The third quarter is about to end up in a couple of days [alcoholics, please dont get me wrong...] & lies the festive season ahead--Bengali's Annual Festival, Durga Puja [though Bengalis have festival round the year] & followed by Diwali, Christmas & the new year & another year....
As usual, I will miss home, during this period, as I have not stayed with my family during Durga Puja, since 2008 & this year possibilities are remote, unless God wants so...
I am busy with menu planning for my own[yes, for my very own.....]Thanksgiving[who to thank to???], Christmas[Coz, every year I do so....]& new year may be...apart from weekly trials on my day offs...
This is it..keep on checking my blog, as it will be updated from time to time...weekly, if not daily....
Buona Giornata!!!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Interview ... :P
1.If you married the last person you texted, what would your last name be?
I being a male, it will remain unchanged
2. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes...I was. Its a day off..
3. What’s something that can always make you feel better? When did you need it last?
Honest feedback of people about me & my cooking. Yesterday, got good feedback from guests.
4. What are you excited for?
Planning to visit US next year...*fingers crossed*
5. What were you doing yesterday?
Working in the morning..n then groceries in the evening.
6. What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
Hot chocolate
7. Have a best friend(s)?
Yes...I do.
8. Are you scared to fall in love?
Fall??or Rise???Yes, I am scared...I get hurt easily... :(
9. Do you think teenagers can be in love?
Can be...
10. Last person you wanted to punch in the face?
My colleague
11.What do you want right now?
Sleeep...
12. Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Dont remember..as mostly, I take pictures of food.
13. Are you single/taken/heartbroken/or confused?
Single...
14. When was the last time you cried?
Whilst leaving home on July 31st, 2010
15. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
Yes..mostly with my mother
16. Do you find it hard to trust others?
Yes...pretty often these days...when ppl pretend to be friends & finally cheat on you..
17. I bet you miss somebody right now..
May be...
18. Can you honestly say you're okay right now?
Yes...I am perfect!!: )
19. Tell me what's on your mind.
A 1000 things....
20. What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
A new season is approaching...followed by a new year...will usher in new hopes & surprises
21. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
When I was 3-4 years...my cousin sister's clothes
22. When did you last talk to your number 1 top friend?
I chat with him....dont talk to him..
23. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to?
Yes...plenty.
24. How's your heart?
Difficult to put it in words...but oneday it will become gold... :)
25. Have you ever felt like you weren't important?
Sometimes...
26. Do you think somebody's in love with you?
Dont know....
27. What are you planning on doing after this?
Sleep...
28. When will your next kiss take place?
Dont know...
29. Have you told anybody you loved them today?
No..
30. Who do you not get along with?
Many of my relatives & ppl who are not my cup of tea...
31. What are you wearing right now?
Shorts n Tees
32. Are you wasting your time on the person you like?
Sometimes, I think so..
33. How did you feel when you woke up?
Better...
34. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Yes...
35. Do you crack your knuckles?
When I have nothing to do..
36. What were you doing yesterday at midnight?
Sleeping probably
37. Who's the first B in your contacts?
Babloo mashi
38. When was the last time you laughed really hard?
Anytime....
39. Last awkward moment?
Gossips about me...yesterday
40. Are you afraid of the dark?
No.
41. Do you have good vision?
Sometimes
42. Have you ever tripped someone?
No
43. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes
44. Do you laugh off embarrassing moments?
Yes
45. Can you go out in public looking like you do?
Yes
46. Is it easy for someone to make you smile?
Depends on my mood
47. Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 5 days?
No
48.Do you miss the way things used to be?
Change is the only constant
49. How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
Mostly
50. Want someone back in your life?
Yes
51. Will tomorrow be better than today?
Why not today??
52.Does it bother you when someone lies to you?
Yes...
53. Is there anyone who understands your relationship status?
Dont know
54. Are you a naturally happy person? Or is your happiness forced?
the former..
55. Is there anyone you wish would fall in love with you?
Yes
I being a male, it will remain unchanged
2. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes...I was. Its a day off..
3. What’s something that can always make you feel better? When did you need it last?
Honest feedback of people about me & my cooking. Yesterday, got good feedback from guests.
