Archive for March, 2009

  • Cookout Time!

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    Mum’s department were planning to have a cookout on their office campus and since the family was invited too, I decided to go.

    The cookout took the form of a competition. They divided themselves into 4 teams. Points were to be given out based on the taste of the food and the verbal presentation of the dish.

    So what were the dishes? 

    The Lucknow Nawabs made the most delicious mutton ghosh I have ever tasted. Considering the fact that I’m not a big mutton fan, it said a lot for the preparation :) The mutton was marinated in onions, salt and tumeric and cooked slowly over a charcoal fire.

    Next came the Bengal Tigers with their preparation of fresh water fish. The fish was fresh but unfortunately, it had not absorbed the masala and the gravy was too watery.

    The Southern Belle’s won the competition hands down with their preparation of  Sambhar and Paliya – a South Indian preparation of potato, green peas, cauliflower and carrots. The aroma of the sambhar was heavenly and did not disappoint the taste buds either.

    Finally there were the Marathas whi made a yummy chicken curry but what took the cake was their presentation. They were hilarious :D

    I ate to my heart’s content and washed the food down with Rabadi.

    We had to car to drop us home which was a blessing inspite of the fact that we had a Mumbai suburbian darshan!!!!

  • A month in a post

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    After several reprimands from “you know who” I’ve finally gotten back to the blog!

    Plenty happened over the  last month, so let me fill you in.

    I took the last of the management entrance exams the CET on the 15th Feb. Had to trudge all the way to Malad to the Atharva College of Engineering. Met up with a chatty girl in the bus to the venue and was thoroughly entertained all the way :) The paper was good but the environment really noisy! Met up with Malcolm after the paper and over coffee, pav bhajji and onion uttappa, discussed the merits of poets.

    Ryan was in town for his birthday after 4 years and so he got treated to 2 birthday parties! Priyanka asked me to make the cake, which suited me just fine as it saved me the hassle of thinking what to get him. I made a chocolate cake with a topping of white chocolate cream. It was yummy even by my standards:)

    Now the question was how to transport the cake in rush hour traffic while carrying a costume to the party!? I guess these facts were the only reason I got into the new BRTS (Birhanmumbai Rapid Transport System) bus that transported me all the way to Sion in sheer comfort. Had fun at the party – sang to my heart’s content. We wished Ryan at 12 and sat up half the night chatting away. Had breakfast with them and headed to Andheri and Ajay :)

    I’ve been wanting to visit the Mumbai Time Cafe (which is located on the fifth floor of Crystal Shoppers Paradise, diagonally opposite KFC in the same lane)  for some time since hearing raving reviews of the place. Ajay treated me to dinner there 20th night.

    I loved the ‘By the Sea” ambience with the sand floor, little yellow canoe and deck chairs (which can be tad uncomfortable for dinner and conversation). We ordered the Seafood Pulao – a combination of rice, clams, prawns and squid lying in a bed of chappati. The prices were pretty steep, the service cheerful and the quantity plenty for two people.

    Next came Ruth’s 21st Birthday celebration although she celebrated her birthday on the 10th, we finally got down to having the party on the 21st! We had the family and close friends over for dinner. I did up the place in fairy lights – must say it looked very pretty and warm :) Had a blast dancing with my 6 year old cousin, Craig. Come to think of it I had a merry time with the little fellows Dad when I was that old :P Here are some pictures.

    Forfeit time Jiving Time Craig and me

    While I enjoy war themed movies, Valkyrie was not one I particularly wanted to see in the sense that the end was predictable. Anyway the company was worth the time spent. You can read a review of the movie here.

    Valkyrie

    Dinner at Dynasty seems to be a common phenomenon with Ajay and me. We seems to end up there more often than not. I think they should start us on a frequent visitor program! Anyway as usual, the food was lovely and the service good.

    I’ve decided to pay some attention to the people who have been badgering me to go commercial with my craft.  I’ve decided to launch a  new venture – this will consist of me making and marketing handmade cards, bookmarks and gift tags as of now. I hope to progress to fancy art and craft work once the venture kicks off. Wish me all the best. Will keep you updated on that front.

    Much against my wishes, I was taken along to watch the Pink Panther 2 movie. Boy, I’m so glad I went along, I was in splits through out the movie.

    Pink Panther Two

    Here’s the review from the man who made sure I came along.

  • These are a few of my favourite things – with a twist!

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    To commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan ’s Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was ‘My Favorite Things’from the legendary movie ‘Sound Of Music’.

    Here are the lyrics she used:

    (Sing It!) – If you sing it, its especially hysterical!!!

    Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
    Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
    Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
    These are a few of my favorite things.

    Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
    Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
    Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
    These are a few of my favorite things.

    When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
    When the knees go bad,
    I simply remember my favorite things,
    And then I don’t feel so bad.
    Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
    No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
    Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
    These are a few of my favorite
    things.

    Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin’,
    Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’,
    And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames,
    When we remember our favorite things.

    When the joints ache, When the hips break,
    When the eyes grow dim,
    Then I remember the great life I’ve had,
    And then I don’t feel so bad.

    (Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores)