tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37144122773355874812024-03-10T15:40:17.399+05:30Stonethrower's RantsSunil's soapbox on food, travel and provocations.Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.comBlogger519125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-31476256493971266812020-02-27T16:17:00.001+05:302020-02-28T09:33:42.419+05:30Dubai - The Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Food
and drink in Dubai are interesting in many ways. Alcohol is really eye
wateringly expensive. A pint of beer, ordinary bog-standard draft, will cost you
AED 50 which is INR 1000 or GBP 10 or USD 14. That is stiff by any standard. A
bottle of Tanqueray 10 cost an astonishing AED 1400 that is INR 28,000 or GBP
280 or USD 390. Mind you booze is only available in 5-star hotels in Dubai, so
one must be fair when comparing prices. Looking at it another way was, if it is
only available in 5-star hotels, and at these prices, you have no choice.
Bottom line, booze prices in Dubai are sobering, unless it is happy hour when
prices can half. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Food
is also pretty expensive in Dubai. Being located in a dessert, obviously,
nothing grows and everything is imported. Buying specific top-quality produce
like fish and serving it in high end restaurants is often at prices that exceed
those in Europe. The matter is that pork is served in very very few places.
The other meats that are served, be it beef or veal or chicken, are all Halal.
One of the important factors when butchering animals in the Halal method is to
cut the Jugular or Carotid Artery and allow the animal to bleed. Does this
result in “dry” steaks or can a Halal steak be cooked rare? I do not know. I
recall reading interviews with top British chefs who had opened restaurants in
Dubai, complaining that Halal meat was dry. Personally, I have no opinion. We
did not eat at Nusret or Gunyadin the now world-famous Turkish steakhouses with
outposts in Dubai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We did
have 3 rather exciting meals. They were at<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Al
Fanar</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> an Emirati Restaurant in the newly developed Al Seef are
at the Dubai Creek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Anar</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> a
Persian Restaurant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Perry
and Blackwelders</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> a Texas Style Smokehouse and barbecue
restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 274.3pt; margin-top: 52.6pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251659264;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgQMHbLL3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What
is Emirati food? I asked my friend Jumbo, a long-standing UAE resident. He
laughed and said there is no such thing. I then rsearched and Google gave
vague general answers. One point to be kept in mind is that Levantine cuisine
[Lebanese – <i>Shawarma, Humus, Tabbouleh, Baba Ganoush</i>, Vine Leaves and so
on] form part of the modern Emirati cuisine, but they are recent imports. I
could find no answer on what exactly constituted Emirati food, thus, proving
Jumbo to be correct. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There are however several dishes that are typically
Emirati, some of whose names we in India are familiar with. If you do visit
Lucky Restaurant or Jaffer Bhai Delhi Durbar, or Persian Durbar etc. you will
see a section on “Arab Dishes”. These are Emirati dishes. <i>Kepsa</i> or <i>Kebsa, Machboos</i> both rice-based dishes
with fish, or fowl or meat, <i>Khuzi</i> which is a whole lamb stuffed with
Chicken and egg and rice, <i>Harees</i> or what we would call <i>Harissa</i> a
thinner version of <i>Haleem, </i></span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Balaleat</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> a breakfast dish, </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and of course </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Luqaimat</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> a fried dumpling
doused in honey or date syrup. </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Biryani</i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is also widely consumed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fish
is consumed very popular and is available everywhere. The Emiratis are absolutely mad
about <i>Hamour</i> which is, in reality, several fish varieties all closely
related forming part of the Cod family. You also get Shark which is prevalent
in local waters. The cuisine does feature a lot of rice as well as vermicelli
dishes which is cooked in flavoured liquid or stock and served topped with
protein. Vegetables are cooked lightly in a light Tomato based gravy. On the
whole the rice dishes are similar to our <i>Biryani’s</i> except that they are
drier, certainly not as rich and oily and with a much milder spicing. In fact,
what we do in Mumbai is we order Arab Mutton Biryani and Arab Butter Chicken
from Jaffer Bhai Delhi Durbar whenever we have our craving. It is delicious. Once
you taste it, I promise you, you will make Arab Mutton Biryani your preferred choice.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So off
we went to Al Fanar, much researched by us and, endorsed by the Concierge. Al
Seef is brand new development along the Dubai Creek, with the low-rise
buildings being constructed in the traditional old Emirati style. Al Fanar was
along the creek and we took an open-air table. Across the water we could see
what were Dubai’s first skyscrapers – Rolex Towers – and some brightly lit
Dhows. Quite pretty. Since Al Fanar was not in a 5 star, no alcohol. We ordered
Vimto the local favourite. This was served icy cold, and it was sweet, very
sweet. Vimto is drunk especially during Ramadhan as with the volume of sugar, you
get an instant rush. No need for Gatorade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxDsWKvLbDcBmlMvcZC3Xuuz7_evnfrk-qZxOfBdMRYoU2-vlBqXzxtqrybca10FFOmXJLEr9k1AV8e-MHpNMX25h_p-aHW1w6a0LBQpNzJsYGZwfMhdXWejE9sn3-oX8MSErtCKOViY/s1600/P1160488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxDsWKvLbDcBmlMvcZC3Xuuz7_evnfrk-qZxOfBdMRYoU2-vlBqXzxtqrybca10FFOmXJLEr9k1AV8e-MHpNMX25h_p-aHW1w6a0LBQpNzJsYGZwfMhdXWejE9sn3-oX8MSErtCKOViY/s640/P1160488.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwrFCPx6IMcGTkK6rBaVGKUbNa2vXKBDaYgA33sGBoKOUY4yeKECIfo2ZngplPeuL4ztXSLsRgLAjsjj7UoZZIwiQ85CQ91zxEJCQoSa0fzDokG5N18a7KYVV2YCjlj-7xmj-wM0r_mo/s1600/P1160490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwrFCPx6IMcGTkK6rBaVGKUbNa2vXKBDaYgA33sGBoKOUY4yeKECIfo2ZngplPeuL4ztXSLsRgLAjsjj7UoZZIwiQ85CQ91zxEJCQoSa0fzDokG5N18a7KYVV2YCjlj-7xmj-wM0r_mo/s640/P1160490.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><b>Above: </b>Ice cold Vimto</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
were served a small bowl of <i>Channa</i>, simply boiled, served warm. The
Emirati, like the Punjabis, really know how to cook <i>Channa</i>. It was very good.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHemJYLlXEHupCFYyEMTFBPjmPonLEykkmJhlPPcyFII-2j5Zu34R0DPxexv2lebMtYhM16Y6TGWlp2YV9lMKsucDHXaLrNbWvIApeO0z75awwEQydW3mQGole8jdGSPhfIDGki3H7Bs/s1600/P1160487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1527" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHemJYLlXEHupCFYyEMTFBPjmPonLEykkmJhlPPcyFII-2j5Zu34R0DPxexv2lebMtYhM16Y6TGWlp2YV9lMKsucDHXaLrNbWvIApeO0z75awwEQydW3mQGole8jdGSPhfIDGki3H7Bs/s640/P1160487.JPG" width="610" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
ordered Shark Cutlets or <i>Koftat Samak</i> as a starter. These were much like
what we get back home. Lot of fish rather than filler, which is of course what is desired. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxIRBJ2HdEtyrN44N3XFApKtaOYlJmidKUTkJMmMkYOBe2FpIJH9z4jSxMDe5wVVxyXTz4WL5XooECvqnqXecfrR5RGkuPsVrgVOhjqEQ_Z7-iEbJJjxN1n2rbaXnUljPgbIoXw1e9F4/s1600/P1160491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxIRBJ2HdEtyrN44N3XFApKtaOYlJmidKUTkJMmMkYOBe2FpIJH9z4jSxMDe5wVVxyXTz4WL5XooECvqnqXecfrR5RGkuPsVrgVOhjqEQ_Z7-iEbJJjxN1n2rbaXnUljPgbIoXw1e9F4/s640/P1160491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
main course was </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Machboos Laham</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> or rice with lamb. The rice was cooked in
meat stock with the Persian Dried Lime. This was excellent. Since we are
Indians and need ‘</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">daal’</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to go with our rice, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deyay Nashef </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">was
ordered. This is Chicken cooked in a Tomato gravy which instead of rice to accompany
we requested Bread. The Bread was a flatbread and delicious. The </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deyay Nashef
</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">nice and mild and worked well with the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Machboos. </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The only problem
was the portion size. This was enough food for 3 people and a bit. Dishes are
not individual portions and eating family style is the norm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cEwMqXOUPEaU9n7txw1uaChLRIeCtsOTKjojA6iCcGCXT0LJKQWo50MP91xhcDs2DTfZoh53eRhpcI4S8ZXI7eB0wT0UKjqtM5fv0pmL3xfoN-HwOaFNSOLLIA5Vf9oAu9uUwp-mFA/s1600/P1160493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="1600" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0cEwMqXOUPEaU9n7txw1uaChLRIeCtsOTKjojA6iCcGCXT0LJKQWo50MP91xhcDs2DTfZoh53eRhpcI4S8ZXI7eB0wT0UKjqtM5fv0pmL3xfoN-HwOaFNSOLLIA5Vf9oAu9uUwp-mFA/s640/P1160493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above: </b>Machboos Laham</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWjHtl2OcIbwJ8VQyDZaIrEFtg67pzyItFIfaC7obxbEniOCSLAzYl9pq7neens6IHmyTcNSvGfFP_YCOqlDPRqUn2a_MCI3hFOOl9ByX1NooaGc5JhNuUtlM4sjOIUhxUjBWelx-HEI/s1600/P1160495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWjHtl2OcIbwJ8VQyDZaIrEFtg67pzyItFIfaC7obxbEniOCSLAzYl9pq7neens6IHmyTcNSvGfFP_YCOqlDPRqUn2a_MCI3hFOOl9ByX1NooaGc5JhNuUtlM4sjOIUhxUjBWelx-HEI/s640/P1160495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above: </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Deyay Nashef </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2NF7MckqiinRF6yiDpiEn4xBONqUL_BB0yLN_QZLX2AwN2fyOvanuSGhqYeSxNiLQKGdcqi5NxyfAjt78cO-Qjh9XrWSoq5qKJenflyAJ4xsMYUVfkB4D_w4wXhJZu9eC4N0MRtVyeA/s1600/P1160497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2NF7MckqiinRF6yiDpiEn4xBONqUL_BB0yLN_QZLX2AwN2fyOvanuSGhqYeSxNiLQKGdcqi5NxyfAjt78cO-Qjh9XrWSoq5qKJenflyAJ4xsMYUVfkB4D_w4wXhJZu9eC4N0MRtVyeA/s640/P1160497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
setting, the cool weather and the food made a most pleasant evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We do
like Persian food. We have eaten it in the past on several occasions. London has
some decent Persian restaurants; Patogh, Kateh and Kandoo are three which come
to mind. The Persians are good with rice and aubergine, they know how to get
the best out of it. Anar is a place we had been to earlier; you can <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2012/11/persian-food-in-dubai.html" target="_blank">read about it here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
meal started with simple cottage cheese, much like our <i>Paneer</i> [in fact they
call it <i>Panir</i>] served with Spring Onion Greens, Mint, Basil, Walnut,
Radish and warm Flatbread. You make a little packet for yourself using these ingredients
and pop it into your mouth. Very similar to Peking Duck or Crispy Aromatic
Duck. Really delightful. I remembered eating this last some 30 odd years ago at
our friend Bolly’s wedding [he is Iranian].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0_tk2C8ohcHM1uJ7Rjky2sdIK30EdNPhV7wfL_OzDOsDTTQPAXbQ16mX9N3evOiisBSgEKzdPy7E5xC9Xduh1fDhVDD1dusfTc-1h05FbmIwC_ApkrI1AM338lNceuxs7lcSfpspuyQ/s1600/P1160556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0_tk2C8ohcHM1uJ7Rjky2sdIK30EdNPhV7wfL_OzDOsDTTQPAXbQ16mX9N3evOiisBSgEKzdPy7E5xC9Xduh1fDhVDD1dusfTc-1h05FbmIwC_ApkrI1AM338lNceuxs7lcSfpspuyQ/s640/P1160556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYrn03zYxg205Z464XhOSKIzEM4be99f3w_DaQsyxL5Qk87zAR4kbcGF-JIiNIk68L8MxlWV5ytUqzWfqE01fW5sgQ12CA76u62AaT5sSouvfhDRXdy2i2k5uGed670JI4XfjjRJ6xBw/s1600/P1160557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYrn03zYxg205Z464XhOSKIzEM4be99f3w_DaQsyxL5Qk87zAR4kbcGF-JIiNIk68L8MxlWV5ytUqzWfqE01fW5sgQ12CA76u62AaT5sSouvfhDRXdy2i2k5uGed670JI4XfjjRJ6xBw/s640/P1160557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above: </b>Panir with the herbs and the flatbread</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Salads
with Yogurt are also very big in Persian food so a <i>Borany Badamjan</i> which
is Aubergine, Yogurt and Garlic was ordered. Cool creamy and refreshing. We
also got <i>Mirza Ghasemi</i> which is a sort of <i>Baingan Bharta</i> smoky
roast Aubergine topped with Egg. This was a Quail Egg, sunny side up. I believe
the dish is traditionally made with the egg scrambled with the Aubergine, much
like our <i>Kheema Ghotala</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 13.3pt; margin-top: 7.35pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251662336;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgcKeGjr3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintWz_FSefJzehLihGLOFLwTUOT-S9uUQYjacDk5QcZoCudkzA3JiQqhPJPcvWfHcp1UQXKmgl-r9QwXezHKp8CTIuE3OZeynUrAepKFmiqSTLJheCJnes5D5vlnwrecFRS-jDKEjtjhs/s1600/P1160561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintWz_FSefJzehLihGLOFLwTUOT-S9uUQYjacDk5QcZoCudkzA3JiQqhPJPcvWfHcp1UQXKmgl-r9QwXezHKp8CTIuE3OZeynUrAepKFmiqSTLJheCJnes5D5vlnwrecFRS-jDKEjtjhs/s640/P1160561.JPG" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Borany Badamjan</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPlKNUwv38WTEkC04Iz4cX_hczfTqlb1hUDuKec36KLTTE3LMWbMS9HJhiMfZ3APjEiwPW-iIoDXFTl3-fefv625w8rrchBFMCRJCE5JbOBSvHCmIwJ7ZzJHoVE5l7NahVJho7I2SZio/s1600/P1160559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPlKNUwv38WTEkC04Iz4cX_hczfTqlb1hUDuKec36KLTTE3LMWbMS9HJhiMfZ3APjEiwPW-iIoDXFTl3-fefv625w8rrchBFMCRJCE5JbOBSvHCmIwJ7ZzJHoVE5l7NahVJho7I2SZio/s640/P1160559.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><b>Above</b>: Mirza Ghasemi</o:p></span></div>
<br clear="ALL" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 17.3pt; margin-top: 7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251667456;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgoEe4lr3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 17.3pt; margin-top: 7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251666432;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgUMeXlr3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 17.3pt; margin-top: 7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251665408;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgANZ0lr3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 17.3pt; margin-top: 7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251664384;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEg4DtXlr3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 17.3pt; margin-top: 7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251663360;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgcJDIlb3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 82.3pt; margin-top: 12.5pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251661312;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgoKQpjL3o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><v:rect coordsize="1,1" filled="f" id="Ink_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" strokeweight=".5mm" style="height: 1.45pt; left: 0; margin-left: 82.3pt; margin-top: 12.5pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 1.45pt; z-index: 251660288;">
<v:stroke endcap="round">
<v:path fillok="f" insetpenok="f" o:extrusionok="f" shadowok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" rotation="t" shapetype="t" text="t" v:ext="edit" verticies="t">
<o:ink annotation="t" i="AE4dAgYGARBYz1SK5pfFT48G+LrS4ZsiAwZIEUUyRjIFAzYLZBkUMggAgB4C2g6DQjMIAPAQArno
gkIKEwEBAAEAAQAKABEgANehi73o1QH=
">
</o:ink></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:rect><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
<i>Chelo Kebab</i> came highly recommended. It was well worth it. Tremendously
juicy, minced lamb grilled on a flat skewer with some brilliant plain “Saffron”
rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT24KP76wP71NrLSqATR2usl-40mLGBb091zBTia6sjxYqMAuRKpeksk7QNuQEhj2ldFnEIx1qo10pRkX3YSrLTxW8B6puqykA-Bw9j4ZYSdAeJS8cW_mqzLYEH84AvRW9O5y0TBLsnE/s1600/P1160563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT24KP76wP71NrLSqATR2usl-40mLGBb091zBTia6sjxYqMAuRKpeksk7QNuQEhj2ldFnEIx1qo10pRkX3YSrLTxW8B6puqykA-Bw9j4ZYSdAeJS8cW_mqzLYEH84AvRW9O5y0TBLsnE/s640/P1160563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: Chelo Kebab</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsladwAki3FfPe9ErScJbzfsDLnHscdOLZNlZ2DQu640UMEID-k3sRduh3X71IWLEKXWM264Vh8DIv91Cyvnc7olgAKibtT8jl-GG3wAC0mvdUUDx93jtkJBrNCx4Naxu4M0dUG63Sao/s1600/P1160565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsladwAki3FfPe9ErScJbzfsDLnHscdOLZNlZ2DQu640UMEID-k3sRduh3X71IWLEKXWM264Vh8DIv91Cyvnc7olgAKibtT8jl-GG3wAC0mvdUUDx93jtkJBrNCx4Naxu4M0dUG63Sao/s640/P1160565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><b>Above</b>: The Saffron Rice with Tadigh or the crisp bottom.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
last dish was our ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">daal’</i> – <i>Ghormeh
Subz</i> as classic a Persian dish as you can get. Spinach, <i>Methi</i>
leaves, <i>Rajma,</i> Dried Limes and Lamb all cooked together, much like a <i>Saagwalla
Ghosh</i>, turbocharged. Absolutely wonderful. This is one of our favourite
dishes anywhere, and it is healthy to boot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVDDM9F6fnp0NANy-_fOD9tBlJxOb8bXcHfC6q_Mni5NOVpXx6s3sKU0F4pJrhvFUd3_YuyKxfz-YxN75ZHQKWHZQP7q2Lz8LV0V53I6QA_KYBx2B7kY2d_2WkJ_11KNRJkUvRkh8_KM/s1600/P1160566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="1600" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVDDM9F6fnp0NANy-_fOD9tBlJxOb8bXcHfC6q_Mni5NOVpXx6s3sKU0F4pJrhvFUd3_YuyKxfz-YxN75ZHQKWHZQP7q2Lz8LV0V53I6QA_KYBx2B7kY2d_2WkJ_11KNRJkUvRkh8_KM/s640/P1160566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ghormeh Subz</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This
was a super meal and if you are in Dubai this place in highly recommended. By
the way, it is in a 5 star, so you get booze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
other memorable meal was at Perry and Blackwelders, which is a Texas smokehouse
or barbeque place. This is US style barbeque where the meat given a dry rub,
cooked over smoke for several hours and then served. You must have seen countless
shown on TV with US style barbecue. Perry and Blackwelders is a large multi-level
restaurant also in a 5-star hotel. This place served Pork.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
have never eaten US style barbeque, and have salivated watching shows on TV. We
are not regular visitors to the US, and thought this will not be terrible so
why not give it a shot. Boy oh boy, we are glad we did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What
is the classic appetiser when eating barbeque? Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese
Sauce. Reasonably spicy Chicken Wings came with an offer of gloves! Yes, why
dirty your fingers when eating wings? No malarkey with finger bowls. Gloves
were donned, Wings picked up and the bones licked clean. A wonderful starter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg478DdcL8wKMHGL167gGyj0aj4-ctKdFgFzC663B30jKIOpOYM_8h0Y6AO-f0Ii5SVQoLEfoL-3BdoGDU-NPKhk-5w0hPBAx-OjyDqgaXsL6ZzEiwwVQiYEpRTeNkxv0RsXOMy9M0sCJk/s1600/20200206_194645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1600" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg478DdcL8wKMHGL167gGyj0aj4-ctKdFgFzC663B30jKIOpOYM_8h0Y6AO-f0Ii5SVQoLEfoL-3BdoGDU-NPKhk-5w0hPBAx-OjyDqgaXsL6ZzEiwwVQiYEpRTeNkxv0RsXOMy9M0sCJk/s640/20200206_194645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Knowing
this was Texas Barbeque, we had to order the two classic dishes. Smoked Beef
Brisket and smoked Baby Back Ribs. Side order was a mix of Potato and Sweet Potato
fries. The Brisket was really really good. Deeply smoked and tender beyond
belief. The Ribs, like the cliché, literally fell of the bone. There was no
chew. This was more, much more, than what we thought Texas Barbeque could be.
This was excellent food. I know we were in Dubai, a million miles from barbeque
country of Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee. It made us realise why US style
barbeque is so loved and such a big deal is made of it. This is not kebabs
cooking over charcoal, this is not Yakitori. This is something more, much more.
We are hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_IAPfaiUArUFZnntr3YbddnuOiE9TNedHvWnbIXMaoNqXBB9RPUhOHHL_2_f9lThKElpDGHHd-YdIeb4i7sPYBrNfqHACAwTg6s5d5FWU-mVqGi1MvWEYmAHmfTrxif-_yf96rYJagY/s1600/20200208_195302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_IAPfaiUArUFZnntr3YbddnuOiE9TNedHvWnbIXMaoNqXBB9RPUhOHHL_2_f9lThKElpDGHHd-YdIeb4i7sPYBrNfqHACAwTg6s5d5FWU-mVqGi1MvWEYmAHmfTrxif-_yf96rYJagY/s640/20200208_195302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHN70mzG5io1X-n3kq1bzk67GJDqiLaRcOexUxadVbWa0SXD555AhRSffUcbDNd12V01V_1wB9XTLstoyQmXnZDP3Ild2cQD2CcmrCyfq8X6caVA7z-M8Kmc72eBoJsdoU6oWxK87X2FM/s1600/20200208_201627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHN70mzG5io1X-n3kq1bzk67GJDqiLaRcOexUxadVbWa0SXD555AhRSffUcbDNd12V01V_1wB9XTLstoyQmXnZDP3Ild2cQD2CcmrCyfq8X6caVA7z-M8Kmc72eBoJsdoU6oWxK87X2FM/s640/20200208_201627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: The Barbeque Smoked Beef Brisket. Truly delicious.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cv-v4x41KA9FSbFiQtP6O48h09LXn3wT2U2-9SjVfiw0c__hlPvrHjGwaUPHYEtGYSbFG5xUmjZxvAlqMLgSaqLe0_exPGmw9uMB2CMvLgnheked664uB9H0rCGRmgPWa20nrAY_7q8/s1600/20200208_201622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cv-v4x41KA9FSbFiQtP6O48h09LXn3wT2U2-9SjVfiw0c__hlPvrHjGwaUPHYEtGYSbFG5xUmjZxvAlqMLgSaqLe0_exPGmw9uMB2CMvLgnheked664uB9H0rCGRmgPWa20nrAY_7q8/s640/20200208_201622.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: Baby Back Pork Ribs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In
conclusion, like every great city be it London or New Your or Tokyo, Dubai
offers you a myriad of food at all price points. You can eat very well in Dubai
and the gastronomy on offer is second to none.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-12864456674302083322020-02-24T14:27:00.001+05:302020-02-24T17:51:17.372+05:30Abu Dhabi - The Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Louvre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We had
been to Dubai a few years ago. So, all the tallest building, biggest mall,
indoor skiing in the biggest mall, dessert safari kind of tourism was done. Not
many new sites had come up in Dubai, except probably, the Frame.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">However,
Dubai’s bigger [much bigger by land area] sister Abu Dhabi has two attractions.
The Louvre which was inaugurated in November 2017 and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque or
the Grand Mosque, which we had not seen despite it having been inaugurated in
2006. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
drove from Dubai leaving at 9 am on silky smooth highways. These were probably
the best roads we have ever been on. The roads in Croatia were good but these
were better. Once you cross the Dubai border or, more correctly, leave the
Emirate of Dubai and enter the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the road changes colour.
No, no, it is not miraculous, it is simply a safety measure to warn drivers
that they have entered Abu Dhabi, and now the speed limit is lower than that
in Dubai. Often not only is the asphalt a different shade, but, the lanes are
painted a bright signal red to warn drivers of the changed speed limit. A 75-minute
drive brought us to the Grand Mosque. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A few
bits of advice when visiting the Grand Mosque:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Arrive
in the morning before 10.30. Fewer people around. Less lines, less hold ups at
security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Do not
go on Thursday evenings or on Fridays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For
males, dress in long trousers and long sleeve shirts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For
females, you will be compelled to wear an <i>Abaya</i>. You can borrow one there.
Which will raise issues of hygiene. If possible do carry your own. Alternately
you can wear an ankle length skirt with a full sleeved top and a stole to cover
your head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">To
enter the Grand Mosque, which is free, you need to register either at a window
or at one of the several self-help kiosks. You are given a small “ticket” which
has a bar code that is scanned at a few points. Be sure to carry this all thru
your visit as it will be scanned repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Grand Mosque is huge. Acres and acres of white marble are used. The
marble is very white, very clean, very bright and often makes photography
difficult. The cleanliness is something that is most striking, it is really
really clean. The Grand Mosque also has some biggest, largest things, such as
the largest hand knotted carpet and the largest Chandeliers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
insides of the Grand Mosque are really quite something. The inlay work,
intricate and extensive. The Chandeliers very tasteful and the glass windows, I
thought, stunning. Do have a look at the photos. I came away very impressed.
The Grand Mosque is a must visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEWsqHpmB3az1SL43Eix0ry2DAv9jmZHebn7pqbOzwdZ-lzMiYRd0kkDqR8Kl_E5wCJhwhdH6-B5_fjHy7pi25HqmhIuxkbCJuDTaxI_ycAJ5TqMmlFaf7-qQ3_wRQJFgqQeaYC4BkXM/s1600/20200205_110824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEWsqHpmB3az1SL43Eix0ry2DAv9jmZHebn7pqbOzwdZ-lzMiYRd0kkDqR8Kl_E5wCJhwhdH6-B5_fjHy7pi25HqmhIuxkbCJuDTaxI_ycAJ5TqMmlFaf7-qQ3_wRQJFgqQeaYC4BkXM/s640/20200205_110824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8qAISoLTrAUlQjtU2jBGBbojCXUlQaRp4NDIUux9DAbMnXbnIGUBFlvsVjZE_yxBiN6SDGxsvVsxsYbySTExzGjhRJwXqRqoqloTHjNQT4Ses-keS4mJp6BAIfHnh7u0ulzgeFPIWxI/s1600/P1160504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1302" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8qAISoLTrAUlQjtU2jBGBbojCXUlQaRp4NDIUux9DAbMnXbnIGUBFlvsVjZE_yxBiN6SDGxsvVsxsYbySTExzGjhRJwXqRqoqloTHjNQT4Ses-keS4mJp6BAIfHnh7u0ulzgeFPIWxI/s640/P1160504.JPG" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc_A1ujjDbnurqA97-UUPiYBw6D7xNGjsJQI8nzlfqa0miOzhhPhBDrlc6T2JYgQz4VHsWqtBx3Gc4egJqYZaRvstaMwyl9J0p0VONaVsAhfmy8VAHqu-3bZpnNc5LCPxvQ4TCfDhu98/s1600/P1160503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc_A1ujjDbnurqA97-UUPiYBw6D7xNGjsJQI8nzlfqa0miOzhhPhBDrlc6T2JYgQz4VHsWqtBx3Gc4egJqYZaRvstaMwyl9J0p0VONaVsAhfmy8VAHqu-3bZpnNc5LCPxvQ4TCfDhu98/s640/P1160503.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDphi2EoCbFm6oMFV63NJxPGXugHNLvgs68KzDtNJQ9nxB1pHbg7LoaPNdILSRHi7qHWg95EsGRnb7vnzk4rDlI41Vd1d__AUCJnqpA4GO-z1y4B5LN5uYS91X82pq6X5Ag5Yt_mKn0Hw/s1600/P1160506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDphi2EoCbFm6oMFV63NJxPGXugHNLvgs68KzDtNJQ9nxB1pHbg7LoaPNdILSRHi7qHWg95EsGRnb7vnzk4rDlI41Vd1d__AUCJnqpA4GO-z1y4B5LN5uYS91X82pq6X5Ag5Yt_mKn0Hw/s640/P1160506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV11kSXLWdACkwQ-GW601R6Pq-sQmd7XSPJrQ_myn3v2Jjh65DwRd6djY2GKwooGCijYEt18ksn1JIHGn2_Fx0fPhnV9SyalEE2tnFrKr9uyX4_1_USsnl6LQhPmMgDWYeJFh3asCQHM/s1600/P1160509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV11kSXLWdACkwQ-GW601R6Pq-sQmd7XSPJrQ_myn3v2Jjh65DwRd6djY2GKwooGCijYEt18ksn1JIHGn2_Fx0fPhnV9SyalEE2tnFrKr9uyX4_1_USsnl6LQhPmMgDWYeJFh3asCQHM/s640/P1160509.JPG" width="572" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoYqWus1PAx9F9eGuWxLozD08KajMS-ot4HVW5ugSUx39e9Je0465OA81WUmByGYxmgOEpz4DsAqmap6vuI8EwG3a9VA7y8R3wIT-yeBef8mAKOeoK2yeSFMkFKkt818fwhmVU4W2FQ4/s1600/P1160516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoYqWus1PAx9F9eGuWxLozD08KajMS-ot4HVW5ugSUx39e9Je0465OA81WUmByGYxmgOEpz4DsAqmap6vuI8EwG3a9VA7y8R3wIT-yeBef8mAKOeoK2yeSFMkFKkt818fwhmVU4W2FQ4/s640/P1160516.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDDb3oLnAPSW5cmehDE2297HIK1zvqyu_e-BBcHgcyM7-EJAC1ZTiYL0GoJPRQQHfZHL_33b72-D-sCI8prWI6UadgHCQCJoWwkJEnK3IH3LyWtvgVA9Z6BUr-eiWC48MmpKZ7ZTsnhw/s1600/P1160519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1511" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDDb3oLnAPSW5cmehDE2297HIK1zvqyu_e-BBcHgcyM7-EJAC1ZTiYL0GoJPRQQHfZHL_33b72-D-sCI8prWI6UadgHCQCJoWwkJEnK3IH3LyWtvgVA9Z6BUr-eiWC48MmpKZ7ZTsnhw/s640/P1160519.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kpfP01Xx3ViSXmZDOhSbvUHpljGCoJunROnwOc8b2x_xxI7tj-FemIoeGaxfwUpbPvIEBBE9s9tsoRczAQ-6McENJ8ax7pNXi_xnI7p3cK-E-vRNPqjNuy6KXc84djgD5U00CRi9CHc/s1600/P1160526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kpfP01Xx3ViSXmZDOhSbvUHpljGCoJunROnwOc8b2x_xxI7tj-FemIoeGaxfwUpbPvIEBBE9s9tsoRczAQ-6McENJ8ax7pNXi_xnI7p3cK-E-vRNPqjNuy6KXc84djgD5U00CRi9CHc/s640/P1160526.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz3ksZJ7zdhEVapQTRTy1to6-4ihApSStwR_CPl8kTFjYKupkPAF1EbmrKzD4lswnI0du-Nn_PY7Gz7n0x7SWX74BMPkW_PReOBp-eVcVXW3-Bweox02ozwgdTH-REmKGDe6OsdaJTYI/s1600/P1160528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz3ksZJ7zdhEVapQTRTy1to6-4ihApSStwR_CPl8kTFjYKupkPAF1EbmrKzD4lswnI0du-Nn_PY7Gz7n0x7SWX74BMPkW_PReOBp-eVcVXW3-Bweox02ozwgdTH-REmKGDe6OsdaJTYI/s640/P1160528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkw6qUvw1n78igNaxHWLwz2GWNHVySqwgDYDNB-jriI_KdubohXQUByNnlQ1fne3Ad-Pvg3qUsiHNgasqwgfv5MTYZRvyrUeEly04EcWLCaWk26aRvCChosIHH2onmnsoF9PnQKnQz3o/s1600/P1160527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkw6qUvw1n78igNaxHWLwz2GWNHVySqwgDYDNB-jriI_KdubohXQUByNnlQ1fne3Ad-Pvg3qUsiHNgasqwgfv5MTYZRvyrUeEly04EcWLCaWk26aRvCChosIHH2onmnsoF9PnQKnQz3o/s640/P1160527.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3PeTZYZ8ldqzoor5aNM88lvIk_LCBaKvlBEXQ5xOGK2G8X37Iyr5Io7VpUxIHMuwWjcEK9GZz618rqwZXRKWFLWYVBUwua95T8ZBAmlTzVL9ShMgFHY_8GuoxnLgK8zo6nKVh_S3OZ8/s1600/P1160534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3PeTZYZ8ldqzoor5aNM88lvIk_LCBaKvlBEXQ5xOGK2G8X37Iyr5Io7VpUxIHMuwWjcEK9GZz618rqwZXRKWFLWYVBUwua95T8ZBAmlTzVL9ShMgFHY_8GuoxnLgK8zo6nKVh_S3OZ8/s640/P1160534.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeySffgs6_gxiwFXQlVWeW32UqYRmfR9VOT6eMpXU0MMkO9PX5Jpi1KuS6gC-eLnVcXDOfI5ZYOnvi2loQahsIK34dgkTeUEySJ4AHjspzkClSAsf06LHSvTxOnPtMiSBUjTgDdY5ym5k/s1600/P1160537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeySffgs6_gxiwFXQlVWeW32UqYRmfR9VOT6eMpXU0MMkO9PX5Jpi1KuS6gC-eLnVcXDOfI5ZYOnvi2loQahsIK34dgkTeUEySJ4AHjspzkClSAsf06LHSvTxOnPtMiSBUjTgDdY5ym5k/s640/P1160537.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdc0qeJdmhV-keuymdyUNLFc-bCrUsCODPaXbQu4Mupsn5cDitdzgcT0AJ9fYMIx2uumoM6BEKzBhDXelT0SkfQwgm_wvwqYyFoQtBbzC2apmV-PUl_uTbY56JUBWXGfZ_yEIWtuFQhQ/s1600/P1160531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdc0qeJdmhV-keuymdyUNLFc-bCrUsCODPaXbQu4Mupsn5cDitdzgcT0AJ9fYMIx2uumoM6BEKzBhDXelT0SkfQwgm_wvwqYyFoQtBbzC2apmV-PUl_uTbY56JUBWXGfZ_yEIWtuFQhQ/s640/P1160531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13MI8QeCc958Jw9P4NHSDZPv2BWxsQA_oJ1i8EaTiedDsmsLXzvagUzSaPU_g2WNR0Ze4kOyBJTS2hkDpv1m1kPGdInHsvV2I9Xlr_QPZ9UEyr3j_nwuBaTYvMUCSu-nin3i5PVadGe0/s1600/P1160538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13MI8QeCc958Jw9P4NHSDZPv2BWxsQA_oJ1i8EaTiedDsmsLXzvagUzSaPU_g2WNR0Ze4kOyBJTS2hkDpv1m1kPGdInHsvV2I9Xlr_QPZ9UEyr3j_nwuBaTYvMUCSu-nin3i5PVadGe0/s640/P1160538.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWPEiQcoOB80wQq0T8JsFFpvIEJmlK5dvEIK4s_pHNekyt3RoatVH4aAAqVrEt8d2SgDnFKxWNVhbW-3fuQY5XCce_CcpL8pZZLortqOFg7HLR34-_wA6ZgnhIHMjoYzu-BrzJ1auYa8/s1600/P1160521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWPEiQcoOB80wQq0T8JsFFpvIEJmlK5dvEIK4s_pHNekyt3RoatVH4aAAqVrEt8d2SgDnFKxWNVhbW-3fuQY5XCce_CcpL8pZZLortqOFg7HLR34-_wA6ZgnhIHMjoYzu-BrzJ1auYa8/s640/P1160521.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Louvre,
on the other hand poses a bit of a problem. The building is designed by the
highly respected Lord Norman Foster of Foster and Partners the UK based
Architects. It is supposed to be beautiful, designed as seemingly floating with
sunlight appearing to pass thru Date Palm fronds. Like many other structures in
the UAE, the fascination or even obsession for including water bodies, is
evident here too. Pools of water give the illusion of a floating museum. I used
the word “supposed” a couple of sentences ago. My primary reason is that as a
visitor, you really have no idea, or chance to see the design of the building.
The only way you can really appreciate the building design is from a distance.
I found this strange.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As far
as the exhibits were concerned, we both found them to be “thin”. No really
heavyweight exhibits. There was an exhibition on entitled 1000 years of Luxury. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Decent. But, unfortunately, overall, you could give the Louvre a miss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK8bcngFAExkvUMcWgxb_ljmPZdShpInXIoaT4nrkOYEZywk9FlASw8ES5N52IkXUzs886icUlfABZ3jN6dX3-bJTCHDceBniYJRT4SpUtwhQtkZV2Ikzfx01x1x4jw2yqhycKBpnNKg/s1600/P1160540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK8bcngFAExkvUMcWgxb_ljmPZdShpInXIoaT4nrkOYEZywk9FlASw8ES5N52IkXUzs886icUlfABZ3jN6dX3-bJTCHDceBniYJRT4SpUtwhQtkZV2Ikzfx01x1x4jw2yqhycKBpnNKg/s640/P1160540.JPG" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above: </b>For some reason this exhibit of a primitive tool reminded me of the Asterix & Obelix comic books. To me the tool looked exactly like the "Menhirs" Obelix carried on his back.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn86q2QtAmz1qaFN_DK6Fbq5qfmagpxWnrG9_fweGLm-G1ziUdo-dQxCQlBZKuK1SWVA57vXrxxMPDBCrTIkWujfvPC04pA19Yj-HqjhGm2JZwUBeEb27U7UYxWBrKNYjzSEt92PzfkZY/s1600/P1160542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn86q2QtAmz1qaFN_DK6Fbq5qfmagpxWnrG9_fweGLm-G1ziUdo-dQxCQlBZKuK1SWVA57vXrxxMPDBCrTIkWujfvPC04pA19Yj-HqjhGm2JZwUBeEb27U7UYxWBrKNYjzSEt92PzfkZY/s640/P1160542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above: </b>From the exhibition on 1000 years of luxury. A rather modern looking Gold Bracelet with plant motifs. This is from circa 200 to 100 BCE or nearly 2200 years ago. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd39OAKtkpiYBySL5fgN1O5VQlS4g2vpTMYQ1CMtR6129nDW5dNqE_-TZsydzGmuYWsNoQ5L9klZZUyBcEoTK76rnwvH0Yft20NvdhKq_ISPfE8xIb-AySTZuMJi58hGyaUJwGMmJLHo/s1600/P1160549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd39OAKtkpiYBySL5fgN1O5VQlS4g2vpTMYQ1CMtR6129nDW5dNqE_-TZsydzGmuYWsNoQ5L9klZZUyBcEoTK76rnwvH0Yft20NvdhKq_ISPfE8xIb-AySTZuMJi58hGyaUJwGMmJLHo/s640/P1160549.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuofDP11l_xivwxGjnRjPhJFFAwzsOHmc_Xa9H9V76rOcNa5LmYuJd9JgF1-2g3-yMQJeRwZ-ppjqd-BTykEFVB85a_22Tk_eQ1iAYEPuzsUVe1HUNrrwUjtFm4xW8IdiW2Mc2vyKJyM/s1600/P1160550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuofDP11l_xivwxGjnRjPhJFFAwzsOHmc_Xa9H9V76rOcNa5LmYuJd9JgF1-2g3-yMQJeRwZ-ppjqd-BTykEFVB85a_22Tk_eQ1iAYEPuzsUVe1HUNrrwUjtFm4xW8IdiW2Mc2vyKJyM/s640/P1160550.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFFXa3EtzGUb-9-XIG4gGQitsuVExlhelUE3yFD8lcYbmS4-_yfyGNGzFjY-KZvx0Qz-CVVx8q6OHdtWyUElEIc5eLoYETQQ7Vrtc-kOZXJS_FXKrcn0kTcDJaYW3epjT75LjG4vp7gY/s1600/P1160551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFFXa3EtzGUb-9-XIG4gGQitsuVExlhelUE3yFD8lcYbmS4-_yfyGNGzFjY-KZvx0Qz-CVVx8q6OHdtWyUElEIc5eLoYETQQ7Vrtc-kOZXJS_FXKrcn0kTcDJaYW3epjT75LjG4vp7gY/s640/P1160551.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Above</b>: I was fascinated by this Statue carved in Italy in about 1870, not so long ago, just 150 years. The skill with which the exquisite carving on the mans robe is done, showing the Terrycloth or Towelling and the strands. So also the details of the beard. Amazing skills.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-45838510401675045582020-02-13T14:51:00.002+05:302020-02-13T14:51:56.183+05:30Dubai - Lessons for Modi ji and the Indian Government<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were in Dubai on a short 5-night beach holiday. Yes, beach holiday. Dubai does
have a lot of sand; it is in the Dessert after all. Dubai, located in the
Persian Gulf, also has beautiful sandy beaches. The beachfront hotels are a-plenty
at all price points. The weather in the winter months is truly delightful. The
sun doesn’t seem as hot, , the sea is a refreshing 21C and the ambient
temperature is a pleasant 22C during the day with a cool sea breeze. The evenings
get cooler and you will need a light jumper or sleeve. The air is pollution
free and the sea clear. What more can you want? A cold beer in the afternoon
while you lie on the recliner? A Daiquiri? No problem. On a private beach, the hotel
will happily serve you intoxicants. Many hotels do have private beaches, that
is beaches open only to hotel guests. We had a delightful relaxing time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you
remember when you were in school, your class teacher invariably asked you to
write an essay on what you did or how did you spend your vacation? Well, in
that vein, I thought why not write about what I learned, and what I realised
during my vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
first thing I realised is how absolutely correct our Great Leader Modi <i>Ji</i>
was. In 2014 when he used the phrase “Maximum Governance Minimum Government.”
Remember that? Well, let me tell you that Dubai is a shining example of
“Maximum Governance Minimum Government.” You do not see law enforcers around. Yes,
many private security guards but they are at best, information kiosks, sheep
dogs to keep the pack of tourists together, or simply there to point you in the
right direction. You see no Police. Despite this, crime is virtually non-existent,
and, the levels of cleanliness are startling. No one, absolutely no one,
litters. If you are caught committing a crime, Sharia Law applies so you could
be fined, jailed, flogged, have your hands cut off or beheaded. If you are
lucky you will be fined, flogged, jailed and then deported. I presume lawyers
practicing criminal law are non-existent in Dubai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People
simply obey the law. They obey inanimate objects like signs! Let me give you an
example. “No Parking” or “One Way”. An inanimate sign. Who observes this in our
great country? Drugs and booze are against Islam i.e. their religion. Even God
will not be able to help you if you are caught with drugs or misbehaving while
intoxicated. I must explain, in every country you have laws prohibiting driving
under the influence as well as laws against misbehaving when drunk. It is not
that Dubai is any different on this score. But where it is different is if you
are caught. You will be punished, swiftly and without mercy. Forget about
bribery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am
no behavioural scientist; however, I am sure that there are fewer crimes in
Dubai as compared to India or Western Europe and USA. If my assumption is
correct, and I believe it would be, several questions are raised. If Sharia Law
does result in safer societies should one have this in place? The Deterrence Theory
in relation to criminal offending is the idea that the threat of punishment will
deter people from committing crime and reduce the probability and/or level of
offending in society. It is one of five objectives that punishment is thought
to achieve; the other four objectives are denunciation, incapacitation,
retribution and rehabilitation. Sharia Law certainly has four of the five
objectives with, rehabilitation being the missing part. Let us admit it that we
all want safer societies. So, should we switch to the Sharia in India? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do
know that our Great Leader Modi <i>ji’s </i>slogan “Maximum Governance Minimum
Government” does not only mean Criminal law. However, what I did glean is that
Dubai is a shining example of the slogan. Of course, it is indeed tragic that
our Great Leader Modi <i>ji </i>has not been able to meaningfully implement the
slogan, but, on the contrary, Government is increasing every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Modi <i>Ji</i>,
please go to Dubai and send all our bureaucrats there. One hopes that the
process of osmosis results in reducing the Government. Wishful thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
second learning is how loosely and irresponsibly we speak. A rather large
accusation you will agree. You will always hear, in Dubai the Emir or the
Sheiks control everything. They make their money in myriad ways of control.
Dubai, as you may well know, has no oil. So that income stream simply does not exist.
What does exist is several other income streams, all developed, nurtured, cared
for and maintained by the Government.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
know of course, that Dubai relies heavily on expatriates. The visa fees and
residency fees, though small, all add up to a lot. Emirates the airline is Government
owned. The land is generally government owned. Telecom companies, utilities
like electricity and water are Government owned. My research revealed that Le
Clos the very upmarket Liquor Shop located outside every Emirates
Business/First Class Lounge is ultimately Government owned. Yup, booze shops
are Government owned. The Jumeirah Hotel Group is government owned. All this is
true, the Government owns everything that is hugely revenue generating,
preferably guaranteed revenue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now is
my question. Where else, my dear readers, does the Government have ownership of
exactly what I have described in the preceding paragraph? Our dear Bharat,
India. Yes, folks our Government from the time of independence has been in
business. Why do we not whisper in exactly the same way about India as we do
about Dubai ‘The Government own everything”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have a
look at this table I have made for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Activity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Banks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
PSU Banks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Insurance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LIC
GIC etc<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Airline<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Air
India<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telecom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MTNL
BSNL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hotels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Hotel Corporation of India – now disinvested<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Booze
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
the State-owned liquor licencing companies like the Tamil Nadu State
Marketing Corporation Limited TASMAC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 77.75pt;" valign="top" width="104">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 373.05pt;" valign="top" width="497">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
the state Power generating and distribution companies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
Government also own our trains, our mines and minerals and our ports. All huge
revenue generators, ordinarily. Of course, I could go on and on with what our
Government owns. You all know what an absolute mess the Government has made of
these. Each and every one of us is literally poorer, paying more taxes simply
because of these inefficient basket cases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet,
as I have written, we speak with a mixture of scorn, fear and belief that
because the Government owns everything, they have it easy. In fact, all these
government owned companies in Dubai are profitable and a delight to interact
with besides being world standard. When we have been ripped by our own Indian Government
from 1947 with the Government running these generally third-class companies, we
say nothing. This is why I said we are loose lipped and irresponsible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
factor that boggles the mind is the paradigm change in the huge Sub-Continental
population i.e. people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh. It
is these same people who back home would spit on streets, be taxi drivers from
hell, disobey and break every law large or trivial, are disorderly, rape
without a thought in the world, molest women constantly, are transformed into
angels in Dubai. By and large our Sub-Continental brothers become law abiding,
smile at you, are helpful, polite, courteous and generally nice guys. The same
Sub-Continental brothers who make shitty roads, shoddy buildings, cut corners
and are [I hate the word and the concept] <i>Jugaad</i> masters, completely
change when there. This is an absolutely startling reality that you encounter in
Dubai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Coming
back to India I grew despondent. I have never in the past been as depressed as
I was returning from Dubai. I know that Western Europe and USA are so far
advanced that we in India have no hope in hell of catching up. But Dubai, just
a trading outpost in the 1970 has been transformed. The transformation which I
believe can be explained with the two phrases - “Maximum Governance Minimum
Government” and “the Government owns everything”. It is just that, the Sheiks
and the Sharia with their principles that have so changed Dubai. And, this has
been done on the backs of the same venal, lazy, short cut taking
Sub-Continental individual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do we
have hope in India? Of course, we do. But it is such a mountain to climb. I
often despair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-21616628806627627212019-12-30T14:58:00.003+05:302020-01-03T11:41:11.299+05:30Restaurant Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît - Churchgate Mumbai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[THIS
IS WRITTEN BY HRH THE QUEEN OF KUTCH]<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
swinging 60s, Bombay (as we knew it then), was home to several European/French
restaurants like Bombelli’s, Gurdon’s, Astoria and the Rendezvous at the Taj, the
Supper Club at the Oberoi which popped up in the early 1970’s, and the
legendary Zodiac Grill. They were restaurants that catered to a sophisticated,
cosmopolitan clientele who appreciated starched white table linen and a
leisurely four-course dinner that was served plated instead of family-style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then,
Bombay became Mumbai, and slowly but surely each of these restaurants died a
quiet dignified death and, in their place, came a rash of brash fast food,
Mangalorean seafood and the ubiquitous Chinese restaurants. Zodiac Grill was
the last of these classics to down its shutters in late 2015 and even though
Chef Hemant Oberoi opened his eponymous restaurant at BKC, the closing of
Zodiac Grill was truly the end of a beautiful era. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To be
fair, the lovely The Table at Colaba and The Clearing House at Ballard Estate
are two restaurants in Mumbai that serve Modern European food, but there is
only so many times you can eat your way through the menu. Slink and Bardot also
ticked all the right boxes but its location in Worli Village placed it in a slightly
inconvenient part of town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
then like a breath of fresh air came the news that Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît, a
French-style bistro was due to open in the heart of South Mumbai. This is
newest restaurant in the Riyaaz Amlani stable and is headed by Chef Alexis
Gielbaum and his (very cute) partner Nick Harrison of Slink and Bardot fame. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4U34cx3_RsgTDg2a-24IcP6mf4sbJ8YpS-SdHVGD11Aq6mUmUxmEEk6PjjuiQxG8SOl0txbZznUTv2Si-tX-YCX16nQAI6GrY7IwPPuNWNs-VJy9SL2-GfltOxMvQAuVwM9obKkMjEU/s1600/20191220_204838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4U34cx3_RsgTDg2a-24IcP6mf4sbJ8YpS-SdHVGD11Aq6mUmUxmEEk6PjjuiQxG8SOl0txbZznUTv2Si-tX-YCX16nQAI6GrY7IwPPuNWNs-VJy9SL2-GfltOxMvQAuVwM9obKkMjEU/s640/20191220_204838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bring
out the bubbly, dance in the streets, happy days are here again…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soufflé
S’il Vous Plaît. What a delightful name. Translated loosely as Soufflé if you
please. Yes, indeed I do! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deriving
from the French souffler which means “to blow” or “puff up,” a Soufflé is a
light, airy cake that originated in France. According to Larousse
Gastronomique, the definitive encyclopaedia of gastronomy, a Soufflé is a “hot
preparation that is served straight from the oven so that it is well risen
above the height of the mould in which it has been cooked”. There are two basic
types of Soufflés: savoury and sweet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soufflés
always contain three elements. The first element is obviously a flavouring
component. The other two elements are a pudding or crème patissiere base if
sweet or a Bechamel base if savoury, and a meringue made of egg whites. When the
two are folded together, they create a light, flavourful dish as the air
captured in the egg whites expands in the heat of the oven. Soufflés are
often served with an additional complementary sauce to boost the flavour. A
Chocolate sauce with a Chocolate Souffle or a Cheese sauce with a Cheese
Souffle and so on..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soufflés
are a celebratory dish meant to impress and wow the diner. They are notoriously
temperamental, extremely technical and difficult to master. Having said that, a
perfectly prepared Soufflé can be a religious experience. Light, airy, deeply
flavoured and fragrant. Imagine reaching out and eating a spoonful of cloud. Or
being kissed by a fairy. That’s the magic of a good Soufflé.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have
eaten many many many Soufflés in my life. And baked a fair number as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
absolute best Soufflé I have ever eaten is at Le Gavroche, the two Michelin
starred restaurant in London. Invented by the brothers Albert & Michel Roux
Senior, the Soufflé Suissesse (cheese soufflé baked on double cream) is the
stuff dreams are made off. Light as air, creamy, rich, decadent and absolutely
sinful. I want to shut my eyes after every bite to better appreciate each
cheesy melting mouthful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXh6CuHfpLBfuVoampIr7Hs4Y3QXd-M-v-4NBtnXhu0CLzUIZKMvv-SAnHGH4_ybZvxh7zGjNBtNZd60hzLSZPPwrXBXK4VPq3Zj7hK0pJReYMUjd0LhLVMKR9CIyizoGPeHs_vphbz0/s1600/P1080650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXh6CuHfpLBfuVoampIr7Hs4Y3QXd-M-v-4NBtnXhu0CLzUIZKMvv-SAnHGH4_ybZvxh7zGjNBtNZd60hzLSZPPwrXBXK4VPq3Zj7hK0pJReYMUjd0LhLVMKR9CIyizoGPeHs_vphbz0/s640/P1080650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: The magnificent </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Soufflé Suissesse</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> at Le Gavroche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Coming
a very close second is the seasonal dessert Soufflé at the eponymous Restaurant
Gordon Ramsay on Royal Hospital Road, London. Also, the Pistachio Souffle with
Pistachio Ice Cream served by Pierre Koffmann which was much imitated but never
duplicated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8P3mTWKGulWY5EqtZX3J9pYlzeIsEyTAOxxLN5AOASxrIEbW3n9ggyYzWJ6FwwOqvh-esmi0wvZxBqfLorWIoZ9m6jIZcQ12SR5qg9Vyqat9p-sQvJrFjTOQY5vG9MG0vSL6S7pxe_A/s1600/P1080633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8P3mTWKGulWY5EqtZX3J9pYlzeIsEyTAOxxLN5AOASxrIEbW3n9ggyYzWJ6FwwOqvh-esmi0wvZxBqfLorWIoZ9m6jIZcQ12SR5qg9Vyqat9p-sQvJrFjTOQY5vG9MG0vSL6S7pxe_A/s640/P1080633.JPG" width="384" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: the Souffle at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay with a perfect quenelle of Ice Cream to add to the Souffle </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOYRaH8ZIN1iLaubYsYKGhQ4qciANR9u4veOLWN2nI3Q4Q47sGZ5JOGDLNmfLYVzhl1vbZkHMwAkU78mOb0xorK6ezeUjdFJAVcSqH4j-S1h-7PjX6MTES8tRwthiYJshmgjGhJsIs_M/s1600/P1100168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOYRaH8ZIN1iLaubYsYKGhQ4qciANR9u4veOLWN2nI3Q4Q47sGZ5JOGDLNmfLYVzhl1vbZkHMwAkU78mOb0xorK6ezeUjdFJAVcSqH4j-S1h-7PjX6MTES8tRwthiYJshmgjGhJsIs_M/s640/P1100168.JPG" width="520" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: High & Handsome. The delicious Pistachio Souffle with Ice Cream at Pierre Koffmann</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>I must be honest and fair. The Soufflés photographed above are the gold standard, made by the world's leading Chef's. We must cut slack, a lot of slack, for what is being created by Gielbaum in Mumbai.</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Back
in India, the legendary Camembert Dariole, a twice-baked Cheese Soufflé
perfected by Hemant Oberoi, was the mainstay of the menu of Zodiac Grill for
over 25 years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Which
is why, a restaurant that named itself Soufflé, coming up in my city was a cause
of much excitement and anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reservations
are made for the third day after Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît opens its doors. After a
few early tipples, we arrive at the restaurant, slotted neatly between Foo and
Shiv Sagar on 'restaurant street' in Churchgate, and are quickly shown to our
table. The restaurant has a charming outdoor seating
area and an air-conditioned indoors with a large, well-stocked bar</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Being
mid-December I guess it would have been cool enough to sit outdoors but I cannot imagine how
a Soufflé will survive the humidity and the travel without collapsing. Also,
eating a Soufflé when the ambient temperature is 30 degrees Celsius doesn’t
sound like a particularly pleasant experience. But, in keeping with the spirit
of the season, I leave this for the three wise men to figure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
décor is deliberately evocative of a traditional French bistro with black and
white tiled floors, quirky wall pieces, warm and inviting booths with
leather banquettes and Art Deco Lights. The restaurant is buzzing and
alive when we enter and remains full till we leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgzpDT2r9l5sxCNpaE_c0YWhAD29-gk2mBLac0S1I5IuNyING2k5xWJjk-hBuyFfuFGLkhfaxGUXvQANlksKEQfZdkHIJQSdiqmu_FxtQfQ1UbnjPT5-B84rfo9JmRZlanBtDdl5pbNY/s1600/20191220_205910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgzpDT2r9l5sxCNpaE_c0YWhAD29-gk2mBLac0S1I5IuNyING2k5xWJjk-hBuyFfuFGLkhfaxGUXvQANlksKEQfZdkHIJQSdiqmu_FxtQfQ1UbnjPT5-B84rfo9JmRZlanBtDdl5pbNY/s640/20191220_205910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwRMbvxuRBqo-DQikt60js0OcH4Pe8LjjRzUxOTkG5FaaAegyxi7AkP6VKPWm8JbczRtc7710MrPKFxqFxe5ls0KovnqK4b8vnvrLEEjzoDrs7pFRkYkNzWAHlqGWwLmGmwg2RsJv50/s1600/20191220_211020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1549" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZwRMbvxuRBqo-DQikt60js0OcH4Pe8LjjRzUxOTkG5FaaAegyxi7AkP6VKPWm8JbczRtc7710MrPKFxqFxe5ls0KovnqK4b8vnvrLEEjzoDrs7pFRkYkNzWAHlqGWwLmGmwg2RsJv50/s640/20191220_211020.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
menu is replete with French bistro classics like Soupe a l'oignon Gratinee
(French Onion Soup), Beignets De Crabe (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">crab cakes),
Ratatouille Provencale (A classic French vegetable stew), Steak Frites and
Confit Canard (duck confit). But the backbone of the menu are the Soufflés. I
counted a total of 5 savoury and 3 dessert Soufflés, which is impressive by any
standard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
service is prompt, friendly, polite and well informed. Creditable for a
three-day-old restaurant. Take a bow restaurant manager Anand as well as Nick
Harrison who personally oversee every table, take orders, make suggestions and
smooth over any small hitch. Impeccable front of house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
place our order and waited with keen anticipation. Not to nit-pick but the food
comes out in an extremely haphazard way. At any given time only one of us has
food in front of us. The others have either finished their course or are still
waiting to be served. Rather awkward, but I am in a generous mood and put it
down to teething trouble in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Homard (Lobster) Soufflé looks the part and is light and reasonably well risen.
Unfortunately, the muddy brown lobster bisque that is poured into the centre
doesn’t really taste much of lobster and misses the mark on flavour and punch.