4. What are you excited for?
Planning to visit US next year...*fingers crossed*
5. What were you doing yesterday?
Working in the morning..n then groceries in the evening.
6. What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
Hot chocolate
7. Have a best friend(s)?
Yes...I do.
8. Are you scared to fall in love?
Fall??or Rise???Yes, I am scared...I get hurt easily... :(
9. Do you think teenagers can be in love?
Can be...
10. Last person you wanted to punch in the face?
My colleague
11.What do you want right now?
Sleeep...
12. Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Dont remember..as mostly, I take pictures of food.
13. Are you single/taken/heartbroken/or confused?
Single...
14. When was the last time you cried?
Whilst leaving home on July 31st, 2010
15. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
Yes..mostly with my mother
16. Do you find it hard to trust others?
Yes...pretty often these days...when ppl pretend to be friends & finally cheat on you..
17. I bet you miss somebody right now..
May be...
18. Can you honestly say you're okay right now?
Yes...I am perfect!!: )
19. Tell me what's on your mind.
A 1000 things....
20. What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
A new season is approaching...followed by a new year...will usher in new hopes & surprises
21. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
When I was 3-4 years...my cousin sister's clothes
22. When did you last talk to your number 1 top friend?
I chat with him....dont talk to him..
23. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to?
Yes...plenty.
24. How's your heart?
Difficult to put it in words...but oneday it will become gold... :)
25. Have you ever felt like you weren't important?
Sometimes...
26. Do you think somebody's in love with you?
Dont know....
27. What are you planning on doing after this?
Sleep...
28. When will your next kiss take place?
Dont know...
29. Have you told anybody you loved them today?
No..
30. Who do you not get along with?
Many of my relatives & ppl who are not my cup of tea...
31. What are you wearing right now?
Shorts n Tees
32. Are you wasting your time on the person you like?
Sometimes, I think so..
33. How did you feel when you woke up?
Better...
34. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Yes...
35. Do you crack your knuckles?
When I have nothing to do..
36. What were you doing yesterday at midnight?
Sleeping probably
37. Who's the first B in your contacts?
Babloo mashi
38. When was the last time you laughed really hard?
Anytime....
39. Last awkward moment?
Gossips about me...yesterday
40. Are you afraid of the dark?
No.
41. Do you have good vision?
Sometimes
42. Have you ever tripped someone?
No
43. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes
44. Do you laugh off embarrassing moments?
Yes
45. Can you go out in public looking like you do?
Yes
46. Is it easy for someone to make you smile?
Depends on my mood
47. Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 5 days?
No
48.Do you miss the way things used to be?
Change is the only constant
49. How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
Mostly
50. Want someone back in your life?
Yes
51. Will tomorrow be better than today?
Why not today??
52.Does it bother you when someone lies to you?
Yes...
53. Is there anyone who understands your relationship status?
Dont know
54. Are you a naturally happy person? Or is your happiness forced?
the former..
55. Is there anyone you wish would fall in love with you?
Yes
Monday, September 6, 2010
Making Sushi..
I didn't know what it was before my senior told me in my first year. I was like "Ok..I will figure it out in due course". In my second year, I had the interest about knowing the global cuisines--Greek, German, Portuguese & Spanish, Japanese,Thai[my professor also insisted me on knowing Chinese, Mongolian, Korean too!!!]
"Sushi" & "Sashimi"--these are two terms often discussed in newspapers, magazines, journals, food columns etc. People would often confuse the difference between the two. Once, a person told me, "Sushi is all about raw fish"--he was verily wrong. Let's understand the concept of "Sushi" & "Sashimi".
"Sushi"--in simple terms is soured-rice[obviously, by the addition of vinegar]. Japanese short-grained, glutinous white rice is used & mixed with sake or rice vinegar once the rice is cooked. An array of toppings and fillings are used, often a portion of this rice is put on a sheet of seaweed, called "Nori"[this is edible].The toppings, fillings range from vegetarian to meats, seafood, omelette etc.
"Sashimi"--simply put, raw fish & garnishes, obviously with the traditional accompaniments, like pickled ginger, soy sauce & wasabi.
