The Visitor's Book

Day 28: Stay up late...

2008-07-03T19:03:00.003+05:30

"... strange things happen when you’ve gone too far, been up too long, worked too hard, and you're separated from the rest of the world."

[Original pic by Nataliej]

Day 27: Repeat yourself...

2008-06-27T11:32:00.002+05:30

"...if you like it, do it again. If you don’t like it, do it again."

[Original pic by Liz Marion]

Day 26: Don’t enter awards competitions...

2008-06-26T11:24:00.002+05:30

"...just don’t. It’s not good for you."

[Original pic by stephcarter]

Day 25: Don’t borrow money...

2008-06-15T19:03:00.005+05:30

"...once again, Frank Gehry’s advice. By maintaining financial control, we maintain creative control. It’s not exactly rocket science, but it’s surprising how hard it is to maintain this discipline, and how many have failed."

[Original pic by chishikilauren]

Day 24: Scat...

2008-06-14T21:50:00.006+05:30

"... when you forget the words, do what Ella did: make up something else ... but not words."

[Original pic by Mrs. Maze]

Day 23: Coffee breaks, cab rides, green rooms...

2008-06-13T14:02:00.001+05:30

"... real growth often happens outside of where we intend it to, in the interstitial spaces -- what Dr. Seuss calls "the waiting place." Hans Ulrich Obrist once organized a science and art conference with all of the infrastructure of a conference -- the parties, chats, lunches, airport arrivals — but with no actual conference. Apparently it was hugely successful and spawned many ongoing collaborations."

PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project. [Original pic by Meredith Farmer]

Day 22: Break it...

2008-06-12T20:49:00.004+05:30

"... stretch it, bend it, crush it, crack it, fold it."

[Original pic by Britteny Bush]

Day 21: Power to the people...

2008-06-11T14:04:00.001+05:30

"...play can only happen when people feel they have control over their lives. We can't be free agents if we’re not free."

PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project. [Original pic by nataliej]

Day 20: Drift...

2008-06-10T19:54:00.003+05:30

"... allow yourself to wander aimlessly. Explore adjacencies. Lack judgment. Postpone criticism."

[Original pic by zara]

Day 19: Remember...

2008-06-09T14:00:00.001+05:30

"... growth is only possible as a product of history. Without memory, innovation is merely novelty. History gives growth a direction. But a memory is never perfect. Every memory is a degraded or composite image of a previous moment or event. That’s what makes us aware of its quality as a past and not a present. It means that every memory is new, a partial construct different from its source, and, as such, a potential for growth itself."

PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project. [Original pic by obo -bobolina]

Day 18: Make mistakes...

2008-06-08T20:30:00.004+05:30

"... faster."

PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by nataliej]

Day 17: Work the metaphor...

2008-06-07T20:21:00.011+05:30

"... every object has the capacity to stand for something other than what is apparent. Work on what it stands for."

[Original pic by fgm878]

Day 16: Think with your mind...

2008-06-06T14:00:00.001+05:30

"...forget technology. Creativity is not device-dependent."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Mrs. Maze]

Day 15: Begin anywhere...

2008-06-05T14:00:00.000+05:30

"...John Cage tells us that not knowing where to begin is a common form of paralysis. His advice: begin anywhere."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by obo-bobolina ]

Day 14: Ask stupid questions...

2008-06-04T14:00:00.001+05:30

"...growth is fueled by desire and innocence. Assess the answer, not the question. Imagine learning throughout your life at the rate of an infant."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by kortini]

Day 13: Stand on someone’s shoulders...

2008-06-03T14:00:00.000+05:30

"...you can travel farther carried on the accomplishments of those who came before you. And the view is so much better."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by nebulaskin]

Day 12: Keep moving...

2008-06-02T14:00:00.000+05:30

"...the market and its operations have a tendency to reinforce success. Resist it. Allow failure and migration to be part of your practice."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Meredith Farmer]

Day 11: Don’t be cool...

2008-06-01T20:00:00.000+05:30

"...cool is conservative fear dressed in black. Free yourself from limits of this sort."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by blythe d]

Day 10: Forget about good...

