All posts tagged: Eating Out

Sardinia on your plate: Food festival at JW Marriott’s Alba

Published by Anita

This report contributed by Mukta Chakravorty in Bangalore. ~~ Authentic recipes passed on over generations If you, like me, are a die-hard fan of Italian cuisine, then get ready to tantalize your taste buds at Alba, the fine dining restaurant at the JW Marriott, Bangalore. For the first time the Chef de Cuisine, Antonello Cancedda, brings you an exclusive gourmet experience from the island of Sardinia, which also happens to be his hometown. Chef Antonello draws inspiration from the authentic recipes passed on to him from his ancestors over generations. On a Tuesday evening, we got an exclusive preview of the fare and what an enthralling gastronomic journey it turned out to be! The first thing you notice as you enter Alba is its classy and unique decor. The seating is in the amphitheatre style, with the tables arranged along a semi-circular stairway. There is a show kitchen which displays Italian herbs, fresh ingredients and a selection of wines, among other things. This space is used to set up live counters where the chef dishes …

Taste of Tangra: From the kitchen of Chef Edwin

Published by Anita

Ever wondered about the origin of “Indian Chinese” cuisine? Apparently, it all started in Kolkata – the place where the Hakka community from China settled down many decades ago. Interestingly, according to this link, “One of the earliest records of immigration from China can be found in a short treatise from 1820. This records hints that the first wave of immigration was of Hakkas but does not elaborate on the professions of these immigrants.” Over a period of time, they grew to a large flourishing community initially involved in the tannery business. Over a period of time, many families closed down their business while others were moved to an area outside of the city. The New Chinatown area, where the community resides came to be known as “Tangra“. Over time, the cuisine of this community began to undergo modifications to suit the Indian palate. Coriander, chillis, cumin began to make it’s way into the dishes. What resulted was “Kolkata Chinese” or what is known today as Indian Chinese. This cuisine gained popularity rather quickly and …

Savouring the world, one dish a time!

Published by Anita

My first taste of Portuguese food was in Goa. The owners of the now restored 213 year old mansion Palácio do Deão, built by a Portuguese nobleman, had opened their doors to visitors for a taste of the traditional cuisine. I don’t remember the names of the dishes now but our hosts Rubem and Celia Vasco da Gama had gone to great lengths to lay out a memorable spread. I do remember the fish cooked to perfection. And the calamari flavored to bring any foodie to raptures. This old but restored Portuguese mansion made the ideal setting for a traditional meal I’m glad I captured some of these culinary delights on camera so when I sit back and think of the delicious food, I can supplement my memories with photographs. Of course, the images don’t do justice to the actual taste of the mouth-watering delicacies served, but they only increased my curiosity about the cuisine and food of Portugal. Goa was a Portuguese colony till as late as 1954 and the influences on the food …

The X-Files, Part 3: A list of entrepreneurial ventures run by women

Published by Anita

This is part 3 of the series on entrepreneurial ventures run by women. You can also visit part 1 and part 2 for more categories. In part 3, I’ve listed all our talented women who are a whizz in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking delicious cupcakes, catering for large get-togethers, giving you a taste of Indian cuisine, or showing you the healthy way – you’ll find everything related to food here. (*Please note that these are all based in Bangalore). CATERING, BAKING, FOOD, CULINARY CLASSES, HEALTH FOOD Curry Classes, Sandhya Aiyer Oza Description: Customised cooking classes email: sandhya.oza@curryclasses.com Website: Curry Classes Her story: Curry Classes is now based in Whitefield, Bangalore. Looking to teach and help first timers, young brides to be, bachelors and anyone interested in learning simple ways of cooking. A well cooked meal at home is healthier than a take away. If anyone cares for what goes into that meal you eat it will be you… so STOP thinking cooking is tough, START thinking of what you would like to learn. Get …

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 …

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 …