced low-fat high-fibre vegetarian diet one would have lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and a fewer varieties of cancer.

>This diet is lower in total fat, and one consumes proportionally a lot of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians.

> Look younger - The content of fibre and lycopene in fruits and vegetables can prevent wrinkles as it serves as an antioxidant that reduces the potential for skin damage caused by free radicals.

  > With a diet is full of nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables; one is likely to maintain a stable blood sugar level more stable. The outcome of this stability is consistent energy levels, which eventually does not bring about any fatigue feeling, especially post meals.

    > Most of the diet is capable of detoxing your body naturally.

GORGEOUS GÖDÖLLŐ

Gödöllő is a town that preserves its past values and embraces the future and a day trip from Budapest would mean a combination of History and tradition come alive….

HISTORY

Only 30 km east of Budapest, Gödöllő is easily accessible from the capital by most means of transport. As I entered the impressive former summer residence of Queen Elizabeth, the beloved Queen of the Hungarians, I was mesmerized by the interior at once. Originally the 18th-century central estate of the Grassalkovich counts, the castle is an outstanding example of Central European Baroque architecture and happens to be the second largest in the world. The estate was transferred to the ownership of the Hapsburg kings in 1867. After this historical highlight I took a leisurely stroll through the vast park area gardens surrounding the castle.

TRADITION WELCOME

Next the group moved on to the horse-ranch of the Lazar brothers, the complex was developed by the Lazar brothers, Vilmos and Zoltan, two former multiple world champion four-hand carriage drivers. It is a truly bucolic location on gently rolling hills, with horses grazing in the distance… a sheer delight. A glass of Palinka, a traditional Hungarian drink, welcomed us and I was absolutely ready to resume imbibing a delectable Hungarian alcoholic beverage along with delicious savoury scones.

HORSEMANSHIP

After the warm welcome we proceeded to watch a superb show of remarkable horsemanship held by the staff. Four-hand carriage drivers in full gallop regaled the visitors, thrilled as well by masterly nomad bow and arrow demonstrations, where the rider aimed and found targets in full gallop. Our visit was highlighted by a demonstration of various riding feats like archery at gallop, standing on horseback, racing teams, etc. The riders were masterful, including a lady riding side-saddle. The show also had its lighter moments, especially when a hapless rider tries to convince a donkey to replicate the horses tricks, Far from complying, the donkey has some tricks of his own, it’ hilarious! 

As for me I was bowled over by the ‘puszta-five’, a stunt devised by the csikos (chi-kos), the cowboys. This involved a team of five horses, three in front, two following. A single rider stood upright with one foot on each rump of the last two horses, driving the entire entourage at breakneck gallop. The star of the show however was when I was invited to participate in a contest to mimic the skills of the Hungarians with the bullwhip. With a few training shots at the bottle, I managed the perfect whip and manage to tumble the bottle off its pedestal, and yes I was rewarded with the same bottle which was indeed a fine Hungarian wine.

FOOD AND FUN

After all this excitement a carriage ride through the property took us to the stables and the Lazar Brothers trophy room. 

A typical Hungarian meal of goulash, roast chicken, veal schnitzel, sausages and vegetables with paprika, downed with a constant flow of Hungarian wine and a decadent apricot pastry ended the trip. All along entertainment was in full swing with vibrant gypsy music and folkloric dances. For a taste of the countryside without getting too far from Budapest, this attraction is highly recommended. And I would like to applaud the Lazar brothers for taking on such an ambitious project to highlight Hungary’s rich past.

FAST FACTS

·       Best Way to Reach- Book a day trip from Budapest

·       For more info- Log onto www.gotohungary.com

Published in Food & wine

A MAGICAL RETREAT

LLANGOED HALL,WALES

A MAGICAL RETREAT

A blend of Renaissance splendour and contemporary élan, this palatial marvel caters to the beau monde from around the globe.

LOCATION

Ever wanted to live like royalty? Nestled in the stunning Wyve Valley amidst seventeen acres of Garden and parkland in the heart of Wales, formally known as Llangoed Castle, this beautiful retreat offers the splendour of a traditional Country House design and the luxury of a world class hotel. From my arrival in the sweeping driveway, until the Jacobean Manor house I was swept into another world.

ROOMS & SUITES

The hotel offers 29 rooms and suites which are appointed with classical elegance, to provide exceptional comfort. Each room has been thoughtfully designed and has its own character to provide guests with a calm, intimate retreat right in the centre of one of the world’s most exciting Valley’s. Fine fabrics, textures and colours, gorgeously designed furniture, linen and fragrances replete the ultimate lifestyle experience. In the tranquil surroundings of my four poster bedroom, a rich colour palette contrasted with the cool creams of the living area and lighting was subdued, giving my rooms a warm, seductive and relaxing atmosphere at night. My bathroom was spacious with a cast iron bath, luxurious toiletries and fluffy towels. The best part is that there is no Tea/Coffee making facility in the room, but one can call for it as and when one wants and hey presto, it comes on a tray in perfect style with house made cookies. And yes one can also benefit from free wireless connection throughout the hotel, but in a place like this who wants to be connected with the outside world... Not me!!!

