Food Coma @ AZULIA, GRT Grand, Chennai

What do you do when you land in Chennai, and check-into a hotel - yeah, I know most will say relax -- but what I say is FOOOOOD. And seriously, it doesn't matter that I have, most of the times, have already had a snack and plane food. 

So, this time, while checking in when the person presented me with a 15% discount for Azulia, I was like – really, a Mediterranean restaurant in Chennai hotel – with a 15% discount – how inviting that could be?

So – I make a stop at Azulia – with an intention of having a sandwich and sleep. And I promise that was the intention, till I entered. Azulia has a very romantic setting with the escort dressed in a red fancy outfit.  She hands me what looks like a perfect Coffee Book table, and I was like – wow. 

So, I start flipping the book, and realize that it is “the Menu”. It was very intelligently laid out menu – with a number of dishes that can be overwhelming. However, each chapter is dedicated to a country in the Mediterranean region – briefly talking about the region, and then type of cuisine – and then the dishes. So – clearly, I was all settled in, and the sandwich thought was clearly out of the door.

I started with Patata Harra – Lebanese spiced potatoes. These were fried potatoes with herbs. It was definitely one of the bestest best fried potatoes with subtle flavors, very finely chopped and fried red peppers, nice herbs and spices – and a very crunchy taste.

They were something that one person could polish off in a few seconds. 

They asked me if I needed an Apron before I start eating - apparently a Mediterranean tradition, but the food was too inviting to ….

Then, to wash the herb taste, they serve basil sorbet --  very sweet for my taste, and strong – but OK. That was the only thing – by the way – that I did not polish off.

And now came the main course Pasta Verduras. I had requested a lot of vegetables with this Pasta, and I was pleasantly surprised that they did adhere to the request. Thought the Pasta did not look as good, but taste – that was definitely yawesome– and the best was hidden vegetables ;). The spices, the mix, Pasta – everything was nearly perfect.

  

Now – with my denims already bursting at seams, the head chef came and convinced me for a “light” desert – Fruit Romanoff – finely chopped fruits, in Grand Mariner, almond flakes and vanilla ice-cream. Now, that was something “to –die-for”. It was amazing, and one of the best that I had ever across the world.

All –in –all – it was a very fine restaurant, yummiest food, amazing, pleasant service, and super expensive food… but some place, where I can eat again, and again and again!! 

And There Goes My One Inhibition for a Toss

14^th December’2012 – Gurgaon Annual Bash

Never ever – and I repeat – never, ever I thought I will dance in front of my 2500 colleagues. Yes, and that too on Gangnam Style. Yes, it still takes me a while to believe that it was real, and that I did it.

It was time for the annual, year-end company bash. And as always, the creative heads were planning a gala event. 

As a part of tradition, the company leadership does a small performance. This time, I got pulled into the event. There was a funny script, where we had to walk the ramp – like a fashion show ramp. When I signed up for the same, I was told I will just have to be present – and to save my international roaming, I said yes, OK – I will be present on the Stage. How bad can that be – one would ask ;).

And then – when I walked into the practice session, I realized what had I really signed up for. I will have to do a cat walk; and then dance on Gangnam. OMG – that feeling in my stomach. But what the heck – I did decide to go for it. We practiced for a week – and then there was D-day. I was told by my best friends at work to “chill out”, have fun, and let it loose.

D-Day – started with fun, girly talks on make-ups and dresses. And then, the time came when we had to drive to the venue. And there – our group was called, and the moment I stepped on the stage, I felt fine and confident. I walked, and danced like no one is watching. And, I enjoyed fully. We were called for an encore, and we did it again. 

The program was so appreciated, and so many people complimented me – whether they knew me or not. I felt like a Rock Star.

To wrap up the evening, I connected with my best friends, danced to the tune of DJs, and had a total evening of fun!! A great time and enjoying while letting go of an inhibition – thank you my friends for making me do this :-)

Cheers!!!

P.S – no photo for this write up to protect privacy of all!!

It Really Works!! The Garmin GPS Device in India!! Well - So Far!!

