The day started off rather early- with Pads waking me at 3 am. To be honest, I thought the sky was falling and in typical Chicken Little fashion I scurried around for exactly 6 seconds before burrowing myself deeper into my pillow and tucking the blanket snugly around myself for round 2. Snore...
I woke myself up with determined effort and made it to work by half past ten. Breakfast was Alu Parathas with tomato chutney. Fairly good- and after missing last night's dinner it was just what I needed to set off on my morning.
Pri called in sick and the day unfolded with a huge flurry of work... Despite the rush jobs required, I wanted a satisfying meal. Su was dutifully blackmailed into joining me and we rushed to Sri Krishna Cafe. There was mixed vegetable sambar, puzhikozhambu, more kozhambu and a yummy pepper rasam with the rice. A masaledar bitter gourd gravy, kosambri with diced, steamed beans and carrots (this was a new one for me- I've never had kosambri with dices and steamed veggies in combination before!) and a delicious ash gourd kootu. Hmmm- it hit the spot. The appalam and the instant mango pickle I swiped clean. I consciously avoided over-eating and wafted into the office- in a happier and lighter frame of mind. Can't say the same for Su though!
I skipped going for a swim- it is way too cold... and a dip in freezing water doesn't sound too appealing... I hope the clouds clear away by tomorrow.
Dinner was a thai red curry with Tina's latest contribution to my larder- the sambol paste that she found too spicy! A generous dollop of coconut milk, a few leaves of basil and lemon grass and sliced veggies and dinner was ready and served by half past eight. Smiles galore from Chef- who for some reason was trying to get me to add the cashew paste he had made into my curry. Pads was dropping off and headed straight for bed by a quarter past nine.
Hmmm- bed does sound inviting!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Meetings- of various minds
First birthdays are usually for the parents! Or so I thought... until last evening... when my niece went on to have a blast, and proclaim that the day was hers after all!
It was an eclectic bunch- close to 50 people all jostling for space with musical chairs being the game for the evening with a shortage of chairs and all. And it must be said in their favour- and in that of their hosts- that they were an extremely comfortable, no frills bunch that made the evening the success it was! It was much much more than bearable! Conversation flowed- babies were the theme of the evening and the focus of more than one of the conversations.
I did not join any of them- not because I was not invited- but because Anan had my undivided attention for the evening... Strangely, I discovered that she is terrified of a toy puppy they got her which does cartwheels. Her baby heart was skipping beats and she was visibly (and audibly, of course- my little angel loves to let you hear her displeasure!) distressed. And this was rather strange- as the little one had fearlessly put her hand into Butch's mouth and scared him away
when she was much younger!
Needless to say, I stayed over and spent the morning dawdling and waiting for ms teensy to wake up and give me direction. The fact that the sun was hiding all morning added to the general ennui and consequently, it was well past noon before I wended my way back to Chef's palace and the pronmise of a long day cooking! Chef called me with all his last minute requests- wine (Fortant- a Cabernet Sauvignon that is recommended if you favor a medium dry red), chives/ shallots and spring onions (which were not to be seen anywhere!) and flowers (which btw- I duly forgot!). I trudged in post lunch and we started off. The chicken was already on the stove... and it smelled delicious! In less than half an hour, I was tucking hungrily into my brunch of rotis with the chicken (I was tasting- doing Chef a favour- you see?). The chicken was flavored with coriander and was a little on the spicy side. Besides chef refused to take my suggestion of adding chopped coriander leaves- and I have to crib!
Post lunch, we started off with the dessert- a twist on the ras malai. I readied the paneer balls and we decided to pack in some sweetened khowa- a disaster. We made tennis ball sized paneer balls. On boiling, the khowa disappeared. I went easy on the sugar as is my wont, and the sweet dish was less sweet and more dish! On we marched to the mutton... this one and I must admit- checf did a tremendous job on this one. Mid-way I was dispatched to fetch the cake- a peachy concoction that was rather egg-y. I just polished off the last piece earlier this evening. And it was mmmmmm...
Paddy is at work with Chef giving her his inputs on making rotis with Bharwan bindi . Dinner sounds promising at this stage. The cooker had to be opened early as pads put the dal in it with a little less water.
Chef is trying to convince her that she must learn to make chicken. Pads is a true blue veggie! I can hear him promising her a psir of gloves so she never has to touch the meat. And Pads is going chee- no!
The wine is adding a mellow glow to a relaxed evening.
It is time to get back to the kitchen and contribute to the conversation and be a part of my world!!!
