Tushar Mangl's Blog, page 20
August 13, 2017
The new vlog is here
One of the biggest challenges we should always face is how to better what we are already doing. Better our relationships, our routines or even personality.
In October this blog is going to complete 11 years on the internet and I want something special for this occasion. So I decided to compliment it with a Vlog, a YouTube Channel I have been thinking about since forever. By forever I mean even before YouTube was acquired by Google.
I think right now is a good time to establish this channel and I am working on a string of content ideas for the same. To begin with, I plan to share stories and poems I wrote in the past and even share some lines written by friends in the blogosphere. Next, I will add reviews and then depending on the feedback we will move on. Many readers have suggested to me add blogging videos as in how to blog etc. but I need more time for that.
We will keep it all in a story telling format and here are some samples for you all to lend your views on -
In October this blog is going to complete 11 years on the internet and I want something special for this occasion. So I decided to compliment it with a Vlog, a YouTube Channel I have been thinking about since forever. By forever I mean even before YouTube was acquired by Google.
I think right now is a good time to establish this channel and I am working on a string of content ideas for the same. To begin with, I plan to share stories and poems I wrote in the past and even share some lines written by friends in the blogosphere. Next, I will add reviews and then depending on the feedback we will move on. Many readers have suggested to me add blogging videos as in how to blog etc. but I need more time for that.
We will keep it all in a story telling format and here are some samples for you all to lend your views on -
August 7, 2017
Blogging workshop on 27th August
In case you haven't heard the news, the next blogging workshop is going to be held on the 27th of August at Papa Buns, GTB Nagar, North Delhi.
A workshop in north Delhi has been on my mind for quite some time now, and when the opportunity came in, I instantly said yes and got this arranged.
A lot of friends and well wishers have asked me to conduct more workshops for benefit of the rising blogging community.
It's a challenge honestly, and I am all prepared for it. But still, require feedback from you all as to how we can make sessions more interactive and fun for all.
Here is the link to the upcoming workshop, kindly share
http://go.eventshigh.com/writing-blog...
A workshop in north Delhi has been on my mind for quite some time now, and when the opportunity came in, I instantly said yes and got this arranged.
A lot of friends and well wishers have asked me to conduct more workshops for benefit of the rising blogging community.
It's a challenge honestly, and I am all prepared for it. But still, require feedback from you all as to how we can make sessions more interactive and fun for all.
Here is the link to the upcoming workshop, kindly share
http://go.eventshigh.com/writing-blog...
August 6, 2017
Of reviews on blogs
Often, on a whim, I pick some of my old and new blogs randomly and go through them to study how my content here is changing (or not). I receive a lot of feedback from friends and fellow bloggers and as truly as I can, I follow them to the spirit. Not because, they are right or something, but because it gives me a chance to reflect and think about things happening here.
Off late, a lot of content posted here is review oriented. Readers are finding it interesting and goes with the spirit of the blog to create a sense of awareness about things around us. I am also flooded with queries as to how this process works or how do I pick what to review or what not to review.
So in many cases, I like the place or hear something great about a place and visit, review all done. It is interesting? Very. Its a great experience sharing your views on a new trend or something you can connect to.
Is is it fun? Depends on the human factor. To know more about a place, to ask questions, or to generally get an idea about the product, every company has a go to person. And most of the times, they treat you like shit, if you don't know them or a Royal if you are their best friends. Bloggers are not given due respect by marketing teams, even though everyone will say otherwise. One is looked down upon a lot and ultimately you are just another person writing a review for them. To ask them a question or inquiry will be a huge thing for them.
A friend of mine recently heard about some festival going on at Hotel Pullman AeroCity, Delhi Airport. To me, it was an inconvenient time and proposition but the friend needed an invite to go to the festival and write or whatever about it. I suggested, to call up the person responsible for the Accor group (which owns the hotel) who deals with either the media or the blogger community. If the person then agrees, can arrange an invite or not. Depending upon that my friend can either go or not. Simple idea, you would say, but the lady on the call who was the person in charge was very cold and frigid on phone. My friend very politely introduced herself and made her request. The lady very rudely disconnected the call not even answering properly. Had she politely refused, would Hotel Pullman's grace fall? no. Its the attitude of brands to look down upon on bloggers.
Those who get the red carpet treatment and I have received the same on many occasions, we can see the disrespect, the wrinkled nose, the posture of the people, that they don't value our work. Okay fine, your words have an impact so we are tolerating you guys. That's how it is.
Or if you know them personally or better still related to them or something and they somehow like you because of friendship or relations, the brand will be at your beck and call. Your treatment would be royal.
