World Cuisine Series!!!

Quest for Thai Cuisine....

I remember, when I was in second year in College, I had this passion to learn about Global Cuisines. Reason?My friend Cari Smith tells me, her grandmother told her "Stomach is the way to conquer a man's heart"---but she guesses that this works for all--men & women alike. Yes, I feel even in the same way. Most of our guests are in "home away from home". I am now an expat now, will really appreciate if someone cooks my homefood, when I am away from home, away from country. My priority will be a bengali food, then Indian Food & finally Continental [preferably Italian!!!], when I am away from home, but you must be knowing I dont like spicy food. I am sure, Noel begs to differ in this opinion as he will rather have not filipino food, but Indian food--away from home.

So coming back to what we were discussing...I started off with Thai Cuisine, during my "Quest for Global Cuisine". Reason??It is one of the most happening Cuisine of future, as I can foresee [I have special abilities to foresee...I am sorry, if you dont!!!], it is one of the most popular Asian Cuisine, apart from its Pan Asian counterpart--Chinese, Japanese etc. Thirdly, the ingredients used, contribute a lot of flavour, also the chillies tend to make it spicy too!!!

I never learnt Thai Cuisine, as I did for Italian, French or very my own Bengali/Indian cuisine. I always read by the Menu of Ban Thai, an upscale authentic Thai restaurant in Kolkata [The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata], try to match it with my notes, & try to make out the ingredients & the possible method. I remember cooking pure thai food for my aunt, when I cooked for her, for the first time when she came to Kolkata from California.
The menu was like this

"Mee Grob

Sam Tom Esan

-

Tom Kha Kai

-

Pad Pak Ruam Nit

Kaeng Kua Sapparod

-

Sangkaya

Sa-koo piag

Tab-tim Grob"

I am sure you dont understand the head & tail of this menu. Mee Grob is a crispy appetiser, made with rice vermicelli. This is deep fried--making it super crispy, & then tossed with a sweet & sour dressing & an assortment of garnish. This tastes kind of our Chaat, specially if made with Bhujia.
"Sam Tom Esan" is the most popular & world famous "Thai Salad". Its pretty simple, made with raw papaya, grated & tossed with some tomatoes, some beans, some tamarind/lime juice, chillies, garlic. Trick is that all ingredients are mixed  by a mortar & pestle!!

Proceeding to the following is "Tom Kha Kai/Gai" [FYI..Kai/Gai...="Chicken", Kha="Galangal"] Tom refers to something that is simmered, if I am not wrong. It is a very simple soup, with a lot of flavours, from Kaffir Lime Leaves, from Galangal, from Fish Sauce & the full-bodied Coconut Milk. All are simmered & then shavings of chicken & put on bowls with a gentle squeeze of lime juice....

Pad Pak Ruam Nit---simply put stir-fried vegetable!!! No fuss....

Kaeng Kua Sapparod--Pineapple & Prawns curry. This is another simple curry, Prawns & Pineapples are simmered for a couple of minutes in a fiery red curry. Actually the sweetness in Pineapples helps to balance the fiery curry, apart from the addition of coconut milk. Next comes the dessert course, my alltime favourite course..
Sangkaya--I simply love this dessert. This is so simple, but so beautiful. We can call it an oriental version of "Creme Caramel" without the Caramel, or "Steamed Custard".  All you need is egg yolks, coconut cream, sugar & some jasmine extract. Mix, steam, chill & serve.
Saakoo Piag is another simple dessert, but served warm with lots of tropical fruits. Tapioca pearls or "Saagu" is boiled with water & then with coconut cream, sugar & a topping made of coconut cream-sugar.
Crispy water chestnut jelly or "Tab Tim grob" is little tedious to make..but worth it....

At the end of the meal..my aunt [Fondly, I call her "Boromaa"...], she was blown away..so was my little cousin!!!!

During my little stint in Chola Sheraton, I cooked a lot of curries, specially Yellow Curry, Green Curry & Red Curry. Few important ingredients I could jot down, from my too little experience...
Khao Neow-Sticky Rice, Glutinous
Khao Suay-Jasmine Rice
Galangal- cousin of ginger family
Fish Sauce---made from fermented fish, also known as "Nam Pla"
Basil--both hot & sweet basil
Thai Aubergine--You wont believe, it looks like green pea!!! Else, use green pea
Kaffir Lime Leaves--Leaves of flavourful Kaffir Lime, else use Lime leaves, but flavour will be different
Palm Sugar--Else Sugar
Shrimp Paste
Tamarind
Turmeric
Lemongrass
Jasmine Extract
Coconut Milk & Cream
Coriander/Cilantro
& Chillies!!!!

Recently, my interest in Thai Cuisine has "rejuvenated", since the arrival of Chef Fhonthip, our Pastry Chef in Ritz Carlton [She is from Thailand!!!] & our *light* discussions on Thai Culture. Thanks to my uncle, who got my Thai Cuisine notes from Kolkata, on his way back to California last week!!Now I am ready to present my expertise in Thai Cuisine, to Chef Fhonthip [Chef, I hope you are reading it!!!] & earn a credit [1 more cream cheese??? ;) ].

Now, I am hungry, sleepy also need to get my clothes from Laundry. But before I go..a recipe for you..."Sangkaya"...my favorite!!!

Sangkaya

Ingredients:-

Eggs- 6

Coconut Cream- 250 ml

Sugar/Palm Sugar- 250 gm
Jasmine Extract 1/2 tsp
Method:-
1)Combine eggs, coconut cream, sugar & jasmine extract & beat together for about 2 minutes.
2)Steam the mixture in a 9 inch cake pan for around 30 minutes, in a steamer.
3)Allow it to cool, cut & serve cold.

Maa...My play is done...break my chains & make me free...

Today was my off...on these days I always contemplate on the equilibrium of gains & losses, & also feel for my mother, my brother, my friends back in Kolkata & a lot of things....
Many things I lost in life..many wonderful human beings--who I will never meet again & who may come over to me in course of time...again & again [They say, the world is pretty small]..
February is about to end now..the onset of spring means onset of Summer too...I remember those golden days of school...end of February always used to mean "Exam fever"...studies, studies & studies again..forget playing with friends, out with parents on Sundays, or even watching favorite TV shows or cartoon shows..its studies day & night...with mother sitting next to me..asking me, whatever I could read/mug up.
Mathematics...umm..I was never strong in it...& co-incidentally, the date of mathematics exam will fall on the day after Holi [A prior conspiracy by teacher???]. I remember, I was rather forbidden to play Holi, since we had scarcity of water...so I used to observe those people playing with colors, waters etc....& in the evening, my Pishi[paternal aunt] would come over...with some sweets for me..it repeated every year!!
Post exam..was a leave for about a month...so holidaying...I remember visiting Nepal in 2000. But once I reached there, I was suffering from Diarrhoea. Ohh..that was so painful!!! I could not go anywhere...only staying in the room...throughout the day & post exam??? It was the Results!!