2008-05-31T15:33:00.002+05:30

"...good is a known quantity. Good is what we all agree on. Growth is not necessarily good. Growth is an exploration of unlit recesses that may or may not yield to our research. As long as you stick to good you'll never have real growth."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by zara]

Day 9: Explore the other edge...

2008-05-30T15:24:00.002+05:30

"... great liberty exists when we avoid trying to run with the technological pack. We can’t find the leading edge because it’s trampled underfoot. Try using old-tech equipment made obsolete by an economic cycle but still rich with potential."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Meredith Farmer]

Day 8: Study...

2008-05-29T15:13:00.004+05:30

"...a studio is a place of study. Use the necessity of production as an excuse to study. Everyone will benefit."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by petite corneelli]

Day 7: Slow down...

2008-05-28T15:06:00.005+05:30

"...desynchronize from standard time frames and surprising opportunities may present themselves."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Melle Oh]

Day 6: Love your experiments...

2008-05-27T20:53:00.003+05:30

... (as you would an ugly child). Joy is the engine of growth. Exploit the liberty in casting your work as beautiful experiments, iterations, attempts, trials, and errors. Take the long view and allow yourself the fun of failure every day.

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by nellee100]

Day 5: Avoid fields. Jump fences...

2008-05-26T20:14:00.005+05:30

"...disciplinary boundaries and regulatory regimes are attempts to control the wilding of creative life. They are often understandable efforts to order what are manifold , complex, evolutionary processes. Our job is to jump the fences and cross the fields."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by obo-bobolina]

Day 4: Be careful to take risks...

2008-05-25T16:27:00.004+05:30

"...time is genetic. Today is the child of yesterday and the parent of tomorrow. The work you produce today will create your future."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Ingorrr]

Day 3: Everyone is a leader...

2008-05-24T21:52:00.006+05:30

"... growth happens. Whenever it does, allow it to emerge. Learn to follow when it makes sense. Let anyone lead."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Zara]

Day 2: Go deep...

2008-05-22T20:46:00.009+05:30

"...the deeper you go the more likely you will discover something of value."

[PS: This post is part of 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Mayr]

Day 1: Allow events to change you...

2008-05-20T22:08:00.012+05:30

" ...you have to be willing to grow. Growth is different from something that happens to you. You produce it. You live it. The prerequisites for growth: the openness to experience events and the willingness to be changed by them."

[PS: This post is part of the 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' project]. [Original pic by Mayr]

An incomplete manifesto for growth

2008-05-20T21:47:00.012+05:30

Chanced upon the 'Incomplete Manifesto for Growth' by Bruce Mau Design. Thanks to a very dear friend of mine. Written in 1998, the Incomplete Manifesto is an articulation of statements that exemplify Bruce Mau's beliefs, motivations and strategies. It's infectious, hopefully life changing (for some) and an absolute pity if you don't share it with those you hold close. So in the same spirit of sharing: you can just click on the link to read the manifesto OR you are welcome to visit them day on day - on my blog starting today. In either case, be nice and pass it on!

[Original pic by Crash-handy]

CoffeeWisdom: Spotted at Barista

2008-04-16T21:48:00.004+05:30

"Coffee is a beverage that puts you to sleep if you fail to drink it."

Original pic by Demion.

Missing my usual cuppa from Barista :(

2008-04-16T16:18:00.004+05:30

Via David Morris.

Momos calling

2008-03-19T22:12:00.014+05:30

This picture left me a wee bit nostalgic for reasons more than one. The last time I was in that neighbourhood was many years ago as a school girl. It was in McLeod Ganj that I first stepped into a monastery. And (first) witnessed some playful boy monks taking their dip into a small pool, dragging each other into water and being the lil pranksters generally. It ensured that I carry a new image of monks in my head. Then here again was my first contact with Tibetan localites, selling their trinkets to these tourist hippies. With some Tibetan eateries thrown in here and there.

