Small wonders in life - Baking Competition Judge

Had a chance to be the Judge for baking competition conducted by Inner Wheel Club of Bangalore.Good experience with all the wonderful participants, amazing dishes and really talented and creative crowd.

Prince George's Baptism Gown & Telma's Creation

Today the print and T.V channels flashed the images of Prince George's baptism. The christening dress wore by little prince was the replica of christening gown of 170-year-old gown used for every royal christening, including Prince William and his father, Prince Charles. 

When I saw the baptism gown wore by the young prince, and it reminded me of two christening which happened few months back in our family. It was my nephew Nathan's in Bangalore, and niece Michelle's christening in Trivandrum. . 

And among the fond memories during the christening, it was delightful to see two babies decked in beautiful, flowing baptism dress stitched by my Mom.    

The baptism gown stitched for her grandchildren was similar to the one worn by Prince George. She spend almost two two weeks to stitch each gown. Also, she took the pain to go to Commercial street in Bangalore to purchase the gown material, the laces, bows, etc.

When she stitched the gown, many folks passed comments on the long flowing dress, the frills, and embroidery work for the boy's gown. On the contrary, she insisted that the baptism dress for boys also has to be free flowing one.

I:m very proud of your creativity and talent, MOM!!! 

Baptism of Prince George

                               

Baptism of Nathan George Gomez

                                

                              Baptism of Michelle Stephen Gomez

You're Invited for Mutton Pasanda

Very rarely I come across a movie that touch me closely as this one - Lunch Box. It has also the frills of a modern life - a longing, a new start, stale relationship, monotony of urban life. And one such movie is Lunch Box.

And if you ask me why I like Lunch Box, then I may not have an answer. It has all the spices, and in good measure. All the people portrayed in the movie, lla, Sajan Fernandez, Shaikh, Ila’s partner, are people around us, or even we can see ourselves in them.  .   

In this movie, Shaikh ( Nawazuddin Sidddiqui) invites Mr Fernandez (Irffan Khan) to his house, . and treats him his favorite dish - Mutton pasanda. 

The way Shaikh spoke of the delicacy, it persuade me to try out Lamb Pasanda in my kitchen. And you're invited!

Mutton Pasanda

Lunch Time scene in Lunch Box :)

So here comes the Mutton Pasanda recipe. 

Ingredients required:

• Mutton                             ½ kg
• Cream                            ½ cup
• Curd                                ½ cup
• Onion                              2 Chopped
• Garlic                              4 chopped
• Ginger                             1 inch chopped
• Oil/Ghee                          2 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder            ½ tsp
• Corriander powder        ½ tsp
• Cummin powder             ½ tsp
• Garam Masala               1 tsp
• Nutmeg powder              ½ tsp
• White pepper powder   ½ tsp
• Almond paste                 2 tbsp
• Roasted almond             6
• Corriander leaves few
• Salt to taste

Follow these Steps:

1. Cut the mutton into thin slices, then place the slices between cling film and pound with a meat mallet to make them even thinner.
2. Put the lamb slices in a bowl, add the garlic, ginger and curd and marinate well and keep it for 2 hours.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions and sauté till golden brown.
4. Add turmeric powder, salt, cumin powder, nutmeg powder, pepper powder and coriander powder
5. Add the marinated mutton and little water and cook for 30 minutes .
6. When mutton is tender add the almond paste and cream and gram masala  powder
7. Garnish with roasted  almond and coriander leaves .
8. Serve hot with roti or rice.
   
   Information about the history and origin of Pasanda

Delightful Tandoor Experience at Tandoor Restaurant

Lunch at Tandoor Restaurant, Bangalore
 
Finally the project lunch at Tandoor restaurant, at M.G, Road, Bangalore happened. Hurray! It all started with table reservation for two of us. And for a change, we were on time.

Thought the menu was pricy, it was suprising to see packed tables filled with familes, friends and few with foreigners/ expats. Probably, these are tourists who has stepped from the near by Oberoi or Taj Vivanta.

Succulent and tasty kababs at Tandoor

Ready for a bite of Naan

What we ordered - Naan and Butter Chicken

Two full size bellies in front of Tandoor Restaurant :-)

Positive Experience at Tandoor Restaurant, M.G, Road, Bangalore:

Awesome Starters - Kebab - Perfectly cooked, one of the best North Indian starter I ever had
Fast Service - Lightning fast service - Full marks
Smiling Customer Service -  Waiters with a pleasing disposition
Large Serving - Good quality in one serving ( one dish good for two)

If you love North Indian cusine or willing to explore, then I suggest you to plan a lunch or dinner at Tadoor restaurant at M.G, road . Though I tasted kebabs, naan and butter chicken, I feel rest items on the menu will match with quality and taste.

My suggestion to Tandoor's Mgmt:
Pls avoid using plastic covers while packing remaining food. Better, option would be to give a paper cover with Tandoor name on it. It would cost you more, but it's worth for your brand!

Also, your staff could suggest first timers like us on the size of serving.

Happy Lunch!

Onam 2013 in Bangalore

Athapookalam

Onam Sadya at home

Ambalapuzha Pal Payasam