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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Mahabaleshwar Must Eats

Mahabaleshwar is one of the  favorite hill stations of Maharashtra. Everyone around the neighbouring cities just needs a reason and an opportunity to visit it. I myself am no different, we always end up heading to Mahabaleshwar whenever time permits as its the perfect destination. Justly loved by all for all the right reasons- colonial houses, old world charm, dense green forests, serene and calm, climate, pleasant throughout the year and last but not the least in any way FOOD. Mahabaleshwar has some amazing food to offer. Everyone has their personal favorites in Mahabaleshwar. Right from the quaint cafes, Gujrati Thalis, Road side joints, Irani food, Mughlai Kebabs, Simple Maharashtrian meals, Pizzas, Rustic fare as well as local produce, Mahabaleshwar has something to satiate everybodies tastebuds.
Let me share mine with you. So fasten your seatbelts as I take you on culinary journey in Mahabaleshwar.

1st pit stop on my way to Mahabaleshwar has to be, every single time indeed -

Hilltop Ice cream ( located in the market of Panchgani. )
Main Street | Near Shivaji Statue, Panchgani, India
It is so famous, ask anyone in Panchgani and you will be led in the right direction. It is here since 1970. They have renovated recently, but the taste remains the same, delicious creamy, home made fresh ice creams. Its like one of those small town treats that you can never get in cities. They have an amazing range of flavors, some being green chilli and gulkand to name a few. Very reasonably priced.
My personal favorite remain- luscious mango and fresh strawberry. One is never enough over here. Must have and start your trip for Mahabaleshwar .












Bagicha

76, Dr Sabane Road, Mahabaleshwar                           
Just before the entrance of Mahabaleshwar you are greeted by a place overcrowded with people all the time. Welcome to Bagicha. Such is the popularity of this place that no trip to Mahabaleshwar is complete without having their strawberry with cream which is so sinful and amazingly delicious. Tall glass of whipped cream along with fresh strawberries and ice creams is what you will see on all the tables. Must must must have. This concoction is heaven and makes the trip awesome. They serve simple food and snacks and have other variety of milk shakes being Mango with cream, chocolate, mulberry and the likes. The food is simple, tasty and of excellent quality.
Do order the corn pattice to nibble on while having your shake. Other dishes too are really tasty and mouthwatering. especially having their plate of hot pakoras and corn pattice in rain. Service though is a bit slow taking in account the huge number of crowds. As soon as you seat yourself you will be gazing at pictures of celebrities from different fields having fun and strawberry with cream at Bagicha. They also provide amazing chicken gravy only made by prior order- 1kg. Its really yummy and mouthwatering with home made flavors, apt if you are in a group. Otherwise the simple veg meals too are rustic, good quality and tasty, do try the makai sabzi.

 

 

Lucky Bakery
Sadana Road, Main Market, Mahabaleshwar
Located in the main Market of Mahabaleshwar. Lucky bakery is always filled with old patrons for a good cup of refreshing Tea. One can enjoy their breakfast or tea at this old Quaint joint. This place gives the vibes of the olden days Mahabaleshwar with its old interiors and really old chairs and tables.. One can gorge on Bun Mhaska Chai or fluffy and tasty omelets.

















Aman
82, Dr Sabane Road, Mahabaleshwar
Located in the main market in Mahabaleshwar, a little further from Lucky bakery.
The wafts of yummy kebabs and tandoor fill your srnses as soon as you near this place.
This small eatery dishes out some really good Mughlai and Punjabi delicacies.
Kheema pav and Burji pav at Amans is a must along with the pahadi kebabs and tandoori kebabs with butter naan. I love my lunch at Aman, they even have a branch near Bagicha.









Mapro Garden
Panchgani-Mahabaleswar Road | gureghar, Mahabaleshwar 412805, India
Mapro is known by all and needs no introduction. The pizzas and sandwiches over here are just too good. Even though I am full, I make it a point to parcel some for the journey to Pune. Fresh fruit with cream is another favorite. A good place to do your shopping of slushes, syrups and jams until your order for your favorite pizza is ready.
photo credit Tripadvisor

Hotel Regal, Hotel Bharat and Hotel Rajesh serve good 'Gujarati thali'.


Apart from this, do try the Mamas and baba chana, chickis, fudges, as well as the local grown strawberries and corn products and fresh fruits. The slushes and syrups from Malas as well as Mapro.
If you love some Gavran food you wont be disappointed as plenty of places serve rustic food and thalis along with Kombdi vade a Maharashtrian Gavran delicacy. Slurrp on the golas vailable in the market while shopping. Or munch on the colorful carrots and radishes when on the lake. The shanties across the lake dish out some yummy fare along with good refreshing Tea. Buy some fresh Honey in the Market.