I didn't know that I will have to learn making sushi, until my boss insisted me on learning this Sushi, or I can put it in other words, "Learnt on compulsion".The colleague who used to make Sushi, was going on vacation,so who will make in his absence. The sushi chef, had issues in joining at that time, so I had to learn it. With an injured index finger[the one before the middle finger...], making sushi in the inital days was difficult[the index finger plays a bigrole for making sushi..if you are right handed ], but learning something new was fun. Overcooked rice, undercooked rice..n perfect rice. I was like playing with the rice most of the times...but as a Sushi master, one must know how to cook the rice perfectly. Washing the rice for about 10 times & soaking in water cooks the rice faster & also u need less water, whilst washing it for 10 times & then putting the rice in the rice cooker, will definitely take some time to cook, however, it has the capability to absorb a lot of cooked vinegar.
Making the california rolls[heavily influenced by Californians may be, an influence Japanese chefs could not resist...]were easier than making the Nigirisushi[pronounced as Nigirizushi], specially making the tuna nigiri[maguru, bluefin tuna], salmon nigiri[sake nigiri]& cooked prawns[ama ebi nigiri] & then eel[unagi] & japanese omelette[tamagu]...
Making wasabi...
Oneday I saw something green in colour & I asked my colleague, "Is that pesto cream cheese?" & he said,"Yes..". It was so green I was stunned by the colour of the pesto cream cheese & wanted to taste it....& the result was disastrous....It was wasabi....the kick, the sharpness...can't put it in words...
Well...here goes one more attribute to my repertoire...I can make sushi... :)
"Sushi" & "Sashimi"--these are two terms often discussed in newspapers, magazines, journals, food columns etc. People would often confuse the difference between the two. Once, a person told me, "Sushi is all about raw fish"--he was verily wrong. Let's understand the concept of "Sushi" & "Sashimi".
"Sushi"--in simple terms is soured-rice[obviously, by the addition of vinegar]. Japanese short-grained, glutinous white rice is used & mixed with sake or rice vinegar once the rice is cooked. An array of toppings and fillings are used, often a portion of this rice is put on a sheet of seaweed, called "Nori"[this is edible].The toppings, fillings range from vegetarian to meats, seafood, omelette etc.
"Sashimi"--simply put, raw fish & garnishes, obviously with the traditional accompaniments, like pickled ginger, soy sauce & wasabi.
I didn't know that I will have to learn making sushi, until my boss insisted me on learning this Sushi, or I can put it in other words, "Learnt on compulsion".The colleague who used to make Sushi, was going on vacation,so who will make in his absence. The sushi chef, had issues in joining at that time, so I had to learn it. With an injured index finger[the one before the middle finger...], making sushi in the inital days was difficult[the index finger plays a bigrole for making sushi..if you are right handed ], but learning something new was fun. Overcooked rice, undercooked rice..n perfect rice. I was like playing with the rice most of the times...but as a Sushi master, one must know how to cook the rice perfectly. Washing the rice for about 10 times & soaking in water cooks the rice faster & also u need less water, whilst washing it for 10 times & then putting the rice in the rice cooker, will definitely take some time to cook, however, it has the capability to absorb a lot of cooked vinegar.
Making the california rolls[heavily influenced by Californians may be, an influence Japanese chefs could not resist...]were easier than making the Nigirisushi[pronounced as Nigirizushi], specially making the tuna nigiri[maguru, bluefin tuna], salmon nigiri[sake nigiri]& cooked prawns[ama ebi nigiri] & then eel[unagi] & japanese omelette[tamagu]...
Making wasabi...
Oneday I saw something green in colour & I asked my colleague, "Is that pesto cream cheese?" & he said,"Yes..". It was so green I was stunned by the colour of the pesto cream cheese & wanted to taste it....& the result was disastrous....It was wasabi....the kick, the sharpness...can't put it in words...When the old stock of wasabi[i.e. the powdered wasabi hydrated] used to finish, I had the task of preparing the wasabi. Initially, I didn't know how to stop crying, sneezing whilst preparing wasabi, but gradually, I tried this trick...keeping my face away ......
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Cook your steak...