I have never been very fond of GPS devices. And even though I used one in the US, I always used to try to use my direction sense, or lack of it.  Moving back to India - the thought or talk of buying a GPS device in India was out of question – because of roads without names, detours, perpetual constructions, and what not. In fact, I used to get highly  amused when someone would talk about it. If you have lived in India long enough, you know that the best way to reach a destination is to ask the autowallahs, or bikers, or anyone. They would typically tell you all the twists and turns to get you to your destination.

One fine day, I was out to get a cup of coffee and saw these cool looking dudes trying to sell Garmin to all people who work at Cyber Greens, and go to the food court. Which, in fact, are many. In tune with my compulsive shopping ( you know how you always need to be connected with yourself – and I hadn’t shopped for anything since the weekend and it was mid-week), I randomly picked up the cheapest GPS device that they had been selling on the Kiosk. The only solace/comfort of the shopping was that I had picked the cheapest device, and for once, my brother thought that it would be helpful. To write a bit more about my brother, he actually draws maps, that are better than google maps for me- for all the random places that I have to drive to.

So – back to GPS -- there it was, the GPS device, in my car for over a week, and I hadn’t even opened it – till today happened. Having moved the office space recently – from the very hep New Gurgaon to the old Gurgaon- where traffic jams are the way to reach -- I was trying to explore a less traffic-y road at 10:00 in the night. That was totally insane of me, but I was trying to be Miss Know –It-All. I barely recalled what my brother told me once, and thought of exploring the route. So, predictably, I was totally lost on the deserted roads of Old Gurgaon – and I was really scared. I tried calling my brother - who is really Mr –Know-It-All routes, but his phone was not reachable. And suddenly, I remembered the INRs that I had spent on the device, the device itself, and plugged it in.

Guess What – I actually reached home – from I don’t know where – following the directions of a heavy American accent, trying to pronounce Gurgaon and Dakshin and Shankar C-H-O-W-K. Oh Well, the GPS device in India, actually work. So far!!

Eating Blue - Blue Decor, Blue Light, Blue Curacao Decoration on plate!!!

estia - Cuisines of the Mediterranean @ aloft Bangalore

I had the honor of sole dining at estia yesterday. Taking an early flight and going straight to a long work day, I was really looking forward to a nice meal. The name estia intrigued me. Legend has it that estia originates from the word Hestia; and Hestia was a Greek goddess of the hearth. Legend ( well aloft legend at least) had it that the restaurant was set in an alluring ambiance. Well don't people tell you that you need to pick a restaurant for reasons other than just ambiance? But people also tell you never stop learning :-). Anyhow, so, I make a stop at the restaurant - and decide to write on the experience --

• Probably alluring means shades of blue. The blue decor is nice; but bluish lights on the blue decor -- not happening dude!  Probably- you identifying Mediterranean with everything blue!!
• The four corners of the restaurant has four different type of table settings; and four different type of light; and four different types of tables. 
• The dress code for waiters is blue t-shirts. What a surprise. And how innovative that is.
• Now, even if you are alone, they want to seat you in the darkest corner. Probably because they don't other people to know that you are alone.Wait - you don't see many people in the  restaurant  anyways.
• Service also makes you feel blue. Unless you ask for it - they don't give you the menu -- probably inline with the theme blue. Or, probably they want you to wait longer so that people can come, thinking it is a busy place.
• However, they try to reduce the annoyance of waiting with nice, Greek music. 
• My order Falafel Wrap in Pita bread; Asparagus and Tender Peas Soup - served with truffle foam and healthy infusion ( essentially a carrot and orange juice); followed by Tiramisu

Now a quick review of the food

• What they call a Pita bread is actually a tortilla kind of thing. And they decorate the plate with a blue curacao syrup --- not happening, or appetizing. However, the taste of the sandwich was not bad at all. The vinegary onion in the wrap was actually a good customization.
• No truffle foam and a bit-too much salt in the soup. However, if you could get past the excessive salt, the taste of the soup ain't that bad.
• Healthy infusion might have been healthy; but nothing to write home about
• Tiramisu - way too much of Sugar - but after all, a dessert is a dessert; especially when you are overstuffed.

All- in- all, the plates weren't blue... probably because they don't want you to feel completely blued. All -in-all -- I might eat again at that place :-).