Strangely as I look back, I didn't get my first taste of momos in that most Tibetan of corners in India. With much reluctance I tried them at Infinitea (Bangalore)with a dear friend (and a momo loyalist). I stay hooked. Even as I continue to disapprove of Infinitea's shrinking portion sizes, so far they seem to be serving the crunchiest and juiciest momos I have ever bit into.

Quote tail # 1

2008-03-13T19:17:00.001+05:30

Seemabaddha (1971)

2008-01-15T13:50:00.017+05:30

A more correct measure of success lies not in what it gets us - but also in what it costs us. Seemabaddha by Satyajit Ray ends on the same crossroads - without taking sides. May be less poetic than his more popular work but quite contemporary in the way it's told.

PS: Read more reviews of Satyajit Ray movies: Apur Sansar > Devi > Samapti > Parash Pathar >Seemabaddha (1971)

[Original pic by vidiot]

The missing non-veg buffet: a Desmond's speciality

2007-12-31T22:41:00.000+05:30

Desmond's on Lavelle Road, Bangalore, serves a mean buffet. All you can buffets - both, veg or non-veg - for an extremely affordable Rs.100. Having had the buffet on many an occasion before, I can attest that it is great value for money.

But, unfortunately that isn't quite the end of the story. The last few times I have been there I was categorically told that the non-veg buffet will take time to be ready and instead have had a veg buffet foisted upon me. In fact, the last time the waiter was at great pains to make the non-veg buffet seem perpetually elusive - it would take an undisclosed amount of time to be prepared.

What might seem a harmless irresponsibility at first actually turns out to be an elaborate scam. By marking up the prices on the veg buffet to match that of a non-veg buffet - and then making excuses not to serve the latter, Desmond's could actually be making a neat profit. And fools of all its customers.

A glance at the bill - and the hidden costs that crop up in it - should convince that the establishment in question is indeed capable of such a ruse. A mysterious item on the bill is marked as 'S C' only. Enquiry reveals it stands for 'service charges' - but there are gullible customers who will be leaving a handsome tip, even after paying the 'S C.'

Do drop by at Desmond's if the veg buffet is all you want. But if you or your lunch companion is looking forward to a non-veg buffet, I suggest you call up beforehand to politely enquire 'if their chicken supplier has had an accident this morning.' Their numbers are +91-80-41278000/1.

[Original pic by Bob.Fornal]

Samapti

2007-12-30T10:53:00.000+05:30

In Satyajit Ray's Samapti, a tomboy defies all attempts by her mother-in-law and others around to rush her into womanhood. But when the transition happens, it is surprisingly swift - and unaided. A simple story of inevitable change - minus the bells and whistles. And, Ray wisely doesn't add any.

PS: Read more reviews of Satyajit Ray movies: Apur Sansar > Devi > Samapti > Parash Pathar

[Original pic by GIa Quicolli]

Rhapsody in August (1991)

2007-12-25T22:05:00.000+05:30

Rhapsody in August by Akiro Kurusowa's is a grim reminder that in war there are no survivors. Even if they go on to live another 45 years.

PS: Not regarded amongst the best of his work but it's not without flashes of absolute brilliance now and then.

The Emperor of all Shorbas

2007-12-23T22:24:00.003+05:30

If you are a mutton lover like me, Yakhni Shorba at Samarkhand (Infantry Road) in Bangalore, should delight all your taste buds significantly. In plain english it's a yoghurt based mutton stock in very thin consistency.

I haven't had the chance to try this shorba at any other restaurant yet, but I doubt if any one should manage to get this one wrong. That might take more work. Just like any dish made from potatoes - where the magic in the ingredients triumphs over any shortcomings of the cook.

Like most mughalai cuisine, this shorba too has its origins in Persia and was imported to India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The earliest documented recipe for Yakhni Shorba can be found in Ain-I-Akbar. Akbar himself however did not think much of meat. The 400 cooks he employed had to be kept busy I guess.

Not wanting to be left out, the vegetarians during the British raj innovated appropriately on the recipe to match their palate, in the form of Yakhni sauce - minus the meat of course.

