Manali Manan Desai's Blog, page 77
October 22, 2019
Is Hogging Your Hobby? Then This Spot Is Your Go-to!
When we think of eating outside, the older generation (45+) thinks of restaurants and the younger generation (13-35), especially teenagers, think of cafes. For the 45+, what matters is good food and that’s where their requirements end.
However, for the younger ones, its the overall experience that matters. They’ll think about, “What else do I get besides good food?” and that’s where most food joints these days are failing to attract people of all ages. However, we found one such food junction (in Surat, India), The Hog Spot, to be a hit among all ages and generations. And, we’re saying this out of first hand experience.
[image error]The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
We’re regulars at this place and our each visit to Surat is ensured to have a check in at this cafe.
[image error]Us at The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Why so? Not just because of their delectable food, but the view their cafe offers is straight out of someone’s dream dining area or maybe even a bedroom.
The inside seating area of The Hog Spot provides an unhindered view of a swimming pool (which is part of a health club located right next to the cafe). We’ve been here a total of 7 times now, and each time we have had a different age group as company (friends, just as a couple and elder siblings)
[image error]Interior seating of The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat (which provides a view of the swimming pool next to the cafe)
We wanted to test whether their likability extends everywhere so during our last visit we took our parents there! Guess what? Not only did we end up trying dishes we had never had before at this cafe (because my parents weren’t very willing to trying out world cuisine), but all four of us ended up loving everything that was served.
Their staff is so courteous and helpful that when we asked for dishes with an Indian touch and dishes with a western touch, they patiently explained and recommended what would appeal to all four of us.
Now, coming to the other parts which would appeal the younger generation greatly! Yes, this cafe has something for everyone. Besides the great pool view, they also have books and board games. So, if visiting alone, read and if visiting with friends, play! The wall which houses these books and board games is equally eye catching too.
[image error]Display wall of books and games @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
If pool view and the air conditioning isn’t something you’re keen on, there’s an outside seating area which is equally pleasant.
[image error]Outside seating area @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Between the four of us, we ended up having six dishes and had to ask for the dessert to be packed as none of us could ‘hog’ anymore!
[image error]With our parents at The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Here’s a summary of what we ordered:
Minestrone soup
Our rating: 4.5/5
[image error]Minestrone Soup @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Chocolate Fondue
Our rating: 4/5 (mostly because we were full and could not finish it)
[image error]Chocolate Fondue @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Papdi Chaat (our regular dish at THS)
Our rating: 5/5
[image error]Papdi Chat @The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Pancho Rice
Our rating: 3.5/5
[image error]Pancho Rice @ The Hog Spor Cafe, Surat
Choco Lava Milkshake
Our rating: 4.5/ 5
[image error]Choco Lava Shake @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Cheesecake Cold Coffee
Our rating: 5/5
[image error]Cheesecake Cold Coffee @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Pav Bhaji Fondue
Our rating: 5/5
[image error]Pav Bhaji Fondue @ The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
Things which make this cafe a must-visit (in short what we love most about THS)
Pool side view
Changing display of dishes on (two) TV screen to help us choose
The cookies served with hot beverages (totally yum!!)
A place which our parents liked too (because they’re averse to such cafes and their food)
What we feel can be improved
The proportions of the food (which seem quite less)
More of Indian flavour in the dishes and in the overall menu (the Pancho Rice was our least favorite dish because it lacked exactly this)
All in all, a must-visit cafe for all ages, if in Surat.
Also, this would be a great venue for any event, like pop-ups, stand-up, poetry recitals and even for team meetings or get together (which THS hosts regularly)
[image error]The other wall (non-window and not next to the pool) at The Hog Spot Cafe, Surat
*THS= abbreviation of The Hog Spot
October 19, 2019
Book Teaser ~ The Untold Stories
Presenting the trailer to my book ‘The Untold Stories’ which is now available on Amazon India and Flipkart.
In case you forgot (and if you haven’t followed my earlier book announcement) here’s a look at the book cover of The Untold Stories.
