While most of our Weekends would pass away lazing around or contemplating the future, our last weekend was quite a unique one. It started with a terrible Thursday night that we had not planned for. I came home around 10:30 pm, and with a bunch of Heine bottles occupying the Fridge since a long time, we thought lets finish them up. So that there will be ample space in the fridge,thereby tempting us for another trip to the supermarket. Its the place we end up buying most of the unwanted stuff just in order to be broke again.
So we planned to have a few rounds of Beer (Heine’s for Heineken for those who aren’t into all this booze business, I mean the sober souls). And we switched on the Laptop to watch some movie. We finally agreed to watch “Meet the parents”. It was an interesting flick and with the weather so hot and the Beer so cold, we were able to gulp down 7 pints even before realizing the count. We were also chewing on some Pringles Smoked Chicken Flavor chips, while our hearts were craving for Nandos Chicken. To dismiss that desire, we opened our very own pack of Desi Masala Lays! We were able to sleep only after 3pm and that led to a tired start to Friday!Somehow I managed to drag to work and landed home, slept and slept!
Saturday was beginning to be quite fresh but the resistance to leave the bed was extreme! Somehow my husband dragged me out of bed as he was dying to attend the Car Auction at Turners Auto. I was least interested to venture out, I just wanted to have a lazy morning. We munched on a heavy breakfast of Bhurji Bread(cant find Pav anywhere here!). We had hearty cups of Chai and rushed towards the highway to reach the Auction. I was amazed with the way so many cars were lined up, the huge hall and so many people test driving. We also sat cozily in the Mazda Familia there.. Sleek and Black and Flamboyant! And the eerie feeling of "My precious"(Lord of the Rings Style creeped on my mind). I hastily dismissed it as I remembered my good old Santro back home in India.. My First Car.. My Really Really Precious One!
We could hear the announcements informing that the Auction would be starting soon. We started searching for the perfect seats but coulnd find any. So we decided to stand at the rear.And then the action and the auction began. The Auctioneer, a Gora had a strong UK Accent. And I could only understand him when he spoke slowly. But he never did! He was there to create the excitement,competition, jealousy and tension so that people could make spontaneous Bids. And he was quite succesul at that. Within a matter of half n hour 21 cars were sold off, with the bang of the hammer at every Sale! One unique thing that I realised was that most of these cars were bought by Asians. By Asians I mean all the Chinese looking people. Until I was in India, I also thought I was an Asian. But for the World, Asians means the fair breed of people with beautiful eyes.. in short all those Chinese looking nations, which also seem to be blessed with Prosperity. My Economist mind woke up suddenly and I started developing a hypothesis.. "The effects of buying power of immigrants on a Nation's Inflation." We will talk about my psycho attacks on the pricing funda in NZ sometime later.
So by the way, I enjoyed the auction which I wasnt earlier keen on going to. Just for one reason! We didnt want to be consumed in the lure for another Car. So that was how saturday began, and we started planning for Sunday. We zeroed in on Waiheke Island, as it is nearer to Auckland and most importantly it could be covered in one day. We decided to go by Ferry, booked Fullers Waiheke Explorer package for the same. The trip was really wonderful, and I will be writing about it soon. In my next post:Weekend Wonders Waiheke!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
1st Jan 2010
1st Jan 2010
A new year has arrived with lots of hopes and aspirations. There are some unfinished tasks that need attention, and there are newer challenges to be embarked upon. We started our day with fresh aspirations and a taste of home. Not literally home, but India, for me they are synonyms. We went to Dosa Plaza for breakfast, and also had the enticing Madras Filter Coffee. It was nowhere near to the homely Filter coffee that I had during one of my sales calls in an Iyer family when I was working back in India. But we could still feel that our brain nerves were being massaged with the addictive caffeine.
While having the sumptuous Dosa/Medu Vada and the heavenly Coconut chutney, we wondered how people managed to build such a strong service brands. We also want to become successful restaurateurs with a strong Taste differentiation. So any time we hop into a restaurant, we wear our thinking caps and start analyzing everything, right from ‘A for Ambience’ to ‘Z for Zodiac effects on successes’. We thought about the various “adda’s” around Mumbai that we visited, and also missed Anna down the lane, who’s Chatni-Vada we could gulp down by dozens. We remembered Anand Bhavan & Mani’s in Matunga and the road side stall outside Dadar Station on Tulsi Pipeline. How we miss them all! I wish on my next trip home, I can thank them for their honest food service without being embarrassed. And deep within my Mind, I envied them as we also aspired to make such a remarkable lineage.