If you ever find yourself at Samarkhand in Bangalore, do give Yakhni Shorba a try. Couple it with Seekh Kebabs and Dum Ghost Biryani and even Akbar would convert into a mutton-arian at this meat-lovers haven.

[Original pic by akbar1947]

The Visitor's Book (2008)

2007-12-23T18:10:00.000+05:30

"Once every year, go someplace you've never been before."

- Dalai Lama, Instructions for Life

When I started this blog just a month ago, I had no idea where I'll take it - or, as it turned out, where it'll take me.

Now I know. In the coming year(s), it'll take me places I have never known, or imagined, existed. And hopefully not just once or twice in the year, but every single day.

And I hope to chronicle every visit I make, here. Do keep dropping by.

[Original pic by Mor (bcnbits). This post is a part of a blog project sharing blogging goals for 2008.]

Parash Pathar (1958)

2007-12-17T22:00:00.000+05:30

Parash Pathar by Satyajit Ray is an endearing story of a middle class clerk from Calcutta, who chances upon the philosopher's stone that can turn metal into gold. Greed overrides the fear that usually follows when fairy tales turn real. A rags to riches adventure transpires until fear and folly overtake him - making the philosopher's stone a liability.

May not be one of Ray's best works but watch it only for the way it extricates the comical ex clerk out of his predicament - so characteristic of Ray's refreshingly human touch.

PS: For more information on subtitles, please see Apur Sansar.

[Original pic by poopee shmoopee]

Tiramisu, anyone?

2007-12-15T23:51:00.000+05:30

I wonder what it is about Tiramisu that most cafes make it a point to feature it on their menu. But stop right there. What gets served on your table is invariably a pastry in light brown color, only sometimes with a flavor of coffee - if you are lucky.

The motivation is easily understandable if my reaction to the mention of Tiramisu in a menu is indicative of a larger trend. Overcome with greed and hope, I give it a shot everywhere - at least once. But then 'pick me up' ( what Tiramisu means in Italian) is a promise not easy to resist. The fact that Tiramisu is only around ten years old should hardly be an excuse for the disappointment that follows, or for the widespread culinary short change.

Said to have been originated at Le Beccherie in the city of Treviso (located north west of Venice), Tiramisu was an instant hit. It was as instantly copied by other restaurants, first in Italy and then the world over. It has been claimed that even today Le Beccherie makes it with the classic recipe - ladyfingers soaked in bitter strong espresso coffee, mascarpone-zabaglione cream and bitter cocoa powder.

So, until I manage to save enough euros to make it to Treviso, I will have to settle for Little Italy on 100 feet road in Bangalore the next time a Tiramisu craving strikes. In my opinion, Little Italy also serves the best pizzas in Bangalore - and the only pizza I eat these days.

Back to the story, one of the regrets of Alba and Ado Campeol - owners of Le Beccherie - is that they didn't patent the name and recipe to avoid speculation and the profusion of many a recipe that have nothing to do with the original Tiramisu. If only.

[Original pic by pasotraspaso]
[Tiramisu origins courtesy Linda Stradley. ]

Manhattan (1979)

2007-12-12T21:06:00.000+05:30

Starring New York, Manhattan by Woody Allen is a wry take on modern relationships - and changes of heart that are more frequent than bad capucinnos at Coffee Day.

The fatigue of fleeting relationships and the tingle of stand-ins is made indulgently bittersweet in its 96 minute run time - which by the way's a breeze.

Woody Allen's patented cynicism comes thick and fast as intended, but Gordon Willis' camera romancing New York in it's element is the crowning stroke. It provides a contrast of endurance to serve as a backdrop for some passing attachments.

[Wallpaper courtesy Ben.a]

Devi (1960)

2007-12-11T22:57:00.000+05:30

A young daughter-in-law is revered as a goddess after her father-in-law has a vision that she's an incarnation of Maa Kaali (Goddess Kaali). A mass hysteria follows. The odyssey from a mere mortal to that of goddess is swift and exalting. But for the 'goddess' herself, is the transformation a boon or a curse?