It was an eclectic bunch- close to 50 people all jostling for space with musical chairs being the game for the evening with a shortage of chairs and all. And it must be said in their favour- and in that of their hosts- that they were an extremely comfortable, no frills bunch that made the evening the success it was! It was much much more than bearable! Conversation flowed- babies were the theme of the evening and the focus of more than one of the conversations.
I did not join any of them- not because I was not invited- but because Anan had my undivided attention for the evening... Strangely, I discovered that she is terrified of a toy puppy they got her which does cartwheels. Her baby heart was skipping beats and she was visibly (and audibly, of course- my little angel loves to let you hear her displeasure!) distressed. And this was rather strange- as the little one had fearlessly put her hand into Butch's mouth and scared him away
when she was much younger!
Needless to say, I stayed over and spent the morning dawdling and waiting for ms teensy to wake up and give me direction. The fact that the sun was hiding all morning added to the general ennui and consequently, it was well past noon before I wended my way back to Chef's palace and the pronmise of a long day cooking! Chef called me with all his last minute requests- wine (Fortant- a Cabernet Sauvignon that is recommended if you favor a medium dry red), chives/ shallots and spring onions (which were not to be seen anywhere!) and flowers (which btw- I duly forgot!). I trudged in post lunch and we started off. The chicken was already on the stove... and it smelled delicious! In less than half an hour, I was tucking hungrily into my brunch of rotis with the chicken (I was tasting- doing Chef a favour- you see?). The chicken was flavored with coriander and was a little on the spicy side. Besides chef refused to take my suggestion of adding chopped coriander leaves- and I have to crib!
Post lunch, we started off with the dessert- a twist on the ras malai. I readied the paneer balls and we decided to pack in some sweetened khowa- a disaster. We made tennis ball sized paneer balls. On boiling, the khowa disappeared. I went easy on the sugar as is my wont, and the sweet dish was less sweet and more dish! On we marched to the mutton... this one and I must admit- checf did a tremendous job on this one. Mid-way I was dispatched to fetch the cake- a peachy concoction that was rather egg-y. I just polished off the last piece earlier this evening. And it was mmmmmm...
Paddy is at work with Chef giving her his inputs on making rotis with Bharwan bindi . Dinner sounds promising at this stage. The cooker had to be opened early as pads put the dal in it with a little less water.
Chef is trying to convince her that she must learn to make chicken. Pads is a true blue veggie! I can hear him promising her a psir of gloves so she never has to touch the meat. And Pads is going chee- no!
The wine is adding a mellow glow to a relaxed evening.
It is time to get back to the kitchen and contribute to the conversation and be a part of my world!!!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friday fundas
The menu discussion continues... In fact we have now progressed to a discussion of the method for preparation. I am only partially there, distracted as I am by the antics of Steve Martin as Clouseau in The Pink Panther.
I have decided also to stay over after tonights 70 member gathering at Tina's... to spend a little more QT with my little cutie. OK. OK... I know that was disgusting... but what to do! We are like this only.
I must admit that I have taken a liking to The Panda House- their Burmese Khaosuey being my favorite. I can't vouch for the authenticity- never having had the privilege of trying the Khaosuey in Burma. But, if you want a warm, soothing meal in the midst of the chaos that is Transit- it is recommended. Mild flavors with chunks of chicken and soft noodles with crunchy mung bean sprouts floating in a lemony, tangy coconut gravy, topped with fried noodles and a few dried shrimps thrown in... hmmm... I was lost the first time I tried it! However, I decided to veer away from the tried and tested yesterday... and I picked the prawn chilli basil rice. Well- it was fried, and rice, and bland, and a bunch of things- but I can assure you I am not asking for more!
And then, on to Landmark to work off the steam from heavy conversations that combined with the not so appetising meal had left me fully frustrated! I bought a bunch of magazines, including a Femina! And Flow- a book I would highly recommend as a light and illuminating read.
My favorite tip from Femina- to unclog a showerhead leave it overnight in a plastic bag filled with vinegar!
The exams approach and I feel as unprepared- and therefore as reluctant to commit to an exam date- as last time. However, I have decided that I will indeed make the attempt this time around. this certificate is to be "in hand" before the end of next year!
What value such certs? I am pulled back to argumentative conversations with Sunchen and Paddy- with Paddy infuriated at the fact that I can argue one side and then the other and continue to do so with impunity through the course of an evening. She has since forbidden these conversations between him and me!
I have given myself till the end of 2008 to figure out all of the other certifications that I think will add value and to have a plan to get them all! Hmmm... as usual i do not see myself starting out on the groundwork till November next year. But, come December, I shall have my list!
I am all set to take on the world at large today after my cup of adrak chai. I miss daddy! I miss most of all the fact that I could trouble him about the taste of my tea- and he would make as many cups in the morning as it took to get me to say it was OK!