I suddenly felt a strong desire to cook something uniquely Indian. Every few hours there comes a surge of longing for India, and as usual we promised ourselves that we will not settle here, but go back soon. The breakfast was hearty, and when we returned home, we had to be a bit hasty as I also had to go to work as well. I was doing a 1-10pm shift today, and with loads of enthusiasm I started my first day of the year at work. It was a long day though, but I happened to spend my 1 hour lunch break with my husband, as he was on leave. We went to a Supermarket as he had to but some stuff for his Gym routine. Being the first day of the year, he has made ambitious fitness goals, but his much coveted Gym was closed on the 1st. What a pity for all those who made a New Year Resolution.
Another amazing thing that happened today was cooking! Which unluckily I didn’t venture in, but my husband did. He attempted to make something like a Vegetable Stew, which to me was quite delicious, but he was quite unhappy. He said that he has been so used to the tasty food that I cook, that his own little attempt seemed too short against the pyramid of his taste buds. For me, it was a gesture of him acknowledging my efforts in balancing and multi tasking.
What else do women expect on the First Day of the Year?
A breeze of happiness, an essence of companionship and above all the Spirit of Hope!
A new year has arrived with lots of hopes and aspirations. There are some unfinished tasks that need attention, and there are newer challenges to be embarked upon. We started our day with fresh aspirations and a taste of home. Not literally home, but India, for me they are synonyms. We went to Dosa Plaza for breakfast, and also had the enticing Madras Filter Coffee. It was nowhere near to the homely Filter coffee that I had during one of my sales calls in an Iyer family when I was working back in India. But we could still feel that our brain nerves were being massaged with the addictive caffeine.
While having the sumptuous Dosa/Medu Vada and the heavenly Coconut chutney, we wondered how people managed to build such a strong service brands. We also want to become successful restaurateurs with a strong Taste differentiation. So any time we hop into a restaurant, we wear our thinking caps and start analyzing everything, right from ‘A for Ambience’ to ‘Z for Zodiac effects on successes’. We thought about the various “adda’s” around Mumbai that we visited, and also missed Anna down the lane, who’s Chatni-Vada we could gulp down by dozens. We remembered Anand Bhavan & Mani’s in Matunga and the road side stall outside Dadar Station on Tulsi Pipeline. How we miss them all! I wish on my next trip home, I can thank them for their honest food service without being embarrassed. And deep within my Mind, I envied them as we also aspired to make such a remarkable lineage.
I suddenly felt a strong desire to cook something uniquely Indian. Every few hours there comes a surge of longing for India, and as usual we promised ourselves that we will not settle here, but go back soon. The breakfast was hearty, and when we returned home, we had to be a bit hasty as I also had to go to work as well. I was doing a 1-10pm shift today, and with loads of enthusiasm I started my first day of the year at work. It was a long day though, but I happened to spend my 1 hour lunch break with my husband, as he was on leave. We went to a Supermarket as he had to but some stuff for his Gym routine. Being the first day of the year, he has made ambitious fitness goals, but his much coveted Gym was closed on the 1st. What a pity for all those who made a New Year Resolution.
Another amazing thing that happened today was cooking! Which unluckily I didn’t venture in, but my husband did. He attempted to make something like a Vegetable Stew, which to me was quite delicious, but he was quite unhappy. He said that he has been so used to the tasty food that I cook, that his own little attempt seemed too short against the pyramid of his taste buds. For me, it was a gesture of him acknowledging my efforts in balancing and multi tasking.
What else do women expect on the First Day of the Year?
A breeze of happiness, an essence of companionship and above all the Spirit of Hope!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Culinary Instincts!
I got married and we departed from India in another 15-20 days, so I didnt get to spend much time with my inlaws to experiment various dishes or learn their style of cooking. At my maternal home as well, I never got an opportunity to cook, as I was working full time. I used to leave home around 8am and return only by 10pm. The occasional sundays would be Lazy days and on other days when I planned to my test my culinary skills, I would become conscious of all the attention I would get. My parents would regularly sneak into the kitchen to ascertain whether I using the right ingredients/utensils etc..i guess they might have doubted whether I know what is used for tempering/frying... Water or Oil!
