Bangalore Countdown Day 24

Bangalore Countdown Day 26&25 Read Here

Day 24


1. Egg Factory (St Marks Road)

"Eggtarians" rejoice, behold your dreams come true!!! Located in the nook of St. Marks road, right at the beginning and behind Dewars Wines, is this awesome place that serves, well, Eggs!!!and all types of em. They have a range of dishes, including some varieties that are native to the Education town of Manipal. What makes this place really cool, is that the interiors are set up like a factory. Work benches for seats, quirky sign boards and all that. There's always place to sit down, the service is good, the ambiance is fun. Eggcited? Head out this Sunday to see for yourself!!!

2. Laa Jawaab (Indiranagar)

On CMH Road, right above ICICI Bank is this nice fine dine kinda restaurant which was discovered by  accident (I was looking at the new glow sign, when the car screeched to a haul inches away from my bike). They have an awesome range of tandoori kebabs, and most of the mutton dishes are succulent. Avoid Cocktails and Vegetarian items, and the waiters can get snooty. But the Mutton, Sigh. The ambiance is nice, over looking CMH without the noise part. Nice family get together? Go for the Chops!!!

***

The closer the D Day, the more interesting its getting. There are so many places that I haven't yet discovered, all ways been pushing it to the next Saturday or Sunday, which inevitably goes down Beer laden pubs. I think the biggest miss has been not getting the tour of the Vidhan Soudha, which must rank as one of the grandest buildings in the country. But I guess the stench of politics would have been too much to bear. Also missed is the Museum on Kasturba Gandhi Road, which frankly speaking did not really appeal to me. I guess all in all, there's still time in the larger scheme of things :)

***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 26 & 25

Bangalore Countdown Day 27 Read Here

Quick update on Day 27, the Meghana Biryani (Aka Meghana Foods) has also opened parallel to Nagarjuna foods near Brigade road. :)

Day 26&25


1. Punjabi Rasoi (Indiranagar / RT Nagar)

While Bobby Dhaba is by far the most popular "Punjabi" joint in Bangalore, (And I haven't been there, YET) Punjabi Rasoi serves one of the best North Indian Cuisine. I don't call it "Punjabi" cuisine, because I haven't actually eaten in Punjab. Anyways, Recommended grabs here are the Chicken Chatpat (Lip smacking), Mutton Sheekh, Dal Makhani, and Butter Chicken. Prices are very reasonable, and they have decent service.


2. Halli Mane (Malleshwaram)

This HAS to be the most popular Vegetarian joint. Some might say MTR is the best, but personally I think they are two different styles of food. Halli Mane has a typical Bangalore feel, giving you the best of Bangalore and Karnataka. While the sheer pace of the whole thing can be overwhelming for new comers, it  is quite well organized. There is a separate snack counter, Dosa counter, Parcel Counter, Chat counter, and a service dining area above, making it actually look complicated to the new comer. While everything is awesome, do specially try the coffee. Feel free to explore the food!!!

Just FYI, Halli Mane, means Village House in Kannada.

3. Nagarjuna (MG Road / Indiranagar/ Jayanagar)

One of the members of the Andhra Food Trinity of Nagarjuna, Nandini and Nandhana, these guys are particularly better in the quality of food, compared to the other two. Popular for its Biryani and Andhra Meals, unfortunately, just like most of their type, their service is sad. Its always crowded, and it is as if they are doing a favor by letting you eat there. Coming to the food, Andhra Chilly Chicken, most of the mutton dishes and the Biryani is worth a try. If I were you, I'd skip the Sea Food. You are warned, it's some real spicy stuff here, so keep some space for desert ;)


4. Cafe Max (Indiranagar)

This is my absolute favorite hangout, unfortunately, I haven't been there enough. Located on top of the Max Mueller Bhavan on CMH Road, they serve awesome Bacon and Sausages, great Cheese cakes, and a fantastic ambience to go with it. Nice Breezy Terrace, with the right crowd (wink, wink) and there you have a perfect Saturday Morning. This is a must go to place, people. Must. Go. To.




***
I believe the only sad part of Bangalore, are their Auto walas. Totally moronic, they WILL Fleece you, and will make the best attempts to make you pay more. It's happened to me a few times, and its a pain. But then let me tell you that more than 50% of the autos are not licensed and are run by people trying to make a quick buck. It also doesn't help, that during the IT boom, people paid over and above the regular fare. Why? I don't know. But they have got used to it. How to save yourself the trouble? - This should help. (How to Choose an Auto Rickshaw) 


***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 27

Bangalore Countdown Day 28 Read here

Day 27


1. Kudla (Opp ITC Gardenia, Richmond Road)

This is another restaurant that's a specialist in South Indian Food, the name "Kudla" is a nickname for Mangalore in Tulu. The Sea Food is the star of this restaurant, and their non veg Thali is a must have. The Seer Fish and Prawn is highly recommended, the Chicken Curry is also good. I would skip all Non South Indian stuff, but their not bad either. It's the second best South Canara Restaurant in Bangalore, after Coast 2 Coast.

The Ambiance of the place is very comfortable, adorned with the typical costumes of Yakshagana and Buffalo Racing. They also serve alcohol, so its a nice place to head with Friends or Family for a gastronomical delight. Slightly on the expensive side.

2. Meghana Biryani, Kormangala

Most of us have heard of the Hyderabadi Biryani House, located at Victoria Layout and Old Airport Road that serves really masale-daar Biryani (But the meat isn't that great) and then there is the Hyderabad House located in Koramangala and Residency Road ( Aromatic + Good meat, but Very Very Dry). You also has Ritchie's in Frazer town which does a decent Dum Biryani.

But Meghana Biryani, located in 5th Block, is different. His Fish and Prawn Biryani is fantastic, as is his side dishes in Chicken. The Ambience is decent, but always crowded owing to the college crowd. Nonetheless, if you're trying something different, head over here.

***
I haven't been around the whole of Bangalore, but I have traveled around a lot.Most of this is because of my Sales days in L'Oreal. In fact, most of my mental landmarks have been built around H&G stores, or others. And that's also how I know many good places to eat. Though it may look like there are a lot of places to eat, it is a fact that there is a huge shortage of good restaurants in Bangalore.

What Bangalore has taught me is a don't worry attitude. I mean, the worst that could happen isn't actually that bad. It's a handy lesson.

***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 28

Bangalore Countdown Day 29 Read Here

Day 28

1.Thulp (Kormangala & Other locations) 

With a seating capacity of 20, lots of board games and comics, and a menu that is introduced by "Moo", this place is an awesome joint. Innovative and Delicious. "Whattaay Burger da" is the first thought with the first bite into that juicy, well done meat dripping with melting cheese and held in place by green lettuce. Sigh. Enough said. go, gO, GO!!!

2. Coast2Coast (Kormangala and MG Road)

Chicken Ghee Roast 

My Favorite place in Bangalore, this is authentic Mangalorean Cuisine. Love Seafood? This is the place to go. Love Kori Roti? You'll get it here. But By GAWD, The master piece, the king of kings, the brillianto magnificento moutha wateringa dish is.......*drum roll*   THE GHEE ROAST. Believe me, and I kid you not, this dish is orgasmic. It comes in a variety of options, like chicken, mutton and prawn, but prawn is the best. The best combo would be to have it with Neer Dose, or Appam. Also must try is the Chicken Sukka, which is a coconut paste based dish from the Coasts of South Canara. They also serve alcohol, so its a great get together point. I will so so so miss it. 

***

As I mentally prepare to leave behind a lot, I don't know a lot of Bangaloreans. Most of my friends are people who have come from out of town, and more so out of state. I don't know why I speak Hindi most of the time, even though am fluent in Kannada. Some people would believe that I am a Mallu, some have even asked me if I was a Bengali. Both to which, I vehemently shook my head in disagreement. One lives on coconuts, and the other on Sugar. 

I made new friends in Bangalore. I learnt the native dialect of Udupi (Tulu), in Bangalore. Amongst other things, which will come in due time, Bangalore saw me through it all. Hopefully till the end. 

***

M

Bangalore Countdown Day 29

Bangalore Countdown Day 30 Read here

Day 29

1. SLV Ragigudda (Jayanagar East End)

SLV Ragigudda

Located at Jayanagar 4th block , East End this restaurant is a legend. It has one of the best South Indian fare in Bangalore, and Adigas stands no where compared to this place. It is one of the most popular eateries around the place, and you will never, NEVER find the place empty. My Favorites were mostly the Dosa Variety, Idli Vada Sambhar Chutney combo (which is truly superb) and the evening snacks. There used to be a lot of the college crowd here, but the last I went there was 2 years back. I hope to make a trip here before I leave though.

2. Kabab Magic (Jayanagar East End & other locations)

Kabab Magic

Am sure all of you have heard of the Empire Chain of restaurants. But believe me, if you fancy similar food, this place is far more tastier and value for money. The Shawarma rolls are to die for (My Favorite Snack!!!) and the Combo meals are brilliant. I think the Arab Pulpy Grape Juice was what they brought to Bangalore for the first time. The Grilled chicken (My Comfort food number 1) here is different in the sense that it is not drowned in fat and red chilli. Their rumali rotis are also awesome and go great with any dish. All in all, if your in that area drop in. Again anytime on Friday onwards, you'l find a huge que. Mind you, however this isn't fine dine. It's great food.

***

My relationship with Bangalore has been love - love. I have taken baby steps at my job, my first bike ride, everything started here. I think I can't remember a single moment where I hated the city. I have been stopped by a cop once and let go. I have had 3 major accidents on my bike, however not once have I been injured. Others have. 

At one time, this Auto toppled in the middle of the road at Ulsoor, because we were crossing a junction and he was speeding and hit my back tyre. But the Auto had school kids in them and one of them got a cut on her head (And it was her bday) The whole crowd got together against me, even though it wasn't my fault. But the moment I spoke in Kannada, every one backed off. After intense interrogation by the kids grandparents and colony members, I was let go. I went to the hospital with chocolate's and was expecting the worst from her parents. But the girl had told her parents that it wasn't my fault. Bless her!!!

So, you know the city also was part of many first's of my life. As I chronicle these places, each one brings back a special memory. Some are Joyful, and some are not. But its all good in the end.

***

M

Bangalore Countdown day 30

A day which I thought would never come has finally come. Am moving out of the state, and more so, out of Bangalore and towards Mumbai.

As a tribute to this City I called home for last 5 years or so, everyday, I intend to put up some of the best places that one must go to, and of course the things that make this city what it is. 

Break it

Tear it, Break it
Throw it out of bounds
Liked it, Loved it,
It Took me down

The noise in my head
Images floating by
Stand by and watch
As things go away

Its blurring
Fading, Cracking
But we move on

Sometimes it ends
To start again
Others just walk over
Smiling through the pain

We still live
We still hope
Give In, Give all
Stop trying to Cope


M

Water Water everywhere.

Of the 70.9 % water that exists on this planet, (Earth, in case your wondering) at least 10% must be in my street. I find myself invariably victim to waterfalls, flash floods and tropical rains all the time. The only place there is a shortage of water seems to be in our bathroom. A Fact, which should not be used to judge the way we live and our hygiene standards.

2 Mistakes

He came across as fun and exciting. He was from Bangalore. He seemed to live everything that I always wanted to. Apart from regular small talk there wasn't much that anyone had in common with him. But there was also this aura of "I know what I am doing" around him that was irresistible charming, and which had most of the people flock to him.

The Choice

It was an early Saturday Evening. The World was at its lazy best, snuggling into a late lunch, playing in the streets and reading the papers that carried stories of people who always looked great in photographs.

But in her head, it was a war. A battle that many of her kind and seen, succumbed to and few survived.

Naive Endings

"They don't understand at all. I hate it. Every day is a pain, its the same thing, and only when I start shouting do they stop. Why don't they leave me alone. I don't want to get married now."