***

New classes in Summer...high heat...new class, new books & new teachers..fortunately..friends, enemies, crushes...still the same :). I now feel the summer is ushering in...gradually..it makes me nostalgic...reminds me of those days lost...however, I am hopeful for the days lying ahead...
But at last...my play will be done...the end is nigh
I was reading an excellent poem by Swami Vivekananda today afternoon...copying it here, for your sake

MY PLAY IS DONE

(Written in the Spring of 1895 in New York)

Ever rising, ever falling with the waves of time,

still rolling on I go

From fleeting scene to scene ephemeral,

with life's currents' ebb and flow.

Oh! I am sick of this unending force;

these shows they please no more.

This ever running, never reaching,

nor e'en a distant glimpse of shore!

From life to life I'm waiting at the gates,

alas, they open not.

Dim are my eyes with vain attempt

to catch one ray long sought.

On little life's high, narrow bridge

I stand and see below

The struggling, crying, laughing throng.

For what? No one can know.

In front yon gates stand frowning dark,

and say: "No farther way,

This is the limit; tempt not Fate,

bear it as best you may;

Go, mix with them and drink this cup

and be as mad as they.

Who dares to know but comes to grief;

stop then, and with them stay."

Alas for me. I cannot rest.

This floating bubble, earth —

Its hollow form, its hollow name,

its hollow death and birth —

For me is nothing. How I long

to get beyond the crust

Of name and form! Ah! ope the gates;

to me they open must.

Open the gates of light, O Mother, to me Thy tired son.

I long, oh, long to return home!

Mother, my play is done.

You sent me out in the dark to play,

and wore a frightful mask;

Then hope departed, terror came,

and play became a task.

Tossed to and fro, from wave to wave

in this seething, surging sea

Of passions strong and sorrows deep,

grief is, and joy to be,

Where life is living death, alas! and death —

who knows but 'tis

Another start, another round of this old wheel

of grief and bliss?

Where children dream bright, golden dreams,

too soon to find them dust,

And aye look back to hope long lost

and life a mass of rust!

Too late, the knowledge age cloth gain;

scarce from the wheel we're gone

When fresh, young lives put their strength

to the wheel, which thus goes on

From day to day and year to year.

'Tis but delusion's toy,

False hope its motor; desire, nave;

its spokes are grief and joy.

I go adrift and know not whither.

Save me from this fire!

Rescue me, merciful Mother, from floating with desire!

Turn not to me Thy awful face,

'tis more than I can bear.

Be merciful and kind to me,

to chide my faults forbear.

Take me, O Mother, to those shores

where strifes for ever cease;

Beyond all sorrows, beyond tears,

beyond e'en earthly bliss;

Whose glory neither sun, nor moon,

nor stars that twinkle bright,

Nor flash of lightning can express.

They but reflect its light.

Let never more delusive dreams

veil off Thy face from me.

My play is done, O Mother,

break my chains and make me free!

When cooking is a ritual!!!

Yes, its true, at least for me...Cooking is a ritual. I always consider cooking for someone special, for God's offering I am cooking...be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian so the end product will always be delicious. Sometimes I get frustrated with too many orders, but the guest is paying for it...isn't it???
"Atithidevo bhava"--Be your guest God, such says our Upanishads. Even if I cook for myself or for my friends, its always a ritual for me. I dont know, but I always go with the authentic recipe & follow it verbatim, of course making my life easy, by doing few steps together.
Take this example, Biryani..I am always fascinated by Biryani...one of my fav. I remember making it once at home, as I was hungry & wanted to have biryani right away. I had chicken, rice etc rather all the ingredients for making Biryani, but no preparations ahead. I made the biryani in half-an hour...the end result???My mom swore she would never have Biryani in her life... lols..
I lost confidence...but the following day, was a ritual. I made my brown onion paste, marinated the mutton for 24 hours, & the end result???Well...with all humility, it was wonderful!!! :)
Or another example can be Dal Makhni, rather I make Maa di Dal [Mother's Dal], an offshoot of Dal Makhni. I carefully arrange all the ingredients, soak & let the dal sprout, boil, with masalas & finish off...& once you put it in your mouth with some paratha, roti .....its a "WoW"!!!


Whenever I cook anything special, specially a three course menu, [It was a regular stuff in Kolkata, specially on weekends, followed by a photoshoot--though made only once though in Dubai]my mom comments that I am a nuisance in the kitchen, "Come on...I am doing my mise-en place!!!" Since I dont get brown stock from outside [I dont have trust on those stock cubes too!!!] , I make it at home [Let me pay the electricity this month], by roasting the bones in the oven & then prolonged simmering....If I am making fish as my main course, I dont process it from my fishmonger...rather, I buy the fish whole, only descaled. Rest, I practise my butchery at home--similar treatment for chicken. If Lamb/Mutton, then it depends...


For the time being, I am sharing a *ritualistic* Dal recipe--one of my favorites....

Maa di Daal
Ingredients:
Black Urad Dal (whole)- 200 gm
Rajma/Red Kidney Beans- 25 gm
Ginger-Garlic paste- 25 gm
Chilly Powder- 15 gm
Tomato Puree- 200 gm
Coriander Powder- 15 gm
Green Chilly - 2 nos
Cream- 100 gm
White Cooking butter- 50 gm
For tempering:
Onion- 1 no [thinly sliced]
Dried Methi[fenugreek] leaves- 5 gm
Red Chilly Powder- 5 gm
Method:-
1)Wash & soak the dal overnight. Drain the excess water, cover the dal & keep in a warm place, till the dal starts to sprout.
2)Boil the dal in salted water, leaving 2 inch excess water & boil till almost ready to mash.
3)Add the ginger-garlic paste, powdered masalas,puree  & cream & cook till the masalas are no more raw, without any addition of water. Mash the dal slowly at this point.
4)Add in the white cooking butter & cook for another 1/2 hour. Dont forget to stir continuously--as the dal may stick to the bottom!![the total cooking process is 2.5 hrs].
5)For tempering the dal, heat mustard oil & ghee in a pan, till very hot. Add in the sliced onion, red chilly powder till the onion starts to colour--add in the methi leaves & pour it over the Dal. Finish with touches of Punjabi Garam Masala..

My Silence!!!!

One of my friends often comment on my *philosophical* ride, when I chat with him [A friend, who is an astrologer, have been chatting with him for years now, but never met--perhaps God has reserved sometime later, if he has...] on those days, when I am pissed off---with everyone. Most of the time I ping my friends, if they are online, if they are willing to chat, I carry on, else....even I dont ping all--the people I like, I feel free with ....
Sometimes, I do get i.e. philosophical, when everything seems to be fake, baseless, illogical, unscientific & lacks reasoning...like now....I have been out of country now for 4 months now...no one to talk to, except calling up Mom or few close friends, who studied with me, in school, college etc, but they also have their own schedules, own priorities, own life etc & finally, its the matter of empathy...Hardly people empathise nowadays [I understand that people have got better business to do...], but for us, Empathising with the guest is a compulsion, but for us????Its really a big question mark....
When I return home from work....my work is now either sitting in front of the laptop, chatting with friends online, or going out...to the deptt. stores or else to the malls, now for a change, I have thought of going for long walks--I will breathe fresh air [FYI....Dubai is less polluted than Kolkata!!!] & it will help me to lose weight...but all seems to be pretty boring & then sleeping by 9 or 10 pm[Ohh..this is awful, I never used to sleep before 11:30 or 12 ] & getting up by 4 am!!!!
Now I got a bad headache, I dont know why, may be I caught cold [Its a frequent problem for me now], or may be eye problems are back [My eyes are giving me hardtimes already...]..
Most of the times, I am pissed off nowadays--speak to people only for the sake of speaking--laugh only for the sake of laughing....why?????I dont know...I dont have an answer to it..even dont know who has an answer to it...Perhaps I need some physical rest & mental rest...too much of pressure, blamegame, being scapegoat...I am stressed!!!!!!
Fortunately my uncle is coming down for a day, before he moves to California...at least that can ease my mental stress a bit...I will be back in touch with a relative, out of country...

