Ratanlal Bhagwandas Barfiwala

The next on the agenda of Sunday morning culinary journey was Ratanlal Bhagwandas Barfiwala at Bhuleshwar

In the whole world I have not yet found any other alternative for their Shrikhnad, Tirangi Barfi and Sakhareche Pedhe.

Every Hindu festival early in the morning you will find me at Ratanlal Bhagwandas Barfiwala for Shrikhand without which the celebration is incomplete.

A visit to Ratanlal Bhagwandas Barfiwala at Bhuleshwar is a must for the persons with Sweet Tooth.

You can get mithai's without Varkh also.

Prakash Dugdha Mandir -Estd in 1947

PIYUSH

हाण गणप्या हाण

Prakash Dugdha Mandir,

This Sunday morning my culinary journey started from Prakash Dugdha Mandir opp. Phadke Wadi Ganesh Mandir, near Sicka Nagar V.P.Road, Mumbai.

It is one of the oldest Marathi restaurants who have maintained the same age-old original menu and the original look and same taste, and the same exceptionally good quality for last so many decades. In a period where other Maharastrian restaurants, started serving Punjabi, South Indian dishes to attract customers, Prakash has strongly refused to change and adhered to Pure and only Marathi snacks. Please note that the specialty items have schedule about the servings e.g. On Sunday - Batata Puri, Samosa, Moong Bhaji, Dahi Vada, Monday – Batata Puri, Sabudana Vada and so on.

For breakfast I choose Dahi Misal. Prakash have unique way of preparing Misal. It’s different from others. It consists of Vangi Pohe, Batata Bhaji, Mataki Usal, Chana Patal Usal, Sev, Chivda and Dahi and I am addicted to its taste and I cannot stay away from it.

The limited items available are Vangi Pohe, Batata Bhaji, Sabudana Khichadi, Batata Puri, Samosa, Moong Bhaji, Dahi Vada, Sabudana Vada, Mataki Usal ( But they refused to serve Pav along with usal) and Masala Dudh. The surrounding area being dominated by Gujarathi community, no wonder Prakash is patronized largely by them.

I am quite sure one fine day, mortal must have asked GOD, why the Nectar, is not meant for him? And then he must have been told to go to Prakash for Piyush. You see, in Kaliyug the Nectar has taken form of “PIYUSH”.

Even though Prakash have limited sitting capacity and unwieldy area, it’s worth while visiting them.

PAV - MUMBAI ISSTYLE

It goes well with Pav_Bhaji

If you wannna burn your fingers and mouth while eating oven fresh, pipping hot pav, just go to Yazadni Bakery at Khadilkar Road, Girgaum, Mumbai around 7.00 p.m in the night and keep waiting for the Pav's to be removed from Ovens. Be first among the lot to avoid disappointment as it gets disappear into the hands of greedy customers next moment as soon as they are out.

Shri Milind Deora, Member of Parliament,

Shri Nandkishor Bhatkar assuring us the Improvement in the Life

Keeping his Assurances . After Repairing

Typical housegully

This is just to say you thank you for the refurbishment of housegullies (Area between two buildings which is the ideal dumping ground for the residents) in the lane where I stay, from Area Development Fund available to you as our Member of Parliament.

I would also like to express gratitude towards Shri Nandkishor Bhatkar, who has been the main instrumental person beyond the work of improving conditions of all housegullies in the locality.

In south Mumbai, problem of housegullies still haunts the civic authorities. We the residents, tried to solve it through citizens initiative and participation.

Unfortunately, in spite of our best efforts, a condition of some of the housegullies deteriorated over a period of time due to various reasons like age old drainage system, non-co-operation from the residents of next lane etc. Those housegullies were in really bad shape and there was necessary for the restoration and then Shri Milind Deora, Shri Nandkishor Bhatkar, Shri Narendra Walawalkar, Mrs. Jayamala Walawalkar, Shri Ajit Sawant, Shri Patkar and their team came to our rescue.

Now this will help us to improve hygiene condition of our lane and quality of life of the residents living.

We are proud to have you as our representative in the Parliament.