Enjoy the Mahabaleshwar food trail ;p
If you have any other joints to share with us, to write in to me, and I will definitely publish it on the blog.

xoxo
Bhakti



Friday, March 28, 2014

Bhakti Diaries : Pastime or Dream time

Bhakti Diaries : Pastime or Dream time: I love to indulge in my pastimes and complete my day. Its so much pleasure coupled with relaxation and joy. I believe everyone must give...

Chakhna Menu Launch at Punjab Grill


Chakhna a true Punjabi word for appetizers served along with drinks and beverages(snacks or finger food). Savory , spicy, easy to eat and yummy to devour along with drinks alcoholic or otherwise.(alcoholic mostly ;p). Chakhna is a Punjabi version of Tapas or Bar food.
I love Chakhna, drinks, good music and long chats with friends and family, that's how life is supposed to be enjoyed and lived according to me. Chakhna is for Indians what chicken wings is for Beer lovers across the globe.
Classic Chakhna being Masala Papad, Kebabs, spiced chana and nuts, chips the list goes on.
Desi Chakhna and Videsi Daaru does wonders known alone to the Indians now ;p
How could I ever in my wildest dreams turn down the invitation for the Chakhna Menu Launch at my favorite Punjab Grill by Lite Bite group. Straight from the motherland of Chakhna Punjab itself.
If there is an evening filled with Chakhna and Drink at the finest restaurant who would want to have anything else at all.
I along with my co Food adda team members marched to Punjab Grill in full attendance for the mission Chakhna devouring.
Let me tell you I was really transferred immediately to a laid back Punjabi evening at the fine dining Punjab Grill.
Must say Chef Gurpreet Singh really set some serious Punjabi Mood going with his awesome creations and outdid himself.
It was a small gathering at the terrace seating, along with other food bloggers and connoisseurs.
The setting was charming, Honey Singh's Punjabi tracks charged up the ambience and left me wondering about an amazing fun filled evening waiting ahead.


 
The table mats had a design of deck of cards which added further to the laidback ambience.

 
The Chakhna Menu Card waiting to be explored


 
A never ending journey of some Chakhna delights and Drinks.
Can anything else top this ? I think not.

 
Our Foodadda table all set for a long crazy night.

 
The Classic arrives first --
Papad Peanut Masala Platter
Simple and classic Chakhna at its best.
I nibbled on it all through till the end.
I loved the way it was presented, like the small chana jor garam available at the street side in paper cones.


 
Jheenga Chowk ki tikki.
Not my kinds, found it bland.
Alu tikki stuffed with prawns mixture and deep fried.

 
 
Here comes the drinks.
 
Pineapple Thandai.
Very nice Mocktail, refreshing and cooling served in style in a brass lota


 
Food adda enjoying the Band Baja Te Whisky.
Ringing in the bhopu when you receive your drink.
Fun!

 
I loved my drink -
Rasbhari Margarita
it consisted of
Cape Gooseberry, sugar syrup, black salt, Tequila.
made an amazing concoction.
You could get a nice sweet salty flavor along with your tequila.
Recommended,

 
Ganne ka Juice Margarita
Sugar cane juice, mint, black salt, ginger, lemon juice, tequila.
Must for sugar cane juice lovers.

 
Ambarsari Machchi with Desi Aloo chips
served in authentic desi style.
Full of robust desi flavors, nicely marinated, soft and spicy. loved this one.
Recommended.

 
Fondue with a twist.
Cheese Fondue with Mathri
The combination was really tasty and went very well along with drinks(any kinds)
Recommended

 
Kurkuri with imli chutney
My favorite
crispy spring rolls on the outside filled with cheese on the inside.
so very comforting
Recommended.
 
Mutton ki boti served in olden istri.
Mutton marinated in khada masala, well cooked and juicy.
I liked
Recommended

 
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Tandoori Kukkad wings
This was the best. I love wings. the best accompaniments to drinks.
These were perfect. Juicy, a little spicy and tangy. Crispy and just too yum.
Highly recommended.
 
 
Chicken Kheema with fryums.
Childhood revisited.

 

 
Anda tawa rice
right from the street side menu.
The anda tawa rice was flavorful and juicy topped with sev chiwda.
It was perfect.
Recommended

 
nothing else could have completed this meal other than
Mele Ki Chuski
Vodka with different flavors.

 
A platter of chuskis with different flavors

 
My favorite.
The best of all.
Orange chuski

 
Me slurping on the vodka chuski and enjoying it thoroughly
Vodka orange chuski recommended

Punjab grill got the streets of Punjab right at Phoenix market city for us to enjoy.
I had awesome Punjabi time. Loved it all. A big Jhappi to Punjab Grill and Food adda India for the invitation.
The festival is still going on, so all you desi at hearts like me .. enjoy the desi food along with some videsi daru and steal some moments of laidback fun with your near and dear ones. I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Last but not the least - cheers to Punjab Grill and the entire team for such an amazing concept, food, fun , presentation and an entire power packed Punjabi Punch in all the dishes and drinks. They sure make you revisit childhood with fond memories.