The headache is getting bad now...

My Gurudev....[a non-culinary post]

[Caveat:If you are a staunch anti-hindu/atheist, please dont go forward & waste your time. If you dont believe in miracles, or believe that destiny cannot be changed, even by the almighty, are advised not to proceed forward--you must have some other good job to do.]

I remember visiting Yogodyan Math, a branch of Ramakrishna Math & Mission in the month of January, to meet Shreemat Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj-ji, for receiving the Holy Mantra of Shree Ramakrishna. Maharaj-ji looked at me, specially my forehead & my feet, when my maternal aunt introduced me to Him & expressed that I am interested in receiving the mantra of Shree Ramakrishna.
Maharaj-ji said, "Ok, thats fine, you come to the office, after you have lunch here."

After having prasaad, we went to the Office & spoke to Prashanta Maharaj & asked about initiation. He went through my application, I was 13 yrs old then, almost went through all the books of Shree Ramakrishna, Shree Shree Ma & Swami Vivekananda. Prashanta Maharaj-ji said, its fine,& gave me a form to fill-up, however, there was a glitch. It also needs my father's signature for permission!!! However, made some false promises to my father & I got it..
I went to Yogodyan Math the following month with my mother & submitted my form. I was given two dates--one for an interview & other date for the Initiation.I still remember those dates, 15th February 1999 & 17th February 1999 respectively.
Another problem this time, in those 2 dates, we had computer practicals for the final examinations. I told my teacher, that I have some *unavoidable ceremonies* to attend. Ultimately. she changed the exam dates for me & took my exams before the dates.
On 17th February, 1999, I got up at 4 am in the morning. I had some butter, some sugar candy & went to Yogodyan Math. It was a different experience, I cant describe in words!!My mother helped me in wearing the dhoti, which I was wearing for the first time in my life...
Revered Maharaj-ji came in the room & told us why there is a need for a initiation. After we offered a handful of flowers to Shri Ramakrishna, for all the good deeds & bad deeds of this life & past life, Revered Maharaj-ji gave us the Holy Mantra of Shri Ramakrishna.
I was so close to the mantra...I thought that the mantra will be like that, except a few words...
We offered our pranaams to Gurudev & had prasaad there..
***
Soon after my initiation, I was ill. I was suffering from poor health. Co-incidentally, my Gurudev was also ill. He had cardiac issues, was admitted to AIMS for a bypass surgery, few of His arteries were also replaced. I was feeling bad, thinking that did he take my disease from me??I was getting better gradually & so was he. I went to Nepal for holidays with my family, & when we returned, got to know that Gurudev is doing good & was staying in Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, close to my house.It was a good news to me, as I could visit Gurudev everyday--even if the city is washed away with rains, I was determined to visit him, with some chocolates.
I remember the last day during his stay in the institute, we could touch his feet.
Thereafter, I used to visit him quite frequently. He would ask me in a gesture how I am doing? I used to reply, "I am alright, how about you?". I never got into much of religious discussion. Often, I used to get angry those days...I went to Gurudev & asked him, "How can I control my anger?", He told me manythings, but what I still remember,"When you know you are getting angry, you can control it yourself!!"
Often he used to quote Mundak Upanishad "Satyameva Jayate Naanritam"--Its the truth that triumphs, not falsehood.
Before appearing for exams, any religious occasion/festival at home, I always used to seek his blessings so that the event is successful & it used to be. I remember, when I was in class-8, it was becoming difficult for me to memorise my studies, specially during my exams. I sent him a letter asking what to do. Though his reply was late, still, his advice was wonderful. He advised me "Try to memorise & write it down immediately. You will never forget". It still works, so simple!!
Once I took some homegrown flowers & Bilvaleaves for him for offering him a Pushpanjali, privately. I started doing it, taking his permission.He asked me, "Who taught you this?". I said, "No one", & He remained silent.
He would always bless me by touching my forehead or my head. Often will rub his hands gently on my head, when I used to shave my head [An odd habit of late].
However, days kept on passing, when I thought of cooking something for Gurudev---a desire I had for many days. I cooked "Payasam" for him. Later I got the feedback from his secretary that it was good. Else, rest of the time, I would take chocolates for him.

In 2005, He was elected as the President of Ramakrishna Mission--virtually it means pranaams from a distance. But for him, he had no boundaries. His love for all, his blessings for all... In that year, during Durga Puja, I got some flowers to offer to Devi Durga, but offered those flowers to Gurudev, considering him to be "Durga" in her human form...
Since, 2006 my visits to him came down-due to a lot of reasons.Due to a setback in my studies, I was feeling bad to go out. Still, once in a while...
On September 4th, 2007, Gurudev was severely ill & was admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan, where he worked as a Secretary for more than 20 years. I was crying the whole day. He was having severe convulsion, due to Parkinson's, septicaemia etc reasons. I wanted him to recover in few days, however, my wish will not change Gurudev's wish. After a week or so, his secretary used to sit in Room No.10 of the same hospital & gave us his news, possibility of recovery & his condition then.
On 17th September, 2007, some arrangements were made where we could see Gurudev live in television. I used to visit everyday after my college hours. During that time, my daily schedule was like attend classes from 9 am to 5pm, visit hospital from 5:30 pm to 6:30 & work from 8:30 pm to 1 am. Despite such hectic schedule, I made it a point to visit him everyday. I was very much worried about such condition, where there is hardly any recovery; Gurudev didn't respond to any of the medications that have been applied on him. Such condition remained for 2 weeks & suddenly the condition deteriorated badly. Doctors gave up hope--- my heart bursted with tears. Is there no hope??? Will Shri Ramakrishna not listen to me??? Will He not listen to the wish of thousands & lakhs of devotees??? Shri Ramakrishna gave us a ray of hope----in a day or two, there were signs of recovery & good news was that Gurudev was shifted to General Ward. Provision was made for a daily Darshan in the evening. I used to visit everyday. For his recovery, I conducted Vishnu Sahasranaam Paath, daily Maha Mrityunjaymantra Jap, & also Devi Mahatmyam Recitation. At the end of Puja, I used to give the "prasaadi" flowers to his secretary so that he can keep those flowers closer to his head. One of my friends told me to conduct a small remedy for Gurudev, by which his recovery will be assured. However, it didn't fetch any results. I continued doing so. I recollect once I dreamt of massaging Gurudev's lotus feet, but never got an opportunity to do so in reality. However, by performing these remedies, I could render some service to Gurudev.