The Blue Cheese Souffle (twice baked with walnut/almond and blue cheese cream
sauce), is again technically very good but misses the mark on flavour. The
pungent, sharp distinct taste of a good blue cheese like Roquefort, Gorgonzola
or Stilton are missing and in their place is a mild, creamy flavour. Maybe,
just maybe, a mild Danish Blue was used, but the Soufflé doesn’t deliver on
taste. I am guessing an infinitesimal amount of blue cheese was used, but not
enough by a mile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo0BkdxQt6C9KM79gFEdRyycMJLguSqrGlVyAOhsAtL9scXkyXlAFUvz7fug-RhkNhTKab2n1GcjLzv5nkPZgWnDVADbNYzWYavE94Hgex2lHeuo_-I3J3IoZWEuf0YUQqr3yrSdHfBY/s1600/20191220_211132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo0BkdxQt6C9KM79gFEdRyycMJLguSqrGlVyAOhsAtL9scXkyXlAFUvz7fug-RhkNhTKab2n1GcjLzv5nkPZgWnDVADbNYzWYavE94Hgex2lHeuo_-I3J3IoZWEuf0YUQqr3yrSdHfBY/s640/20191220_211132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: Soupe a L'oignon Gratinee</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsCzwQ7-U5qrbSUHIHyF5egbVeAFqJZw7k0CKTuj04zEbOtqn88xnWjIwqPJ0d7GPa8Ad9P_tPf-SRPBZ7DpeY080SEV_ubs9G53zuDdhMP_JeIbouoEEd22KSyDBNh-y0ki5UADSmWU/s1600/20191220_211540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsCzwQ7-U5qrbSUHIHyF5egbVeAFqJZw7k0CKTuj04zEbOtqn88xnWjIwqPJ0d7GPa8Ad9P_tPf-SRPBZ7DpeY080SEV_ubs9G53zuDdhMP_JeIbouoEEd22KSyDBNh-y0ki5UADSmWU/s640/20191220_211540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: Ancient Grains and Feta Salad. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNADs30gERKkmZY9JsZdVrxvPqOXFIRFU14eDALCrgb5IArFf6QQi7oFaoV2F0acnhI-xPLxLDMFqv_IV75xpsMcJhjOg6PLS_Qke8PYso4W1Z9nc1pO17uNPQGSoEO5VK-klp8ImJWc/s1600/20191220_212423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNADs30gERKkmZY9JsZdVrxvPqOXFIRFU14eDALCrgb5IArFf6QQi7oFaoV2F0acnhI-xPLxLDMFqv_IV75xpsMcJhjOg6PLS_Qke8PYso4W1Z9nc1pO17uNPQGSoEO5VK-klp8ImJWc/s640/20191220_212423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: The Lobster Souffle. Not really high and handsome.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSmgjcxDXRx7-YeNStldWYB89p5QfmDZHq1ql1_MbdYwWurUc-S6lVYos_CTjDaez3Xh4NnYaKlO7IbuMhXHGG1bWoSvcZfPdCXaMn1wjvUmULBkRjCHjEJL3OAIjRMXAIVu_Mcp_0e8/s1600/20191220_212432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSmgjcxDXRx7-YeNStldWYB89p5QfmDZHq1ql1_MbdYwWurUc-S6lVYos_CTjDaez3Xh4NnYaKlO7IbuMhXHGG1bWoSvcZfPdCXaMn1wjvUmULBkRjCHjEJL3OAIjRMXAIVu_Mcp_0e8/s640/20191220_212432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: the Lobster Bisque being poured in.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLrrL1REh5eJUXdhTdcgY-NbBaV_0AypchJjYv-qWaX0hyCmhZ7FQGI-RNikTha4Naqus5GtsXSQMu4knz4djT8ajzaUxRKjPxipAaGaVAxh10K4JIV2I1dxj48ewIkzMo5RkOlRqRkw/s1600/20191220_212643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLrrL1REh5eJUXdhTdcgY-NbBaV_0AypchJjYv-qWaX0hyCmhZ7FQGI-RNikTha4Naqus5GtsXSQMu4knz4djT8ajzaUxRKjPxipAaGaVAxh10K4JIV2I1dxj48ewIkzMo5RkOlRqRkw/s640/20191220_212643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: The Blue Cheese Souffle with Walnuts. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
theme continues through the rest of the meal. Technically very impressive, but
missing the mark on flavour and authenticity. There were also problems between what was described on the menu and what actually turned up on the plate, as you will see from the photographs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Beignets are perfectly fried
but lack the sweet crab flavour that would make them more than a good cheese
pakoda. In fact, when I cut one in half, it had barely any crab at all. The </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Duck Confit arrives without the crisp skin that makes the dish special. The duck had alas not been cooked enough, probably 30 minutes more in the fat would have made the duck really unctuous.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A dish named Carrots! is
brilliant in concept and well-executed but tastes boring and one dimensional because
the carrots used by the restaurant need more than just clever technique to
shine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHFulByI_Xg2JC9wFae0sWQ2x1tCOq-FFccwFDbtExvCJnfn851tOkiAgmTSx0isvRufCJw5FZ_ZxWQ75NPggviwtIWCXMlE8eRMxFufuggHDdP0c4Q0CsNWPaSpHKwml8-3mdYGw9yw/s1600/20191220_213401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHFulByI_Xg2JC9wFae0sWQ2x1tCOq-FFccwFDbtExvCJnfn851tOkiAgmTSx0isvRufCJw5FZ_ZxWQ75NPggviwtIWCXMlE8eRMxFufuggHDdP0c4Q0CsNWPaSpHKwml8-3mdYGw9yw/s640/20191220_213401.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: The Crab Beignets</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvktA3nRWOLPN-s4jiM4haPu2crYuyqFYZfV2GqMBDwr1Zd6Rxd66ZXyhtc_jg779qmQ4Z2kD7z3uNwW80V6Fb1YBf3cxXyelqG5iTyCnhvur8n_wzYp6-KBIXWrL5Wl5GBqsivwbQmD0/s1600/20191220_214423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvktA3nRWOLPN-s4jiM4haPu2crYuyqFYZfV2GqMBDwr1Zd6Rxd66ZXyhtc_jg779qmQ4Z2kD7z3uNwW80V6Fb1YBf3cxXyelqG5iTyCnhvur8n_wzYp6-KBIXWrL5Wl5GBqsivwbQmD0/s640/20191220_214423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Above: Duck Confit</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0z9oHdKumNVGy-cqpXm2X00QrS9abC2YqZpqm3hePs9kGAx0DqGqZvton3BXIdQZnr-xM2SBN5XON4YuoMRlvdwMBZ2ui2IOVIG5SsnlcFWrzb79u1F25aqBq9BNGQFWwJDQZ_S_t-w/s1600/20191220_214602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0z9oHdKumNVGy-cqpXm2X00QrS9abC2YqZpqm3hePs9kGAx0DqGqZvton3BXIdQZnr-xM2SBN5XON4YuoMRlvdwMBZ2ui2IOVIG5SsnlcFWrzb79u1F25aqBq9BNGQFWwJDQZ_S_t-w/s640/20191220_214602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: Carrots. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are
very puzzled because the kitchen is very obviously run by a person who knows
his craft. Each dish is flawlessly executed and technically perfect, which is
a big deal when, besides all other dishes, you are sending out seven different
types of Soufflé to a full restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
glimmer of an answer is given when the Pissaladiere hits out table. A
Pissaladiere is a classic flatbread from the South of France which is topped
with caramelised onions, anchovies and Niçoise (black) olives. What arrives at
our table is a flatbread with a small amount of caramelised onion, roast red
peppers, some green leaves and olives! What on earth is this <i>pizzaish</i> thing?
All four of us sit looking at it in fair bewilderment till restaurant manager
Anand takes one look at us and shrugs apologetically saying ‘that’s what our
customers will eat’. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EveEjTKnUGK8Y2KR-X96WUXwmVhthVNAJdGpzSPxZu-taQqGWkBdHus4sondvkv2i5ElzdE5yADfN-0NF3-zUQZjZLd5b8UK8Uu9kq-ORKBsnXZhDIfNjDEEbuPxNGHWtBDMAA9DrdE/s1600/20191220_214330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EveEjTKnUGK8Y2KR-X96WUXwmVhthVNAJdGpzSPxZu-taQqGWkBdHus4sondvkv2i5ElzdE5yADfN-0NF3-zUQZjZLd5b8UK8Uu9kq-ORKBsnXZhDIfNjDEEbuPxNGHWtBDMAA9DrdE/s640/20191220_214330.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: Pissaladiere</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To put
this in context, imagine if you ask for an Idli in France and are served
fluffy white cubes with pulled pork and dauphinoise potatoes. That’s how
incongruous the Pissaladiere is for us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is
that it then? No aggressive anchovy or blue cheese. No distinct lobster or crab
flavours. Keep everything mild neutral and palatable because that appeals to
the Indian palate? Yes, I can hear you asking, what about the Mangalorean
restaurants which are the darlings of Mumbai and serve crab by the truckload?
That’s easy, what we are lapping up is the masala which more often than not, overpowers the taste of the meat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
could it also be that the problem at Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît is one of pricing?
Lobster, Crab and Roquefort are expensive ingredients. I believe the restaurant
is keeping costs down by using just the smallest amount of these ingredients.
All the dishes are modestly priced and that would not have been possible if the
luxury ingredients were used in abundance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, I
am guessing it’s a conscious decision to keep flavours muted so no one sends
back food that tastes too aggressive and alien. And keep costs down at the same
time by using skimpy amounts of expensive protein. Clever. But an unfortunate
compromise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having
said that, the French Onion Soup was very good. And the absolute stand-out dish
of the evening was the Baba au Rhum – a small cake made of leavened flour that
is steeped in rum after baking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legend
has it that a Polish King who was exiled in France named this dish after his
favourite hero, Ali Baba from The Thousand and One Nights! The Baba au Rhum at
Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît is seriously up there with the best. Moist and fragrant
with hints of vanilla and citrus. And a sweet whipped cream that is cut by the
bittersweet alcohol. A very elegant combination. Absolutely spot on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO-CgZD8uLLV93yUjOZJYf8wO1YKTm67XxXgSiQ5nJ1Z1dAsCTQd4KMVfZflCV9MHatoGW1VJpxpM-EDCskEvpCFw_SQ9jZNUlafE5Zg6UuT4zgy-ZFvWWn_YPj2j9jO93X_PTURygjw/s1600/20191220_220947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO-CgZD8uLLV93yUjOZJYf8wO1YKTm67XxXgSiQ5nJ1Z1dAsCTQd4KMVfZflCV9MHatoGW1VJpxpM-EDCskEvpCFw_SQ9jZNUlafE5Zg6UuT4zgy-ZFvWWn_YPj2j9jO93X_PTURygjw/s640/20191220_220947.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: The excellent Baba au Rhum</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
evening we were there, the restaurant was absolutely rocking. The few reviews I
have read are glowing and gushing. The trendy folk of South Mumbai are in a fit
of clevers to fill the restaurant and rave about its authenticity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
me, it fell short of the mark. Almost there but not quite. Very sad, though
easy to fix. I seriously hope they do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-90391620665675479502019-12-12T15:29:00.002+05:302019-12-13T17:55:48.428+05:30The Food in Croatia & Slovenia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
food in Croatia was consistently good. We all ate well, and before you ask, no
we did not eat at a single Indian restaurant. All meals were Croatian, no
pizzas, no burgers or KFC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
believe that Croatia is pretty unique in as much as its food is concerned. What
is on offer is fairly diverse. Croatian food has been influenced by many
factors. As I have written in the previous post, Croatia has a long coastline.
Hence, they are blessed with fish, plenty of it. The proximity to Italy has
influenced the food in as much as pasta as well as Risotto is regarded as local
food. Being a Catholic country, pigs are reared, pork is eaten and you have
some good charcuterie. Truffles grow locally, of course not of the same quality
as the Truffles from Alba, but good nonetheless. There is plenty of local
cheese, a lot of the cheese being made with sheep milk. For some reason, we all
found that potato was of very high quality and the Croats know how to cook it.
Breakfast had some excellent sautéed potato, with our meals we got really good
roast potato. We ate a lot of Swiss Chard [this is a lot like Spinach]. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wines
were plentiful, of all types, price points and drinkability. Beer was good, and
served cold. I drank plenty of good locally brewed draft beer. We all drank
excellent wines, always expertly chosen by Le Grand Fromage Tax Lawyer. Maraschino
is a liqueur that originated in Zadar. The Luxardo family, which still owns the
business, has the largest Cherry orchard in Europe. Maraschino is a clear,
slightly sweet liqueur with approximately 30% alcohol. Pleasant to drink.
Please do not get all sentimental and buy a bottle to get back home. I assure
you that the bottle will lie at the back of your bar, lonely and forgotten,
only to be pulled out by you when you are half drunk with 5 guests at home
desperately trying to down a few more nightcaps. You will of course blame the
hangover on that shot of Maraschino, not the copious amount of other stuff you
had drunk thru the evening! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Croatia
has a largely Mediterranean climate. Italy is close by as is Greece. Olive Oil
is big in Croatia. The cute boutique shops all sell Olive Oil, in cute bottles.
Supermarkets have loads of Olive Oil. Restaurants took pride in placing
sometimes 3 bottles of Olive Oil on the table for you to dip your bread. At
times the restaurants were so proud of the oils they served that they also
placed a little tent on the table with a description of the provenance of the
oil and its tasting notes. Most restaurants charged between 15 and 20 Kuna [the
Croatian Currency. 1 Kuna is about Rs 10 or .15 USD] per head for bread and
oil. We happily paid it. This cover charge is similar to “Coperto” that you are
charged in Italy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
often started with a platter of Charcuterie and Cheese. Both were of good
quality and easily held their own against their more famous Italian Salami and
French Saucisson. At the farmers market in Ljubljana we bought some wonderful
smoked dried Sausage redolent with Paprika. We have been enjoying slices of
this at Cocktail hour at home as well as putting slices in a toasted Cheese Sandwich
and in a Frittata. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all
ate a lot of fish. I have not eaten as much fish in a few days as I did in
Croatia. The fish was always cooked simply and well. Quite often it was a
single large Sea Bass baked in Salt, brought to the table, the salt casing
removed, the skin coming off with the salt and then the fish expertly filleted.
Then you poured on the glorious Olive Oil, a dash of Lemon and the humble Sea
Bass was transformed. Swiss Chard and some Potato of accompany. Healthy tasty
and light. Also, what we often ordered was a Sea Food Platter where you were
served Prawns grilled, often Octopus also Grilled, possibly Scallops and some
fish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pasta
with Lobster or Prawns was excellent as was Pasta with Truffle and local
Mushrooms. A Croatian speciality was Squid Ink Risotto, top class with the
briny slightly fishy Squid ink providing flavour and, of course, colour to the
Risotto.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
cuisine was simple on the whole. There were no elaborate sauces, no foams and
molecular gastronomy. The food was simply cooked using top notch ingredients,
much like Italian food. There was a lot of pride when the fish was displayed to
us. Portions were generous and the food relatively cheap. Do remember that we
were eating fish, probably the most expensive protein. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One outstanding
dessert, come to think of it, there were times we ate it for breakfast, was the
Bled Cream Cake. It is a Slovenian Classic. Simple in concept with humble
standard ingredients, delicious to eat and, difficult to make. The Bled Cream
Cake had its origins in the confectionary making at the time of the Austro
Hungarian Empire. You will remember that this region was under the rule of the
Austro Hungarians for a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The Park Hotel along Lake Bled has the original Cream Cake. In 1953 a pastry chef named Istvan Lukacevic modified the original cream cake recipe by adjusting the proportions and adding whipped cream. This cake was a roaring success, and today it is even more popular. We went to the Café at the Park Hotel and all tables had at least one Bled Cream Cake being eaten. Everyone in Bled orders their cake from here. The Cake is simplicity itself. It comprises of 4 layers. At the bottom is puff pastry, then comes a layer of pale yellow Vanilla Custard. The third layer is white whipped cream which is topped by a layer of puff pastry. The top is dusted with sugar. The Cream Cake is cut and served as a perfect square or more correctly a cube.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The number 7 is of great significance for the Cake. For those of you who know how when you make puff pastry you have what are known as “folds”. In this case the puff pastry has 7 folds. The Vanilla Custard is cooked for 7 minutes. The Bled Cream Cake is exactly 7 x7 x 7 cms in dimensions. How the cake is sliced without the whole thing exploding, is a mystery to me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">The Bled Cream Cake is a perfect pastry. It has texture, top notch construction and is not very sweet. We all ate a lot of this. Make sure you do when you visit Lake Bled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uFHgk29p8aV4AKaOcw52d2cOuldtueaLXM-T9GXBl9_XSKIz-LtpJHeMVWX3QBDT3rcNkTIMBnBgXu-al0QtXhu5_hruMC-9CUb-WLsow4X4wLm4gbnFBBKQwq1ms5V5sMmbZDwNuTg/s1600/P1160121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1567" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uFHgk29p8aV4AKaOcw52d2cOuldtueaLXM-T9GXBl9_XSKIz-LtpJHeMVWX3QBDT3rcNkTIMBnBgXu-al0QtXhu5_hruMC-9CUb-WLsow4X4wLm4gbnFBBKQwq1ms5V5sMmbZDwNuTg/s640/P1160121.JPG" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wonderfully proportioned, perfectly engineered Bled Cream Cake.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr9gEytHhIR5qnJIAoVN_zBdpti8LMY-PQIR_wspA7PoV6W69UaR1cCqxdunUMgVXZC1j9ZOZKDdUEzBgib-RvjXQv75Yelq4S1EzaCM7CORcfLcC-Xur9R-_fmur7wVmw7qyCELEefI/s1600/P1160122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr9gEytHhIR5qnJIAoVN_zBdpti8LMY-PQIR_wspA7PoV6W69UaR1cCqxdunUMgVXZC1j9ZOZKDdUEzBgib-RvjXQv75Yelq4S1EzaCM7CORcfLcC-Xur9R-_fmur7wVmw7qyCELEefI/s640/P1160122.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFwuGBBHduOs19TtnfeSTISbk6ZXfNngpBg4qS1Ka6oOh_RnyHCK5QRSfFMhpIhwIBwncvZSAKOlk4vQdflRW-VbOQaSL-hk94WE9CQlhdqVrylbucsxn4JfKBi1xZ7XnV0SPriGZnvY/s1600/P1160181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFwuGBBHduOs19TtnfeSTISbk6ZXfNngpBg4qS1Ka6oOh_RnyHCK5QRSfFMhpIhwIBwncvZSAKOlk4vQdflRW-VbOQaSL-hk94WE9CQlhdqVrylbucsxn4JfKBi1xZ7XnV0SPriGZnvY/s640/P1160181.JPG" width="616" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>The Bled Cream Cake turned into a birthday cake. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG5NqLnPa9IPbOOZ7uZy7ozr8BqjlE8_y58cuKMwmzzIx219voi8Lz5Ntb8JzRLZ1P9LTjuj-vnoXjUdXCrrxWJXtDUT2ujYTnIJhaRqP5E-5uGTNWCICY5KLvBjJQmGl5shwRTpQ2K4/s1600/P1160198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG5NqLnPa9IPbOOZ7uZy7ozr8BqjlE8_y58cuKMwmzzIx219voi8Lz5Ntb8JzRLZ1P9LTjuj-vnoXjUdXCrrxWJXtDUT2ujYTnIJhaRqP5E-5uGTNWCICY5KLvBjJQmGl5shwRTpQ2K4/s640/P1160198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meal
times were serious affairs. To use a phrase that originally appeared in
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and was later modified by Joseph Heller in the
immortal Catch 22, “<i>some of us had duties we were born with, some took on
duties and others had duties thrust on them</i>.” Le Grande Fromage Tax Lawyer
was born with a good tongue, he is a lawyer after all. So, he was in charge of
ordering wine every evening. The Banker was naturally put in charge of
maintaining accounts and took on the added responsibility of diligently
ordering one bottle of Still water and one bottle of Sparkling water every
mealtime. Jumbo was our deal maker, a natural at the job. HRH the Queen of
Kutch was given the task of restaurant identifying. The rest of us either
did nothing or caused disruptions, played the fool and generally added to the
merriment. Actually, I correct myself. Mealtimes were great fun while being
serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
restaurants we ate at were:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Dubrovnik<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Restaurant
Proto*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Restaurant
Posat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Restaurant
Orsan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Konoba
Dalmatino<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Zadar<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Koronat*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pet
Bunara<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Lake Bled<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pension
Milno<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Restaurant
Jezersek*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sova<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Zagreb<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">La
Lanterna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vinodol*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
ones I have marked with a star were exceptional. Except the Pension Milno which
was basically a cheap and cheerful pub, the rest of the places were at the top
end of what was on offer in each city. We did not visit any of the restaurants
that had stars in Michelin as then we would be entering French territory which
we had no intention of doing, and also, none of us really wanted to dress up
for dinner. The only exception was Restaurant Jezersek where are of us made a
special effort for a special dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here
are some photos over which you can drool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIubg7-TlecCgdtYHxXXgCNH_ZOMfenoQLpZhjWV_i3Lg3rycPp3J_40hJlSsNjrmyBpAsD2tiIAG-6wapMJmGnrJS50Ip8bfFN4ah1G9ntMQJx1zBUPgxiiYi4k7mMWQa2Y5mgxtdqQ/s1600/P1150874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIubg7-TlecCgdtYHxXXgCNH_ZOMfenoQLpZhjWV_i3Lg3rycPp3J_40hJlSsNjrmyBpAsD2tiIAG-6wapMJmGnrJS50Ip8bfFN4ah1G9ntMQJx1zBUPgxiiYi4k7mMWQa2Y5mgxtdqQ/s640/P1150874.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Foie Gras at Proto Dubrovnik</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2zHHYW4bwUbtO-nIdVsv1iNuIvuQxStjM4-BGUHu_uceRo1psYHfg6VT9Q7XfRPhssy_uLTg5OJeO15KC-RgGIji6gGnDukPISY5ec7kYDV6-Rakg7GUz-aHuuxF5N6Pv8lwepy235c/s1600/P1150991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2zHHYW4bwUbtO-nIdVsv1iNuIvuQxStjM4-BGUHu_uceRo1psYHfg6VT9Q7XfRPhssy_uLTg5OJeO15KC-RgGIji6gGnDukPISY5ec7kYDV6-Rakg7GUz-aHuuxF5N6Pv8lwepy235c/s640/P1150991.JPG" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Charcuterie </span><span style="text-align: center;">and Cheese Platter at Konoba Dalmatino Dubrovnik</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhengMgAGMyQhl3SU20XTgnpII5JCuY_PUr01YcFtwX-XjJ3XXBu_dZBZUOnfDWEGlYMvsAj2ZOnqMRw1oC5aprHZoE2rpg_6nDYf12lL_0dmWY5zInczQxs6roxueRicbimDj4gnEDcdA/s1600/P1150875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhengMgAGMyQhl3SU20XTgnpII5JCuY_PUr01YcFtwX-XjJ3XXBu_dZBZUOnfDWEGlYMvsAj2ZOnqMRw1oC5aprHZoE2rpg_6nDYf12lL_0dmWY5zInczQxs6roxueRicbimDj4gnEDcdA/s640/P1150875.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Baked Oyeters at Proto Dubrovnik</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77hkq-fkHkoa4O9-v2dHaTqNTPRxGgbyoE59NdEG_N82iEnkEqogX80Hulx-KqC0bkTFsftWSL13FCR8HGsS9SNum1LizY8TNSL_QAaF82AvD4FsuFo3jGrD3v3Nuq_iNSsfJE8ol9B8/s1600/P1150876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77hkq-fkHkoa4O9-v2dHaTqNTPRxGgbyoE59NdEG_N82iEnkEqogX80Hulx-KqC0bkTFsftWSL13FCR8HGsS9SNum1LizY8TNSL_QAaF82AvD4FsuFo3jGrD3v3Nuq_iNSsfJE8ol9B8/s640/P1150876.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5jFZRLaj7kJ73Jh_HdtwHLPZxoxSffHAQluCfDAQBp-lZfKrlQuY5Spe6G3DJ1faqfQ9rRXLYyPM2XVC_i_LxJK4jxYR0OlpRMABAJjO6608lWt1jKZQnCcFhoCFj7MrGiMOahvfnJc/s1600/P1150883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5jFZRLaj7kJ73Jh_HdtwHLPZxoxSffHAQluCfDAQBp-lZfKrlQuY5Spe6G3DJ1faqfQ9rRXLYyPM2XVC_i_LxJK4jxYR0OlpRMABAJjO6608lWt1jKZQnCcFhoCFj7MrGiMOahvfnJc/s640/P1150883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Whole Salt Crusted baked fish, and lower photo, filleted and served. Porto Dubrovnik </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzdRmOEOGTpOvXLISiQOEK_6bK_0-GEcxRcxUU_Q4TnGeSizPljCttf48dMyRv-p5pelkJgb6xaJkCdCUC3XakA2w6XinO5uMiXVhcgHweB6lo1NfMlyBYERSOfX2kNSY8zBTxCABIIg/s1600/P1150877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzdRmOEOGTpOvXLISiQOEK_6bK_0-GEcxRcxUU_Q4TnGeSizPljCttf48dMyRv-p5pelkJgb6xaJkCdCUC3XakA2w6XinO5uMiXVhcgHweB6lo1NfMlyBYERSOfX2kNSY8zBTxCABIIg/s640/P1150877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Seafood platter at Porto Dubrovnik</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx4U7SmbKcPT50-EqVIycIgnBDzOf_ao6PfitvBvbjKxRAcanjbRC-jyxgbNLxiNx1sa1gMJvQublf2fjgmdkwIYHrOh6wdGSrZiAHOmzaXmfkA3yOOJLphjquKq_Mr1CYEZERWxzkEw/s1600/P1150878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx4U7SmbKcPT50-EqVIycIgnBDzOf_ao6PfitvBvbjKxRAcanjbRC-jyxgbNLxiNx1sa1gMJvQublf2fjgmdkwIYHrOh6wdGSrZiAHOmzaXmfkA3yOOJLphjquKq_Mr1CYEZERWxzkEw/s640/P1150878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Extremely good fried/roast potato</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dzJ-L67o7qH66FQYvrUD2P47ioXN3PJRIaLABnUlZh6SGhiJovc8UK-8YAXFpmtxJqby46_l_Hp27LHApVufCh9iD110-s4Pja_PYNBrFA4L_0eFVrAxRQQijmer9dQq_qauSx7c3qU/s1600/P1150879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dzJ-L67o7qH66FQYvrUD2P47ioXN3PJRIaLABnUlZh6SGhiJovc8UK-8YAXFpmtxJqby46_l_Hp27LHApVufCh9iD110-s4Pja_PYNBrFA4L_0eFVrAxRQQijmer9dQq_qauSx7c3qU/s640/P1150879.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Swiss Chard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUFEpu1b8_d-2C69B5J_GuwuGmetbXjOoNbg-yk46NkR1eQI3rSpY_Za8Ulsyf2hRrLW9DYvQz6SjXr65XlbJUI3iH55RkgRTJVGa44cqTlL5PzWRSSRD8Yi5jZIVEpSBEZHWrTRbog/s1600/P1150914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUFEpu1b8_d-2C69B5J_GuwuGmetbXjOoNbg-yk46NkR1eQI3rSpY_Za8Ulsyf2hRrLW9DYvQz6SjXr65XlbJUI3iH55RkgRTJVGa44cqTlL5PzWRSSRD8Yi5jZIVEpSBEZHWrTRbog/s640/P1150914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Prawn and Scollop starter at Posat Dubrovnik</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi4JwCvAWHVnTUuMNbw_r-gkqL2urY5l_hWPFtfTUyTckPKMjxEqknADj36imRxjD0jAf9LakMIBiNaWPdZB4XM7hWZeaRo-EHfZp3TXKxM7z1zpUHMZs6FEYAyBvS44Qu3qcwao4YIg/s1600/P1150948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi4JwCvAWHVnTUuMNbw_r-gkqL2urY5l_hWPFtfTUyTckPKMjxEqknADj36imRxjD0jAf9LakMIBiNaWPdZB4XM7hWZeaRo-EHfZp3TXKxM7z1zpUHMZs6FEYAyBvS44Qu3qcwao4YIg/s640/P1150948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Grilled fish and seafood platter at Orsan Dubrovnik</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMQRDpaf92TjhjL6SFUWQ9pQZRiVj4yrQxWRU4YkgnTE9yI55eDL-Vgeo-NtWcREXSuBT7w9N3BNoybuD_emaf4hjXb7AZedMEu_7TReuUxmrZ0WBtnZi6RPBWEu76BrqMKjDGlBC7Mo/s1600/P1150949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMQRDpaf92TjhjL6SFUWQ9pQZRiVj4yrQxWRU4YkgnTE9yI55eDL-Vgeo-NtWcREXSuBT7w9N3BNoybuD_emaf4hjXb7AZedMEu_7TReuUxmrZ0WBtnZi6RPBWEu76BrqMKjDGlBC7Mo/s640/P1150949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Vegetables to accompany the grilled fish and seafood platter at Orsan Dubrovnik</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bKZl8rJOI7UhUltGc3WKen3YYcuWFCDfZRnLKXo7qMNeMKWipiVprvbo7JYOGLSt0ptMRNADBtqiP9qx3n60g-rr1JOGoYIfRuZ6a-t1P5I9pfs8wre6eWkh2LmaRE-yFxKFpaGE8bA/s1600/20191031_183703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bKZl8rJOI7UhUltGc3WKen3YYcuWFCDfZRnLKXo7qMNeMKWipiVprvbo7JYOGLSt0ptMRNADBtqiP9qx3n60g-rr1JOGoYIfRuZ6a-t1P5I9pfs8wre6eWkh2LmaRE-yFxKFpaGE8bA/s640/20191031_183703.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Sea Bass Carpaccio Olive Oil, Apple & Radish Salad at Jezresek Lake Bled</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ6miU160ejV9Ojj6Nnp7t7MRdJXArD-0LNyit1m5gev884_WO2tRHh8RNrjL2CDlVEZebS5J-Ne7rKYtYqJ18rQ9jhlIyioG8SD9FI0mqi600xUH0kLGQSbYMUHCPB6Hb18UKJhyphenhyphenUtE/s1600/P1150998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ6miU160ejV9Ojj6Nnp7t7MRdJXArD-0LNyit1m5gev884_WO2tRHh8RNrjL2CDlVEZebS5J-Ne7rKYtYqJ18rQ9jhlIyioG8SD9FI0mqi600xUH0kLGQSbYMUHCPB6Hb18UKJhyphenhyphenUtE/s640/P1150998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Grilled Tuna at Dalmatino</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbDi1-bPQsl-wPWhQ8NMo6_1Bea-rJaqzLyCiiZNqN1wKABxB41JFIqzXCueOGjnv3h176l57dc82AhITc9lwbnI0LmYE9FK5Ic03dGVivfeNt5URQ3dslzkgDfQkLc76kAzkMvwKPcw/s1600/20191031_193358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbDi1-bPQsl-wPWhQ8NMo6_1Bea-rJaqzLyCiiZNqN1wKABxB41JFIqzXCueOGjnv3h176l57dc82AhITc9lwbnI0LmYE9FK5Ic03dGVivfeNt5URQ3dslzkgDfQkLc76kAzkMvwKPcw/s640/20191031_193358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Above: Smoked Lamb Fillet, Parsley Puree, Sage and Raspberry Demi Glace at Jezresek Lake Bled</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB893V2NYenFsRKtlevjNlRs_r-C27jWYtzxrOD3Y3xQUg0p9-6y4I2D-5VH4XTmIB_QMsawjycJNX-uTRE0dAVj4KhLuiub-Iiw6Qgb4U7NwlWkI3hmP5r_OIt6xa_sLT6-5T_FATKA/s1600/20191031_193417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB893V2NYenFsRKtlevjNlRs_r-C27jWYtzxrOD3Y3xQUg0p9-6y4I2D-5VH4XTmIB_QMsawjycJNX-uTRE0dAVj4KhLuiub-Iiw6Qgb4U7NwlWkI3hmP5r_OIt6xa_sLT6-5T_FATKA/s640/20191031_193417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Trout, Buckwheat Fennel Celery at Jezresek Lake Bled</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPtkIPsjNzyoNKks_wEOz4qV3XsteVgOyjGQFtB_YZdcB5pr4jhyphenhyphenppCfV7iWFKO2EtpABmAzDM7EwfOeXah49mTv0H9SzH5GMsZfG4obKiRtz-ZB9nr-CEUeI6_v2eBNyMAHHFnpZuRo/s1600/P1160190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPtkIPsjNzyoNKks_wEOz4qV3XsteVgOyjGQFtB_YZdcB5pr4jhyphenhyphenppCfV7iWFKO2EtpABmAzDM7EwfOeXah49mTv0H9SzH5GMsZfG4obKiRtz-ZB9nr-CEUeI6_v2eBNyMAHHFnpZuRo/s640/P1160190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Fish Soup at Sova Lake Bled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFAy0LifmgXTysIr8TNdZt8C5n4B95KrXXjH41TB7_1uQadgUg4e2U_SzqAneL6ujykVtjzNF4ibVuIDFU8TGIbq5dJuhak1QmayOn0E6wMK4pz56DdA9h_dJf064kk40ZbrGdMyxm9k/s1600/P1160187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFAy0LifmgXTysIr8TNdZt8C5n4B95KrXXjH41TB7_1uQadgUg4e2U_SzqAneL6ujykVtjzNF4ibVuIDFU8TGIbq5dJuhak1QmayOn0E6wMK4pz56DdA9h_dJf064kk40ZbrGdMyxm9k/s640/P1160187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Mushroom Soup with Chestnuts & Profiterole at Sova Lake Bled</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnhEq3Z7Gxqb3m2NStX6k9JcCGp4TkKdOEhsnPJv9fb076W7CX-cnaIXhNWeHmce4dM8xn-TloGtzNWRZNFNi2F4igxL_OdW1PTRdovCAx6UFTLzkaCpn5qE8yjOZfAcpUvrrM6yE2RI/s1600/P1160191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnhEq3Z7Gxqb3m2NStX6k9JcCGp4TkKdOEhsnPJv9fb076W7CX-cnaIXhNWeHmce4dM8xn-TloGtzNWRZNFNi2F4igxL_OdW1PTRdovCAx6UFTLzkaCpn5qE8yjOZfAcpUvrrM6yE2RI/s640/P1160191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Pork Chop at Sova Lake Bled</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZn3Gmsp0ReWULNMPjeQ9nBllVFDmf-kkly6DjYljIAISC17RzMIG9A_r-GUX-HnPs50TgPAaTBPKnX28YmCpSaRr-md36wnB5CyOrxf6vvusgXWt7mSp6O54Eh_U4pvCoWHXBH7W694/s1600/P1160192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZn3Gmsp0ReWULNMPjeQ9nBllVFDmf-kkly6DjYljIAISC17RzMIG9A_r-GUX-HnPs50TgPAaTBPKnX28YmCpSaRr-md36wnB5CyOrxf6vvusgXWt7mSp6O54Eh_U4pvCoWHXBH7W694/s640/P1160192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: center;"> Above: Grilled Fish at Sova Lake Bled</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcV07-coSlh_hptRyhbB6-5yfouDxSgMShbxv2vFZESxfsD3VzYKD7pcCmgEva9Rxd8gSzdb2AdX_KioqTguLW_LOuvNM9m3SdNAz26du3IR-r1alWy6U8MllbYhjNj1VD3dYUP_zyFik/s1600/20191031_190345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1600" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcV07-coSlh_hptRyhbB6-5yfouDxSgMShbxv2vFZESxfsD3VzYKD7pcCmgEva9Rxd8gSzdb2AdX_KioqTguLW_LOuvNM9m3SdNAz26du3IR-r1alWy6U8MllbYhjNj1VD3dYUP_zyFik/s640/20191031_190345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Traditional Istrian Pasta in Cream Sauce with Truffles</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBEhaK4GejlxqwhUQMke3BpgpABgRbfkBxhtjb7AgZdkeDTSmeZZgdaH4WHUqXr6TRR48eGjIT3l8YhfiZ0IxKRuR53Gg3YKQi4fsWpGo123X6CbO8rXNh0S-LJk9V1N6Eb8-msrlMRo/s1600/P1150994.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBEhaK4GejlxqwhUQMke3BpgpABgRbfkBxhtjb7AgZdkeDTSmeZZgdaH4WHUqXr6TRR48eGjIT3l8YhfiZ0IxKRuR53Gg3YKQi4fsWpGo123X6CbO8rXNh0S-LJk9V1N6Eb8-msrlMRo/s320/P1150994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-align: center;"> Above: Pasta at Konoba Dalmatino Dubrovnik</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-37232648735109956232019-12-06T17:15:00.000+05:302019-12-08T14:17:19.634+05:30Croatia & Slovenia - All you wanted to know!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
January 2017, 8 of us ‘dear’ friends and two kids all went to Africa on safari.
It was a magical time. You would have <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2018/02/all-you-want-to-know-about-safari-in.html" target="_blank">read about that here.</a> Plans were then
made to repeat the magic of that holiday. We zeroed in on Croatia and Slovenia.
8 ‘dear’ friends were on, the 2 kids dropped out and 2 additional ‘dear’
friends were added. The oldest of our friendships started as pre-schoolers in
1969, and the most recent in 1994. Yes, we all knew each other well, very well.
Dates were aligned and it was to be 11 nights over the Diwali week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQZXN9tgjhwE6Js1mSPJhRMpev7IzJrR2eYajACvomjsoNee9BA5GqyL9v_57k2YAyEVd3j48MEU5HrZ7WKeIEb_5toCRGW_kglqJ_2Sk1tghrP3NPAajorPcXb12zIJ_1E0b-reNhqg/s1600/IMG_6577.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQZXN9tgjhwE6Js1mSPJhRMpev7IzJrR2eYajACvomjsoNee9BA5GqyL9v_57k2YAyEVd3j48MEU5HrZ7WKeIEb_5toCRGW_kglqJ_2Sk1tghrP3NPAajorPcXb12zIJ_1E0b-reNhqg/s640/IMG_6577.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>That is the 10 of us</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Croatia
and Slovenia have some famous personalities. Among sportsmen you have of the
charismatic impish footballer Luka Modric, tennis players Marin Cilic and Goran
Ivanisevic. The great Nikola Tesla who designed and developed alternating current
or AC electricity, was a Croat. The most famous Slovenian is, of course,
Melania Trump. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Croatia
and Slovenia have had very troubled histories. The entire area has been in
constant turmoil with invasions and wars. At first it was the mighty Ottomans
who invaded. Then it was the Austro-Hungarian Empire which invaded. You will
remember that WWI started with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by
Gavrilo Princip a Bosnian Serb. Post WWII Yugoslavia was created, which, has
since itself broken up. The fallout of the break was the creation of Serbia,
Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Herzegovina, Slovenia and Macedonia. This was not
the end. In 1991 a bitter civil war [or invasion, depending who you ask]
started between the Croats and the Serbs. The war was exceedingly cruel and brutal with a lot
of ethnic cleansing. Parts of Dubrovnik were severely damaged. Peace and
stability have been in place for only post 1995, i.e. the last 25 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
relative poverty [to the rest of Western Europe] is obvious, buildings are
simple, Churches and Cathedrals humble and not grandiose, few really fancy cars
on the street, not many shops with upmarket designer clothes or watches,
relatively few international upmarket Hotel chains. However, the roads are
absolutely top class with the highways linking to the international European
highways seamlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Geographically,
Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea with a long coastline. Across the Adriatic
is Italy, the Eastern coast of Italy. Venice was another one of the Kingdoms
that often invaded and plundered Croatia. Today, with the peace in the area,
the Dalmatian Coast has become a huge tourist spot. The warm Adriatic Sea is
perfect for the hordes of tourists who throng here in the summer months. The Dalmatian
Coast is on the itinerary for several Cruise ships. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
logistics of visiting Croatia and Slovenia can be fairly challenging. There are
no direct flights from India. You have to either take European carrier like
British Airways, or Air France or Lufthansa <i>et al</i> and fly into either
Dubrovnik or Zagreb from the Uk or Europe. Alternatively, you could take one of
the Gulf based carriers like Emirates [with Fly Dubai the Emirates Low Cost
Carrier] or Turkish [not strictly a Gulf airline] and reach Croatia via Dubai
or Istanbul. With no direct flights, transit times can be long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visas
can be confusing. Croatia is NOT a member of Schengen. Slovenia is. However,
you can enter Croatia with a Schengen visa only if the visa is for 6 months or
more and, is multiple entry. If you don’t have a this, well, you have to apply
for a separate Croatian visa and Schengen Visa to enter Slovenia. Keep this in
mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now let’s
get to what to visit and see in Croatia and Slovenia. Croatia, as I have
written earlier, has a long coastline. There is a lot you can see. You need to
edit. Obviously, you have to visit Dubrovnik for say 3 nights at least. The
castle, the walls and the Game of Thrones tour [if you are a fan] are must
do’s. Lake Plitvice is a National Park endorsed by UNESCO. This is a whole day;
however, you do need to visit it from either Split or Zadar. Zadar, a coastal
town with an ancient Roman centre, quite pretty, is another must visit. The Sea
Organ, a must see. Split, you can give a miss, unless of course you are
planning to visit Hvar which is an Island accessible from Split. We did not go
to Hvar as it was shutting down for winter. Instead we had an all-day island cruise
on a superfast yacht from Dubrovnik. With the long and pretty coastline you need to plan for a day on
sea when in Croatia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Slovenia we visited the beautiful Lake Bled and the stunning Bohinj Lake as
well as Ljubljana, the capital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Croatia
has no trains. The best way to get around is either by public bus, or hire your
own car. Since there were 10 of us, we chartered a 19-seater Mercedes bus with
a driver. The bus had adequate baggage storage, air-conditioning and on-board Wi-Fi.
Very convenient. Do remember that when driving there are border crossings, so
keep your Passport handy and allow for time at the crossing. 2 bus loads of
Chinese tourists ahead of you can seriously damage not only your but also the
immigration officer’s mood and delay things. Also bear in mind that some of the
drives are 6 hours long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
holiday started in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a magnificent ancient walled city.
The walls have the old town which is extremely charming and beautiful. You
should walk in the old town and once you are done you should walk on the walls.
Some superb views of the sea are from the walls. There is also a Funicular
which takes you all the way up the hill overlooking the walls. The views are
fantastic and there is a decent restaurant up there. Once up, we saw there were
ATV for hire, so that is just what we did, hired ATVs for a 30 minute ride and
3 pairs set off in the trails with a guide. Boy was that fun, driving on dirt,
rocks, potholes to put Mumbai to shame and dust. We all thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves and came back with adrenaline pumping and very very dusty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcMtIZsXz3OwYOGpnYs2dwus4DdPyfS0Xacr2TtcMn30VEXC4NljEsOq1GYQPMaeG-wgnLLpLe-Yc_HFh7-6uBovyjg8UYYHvOrR6IMbctERpJiHHDvwnXhAZRsml0s106e88D1N4KfE/s1600/IMG-20191024-WA0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcMtIZsXz3OwYOGpnYs2dwus4DdPyfS0Xacr2TtcMn30VEXC4NljEsOq1GYQPMaeG-wgnLLpLe-Yc_HFh7-6uBovyjg8UYYHvOrR6IMbctERpJiHHDvwnXhAZRsml0s106e88D1N4KfE/s640/IMG-20191024-WA0023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunset with the Dubrovnik walled city in the foreground.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE3FNRtlx-BfTg88QDZTiAqwapBk17HEkCNaYmPsgPX4pzM4-lDMR9Uw0KqECAK6NVR7VDGB4TsS1jK9Kqh4h5BUDEj4cKihyH9fY63kfBcDyI-EhFc_12JP_cttddC2yqCoYY1Gaahw/s1600/20191024_183459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnE3FNRtlx-BfTg88QDZTiAqwapBk17HEkCNaYmPsgPX4pzM4-lDMR9Uw0KqECAK6NVR7VDGB4TsS1jK9Kqh4h5BUDEj4cKihyH9fY63kfBcDyI-EhFc_12JP_cttddC2yqCoYY1Gaahw/s640/20191024_183459.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fishing at sunset.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrKCnSRPvBLaVozIKFvWoCf_qPQH_OMLy3IFAT8aDUnXca5n8UO1yBtwoXJ0IqPhzvasFe1dFw3mU9xtgfHAw2PZhExFe2T8b7bwES2AM2wzF369guMIoKWJMkCwyHwRrUO6hmJuWzCM/s1600/IMG-20191025-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1024" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrKCnSRPvBLaVozIKFvWoCf_qPQH_OMLy3IFAT8aDUnXca5n8UO1yBtwoXJ0IqPhzvasFe1dFw3mU9xtgfHAw2PZhExFe2T8b7bwES2AM2wzF369guMIoKWJMkCwyHwRrUO6hmJuWzCM/s640/IMG-20191025-WA0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dubrovnik walled city. View from our Hotel, the superbly located Hotel Excelsior</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfB0jh_5oaEv43apVvkr5dr7mFyVfhEmEiDLxK1ooUHUwGwmREcy3d4bRpc834a6VwhkAYUZDTnYg6jlXrODO9LKVKuVliX2aeQnAhl-6GOiXcpZ3de7L5rBOq1MPRxjzwXMLTqK_27c/s1600/P1150868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfB0jh_5oaEv43apVvkr5dr7mFyVfhEmEiDLxK1ooUHUwGwmREcy3d4bRpc834a6VwhkAYUZDTnYg6jlXrODO9LKVKuVliX2aeQnAhl-6GOiXcpZ3de7L5rBOq1MPRxjzwXMLTqK_27c/s640/P1150868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Church in Dubrivnik</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqaw30gH0nExpu9slBYwgEF5egaRuUim6nlyTsPlBlB8JsczrtyxMZsVE_Ueod6I3XQQRjP0OeKXh1cHaOKeP2YqFbiOztJs0VKfmmZZqNyB-6oDcs-kJdN-CnT-QrOQOy2oQVufPBhg/s1600/P1150886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqaw30gH0nExpu9slBYwgEF5egaRuUim6nlyTsPlBlB8JsczrtyxMZsVE_Ueod6I3XQQRjP0OeKXh1cHaOKeP2YqFbiOztJs0VKfmmZZqNyB-6oDcs-kJdN-CnT-QrOQOy2oQVufPBhg/s640/P1150886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-dO-Jne6KKeYYiBBIO3PAM7sBO-asrtVxV2yMRMGvfQ4HUCyMYKeoZCXE9BfwA08ST4gjsaw0VF7dtrnlJEqiiTq4i3NTPyQJhFym87SQEQkzt8SQ_H_V7aA9_4ppJHFFkVK7Y2mkBQ/s1600/P1150888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-dO-Jne6KKeYYiBBIO3PAM7sBO-asrtVxV2yMRMGvfQ4HUCyMYKeoZCXE9BfwA08ST4gjsaw0VF7dtrnlJEqiiTq4i3NTPyQJhFym87SQEQkzt8SQ_H_V7aA9_4ppJHFFkVK7Y2mkBQ/s640/P1150888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Walls</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlwcGEHVbuQg3EuNLLxciSm2GXezJ5Weby7zcC93XNAs3p1dkvEFBCBbe9SCkw5dxRSvimU10UYHp0xh3VGOnPc8NFdxltGdDq-WwS_NQzmfgy_yTU7nN9LlB1BRmcQYaOCoUQWn8jCM/s1600/P1150891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlwcGEHVbuQg3EuNLLxciSm2GXezJ5Weby7zcC93XNAs3p1dkvEFBCBbe9SCkw5dxRSvimU10UYHp0xh3VGOnPc8NFdxltGdDq-WwS_NQzmfgy_yTU7nN9LlB1BRmcQYaOCoUQWn8jCM/s640/P1150891.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5Fi8D7JzjhdGuW8nHFmijV2Gk4GfO_cEiRtY6qzHoo1wvG_tyS4saFiOLrvJjNPm5qmSzZMHhN-FT-j57svZCrLatXzqFddAoS5qRG4rJGei_SOHrReDAG7i2JUZSyvIIncqQ_awN4o/s1600/P1150890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1385" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5Fi8D7JzjhdGuW8nHFmijV2Gk4GfO_cEiRtY6qzHoo1wvG_tyS4saFiOLrvJjNPm5qmSzZMHhN-FT-j57svZCrLatXzqFddAoS5qRG4rJGei_SOHrReDAG7i2JUZSyvIIncqQ_awN4o/s640/P1150890.JPG" width="552" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ18DS19huP9dU5poWZHjd_LqkiYqzighdhF6TaUnWwqMya4GvGyCLbhru9CryY_ZyQ7CL7Nn9t2EcTUfEFEIDZ-icIhDrMuuatYjDgS37oNXsDeQqXXMcYiMJ65dWaW-ffDV8AZRz_cM/s1600/P1150896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ18DS19huP9dU5poWZHjd_LqkiYqzighdhF6TaUnWwqMya4GvGyCLbhru9CryY_ZyQ7CL7Nn9t2EcTUfEFEIDZ-icIhDrMuuatYjDgS37oNXsDeQqXXMcYiMJ65dWaW-ffDV8AZRz_cM/s640/P1150896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The main street in Dubrovnik. Pedestrian only.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXF-U6Ym5d9v6IC_LQeVttXNWYtwhERjKoIXEHWyYFKiVITeG2PSiIFG9DfuE69Z3Ws3KJ1QKFhYh3Pthy9lF96-IUnY7nCwIq9x7cy4m02ZlKgwboQbg-JR5gZtiBFArViuAYOctPc4/s1600/P1150892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1331" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXF-U6Ym5d9v6IC_LQeVttXNWYtwhERjKoIXEHWyYFKiVITeG2PSiIFG9DfuE69Z3Ws3KJ1QKFhYh3Pthy9lF96-IUnY7nCwIq9x7cy4m02ZlKgwboQbg-JR5gZtiBFArViuAYOctPc4/s640/P1150892.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i-a4Ll7MslGOCm_kkMddq88PRpmKPKNakxubwl71pXApu0OB8LwiL-pXHu4aGndRt-CLZNU4sN-W_DBs8lxEVqvYXeEX-TMuMLEfvTnV9plM_dUw7ipva-kcRNUruW1N5_PY0rtl_CA/s1600/P1150903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i-a4Ll7MslGOCm_kkMddq88PRpmKPKNakxubwl71pXApu0OB8LwiL-pXHu4aGndRt-CLZNU4sN-W_DBs8lxEVqvYXeEX-TMuMLEfvTnV9plM_dUw7ipva-kcRNUruW1N5_PY0rtl_CA/s640/P1150903.JPG" width="368" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU54HkrUuCDqvwHXF2hpCpmGtqDAZiVDbm2OI5CcW64s2HK-05Xxd7kDvFM3fPkhu6AFvp9vxs2jsw5b09piWUprLByrltatrV4tenl_CQ9g4OwVRdKkjSYn501cU1f03d-RB_scWUcU/s1600/P1150904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU54HkrUuCDqvwHXF2hpCpmGtqDAZiVDbm2OI5CcW64s2HK-05Xxd7kDvFM3fPkhu6AFvp9vxs2jsw5b09piWUprLByrltatrV4tenl_CQ9g4OwVRdKkjSYn501cU1f03d-RB_scWUcU/s640/P1150904.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpgX7im16E_09lU9USPBzMI2XYddPsIGF_Bp9vHox6PuGHpaWCQheW_GEiGiy0YGlD_DFNqABh_biG0kZgIu-GuWWacVEZwx3T8zYbyyuyjpOIe2mGV_MVVIJRU_Rj1qAQUHSRu8N_As/s1600/P1150960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpgX7im16E_09lU9USPBzMI2XYddPsIGF_Bp9vHox6PuGHpaWCQheW_GEiGiy0YGlD_DFNqABh_biG0kZgIu-GuWWacVEZwx3T8zYbyyuyjpOIe2mGV_MVVIJRU_Rj1qAQUHSRu8N_As/s640/P1150960.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A view of the main street from up on the Wall </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGaG7CyGawajPpKR2ordrf2RJGKqcTmy5vdvpSmQ5ueWSiWw6bjxQQERZRwJ-URCRC1D6UkY14QBSWNr_KP8zZ2RPYPOMbkkyYiFTuHuX7lT0rm68axKv4qz_JiQA6c48H2PyPCyfV8/s1600/P1150978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGaG7CyGawajPpKR2ordrf2RJGKqcTmy5vdvpSmQ5ueWSiWw6bjxQQERZRwJ-URCRC1D6UkY14QBSWNr_KP8zZ2RPYPOMbkkyYiFTuHuX7lT0rm68axKv4qz_JiQA6c48H2PyPCyfV8/s640/P1150978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The old town Dubrovnik from up on the Wall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipIqZti6s1Jnni6Py-HTcqRt2vxP7S4aN-uCyW7HeRxoNlluk-GAZGR7Sj-oedO4Qh5YnE8EGjrukCA4-0CpF0ElbnziPZQCPDNE4fz348C4eXeZO0BTB2-i0VbYnfbY4LvFbPmvvIUg/s1600/P1150965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipIqZti6s1Jnni6Py-HTcqRt2vxP7S4aN-uCyW7HeRxoNlluk-GAZGR7Sj-oedO4Qh5YnE8EGjrukCA4-0CpF0ElbnziPZQCPDNE4fz348C4eXeZO0BTB2-i0VbYnfbY4LvFbPmvvIUg/s640/P1150965.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The old town Dubrovnik from up on the Wall<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs-9zYdAUfy-a5Xa-06rTXANdkmg1LcQnkrEP-6_1uliQ5tB_KXlJFRF9KOTlFUooChdwuZeh3H5k1Y0ChVlokVElsKpa0JfSh00iZPbIPim72tp2Pc8f_1cGPZoLq_y9Lxn8QmGQph4/s1600/P1150975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs-9zYdAUfy-a5Xa-06rTXANdkmg1LcQnkrEP-6_1uliQ5tB_KXlJFRF9KOTlFUooChdwuZeh3H5k1Y0ChVlokVElsKpa0JfSh00iZPbIPim72tp2Pc8f_1cGPZoLq_y9Lxn8QmGQph4/s640/P1150975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnyB3bZoVH3tFQ53MKo5DgagUmDf1yrwWdrl4lAgpU8W6TgqEJTtKXWF2ZAbTZXlRjK9VGiLbK_V28QHTPBCVJStDkbGYwLadlOWAIWccx2Kt8G6TpCNgyMZ0vVEyzFB7wq08xAshzyk/s1600/P1150976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1489" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnyB3bZoVH3tFQ53MKo5DgagUmDf1yrwWdrl4lAgpU8W6TgqEJTtKXWF2ZAbTZXlRjK9VGiLbK_V28QHTPBCVJStDkbGYwLadlOWAIWccx2Kt8G6TpCNgyMZ0vVEyzFB7wq08xAshzyk/s640/P1150976.JPG" width="594" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtTSpv8_YXIN17g4oIkr9GrC_5ccF9W3jMxjDqacQX0At4XN1_iLqy-UtQHJ0c8iIn6x64T8suLq7HIZ6iOIAzMFDo9uVmdf0V9d2zApZZFr6BrB49BrqUeVZHXlA3367n2WFE0FGB9w/s1600/IMG_6614.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtTSpv8_YXIN17g4oIkr9GrC_5ccF9W3jMxjDqacQX0At4XN1_iLqy-UtQHJ0c8iIn6x64T8suLq7HIZ6iOIAzMFDo9uVmdf0V9d2zApZZFr6BrB49BrqUeVZHXlA3367n2WFE0FGB9w/s640/IMG_6614.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All suited up for the ATV ride. The plastic ponchos to keep the dust out</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETSn5l4qBZZBRMzd5EcEjK3-bNkrzU-COg2gc6aCfeBjaqepBSlFKWutuZ5GdOntm4U2YLbkxpZJnI5dRN4aRVnyLyRp95kalJgt4f4V0vNfxJk8QXvLD3RrvJpH4A0dI7_BprcrwXk/s1600/IMG_6619.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETSn5l4qBZZBRMzd5EcEjK3-bNkrzU-COg2gc6aCfeBjaqepBSlFKWutuZ5GdOntm4U2YLbkxpZJnI5dRN4aRVnyLyRp95kalJgt4f4V0vNfxJk8QXvLD3RrvJpH4A0dI7_BprcrwXk/s640/IMG_6619.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpwKKrh-2G_PqhATdyJ8KpaSFfGJZR-nRSSAydM4YE3NEatppauk-wpq7kSw19Vd1vTuoyNlu4B6PS4CAXqgsFFAfmNZOeDjoiUGm1giybt3k-uCagf5DFSRvCFyL7sCco0QGj8Awf7g/s1600/IMG_6599.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpwKKrh-2G_PqhATdyJ8KpaSFfGJZR-nRSSAydM4YE3NEatppauk-wpq7kSw19Vd1vTuoyNlu4B6PS4CAXqgsFFAfmNZOeDjoiUGm1giybt3k-uCagf5DFSRvCFyL7sCco0QGj8Awf7g/s640/IMG_6599.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>And we are off!!</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtNHDDsqWdovVEAgJNzQuhIaDsH12B5yk45PP9nho0KwQpuGeC5n2NruJmSBIiwibYJDzmNHIiMjdL-yBGBbG1s9Se6FkU9WP9UiiLWv1JArBQ_WVQ9tAd8nObdPo1TuBQUDav5gj3FU/s1600/P1150908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtNHDDsqWdovVEAgJNzQuhIaDsH12B5yk45PP9nho0KwQpuGeC5n2NruJmSBIiwibYJDzmNHIiMjdL-yBGBbG1s9Se6FkU9WP9UiiLWv1JArBQ_WVQ9tAd8nObdPo1TuBQUDav5gj3FU/s640/P1150908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>A view of Dubrovnik harbour from high up</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuG1h2bKkoja2M32-7zmZLSdx4CE4_thKwI5rN6iDEID5P0yjt-UEtafuQxCB5GH65GimX_aEsSg4Puz0cbKVb2G1nzLNlsPGk5GH-AEN8SdT7RPzBAduSe3khZZROSHCSAnUB3wBqPE/s1600/P1150958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuG1h2bKkoja2M32-7zmZLSdx4CE4_thKwI5rN6iDEID5P0yjt-UEtafuQxCB5GH65GimX_aEsSg4Puz0cbKVb2G1nzLNlsPGk5GH-AEN8SdT7RPzBAduSe3khZZROSHCSAnUB3wBqPE/s640/P1150958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
winter had not set in yet, or, looking at it differently, the summer had not
gone. The water temperature was a refreshing 22C. We had hired a yacht for the
day. This was a most pleasant day. We lounged on the front deck of the yacht,
soaking in the sun being cooled by the breeze as we cruised from island to
island and had a look at the Dubrovnik Walls from the sea. At one point we
anchored and went swimming to an underwater grotto, much like the Blue Grotto
in Capri. The sea was cool crystal clear and an unreal blue. Swimming there was
a real pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhS7hbzdwqGNGE0rJFqCt8z2mkrU54O7uQDbaUqYU93IDXlhRbGhFW1jprL8V0wOGLpfrGaM1m72kRZwEj2h0asYdvcAtXJII1BsP29VBnHxnjoPq9Uq_K7KxKeqEynfNjgFs0f4DH9A/s1600/IMG_6659.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhS7hbzdwqGNGE0rJFqCt8z2mkrU54O7uQDbaUqYU93IDXlhRbGhFW1jprL8V0wOGLpfrGaM1m72kRZwEj2h0asYdvcAtXJII1BsP29VBnHxnjoPq9Uq_K7KxKeqEynfNjgFs0f4DH9A/s640/IMG_6659.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD0zJrjfUoE9VIyDAY7KtN_tLIbWYVjQLrWpFvrObgBvnr7I-LySRvbilKpBAWMxFfnxHmJFUpsTzoz3avJMIooc9U6nK_057k1Q6Bi0px4WY4tkbRr07y6HgKEcn8I8l3LISMx8Qmzo/s1600/IMG_6640.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCD0zJrjfUoE9VIyDAY7KtN_tLIbWYVjQLrWpFvrObgBvnr7I-LySRvbilKpBAWMxFfnxHmJFUpsTzoz3avJMIooc9U6nK_057k1Q6Bi0px4WY4tkbRr07y6HgKEcn8I8l3LISMx8Qmzo/s640/IMG_6640.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvy2AViI7GUXgbASbc48eM8YtQRpBaQo2NOCs0HCuU4hBGFBdNf1MRRGoL9yHSCurpb3I1UfwIO0QISugu9vSX1J9sVoXUPpzOtQumniG3JQhCHeDiCkAjfYpbBt6kr__plSpJmrmS7Q/s1600/P1150937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvy2AViI7GUXgbASbc48eM8YtQRpBaQo2NOCs0HCuU4hBGFBdNf1MRRGoL9yHSCurpb3I1UfwIO0QISugu9vSX1J9sVoXUPpzOtQumniG3JQhCHeDiCkAjfYpbBt6kr__plSpJmrmS7Q/s640/P1150937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApwo8Kjzgd795gmq9Z-OPzznF8o-zdICnxUCadJ3OgDMuzXd0gBcDzKNL5IYIh6PHKrVFQyNjjyQsOe8NONm_V-AT4wPT6hWromO7ei0C23Scm6s1pBvLLka_4cpdJXPIc80e2idt9Yk/s1600/P1150934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApwo8Kjzgd795gmq9Z-OPzznF8o-zdICnxUCadJ3OgDMuzXd0gBcDzKNL5IYIh6PHKrVFQyNjjyQsOe8NONm_V-AT4wPT6hWromO7ei0C23Scm6s1pBvLLka_4cpdJXPIc80e2idt9Yk/s640/P1150934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3oOH3a4z0L5MS0-5LS8ijIqGTlFwuGGngFC9S_soFb0eE8UpIw4Yf2k-2bTmZEHfnCVLvHeLvVAy7nNMebJNlmcSCb1IVNKmk7HigY7Mj3ULiN1ZC9F3NKIjs1L_v5bOZc-sNZT3ruw/s1600/P1150936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3oOH3a4z0L5MS0-5LS8ijIqGTlFwuGGngFC9S_soFb0eE8UpIw4Yf2k-2bTmZEHfnCVLvHeLvVAy7nNMebJNlmcSCb1IVNKmk7HigY7Mj3ULiN1ZC9F3NKIjs1L_v5bOZc-sNZT3ruw/s640/P1150936.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Blue Grotto</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OSn7-MJY3EfQXNfh8UKvhGJt0lm8sew18zIvDHDMNTmj7BUIXnCOSMrghqj0q303Ro4HLBfxWs8bJBw1NySOvn1RX8ksw09RAZKJW-pIkiMx9RYh2Acq5jRdXFsgkujfcCOZAsFd36A/s1600/P1150944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OSn7-MJY3EfQXNfh8UKvhGJt0lm8sew18zIvDHDMNTmj7BUIXnCOSMrghqj0q303Ro4HLBfxWs8bJBw1NySOvn1RX8ksw09RAZKJW-pIkiMx9RYh2Acq5jRdXFsgkujfcCOZAsFd36A/s640/P1150944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qy1UnsmCGd6WXm5uZu-ARb-ccLpMWshUu7lXg6WCds6tOQVFfaXJhyZ2xUHsu8EpjVVHxRhlnsBJW-143c6_Uzb9nB-O0P3maM6jG5fofTyJ_jSkxFPHgHU2Nxf0cZdFr4n_krHfTug/s1600/P1150968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qy1UnsmCGd6WXm5uZu-ARb-ccLpMWshUu7lXg6WCds6tOQVFfaXJhyZ2xUHsu8EpjVVHxRhlnsBJW-143c6_Uzb9nB-O0P3maM6jG5fofTyJ_jSkxFPHgHU2Nxf0cZdFr4n_krHfTug/s640/P1150968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Orange groves </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After 4
nights in Dubrovnik we boarded our bus and drove to Split where we had a stop
for lunch. Frankly, Split is totally missable, unless you are going to Hvar. In
that case you have to spend a night or two in Split. This was a long drive 4
hours. After a frugal and relatively poor lunch, we had a quick walk thru the
town and got onto the bus for another 3 hours to reach Zadar. Long drive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Zadar
has fabulous sunsets, that is of course if the weather is good and the sky is
clear. Zadar also has the famous Sea Organ. This is, depending on how cynical
you are, either you think it's a ridiculous tourist trap or the work of a genius. Basically, a series of
pipes of various diameters are built into the sea wall. As the sea water hits
the pipes, with the air in the pipes getting compressed creating sound. The
sound has different pitches, and volumes which depend on the force of the
water. This whole principle is similar to a church organ. The sounds created
are reminiscent of the sound whales make. In addition, the pier where the Organ
is located has also got the floor illuminated, much like the glass floor at a
Disco. The sea water also illuminates the lights in the floor, the lights being
obviously multicoloured. Also, obviously, the force of the sea i.e. the
turbulence varies the brightness and colours and number of lights coming on an
off. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Zadar is an old Roman city. The old part of town is quite charming, though small.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Z3Cwl0QwGc25UJF3h1YHPCKFsUhHAtRWH7q1pme8oOcHTT2vVPcL8Wxf_LgjDiLpg92li8QxTdyTohWZBVF_HM1FnZ7CnQAitFgN0aPtxFHNJtOEAX9qCq2RMAH_0tHmKfrryXFUmw/s1600/P1160006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Z3Cwl0QwGc25UJF3h1YHPCKFsUhHAtRWH7q1pme8oOcHTT2vVPcL8Wxf_LgjDiLpg92li8QxTdyTohWZBVF_HM1FnZ7CnQAitFgN0aPtxFHNJtOEAX9qCq2RMAH_0tHmKfrryXFUmw/s640/P1160006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Ewkf1F9vpXQX9mGf826LhWTYsULlp6MJc6F9CZWlCU6uw6oAJvjSb_FEIm0QEFj7Rauy2DVHE2ArGoiZ91Gz20h3rT6acO_u0nRPNl9-uLLBRbQjuSQVq2UE-08hNWe0cTBlSPiksI/s1600/P1160014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Ewkf1F9vpXQX9mGf826LhWTYsULlp6MJc6F9CZWlCU6uw6oAJvjSb_FEIm0QEFj7Rauy2DVHE2ArGoiZ91Gz20h3rT6acO_u0nRPNl9-uLLBRbQjuSQVq2UE-08hNWe0cTBlSPiksI/s640/P1160014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts9FzNkxJSQOne6O3bbSRmf3eYhCOCDAeiTO7ar8oCrLo3zLkhhUZAXnwlpNhMh3B47OR1QbSwM7SoM1UklG0gOTFkgj0t6iB4Gh73B5YPHwMcg_fqh-EwYNjUQrOsLjybEO1-XODlII/s1600/P1160016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts9FzNkxJSQOne6O3bbSRmf3eYhCOCDAeiTO7ar8oCrLo3zLkhhUZAXnwlpNhMh3B47OR1QbSwM7SoM1UklG0gOTFkgj0t6iB4Gh73B5YPHwMcg_fqh-EwYNjUQrOsLjybEO1-XODlII/s640/P1160016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMY_zCeiipuaKKJfOnteYp8uMwiq_e8LH033EZDqxvGz-2J_GTEaoFWxkGzr0m9An1KMwZhT2yDvTFiNTgolmq9EngBX-6wKlGn_BtlxLMEroJ60BT7GU0cKZeLUGJku0laX4zeU92EE/s1600/P1160013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMY_zCeiipuaKKJfOnteYp8uMwiq_e8LH033EZDqxvGz-2J_GTEaoFWxkGzr0m9An1KMwZhT2yDvTFiNTgolmq9EngBX-6wKlGn_BtlxLMEroJ60BT7GU0cKZeLUGJku0laX4zeU92EE/s640/P1160013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIXchV-WIoDVI7Rvqw3JLlkeSx66xmvduXanflkaJKMSbh1J5Po94my0qSfBqOkmpgW6-kuuRoKweMSubV7sSv66SOtGAgtkiSkICKzF6dEyid2fb0GVTjHfI_f9o8Np87Z_8n5GAXKs/s1600/P1160018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIXchV-WIoDVI7Rvqw3JLlkeSx66xmvduXanflkaJKMSbh1J5Po94my0qSfBqOkmpgW6-kuuRoKweMSubV7sSv66SOtGAgtkiSkICKzF6dEyid2fb0GVTjHfI_f9o8Np87Z_8n5GAXKs/s640/P1160018.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The main gate to Zadar. This was the only way in and out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFSF03Q0n_68rZ9Rxw4MJW8rRz65ReqXYhh_Ku4BWx3Ls47bzltKNTBikLatgfS4USC5WvXn03BWGtw-PUjFpDJf3tuc8cB5dv5Fgm4xn7EbSyZJ7_EirXkKCjUSWOsh8taw_3Uijaa8/s1600/P1160015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFSF03Q0n_68rZ9Rxw4MJW8rRz65ReqXYhh_Ku4BWx3Ls47bzltKNTBikLatgfS4USC5WvXn03BWGtw-PUjFpDJf3tuc8cB5dv5Fgm4xn7EbSyZJ7_EirXkKCjUSWOsh8taw_3Uijaa8/s640/P1160015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7pECujncv0b9TIEgFlE_qFy1vfWsAdJ9iMJD2N9bRjUusVMqKrT_ITk4jj6W_qL3-5ZkRqTkz0The16PZCGw1kGULTQGLV-xJA2YgPTzpoOcfs_8pBQMlJKKBpUGQbHLKLfwOX4WPPY/s1600/P1160071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7pECujncv0b9TIEgFlE_qFy1vfWsAdJ9iMJD2N9bRjUusVMqKrT_ITk4jj6W_qL3-5ZkRqTkz0The16PZCGw1kGULTQGLV-xJA2YgPTzpoOcfs_8pBQMlJKKBpUGQbHLKLfwOX4WPPY/s640/P1160071.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkiF8V_BMUVbMKYq_kuFdd26ar2VUKCs8oqpEkxccimDnK6-vu1iX5s8c5A1Urc1BeJUudBEvfiL5hFSuYJEholudyXVYcmF0XP_PFbB6moP8facUM-l5SkyRvCWQ1pG8Hv5gGD3x77E/s1600/P1160067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkiF8V_BMUVbMKYq_kuFdd26ar2VUKCs8oqpEkxccimDnK6-vu1iX5s8c5A1Urc1BeJUudBEvfiL5hFSuYJEholudyXVYcmF0XP_PFbB6moP8facUM-l5SkyRvCWQ1pG8Hv5gGD3x77E/s640/P1160067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpv0zX-44LSbW__01jpjlhUKCQBKS8cSCkI6ECQixz1P3pNIymweYkYsKUOOhPQleWARSxV7hkzNNvwnC-qbPfAJEq-kUq0WGsh650inERCXxhOcviv8FDsB8oXypqmKSMhyphenhyphennNr4smnw/s1600/P1160066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpv0zX-44LSbW__01jpjlhUKCQBKS8cSCkI6ECQixz1P3pNIymweYkYsKUOOhPQleWARSxV7hkzNNvwnC-qbPfAJEq-kUq0WGsh650inERCXxhOcviv8FDsB8oXypqmKSMhyphenhyphennNr4smnw/s640/P1160066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way back from Plitvice we crossed the rather nice looking bridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
main reason for going to Zadar is because it is a very convenient place from
which to visit Lake Plitvice. Lake Plitvice is a series of lakes and
waterfalls. This entire area is beautiful and green, as you will see in the
photographs. You definitely have to visit this; however, I must caution you. Visiting
Lake Plitvice during the summer months can be very challenging. First, you have
hordes of people, and, being jostled and pushed on the narrow paths is no fun.