Satayajit Ray's Devi leaves us viewers with some not so very comforting questions. It reminds us that no matter how much we mortals want it, there's no going back home.

PS: For more information on subtitles, please see Apur Sansar.

[Original pic by Eva Marieville]

Beowulf (2007)

2007-12-10T22:05:00.000+05:30

If you thought only superhuman mythical beasts can kill a hero, think again. A fixation with technique while telling a story can do just the same. And in Beowulf's case, it definitely delivers the killer blow.

[Original pic by Dunechaser]

Apur Sansar (1959)

2007-12-08T23:28:00.000+05:30

Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) by Satyajit Ray is a visual and sensual treat - almost like cinema in verse. This was my first Ray film and my first engagement with cinema in art form.

Apur Sansar is the last in the Apu trilogy series, the first being Pathar Panchali followed by Aparajito. If I had seen them in sequence, it may have been a far richer experience. While watching the movie, however, I had no idea of the trilogy or Apur Sansar's place in it. To me the film worked as a standalone piece. And I have been told, so do the other two masterpieces.

The story is set in rural and urban Bengal around the 1930s. The protagonist, Apu, is an unemployed writer living in the squalor of Calcutta city. A serendipitous trip to a friend's village returns him a married man. Love blossoms between him and his angelic wife amidst daily domestic chaos.

However, the journey from solitude to blessed companionship is sweet but short - with the death of his wife during childbirth. Overcome with grief, it takes Apu five years of mindless wandering to come to terms with the loss. In the end, life comes a full circle.

The film's universal theme of loss and redemption makes it timeless. And Ray's effortless and understated direction renders it sublime.

PS: You may have to brave the less than perfect subtitles, for this lesson in cinema. (I watched it on Zee Studio's special series on Satyajit Ray airing every Sunday in December '07.)

[Original pic by wmacphail]

Peter Brook's Mahabharata (1989)

2007-12-06T18:43:00.000+05:30

Having grown up on rich legends from the Mahabharata and on B.R. Chopra's definitive TV version, it required me to summon an open mind to appreciate The Mahabharata by Peter Brook .

The original epic is more complex than it initially appears. The account of the epic battle (Kurukshetra) between the good (Dharma) and evil (Adharma) led by victorious Pandavas against the mighty Kauravas is, in reality, a reflection on the duality of human nature.

Peter Brook's version, on the other hand, is shot more in the style of a play - with minimalist sets, costumes and interpretations. This approach helps avoid expected, and unexpected, distractions - which is the film's main asset. Plus, it tells the story in its purest form - outside of its physical and geographical trappings. The result is as timeless as the epic itself.

A conventional and straightforward interpretation of an otherwise multifaceted epic, it still makes for absorbing viewing (barring some minor irritants). The 6 hour viewing time seemed only like an instant, or two. And that's testimony from someone who pressed the play button as a die hard skeptic.

[Original pic by HGM]

Aaja Nachle (2007)

2007-12-05T00:28:00.000+05:30

Touted as Madhuri Dixit's comeback film, Aaja Nachle from Yash Raj films stops at being just that.

The story begins with Ajanta - a dance school in the town of Shamli that's soon to be demolished to make way for the new retailing phenomenon that we call the shopping mall. But Dia (Madhuri Dixit), an NRI with roots in Ajanta, decides to revive it to its original glory with the promise of a decisive performance that will make the Shamli junta root for their culture (aka Ajanta) instead of consumerism. So begins her trial to eke out a sell-out performance from a crew comprising of initially-reluctant locals.

Aaja Nachle starts with a promise that never takes off. Even the long list of dependable actors who pop up regularly during the entire length of the film fail to make a connect at any level. And that is thanks mostly to over-the-top sentimentalism resulting from a half-baked script.

Borrowed heavily from Chocolat, the film is not even half as appetising. They, no doubt, have got hold of the recipe. But as any reader of recipe books will attest, good food is much more than a few ingredients thrown in.