GOLD SOUK DUBAI

माझी बायको खुप शहाणी आहे. अजिबात हट्ट करत नाही. काही म्हणजे काही मागत नाही. जरा सुद्दा नाही. नशिब माझे हा सोन्याचा ब्लाउज बघताना जवळ्पास मारीच नव्हता. मग माझी खैर नव्हती. ( मागितले तरी पाकीटात पैसे हवेत ना, लाड पुरवायला )

मायानगरीच ही. केव्हा केव्हा वाटते मयसभेत बावचळ्लेल्या दुर्योधनाला पाहुन द्रौपदी उगाचच हसली. आमचीसुद्धा दुर्योधन सारखी अवस्था झाली होती. जणु काही कोकणातुन बाल्या पहिल्यादा मुबईत बोटीतुन उतरला. आम्हीहि तसेच बावचळलो होतो.

CHESS

http://www.playchess.com/

This is the site where I play chess only to lose. ( Well most of time)

Anyway I am big loser now and always . The reason "I do not know what I want" same goes with my life. And most of the time I lose winning game as usual.

Remember, whenever you are near victory, there is always somewhere hidden moment of defeat, from which one must be careful.

Another reason is one has to keep himself updated, where I lack behind.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

MY DEAR WIFE AND MOTHER ,

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY.

"8th March is International Women's Day... some of you might say it is over rated to celebrte such a day, but I happen to think otherwise

"Today women are lovers, mothers, and career women. Who else is able to balance such a load, and do it with a smile?"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, The place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the care that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman, with passing years - only grows.

This is what a women is... tell me if u think otherwise....

An angel of truth and a dream of fiction,
a woman is a bundle of contradiction,
she's afraid of a wasp, will scream at a mouse,
but will tackle her boyfriend alone in the house.

She'll take him for better, she'll take him for worse
she'll break open his head and then be his nurse
but when he's well and can get out of bed
she'll pick up the tea-pot and aim for his head.

Beautiful and keenly sighted, yet blind,
crafty and cruel, yet simple and kind
she'll call him a king, then make him a clown,
raise him on a pedestal, then knock him flat down.

She'll inspire him to deeds that ennoble man,
or make him her lackey to carry her fan.
she'll run away from him and never come back
but if he runs away, then she'll be on his tracks

Sour as vinegar, sweet as a rose,
she'll kiss you one minute, then turn up her nose,
she'll win you in range, enchant you in silk,
she'll be stronger than brandy, milder than milk.

At times she'll be vengeful, merry and sad,
she'll hate you like poison, and love you like mad ....!!!!!

"So Celebrate The Special Lady in your Life... be it your grandmother, mother, sister, girfiriend, wife, daughter, friend, colleague... Give them a little, they might surprise you with ten times more...."
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Borrowes from email received )

Chaphekar Dugdha Mandir

In the life, I fail to understand why sometimes, we do not have value for the things or persons, so close to you. I really do not know why Chaphekar Dugdha Mandir, Marathi Restaurant, fully renovated and ready to survive in the rat race and which is so close to my residence, is yet to be visited by me, even though my parents do order snacks. I only have my childhood memories of mother taking us to Chaphekar’s on the way home from the school and eating Batata Puri, Sabudana Vada and Piyush.

Chaphekar Dugdha Mandir is at Dr.D.B.Marg, Grant Road, Mumbai. Let me list down the restaurants in and around Dr.D.B.Marg, who have downed their shutter, in spite of locating on the one of busiest road and the main business district.

1 Sher-E-Punjab – the most prestigious and authenticate Punjabi original restaurant.
2. Sher-E-Punjab – another low budget restaurant
3. Krishna – South Indian Restaurant
4. Sahakar – South Indian Restaurant
5. King- originality is lost long back
6. Aaram – Gujarati Thali Restaurant
7. Bombay A1 – The best Kheema Pao and Omelets Pao
8. Kalpana- South Indian Restaurant
9. Ramanujaneya – South Indian Restaurant
10. Geeta Bhavan – Lost its charm nowadays – very good Sindhi, Punjabi food at reasonable price
11. Tambe / Neo Coffee House – was popular among literary world
12. Vasant Vilas – South Indian Restaurant
13. Liladhar- the best of Kombadi Vade and malvani food
15. Kamath /Vasant Bhuvan – was closed for long period, now under renovation.
16. Raman Vilas - Near Avantikabai Gohkale Rd.