After 1½ months of being admitted to the hospital, his condition remained unchanged. I continued performing those remedies, but no results. During that time, I was also suffering from acute arthritis, multiple joint pains etc. Coincidentally, the day Gurudev was terribly ill, on the same day my physical condition was equally bad. I remember on 1st November I had a campus interview in college & I could hardly move that day. Once I returned home, I lied down in the bed & could hardly move. Later I came to know, that Gurudev's condition was critical that day.



3rd November, 2007, Saturday---My health was very bad that day; still I went to RKM Sevapratisthan & continue the remedies. I asked Gurudev's Secretary Maharaj-ji about his condition to which he replied, "There is hardly any chance of recovery; Gradually his condition is worsening". With a gloomy mood, I returned home.

4th November, 2007, Sunday--- I couldn't do Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for Gurudev that day. As usual I was having multiple joint pains that day. In the evening I was scheduled to attend an office meet, before which I planned to visit RKM Sevapratisthan. However, my ill health didn't allow me to do so. I left for the office meet, but on my way I got the news of Gurudev-that he left his mortal body in the evening. Perhaps I never cried so much, as I cried for him.

Now almost 11 years have passed, since my initiation. What I gained?? Perhaps, many things, I learnt how not get angry, how to always calm down, how to think for others...but lost??Yes, I lost Gurudev. Wherever, I go, I always feel him in me, but can I see him?Yes, when I do meditation!! Once our family was supposed to relocate to Chennai, as my father got transfer orders. But Gurudev was in his mortal form. I told him, "I dont want to go anywhere, until you are in mortal form", he said, "You can see when you meditate", still, I was determined. Later the transfer order was cancelled.
In 2006, when I lost one year in studies, I got an offer from HSBC, but in Vizag. The same thought, I will not go anywhere, as long as Gurudev was in form. In a week, the offer was from Kolkata, instead of Vizag. Astrologically, I am never meant to work in hometown, but I worked as long as he was in his mortal form.I left my service, once he passed away...
Since then, I never got an opportunity to work in my hometown, but wherever I go, I carry his picture with me & the memories..
 
A request to God, "I am ready for rebirth, should I get my gurudev in my every birth...." :(

Dessert Course...Entremet de Sucre

I may try all kind of foods[though, I am on restricted diet!!!], but at the end of the meal, there is nothing sweet, I am not done yet!!!
I dont know, where from I got such a sweet tooth. Sometimes, I crave for sweets. If I am in hometown, I will have rasgullas, gulabjamuns or some other sweets, either everyday or almost every other day. Some people say that I eat a lot of sweets, because I am a bengali. This reason, could be logical & valid, as in Bengal, you will also get the finest Indian sweets (also snacks!!).
Rasgulla/Rosogolla are actually Indian cottage cheese balls, which are poached in a light sugar syrup & then simmered in a heavy sugar syrup, whilst Gulabjamuns are dumplings of evaporated milk [khoya], sometimes some semolina added in it, with some nuts & then deep-fried & then soaked in a heavy sugar syrup. Sometimes, an optional filling of raisins, saffron also goes well.
Moving forward to other Indian sweets, Jalebi--one of my favourite, specially if it is Hot or else Hot Malpua, with some Rabri...simply delicious!!

Before, I joined the industry, one of my activities in winter was making cakes...endless, specially in mom's absence. As she didn;t want me to make cakes, & waste my pocket money[which again , was supplied by her]. But still, I did--well, if appreciations, of course the credit to me... :)
But post the hospitality course, my craving for desserts increased twice the amount.This time, most of the restaurant/hotel stuff, I used to make at home--Black forest Gateaux[Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte], Mocha Gateaux, sometimes a simple strawberry gateaux, mousse, souffle, bavarois creme, tart, pie, & endless!!!!
A little later, started making complex stuff!!! Tiramisu....Pick me up!! It is my fav. dessert, but sometimes its too sweet for me. So I am playing between Tiramisu & Pannacotta [cooked cream, literally]. I remember, once making "Mishti Doi Mousse" at home, with caramelised, when I invited Kaustav for a lunch with me.

Another classy dessert I can die for is Creme Brulee.It is so smooth, & the crust is so crunchy, if made properly. Quite akin to Pannacotta--exception being Pannacotta is set with gelatin & without a caramel crust on top.

I am always afraid, that I will start missing one or the another-- when I remember of the cheesecake specially. I remember, savouring the Irish Cream Cheese Cake, during my training in ITC. It was excellent, perhaps the best one, I ever had. Then I saw a demonstration by the Executive Pastry Chef of ITC Maurya. I took down the recipe.But cream cheese??Its difficult to get in Calcutta. I tell people, if the problem has no solution, it is not a problem at all.
I made my own cream cheese & the result...was a wonder!!
I recollect my employment in ITC Chola. Often I used to do afternoon shift & when I enter the kitchen, I forget about having lunch[if I miss in cafetaria], I enter the pastry kitchen & Halwai--indian sweets. I plunder all the desserts & then only I start work....same thing, when I was in Hyatt. Tiramisu, or Pannacotta or Molten Chocolate Cake or may be simple--marinated strawberries.

After I came to Dubai, I could try the Arabic Sweets..these are also delicious, specially the baklava.

Enough of *sweet* discussion, I will finish of this note with a recipe of a sweet....

Dark Chocolate Pot de creme  & Strawberry Sabayon
Literally "Pot de creme" means a pot of cream-due to smoothness of the dessert.
Ingredients:
Egg yolk- 4 nos
Cream - 300 ml
Milk- 100 ml
Sugar -75 gm
Dark Chocolate-100 gm
Vanilla- 1tsp
For the strawberry sabayon
Fresh Strawberries- 50 gm
Sugar-30 gm
Egg yolk- 3 nos
Milk- 50 ml
Garnish
Chocolate shavings
Whipped cream
Method:
For the pot de creme
Turn on the oven with a temperature of 175 Deg C.
Heat milk, sugar until hot enough.. Cut the chocolate into chunks & heat over a double boiler, till it melts. Add the heated milk mixture to the melted chocolate & mix well.
Whisk the egg yolks & sugar till well mixed. Add the cream chocolate to the eggs & mix well. Strain the mixture & pour on individual pots or ramekins.
Put the pots/ramekins in a bed of water, to cover half-way through & bake in the oven, till its set but wobbly in the center. Once done, bring it to room temperature & chill in refrigerator for around 4-5 hours.

For the Strawberry sabayon
Hull the strawberries & make a fine puree. Strain the strawberry puree & keep aside.
Whisk the eggyolks & sugar together, to get a ribbon consistency. Add in the milk & then start beating until the mixture thickens. Finish off with the strawberry puree & keep aside.

Service
Garnish the pot de creme with whipped cream, chocolate curls & drizzle the strawberry sabayon on top or else, serve it on side.

Bon Apetit!!!

College Days......Introduction to the world of "Hospitality"....