[Original pic by Simone Merli]

15 minutes to great abs - might just work :)

2007-11-30T22:42:00.000+05:30

Love in the time of Cholera

2007-11-29T21:28:00.000+05:30

'Love in the time of Cholera' is the first Gabriel García Márquez book that I picked up. I saved it for many days just for a perfect day to start reading it. After one year the perfect day did arrive and Marquez's writing did not leave me grudging.

The story's a love triangle between Florentino Ariza (the jilted lover), Fermina Daza (who dismisses their relationship as just a teenage crush and moves on) and Dr. Juvenal Urbino (the man who woos and marries the lady). Undaunted, Florentino waits for 51 years, 9 months and 4 days for Juvenal Urbino to die; so he can propose again to his one and only true love. He even claims that all these years he had 'saved' himself for Fermina - 622 casual relationships not withstanding. Thankfully for him, love is rekindled.

It's moving, the way Marquez strings along the inevitability of old age and the daily trifles of ageing couples. As you put the book down, it just leaves you with one thought - that even at 80, love might feel the same as it did the first time at 16.

[Original pic by tricia ward photography]

Idli-Dosa at Salem Kitchen

2007-11-28T20:17:00.000+05:30

Salem Kitchen at the Forum Mall (Food Court), Bangalore is my first pick for a quick and no nonsense idli-sambar-dosa meal. I quite enjoy the way I can make a multi course meal out of it.

The starters range from a plate of idlis or a bowl of mini idlis and sometimes even the exotic paniyaram. For the main course I usually go with the crisp paper masala dosa or the set dosa. But you can also choose from onion dosa, rava dosa and many uthapams - all of which are excellent.

On the days you might want to abstain from idli dosa, you can make a happy meal out of their ghee rice (only if you are not the calorie counting types) or their multi layered malabari parathas with chicken or mutton curry.

The last time I tried the biryanis, it didn't leave me running for more. Salem Kitchen also serves a range of sea food that I have yet to feast my taste buds on. Until then, nothing like their idli-sambhar-dosa meal to make me shell out auto fare to the other end of the town.

[Original pic by kastner]

Ruskin Bond's 'Roads to Mussoorie'

2007-11-27T21:17:00.000+05:30

One of my friends, during travels, was thoughtful enough to get me a personalised copy of 'Roads to Mussoorie' autographed by Ruskin Bond himself. This copy was even bought from the very Cambridge Book Depot on Mall Road (Mussoorie), made so famous in Ruskin Bond's writings.

Like any other book by Ruskin Bond, this one too comes with a soul. It's a collection of 12 stories based in and around his home town - the picturesque hill town of Mussoorie in Uttranchal. Each story is a simple account of the ordinary that's both wickedly funny and benignly kind. Laced with every day gossip and scandals from the not-so-quiet hill town, it's one book you will find difficult to put down until you finish the last page. And even thereafter.

My only grouse is with the publishers (Rupa & Co) of this book. The book could have benefited with a better cover and diligent proof reading. For his part, the author more than makes up for it all.

[Original pic by Dey]

Short eats at Coffee World

2007-11-26T19:36:00.000+05:30

Coffee World at Eva Mall in Bangalore may be inconveniently located but it has its own secret draw that has hardly anything to do with their menu. Eva Mall (Brigade Road) happens to have the best kept restrooms of all the malls in Bangalore.

But once you are there, Coffee World doesn't disappoint either. The menu has variety for both tea and coffee lovers. If you want to grab a quick bite just pick from any of their freshly made sandwiches. I personally prefer their sandwiches with french bread since panini or the wholewheat bread get too dry sometimes. This is usually followed by an Earl Grey tea pot or two; and sometimes even a hot capuccino on longer visits.

If you have a sweet tooth, chocolate brownies with ice cream or Belgian waffles with cream aren't bad choices either. I wouldn't recommend their cakes though.

In the evenings, the seating outside is a better option. But don't expect service at its best there.

Coffee World's proximity to Inox cinema at Garuda Mall makes it my favourite retreat after movies. Nothing like tearing apart a movie over a hot mug of capuccino or an apricot tea pot with my friends.