So in those scenarios, isn’t incredible, Chaphekar’s has not only survived but has taken rebirth like phoenix and flourished.

To come back to their menu, it contains pure maharashtrian snacks like Pohe, Upma, Sheera, Batata Vada, Kothiimbir Vadi, Alu Vadi,Misal, Kandha Bhaji, Thalipith, Cutlet, Samosa,Pattice,Puri Bhaji, Usal Pao, Kala Vatana Usal, Channa Usal, Chavli Usal, Moong Usal., then Fasting items like Batata Puri, Sabudana Vada, Upavasachi Misal, Khichadi, Shendgdana Usal etc.

And then the Usual Marathi Thali for Lunch.

So, when I am going to try it out? May be today of Tomorrow.

Radio Idli

Spirit of Inspirat...

http://radioidli.blogspot.com/ for more details pl visit http://varshavnaik.blogspot.com/


Radio Idli is a new "audio blog" a unique concept by Nagesh. Its a GSB Community Radio on Blogger. A mix of Konkani humour, various songs in many lingos by contributors from all over the globe and variety of amazing featured programmes that will entertain you.

DNA has done a story on Nagesh's this effort in their edition today.
Do tune in to Radio Idli and leave your feedback.

KOLHAPURI CHIVDA UPAHARGRUHA

Come on Let's go to enjoy Olya Kajuchi Usal This season we go all the way to Kolhapuri Chivda for Olya Kajuchi Usal.

Kolhpuri Chivda - Please do not take the literal meaning - It's a name of Upahargruha (Restaurant) where Pure marathi bhojan is guaranteed and it's true representative of Maharshtrian Restaurant in the heart of Maharashtrian Girgaum, off Thakurdwar Girgaum, Mumbai, one of the original restaurant, fully renovated recently and who has taken 360 degree turnover.

It's like changing regional brand to global brand and relaunching of a Brand and I like it. To survive and to flourish in the tough competition one has to take such drastic steps and Shri Velankar Bandhu has done it. The first floor is fully air-conditioned. Good Decor, Good Service and delicious simple homely food. It's more than enough to live.

Today morning we ordered food from Kolhapuri Chivda, even though it was simple meal, I felt it was a gastronomical delight. Phansachi (Jackfruit) Bhaji, my wife’s favorite, Sukhi Batata Bhaji (my mother and mine favorite), Pulao, Dal Fry, Koshimbir, Chappatties

Kolhapuri Chivda, even though you will find South Indian and Punjabi Dishes on the menu (may be they are trying to follow Udipi restaurants), if you arrive at Lunch / Dinner time its better to stick to Bhojan Thali or Chouras Aahar (Meals) or at the most to Masale Bhat, They also serves seasonal dishes like Ole Kajugar Usal, Aamras Puri, Amba Dal, Undhiyo etc. They also have excellent Sweets Shop.

(Gone to dinner)

MY VISUAL DNA

Inspiration from http://varshavnaik.blogspot.com/

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Bura na maano aaj holi hai

The Gaylords

It's my aattyabai's birthday today and I bought Birthday Dome cake from The Gaylords, Churchgate, as usual.

LUNAR ECLIPSE

IT'S LUNAR ECLIPSE TONIGHT

WHERE ARE THE GODS GONE

THE GODS ARE HAVING A DIP IN THE WATER

YOUNG ARTIST AND HIS TEAM

BEWARE USTADJI YOU HAVE TOUGH COMPETITION AHEAD

VINAYAK KESHAV, HOLI AND PURANACHI POLI

VALACHE BIRDE AND VARAN BHAT

TEL POLI
PURAN POLI - NOTICE MILK AND SHUDDHA GHARCHE TUP

VINAYAK KESHAV AND CO

HOLI RE HOLI PURANACHI POLI
SAHEBACHYA XXXXXXXXX BANDUKICHI GOLI

ही आहे होळीची बोब.