Secondly, in summer, it is bloody hot. Do keep this in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCm3UKiS5duJ1ff-rSWuBi2qxg5GPnZUycig7Wb-nUybsDocIHZBa94ehfP6YT7Y3mgxDSS05TZg59-QFtmeShor0tFqE2ZNDKoEPXS1hJceuv9KUlfTTSYQka3gHlX0CTo1C3gJ7sYQY/s1600/P1160020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCm3UKiS5duJ1ff-rSWuBi2qxg5GPnZUycig7Wb-nUybsDocIHZBa94ehfP6YT7Y3mgxDSS05TZg59-QFtmeShor0tFqE2ZNDKoEPXS1hJceuv9KUlfTTSYQka3gHlX0CTo1C3gJ7sYQY/s640/P1160020.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoMxs1PfKbAcrpYtMhoYTkXp1MstAJRVfERztN_esSUjWD-KveBxFTos2kN0C0pA-lJlXm3PPiEso9t3V97ASdbSyNECnlCMTBqsfSzH4LSX0nVopVn_nHiM8jH9_E_szafdveK4gnjQ/s1600/P1160022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoMxs1PfKbAcrpYtMhoYTkXp1MstAJRVfERztN_esSUjWD-KveBxFTos2kN0C0pA-lJlXm3PPiEso9t3V97ASdbSyNECnlCMTBqsfSzH4LSX0nVopVn_nHiM8jH9_E_szafdveK4gnjQ/s640/P1160022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can see that it is much colder than at Dubrovnik</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmjLk3RZFORjGsrJnK93OvEupdp6QDtlvGlpB0NWK1MV2xuuimHy-KMzsYtI6mmjBdZhgJlh_dZfwNaZ-b0-7paDW6WSkPGHwIDzvaZYwXvDahdVPP85lM_Yzc7sPv_fP5IiTRWLBScw/s1600/P1160030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmjLk3RZFORjGsrJnK93OvEupdp6QDtlvGlpB0NWK1MV2xuuimHy-KMzsYtI6mmjBdZhgJlh_dZfwNaZ-b0-7paDW6WSkPGHwIDzvaZYwXvDahdVPP85lM_Yzc7sPv_fP5IiTRWLBScw/s640/P1160030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLzhsbOQ6J_VJsFAQ3sjBuwgPryGXdM9U57CWZgKlJDqvI4FiA9SpFp-cAj1sVBzwuwDjKMPLStBAjdJUVeDHiuz7MM37-OBXRDVUgLXr0Qx6EOxbtXsgO2-aBXm8DR6BSvmSrHlLV3o/s1600/P1160036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLzhsbOQ6J_VJsFAQ3sjBuwgPryGXdM9U57CWZgKlJDqvI4FiA9SpFp-cAj1sVBzwuwDjKMPLStBAjdJUVeDHiuz7MM37-OBXRDVUgLXr0Qx6EOxbtXsgO2-aBXm8DR6BSvmSrHlLV3o/s640/P1160036.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkvcYUVAPWmiJRX0_tK0Hk6bHp2a4KgDeQG57nkr8rsykUyZp30BS42WHkKvWAcEof7Kmd98kcoWZ76s05DwdmcQs8XSiKGx5TrebfceFthjZhqD4r0jUew3yCn1vPe3Sq8tIFvZ7R0I/s1600/P1160043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkvcYUVAPWmiJRX0_tK0Hk6bHp2a4KgDeQG57nkr8rsykUyZp30BS42WHkKvWAcEof7Kmd98kcoWZ76s05DwdmcQs8XSiKGx5TrebfceFthjZhqD4r0jUew3yCn1vPe3Sq8tIFvZ7R0I/s640/P1160043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RJCM3HS4ARUbnzkUbEbIX2_YWaIypIzDXGSpOQViwIP6UdQAukxg0IKop7K77NltV7EmvZqnua-SLNs-UOcwNXA4jBuIEhcC3aGO1JXp7sGlTtRUfaJm9MkGgWRnp7D1he_yBzlt46o/s1600/P1160046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RJCM3HS4ARUbnzkUbEbIX2_YWaIypIzDXGSpOQViwIP6UdQAukxg0IKop7K77NltV7EmvZqnua-SLNs-UOcwNXA4jBuIEhcC3aGO1JXp7sGlTtRUfaJm9MkGgWRnp7D1he_yBzlt46o/s640/P1160046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8GM1liJdSZ9BoRDSb02PG0jdugYKUKzB6zd6AyLj25aXacShhVgQ-z0ZTFn4-c8v1wCOofpkARUZ9_hXzQZs5OZDWQegk6KMX5xeJUQd_se-yXGAI9bxjCd4S9CW2lWMywExMXsSeEc/s1600/P1160054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8GM1liJdSZ9BoRDSb02PG0jdugYKUKzB6zd6AyLj25aXacShhVgQ-z0ZTFn4-c8v1wCOofpkARUZ9_hXzQZs5OZDWQegk6KMX5xeJUQd_se-yXGAI9bxjCd4S9CW2lWMywExMXsSeEc/s640/P1160054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwxlY_WQtkrKey3-pEQ6XyPzFbrwkujngX9uZyYk2Rrl8KK5zWxrVbcC-e80jqPu4mO-yEgy5CkvUSVPvQ-Ukqs0q_jC4tbu7P3CUa2eMl3B6Y6iVyfixn4t9MZ6PWtj8kIibz1dX6_M/s1600/P1160055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwxlY_WQtkrKey3-pEQ6XyPzFbrwkujngX9uZyYk2Rrl8KK5zWxrVbcC-e80jqPu4mO-yEgy5CkvUSVPvQ-Ukqs0q_jC4tbu7P3CUa2eMl3B6Y6iVyfixn4t9MZ6PWtj8kIibz1dX6_M/s640/P1160055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZtHooXfwRIVVB0Bk54XAbVaTHCboGJ9LH4zrVOFFnQbvDRBfV9xesoMQzJvsG6bWMbVoBw3rHbLdHD5KZ-GWARwjBYZbo_DjtLP-ztQ0JmDg7VXPe2MFmxTeug43dlmO9dZ6i_MQvBI/s1600/P1160053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZtHooXfwRIVVB0Bk54XAbVaTHCboGJ9LH4zrVOFFnQbvDRBfV9xesoMQzJvsG6bWMbVoBw3rHbLdHD5KZ-GWARwjBYZbo_DjtLP-ztQ0JmDg7VXPe2MFmxTeug43dlmO9dZ6i_MQvBI/s640/P1160053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-0R8SIRpwohRFvbT9X_nORi3zRIhA3rwjhrEss_-PMcTIGgzsqXWvrWtGFRZW4D1jcwnZP8ttEQQWVEGOHh_eO5ByuP7vJz6Dyc14RRz-Uj55bynUXBy1RwOT0vQUQcJA1nCn_Z6Kbs/s1600/P1160057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-0R8SIRpwohRFvbT9X_nORi3zRIhA3rwjhrEss_-PMcTIGgzsqXWvrWtGFRZW4D1jcwnZP8ttEQQWVEGOHh_eO5ByuP7vJz6Dyc14RRz-Uj55bynUXBy1RwOT0vQUQcJA1nCn_Z6Kbs/s640/P1160057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
2 nights in Zadar, off we went to Lake Bled in Slovenia. Another long drive, 5
hours at least. We reached Bled, tired, irritated and vowing to do no more long
drives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lake
Bled is very interesting. The Hotel we stayed at, Vila Bled, all the more
interesting. Lake Bled is part of the Lower Alps which run thru Slovenia,
Austria, France, Switzerland etc. This is ski territory. The whole scenery was
very Alpine, naturally, and you could have been in Switzerland and not known
the difference, A lake, a Castle, snow peaked mountains, and green hillsides.
Slovenia was the former Yugoslavia. Marshal Tito was the “King” of Yugoslavia.
He built Vila Bled as his summer retreat. Very Soviet architecture, all square
boxes. A superb location right on the lake side, nothing nearby. Wide
staircases with low risers and broad steps to that you can descend regally. I could
imagine Tito and our very own Indira Gandhi walking these steps, which of
course they did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVujM329S_c5IA4mCV4MkPH4IcA9ahTTlQyryxAjtqPEM1k3bbCdQxeWlqNGs65Fkwwm_jQ6wxZ4J5rMMTyADNhgonUHflK4MsiAtocLeVICyt476uizsO98Yao3ZrmJ7uJ8t62R-uRU/s1600/P1160079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVujM329S_c5IA4mCV4MkPH4IcA9ahTTlQyryxAjtqPEM1k3bbCdQxeWlqNGs65Fkwwm_jQ6wxZ4J5rMMTyADNhgonUHflK4MsiAtocLeVICyt476uizsO98Yao3ZrmJ7uJ8t62R-uRU/s640/P1160079.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwWKU7r_ThFlgWW0frBeHMdDm5E70AiFIjqAjFonAEMqQPI6ofdm9fKFIsh52Qb6Lyv8Z_ZW5lcLh9SEPIJnBCufxuGkQWOvxeF6cyxxPvlJq2e63cdIzj6qcTa4OnGHRhN6pSSC6i5I/s1600/P1160081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwWKU7r_ThFlgWW0frBeHMdDm5E70AiFIjqAjFonAEMqQPI6ofdm9fKFIsh52Qb6Lyv8Z_ZW5lcLh9SEPIJnBCufxuGkQWOvxeF6cyxxPvlJq2e63cdIzj6qcTa4OnGHRhN6pSSC6i5I/s640/P1160081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Vila Bled</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfPj_2lo3J7r9ndiXbxPeWMjQnZOqIAv9cnQ7XnjN1xrsfy5H9S2dwGLO4QOMGkS_JB1_PmOaKhTQpQJmUcSjJMRX-SdHA6JbCdIZSXjyjoi7_1orfn-CkNZu3m-rDUC_NXwhoC2UFHs/s1600/P1160095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfPj_2lo3J7r9ndiXbxPeWMjQnZOqIAv9cnQ7XnjN1xrsfy5H9S2dwGLO4QOMGkS_JB1_PmOaKhTQpQJmUcSjJMRX-SdHA6JbCdIZSXjyjoi7_1orfn-CkNZu3m-rDUC_NXwhoC2UFHs/s640/P1160095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAB6uJIUGXyqjkeB_H-TobD3wSyd2gRhE4RuoebPcFnm4t9-W9xj7vIguEwPg16JjTDVlYNy54C4JwqROESECTLOJWEEVAdSN2HizK0hIMJvYZeVp5Vnq6OspDNI6tveout9DUp0PFzA/s1600/P1160096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAB6uJIUGXyqjkeB_H-TobD3wSyd2gRhE4RuoebPcFnm4t9-W9xj7vIguEwPg16JjTDVlYNy54C4JwqROESECTLOJWEEVAdSN2HizK0hIMJvYZeVp5Vnq6OspDNI6tveout9DUp0PFzA/s640/P1160096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObdOtEADVEGZxV8ChJfqLr8lnMyLM8lKEGTpFWpJ45Ru9vq1P9wVzhQVgxZNKRvsYGS1PK7zqIrSfGA9MMzd71OKVArxp-d3T3o7FZH6ltvZJN4Tq0tlHmn2sXnOT-PKeW-iQLViHBJg/s1600/P1160094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObdOtEADVEGZxV8ChJfqLr8lnMyLM8lKEGTpFWpJ45Ru9vq1P9wVzhQVgxZNKRvsYGS1PK7zqIrSfGA9MMzd71OKVArxp-d3T3o7FZH6ltvZJN4Tq0tlHmn2sXnOT-PKeW-iQLViHBJg/s640/P1160094.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwXEvbz9TUA0SY1AHi7SNKZ8OcE0vLBLOqXn0XG0BTXYXnh-bFnHB76X3jm_uVD9LVAWTzVHwhxVEgk9ToNomgEZ4pNfZL7-x9V_O5wWWWCxllEdrdiECMrdKPJvsZtgjwgb9RuKihqs/s1600/P1160105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwXEvbz9TUA0SY1AHi7SNKZ8OcE0vLBLOqXn0XG0BTXYXnh-bFnHB76X3jm_uVD9LVAWTzVHwhxVEgk9ToNomgEZ4pNfZL7-x9V_O5wWWWCxllEdrdiECMrdKPJvsZtgjwgb9RuKihqs/s640/P1160105.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NHxj_Lbe3X0EaliShYHNrgCs1Xp-78nM2vPfThwDQKkGHgMNONzLyaJqnzZ3cpZ_OADT0A2tzou7FCgg4abSYpPF5Yn1tKyMsuRqOU6urazMwNjm8UxKoMZgYShV3X4UtyT8PK89QZc/s1600/P1160107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NHxj_Lbe3X0EaliShYHNrgCs1Xp-78nM2vPfThwDQKkGHgMNONzLyaJqnzZ3cpZ_OADT0A2tzou7FCgg4abSYpPF5Yn1tKyMsuRqOU6urazMwNjm8UxKoMZgYShV3X4UtyT8PK89QZc/s640/P1160107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Castle above Lake Bled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWZn_P4ESugis5JdojMHu9ZgV96mzBtBMi_KqgjluS96ZH6dgM-IolO6RVhh345rUxOP4fH_cMuMoXAmnYYeykmhhRnjT8XoXHTGWaMtopMtegRjj78R4bb8F-Gt0FwEyiz6BmDnsH7U/s1600/P1160106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWZn_P4ESugis5JdojMHu9ZgV96mzBtBMi_KqgjluS96ZH6dgM-IolO6RVhh345rUxOP4fH_cMuMoXAmnYYeykmhhRnjT8XoXHTGWaMtopMtegRjj78R4bb8F-Gt0FwEyiz6BmDnsH7U/s640/P1160106.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTzjY2C5iodXMUewZP0_wA69xYA0YhvJ1dMNcmlqXR2ktkIOtsmIU_SE50qTRdMQfmJ2PzHJsLnDXWWaggxaNKDHOz5jH7LR2baZAz7k7jd0XEf5Y7syy0z_c-2tHpi9HP7vl5ilSLds/s1600/P1160134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTzjY2C5iodXMUewZP0_wA69xYA0YhvJ1dMNcmlqXR2ktkIOtsmIU_SE50qTRdMQfmJ2PzHJsLnDXWWaggxaNKDHOz5jH7LR2baZAz7k7jd0XEf5Y7syy0z_c-2tHpi9HP7vl5ilSLds/s640/P1160134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Vila Bled another view</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkphxpyJ1Glh6U8jCHP9w6B6aa-UsbU-EziE7POLbnAXlKNnmcAYwwHsm3N_tBPwLOtwArnPrW299PV7madmtzvfFhhRdiNb23SAM2W024OVWJ3u_cQ-nHfkn2EYFsgH-rvpbze_ByiTM/s1600/P1160137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkphxpyJ1Glh6U8jCHP9w6B6aa-UsbU-EziE7POLbnAXlKNnmcAYwwHsm3N_tBPwLOtwArnPrW299PV7madmtzvfFhhRdiNb23SAM2W024OVWJ3u_cQ-nHfkn2EYFsgH-rvpbze_ByiTM/s640/P1160137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
walked around the circumference of Lake Bled, very pleasant. We took a boat to
the Church located in the centre of Lake Bled, very nice. There is a Castle
overlooking the Lake. We had a wonderful meal up there with beautiful views of
the Lake from up high. More of this meal in the next post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBU9nxabyinYfBxn0XyukSbrKH8dWAmQJlzl0GobnAf0CyUq9ezfKeFipiyIXvq6KcopG-ZLUEUb3Q547EV5wBLGmk3DqMguAXIbLjb1nR-_oi97AN8YspEDEF3JwzgpFrCTHZCdchX8/s1600/P1160108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1407" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBU9nxabyinYfBxn0XyukSbrKH8dWAmQJlzl0GobnAf0CyUq9ezfKeFipiyIXvq6KcopG-ZLUEUb3Q547EV5wBLGmk3DqMguAXIbLjb1nR-_oi97AN8YspEDEF3JwzgpFrCTHZCdchX8/s640/P1160108.JPG" width="562" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_5WYpPy3TDnB5Gotf7JjUEsjtlTeRKYfR4t3UhqTh47bDw59zmxg08vwh-NUI771B1F_ftdApTKIjRNQmlPzZuL_b84C6dhDJVkFnTPMG-Qr5Lgp2KE8lL_x56vGC6ipt3p6mUPPE6A/s1600/P1160109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_5WYpPy3TDnB5Gotf7JjUEsjtlTeRKYfR4t3UhqTh47bDw59zmxg08vwh-NUI771B1F_ftdApTKIjRNQmlPzZuL_b84C6dhDJVkFnTPMG-Qr5Lgp2KE8lL_x56vGC6ipt3p6mUPPE6A/s640/P1160109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtzAyPXCSqj_DEpBgRFoUNf2jNpiulTPPX72YB5nA8epjus7Fdptap7tPfhOTVSLP1i9JiSCUY2bCl5X-Q-RY6UJb0oObk35FimbIVRVSFK1-f26eZs31XwvF9QqveM0KUYQsBFnxFdQ/s1600/P1160114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtzAyPXCSqj_DEpBgRFoUNf2jNpiulTPPX72YB5nA8epjus7Fdptap7tPfhOTVSLP1i9JiSCUY2bCl5X-Q-RY6UJb0oObk35FimbIVRVSFK1-f26eZs31XwvF9QqveM0KUYQsBFnxFdQ/s640/P1160114.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrjsC6rN2IG9paCXKniaCtyCWO4IRsbFKlSRfPi4YbU1ZFdzLB4nfJkz7xio53XIa_K-rzrQ9LrfkIc1f1f3uJHxHTb-hHHvMdQyR_dsWpCLTkPxaEnxidCgzAT946YB7KVOUxImA_cU/s1600/P1160116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrjsC6rN2IG9paCXKniaCtyCWO4IRsbFKlSRfPi4YbU1ZFdzLB4nfJkz7xio53XIa_K-rzrQ9LrfkIc1f1f3uJHxHTb-hHHvMdQyR_dsWpCLTkPxaEnxidCgzAT946YB7KVOUxImA_cU/s640/P1160116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We saw some stunning flowers when walking</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdiropLAJV5ps1-sivnKUdW2gLwi01O5-8joNjJhB6ZT52P9yNGaWXsX9Xv4a3uCh8Vr6hj7z2Ny31jEFDb6Pc07iOmpJeCwV86WUZrlkUrJ4S5-bl4mr3pkvZjVFm-5kxwEiZp5fg4Y/s1600/P1160119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdiropLAJV5ps1-sivnKUdW2gLwi01O5-8joNjJhB6ZT52P9yNGaWXsX9Xv4a3uCh8Vr6hj7z2Ny31jEFDb6Pc07iOmpJeCwV86WUZrlkUrJ4S5-bl4mr3pkvZjVFm-5kxwEiZp5fg4Y/s640/P1160119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSxwQW-uAOrIPkcoXH4bLyn8T6aPG7zW3tzuaDODqNWl2cWI7ka6HXhtExpnZAscg3UEf6DQ3J8K_nXkIr0J5_qRbEyviL6Yvri1LXK2FqPkt7iXQJdWY7KXWTccw7m2cCSK0z6pEqNg/s1600/P1160123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSxwQW-uAOrIPkcoXH4bLyn8T6aPG7zW3tzuaDODqNWl2cWI7ka6HXhtExpnZAscg3UEf6DQ3J8K_nXkIr0J5_qRbEyviL6Yvri1LXK2FqPkt7iXQJdWY7KXWTccw7m2cCSK0z6pEqNg/s640/P1160123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMvbdsW4TyBkRw2DGGr9aG-T-dUvL2-mrZV4MFNt2gBNRE_v65ED9qg-9G4SUxxYoF3dpt7U_zx_mZPFIp3_TBEd6lHtiWCM64UavEIVu7rEH5jKrduILqMV-lPtfn4sCiDkqiif9lyI/s1600/P1160138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMvbdsW4TyBkRw2DGGr9aG-T-dUvL2-mrZV4MFNt2gBNRE_v65ED9qg-9G4SUxxYoF3dpt7U_zx_mZPFIp3_TBEd6lHtiWCM64UavEIVu7rEH5jKrduILqMV-lPtfn4sCiDkqiif9lyI/s640/P1160138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And plenty of wild mushroom</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E0TIMkva5meAFzJSID2c2mhnhNkyTg1cYtB4uANoiBHb24FEVyZVZt03IGjPXgAQacTWXNUloaShEKHcsIGQ8hkp0qJVKyBvkAvhoB_y8Pzl7_OpISo-_cd3RcZA_WqGYnHZSEPn7Go/s1600/P1160102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E0TIMkva5meAFzJSID2c2mhnhNkyTg1cYtB4uANoiBHb24FEVyZVZt03IGjPXgAQacTWXNUloaShEKHcsIGQ8hkp0qJVKyBvkAvhoB_y8Pzl7_OpISo-_cd3RcZA_WqGYnHZSEPn7Go/s640/P1160102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0xzo3V7ZPLceveCoJy2dwoGUWso3EwJNHIRuzohnLCROq4oJOmjq9CnsIPPDjoLOiOkmqKXpEC53b5YVC7XoqBzcycqmEN1Bb9JzJR9Sd2C0ZIC_b8mtvjWtXRjBGUaRvhb3PZFMsTc/s1600/P1160100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0xzo3V7ZPLceveCoJy2dwoGUWso3EwJNHIRuzohnLCROq4oJOmjq9CnsIPPDjoLOiOkmqKXpEC53b5YVC7XoqBzcycqmEN1Bb9JzJR9Sd2C0ZIC_b8mtvjWtXRjBGUaRvhb3PZFMsTc/s640/P1160100.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And statues</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
next day we took a mercifully short bus ride to Lake Bohinj which is much
larger than Lake Bled. We walked around the circumference of this lake. A very
enjoyable walk made all the more pleasant with the fantastic weather. From the
hot [30C] degrees in Dubrovnik we were now at an agreeable 6C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWfDEPnpbj3PCJ_So2z452oiovx3Y9vzlCpwhyEdiBvc4WIYcC2Zz7gpLSgYQZuRnJC74QmtxM2aA8nv1gfR-HEq2CNv1fCxOAUjKNl-192a9IOpv4l6heWq4vWd1vhZiuusV6b8NvA8/s1600/P1160154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWfDEPnpbj3PCJ_So2z452oiovx3Y9vzlCpwhyEdiBvc4WIYcC2Zz7gpLSgYQZuRnJC74QmtxM2aA8nv1gfR-HEq2CNv1fCxOAUjKNl-192a9IOpv4l6heWq4vWd1vhZiuusV6b8NvA8/s640/P1160154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh3WRHt8RZTRKgUn4a-AmW7IHd7zx-59jLp_HekOIupU2VSlvzB0UniOjdH3DRKPCrA18Mo9ej2avye7KBNPZ_pWM89TKoCXcDD5JUSAoW5EgDBOZBWFGaYHnardUQQDB2yZqBQ21_DM/s1600/P1160155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh3WRHt8RZTRKgUn4a-AmW7IHd7zx-59jLp_HekOIupU2VSlvzB0UniOjdH3DRKPCrA18Mo9ej2avye7KBNPZ_pWM89TKoCXcDD5JUSAoW5EgDBOZBWFGaYHnardUQQDB2yZqBQ21_DM/s640/P1160155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciZWUuhunqBtah2X6BlAZHcB-VzAKW7cK9ZxK9SeOxGLTUi-SFb0UD_p2JWd9t062dFLT_GJhklZthQ3pYpVG6EelV1NZIz7zxCgF7r5quajbK3HVL9pTQqa7_7I0AZltqV321ImefhE/s1600/P1160169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciZWUuhunqBtah2X6BlAZHcB-VzAKW7cK9ZxK9SeOxGLTUi-SFb0UD_p2JWd9t062dFLT_GJhklZthQ3pYpVG6EelV1NZIz7zxCgF7r5quajbK3HVL9pTQqa7_7I0AZltqV321ImefhE/s640/P1160169.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The walk around Lake Bohinj</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
3 nights in Lake Bled, we left for Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. En route we
stopped for lunch in the charming city of Ljubljana. Now, I am not being
dismissive in the least, but with Ljubljana you could be in any town Europe.
Exceedingly pretty, but, to that extent undistinguishable from another pretty
European town. Once again, a Funicular ride up to the Castle, rather
disappointing I must say. There was a farmer’s market on in the centre where we
bought some excellent cured sausage and smoked Pancetta. Jumbo was immediately
drawn to the superb fruit on display and proceeded to buy and eat Persimmon at
peak ripeness with Mrs Jumbo and HRH the Queen of Kutch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE7F9VgP9Tn9CvGoPD52zIi_gmMoJOOHGOFZRPXUMv77bw6Filry_9x5WOkcWu8lyNGwvkim4GxnSOMlSwUlcfLdG68deo7aFrNbBfnaJbjbFivXaRsbioCvNGZpnLrMgrcECBJ3R6ug/s1600/P1160203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1493" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE7F9VgP9Tn9CvGoPD52zIi_gmMoJOOHGOFZRPXUMv77bw6Filry_9x5WOkcWu8lyNGwvkim4GxnSOMlSwUlcfLdG68deo7aFrNbBfnaJbjbFivXaRsbioCvNGZpnLrMgrcECBJ3R6ug/s640/P1160203.JPG" width="596" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqfqUYhgfyBCLpn0K3coLg1XJ_v-6frvQXsSCQhxIWRKG5yEs5hcPZNfPhVvhw3Fcj9fU4kYhhZHaX_3T4RkGnpbAlrjq12699-MOesIcyyES3-IR4Kb8m8ZKIr8Ng10Friq_BSVLmlw/s1600/P1160204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqfqUYhgfyBCLpn0K3coLg1XJ_v-6frvQXsSCQhxIWRKG5yEs5hcPZNfPhVvhw3Fcj9fU4kYhhZHaX_3T4RkGnpbAlrjq12699-MOesIcyyES3-IR4Kb8m8ZKIr8Ng10Friq_BSVLmlw/s640/P1160204.JPG" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIbwf_42WvlP1IAJJkipiwYYvVZT1VJf0G8v0a2dO0_LH1F4yjSND_KSkO5nXpg00cG7cQT-XOqX2_WuczXhTFPp8jDa-xZvJwQapXRY2vak8yGunFenfE10Cyrg3GhBMaUXQfvo2dXk/s1600/P1160205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIbwf_42WvlP1IAJJkipiwYYvVZT1VJf0G8v0a2dO0_LH1F4yjSND_KSkO5nXpg00cG7cQT-XOqX2_WuczXhTFPp8jDa-xZvJwQapXRY2vak8yGunFenfE10Cyrg3GhBMaUXQfvo2dXk/s640/P1160205.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmNddM_BnDq-_Y0uBaJKoLSQ-xN_4-C4oPfNyyQQQnhEmP8wNWtINn8f5QS07Ty8SUPH02seD05ZY8GmJfrgA_zhMTzYjYffNiJJojK4yOS1cM9vN8fVgNS4BTZe96zAXLKwdY3Kcef8/s1600/P1160206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmNddM_BnDq-_Y0uBaJKoLSQ-xN_4-C4oPfNyyQQQnhEmP8wNWtINn8f5QS07Ty8SUPH02seD05ZY8GmJfrgA_zhMTzYjYffNiJJojK4yOS1cM9vN8fVgNS4BTZe96zAXLKwdY3Kcef8/s640/P1160206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6jtiiyInUGVPkVGQL_dDtwaOALYaOAUvZ1TkgXzNt2F8ovTz78KcpZig6_0R5KqjNkxZK80BFH9dwh7zxUdZknn9U4GUtW3MbGmBCQDcU33K9AyyQFt4uEHh8W5FkiQJ2bTs7iRhBOs/s1600/P1160209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6jtiiyInUGVPkVGQL_dDtwaOALYaOAUvZ1TkgXzNt2F8ovTz78KcpZig6_0R5KqjNkxZK80BFH9dwh7zxUdZknn9U4GUtW3MbGmBCQDcU33K9AyyQFt4uEHh8W5FkiQJ2bTs7iRhBOs/s640/P1160209.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeW1_XjaCctEkcnjvNUB-9_YYwEf_szPyZG9QiwZoB7ZAHj3Pe0vgNCfUqWGn3MOcS1xvs1iYIlTR_ccTllpaxAq8d6hrwv2pYLwLrPeO0A_fVK_p5Fb4GkbG5V2RN-jOsUT_fuRdmQ4/s1600/P1160210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeW1_XjaCctEkcnjvNUB-9_YYwEf_szPyZG9QiwZoB7ZAHj3Pe0vgNCfUqWGn3MOcS1xvs1iYIlTR_ccTllpaxAq8d6hrwv2pYLwLrPeO0A_fVK_p5Fb4GkbG5V2RN-jOsUT_fuRdmQ4/s640/P1160210.JPG" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: All in <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ljubljana</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlVENNXnencgpL3IkGtpo7dzCE3knkrf8ki-AGxLQx7AhJsMUvKo2-H4KoEV5_UZEKsFuAuChaOqCGf7Jb2XkOAIUjBQL8jktvbRjP7sBWbxn2hnNLczOPXvGj8CghrkPyXBtrj1K87Wx/s1600/IMG-20191102-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlVENNXnencgpL3IkGtpo7dzCE3knkrf8ki-AGxLQx7AhJsMUvKo2-H4KoEV5_UZEKsFuAuChaOqCGf7Jb2XkOAIUjBQL8jktvbRjP7sBWbxn2hnNLczOPXvGj8CghrkPyXBtrj1K87Wx/s640/IMG-20191102-WA0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
reached Zagreb and checked into a really nice hotel the Esplanade. Zagreb was a
stop on the Orient Express and the Hotel was built to cater to these passengers.
A short walk from the Hotel was Zagreb old town. Very very beautiful. Splendid
buildings, charming squares, nice shopping streets and little alleys. Zagreb
was serendipity. People had told us that Zagreb is avoidable, but, honestly,
that is wrong. I honestly believe that if you stay in the wrong part of Zagreb,
it can be disappointing. We were lucky having chosen the regal elegant grand
dame Hotel Esplanade. All of us thought Zagreb was wonderful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipILZ_y-0kWnv1keT_uO3fTd5hjhvHf2O1a8y-XV3P88Kqms5vSxKCu0Su5WZuO-qJ36n7dLaYROjohRAAEiH9REPgQUW5B2XyPqnQBGv_faBpPGc7nJjHp9klyfHome06VOqy-q4M79I/s1600/P1160215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipILZ_y-0kWnv1keT_uO3fTd5hjhvHf2O1a8y-XV3P88Kqms5vSxKCu0Su5WZuO-qJ36n7dLaYROjohRAAEiH9REPgQUW5B2XyPqnQBGv_faBpPGc7nJjHp9klyfHome06VOqy-q4M79I/s640/P1160215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93t2KNQNXvz5DIkxU-zQl4udMk6xV2vMGSZHlMA7A93Y7_-Ktl926wxJtyPsipbo3n59O_Gsy_g3gSAiQ9NpsqCm4gp2HGO1mLLOfaAA8T_Y0sRi36pQBNuTMLFjxzzGX9RdFK3XW-Kk/s1600/P1160217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93t2KNQNXvz5DIkxU-zQl4udMk6xV2vMGSZHlMA7A93Y7_-Ktl926wxJtyPsipbo3n59O_Gsy_g3gSAiQ9NpsqCm4gp2HGO1mLLOfaAA8T_Y0sRi36pQBNuTMLFjxzzGX9RdFK3XW-Kk/s640/P1160217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, not Shivaji</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuMLB3ONNwtgnte1MWbROe4azjelKg80LFKjkbRKAI0z0-U5oYhwTyFyvrG7LgDXX1eT_C3b9zIZ3GZCI56fHt5A6IZq8PoREb54T7xpgrcLAyVy_uBhs9oRoAZrt_RhB-kVTqYUNFDc/s1600/P1160218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="890" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuMLB3ONNwtgnte1MWbROe4azjelKg80LFKjkbRKAI0z0-U5oYhwTyFyvrG7LgDXX1eT_C3b9zIZ3GZCI56fHt5A6IZq8PoREb54T7xpgrcLAyVy_uBhs9oRoAZrt_RhB-kVTqYUNFDc/s640/P1160218.JPG" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa6ucZra1toH8cVU0-fOqkQyh1cP5r4wthkah6tmcrS8Vz8MBRODqXc5gZpUlVIA-A2SKqubr42DWfn3ypoZ5N7VFC8h9Y_vN8a3S2NqSdAht8r07lkggi8jLBO3o5gFkmUsdRAAaZFM/s1600/P1160224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa6ucZra1toH8cVU0-fOqkQyh1cP5r4wthkah6tmcrS8Vz8MBRODqXc5gZpUlVIA-A2SKqubr42DWfn3ypoZ5N7VFC8h9Y_vN8a3S2NqSdAht8r07lkggi8jLBO3o5gFkmUsdRAAaZFM/s640/P1160224.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFzqSVwsermZfknyia1CgITu-QkjQ_FCPz8l0p0y_UfIMFMrabFmEuGVj1luTUIrV7ILVdGLWVQqYJag_qwHhbc2Ds3AYmj4GNUuTIG7FfWRbkVZ104UFGDrl__srBXQIWFgggWbKxWg/s1600/P1160223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="954" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFzqSVwsermZfknyia1CgITu-QkjQ_FCPz8l0p0y_UfIMFMrabFmEuGVj1luTUIrV7ILVdGLWVQqYJag_qwHhbc2Ds3AYmj4GNUuTIG7FfWRbkVZ104UFGDrl__srBXQIWFgggWbKxWg/s640/P1160223.JPG" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQB_0m7Xi5Tb5_kaFjf0chb1UqnwpMNOHmL-us1mayQCapi3Jhyphenhyphen1ofODoEgb7rofpMLMMCt7aDeApdrV_2LmSympOD0TAMEy9s0Z3nv7DVUX1jADpu_F2Sfx-RUZPxG6-xU2rmXNlDck/s1600/P1160221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1600" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQB_0m7Xi5Tb5_kaFjf0chb1UqnwpMNOHmL-us1mayQCapi3Jhyphenhyphen1ofODoEgb7rofpMLMMCt7aDeApdrV_2LmSympOD0TAMEy9s0Z3nv7DVUX1jADpu_F2Sfx-RUZPxG6-xU2rmXNlDck/s640/P1160221.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNpPNQSd_FDgwoitnmTa39vxGW43Uh6XUeNQMBbyXZREzx14UT4EVDThC8SWqnJv_cHP3lZuW5MFL-Oassyz24ohhyxrR00_KfM7FD3bRxCa-AFprY9g49KVhZ3WyVLCRhHm-ArQy_5c/s1600/P1160225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNpPNQSd_FDgwoitnmTa39vxGW43Uh6XUeNQMBbyXZREzx14UT4EVDThC8SWqnJv_cHP3lZuW5MFL-Oassyz24ohhyxrR00_KfM7FD3bRxCa-AFprY9g49KVhZ3WyVLCRhHm-ArQy_5c/s640/P1160225.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMK4zatZbQzxY0weC8yp7KzvBWaNEBFLwyqywTuXThyphenhyphen3qlnVmeZoKFg7lJl9vcOWrMJBXWGn3iF4o6onkmDtraQ1WBqsJX3KLY6QHDlNl2RaQfq3y3ZGTLxaZPWaunVQ2gG3KW8Rmpx8/s1600/P1160228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMK4zatZbQzxY0weC8yp7KzvBWaNEBFLwyqywTuXThyphenhyphen3qlnVmeZoKFg7lJl9vcOWrMJBXWGn3iF4o6onkmDtraQ1WBqsJX3KLY6QHDlNl2RaQfq3y3ZGTLxaZPWaunVQ2gG3KW8Rmpx8/s640/P1160228.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRbeM_TDt8niPhlAJE47m7RwCpdx1fs6ZTwLespx5oGtSRe6c47KKSuHqnMeJCydxcXei40w9PD45JlL60oTl_1UVsczwsDCQ8jWdip20p7c9lDeVv_Lyss990HzlZXKYKBFKyE2UEI4/s1600/P1160227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRbeM_TDt8niPhlAJE47m7RwCpdx1fs6ZTwLespx5oGtSRe6c47KKSuHqnMeJCydxcXei40w9PD45JlL60oTl_1UVsczwsDCQ8jWdip20p7c9lDeVv_Lyss990HzlZXKYKBFKyE2UEI4/s640/P1160227.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89LVCQvYxNsrvtIAZRKuftCvuKrdiGIaPtWl_z0TiTWQYLboD_Od55dJBFGc3hLK0rJN5EAMDDbNlS5pqTDf1U2lx_66lP5CnhxJP1EMLlRKo5UJ46ssx-eXRHwH7X5X0i2xZSndooNc/s1600/P1160229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89LVCQvYxNsrvtIAZRKuftCvuKrdiGIaPtWl_z0TiTWQYLboD_Od55dJBFGc3hLK0rJN5EAMDDbNlS5pqTDf1U2lx_66lP5CnhxJP1EMLlRKo5UJ46ssx-eXRHwH7X5X0i2xZSndooNc/s640/P1160229.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTOoV3ZkClM-sc2iYvlSa6V8msGGopOYjCg5sZ6y0a7wmwzVpCnzaZgW8H_BM4RpsLnIBMXO2bm_Ui9aPIVfAMCx_xabSRSxvAlpG1PzUknU-WXnm4KKe75Ufj-Kn7lGnoP4SeNZlXBw/s1600/P1160226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTOoV3ZkClM-sc2iYvlSa6V8msGGopOYjCg5sZ6y0a7wmwzVpCnzaZgW8H_BM4RpsLnIBMXO2bm_Ui9aPIVfAMCx_xabSRSxvAlpG1PzUknU-WXnm4KKe75Ufj-Kn7lGnoP4SeNZlXBw/s640/P1160226.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlzJLt6NgzxCZItU21jKkThneQBJJm6wtNW5yybTcPqfSnxAnnwtklUKvYvzStoKWeSpSHkNCK3k-s-D_tiMLmCWrk4w8vQ95tvIwi1NuVWJ9kdglSvTCrK_ZwxVNLjbxRNJTVCVxriI/s1600/P1160236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlzJLt6NgzxCZItU21jKkThneQBJJm6wtNW5yybTcPqfSnxAnnwtklUKvYvzStoKWeSpSHkNCK3k-s-D_tiMLmCWrk4w8vQ95tvIwi1NuVWJ9kdglSvTCrK_ZwxVNLjbxRNJTVCVxriI/s640/P1160236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ty9tRkLHlcmZkvmppphGFCRz_XADHaZ6BI95-bAuk8M39vr3nT3rBhyphenhyphengYN0b1CTkGUu42qS4vNV_1sbxYF0sWrD0rafjmfgWiX0njIXz7MkioxcG7wh-qHfhEVFZYHNMiZHqTON0Ha0/s1600/P1160238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ty9tRkLHlcmZkvmppphGFCRz_XADHaZ6BI95-bAuk8M39vr3nT3rBhyphenhyphengYN0b1CTkGUu42qS4vNV_1sbxYF0sWrD0rafjmfgWiX0njIXz7MkioxcG7wh-qHfhEVFZYHNMiZHqTON0Ha0/s640/P1160238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgL9yaR4k6-7XfKwIzdBTmdqWWWQ-c_-q_Dm9MDxKv0tAzijF4QbcpSZElRS-djaemR2lGmNUfvY3amSE9bZTcvAhIizizOPFcdVKjUyhw1-FtHMvY7W56BKnJCeq8FMTAggIbgAN4kho/s1600/P1160237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgL9yaR4k6-7XfKwIzdBTmdqWWWQ-c_-q_Dm9MDxKv0tAzijF4QbcpSZElRS-djaemR2lGmNUfvY3amSE9bZTcvAhIizizOPFcdVKjUyhw1-FtHMvY7W56BKnJCeq8FMTAggIbgAN4kho/s640/P1160237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AU1LvnPd-BAWW86j39c8_W2quZJ_s4vJlxmsLQ0shvoLx1sXo2lXSrbbGzI2JgDSflLoqqullevaD9GSrMbGbFl9p8fFRQgmQkGrh9nMn5pYMUv5CxX6h2n6BUAjkW5Jwkz8AKFtKAo/s1600/P1160243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AU1LvnPd-BAWW86j39c8_W2quZJ_s4vJlxmsLQ0shvoLx1sXo2lXSrbbGzI2JgDSflLoqqullevaD9GSrMbGbFl9p8fFRQgmQkGrh9nMn5pYMUv5CxX6h2n6BUAjkW5Jwkz8AKFtKAo/s640/P1160243.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuPWcw8h7vaq1OFW63dYyLkwvQXKbD5t3Z0OKnjT2y_WRO9189JB54UaF3yRGu_FT5fodPm0YtufwUiZKvQa4Rzv9jFwc-uoDhbLD025Uj6UfPw4mG9FP5APbXtT9TxorpSWBTBaD4iQ/s1600/P1160246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuPWcw8h7vaq1OFW63dYyLkwvQXKbD5t3Z0OKnjT2y_WRO9189JB54UaF3yRGu_FT5fodPm0YtufwUiZKvQa4Rzv9jFwc-uoDhbLD025Uj6UfPw4mG9FP5APbXtT9TxorpSWBTBaD4iQ/s640/P1160246.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_DBBbPsB5yuC-tT31yvkcBaZenmbsue_uGWJnr_5Gcxcj8rqPIVZ2V9nTA9qf8O5BOJVLaaujIXhJtVAhHWy9KOKf1cdqMGZX94yvqAbVb8bWzd7IN9zZWxnOxIpPaqOwlmxvIv8k7c/s1600/P1160250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_DBBbPsB5yuC-tT31yvkcBaZenmbsue_uGWJnr_5Gcxcj8rqPIVZ2V9nTA9qf8O5BOJVLaaujIXhJtVAhHWy9KOKf1cdqMGZX94yvqAbVb8bWzd7IN9zZWxnOxIpPaqOwlmxvIv8k7c/s640/P1160250.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQar9-uvZm5wGdWyzyT7J31wTqevlYIyB9fXQVthESehm0UTFeTeo52-4rG5hfwdiCPZgH0o62kpbhnmZOXeUvZu7WoUTtaHVU0pbXh2dHf8seGP5bKlZ2VQfbsxXD7zXn-lKX4rNd8o/s1600/P1160251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQar9-uvZm5wGdWyzyT7J31wTqevlYIyB9fXQVthESehm0UTFeTeo52-4rG5hfwdiCPZgH0o62kpbhnmZOXeUvZu7WoUTtaHVU0pbXh2dHf8seGP5bKlZ2VQfbsxXD7zXn-lKX4rNd8o/s640/P1160251.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNrQNgoO5inRabWjCl71Cf8g9h0mm1ocYQqdpq_VoE_jiKmB6Z2rsZ1ye8vp9rd_NKZuRsrkcvL7uKrwstZujh_c0F33zImmZmyIqSbg3RdpEXZejnGAo_QM-fAaJ8x0kwYzaA9k2QYQ/s1600/P1160259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNrQNgoO5inRabWjCl71Cf8g9h0mm1ocYQqdpq_VoE_jiKmB6Z2rsZ1ye8vp9rd_NKZuRsrkcvL7uKrwstZujh_c0F33zImmZmyIqSbg3RdpEXZejnGAo_QM-fAaJ8x0kwYzaA9k2QYQ/s640/P1160259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4YnU7IP0Dp1PIld8I9X5-GudehbrH3Kb_uiut0ta5tSr7T7SMXWuFWzmOV7Bnk6kAsrsc1HdXskHHcPnWzpmmEORRSDyCmlZMkice6gI73uPOhq8kd7LzaxNajYa9eEdLMRZ6Q6s5F8/s1600/P1160261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4YnU7IP0Dp1PIld8I9X5-GudehbrH3Kb_uiut0ta5tSr7T7SMXWuFWzmOV7Bnk6kAsrsc1HdXskHHcPnWzpmmEORRSDyCmlZMkice6gI73uPOhq8kd7LzaxNajYa9eEdLMRZ6Q6s5F8/s640/P1160261.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcuBS42nnB0-sWNbGWi3YW2R9izxAJ9Wkw2df5-rTptYNtVq-fGUZjKD_-NiHeDu0YU2N26OB93-oF8u-ayRSpou7MkztsRBEgb5NkOV0NflAcTLtG4HTNQnarfUXgKXSXAthdGh2lVg/s1600/P1160269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcuBS42nnB0-sWNbGWi3YW2R9izxAJ9Wkw2df5-rTptYNtVq-fGUZjKD_-NiHeDu0YU2N26OB93-oF8u-ayRSpou7MkztsRBEgb5NkOV0NflAcTLtG4HTNQnarfUXgKXSXAthdGh2lVg/s640/P1160269.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj330fw8ZG89avhBVTooEW_MRWHHvXndwKgp0KGWgoDqKQuWHfd4Jfrmwqs5IwLtUOs-ZbnhI5XY0H0D8CekoblGgNVCUrSohFKm1uXc67PN4sLbb8xO34aFGXL__XRlXQ-RIb6cYBrY0Y/s1600/P1160271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj330fw8ZG89avhBVTooEW_MRWHHvXndwKgp0KGWgoDqKQuWHfd4Jfrmwqs5IwLtUOs-ZbnhI5XY0H0D8CekoblGgNVCUrSohFKm1uXc67PN4sLbb8xO34aFGXL__XRlXQ-RIb6cYBrY0Y/s640/P1160271.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHce2ca_JItg4CkTNlJtCabSDXvqFHubbLfK0UrfL-NSt3S3H3XFkd-Cloy6RT2HHw_o0Khj6xH-AhNPoi8B7z11e6jQo4sibJhPNSZOJe2GD5WfUsV4PFf77xO9o5-CUiGmZm_l6tBk/s1600/P1160270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHce2ca_JItg4CkTNlJtCabSDXvqFHubbLfK0UrfL-NSt3S3H3XFkd-Cloy6RT2HHw_o0Khj6xH-AhNPoi8B7z11e6jQo4sibJhPNSZOJe2GD5WfUsV4PFf77xO9o5-CUiGmZm_l6tBk/s640/P1160270.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSK9rhOR-ZEB5UT6OY1maEIjLF_DJxlIOeaONs4RJiyhUFgWa2moftP0_JQV_fE2_P3dms4Mwa_KLTlVxO6fZaqxPblBpouIcV3vYDltefVV13r0KDkwgsAUFi6kL2jShqvH2cqh04aE/s1600/P1160276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSK9rhOR-ZEB5UT6OY1maEIjLF_DJxlIOeaONs4RJiyhUFgWa2moftP0_JQV_fE2_P3dms4Mwa_KLTlVxO6fZaqxPblBpouIcV3vYDltefVV13r0KDkwgsAUFi6kL2jShqvH2cqh04aE/s640/P1160276.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqEcXDOz2NZr_csaBNI5Cjznp3krn2SvzncLkWL2YaUgt9XW6CSrVpYLh76RUElNViHaecewkLsgQeT0bGKPvWCdfQfAOFDriW_Fn7aZ9A8OM5TVSBxvjA1vdYEbg365ibCE9YrXqock/s1600/IMG-20191105-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="1024" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqEcXDOz2NZr_csaBNI5Cjznp3krn2SvzncLkWL2YaUgt9XW6CSrVpYLh76RUElNViHaecewkLsgQeT0bGKPvWCdfQfAOFDriW_Fn7aZ9A8OM5TVSBxvjA1vdYEbg365ibCE9YrXqock/s640/IMG-20191105-WA0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOksdVjIyZpND3Fce0Nx8G8oYQiQNcMD4loki5crgOjZmGrdKTnJwQI8ckObHsdg_p0tl2OHoU6JCi1eO0oXuFO4MqyctA7AzfdiyBL3Lbjbj4Tyd5zuR1ysCT7WJvYBydfRekHGKimQ/s1600/IMG-20191105-WA0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOksdVjIyZpND3Fce0Nx8G8oYQiQNcMD4loki5crgOjZmGrdKTnJwQI8ckObHsdg_p0tl2OHoU6JCi1eO0oXuFO4MqyctA7AzfdiyBL3Lbjbj4Tyd5zuR1ysCT7WJvYBydfRekHGKimQ/s640/IMG-20191105-WA0024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U6lwcQvBknU4km6B6nJM9gOr75LwbWusm22SbvEk-SOGEeb5L9NpRKXhnWd0RCSG5vgwLvPBJHA0ZH7kuu2gTpnBgMtfHyJNL64xtO0_mPfVs24WsnDX0JvGFsZeEBEDXswEYxuSNEQ/s1600/IMG-20191105-WA0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U6lwcQvBknU4km6B6nJM9gOr75LwbWusm22SbvEk-SOGEeb5L9NpRKXhnWd0RCSG5vgwLvPBJHA0ZH7kuu2gTpnBgMtfHyJNL64xtO0_mPfVs24WsnDX0JvGFsZeEBEDXswEYxuSNEQ/s640/IMG-20191105-WA0032.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Beautiful Zagreb. Different styles including Art Deco. A lovely city</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
2 nights in Zagreb we all went our separate ways and caught flights back, some
to UK, some to Dubai and poor us back to Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
fantastic holiday. We all absolutely and unequivocally say you must do what we
did. You may change the yacht to a day or two in Hvar. The only note of caution
I must give you is that the summer months are hot and crowded, and,
consequently, expensive. Do try and travel at the end of summer, a much better
experience. To conclude, I must say that our travel agents who are Croatia
experts, <a href="http://thememorymakers.in/" target="_blank">Memory Makers</a>, did a wonderful job for us. Utterly seamless with no
glitches, and every whim met. Do use them if this post persuades you to visit
Croatia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-27391291050322902242019-10-23T23:05:00.002+05:302019-10-24T03:11:04.109+05:30Bob Bob Cite - London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><b> [THIS IS WRITTEN BY HRH THE QUEEN OF KUTCH]</b></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dinner
was to be at the 4-month-old much flaunted, over-the-top city extravaganza -
Bob Bob Cite. We had read some good reviews and knowing the Chef was the brilliant Eric Chavot, we did not hesitate to make a reservation way in advance. A bit
of a back story, no two back stories…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
have eaten several outstanding meals at the Chef’s eponymous restaurant
Brasserie Chavot at the Capital Hotel in Mayfair and were devastated when he
decided to shut the restaurant in the end of 2015. In his announcement he said
he would announce his new site shortly and Mr Stonethrower and I have been
eagerly waiting for Chef Chavot to re-emerge. His Deep fried Soft Shelled Crab
with Saffron Aioli was the stuff dreams were made off. Then finally, it
was announced that he would be helming Bob Bob Cite, the sister restaurant of
the glamourous Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. If you haven’t already, read about <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2014/03/brasserie-chavot.html" target="_blank">Brasserie Chavot here.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bob
Bob Ricard is the uber luxury iconic Soho restaurant that has epitomised
indulgence and excess ever since it opened its doors a decade ago. The
seemingly bizarre décor inspired by the Orient Express and the and ‘Press for
Champagne” button at each table ensured it was “The Place” for the most
outlandish indulgent celebrations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssGdny8Kt9f7sP5FIcbZ1w0iPSP6Ekx01CXqEOPMERbyOkPNJJDdihgrDEl0gZZzh2XI8PV7EZ_1foyvqN2PXqR1yFUsSm85YPp10OFufSUna-wuagGPvkMbtCqDdogVEyMxb130pVek/s1600/P1150849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssGdny8Kt9f7sP5FIcbZ1w0iPSP6Ekx01CXqEOPMERbyOkPNJJDdihgrDEl0gZZzh2XI8PV7EZ_1foyvqN2PXqR1yFUsSm85YPp10OFufSUna-wuagGPvkMbtCqDdogVEyMxb130pVek/s640/P1150849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Press for Champagne. I wish I had a switch like this at home.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
back to Bob Bob Cite. It is housed in the financial district of the City of
London in the new wedge-shaped glass clad Leadenhall Building which has been
nicknamed the Cheesegrater - a name originally given to it by the City of London Corporation's </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">chief planning officer, Peter Rees, who upon seeing a model of the concept
said, he could imagine his wife using it to grate Parmesan. [The name] stuck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
wowing of Bob Bob Cite begins ever before you enter the restaurant when you
enter the atrium of the Cheesegrater and tilt your head up to when seems like
an oblong UFO suspended in mid-air with a flickering LED ticker tape running
along the top. The ticker lists the dishes served. We had been on a walk in the City to see the brilliant buildings up close. <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2015/03/londons-new-buildings.html?m=1" target="_blank">You can read about that here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
dedicated elevator whisks you up the 30 odd feet and duly alerted front of
house are ready to welcome you into a glittering Orient Express inspired Shangri
La. Lights glitter and flash. Every surface shines. Corridors seems endless. A
bluish light guides you through to two large dining rooms with old fashioned
booth only seating. The booths are plush leather in deep blue and scarlet red.