She wasn't crying, but her eyes had welled up. She'd been upset for quite some time now. Ever since they'd met she was this ambitious person who just wanted a chance. Wanting to change the world, achieve some thing big in the corporate world. That's what he had liked about her. In the male dominated world of management, she'd fit in very well. Intelligent. Beautiful. Ambitious. A little naive maybe, but women are seldom naive for long. Especially when there are so many idiots to experiment on.

Fall from Grace

"So are you still interested?" 

The question was as polite as he could have asked. The rest had been more brutal, taking specific pleasure in picturizing the question and lacing it with innuendo's. He had been around enough to know this wasn't over, but was unclear on his status. His question was met with silence.


"Everyone's talking Yaar. Someone saw her with him at the hotel that evening. That Son-of-a-bitch also made sure that everyone knows. He's been telling everyone of his conquest, and its getting viral. She was in a ...."

Haunted

Empty Chair
Silent Phone
Missing Comment
Status
Dinner
Mindless Meeting
Empty Smokes
Bottles of Beer
Fries and Peanuts
Friends
And Enemies
Bosses
Marriage
Woes
Work and Excel
Shoes and Tops
Markets Traveled
Music and Bands
Meaningless Conversations
Flights
Cancelled & Missed
Cabs
Genuine Queries
Shopping
& Sharing
Seafood
Same Time
Same Thing
Private and Personal
Lunch Calls
Ride Home
Movies
TV Shows
And more
One to many
One too many
Life


All Haunted


M

The One that got away

It was the age when college kids were obsessed about two things. One, getting free talk time. And two, was GPRS to download that cool new "reeng tone". It was a fancy thing, having a mobile phone, and everyone who had one, needed to get the better image by having the best jokes and forwards. Today, when the whole world is fighting the android vs. Apple battle, which of course Apple will win hands-down, back then it was all about chatting, or what is better known as sexting.

Sanctum

Some take a look at old photos, some stare into the emptiness of the night. Some when their blinded by the morning Sun, while others go there in the presence of music. Few drink their guts out to reach there, and some stare at the ceiling fans when they go to sleep. Some go there when surrounded by chaos, some, when there is chatter all around. Auto Pilot switches on, and everything else goes silent.

RIP 2011

Sometimes we walk roads that we think are right, which we have missed out on. But once you begin, there is no turning back. There is never turning back. As you take each step, the world around you changes, and the earth beneath collapses. No one can foresee the future, and no one can undo the past. You can only live today.

Family, Marriages and more

After a long time I met a lot many of my extended family. My Cousins, their families, my uncles,aunts and of course the "chachi ki uncle ki mami ki behen ke bade papa ke side wale ghar ke neighbour ki dusri bhen" types.While initially some where skeptical about me being me (thanks to the 40 extra kilos, and about 3 ft of height), they were assured when mom addressed me as her son. Which reassured me that mom still recognized me. Not that she had a choice.

Shakespeare makes an entry

Over tea and samosas, he told me to read this verse from Shakespeare. I almost choked on the tea, but managed to keep the samosas in. Not that the samosas or any food had anything to fear once I had'em. Samosas are great way to spend evenings, and that too with that spicy chutney. And those Kachori's with hot tea and warm Jaleb.......wait.

Shakespeare. Yes.

So he told me to read this verse and get back to him with my interpretation of the same. Now I know the conversation we had bordered on past and previous and current endeavors of a romantic kind, but Shakespeare? Seriously? Me? I would have thought a man to man talk would suggest a movie-thon of blood spilling, weapon totting, forest burning, action heroes in dark raining locales. But this was new, and he insisted. And yes, he is the well read types, and yes he is my friend. Yes, I have all sort of friends. No, I can't give you M S Dhoni's phone number.

So when I did this search, this is what came up: (Please don't roll you eyes, even If you don't want to read. Just read the highlighted lines!!! See how much I care for your readership?!)