Anyways.. the point is that I never actually cooked much, and now we were .. all alone.. just the two of us, I knew that I had to be my best. I still recollect the day we landed here. We were tired due to jet lag and flight food. But we didnt have anything to cook, neither had the energy to. So the good old Maggi came as a savior. We had got along lots of Indian stuff..Maggi, Spices, Meswak toothpaste, Chandrika Sandal Soap and so many other things. Did I mention that we had 15 Kilos extra baggage, apart from the 40 Kilos allowance for each..
So here we were... cooking Maggi, and then I realised that my young Boyfriend now turned husband liked a drier version of Maggi, while I liked the soupy one...Revelation number 1. Earlier, we used to hang out all the while, and had actually explored all nooks n corners of Mumbai for Food. We had different choices all through out. He liked Fried Papads, while I liked the roasted ones. I like Chocolate cake, while he likes Pineapple and so on! So while I had now started cooking now, I had to bear in mind that it needs to please both the palates.. with a low priority to mine! So I ventured on my Cooking spree.. in the beginning I cannot be sure whether the Food was actually tasty. I made something..say pulav. He would eat with with enthusiasm, praising it atleat twice. I used to wonder whether he actually likes it, as I would find it only of average taste. Slowly and steadily I started Mega experiments. Things like Gula Jamun, Rasmalai, Chicken Biryani and all.. And it actually started turning out quite well. As my husband is, I cannot expect him to give all Hunky Dory praises all the time. But all that I cooked, had One Secret, that I would love to reveal here. It was thanks to YouTube! and that too... VahChef!
He actually inspired the "annapurna" facet in me. And I also used to get critical feedback from my husband and that is how I know that I have now become an accomplised Cook. So this time when I go back to India, both my parents, and in-laws will be so delighted..or rather surprised. But I wouldnt want to reveal them the secret to my Culinary Instincts. And to avoid a guilt trap of not introducing them to Vahchef, I would want all my readers to get introduced to Vahchef.. Chef Sanjay Thumma.. As most of them say.. I learned to cook from my Mother..or Saas.. or even better.. Grandmother.. I would rather say.. I learnt it from Vahchef...
After all. Vahchef is all about inspiring others to cook.so that others can benefit from your great cooking!
Anyways.. the point is that I never actually cooked much, and now we were .. all alone.. just the two of us, I knew that I had to be my best. I still recollect the day we landed here. We were tired due to jet lag and flight food. But we didnt have anything to cook, neither had the energy to. So the good old Maggi came as a savior. We had got along lots of Indian stuff..Maggi, Spices, Meswak toothpaste, Chandrika Sandal Soap and so many other things. Did I mention that we had 15 Kilos extra baggage, apart from the 40 Kilos allowance for each..
So here we were... cooking Maggi, and then I realised that my young Boyfriend now turned husband liked a drier version of Maggi, while I liked the soupy one...Revelation number 1. Earlier, we used to hang out all the while, and had actually explored all nooks n corners of Mumbai for Food. We had different choices all through out. He liked Fried Papads, while I liked the roasted ones. I like Chocolate cake, while he likes Pineapple and so on! So while I had now started cooking now, I had to bear in mind that it needs to please both the palates.. with a low priority to mine! So I ventured on my Cooking spree.. in the beginning I cannot be sure whether the Food was actually tasty. I made something..say pulav. He would eat with with enthusiasm, praising it atleat twice. I used to wonder whether he actually likes it, as I would find it only of average taste. Slowly and steadily I started Mega experiments. Things like Gula Jamun, Rasmalai, Chicken Biryani and all.. And it actually started turning out quite well. As my husband is, I cannot expect him to give all Hunky Dory praises all the time. But all that I cooked, had One Secret, that I would love to reveal here. It was thanks to YouTube! and that too... VahChef!
He actually inspired the "annapurna" facet in me. And I also used to get critical feedback from my husband and that is how I know that I have now become an accomplised Cook. So this time when I go back to India, both my parents, and in-laws will be so delighted..or rather surprised. But I wouldnt want to reveal them the secret to my Culinary Instincts. And to avoid a guilt trap of not introducing them to Vahchef, I would want all my readers to get introduced to Vahchef.. Chef Sanjay Thumma.. As most of them say.. I learned to cook from my Mother..or Saas.. or even better.. Grandmother.. I would rather say.. I learnt it from Vahchef...