Since I hail from a hindu family[conservative..yes..my family members...] having a steak in a restaurant[forget about cooking at home...]& later flaunting about it at home..is seriously a taboo. Yes, hindus are not supposed to eat beef[i.e. cow's meat!!]due to religious reasons. So I didn't eat it, since my father would not allow us to have beef outside, when we used to go out for dinner every sundays or weekends, when I was a student.
Post-joining the hotel management institute, we were supposed to taste everything[I dare not to eat snake, rat, insects & human flesh!!!]The so-called strict hindus wouldn't eat beef, but I was interested in tasting the first preparation I made with beef, i.e. Consomme & next was Tournedos ala portugaise. Tournedo, a cut from the tenderloin of beef, grilled & cooked, well-done in a tomato based sauce with peppers.However, it was bland for me, however, ever since I started visiting "Olypub" a popular resto-bar in the most happening place of "Kolkata", aka Calcutta, I always used to have Chateaubriand, a popular cut of the tenderloin, which was served with some fries & some grilled onions...if I can recollect. It was always served well-done,[well, Indian beef, should always be eaten well-done!!!]
Frequent visits to Olypub, added by daily consumption of red meat in the form of Lamb Biryani, increased the protein level in my blood & thus high uric acid, resulted in multiple joint-pains...so control red meat!!!!
Well,from 2006 till end quarter of 2009, I didn't eat beef. Yes...for a long, long time. Excuse I used to give is that "I am a Hindu" or sometimes more subtle,"For obvious reasons, I dont eat beef...medical grounds!!!".
I had Angus beef during my service in Chennai. It was Irish Black Angus, perhaps, it was Sirloin part, that we got in the hotel. Though I restrained myself from eating for a long-time, but the colour of the meat was irresistible!!!So, one fine night, I took the courage of taking one out of the chiller & cooking for myself & yes, cooked medium done. By the way, I have seen guests having rare done & when the plate comes to the kitchen, it is neat & clean..not even a drop of blood...Anyways...seasoning..simple salt & pepper..& no sauce. Taste..well, beyond words to describe. People say about Kobe beef..need to try it next....
Coming to Dubai..well, I didn't have for several months, though the meat available here is of superior quality...yes, all chilled & imported from Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, USA, & also from India & Pakistan. Though, I used to give the same excuse, but one fine day, I bought some 200 gm of Australian Rib-eye steak & then it became a habit...a weekly ritual on my day off. Few friends, were stunned to see that I have started eating beef...in spite of the restrictions.
Now today, after a long time[after 1 month I guess...], cooked a steak for quenching this "hunger", since I was craving to have a steak, of recent..badly!!!I got this wonderful meat, NZ Rib-eye steak this thursday from Spinneys Supermarket & cooked it to my satisfaction.
Rule No.1--->Let your steak be in room temperature. I mean in raw form...else, the heat will never reach inside, unless you are going to have a 500 gm steak, well-done, which means you will have to finish it off in the oven, specially a cut from tenderloin.
Rule No.2--->Season with crushed black pepper & salt only on one side. That means, salt on the presentation side & the other side can be seasoned when you are cooking your steak.
Rule No.3--->If you are grilling in a pan, let it be very hot...yes, very, very hot, put a spoon of oil & then put the steak. You will hear when it sizzles.
I like my steak, burger...medium done. Rest all meat, including lamb...must be well-done!!!
So today's menu....[Just another blasphemic act... lols...]
Post-joining the hotel management institute, we were supposed to taste everything[I dare not to eat snake, rat, insects & human flesh!!!]The so-called strict hindus wouldn't eat beef, but I was interested in tasting the first preparation I made with beef, i.e. Consomme & next was Tournedos ala portugaise. Tournedo, a cut from the tenderloin of beef, grilled & cooked, well-done in a tomato based sauce with peppers.However, it was bland for me, however, ever since I started visiting "Olypub" a popular resto-bar in the most happening place of "Kolkata", aka Calcutta, I always used to have Chateaubriand, a popular cut of the tenderloin, which was served with some fries & some grilled onions...if I can recollect. It was always served well-done,[well, Indian beef, should always be eaten well-done!!!]
Frequent visits to Olypub, added by daily consumption of red meat in the form of Lamb Biryani, increased the protein level in my blood & thus high uric acid, resulted in multiple joint-pains...so control red meat!!!!