So is all the review thing really worth it? I say yes because I have reached that point where I am past caring. For many brands who employ such people and actually nurture this type of attitude, I feel sad. Even if someone puts in a good word for them, everyone knows how honest they are.
Or better still, review places and products without telling or querying from anyone in the management. Your review might lack depth but chance of meeting unpleasant people would be minimized.
Off late, a lot of content posted here is review oriented. Readers are finding it interesting and goes with the spirit of the blog to create a sense of awareness about things around us. I am also flooded with queries as to how this process works or how do I pick what to review or what not to review.
So in many cases, I like the place or hear something great about a place and visit, review all done. It is interesting? Very. Its a great experience sharing your views on a new trend or something you can connect to.
Is is it fun? Depends on the human factor. To know more about a place, to ask questions, or to generally get an idea about the product, every company has a go to person. And most of the times, they treat you like shit, if you don't know them or a Royal if you are their best friends. Bloggers are not given due respect by marketing teams, even though everyone will say otherwise. One is looked down upon a lot and ultimately you are just another person writing a review for them. To ask them a question or inquiry will be a huge thing for them.
A friend of mine recently heard about some festival going on at Hotel Pullman AeroCity, Delhi Airport. To me, it was an inconvenient time and proposition but the friend needed an invite to go to the festival and write or whatever about it. I suggested, to call up the person responsible for the Accor group (which owns the hotel) who deals with either the media or the blogger community. If the person then agrees, can arrange an invite or not. Depending upon that my friend can either go or not. Simple idea, you would say, but the lady on the call who was the person in charge was very cold and frigid on phone. My friend very politely introduced herself and made her request. The lady very rudely disconnected the call not even answering properly. Had she politely refused, would Hotel Pullman's grace fall? no. Its the attitude of brands to look down upon on bloggers.
Those who get the red carpet treatment and I have received the same on many occasions, we can see the disrespect, the wrinkled nose, the posture of the people, that they don't value our work. Okay fine, your words have an impact so we are tolerating you guys. That's how it is.
Or if you know them personally or better still related to them or something and they somehow like you because of friendship or relations, the brand will be at your beck and call. Your treatment would be royal.
So is all the review thing really worth it? I say yes because I have reached that point where I am past caring. For many brands who employ such people and actually nurture this type of attitude, I feel sad. Even if someone puts in a good word for them, everyone knows how honest they are.
Or better still, review places and products without telling or querying from anyone in the management. Your review might lack depth but chance of meeting unpleasant people would be minimized.
July 27, 2017
July 25, 2017
38 - Barracks - Connaught Place Delhi
38 Barracks at M Block CP, on the outer circle, is a militarily themed restaurant with great food, a good bar, and an awesome singer. The decor is aptly done with the military memorabilia on the walls and the ambiance reflects that too with very close sitting.
Drinks
I asked the manager to suggest a strong cocktail for me and he suggested Smoky Mape and Boston Beach both of whom were very well prepared. The bar at this place is very well stocked and the bartenders quite knowledgable. If you want drinks with your food, this place is a good choice.
Hookahs
The place has a variety of Hookahs to try from and the whole set up is quite well managed.
Freak Shakes
I think you can avoid their shakes because this is more of a restaurant than a cafe. Shakes aren't their forte.
Starters
Harissa Chicken is a standard Tandoori Chicken Tikka and is one of the best starters to try here. Grilled chicken on skewers was tasty too. I also loved their Paneer Tikka Barrells. The Beetroot ki Galouti was okay and so was the poha crusted hare kebabs. I would say avoid the kebabs and stick with the Paneer Tikka or their very good Mushroom and Corn tarts.
Desserts
I tried their Baked Rasgulla Pie which was served with vanilla ice cream which was good as far as baked pies go.
Nearest Metro Station - Barakhamba Road and Rajiv Chowk gate no. 4 or 5
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Canvas Laugh Club launches Canvas Music Hall
All roads led to The People and Co in Cyberhub as Delhi NCR was treated to a colossal music invasion of one of India’s most celebrated band, ADVAITA that kicked off an unforgettable experience in the city. A mélange of fusion music culminated on a high note at Canvas Music Hall, Gurgaon as the music community of the city came together to raise toast to good music with more who were in all applause for its very first extravaganza.
The performance saw an electrifying line-up on stage coupled with ecstatic energy from music lovers who thronged the venue in big numbers. Delhi NCR was witness to some of the best stage production and design it has ever seen with live performances, scrumptious food and sassy ambience. Canvas Music Hall is the next big premium live music destination in town.
Anoop Sebastian, Programming Head, CLC was all in praise of the event 'Canvas Laugh club has finally opened its doors to something that we have been wanting to explore for a very long time. In an attempt to resurrect the dying live music scene in our country, Canvas is aiming to curate and execute a gig with a unique setting, with top notch artists, who will provide you an unforgettable experience. The right way to witness a music gig is when all concentration is channelized towards the act that is on stage.