Each booth comes with a “Press for Champagne” button and considering we are in
the financial district where being always connected is critical, a charging
point and a USB port. The red and blue ticker, a nod to the stock market
flickers around the restaurant and I believe corresponds to the table numbers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A bit
more about the décor before I get to the food. Owner Leonid Shutov has spared
no expense to make this the most extravagant restaurant in the City. This
includes 25 bespoke chandeliers, endless corridors of mirror polished steel
trim and a staggering 80000 hand-polished wall panelling bolts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDgnLxu2MDEaMjB-HAXK8Pn82y-6JzscUlekHKnQqwXe54IBZ1Cp8Cl4wJ-bfHPOm3KYZolWJNuDUATqIYaz-4KnayFYofn43jK57ueYCFnCsWJSBuUSDyhzqIQY7Szwg9HnQKap1Wps/s1600/P1150848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDgnLxu2MDEaMjB-HAXK8Pn82y-6JzscUlekHKnQqwXe54IBZ1Cp8Cl4wJ-bfHPOm3KYZolWJNuDUATqIYaz-4KnayFYofn43jK57ueYCFnCsWJSBuUSDyhzqIQY7Szwg9HnQKap1Wps/s640/P1150848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Guests
are invited to start with shots of ice cold Russian Standard vodka before the
brilliance of Eric Chavot is unleashed on them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJnVHEB1_kFvCem-6McwvGdGakEQVxbsU1GxaRp2ncr25yPK_yF9-IgFK131BUWdCuPkRdO7otWJkXZoZUeTP-snTWinvYZy16mrClzPueA7Ndd9JhJgmKZyM-92gUHZVVsPTUzKZ5eo/s1600/P1150845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJnVHEB1_kFvCem-6McwvGdGakEQVxbsU1GxaRp2ncr25yPK_yF9-IgFK131BUWdCuPkRdO7otWJkXZoZUeTP-snTWinvYZy16mrClzPueA7Ndd9JhJgmKZyM-92gUHZVVsPTUzKZ5eo/s640/P1150845.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Above: a shot of Russian Standard 4 times silver filtered Vodka at -18C </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
menu is classic French with Russian influences. Bizarre? Not really. It worked
perfectly and everything we ate was on point. As a matter of fact, it’s a menu
where so many dishes called out to me that I know I will go back to try them.
So, while Bob Bob Cite dazzles the eye, it is also very, very good on the palate.
Something not many other restaurants can claim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
a shot of some excellent cold Vodka with good bread and butter, we were ready
for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After ordering
a bottle of Cotes Du Rhone Blanc by Michel Chapoutier we were ready for dinner.
Mr Stonethrower had to have the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; line-height: 115%;">French Onion soup, a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">long-time favourite of his and he was not
disappointed. After staring longingly at the description of the Escargot in
garlic and parsley which is a dish I always eat wherever I am, I opted for the
Duck Egg with Gruyere and Salt Beef Hash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBveOIl-mY6Hiqimp8j-pUn9gNveAT__lWrlKi-AIuj3yrJsUZrP8WBti26D0cc0nHAM5JUIdlDoOSDyQozNUF5MWUOi2puSaGrLauuDQ3FFTyqfQaSe486XhzO9Aj900LGxOzRE04AAg/s1600/P1150851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBveOIl-mY6Hiqimp8j-pUn9gNveAT__lWrlKi-AIuj3yrJsUZrP8WBti26D0cc0nHAM5JUIdlDoOSDyQozNUF5MWUOi2puSaGrLauuDQ3FFTyqfQaSe486XhzO9Aj900LGxOzRE04AAg/s640/P1150851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: French Onion Soup</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogK70Qat_WdbNdq6xETJeJQ9JLBEVBKrK32I3JL35z6X82lcoDTduw1iC4VCYf6g7Ti1QMtCjWrxjhzG2n1Vfzp6QQnD2rCac5ROz-ifDAhIpzu7Vuer4k7-Rh9_Iq4yVROEHvraetZY/s1600/P1150853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogK70Qat_WdbNdq6xETJeJQ9JLBEVBKrK32I3JL35z6X82lcoDTduw1iC4VCYf6g7Ti1QMtCjWrxjhzG2n1Vfzp6QQnD2rCac5ROz-ifDAhIpzu7Vuer4k7-Rh9_Iq4yVROEHvraetZY/s640/P1150853.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Above: Duck Egg with Salt Beef Hash</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Both
starters were absolutely first class. Plates and bowls wiped clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mains
for Mr Stonethrower was a dish he had learned at Cordon Bleu way back in 2006
and has always enjoyed. As classic French as classic French can get – Veal
Blanquette - in which neither the veal nor the butter is browned in the cooking
process. To refrain from browning meat and fat in this way, is to cook
them “<i>en blanquette”</i>. From <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larousse_Gastronomique" title="Larousse Gastronomique"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Larousse Gastronomique</span></a> "BLANQUETTE:
the French term for a ragout of white meat (veal, lamb or poultry) cooked in
a white stock or
water with aromatic flavorings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8Aq4oVlrhMYn4wIuL76vfJaX2eK7IEna_NoWYdnuXPjQVWx32HpuAcMyODrdq30Qq2c_Q41cU5DYC4n_C78-t0x5KRDZdVZ33d1KO5-41gS7Nd5Lptdgjgevgen7Ofd6KregCx4qGmU/s1600/P1150855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8Aq4oVlrhMYn4wIuL76vfJaX2eK7IEna_NoWYdnuXPjQVWx32HpuAcMyODrdq30Qq2c_Q41cU5DYC4n_C78-t0x5KRDZdVZ33d1KO5-41gS7Nd5Lptdgjgevgen7Ofd6KregCx4qGmU/s640/P1150855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Veal Blanquette</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY12kSutZmVWmz4xwbi00sLPPQ8NVnnvm1w6zHUELZRZQ2ta9HaDXNRSBC-s9OnJfn9hReLeGwAqD1YUIFW85oKxmsQZXlYEkadV7hcJ52dDsZ8-WN0C4mE_aBAnJMUcxtI1LXzzza5E/s1600/P1150861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY12kSutZmVWmz4xwbi00sLPPQ8NVnnvm1w6zHUELZRZQ2ta9HaDXNRSBC-s9OnJfn9hReLeGwAqD1YUIFW85oKxmsQZXlYEkadV7hcJ52dDsZ8-WN0C4mE_aBAnJMUcxtI1LXzzza5E/s640/P1150861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="text-align: left;">Above: Pilaf to classically accompany the Veal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had
the Chargrilled Sea Bream with Olive Oil, Lemon and cherry tomatoes and was
immediately transported to our days in Cannes! The crispy charred blistery skin
was absolutely sensational. The taste of South of France, Provence on a plate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgxcmyzYDz-rmfXufX8uyNYc_FqN_O_1mpxC3H-BrGxjO2y2vujBmxR6IPyEwkUiJx-zKZhkRY9kopVSxqTf9_lQiaQUXtutsAmWh20WLgG8O1H9-_XwKsi6RX7awCoOJNi43MbC5rd0/s1600/P1150856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgxcmyzYDz-rmfXufX8uyNYc_FqN_O_1mpxC3H-BrGxjO2y2vujBmxR6IPyEwkUiJx-zKZhkRY9kopVSxqTf9_lQiaQUXtutsAmWh20WLgG8O1H9-_XwKsi6RX7awCoOJNi43MbC5rd0/s640/P1150856.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Above: Grilled Sea Bream Fillet with Olive Oil, Lemon, Saffron, Cherry Tomato</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cm9rz9KyJ5IaCqUv8tFqnXhS3KUBmZl6ZX-2WvlFktj-kJut3XlTQwphR4hSSQp5QjKOAHnXnY9lNceqsXU7f7d4T8VNBgHSLYoPXiSkVOUezLb2tx9xhOtUl2syXiGpoOyM6HQ24N0/s1600/P1150860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1591" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cm9rz9KyJ5IaCqUv8tFqnXhS3KUBmZl6ZX-2WvlFktj-kJut3XlTQwphR4hSSQp5QjKOAHnXnY9lNceqsXU7f7d4T8VNBgHSLYoPXiSkVOUezLb2tx9xhOtUl2syXiGpoOyM6HQ24N0/s640/P1150860.JPG" width="636" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Above: A side of Grilled Hispi Cabbage with Green Goddess Sauce</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dessert
was an outstanding Ile Flotante and a not so nice Chocolate Crème with Pistachio
and Ice Cream. But that did not in anyway dampen our wholehearted approval of
the restaurant. One dud dish was nothing in the face of gob smacking luxury and
masterful food. Deeply flavoured, well seasoned and served hot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSiAOf5lvKshf3FKBd8VyOjL39onptcH-LgMlAMWdWxfPFpR6FrBU9xKpx2QcyAlEBQvQLFPBUyehRU4-Kpy-CDoAKKUUl_6C7peztW4wIlmcpHb_G6hHB4ztgCfy-qr5PdbNzjyjxlU/s1600/P1150865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSiAOf5lvKshf3FKBd8VyOjL39onptcH-LgMlAMWdWxfPFpR6FrBU9xKpx2QcyAlEBQvQLFPBUyehRU4-Kpy-CDoAKKUUl_6C7peztW4wIlmcpHb_G6hHB4ztgCfy-qr5PdbNzjyjxlU/s640/P1150865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Above: Ille Flotante</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zPSHoXQw8Mi7JvxsSShixaN84stkzb1Z89CXs-R1_LM_FC_s1NB4UAvdPVgQbMVIa7by6lQyNiB-bU_Tpq2Ly14HVxJQXAEgLQ8Zs4tE1_rRqu_LvasR2WBrKSpWp2GXdqfWZ6M20AI/s1600/P1150863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zPSHoXQw8Mi7JvxsSShixaN84stkzb1Z89CXs-R1_LM_FC_s1NB4UAvdPVgQbMVIa7by6lQyNiB-bU_Tpq2Ly14HVxJQXAEgLQ8Zs4tE1_rRqu_LvasR2WBrKSpWp2GXdqfWZ6M20AI/s640/P1150863.JPG" width="334" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Above: Chocolate Creme with Pistachio</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
will definitely go again. You should go too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-81457379512079382152019-10-21T19:51:00.002+05:302019-10-21T20:38:57.115+05:30Umu ** - London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over the years, you may have noticed that
except for the series of posts in the May June 2014 period when (i) Modiji swept
to power and (ii) we visited Japan, I have written very little about Japanese food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Japanese food is a complex matter in more ways
than one. First, I have never quite come to grips with the almost deific love
for Sushi and its variations; Sashimi <i>et al</i>. They do not thrill me in the
least. Secondly, I believe because of the hype around Japanese food in general,
I find it disproportionately expensive. Every top restaurant be it French or
Chinese, no different from the hyped Japanese, will serve you the freshest, rarest produce, sourced carefully, treated
with care and reverence, and, most importantly, they will have applied some heat and actually cooked the food. So, the mystique surrounding
the Japanese restaurant doing exactly that – albeit often not cooking the food, nor, as is often the case, even treating the food in any way - and charging super prices is simply incomprehensible to me. Thirdly, in Japan,
generally, restaurants serve just one type of cuisine. A Ramen place will serve
just Ramen, Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu, just that, Sushi, just that, Tempura only
Tempura, and so on. Mixed cuisine is generally served in what are is classified
as Izakaya’s. Here you get a small selection of different foods – some Sushi,
some Yakitori, some Tempura and bits and bobs of other styles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the Western world, most Japanese restaurants
are in fact Izakaya’s. In London, Dubai and New York Nobu, Roka and Zuma are
the favourites of us Indians. They are all Izakaya’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Umu a Japanese restaurant in Bruton Place has
held 2 Stars in Michelin for some years now. This is an Izakaya. Araki a sushi
place in London held 3 Stars in Michelin till a few days ago when it lost all its Stars
as the chef moved back to Japan. We made a booking at Umu since we wanted to
eat more than Sushi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOBTBB2CH_rUVh3q-Ov9Px26nm_ouM7mgA7Er_OkPekRr6QTIhJSXlThcEVeyBz2skYHaxjdlwH8GE81t1Mbk2rmxi-e84SxrHdPX7EqDui_Y1YZUCHmzAGtqy2Wk1AUe-ieEUGfxTis/s1600/20191016_123249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOBTBB2CH_rUVh3q-Ov9Px26nm_ouM7mgA7Er_OkPekRr6QTIhJSXlThcEVeyBz2skYHaxjdlwH8GE81t1Mbk2rmxi-e84SxrHdPX7EqDui_Y1YZUCHmzAGtqy2Wk1AUe-ieEUGfxTis/s640/20191016_123249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Umu prides itself on its Kaiseki cuisine. Kyoto
is regarded as having the best Kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is a multi-course meal,
showcasing the different Japanese cooking techniques. The dishes are served one
at a time, similar to a Western style fine dining multi course meal. The Chef
here is Yoshinori Ishil who is described on the Umu website as a Chef, Painter,
Potter, Fisherman and Caligraphist. Sigh! The hype!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptwOD79BI5LC9J4IpuU39_ZoNZc_r-ahG9uXeFSrmUNF-oIsJYCymTmvykmKfVZ2chPwG7xzBABqmiJ3PwxDru2ZOzJPetpsbKXqEnu5Bz7lgDBPqWjpDy2nLBLd3vyNHmlFktmPVqsQ/s1600/20191018_093312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptwOD79BI5LC9J4IpuU39_ZoNZc_r-ahG9uXeFSrmUNF-oIsJYCymTmvykmKfVZ2chPwG7xzBABqmiJ3PwxDru2ZOzJPetpsbKXqEnu5Bz7lgDBPqWjpDy2nLBLd3vyNHmlFktmPVqsQ/s640/20191018_093312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The Calligraphy by Yoshinori Ishil. This paper was placed under a acetate/plastic sheet on which we were served some thinly sliced white fish. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzCAzg0f0_j6bvz2m-G0N6GNfStTLPs0qOMDZCPPcfr92Vsfj_j2_zslJJK4ooEcdpwvEcTfa9RkJV5IIMD-XdW7edm2ziASZWPan5KzvKV9cRjkBrs8BL32KvzPWbcf7kHO0jdarc_w/s1600/20191018_093322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzCAzg0f0_j6bvz2m-G0N6GNfStTLPs0qOMDZCPPcfr92Vsfj_j2_zslJJK4ooEcdpwvEcTfa9RkJV5IIMD-XdW7edm2ziASZWPan5KzvKV9cRjkBrs8BL32KvzPWbcf7kHO0jdarc_w/s640/20191018_093322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> Above: The Poet at work. This was on the reverse of the calligraphy</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our reservation was for 8 pm. We thought we
should have a pre-prandial drink at the Guinea Pub next door to Umu. Umu, like
many upmarket Japanese restaurants has a strong wooden door, which slides open,
much like in a James Bond film once you place your hand in a separate
receptacle. We were welcomed and coats whisked away and taken to our table. The
restaurant was 50% full. A sushi counter ran along one length of the space
while the tables were arranged on the outside of the “C” shaped counter. The
staff was multi-racial as were the punters. Yoshinori Ishil stood stoically
behind the counter and sliced away. A Caucasian Chef stood alongside and also
sliced away. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">I am making no comments on “cultural appropriation” which I believe is a
bullshit concept. Anyone can cook any cuisine.<br /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We were handed our menus, enquiries made of our allergies and food
requirements and given a Wine list by a French Sommelier. The Wine list had a large Sake selection, about which we know nothing. The
Wines themselves, like the Sake were all priced in the 3-figure mark. I luckily
found a Pouilly Fume Bardin 2018 which lurked in the list at a seemingly
reasonable GBP 45. This retails at about GBP 15, so a 3X mark-up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I must say that the staff was friendly. I pointed
out that I cannot use Chopsticks and would like cutlery. The waiter of course brought
cutlery, and also brought along a set of children’s chopsticks. You know the
type that is hinged. No, I was not in the least offended. In fact I was quite
pleased by this offer of children’s chopsticks. Of course, even these ended up
being too challenging for me and I simply used the cutlery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had ordered the Kaiseki menu. I am not going to describe each dish. Have a
look at the photographs of the menu and the food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsB4Ng1xLclMZT1Gk1nxSvBkwl3o-OVH79Vjofc_xAV9J7kBRDUglWD_QveikCMAmHdpg7huDIRDE_jg2try2R_BzbhFPc67kgktKZtE_IYTIuRuLTA1KvukjJJmOwqWfuDDGSJ-0a2c/s1600/20191018_093048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1089" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsB4Ng1xLclMZT1Gk1nxSvBkwl3o-OVH79Vjofc_xAV9J7kBRDUglWD_QveikCMAmHdpg7huDIRDE_jg2try2R_BzbhFPc67kgktKZtE_IYTIuRuLTA1KvukjJJmOwqWfuDDGSJ-0a2c/s640/20191018_093048.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMZffMoO2qp1tsdWEF7F15YHVRKwtyrxgVT0NrI4LOh9xFZoCMBCN44LJcwpGRkjvidATknav-L5V2WBd8njW4EohVhK08HFrdXUHCLBmvd75-QC4pikb7RcxQyuzFqMARQsVpjRmf90/s1600/P1150806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMZffMoO2qp1tsdWEF7F15YHVRKwtyrxgVT0NrI4LOh9xFZoCMBCN44LJcwpGRkjvidATknav-L5V2WBd8njW4EohVhK08HFrdXUHCLBmvd75-QC4pikb7RcxQyuzFqMARQsVpjRmf90/s640/P1150806.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Mukozuke. </b> Scallop 3 ways - "Irizake" i.e. with Sake, Kombu & with Kaluga Caviar. Obviously cold.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylzaAahrRjxWR4NbFXyykLv7NuCPc7SBzucZKSwC3XK33CuANHxn3Om2rNtVrM0kxkQist8TjofxGdmV3dC4UsUwh2pYit4Z2NlbCo4zBFUkF3Xi-Cw4RTnYop14Z79wTj8WIEP-w0YI/s1600/P1150808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylzaAahrRjxWR4NbFXyykLv7NuCPc7SBzucZKSwC3XK33CuANHxn3Om2rNtVrM0kxkQist8TjofxGdmV3dC4UsUwh2pYit4Z2NlbCo4zBFUkF3Xi-Cw4RTnYop14Z79wTj8WIEP-w0YI/s640/P1150808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Nimonowan. </b>A hot clear soup, grilled Irish Eel and Girolle Mushrooms. Hot Dish No. 1. The hot soup was really clear. This was a good dish.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjt8Gxq6MVfXudVFnEYY9LW43nClXJ09AX1Dpw1R1gya7n-ZhihKmiREN-b2KvExg6-MjDSfaQ730Rpml4bmfC7TkSfNx-mTRQRlIdF-RBrjHlY5Pa1yWdndSzIDm5x4-IEnWQTi3xzg/s1600/P1150812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjt8Gxq6MVfXudVFnEYY9LW43nClXJ09AX1Dpw1R1gya7n-ZhihKmiREN-b2KvExg6-MjDSfaQ730Rpml4bmfC7TkSfNx-mTRQRlIdF-RBrjHlY5Pa1yWdndSzIDm5x4-IEnWQTi3xzg/s640/P1150812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Tsukuri. Part I. </b> Sliced Cornish white fish. Cold, raw, not marinated or treated in any way. Simply sliced. Served with a Chilli Sauce, Soy and a bit of Wasabi. Please note the Acetate/Plastic sheet under which is the wooden block printed Calligraphy by the Chef.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtSqE_fLl3IWlr27tRyVF9hXQ6qJ4vYVTb2HEmMh46PNLS-4GTDC_A4WyuB2xdU4N4EgXF503RT5nrt8LUPV6iiMK7Tkq28xS7MwE2PJkrUTq0f7_68vVivNBRUAzOgZNES2dz1Flc4w/s1600/P1150814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtSqE_fLl3IWlr27tRyVF9hXQ6qJ4vYVTb2HEmMh46PNLS-4GTDC_A4WyuB2xdU4N4EgXF503RT5nrt8LUPV6iiMK7Tkq28xS7MwE2PJkrUTq0f7_68vVivNBRUAzOgZNES2dz1Flc4w/s640/P1150814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Tsukuri. Part II. </b> This is a selection of the fish of the day. This dish is also served completely raw and un-treated with only Soy and Wasabi. The fish was excellent and you got a variety of textures and fat with each different fish. Served cold. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLiB3peM1v24pkTqranaM_D0P_pz-Tujn-sxw67d8LLQJl63GqFxr8jWYiZx7m4j1UJXRGAIc7DKv2X60VWMP7Fx92Zjlj9ci3SrEnaxTVs8GDsavq9Q89y4qEzcXrjJCv3FAGXf9HFI/s1600/P1150819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLiB3peM1v24pkTqranaM_D0P_pz-Tujn-sxw67d8LLQJl63GqFxr8jWYiZx7m4j1UJXRGAIc7DKv2X60VWMP7Fx92Zjlj9ci3SrEnaxTVs8GDsavq9Q89y4qEzcXrjJCv3FAGXf9HFI/s640/P1150819.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Hiyashimono. </b> A Rice Crepe with three types of Crustaceans. Served with white and black rice as well as literally popped or puffed Rice on the stalk. Once again cold. However the Crustaceans had been cooked. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLdaZQ4CQyg253X9RI-WGb_xZapxxrTyv1uOeQ-Tnu_91vqdenQBCf0pX9-U0iLUKOtH1Z7XtkWqr7Vj1nUSTO05YoNGLe9mmjOPE47PYrFylqL-jwL4a1tsrDR5HX0pCL3l8jjvuZ2s/s1600/P1150825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLdaZQ4CQyg253X9RI-WGb_xZapxxrTyv1uOeQ-Tnu_91vqdenQBCf0pX9-U0iLUKOtH1Z7XtkWqr7Vj1nUSTO05YoNGLe9mmjOPE47PYrFylqL-jwL4a1tsrDR5HX0pCL3l8jjvuZ2s/s640/P1150825.JPG" width="386" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b> Yakimono. </b>Yakitori 3 ways. I guess you can see the labels. Hot dish and actually cooked.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGJCh7lkC-zUQkhYQs9f4wavTr0ghCy6HRm5uHwE2zFarJ1F5TpKZvMOEa4GX15XA2rUyLSVPZtzcV2PxtqwNjGEJqyOdedP5JAfuydqawNXrAR1tsNevHPr3p4YPqXnA9Lx_bSv9bVI/s1600/P1150832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGJCh7lkC-zUQkhYQs9f4wavTr0ghCy6HRm5uHwE2zFarJ1F5TpKZvMOEa4GX15XA2rUyLSVPZtzcV2PxtqwNjGEJqyOdedP5JAfuydqawNXrAR1tsNevHPr3p4YPqXnA9Lx_bSv9bVI/s640/P1150832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Sunomono. </b>Agebitashi Japanese Aubergine. Agebitashi means soaked or marinated [normally in Dashi] and then fried. Cooked but served cold </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA4fEtn_mx_XQitWRrm3R2XTN8xybRs7ShxQuGo2q2ArA1ZdnRse68es4UtR-Fby_8b5XVZGsuoHU_Vmy9FoxvkOljLCdgtalL78uCTFifD2AzpUyx5qalHHKVzh-Dfte1Ae_WXf_sbA/s1600/P1150835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA4fEtn_mx_XQitWRrm3R2XTN8xybRs7ShxQuGo2q2ArA1ZdnRse68es4UtR-Fby_8b5XVZGsuoHU_Vmy9FoxvkOljLCdgtalL78uCTFifD2AzpUyx5qalHHKVzh-Dfte1Ae_WXf_sbA/s640/P1150835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Gohan. </b>Japanese Wagyu in the top bowl, Miso Soup in the bowl on the right, Rice in the lowest bowl and Jpanese Pickles in the bowl on the left. The second hot dish. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJnEckMQndD1fo0bMKG9-JUviAt8JG2wy_ycito9CzvTKp9NDnwVQpfvC4rGY12ItlzrxqhiH239A4dSqpNFLgYWYG13CrkN1vQR-1mtDYYGtScnaosauE7KUp1cQya0SJWVCsJ5OXp0/s1600/P1150840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJnEckMQndD1fo0bMKG9-JUviAt8JG2wy_ycito9CzvTKp9NDnwVQpfvC4rGY12ItlzrxqhiH239A4dSqpNFLgYWYG13CrkN1vQR-1mtDYYGtScnaosauE7KUp1cQya0SJWVCsJ5OXp0/s640/P1150840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <b>Dessert. </b>Chestmuts and Quince. Very indifferent. Typical of desserts from the Far East, pretty clueless.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzyk0BmHbgVpMF0GBSQucvhqbBDDfs2MXsLhKJFOZUyDGZj7s4EQlzqY9hSRg05JVVuQU14dlv0wI4D9AI6-59LFvQ_5gcb5-0f2gtYbF10lWqeSSa1gXYECyQhlbfkXP-BJaBFTM2r8/s1600/P1150842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzyk0BmHbgVpMF0GBSQucvhqbBDDfs2MXsLhKJFOZUyDGZj7s4EQlzqY9hSRg05JVVuQU14dlv0wI4D9AI6-59LFvQ_5gcb5-0f2gtYbF10lWqeSSa1gXYECyQhlbfkXP-BJaBFTM2r8/s640/P1150842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: <b>Petit Fours. </b>Western style conclusion. Yuzu Macarons and a Pistachio Financier. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The food was obviously of a high standard. This
is a restaurant that has 2 Stars in Michelin and has “excellent cooking that is
worth a detour”. I am not so sure about the cooking bit! Out of the 8 courses
we were served, just 3 were warm. 2 courses were not
even cooked as in no heat had been applied to them. This is my problem.
Japanese food, even of this high standard, if you pardon the pun, leaves me
cold. I do not understand it, I do not particularly enjoy it. I guess that like
many Indian’s simply cannot enjoy food that has no chilli, I am not fond of
cold food. Of course, I can eat a sandwich or ice cream but, I hope you know
what I mean here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am not complaining about the small portions,
which is often something people gripe about when eating high end Japanese food.
We were full, there was a lot of protein in the meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, there was another problem. The fellow
diners. I repeat, Umu has 2 Stars in Michelin. We believed that the restaurant
would have well-dressed diners. Nope, we were wrong, horribly wrong. I was the
only one in a Suit. Along us were Oriental diners dressed in shirts and jeans.
Behind us on the Sushi counter were Caucasians in hoodies [with the hood
lowered thankfully] sneakers and jeans wolfing down Sushi. Very disconcerting. To
make matters worse, a fellow diner proceeded to fall asleep on the sofa.
Pathetic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAFjPzxXytTOoW4us6DnpUvPQcoBsmU5NvmJMtiJdz9axeXgq_785yIwLPx2-mGzfERh6qEY8_cgRQAS8eVqm3OTMVzJpPatTLvp9T4Y725rPL6kZxBGLfpZl8b3gaXxv5oUzTRM2xPQ/s1600/20191017_195618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAFjPzxXytTOoW4us6DnpUvPQcoBsmU5NvmJMtiJdz9axeXgq_785yIwLPx2-mGzfERh6qEY8_cgRQAS8eVqm3OTMVzJpPatTLvp9T4Y725rPL6kZxBGLfpZl8b3gaXxv5oUzTRM2xPQ/s640/20191017_195618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To my mind this raises the question as to what
really Michelin looks at when grading restaurants. It is certainly not Umu’s
fault for getting 2 Stars in Michelin. This is clearly a Michelin issue. Surely,
when reassessing the restaurant, the inspectors would have seen that the
ambience does not befit its rating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To look at this from a different
perspective, Le Gavroche, Bibendum by Claude Bossi, Core by Clare Smyth, La Dame
De Pic, Ledbury, Helene Darroze and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal are also
restaurants with 2 Stars in Michelin. I can assure you these places have a far
far superior ambience to Umu. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the end we came away disappointed at the
overall experience and left feeling underwhelmed. In my view, yet another
example of over hyped, over intellectualised cuisine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-52662356249271893532019-10-16T22:59:00.005+05:302019-10-17T13:23:52.231+05:30Wun's Tea Room & Bar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over the past few years, we have developed a
sort of “London orientation” routine. After we check in and unpack, we have a
quick shower and set out to walk to a pub in Soho or Marylebone. A cold
Guinness in cool weather or a beer in summer for me. HRH the Queen of Kutch
will have a glass of white wine. A packet of Salt and Vinegar Crisps [wafers]
to accompany. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Chinese dinner then follows. Often dinner is
at a restaurant in Chinatown if we are at a pub I Soho or the fabulous Phoenix
Palace off Marylebone Road if we are in Marylebone. Chinatown and its environs
offer a huge choice of Chinese restaurants. This time we had identified a new
place at Greek Street a short distance from the Chinatown environs as our
dinner place. The absolutely wonderful Wun’s Tea Rooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Chinese food is experiencing a huge surge in
London. The demand for, consumption and knowledge of regional Chinese food is
growing. Sichuan, Beijing and Northern Eastern Chinese, Cantonese, Shanghai Buns,
Dim Sum, Murger’s from Xian, Hot Pots and many other regional Chinese
restaurants are opening all over. Wun’s Tea Rooms is a Hong Kong style tea
room. This has two levels, the upper having floor to ceiling windows opening
onto the hustle and bustle of Greek Street where you can sit and have tea. The basement
has a dining room and bar. The walls are with distressed brick work, large
green neon signs, wicker chairs, tiny round tables, banquettes running the
length of the back walls, potted plants and the gramophones with old style
brass speakers help create the tea room/speakeasy feel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FM3Z14DfG0ePdpJTbViuMfPHEcRVqta3l1vwlo0YHbOApVxgnfabxwFkmvGg3EkXSpSvOHCorb693LEaqUOvSL51GNQrSBgjjHYLeJsmT4eb0nv6MNju4QyqxVrXZGCAQI33MFinVKU/s1600/P1150786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FM3Z14DfG0ePdpJTbViuMfPHEcRVqta3l1vwlo0YHbOApVxgnfabxwFkmvGg3EkXSpSvOHCorb693LEaqUOvSL51GNQrSBgjjHYLeJsmT4eb0nv6MNju4QyqxVrXZGCAQI33MFinVKU/s640/P1150786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH4BWEhaHCr-KMY7fBvV1MSHbXrDzhXmobefEf9DVEhAjwKYtMr8vkf8L4h93F5fRZ8ANXjNXZFS_VJW5k-8oxcaabVJX8M38Ni5rzpKKp2bMkLUGjLNNUnUD6ZM5H4BQulHNqwXoFGs/s1600/P1150787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1034" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH4BWEhaHCr-KMY7fBvV1MSHbXrDzhXmobefEf9DVEhAjwKYtMr8vkf8L4h93F5fRZ8ANXjNXZFS_VJW5k-8oxcaabVJX8M38Ni5rzpKKp2bMkLUGjLNNUnUD6ZM5H4BQulHNqwXoFGs/s640/P1150787.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5kw5vyH58KEidgSDAPgvjBjacZ7DmY71NHaOStJIedoRcmzMcWeP_cfLuV2kp8xRgUIj-hSs8I_dHqtEwXbHrEVzVNTi0UuSU31e1JHyy3XDApTNtou4OBxyVhGtW2yHb_s5hogQlVA/s1600/P1150785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1412" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5kw5vyH58KEidgSDAPgvjBjacZ7DmY71NHaOStJIedoRcmzMcWeP_cfLuV2kp8xRgUIj-hSs8I_dHqtEwXbHrEVzVNTi0UuSU31e1JHyy3XDApTNtou4OBxyVhGtW2yHb_s5hogQlVA/s640/P1150785.JPG" width="564" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Xov1z-M3B4flM_5eK83eAEA7oh7Hcph6T5goqjAozLYOksYFkAI4w7X8BSNVIdEdHy_3ZLCQr8etuojCn0i-p7r-kMMY_g_mgz1jZM8UbLggQPseiATfq6aG8hVRL3ApIlHLQpXv_gM/s1600/P1150779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Xov1z-M3B4flM_5eK83eAEA7oh7Hcph6T5goqjAozLYOksYFkAI4w7X8BSNVIdEdHy_3ZLCQr8etuojCn0i-p7r-kMMY_g_mgz1jZM8UbLggQPseiATfq6aG8hVRL3ApIlHLQpXv_gM/s640/P1150779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The drinks menu is set out in a newspaper. All
the drinks are Chinese/Hong Kong liquor. Of course, there are cocktails ranging
from the Classics – Whiskey Sours, Manhattans et al – to more exotic categorised
as Fruit Forward, Herbaceous etc. A short beer list, all Hong Kong craft beers,
a short wine list with only Chinese Rice wines and Gins. Everything was Chinese
based or specially chosen to complement the food or the atmosphere of a
speakeasy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The food menu was a printed page which you were
handed over with a pencil - much like what you get at a Dim Sum restaurant. We
pored over the menu, frowned with concentration and ticked off our order. To drink, a bottle each
of a Hong Kong IPA. We asked if what we ordered would be enough, being assured
it was we waited till the food turned up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First, what turned up was the absolutely
stunning Sugar Skin Iberico Char Sui. Regular readers would know that we are
very partial to the Chinese Char Sui Pork and the Chinese Crispy Pork Belly.
You see these specimens hanging in Chinese restaurant show windows. This was
without doubt the best Char Sui Pork we have ever eaten anywhere. The Spanish
have excellent pork clearly evidenced by all the wonderful Charcuterie products
they have especially the Jamon. Take the quality pork and cook it with some skill,
the Chinese 5 Spice, Sugar, Fermented Tofu and you have a wonderful Char Sui.
This is served thickly sliced and warm. The ivory fat melting, the skin crunchy
and caramelised, crisp and unctuous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZn0xrdvNqJFaywXzPhcrpzXLhKuylC_ZX2P9nkc5v3hGsngst673bC-0RFZ9WgtTUGPHsr7ukSdT_BEnXtHWZAGBS26FXntdof89DgkFxbHazEQWfbLaUF9rY3cosmM7o2gj7-c8giFE/s1600/P1150792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZn0xrdvNqJFaywXzPhcrpzXLhKuylC_ZX2P9nkc5v3hGsngst673bC-0RFZ9WgtTUGPHsr7ukSdT_BEnXtHWZAGBS26FXntdof89DgkFxbHazEQWfbLaUF9rY3cosmM7o2gj7-c8giFE/s640/P1150792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Sugar Skin Iberico Char Sui</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also excellent was the</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Hong Kong Typhoon
Shelter style Whitebait. Typhoon Shelter Style is very popular in Hong Kong . This is characterised by serving the food with loads, absolutely loads of deep fried charlic and Chilly. </span><a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2011/07/hello-hong-kong.html" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Have a look at what this is all about here.</a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Whitebait is a generic name given to tiny, immature
fish. Our waiter said this was Sardines. Whitebait is served without the head,
deep fried with loads of deep-fried garlic and Chilly. Addictive, delicious,
crunchy. Salty, spicy and garlicy. The IPA suddenly tasted better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSMhi8PK_Fam15eM4N9R6kYban-g4D9M0U3P0nZ1jyLlLVukWOpzYDUzfc1d9GyhNSzPh_PEZkMTgqYNpbIy7XEGjEQPGC7uoA9ckR4wkxv9F7tnH_O1C3meDZNXhG4G3gSkMBUIb-xQ/s1600/P1150791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSMhi8PK_Fam15eM4N9R6kYban-g4D9M0U3P0nZ1jyLlLVukWOpzYDUzfc1d9GyhNSzPh_PEZkMTgqYNpbIy7XEGjEQPGC7uoA9ckR4wkxv9F7tnH_O1C3meDZNXhG4G3gSkMBUIb-xQ/s640/P1150791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above:</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Hong Kong Typhoon Shelter style Whitebait</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Pot Rice with Soy and Aubergine was
excellent. The Rice was cooked in a clay pot. The rice at the bottom had become
crunchy, like the bottom of well cooked <i>Biryani</i> or the <i>Socarrat</i> in a well-made
<i>Paella.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPx23DklrjUF9DhdNJwo8kn5-eawjCwjA1TdD5O6KncxZDvDiLflQBVNHgPC-OW8Te6gZB_2XmEj5cexLjo5KCTeu5t8a5u0piBfAEMyYBl64r_xhoN7OgXJMmr7AWl6bos6uAZSmpvg/s1600/P1150795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPx23DklrjUF9DhdNJwo8kn5-eawjCwjA1TdD5O6KncxZDvDiLflQBVNHgPC-OW8Te6gZB_2XmEj5cexLjo5KCTeu5t8a5u0piBfAEMyYBl64r_xhoN7OgXJMmr7AWl6bos6uAZSmpvg/s640/P1150795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above:</o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Pot Rice with Soy and Aubergine</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had two more dishes, one, a totally luscious
XO Sauce Bone Marrow with Fried <i>Mantou</i>. <i>Mantou</i> is a Chinese Steamed
Bread or <i>Bao</i>. A dash of Soy Sauce made it all the more delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbttYDBHhBf46QngzS5J5N4ffOlXkKx0h5Wc691esPQhdtUtEwcB8c6kDW2MdIqYREpXcOdt8wbCh3R9M9I8FXe04y0CWioNOApEAJtesjAskeqJKXVxEEeqOJvySTtzgWc9H14tw-OA/s1600/P1150797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbttYDBHhBf46QngzS5J5N4ffOlXkKx0h5Wc691esPQhdtUtEwcB8c6kDW2MdIqYREpXcOdt8wbCh3R9M9I8FXe04y0CWioNOApEAJtesjAskeqJKXVxEEeqOJvySTtzgWc9H14tw-OA/s640/P1150797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Above: <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">XO Sauce Bone Marrow with Fried </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Mantou</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The one dud was deep fried Tofu. Yes, the tofu
itself was of top quality, the batter light and the dipping sauce good.
However, the dish seemed one dimensional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJzzhA5iDfT76qFEMxY9HOVp3elVKUaU7e4d6pl7yT95gwwCGr5KEuchiLoJPp1_6VQU_IL3qvrFZW7Q3Aia9o19zcDnTFARSq4th_c9POJdmXuPMeyyCqAbCgWF4OIf2bXh1gC2xQDE/s1600/P1150799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJzzhA5iDfT76qFEMxY9HOVp3elVKUaU7e4d6pl7yT95gwwCGr5KEuchiLoJPp1_6VQU_IL3qvrFZW7Q3Aia9o19zcDnTFARSq4th_c9POJdmXuPMeyyCqAbCgWF4OIf2bXh1gC2xQDE/s640/P1150799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">deep fried Tofu</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The food could be classified as Modern Chinese.
All of it, except the Tofu, was better than most Chinese food we have eaten.
Each dish by itself was stunning. But there was one problem. Somehow, we were
left unsatisfied, I don’t mean that we did not have enough food, but more a
situation of unsatisfied because of a lack of balance. Because in some way the
meal felt incomplete. The problem is more to do with us. When we eat a Chinese
meal, we are accustomed to eating a portion of Green vegetable be it <i>Kailan</i>
or <i>Bok Choy</i> or Morning Glory. Also, being Indians, we have <i>Daal Bhat</i>
hard wired into us. By <i>Daal Bhat</i> I mean we need some gravy or Sauce or
Curry or liquid with our food. Here there was none. None of the dishes had much
sauce, and in our minds a Chinese meal requires <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Daal</i>. As I said, the problem was more with us
rather than the meal itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All in all, this was a very good meal. We had
some really good exciting food. This restaurant is fully recommended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-1734517135935506152019-10-14T10:23:00.000+05:302019-10-14T17:12:19.128+05:30Hyderabad - Impressions and Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[THIS HAS BEEN WRITTEN
BY HRH THE QUEEN OF KUTCH]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This was our
second short trip to Hyderabad in two years and both Mr Stonethrower and I are very impressed with the city. We cannot understand why every city besides
Mumbai continues to improve and get better infrastructure while Mumbai keeps
sliding down a never-ending quagmire of over intellectualisation, lack of
political will, outright corruption, shoddy contractors and endless protests to
stall any development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Landing in
Hyderabad is a pleasure. The airport is clean, the bags come relatively
quickly, the parking is neatly organised to make space to private cars, taxis, Uber,
Ola, etc. They have systems in place and seeing the orderly way everyone was
exiting the airport, the systems seem to work pretty well. Try getting an
Uber from level P7 (west side!) of Mumbai T2 and you will know what I am
saying…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
griping aside, we were soon in our car (hired for the weekend) and zooming away
on the super smooth airport exit road. Kilometre after kilometre of straight,
un-potholed tree lined joy. Serious joy. When we hit the end of the airport
road our driver informed us there was a traffic jam caused by some political
rally. He called a friend who had exited the airport a little before us and was
told there was a 45 min delay just ahead of us. Mr Driver took an executive decision and swung the car around to the Outer Ring Road - <span style="background: white;">a 158 kilometre, 8-lane Expressway encircling
Hyderabad. Again, joy. Serious joy. A road like a runway on which speeds of 120
kms per hour are not just acceptable but actually expected! Mr Driver kept up a
steady commentary of all sights and developments and rules and we could hear
the pride in his voice. Yes, here was a someone who was proud of how his city
had developed. This made me think back at the time we were in Chennai. The taxi
driver in Chennai was so proud of the new Metro there and enthusiastically
pointed every Metro station en route. Sorry to labour the point, but think back
to the last time you heard someone say Mumbai has changed for the better! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway, we checked into the extremely nice Park Hyatt at Banjara Hills –
definitely recommended - and were soon in the firm control of Junior Ms
Stonethrower – who was the reason why we were in Hyderabad. She zoomed us off
to the impressive Arbor Road Estate which Mr Stonethrower <a href="https://www.arborestate.co.in/" target="_blank">has written about here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Traffic getting back was beyond insane and we were all getting more than
a little irritated. Junior Ms Stonethrower saved the day and got us to hop into
the super-efficient Hyderabad Metro. This, on the day that the Supreme Court had
ordered a stay on tree cutting at the proposed Metro car shed at Aarey! We
keenly felt the irony of this ride that cut our commute time by over an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A quick change and we were seated in the extremely pleasant bar at the
Park Hyatt. A few much-needed intoxicants for us and a plate of fried calamari
started the evening off nicely. Super fresh calamari in a crisp, thin batter. Appetites whetted, we asked for a Prawns Aglio Olio. Again, spot
on. Large prawns, not overcooked, in chilli olive oil served with crisp garlic
bread. The irritation with the traffic was easily forgotten. After some more assorted warm
bread with excellent Truffle Butter we were ready to take the evening up a notch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We strolled across the floor to the Park Hyatt’s Asian restaurant Rika
and in the blink of an eye had a crunchy bowl of Popcorn Chicken with spicy
Gochujang sauce sitting in front of us. Sorry to say but there are no
photographs of this as it was demolished within minutes. Dinner was a shared
platter of sushi for junior Ms Stonethrower and me and Shanghai-Style Poached
Chicken With Sichuan Peppercorns And Chilli for Mr Stonethrower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Look at the Sushi platter. A thing of absolute beauty. It takes someone
who cares for and is proud of their work to create this. The Sushi came out at
the perfect temperature. Was obviously freshly made. The fish cool, fresh and
evenly cut. And importantly for me the Sushi had the perfect amount of rice to
fish. Both Junior Ms Stonethrower and I were extremely pleased with our Sushi
and proceeded to demolish it while complaining that we were destroying a work
of art. Without a doubt the best Sushi I have eaten in India – definitely
recommended<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4jYgbuz6sZiLIoM3IDcVFoz4RGz-fBGtAHivhnMC_bRc9R5HbAY5MBTlk4UjMw5ZMB9J50MoBXZx1ysBAZMwvEfN1VIu4v5I_KhSzyZuVEui9hPVAN_Sqt1YGcRr0lsjCr6kn_KCrQ/s1600/P1150736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4jYgbuz6sZiLIoM3IDcVFoz4RGz-fBGtAHivhnMC_bRc9R5HbAY5MBTlk4UjMw5ZMB9J50MoBXZx1ysBAZMwvEfN1VIu4v5I_KhSzyZuVEui9hPVAN_Sqt1YGcRr0lsjCr6kn_KCrQ/s640/P1150736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: The Sushi Platter at Rika Park Hyatt Hyderabad</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr Stonethrower too was very happy with his chicken (unfortunately no
pics) and said it was the first time in India he had seen the use of Sichuan
peppercorns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Desserts were a good Passion Fruit Panna Cotta and an indifferent
Cheesecake. Apologies for the blurred photos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bmJpGyNal4jfEzEfkOY-HvvKiKvimk8OXYq22w5P_oh02AV_J5wQ5tz57GRwRrDvB5On4x3_Y7ZRuUj2t8rL45Nn6nMXTGzL_v7XqWJ3zjyIkGQFFXZE1jfT9eEQotk2naMdxl-w8fg/s1600/P1150737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bmJpGyNal4jfEzEfkOY-HvvKiKvimk8OXYq22w5P_oh02AV_J5wQ5tz57GRwRrDvB5On4x3_Y7ZRuUj2t8rL45Nn6nMXTGzL_v7XqWJ3zjyIkGQFFXZE1jfT9eEQotk2naMdxl-w8fg/s640/P1150737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The Cheesecake with Matcha Ice Cream and Caramel</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRiLTnma645BuI8KxNsxuBDHsUfF_vevjTVbvHf7PqORHDUR7zos4KOBy2NI-4CldDT62EQ_OUMevLtsmexwvqAeixU-TbFo9VNterypkMA-CoA6gwbPnW0ytkMYkk9MRSTf4E5F0RNs/s1600/P1150738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1527" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRiLTnma645BuI8KxNsxuBDHsUfF_vevjTVbvHf7PqORHDUR7zos4KOBy2NI-4CldDT62EQ_OUMevLtsmexwvqAeixU-TbFo9VNterypkMA-CoA6gwbPnW0ytkMYkk9MRSTf4E5F0RNs/s640/P1150738.JPG" width="610" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> Above: </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Passion Fruit Panna Cotta</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A very happy meal indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Early the next morning Junior Ms Stonethrower whisked us off to the
recently restored Qutb Shahi Tombs for a bit of a walk around. Impressive. Good
renovation supported by the Aga Khan Foundation, though, still a work in
progress. It is evident that the tombs were badly neglected for centuries and the renovation is a huge, uphill task. We did not see much evidence of the blue tiles that were supposed to have once adorned the domes. Not much expensive material used in construction either, no marble. Lot of plaster mortar work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu_YV8diCbobGZwSVJQB_g0NAH6Kr1lIgPQkczUVB04wGVeoo_fpF1LWfnMRBcNR2CUeTDTUfgIt2a_sA1ZsZFyCrIVevGuovkYmU7Ku9iR5pDRXWRiqDeR7tJYj-hPHkBjQTw5Wn8mg/s1600/P1150745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu_YV8diCbobGZwSVJQB_g0NAH6Kr1lIgPQkczUVB04wGVeoo_fpF1LWfnMRBcNR2CUeTDTUfgIt2a_sA1ZsZFyCrIVevGuovkYmU7Ku9iR5pDRXWRiqDeR7tJYj-hPHkBjQTw5Wn8mg/s640/P1150745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx9pUWvORYIF1xt-cxPohnFU3SDWaU82zge3yOXnk7QuqPLgdnm1my5MkqbJSMP1Ukrboku8WbDYfn63FCez399xP5RKIJxcBPR6pvT6SE-af22MNeIsUtCdAIjJlNDCjcjHe0nh5OKM/s1600/P1150742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx9pUWvORYIF1xt-cxPohnFU3SDWaU82zge3yOXnk7QuqPLgdnm1my5MkqbJSMP1Ukrboku8WbDYfn63FCez399xP5RKIJxcBPR6pvT6SE-af22MNeIsUtCdAIjJlNDCjcjHe0nh5OKM/s640/P1150742.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxORgDUZyZBYrIfQfE3OYKYZeiUmJwGeagNkFpJl5dyTTZGabK5U23OZGs9A7PABf2TORErw3zdvHY1bi6HPIoLy3c7jCBS2EWH7dpPu22hJzal9ki6gzer4kfp4mDSb7xT-GKrM4WrE/s1600/P1150748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxORgDUZyZBYrIfQfE3OYKYZeiUmJwGeagNkFpJl5dyTTZGabK5U23OZGs9A7PABf2TORErw3zdvHY1bi6HPIoLy3c7jCBS2EWH7dpPu22hJzal9ki6gzer4kfp4mDSb7xT-GKrM4WrE/s640/P1150748.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKdISPF8WtVodd3caqLbajnzaQWxmDLY3wxB2yiq6b_oh3cjJn_yO87QZYGDX_JEJBpv11uUbcD-LjANkwUK01ZU7BIVOWiwmUXlupwUQ6GM_4gJohG5JIj6V0wwolBAYkFfrYoUomQc/s1600/P1150747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKdISPF8WtVodd3caqLbajnzaQWxmDLY3wxB2yiq6b_oh3cjJn_yO87QZYGDX_JEJBpv11uUbcD-LjANkwUK01ZU7BIVOWiwmUXlupwUQ6GM_4gJohG5JIj6V0wwolBAYkFfrYoUomQc/s640/P1150747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: An abandoned Mosque</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiylm3sA_cuWTkt32vNI0MTfSgPHsdaLzkxarUn1cnfvYsPMOyK1NE-jqqAG0TR0x96f4QkH1LEjWdzaR8RqzJZvqRhYKk-bkJZnocILPgzqogpb1Kocv0d0fm_Vms6JmrhhAp5fgE6g/s1600/P1150755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiylm3sA_cuWTkt32vNI0MTfSgPHsdaLzkxarUn1cnfvYsPMOyK1NE-jqqAG0TR0x96f4QkH1LEjWdzaR8RqzJZvqRhYKk-bkJZnocILPgzqogpb1Kocv0d0fm_Vms6JmrhhAp5fgE6g/s640/P1150755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: A synthesis. On the lower level 9 arches, mid level 5 and the top has a dome. Typical of the mix of Persian, Muslim and Hindu architecture. Tombs for more important individuals had this 9 -5- dome architecture. Lesser individuals has lesser number of arches</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwECbRw0eR-Pvl0PsjEyWz7VffV1I9xNS3jgDfQxqsigR_1YAkSD9Uv8Hh6zoN5idAeRg2RG4_71bO9xlf-U7W_5-RrRI9nJ2GnOon8Dp7uHau5Fd22M52rp9OVfF-y40aAqIgRwRqZ6g/s1600/P1150754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwECbRw0eR-Pvl0PsjEyWz7VffV1I9xNS3jgDfQxqsigR_1YAkSD9Uv8Hh6zoN5idAeRg2RG4_71bO9xlf-U7W_5-RrRI9nJ2GnOon8Dp7uHau5Fd22M52rp9OVfF-y40aAqIgRwRqZ6g/s640/P1150754.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqY5jbChx8ThMAhKIkn-any0LO1yBsIpjqWNVI8OXZDooOX5ss1q0oF70lhM1lLInOewE816rHWLUOpHm0z_RsD8JiSdQ8eUQ9414glbpkxOo6jHlcb9fniyo9ZNPSjnLPYbW1ukhXF8/s1600/P1150752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqY5jbChx8ThMAhKIkn-any0LO1yBsIpjqWNVI8OXZDooOX5ss1q0oF70lhM1lLInOewE816rHWLUOpHm0z_RsD8JiSdQ8eUQ9414glbpkxOo6jHlcb9fniyo9ZNPSjnLPYbW1ukhXF8/s640/P1150752.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXWICC4S-Tbg-a48Drg0ZSV2ov-TUpIz2_Ks2tw_EVrzOnFkTHsy21wGktSxgQ2bhavLAJvHwSd8VgrffWOY_p94SLU3uZOedpigoKcKNSm4HchQ_YIVqtxkHiom6NAELW6j372GXsY4/s1600/P1150770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXWICC4S-Tbg-a48Drg0ZSV2ov-TUpIz2_Ks2tw_EVrzOnFkTHsy21wGktSxgQ2bhavLAJvHwSd8VgrffWOY_p94SLU3uZOedpigoKcKNSm4HchQ_YIVqtxkHiom6NAELW6j372GXsY4/s640/P1150770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: The water supply for the Tombs and the then exquisite gardens</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW5kSogeNkzVdmXa4Zofojr26KyTucj_nF6IXw2eFrJs6gfQOZzhBcbBLiFdjiBgDLAcQl0z49PxPQEZzzgw5TgHGp_qVz-ya0ZPzPXqEUfcD9IWozTP8ExdYWhFC1ipteZ6yrHpo2Eo/s1600/P1150771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW5kSogeNkzVdmXa4Zofojr26KyTucj_nF6IXw2eFrJs6gfQOZzhBcbBLiFdjiBgDLAcQl0z49PxPQEZzzgw5TgHGp_qVz-ya0ZPzPXqEUfcD9IWozTP8ExdYWhFC1ipteZ6yrHpo2Eo/s640/P1150771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: A half completed Tomb for Aurangzeb</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglli4hOBgOmjJ2xOMT-oEQUAu7Ky8EKVOpOTbf9K-MUn2wTsvmx-eR2W2rDTn4zcMwUQAMvKSJz29DgdhttMRu-Gh6AojLZ5IyNe8MZeOlnnSxVikXyWyHmSgmGY4SDa069eocF8qI97Q/s1600/IMG-20191005-WA0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglli4hOBgOmjJ2xOMT-oEQUAu7Ky8EKVOpOTbf9K-MUn2wTsvmx-eR2W2rDTn4zcMwUQAMvKSJz29DgdhttMRu-Gh6AojLZ5IyNe8MZeOlnnSxVikXyWyHmSgmGY4SDa069eocF8qI97Q/s640/IMG-20191005-WA0012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lunch was at Junior Ms Stonethrower's favourite new patissiere-café Feu. Sorry to keep
harping back to this, but Feu will give a tough fight to any patissiere-café in
Mumbai and would probably win hands down. We shared an excellent thin crust Pepperoni
Pizza and a Spaghetti with Pesto. Both were exactly what was promised on the
menu. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But the errr… icing on the cake here were the desserts. We shared a
Chocolate Mousse pastry and a Blueberry Cheesecake. Look at the photographs!
Look at the </span><i><span style="background: #fcfcfc; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;">Glaçage
Miroir</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (mirror glaze) encasing the mousse! Good quality chocolate. Not overly sweet. Just perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp7EuL3C6UQa-eXm8aiEmc3rmbDNyVT9Og2KabY3c2KhLBeDCesqEXHzzCnDvJC4Jz8M__xuZCDti2uEzzP4Wxk-a7Whzq1NwPNiI2oE3kzA4aOS8vUUnfGnewQwg6vZumUKz1MqpXxw/s1600/20191005_130354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1311" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp7EuL3C6UQa-eXm8aiEmc3rmbDNyVT9Og2KabY3c2KhLBeDCesqEXHzzCnDvJC4Jz8M__xuZCDti2uEzzP4Wxk-a7Whzq1NwPNiI2oE3kzA4aOS8vUUnfGnewQwg6vZumUKz1MqpXxw/s640/20191005_130354.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: The Chocolate Mousse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Blueberry Cheesecake too was not just a work of art but extremely
delicious and again not cloyingly sweet as cheesecakes can sometimes be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQVqAFKifjEypjBFPu6tWVP-6LI0EwcMx4GuPQ_oKiK74mTKXpicq2RLz-bRvfrA9EyiI3lpQVZWsV9vdXof6f8m_aC8g7hnm3o9IqeTDJCmQEB3jCZt_GRyphCc2me7dQ0FVbFiILHA/s1600/20191005_130438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1600" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQVqAFKifjEypjBFPu6tWVP-6LI0EwcMx4GuPQ_oKiK74mTKXpicq2RLz-bRvfrA9EyiI3lpQVZWsV9vdXof6f8m_aC8g7hnm3o9IqeTDJCmQEB3jCZt_GRyphCc2me7dQ0FVbFiILHA/s640/20191005_130438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: Blueberry Cheesecake</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIJtGd3eBG9XTyBWVdPlrzJ-2Cpc9wuKSiIV9JM5oGowFiDWKd2j5Mp8TZRlVpj_Xz8AR7H8qY7mZ8R4CGcUb0EB7QvfQscN4SaBn3V_GrBIy0czHcvCuHYtRi40_vJVacEFFQLj-mxw/s1600/20191005_131051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIJtGd3eBG9XTyBWVdPlrzJ-2Cpc9wuKSiIV9JM5oGowFiDWKd2j5Mp8TZRlVpj_Xz8AR7H8qY7mZ8R4CGcUb0EB7QvfQscN4SaBn3V_GrBIy0czHcvCuHYtRi40_vJVacEFFQLj-mxw/s640/20191005_131051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0kFQ7OBez4ZpKj5lvBZERX1YHxeVLQ9fP37dB1jBM6ptkcSqi1wIEd5_FIsr-dhtnZhBx8e6UeX4ZOhyK9dW_psz6S0pRay59V8dwAx5KrX6GQ_wUXcuMkBvYwNhk08LC5t74Bd5km4/s1600/20191005_131014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0kFQ7OBez4ZpKj5lvBZERX1YHxeVLQ9fP37dB1jBM6ptkcSqi1wIEd5_FIsr-dhtnZhBx8e6UeX4ZOhyK9dW_psz6S0pRay59V8dwAx5KrX6GQ_wUXcuMkBvYwNhk08LC5t74Bd5km4/s640/20191005_131014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUGOdwgtBtDCOmDkn9TOse2Kr6QYa8pZwaghRWamxF88jsGj4c_rnxaLYPeCI05gkfBMTrlTchdpMEWexqQ0z-I2YwVcxbPo3-JKZUBE-zqlhbFeh8Q4F8kqIJiCniS7QMiTIe8QZdg/s1600/20191005_131105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUGOdwgtBtDCOmDkn9TOse2Kr6QYa8pZwaghRWamxF88jsGj4c_rnxaLYPeCI05gkfBMTrlTchdpMEWexqQ0z-I2YwVcxbPo3-JKZUBE-zqlhbFeh8Q4F8kqIJiCniS7QMiTIe8QZdg/s640/20191005_131105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: Loads more in the display cases.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Great choice Junior Ms Stonethrower. Thanks for introducing us to Feu. We are sure we will be back there soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The afternoon was spent on a bit of retail therapy, including a visit to Tonique, India’s
largest liquor store. A staggering 15,000 square feet spread over two floors.