Well,from 2006 till end quarter of 2009, I didn't eat beef. Yes...for a long, long time. Excuse I used to give is that "I am a Hindu" or sometimes more subtle,"For obvious reasons, I dont eat beef...medical grounds!!!".
I had Angus beef during my service in Chennai. It was Irish Black Angus, perhaps, it was Sirloin part, that we got in the hotel. Though I restrained myself from eating for a long-time, but the colour of the meat was irresistible!!!So, one fine night, I took the courage of taking one out of the chiller & cooking for myself & yes, cooked medium done. By the way, I have seen guests having rare done & when the plate comes to the kitchen, it is neat & clean..not even a drop of blood...Anyways...seasoning..simple salt & pepper..& no sauce. Taste..well, beyond words to describe. People say about Kobe beef..need to try it next....
Coming to Dubai..well, I didn't have for several months, though the meat available here is of superior quality...yes, all chilled & imported from Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, USA, & also from India & Pakistan. Though, I used to give the same excuse, but one fine day, I bought some 200 gm of Australian Rib-eye steak & then it became a habit...a weekly ritual on my day off. Few friends, were stunned to see that I have started eating beef...in spite of the restrictions.
Now today, after a long time[after 1 month I guess...], cooked a steak for quenching this "hunger", since I was craving to have a steak, of recent..badly!!!I got this wonderful meat, NZ Rib-eye steak this thursday from Spinneys Supermarket & cooked it to my satisfaction.
Rule No.1--->Let your steak be in room temperature. I mean in raw form...else, the heat will never reach inside, unless you are going to have a 500 gm steak, well-done, which means you will have to finish it off in the oven, specially a cut from tenderloin.
Rule No.2--->Season with crushed black pepper & salt only on one side. That means, salt on the presentation side & the other side can be seasoned when you are cooking your steak.
Rule No.3--->If you are grilling in a pan, let it be very hot...yes, very, very hot, put a spoon of oil & then put the steak. You will hear when it sizzles.
I like my steak, burger...medium done. Rest all meat, including lamb...must be well-done!!!
So today's menu....[Just another blasphemic act... lols...]
Grilled Rib-eye steak
Fondant Potato, Grilled Tomato, Redwine-Balsamic Reduction
-
Fondente al cioccolato
Gelato al Pistacchio
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Life ....post vacation....
Life has different phases...birth, death, marriage...n so many...but for me...everyday is a new day..a new phase, a day full of hopes, wishes, deeds & so on & so forth.
Leaving home after vacation was a little emotional for me...I dont know why do I cry whilst leaving home. I was mentally prepared a week before my vacation was about to end...but I couldn't control my emotions whilst leaving home. What is the reason??Attachment???Hmmm....I easily get attached to like-minded people...but sometimes its too much. I need to resist from such *attachments* unless, I will have to invite some disasters in my life & so-called *friends* who uses me & in the end echeat on me..something, I need to change in myself very soon...being selective of friends...even an enemy is better than such a friend.
Anyways...life has pretty changed after coming back to Dubai. Now..I am trying to be little more calm, get less hyper, less reactive ..n many many things...LESS!!!
Again I am trying to be more focussed now...remember Chef Shetty "Focus karo..tum chef ho,", which I have been losing before going on vacation...but now..its time. Opportunities like this come less..why not???To focus on other stuff...entire life is there...but right now...its the career. Some of the well-wishers advised my parents on me marrying someone...but I am not desperate neither interested now...the soil beneath me must be strong enough....
At home...met my old astrologer...he is really old enough...really....n he said many stuffs about me....well, I can foresee a lot of things....but I have given myself 2 years time....either make...or break!!! I dont wish to live long...though my astrologer assures a wealthy & healthy long life...I just want to live a couple of years...n then I want "Maa to break my chains & make me free....."
Leaving home after vacation was a little emotional for me...I dont know why do I cry whilst leaving home. I was mentally prepared a week before my vacation was about to end...but I couldn't control my emotions whilst leaving home. What is the reason??Attachment???Hmmm....I easily get attached to like-minded people...but sometimes its too much. I need to resist from such *attachments* unless, I will have to invite some disasters in my life & so-called *friends* who uses me & in the end echeat on me..something, I need to change in myself very soon...being selective of friends...even an enemy is better than such a friend.