WELSH DELIGHTS

A sweeping marble staircase took me graciously towards the various eating options of the Hotel. For breakfast my favourite venue was the ‘The Dining Room’ with a garden view. The buffet ran the gamut from Prosciutto di Parma, Ham and tomato omelettes to the best Bircher muesli this side of the Matterhorn. This also couldn’t have been a more peaceful retreat than for an evening drink or champagne whose inviting garden provided me with a sort of tranquillity within the heart of the city, yet away from its hustle and bustle. ‘The Whistler Restaurant’ taking its name from the original collection of Whistler drawings is renowned for its unique cuisine that is both authentic and innovative. As for me I gorged on the ‘Radnorshire Lamb’ and ‘Foie gras’, which was decadent to the core. The food is a perfect alliance between a cuisine that is light and traditional, or inventive and refined. And if you are looking for a celebration or a larger event of some sort, then the ‘Orangery room’ it is!

STAFF AND SERVICE

The Hotel offers a uniquely British kind of luxury hotel service. Aware that guests at the world’s grand hotels not only expect exquisite and impeccable service, Llangoed Hall has created an exceptional cultural identity. I felt like a ‘queen’ as I experienced such luxurious hospitality, Friendliness, discretion and attention to detail.

FAST FACTS

Is: 21st Century luxury with a uniquely Country house flair.

Best Way to Reach: By air 63 miles from Cardiff Airport and just less than two hours from Bristol International Airport; Heli-pad on site. By Rail it is three from Cardiff Central to Builth road station, 12 miles from Builth Road station and 24 miles from Abergavenny station.

Where: Llangoed Hall, Llyswen, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0YP, Wales, U.K.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1874 754525

Email: info@llangoedhall.co.uk

Website: www.llangoedhall.co.uk

Price: Minimum £150/ INR 12,000 (Double Room) to maximum £500 /INR 40,000 (Master suite) per night with Breakfast.

USP Facility: An exceptional venue for one’s wedding, and on offer is also civil partnership ceremonies. The experienced and friendly staff also helps co-ordinate your plans, recommend excellent suppliers and assists with all sorts of queries.

Must know: Make your stay even more exhilarating with a classic car from the Van Essen fleet, including Asian Martins, Ferraris, Range Rovers and Bentleys…

Did you know? According to the late Sir Clough William Ellis, the celebrated Welsh Architect, there appears to have been a house on this site since 560 AD. It is said that the first Welsh Parliament was held here.

RUPALI DEAN

Published in Food & Wine Magazine

PUNJABI!!!!

At the forefront of Punjab’s culinary tourism movement, the State provides food lovers with highest quality products to experience the very best of local cuisine.

FOOD HABITS

Punjabis take their food rather seriously. One of the main features of Punjabi cuisine is its diversity, and it is also wholesome and rustic. They love fresh milk and milk products. When you come to this part of India, leave behind all that new-fad of calorie counting, health-conscious, and low-fat thinking. The scent of real ghee invades the nostrils all over. Every dish you partake of is part of a saga, and every recipe, a piece of gastronomic history. An unmatched selection of delectable kebabs, delicately flavoured Dal Makhni, aromatic Sarson Ka Saag with Makki ki Roti, robust curries and irresistible Paranthas makes this the perfect choice for a gastronomic indulgence.

STREET FOOD

No tour to Punjab is complete without tickling your taste buds with the inexpensive and famous street food. Every city has its own speciality, for example while driving from Delhi to Ludhiana; one has to stop by at ‘Puranchand’s’ for his decadent meat curry. The ‘Cream chicken’ by Chawla in Ludhiana has become so popular that no home party is complete without it. As you step out of the Golden temple in Amritsar, you would be greeted by the pleasant odours emanating from street food push carts. There is food everywhere running the gamut from Samosas, Chhole Kulche and even gravity-defying lassies. The ‘Dahi-Bhalla’ in Jalandhar and even Patiala is a heavenly morsel and with just the right balance of the sweet and sour chutneys will make you reach for more. Aficionados swear by the ‘Golgappas’ all over Punjab and truly they are decadent to the core and standing by the road to savour this juicy mound is an exclusive experience. The ‘Bhalla Papri chaat’- well there’s nothing like that perfect bite, the one where all the flavours on the plate come together in one heavenly mouthful! The ‘samosas’ are equally commendable, the mutter Ka samosas for instance are delicious and very different from anywhere else. The best part is that most of the street food is surprisingly inexpensive for the consistently good quality ingredients and are raucous most of the time as they are well patronized.

SWEET ENDING

‘Basant kulfi’ near Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran has become an icon for its signature kulfi and is a must for tourists and locals who patronize this place. After more than a century and with a long list of loyal clients, ‘Lyallpur sweets’ needs very little endorsement. While Hero Bakery has sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, several ranges of coffee and can rustle up just about any kind of cake, it’s really their Cream Horns this establishment really shines. The marriage of the irresistible flavour of vanilla with the freshly whipped cream is the secret to these Cream Horns. If you’re ever in Ludhiana and you have a sweet tooth, you have to pay a visit here and you will not go away disappointed. ‘Lovely sweets’ in Jalandhar serving superlative motichoor laddoos without any nouveau pretension is so popular that it is definitely worth a visit. The melt in the mouth ‘Dhoda Sweets’ in kartarpur and Ludhiana are world famous, Legend has it that in 1912, Harbans Vig, a nutrition-seeking wrestler from Khushab of Sargodha district, hit upon this dish while experimenting in his kitchen. ‘Bansal Sweet House’ which has outlets in Amritsar, Chandigarh and Delhi has loyal customers flocking to his shop like hungry children to their school cafeteria as the sweetmeats are inexpensive but delicious! One would definitely want to sink one’s teeth into those luscious giant sized Jalebis all over Punjab. The Karigar fries these Jalebis in his huge wok and it’s a wonderful sight to see his old hands moving with the speed of an expert.

written for ITTP's punjab tourism booklet