It is such a pleasure to walk in a liquor store see and pick up bottles. Most
liquor stores treat you as a kleptomaniac and you are kept behind a counter and
served by a minion. Before you ask, bottles are sold at MRP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dinner was at Chicha’s which Junior Ms Stonethrower said is her go to
place for Hyderabadi kebabs and biryani. An extremely inviting place with
mouth-watering food smells that hit you as soon as you enter. We were whisked
away to a semi private dining area and proceeded to order way more than we
could possibly eat. This was a classic case of the eye is bigger than the
stomach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniKiONE8Hj2y7AzujIOXSRY-sV2E3gmWTe0uu4SfX8kV67MmIRhAZKVn37sWlhugk54bna48Zp-Ch2uJlBA-BClNIWrKCxwDGb1ncW0qymM3DQKijDpUAqRZWhpNLPIi1WP8Nk621PL4/s1600/P1150772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniKiONE8Hj2y7AzujIOXSRY-sV2E3gmWTe0uu4SfX8kV67MmIRhAZKVn37sWlhugk54bna48Zp-Ch2uJlBA-BClNIWrKCxwDGb1ncW0qymM3DQKijDpUAqRZWhpNLPIi1WP8Nk621PL4/s640/P1150772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvPrfwHFq4OJREGxTgqUcjgBy7q7DEKcYfgBw9DPZaKv9Sn1GdSpt-dqRskrLZbiECA_FKKNnKle2-jrCwrKe_yOuHA9magVQ5bRkIfvCMa8KJ4-v4dJruZt4aL8BXFnhe79PvFD3hl4/s1600/P1150774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvPrfwHFq4OJREGxTgqUcjgBy7q7DEKcYfgBw9DPZaKv9Sn1GdSpt-dqRskrLZbiECA_FKKNnKle2-jrCwrKe_yOuHA9magVQ5bRkIfvCMa8KJ4-v4dJruZt4aL8BXFnhe79PvFD3hl4/s640/P1150774.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>We of course went to the Posh Chicha's. Brilliant name. Someone has a sense of humor.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without much ado, we demolished a melting tender and flavourful <i>Patthar
ka Ghosh</i>, a lurid red Chicken 65 (for some unknown reason, a long-time
favourite for Mr Stonethrower), most of the <i>Talawa Ghost</i> and made a fair
headway with the Special Mutton <i>Paya</i>. The food arrived hot, fresh and
fast. No time to linger or chat, this was a place to eat till you can’t eat
anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXJZ96_lFkTqSRBB9mgW_MD5iCPBBOaR_GxeJovs5GCzhToi25kd0eDuLDlevCNmaYJk-v1WtsBZ__CQnBvDEKEcyNiIdN8aFWEA_Ae4lAFkRzu8EmlGNUUbWzIAeIkGQn-L_kZhgnE/s1600/P1150775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXJZ96_lFkTqSRBB9mgW_MD5iCPBBOaR_GxeJovs5GCzhToi25kd0eDuLDlevCNmaYJk-v1WtsBZ__CQnBvDEKEcyNiIdN8aFWEA_Ae4lAFkRzu8EmlGNUUbWzIAeIkGQn-L_kZhgnE/s640/P1150775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: Chicken 65</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqRz252N5B7hwn-hkII6-Phx9rR-hE26pR4soOFju2_62Uv4Z5tQt7FkOd8AbemRLtmJMs6dIjeAueF2rotMKRjpAfklb1-t8I6LLV05GYarNO8jcowZTbj7ht155i4SZhbjbBe3vxgc/s1600/P1150776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqRz252N5B7hwn-hkII6-Phx9rR-hE26pR4soOFju2_62Uv4Z5tQt7FkOd8AbemRLtmJMs6dIjeAueF2rotMKRjpAfklb1-t8I6LLV05GYarNO8jcowZTbj7ht155i4SZhbjbBe3vxgc/s640/P1150776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: Talawa Ghost</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARmN9TAXZ4jTIZQ0vYdtjTjDBHrFKIo2rDZbqqJfjBHmoeIS3FaX8kfozHWFwQJ0lRBWDO08JMkthYeO3HJ6CVKIZRv5Kko-UWYkIItD2bw9SGuVnxA6Bv_N598e4Xjs-l29Bp5eeCsc/s1600/P1150778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARmN9TAXZ4jTIZQ0vYdtjTjDBHrFKIo2rDZbqqJfjBHmoeIS3FaX8kfozHWFwQJ0lRBWDO08JMkthYeO3HJ6CVKIZRv5Kko-UWYkIItD2bw9SGuVnxA6Bv_N598e4Xjs-l29Bp5eeCsc/s640/P1150778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Above: Patthar Ka Ghost</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJv5zSqFmsmMgGvqK1toOq8IFqNd2svC00dAFnDT4WKeatrvpzG_PB9wOYUGoizHadZmjoHaTETi6k3oAa_a7Ica5RDOyqoK3zO_m2jLXBv36J8Ww26nXHFj9qXy_SkJxYZqu5WwwVlo/s1600/P1150777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJv5zSqFmsmMgGvqK1toOq8IFqNd2svC00dAFnDT4WKeatrvpzG_PB9wOYUGoizHadZmjoHaTETi6k3oAa_a7Ica5RDOyqoK3zO_m2jLXBv36J8Ww26nXHFj9qXy_SkJxYZqu5WwwVlo/s640/P1150777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: Malai Paya</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Special Mutton <i>Biryani</i> however defeated us. We were too full
to even attempt a mouthful. We asked if it could be airline packed to carry
back to Mumbai for dinner the next day. “Airline packed” is a term Junior Ms
Stonethrower taught us. On our way back to the airport we saw signs on many
restaurants for “Airline pack” <i>Biryani</i>. It seems everybody wants to carry
back Hyderabadi <i>Haleem</i> and <i>Biryani</i> and restaurants for a
measly Rs 50/- pack these dishes in multi-layered leak proof containers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Special Mutton Biryani and accompanying <i>Mirchi Ka Salan</i>
arrived safely in our suitcases without a drop leaking and we ate it over two
meals. Yes, you read that right, it took two dinners to finish that quantity of
rice and meat. Not that we were complaining. The Biryani was moist, flavourful
and thankfully not oily at all. The Mutton pieces (9 large pieces) were tender
and succulent with a nice coating of spices. We were glad for the lingering
taste of Hyderabad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A most fun, interesting and delicious two days. Looking forward to our
next visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-62890908239400629122019-10-11T16:05:00.001+05:302019-10-11T18:06:12.739+05:30Aarey to Zoru -A to Z. Miyawaki Method. My views on the royal mess.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On Friday 4<sup>th</sup> October 2019 the
Bombay High Court declared its Judgement in the various litigation filed
challenging the construction of a car shed </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">in the Aarey Milk Colony </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">for the new Metro infrastructure Project. This Project is massive and should transform public transport in Mumbai. The construction of the car shed would entail the cutting of several fully-grown trees. In case you
are living in the dark ages, the Bombay High Court did not grant any relief to
the Petitioners. Hence, from Friday 4</span><sup style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> October, post the Judgement,
thru until Monday morning, in a systematic, well-co-ordinated, cold blooded
efficient movement, all the arms of the Government and bureaucracy organised
cutting down of some 2141 trees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The media, social, print, television was
ablaze. Peoples passions were at a zenith. All kinds of opinions were bandied
about from, blaming the BJP, to you cannot cut trees at night, to pending
proceedings in the Supreme Court, thieves in the night, and many many more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I can say with a fair degree of certainty that
a very small number of people would have even bothered to read the
well-reasoned 39-page Judgement. What was more disturbing, in my view, was the
subsequent Judgement also by the Bombay High Court, rejecting an application to
stay operation of the original 39-page Judgement. This subsequent judgement
only further exposes how poorly advised the Petitioners were. I am unsure if
the Petitioners -effectively D Stalin and Zoru Bhathena - were poorly advised
or simply so bloody egotistical that they refused to listen to sage advice. My
reason for this rather provocative conclusion arises, firstly, from two
passages in the Judgements and secondly, from the fact that no big name brand
Senior Counsel appeared for the Petitioners in this litigation. Surprising
indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am reproducing these two passages. However, I
really and earnestly urge you to read the original Judgement. It is
illuminating in many ways. <a href="https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-365286.pdf" target="_blank">The link is here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The two passages are reproduced under. The
first is the passage from the original Judgement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“29. Repeatedly, Davids
(environmentalist) take on industrial Goliath's. Relationship with nature and
love for environment alone is true and all other relationships are unreal and
temporary, is their belief. Their hearts are a temple of devotion to flora and
fauna. In the instant case, the Davids row their boat with faith, courage and
devotion in the storm of development; but directionless. The Greens fail in the
instant petition because they have lost touch with the procedure to be followed
as per law.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the original fable, David won. Here, unfortunately that was not the case. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I have written, the Judgement was declared
on Friday 4</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> October 2019. On Saturday 5</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> October 2019,
on a holiday a Bench of the Bombay High Court was specially constituted to hear
an urgent plea for stay of the Judgement declared on 4</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> October
2019. Who should appear for the Petitioners in a matter of such utmost
importance? Ms. Sonal. Alas, poor Ms. Sonal has not been graced with a surname.
Ever heard of her? While that may be shocking, do read the two paragraphs
extracted from the Special Bench order. More shocking. <a href="https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-365319.pdf" target="_blank">You can read this short Judgement here.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“6. Having noted the
rival contentions, we are of the firm opinion that the petitioners attempted to
question the tree cutting at the site in not one, but two legal proceedings. The
Division Bench has followed another order dated 25th October, 2018 rendered in
the writ petitions, one of which was also by Mr.Zoru Darayus Bhathena. Now, in
the second round, all the petitions are dismissed by the detailed judgments
dated 4th October, 2019. Once all the substantive proceedings are dismissed, it
would not be proper to pass any restraint order and merely on a praceipe. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7. There is nothing on
record to show that any request was made to stay the operation, implementation
and enforcement of the judgment and order, nor any specific restraint was
sought. We cannot proceed on any oral understanding. Merely because another
Bench is constituted, it would not be proper to grant any relief. The nature of
the relief is such that if it is granted, that would directly contravene the
observations, findings and conclusions in the detailed judgment. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">8. Hence, the request
is refused.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now do you get why I ask if the Petitioners
were poorly advised or simply so bloody egotistical?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One last point. In a previous litigation on the
same subject, the Bombay High Court passed a detailed Order among other things
expressly directing the planting of trees. I reproduce that passage. Makes
interesting reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“(1) Open area shown on
the Part Plan of proposed modification shall be kept open and it shall be
binding to conserve the trees on part of the said land permanently. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(2) To mitigate the
environmental impact to Aarey Colony following measures shall be undertaken: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 92.7pt; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ground water recharging arrangements to be provided in the
Depot. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 92.7pt; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Plantation of Trees as per recommendation of the Committee <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 92.7pt; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trees above 10 feet height of native variety only be
planted. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 92.7pt; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iv)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Plantation to be undertaken by professional agencies only.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 92.7pt; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Annual Audit of plantation by Third Party and Reports
posted on the Company's website. vi) MMRC to maintain these trees for 5 years. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2.0cm; margin-right: 40.2pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(3) Total 33 Hectors of
land shall be used only for Metro Car Depot/ Workshop, allied users only.
Commercial user shall not be permitted.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If this was already ordered by the Bombay High
Court, and this order was in full force did the Petitioners challenge once
again out of stubbornness, ill advise or ego? I leave it to you to decide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My personal view is that of course cutting of
trees should not be permitted. By the same token, of course the Metro should be
established. If various experts have decided that the Car Shed for the Metro
should be at place X necessitating cutting of trees then, so be it.
Undoubtedly, replacement trees have to be planted. The amazing thing is that an
order to plant <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tre</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">es was already in
place. I would have been happy if the Petitioners had instead asked for strict
implementation of that order instead of making such an unholy mess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway, so much for legal niceties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As things happened, we were in Hyderabad
over the weekend of 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> October. And, Hyderabad
has a Metro. A good one. The Queen of Kutch and I travelled on it and it was a
most pleasant experience. Air conditioned, clean, and quick. Rs. 40 for the
journey we took. Oh yes, there are actually fully functioning escalators to take
you from street level to the Metro Station some 30 - 50 feet up. Escalators work
in Hyderabad, unlike in Mumbai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXw7FlNZ6bjCLonR8H3b8Vj1VlK5uWWYqJ2Dx1pBPL8VkuZnNEnRm8NoCHADjPyDiw6ig3pBatP4tdTjr3VPK2akwiwWMd6yfqGQK5GbFcoC0ZGeXFZ4-YNlBoBJJGjPXeKxj8gNeJHI/s1600/20191004_201218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXw7FlNZ6bjCLonR8H3b8Vj1VlK5uWWYqJ2Dx1pBPL8VkuZnNEnRm8NoCHADjPyDiw6ig3pBatP4tdTjr3VPK2akwiwWMd6yfqGQK5GbFcoC0ZGeXFZ4-YNlBoBJJGjPXeKxj8gNeJHI/s640/20191004_201218.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBAsd70IKkcahJlmPNrT_dJ2E_nF3epf9iTDgyUyqoRpS_GfDrEXuGODs5CwAoI0F_VscbR_-6u-72aBDqesnFzAuzK5-i-ufUx6mZtn4wG1vrB56tBS9K-LF8YZph_LWAW1k1q-ebI8/s1600/20191004_200710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBAsd70IKkcahJlmPNrT_dJ2E_nF3epf9iTDgyUyqoRpS_GfDrEXuGODs5CwAoI0F_VscbR_-6u-72aBDqesnFzAuzK5-i-ufUx6mZtn4wG1vrB56tBS9K-LF8YZph_LWAW1k1q-ebI8/s640/20191004_200710.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What however was completely coincidental was
that while in Hyderabad we visited a mini forest. In the light of the Judgement
and the cutting of trees, our visit to the mini forest was truly eye and mind
opening for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A couple we know, after years of corporate
jobs, bought an 11 acre plot some 50 kms outside Hyderabad. The land was rocky
and had no ground water. At first, they constructed some outhouses, then their
home, and now work is feverishly on to establish a petting farm an eco resort,
with cottages, tents and dormitories, a central dining facility a library and
what not. The construction is being done by compressed stabilised earth blocks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>made on site, sustainably. The ultimate goal
is to give back, get green, organic, educate, and be nice to nature. Very
noble. I could never be like that. They call their property Arbor Road Estate. <a href="https://www.arborestate.co.in/" target="_blank">Here is their link, have a look.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What truly astounded me was the mini forest.
Some of you readers may be aware of the Miyawaki Method. This is an
exceptionally successful mini forest grown by Arbor Road Estate following the Miyawaki Method.
Miyawaki Akira is a Japanese Botanist. Under the "Miyawaki method" he
demonstrated that it is possible to restore native forests from seeds of native
trees on very degraded soils which were deforested, without humus. Humus is the organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of leaves and plant material by soil micro-organisms. </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Humus is not the chick pea paste you lather on your Sharwama! There is a
huge amount of science that goes into the Miyawaki Method. The method
postulates planting native trees very densely. At Arbor Road Estate in 2015
they planted some 6600 trees. In 2016 a further 1800. In addition, they planted
in excess of 3000 landscape and fruit bearing trees. All in all, there are
about 12,000 trees planted in 4 years. Of these more than 8000 trees are
densely planted in 35,000 square feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Arbor Estate took technical assistance from a for
profit, yes a for profit organisation called Afforestt. which helps create
forests using the Miyawaki Method. <a href="https://www.afforestt.com/" target="_blank">You could read more about Afforestt here.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What Arbor Road Estate has done in just 4 years
is truly awe inspiring. The trees in just four years are tall and lush and some
are towering at over 30 feet. The wooded area is a haven for all kinds of
wildlife. Today, as a result of the mini forest, the rain on the land has
increased. They have harvested over 40 lakh litres of water, enough water to
sustain them for an entire year, The number and variety of birds has
dramatically increased. Butterflies and all kinds of insects are happy among
the trees. In fact, the couple has identified and photographed more than 45
species of migratory and native birds on the land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The fruits are fantastic, and HRH the Queen of
Kutch will vouch for the Custard Apples. Originally the land had a few Custard
Apple trees, but over the last 4 years they have multiplied. No chemicals or
fertilizer is used on the land. Arbor Road Estate has in fact changed, for the
better, the eco system of the entire area. A look at the photographs will show
you the progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The point I am trying to make is simply this. A
couple with only commitment and little knowledge, has successfully planted on
barren land 12,000 trees including 8,000 in just 35,000 square feet. What can
be done in Aarey and a hundred other places by using the Miyawaki Method
boggles my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you know how many trees were cut in Aarey?
2141. These 2141 trees were in 33 hectares which is 35,52,090 square feet, yes
35 lakh square feet. I am assuming that the entire 33 hectares are now without
trees, I may be wrong in that assumption. Arbor Road Estate has planted 8,000
trees in 35,000 square feet. Do you realise the significance? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I really don’t want to bleat on. What has
happened in Aarey is so sad. I so much wish that our Petitioners were a little
more sensible about things. According to me, Stalin and Bhathena never had the
plot. Zeal, vim and vigour, passion and commitment are one thing, however, this
must be tempered by common sense, practicality and humility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjadmyEjhYz_BZVj8fbVwPHw2-bqSTw_hLhTP-5CosY9hf0kK2I_4YbrFWCb_PcjjrkGEmGC5fnCgog60jhwa4tmuxQkIQPvVVyyev4cuS38stLShgH7DHCe2W53FMYyTjjG0DHY5KZ20/s1600/10June15-Before+%2528along+fence+looking+east%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjadmyEjhYz_BZVj8fbVwPHw2-bqSTw_hLhTP-5CosY9hf0kK2I_4YbrFWCb_PcjjrkGEmGC5fnCgog60jhwa4tmuxQkIQPvVVyyev4cuS38stLShgH7DHCe2W53FMYyTjjG0DHY5KZ20/s640/10June15-Before+%2528along+fence+looking+east%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Arbor Road Estate circa 2016. Barren land and fencing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIP0kvIvU9mg2WLsWhVjdtCIBvnyRz_mqae3fR42wIobHp20hxNxWToidLzzPTXZqk4NO5vQRVbb7eiBdFtzstO9XjUiyCJSvd_m-ELLNyurneN9q57JQpebzG5bfcGps5GKZX3RUysk/s1600/Forest-Drone+shot+10Oct+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIP0kvIvU9mg2WLsWhVjdtCIBvnyRz_mqae3fR42wIobHp20hxNxWToidLzzPTXZqk4NO5vQRVbb7eiBdFtzstO9XjUiyCJSvd_m-ELLNyurneN9q57JQpebzG5bfcGps5GKZX3RUysk/s640/Forest-Drone+shot+10Oct+2016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: A couple of years later. Miyawaki Method, Forest coming along the fence. The large pool in the centre that is now happily full.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Dseed6aMG07pr8hcfOR5FJ9nQ-xD0IJ5DzYG-PFYz2dw-KJg70CzOixIRhDtvkg9g9PwvbB1ax5x-yXYnwcxXkQFsYvyR-tNQPGa9aGYf1aCuwJUM7K2fRDX3ESyisUi7RCP_B-PQw/s1600/Forest+planting+along+South+fence+with+Machaan+-June+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Dseed6aMG07pr8hcfOR5FJ9nQ-xD0IJ5DzYG-PFYz2dw-KJg70CzOixIRhDtvkg9g9PwvbB1ax5x-yXYnwcxXkQFsYvyR-tNQPGa9aGYf1aCuwJUM7K2fRDX3ESyisUi7RCP_B-PQw/s640/Forest+planting+along+South+fence+with+Machaan+-June+2016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: If you look carefully in the top centre of the photo you will see the under construction Machan. See how small the trees are in comparison to the Machan.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLIoQ87h0bYZ6wEJ4yuKHZCnnkr3KLkuESMMWqWQRWpfxKG_ziWgEdAeFILHnqhP-3tJVvMbh7pcYfw83Qg6qPf7Tuic65h_XJf1wweaFqbedf5s4JABfceNH_wUBGIzA28qcD5Osdbw/s1600/Forest+with+Machaan-27June2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLIoQ87h0bYZ6wEJ4yuKHZCnnkr3KLkuESMMWqWQRWpfxKG_ziWgEdAeFILHnqhP-3tJVvMbh7pcYfw83Qg6qPf7Tuic65h_XJf1wweaFqbedf5s4JABfceNH_wUBGIzA28qcD5Osdbw/s640/Forest+with+Machaan-27June2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The Machan now has trees towering over the rooftop. That is more than 30 feet. Just 4 years.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-63145282928861130512019-09-01T15:46:00.000+05:302019-09-07T15:03:30.996+05:30Rajasthani Pop Up - ITC Grand Maratha Mumbai <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<u><b>UPDATE:</b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This post reached the F&B department of ITC Grand Maratha. Mr. FOMO who was rather upset with the evening spoke to the head of F&B at ITC. ITC has promised to refund the money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">--------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The ITC Grand Maratha has, according to me, Mumbai’s
finest restaurants. The Peshawri for North West Frontier cuisine, the Dum Pukth
for Avadhi cuisine and Dakshin for South Indian food are at the very top of the
tree. Of course, they are pricey, very pricey. Thus, you should visit them for a
special occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Occasionally, the ITC has special evenings. We
had an excellent Italian & Truffle meal which you can read <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2018/03/ottimo-moet-chandon-truffles-pop-up-itc.html" target="_blank">here.</a> More
recently the ITC organised a pop up of Avaratna their hugely successful modern South
Indian restaurant from Chennai. You can read about <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2018/06/avaratna-itc-grand-chola-chennai.html" target="_blank">Avaratna here.</a> I have not
written about the pop up, but suffice to say it was exceptional and Chef Bangera
managed to recreate the difficult dishes and plating in Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This weekend of 30<sup>th</sup> and 31<sup>st</sup>
August, Chef Akshraj Jodha was presenting - I quote from the promotional flyer
sent out by ITC - “recipes favoured by the regal dynasties of Rajasthan” with a
9 course meal. This was promising. Enquiries revealed that this would be
traditional Rajasthani food, but, plated in a modern style. The non-vegetarian menu
was good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBU-ncTAomULW6Br9ZqG8ZEpEJceNlrdzFJxiWa844vX9PBH3WqwCesx3Wd95Y7lnQhEU-DTiOU8PB_LolLpgy4VcJvqYuf6RgB5P2x7x8OnqwVGEWOjiogPWOkbqLBlgOiPFljr12_o/s1600/IMG-20190830-WA0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1269" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBU-ncTAomULW6Br9ZqG8ZEpEJceNlrdzFJxiWa844vX9PBH3WqwCesx3Wd95Y7lnQhEU-DTiOU8PB_LolLpgy4VcJvqYuf6RgB5P2x7x8OnqwVGEWOjiogPWOkbqLBlgOiPFljr12_o/s640/IMG-20190830-WA0015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We invited our close friend Mr. and Mrs. Financial Oracle Mo, whom I
shall affectionately refer to as FOMO. Unfortunately, Mrs. FOMO actually MO’d
as she was playing Head Disciplinarian to her teenage son. It is exam time! It
was 3 of us for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrzh9fao4n5szcTP52U_i4FqJct3R2am7sdtuqWKIwbWh0ZLG-vipvA7AJSRvnWNjQPQWV2zc3HKC7ePHLneSsuGOq0zDjVKpjKA6qYgCmW_Md2wLUor3lOfopfbsRhfRcGJXfon1GOw/s1600/20190831_234526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1084" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrzh9fao4n5szcTP52U_i4FqJct3R2am7sdtuqWKIwbWh0ZLG-vipvA7AJSRvnWNjQPQWV2zc3HKC7ePHLneSsuGOq0zDjVKpjKA6qYgCmW_Md2wLUor3lOfopfbsRhfRcGJXfon1GOw/s640/20190831_234526.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A few pre-prandial cocktails and then it was on
to dinner. The dinner was on the 15<sup>th</sup> level in a room called Prive,
which is the sort of lounge dining area for the Club rooms. I must say the room
was rather well laid out and the table setting was most attractive and classy. Regal
indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now I have not eaten Rajasthani food since we
were in Jodhpur 15 years ago. HRH the Queen of Kutch had last eaten a lot of it
when in ITC Khimsar a couple of years ago. We all know the cliched Rajasthani dishes,
<i>Lal Maas, Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori</i> <i>Ker</i> <i>Sangri</i>, <i>Daal Baati
Choorma</i> and so on. You really don’t get Rajasthani food in Mumbai. We were
looking forward to this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alas, barring a couple of dishes the meal was
rather poor by any standard. Many reasons for this which I shall get to. The
food was plated well, the crockery itself was well chosen. But unfortunately, the
proteins were overcooked, the seasoning was off and in the continual use of
red/brown gravy all made with yogurt was simply boring, very boring and same
tasting. It seemed like every dish was made with <i>Dahi Kadhi</i>. Frankly, the
food was inadequately conceptualised and thought thru. Much much more R&D
had to have been done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know I am being critical. The words of Chef
Tarrantino ring in my years when I write this. He says every Chef works hard,
12 15 hours a day. Is it fair to criticise him? He is doing his best. I totally
agree. The question therefore is, who is at fault if the food is not up to
standard at a pop up? Is it the Chef? Is it the managers who allowed the pop
up? Is it me for believing superlative food is always possible? Are my
standards to high? I leave it for you dear readers to draw your conclusions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have a look at the food. I am reproducing the
menu verbatim. The mistakes are not mine. Some menu descriptions are
inaccurate, but it seems like neither did the Chef care nor the management! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYGB-x-up22tkxIeGgXGGFf7nYRgWmTo4BE1i1L45ZOTK56KKIhxOQ_jmxQ5rkcDx2Cg3UY-uaCfOC8RaDPwuCfPH1BGT2HAuUant3td2l-TmJG8kDTUpQZdNoJvebAwMWcJ9ZJF1poA/s1600/20190831_211355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYGB-x-up22tkxIeGgXGGFf7nYRgWmTo4BE1i1L45ZOTK56KKIhxOQ_jmxQ5rkcDx2Cg3UY-uaCfOC8RaDPwuCfPH1BGT2HAuUant3td2l-TmJG8kDTUpQZdNoJvebAwMWcJ9ZJF1poA/s640/20190831_211355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2G7-eSDGJTGT6xr7F1RerhXMeQ7MCRj7_7ejTqCDl-kUsl3bCYw_3h9FbjcN73UOP9iZTonLjPbrOGnvlEeQGN2QJQCOdeMaNg44cH94D_IBasK0B62JLkr9D_WFAr_mEO6uT5jVn0c/s1600/20190831_211409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2G7-eSDGJTGT6xr7F1RerhXMeQ7MCRj7_7ejTqCDl-kUsl3bCYw_3h9FbjcN73UOP9iZTonLjPbrOGnvlEeQGN2QJQCOdeMaNg44cH94D_IBasK0B62JLkr9D_WFAr_mEO6uT5jVn0c/s640/20190831_211409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jowar Raab<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Sorghum Flour cooked in Buttermilk infused
with herbs]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPL8o11iAqihmzAPC7bEAihHd_TIFNX1UNtrJ683978y53o2iSYDqJtytsjli_0YhFqANhgcsREBJcAekRNeY48FGw1ifqqKGLfMq-y4WFXTzj_VOG5e6pN8M2m0Oc39F3Q9SW4o5iBc/s1600/20190831_212536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPL8o11iAqihmzAPC7bEAihHd_TIFNX1UNtrJ683978y53o2iSYDqJtytsjli_0YhFqANhgcsREBJcAekRNeY48FGw1ifqqKGLfMq-y4WFXTzj_VOG5e6pN8M2m0Oc39F3Q9SW4o5iBc/s640/20190831_212536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maans Bootein<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Boneless Mutton cubes marinated in yogurt,
smoked and cooked on charcoal]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chatka Murgh</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Spice, herbs and yogurt marinated escalopes of chicken cooked on grill]</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HHisfa2UfkbB9wi-Mjq41-ibim8ioPPyvmb_5B3BASBnMSPxqG8s1d8o4L5l61VeGQY5tc3S2tbjeCbFoWcqYgAvODl5D1yerSGfYrT8dcrLohcgZ4o2InXfMoQvA-9_fxXrfMvSQSc/s1600/20190831_213841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1332" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HHisfa2UfkbB9wi-Mjq41-ibim8ioPPyvmb_5B3BASBnMSPxqG8s1d8o4L5l61VeGQY5tc3S2tbjeCbFoWcqYgAvODl5D1yerSGfYrT8dcrLohcgZ4o2InXfMoQvA-9_fxXrfMvSQSc/s640/20190831_213841.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chatak Macchi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[River Sole stuffed with Onion Cheese & Coriander
cooked on grill served with garlic chutney foam]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTPoff6UI3V3OeeA3RgVwBVyWO8SZiEjMBwKHdp1Jgm_wLF6VDn4Gco5tHHrkY96ZYsTJrSBxr7sPOjdGEubiV21aQhPpyKLg_7GlVdgyRmmfFqUhX8YtFK5mCt_0smADK0CYpSQ4Dtc/s1600/20190831_215502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTPoff6UI3V3OeeA3RgVwBVyWO8SZiEjMBwKHdp1Jgm_wLF6VDn4Gco5tHHrkY96ZYsTJrSBxr7sPOjdGEubiV21aQhPpyKLg_7GlVdgyRmmfFqUhX8YtFK5mCt_0smADK0CYpSQ4Dtc/s640/20190831_215502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bater / Gulabi Paratha</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Quail cooked in Mustard Oil tempered with pickled
spices and served with a Beetroot Paratha] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTE1YXo5U4PzPudSahjG3QxGInp40IgAi36PrGlxTrkJznMLkBuUKSTBCyVKSN7KsHuURaWZx7wBeGsIYq4OJWsy5hSHD-FiJ_V3hCYFNPSDbT1-JX2akHwHjfIOXm4s_U8sGGSRPYLg/s1600/20190831_221222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTE1YXo5U4PzPudSahjG3QxGInp40IgAi36PrGlxTrkJznMLkBuUKSTBCyVKSN7KsHuURaWZx7wBeGsIYq4OJWsy5hSHD-FiJ_V3hCYFNPSDbT1-JX2akHwHjfIOXm4s_U8sGGSRPYLg/s640/20190831_221222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Laal Maas / Bajra Roti</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Mutton on the bone cooked in Methania Chilli
and Yogurt served with Millet bread]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY6jN1XAVDLyettmb09LJX8zhMs-k5Ju2PMM1-EOrYlplLXc6vNCJBW30pXL8nQFzDgEwoXTrZ-l0062tLzh6Ie0Lh3budD8Hpzdm17iMBlIcGdgRKgn5Q3vhvfDHavnmzCPx5wz4riM/s1600/20190831_222613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY6jN1XAVDLyettmb09LJX8zhMs-k5Ju2PMM1-EOrYlplLXc6vNCJBW30pXL8nQFzDgEwoXTrZ-l0062tLzh6Ie0Lh3budD8Hpzdm17iMBlIcGdgRKgn5Q3vhvfDHavnmzCPx5wz4riM/s640/20190831_222613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Daal Bati Choorma</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Traditional Rajasthani bread served with
melange of lentils accompanied with Cardamom enriched sweet]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwU_VTpS2cUnSNcc0MqygnyBafy9l9RSPe6DXJH5WYb2hsMKJbsuAJC-xgtAlHtG6gvDYW9YQjbuNt7kpzcw85oKQISKBfQteaTVqy8f6T6pSF38NGF9qLALYnudNNmknDGCpNItcVqw/s1600/20190831_223933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwU_VTpS2cUnSNcc0MqygnyBafy9l9RSPe6DXJH5WYb2hsMKJbsuAJC-xgtAlHtG6gvDYW9YQjbuNt7kpzcw85oKQISKBfQteaTVqy8f6T6pSF38NGF9qLALYnudNNmknDGCpNItcVqw/s640/20190831_223933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maans Soyeta</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Millet grains cooked with Mutton and spices
served with Desi Ghee and Kheecha Papad]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnCjr8Uia3aEpg5kNGrdw2eufv958hNWLQBmu2RHrJXS5xd7qvMhM2e5Y1MjD2Ag3EOcOmwxyN2FBV5GoJoCocyYYlgytnvK4SgCcZ1dq9o0KUnIVNgSXyRT1BiZCmN5PXqw0zV8ptCs/s1600/20190831_225145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnCjr8Uia3aEpg5kNGrdw2eufv958hNWLQBmu2RHrJXS5xd7qvMhM2e5Y1MjD2Ag3EOcOmwxyN2FBV5GoJoCocyYYlgytnvK4SgCcZ1dq9o0KUnIVNgSXyRT1BiZCmN5PXqw0zV8ptCs/s640/20190831_225145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gulkand</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Pushkar Rose Sorbet]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJse8rCc_Sp4yM6OYLTRXmJHVVcvuFGEu6D24Q6LpkRiDlHuxthA1L3birVBbX6U7G9a-f_swYMU3mfmjWLyi0rpWDHHBd4py7C5jSgz_NyKms2Vt8FjMPljzbRI_elxasIZsmRhjjws/s1600/20190831_225804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJse8rCc_Sp4yM6OYLTRXmJHVVcvuFGEu6D24Q6LpkRiDlHuxthA1L3birVBbX6U7G9a-f_swYMU3mfmjWLyi0rpWDHHBd4py7C5jSgz_NyKms2Vt8FjMPljzbRI_elxasIZsmRhjjws/s640/20190831_225804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fruit Ghevar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Dessert made from flour and milk topped with
fruits and condensed milk]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the positive, the <i>Jowar Raab</i> was
good. The </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Laal Maas</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">was for all of us the dish of the evening with
the </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Maans Soyeta</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">coming a close second. The rest of the food had real
problems.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lets us get one thing straight. The food served
was peasant food, rustic. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. The food was not Haute
Cuisine. By plating it differently or attractively in smaller portions does not
make it Haute Cuisine by any stretch of the imagination. As I have written
earlier, much much more R&D, homework, experimentation, development – call it
what you like - is required to elevate the food to Haute Cuisine. This was
sorely missing. As FOMO said to me, it was more a dilletante's improvisation rather than a solid chef putting out and showcasing a memorable meal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was noting "Royal" either in conceptualisation or execution. As I have said this is rustic food. If "Royal" the food should have been lavish, rich and sumptious. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The second problem was that the Mutton in the <i>Maans
Bootein, </i>the Fish in the <i>Chatak Macchi</i> and the Japanese Quail [<i>Bater</i>] were all very overcooked. The <i>Bater</i> [</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Japanese Quail</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">] </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is a game bird and should be cooked pink. No such luck. Honestly, this is a
problem we have in India. We overcook proteins, boil them to death in curries.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The <i>Gulkand</i> Sorbet was ice. The
beautiful texture of a Sorbet missing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Fruit <i>Ghevar</i> was a horror.
First the menu mis-describes the dish stating “topped with fruits and condensed
milk” The fruits were on the side. This dish was nothing but a one-dimensional sugar
bomb very similar to the equally sugary sweet <i>Shahi Tukda</i>, which I am
sure you are familiar with. I honestly ask, can you a 50 something year old person
actually eat a portion of this dessert? Your child could, but you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then there was the problem of simply bad food.
The <i>Daal Bati Choorma</i> – do read the incomplete menu description – was uneatable.
The <i>Baati</i> was like eating cardboard, or Styrofoam or saw dust. No, I
have not eaten either, but I am sure you know what I am writing. The quantity
of <i>Daal</i> was inadequate, unseasoned and could not redeem the bone dry <i>Baati</i>.
The <i>Choorma</i> was something strange. Why was this served? I have no idea.
I am not a chef, but the first thought that comes to me was to have made marble
sized <i>Baati</i> and serve them along with a tasty <i>Daal</i> in larger
quantities. Probably use the <i>Choorma</i> as a border to hold in the <i>Daal</i>.
This was the worst dish of the night along with the <i>Gulkand</i> Sorbet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now cast your eye over the menu once again. Remember
what I wrote – <i>Dahi Kadhi</i>! Every dish except the <i>Maas Soyeta</i> and
the <i>Daal Bati Choorma</i> has yogurt, or milk i.e. dairy. That is 7 out of 9 dishes.
Boring folks. Yes yes I know that Rajasthani cuisine uses a lot of yogurt. I also
know that at home, no Rajasthani worth his salt would ever have a 9-course meal
with 7 courses using milk. Surely no where in the world, much less in a "Royal Court", would you have 9 courses in a banquet with 7 courses incorporating the same ingredient i.e. milk/yogurt? In a "Royal Court" the King would have had you either sacked or, beheaded!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is surprising how such a poorly thought thru
menu was presented. Everyone seems to have been asleep at the wheel. The sheer carelessness
of even the description in the menu are a clear indication that something was
fundamentally wrong with this pop up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I do hope ITC pulls up its socks. Not worth the
Rs 6000/- per head that we paid. We would love to have our money back. ITC prides itself on Indian Cuisine. It has built the hotel brand around it. This is a serious blip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-32782651906196866212019-08-15T16:18:00.001+05:302020-01-11T17:07:33.732+05:30La Loca Maria - An unmitigated disaster.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eating out in the past few weeks has been
fairly disappointing. Readers will have read about how I believe standards have
fallen at O Pedro. After that we had a sub-par meal at the newly opened Copper
Chimney at Bandra. This has opened where it once was, a sort of reincarnation, on
the start of the road leading to Bandra Station. The gravies were unbalanced,
the meat tough, and, overall a let-down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The experience we had at the newly opened La
Loca Maria took the biscuit as far as I was concerned. It was the first time,
in any restaurant, anywhere in the world, when we have returned both dishes we
ordered, obviously uneaten, and, walked out without paying. It was that bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, this was punctuated by an absolutely
knockout meal at Ling’s Pavilion with some really excellent Clams Chili Garlic.
Clams being very much in season now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGOHHBefJO2kcG5apSQ8rx16BjpzJLzPotSvjbEiBZImBB4mSoLBOAuj82zSds2EAg7zh7prR8Kdk5RtDSTNfrAh12Fg0X213sJh_r1C9d7D6WzYBUOy69zpOJPPV5H9GZClRLsgzHPA/s1600/20190809_211100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGOHHBefJO2kcG5apSQ8rx16BjpzJLzPotSvjbEiBZImBB4mSoLBOAuj82zSds2EAg7zh7prR8Kdk5RtDSTNfrAh12Fg0X213sJh_r1C9d7D6WzYBUOy69zpOJPPV5H9GZClRLsgzHPA/s640/20190809_211100.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Delicious Clams Chilli Garlic at Ling's Pavilion</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">La Loca Maria has opened on Turner Road in
place of the long-standing Birdy’s, in the same building that has Sahiban, Café
Coffee Day <i>et al</i>. Sometime in mid-April when walking along the footpath,
HRH the Queen of Kutch saw some renovation at the site and a good looking white
man standing outside. Curiosity piqued she asked white man what was happening.
He replied that he was a chef and the owner of a Spanish restaurant that was
to open in the first week of May. A new Spanish restaurant literally 50 meters
from home. Much excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, May came and went, so did June and July.
Then in early August, we saw that the doors were open. A call was made and the
answer was, nope not yet open, waiting for the liquor license which was
expected shortly. Then the PR mini blitz started. A Spanish Chef married to a Maharashtrian
girl was opening this place. He had worked at a series of 5-star properties in
the Middle East and was part of the now long-shuttered Sergi Arola restaurant
at the JW Marriot at Juhu. HRH the queen of Kutch was
busy researching reviews. The excitement was reaching fever pitch, as the cliché goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, on 14<sup>th</sup> August, the day before
the Independence Day dry day we wet our whistles at Irish House and walked
across to La Loca Maria for our 8.45 pm reserved table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we entered, we saw the Chef glad-handing a
table near the entrance. To put things in perspective, the site was a cake
shop, hence small. It had now morphed into a restaurant. Broadly a third of the area is an
open kitchen, another third is the seating and the final third is an illegal
encroachment onto the open-air building compound. About 16 to 18 seats inside
and probably 6 to 8 in the open, outside. How such a small restaurant can make
economic sense I am mystified. On a Wednesday, a day before a holiday, at 9 pm
the place was 50% full, or empty. Not a good sign. Obviously, still no liquor
license. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHtcdWMviLFClu-MwwUGI51xeBlAv-kdYGTdvKGHwWDfUEl6dCW3KlbWS26iApsTG5zI4nbptgAXQQZ30V9APZdsNu-7ayeKeppQueyUKZ-lrdP7ML12EiV3CXcXLODzJdmKdcCxDeD4/s1600/20190814_205832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHtcdWMviLFClu-MwwUGI51xeBlAv-kdYGTdvKGHwWDfUEl6dCW3KlbWS26iApsTG5zI4nbptgAXQQZ30V9APZdsNu-7ayeKeppQueyUKZ-lrdP7ML12EiV3CXcXLODzJdmKdcCxDeD4/s640/20190814_205832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The menu was handed out, two sheets, one with
the food and a second with desserts. We decided, thankfully in retrospect, to
order just 3 starters, gauge, and then order the main course. As an aside, the
burgers were touted in the PR pieces as being excellent, so I told HRH the
Queen of Kutch to keep an eye open to see how they looked in case they were
being served to another table. As we waited for our food, a half-eaten burger
was returned. OK, let’s give the benefit of doubt. Maybe, the diner was full and
could not finish the burger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We ordered 3 starters, all bog-standard classic
traditional Spanish staples. Croquettes or <i>Croquetas</i> in Spanish, Prawns
in Olive Oil with Garlic and Chilli or <i>Gambas al Ajillo,</i> and Charred Octopus.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">First up the Mushroom and Truffle Croquettes
with Garlic Aioli. Have a look at the photo. Primary rule in food, everything should
be the same size. Rule is broken. You may say I am nit-picking. Really? Go
to a pastry shop with different sized chocolate pastry and tell me which ones
will sell first, the larger or the smaller? Fine, to use a chestnut</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, size does
not matter, technique does. Here is where we had a huge problem. A Croquette is most often made with a very heavy thick Bechamel or white sauce which is flavoured with
Chicken or Ham or Cheese etc. Thus, when you deep fry the Croquette, the
Bechamel becomes creamy and delicious. It is honestly a delicious dish. What
was served to us had minimal Bechamel, if at all, and was filled with breadcrumb. This, unfortunately, resulted in an extremely dry interior with an unpleasant mouthfeel and
overpowering Truffle Oil flavour. Dish returned with 4 of the 6 Croquettes
uneaten.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuVzuU53x3GlzwYoti0NMpPi1s8nHtUfHRyINCrSclMG63XyE3xtkp8XbolHS865LFd67i-t1fXlnQ77cPMtVaKxhuUUSaTIkjGlyQf1RIPyVhCUuNnW2yIIZxo0meSsN6sGkqesZhn0/s1600/20190814_210302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuVzuU53x3GlzwYoti0NMpPi1s8nHtUfHRyINCrSclMG63XyE3xtkp8XbolHS865LFd67i-t1fXlnQ77cPMtVaKxhuUUSaTIkjGlyQf1RIPyVhCUuNnW2yIIZxo0meSsN6sGkqesZhn0/s640/20190814_210302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: The Croquettes</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Next up was the <i>Gambas al Ajillo. </i>This
dish a joy to eat. Dead simple. A terracotta cooking vessel called a <i>Cazuela
de Barro</i> is heated with a generous amount of Olive Oil, sliced garlic and
Chilli added along with Prawns. Finally, White Wine is added, sometimes some
Paprika and the prawns are served in the <i>Cazuela de Barro</i> spitting,
hissing and boiling hot. In La Loca Maria this was a tragedy. We got the prawns,
lukewarm, overcooked in a stone-cold ceramic dish. To me, it seemed that a whole
lot of prawns were cooked in advance, like prawn curry, in a large <i>Dekchi</i>,
and simply plated. Two prawns eaten; dish returned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEuPhqoGAoyURyx2H_veTsxG1SXYZilQkzRnqsn_aiyn8_0HYU_iWuPdZyW5XiYngYVI0v-vXlCMg6cBeziKA8SQUAlwairgQDSmLnq5qLj3_yQn-xnVO-OErYXmUSz1mPM2AkYEK-F0/s1600/20190814_210920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEuPhqoGAoyURyx2H_veTsxG1SXYZilQkzRnqsn_aiyn8_0HYU_iWuPdZyW5XiYngYVI0v-vXlCMg6cBeziKA8SQUAlwairgQDSmLnq5qLj3_yQn-xnVO-OErYXmUSz1mPM2AkYEK-F0/s640/20190814_210920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The Gambas al Ajillo at La Loca Maria</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDBheaF9wM5i-FMxJWYifL1fwOX-DOplWh9-0bu4Ti47sH5Nz44myDmqyXAeO17q-8eGXVsbxQwO1OIDNlW01h2SlGRaA2oIqH-FJXcpsV-PeGRHCVey8eCzaEp9VXNELi_NK_wk8BQ/s1600/gambas-al-ajillo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDBheaF9wM5i-FMxJWYifL1fwOX-DOplWh9-0bu4Ti47sH5Nz44myDmqyXAeO17q-8eGXVsbxQwO1OIDNlW01h2SlGRaA2oIqH-FJXcpsV-PeGRHCVey8eCzaEp9VXNELi_NK_wk8BQ/s640/gambas-al-ajillo.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: An image I have taken from the Internet of what Gambas al Ajillo should be. Note the terracotta dish.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The order of Charred Octopus cancelled and the bill
requested. Chef comes out looking harassed. I tell him this is unacceptable.
The <i>Gambas</i> were stone cold, as was the dish which I repeatedly touched
with my fingers to demonstrate the cold dish. He shrugged and
melted away. The server said we hardly ate anything so why do we need the bill.
I was so upset that I agreed with him and fetched my umbrella and walked out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dinner was leftover <i>Goa Choriz Pulao</i>
washed down with an icy G&T.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am totally at a loss as to how or why we got
such terrible food. As I have written earlier, this was bog-standard Spanish
food. Spanish food is codified, that is, it has rules and recipes that are
fairly consistent across the board. It is not like our Hyderabadi, Luckhnowi,
Bohri, Mopla, Avadhi and Calcutta biryani conundrum. Both Croquettes or <i>Croquetas</i>
and Prawns in Olive Oil with Garlic and Chilli or <i>Gambas al Ajillo</i> are
standard dishes which any Spanish chef should be able to cook with his eyes
closed, half drunk. Is there any explanation? Is he simply a terrible cook? I
find that difficult to believe. Has he been driven mad by us Indians who refuse
to accept food for what it is and want it spicy or <i>Chatpata</i> or somehow
bastardised? Or is it that this place targets Millennials, food bloggers,
jurnos and PR types who are clueless at the best of times? If that is the case,
the man has no pride. Why not serve good authentic food to those who are
clueless? They anyway have no idea. Why compromise?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I predict that he will soon have a new menu,
with the attendant hoopla. Thereafter, in the next 9 months, he will be gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sad, But, honestly, he is solely to blame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-4432681360438528452019-07-25T15:43:00.000+05:302019-07-25T15:43:30.321+05:30Cannes the food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Cote d’Azur part of Provence has its
distinct cuisine. Several dishes that originate there are as the saying goes “world
renowned”. The famous fish soup Bouillabaisse, the delicious Salad Niçoise, the
vegetarian Ratatouille, Tapenade -the Olive pate and Aioli to name just a few.
Tomato, Olive, Olive Oil garlic Aubergines are some of the vegetables that
thrive here. Fish is a big part of the meal. In other words, this is certainly
not a culinary wasteland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two street foods that are very popular are the
Pan Bagnat and Socca. The Pan Bagnat is simply a Salad Niçoise on a sandwich. A
crusty burger bun shaped bread is hollowed out slightly, bathed in olive oil
and filled with lettuce, tomato, tinned tuna, onion, hard cooked egg slices and
anchovy. Typically, these are weighed down and kept cool for a few hours before
being eaten. This is a substantial lunch for one, very substantial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Socca is frankly quite daft. It is simply a ‘<i>chilla’</i>
made with ‘<i>Chole</i>’ flour, water and some olive oil. This is cooked on a <i>tava</i>
in a wood fired oven. It actually is a <i>chilla</i>. Served with a grind or
two of black pepper. A very good <i>chilla</i>, but still a <i>chilla</i>. How
much can you elevate a <i>chilla</i>? We shared one in the Forville Market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV7_Tt0foJUbtSuWwgESRzP71XOoNrT434BdWPhF-PR523EOjpe0ACJLikl6YWWn_6oxNdr8hlrWbYcHi8FcsEwyoPwGowwWULRAQeAJuLY2GPwuRP1nRXDc832En43NBv8i9XFjGalk/s1600/P1150682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV7_Tt0foJUbtSuWwgESRzP71XOoNrT434BdWPhF-PR523EOjpe0ACJLikl6YWWn_6oxNdr8hlrWbYcHi8FcsEwyoPwGowwWULRAQeAJuLY2GPwuRP1nRXDc832En43NBv8i9XFjGalk/s640/P1150682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIe8R8zUAvVtFN6V46JFvesMhwMtdK8g77Kr1PzEHg7Wnmx42XbbIxH-cQ5J71u-HHUfn9aCzIaUCgnKTsKzMsW8yaOz4GTIs51Qm5SNPxHCC6FCwKeSg2jm3e76UEH4DpIuGJoFL2Go/s1600/P1150684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIe8R8zUAvVtFN6V46JFvesMhwMtdK8g77Kr1PzEHg7Wnmx42XbbIxH-cQ5J71u-HHUfn9aCzIaUCgnKTsKzMsW8yaOz4GTIs51Qm5SNPxHCC6FCwKeSg2jm3e76UEH4DpIuGJoFL2Go/s640/P1150684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Top: The Socca being baked in the oven and the finished product </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The previous evening we had dined at the superb
Palme D’Or which has two stars in Michelin. Dinner was to be humbler after last
night’s blow out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The French Riviera has many fine restaurants. Problem
is that Cannes does not. Cannes is on the coast surrounded, just a few kilometres
away by hills. In the towns in the hills, Valbonne, Mougins and Châteauneuf, to
name just 3. These towns have superb restaurants often with stars in Michelin.
There is a lot of choice within a 20-minute drive. We don’t drive, so our
dining choices are dictated by walking distance or at best taxi. Anyway, after
some snooping, we zeroed in on Aux Bon Enfants a charming Bistro started in
1935 in the heart of old Cannes town. Right in the Altstadt as the Germans
would say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had reserved a table for 7.30 pm but observing
from the previous night that people ate late, we delayed our table to 8 pm. We
sat in the square and had a beer and cold Rose before dinner. How utterly civilised.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aux Bon Enfants was a typical Bistro, Blackboards
with handwritten menus with <i>le formule </i>[the fixed price menu] and <i>le plat de
jour</i> [the daily special] adorning the walls. A bottle of wine was ordered which
came in a rather charming Ice bucket. The food was good, of course, not of the
gourmet standard of the previous night. Just decent well cooked standard French
Bistro fare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ90V2LPv6EvKQAFIgwqwAGBwYNy8RklohkJGvVLn6QSwOO2Oe43SjIuUzORf_F_3LZo2xqXr7GN7PibYSqHcVLGZPBphaQGCa_lgmeb69PbEqyV6g9J5DABtTd8ribGybFSfkoXEfiQ/s1600/P1150714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ90V2LPv6EvKQAFIgwqwAGBwYNy8RklohkJGvVLn6QSwOO2Oe43SjIuUzORf_F_3LZo2xqXr7GN7PibYSqHcVLGZPBphaQGCa_lgmeb69PbEqyV6g9J5DABtTd8ribGybFSfkoXEfiQ/s640/P1150714.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb4cUA_3hvO3KxMXUVmHmkHGwBZCEoGZV5h_MP7mvbWGFqVb60WYZ8dcRgkkPGAyLIDMxpYXk_lKDl-7kXfNv752rEG_CXBBn6tnH9auI_B_RBouOsDMK2Iy-Ij_6t2vz0sRx3pItYnY/s1600/P1150715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb4cUA_3hvO3KxMXUVmHmkHGwBZCEoGZV5h_MP7mvbWGFqVb60WYZ8dcRgkkPGAyLIDMxpYXk_lKDl-7kXfNv752rEG_CXBBn6tnH9auI_B_RBouOsDMK2Iy-Ij_6t2vz0sRx3pItYnY/s640/P1150715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBX1rcMBpHZ7JbRjZwXTFIfjEa9xxeWv0DZKs2IP5MkVLzJsgo_qAZs2q6sdPjilN8Rfw0p-uhExrgMcAOpFwnwgIb5oHOw2UVf4dyDcNcl64YxoN5Gij5MSHnxxJpOgrD_bkYA1xAt4/s1600/P1150717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBX1rcMBpHZ7JbRjZwXTFIfjEa9xxeWv0DZKs2IP5MkVLzJsgo_qAZs2q6sdPjilN8Rfw0p-uhExrgMcAOpFwnwgIb5oHOw2UVf4dyDcNcl64YxoN5Gij5MSHnxxJpOgrD_bkYA1xAt4/s640/P1150717.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8KYs0FrE4bniqQkwuTim7phQY6Zv6JsY1fXABZaMhmFF4fB7kGINFLiLjondubmsi2cWsSbSInMxr4ifswrX-va5NyhDf2AV65YNID9VtZ98HojysAenrfbn3CSxVP16VjD5eZwTCNI/s1600/P1150719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8KYs0FrE4bniqQkwuTim7phQY6Zv6JsY1fXABZaMhmFF4fB7kGINFLiLjondubmsi2cWsSbSInMxr4ifswrX-va5NyhDf2AV65YNID9VtZ98HojysAenrfbn3CSxVP16VjD5eZwTCNI/s640/P1150719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: A classic. Bone Marrow with Toast Parsley & Salt</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzDuy4xkOj0hIbd8imp-dQCe5dQuAGGoSGcQNCou3un2IqoOck5m06O1iZHlPPkfMCzp3IkzF7NB8aeIT1WN_zs0uKe4k1tDbPXO6yoAhtMkqvAN-eYlg4V-Bqlcno6cOjFgs40IKQDE/s1600/P1150720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1600" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzDuy4xkOj0hIbd8imp-dQCe5dQuAGGoSGcQNCou3un2IqoOck5m06O1iZHlPPkfMCzp3IkzF7NB8aeIT1WN_zs0uKe4k1tDbPXO6yoAhtMkqvAN-eYlg4V-Bqlcno6cOjFgs40IKQDE/s640/P1150720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: Heritage Tomato Salad with Pesto and Burata</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGzolXaklt_7N__0PuaZ9O0z44RsVCfjpM0KHqS9vtY9FEbXFXfuG_8S7B0N-zQsiZz6vvdxzDvD1P0cSEMxwEhQt8GUJdmznCneWlUpuSneE-MvNerqdy-sGiXuKOoyPGgcb-FCnJrc/s1600/P1150726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGzolXaklt_7N__0PuaZ9O0z44RsVCfjpM0KHqS9vtY9FEbXFXfuG_8S7B0N-zQsiZz6vvdxzDvD1P0cSEMxwEhQt8GUJdmznCneWlUpuSneE-MvNerqdy-sGiXuKOoyPGgcb-FCnJrc/s640/P1150726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: Veal chop with Mustard</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmz67kDSasJcua07hfHmFEHExZPFEIOT3BZcTSlv16_-lwed3MDSwTIf8xC3mnsXAoUjERqyW1kCN7BN48MMozAYAe_x5ddLA0Fc28L36ScvZPfEAXYReR_KYTKVBN4yzIG_k2cEVKAc/s1600/P1150723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmz67kDSasJcua07hfHmFEHExZPFEIOT3BZcTSlv16_-lwed3MDSwTIf8xC3mnsXAoUjERqyW1kCN7BN48MMozAYAe_x5ddLA0Fc28L36ScvZPfEAXYReR_KYTKVBN4yzIG_k2cEVKAc/s640/P1150723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: Rabbit Stew with Olives & Lemon. Really really tasty </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ro97Ahj80_Qn0IHWQhhd3lH4WuJyrNCFtj7HiLNpgnGTQnwNHu0EDbIgaTl_-5ouTfp7Z7ITsCKNWmAbZVVfbyTg8gEMEWQ5ePKclX_qLI6Ua1kJM3ZFXjVd1Oz0rtTvu63Tn9O523s/s1600/P1150725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ro97Ahj80_Qn0IHWQhhd3lH4WuJyrNCFtj7HiLNpgnGTQnwNHu0EDbIgaTl_-5ouTfp7Z7ITsCKNWmAbZVVfbyTg8gEMEWQ5ePKclX_qLI6Ua1kJM3ZFXjVd1Oz0rtTvu63Tn9O523s/s640/P1150725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: A plate of mixed vegetables - Aubergine, Pommes Dauphinoise </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrVQl-PyYG7YnJbUivzOYHpnbiPEE00mbUFjYPTenr96yvKmmgnK6tioyWSm3QP62Y7Gf6nD5BrcY11A9Cbi7EdQ4Rb2EM8qjMBylmPv8tfG91gRSQC4VR9RxcLVVeTRMhqA_Ed6m9ZQ/s1600/P1150729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrVQl-PyYG7YnJbUivzOYHpnbiPEE00mbUFjYPTenr96yvKmmgnK6tioyWSm3QP62Y7Gf6nD5BrcY11A9Cbi7EdQ4Rb2EM8qjMBylmPv8tfG91gRSQC4VR9RxcLVVeTRMhqA_Ed6m9ZQ/s640/P1150729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Top: Lemon Tart</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The dessert was a knockout. Unfortunately, not photographed
well. Lemon Tart, which the waitress proudly told us was la Maison, made at
home. The pastry was short and crisp and the Lemon Curd tangy. Well done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am sure there are several Bistros equally
good in Cannes. You can safely eat here. No complaints at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-47885546868358589942019-07-22T17:38:00.001+05:302019-07-22T18:00:14.659+05:30Restaurant Palme D'Or - Cannes **<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We were in Cannes for just two nights. One
night was to be dinner at Palme D’Or which has two stars in Michelin. The chef
in charge of Palme d’Or is the very charming Christian Sinicropi who hails from
Cannes. His trade mark is a Pista Green Chef’s Jacket that he wears. We had
made the reservation well in advance, especially having seen the restaurant and
Chef being featured in an episode of a Netflix show whose name escapes me. Palme
D’or is located in the Martinez Hotel, so we thought that the rich and famous would
have made dinner plans too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our table was for 8 pm. For once we had no
commute to reach the restaurant, no timing the walk with HRH the Queen of Kutch
wearing high heeled shoes. No taxi to hail and traffic to negotiate. Just a simple
ride down the elevator. In these circumstances what better to do that visit the
bar downstairs. Which is exactly what we did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gins were a speciality of the bar. How
delightful. A large collection was on display with a selection of tonics. A Japanese
Gin called Roku to start with, then a French Citadelle. Just right after a hot
day. The bar is located on the street level overlooking the Croisette. Very
pleasant. Friendly bartenders speaking in passable English. Then it was getting
to be dinner time. So off we went.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkEviUQIry75kKxmm-CXYBFNabnCVPLhmHmJA-8QHQAhk3SjfXBZEFE7EvXhHDin1JEAN9Eor40tWRhbiqFzcWNVI1rQGu3KacDWyF7AAPS74-XHF1thxeYpbvCZZDrv3hZUr0ApvlDM/s1600/P1150632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkEviUQIry75kKxmm-CXYBFNabnCVPLhmHmJA-8QHQAhk3SjfXBZEFE7EvXhHDin1JEAN9Eor40tWRhbiqFzcWNVI1rQGu3KacDWyF7AAPS74-XHF1thxeYpbvCZZDrv3hZUr0ApvlDM/s640/P1150632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjCzCwd1QWVHjbAzCLn_ulEf4t3xQ8RVCOdNyjYbL4kaFOCdReoWw3BgnV4NEIzd37NzWE8As826YLTsWui3z0m4uHNUP0SXXrbJpacD2OkPHGbobqwEqkS7S6GthVdsseaEdPjYJ2ug/s1600/P1150631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjCzCwd1QWVHjbAzCLn_ulEf4t3xQ8RVCOdNyjYbL4kaFOCdReoWw3BgnV4NEIzd37NzWE8As826YLTsWui3z0m4uHNUP0SXXrbJpacD2OkPHGbobqwEqkS7S6GthVdsseaEdPjYJ2ug/s640/P1150631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Restaurant Palme D’Or is on the first floor of
the Hotel. A large restaurant, without air conditioning with a large frontage.
The front overlooked the Croisette, naturally, and since you were a level up,
you had a very good view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea. Tables were
large and well-spaced. Our table was right at the at the front overlooking the
Croisette and beach. Very exciting. We were seated and enchanted by the view. Being
summer, it was still very bright. As the evening progressed it became twilight.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpxUSeMSzXvw2RdnG2tmPq-MNJ9wPyIlnA1k1yKe3yXKhJNnXTAV1UYZPd-ROKNwjCwzjRZ34crbxcxnV_O4WRWW5mj9-0IuJFNAh_5iln2fimhbDh8JWf6KtRbfblEtCBTZMlh81mzI/s1600/P1150636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpxUSeMSzXvw2RdnG2tmPq-MNJ9wPyIlnA1k1yKe3yXKhJNnXTAV1UYZPd-ROKNwjCwzjRZ34crbxcxnV_O4WRWW5mj9-0IuJFNAh_5iln2fimhbDh8JWf6KtRbfblEtCBTZMlh81mzI/s640/P1150636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhnlSnJvaDUO1jdLreYx3qQIHtAqc_fvanBWLl4fnPNUUH4v0al7rSEHBwx0o5-2u5o5Om-MKyIQqDOAsd5cn_LKQwbpFZhgfJ3ky060S8xQiRXN7YGBvm1OUCtC1hXClKWit4u9lxpY/s1600/P1150639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhnlSnJvaDUO1jdLreYx3qQIHtAqc_fvanBWLl4fnPNUUH4v0al7rSEHBwx0o5-2u5o5Om-MKyIQqDOAsd5cn_LKQwbpFZhgfJ3ky060S8xQiRXN7YGBvm1OUCtC1hXClKWit4u9lxpY/s640/P1150639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZFu1c9EH6XTecLCKFvY7MUF0VKV8CGjCKlNCrZggqUnDxYeuCT48KEPVkiakltqV6uCLNltodm9fpvC4b3j2yLu0aBCfNlKMU17saQsscvDGekmk3gHAOT3o3UeRXo6f1kfZSGIVME8/s1600/P1150643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZFu1c9EH6XTecLCKFvY7MUF0VKV8CGjCKlNCrZggqUnDxYeuCT48KEPVkiakltqV6uCLNltodm9fpvC4b3j2yLu0aBCfNlKMU17saQsscvDGekmk3gHAOT3o3UeRXo6f1kfZSGIVME8/s640/P1150643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPgQ5Sdu5WZtYDDO7N_5puAUrIR_52ErSFu20nQuRa4c08xcnY6VKjfbQiSZG1_5V7SjNTMMAEf2aPEZnDalzRsMHI260SY1sDtYavdPF82aEXQPJpSJ_sE4ZE0Mfwpx3adpHcCfeYEo/s1600/P1150644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPgQ5Sdu5WZtYDDO7N_5puAUrIR_52ErSFu20nQuRa4c08xcnY6VKjfbQiSZG1_5V7SjNTMMAEf2aPEZnDalzRsMHI260SY1sDtYavdPF82aEXQPJpSJ_sE4ZE0Mfwpx3adpHcCfeYEo/s640/P1150644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIkjut4EymlakZMYI2EZVXZ-T0Jz1zIa892PA3THD6rlmPaPqMlwDBEKaWwVtY0Sq8-RZ_M9j6fhQYDR8E-BcpQamnGHj6LnvzB_R01lQqVs2N_IEFLiVNm_VfF25A8-vv3jiQmvKCsw/s1600/P1150673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIkjut4EymlakZMYI2EZVXZ-T0Jz1zIa892PA3THD6rlmPaPqMlwDBEKaWwVtY0Sq8-RZ_M9j6fhQYDR8E-BcpQamnGHj6LnvzB_R01lQqVs2N_IEFLiVNm_VfF25A8-vv3jiQmvKCsw/s640/P1150673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Top: The obligatory purse holder. This one is particularly crafty. Build into the chair itself and not a separate stool.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To get us settled in Champagne was ordered.