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Need to know more about the book? Here’s the blurb:
Have you wondered about the events that happen around us? Do you think about the kind of lives people we come across everyday lead, and how they came to be what they are today? Our life is our story, but what about those little everyday incidents which create the anecdotes filling up the chapters of our life story? ‘The Untold Stories’ shares tiny anecdotes from people’s everyday routines which go on to make remarkable chapters in their life stories. These anecdotes range from incidents around contemporary social issues and events such as terrorism and environmental imbalance to those circling around relationships.
Excited or curious enough to buy the book now?
Follow one of the links below to buy from preferred platform and in preferred version (paperback or eBook)
Hurry and order your copies today to receive them and make yours (as well as my) Diwali a ‘Happy’ one.
Amazon (India)Paperback –
Amazon (India) eBook –
https://www.amazon.in/Untold-Stories-everyday-life-ebook/dp/B07YYMYHG5/
Flipkart :
https://www.flipkart.com/the-untold-stor…/p/itm3c4f72d4b2b58
I look forward to your reviews. 
October 18, 2019
The Secret Ingredient ~ A Baker’s Journey
Kim Berube says,
“In baking, the secret ingredient is always LOVE”.
In today’s #FridayFeature focusing on #WonderWomen, we present to you a woman who believes in this secret ingredient being the reason for her delicious cooking. Meet the multi talented, Umaima Navsariwala, whose professional caps range from baker, to seamstress and dress designer. How does she manage it all and what got her into such diverse fields? Let’s find out in her own words.
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“Nothing says home like the smell of baking”,
this has always been my favourite quote and a reminder to myself when I’m in the kitchen. Through my qualification I pursued designing and sewing, which was very satisfying and got in appreciation too.
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However, as a foodie, I was always critical of what I ate and came up with ideas in my head as to how any edible that touched my tongue, could be better tasting. These ideas turned vocal in sometime when I suggested friends and family on what they could do or should do for making their dishes better. It was on appreciation and results of my suggestions that the idea for Lick n Frolic took seed.
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My passion for food, cooking and baking at large came to fruition through this platform. Setting up the business and mastering the art was, and is still an ongoing struggle because I’m a self-taught baker and have no formal certifications or qualification in this field per se.
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The turning point came through my first exhibition stall at a popular food festival. Amongst the popular and preferred food establishments, I was a comparative newbie, and yet our stall managed to garner not only a great footfall but also immense positive reviews. Instagram and Facebook helped spread the word on the online platform, but on the offline side, family and friends proved to be great motivators and influencers for my baking journey. I can sum up journey so far through my favorite poetic verse and that is “miles to go before I sleep”
The learning I’ve had is that life is a rocky road and speed breakers will slow you down, hence, move slowly but steadily, but don’t let these blocks stop you or demotivate you!
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And also, it is only through quality products that you can lead to and ensure customer satisfaction.
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My motto in life is to be better every day, because I believe the biggest competition is always with yourself!
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To end and sum up my journey, I’d like to end with some of my own lines
“When the oven is hot,
Cake will bake!
When the cake will bake,
Aroma will spread…
Let the cake bake,
Let the aroma spread,
Just do what is right,
Let patience be your might!”
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To follow Umaima’s bakes and baking journey, or if you feel like ordering one of her bakes for yourself, please follow the links below:
https://www.instagram.com/lick_n_frolic/
https://www.facebook.com/Lick-n-Frolic-160627224584245/
Happy Eating!
October 16, 2019
This Karwachauth, An Open Letter From A Woman Who Loves the Festival
Karwachauth is celebrated with much aplomb by many women all over the nation. They fast for an entire day, without food and water, and do so quite happily and enthusiastically.
Despite the popularity of the this festival, there is a certain section of the society who disapproves of this whole idea. One known face who has been very vocal about her disapproval about this festival and tradition is our beloved Mrs.Funnybones aka Twinkle Khanna. She has continued her tradition for disregarding this festival through her funny tweets since many years.