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The thronéd monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

—Act IV, sc. i

OK, so now this verse is from the "Merchant of Venice" and this particular verse is also called Portia's speech. I read an abridged version in school and to sum it up - This babe gets in court and saves her boyfriend by telling the merchant he can take a pound of flesh (as agreed in the bond between aforementioned Boyfriend) but not a pound of blood. (Smart, no?) But not before making a plea of mercy.

Of Course, the Merchant was bitch-lawyered. You can read the long, winding explanation on Google.

So where do I fit in?

No, No, I haven't signed a bond for flesh. And I don't have a girlfriend doing bargains for my blood (lots that I have) 

You will agree with me, that when we don't get what we want, when we are treated badly by close friends, when you don't get that job, when Apple screws you with no OS updates for old I phones, we go two ways. One, We get angry and jump around (of the Angry Birds ishtyle), scream & throw tantrums and then shut up. Two, we scheme for revenge.You want to Kolaveri-di their asses to hell-u. *smirk* . It then proceeds-u to get messy-u, bitter-u and blood-u all around. No one wins-u. Everyone looses-u. 

Not one to be left behind, I tried. I tried getting angry and jumping around (not easy at 100+ kilos) screaming (thank you sore throat) and shutting up. Dint help. I tried scheming for revenge, the farthest I could go was to not open the door or maybe drop a call. Not very helpful, must say. I care too much.

Anyways, bottom line. Sooner or later, things move on. And living in limbo is more painful. We were discussing the way forward (ugh I hate that power point slide title) it seemed to my friend that things could get brutal. He's been around for quite a while you see, and he's known me for 5 years now. He's got a front narration of the previous scripts, so, yeah. 

So hence his gentle reminder that, you don't need to cut open a vein to sort things out. You can do it graciously, you can do it mercifully, and not load your prejudices and sarcasm tipped arrows at the target. After all, as a friend, being there through thick and thin, is applicable to oneself as well. So, you can walk away with your head held high and not get influenced by choices others make. You can still make it your choice. 

And so...

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd,..."

M

The Plank Man

I sit on the plank
Feet Dangling in the air
Its eerily cold
And the sun is on its way down
Others have boarded
And the sails are torn

There's not much time
And I've had my say
But no one's listening
Should I turn away?
So many choices on the Ship
The plank is Creaking

With a torn Sail
Where will you go?
The sun is setting and its dark
Don't get Lost and broken,
Don't run ashore
Wait some time
And think some more

You're eager to sail
Its a stormy sea
That lies ahead
Its not the journey you should fear
Its the conviction
That it is what you want

Get a new sail, or sail in this
Chase a setting sun or the full moon
You're your own captain
There's no right or wrong
But ensure
That you'll never sail alone

The plank is creaking
The sun is gone
One end is ashore
One end is yours
Sail Away or come ashore
The plank is creaking,
Can't hold on anymore.

M

Loss and Gain

So, I never thought I'd be on a back to back flop show, as much as I would have hoped it would have one positive. I think the last 1.5 years have been the most eventful in my life.

I would love to say this in poem format, but then theres (no apostrophe #INYOURFACE) nothing left to hide. For the first time in my life, I told a person that am crazy about her and got a "no" back. Much better than having a "no" without saying it. That too, just a few months ago I was riled with heartbreak with no closure.(Read previous post here)

And what fun it is, knowing that there are so many undercurrents. Boy like girl. Girl don't know. Girl likes someone else. Gets married to someone else. In between Guy likes someone else. Some one else already in something else. And then someone else likes someone else. And, wait WHAT? *camera pans out* *repeat still-shot thrice in Eastman color* *sad music*

Yep, Ekta Kapoor stole it from me.

So now, where were we?

Ah, telling something to someone. Surprisingly, I haven't lost a drop of my Louuuuuuve. But now its directed at a good buddy. Not a dime less, just more.I feel the just the same, but more happier and more clear. I seem to have gained a lot lot more.

Of course there's nothing wrong in still harboring hope :P

As mentioned elsewhere,things will get better and for everything and anything the lame guy is always there. #beforeIturnawesome

Cheers Buddy!!!

M

PS: Ab tho comment kar.