Cold, refreshing and celebratory. The usual questions were asked, are you allergic
to anything? Is this a special occasion? And menus handed out. Handed out is
wrong, they were placed on the table. The menu was a 6-sided square, like a
dice, there were also two additional pull-outs. The 6 sides of the dice signify
the 6 movements. The 6 movements or themes were (i) vegetable (ii) Prawns, Langoustines
i.e. Crustacea (iii) Lamb (iv) Beef (v) Oyster (vi) South, my roots i.e. food from
the Riviera. The 6 movements are nothing but 6 principal ingredients cooked in
3 ways. The first is a to create a plate of textures, the second is to cook the
ingredient in a modern interpretation and the last is to cook the product, un
adorned, simply, typically. The two additional menus were an A La Carte, and a
Tasting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I ordered the A La Carte which had 3 courses,
obviously, and HRH the Queen of Kutch ordered one of the Movements – South My
Roots. I am not going to describe the food. The photos and their description tell
it all. The food without exception was top notch. Everything accurately cooked
with enormous skill and technique. What was supposed to be hot was hot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Canapes were really quite something. We
both felt that the liquified Olive with chilli was genius. Also good was
Barbajuan a speciality from next-door neighbour Monaco, which is a fritter made
with Chard and Ricotta. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoM7w0XDEOgr5GU6dcbxGc5EPy7OdO6DywUt8rVIzjVGmRZ4esHpLZl5jlb_Jtf2q9_yLvv95qn1P0TnwhnjUZU5grFmjWZrdnO-djLfWOAgdRK9PW4WbamdpRSE_Fihmkj5We8tkv6Cc/s1600/P1150648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoM7w0XDEOgr5GU6dcbxGc5EPy7OdO6DywUt8rVIzjVGmRZ4esHpLZl5jlb_Jtf2q9_yLvv95qn1P0TnwhnjUZU5grFmjWZrdnO-djLfWOAgdRK9PW4WbamdpRSE_Fihmkj5We8tkv6Cc/s640/P1150648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Top: the Canapes. On the extreme left are the Barbajuan. Next on the toast is the superlative liquified Chili Olive. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHzJ1ny6q-Ybe0fmEKYxkVZTDSwUjbjBOz5Hdhv978rt21C5wvrNUZmatdI-EtTr73vZaWIQClRTyHUywJkvyp9G5WczUaww9UBff6DqVs326ZfWTDS8n3syiG66z8661jHJdgUwC3bg/s1600/P1150651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHzJ1ny6q-Ybe0fmEKYxkVZTDSwUjbjBOz5Hdhv978rt21C5wvrNUZmatdI-EtTr73vZaWIQClRTyHUywJkvyp9G5WczUaww9UBff6DqVs326ZfWTDS8n3syiG66z8661jHJdgUwC3bg/s640/P1150651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Top: An amuse bouche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A bread basket was offered with some fabulous
bread. Then a trolley was brought with freshly made Focaccia. A portion was
then sliced off and local olive oil poured on top. If that was not enough, a
toast rack was brought with translucent, gossamer thin Cumin, Caraway and
Sesame Tuilles. This was a tour de force of technique. This was a <i>Roomali
Roti</i> on steroids, a <i>Papad</i> elevated in the extreme. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz__sr6hhqil0uzZr38Eht0SC2VwDvJuTqgNYiKRZip3On5TQROMIcha3GryFqpG-isDwXSfQ1_vmIQ3hCQriozZmiMpXPLjhNsryjtdNSVUq8sfvZSpRhuf7TnGRRx0V_sZ7FTLRO7fM/s1600/P1150641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz__sr6hhqil0uzZr38Eht0SC2VwDvJuTqgNYiKRZip3On5TQROMIcha3GryFqpG-isDwXSfQ1_vmIQ3hCQriozZmiMpXPLjhNsryjtdNSVUq8sfvZSpRhuf7TnGRRx0V_sZ7FTLRO7fM/s640/P1150641.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: The Olive oil to go with the Focaccia </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy9rh1_9Tsqr8Edhs5Qby1hIxP2g3I4t51lDsuloAj1OwOtPUrZjVmy9ZuACVrIIsSKC1voDWAX2NFautrxnzlOyiln61qVoKVkZOF42GSIb_2sCc_SNmf8bEI5aSd0xP7oexXxF0Jhk/s1600/P1150649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy9rh1_9Tsqr8Edhs5Qby1hIxP2g3I4t51lDsuloAj1OwOtPUrZjVmy9ZuACVrIIsSKC1voDWAX2NFautrxnzlOyiln61qVoKVkZOF42GSIb_2sCc_SNmf8bEI5aSd0xP7oexXxF0Jhk/s640/P1150649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituPAt59HPUQoU2KGSmtqbhyphenhyphenYR4sCohkLy78nOGscmoEBni6Vlc9PEocE9X6eZMs4m3eijz97xhJpflflHmQFL7RrqaYxmAQ7c8IF-9gwJ6o4-fVVnaokoBhsNFWidiUXrQ52Gf08ahsQ/s1600/P1150650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituPAt59HPUQoU2KGSmtqbhyphenhyphenYR4sCohkLy78nOGscmoEBni6Vlc9PEocE9X6eZMs4m3eijz97xhJpflflHmQFL7RrqaYxmAQ7c8IF-9gwJ6o4-fVVnaokoBhsNFWidiUXrQ52Gf08ahsQ/s640/P1150650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top two: The superb bread from the bread basket. A work of art</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzQD4aWuBOAayK1Mn8OaQjg3fcIPQBB6rDYVZ3ZedI6-JlV_OfSJ6gmd8svOkT9KvfPo9DVTWrUIfxh3lWncCamlRALMsszS7PZD4mjg8Z10Q-RubTFl7zsabcNQCzpW9FauNIHpyzOI/s1600/P1150646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzQD4aWuBOAayK1Mn8OaQjg3fcIPQBB6rDYVZ3ZedI6-JlV_OfSJ6gmd8svOkT9KvfPo9DVTWrUIfxh3lWncCamlRALMsszS7PZD4mjg8Z10Q-RubTFl7zsabcNQCzpW9FauNIHpyzOI/s640/P1150646.JPG" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Top: Gossamer thin, translucent Tuilles</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Chef Sinicropi is a qualified Ceramicist as is
his wife. Together they design a lot of the crockery used in the restaurant.
Some of the plating, as a consequence of using this custom made crockery is eye-catching.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdMFQdnkz6-21u8FSn3cUtTUzH4f7dGDd0IKVxM-AwbJQYbZv3LjFOXWg-AL9z0mSPEjQ6krYu57XrnLF4ISj62zJRcYgTjrtX2DfjiNUGaNKf-m1v-9HQdc3B0lJPFeQToer2JeD8KQ/s1600/P1150637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdMFQdnkz6-21u8FSn3cUtTUzH4f7dGDd0IKVxM-AwbJQYbZv3LjFOXWg-AL9z0mSPEjQ6krYu57XrnLF4ISj62zJRcYgTjrtX2DfjiNUGaNKf-m1v-9HQdc3B0lJPFeQToer2JeD8KQ/s640/P1150637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJk9733Nj3N3N0a-G9c7J5QTYcPvpCAmJeyCyXsqE4za5mlqVNdooXqKcUK3Lxu6GI-bjuxxoM397JWgqfON9tvv_NhqmatMZVR3v1uPs8DxI2qUE1LG0N3QbTOryUlbQ1q2EblrTSaM/s1600/P1150638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJk9733Nj3N3N0a-G9c7J5QTYcPvpCAmJeyCyXsqE4za5mlqVNdooXqKcUK3Lxu6GI-bjuxxoM397JWgqfON9tvv_NhqmatMZVR3v1uPs8DxI2qUE1LG0N3QbTOryUlbQ1q2EblrTSaM/s640/P1150638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When we entered the restaurant had probably
just 3 tables occupied. As the evening progressed it filled up but never got
full. People seem to eat later in Cannes than London. Despite the 2 Stars in
Michelin, and the superlative restaurant [both food and location] it is obvious
that they cannot seem to turn tables. This seems sad as at some point the economics
would break down. If this restaurant was in London, I am certain they would
have turned tables 3 times during the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOBJTD1xar94T7djNtRqsiqFfeV7lAoapMyGjQ1TE3m8Gt42lwdVcVHU2c4N5RiK1dp_XYmMFjVyrWS7hHjwb0Ot09DMAPZnkKes9XBkEDlUEHj3-G5JO2twgzOr-JkUpjFYG2Jw04_k/s1600/P1150654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOBJTD1xar94T7djNtRqsiqFfeV7lAoapMyGjQ1TE3m8Gt42lwdVcVHU2c4N5RiK1dp_XYmMFjVyrWS7hHjwb0Ot09DMAPZnkKes9XBkEDlUEHj3-G5JO2twgzOr-JkUpjFYG2Jw04_k/s640/P1150654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Top: </span>From the South, My Roots: Movement 1 - Fish Eggs Minosa. Caviar, Hens Eggs, Salmon Roe and several other components</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5ilr0M55ACA_ExGE_sVQoQ21ilIPawVXhFWJyJ2yxbXzZN3xb64Y0jPww8ye3etpMRnKZqf8tauq7V7PVD3Om-OuJR2mspmH9nrUEbwWbHi6R_ST-IVSeVCBHpolPztZdw2NxHWflmI/s1600/P1150660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5ilr0M55ACA_ExGE_sVQoQ21ilIPawVXhFWJyJ2yxbXzZN3xb64Y0jPww8ye3etpMRnKZqf8tauq7V7PVD3Om-OuJR2mspmH9nrUEbwWbHi6R_ST-IVSeVCBHpolPztZdw2NxHWflmI/s640/P1150660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Top: </span>From the South, My Roots: Movement 2. Baby Squid with Tomato</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkzeqM3g0xLM8j8Tsa6ZfF9SvNqo4hJ8h0lUYZVUOVSk9dvAfcfO36nX1xZTCI0D4FCvujVu_J5mMvE80AUV9Xv4pAKTw2LJx_Ct6DNj2fnQKfbbOl-7yHpQKC53KZxvkj1Cm7phE7Bg/s1600/P1150664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1386" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkzeqM3g0xLM8j8Tsa6ZfF9SvNqo4hJ8h0lUYZVUOVSk9dvAfcfO36nX1xZTCI0D4FCvujVu_J5mMvE80AUV9Xv4pAKTw2LJx_Ct6DNj2fnQKfbbOl-7yHpQKC53KZxvkj1Cm7phE7Bg/s640/P1150664.JPG" width="554" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Top: </span>From the South, My Roots: Movement 3 - Mediterranean Red Tuna</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKqKaoMuaGwf7hHvlJ9oHq-eHb0YMZzsfSpRKSy2avzhQcDNe-H3K47k5gihEKW2HTFGzYwCz01ksEBt35ywMKu9DVwR_wEQuRIycJcXoaqFa64m6pvpcV_JlMlHFwcG0ddNdc5YcSsM/s1600/P1150670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKqKaoMuaGwf7hHvlJ9oHq-eHb0YMZzsfSpRKSy2avzhQcDNe-H3K47k5gihEKW2HTFGzYwCz01ksEBt35ywMKu9DVwR_wEQuRIycJcXoaqFa64m6pvpcV_JlMlHFwcG0ddNdc5YcSsM/s640/P1150670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Top: From the South, My Roots: Movement 4 - Sardines, stuffed with Squid Ink and other 'pigments" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Sd53pJ6muG25NYyRaesLkk1OGI2W8UUuF31vEnNi5E0nU7-Aw0Vf__b-FwOGnxID-NpXv7IiurlLW9U8ymQ_GEB2KQ1cKwOmBCG-_MRyTnJEJXzW1DwzAKTS2OaRIKzJCiR0ekolwQ/s1600/P1150662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Sd53pJ6muG25NYyRaesLkk1OGI2W8UUuF31vEnNi5E0nU7-Aw0Vf__b-FwOGnxID-NpXv7IiurlLW9U8ymQ_GEB2KQ1cKwOmBCG-_MRyTnJEJXzW1DwzAKTS2OaRIKzJCiR0ekolwQ/s640/P1150662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qCdd_VZSg8BOfvU_6jyolqQO-ciipjS9LxEVv4lxslLkfQVMJyyqD2kXAOG73wWQv8T8FJPcpmhuAhtgD40FTDFjTop44Houzr-0nM_YQy6q2K2H9KIgBYkbZBJeLOoAHXwvG-YR5Sw/s1600/P1150656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="1600" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qCdd_VZSg8BOfvU_6jyolqQO-ciipjS9LxEVv4lxslLkfQVMJyyqD2kXAOG73wWQv8T8FJPcpmhuAhtgD40FTDFjTop44Houzr-0nM_YQy6q2K2H9KIgBYkbZBJeLOoAHXwvG-YR5Sw/s640/P1150656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top two. From the A La Carte. First Course. White Asparagus tainted with Beetroot to make it purple, Green Asparagus and a Wasabi Marshmellow. Beautiful to look at, fabulous to eat</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YVJkEkM1MCSo1bZX4tBjVHOMt_vsn4c1eM2r-IzEgMx_WQ2KEwrXWTTWHPXH65mJ_iJ9-AM0Dkdd8_EmLvgfS141JECJ_48MeMQRRL0-yurFCJovIwk1NdZZQYeKcE8ULR6LxsZLzm0/s1600/P1150663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YVJkEkM1MCSo1bZX4tBjVHOMt_vsn4c1eM2r-IzEgMx_WQ2KEwrXWTTWHPXH65mJ_iJ9-AM0Dkdd8_EmLvgfS141JECJ_48MeMQRRL0-yurFCJovIwk1NdZZQYeKcE8ULR6LxsZLzm0/s640/P1150663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAoGc5fUDnm4zwodscPkON6J6t3IEVw0frMPVQhIXDkzSbHUT10hxn-YcDLulHJx6UMKgBXoETDKtNk3PLwQLo3qj5BrcQgp6HJQixEcXTKXSAiUmX-SvHbjxtG_HKUVJ6mXqn-T7nC0/s1600/P1150666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAoGc5fUDnm4zwodscPkON6J6t3IEVw0frMPVQhIXDkzSbHUT10hxn-YcDLulHJx6UMKgBXoETDKtNk3PLwQLo3qj5BrcQgp6HJQixEcXTKXSAiUmX-SvHbjxtG_HKUVJ6mXqn-T7nC0/s640/P1150666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsA7uASWRpaWg35W3M80Slz7HT0m48q__czFUZaq_EMmyjliuNVubWbuS9JOFiV_TVw0SNxJsKAierScGqiQprCGpREyIxUYDVRRJNxhZ68EP1_l0Evl9IaCqce03b4oHgy-ZYJ_g-3Q/s1600/P1150667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsA7uASWRpaWg35W3M80Slz7HT0m48q__czFUZaq_EMmyjliuNVubWbuS9JOFiV_TVw0SNxJsKAierScGqiQprCGpREyIxUYDVRRJNxhZ68EP1_l0Evl9IaCqce03b4oHgy-ZYJ_g-3Q/s640/P1150667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Top three. From the A La Carte. Second Course. Wild Turbot with Seasonal Vegetables and Mushrooms to accompany.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>HRH the Queen had no space for a dessert. I had the Cheese from the Cheese Board and it was in top condition. No photographs unfortunately.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgXiMyRaEHNWB7hUxBhqAXi0mYTUDHsWWZV_-t03F3r87RSZkP9zLQXPhfVDgOksAMB-yDEQDcZWNnYZzsQVAW0dsC1hq5LlS7QEg5veEvpx0iIN53HAOfZbrhcy-bstaczf1zXsB7dc/s1600/P1150674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgXiMyRaEHNWB7hUxBhqAXi0mYTUDHsWWZV_-t03F3r87RSZkP9zLQXPhfVDgOksAMB-yDEQDcZWNnYZzsQVAW0dsC1hq5LlS7QEg5veEvpx0iIN53HAOfZbrhcy-bstaczf1zXsB7dc/s640/P1150674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Everyone is happy</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The service was good, wine topping up [we had a
bottle of Sancerre] efficient. Food was delivered at the right pace. It was a
very nice evening, one that we will remember. The food was good with an
unbeatable location and ambience. At end the evening we met Chef Sinicroppi who
was a nice guy and was genuinely pleased that we enjoyed his food. Of course,
he did not believe we were from India. It is sad that I have to write this
line. It reeks of arrogance for which I apologise. The point is that if someone
tells you that you they cannot believe you are from India, there is a problem
somewhere in the mental picture foreigners have of us Indians. I believe I am
not the cause of that picture. Think about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Should you visit Cannes and eat at Palme D’Or.
Without any hesitation, yes, yes yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-73069174542647428542019-07-15T17:18:00.000+05:302019-07-15T17:22:56.000+05:30The Cote d'Azur - Cannes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Cote d’Azur or the Coast of Azure is the
French Riviera. This area is on the Southwest coast of France along the Mediterranean
Sea stretching from Toulon in the West up to Italy. The French Riviera becomes
the Italian Riviera and continues down the West Coast of Italy with Genoa being
the centre. The Italian Riviera from the West of Genoa is known as the Coast of
the Setting Sun and the area to the East of Genoa is known as the Coast of the
Rising Sun. This is a particularly beautiful part of the World. The deep blue Mediterranean
Sea and its mild water temperatures, the warm climate with mild winters, the
beautiful sunlight helped make this area very popular with British Royalty, the
rich, the famous, the intellectuals and of course European Aristocracy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor. The author
Robert Louis Stevenson lived here as the climate was good for his health,
Winston Churchill, Somerset Maugham, F Scott Fitzgerald and the dancer Isadora
Duncan all spent time here. The excellent light brought the painters Picasso, Matisse
and Renoir here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am sure you have heard of the towns that dot
the Riviera – Saint Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Cap Ferrat and the most
famous of them, the one that takes the biscuit, Monaco. Sorry I could not
resist that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You must also have heard of the geographical
and historical region, Provence. Cote d’Azur is in Provence. Provence not only includes
the coast but extends inland. In the early 1990’s Peter Mayle wrote a
bestselling book A Year In Provence about his life in this area. In those days,
<i>circa</i> 1990 we actually bought books from shops, or had lending libraries
where we were members and borrowed books. This book and a couple of the books
he wrote in continuation served up an irresistible, magical, romantic picture
of Provence. I recall reading about him cycling and stopping to drink Pernod,
how the drink turned the water used to dilute it white. The young
impressionable me was captivated by this. Much later, when we went to Greece almost
12 years later I saw Ouzo turn white when diluted, as does Raki in Turkey. I
now know why this happens, anise compounds are soluble in alcohol and not
water. Hence when you add water or ice, the compounds become solids making the
water opaque. Much alcohol has flowed thru my system over the last 30 years.
Today I am wiser and far more cynical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anyway, the point I am making is that Cote d’Azur
and Provence are extremely beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In May this year we had made our first visit to
Valbonne, an inland town some 12 kms away from Cannes. Our host had taken us to
Cannes where we spent a morning on the beach. We were captivated. So, we
decided that we would revisit and stay in Cannes. What an absolutely brilliant
decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To get to Cannes you can fly to Nice which is
the airport serving the Cote d’Azur. Nice to Cannes is some 30 kms and takes
about 45 minutes at most <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Just
by the way, Emirates, in actual fact the national carrier for India flies a A
380 every day from Dubai to Nice.</span> Cannes is a small town. The nerve
centre of Cannes is the Promenade de la Croisette or Boulevard de la Croisette.
This is a 2 km stretch of road along the coast. To paint a picture for you.
Imagine the stretch of Marine Drive at Chowpatty in Mumbai. The sea would be
the crystal-clear Azure Mediterranean, instead of the Arabian Sea, then the
beach, and, instead of Cream Centre and the Mahindra SUV showroom you have
exclusive boutiques – Hublot, Versace, Ferragamo et al, and instead of the
buildings you have fabulous hotels. That is Cannes. Not unlike our Chowpatty!
Only better, stupendously better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Croisette and its Hotels - the Martinez, J
W Marriott and the Intercontinental Carlton – are what give Cannes its ability
to host the most glamourous events. The Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Lions
Festival for the Advertising and Creative industry, Yacht shows, Luxury Property
shows and so on are all held here. The Croisette is glamour central. Beautiful
people, very rich people, stars, many rich Arabs [better looking and better
dressed that those in London], expensive cars are all here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were staying at the Martinez which is a
Hyatt property. This hotel has just reopened after a massive renovation, and
the place is simply top class. Art Deco is the look both externally as well as
the rooms. White and blue are the predominant colours lending to a clean, airy
cool look. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before you get lathered up about Arabs [and I
use that term loosely, much like <i>Madrasi</i> or North Indian] you must
understand that parts of North Africa and the Middle East were French
territories. Lebanon being a case in point. The Arabic/North African food has permeated
France with Couscous and the lamb sausage Merguez being good examples. You also
have several Lebanese restaurants in Cannes, all large and upmarket. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the end of the Croisette you have the old
Port - now a Marina, and the old town behind that. This area is a warren of
small streets, many pedestrianised, with charming shops, bars, restaurants, and,
of course, a central covered market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRODDbxg9osGhzL3vYUqc4wssNtbJbLjAffMa7iJfEl5n9Q3BWa8CeQOfTd5GDVp4zvWr666Peh0V3kz6bIGmdfMIbhTe6JD6lXxlMXVq7YsCtBN52mQsGEU1GvDK9hc3HfBsQptuLgrE/s1600/P1150629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRODDbxg9osGhzL3vYUqc4wssNtbJbLjAffMa7iJfEl5n9Q3BWa8CeQOfTd5GDVp4zvWr666Peh0V3kz6bIGmdfMIbhTe6JD6lXxlMXVq7YsCtBN52mQsGEU1GvDK9hc3HfBsQptuLgrE/s640/P1150629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUYUc-4r0hKfWakzF3r6aomLew60ScyvRJ9YUWEwccvfqzv-_E6Pdt3NR_adTc0i2uv9K5gj8R3pssBgG2gbv92mRYPG3IEuAraErazhgQj68bf44m2cz-mqZdSSJxaEZQ8EFU54f_-k/s1600/P1150672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUYUc-4r0hKfWakzF3r6aomLew60ScyvRJ9YUWEwccvfqzv-_E6Pdt3NR_adTc0i2uv9K5gj8R3pssBgG2gbv92mRYPG3IEuAraErazhgQj68bf44m2cz-mqZdSSJxaEZQ8EFU54f_-k/s640/P1150672.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbXna69Ajq-WdXdIXK4NH7VB1h5tGA_XGU4bu6ziDNnyO7EREqjHmoFDOdT2keMiiV7bMzaRx70YiwMOTmwiqR1VRfcZPKYj3PeQtwPmC5ebnbwHmXjJQPQiL0jSiUKkKASg18ZYgMRE/s1600/P1150697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbXna69Ajq-WdXdIXK4NH7VB1h5tGA_XGU4bu6ziDNnyO7EREqjHmoFDOdT2keMiiV7bMzaRx70YiwMOTmwiqR1VRfcZPKYj3PeQtwPmC5ebnbwHmXjJQPQiL0jSiUKkKASg18ZYgMRE/s640/P1150697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dYdSoB8qCU2sDrTdeHGj8numGuXLM1QpkG-9e5HM3C2IQGJerYyakTwztzO47xVfdAv38E8rV_bF3cgMex1Xmp6b1CVW7xlOunT6Fu6DRK3BhYngL8006ih05HJrPFS5D5F2J7xRiN8/s1600/P1150628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dYdSoB8qCU2sDrTdeHGj8numGuXLM1QpkG-9e5HM3C2IQGJerYyakTwztzO47xVfdAv38E8rV_bF3cgMex1Xmp6b1CVW7xlOunT6Fu6DRK3BhYngL8006ih05HJrPFS5D5F2J7xRiN8/s640/P1150628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cannes itself is quite pretty. Palm Trees,
bright colourful majestic Bougainvillea all lend beauty to Cannes. Off the
Croisette you have some really nice houses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM4y3SXoIDtl-6IGkBcIp-7wqNdGK673lzeBBrNZABcSyuCDUAycCMqjoMqfbe8iQVzDNXGD4e3d8Ta8N6GnRMVWf756-PdicSFmWCvyDUGq-3JQ6idDe3wVvE4lZwdEzih-5_nl6XYc/s1600/P1150678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM4y3SXoIDtl-6IGkBcIp-7wqNdGK673lzeBBrNZABcSyuCDUAycCMqjoMqfbe8iQVzDNXGD4e3d8Ta8N6GnRMVWf756-PdicSFmWCvyDUGq-3JQ6idDe3wVvE4lZwdEzih-5_nl6XYc/s640/P1150678.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ln0iTbXlKIBnzQ_E_gzWsYZkL5emnZgsmJTb46Glpz333RDbJVx6_m8gGzOE3wpIViCTpZHGq0a9tJxShSg_qRe4Ws6kcNNJOjKmJE9TRJTwItFU5MtCZzUb8aO9mihpYWf00D9_Gnk/s1600/P1150679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ln0iTbXlKIBnzQ_E_gzWsYZkL5emnZgsmJTb46Glpz333RDbJVx6_m8gGzOE3wpIViCTpZHGq0a9tJxShSg_qRe4Ws6kcNNJOjKmJE9TRJTwItFU5MtCZzUb8aO9mihpYWf00D9_Gnk/s640/P1150679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiW5o49VLoN7AVWEOILoK6_NUHStuiyihtxvIQs-4tO8W14gBeFxT0sib0H71-4mALsbq7n_jM8CYHhMTokCApRetEMZvNgyviUui-5drl3PNy_H8jbvCspKHcTAMxMLshWTHJA9jQco/s1600/P1150680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiW5o49VLoN7AVWEOILoK6_NUHStuiyihtxvIQs-4tO8W14gBeFxT0sib0H71-4mALsbq7n_jM8CYHhMTokCApRetEMZvNgyviUui-5drl3PNy_H8jbvCspKHcTAMxMLshWTHJA9jQco/s640/P1150680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGW7fVou59o8KKLxkLMboAlFYfAM1etm8kyw7pNRvCKBsIb2FFqjd36Vhhu3NpghnPxQjTnNhrWF4j8weWyoTsPJ3e6HlRoOJI0bqQXffi9CLlIlzLaeXs91nZebVhC9bOaQ8CCaq66A/s1600/P1150685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGW7fVou59o8KKLxkLMboAlFYfAM1etm8kyw7pNRvCKBsIb2FFqjd36Vhhu3NpghnPxQjTnNhrWF4j8weWyoTsPJ3e6HlRoOJI0bqQXffi9CLlIlzLaeXs91nZebVhC9bOaQ8CCaq66A/s640/P1150685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT-6l2GAUYj9uhXFdcu6ERfwp2b-Hotyw0ZjnNWfWubQP1tI3WjNIIiZzrlsAZomChY77CVetIW1aMbaaYdk5R9ys2cCF9WiMSGeaOYBtw_lyFL9CWWGqysPldaxaAWmT48_vV1n2kHM/s1600/P1150681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT-6l2GAUYj9uhXFdcu6ERfwp2b-Hotyw0ZjnNWfWubQP1tI3WjNIIiZzrlsAZomChY77CVetIW1aMbaaYdk5R9ys2cCF9WiMSGeaOYBtw_lyFL9CWWGqysPldaxaAWmT48_vV1n2kHM/s640/P1150681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rYqCIL0QaT1DOgHS5fasbvQBAM1t4EON1hbREMPS3vl7r-Eb1-jderUwrRFDdRJDWZEFPSztXQIw49V1YzfcKP4TDiP1_o4TXoXRCAr_ukRlglNIpD-vfEt_uWKFRhbFiGf7dd9BWIo/s1600/P1150686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rYqCIL0QaT1DOgHS5fasbvQBAM1t4EON1hbREMPS3vl7r-Eb1-jderUwrRFDdRJDWZEFPSztXQIw49V1YzfcKP4TDiP1_o4TXoXRCAr_ukRlglNIpD-vfEt_uWKFRhbFiGf7dd9BWIo/s640/P1150686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos6zbmgshzt4lWtXo3Mv_jGrvW_5_ibcB0nWRMdMPMELdouWd-pKLqStxuMv9xdTJztvPaLumvJZomKxtb582_lPvcS3POvNd4kHunYmpezoFiTQW7xgeDiRToym-9yiRso_7H4eDby0/s1600/P1150625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos6zbmgshzt4lWtXo3Mv_jGrvW_5_ibcB0nWRMdMPMELdouWd-pKLqStxuMv9xdTJztvPaLumvJZomKxtb582_lPvcS3POvNd4kHunYmpezoFiTQW7xgeDiRToym-9yiRso_7H4eDby0/s640/P1150625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKSKKJcusolIwBD_v-pa2Pzshmtse___5CSoturyX4PI5PkKcZQuJcDwBYmW-ppTN7XqeYgo2Cb6ugVnq6ndg3B1C3drWAquVhWCvH4PWnXKygewVa-Kpxfbc_7XNWqFs19TTrFMDI7M/s1600/P1150627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKSKKJcusolIwBD_v-pa2Pzshmtse___5CSoturyX4PI5PkKcZQuJcDwBYmW-ppTN7XqeYgo2Cb6ugVnq6ndg3B1C3drWAquVhWCvH4PWnXKygewVa-Kpxfbc_7XNWqFs19TTrFMDI7M/s640/P1150627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The beach along the Croisette is wide and sandy,
with no rocks, manageable waves, clear warm water and very, very clean. Simply
very inviting. What the authorities have done is permit some of the big hotels
to colonise the beach directly in front of the hotel. The Hotels set up sun beds
[available at a daily rent to anyone not only hotel guests] and sofas [free]
where you can eat and drink. You have full food and drink service, and a huge
tub of toys for children [spades buckets <i>et al</i>]. There are other sections
of the beach which are open to public i.e. uncolonized. Here you can bring your
own beach chairs, towels and food. So, you, as well as the local have a choice
on your day at the beach, a DIY experience or an upscale Hotel experience. Fair,
in my view. This being summer holidays in France, we saw lots of families and
lots of kids walking to and from the beach carrying surfboards, towels, floats
and rafts. Quite delightful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We spent two afternoons on the beach in the La
Plage Du Martinez, their private beach. Without any doubt, I can tell you that
this was the best beach experience we have had ever! Yes, it does not have the
tropical beauty of Malaysia or Thailand and the like,but as far as ambience and
vibe is concerned, there is nothing to beat this. We have had Champagne in
plenty of exotic places, atop Eiffel Tower, in planes, in boats, at the
Australian Open, but having a bottle of icy Tattinger on a beach in the South
of France under the baking sun! Boy, there is nothing that comes close. In the
background a DJ played totally appropriate Lounge music and joining him were at
various times a percussionist or a violinist or a saxophonist. The experience was
sublime, enchanting. And after baking in the sun, the refreshing cool water was
an absolute delight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas1oFHvBRCm7le9Aa6WjYPH691lWQqfOkNCfERzyIBtxrK5znMI-RW8tnPO6LGYx5Tv7E35cXx_JgUrlh-0m2JFDTNv2qSBXlLVJrKvLZbpqqVce1Rtb9K2ZJb2yPx1o_u-eLZ2Jqcww/s1600/20190711_145550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas1oFHvBRCm7le9Aa6WjYPH691lWQqfOkNCfERzyIBtxrK5znMI-RW8tnPO6LGYx5Tv7E35cXx_JgUrlh-0m2JFDTNv2qSBXlLVJrKvLZbpqqVce1Rtb9K2ZJb2yPx1o_u-eLZ2Jqcww/s640/20190711_145550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEnsSMB6ebzEDDi4ULiJI9x-wZM9QDeCnT3HdBn5bogIR9uTf6Otb0s-lxLutgu05NsOsI5QRJQxako5GnR-IXyPUzJ01B0-3F_MSnYjk1IzZVrBixeXxMTDFVfqDwBF6SQA8eXPofn8/s1600/P1150698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEnsSMB6ebzEDDi4ULiJI9x-wZM9QDeCnT3HdBn5bogIR9uTf6Otb0s-lxLutgu05NsOsI5QRJQxako5GnR-IXyPUzJ01B0-3F_MSnYjk1IzZVrBixeXxMTDFVfqDwBF6SQA8eXPofn8/s640/P1150698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-rdRXx5UIvnlMA6C8FgBjn7GggMrWH3K6WpWgp-vhebV81I5aSjHAbh9uvRmuCps4A59OH_OpdMS7tBZAgVjsBIlP1iQa2qzomqsgPjKxQjSR5i80yRTJCtKLJIowJh9Tdm_yo7NpuY/s1600/20190711_160628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-rdRXx5UIvnlMA6C8FgBjn7GggMrWH3K6WpWgp-vhebV81I5aSjHAbh9uvRmuCps4A59OH_OpdMS7tBZAgVjsBIlP1iQa2qzomqsgPjKxQjSR5i80yRTJCtKLJIowJh9Tdm_yo7NpuY/s640/20190711_160628.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Walking to the old town and market was great
fun too. The large covered market had all kinds of stuff available, food,
vegetables, fish and meat. This is open everyday except Monday till 2 pm. A
very nice place to visit. We went to specialist cheese shops and bought cheese,
the butchers for sausage and an unusual shop selling all manner of tinned fish.
HRH the Queen of Kutch bought some very good looking Doughnut Peaches which
were in season. Everybody was smiling, helpful and friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One evening we had a cooling off drink in the
old town. I will not write more. Have a look at the photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbEvgaj3_JvZPyg2IRfysS6X8bipMxo8-3vMLRGpeiMpzoN4WXtvdKb0oJXcbVvUBvdeZEGmByrjDu57E81ulBDvXlWfJcQXXqRWf8zsfFO5xWmgJQ8b-J49MEm-iejTv0RdB32DMHqo/s1600/P1150707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbEvgaj3_JvZPyg2IRfysS6X8bipMxo8-3vMLRGpeiMpzoN4WXtvdKb0oJXcbVvUBvdeZEGmByrjDu57E81ulBDvXlWfJcQXXqRWf8zsfFO5xWmgJQ8b-J49MEm-iejTv0RdB32DMHqo/s640/P1150707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All in all, we had a super time in Cannes.
Great food, a nice old town and a beach that topped everything. The Hotel was
stunning. I cannot recommend this enough. Please do go. If you drive in Europe,
you absolutely must make Cannes a place to visit and drive on from there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-3494599383644474802019-07-02T18:03:00.000+05:302019-07-02T18:03:09.815+05:30O Perdo - revisited. How the mighty have fallen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Readers will recall that we had a good meal at
O Pedro which <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2019/03/o-pedro-goan-bar-restaurant.html" target="_blank">you can read here</a>. When we left, we felt that the menu had
lots of dishes that we needed to try on a future visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That future visit materialised and the quartet
comprised of the two of us accompanied by Chef Tarantino [obviously not his
real name] and the Suburban Sardarni. We would have a few drinks at the Spin
Bar at the MCA and then walk across to O Pedro for our dinner reservation at
9.30pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In my previous post I mentioned walking past
the comatose Hemant Oberoi. This time it was more populated. Butterfly High was
positively heaving with people. Strangely, Gateway Brewing Room was stone cold
dead. Is the fad of microbrewery beer dying? O Pedro was full and lively. We were
all surprised at how full O Pedro was for a Sunday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Drinks were ordered and so was the food. The
evening began with the superb Red Snapper Ceviche. Excellent, most impressive,
as good as the last time. Cold tangy coconut based sauce, Fried fish and
crunchy Tempura batter to add superb crunch and texture. This is a dish that
can hold its own in any restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyhfBXwgBf7voeqCslc-8LWVXAhWM5nwmgYlRvP7Zpk9TH6d7158VuPOH6IuUsBmybefAe_JmO3b0NPB_MipuTh8ugpMbpYDE4wM5IAuzD8nKASBGVpFwpE-naR9oAKW1r3o9QIKvmz8/s1600/20190630_220249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyhfBXwgBf7voeqCslc-8LWVXAhWM5nwmgYlRvP7Zpk9TH6d7158VuPOH6IuUsBmybefAe_JmO3b0NPB_MipuTh8ugpMbpYDE4wM5IAuzD8nKASBGVpFwpE-naR9oAKW1r3o9QIKvmz8/s640/20190630_220249.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Red Snapper Ceviche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our server was proudly telling us that the Red
Snapper Ceviche dish is also available in a vegetarian version with mushroom.
He was also very effusive in his praise of a Tomato and Burrata dish. So, on
hearing his peans I said get us a plate. Very pretty looking dish, but,
unfortunately, very mediocre. The green sauce you see was supposed to be a
Green Tomato sauce. It did not taste of anything. Honestly, it tasted like
pureed Avocado with mouthfeel and texture to match. Seemed like a Gujju Jain
crowd pleasing dish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-4KRbY8dWQuclr3qN-jwLopo51cgXiacF74_xf9YXCmVjouviW2Ys_i0mj2PzxruYnCVFluyW6LJLb4myT3jhR3l2HQSXKTM8baCWjyqdPhOssxwTgSeEeJbEkA_ZVHiz8n3RoFT2mA/s1600/20190630_221528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-4KRbY8dWQuclr3qN-jwLopo51cgXiacF74_xf9YXCmVjouviW2Ys_i0mj2PzxruYnCVFluyW6LJLb4myT3jhR3l2HQSXKTM8baCWjyqdPhOssxwTgSeEeJbEkA_ZVHiz8n3RoFT2mA/s640/20190630_221528.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Tomato and Burrata </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then we ordered Bone Marrow a new dish on the
menu. Bone Marrow is a signature dish at St. John, Fergus Henderson’s path
breaking restaurant. There it is served simply with just fresh parsley and salt.
Bone Marrow is also very popular in classic French Bistro’s and the famous
Italian dish Osso Bucco uses Bone Marrow. I must confess that getting Bone
Marrow in India is very rare. Most Bone Marrow is Mutton Bone. However, in the
European context Bone Marrow is Veal, a much bigger bone yielding much more
marrow. O Pedro served Veal Bone Marrow. The bone was cut across with a band saw.
This is correct. The bone is not shattered by using a cleaver resulting in
dangerous shards. Lastly, Bone Marrow is a waste product. The restaurateur buys
it at a throwaway price, literally, value adds, and sells at a big premium.
Great way to make money. The Marrow was roasted and served with a curry sauce
and garnished with toasted Panko. The dish was disappointing. The Bone was not
hot enough and neither was the gravy. The melting texture of Marrow was simply
missing. Eating chunks of fat is not very much fun. They could have halved the
bones along their length exposing much more marrow and then grilling. That was
the marrow would turn unctuous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlyw1O0V5VTtX5AlvgCf6XsY67CPv3cqmRyFa1ErnoblEff85xu5Rehc2awZUI48lKyPk_V7c7i0yQM1TXcYbvQ8-e-MY3y9lvvplPfIY9Dr6AMgxcTEyM30RtM_AsBzm9tAXXkjwy2U/s1600/20190630_221414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1497" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlyw1O0V5VTtX5AlvgCf6XsY67CPv3cqmRyFa1ErnoblEff85xu5Rehc2awZUI48lKyPk_V7c7i0yQM1TXcYbvQ8-e-MY3y9lvvplPfIY9Dr6AMgxcTEyM30RtM_AsBzm9tAXXkjwy2U/s640/20190630_221414.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiPO27bUWMuV7SxbjRZp2-CpiY-i1AMAK6VAY7kNl9-Oer1BHHHxkYZfbC0H5JkDnLpzIKP5KgM2y0evniMWKz3Ybbttq1-_-CbLI3Zlr7KRmtJMHaq_noJcTc9PA-4AVomGuB-EwoMI/s1600/IMG-20190701-WA0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1138" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiPO27bUWMuV7SxbjRZp2-CpiY-i1AMAK6VAY7kNl9-Oer1BHHHxkYZfbC0H5JkDnLpzIKP5KgM2y0evniMWKz3Ybbttq1-_-CbLI3Zlr7KRmtJMHaq_noJcTc9PA-4AVomGuB-EwoMI/s640/IMG-20190701-WA0014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Bone Marrow</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Bone Marrow was no fun. Unfortunately, that
was the theme for the rest of the meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Bacon and Goan Choriz Rice was as good as
something we can make at home. Alas no photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another special was Whole Roast Suckling Pig
being served at Rs 1800 enough for 4 to share. I could not honestly believe
that you can get a whole roast sucking pig for Rs 1800 neither could it serve
just 4. The animal is much larger and I would think much more expensive.
Something did not compute. Anyway, what finally turned up was not a whole Roast
Suckling Pig by a mile. It was a portion carved out with a couple of shards of
crisp crackling. The Meat was well cooked but bland. Accompanying the Pig was a
plateful of sauces. The homemade Green Chilli was the best. You also got mini <i>Poe</i>
and some sort of soft Taco. So, you had the option of either making a Burger or
a Taco. One the whole I can give full marks for the conceptualising of this
dish. Execution is another matter. Poor, in a word. The whole dish was simply bland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft6BurJF7oVLI4lORAusiHCQiAOHiyP0cmljrPBSni1mewFhVHc2t3e8F2tPV9Tq7DgFZS69jN3WGE_fEb66Fgp5nSKtOXapKkqj24g3Xz4B3JDhdG8UqUozHu1Q8IfPs6Zmk0XPxI08/s1600/20190630_222559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft6BurJF7oVLI4lORAusiHCQiAOHiyP0cmljrPBSni1mewFhVHc2t3e8F2tPV9Tq7DgFZS69jN3WGE_fEb66Fgp5nSKtOXapKkqj24g3Xz4B3JDhdG8UqUozHu1Q8IfPs6Zmk0XPxI08/s640/20190630_222559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Clockwise from right: Lettuce, Apple, Mini Poe, the 'Taco' and Suckling Pig with Crackling in the centre </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEPbtrjFIqg2-klHeb1K2BG_1611uqYZH027fSD30M3ZzvrTVPMMqzDt7uvaNxz66khxl5s9H0gVWFlBZVMvRJqQmLOpgXOcyb2CvqTZBtFrQ13WQI-NLPiDN8QMg9mgH9llDYghL3JQ/s1600/20190630_222620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEPbtrjFIqg2-klHeb1K2BG_1611uqYZH027fSD30M3ZzvrTVPMMqzDt7uvaNxz66khxl5s9H0gVWFlBZVMvRJqQmLOpgXOcyb2CvqTZBtFrQ13WQI-NLPiDN8QMg9mgH9llDYghL3JQ/s640/20190630_222620.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>The sauces: Clockwise from right: Chilli, Brown Sauce/Gravy, Pickled Onions and Gherkins, Chopped Chilli and on top in a bottle, Green Chilli Sauce.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had also ordered a Pork Rib Vindaloo. In my
opinion this was not a Vindaloo. Vindaloo is a dish that gets its name from the
Vinegar used to make it. This dish should be sour. This was anything but. Sad,
completely missed the mark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIDl3bheASyFPFCK35pD_vOI9q8GFCbOP2XSnlTzRFr9ddCmMdcfI1C5B_BpR3pYGDgq4zutNE1OFHdfD7otn2uJsuCuOXqYQn_GljzxrTuIayEY_BVMO-rPnqWAoDc9R1_QIzMMdmo/s1600/20190630_230442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGIDl3bheASyFPFCK35pD_vOI9q8GFCbOP2XSnlTzRFr9ddCmMdcfI1C5B_BpR3pYGDgq4zutNE1OFHdfD7otn2uJsuCuOXqYQn_GljzxrTuIayEY_BVMO-rPnqWAoDc9R1_QIzMMdmo/s640/20190630_230442.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Pork Rib Vindaloo</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With the consistent and catastrophic decline in
the food after the Ceviche, none of us felt we should throw more good money on
a dessert. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Personally, I was shocked at how standards had
fallen. No one was tasting the food that was being served. The sauces were with
the exception of the Ceviche, misbalanced. The food was generally bland. All
the food, once again with the exception of the Ceviche, was served lukewarm.
Was it just vats of premade gravy/sauce that were being used? Was all the food
precooked and simply an assembly job? I do not have any answers. The tragedy
was that we had Chef Tarantino and Suburban Sardarni with us who came under the
impression that the food would be top notch. It was my recommendation. The
silver lining was of course the solitary dish, Ceviche and, the servers. They
were knowledgeable, friendly and the casual style refreshing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we left into rain bucketing down, the B B
King song came to mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The thrill is gone”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-42636242469107218812019-06-08T15:54:00.000+05:302020-02-09T12:44:00.019+05:30L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The World’s Best Pizza.
This honorific has been conferred on the pizza served at L’Antica Pizzeria Da
Michele in Naples. L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has opened a 120 seater outlet in
London bang opposite Baker Street Underground Station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS4f8XsdwGam92vRRBbFI4cvPjf1wQ6m_n79T30B126mCL66zynVZARVLBT5f2sYRLQNHw57QjCy9uDkogaqxv6VARozsbYaD3C29rNCzA3tWZUGcgZ1eT2TfbVVgQjCN4iU-W2emGFQ/s1600/20190603_210605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS4f8XsdwGam92vRRBbFI4cvPjf1wQ6m_n79T30B126mCL66zynVZARVLBT5f2sYRLQNHw57QjCy9uDkogaqxv6VARozsbYaD3C29rNCzA3tWZUGcgZ1eT2TfbVVgQjCN4iU-W2emGFQ/s640/20190603_210605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The location is barely
2 doors away from the Lloyds Bank at Baker Street the site of a major robbery
in 1971. The thieves had rented a leather goods shop, two doors away from the
bank, and tunneled a distance of approximately 50 feet. To avoid being
overheard, they dug only during weekends. Almost 3 Million Pounds were stolen
and the robbers wrote a message on the wall reading “Let's see how Sherlock
Holmes solves this one</span>”. <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Baker Street being the home of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. A movie made in 2008 called "The Bank Job" starring Jason Statham was based on this robbery</span>.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway, back to the world’s
best pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">L’Antica Pizzeria Da
Michele opened in Naples with origins that can be traced to 1870. Since then it
has been 5 generations of the same family that have run the business. The
original pizzeria in Naples is highly regarded and is often referred to as “the
Sacred Temple of Pizza.” Recently, the family has opened pizzerias in several
cities, Rome and London being just two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFHyJS_oIkyF6WPzMpnxcLj-CjiNL1tdCyaOiQa5SaLeB-YWD_MQEF0_5c8lCTMKZ2MWP-V3I7rbke6nZrLFPC9wxGREYc2bK_MRHFRrdlYNX3vjvprRCRkF-A4lHgav8XQBzgOOAwD4/s1600/20190603_200142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFHyJS_oIkyF6WPzMpnxcLj-CjiNL1tdCyaOiQa5SaLeB-YWD_MQEF0_5c8lCTMKZ2MWP-V3I7rbke6nZrLFPC9wxGREYc2bK_MRHFRrdlYNX3vjvprRCRkF-A4lHgav8XQBzgOOAwD4/s640/20190603_200142.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Dcu33230uqrM_I9ARduByJmrcxr0ZAdC9Il-0ErG7FPoK4-_9DH5qrX-zLmeQOjL-x91pHEygS0_BwZQQvWDhE1xU47iKIQ_8DrNuz095-CPFAY127XfbdKMrRfu4BwaqDlTg8DBJeY/s1600/20190603_205002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1381" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Dcu33230uqrM_I9ARduByJmrcxr0ZAdC9Il-0ErG7FPoK4-_9DH5qrX-zLmeQOjL-x91pHEygS0_BwZQQvWDhE1xU47iKIQ_8DrNuz095-CPFAY127XfbdKMrRfu4BwaqDlTg8DBJeY/s640/20190603_205002.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now L’Antica Pizzeria
Da Michele does not serve up any old pizza, no sir, they serve the authentic
Neopolitain pizza. You may well ask what is an authentic Neopolitain Pizza? The
answer is simple. A true Neopolitain Pizza has to comply with the simple yet
exacting rules set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. These rules set
down the type of tomato to be used – San Marzano or Roma only – the flour, the
kneading and so on. A crucial rule stipulates that the oven temperature should
be a rather staggering 485 to 500 Degrees Centigrade and the pizza be baked for
between 60 to 90 seconds. The searing heat produces a characteristic Leopard
skin pattern on the crust. Mind you, your home oven will not get hotter than
250 Degrees Centigrade which is barely half of what the Association stipulates,
so forget about making one at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had made a
reservation and on reaching were escorted to a table by the windows. What strikes
you as soon as you entered is the heat emanating from the oven. The oven was
some distance away in the center of the room. The pizzeria was very busy. Not
only was the place quite full but you had a continuous stream of walk in’s
either doing a take away or delivery boys taking away ordered pizzas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZZ16gMWL0aawplRbOlA8qm-cg9hJVWAelzgM9DupZX28mB-qcPBSv_ZfO6trrjBY5WptQA5M4XQ88ScJnhn3cSkdV83_-q2xgdZcMc6bd3z3jXU1KRvf0aX9uvrvS3XJeP_8RACA595a/s1600/20190603_200203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZZ16gMWL0aawplRbOlA8qm-cg9hJVWAelzgM9DupZX28mB-qcPBSv_ZfO6trrjBY5WptQA5M4XQ88ScJnhn3cSkdV83_-q2xgdZcMc6bd3z3jXU1KRvf0aX9uvrvS3XJeP_8RACA595a/s640/20190603_200203.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qmfkd5z3T_AqnZE9PkMqS1Ww7m8Q5FmfnUNVYHNaRTvGS49qxp8LdN4J4ILCJhiaLWk_nRkecEPGftj1gKjcb7k8gW-RQgDl6uyZAVuzIWWrosi9rF5m-W6U-MAyok6iv5s6rHH19ffg/s1600/20190603_200217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qmfkd5z3T_AqnZE9PkMqS1Ww7m8Q5FmfnUNVYHNaRTvGS49qxp8LdN4J4ILCJhiaLWk_nRkecEPGftj1gKjcb7k8gW-RQgDl6uyZAVuzIWWrosi9rF5m-W6U-MAyok6iv5s6rHH19ffg/s640/20190603_200217.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiIAXrUzywBlgXyp3nfC-wdfCbWSaSz-dbTVR7yWJHETOwpNaNSSz8XBaVLs2DhyphenhyphencNU1fnvCnvx2F4CVA5g5nICuKcUSddyyCXiSdXetlUf2ml7rkkWFba4rZUEm649Wm7usCWs2M7ZkO/s1600/20190603_200231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiIAXrUzywBlgXyp3nfC-wdfCbWSaSz-dbTVR7yWJHETOwpNaNSSz8XBaVLs2DhyphenhyphencNU1fnvCnvx2F4CVA5g5nICuKcUSddyyCXiSdXetlUf2ml7rkkWFba4rZUEm649Wm7usCWs2M7ZkO/s640/20190603_200231.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: You can see how large the pizza is. The box is inadequate.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The original L’Antica Pizzeria
Da Michele in Naples offers only 2 pizza’s the Marinara which has tomato,
garlic, oregano and olive oil [no cheese] and the Margherita which has Basil
instead of Oregano and Cheese. Here in London the menu is expanded with them
serving 6 pizza’s, 1 Calzone and a fried Pizza. You have just the pizza on offer, there is no question of customising it. There are no extra toppings one can opt for. No, extra onion, capsicum, barbeque chicken Jalapeno Baby Corn or God forbid, pineapple. You get just one size of pizza. There were also starters and desserts.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Italy, it’s almost
always beer that is drunk with pizza, while in London, people drink wine. So, a
bottle of white was ordered along with a platter of Charcuterie and Mozzarella.
This was a large platter with 5 different Charcuterie. Also served was simple deep-fried
pizza dough called Nodinis. They were light, airy and non-greasy, delicious to
break off and eat with the meats. Reasonably good quality stuff. Just right and
hit the spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fYs0-GG-n1HiLTDiUGvf7LnFaC9Fq2JyRnh112Igq9pgPCn8jVYKEc20KANPSTiVdHjmEH-XyVi6sBNhygLzlLIjFQQ3DOie_kmahhU3p9KK7c2D9cfd6JsspqmZ95MOPZpxsL16No/s1600/20190603_200541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fYs0-GG-n1HiLTDiUGvf7LnFaC9Fq2JyRnh112Igq9pgPCn8jVYKEc20KANPSTiVdHjmEH-XyVi6sBNhygLzlLIjFQQ3DOie_kmahhU3p9KK7c2D9cfd6JsspqmZ95MOPZpxsL16No/s640/20190603_200541.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A94_IZj4nIgcUSzYyHHVZiRcyF4xWpM1BtPE45hyphenhyphenRN6TJeGsVvzzHOuaHiEllWiayuYjO-Lcz_KnzffoCuqZoEpS-gS8C6LNTq0Md7qGJsG7SpdslZZAr6RGNiBN3HeAqywFp0q4zCg/s1600/20190603_201037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A94_IZj4nIgcUSzYyHHVZiRcyF4xWpM1BtPE45hyphenhyphenRN6TJeGsVvzzHOuaHiEllWiayuYjO-Lcz_KnzffoCuqZoEpS-gS8C6LNTq0Md7qGJsG7SpdslZZAr6RGNiBN3HeAqywFp0q4zCg/s640/20190603_201037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: The golden stuff is the delicious light Nodinis</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The pizzas we could see
were large. The </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">rules mandate that the pizza should be no smaller than 31 cms diameter. That is well in excess of 12 inches. There was no way we could have ordered two Pizza and finished them.
Neither could we box them which is what lots of tables were doing, as we were
catching a flight the next morning to return home. A Napolitana Pizza was
ordered which was basically the Margherita with Anchovies added. We asked the
server to have the pie sliced so that handling would be easier. What turned up
was large, looked delicious and was really really hot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncmpsSV4DNOncl1iBFDXeNq2tm1j85o6JPBKmbYDfuMw667wOQEsiPHJ_OK9kstje9OO0SDNyHeVUFv7PUpkGDQtS3cYZO2r-AFDwUsi_hyphenhyphen3JKFo2oHguo5goCM7pp7gOoROvJExcRbpW/s1600/20190603_203048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncmpsSV4DNOncl1iBFDXeNq2tm1j85o6JPBKmbYDfuMw667wOQEsiPHJ_OK9kstje9OO0SDNyHeVUFv7PUpkGDQtS3cYZO2r-AFDwUsi_hyphenhyphen3JKFo2oHguo5goCM7pp7gOoROvJExcRbpW/s640/20190603_203048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above: The Pizza.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8K3hBe9FI0E4Kx_6IPsM1LHssImn71ERXJ08AloKjmDmNcCKFh2xggzlS3KKl51CqzM9CUqP_qIbh6m3OIn1hnKEj8f_t_0uOUR8qnyFwRbdQRvhN6sMRJF5cg5kNvhvZWYEpB_R7F0/s1600/20190603_203103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8K3hBe9FI0E4Kx_6IPsM1LHssImn71ERXJ08AloKjmDmNcCKFh2xggzlS3KKl51CqzM9CUqP_qIbh6m3OIn1hnKEj8f_t_0uOUR8qnyFwRbdQRvhN6sMRJF5cg5kNvhvZWYEpB_R7F0/s640/20190603_203103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: The characteristic Leopard skin charred crust</o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG1yLnJQqQyXe5xtvulgH-rG-uGzsax6UthUEZWji5m4MHVPvwbPvcMz3WYMoMw0WMEM5Cg1G-gdvUg-14LJp7Vv5HuxQ__e4lS-LuTgcVKiV6lh5C2JUPGe2Blh1oTv58Zc5C7DN5No/s1600/20190603_205709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinG1yLnJQqQyXe5xtvulgH-rG-uGzsax6UthUEZWji5m4MHVPvwbPvcMz3WYMoMw0WMEM5Cg1G-gdvUg-14LJp7Vv5HuxQ__e4lS-LuTgcVKiV6lh5C2JUPGe2Blh1oTv58Zc5C7DN5No/s640/20190603_205709.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: A dessert. No, it was not Tiramisu</o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have eaten some
decent pizza in London at our favorite Delfino. This however was a class apart.
There were obviously several small differences and enhancements between a
decent pizza and an authentic Neapolitan pizza. The biggest elevating or
distinguishing factor, according to me, is the sheer heat of the oven. The heat
manages to thoroughly cook the base so you are not left with the proverbial
soggy bottom. The moisture on the base is contributed by the sauce. This is a
floppy pizza and not the papad crisp kind so beloved by us Indians. The cooked
and thin crust meant that you were not made full by eating masses of dough, the
pizza was actually light. Contributing to the lightness was the minimal sauce,
just a single topping of salty anchovy and a sprinkling of Mozzarella, not fistfuls
of processed cheese. This was good pizza, a marked difference from anything
else we have ever eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We thoroughly enjoyed
the pizza. I must caution you, if you are used to Indian pizza which is almost
always over sauced, extremely spicy, over topped and laden with cheese, this authentic
Neapolitan pizza is difficult to appreciate. You may well feel shortchanged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fully recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-87326993199603088972019-06-05T18:06:00.000+05:302019-06-05T18:06:01.113+05:30Discovering Sichuan food in London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is a fact you may
not know. UNESCO has declared Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province to
be a city of Gastronomy. This is on account of the sophisticated cuisine that the
Sichuan Province offers. On some further research, other cities similarly anointed
are the wholly obscure Buenaventura, Burgos, Cochabamba, Denia and Hatay among others.
I am not sure if Chengdu would be proud of being tagged with its sister cities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sichuan, Szechwan or Szechuan,
however you spell it is a distinctive regional Chinese cuisine. The food is
spicy with Chili. It is often oily, garlicy and uses Sichuan Peppercorns to
provide that distinctive ‘Ma La’ flavor. Sichuan Peppercorns at once numb the
mouth and electrifies your lips and tongue. An utterly delightful sensation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most Chinese
restaurants worldwide are Cantonese. This is the food we are most familiar
with. In India. Our lives were forever changed by the introduction of Sichuan
cuisine by Camellia Panjabi in 1978 at the then brand-new Golden Dragon in the
Taj Mahal in Mumbai and the House of Ming at the Taj Mansingh in New Delhi. Today,
that Sichuan food has been wholly bastardised to become Chindian or as Vir
Sanghvi calls it Sino Ludhianvi cuisine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have recollections of
being taken to the Golden Dragon as a child, though I cannot remember my
parents or anyone else mentioning Ma La. The food was simply better cooked and
somewhat spicy as opposed to the non five star Cantonese restaurants you had in
Mumbai then. New dishes like Golden Fried Prawns, Hot & Sour Soup and Candied
Toffee Apple or Banana were all the rage. I doubt very much the food was truly
Sichuan. Those were simple times; we were simple people and we were rather
gullible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today if you order deep
fried Chinese food, such as Spring Rolls, you will be served this with a lurid
red spicy sauce which is called Szechuan Sauce. This sauce has nothing to do
with the real McCoy. Most street stalls offer Dragon Rice or Szechuan Rice
which is flavoured with this spicy sauce. A bowl of the sauce is kept on tables
to further spice your food and I suspect to add the element of ‘<i>Daal</i>’
with which we eat rice. This Szechuan sauce has no Sichuan Peppercorns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inexplicably, on this
visit to London we decided to eat Sichuan food. We had heard and read a lot
about Jin Li - a Sichuan restaurant. The original was at Lisle Street,
adjoining the pub we frequent. A newer and bigger outpost opened a few 100
meters down at Newport Place, and we thought the we should visit it with our London
Friend Philosopher and Guide whom you have <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2012/02/bright-courtyard-london.html" target="_blank">who you have read about earlier.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jin Li was disappointing.
The flavours were very muted, toned down for the white population. No real Ma
La. However, we did have some very good starters, the classic Smashed
Cucumbers, Cold Jellyfish and Century Egg. Mr. & Mrs. London Friend
Philosopher and Guide were most apprehensive with the Jellyfish and Egg, but,
with our enthusiastic prodding they ate and they loved both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Being unsatisfied with
this experience, we then made a booking at Barshu a long-standing Sichuan
Restaurant. The estimable Fuchsia Dunlop was a consultant here. She is a
powerhouse of knowledge on Sichuan cuisine having studied cuisine and language
in Chengdu and authored several excellent cookbooks on Sichuan cuisine. The
restaurant was absolutely heaving, and we were herded into a lower level dining
room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A bottle of white wine
was ordered and we were ready to eat. First up was Numbing and Hot Dried Beef.