Anyways...life has pretty changed after coming back to Dubai. Now..I am trying to be little more calm, get less hyper, less reactive ..n many many things...LESS!!!
Again I am trying to be more focussed now...remember Chef Shetty "Focus karo..tum chef ho,", which I have been losing before going on vacation...but now..its time. Opportunities like this come less..why not???To focus on other stuff...entire life is there...but right now...its the career. Some of the well-wishers advised my parents on me marrying someone...but I am not desperate neither interested now...the soil beneath me must be strong enough....
At home...met my old astrologer...he is really old enough...really....n he said many stuffs about me....well, I can foresee a lot of things....but I have given myself 2 years time....either make...or break!!! I dont wish to live long...though my astrologer assures a wealthy & healthy long life...I just want to live a couple of years...n then I want "Maa to break my chains & make me free....."
Sunday, August 8, 2010
On the way back to Dubai...
Yes...I had to come back to Dubai...well, 20 days were pretty short...but thats how I wanted it to be..
Leaving home has always been a little emotional moment...when I was about to leave home, I touched my mother's feet...n she started crying..n seeing her..I also started crying...
Well...the vacation was filled with bitter-sweet memories...mostly, bitter I guess, less *sweet* memories..but, anyways, I cooked a lot for my friends, relatives, & family...
I left on time ...but with little worries, since, I did web check-in.But alas, on reaching the airport, I got to know that the flight scheduled at 1:45 pm from Kolkata to Mumbai is delayed by 1 hr. Gosh..thats bad...since I dont like sitting in the airport for hours, unless, it has some fun stuff...or something nice to check out.It was a cloudy day+it has been raining since last night, can be one of the major reasons for the flights operating late. Anyways, after boarding the aircraft, I was again feeling emotional..[I dont know when will I get over it...]. It takes around 2:30 hrs from Kolkata to Mumbai & since the flight departed from Kolkata at 1500 hrs, approx., it's arrival time will be 1730 hrs..n then the flight to Dubai is scheduled at 1850 hrs....well,I like taking risks..but it was too risky this time. If the flight arrives late to Mumbai..then what happens????
Keeping my fingers crossed...after having the meal in the Jet, I fell asleep...
I got up when the flight was shaking a bit...yes, lots of clouds around, which made the visibility almost zero & the journey pretty rough. It was almost 1700 hrs & I was praying to God..let it reach on time. Else....
Finally, I got down at 1745 hrs & proceeded to Jet Airways counter for further assistance, since I will have to move from Domestic Terminal to International terminal. Fortunately, they had coach service & unfortunately, it took 15 minutes. Once I entered the international terminal, there was a long queue for the immigration. It was 1815 hours.And it was getting dramatic..when I was standing in a long queue....
When I was about to go to the immigration officer with my boarding pass & passport, I approached a ground staff of Jet Airways, if he can expedite the process, he suggested me visiting his team leader, who is sitting somewhere else..
I left the queue & went to the team leader, & to my awe, she was not even willing to assist me, initally. The excuse she was trying to give me that you need to report before 75 minutes of departure. Umm..well, it was not my fault...its your airlines that arrived late to Mumbai....not I!!..Usually, I dont get hard with women, but this time, I was strong n dominant!!!And finally, she got my checked-in baggages from aircraft & handed over to me & booked me a seat for Dubai, but by Air India.It was scheduled to leave at 20:30 hrs.I hurried upto board the aircraft & the flight left at 2100 hrs....
I was pissed off due to all these delays, however, enjoyed watching a movie on my way back to Dubai, "Karthick calling Karthick".It was a kind of a thriller...
Finally, at 23:15 hrs, my feet touched the land of Dubai again....n after passport controls, I headed to the Dubai Duty Free directly...yes, I need alcohol. It is more due to cooking than drinking and then collecting my checked-in baggage...back to my 2nd home...in Dubai....
Oh yea...work on the following day...gotto sleep early....at 100 hrs.
Leaving home has always been a little emotional moment...when I was about to leave home, I touched my mother's feet...n she started crying..n seeing her..I also started crying...