After all. Vahchef is all about inspiring others to cook.so that others can benefit from your great cooking!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Food, Mind and Me
Treading my way through daily chores, I somehow managed to attend the Gym on a regular basis. I had joined a 1 month fitness program, which included Personal training and group exercises alongwith nutritional advice. When I look back, I thank myself for joining it. Its such a relief that I know I am dedicating atleast an hour a day for myself after everything else that I do, and I love the way my body is shaping up. In the first 2 weeks, I lost 5cms on my waist. I also shed 1.5kg Fat and gained 1kg Muscles. In effect, I lost 0.5kg weight off my 59 kilos.(My ideal weight ranges around 55kgs, so I was not too far : ) Yippee).
When I started working out, I used to feel really dizzy and tired. I was recommended to have a High Protein diet so that I will feel energetic and fuller. Someone told me that its better to skip Carbohydrates completely so that the body will start using the stored fats, which comprised 33% of my weight... not good!
When I started working out, I used to feel really dizzy and tired. I was recommended to have a High Protein diet so that I will feel energetic and fuller. Someone told me that its better to skip Carbohydrates completely so that the body will start using the stored fats, which comprised 33% of my weight... not good!
I tried to avoid carbs, that meant I had to avoid Chapatis and Rice, the very basis of an Indian diet that we never question all our lives. So I started eating Chicken(lots of trips to Nandos!) as a meal in itself, with salads..things like broccoli, parsley,lettuce, spinach.It tasted wonderful and I enjoyed it for a week. But slowly and slowly I was getting nervous as I didnt know what else I could eat. Couldnt work out any interesting recipes, and my great Indian foodie mind, couldnt deal anymore with having to skip wheat, rice, dal and ghee!My mind had started playing with me, I was counting calories all the while and wished I had anorexia.
It also had a physical toll on me. My performance the Gym started deteriorating, not to mention my other 2 important ventures: Office and Kitchen!In my group circuit sessions, I would see others being able to do more than me, of course, their diet is full of bacon and steak(the mighty Angus and what not!).. and they dont miss Indian fooood.
I thought all this is not for me. And then I suddenly realised! Hey, why am I working out? So that I lead a active, energetic life..apart from the deep rooted aspirations for flat abs...and I also realised that I am not actually Obese or fat..I just need to maintain my weight and health. That was it! I decided that although working out is good and I will pursue it, I will not let it over power me. After all, the mind WON!
I started eating as I normally did earlier, after all a Happy Mind like mine loves to Eat. But yes, I cut down on unnecessary stuff like butter, ghee...by the way food still tastes great. I absolutely started eating rice, chapatis,Dal...and I religiously gave 100% to my work out sessions. Why imitate others when you know that every molecule of your body only demands things that you grew up eating.. This time my Mantra being Meal size. And hey, it really works. I have also got into a habit of at least having 2 kinds of fruit each day, one with Breakfast and another one as a snack at 4pm. I believe that people who feel hungry and are able to fetch a Meal are blessed... and I am one of them, so wont any longer deprive myself of nature's bounty, and the basis of my Being.
That's how my mind works I guess.. It throws questions and anxieties at me.. I tread my way through them.. and at the end..I feel hungry! not for food.. but newer challenges to be consumed in.
It also had a physical toll on me. My performance the Gym started deteriorating, not to mention my other 2 important ventures: Office and Kitchen!In my group circuit sessions, I would see others being able to do more than me, of course, their diet is full of bacon and steak(the mighty Angus and what not!).. and they dont miss Indian fooood.
I thought all this is not for me. And then I suddenly realised! Hey, why am I working out? So that I lead a active, energetic life..apart from the deep rooted aspirations for flat abs...and I also realised that I am not actually Obese or fat..I just need to maintain my weight and health. That was it! I decided that although working out is good and I will pursue it, I will not let it over power me. After all, the mind WON!
I started eating as I normally did earlier, after all a Happy Mind like mine loves to Eat. But yes, I cut down on unnecessary stuff like butter, ghee...by the way food still tastes great. I absolutely started eating rice, chapatis,Dal...and I religiously gave 100% to my work out sessions. Why imitate others when you know that every molecule of your body only demands things that you grew up eating.. This time my Mantra being Meal size. And hey, it really works. I have also got into a habit of at least having 2 kinds of fruit each day, one with Breakfast and another one as a snack at 4pm. I believe that people who feel hungry and are able to fetch a Meal are blessed... and I am one of them, so wont any longer deprive myself of nature's bounty, and the basis of my Being.
That's how my mind works I guess.. It throws questions and anxieties at me.. I tread my way through them.. and at the end..I feel hungry! not for food.. but newer challenges to be consumed in.
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