This is a classic Sichuan dish. Ma La hit at once. This was the real stuff. The
beef is tendons from the leg which any Western butcher would discard. The
thrifty Chinese use the humble tendon to make this dish. The Beef was tender
though not exactly melt in the mouth. It does have a slight chew. Went well
with the cold wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLRFipOF2C5w1mGUWRKS8w-IXqYRABQV1jlWonybGXEhOUZTSaAtgVIyxhIt3HYYahjJ-MYg9xxAAlNiFS-dWuU8CVp7FaqXanzV5ffMWMoKpnlxeheMoIQZvVeSNIFEDmt0X8cQUiC4/s1600/20190526_201735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1600" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLRFipOF2C5w1mGUWRKS8w-IXqYRABQV1jlWonybGXEhOUZTSaAtgVIyxhIt3HYYahjJ-MYg9xxAAlNiFS-dWuU8CVp7FaqXanzV5ffMWMoKpnlxeheMoIQZvVeSNIFEDmt0X8cQUiC4/s640/20190526_201735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Numbing and Hot Dried Beef</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The main course was something
we decided to splash out on. This was a whole Sea Bass, filleted and served
with Sizzling Chili Oil. First a big empty bowl was brought out with a sieved
spoon. Then came a larger bowl choc-a-block full of red chillies, floating in a
deep sea of oil. Submerged in the oil was the fish. The waiter sieved off the
Chillies and served us the fish. The fish was perfectly cooked. The flavours
were quite something. Your mouth was suddenly tingling with the Ma La, and a
different heat of chilli adding to the excitement. This was a real winner dish.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hcSAred3jWmYWVMN3kNrb1XDnqOEsUi6YJWOXTwgLj8blPw281P8u27JYXMsrCYyA0u43OUhz73BlGZiaz3ssfxCfVdzgTCs9s-8p9nvgGtIhClJPjmzE7jXA-aIJNPuhS8xk3Udf2o/s1600/20190526_203332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hcSAred3jWmYWVMN3kNrb1XDnqOEsUi6YJWOXTwgLj8blPw281P8u27JYXMsrCYyA0u43OUhz73BlGZiaz3ssfxCfVdzgTCs9s-8p9nvgGtIhClJPjmzE7jXA-aIJNPuhS8xk3Udf2o/s640/20190526_203332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Sea Bass, filleted and served with Sizzling Chili Oil. See the volume of Chillies</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWAOVIiZnbNnNrNH0DX3veNDoNadFJcykpKgPHoIoR2ESpibL3nXQtTHmhUpj3sPKuwMwpOUSoRXgCKeBJQA-zDS5H7kmyGrmYWOxhmkMYYaVJ26FPs-UEd9DB1UtDsy_wpv_bU2peE/s1600/20190526_205115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWAOVIiZnbNnNrNH0DX3veNDoNadFJcykpKgPHoIoR2ESpibL3nXQtTHmhUpj3sPKuwMwpOUSoRXgCKeBJQA-zDS5H7kmyGrmYWOxhmkMYYaVJ26FPs-UEd9DB1UtDsy_wpv_bU2peE/s640/20190526_205115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>After removing the Chillies you have fish, Beansprouts Oil and the Sichuan Peppercorns floating</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two classic Sichuan
dishes, Mapu Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles were also ordered. The Mapu Tofu was
richer, with deeper flavours than I have ever tasted. The Dan Dan Noodles had
an added element of Sesame Paste which is used in Sichuan Cuisine. This sesame
paste is not the same as Tahini, but at a pinch, you could use Tahini. A small
bowl of plain steamed rice was ordered to tone down the heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjaOSrDAjcxCos63MY3g0teqkuuX5a61JQBx96iBlemPxYx5GlrOt5I7mL0as3hKNpbo-2SYEJf1B9oZt-E5uJeu-TRmwOg5Z2pnvkYZWTFpRCm_4rX-WS4bYirDBr61uzCz7oZufBEo/s1600/20190526_203004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjaOSrDAjcxCos63MY3g0teqkuuX5a61JQBx96iBlemPxYx5GlrOt5I7mL0as3hKNpbo-2SYEJf1B9oZt-E5uJeu-TRmwOg5Z2pnvkYZWTFpRCm_4rX-WS4bYirDBr61uzCz7oZufBEo/s640/20190526_203004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Mapu Tofu </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hulqnnon4v84scR_PZAfWllASpic6kxW2um_doj4Ji8QiA3Gp0EfiCS5RRko7Go_OCticwn_lSb59HrZkPSNHQgTa-64veRcsaIv7QRvcA_P40hElfemdd1TgEpJzdB2SEf6JQK223c/s1600/20190526_203009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hulqnnon4v84scR_PZAfWllASpic6kxW2um_doj4Ji8QiA3Gp0EfiCS5RRko7Go_OCticwn_lSb59HrZkPSNHQgTa-64veRcsaIv7QRvcA_P40hElfemdd1TgEpJzdB2SEf6JQK223c/s640/20190526_203009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Dan Dan Noodles</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The meal at Barshu was really
good, and the food was not watered down to suit western tastes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We were hooked. I
remembered a very favourable review of a restaurant called Sichuan, in the
City, off Liverpool Underground Station. A booking was made for Friday dinner. Chef
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Zhang Xiao Zhong is in charge of the kitchen. He was previously head
chef at, yes, Barshu as well as at the very highly rated Hutong that opened in
the Shard. Now he was here. We visited a nearby pub, sat on an outside table
and enjoyed the modern skyline that the City offered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0lxNkfu4QlCwPWt8lJzlEi0M9F4nYtus0xj44_TpR4WEEWwadL1UM_0vzvyuWoSyuB8HgKWaX-1KsdnxBg53c53mHuCF81RzF6peisD8VbBPQYJ9q81qgDzB4KR9YjyaNFXnr-NypHI/s1600/20190531_191851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0lxNkfu4QlCwPWt8lJzlEi0M9F4nYtus0xj44_TpR4WEEWwadL1UM_0vzvyuWoSyuB8HgKWaX-1KsdnxBg53c53mHuCF81RzF6peisD8VbBPQYJ9q81qgDzB4KR9YjyaNFXnr-NypHI/s640/20190531_191851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">As we walked in the
restaurant was full. Luckily, we had a reservation and were soon seated. We had
decided to order new dishes, and not fall into the trap of the familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe8AhDan2VFMTelUid7Y_ba2effG0UF2ZOgwelsMr5Vc5niyHjCeU6idRscOfZU2fYqudBBlU-JHXpN_8BLJxszl80So5IUmHzkT37WF_AixfbJ8lPEu2p1Mhyw3tbn_tqAZ0__4GO9U/s1600/20190531_200747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe8AhDan2VFMTelUid7Y_ba2effG0UF2ZOgwelsMr5Vc5niyHjCeU6idRscOfZU2fYqudBBlU-JHXpN_8BLJxszl80So5IUmHzkT37WF_AixfbJ8lPEu2p1Mhyw3tbn_tqAZ0__4GO9U/s640/20190531_200747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">First up, Pigs Ears.
Stunning. This is a dish served cold, with copious quantities of Chilli Oil and
Sichuan Peppercorns and some raw garlic. A dash of Chinkiang Vinegar balances
the dish. This is ideal to have with a drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi6nGCwGjFcvVASQmuTlYd1WkD7gqq2lomKfayRUX33q0FP9fD3o60ko1uedSL-luYzChbyI50SjkeKub4LAw0UoSq0JqavZ5m3S7cIRojqz0rC4PYSo_hh7Z_lB1cStMrhJUXpo5v8k/s1600/20190531_201437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi6nGCwGjFcvVASQmuTlYd1WkD7gqq2lomKfayRUX33q0FP9fD3o60ko1uedSL-luYzChbyI50SjkeKub4LAw0UoSq0JqavZ5m3S7cIRojqz0rC4PYSo_hh7Z_lB1cStMrhJUXpo5v8k/s640/20190531_201437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p>Above: Pigs Ears</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">For our main courses we
had Pork Belly double cooked with Sugar, Soya and Sichuan Spices with a Bean
Paste and Chinese Black Mushrooms. Chairman Mao loved this dish, and why not,
what is not to love? This was accompanied by something we make at home, poorly
it turns out, Aromatic Deep-Fried Beef with Cumin, our humble <i>Jeera</i>. I
love this dish, though HRH the Queen of Kutch does like it as much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYW0V28WjGI1aH-Qd2UDqgeAcdmRyYYRZSniW8On-Qzx-UHI4n2gkv2jXiFPbdvYguteW3s5nfKsYpWQERkdLqbfcpTdalk9lWTRtuFEC_adqClloV1Veo_1UlTpJawo4Sqlz9XyKyAA/s1600/20190531_202206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYW0V28WjGI1aH-Qd2UDqgeAcdmRyYYRZSniW8On-Qzx-UHI4n2gkv2jXiFPbdvYguteW3s5nfKsYpWQERkdLqbfcpTdalk9lWTRtuFEC_adqClloV1Veo_1UlTpJawo4Sqlz9XyKyAA/s640/20190531_202206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p>Above: </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Pork Belly double cooked with Sugar, Soya and Sichuan Spices with a Bean Paste and Chinese Black Mushrooms</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY5KERIULGKdf4tHG3vfqEeiP6Urrppw64zP8hZspn3k6ea5WOA_Pz9e4z3AOS-fK8klvmhxSKbvopPMH2r1CrN0_l9rvw5oybMjbUbs-Lv5lHJHHz5fRtaVe0-u4TyO1_Szv3dn9rOI/s1600/20190531_202238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY5KERIULGKdf4tHG3vfqEeiP6Urrppw64zP8hZspn3k6ea5WOA_Pz9e4z3AOS-fK8klvmhxSKbvopPMH2r1CrN0_l9rvw5oybMjbUbs-Lv5lHJHHz5fRtaVe0-u4TyO1_Szv3dn9rOI/s640/20190531_202238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p>Above: Cumin Beef</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">You have to have
greens, so we picked one of our favourite vegetable <i>Karela</i>, the Chinese
use it a lot, stir fried with minced Pork.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIPeUQgiLRHhJBUz8DUHna24VZf9cbIwD9LgNsqygQfegXpYZRVvALRbetPu64xYntDK7o5TrS8xBVteFoJn4Foc08aVGdThRkUaMPe7DyVKh7puXyyCckEcNfb4cEd1tT35NSJpDblE/s1600/20190531_202255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIPeUQgiLRHhJBUz8DUHna24VZf9cbIwD9LgNsqygQfegXpYZRVvALRbetPu64xYntDK7o5TrS8xBVteFoJn4Foc08aVGdThRkUaMPe7DyVKh7puXyyCckEcNfb4cEd1tT35NSJpDblE/s640/20190531_202255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p>Above: <i>Karela</i> with Minced Pork </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Once again, a truly
wonderful meal. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Nothing namby pamby, full on
flavours and full on spicing. Question is, do we go back to Cantonese? Of
course we will, but we will be sure to add a few Sichuan meals to the mix as
well<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Of the three, Jin Li
was disappointing for because the food was toned down. Barshu and Sichuan were
both excellent. In retrospect, I would go back to Barshu, not because the food
is better than Sichuan, but because getting to Barshu which is in Soho is less
of a schlepp than getting to Sichuan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-50781273155950533292019-06-02T19:54:00.002+05:302019-06-02T22:30:12.787+05:30Core By Clare Smyth **<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The potato is the 4<sup>th</sup>
largest food crop. Corn, wheat and rice surpass potato. It is believed that the
potato was introduced to Europe by Spanish sailors returning from South America.
The Portuguese introduced “<i>Batata</i>” to India. In Ireland, the Potato Famine, it
is said, totally changed the country;s demographic, political and economic
landscape. Potato is beloved all over the world. For us in India, with are very
carb heavy diet, potato is most often an ingredient, often masquerading as a “vegetable”
despite the potato having poor nutritional value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clare Smyth is Irish,
whose potential was seen by Gordon Ramsay. In 2002 when she was just 24, she
was snapped up by Ramsay and in 2004 became Head Chef at Restaurant Gordon
Ramsay. This Restaurant was awarded 3 stars in Michelin in 2001 which it holds
till today. In 2007 Clare Smyth was appointed Chef Patron [which means she had
an ownership in the restaurant] becoming the first female chef in the UK to
hold 3 stars in Michelin. In August 2017 Clare Smyth opened her own restaurant
Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill. In 2019 she was awarded 2 Stars in
Michelin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had eaten Clare’s
food at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay several times. We were quite eager to dine at
Core, so a reservation was made. We had an early 6.30 pm reservation on a
glorious summer day in London. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The restaurant is in a predominantly
residential area. You enter through a bar, which was empty and are led inside
past an “open” kitchen. The Chefs greet you as you are escorted to your table.
I used the word “open” as the kitchen is not really open but, is fronted by
floor to ceiling plate glass, giving you unrestricted viewing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The dining room seats
about 55 people at a time, and got 90% full pretty soon. The room is bright with
wooden flooring and minimal carpeting. Blond wood, creams and light brown are
the colours used. No tablecloths, but some sort of slight padding covers the
tables, somewhat like the upholstery on dashboards of expensive cars, you know what
I mean, padded leather. A small footstool for ladies to perch their expensive
purses. Music plays softly, I could hear the distinctive sound of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s
guitar in David Bowie’s Let’s Dance. Cutlery was good quality stainless steel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You have 3 menus, a 7-course
classic tasting, a 7-course seasonal tasting and a 3 course A La Carte. The menus
were on a 3-fold card not the traditional leather-bound folder. The wine list
was the traditional leather-bound tome. We opted for the 3 course A La Carte. A
gin and tonic to start with and a Sancerre to drink with our meal. We were
subjected to the usual question; do you have any allergies? Nope, we eat
everything. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once the drinks arrived
and we had our first sips, up came Canapes. Smoked Eel with Dashi Jelly, Parsley and Nori on which Eel vinegar was sprayed with a sort of
perfume bottle. A slightly disappointing Smoked Duck wing with burnt Orange served under a glass jar. This was similar to what Smyth served at Restaurant Gordon
Ramsay. Disappointing because the wing could have/should have been crisp, but
was instead flabby. A brilliant Parmesan Gougeres with Pea and Mint which was
truly astounding. However, the best of all was a Foie Gras tartlet with Madeira
Jelly. This was stunning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmquEQZWmAiIYsKPEuEIXI8OFtzrh9JoW6qAilK5kW6z_V1LL42Cce0oYrYYoYco8qRzzpK_RFqHNJYQ9QBlvjUFLU8CUwgXVP2VDQezFJSXiloMqbxiGF8a3xF6MkRZW5u_qhdXzRN60/s1600/20190530_183749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1293" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmquEQZWmAiIYsKPEuEIXI8OFtzrh9JoW6qAilK5kW6z_V1LL42Cce0oYrYYoYco8qRzzpK_RFqHNJYQ9QBlvjUFLU8CUwgXVP2VDQezFJSXiloMqbxiGF8a3xF6MkRZW5u_qhdXzRN60/s640/20190530_183749.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Parmesan Gougeres with Pea and Mint </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO7r3ShbLXTqbCjR34n_2-hbbDVfoBjATSRuA3MlEWVIi7BSY0ruwkx-aLHaveqDnOEYlbfPWtliUqm8rap-e5B3a5LZ3qjt17nyBO6dqbVrH-btXHj93peTTu-JOZvQizYP8nn5upy8/s1600/20190530_183754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO7r3ShbLXTqbCjR34n_2-hbbDVfoBjATSRuA3MlEWVIi7BSY0ruwkx-aLHaveqDnOEYlbfPWtliUqm8rap-e5B3a5LZ3qjt17nyBO6dqbVrH-btXHj93peTTu-JOZvQizYP8nn5upy8/s640/20190530_183754.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Smoked Eel with Dashi Jelly, Parsley and Nori </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPZy6pFIwvrKBrLWaBQZrywQ6C2HKpmpR1u-qvLyyK6Lx1n-gaWaUAcbB2XRIew08pUmaXSEDSQ4n5Mld_hsDhlKAkw_a5sjLTGBw-eBZUSMEqY6ZftSQgoHCyEM5DMClx9zgjvEgXxE/s1600/20190530_183804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPZy6pFIwvrKBrLWaBQZrywQ6C2HKpmpR1u-qvLyyK6Lx1n-gaWaUAcbB2XRIew08pUmaXSEDSQ4n5Mld_hsDhlKAkw_a5sjLTGBw-eBZUSMEqY6ZftSQgoHCyEM5DMClx9zgjvEgXxE/s640/20190530_183804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Smoked Duck wing with burnt Orange </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTmuU6KSgw0gY7fv8ik0TVRaikGI-fIHvp1SRHKtk7v6Inp6yjerBsIL6Xw6ZKMrZxs6mG6_RmmR5imG0NWff7lpbJljXQ2hqUDhBC7x6ktDrQ-9iDPD4Crp3Q-7AhMVtJAJg50uryQQ/s1600/20190530_183813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTmuU6KSgw0gY7fv8ik0TVRaikGI-fIHvp1SRHKtk7v6Inp6yjerBsIL6Xw6ZKMrZxs6mG6_RmmR5imG0NWff7lpbJljXQ2hqUDhBC7x6ktDrQ-9iDPD4Crp3Q-7AhMVtJAJg50uryQQ/s640/20190530_183813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Foie Gras tartlet with Madeira Jelly </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of the signature
dishes at Core is “Potato and Roe”, what with Clare Smyth’s Irish background.
This is what I had as my first course. A Charlotte Potato is cooked very skillfully,
with its skin. This is served with a Dulse [seaweed] Beurre Blanc [White Wine
and Butter sauce]. The Potato is garnished with Herring and Trout Roe and
fermented potato chips. These chips mimic the classic Salt and Vinegar wafers
that are so popular in the UK. This looked great, but, alas, it was simply a
dolled-up potato. Probably the best cooked, potato tasting potato that I have eaten;
however, nothing could detract the fact that ultimately it was a potato.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8fsFL7SClS2J4kCi1D_hcU_ayEH0PZUrawA0uPGnbzsaMh6nTMVW_Efk04SKKLywDaV2X_p_d5aTqylTsFc-nXQnSw4FRoYyx5Lix6HKd0an5k6gbp_CKSTp4OmjURZgkcde6P2HqBU/s1600/20190530_185559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8fsFL7SClS2J4kCi1D_hcU_ayEH0PZUrawA0uPGnbzsaMh6nTMVW_Efk04SKKLywDaV2X_p_d5aTqylTsFc-nXQnSw4FRoYyx5Lix6HKd0an5k6gbp_CKSTp4OmjURZgkcde6P2HqBU/s640/20190530_185559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Potato and Roe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">HRH the Queen of Kutch
had a butter poached Langoustine with Veal Sweetbread. This was garnished with
Fennel Puree and served with two sauces, Vin Jaune and a Lobster Bisque. Vin
Jaune is a yellow Sherry type wine from Spain. This was a good dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJCRdikfreW9Y1gwP9RGOtqhCs_24lpSxT53609k9Rwr0uUu511igAyOyWbb6MJYC0x2lns6LEO5PE2yF75UEby2iMH-o1yMy17hV3KCp51-0go07X5nRSTdgDOftxwO4-3cDasS0kEM/s1600/20190530_185625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJCRdikfreW9Y1gwP9RGOtqhCs_24lpSxT53609k9Rwr0uUu511igAyOyWbb6MJYC0x2lns6LEO5PE2yF75UEby2iMH-o1yMy17hV3KCp51-0go07X5nRSTdgDOftxwO4-3cDasS0kEM/s640/20190530_185625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Langoustine with Veal Sweetbread</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One peculiarity was
that on all tables, including ours, a young Chef, in full whites, appropriately
stained, with tattoos was pulled out of the kitchen to serve us the starter and
explain what it was. I found this idiosyncratic. This seemed to happen only for the first course, not any other. When I first saw the Chef come out at
an adjoining table, my though was there was a complaint about the food. I know
that this is the style in Scandinavia, but here it seemed to jar. Pulling the
Chef out of a kitchen cannot be helping the smooth flow of the kitchen. The
Chef’s are sweaty and their whites stand out among the dark suited waitstaff. What
would the Chefs tell diners that waitstaff could not? I just did not imagine!. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Main courses were Roast
Monkfish, Morecambe Bay Shrimps, Swiss Chard, Brown Butter, a thin slice of
Brown Bread with a Brown Bread Sauce for me. Really good. HRH the Queen of
Kutch had the exquisite Duck with Red Grapes. This dish consisted of a artfully cut Duck Breast served alongside Duck Liver garnished with Grapes. On this a Nepalese pepper called
Timut was ground. Timut Pepper has citrussy notes and you could call it a
cousin of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Triphala</i> and Sichuan Peppercorns.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please do have a look at the skill in
slicing each grape and arranging it on top of the pastry containing Duck Liver. Duck and Grape being a classic combination, a sweet/tart fruit with game. The Manager told us that one
Chef [obviously a newbie] has the job of hand slicing grapes. Once again, this
dish was excellent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituuhh10jtDALLMWioLxUcwh9zYOhAWtU9qmXYnU5IHGP9R68scepTHe5WkeCvuI97XrHfYWhDiQs48L88v664E6X53CxvKYAvKlZB1yPjUZWOhVH9RHeH30cFQ84t2x4mVMeyUNP-RSM/s1600/20190530_191645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1483" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituuhh10jtDALLMWioLxUcwh9zYOhAWtU9qmXYnU5IHGP9R68scepTHe5WkeCvuI97XrHfYWhDiQs48L88v664E6X53CxvKYAvKlZB1yPjUZWOhVH9RHeH30cFQ84t2x4mVMeyUNP-RSM/s640/20190530_191645.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Roast Monkfish, Morecambe Bay Shrimps, Swiss Chard, Brown Butter</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qC99VugURfP18TJCYl1dmu0L2MEZuC9AFnlFPBxKDzbl25NQAY-fSD86y10q9H3FMG_g1_k-VXzDYSp142pKcih1QYvL0RS-5eHOnLywfmIDhonusjFn7Hmhf9_5Bu_a7LB1HXt6YkM/s1600/20190530_191703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qC99VugURfP18TJCYl1dmu0L2MEZuC9AFnlFPBxKDzbl25NQAY-fSD86y10q9H3FMG_g1_k-VXzDYSp142pKcih1QYvL0RS-5eHOnLywfmIDhonusjFn7Hmhf9_5Bu_a7LB1HXt6YkM/s640/20190530_191703.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Duck with Red Grapes</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then came a pre
dessert called the 'Core Apple'. This is a sort of ode to the name Core. It was a perfectly formed,
realistic looking mini apple that was served. This consisted of a apple
flavoured mousse with a core of caramelized apple. Like a Tarte Tatin.
Delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU2xNdEgXXRNBYwcL_Z4Ks7cyxfmsZXdsnZv7IMOCAhsldPPUiYd0Oar_eCtRmSsUyqa8D5T3emUCFZitk4HoQVkOXn9pYi_yNSP37YxIxVNrp3a7SusE_ZLOT2xrraKH1r4gybhPA4I/s1600/20190530_194230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU2xNdEgXXRNBYwcL_Z4Ks7cyxfmsZXdsnZv7IMOCAhsldPPUiYd0Oar_eCtRmSsUyqa8D5T3emUCFZitk4HoQVkOXn9pYi_yNSP37YxIxVNrp3a7SusE_ZLOT2xrraKH1r4gybhPA4I/s640/20190530_194230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFTOq0wprbYoKv0S8EJIYaUt3jIrJ2LQ6rH5mtlQ0NNLbXlwhIm9D81CUgXwdWio6I86ucW3Yi79urMHri3cXHLog4xTObe0nBePCjGLFfVCvXnXH56cQLliUfSjYlqqGOs_UI5YWPU/s1600/20190530_194221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFTOq0wprbYoKv0S8EJIYaUt3jIrJ2LQ6rH5mtlQ0NNLbXlwhIm9D81CUgXwdWio6I86ucW3Yi79urMHri3cXHLog4xTObe0nBePCjGLFfVCvXnXH56cQLliUfSjYlqqGOs_UI5YWPU/s640/20190530_194221.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Core Apple</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Desserts came next. A
wonderful Lemonade Parfait. Please do look at the photograph. The honeycombed spun
sugar top is a work of art in itself. This honeycomb top is a hexagon as is the
jelly base on which the Parfait is set. Not only is this delicious tasting,
light, limey lemonade but it is beautiful to look at. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl5waAUC8qjEejcqSieBuNhy8BBvdcpIiyMabSxZfli6L1yWxgNFWTCPn2arkn8bDFWt-wOUczcdTxHfqXPMXHMMgm_mI6abvy1G81Gzt3gQwT2K4b2NWXvf0ERnyRCX_xmFAw2JOyHg/s1600/20190530_195318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl5waAUC8qjEejcqSieBuNhy8BBvdcpIiyMabSxZfli6L1yWxgNFWTCPn2arkn8bDFWt-wOUczcdTxHfqXPMXHMMgm_mI6abvy1G81Gzt3gQwT2K4b2NWXvf0ERnyRCX_xmFAw2JOyHg/s640/20190530_195318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Lemonade Parfait</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The other dessert was
called the ‘Core Teaser’ another bit of high level pastry work. Chocolate,
malt, Hazelnut and some exquisite light as air honeycomb. The plate it was served on was something that blew my mind. The plate was filled with Goose Feathers. How they got the feathers in without damage is a mystery to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdNNcnNr3kj0Qrk5ExX6JkLgn04Li-R5osIy9Qsu-_1zyl2CDeKaie_nLIYPeovMLzJa1PBSUrk-6EnseopPy89DPgki-N55YqeqgUu8lrwHxepJ8QRRrvAoI74Qw1kPOOSajQqOHd4M/s1600/20190530_195258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdNNcnNr3kj0Qrk5ExX6JkLgn04Li-R5osIy9Qsu-_1zyl2CDeKaie_nLIYPeovMLzJa1PBSUrk-6EnseopPy89DPgki-N55YqeqgUu8lrwHxepJ8QRRrvAoI74Qw1kPOOSajQqOHd4M/s640/20190530_195258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Core Teaser</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LOAP9aKAoYFdtslPDdeWk5Fw6nnfb2oKgwW5sN6L-CcBwXk3Erqzf2IdMpavp2nezXjRlAByvDsYNa9pLpPPQOh93X1wnWPrz_oC3FDhGEmvjPxJQNpXufiFanIOJAPjgAkIMST8c9s/s1600/20190530_195306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LOAP9aKAoYFdtslPDdeWk5Fw6nnfb2oKgwW5sN6L-CcBwXk3Erqzf2IdMpavp2nezXjRlAByvDsYNa9pLpPPQOh93X1wnWPrz_oC3FDhGEmvjPxJQNpXufiFanIOJAPjgAkIMST8c9s/s640/20190530_195306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>After the desserts came the Petit Fours.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu18OF9Ax0meuhwL4tMv13SHY5pVdZPuTEXkE8hc4GqdrTnkP6FEkkzqdbVrg541diGJClLORQpLn6SGX3IbIHF0G1aHIID4oclh56cl8F7JFImFlsEWDvOO7dWXasVSmHv4Ae0hz9-_Q/s1600/20190530_200337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu18OF9Ax0meuhwL4tMv13SHY5pVdZPuTEXkE8hc4GqdrTnkP6FEkkzqdbVrg541diGJClLORQpLn6SGX3IbIHF0G1aHIID4oclh56cl8F7JFImFlsEWDvOO7dWXasVSmHv4Ae0hz9-_Q/s640/20190530_200337.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OfB9tp4_4M3s8U6D7Hy9xtQniao4a4-IuMmyJuSm32o0yWTa8Km4sqi2QgBKBRexVaF70MVlAzJKNxc8B6bwQoUCQQYL-RQuikh1ECjlYS1vsPvHYI0l0s-YZsF-GJoPU-yus4m9R30/s1600/20190530_200405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OfB9tp4_4M3s8U6D7Hy9xtQniao4a4-IuMmyJuSm32o0yWTa8Km4sqi2QgBKBRexVaF70MVlAzJKNxc8B6bwQoUCQQYL-RQuikh1ECjlYS1vsPvHYI0l0s-YZsF-GJoPU-yus4m9R30/s640/20190530_200405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All in all, an excellent
meal with good service. Of course, recommended. An A La Carte meal without
alcohol or service costs £95 per person which is about INR. 9500. Worth it? At
this level, I would say yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-32517132602875627202019-05-29T20:25:00.001+05:302019-05-29T20:33:52.294+05:30Sofia - The wonderful food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you have read my
previous post on Sofia, you will know that Bulgaria has been ruled by Ottomans
for in excess of 500 years. That is a long time. Their influence on the cuisine
is huge, I would say much larger than the influence that the Mughals had on our
food in India. Not only is there the Ottoman influence but there is the Mediterranean
influence, not from the Italy/France part of the Mediterranean but more from
the Greece Turkey part. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had 3 dinners in
Sofia. Our brief was to eat local cuisine, not Pizza, Pasta, Sushi or Burgers
nor exotic French food. And, as is our wont we researched a lot. While in Sofia
we went into Supermarkets which are an excellent source of information on what is
local. The Concierge at out London Apartment was Bulgarian and was absolutely enthused
that we were visiting “my Country”. He gave us a list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a lot of inputs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bulgaria has good
wines. These were well priced and we drank some good stuff. With water in Sofia
being so good, the Beer was good too. I drank only the local stuff, don’t ask
me the name, it was written in Cyrillic. Like in Turkey which has Raki and
Greece which has Ouzo, herein Bulgaria you have Rakiya. Similar Anise flavoured
clear liquor drunk by everyone. No, it is not powerful. Like most spirits it is
40% proof. It is simply a myth that it is more potent. Of course, like in
Spirits you have exceptions, but generally it is 40% proof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Bulgarians eat all kinds
of meat, and all are on offer in restaurants – Beef, Veal, Pork, Chicken, Turkey.
Also, on offer is Tripe and Tongue. You get meatballs as well as kebabs all
grilled. You have chops also grilled on coal. Roast Chicken is common. Stew’s
are common. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yogurt and Cheese plays
a large part. Yougurt is served thickened like Labneh with Cucumbers and Dill
as a starter. Yogurt soups are popular as is Ayran which is basically “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chaas</i>” or “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lassi</i>” very similar to Turkey. Cucumbers, Cherry Tomato, Olive and
Aubergine are most common. Cheeses come in all types using Cow milk as well as
Sheep milk. From Cheddar varieties to Blues to a bland Feta everything is available
and eaten. Breakfasts are much like Turkish Greek breakfasts with Honey,
Olives, Cheeses, Tomato and Cucumber being eaten. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salads are very good in
Sofia. You have a huge selection of salads on every menu. I seriously recommend
you start your meal with a salad. Shopska Salad is all pervasive, and is good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All restaurants have a
decent selection of meatless dishes, advertised as such. All restaurants have allergen
advise printed on the menus as well as the weight of the dish being served.
Useful information when ordering so that you don’t over order. Most restaurants
have English menus which are happily produced and which are easily comprehensible
with virtually no howlers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, all in all, food
and drink in Sofia is good, with easily navigable menus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our first dinner was at
Pod Lipite [which translates as Under the Linden Tree] a 5-minute taxi ride
from our Hotel. This restaurant is classic Bulgarian and rustic. Every guide
book and every internet recommendation will name this place. Pod Lipite has
been around from 1926 and they say that the produce for the restaurant comes
from the family farm. The décor was plain, as I said rustic, with wooden
benches minimally upholstered. Large with nooks and crannies and passages
leading to rooms inside. At some point you have a band coming along and singing
incomprehensible Bulgarian songs. Large tables were booked by tour groups. You
get the picture. The terms Tourist Trap could easily be applied here, with
justification. I would say that a vast majority of the punters were non-Bulgarian.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejdwB2Mj8acMhY1EQpn8Z56wbxNjtM9vTxkZhKyXQlg5As4jUyrC2rCCD1GWMvKma2mDOCx3BMWFLSxPHakwDFPFyyITw-Q1ybY4tHhG51UJjgOsl5mo2tkXl79DoR55O4TqQ4TFUkeY/s1600/P1150513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejdwB2Mj8acMhY1EQpn8Z56wbxNjtM9vTxkZhKyXQlg5As4jUyrC2rCCD1GWMvKma2mDOCx3BMWFLSxPHakwDFPFyyITw-Q1ybY4tHhG51UJjgOsl5mo2tkXl79DoR55O4TqQ4TFUkeY/s640/P1150513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pod Lipite, written in Cyrillic</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rNJ0li5sioFLsKbCig2A9bpclK2yj1GjCeh0kvAX9NpszJkAjtbk2Yki4jymU61k52xUos-31njHPe010Brr8Z3ZXG5Pz7BtVQE-wcuG8ZMkM4Fm91Fcz06nV6zh2mYkwi4Ua6VlSDU/s1600/P1150504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rNJ0li5sioFLsKbCig2A9bpclK2yj1GjCeh0kvAX9NpszJkAjtbk2Yki4jymU61k52xUos-31njHPe010Brr8Z3ZXG5Pz7BtVQE-wcuG8ZMkM4Fm91Fcz06nV6zh2mYkwi4Ua6VlSDU/s640/P1150504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The food was disappointing.
The Yogurt Salad insipid and under seasoned. My plate of mixed grill had been
cooked way in advance, slightly reheated and thoroughly overcooked. HRH the
Queen of Kutch ordered a dish of Aubergine with Veal. This came in an
earthenware dish which means it should have been baked and come out absolutely
nuclear. Alas this was not the case. The dish was good but missed the mark. It
was sort of Imam Biyaldi crossed with Eggplant Parmigiana. Careless cooking.
Peasant food and we ate like peasants. Poor. Not recommended at all despite
what the guide books say. To be honest, this is a place for wild bacchanalian drinking
of copious amounts of Rakiya in a large group to be bedded down with heavy stodgy
food. That would have probably been fun. We paid about 75 Lev for our meal with
wine. That translates to INR 3500/- Cheap very cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TAii3VEY_BsVjBc4gY9jMeyrmu3ITXXhiW36HIlTBjMi_U_uGnJh0oJ68bsPnq-HcJfLNy87B0ERt5t9VZMW096x7snzVUNPZS5d9tpwv7atVNPW5E61iSkoi0Gs7-6A6fpCRjV8e_k/s1600/P1150502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TAii3VEY_BsVjBc4gY9jMeyrmu3ITXXhiW36HIlTBjMi_U_uGnJh0oJ68bsPnq-HcJfLNy87B0ERt5t9VZMW096x7snzVUNPZS5d9tpwv7atVNPW5E61iSkoi0Gs7-6A6fpCRjV8e_k/s640/P1150502.JPG" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The condiments on the table: From top left clockwise: Salt, Dried Thyme, Ground Cumin and Black Pepper</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FIOxbcT1zJcXxutMHCk9esRvzpmbAZJFRZ9qRlrmJbtgtHuG69_HPNqdMFfTaneNxJfUJcpRtznhtwQDoEJusdsGQaBoo0UPEnLwgK_TpGblWAw3T7A7SlC-4j8HjrWB93Aya3GumMc/s1600/P1150506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FIOxbcT1zJcXxutMHCk9esRvzpmbAZJFRZ9qRlrmJbtgtHuG69_HPNqdMFfTaneNxJfUJcpRtznhtwQDoEJusdsGQaBoo0UPEnLwgK_TpGblWAw3T7A7SlC-4j8HjrWB93Aya3GumMc/s640/P1150506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yogurt salad with Cucumber. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkDdIVlAxeuDZfU8ScC7iBgBsIdXAlvbRO9an6OlRH__9kFEQHD16rpMZY19f_hZ2QB_kUbWpJKDwREQdcLrFlczmUtHDw-MR5qVOPpSPPzkLOgaYTQr4Um0NesJYtwBwk7jCzD-ik-4/s1600/P1150507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkDdIVlAxeuDZfU8ScC7iBgBsIdXAlvbRO9an6OlRH__9kFEQHD16rpMZY19f_hZ2QB_kUbWpJKDwREQdcLrFlczmUtHDw-MR5qVOPpSPPzkLOgaYTQr4Um0NesJYtwBwk7jCzD-ik-4/s640/P1150507.JPG" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aubergine with Veal in a Tomato Sauce</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Sv01urtnicoCXkkNgniGJUpPymVtoct-BZG7ulk3nolUxgEb5DseUZrVCr9onzJAtyTSs4wN9bcBqy7Kx7PpBNyV2AJ8U1yD4_rFi3oB7Lz7b2S-8TeFpLQ4SdLY3_2zDvVvxrRc6Sw/s1600/P1150509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Sv01urtnicoCXkkNgniGJUpPymVtoct-BZG7ulk3nolUxgEb5DseUZrVCr9onzJAtyTSs4wN9bcBqy7Kx7PpBNyV2AJ8U1yD4_rFi3oB7Lz7b2S-8TeFpLQ4SdLY3_2zDvVvxrRc6Sw/s640/P1150509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mixed Grill</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5llZH0RqG6kZjaq8Xofk_HazUu0pZxR68-V4NuXkEci1AbZq1Hf2yPS2hO40Ds2mI_F8jvtbx9r5fAKKC9x0KjXJqAndxTWK-gIAUrb1oVgJRNxwd8hv0uWlPcKcVn3tfCDwga622T8w/s1600/P1150510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5llZH0RqG6kZjaq8Xofk_HazUu0pZxR68-V4NuXkEci1AbZq1Hf2yPS2hO40Ds2mI_F8jvtbx9r5fAKKC9x0KjXJqAndxTWK-gIAUrb1oVgJRNxwd8hv0uWlPcKcVn3tfCDwga622T8w/s640/P1150510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bulgarian Calzone</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9OcVTLXHib0jN_-4TiZJzcEAaQ3XHqFRrGnJZXDyMlQfXh4KMz1owtv-g7_YoAuUuy8M5Aix06RofxxBMQ8q6VKmYcfQMRMiqSeYBG_k3Fu1l-o1FzS8urCTNfbTQ_bPqApWKjzEDp4/s1600/P1150511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9OcVTLXHib0jN_-4TiZJzcEAaQ3XHqFRrGnJZXDyMlQfXh4KMz1owtv-g7_YoAuUuy8M5Aix06RofxxBMQ8q6VKmYcfQMRMiqSeYBG_k3Fu1l-o1FzS8urCTNfbTQ_bPqApWKjzEDp4/s640/P1150511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Disappointed by Pod
Lipite the next day we did a little more diligent research. I had seen a
restaurant named Grozd during our drive from the airport. This was walking
distance from our Hotel so we set about to have a look. It looked great with
some swish people having lunch. When we asked to make a dinner reservation, we
were told that it was full for a party, and was full the next night too. Both
of us immediately thought RAAAACIST! But all was not lost. A few doors down was
our second choice Shastlivetsa. This restaurant has some 3 or 4 branches. In we
walked to make a reservation for the evening, which we got. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shastlivetsa was
superb. An upmarket place with well-dressed locals forming almost all the
diners. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter was charming. He said
the restaurant was not typically Bulgarian, and on our request steered us to what
could be more Bulgarian dishes. The food was a quantum leap over what we had
the previous evening. This was not peasant food; this was decent sophisticated
food. The Dessert was superb. A Chocolate Fondant or Lava Cake except that
instead of Chocolate oozing out you had an Orange Cream. An excellent meal and Shastlivetsa
is fully recommended. Our meal cost LEV 113 double of the previous night but
still an entirely reasonable INR 5500/- We were pleased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpuCvhyRlRe2S7hCUbsuw9NFMHoL3B2qN8z-_SuwO5vefspRaGNwT_dag61bYaME8vvJnVgYsI8ioDNtPI_JkSsVba1980w79CpiBcj-nvOmM-jEEiYixTHnIGaVVtePXbv4ovsPiJrw/s1600/P1150591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpuCvhyRlRe2S7hCUbsuw9NFMHoL3B2qN8z-_SuwO5vefspRaGNwT_dag61bYaME8vvJnVgYsI8ioDNtPI_JkSsVba1980w79CpiBcj-nvOmM-jEEiYixTHnIGaVVtePXbv4ovsPiJrw/s640/P1150591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Restaurant </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Shastlivetsa in Cyrillic</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJNpci3bqby8er-GdaQh5GqZ9OyXoA-nOCqjd7-wPVi27v4zCr843GN_ujg110XXqS6tFOR7bXEMF46AOo5Dp3ZYnWokiQeBkqY8oGnawxdP0Ri0Wh6GeCBIfwGm1VbJQKlZ7u4hanzM/s1600/P1150576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJNpci3bqby8er-GdaQh5GqZ9OyXoA-nOCqjd7-wPVi27v4zCr843GN_ujg110XXqS6tFOR7bXEMF46AOo5Dp3ZYnWokiQeBkqY8oGnawxdP0Ri0Wh6GeCBIfwGm1VbJQKlZ7u4hanzM/s640/P1150576.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s3jb1uemtffwXr16VtRkeySy2cficTA4eoI61no5tjwJcNlgYVq3HDqp55XjnLye2Tfv5b3xA0ZZ8kMRgrIKi-NsWu1qLNYMjlSExzWMihbi0c3ZRV6i0acUO1GNwRZ7694Z80TdR6U/s1600/P1150580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s3jb1uemtffwXr16VtRkeySy2cficTA4eoI61no5tjwJcNlgYVq3HDqp55XjnLye2Tfv5b3xA0ZZ8kMRgrIKi-NsWu1qLNYMjlSExzWMihbi0c3ZRV6i0acUO1GNwRZ7694Z80TdR6U/s640/P1150580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A brilliant Salad Shopska</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfZiGW3UkJT8hnlaJ4XFqNVwe8xVfgoS0H5uHhmr3yZ292i4iYkOkWtaecPoEFQ3Ae4ON3xLWCK_uUW5Tn_e9KVnzTqkPdkZa-97kyWdke4yYfcWphWXWmPGo87ocMaz5102s7JAMIxk/s1600/P1150581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfZiGW3UkJT8hnlaJ4XFqNVwe8xVfgoS0H5uHhmr3yZ292i4iYkOkWtaecPoEFQ3Ae4ON3xLWCK_uUW5Tn_e9KVnzTqkPdkZa-97kyWdke4yYfcWphWXWmPGo87ocMaz5102s7JAMIxk/s640/P1150581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red Pepper stuffed with Bulgarian White Cheese and Truffle. Then Deep fried. Very good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnXAZU3UY9pZRCyDVNsg4JcUSZi9CKxq0-jSrC0rdCFUQFajTiAok7_3b7SZ_xFVBW42w7LcxE5G8TO2KLS1v6l4dD9mUo9lT5fHY0sdq5WNij3L0M47y34bgAp-ON-5EkaJprJ768HU/s1600/P1150584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnXAZU3UY9pZRCyDVNsg4JcUSZi9CKxq0-jSrC0rdCFUQFajTiAok7_3b7SZ_xFVBW42w7LcxE5G8TO2KLS1v6l4dD9mUo9lT5fHY0sdq5WNij3L0M47y34bgAp-ON-5EkaJprJ768HU/s640/P1150584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So called Meatballs. Once again very good and moist. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDz-6C6oznkXVh4CUVioc9Ysq8Pm_9QsxgrR4KJi1FTd6VxwvPCdXFLbWHp7-1z6DIAKWDp5vxJAiDlHTBKPgw4oKDNVZgRniYl12JiKmMh9r8DoPxq4EchrlKl0tb43oAy7GgV9ub2s/s1600/P1150586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDz-6C6oznkXVh4CUVioc9Ysq8Pm_9QsxgrR4KJi1FTd6VxwvPCdXFLbWHp7-1z6DIAKWDp5vxJAiDlHTBKPgw4oKDNVZgRniYl12JiKmMh9r8DoPxq4EchrlKl0tb43oAy7GgV9ub2s/s640/P1150586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Iberico Pork Chop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYSLXbOXB6AhFxy7Ljqx46kFTw_32hyphenhyphen4MArbLNbIYiTbIBEcyfgLVLdDEQCaHoi9-A3sJ5kgAXQK6bctvtQ0-wH_G6SjAnpUbr5R_h_OR9zws-Ui_DcMrCxXTFhH9djFIqOMBE6y2K-A/s1600/P1150588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYSLXbOXB6AhFxy7Ljqx46kFTw_32hyphenhyphen4MArbLNbIYiTbIBEcyfgLVLdDEQCaHoi9-A3sJ5kgAXQK6bctvtQ0-wH_G6SjAnpUbr5R_h_OR9zws-Ui_DcMrCxXTFhH9djFIqOMBE6y2K-A/s640/P1150588.JPG" width="628" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bD5Tb86h9-EmvMAs7bH1UIcn_yJ-X42SNCHvsk53WV4PIiU955XhKYBTZrhS-J9oRGscXNxpl7ulepAyasJvF4oKs7QhhkTpmBAVoHM0CSPBvCP2JckK9U1fQX4A6_MJbvUGFgF8fSY/s1600/P1150589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bD5Tb86h9-EmvMAs7bH1UIcn_yJ-X42SNCHvsk53WV4PIiU955XhKYBTZrhS-J9oRGscXNxpl7ulepAyasJvF4oKs7QhhkTpmBAVoHM0CSPBvCP2JckK9U1fQX4A6_MJbvUGFgF8fSY/s640/P1150589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>The excellent Orange Fondant</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The last night was at
Tavern Izbata located very close to our hotel. We had walked across to see it
and being happy with what we saw asked the Concierge to make a booking. We did
not want to get into a RAAACIST situation again. Tavern Izbata is in the
basement and once again rustic. But the feel seemed far better than at Pod Lipite.
The food served was exceptional. The dish of the day being the Veal Tongue,
really good. While this food was rustic and Bulgarian, it is clear that it was
a different kind of rustic. The presence of breads [“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tandoori Roti</i>”] was new as was the bread with cheese. This was a
most pleasant and enjoyable meal. We paid something like Lev 110 which again
translates to INR 5500/- Well worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzg4djT-EAXTlf-GDUK_RjYkh5IuzA2x-wxpsGRzAQrfpli-fxNyrpBVuVIgKB2X4agKJkiOP6ukewTMEqYspgkDMda5F58Vvc1Mgzx48pbSRuJMaokoGE3H6M-1_cRcWkoSq2RfiYQw/s1600/P1150615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzg4djT-EAXTlf-GDUK_RjYkh5IuzA2x-wxpsGRzAQrfpli-fxNyrpBVuVIgKB2X4agKJkiOP6ukewTMEqYspgkDMda5F58Vvc1Mgzx48pbSRuJMaokoGE3H6M-1_cRcWkoSq2RfiYQw/s640/P1150615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb_igBxVFcqw8dKJySVf3ZpSyTwLSltblZyK7la86vEQfq2EbQ2TRHwYO9KpvmDwndwu0UoHbzgIYKpOq8_7mAiVfVdzML9j3Unszhzm-nIbw1VhSmU4VX2Kks5Mltmm9-QYoiLV4nBA/s1600/P1150616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb_igBxVFcqw8dKJySVf3ZpSyTwLSltblZyK7la86vEQfq2EbQ2TRHwYO9KpvmDwndwu0UoHbzgIYKpOq8_7mAiVfVdzML9j3Unszhzm-nIbw1VhSmU4VX2Kks5Mltmm9-QYoiLV4nBA/s640/P1150616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A different looking Shopska Salad.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzZsKExxLMiPUUjb8Knj5pI_D57X4-p_5BPW8WVt6L_TuXCjiv6A0TNcwVxT2sjCbM6kq8KHmEBPdlSNg98y2VyE1yLhBPN05KpORbrHDwZnyNN7_ovKEhzQMh0aYKttfEbS71sONjI8/s1600/P1150618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1600" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzZsKExxLMiPUUjb8Knj5pI_D57X4-p_5BPW8WVt6L_TuXCjiv6A0TNcwVxT2sjCbM6kq8KHmEBPdlSNg98y2VyE1yLhBPN05KpORbrHDwZnyNN7_ovKEhzQMh0aYKttfEbS71sONjI8/s640/P1150618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Local bread with Cheese. Similar to our Cheese Naan.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplYTnNg6SpdfcFfbbwXQloQveMMb2n2Vk286FmyQxnsxWu3IJgxTqhtghSSn4pQJQIDWT3jY9WF3egDH0lD7ZJJClsqlPEouIbSsvUypQjPK5xTp1DhPW9-VLukUKXJQBi5Uf__u5qDE/s1600/P1150619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplYTnNg6SpdfcFfbbwXQloQveMMb2n2Vk286FmyQxnsxWu3IJgxTqhtghSSn4pQJQIDWT3jY9WF3egDH0lD7ZJJClsqlPEouIbSsvUypQjPK5xTp1DhPW9-VLukUKXJQBi5Uf__u5qDE/s640/P1150619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fabulous Veal Tongue </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBD644vo38FpFxEqK9n8MjXpXdKvRgRtiDyaZwls8_ueAwy6A0QojgXG3UoxWvOPPn18NdZJNi6XL-vu5V1NXiBUnAYxpYzueT99vjcD1XDP69vk1MiSNkFE7TJIHbhEFTjo8U62lQI4/s1600/P1150621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1600" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBD644vo38FpFxEqK9n8MjXpXdKvRgRtiDyaZwls8_ueAwy6A0QojgXG3UoxWvOPPn18NdZJNi6XL-vu5V1NXiBUnAYxpYzueT99vjcD1XDP69vk1MiSNkFE7TJIHbhEFTjo8U62lQI4/s640/P1150621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sojuk</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMDrst4RslTye0Hd9U6rXsFUCc_LFzt_1104VGJLgSR4NagkZliHqxm1eZCYBrgb-upMNoAxvDvzG1mgk89YUfF0cT716S4daLn77Lr5GJ-NQqwBsc93U4I5dIw5OXY6zJPYqUMBInME/s1600/P1150622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMDrst4RslTye0Hd9U6rXsFUCc_LFzt_1104VGJLgSR4NagkZliHqxm1eZCYBrgb-upMNoAxvDvzG1mgk89YUfF0cT716S4daLn77Lr5GJ-NQqwBsc93U4I5dIw5OXY6zJPYqUMBInME/s640/P1150622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kapama. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">P<span style="background-color: white;">ickled cabbage with rice, sausage, chicken, pork and veal meat in earthenware, capped with dough, and baked with fragrant spices</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkZ7DKzdSBZ2nzszXogihEmx-AR2CtZxYbZeftWj8V9IeSImThg57M27NdJULE9rwuCr1kpFIcNPR4sW0rPbWZBQNH_wgS4ueULPetg6nA7Jyl4JGm7Hw-81_NB3CoGem0WGSXRQEBJk/s1600/P1150624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1600" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkZ7DKzdSBZ2nzszXogihEmx-AR2CtZxYbZeftWj8V9IeSImThg57M27NdJULE9rwuCr1kpFIcNPR4sW0rPbWZBQNH_wgS4ueULPetg6nA7Jyl4JGm7Hw-81_NB3CoGem0WGSXRQEBJk/s640/P1150624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Cheesecake</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Honestly, I thought
that food in Sofia was cheap, in fact much cheaper than in Mumbai. For the
volume of protein served coupled with the wine it was certainly cheaper than
Mumbai. The food is good and as I have written earlier quite unchallenging for Indian
palates, very similar to Turkish food. We ate well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-67465613887447145892019-05-27T23:42:00.000+05:302019-05-27T23:42:53.261+05:30Sofia Bulgaria - Stunning. All you need to know.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is a long read.
Lots of pictures. All you want to know about Sofia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sofia, Bulgaria. We are
here for 3 nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How many famous
Bulgarians do you know? I could not think of any to be honest. I do know that
Bulgarians are great Olympic Gold Medal winning weightlifters, wrestlers, shot
putters and boxers, but unfortunately all these are anonymous to us Indians.
Grigor Dimitrov is a 2017 ATP World Number 3 tennis player. I have heard of him
in passing. We can conclude that Bulgaria is an unknown quantity for most of
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had read that Sofia
the capital of Bulgaria is a great place to visit. After some research we decided
to take the plunge. Geographically Bulgaria is pretty far from London. In fact,
much to my surprise, it is East of Croatia, and East of Greece. Bulgaria shares
a border with Greece and Turkey. The flight is 3 hours, which is relatively
long for a European destination. There is a 2-hour time difference between
London & Bulgaria. It is that far East of London.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We were booked at the
Intercontinental which had recently opened after a change of owners, rebranding
from the Radisson Blu and a massive renovation. This was a good property, thoroughly
modern and absolutely brilliantly located. A walk from almost all the sights
that Sofia has to offer. If you do come to Sofia, stay here or at the Sofia
Hotel Balkan which is a Marriot Luxury property, also well located.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bulgaria is part of the
EU, so a Schengen Visa is good to enter. Unfortunately, they don’t use the Euro
as yet but the Bulgarian Lev. This is a bit of a challenge as getting the
currency and getting rid of it is difficult. You waste a lot on either exchange
rates or you waste it on buying rubbish at the airport when departing simply to
get rid of it. Thank God for those airline promotions of gathering loose change
from flyers and giving it to charity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The city has a decent
airport, excellent roads and a decent taxi system. Compared to London, taxis
are very cheap. You do need taxis to go to a couple of distant sights and to
the airport. There are trams as well as an underground. Language is a bit of a
challenge, but the bigger challenge is signage. Almost all signs are in
Cyrillic which is as useful to me as Bengali. You have no clue what is written.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We were cheated once by
a taxi driver. He spoke enough English to hold his own, did the old Delhi trick
of driving around in circles, and then said the meter was 13 Lev which is a
lot. On questioning him to show us the meter reading all comprehension of
English stopped, immediate fluent Bulgarian commenced. We must have paid 8 Lev extra.
Not damaging but upsetting. I point this out as Bulgaria is rated as one of the
most corrupt in the EU. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bulgaria has had a tumultuous
history. Somewhat like us in India. Bulgaria has been ruled by a succession of
invaders. Originally the locals called Bulgur’s held sway. Then the Eastern Romans
or Byzantines came in. The Byzantium Empire was then overrun by the Ottomans
[the chaps from Turkey] who ruled for over 500 years. The Ottoman Empire itself
started to weaken which led to the rise of Bulgarian National movement. This
soon became Communist with Russia having a dominant influence in all things.
Finally, with the fall in the Berlin Wall in 1989 Bulgaria became a Republic
with its own constitution in July 1991. The bottom line is that Bulgaria has
stepped out of Communism only in the last 30 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The result of these various
rulers Bulgaria has a diverse architecture clearly visible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bulgaria is a
relatively poor country. On the streets of Sofia, you don’t see many expensive
cars, by expensive I mean upwards of Rs 50 lakhs. Hardly any BMW or Mercedes and
certainly no Rolls Royce. I did see a Porsche but that was about it. Most cars
are humble. Things are cheap by European standards. Not may fancy upmarket
shops, no big brands that I could see, just a few Italian clothes shops. The
fact that Bulgaria is a poor country is clearly indicated by (a) most maids and
housekeeping staff in London Hotels are Bulgarian and (b) while I hate to write
this, newspaper reports show that many of the beggars/tramps in London are
Bulgarian. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The sights in Sofia are
simply superb. Almost all, as I have written earlier, are located right in the centre
of town walking distance from each other and from the Intercontinental Hotel.
From the outside these were remarkably well maintained. On the one hand you had
the really old Churches, to the more modern palaces and the still more modern
Russian/Communist structures. All of them were very impressive. As far as the
Churches were concerned, this is similar to what happened in Spain. Churches
were converted to Mosques and back to Churches with the change of the “dispensation”
as we love to say in India. Other Churches were turned into Hospitals and
libraries. Churches were built upon and expanded and the newer construction is
clearly visible, especially in the Boyana Church.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4Qz8A9IKJb6yYkZZvac_g22giwrhWLcjapnejjZl5W_t6jBAE8Gcocx6t4ln_LZ4yQ73bPiAXts37cx4BFeXp-b-WSmqNjEZOawnmf1vb__aFYVOjLRoTdgwmQbK-wLLNYruBmBDFDU/s1600/P1150478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4Qz8A9IKJb6yYkZZvac_g22giwrhWLcjapnejjZl5W_t6jBAE8Gcocx6t4ln_LZ4yQ73bPiAXts37cx4BFeXp-b-WSmqNjEZOawnmf1vb__aFYVOjLRoTdgwmQbK-wLLNYruBmBDFDU/s640/P1150478.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
St Alexander Nevski Cathedral.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwbjxo4NZ20BrRuVZDDel5FeW8XGL2_XVB6L_IGZHmhIDp8IWVdk03VFAdr-Vx1lD1XnoxYuFtTzmQu1xuIoq7DI897qEFwggD6CWLpxQlF2Rvc9Ap_Ia01NN_wpPpSUbkezJBP0Cfn4/s1600/P1150482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwbjxo4NZ20BrRuVZDDel5FeW8XGL2_XVB6L_IGZHmhIDp8IWVdk03VFAdr-Vx1lD1XnoxYuFtTzmQu1xuIoq7DI897qEFwggD6CWLpxQlF2Rvc9Ap_Ia01NN_wpPpSUbkezJBP0Cfn4/s640/P1150482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> St Alexander Nevski Cathedral.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuttwZKTl4er7F4l2M0j9XnsH6PCYfNSKE5XIz61t13-pe4-XIEMw3_ytK9uLjjWc5SJyU7ohkT4TWGu9fqn6cPQQqCRTSqTXzgjUdcSPl2aB6d5eEV7L3TOCZIlAWDjcBOM3p92X9FY/s1600/P1150483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuttwZKTl4er7F4l2M0j9XnsH6PCYfNSKE5XIz61t13-pe4-XIEMw3_ytK9uLjjWc5SJyU7ohkT4TWGu9fqn6cPQQqCRTSqTXzgjUdcSPl2aB6d5eEV7L3TOCZIlAWDjcBOM3p92X9FY/s640/P1150483.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
St Alexander Nevski Cathedral.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SdpTcO46WhxGk-8rJ2-0AKBlwtY6_M29IUNRUdiHf4cT5LiHcNT6XeBNc1Ik-ZS0fHWoxcMEQx2IskhFb-T-KAyeBBzGxjYEiPtd3-xyKmQm6KM5Cd5G8fKrsIZ7QKOv3Ud867vGbl4/s1600/P1150487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SdpTcO46WhxGk-8rJ2-0AKBlwtY6_M29IUNRUdiHf4cT5LiHcNT6XeBNc1Ik-ZS0fHWoxcMEQx2IskhFb-T-KAyeBBzGxjYEiPtd3-xyKmQm6KM5Cd5G8fKrsIZ7QKOv3Ud867vGbl4/s640/P1150487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">St Alexander Nevski Cathedral.</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvMct9UJhCd4Jx2up4orUkF-KFuiYMgyhy2PaFSyK0tKlWa8OP6jLUjkIHTSk4EK_P0O_4qnZVQzUwdgg4WK4VzS0B3DGPdYAA0B6TwF91vi3daRorjkul0lWNnq_d-Y0FcXmEBIukbY/s1600/P1150490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1221" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvMct9UJhCd4Jx2up4orUkF-KFuiYMgyhy2PaFSyK0tKlWa8OP6jLUjkIHTSk4EK_P0O_4qnZVQzUwdgg4WK4VzS0B3DGPdYAA0B6TwF91vi3daRorjkul0lWNnq_d-Y0FcXmEBIukbY/s640/P1150490.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
St Nikolas Russian Church</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_bVSdn2r6N_2EUmgZde_BbSxAnUegSah0qUJzg_m7lbrm1qs931G1m3R7VFXPj8axXTuh-hfxm0CrZsBH27Z0gt9cvhLEP1XGbNqZhtfKK6NCXTfotDsQ4r3X3D78zFtmclbYgNVy1Q/s1600/P1150491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_bVSdn2r6N_2EUmgZde_BbSxAnUegSah0qUJzg_m7lbrm1qs931G1m3R7VFXPj8axXTuh-hfxm0CrZsBH27Z0gt9cvhLEP1XGbNqZhtfKK6NCXTfotDsQ4r3X3D78zFtmclbYgNVy1Q/s640/P1150491.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
St Nikolas Russian Church</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jbz2vVv6ELktUal5CmDIYzbdMkHoSL30XPXgvscxNqaJIqs5nlWphDtPog-ncPX8BxHzvNJhkvIinQHiyLLkOstr3_CsV-qs0Jf9FGe6jaypdAob1lNEST4HUKMf6o3tYa-FNCbqArY/s1600/P1150493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jbz2vVv6ELktUal5CmDIYzbdMkHoSL30XPXgvscxNqaJIqs5nlWphDtPog-ncPX8BxHzvNJhkvIinQHiyLLkOstr3_CsV-qs0Jf9FGe6jaypdAob1lNEST4HUKMf6o3tYa-FNCbqArY/s640/P1150493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">St Nikolas Russian Church</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDIIaLqXX-GdIN3EJEMFQADkYo6wmK-IEyKx5NSse3CuJMxJcGiXyNm2WpG0DM9l-BaDQ-LdndO1INj01rZlSzG-5RSv4IQlKfS1hX_ZCPHhLh1VNONZZ_U_vdj5G5_HkW9EE0FusVu0/s1600/P1150574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDIIaLqXX-GdIN3EJEMFQADkYo6wmK-IEyKx5NSse3CuJMxJcGiXyNm2WpG0DM9l-BaDQ-LdndO1INj01rZlSzG-5RSv4IQlKfS1hX_ZCPHhLh1VNONZZ_U_vdj5G5_HkW9EE0FusVu0/s640/P1150574.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: small;">St Nikolas Russian Church</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmGeriohLXA4O_q5qYzD0MG_ra2ZGUJkQMLBEMPNmvoMUnKNFKG85W2vyARenhnQL39zf7dpsJAvdvjFZmHtBiJ0c_C3dCvXhTLgR6W9u9CX1dNw7bjHmKQpHkgP-QOim068QgDSRIeY/s1600/P1150496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmGeriohLXA4O_q5qYzD0MG_ra2ZGUJkQMLBEMPNmvoMUnKNFKG85W2vyARenhnQL39zf7dpsJAvdvjFZmHtBiJ0c_C3dCvXhTLgR6W9u9CX1dNw7bjHmKQpHkgP-QOim068QgDSRIeY/s640/P1150496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #000a12; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, "Bitstream Vera Sans", sans-serif;">Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfI8xJA1zjMLK1gmHDRMlAPf7uEMqDKQYl0AsWclfduMmesPrKxzU9RzdAMsZFPIkCL5lQxzBDR8-7ucfSz2yfBWW27DR-iCleMPOTq0x1JzerxZPZP1KuRBUg58IW5YrfIiqiBar9Cc/s1600/P1150518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfI8xJA1zjMLK1gmHDRMlAPf7uEMqDKQYl0AsWclfduMmesPrKxzU9RzdAMsZFPIkCL5lQxzBDR8-7ucfSz2yfBWW27DR-iCleMPOTq0x1JzerxZPZP1KuRBUg58IW5YrfIiqiBar9Cc/s640/P1150518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #000a12; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, "Bitstream Vera Sans", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya</span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Churches are all
small compared to many of the magnificent Cathedrals and Churches you have in
Europe like in Cologne, Aachen, Paris and so on. Not only are these smaller but
they are simple in architecture and construction inside. No stately organs, no
statues and elaborate altars. I am unsure whether this is due to the fact that
the religion is Christian Orthodoxy or due to the fact that Bulgaria is poor
and has been so historically.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was a Roman
walled city in existence in the center of Sofia. This was uncovered when the
underground was being constructed. The route of the underground was altered and
the excavated are has been preserved and integrated into the stations. Well
done. In this area you also have 4 religious monuments standing cheek by jowl.