Well...the vacation was filled with bitter-sweet memories...mostly, bitter I guess, less *sweet* memories..but, anyways, I cooked a lot for my friends, relatives, & family...
I left on time ...but with little worries, since, I did web check-in.But alas, on reaching the airport, I got to know that the flight scheduled at 1:45 pm from Kolkata to Mumbai is delayed by 1 hr. Gosh..thats bad...since I dont like sitting in the airport for hours, unless, it has some fun stuff...or something nice to check out.It was a cloudy day+it has been raining since last night, can be one of the major reasons for the flights operating late. Anyways, after boarding the aircraft, I was again feeling emotional..[I dont know when will I get over it...]. It takes around 2:30 hrs from Kolkata to Mumbai & since the flight departed from Kolkata at 1500 hrs, approx., it's arrival time will be 1730 hrs..n then the flight to Dubai is scheduled at 1850 hrs....well,I like taking risks..but it was too risky this time. If the flight arrives late to Mumbai..then what happens????
Keeping my fingers crossed...after having the meal in the Jet, I fell asleep...
I got up when the flight was shaking a bit...yes, lots of clouds around, which made the visibility almost zero & the journey pretty rough. It was almost 1700 hrs & I was praying to God..let it reach on time. Else....
Finally, I got down at 1745 hrs & proceeded to Jet Airways counter for further assistance, since I will have to move from Domestic Terminal to International terminal. Fortunately, they had coach service & unfortunately, it took 15 minutes. Once I entered the international terminal, there was a long queue for the immigration. It was 1815 hours.And it was getting dramatic..when I was standing in a long queue....
When I was about to go to the immigration officer with my boarding pass & passport, I approached a ground staff of Jet Airways, if he can expedite the process, he suggested me visiting his team leader, who is sitting somewhere else..
I left the queue & went to the team leader, & to my awe, she was not even willing to assist me, initally. The excuse she was trying to give me that you need to report before 75 minutes of departure. Umm..well, it was not my fault...its your airlines that arrived late to Mumbai....not I!!..Usually, I dont get hard with women, but this time, I was strong n dominant!!!And finally, she got my checked-in baggages from aircraft & handed over to me & booked me a seat for Dubai, but by Air India.It was scheduled to leave at 20:30 hrs.I hurried upto board the aircraft & the flight left at 2100 hrs....
I was pissed off due to all these delays, however, enjoyed watching a movie on my way back to Dubai, "Karthick calling Karthick".It was a kind of a thriller...
Finally, at 23:15 hrs, my feet touched the land of Dubai again....n after passport controls, I headed to the Dubai Duty Free directly...yes, I need alcohol. It is more due to cooking than drinking and then collecting my checked-in baggage...back to my 2nd home...in Dubai....
Oh yea...work on the following day...gotto sleep early....at 100 hrs.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Indian cuisine with a western touch...
Jipsa was craving for my cooking ...for long...n finally, she got to taste food from my hand. I was planning a special menu for her,something unique that she has had, but she will have it differently. But when I am cooking for her, my aunt will also be able to taste the *experience* & so my family members...
It was a very simple fare...very light ...& yet ...it was elegant. Who didn't have Lentil Soup???Well..this time, this is with an Indian touch, but prepared as you do in a western kitchen[Remember, when I put ginger in mushroom soup, chef George asked me, "So is this with an Indian touch???"...I just smiled].
Well..this lentil soup, rather cream of mung beans, was definitely cooked for the indian palate--it had carrot, leek, celery, mascarpone in it...and same time, it had onion, cumin, garlic...n a dash of olive oil. Yes..the soup was delicious[Unfortunately..I didn't taste it..I relied on their feedback].
Moving on to the next one...well..you know it..Chicken Tikka. You must have eaten this ...or its siblings..Kababs...what I tried this time, is a little innovative. Grilled Chicken Tikka...I didn't use any tandoor for cooking it,but it retained all the textures of what a Kabab looks like. What I did, I used a Chicken breast & applied the marinade as you do for Tikka & grilled them in a hot plate & finish off in the oven..n for the smokey flavour??Well...burn some woodchips beneath, while it is being cooked in the oven--the smoke will impart some smokey aroma in the chicken. Sauce???How about the famous makhni gravy[Yes, the same gravy used for numerous dishes...Murg Makhni, Murg Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken etc] being put in its refined form...Makhni sauce.
