A road trip was the need of the hour so I packed up and headed for the coast. I wanted to move far far away, where the haunt of technology couldn’t usurp my senses. No network, no internet – just the perfect respite I was seeking. Run away from the dogma that plagues us working…
Month: June 2015
Lights Out- Negroni style.
This is a story about a cat. His name?-Gatto. Much like Puss in boots this cat is quite the adventurer. He likes to occasionally scoot across rooms being chased by his own shadow. His biggest mystery is trying to capture the red dot on the floor (laser tag) that is non existent except on demand….
Margaritas for U -two?
I’m philosophical and currently donning my Sherlock Holmes hat. (Yes I have one of those.) So here’s a tale for you. A commonly accepted origin story of the birth of Margarita (not from Aldona- I refer to the drink here) is its invention in 1941, at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, Mexico, by a bartender Don Carlos…
The Porter of Palanpur
It’s 7:45a.m. The slow churning wheels come to a halt at the platform with a hiss of fatigue in the air. There’s a window of opportunity for one to ply their trade. From coffee vendors to hawkers selling wares to sleepy passengers aboard. It’s quite the wake up alarm indeed. The hustle bustle of the…
OOPS Tiramisu
A cruel joke could be defined when- after a 7 course meal accompanied with exclusive single malts from around the world, you are served this masterpiece. I present to you the Oops Tiramisu. This is the genius of Chef Saulo Bacchilega from the Park Hyatt – Goa. He playfully comes across and with a mischievous hint…
Angel in a bucket
At a monastery once in deep conversation, a monk asked me “Do you feel blessed?” I never really understood the magnitude of that question until a few years on. I am known to be deeply spiritual, far less religious. It took me sometime to fully realize the depth of that answer and it so happened…
Cheers to U.s.a
It’s 5pm and i frantically get a call from the Marriotts requesting my time and palette to attend the ‘Cheers’ American Whiskey tasting event that evening two hours hence. Given the rigidity of events taking place in Goa some would say that the season never left and is still in full swing. Juggling and reorganising…
Cliffhanger
I may have been remotely inspired by the 1993 critically acclaimed action classic of Sly Stallone but I have always wanted to feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. What better way than descending 300 feet with a feeble rope and minimum safety gear down a waterfall thrashing against jagged rocks beneath. Even…
Pizza & Pie
It’s pouring in Goa and I mean everything is literally coming down my umbrella included. I happened to stand under the shelter of an old Portuguese house in the middle of Panjim city and a friendly voice from above distinguishing me by my infamous umbrella (I have one with Marilyn Monroe on it – sue…
WTF!!!
I ain’t cussing at all but looking at the image below you wouldn’t mind if I did out of sheer surprise. As most of you know -I am a biker. The misnomer of bikers being overtly tattooed long bearded hooligans terrorising the local sheriff whilst drinking loads of beer and eat like H.O.G’s is NOT…
Dance with Flames
Kalaripayattu or kalari is a martial art which has its origins in the early 13th century AD (nearly 3000 years old) in Kerela. Crafted in ancient South India it basically draws inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms from Lion,Tiger,Elephant,Wild Boar,Snake & Crocodile. Some say it is considered to…
‘Roti pe Boti’
Literally translated the phrase means ‘Meat pieces on an Indian bread’ This is a serving of succulent intensely marinated mutton pieces with a after zing of freshly chopped chillies and herbs which is first slowly steamed in its own juices and then slightly grilled before the marinade is added. It’s accompanied by ‘green chutney- a…
What a Green Day
“Mama says, Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna get” in Mr. Gumps words. And mine sure has a funny way of teaching self a thing or two. For one on the move across cities and fast paced jobs to shifting back to nature paddy fields galore. Now that’s…
A shot down Memory lane
My first tryst with this magnificent beast (at that time a cub of course) was from an open 4×4. The feeling is rather indescribable when you see this majestic predator descent 100 feet in front of you from the mountain tops. Noctorunal by nature we waited patiently for him to descend as the last hints…
A Ride in the Clouds
John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you when your busy making other plans” When so many slumber on a Sunday early morning- me along with Anabelle (my Harley) head out with a few biker folk to witness these marvels with a nice cuppa chai and some hot batter fried onion and potato…
Kudos to the tifecta
A surprise visit to a friends restaurant had me crave for the night to never end. After all one can never go wrong with some pepperoni wrapped dill glazed grilled king prawns for company washed down with some fine micro brew. For all you sweet tooths out there it’s a sin to leave without trying…
The Bell Jar Salmon
This concept of redefining fine dining took my breath away (literally speaking). Infused in a bell jar with aromatic flavours ranging from citrus to cinnamon and chives with a cheese after taste hit my senses the minute I opened it. The Virgin olives and feta cheese melted my senses numb to the point of no…
F’l’ight of the Butterfly
It’s time like these during hot sweltering noons that beauty unfurls it’s playful self…. Tracked and watched these butterflies a while close enough to get this playful banter between the two. Lovers tiff or unite? Pic courtesy: Nolan Mascarenhas Photography
Post-it’s on a Crab
Some restaurants do fan walls some photo galleries. This one (Soul Soufflé) nestled near a lovely fresh water spring does this. It’s simple really. You choose a crab,they cook it to your taste and liking (mine was tossed in herbs and butter garlic) and once done is cleant for your good wishes. Might I add…
All You need is LOVE
Spent 3 months volunteering- with these amazing Tigers and Monks at the Tiger Temple,Kanchaniburi-Thailand It was one of the most humbling experiences ever. Praying,walking,feeding these over sized killer cats with a heady mix of peace and tranquility thrown in for good measure. A Once in a Lifetime experience. Pic courtesy: Nolan Mascarenhas Photography