A sleepy, little coastal town in Gujarat may be the only place in the world where Parsis are not in minority. Udvada is barely 200 kilometers from Mumbai, but instantly transports you into a different era, with different geography.
Udvada is a hidden treasure, cut off from the modern outside world we belong to, deeply rooted in culture and religion. Udvada is where Zoroastrians the world over throng to pay homage to the Iranshah Atash Behram – the sacred fire whose sacred flames have been continuously burning for over 1280 years. Udvada is where many Parsis, like me, come to worship their second religion – food!
An American friend of ours was visiting the city recently, and in the mood for some Peruvian food. She was taken aback to hear that a city as cosmopolitan and global as Mumbai had not a single South American restaurant. Two weeks later, Lima arrived to the shores of Mumbai, and the city received it’s first ever South American tapas bar. Better late than never, I’ll say!
Lima is yet another ace that emerges from Chef Atul Kochhar’s pack of cards – the previous one being NRI at BKC with whom Lima shares a wall. (Read more about NRI here.) But they both are as different as chalk and cheese! While one serves up global Indian fare, the other emphasizes on cocktails and small plates from the South American region, namely ceviches from Peru, grills from Brazil and street cuisine from Mexico.
My experience with Peruvian food is limited to a single ceviche dish I had abroad, years ago. So I really have no basis to judge the authenticity of the food here. I know for a fact the cuisine is centered around their local produce, simple preparation, and dishes where the ingredients are the hero. Some dishes also have a Asian and European influence owing to the large migrant population there.
Tequila Margarita, Kumquat Basil Caipirinha, Multicoloured Quinoa and Mint
Have you ever loved two dishes so much that you wish you could eat them both at the same time? That in some magical way they would combine forces to create one, out of the world experience for you?
I am obsessed with French fries. Well who doesn’t like deep fried, potato-ey goodness? Just the other day, I was at Burger King indulging in their good ol’ Chicken Whopper with fries on the side, pondering over how brilliant would it be if somehow one was able to combine the goodness of fries with the taste of chicken? The introduction of Chicken Fries on the Burger King menu now, seems like a dream come true!
I am a Zoroastrian Irani. Which means that the festival of the spring Equinox or Navroze, which marks the onset of the Persian new year is the primary festival celebrated at home. To a lot of people all over the globe Navroze means a lot of things – a time for prayers, a time to be thankful, a time to remember God, a time for celebration. But for me Navroze is incomplete without three things – tradition, food and family.
If, like me, you’ve exhausted all your weekend getaway options close to Mumbai – this post may hold special interest for you. If, like me, putting your feet up and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city is what you crave, then read on!
The sleepy town of Chakan may be barely heard of by most, barring a few car aficionados owing to the large number of international automobile factories it hosts. It is here in Chakan that the Courtyard by Marriott property sits, like a pretty oasis in a sun kissed desert. The sprawling property, scrumptious local food, and trademark Marriott hospitality is how I experienced the past weekend. Read on for a step-by-step account of my 24 hours at the Courtyard by Marriott Pune, Chakan –