Part III

Well, then the Interview was with Taj. I was all set for the written tests--purely based on Kitchen Technicals. Technical round was pretty good, I was happy with it & then appeared for the GD. But another fish market & politics behind ruined my dreams..
Simply wiped off..
Now, again I am all set for another campus interview. It was The Park Group of Hotels. For me, it was like a do or die. Rather the full form of END--Effort Never Dies. I appeared for the GD. Fortunately, it was not a fish market this time. I could speak, but a little--"un peut".

I was forwarded for the following round--technicals. I was always good at it[now out of sight is out of mind...]. Mr. Siraj Mukherjee took my interview. I still remember the date, Nov.1, 2007, time was around 8 pm in the evening, when Mr.Mukherjee called me for the interview in the room.
He started off, "Good evening Mr. Ghosh, how are you doing?".
I replied, "I am good, thank you, how abt you Mr. Mukherjee?"
He answered, "Yes, I am good too, thank you. So you are into which cuisine?"
I replied, "I am in Continental."[I didn't mention Italian, for obvious reasons].
He then asked me, "Well, if you are into continental, can you please specify, whether you have knowledge of French, Italian, German, Spanish etc cuisines?"
I said,"Sir, its Italian".
And then....well, it was a rapid fire round. He was shooting & I was brave enough to save myself from his countless bullets & at the end, he said, "Well, we will inform you if you are shortlisted for the following rounds".
In a couple of days, I got the results --shortlisted for Kitchen Management Trainee. I am not happy, as I note the word "Shortlisted candidates", that means appear for the final rounds.
Well, I also appeared for Hyatt Hotels in India & was selected for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai--a mammoth in India, but pay??Its better if I dont discuss it here.. :)
Then I also appeared for a few retails like Pizza Hut, Wills Lifestyle--but I was being thrown out in the final rounds...
Anyways, in Feb. 2008 end, Park sent us invitation for attending the final rounds in Mumbai. Voila...my first Mumbai trip.
I went, I saw the trial, appeared for the trial...& I lost it too..I was feeling so low..
But, what is there to be low??Did I lose anything???Yes, may be a management trainee offer could have been in my bag, but nothing I lost.
Finally, Imperial Hotel of New Delhi came. This is one of the finest & classy hotel in India. It also dates back to the british era. I was successful in the GD, technicals & Mr. Amit Puri, the then HR Manager of the hotel said he will recruit me, as a Trainee D.C.D.P. [with a good pay also..] however, he wanted me to visit Exe. Chef also. I said, no issues, & then after a week or so, he gave me a date for the final rounds--however, due to non-availability of tickets--both by rail or air, I had to cancel my trip to Delhi.
And when I followed up again regarding this issue, I heard he has left....
Well, that was my campus story & post campus, it was exam time...
I appeared, I wrote & I passed with "B.Sc. in Hotel & Hospitality Administration" Degree!!!

Why such a tragedy??Since 2006 till 2009--had faced all kind of runarounds...perhaps more to come...Almighty knows!!
I remember, on September 30th, 2004, while going to the college, I had a terrible accident. A rod in the bus bumped against my forehead & my forehead was deeply cut [If you notice, you can still find the scar mark] & bad luck is following me since then. How long will this continue???When will things unfold???May be an astrologer can tell me for sure...
I end this chapter here, as I have nothing amazing to share from college days. Perhaps, life worsened since then, since I was welcomed into the world of "Hospitality", even I got spoilt, so did many. Few tried to remain virtuous, but how many could???
Its so dark....

Valentine's Day....Best wishes from the Chef

I am not going to tell the story of St. Valentine or his martyrdom, his origin or anything related to him. Just trying to recollect, how it was in my life as of now. When I was a child, I didn't know what Valentine's day, or even then, there was not enough craze!!
Greetings card, gifts, eating out, dating, one night stand, & what not crept into our culture & ultimately in us. However, dont misunderstand me as an orthodox, conservative hardcore--I always go with the flow, of course keeping my dignity, my integrity & my values[Am I not sounding philosophical or intellectual???].
However, when I started reaching my teens &then my tweens--I could understand the essence of " St. Valentine's Day" & its stories.
But to me, it has been any other day!! Be it lonely or be myself---Its just another day--studies & moving around when I was in school/college or work, when I entered the industry. This is the first time, I will work in St. Valentine's Day. The fundamentalists in India will keep on burning cards, effigies of any Saint or plundering any store, upselling Valentine's gifts. Dubai will be far from the reach of the fundamentalists---thanks to the Liberal Govt. of Dubai, for being equal to all religions!!
One of my friend posted her status as "Yet another lonely Valentine's Day :( "....such is the level of frustration!!
If you are a regular follower of my blog, you must be knowing, that with girls I am a little shy. I have had a number of crushes from Class-8 till now...but could never express---I was always afraid of a tight slap[Interestingly, I saw in a hindi movie a guy proposes a girl on a Valentine's Day, "Will you be my timepass?" & in return he gets a slap....still..are these realistic??or holistic??]. When I was in school, I was afraid that my parents will be complained & I will get some *strike* from mother.But now???Still I am shy--but for what??I dont know!!! :)..
So I rediscover myself, seeing myself amongst the couples---who are fighting with each other, teasing each other, yet, they have love for each other...perhaps, things keep on happening everywhere, except from exceptions...
Anyways, for the couples, who are my readers or who are in love with someone special, can go through my archives and revisit the special three course menu for St. Valentine's Day. Feel free, if you want me to cook for you. Cost???Only AED 250.00 [Or US$80.00] per couple. I will go & cook for you.

By the way, few days before I was chatting with a senior of my college, obviously regarding my personal matters & we suddenly started talking about Valentine's day. She told me, "Valentine's Day is a pressure", I asked "Monetory pressure??" She replied, "No. Its a mental pressure for being single", I started giggling....
Anyways...Happy Valentine's Day---Best Wishes from the Chef. But play safe ;)

College Days......Introduction to the world of "Hospitality"....

Part II

I rejoined college in November, 2005, post my industrial training. Everything seemed to be changed by then. New principal, new class[as I got promoted to second year..], new professor [Debasis Das, abbreviated to D.D. & Suddhasil Dey aka Suddho]. Class timings also changed, so the kitchen. We were in Quantity Kitchen...cook for bulk, around 200 ppl at a time, & specially the second year was dedicated to Indian Cuisine, if we talk about kitchen. Rest, in F&B service, we had only alcoholic beverages & F&B controls. The subject Alcoholic Beverages was above my head...I can tell you dozens of wines but I dont know, whether they are rose, dessert, white or dry..or wutever...Only I learnt how to drink them.
Housekeeping class was a no-no for me...rather a full timepass, so was Front Office.
In second year, I learnt about Indian Cuisine in detail, while my own studies on Continental Cuisine was still on, rather on many cuisines, viz., Greek, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese. I always had the passion for knowing about a lot of cuisines. Food is such an essential stuff, that can help you even win someone's heart. If I know about diff. cuisine, I can always satisfy my guest, from wherever he be & wherever he has come down on holidays/business etc. I will always feel great, if some unknown person cooks my home food, for me, when I am away from my country/city.
Classes were going on....I remember, we used to have kitchen practicals twice a week & I used to be the person who will make the gravies for 200 ppl!!!
Well, that sounds a lot. Making gravies were no easy job for so many people---masalas spilling out of the Handi[a big stockpot] on my face, gravies coming out of the handi on my eyes often...but fun...whilst in the meantime, I used to ask my seniors what kind of questions they were asked in their campus interviews, so that I can prepare for myself.
With all humility, by the end of 2nd year, the theoretical knowledge I possessed, was far above than anyone could imagine. But unfortunately, I dont have a big-brother in this industry, except a cousin, now settled in Ireland. Still, I dont want to take help of people. When you get things in your own effort, doesn't success smell better then??To me, it does..
I was all set for the final exams of 2nd year. This time, it was a little difficult for me, as I had to clear two more papers, which I flunked in 1st year. I was not ready for those papers, in which I got a back. But, no options, either I pass or I lose a year...
I appeared....