Finally a Confession - Shopping Addiction or Retail Therapy

I almost passed out on receiving an SMS alert on the credit due on my card. Where the hell did I spend this much money – this month? If I ask my friends, or family – they would say well, you say the same thing every month.  Within few minutes, with an unidentified nervousness, I opened my e-statement. 

&^%$#@! 

I had, like always, indulged in expenses on things that I really don’t need. 

If I seek professional help, they would recommend a strict therapy; and would even tell me random reasons for my unjustified spending ( like emotional deprivation, impulsive, compulsive, freak). Oh well!!

In introspection:

• I always get a high from shopping. Seriously, whether I am paying credit, or cash – just exchanging with it a bag is like a therapy in itself.
• I always buy things thinking I will need it; should use it – but never do. I am one of those people who thinks that buying skin care products would make my skin better; or buying make up would automatically make me look elegant.
• I walk away with purchases when none were needed. Even at a grocery store, I will end up picking things thinking they are healthy; or good – or will help in weight loss. The only think that happens is that I end up throwing them after expiration.
•  I always buy things for myself when I am shopping for others.  The most ridiculous one was that I picked up three pair of shoes, while looking for one for my niece.
• I am unable to resist a sale or bargain. If it is cheap, or discounted- I will pick it. You know you always need clothes to wear when you come home after work. Really, if you work long hours, you only change into sleeping clothes. So what with all the casual T-s and Bottoms that I buy at a bargain and never wear.
• I end up buying things even if they don’t fit – the only parameter that they need to qualify is a sale and a designer label.
• Sometimes, even when I am working, I think of shopping.
• I can’t even count things that I bought but never used.
• At times I feel so guilty after shopping – to the point of sickness.
• I have bought additional suitcases at my travels – just to stuff the &^%$# that I buy.
• I almost never say never to shopping.
• Just recently, I bought numerous lipsticks, when I hardly wear any. Worse, they were all the same color family.

Every girl, worth her salt has an overflowing closet – clothes, shoes, make-up….but mine is out of control.

One of my dearest friends had told me once that she often asks herself “Will I die if I don’t buy this thing – before buying anything”. This stayed with me; but with a sequencing mix. I think about this when looking at the credit card statement. Miss you girlfriend!!

Highway Food – NH 8 Bhiwadi, Old Rao’s Dhaba

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Saturday night, somewhere between 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, I committed to getting up early and going for a drive. I think the only reason why I said yes to the plan was that it was a drive, and involved least bit of physical activity. Also, I wasn’t aware that I would be working till 2:00 AM on a critical presentation.

Anyways, Sunday morning, 4:00 AM – the alarm went on, and I remembered Darn! We had made a plan to go for a drive towards Jaipur early morning. I don’t know why, and for what the plan was made, but I remembered committing to family and friends that I would come. So, reluctantly, I had to wake up. The troop was ready to leave at  4:45 – so – there we went. I was regretting going – because of the sheer greed of sleeping some more. But all it took was hitting the highway, that I was up – bright and cheery – cruising on the highway.

•  Despite the heat wave, it was a very pleasant drive. The weather was nice at that time, and road was clean.
• There are a lot of traffic diversion, but the quality of road was surprisingly good. Lack of traffic made the drive truly enjoyable.
•  The music – both on ipod and select radio station was a treat to ears.
• Fancy, swanky high-rise buildings at various stages of completion on the highway.

So – after driving for about an hour, we took a small diversion towards Rewari, and turned back. On the way, two of us felt hungry and decided to stop at some place called Old Rao’s Dhaba. I was like it is really not even 6. I hardly wake up at that time, and the very thought of eating at the Dhaba was not really something I was excited about. But I didn’t want to be a spoiler and went along. So, there we were, making a stop.

In true sense, the dhaba was old, seemed worn out, and had people cleaning and wiping plates. They told us that this is 24*7; pure vegetarian hotel. So, we ordered tea and some stuffed parathas.  I never like to eat at such places, so, I first settled for tea. It was ginger, cardamom team – and something to die for. And then - i slowly moved to the stuffed parathas - fresh and crisp. The spices were perfect, and the butter was dripping out – yet the taste was awesome. Food was fresh ( very fresh for a 24*7 place), plates were clean, and the staff was friendly.  And very, very reasonably priced.  In no time, I was literally pigging on the food. Highly recommended for people driving back towards Delhi from Jaipur – or for people living in Gurgaon for weekend brunch.