[Original pic by B Tal]

Amadeus

2007-11-25T22:38:00.001+05:30

I do not know how accurate or inaccurate an account it is of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; but to me, the movie Amadeus made great viewing.

The film has stellar perfomances, ornamental sets, magnificent architecture, lavish costumes and ostentatiously fashionable wigs. But at it's core it's a tale of ageless conflict between the genius and mediocrity.

It's the story of Mozart as told by Antonio Salieri, his arch enemy. Salieri can hardly accept that a seemingly frivolous Mozart was chosen as the instrument of God for divine music instead of someone more deserving like himself. Mozart's middle name 'Amadeus' (meaning 'God's beloved') only seems to mock at Salieri, pushing him to declare a war between himself and God, with Mozart as their battlefield.

As someone who can more than see his inadequacy in Mozart's genius, Salieri rightly foresees that only pure genius is immortal. Anything less than genius is but inadequate.

Regardless of its historical or musical context, it's a story that is timeless and told impeccably well. For me, learning more about Mozart was a bonus. Plus, it made me reach out to my iPod and listen to his music finally.

[Original pic by roujo]

Queen's stinking ways

2007-11-24T17:32:00.000+05:30

Queen's on Church Street is the first refuge for all north indians in Bangalore missing 'ghar ka khana'. Until a year back, I too was a regular. I guess I was guilty of over-visiting to a point where I outgrew it.

What best to order depends on what time of the day you land there. If it's early evening, I like to choose from their chaats menu. It's always a close call between Aloo Tikki, Dahi Papadi Chaat and Paani Puri. If it's a not a tie, ie. But if you are not the chaat types, veg or egg rolls are a good bet for any early evening snack.

If I land up for a long leisurely dinner, chicken tikka kebabs make an excellent starter. Sometimes I am guilty of overdoing it with chicken tikka curry for main course. The bread menu has choice too but I rarely deviate from the healthy and simple phulkas. Plus a veg dish of stuffed capsicum or baingan ka bharta usually rounds up the meal for me. Not counting the Sirka Pyaz (vinegar soaked onions) and pickle that make the usual accompaniments at Queen's.

For a quick lunch, Methi Aloo is my big favourite. It tends to be dry, so always order a curry to go with it. Methi tadka dal does just as well for me. But my lunch is never complete without steamed rice and a glass of buttermilk to wash it down.

PS: Sadly biryanis are nothing home to write about. Mutton (in all forms) is average. The service is bad at peak hours and the owners seem least bothered about guest experience - including the stream of sewer water running in front of the entrance, the last time I visited them a year ago.

[Original pic by mutantlog]

"We all came out of Gogol's 'Overcoat' ''

2007-11-23T16:31:00.000+05:30

So claimed Dostoevsky or Tolstoy, or both. But it was the reference made to 'The Overcoat' and 'Gogol' in the 2007 movie 'The Namesake' that left me sufficiently intrigued about this Russian writer and this particular story.

So while rearranging my bookshelf the other day, I was more than happy to chance upon 'The Overcoat' by Nikolai Gogol as one of the stories in this really old book by the title of '6 Great Modern Short Stories'. Understandably I began with some intrigue and absolutely no warning of things to come.

The story revolves around this loser clerk from an unspecified department; and how a new overcoat makes his life rather eventful -at first for him. And then, for the residents of St. Petersburg.

It's a good read any day. A better read after a bad day at work. And if you get Monday blues like me, it's best read on Sunday night. The morbid absurdity, the endearingly mundane situations and the comic mixed with tragic kept me hooked - and smiling - till the last line.

Next on my agenda is his short story 'The Nose'. It's a story of one man's search for his lost nose. I should hope that it's nothing short of absurd, again.

[Original pic by seriykotik1970]

End of my Coffee Days

2007-11-22T17:54:00.000+05:30

It's all thanks to Cafe Coffee Day(on MG Road) that I am a happy Barista convert today.

Until a year back, it was every day that I headed straight to Cafe Coffee Day (next to Bombay Store) after a hard day's work.