***

May 29th, 2006.
Time:1330 hrs[approx.]
Place: Student's Notice Board, IHM, Kolkata

The result of 1st year is out, with those who re-appeared in the first year paper. I went down to see my result. My heart started beating fast. I found out my name in the result sheet, with my roll no. I was following the line...
No....let me see again..what is the marks I have secured?35 out of 100??? No..No....Let me see again....
Again, I see its 35[FYI..pass mark is 40]. How come???Let me see....everytime I check & cross-check, its nothing but 35.
I was awestruck. I didn't know what to do. I started sweating...the weather was not hot, but my shirt became wet...how will I tell my mother?How will I tell my father?Certainly, they wanted me to pass...but how can I afford to lose a year in life....ONE YEAR!!!!
A loss of a year is a lot, which our college Principal Mr. Ranjit Choudhury told my father. I was so desperate for the campus interviews, almost ready to jump to 3rd year & excel in culinary, but this setback.....I was fallen apart.
I still recount those days..I wouldn't go out, I wouldn't shave...I wouldn;t follow any routine, I wouldn't pick up my phone, I wouldn't meet friends..
I started becoming unsocial, as my mother used to comment. She didn't take it negatively. She told me to be brave & give it a blow by another re-appear. Sometimes, I used to feel lost.
But what will I do in one year?I thought of applying in hotels as a trainee for 1 year, at least I can be in touch with the subject, but when the time is odd..nothing will work!!!
Finally, my ultimate option was call centre, or in better words "B.P.O.". I tried applying & failed also. I tried with Hutch, Dell & Wipro. Failed in three, as whoever, asked me about my future plans I used to tell them "Be a chef", like a dumb.
Asked Mr.Raja Sadhukhan, the then Asst. Lecturer of F&B in our college. He said, "Tell them you have left the course". Another Lie?I hate lying & I hate liars. Sometimes, Lying on compulsion...so be it this time. I appeared for HSBC GSC[Group Service Center] in Kolkata[Formerly, Calcutta]. After a couple of days of interview, I was told, I am selected. But joining?No idea...
I was sitting idle at home mostly. This period was such painful for me. The kitchen books---I started losing interest in them...my mother would often start taking tests for the reappear subject--Hotel Engineering.
Finally, after a long wait I joined HSBC & soon after that appeared for the Hotel Engineering Exam & passed in the exam too.[Thank god..got rid of the subject for good]I dont wish to discuss my 14 months tenure in the Call Centre. I was awarded many a times, & rebuked too, a couple of times, when I gave resignation.
I remember, when I gave my resignation, my Manager Operations of the process, called me in a separate room & started questioning me why I would like to leave.I told him, "My health is worsening day by day, due to this night shift+A/C+ I would love to join my college". He was not ready to listen to my excuse. I was like a hard nut to crack. He stopped talking to me. I?I dont even give a f*** to these people. They can go to hell. But not speaking to all???Its weird to me---as until I have anything personal to people, I speak to all. Oneday after my shift, I saw him around our cabin. I said lightly, "Well, these days people are so busy, they dont even speak to me". He caught it & said, "Even I can say that" & then we started laughing at each other. After a couple of days, he came to me & asked me, "Gaurav, are you reconsidering your decision??". I replied, "No...no way...not at all" & went back to the calls. Again, with due humility, I was awarded a lot of times with quality awards, rising superstar, team top performer & Mr.Fitness for zero sick leaves!!! I knew, I was a good contributor, but my priority was college then.
When my service was about to end with HSBC, I gave them a bait. If you want me here, I want to do part-time...not full time.
MO was serious. He took that matter right to the President of the GSC, Mrs. Lynne Thrasher & got it approved. Why did I want to continue?Well, I was smelling good amount of money by then & couldn't afford to lose a lucrative job. It was paying me well, at least for my pocket money[for food & lodging--father's hotel is still there] & my necessities{it being very basic, eating & freaking out, books & exotic stuff for my cooking}so why quit it?

***

I rejoined college in third year. It was initially difficult as joining in 3rd year, with almost no friends, who I already knew. Thank God, Kaustav was there, despite his lies.
Nothing much happened initially, except few thrashings from the principal on attendance. My schedule was like getting up at 6 am, get ready for college, be to college by 8:50 am , & be there till 5 pm, be back home by 6 pm, get ready for work, comes to pick up at 7:30 pm from home, login at work by 8:30 pm & work till 1:00 am, return home by 2:00 am, check mails for 1/2 hour & go to sleep by 3 am & get by at 6 am!!!Not everyday such schedule was possible. I used to get up late sometimes..& miss college..
So life became hard when principal sent letters to parents on attendance
The Campus interview bell started ringing. Appeared for the first one, with Kingfisher. It was a horrible one. The G.D. round turned into a fish market & the team was just white-washed. The following one was with the Oberois. I always dreamt of working with Oberois, as the group is a benchmark of professionalism in India. I went for the interview, dreaming to be a part of the group, as a management trainee. But what man proposes, God is always there to dispose off.
I was called at around 6:30 pm in the evening. The Sous Chef took my interview. After a brief introduction about myself, he started asking me in Indian Cuisine. I am a dumb in Indian cuisine. I told him, about my shortcomings in Indian cuisine. Then he started asking me on Continental & by my own grace[i am being selfish, not crediting God for this]I could answer all his questions...from Continental to tit-bits of Mediterranean. Then he asked me, "Will you come in for a trial, if I shortlist for Operational Training Program?". What the f***???I was expecting something higher above..but O.T.??Anyways, I agreed to his proposal & suggested him a menu. He said its fine & advised me to revisit after a couple of days for trial.
Dont ask me what happened in the trial,rather I will tell you the outcome. Chef George K. George, a Keralite called me in his office, post-food trial & told me, "Gaurav, its not that you cant work in kitchen, but your standards are not as per Oberoi standards, so I can't select you further". What the F***???How will I know Oberoi standards, having done my training from ITC?

More to come....keep on following....

College Days....Introduction to the world of "Hospitality"....

Part I

July 19th, 2004
9:00 am
IHM, Kolkata,
P-16, Taratalla Road,
Kolkata-700 088.