The Bulgarians take great pride in telling you that this shows tolerance and
secularism. These 4 are a Synagogue, a Mosque, an Orthodox Church and a Roman
Christian Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNLOjctnVRh7dpyjiqkXg6WvZV7dTqC6M5MaxqMG5TWCf6X6h9Lj1ANlcPhSPpFP6WPxwhFYnldWTFkCOi7pZlwLYQr6P6Gup5PYC4byV8mBC3avmSJwrBRFuEc0zov0Kl9Mq_vKhyk/s1600/P1150521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNLOjctnVRh7dpyjiqkXg6WvZV7dTqC6M5MaxqMG5TWCf6X6h9Lj1ANlcPhSPpFP6WPxwhFYnldWTFkCOi7pZlwLYQr6P6Gup5PYC4byV8mBC3avmSJwrBRFuEc0zov0Kl9Mq_vKhyk/s640/P1150521.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHItdSVcxYsWKMoL4vtT2S_s9cF7CgLUZDgTxAl1JFQ6o966N6O_y4FHxI46BXTK3tvyfCkBYAefaMJgDlPnlGnAwLn83JBtWsY579Jvx9Wtq8GXnV_3kLEHXCA5m504roTO7Jz2A7i2E/s1600/P1150522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHItdSVcxYsWKMoL4vtT2S_s9cF7CgLUZDgTxAl1JFQ6o966N6O_y4FHxI46BXTK3tvyfCkBYAefaMJgDlPnlGnAwLn83JBtWsY579Jvx9Wtq8GXnV_3kLEHXCA5m504roTO7Jz2A7i2E/s640/P1150522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkcRHcqZ_YMYt1ZiKbgMbxvXoF-zPgBG0X_nTpRlC8KY0ggRYLj0XHeornkdXeuLknRiDEr-Qda_-twXysKnz-Ku0Qk7zkGqV1gUlpMApu_AXc7V5p6uLdglfLn4BEmd1anr9Qf9_apk/s1600/P1150524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="835" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkcRHcqZ_YMYt1ZiKbgMbxvXoF-zPgBG0X_nTpRlC8KY0ggRYLj0XHeornkdXeuLknRiDEr-Qda_-twXysKnz-Ku0Qk7zkGqV1gUlpMApu_AXc7V5p6uLdglfLn4BEmd1anr9Qf9_apk/s640/P1150524.JPG" width="334" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFTb-P1IEUs44O2psq5DMdUTxALRG-kqfpUmmSEA5B346wkyzc9_wTsd_K7-BWPGR8WLXPxNTqL9eQ6yYELbvfRx-WXd6NnIUwFksZyb8gd8m-snjbrmKYCMO6jhRr7L-7_ThLLkRmao/s1600/P1150525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFTb-P1IEUs44O2psq5DMdUTxALRG-kqfpUmmSEA5B346wkyzc9_wTsd_K7-BWPGR8WLXPxNTqL9eQ6yYELbvfRx-WXd6NnIUwFksZyb8gd8m-snjbrmKYCMO6jhRr7L-7_ThLLkRmao/s640/P1150525.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ETrSIhZhlmnQ8QdXL-hEOgZtiTIsIo_pkLOT3r9ts-0RPoitCjzSB5rxKYkPFtS1ToMwQWcg06xhOjQ3QwUHl-IxHSpzQd80WQ8t9naN0ptr-bkxTIT2ZsN_bXBORhDKb0SFlKMK9n4/s1600/P1150605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ETrSIhZhlmnQ8QdXL-hEOgZtiTIsIo_pkLOT3r9ts-0RPoitCjzSB5rxKYkPFtS1ToMwQWcg06xhOjQ3QwUHl-IxHSpzQd80WQ8t9naN0ptr-bkxTIT2ZsN_bXBORhDKb0SFlKMK9n4/s640/P1150605.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdhS98E73byU_Jm_rf2q40EIufeF5B5log-arS3fQwcRMknNnTdUNMfJhvITYzY7vyTjQGCLB-qW7Q1qw7-AEkvoxRvxN80eUkpmY-_mclbH4yUVChyeyod3Fg42g8G1-IcbfwNIY7pQ/s1600/P1150606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdhS98E73byU_Jm_rf2q40EIufeF5B5log-arS3fQwcRMknNnTdUNMfJhvITYzY7vyTjQGCLB-qW7Q1qw7-AEkvoxRvxN80eUkpmY-_mclbH4yUVChyeyod3Fg42g8G1-IcbfwNIY7pQ/s640/P1150606.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also, in this area
stood a statue of Lenin. In 2000 after the fall of Communism, the Lenin statue was
removed and replaced by a huge statue of a lady symbolizing Sofia, as a sort of
dedication to the city. Of course, much like in India, much scandal was
associated with this statue. The allegation was that the face of the statue was
very similar to the face of the Mayors wife. The initial praise of the statue by
the Orthodox Church soon turned to criticism as the Owl and the Laurel Wreath held
by Sofia were Pagan symbols. Further “Sofia” had her cleavage showing with very
prominent nipples. Horrors! The lady could not be a Saint!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu38Xc7f99eTu2sfhfs5Uh0Sm7-xjx-ex7TJU1I_eejfaNwdirBfHQlkPabX7Tt69W1SvkRgHJx2k0SaYMbDJ4QPOxPFi9NTWD1gEMGvVoDhLB3NF-0XCLRh1q_JVB9h3wWQdBBNC5sQ/s1600/P1150495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu38Xc7f99eTu2sfhfs5Uh0Sm7-xjx-ex7TJU1I_eejfaNwdirBfHQlkPabX7Tt69W1SvkRgHJx2k0SaYMbDJ4QPOxPFi9NTWD1gEMGvVoDhLB3NF-0XCLRh1q_JVB9h3wWQdBBNC5sQ/s640/P1150495.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sofia also has hot
springs. Around these springs a “Hammam” or public bath was constructed. Very
beautiful building. Today the building houses a Museum, not very big nor
impressive, unfortunately. The springs still exist and the water is channeled
into several outlets. The water is drinkable and comes out warm at 38C. It has
a slight metallic taste. People come by and fill large bottles, like our
Bisleri 25-liter bottles and take the water home as it has medicinal values.
The liver and kidneys are benefited drinking this. I had a few glugs, not
feeling better! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIrddhKzhnNeR2lYp-9BfkcFIaCUo9I4hqLSWmNV1ohJOAZODsK0-CGpFntWrOCxTbsRQ-cBoL98UKj7_bTghQjvFJV6L2kTTW7SvWwrsH-GeoQHmLho3r-Y7B_IMCMvuqbKglbInuNo/s1600/P1150526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIrddhKzhnNeR2lYp-9BfkcFIaCUo9I4hqLSWmNV1ohJOAZODsK0-CGpFntWrOCxTbsRQ-cBoL98UKj7_bTghQjvFJV6L2kTTW7SvWwrsH-GeoQHmLho3r-Y7B_IMCMvuqbKglbInuNo/s640/P1150526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwbmhflYMqlw6NUjJ_3wRqM-GH-37J_cWLQjXypLrHr6yJPxWasvFbkyi9Z5_I16WioC1NYdSIdOIvMJ1C28uRDthFLjZHzaShzJUVRCpPnCfoKq8J_ktrfcrhqAztmDOaimZw9PT90A/s1600/P1150527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwbmhflYMqlw6NUjJ_3wRqM-GH-37J_cWLQjXypLrHr6yJPxWasvFbkyi9Z5_I16WioC1NYdSIdOIvMJ1C28uRDthFLjZHzaShzJUVRCpPnCfoKq8J_ktrfcrhqAztmDOaimZw9PT90A/s640/P1150527.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE5KQyo6ExJ8EwLg07bLqG0RmC1jUU8gOXcmtItzb-US6V8mD_-_20Rkc3BD9vHjqOggSVnpvknRzKgO7I9nGZPkR1xW_9i9JAVvnW9v35Y-r5eon6cD3IORIm5n6ci6sA5PiiyuGRCM/s1600/P1150528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE5KQyo6ExJ8EwLg07bLqG0RmC1jUU8gOXcmtItzb-US6V8mD_-_20Rkc3BD9vHjqOggSVnpvknRzKgO7I9nGZPkR1xW_9i9JAVvnW9v35Y-r5eon6cD3IORIm5n6ci6sA5PiiyuGRCM/s640/P1150528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_3anBDmSUA22z3e9G49HBgkT78djj9zOqFKc1wLAIYV8atZ7LiRZ2j5RKkbDhNCEcuWbovqVvSOaYlWbdRGHfCuoC1YHIvLrae6YbjEE6zz0kn3hjeS-441ec_MAo1nSpEqDXXMpwIc/s1600/P1150529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_3anBDmSUA22z3e9G49HBgkT78djj9zOqFKc1wLAIYV8atZ7LiRZ2j5RKkbDhNCEcuWbovqVvSOaYlWbdRGHfCuoC1YHIvLrae6YbjEE6zz0kn3hjeS-441ec_MAo1nSpEqDXXMpwIc/s640/P1150529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: 4 pictures of the former Sofia Mineral Baths. Now the Sofia Regional Historical Museum</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Buildings in Sofia were schizophrenic. At times you saw beautiful well preserved well maintained old buildings. At times there was simply a sprawl of poorly maintained concrete building much like what we have back home in Mumbai. In fact, these buildings were a lot like Mumbai buildings. Lots of abandoned under construction buildings too, like in Mumbai. I could not discern any pattern of upmarket streets, just a hotch potch of good buildings and poor buildings along the street. Some streets had no good buildings at all, just what seemed to be run down housing. Of course, in the outskirts, i.e. near the airport as well as on the way to the Boyana Church we saw large modern office buildings.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb77yHuB5Fzfy4azyyPuhD9mo3kHXWgOpXmzNemZirAP65UzBjmodOB5HECO8ZN25-hMTATFmhyO6gc3MEhFaD6It6UhS4y8-UqWJ0wkPqf6Z3olqh27lcj5dc8joUcVURYFpNao4lIx0/s1600/P1150479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb77yHuB5Fzfy4azyyPuhD9mo3kHXWgOpXmzNemZirAP65UzBjmodOB5HECO8ZN25-hMTATFmhyO6gc3MEhFaD6It6UhS4y8-UqWJ0wkPqf6Z3olqh27lcj5dc8joUcVURYFpNao4lIx0/s640/P1150479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjUtjH7rB0MuITsBDxwCGvIER7LKUel0l_s5yMjjxQL1POZ5kjFdAfX5O9hkLXGjKYi1NR5rQbixW91EgwOSY_I0uRyTWV3jE_9zNiXeKW6RS85zxcnPLZ3genZs2lA3ExTqUe4kS5fo/s1600/P1150481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjUtjH7rB0MuITsBDxwCGvIER7LKUel0l_s5yMjjxQL1POZ5kjFdAfX5O9hkLXGjKYi1NR5rQbixW91EgwOSY_I0uRyTWV3jE_9zNiXeKW6RS85zxcnPLZ3genZs2lA3ExTqUe4kS5fo/s640/P1150481.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB542HgFt_kYhdsqF5PSVwGNmCJze6ja_9KMoYu3GmFElMyptVjhbX_DkV9otybzYQLcBjTKX3n5BuAfbFV_iePtFSpwMHZ5IFpK7OhE0JspFCjZ73brWlFHELLZoAHbaMu4NjKCe2Oo/s1600/P1150485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB542HgFt_kYhdsqF5PSVwGNmCJze6ja_9KMoYu3GmFElMyptVjhbX_DkV9otybzYQLcBjTKX3n5BuAfbFV_iePtFSpwMHZ5IFpK7OhE0JspFCjZ73brWlFHELLZoAHbaMu4NjKCe2Oo/s640/P1150485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2Cl5xD1QEGjtrqrWlG7pHnRVwbeFA-mrKkCocfWlX1PV8_iHMvQsEOE64Cb6440wWQh8IzQ8O9k5BbsE8OY6PHbBu_eYOMZn_y2ePT2lByfENfJUhe3xl3JHyUtT2_bGl-HFkaWJXKw/s1600/P1150545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2Cl5xD1QEGjtrqrWlG7pHnRVwbeFA-mrKkCocfWlX1PV8_iHMvQsEOE64Cb6440wWQh8IzQ8O9k5BbsE8OY6PHbBu_eYOMZn_y2ePT2lByfENfJUhe3xl3JHyUtT2_bGl-HFkaWJXKw/s640/P1150545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOzKzi5wva7Kfu8SwlrEXm3p64bTDf2dBTzczrV0VHeTG9PAGiby23Ne4v9-C1Q51lL7E-GQsMTJYhytN7DWKuHZvKAWB279XJz5DHeNxzU_KvLxFs6PsZrsWy3F8du5IFpzoGmXP1qQ/s1600/P1150547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOzKzi5wva7Kfu8SwlrEXm3p64bTDf2dBTzczrV0VHeTG9PAGiby23Ne4v9-C1Q51lL7E-GQsMTJYhytN7DWKuHZvKAWB279XJz5DHeNxzU_KvLxFs6PsZrsWy3F8du5IFpzoGmXP1qQ/s640/P1150547.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1a_fxPEAu3re-197MXQPH7Bx_5j0Vd9GkLBD64AJKZYDSUeWE7bGUf-mkamczPH1gNGipY0CjB4zrUvNwSy6vdYNw3Q20QBPMudN-WxVTaykzoA40NBIq2M6pCDj3xu0TH2UsCQZeSE/s1600/P1150553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1a_fxPEAu3re-197MXQPH7Bx_5j0Vd9GkLBD64AJKZYDSUeWE7bGUf-mkamczPH1gNGipY0CjB4zrUvNwSy6vdYNw3Q20QBPMudN-WxVTaykzoA40NBIq2M6pCDj3xu0TH2UsCQZeSE/s640/P1150553.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfNwiR-E5Rb8ZbaxFPuVu4bsq11jJVWnXk9e5cE8b5i3OLeQ7CIDqEzQ10uXfxxQzWROdHYh9Cb0VpurnWN32Va_pUlGvzEZIXohTfFilGqTRvGgzYG2Cjeh5rYcoBrILVVBXSnuVDHA/s1600/P1150556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfNwiR-E5Rb8ZbaxFPuVu4bsq11jJVWnXk9e5cE8b5i3OLeQ7CIDqEzQ10uXfxxQzWROdHYh9Cb0VpurnWN32Va_pUlGvzEZIXohTfFilGqTRvGgzYG2Cjeh5rYcoBrILVVBXSnuVDHA/s640/P1150556.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCv6rKyED3tFf2ITMrWPR4SNVlPLql7jG3m8Y3qROhvzH9AlTOzT6BsdkU7HFp_nXqUBYNs5cr2ap6vGQdH8EikhRBALMheUN76TmRZdRoC1dsmni9QlE7ktUmskJiE0QbHTU0jo5NIQ/s1600/P1150598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCv6rKyED3tFf2ITMrWPR4SNVlPLql7jG3m8Y3qROhvzH9AlTOzT6BsdkU7HFp_nXqUBYNs5cr2ap6vGQdH8EikhRBALMheUN76TmRZdRoC1dsmni9QlE7ktUmskJiE0QbHTU0jo5NIQ/s640/P1150598.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Above: The beautiful</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK02Y6pENIOdUh1WYBElmw_OrrP6mYDL8DRxU2k91SKarWXF-2BEJSUjnragXmDFh_uhHC_grTZF_xo5XAX03kXhG-ohndox54CK-fn7oZfnyLz7NcO-Q5PCkNaW7nyeXYrAhZudBCj_U/s1600/P1150603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK02Y6pENIOdUh1WYBElmw_OrrP6mYDL8DRxU2k91SKarWXF-2BEJSUjnragXmDFh_uhHC_grTZF_xo5XAX03kXhG-ohndox54CK-fn7oZfnyLz7NcO-Q5PCkNaW7nyeXYrAhZudBCj_U/s640/P1150603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWr-SQOrAoKVeLx3FGBv_1917yVzCxQ6mhlrxNxGpvsjLfHJocgIzKcivLcH6Yw-qK8U6jYPeqVwLmGV6NDNXvrvXzMiOjPmu-MLTksBfv5javT5XF8uXP8ngj8p3guU30UY3ISAYAxI/s1600/P1150599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWr-SQOrAoKVeLx3FGBv_1917yVzCxQ6mhlrxNxGpvsjLfHJocgIzKcivLcH6Yw-qK8U6jYPeqVwLmGV6NDNXvrvXzMiOjPmu-MLTksBfv5javT5XF8uXP8ngj8p3guU30UY3ISAYAxI/s640/P1150599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5B29flGU25SWgYby-SVZcb65ok5XTBw6AlGJnEnRizQscDJEAfW_nrZINTyqzSvn8OKc4NPdloE2jU_2a_5SJaxUc7L1733wUnA70RI9TgQ1n26cj6dakH3F5YZ_ULM6zRhxxGH3WRY/s1600/P1150604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5B29flGU25SWgYby-SVZcb65ok5XTBw6AlGJnEnRizQscDJEAfW_nrZINTyqzSvn8OKc4NPdloE2jU_2a_5SJaxUc7L1733wUnA70RI9TgQ1n26cj6dakH3F5YZ_ULM6zRhxxGH3WRY/s640/P1150604.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Above: The ugly.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpV-2Qq2mt_610EjzEE7StpRCC6PbEXq7Er5wfIrNXTKY1VownLBygzfYjjbgNRjKd6TTCcYad6UjW4_yyGZcfNCRvhAexYCfPhNvihw7FFWTF3BFWexDrj9Eg-iYztvUMHbzT41SJOM/s1600/P1150533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpV-2Qq2mt_610EjzEE7StpRCC6PbEXq7Er5wfIrNXTKY1VownLBygzfYjjbgNRjKd6TTCcYad6UjW4_yyGZcfNCRvhAexYCfPhNvihw7FFWTF3BFWexDrj9Eg-iYztvUMHbzT41SJOM/s640/P1150533.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHLyn5CssynGBjvGyAG-OFrqaY-QSoXai1ZuoLuAVsviRfLDW2XYCSgyorkGnKrqgXrBJaeL3rCAgu0KiXweWKT96J6P2VNn7-tYiwHQEHIaxnawmELg2VWmbXIPbVTz2PV6JfwZXdMI/s1600/P1150534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHLyn5CssynGBjvGyAG-OFrqaY-QSoXai1ZuoLuAVsviRfLDW2XYCSgyorkGnKrqgXrBJaeL3rCAgu0KiXweWKT96J6P2VNn7-tYiwHQEHIaxnawmELg2VWmbXIPbVTz2PV6JfwZXdMI/s640/P1150534.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHZHbzVQ1qstCm7aMuQqUaKGdwGWeIUSee00V5UvSlParUrvI2S8Jox-XRoKPPtRWQCkNZ6fiXYqPMqvIxNtTH6hZ0Vz7MfJ6-MAWaPwWc8v57oD2ITuF7CTk8CFGlP4vLIMxSfJtVkQ/s1600/P1150537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHZHbzVQ1qstCm7aMuQqUaKGdwGWeIUSee00V5UvSlParUrvI2S8Jox-XRoKPPtRWQCkNZ6fiXYqPMqvIxNtTH6hZ0Vz7MfJ6-MAWaPwWc8v57oD2ITuF7CTk8CFGlP4vLIMxSfJtVkQ/s640/P1150537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzEwLYHo754cYquWaNM_iB85_MaVWy5qm7bWkK3kQAb6wiyoqa3ULk5Im96JZDiEDWJ1a-u06HTv_ZUqPCmYfkcp1wZ_kj9jv9kR3OEXve25AuuQzz4k8ifdL5DoPgr55CMPpKnONT0o/s1600/P1150538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzEwLYHo754cYquWaNM_iB85_MaVWy5qm7bWkK3kQAb6wiyoqa3ULk5Im96JZDiEDWJ1a-u06HTv_ZUqPCmYfkcp1wZ_kj9jv9kR3OEXve25AuuQzz4k8ifdL5DoPgr55CMPpKnONT0o/s640/P1150538.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Above: Some Soviet era buildings. All government offices</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Much is made of the
Boyana Church. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located a few kilometers
out of town up in the hills. You need to take a taxi to and fro. Ask the cabbie
to wait. Now I have a very dim view of something that is branded a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. I have always found them subpar, with wheelchair access being
the most notable feature. These also happen to be “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Note Chaaapne Ka Machines</i>” if you know what I mean. The Boyana
Church is small, I mean small. To enter costs 7 Euro or 14 Lev. Only 8 people
are allowed to enter at a time for 10 minutes. Crowds are huge. We got there by
10.30am and were informed that we could enter at 1.45pm. We simply abandoned
the idea and had a walk around the Church. That took all of 3 minutes. What a
huge let down. Let me clarify, on looking on the Internet, the insides of the
church are really nothing to get excited about. In retrospect no regrets at all
in not going in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeMRwgOYR6Vs2QHzbRB1guHjZ6N_7wXRw9tMKmeF3ZULuaTXHnarFwg4W2ZBsc5FCctkfRszzhrB8yiQRYZUuoLQ4mS1uVZSzndWJ6u8OGubuxz2U_gIZb6boi-uZs0YMnqXNY7RO-mE/s1600/P1150595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeMRwgOYR6Vs2QHzbRB1guHjZ6N_7wXRw9tMKmeF3ZULuaTXHnarFwg4W2ZBsc5FCctkfRszzhrB8yiQRYZUuoLQ4mS1uVZSzndWJ6u8OGubuxz2U_gIZb6boi-uZs0YMnqXNY7RO-mE/s640/P1150595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sofia is famous for its
yellow or golden cobblestoned streets. These cobblestones line many of Sofia’s roads.
They are treacherous when wet or icy, cars skid and pedestrians slip. If you
wish to practice orthopedics Sofia is the place to be. The story behind these
cobblestones shows once again, the historic corruption in Bulgaria, much like
our own Bharat. The King Tsar Ferdinand believed the muddy streets would be
beautified with the installation of these gold cobblestones. He claimed that
the cobblestones were a gift from the Austro Hungarian King who was his cousin.
It turns out that this was bollocks, the State was paying for these
cobblestones. Sound familiar? They are now being steadily replaced with the
less slippery grey variety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa0cY6rQTWm563BAfr-Kuc3t7jhx62vQk6yGWHTVFBnG9lj98o3NoRd9zWGRB8TVgl7p283Fn68b4th3eKA5-AjTuRlbG5_ZwiTUPHPIv43nNM06t3ivmXuIz3sgfElfOJhv2gHvOP-g/s1600/P1150551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa0cY6rQTWm563BAfr-Kuc3t7jhx62vQk6yGWHTVFBnG9lj98o3NoRd9zWGRB8TVgl7p283Fn68b4th3eKA5-AjTuRlbG5_ZwiTUPHPIv43nNM06t3ivmXuIz3sgfElfOJhv2gHvOP-g/s640/P1150551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sofia, with its years
of Communism as well as under the Ottoman Empire, has several rather grim
statues. The city has several open spaces and parks. It is a green city and
people have lots of benches to sit and relax. It is quite pleasant. These
statues, a few of which I have photographed are quite a contrast to the idyllic
parks they are located in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt1InN1HAsikZMYJKArcg7rMox07ZQCkdbVBaQKn-m6j89Deibksc4O5W9m-3_S8-TPrJzC5Cvzb7sMn7ek_TtVirnmzPYUaTVbUvBTZO0LaW9_qjydftbHgPpYNKaQe8tXbJqwgPBzM/s1600/P1150477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt1InN1HAsikZMYJKArcg7rMox07ZQCkdbVBaQKn-m6j89Deibksc4O5W9m-3_S8-TPrJzC5Cvzb7sMn7ek_TtVirnmzPYUaTVbUvBTZO0LaW9_qjydftbHgPpYNKaQe8tXbJqwgPBzM/s640/P1150477.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZ4y8S5cUvCZPtnPkayFoJ99v1KmrbzEaghKWgu44yee0PjA4mLTYIdR6J708QhH4pd4iBNY8UcCet1sHx8L5RuR7mFBjR_ED5ElNOZyjTB-kNDC1VkZy0MfSnR_0cqy90QR26pGfB0/s1600/P1150488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZ4y8S5cUvCZPtnPkayFoJ99v1KmrbzEaghKWgu44yee0PjA4mLTYIdR6J708QhH4pd4iBNY8UcCet1sHx8L5RuR7mFBjR_ED5ElNOZyjTB-kNDC1VkZy0MfSnR_0cqy90QR26pGfB0/s640/P1150488.JPG" width="628" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ai1Vp3w__lvgwmH9gtLMYodosX0Usc7s1s6v1cbaBBOFuadG83sJMNDsiurX94WjOEvwR19vjWttHgXf3EfpC_rIVB289jcvaFD2ovqe3zdyRuOBsbnZYjFzdhheAuqhc2NzVF5Ho94/s1600/P1150515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ai1Vp3w__lvgwmH9gtLMYodosX0Usc7s1s6v1cbaBBOFuadG83sJMNDsiurX94WjOEvwR19vjWttHgXf3EfpC_rIVB289jcvaFD2ovqe3zdyRuOBsbnZYjFzdhheAuqhc2NzVF5Ho94/s640/P1150515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA_M5pM0N2DrPnDEHMQazmMAZrn69D0s-LPuOmyJijXKVZBqJzvpDCbqEC7JEqODZLMmzo433J4Vck_JK1CczEH99vLk75QrQxpHyHCqSGqiviJjbaPyOwFl9JcqsUU0EjCqmLKQeIys/s1600/P1150552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA_M5pM0N2DrPnDEHMQazmMAZrn69D0s-LPuOmyJijXKVZBqJzvpDCbqEC7JEqODZLMmzo433J4Vck_JK1CczEH99vLk75QrQxpHyHCqSGqiviJjbaPyOwFl9JcqsUU0EjCqmLKQeIys/s640/P1150552.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs29lymsIT87Uj0pXFjyDupPRueLp4xs_cyOOVpBsVHoUFjRFY_DKxTFHwAw63QyVbIDDxpXlKJAQ0tBM58T7K3CeyaEhCWSu0KzHITGjObZip4YziFRnzFPnsk_qCkbaOQ8hf0M_tz8A/s1600/P1150559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs29lymsIT87Uj0pXFjyDupPRueLp4xs_cyOOVpBsVHoUFjRFY_DKxTFHwAw63QyVbIDDxpXlKJAQ0tBM58T7K3CeyaEhCWSu0KzHITGjObZip4YziFRnzFPnsk_qCkbaOQ8hf0M_tz8A/s640/P1150559.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDdbGzOCYCgQfmRSuXN9q_QxOOKVpR1ylNZRdC_-f4qXQGRNuPuho3VwejJF6geKZRYaYi39OZOPaE8hmaLUnpjJ4hb6U_62_H-1IVo8nCwEE37qcAmF9TTfHVML8YJc-9C4aMMrvzo0/s1600/P1150561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDdbGzOCYCgQfmRSuXN9q_QxOOKVpR1ylNZRdC_-f4qXQGRNuPuho3VwejJF6geKZRYaYi39OZOPaE8hmaLUnpjJ4hb6U_62_H-1IVo8nCwEE37qcAmF9TTfHVML8YJc-9C4aMMrvzo0/s640/P1150561.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1NmNcdtGhspnO_flE_BhjpqfD6MgkO4PMXENu7TzfNMcZAPpXE5PupuwGwg_7v0RSPNXuxI3CDt9L-fJG7LUukT7FM471lTn823OaoAr8A7G8Tr1TI_2u36ftDiNyfxJKIFZifjcAgk/s1600/P1150569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1NmNcdtGhspnO_flE_BhjpqfD6MgkO4PMXENu7TzfNMcZAPpXE5PupuwGwg_7v0RSPNXuxI3CDt9L-fJG7LUukT7FM471lTn823OaoAr8A7G8Tr1TI_2u36ftDiNyfxJKIFZifjcAgk/s640/P1150569.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmf7gSxaJ2XjWkpz7r2LvV-OubNtz1fIqubCzjN5VlRWbB9kXwyNS8hhb3Jh5QjVBNujkD75UPSxszzgLLRlL4J6njL5IK1X21RSLw278GNlfoBIZe_G6p768AFA_sGnXc7hVw2W7lphw/s1600/P1150601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmf7gSxaJ2XjWkpz7r2LvV-OubNtz1fIqubCzjN5VlRWbB9kXwyNS8hhb3Jh5QjVBNujkD75UPSxszzgLLRlL4J6njL5IK1X21RSLw278GNlfoBIZe_G6p768AFA_sGnXc7hVw2W7lphw/s640/P1150601.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Uax2-IZfTZFic4s4pAZNNO-Ld9lZLYpc25yFQP6ha0JbjQHTJZvUM_q5lPS6M22tT8wtjpktPp_jZdHZ2DxK3495zAHOrkPNXMnGuZbspYFXwaxoXc8q5dcnE3L_egfDtHVB5CBGp28/s1600/P1150602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Uax2-IZfTZFic4s4pAZNNO-Ld9lZLYpc25yFQP6ha0JbjQHTJZvUM_q5lPS6M22tT8wtjpktPp_jZdHZ2DxK3495zAHOrkPNXMnGuZbspYFXwaxoXc8q5dcnE3L_egfDtHVB5CBGp28/s640/P1150602.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8lLs5Jd5-bv90q9ZTUBaAgeETHqfzdFdny2_JUwqvXLWM9J5UPr8YHvTGicQPHV_a5ehRQlY3GOPQYFPpM8Zh4r81bNM92k1_bl4pvBQObZoM_DqrWGJbcxYYOSxXsZwsaTsG6cUg_A/s1600/P1150611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8lLs5Jd5-bv90q9ZTUBaAgeETHqfzdFdny2_JUwqvXLWM9J5UPr8YHvTGicQPHV_a5ehRQlY3GOPQYFPpM8Zh4r81bNM92k1_bl4pvBQObZoM_DqrWGJbcxYYOSxXsZwsaTsG6cUg_A/s640/P1150611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt2CiiqUFf2P-O0hW7zqjviayZ7V_XMd5lJhqyqWeer3QPSCLCU-oLEHOGwYE9NETwul4MNZs8mufHw2AsvrW6aGe3XPT_ZT0sZVsmEITvjXWuD510c49sU6yVJwO3K5ebMOadyor9nA/s1600/P1150593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt2CiiqUFf2P-O0hW7zqjviayZ7V_XMd5lJhqyqWeer3QPSCLCU-oLEHOGwYE9NETwul4MNZs8mufHw2AsvrW6aGe3XPT_ZT0sZVsmEITvjXWuD510c49sU6yVJwO3K5ebMOadyor9nA/s640/P1150593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvOwDm6Y7kSLVeDJc5IIhJPKdXNGaTYAKFZTWeAwnQKm3CwT_2K0u35_RVR7ooM_PEtNbA-yJg6owdAnm7WUX3_a88sR4gqZq1P59pIYmpTmv_xGcOjoWdeoPBNWj_aEE-ciCpZ6DbWU/s1600/P1150592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvOwDm6Y7kSLVeDJc5IIhJPKdXNGaTYAKFZTWeAwnQKm3CwT_2K0u35_RVR7ooM_PEtNbA-yJg6owdAnm7WUX3_a88sR4gqZq1P59pIYmpTmv_xGcOjoWdeoPBNWj_aEE-ciCpZ6DbWU/s640/P1150592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90nv6DxhLqk2ATeKznVn6dKwhHisK1tK6kS5TWVE-tPV55ivoGpLBRKpeZbjfC4mpglOqkyqnlwU92payisChyphenhyphenKp7MQwY2xiWQr6PDpx4Bh2VMfgi3cR4NV0EGGdfGuODlfLpzs9d75c/s1600/P1150498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90nv6DxhLqk2ATeKznVn6dKwhHisK1tK6kS5TWVE-tPV55ivoGpLBRKpeZbjfC4mpglOqkyqnlwU92payisChyphenhyphenKp7MQwY2xiWQr6PDpx4Bh2VMfgi3cR4NV0EGGdfGuODlfLpzs9d75c/s640/P1150498.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZruK2A-hUE3-dwAlUAbA_roiaoliJ_WNnyQLOrhj7NbzQU84kRCnPtZnrOhMo5u4Uq7BiW1SpQYH7tAhQGYW-SwGUI1Egk7apSWN9Q9ZLe-lo37N8QX2tbSSVLAI1ta3JMR1UuBnMz4/s1600/P1150500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZruK2A-hUE3-dwAlUAbA_roiaoliJ_WNnyQLOrhj7NbzQU84kRCnPtZnrOhMo5u4Uq7BiW1SpQYH7tAhQGYW-SwGUI1Egk7apSWN9Q9ZLe-lo37N8QX2tbSSVLAI1ta3JMR1UuBnMz4/s640/P1150500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>No one plucks flowers for "Pooja".</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To conclude, we thoroughly
enjoyed Sofia. If you are efficient and methodical in your sightseeing, 2
nights are enough, 3 if you want to be relaxed. Do visit as a second-tier city.
In some ways Sofia is like a mini Budapest. These old former Communist cities
have a lot to offer. Recommended as a short break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-59635667706915554612019-05-17T14:18:00.001+05:302019-05-17T14:18:44.021+05:30Celeste - London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lanesborough Hotel
is at Hyde Park Corner. This is not a large hotel, though very swish. I believe
that pre renovation it was the favourite of Russian Oligarchs. The Hotel
underwent a huge renovation in 2015. Aspleys the longstanding restaurant was
renamed Celeste and opened with a fresh team. Our old friend Enrico from Le
Gavroche was appointed restaurant manager and with a high-powered Chef on board
the restaurant was poised to great things. Then, the Chef changed and Enrico
left to join Claude Bosi at Bibendum. Today Steeven Gilles is the Chef on board with anew team front of house.
The restaurant has 1 star in Michelin. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The website describes the food and
experience as </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Honouring British heritage
and provenance with modern European creativity, Céleste's aim is to take you on
a culinary journey of great flavours and food with a real story.” </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pretty
tough to live up to if you ask me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We made bookings from
Mumbai and our friends from Mumbai who were also going to be in London decided to
join us for dinner. The table was for 7.30 pm. We decided to have a pre-dinner
drink at the Library Bar. The Bar was lovely. Great ambience, an older crowd,
all well-dressed. We thoroughly enjoyed our drinks, a Sipsmith Gin Martini for
HRH the Queen of Kutch and a Negroni for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We walked across the
corridor to our table at Celeste. The room was large with a large skylight
covering most of the area. Tables were on two levels. The room was done up in
blues and golds with a large chandelier dominating the room. I thought the décor
was off, something was not quite right, but I am in the minority. Most people like
the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thankfully, jut one
menu comprising of two sections, a Tasting Menu and an a la carte. Compact. The
Wine list was extensive, and, in my view, very sensibly, has a section 60 under
60 where there were 30 Reds and 30 Whites all priced at less than £ 60. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bread and butter were
served. The butter was excellent, whipped and smoked. An Amuse Bouche was
served. This was our `<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sabudana</i>’ wafer,
except classily done, with various purees and herbs. Quite nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA08cOrQniV3r0Ga5dkxqsnFyoRHSSldJNyPbG15ccyAR9M5QGPeXTYcl9X7KPNWFrrKfz6uLi2iBRHQlVeyq90eiE7GDe6KutayLDcIe8tzUprpoDMTHZ_iRZVJCzpXYkCi1Xpvha5ys/s1600/20190515_195552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA08cOrQniV3r0Ga5dkxqsnFyoRHSSldJNyPbG15ccyAR9M5QGPeXTYcl9X7KPNWFrrKfz6uLi2iBRHQlVeyq90eiE7GDe6KutayLDcIe8tzUprpoDMTHZ_iRZVJCzpXYkCi1Xpvha5ys/s640/20190515_195552.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The menu was compact,
as I have written earlier. With four of us on the table we did not order
everything on the menu. There were many repeat dishes. The photos have the
descriptions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrGt-7t7gAvYZ1mGjtPAhtSsJ8oz9LXxs25b-bT4cjK66qzxK2iDuvRVzImYyQz6Ijq2pnicPqO6QkFCvtMKiwISK8dczJt94tQUfKHqIkSKtEOq5o8vSbe4GLta8UHs3i39OPzma3ec/s1600/20190515_201740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrGt-7t7gAvYZ1mGjtPAhtSsJ8oz9LXxs25b-bT4cjK66qzxK2iDuvRVzImYyQz6Ijq2pnicPqO6QkFCvtMKiwISK8dczJt94tQUfKHqIkSKtEOq5o8vSbe4GLta8UHs3i39OPzma3ec/s640/20190515_201740.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfect Cotswold Legbar hen egg
white asparagus, stew broad beans
and Jabugo ham mayonnaise</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDArfneWcpvJEDyIlU2QqQLEB7ot__oQ8_2AxhsZhXluh5BkJ3Q9P07nspc5OuZwZQ9rnUju_V7umwdeZM8JJhutT6p6ss8_zMszAYUt0htW2oKE7ZetFdhIiMHFNFcr6Wt7mPe73mlyM/s1600/20190515_201748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDArfneWcpvJEDyIlU2QqQLEB7ot__oQ8_2AxhsZhXluh5BkJ3Q9P07nspc5OuZwZQ9rnUju_V7umwdeZM8JJhutT6p6ss8_zMszAYUt0htW2oKE7ZetFdhIiMHFNFcr6Wt7mPe73mlyM/s640/20190515_201748.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morrels
stuffed with chicken farce, mixed herb smoked mashed potatoes
and yellow wine sauce. Please note the "<i>Sabudana</i>" element</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCaJT3TfkP93fsKk6JluYGZ_fgtOXEuPrLhFI5IWbAPalYKtXs9b1hZtE_BSg1-LFMevAVsZRDgCH4Stek_s4ljTywaRm3jib5dBp4oAVg6TVRNBgD4EnxHXFrExK6kO6rnr2Mv7nlIM/s1600/20190515_204233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCaJT3TfkP93fsKk6JluYGZ_fgtOXEuPrLhFI5IWbAPalYKtXs9b1hZtE_BSg1-LFMevAVsZRDgCH4Stek_s4ljTywaRm3jib5dBp4oAVg6TVRNBgD4EnxHXFrExK6kO6rnr2Mv7nlIM/s640/20190515_204233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Halibut
roasted, mixed herb smoked mashed potatoes,
sautéed spring onion and lobster peppercorn sauce</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZOpVJ2hAA7ZdBxw6uskG9L7Zg95EsDl54JnkUbVblEWNelpWl2DvMM_qr3zJ55JRaHpJyNHAK-T7VO8hHGVreTvE6sn8QOkuXhm9jtkkObcEDFogY5lmuIh78HvWqP69KYLeL55bytE/s1600/20190515_204305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZOpVJ2hAA7ZdBxw6uskG9L7Zg95EsDl54JnkUbVblEWNelpWl2DvMM_qr3zJ55JRaHpJyNHAK-T7VO8hHGVreTvE6sn8QOkuXhm9jtkkObcEDFogY5lmuIh78HvWqP69KYLeL55bytE/s640/20190515_204305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chilean sea bass
confit, black rice organic noodle glaze with peanuts
butter and coriander </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0PrgtP4h_4HZteQwWwqZChahSIQmhqKsbE8v9FkEeLU8_VxKsGFjFg17eOiz-aPaHR3q9jcZth8nxFc_192N6DKI_XlE4ZROK5jQ6TzFBjDVLNUK-TmxPgOuEc6m3J_yGrGh3nzfQdU/s1600/20190515_214121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0PrgtP4h_4HZteQwWwqZChahSIQmhqKsbE8v9FkEeLU8_VxKsGFjFg17eOiz-aPaHR3q9jcZth8nxFc_192N6DKI_XlE4ZROK5jQ6TzFBjDVLNUK-TmxPgOuEc6m3J_yGrGh3nzfQdU/s640/20190515_214121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Mille feuille
parfait, caramel tuile, and puff pastry shard </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately, the
overall meal was very patchy. Service was decent, nothing unusual neither good
or bad. Simply standard. No particular charm. Both starters were excellent, the
Morels particularly so. My Hens Egg starter was constructed like what they do
in Australia. The plate is smeared with a sort of sauce/dressing/creamy element
and the rest of the ingredients piled on top. My Egg had a Ham flavored Mayonnaise
on the base. Made the dish quite heavy. But I admit, seasoning was spot on as was
the runny yolk of the egg and the colours of the dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Main courses proved
more problematic. I had no real problem with mine however, the Cod ordered by 3
of us was a problem. The protein itself was excellent. The Noodles were sticky
claggy and bland. The dish has no sauce. The sauce element came by way of
spiced peanut butter in which the noodles were tossed. HRH the Queen of Kutch
was very dis-satisfied. <span style="color: black;">There was an additional
problem with the menu. The "</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Sabudana</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">" trick
repeated itself on the Morel dish, this time the "</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Sabudana</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">" being
coloured with Squid Ink. Smoked Mashed Potato appeared on some starters as well
as main courses. So if you ordered a starter and main with this common element
you would not be pleased. The butter too was smoked. Someone needed to edit the
menu. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just one dessert was
ordered. Again, a similar texture unfortunately. Creamy. So, my meal began with
a creamy Mayonnaise and ended with a creamy parfait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through the evening the
restaurant was barely ¼ full. This is almost peak season in London and it was a
glorious early summer evening in a top hotel. I have always felt that for some
reason, generally speaking, restaurants in grand hotels just do not work. The
magic element is missing. We have seen this in Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester,
the Dining Room at the Goring and at Helene Darroze at the Connaught. This is
another example. One restaurant that does work, and work well is the Dining
Room at the Ritz. Now that is a beautiful room, with food to match. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the end the
experience was subpar. Does this place deserve a Star in Michelin, I believe not?
That, alas is a problem with Michelin not the restaurant. Michelin need to
judge a bit more judiciously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Did this restaurant live up to the claim and promise on its website that I have reproduced in the opening paragraph? Most certainly not. Would I recommend this
restaurant? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-50871061480920708362019-05-16T20:40:00.001+05:302019-05-16T20:40:03.330+05:30Why I like London.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">People ask me,
why do you like London so much? Why do you keep going to London? Are you not
bored?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I had all
sorts of answers, from the Samuel Johnson cliché - <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">W<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">hen a man is tired of London</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">he is tired</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> of life; for there is in </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">London</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> all that life can afford</span></i>” – to the more mundane,
though true explanation – London refreshes the mind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But, honestly, London is truly an amazing city. You have the
world’s best theatre, the best films, the best music, museums and galleries. You
have fantastic exhibitions running, events that will absolutely thrill you.
Yes, probably a New York could match London, however, London is right up there
with the best. For many London is Harrods, Bicester Village and Selfridges. To
each their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We truly love what London offers. Each visit is different,
each visit has a new and stimulating experience which we cherish and later,
look back on with pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This visit was yet another example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A day after landing, we were booked to see Jocelyn Brown at
the Jazz Café. Jocelyn Brown is a unique talent. She is a 69-year-old American
who now lives in London. Though an excellent singer in the R&B/Soul/Disco
genre, on her own she did not achieve many hits. Her fame came by lending her
voice to several bands, often studio bands, which had huge disco hits. She sang
with bands like Incognito and Inner Life among several others. Her big solo hit
was Somebody Else’s Guy. I have several of her songs on several different CD
compilations, but, as she was often a hired vocalist, I had no idea it was her
singing. These CD compilations have non existent liner notes, so information on
the songs is difficult to come by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Back in the day when I was between 18 and 25, disco music was
regarded by us sophisticates as the pits, no sensible music lover listened to
disco. At the absolute bottom of the heap, the most disgusting music you could
listen to was Bollywood, then, one level up was Smooth Jazz – Kenny G, Spyro
Gyra and Grover Washington were big Smooth Jazz stars – and then it was Disco.
Frankly, I always liked Disco, it was, to my ear, simply Funk/R&B/Soul all
mixed up and simplified, with great singing. As I grew older my collection of Disco
or dance music grew. So here was a chance to see Jocelyn Brown a true Disco
star in the flesh. I grabbed it with both hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When Jocelyn Brown came on stage, I was shocked. Here she
was, hugely overweight, on crutches, barely able to walk, struggling to get up
on stage. On stage she sat on a chair thru the entire performance. Her band
consisted of a Drummer, 2 Keyboard players, a Bassist, a Guitarist and 3 female back up vocalists. Everybody on stage was Black, and everyone was hugely
overweight. I was really distressed. This did not look good at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then, the music started and Jocelyn Brown opened her mouth to
sing. My initial shock changed the moment she started to sing. What a voice,
such power, such beauty. The initial shock changed to complete respect and
amazement at what I was seeing and hearing. Here was this 69-year-old obese,
non mobile singer belting out vocals. The cliché stand-and-deliver came to
mind, except, she was sitting. There were no theatrics, no movements on stage,
no fancy lighting, no dancing, no video screens, nothing. Just a singer sitting
down and singing beautifully, powerfully and soulfully. Song after song after
song, familiar hit after hit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFN6lzrGzoAr8tH4LQRkC6gytxCIYY7P7c93CsHwH2b8j4BZl3jhZUogmGcnQ9pwfiNRWd5JA3pSeWXAHLTNIU_mVx9clZfc2KAvGXQd6ItCt6KJAY6l-x9BcXaq-rxfn-TUypHsPSQ0M/s1600/20190513_200715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFN6lzrGzoAr8tH4LQRkC6gytxCIYY7P7c93CsHwH2b8j4BZl3jhZUogmGcnQ9pwfiNRWd5JA3pSeWXAHLTNIU_mVx9clZfc2KAvGXQd6ItCt6KJAY6l-x9BcXaq-rxfn-TUypHsPSQ0M/s640/20190513_200715.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTH7etCqj6ZCNF4Em9jN9bxzwJ0O3xvjnccNXXTrpn0F6tPvX9qFicljiCbyQS-vwnsjjlbkve_Xe3wd4nL0BKga25sURDCpu3NtPL6BH4miYU07PNaRS55y95Bs75NoAH-d4gYg_TiM/s1600/20190513_212928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTH7etCqj6ZCNF4Em9jN9bxzwJ0O3xvjnccNXXTrpn0F6tPvX9qFicljiCbyQS-vwnsjjlbkve_Xe3wd4nL0BKga25sURDCpu3NtPL6BH4miYU07PNaRS55y95Bs75NoAH-d4gYg_TiM/s640/20190513_212928.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDhEKz6URY4s6WyJWP-E5KxQ56oiPX7Bu7HahfIuI0mlzjts-8KQEsUlE3D-3D6Lp-iV0i0kkjB2FSxly63aum4qvyHHX0D9rPMV01sscRJmKf90ZAFA7OZ6G2m1V0T_F3stY50bpHLQ/s1600/20190513_213022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDhEKz6URY4s6WyJWP-E5KxQ56oiPX7Bu7HahfIuI0mlzjts-8KQEsUlE3D-3D6Lp-iV0i0kkjB2FSxly63aum4qvyHHX0D9rPMV01sscRJmKf90ZAFA7OZ6G2m1V0T_F3stY50bpHLQ/s640/20190513_213022.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1RxeAFco6J1KIt1AEuaEcIHUCmW6e8qzdl5KdsyGJvDo_8ZqpEO9kU9IeDXzflxQFaICT3UHHfKlzXpTk_lyA8GOyvkvvCZb_xtfxdah0dm-UJza0c3Vq1V22fP210SuoCJ3WjzZtz0/s1600/20190513_212915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1RxeAFco6J1KIt1AEuaEcIHUCmW6e8qzdl5KdsyGJvDo_8ZqpEO9kU9IeDXzflxQFaICT3UHHfKlzXpTk_lyA8GOyvkvvCZb_xtfxdah0dm-UJza0c3Vq1V22fP210SuoCJ3WjzZtz0/s640/20190513_212915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jocelyn Brown sang for about 90 minutes. She had the entire
audience in the palm of her hand, people we literally dancing in the aisles and
singing along. What an absolutely lovely experience. A great show, we were so
glad we went. It was magical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The next day we had bought tickets for the new film Amazing
Grace. This is a film commissioned by Warner Brothers with Sydney Pollack hired
as director to shoot the two-day concert by Aretha Franklin. This concert was
released on LP [long playing records for those who can remember] called Amazing
Grace on 1<sup>st</sup> June 1972. Amazing Grace is the biggest selling record of
Franklin's entire fifty-plus year recording career as well as the highest
selling live gospel album of all time. This concert was held in the New
Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. In the film you can see the band
which comprised of real heavyweights – Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Cornell
Dupree and others - sitting discretely in the Pews with their instruments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ou_hem6ZwmPi8__-WsvKbv7W9_qbZrPifTkVjte3taRCtVYMSvrRkF_HOrh5P-NQRj9aXmBDvdkYP6x5U-h_rNBLEFf0Xr5eTKAa40X0UZwVMOLBDBcT2F4dyrvVvLtsu3AfNR7GC5Q/s1600/20190514_114803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ou_hem6ZwmPi8__-WsvKbv7W9_qbZrPifTkVjte3taRCtVYMSvrRkF_HOrh5P-NQRj9aXmBDvdkYP6x5U-h_rNBLEFf0Xr5eTKAa40X0UZwVMOLBDBcT2F4dyrvVvLtsu3AfNR7GC5Q/s640/20190514_114803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The film had technical problems; the sound could not be synchronized.
Finally, with the advent of digital technology this became possible. Then there
were problems with Sydney Pollack dying of Cancer, then Aretha Franklin sued
and subsequent she passed away too. Finally, her Estate gave permission for
release and 47 years later the film is out for all of us to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To call the film brilliant is probably incorrect. The film
merely captures a seminal music concert. This was Aretha at the height of her
powers. Her singing is titanic, magical and ethereal. There are times when
members of the choir jump up and sing or dance, members of the audience fall
into a trance, and, Mick Jagger who is part of the audience is seen clapping
along ecstatically. Once again, this is a recording of a concert with no
stimulants. No lighting, no dancing, no musicians showboating. Just simply the cumulative
power of the music and the majestic singing. You cannot but be moved when you
see this film. At points I too had tears rolling down, I am glad the theatre
was dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is a truly remarkable recording of 2 enchanted evenings.
If this is ever released in India you must watch the film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, there you are, these are some examples of how coming to
London does not ever bore us.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714412277335587481.post-87705884546040005992019-04-29T13:16:00.000+05:302019-05-03T08:46:09.466+05:30House of Lloyd & Cecconi's at Soho House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">April has been a month
of eating dangerously. We have done the unthinkable. We ate at, if my memory
serves me, 6 new places in Mumbai. By new, I mean places we have never been to.
Very adventurous on our part. Out of character. The restaurants were:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Farzi
Café</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
at Phoenix Mills – A light lunch. Very disappointing. Very well presented food,
but missing everything by a mile. Not recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Miss
T</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
replacing Busaba in Colaba – The food had Oriental flavours but beyond that
rubbish. Don’t go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nara
Thai</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
at BKC – Part of the Kishore Bajaj empire. Very good. Very lively. Fully recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Soda
Bottle Openerwalla</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> at BKC – A wonderful replication of Irani
restaurants, honestly. No complaints with the food. Fully recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If this was not enough,
our friends Mr. and Mrs. AA whom you would recall from <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2013/05/yauatcha-mumbai.html" target="_blank">Yauatcha</a> and <a href="http://www.stonethrowersrants.com/2013/02/big-bang-and-bonobo-bars-in-bandra.html" target="_blank">bars in Bandra</a>, called and we decided to meet. Mr. and Mrs. AA are like Captain Cook,
they are always out to discover new places. So, we placed ourselves in their
reliable hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What a wonderful
decision made by Mr. and Mrs. AA. Drinks at Cecconi’s at Soho House Juhu
followed by dinner at House of Lloyd across the road. I was delighted. My quest
for good Goan food would continue, House of Lloyd is a restaurant specializing in
Goan food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cecconi’s was a most
pleasant experience. The Bar is on the ground floor and from the airconditioned
section you lead out to an al fresco area by the beach. Hot sticky sea breeze
tried to cool us. A few beers were ordered and some G&T. Sitting out was
nice though, not very pleasant. My beer bottle was wet with condensation and
the beer got warm pretty soon. I arrested the temperature rise by wrapping my
napkin around the bottle. I do recommend the bar at Soho House. The drinks were
quite expensive, or so I thought. A bottle of Kingfisher was Rs 300 ++. Not outrageous
but stiff. A large Gin, Tanqueray was Rs 750++.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">House of Lloyd is a branch
of the original which is in Goa. This is located in a sort of
illegal/encroached open area, one level up by an external staircase, in Hotel
Royal Garden. To me it seemed that the entire open area which sprawls on three
sides, was encroached. There in an airconditioned section, which I
would think is the only legal portion. Anyway, all this should not concern us.
We were here for the Goan food washed down with some alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The menu is large, and,
covers most of the Christian Goan food. Not much to offer from the Hindu side, but
I am not complaining. We ordered a large number of starters. A comment or two
on some of the food. The Tongue Roast was exceptional, really good. You really
must eat this. The Anant Gadho Ros Omlettes – described on the menu as “Famous
Goan street food with eggs chicken and gravy” was (a) not accurately described
and (b) a disappointment. Basically, omlettes or even hard cooked eggs are served
with a Chicken Gravy. That is what I thought we would get. What turned up was
an Omlette Sandwich with gravy serving the purpose of butter. The Pomfret
Caldeen was excellent too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmMuaCiWojibHp0FecsPAcWlKk9-ouGYav9jQLeTZt_4BdSX5nN3Qv6HsFBauFMVarAsnF1u2TKKFlvm3Gt94GjDOpbr5fPEmGgMRnHuD-u-BHWlmZr4ywbDA2PHglJvCuxpRlDKloSs/s1600/20190426_210313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmMuaCiWojibHp0FecsPAcWlKk9-ouGYav9jQLeTZt_4BdSX5nN3Qv6HsFBauFMVarAsnF1u2TKKFlvm3Gt94GjDOpbr5fPEmGgMRnHuD-u-BHWlmZr4ywbDA2PHglJvCuxpRlDKloSs/s640/20190426_210313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above: The excellent Roast Tongue</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjME7OXDtjxnMEOws-3IQ06wh6wBtn0LEsVZ-s7cQXOIjyPgDeiuYSL0Hr6kofKiEI0jOjQnJBDRJIJ5ZkHP7NG7yKx1WBt6o1W7iIKyxpHZ6yCR8gJfB8sxb7eRYG1CybrliPGjS76NA/s1600/20190426_210305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjME7OXDtjxnMEOws-3IQ06wh6wBtn0LEsVZ-s7cQXOIjyPgDeiuYSL0Hr6kofKiEI0jOjQnJBDRJIJ5ZkHP7NG7yKx1WBt6o1W7iIKyxpHZ6yCR8gJfB8sxb7eRYG1CybrliPGjS76NA/s640/20190426_210305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above: Mis-described and disappointing Anant Gadho Ros Omlette</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxgpHv7jrK7Jv3K_yIv6RTH_ygHGCHLMcNzBb7DGqmoZrvuXw2LYgylwUXqLcFzps67z2KSLUJj4Kwwb6XwY6yGjqbZDBW166AlINTIWg7dTd0ybXCe5HrggMGpQjUnHEL8NTbHf5yTk/s1600/20190426_221911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxgpHv7jrK7Jv3K_yIv6RTH_ygHGCHLMcNzBb7DGqmoZrvuXw2LYgylwUXqLcFzps67z2KSLUJj4Kwwb6XwY6yGjqbZDBW166AlINTIWg7dTd0ybXCe5HrggMGpQjUnHEL8NTbHf5yTk/s640/20190426_221911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: Good Pomfret Caldeen</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The menu had a rather
strange section. It consisted of Pork Chops and Steaks barbequed. This is
served ‘Conti’ style with mashed potato and grilled veg. Much like Club food. A
pork chop was ordered. Decent but I can’t understand why it’s on the menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOeqL4VQIbjk4Pw9YlVWQVZs3K92otwso-BH6Y7VJTK-USTRj-XvVAXX0c02FMlYoLPzktO1aXZEwgfE0GxLSNML6bIs_vgJW0o1whuXqxOQ4nvz_SlLuy4apnbGgTKgES98xl2xTEk4/s1600/20190426_211213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOeqL4VQIbjk4Pw9YlVWQVZs3K92otwso-BH6Y7VJTK-USTRj-XvVAXX0c02FMlYoLPzktO1aXZEwgfE0GxLSNML6bIs_vgJW0o1whuXqxOQ4nvz_SlLuy4apnbGgTKgES98xl2xTEk4/s640/20190426_211213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: Pork Chop. Where did this come from?</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Some of the other food we ate is below.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqxcGfRPNqu_RLbze54AVAR-tWJBrd3pXwDgZKD13zaoiFFT9aA-9zKSari09ElfbaLQKqboqFAC7UBTH81VOgRhLDrkX1XUBsqoJC6Cz_N9MAcphyphenhyphenc4DHD7ZEP7D4It6p0G5t4bRZ4o/s1600/20190426_210159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqxcGfRPNqu_RLbze54AVAR-tWJBrd3pXwDgZKD13zaoiFFT9aA-9zKSari09ElfbaLQKqboqFAC7UBTH81VOgRhLDrkX1XUBsqoJC6Cz_N9MAcphyphenhyphenc4DHD7ZEP7D4It6p0G5t4bRZ4o/s640/20190426_210159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Agassaim Sausage Chilli Fry. Good.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayHNUkBycpm2Uiz0ehihn6HySXwNgNzfoUkB9uYckDA2xE6n9viY7_9Ltlp0dcghf_L4goELKT-TN1gT4ugVuCCMBEt3iXVcgSN2jT8Jz-jS3CzvHDJQAOLC9Ki-GbBOTaWFV1Plx3KQ/s1600/20190426_221915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayHNUkBycpm2Uiz0ehihn6HySXwNgNzfoUkB9uYckDA2xE6n9viY7_9Ltlp0dcghf_L4goELKT-TN1gT4ugVuCCMBEt3iXVcgSN2jT8Jz-jS3CzvHDJQAOLC9Ki-GbBOTaWFV1Plx3KQ/s640/20190426_221915.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Pork Sorpotel. Good, with a decent amount of Pork Liver.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplty8PvvDndcjN15LFwvTLe328m_deAn7gNNxZv96BiWocfwHrf7RpcSYQCTEax4MNLWCBXXadoee-JPQ7POttk-qfgPx1e8nIrlM-A1NWROm5345yyG2gV5HZDO3gMLSjVfNMHvztVo/s1600/20190426_221929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplty8PvvDndcjN15LFwvTLe328m_deAn7gNNxZv96BiWocfwHrf7RpcSYQCTEax4MNLWCBXXadoee-JPQ7POttk-qfgPx1e8nIrlM-A1NWROm5345yyG2gV5HZDO3gMLSjVfNMHvztVo/s640/20190426_221929.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Goan Red Rice</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oJTbzKHylJCWa2Vch_iktW-HtPVULxSaO-V4b_ymWhD8UzuiJZ64idum839WiS7Ei9TH9m3nvr1md0plDoXi3Cltlac8o3VisSRGzF_gGVtPekvXfLgk9aqQdWIk9kCVrM1-yB6DHF8/s1600/20190426_221933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oJTbzKHylJCWa2Vch_iktW-HtPVULxSaO-V4b_ymWhD8UzuiJZ64idum839WiS7Ei9TH9m3nvr1md0plDoXi3Cltlac8o3VisSRGzF_gGVtPekvXfLgk9aqQdWIk9kCVrM1-yB6DHF8/s640/20190426_221933.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above: Good Goan Poi</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrj3BuHOPznsUMtpuyGcgx8Xd_JLGS0vUIK6pdcD1i6TVxDb1AV8uae8qXrNry7DQ1AEheGxMuM_nQnmSj7nIE4VT3W3pvv_iKHG-Wr_wyot14Xu7QTLfg18w84umRJKWKe9Nk0ytrfk/s1600/20190426_225632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrj3BuHOPznsUMtpuyGcgx8Xd_JLGS0vUIK6pdcD1i6TVxDb1AV8uae8qXrNry7DQ1AEheGxMuM_nQnmSj7nIE4VT3W3pvv_iKHG-Wr_wyot14Xu7QTLfg18w84umRJKWKe9Nk0ytrfk/s640/20190426_225632.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p>Above: Dessert - The classic Bebinca. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was one problem.
Without exception, the food came out warm, not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">garam</i>. Eating warm as opposed to hot food is a big disappointment.
This was a serious complaint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The other problem was
the staff. Absolutely clueless, obviously cheap labour. You know the cliché,
pay peanuts get monkeys. This restaurant staff emitomised the cliché. They knew
nothing about the menu, they ran around like headless chickens. For some
inexplicable reason, they placed a carafe of clear liquid on the table. HRH the
Queen of Kutch thinking it was the Tonic, poured the contents into her glass of
Gin. Nope, it was water. Then the palaver of returning the Gin. The waiter was
shattered, probably he would get blasted. This madness of getting a carafe of
water with every order of Gin and Vodka continued thru the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All in all, it was a
most pleasant evening, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. AA scintillating company and the wide-ranging
topics of conversation. Do I recommend House of Lloyd? Most certainly, but with
a caveat. Take the food home and heat it. You will have a much better
experience. Remember, curry based food, most of which this was, reheats
perfectly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Stonethrowers Rantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982295200556411462noreply@blogger.com0