So what has changed? Apart from the service that sucked even in those days, ie. For starters, the capucinno got progressively worse. And their marketing brains got wiser.

Now, I rarely get full change back from them. It comes back with a promotional pack of mint (in lieu of change) and a barely audible mumbled apology. (Note to aforementioned marketing wise men at Coffee Day: I've my own lil strategy to combat that ;)

Then came their own branded packaged drinking water - inconveniently priced against the norm. Followed by the caveat that only medium sized capucinno will be served and no longer the regular size. Plus came the trauma of in-your-face hideously packaged merchandise occupying more real estate. Extracting the life time value of a customer in one single visit seems their motto now.

But there's one thing that they have managed to keep just right. The rich, luscious and gleefully sinful - Chocolate Fantasy. Very toothsome. So when I want to indulge my sweet tooth, I know exactly what to do. Get myself a take away!!

[Original pic by mondoagogo]

Sad demise of Mumbai Masala Sandwich at Brio

2007-11-21T17:04:00.000+05:30

For a regular like myself, a new printed menu card only brings bad news. Not only do I have to work harder in finding what I usually enjoy having, but I've to pay more too. For a portion size that has just begun to shrink.

But when Brio at HomeStop printed new menu cards this time, they did more than just touch up the prices. They even changed the recipe for their famous Mumbai Masala Sandwich. For worse. Leaving me with one less thing to order :(

Now when I'm there, I just feast on the hot chocolate. And the yummiest croissants that I 've tasted so far. Thank god for small mercies ;)

PS: Sadly both the tiramisu & teas are avoidable, so opt for coffee instead. You might find delight in the choice of coffee in the menu.

(Original pic by Spo0nman)

tea house

2007-11-20T20:19:00.001+05:30

A coffee lover, I was initiated into tea by my best friend. And it started with some practical sessions at a place with the largest tea menu that I've come across in Bangalore yet. If you are a tea lover and have been in Bangalore, Infinitea on Cunningham Road hardly needs an introduction.

Being a regular there, I have tried and tested most of the menu and have come up with my own list of what to order when only the best will do. All the herbal teas are amazing; and are terrific value for money. But if you are ordering the chamomile tea pot, do ask for extra hot water especially if the carafe doesn't look full to you (chamomile tends to soak in a lot of water). Earl grey is another favourite that will never disappoint. And nothing like a plate of piping hot momos while you are at it.

Momos are the star sellers at Infinitea. Of course, if you are a regular visitor, you would notice that the prices are soaring and portion sizes are dipping. Probably, the owners are trying to palm off the cost of renovation to guests. Wouldn't have minded it as much if they would have paid some attention to the washroom as well.

If you like your tea very much, you can even buy authentic and exotic tea leaves and make some for yourself at home. And give the sandwiches a miss if you are a value for money type like me. Order a pasta salad instead.

If you end up there for a meal, Cubbon Fish is worth a try. There's choice for chicken lovers too. And to wash it down? Some green tea perhaps.

PS: In the picture you see my favorite two seater at Infinitea.

(Original pic by Premshree Pillai)

Cappuccino time

2007-11-19T14:08:00.000+05:30

If you are strolling down MG Road in Bangalore and looking for a hot cup of coffee there are many choices you have. There's Cafe Coffee Day in front of Bombay Store, there's Java City on the parallelly situated Church Street, or the fashionably bohemian Koshy's up the road. Along with a smattering of more Cafe Coffee Days, Baristas and Coffee Worlds if you are prepared to walk down to Brigade Road.

But if you are looking for a quiet relaxing spot with a view and a delicious mug of coffee to go along with it, my pick would be Barista on MG Road in the Barton Centre Complex. And while you are at it, I would recommend a nice hot Apple Cake to go along with it. (Do insist that it's heated up; you'll get mixed results otherwise.)

PS: I really hope that you'll have the good sense to give Java City, Church Street, a miss. It positively serves the world's most horrible coffee and tea. But if you do land up there, don't miss the Chicken Corn Quiche - which more than makes up for everything.

[Original pic by Voxphoto]