All posts filed under: Living

Olaulim Backyards: Where time stands still, but a lot can happen!

Published by Anita

They had me at Richard Parker! This cosy homestay, situated in a very quiet and serene part of Goa will transport you to another world all together. Away from the buzz and the humdrum, the noise and pollution of the city, it’s a relief as you step into what is literally a “backyard”! All around is just green as far as the eye can see. And a creek that lazily winds its way into the property completing the perfect picture. And fittingly, you know why this serene place is called Olaulim Backyards. Inhabited by a motley group of permanent residents (besides the hosts and their 2 kids) – three dogs, a pony, a donkey and a cat called Richard Parker – every moment is a delight. I was lucky to spend 3 days at Olaulim, in the peak of the monsoons and I don’t think I’ve seen Goa in a more beautiful season – bathed in rain, the countryside is a shade of green that you’ll never find in a concrete jungle. The roads are inviting, winding …

Food, wine and conversation

Published by Anita

Food and wine together are an irresistible combination. Especially on a weekend, when it’s time to let the hair down, rejuvenate and relax! However hot Bangalore is turning during the day, the evenings are relatively pleasant. At least outside. So one Saturday evening, with a couple of friends, I decided to stroll through Indiranagar trying out different wines and restaurants. This is a frequent event organized by Poshvine (if you haven’t visited this site, do it right now! – it’s a treasure trove of interesting experiences in Bangalore and other cities). Christened the Jacob’s Creek Gourmet Stroll, it turned out to be quite a culinary experience. Not to mention a chance to sample some of their wines as we hopped along. We began with Bricklane Grill, where we gathered in a rather charming and cosy setting by the poolside. We started our culinary journey with a sparkling Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay, just the right accompaniment to the delicious aperitifs and starters for the evening. The finger food kept coming by and I especially remember the mushrooms with cheese – simply …

Pizzas

Mexifornia is the flavour of the season at California Pizza Kitchen

Published by Anita

The 5th of May is an important date in the history of Mexico. According to Wikipedia, a battle took place on this very date in 1862 near the city of Puebladuring the French intervention in Mexico. The battle ended in a victory Mexican Army over the occupying French forces. This holiday remains very popular in the United States where it is celebrated annually as Cinco de Mayo. So what better month is there than May to launch a new festival? Californian, with a twist of Mexican – Mexifornia! The proposition sounded interesting and so last Friday evening I found myself trying out the new “Mexifornia” menu launched by California Pizza Kitchen in Phoenix City Mall in Whitefield. It will also be available at their outlets in Mumbai and Bangalore from April 29 to May 19. I rarely eat pizza when I’m eating out since I’m not too much of a fan. So when I do, I want really good pizza! But besides pizza, I know Mexican food can be pretty interesting with their traditional styles of cooking and the …

Achilles tendon tear

The Achilles tendon tear injury: Getting back

Published by Anita

In August last year, I suffered from an Achilles tendon tear for which I had to undergo surgery. A few months ago, I wrote about being stuck in a (pink) cast. It was a frustrating time for me since I couldn’t do anything. Let alone cook myself a meal, clean or walk without getting really tired. I graduated from the cast and by December I was walking without the crutches. After around 2 weeks, I began physiotherapy for around 21 days to get back the range of motion in the ankle. However, the process of getting back to full recovery is a long and painful one. I hope this helps anyone who has sustained the injury. I think only those who have undergone the surgery and the rehabilitation process will understand the true nature of this injury, though I know it’s like stating the obvious. While there is no constant pain, there is always an underlying tightness in the area. It doesn’t feel quite right. It’s inflexible around the ankle area, the muscle has become …

new banana cafe

The search for good food in Pondicherry

Published by Anita

It’s no secret that I love good food. And I will go to extreme lengths to find it! I chanced upon the Banana Cafe, thanks to my sister who currently calls this town her abode. It was a small hole in the wall operation, but going by its popularity, I knew that something was obviously attracting a lot of customers. And since it was a restaurant, I deduced it had to be the quality of the food! I tried it and loved it. On a later trip to Pondi, my sister informed me that the cafe had since been shut down as they had to vacate the small space they were operating from (it was a part of a larger house). Which was a pity since it was walking distance from where my sister lives. But the story doesn’t end there. A few months later, on another trip I was given the good news. The owner had managed to find another place for his business. It’s now tucked away in a quiet lane called Cazy street and you’ll …