It’s Holi today and time for Puranpoli, Telpoli and Holi and it’s a time to Visit Homely, Decent shop called “ Vinayak Keshav and Co. at Maharaja Bldg. JSS Road, Near Girgaum Church, Mumbai Phone no.2388 5112 and 6515 1508 to buy those specialty, tempting items and remember to place an order much in advance The chances of getting Puranpoli at the last moment are remote or almost nil.

It’s the same place where we order UKADICHE MODAK on Ganesh Chaturthi.

http://harekrishnaji.blogspot.com/2006/09/temptation.html

The other items I like to buy them are, different varieties of Ladoos, Dink Ladoo, Besan Kadoo, RAva Ladoo, Churma Ladoo, Moong Ladoo, and Nachaniche Ladoo always fresh as usual.

JAYARAMSHETHCHI BHAJI

This is my post for this month's JFI by Vaishali , http://happyburp.blogspot.com/. That was the first blog on foods I discovered and thru which the Delicious , heavenly world of Parabrambha was opened for me. Thanx Vaishali.

We, the whole family of ours are extremely grateful to the person who discovered Potato and the persons brought it to India. Without Potato's our family would be literally starving.

My maternal grandfather ate this vegetable at his friend's place, Shri Jayaramsheth's residence and he liked it so much , next day he ordered cook to prepare the same and he named the Vegetable as "JAYARAMSHETHCHI BHAJI,"

Ingredients:
Potatos,
Mustard seeds.
Red Chili Powder,
Turmeric,
Asafetida,
Grated coconut,
Salt to taste.

Method:

Peel Potato skin and make small pieces. Wash it. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed or non-stick pan. Add Potato pieces, Mustard, Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric, Asafetida, Mix it and cook it for 20 minutes on low flame. After 20 mins, add grated coconut and Serve. and watch for the effect of Mustard seeds

VINAY HEALTH HOME- It's all about licking your fingers

This article was written earlier, bringing in front for the sake of benefit for those who have came across my blog recently

December 31, 2006

There are so many ways to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. We wanted to end year 2006 with the delicious note. 2006 was the year our culinary journey was at peak in Dubai with international cuisines and we desired to reach parallel peak or rather a higher level with pure typical maharashtian cuisines. The choice was obvious, none other than Vinay Health Home. You see, I have always believed in “Enjoy what you are doing or is it eating?” and Trust your reflexes". In my point of view Vinay Health Home ( Jawahar Masnsion, Phanaswadi, Dr.Jayakar MArg, Mumbai 400 002. Phone No.2208 1211 ) is the ultimate maharastian posh restaurant for snacks. In fact my first blog on restaurants started with Vinay, but then I felt that it was written in a brief and justice was not done and I should rewrite the review.

For tonight's occassion, we selected Vinay Health Home mainly because of their prime dishes none other than irresistible, tasty, spicy, and mouth-watering (having a delicious smell or appearance) , yes your guess is absolutely right, Patal Usal Pav and Sp.Misal Pav. My claim should not be sounding exaggerated, if I describe “Vinay's Usal/Misals as “The Rolls-Royce "

By the way, my wife’s personal favorite is the platter called Patal Bhaji Pav. Today in believing “Only Change is constant”, she ordered Sp.Misal Pav, followed by Sabudana Wada as usual. She is just crazy after the Potato-Groundnut chutney served along with it and I have a hunch that she ask for Sabudana Vada only because of the Chutney. I as usual, ordered for Toast Veg. Sandwich. I do not know why we always stick to and place an order for second dish with those two items only, when Vinay Health Home have so much varieties to offer. I have tasted their Batata Vada with excellent taste, Olya Vatana Pattis (Green Peas Pattis) another interesting dish.

As the name denotes, Vinay Health Home really takes care of our health. They not only have very hygienic Kitchen, even their backyard is cleanly.

(Gone to Sleep. More to come in the New year)

January 1, 2007. Happy New Delicious year to all.

The New Year’s resolution is to avoid repetition overall and in Vinay in particular , widen scope and give equally recognition to all other dishes on the menu. Today morning I was going through the Menu Card & was thrilled with the innovative catchy captions. "Mharatmoola Vinay, Dakshin “Mukhi” Vinay, Pharali Vinay, Jain Vinay (?) ( Kanda Lasun Varjit, Onion and Garlic Prohibited), Chatpatit Vinay, Toasty-Testy Vinay, Thodkaata Pan Mahatvache, Garama garam Vinay, Vinaycha Thanda Mamla, Rasbharit Vinay " and so on.