In the Student Dining Hall[its acronym being "SDH"] around 200 students have gathered for the formal "inauguration" for the 2004-07 batch. I was one of the member of those students, ready to be welcomed to the world of "Hospitality". I rarely remember what the Principal said on that day...except the dining hall being chaotic I dont remember.
[Caveat:I may reveal many of the information from the college. Readers discretion is advised. Names may be introduced, dont take anything personally---it happens to all.I am never explicit in personal life, as I write in my blogs...]
After the formal inauguration, we were taken for a "property tour" of the college campus, guided by two Senior Students of Final Year--a girl & a boy. Whilst we were having a property tour of the worned out campus, there were frequent requests of "wishing" the seniors formally, & we had no other option. Once we entered the pastry & bakery kitchen[or laboratory], we were told to pay our respect to the tools & equipments of the kitchen & later welcomed by a small "tikaa" of Tomato Ketchup.
However, things didn't stop here. I heard a senior using profanities in front of me & then apologised for using it. Perhaps, by mistake I responded to his *apologies* by saying, "Its okk!!". I didn't even dream, that my response, will bring me into trouble...
He started asking me, "What all profanities you know??". I was embarrassed. I have never used profanities in an unknown place, to unknown people. I dont even use it in my family[its a kind of taboo there]. However, I had to utter few on compulsion, & then they started asking me the meaning of each profanity.[The profanities were Bengali, Hindi & in Nepali]. Gradually, started asking me, whether I have seen porns, how many porns I have seen & what not...to the extent of whether I had sex [by then I didn't know what is diplomacy---so I had to answer all their questions]. The day was typically horrible!!!
On returning home, mom asked me, "So how is the college?", I could only say, "Its nice...." & left the room for good.

Well, days passed on. I had a growing interest in kitchen, but unfortunately I missed few of the classes due to fever or else, I got up late from the bed for the college or reached late & therefore, was not allowed to attend the class. I didn't learn few of the basics then, like how to make omelettes, how to fillet & deskin a fish, how to joint a chicken[ not the other meaning of joints] etc. These classes were really vital, as such demonstrations were never repeated. Perhaps I used to dislike few classes, esp. Hotel Engineering, Food & Beverage Service & Housekeeping. People who know me, have seen my room, can vouch that my room is never clean. Seldom, I clean my room, that too on compulsion...my mother have stopped telling me & cleans my room as if it is her responsibility--not mine!!

Post November, 2004, hotels started coming in for interviewing us, for Industrial Training, a part of the second year *subjets* & a part of the curriculum. It started with "The Park, Kolkata". I was nervous, as this was my first interview. The interviewer was Mr.Siraj Mukherjee, the then Training Manager of the former hotel & presently he is the General Manager of The Park, Vishakhapatnam. He started with "Can you please introduce urself?" & I replied honestly. Then he asked me, "Why do you want to join hotels?". I had no answer, honestly, I want to become a chef. So that was my reply. As I expected, I was not selected for the further rounds, I was demoralised, however, learnt from my mistakes. It was the *eye-contact* factor, which one of my seniors, Rahul Tribedi told me. I was looking at somewhere else, instead of looking at the interviewer, obviously, I was nervous.
Then came in The Taj Bengal, Kolkata. They started with a group discussion. I was thrown out in the first round--my group was being chaotic.In meantime, in my own initiative, I started applying with ITC Sonar [the then ITC Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers]. The Oberoi Grand came in, followed by The Taj. They conducted a group discussion. I had great hopes for Oberoi, as I always wanted to work with them. But I was rejected. My final hope was with ITC Sonar Bangla.
The interviewer was Mr.Mukt Dogra, the then Training Manager of the hotel[presently, F&B Manager of the same hotel] started asking with a typical question--"Introduce yourself". I practised a 100 times on how to answer this question effectively, maintaining the eye contact--so this time it was not  problem. Following this question he started asking me on my hobbies. During then, it was on action movies, so I said told him about my interest in action movies.He started asking me on the movies I have seen recently & whether I download them or not.
Then he asked me on "Culinary", specially on the sauces, roux[which were very basic then], sabayon, different types of pastry etc. He told me that he is done with my interview & will let me know, if I am selected or not. I was looking for something affirmative. After a week, I received a letter from them, that I am selected!!What a relief....
However, during my college days, specially in the first year, I selected my friends amongst 189 students...Joydeep Roy, Kaustav Chakraborty, Indranil Thakurta & Joydev Sengupta. Each of them can be an unique sample. Joydeep & I--we both are Leo, difference is that he was born one year n 16 days before I was born. Sometimes, I am very close to him, when he will share his bedroom secrets too, but sometimes, we kept on fighting on simple matters, be it like shopping for example. Joydeep was pretty fussy in shopping & that used to piss me off. Joydeep was also special to all of us--he being effeminate!!!So we used to tease him a lot--both in college, over phone & in his house.
Kaustav was famous for his sassy attitude--he was too bold for anything. The little I mention about it, the better it is. Indranil Thakurta was too proud of being a Delhite, despite he being a Bengali, whilst Joydev was a guy with big talks.  These friends, except Indranil, introduced me to the world of alcohols, & also to the "Olypub"--a resto-bar in the most happening corner of Park Street, Kolkata[Calcutta]. I remember, the first day I had 2 pegs of Smirnoff, with a little lime cordial & mixed grill. Again the following day, but this time it was beer. I got a little high after having 1 bottle. Perhaps too much for me??
Then started our frequent trips to Mag's Pub & Olypub. Weekdays, Weekends, after bunking college, after college hours & what not.....
Meanwhile, the Hotel Engineering professor, Late Paritosh Banerji[ Late P.B. aka Minto ] was pissed off with me. Reason?I am talkative in the class!!True, we used to have fun in the class, specially the last bench. There are so many events...perhaps I need a couple of days to write on PB only.
The first year came to an end with exams. But nothing comes with a clean chit. I flunked in housekeeping practical & hotel engineering[unfortunately, hotel engineering professor bore the grudge whilst checking my papers & he marked me down. But he passed away after checking all the papers.....]
I remember, after the last day of the exam, Joydeep, Kaustav, Joydev & I--we all four went to Mag's pub in the evening. We started ordering our bevvy---today's aim...EXTRA HIGH!!!!We were loaded with cash that evening.Joydeep had his crooked ways of getting cash from parents, for me, it was fair source--Parent's contribution.I ordered a bottle of Kingfisher strong, whilst my three other friends are drink hard. I also ordered my favorite Chinese food--Mixed Noodles with Sweet & Sour Chicken. I kept on drinking & eating, so were my friends...
Joydev & Kaustav perhaps started a competition amongst themselves, who can drink the most. Joydeep was silently enjoying his food & drinks. I finished two bottle of beer already. But my stomach said that its loaded now, & needs to be unloaded. I went to the washroom....
I came back to our covers & joydeep enquired me what happened. I said nothing, was not feeling well. On the otherside, the competition was on --Joydev yelling "One more white rum....", whilst Kaustav "Half Bacardi..." & so on. I needed to go the washroom again, as the stomach was not done with unloading....now this time Joydeep followed me..& saw the scene.He kept quiet, except telling me to relax....
Joydev was on a high by then--he said something & started puking...can be compared to a sudden spurt from the ground...
We had to leave the restaurant for good. Our total check was for Rs. 2000 [$50.00 only!!!] & was looking for solutions. In such conditions, going to our respective home is like playing with fire. We will be caught & then thoroughly "grilled". Finally, we all decided to stay at Joydeep's home. We all went there..but Joydeep's mom was only told that only Joydev & Kaustav had some light alcohol, & rest had nothing. By then, my stomach was done with his *unloading* but still giving some after effects of the earthquake!!
Joydeep's mom came to the room, where we took our shelter for the night...she started speaking to me & I could hardly speak. I was ashamed of myself...