The performance saw an electrifying line-up on stage coupled with ecstatic energy from music lovers who thronged the venue in big numbers. Delhi NCR was witness to some of the best stage production and design it has ever seen with live performances, scrumptious food and sassy ambience. Canvas Music Hall is the next big premium live music destination in town.
Anoop Sebastian, Programming Head, CLC was all in praise of the event 'Canvas Laugh club has finally opened its doors to something that we have been wanting to explore for a very long time. In an attempt to resurrect the dying live music scene in our country, Canvas is aiming to curate and execute a gig with a unique setting, with top notch artists, who will provide you an unforgettable experience. The right way to witness a music gig is when all concentration is channelized towards the act that is on stage.
July 18, 2017
Prankster - Sector 29 Gurgaon Restaurant Review
Prankster has been dominating the food scene at the Sector 29 Gurgaon for some time now. I know for a fact that many people from outside Gurgaon come down specially to try the food here.
Desserts
I tried their rose kheer, which is heavy on rice and milk and tastes great. The rose petals instead of any essence or flavor add to the better taste of the dish.
The Jalebi Platter is a must try. Its prepared crisp and topped with a little rabri.
The one thing I didn't like about the place was their parking policy. It is located bang in the center of a bustling market and has a lot of parking space in front of the building. However, parking of even two wheelers is not allowed which I think is a little sad, as you should allow the same for your patrons.
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July 15, 2017
Advaita at Canvas Laugh Club
Advaita is an eclectic fusion band, an expression of eight musical identities that dissolve into one another to create a unique sound. They are a band based in New Delhi, India. From their inception in 2004, their brand of contemporary ‘organic’ Indian psychedelic music has been hailed as one of the most original and creative sounds to ever come out of the Indian underground music scene. Nowhere else can one hear a sarangi, tabla and Hindustani Classical vocalist blend so effortlessly, yet so exotically with guitars, drums and keyboards.
In 2009 Advaita launched their first album on EMI records titled Grounded In Space and this really catapulted the status of the band. Recorded at the famed Yash Raj studios, Mumbai, the album was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Later that year, they were one of only four bands from India selected by famous producer John Leckie for the British Council Soundpad Project, recording 2 songs for a globally released compilation as well as touring the UK. More international gigs followed with a trip to Singapore.
Advaita’s fan base was boosted further by their presence on the inaugural seasons of MTV Coke Studio and MTV Unplugged. Following this, the band released their second album titled 'The Silent Sea' in 2012. The album went on to bag the Global Indian Music Award (GIMA) for 'Best Rock Album' and the Jack Daniel Rock Award for 'Best Album'. Close on the heels of these awards, the band was also featured in a prime time show called 'The Dewarists' on the Star World channel and more recently ‘Sound Trek’ on the Fox Traveller channel.
Advaita is now one of India's leading bands with one of the most exciting live acts, redefining contemporary Indian music, blending the traditional with the modern in a way never seen before.
In 2009 Advaita launched their first album on EMI records titled Grounded In Space and this really catapulted the status of the band. Recorded at the famed Yash Raj studios, Mumbai, the album was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Later that year, they were one of only four bands from India selected by famous producer John Leckie for the British Council Soundpad Project, recording 2 songs for a globally released compilation as well as touring the UK. More international gigs followed with a trip to Singapore.
Advaita’s fan base was boosted further by their presence on the inaugural seasons of MTV Coke Studio and MTV Unplugged. Following this, the band released their second album titled 'The Silent Sea' in 2012. The album went on to bag the Global Indian Music Award (GIMA) for 'Best Rock Album' and the Jack Daniel Rock Award for 'Best Album'. Close on the heels of these awards, the band was also featured in a prime time show called 'The Dewarists' on the Star World channel and more recently ‘Sound Trek’ on the Fox Traveller channel.
Advaita is now one of India's leading bands with one of the most exciting live acts, redefining contemporary Indian music, blending the traditional with the modern in a way never seen before.
July 11, 2017
Monsoon Special at Chaayos
Chaayos is well known for its innovation with food and how it retains the Indian touch in its food. It also brings in special menus based on the seasons, for truly, weather and season does impact our mood for food.
Maybe it was providence, or coincidence, just as I was about to reach Chaayos for some after office snacks and tea, it rained hard. I was drenched by the time I reached, in full optimism of a perfect chai and hot snacks. And the setting was just right to sample their awesome Monsoon Menu. Let me walk you through the amazing food at the table.