However, there are two sides to a coin, and apparently to every opinion too. Many of us (because we’re now more educated and broad-minded and also because we all want to be ‘Feminists’) think that ‘Karwachauth’ is a forced tradition on women, who have to do it without a choice of their own.
Hence, despite the changing times, there is a section of the society which follows this tradition willingly because it makes them happy. And most of these women are educated too. Maybe a look at it from their perspective would help change our opinions too. So here’s an open letter from one such woman to all concerned parties.
Let’s try not be biased.
She fasted because she chose to and not because it was forced
Or because the idea of moon or stars charting course of our lives she endorsed,
She did it because he meant more to her than anything or anyone,
And it was her way of thanking him for all the things he had done.
She didn’t see it as punishment to stay without water and food,
As she considered the relationship and their partnership higher than others viewed.
She didn’t do it to prove her love to his wife,
But because it gave her joy in celebrating his presence in her life.
She loved wearing the jewelry and mangalsutra with devotion and pride,
All year round which lay forgotten and on the side;
Wearing mehndi, sindoor, bangles and dressing up she did with glee,
As an integral part of our culture and tradition, she considered it to be.
To become a bride again she gets the chance,
Their married life reboots and their love also gets enhanced.
A scope for some mystery comes in with mixing of real life and legend,
We bow our head to tradition and the power of logic is for once lessened.
She does not expect and want her husband to do the same,
As she likes being center of attraction and the pampering too she can claim,
She finds it cathartic to crib about the hunger and thirst,
For that one day in everything, he thinks of her first.
Enjoying and appreciating the beauty of nature and moon,
In the busy schedules of every day, she never gets to over it swoon.
On that day she understands the phrase ‘Eid ka Chand’
Waiting for it to appear like never before and make an entry grand.
The women who don’t like or support the idea of such a fast aren’t wrong,
And neither are those who to the group that follows and enjoy this tradition belong.
But if it is something that spreads happiness and satisfaction wide,
And even helps relationships become strong; why not accept it in good stride?
(originally published on Pinknest.in)
October 15, 2019
A Public Garden With An Important Public Message
In focus for today’s #TravelerTuesday is Rock Garden of Chandigarh (India)
I visited this garden a long time back (in 2014).
However, the memory of it is still fresh. Why? Because of the combination of manmade art and natural beauty that this unique one-of-a-kind garden provides.
It is a massive open-air exhibition hall that displays sculptures made from urban and industrial wastes. Also known by it’s other name, Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, this massive 40-acre garden is a colourful mosaic of art pieces and sculptures.
The exhibition area of Rock Garden is divided into three different phases that have different types of installations and embellishments in them. Each phase deals with different type of installations and walking through them is a true delight.
From terracotta pots, light fixtures, and even broken toilet pots, the creator has truly redefined art and craft, making the Rock Garden in Chandigarh a true example of ‘Best From Waste’.
If in the beautiful city of Chandigarh, make this one of your must visit spots. If you have kids, this is an ideal place to give them an idea about the uses of what we consider as waste and also to teach them waste management (which has become a must in this day and age)
Pro-tip: Try to visit during the colder parts of the day as direct sunlight can make the experience tiring and less memorable/enjoyable.
October 14, 2019
Fulfill Your Festive Needs Through These Personalised Gifting Platforms
The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value
India is a country of joyous festivities. Here we celebrate each occasion, right from birthdays and anniversaries, to small and big festivals, from Diwali to Dusshera with equal joy and aplomb.
Apart from shopping for outfits, what we most enjoy is the buying of home decor and also of course, the gifting!
Are you aware of the latest advent in this segment?
Don’t just light up your house or give out standard gifts! Give it a more personal touch. New to this? We have you covered. Check these personalised home decor and gifting items platforms to get your needs sorted!
1. Thousand Miles
Devyani Shah is the curator of the pretty handmade customized gifting and decor items on this platform. From the occasional, to the festive and quirky ones, this platform has it all. Have a look at some of her best-selling (and pretty) products.