Well, that chapter was over. I joined ITC Sonar Bangla as the industrial trainee & did my training there from June through October 2005.

Walking down the "Memory Lane"...Lycee

Flashback:March 2002, last day of ICSE exam
I was crying in my room...alone!!!
Reason?I had a good bunch of friends, who had been in my good times, hardtimes, bad patches, & also my enemies, my admirers, my crushes, my critics, my teachers & my school---I lost them all...its like Love, Lust & then Lost.

Summer of 1990--when I joined Lycee in their Nursery class. I was being a fan of "Anup Jalota" during those times, always used to find look-alikes of "Anup Jalota" & after returning home back from School, used to tell my mother "Maa, today I saw someone like, Anup Jalota" & she used to laugh it away...
Dont remember any of my mischiefs of those days...except throwing off my shoes frequently or losing away my shoe-laces, followed by a good *whacking* by mother at home, but *bad* habits die hard.

After a  couple of years, I got promoted to "Class-1", I became the *undeclared* & *controversial* hero sometimes...be it fighting with friends[though I am generally quite, peace-loving, calm & like the ocean...vast, deep] or in my studies & then started my frequent flunking in Mathematics. Perhaps I was never good in addition those days. In India, a failure in a subject is highlighted by the red marks[Elsewhere, I dont know!!]. I remember, in Class 2, I flunked in Mathematics--out of 50 I could secure only 24[ 25 being the pass mark!!]. Everyone was asking me about my results & all I could tell that I have secured a red mark in mathematics[by then I didn't know that the Red mark in the report card is infamous!!] & later when I entered home with my report card & told her about it, got a good thrashing from her....
Mathematics has never been my subject--I have always been afraid of this subject. Be it addition, multiplication or later, when Calculus, integration, trigonometry---I was afraid about it. I remember, in one of the meetings with my parents, my physics teacher commented about me, "Gaurav's round the year performance in the class is excellent but when it comes to examinations, it is ultimately a zero!!", perhaps I considered examination is not a tool for analysing ones studies.
Days passed on...so also I started growing on, moving on from class 1 to class 5. Till, Class 4, things were Ok, I was good in almost all subjects, except a few like Mathematics...but in Class 5, things seemed to be tough. Teacher was new, n a bit hard-nut-to-crack!!Somtimes lousy, sometimes moody & sometimes eccentric. Good, Bad & Ugly---I saw them all. We were also introduced to Science, by then a general subject. This time, again I flunked in mathematics, perhaps the difference was more than I could expect. May be 10 marks short than the pass mark. In finals, I passed again.
In class-7, our subjects were again split, Science being split into Chemistry, Physics & Biology. History was also bifurcated into History & Civics & so many....I tried hard to pass in all the subjects, but my mind was in *Games* those days, specially cricket. Apart from all these, I was interested in Numerology in those days---so I devoted myself in this subject, of course in the cost of my studies & then became fulltime in my school. One of my friends in class advised "Why not charge people???"
I blindly followed his advise & started charging people, Rs.11for a reading[close to quarter dollar]. Few of my friends used my services & paid me accordingly. But one also needs to face bad time...few of my friends[who were jealous of my popularity] complained to teacher & with immediate effect, I had to stop, & return all money & then the complaint went to my mother...oh..it was really horrible!!!
In my life, Class-8, I think it was one of the most devastating year. I flunked in as many as 5 subjects. History, Chemistry, Hindi[It was a 3rd Language subject & I was and I am poor in it], English 1 & English 2!! I could never imagine, such a disastrous event could take place. But in this year also, I discovered my first crush, but I could never tell. I could never tell any girl my feelings, as I am shy & secondly I am always afraid of the after-effect, if it is a slap???
Few of my friends knew about my crush, [though they promised me to teach 1000 ways of proposing a girl, which they didn't teach] but nothing came to my help. Perhaps, its due to my crush, I lost concentration in studies & could afford to flunk in those subjects. I have always believed that good & bad events take place in a chain reaction. You can put in the way of a circle. I appeared for the final exams, with all my efforts, with blessings of all gods & goddesses of our religion, with my Guruji-s blessings, appeared for the exams, keeping my fingers crossed.
On the day of exam results..I was really tensed. I can't afford to lose a year in the school. I started praying right from the morning, & then entered the school.
"Gaurav, please come here..." teacher said. My pulse rate increased suddenly....I was tensed..
"Here is your result...well done Gaurav"...Thank God...I could pass..it was great relief. I could make it happen again!!! I never found myself in 1 to 10 position in school, I have always been a *mediocre student* as per my mother.
The last few years in the school has been most happening for me. My rise, my fall, close bondage with friends, exceptionally close with Samrat[till today. Dont make some other meaning, I am still straight] & also few others. I also demonstrated my own powers on how to do politics effectively in school, & what not. But it was fun...
Finally, it was acting that made me famous in Lycee. In India, we had this gameshow, "Kaun Banega Crorepati", a copycat of "Who wants to be a millionaire", the Indian version, being hosted by Big Amitabh Bacchan. I gave this concept to my friends  & then I had to act as Amitabh Bacchan, & it was in the dialect of Bangladesh...some people commented..it was a "Blockbuster"!!!!We did it so many times later, but never as it was in Lycee... :)
Crush for teachers, crush for classmates & seniors..we really had a bigtime...I miss all those fun, as life seems to be pretty hard. In school days, those volumes of books, Shakespeare, Mathematics....all seemed to be tough, but it seems, they were too easy. Often I used to write a book on Chemistry...when I was in love with the subject, but the chapter of Hydrocarbons ruined all my plans. I often used to see myself, as a future chemist[my astrologer said I will be into research!!], never thought will be cooking...
My friends gave me a nickname "Einstein". Reason being solving the Physics problem in few seconds, before they could even start...but at the end of the year, as Physics teacher commented "At the end of the year, its all Zero..".
I never know why I couldn't make it happen in the report card. Samething in mathematics. I did well in the class, but in the exams, I used to "crawl" to secure the passmarks!!!In English, I think it was better in writing than speaking. I used to fumble a lot while speaking in English--being always afraid of telling incorrect English, gramatically!![Even I fumble now!!!]
Today morning, I was chatting with an ex-Lyceean in facebook, my close friend, Samrat, with whom I share almost everything....except our undergarments!!! & that made me walking down the memory lane again..Lycee..
Now many tall buildings are around that School..it may have lost its charms...but still its a school for me, where I can always find myself in a nostalgic mood. Perhaps, in the sametime, I loved & hated the school. You can love & hate at the sametime, when you feel for something/someone..when you are close to it..isn't it?

In 2003, I revisited Lycee, with friends on Saraswati Puja. My friend Utathya commented, "Gaurav, the days passed on so fast..isn't it?", I started crying..... :(