Mummy called me bright and early this morning- and was surprised when I said I was lazing today!!! She seems all keyed up for her pethi's party!
I have decided also to stay over after tonights 70 member gathering at Tina's... to spend a little more QT with my little cutie. OK. OK... I know that was disgusting... but what to do! We are like this only.
I must admit that I have taken a liking to The Panda House- their Burmese Khaosuey being my favorite. I can't vouch for the authenticity- never having had the privilege of trying the Khaosuey in Burma. But, if you want a warm, soothing meal in the midst of the chaos that is Transit- it is recommended. Mild flavors with chunks of chicken and soft noodles with crunchy mung bean sprouts floating in a lemony, tangy coconut gravy, topped with fried noodles and a few dried shrimps thrown in... hmmm... I was lost the first time I tried it! However, I decided to veer away from the tried and tested yesterday... and I picked the prawn chilli basil rice. Well- it was fried, and rice, and bland, and a bunch of things- but I can assure you I am not asking for more!
And then, on to Landmark to work off the steam from heavy conversations that combined with the not so appetising meal had left me fully frustrated! I bought a bunch of magazines, including a Femina! And Flow- a book I would highly recommend as a light and illuminating read.
My favorite tip from Femina- to unclog a showerhead leave it overnight in a plastic bag filled with vinegar!
The exams approach and I feel as unprepared- and therefore as reluctant to commit to an exam date- as last time. However, I have decided that I will indeed make the attempt this time around. this certificate is to be "in hand" before the end of next year!
What value such certs? I am pulled back to argumentative conversations with Sunchen and Paddy- with Paddy infuriated at the fact that I can argue one side and then the other and continue to do so with impunity through the course of an evening. She has since forbidden these conversations between him and me!
I have given myself till the end of 2008 to figure out all of the other certifications that I think will add value and to have a plan to get them all! Hmmm... as usual i do not see myself starting out on the groundwork till November next year. But, come December, I shall have my list!
I am all set to take on the world at large today after my cup of adrak chai. I miss daddy! I miss most of all the fact that I could trouble him about the taste of my tea- and he would make as many cups in the morning as it took to get me to say it was OK!
Mummy called me bright and early this morning- and was surprised when I said I was lazing today!!! She seems all keyed up for her pethi's party!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Excesses and more...
Que sera sera!
Everyday brings a new set of zingers and some days leave me reeling- as if I have just been ejected off a gargantuan movie set at Ramoji Film City! Truth be told- I have never seen Ramoji film city- except through the flattering eye of a cinematographer's lens... Nevertheless, one is sure one gets the drift...
Life is a series of peaks- as I chase one wave after another- everything seems tidal while it lasts!!! Take for instance the plan for the big party this weekend. The menu is under discussion. How does one decide on a menu, by the way? Time at hand plus resources- manpower and moolah of course! That s a definite no-brainer. One would think... However, things work differently sometimes...
The menu this week has hot and sweet lamb chops in a thick brown sauce which is between a barbecue sauce and a chinese hot and sweet sauce, stir fried mussels with cucumber chinese style, the classic inimitably delicious butter garlic squid, and thai style chilli basil prawns as starters. The main course is a fruity ghee rice with mango chutney and a delectable curry with mixed vegetables and mushrooms. Dessert is still unclear- any suggestions?
The mandate this week- with three pregnant women waiting in line- is a low spice meal. The chef is one with an enviable reputation- with a hand to die for! Each dish will turn out to be a well balanced delicacy that will leave everyone in a Dickensian world of wanting and waiting.
As I type this in, the chef- who wants to be referred to as "the undertaker who is a specialist"- is looking over my shoulder trying to pepper my blog with random phrases. Go get your own blog chef! He is now singing Aye meri meri zohra zabeen in a strange voice... Looks like he is getting into gear- it has been a good day!
Back to the big menu... dessert will include some part of a cake.
Hmmm... There is still a piece of chocolate excess lying in the fridge (and it's calling out my name). I haven't exercised in weeks now and the guilt is overwhelming! I imagine that every cell has its own little fat storage unit working overtime and it is visible to the entire world as i walk.
I have just tasted the mutton curry that's for dinner- oh oh! Vive la chef! A south indian spicy curry that will serve as a great accompaniment to either rotis or rice... What will it be?