Nameplate Keychain
‘I Love You’ in 100 Languages Projection Necklace
and here’s what we ordered:
An LED canvas frame with a personalized quote! So pretty, right?
Check out more of their products through links below:
2. The Craft Gallery India
Your personalized gifting needs will be met with a twist of originality and creativity via this platform. From scrapbooks to photo chandeliers, you can be sure to find all kinds of items for home decor as well as to gift that someone special in your life. Here’s a look at some of their prettiest and most creative products.
Personalised Greeting
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Proposal Box
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and here’s what we ordered:
Ins’t that absolutely gorgeous?
Here’s where you can order too!
The Travel Knot
Come festivals and holidays, and another thing we get excited about is travelling. Through The Travel Knot, you can give your travelling essentials a personalised touch too. Check out their products.
Personalised Travel notepads
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Personalised Travel Vanity Pouch
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And, here’s what we ordered from their platform.
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A chic personalised passport cover, luggage tag, luggage pouch and a key chain (for the hubby)
Looks stylish, doesn’t it? Get your own personalized travel essentials from them by following the link below:
There are quite a few options when buying decor and gifting items, but with these, we hope we have helped you narrow down your search.
Happy shopping for the festive season!!!!
Fulfill Your Festive Needs Through These Personalized Gifting Platforms
The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value
India is a country of joyous festivities. Here we celebrate each occasion, right from birthdays and anniversaries, to small and big festivals, right from Diwali to Dusshera with equal joy and aplomb.
Apart from shopping for outfits, what we most enjoy is buying of home decor and also of course, the gifting!
Are you aware of the latest advent in this segment?
Don’t just light up your house or give out standard gifts! Give it a more personal touch. New to this? We have you covered. Check these personalized home decor and gifting item platforms to get your needs sorted!
1. Thousand Miles
Devyani Shah is the curator of the pretty handmade customized gifting and decor items on this platform. From the occasional, to the festive and quirky ones, this platform has it all. Have a look at some of her best-selling (and pretty) products.
Nameplate Keychain
‘I Love You’ in 100 Languages Projection Necklace
and here’s what we ordered:
An LED canvas frame with a personalized quote! So pretty, right?
Check out more of their products through links below:
2. The Craft Gallery India
Your personalized gifting needs will be met with a twist of originality, creativity and eye-candy via this platform. From scrapbooks to photo chandeliers, you can be sure to find all kinds of items for home decor as well as to gift that someone special in your life. Here’s a look at some of their prettiest and most creative products.
Personalised Greeting
[image error]
Proposal Box
[image error]
and here’s what we ordered:
Ins’t that absolutely gorgeous?
Here’s where you can order from them too!
The Travel Knot
Come festivals and holidays, and another thing we get excited about is travelling. Through The Travel Knot, you can give your travelling essentials a personalized touch too. Check out their products.
Personalized Travel notepads
[image error]
Personalized Travel Vanity Pouch
[image error]
And, here’s what we ordered from their platform.
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A chic personalized passport cover, luggage tag, luggage pouch and a key chain (for the hubby)
Looks stylish, doesn’t it? Get your own personalized travel essentials from them through the following link below:
Tohfaa by Muskan
Thing any festival decor and this platform has it. From Karwa chauth thalis to Diwali rangolis and diyas, you can find it all here. Apart from this, they also have gifting items ranging from personalized scrapbooks to explosion boxes and much more.
Customized and Decorative Karwa Chauth set
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Kundan Rangolis
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And here’s what we ordered from their platform
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Personalized matchboxes with cute little messages for the hubby. This was to mark our ten months of togetherness (hence ten boxes). Such a sweet gesture to make for the ones you love, right?
Even you can get personalized gifts and decor from their platform through the below link:
There are quite a few options when buying decor and gifting items, but with these, we hope we have helped you narrow down your search.
Happy shopping for the festive season!!!!