This time a different mashed potato...hint of cumin ...quite akin to our own kitchen's Aloo-Jeera & some shahi subzi..but alas...with Mushroom, Zucchini & Carrots!!!I hope it was decent...
Well..now time for desserts. Few of my friends claim that when it comes to desserts...I am the best...perhaps, its because of my long term relationship with sugar, pastry & my sweet-tooth. I thought of doing a rasgulla cheesecake or gulabjamun terrine...but changed my mind...Rice-pudding Mousse???Yes..I told my mom to make some rice-pudding..as we make at home...& call it as "Payesh"...n then I converted it into a vegan version of Mousse..of course..with some decent addition of Mascarpone & a little hint of cinnamon. Jipsa couldn't recognise it to be "Payesh"...n it was served with some forest fruit coulis....[All this took place yesterday]...
And today...I cooked Mutton Biryani again..this is my favorite out of North Indian cuisine & perhaps it is next to my love for Bengali foods...& one & only...Italian.As usual it was good...[thank god..no one praised me to skies...thus pampering my ego..over n over again...:) ]& finished with Phirni..a rice pudding with rice-flour, milk & again..a generous addition of Mascarpone.
Since, Sunday...I have been doing a lot of cooking..apart from cooking my own breakfast..but I am now in a departure mood...I will have to leave this Saturday..."Maa..break my chains & let me free..."!!!
It was a very simple fare...very light ...& yet ...it was elegant. Who didn't have Lentil Soup???Well..this time, this is with an Indian touch, but prepared as you do in a western kitchen[Remember, when I put ginger in mushroom soup, chef George asked me, "So is this with an Indian touch???"...I just smiled].
Well..this lentil soup, rather cream of mung beans, was definitely cooked for the indian palate--it had carrot, leek, celery, mascarpone in it...and same time, it had onion, cumin, garlic...n a dash of olive oil. Yes..the soup was delicious[Unfortunately..I didn't taste it..I relied on their feedback].
Moving on to the next one...well..you know it..Chicken Tikka. You must have eaten this ...or its siblings..Kababs...what I tried this time, is a little innovative. Grilled Chicken Tikka...I didn't use any tandoor for cooking it,but it retained all the textures of what a Kabab looks like. What I did, I used a Chicken breast & applied the marinade as you do for Tikka & grilled them in a hot plate & finish off in the oven..n for the smokey flavour??Well...burn some woodchips beneath, while it is being cooked in the oven--the smoke will impart some smokey aroma in the chicken. Sauce???How about the famous makhni gravy[Yes, the same gravy used for numerous dishes...Murg Makhni, Murg Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken etc] being put in its refined form...Makhni sauce.
This time a different mashed potato...hint of cumin ...quite akin to our own kitchen's Aloo-Jeera & some shahi subzi..but alas...with Mushroom, Zucchini & Carrots!!!I hope it was decent...
Well..now time for desserts. Few of my friends claim that when it comes to desserts...I am the best...perhaps, its because of my long term relationship with sugar, pastry & my sweet-tooth. I thought of doing a rasgulla cheesecake or gulabjamun terrine...but changed my mind...Rice-pudding Mousse???Yes..I told my mom to make some rice-pudding..as we make at home...& call it as "Payesh"...n then I converted it into a vegan version of Mousse..of course..with some decent addition of Mascarpone & a little hint of cinnamon. Jipsa couldn't recognise it to be "Payesh"...n it was served with some forest fruit coulis....[All this took place yesterday]...
And today...I cooked Mutton Biryani again..this is my favorite out of North Indian cuisine & perhaps it is next to my love for Bengali foods...& one & only...Italian.As usual it was good...[thank god..no one praised me to skies...thus pampering my ego..over n over again...:) ]& finished with Phirni..a rice pudding with rice-flour, milk & again..a generous addition of Mascarpone.
Since, Sunday...I have been doing a lot of cooking..apart from cooking my own breakfast..but I am now in a departure mood...I will have to leave this Saturday..."Maa..break my chains & let me free..."!!!
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