Uh oh! my tummy is still complaining about the heavy MTR meal I subjected it to at lunch. I think I have been sitting on the fence with this one for far too long. The verdict is out- and it's final! MTR is vastly over-rated. A minimum 20 minute wait at 1 pm for a meal that leaves you wondering why you bothered! The sambar and rasam are good- not great. The bisi bele bath- IMHO- is better at Woody's. The palya is OK. The poori and sagu are average. The chutneys are good. The pongal and hesarubele payasa were nice (and the saving grace if you ask me, today). To be honest, I've never enjoyed the raitha and the kosambari as much as I did today. the one really good thing about the entire meal is that the quality is truly homely- my stomach has been saying good things about the quality of all the ingredients all afternoon... and trust me, I would have known by now if things were not quite right. Happy birthday Latha aunty- you were spot on about the quality of the food- but taste is of consequence too! And the entire experience leaves a lot to be desired. Are the Maiyas paying heed??? ;-)
My bulbul is back in the balcony bamboo... my little ecosystem is flourishing! Maybe I am learning the ropes, after all... I want to "make friends" with him. He looked in on me this morning too. Bulbuls are fruitarians, I read... He is noisy, and curious, and exceedingly brave. He flew into the house and had to be carefully shown the door lest he hurt himself...
The most important point of the day- it is my little angel's first birthday... she has been very bulbul like- yakking away at the other end of the phone. I have not gone to see her yet- and will only do so over the weekend when i shall be a part of the 70 member gathering at rt nagar!
Now to more excesses!
Everyday brings a new set of zingers and some days leave me reeling- as if I have just been ejected off a gargantuan movie set at Ramoji Film City! Truth be told- I have never seen Ramoji film city- except through the flattering eye of a cinematographer's lens... Nevertheless, one is sure one gets the drift...
Life is a series of peaks- as I chase one wave after another- everything seems tidal while it lasts!!! Take for instance the plan for the big party this weekend. The menu is under discussion. How does one decide on a menu, by the way? Time at hand plus resources- manpower and moolah of course! That s a definite no-brainer. One would think... However, things work differently sometimes...
The menu this week has hot and sweet lamb chops in a thick brown sauce which is between a barbecue sauce and a chinese hot and sweet sauce, stir fried mussels with cucumber chinese style, the classic inimitably delicious butter garlic squid, and thai style chilli basil prawns as starters. The main course is a fruity ghee rice with mango chutney and a delectable curry with mixed vegetables and mushrooms. Dessert is still unclear- any suggestions?
The mandate this week- with three pregnant women waiting in line- is a low spice meal. The chef is one with an enviable reputation- with a hand to die for! Each dish will turn out to be a well balanced delicacy that will leave everyone in a Dickensian world of wanting and waiting.
As I type this in, the chef- who wants to be referred to as "the undertaker who is a specialist"- is looking over my shoulder trying to pepper my blog with random phrases. Go get your own blog chef! He is now singing Aye meri meri zohra zabeen in a strange voice... Looks like he is getting into gear- it has been a good day!
Back to the big menu... dessert will include some part of a cake.
Hmmm... There is still a piece of chocolate excess lying in the fridge (and it's calling out my name). I haven't exercised in weeks now and the guilt is overwhelming! I imagine that every cell has its own little fat storage unit working overtime and it is visible to the entire world as i walk.
I have just tasted the mutton curry that's for dinner- oh oh! Vive la chef! A south indian spicy curry that will serve as a great accompaniment to either rotis or rice... What will it be?
Uh oh! my tummy is still complaining about the heavy MTR meal I subjected it to at lunch. I think I have been sitting on the fence with this one for far too long. The verdict is out- and it's final! MTR is vastly over-rated. A minimum 20 minute wait at 1 pm for a meal that leaves you wondering why you bothered! The sambar and rasam are good- not great. The bisi bele bath- IMHO- is better at Woody's. The palya is OK. The poori and sagu are average. The chutneys are good. The pongal and hesarubele payasa were nice (and the saving grace if you ask me, today). To be honest, I've never enjoyed the raitha and the kosambari as much as I did today. the one really good thing about the entire meal is that the quality is truly homely- my stomach has been saying good things about the quality of all the ingredients all afternoon... and trust me, I would have known by now if things were not quite right. Happy birthday Latha aunty- you were spot on about the quality of the food- but taste is of consequence too! And the entire experience leaves a lot to be desired. Are the Maiyas paying heed??? ;-)
My bulbul is back in the balcony bamboo... my little ecosystem is flourishing! Maybe I am learning the ropes, after all... I want to "make friends" with him. He looked in on me this morning too. Bulbuls are fruitarians, I read... He is noisy, and curious, and exceedingly brave. He flew into the house and had to be carefully shown the door lest he hurt himself...
The most important point of the day- it is my little angel's first birthday... she has been very bulbul like- yakking away at the other end of the phone. I have not gone to see her yet- and will only do so over the weekend when i shall be a part of the 70 member gathering at rt nagar!
Now to more excesses!
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