All in all – we were back by 7:45. On a usual Sunday morning, I wouldn’t have been up – but this is something I would definitely do again. So what – if an early start to the day does make room for a lot of other activities.

15,000 + Calories Weekend

Prologue- Friday – In the last couple of months I have put on more than x pounds. Now, I cannot fit decently into my business shirts; and these shirts were perfect in December. OK – time to get serious now – time to start going to the gym. I am so regular at paying my annual fees at the gym – now, is the time to start some serious workout.

Chapter 1 – Friday Night

Friday night, after dinner, I decide to go for a quick walk. It was hot, and there was some shimmering bluish light. I walk in the direction and saw this ice cream vendor parked right around the corner. Right then and there, I finished a whole  choco bar – in less than a minute probably. If someone noticed me then, they would have thought I was starving. But remember, it was a post-dinner walk. Thank god for these ice cream vendors – 6 of them within 10 minutes of walking distance. They are parked perfectly to lure all these people who come for after dinner walks. I am so glad that I don’t go for these post dinners walks often. Not only I don’t have the time and energy, but probably my subconscious mind already knows that I will eat ice creams.

So – I come back after my ice cream trip, and sleep. And that was the start of binging weekend. I don’t know if it was something to do with the ice cream, or the guilt of adding those additional pounds that I just couldn’t stop eating the whole weekend.

Chapter 2 – Social Saturday

The morning started with a Grande Latte, served right in my bed.

Then, I went to Medicity for some checkups for my mom. While I was waiting for her at the lounge, I remembered airport lounges. Suddenly, I was missing my crazy travel days. Now, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of airport – outside of the planes of course – YES – Coffee, and the sexy aroma of freshly brewed coffee. So, I had to do what I do best – either compulsive eating, or compulsive shopping. Now, there isn’t much to shop in a hospital – so, I look for coffee. And yes, there it was -  a Costa Coffee outlet. Was I lucky or what. There, I go and order a Grand Cappuccino and an Almond Cherry Muffin. Yes – it was some healthy breakfast time. Now, around noon, I was still waiting for the final tests, and I walked into the Costa Coffee again and ordered a coffee and a Veg Focaccia Sandwich. Yeah – who cares that I had to start my day with workout. There’s always a tomorrow.

Then, I had a late lunch date with a very dear friend. I had been wanting to meet her for the longest time, and meeting over food is always good. After all, you need to replenish/refuel your energy for all the chatting. So, shortly, I was at the Asian Bistro ( don’t remember the real name) at The Palms; ordering a Mint Lemonade and a light lunch of FRIED babycorn and mushrooms.

Went to pick up my sister – and again – as if I was starving, there were cups of Chai, with cookies, multi grain sandwich, poha and chila. And Watermelon. And Butter Milk.

And before I knew, it was dinner time – out with family at The Coriander Leaf for some great Pakistani and North India Cuisine with Ginger Ales and Red Wines and delicious Paans and Litchi Ice cream.

Time for bed time guilt – when you have eaten food that a normal person would eat in four days. And that happens daily with me.

Chapter 3 – Sloppy Sunday

Sunday started with a Latte again. All the food on Saturday was making me too full to go for a workout. So, I decide to postpone the whole thing. What’s the hurry, and let’s get real – I can’t loose all the extra pounds in a day.

Because I was feeling full, I make a mental note of eating healthy. So, I start with a healthy breakfast of watermelon. Then, there is some pooja at home, and everyone had to eat Halwa. Now, being a bit traditional, I had to eat. Eat a lot f it. 

And then there is lunch – full Indian lunch. The midday was full of guests and chai and snacks from Haldirams – and all the fried and sweet ones.

And it was complete dinner again - with ice-cream and fruits.

 If I was maintaining a food diary I would have clocked 15,000 and counting.

Epilogue

As I am writing this, I am eating a huge slice of pound cake. I have to start my workout… Well, there’s always tomorrow!!


Confession– this is not a paid writing. And none of the food vendors, restaurants, ice cream parlors or food items have paid me for mentioning them – no credits at all.