The best part of their menu was the Shahi Chai,it is a very thick liquid filled with almonds and saffron. It reminded me of the Atte ka seera, ( Wheat and milk based drink) we drink back in Punjab. The Shahi Chai is thick and absolutely yum.
Kulhad Jalebi was everything you want your Jalebi to be. Not very sugary, crisp and light. Had they given a milk add in option, the jalebi would have been perfect as a Doodh Jalebi Combo.
Bun Omelette
Oh and while the Monsoon Menu is all yum and delicious, how can one miss their awesome chocolate cake
The Kulhad Chai, which is your routine tea topped with saffron and served in earthen glasses is an all-time favorite in any season. It is rich and warm.
The Chicken loaded open Parantha is an amazing eat with a flaky crisp base and pizza-like toppings. Its a filling dish and can be easily consumed by one person. The generous portions of Indian style chicken and cheese make it a top item on their food menu.
It also has a Paneer variant and it's tough to say which one is better. Both are a perfect fusion of Indian style Paranthas and pizzas.
Also on the menu is a favorite of many - Bun Samosa. Perfect for monsoon evenings, The Samose is perfectly encased burger style with green chutney made of mint and coriander generously spread over the bread.
They also recommended a special tea, with ten ingredients and left me to ponder over which ten special ingredients had made the tea so special. To help my ponderings was Baarish Wale Pakode, an assorted basket of special pakodas cooked home style. Reminded me of rains and chai back home.
A good addition to their existing menu, the monsoon menu is an honest attempt by Chaayos to bring in something unique yet something familiar to drink and eat this season.
Maybe it was providence, or coincidence, just as I was about to reach Chaayos for some after office snacks and tea, it rained hard. I was drenched by the time I reached, in full optimism of a perfect chai and hot snacks. And the setting was just right to sample their awesome Monsoon Menu. Let me walk you through the amazing food at the table.
The best part of their menu was the Shahi Chai,it is a very thick liquid filled with almonds and saffron. It reminded me of the Atte ka seera, ( Wheat and milk based drink) we drink back in Punjab. The Shahi Chai is thick and absolutely yum.
Kulhad Jalebi was everything you want your Jalebi to be. Not very sugary, crisp and light. Had they given a milk add in option, the jalebi would have been perfect as a Doodh Jalebi Combo.
Bun Omelette
Oh and while the Monsoon Menu is all yum and delicious, how can one miss their awesome chocolate cake
The Kulhad Chai, which is your routine tea topped with saffron and served in earthen glasses is an all-time favorite in any season. It is rich and warm.
The Chicken loaded open Parantha is an amazing eat with a flaky crisp base and pizza-like toppings. Its a filling dish and can be easily consumed by one person. The generous portions of Indian style chicken and cheese make it a top item on their food menu.
It also has a Paneer variant and it's tough to say which one is better. Both are a perfect fusion of Indian style Paranthas and pizzas.
Also on the menu is a favorite of many - Bun Samosa. Perfect for monsoon evenings, The Samose is perfectly encased burger style with green chutney made of mint and coriander generously spread over the bread.
They also recommended a special tea, with ten ingredients and left me to ponder over which ten special ingredients had made the tea so special. To help my ponderings was Baarish Wale Pakode, an assorted basket of special pakodas cooked home style. Reminded me of rains and chai back home.
A good addition to their existing menu, the monsoon menu is an honest attempt by Chaayos to bring in something unique yet something familiar to drink and eat this season.
July 7, 2017
The Classroom - Sector 29 - Gurgaon
The Classroom and St. Martin's Brew Pub at Sector 29 brings in a school themed ambiance with added goodness of liquor. It is spread over four floors, including a basement and a rooftop terrace with ample seating capacity and a great venue for get-togethers.
I went there with family for a birthday dinner and chose to sit on the rooftop. This is a nice, quite place to relax and enjoy good food. The sitting is benches and picnic tables and goes well with the theme.
Drinks
This place has a huge micro brewery which churns out some great thick beer. I tried three of the Beers on the list, White, Dark, and Triple. Triple has a strong taste and increased alcoholic content. It is also a house specialty. But I liked Dark Beer the best of the lot.
Triple
Starters
So we mostly focussed on snacks and quick eats to go with our drinks. The staff recommended Scotch eggs, which are fried boiled eggs with a coating of minced chicken. I would recommend this too, especially with Beer. Chicken Veepudu
Classroom Masala Chicken
Chicken 65
Marghi na Farcha - The best amongst the lot - A parsi chicken recipe
Tai Chi Chicken - Your basic chili chicken cooked in a different style
I didn't like the Harissa Chicken much. The others were way better. The fish is also good here.
A great place to chill out with a unique theme and a strong culinary display. The service is also par excellence.