On going in depth, I discovered many more food items. Different versions of Misals, Kothimber Vadi, Onion/Potato Bhaji/Bhaji. Sheera, Tikhat Mithacha Shanja, Potato Pohe, Vangi Pohe, Tomato Vada (Never heard before. Must try out) , Veg. Samosa, Aloo vadi, Thalipet, Dalimbi (Also), Potato Puri, Sabudana Khichadi, Shengdana Usal, Khamang Kakdi ( Time for saliva ), Pharli Patice, Kharwas, Dahi Idli, Dahi Vada, Milk Shakes, Veg. Ice creams, Fruit Juices and so on. The list is exhaustive, total number of food items, 146. Vow. So many times I have even carried Misal Pav to my office for breakfast for my colleagues on their demand.

One small advice, always remember to end the gastronomical experience with Mango Lassi only. One and Only One, and not to forget Kaju Vadi available at the Counter.

To know more on Vinay, just log on to

http://www.busybeeforever.com/viewarticle.asp?filename=eatingout921200413446.xml&section=eatingout

B.TAMBE UPAHAR GRUHA -Jevayala Chala

This article was written earlier, bringing in front for the sake of benefit for those who have came across my blog recently.

My wife is very angry rather upset tonight. My crime is I did not carry Gul Poli ( Poli or chappaties made with Jaggery, my mistake, I should not have mentioned Gulpoli ) back home, her all time favorite, from B.Tambe Upahar Gruha, specially prepared on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. She is down with fever today, and asked me to bring food from outside and next moment without second thought I reached B.Tambe. Where else I would get homely, hygienic, tasty and delicious, exceptionally good bhojan in pleasant ambience at reasonable rates?

B.Tambe is a Restaurant upmarketed beyond recognition, reopened recently at J.Shankershett Road, Thakudwar Naka, Girgaum, Mumbai, with a large and loyal clientele, well known for Authenticate Maharashtian dishes and thali. Why I use term Authenticate Maharashtian Dishes and Thali? Reason is quite obvious. Maharashtian Bhojan and Maharashtian’s restaurants are becoming rare in the capital city. In Mumbai, there are very few Marathi restaurants which can be counted on the fingertips who have not only survived and have flourished and B.Tambe is I would rate highest among them, who have maintained the same good quality food over the ages.

The best of marathi food in Class I comfort.

It is no longer the old restaurant that you may have visited. The place has been remodelled, reconstructed to reintroduce much neglected and misunderstood marathi cuisine to mumbai. Needless to mention about the two high-flyer restaurants, Viva Paschim at Worli ( We have tried it before twice when my wallet was full of Credit Cards and were unimpressed both the times) and newly opened Diva Maharshtracha” at Mahim. They are meant only for the elite class. One cannot afford them for regular meals. They are not for me and besides I have surrendered all my Credit Cards.

We have been a Twice-a-month regular at the B.Tambe Upahar Griha. Tonight I ordered Bajarichi Bhakari with Til. Zhunka , Dalimbi (the Ultimate) in thali. Two vegetables per meal. It was a feast one's eyes, followed by Kharwas. I selected again Dalimbi, Batata Sukhi Bhaji, Tomato Batata Rassa Bhaji, Masale Bhat, in the parcel which I carried home for her and for my old parents.

All these years we had restricted ourselves to Snacks and thali only. Tonight I realized that B.Tambe even have a good sweet shop attached. (More to come on Sweets shop)

So, if it is food you want, vegetarian food and mainly marathi , come to B.TAMBE UPAHAR GRUHA. I had covered B.Tambe earlier in one of the blogs on Maharashtian Restaurants. Plesae click on to know more.

http://harekrishnaji.blogspot.com/2006/09/btambe-kolhapuri-chivda-prakash-aswad.html

And I must tell you as guessed rightly, after dinner, she changed her mind and pardoned me ( of course, for which I promised to take her to B.Tambe next week for Gul Poli and Ukadiche Modak as penalty).

P.S I have kept my promise. Today we visited for Gulpoli.