Punjab Grill
S-51, Phoenix Marketcity, Phoenix Boundary Rd, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra
020 6689 0610


 
xoxo
Bhakti
 P.S - If you would like me to visit your property to review and write about it, I would be happy to do so (restaurants, travel, hotels)

 
 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Pastime or Dream time

I love to indulge in my pastimes and complete my day.
Its so much pleasure coupled with relaxation and joy. I believe everyone must give in to their pastime/ hobbies and enjoy life to the fullest.
I have loads of pastimes being reading, writing, listening to music, drawing and the list just goes on....
 However my favorite pastime is more like a dreamtime.
Honestly, wait till you hear it out, you will completely agree with me.
I just love to fill my spare and not so spare time, planning vacations.
I love to go through new places and do in detail research on them, find out their itineraries, good places to eat, great shopping, good hotels and homestays, faraway places. I watch loads of videos of the same and start planning innumerable trips wherever my heart feels like.
Its like I visualize myself in that location, doing things, enjoying the food, shopping to the fullest.
Its my dream time and my dream world.
Its how I make all my dreams come true and all my travels a super hit.
I love dreaming and then working towards realizing these dreams.
being in my dream world is what I love the most and I cant have it any other way.
 
as they rightly say
 
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.- T.E.Lawrence
 
This is what I wore for a casual cuppa the other day.
 




 
Neckpiece- Pink Pvssy
Sandals- Carlton London
Top- Splash
Denims- levis
Bag- Esbeda
 
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/telawren130039.html#1f3LtsjmvSvzs97l.99
So now you know my favorite pastime. ;p
 
What is yours?

xoxo
Bhakti
 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

My favorite shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is no doubt a shoppers paradise, shopping is a day- night activity and everyone who visits this place has their personal favorites. (Read more about Bangkok shopping)
I too have my personal favorite shopping places in this heaven for shopping.
Let me take you through my best and must shopping places to visit whenever in Bangkok.

Must:
Whenever shopping in markets or malls, do carry shopping trolleys, you will be thankful later on after having bought bags and bags of goodies.( it sure becomes difficult to carry all the bags around)
Shopping trolleys are easily available everywhere. One can get a good deal in the Pratunam market.
Most of these markets and malls have maps available free of charge for easy accessibility, do utilize them, It sure makes the experience comfortable.
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, carry loads of change and stay hydrated.
HAGGLE - must
 

 

Pratunam  Market
Its a maze of small alleys criss crossed and jam packed with vendors selling different variety of goods, clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices.  Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer retail prices for single pieces.

Pratunam city complex
AC version of Pratunam market, a respite from heat surely however do not expect same prices as that of the market out on the road. Plenty of fashionable clothing and shoes. There are a few jewelry and crafts shops, as well as cosmetic stores are located within.

Indra Square
you will get really good deals and a good variety. Only a few minutes walk from Pratunam Wholesale Market, the Indra Square consists of several floors with hundreds of small shops selling from children clothing, men and women fashion wear, to accessories.

Baiyoke Towers :
another good shopping mall in this area

Platinum Fashion Mall 
Platinum Fashion Mall - a AC version of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. I prefer this any day over Chatuchak market. really good quality products, the rates are higher than the markets but then you really get a very nice quality. However one does find a lot of sale deals and whole sale deals too. Do check the garments bought on sale for defects and holes.
Do visit both the buildings of Platinum mall.


 

 

All these shopping places are a walking distance from each other. (located very close by)
I prefer to shop at this one place rather than going to Chatuchak which is really far and I think over hyped. one does get some lucky deals at Chatuchak, but I find it expensive and more touristy and over priced. A must watch for first timers, being the biggest market and all. Other than that I would give it a miss.



MBK mall
A must visit for all the mobile and camera accessories, you do get lovely souveneirs, silk and some really good deals. Dvds, gadgets, accessories, food courts everything over here is really good. Also spas to relax the tired soul and it is connected to BTS directly.
It also houses Warehouse and Tokyo departmental store.


 
Warehouse:
Branded clothes at knock out prices. Do check for defects as many of them are factory rejects but you will surely get some good ones. Warehouse is there in most of the malls like MBK, Terminal 21, Big C etc.

Pink Pvssy
My one stop shop for all my accessories and likes. They have an amazing collection at really good prices. They have outlets all over Bangkok. Spotting Pink Pvssy wont be a difficult job at all. Must visit.

Pink Pvssy @Kad Suan Kaew' photos

 just a small glimpse ;p

These are my favorite places to shop when in Bangkok.
What about yours?
Do share them with me, I would love to hear all about these shopping secrets of yours.

Happy shopping :)

xoxo
Bhakti









 

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