October 13, 2019
Ten Tales ~ A Collaborative Author Project With Handpicked Stories of All Genres in Fiction.
Proud, honoured and humbled to be a part of this anthology.
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Ukiyoto brings to you a collection of ten short stories by writers from across the globe. And, guess what? Yours truly is one of these ten!
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Grab the book which is now available on Amazon.com (worldwide) in paperback as well as kindle version.
Amazon paperback link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1699221480
Amazon kindle link :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZVZHSJ
You can also buy the book from the Ukiyoto website:
https://www.ukiyoto.com/product-page/ten-tales
The book will take a few more days to show on Amazon.in. I’ll post the update with links whenever the book is out and up on Amazon India.
October 12, 2019
The Untold Stories
This year, I’d be having a ‘Happy Diwali’ indeed.
I feel a mix of emotions ranging from pride to excitement, to gratefulness and humility, as I announce the soon release of my second book titled ‘The Untold Stories’.
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It is a collection of 131 microtales (4-5 sentence stories) that circle around everyday incidents ranging from political scenarios to environmental issues, and a lot more.
Here are the details of its launch and availability :
Worldwide release (paperback and kindle): 27th October, 2019 (Diwali Day)
Available on : Amazon.com (worldwide), Amazon India and Flipkart (and select bookstores across the globe)
A huge thank you to everyone who has been a big or small part of my writing journey and a special thanks to Ukiyoto for believing in this book enough to give it a nod for publishing it under their name.
Keep reading and supporting my work.
October 8, 2019
Sea Shell Resort ~ Stone’s Throw Away From The Murud Sea Shore
A long weekend calls for a getaway from the city. Since we didn’t want the usual Lonavala and Alibaug options for a short trip, we decided to explore a little further and decided on another beach town, Murud. A little farther from Alibaug, this place is much less crowded, and resultantly, much more cleaner and peaceful too.
Murud Beach
Since our main aim of choosing this place was to explore the beach, we wanted to stay at a hotel which was close to the sea shore. Aptly named around its location, we decided on Sea Shell Resort as our stay for the trip.
We didn’t expect much, but when we reached the resort, their location and the view provided from our rooms (we had booked two rooms) stole our hearts right away.
[image error]View from the room
[image error]Children’s park outside the resort
The rooms are quite pleasant and spacious, with AC, clean washrooms, a small sofa and a writing desk provided in the room too. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV as well.
[image error]Clean beds and spacious room with AC, sofa and a writing desk
The premises consist of a small children’s park, an outdoor swimming pool, board games and equipment for outdoor games like cricket and badminton.
[image error]Outdoor Swimming pool @ Sea Shell Resort
After napping for a little while on reaching the venue (we had driven from Mumbai to Murud), we woke up before sunset, went to the beach (which is right across the road from the resort) and enjoyed dipping our feet in the salty waters.
[image error]Murud Beach
Murud Beach
Fun time @ Murud Beach which is just 1 km from Sea Shell Resort
After a walk and some ball play on the beach, we came to the resort and enjoyed the wide choice of available indoor as well as outdoor games including Table Tennis, Foosball, carom, badminton and cricket.
Indoor activities and games @ Sea Shell Resort, Murud
Upon asking the people at the reception, they even told us what attractions are a must visit in the area. In fact, there was a detailed list of places to see in Murud displayed right in the entrance and check in area of the resort, which is a great help for first time visitors. The resort also offers car on hire if you haven’t traveled by your own vehicle.
We visited the Murud Janjira fort, which is a must visit if you’re in Murud. All in all, we had a pleasant and memorable stay in this beach town, thanks to the hospitality of Sea Shell Resort.
Things we liked:
Proximity to the beach
Clean beds and bathrooms/washrooms
Overall facilities like indoor and outdoor games and activities
Things we did not like:
No food/kitchen facility (this proved to be problem during dinner time)
Renovation/construction work going on in the resort area
If visiting Murud and planning an overnight stay, we would definitely recommend this cosy resort, mainly because of its location.
