MY FAVOURITE HANG OUT

Bistro Grill an independent chain of Arabic restaurant not only dishes out delicious Arabic fare but also soaks the patron in an exotic experience of Arabia promoted by the Bawa Hospitality & Services Pvt Ltd.  The authentically Mediterranean taste at Bistro will tickle the most discerning taste buds, making it the finest of Arabic dinning experience. The food is healthy, fresh and prepared with superior ingredients, pronounced creativity and complimented with prompt service.

The sweet aroma of spices and the sight of the shawarmas cooking are the indicators of the legitimacy of this Arabic restaurant. The restaurant interior and live music gives a very lively and friendly ambience. The famed Hummus, a vegetarian dip made of ground cooked chickpeas mixed with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil served with flat pita bread. The appetizers include an array of dishes like Oriental Chicken Salad, Vegetable Paneer Mint etc.

Bistro Grill has a specialized chef from Kuwait (Gulf) Sadanand Kotian, an expert in Arabic cuisine, adept at preparing delicious Arabic food such as –salads, sizzlers, mouth watering kebabs, curries, veg /non veg- Platters, biryani  using spices like Samack powder (an Iranian flower powder), Zatar, sesame and shawarama powder sourced from Gulf for authenticity.

The ingredients used are of top notch quality and are imported from Gulf to make the food lip-smacking, authentic and of excellent quality. This ensures that patrons keep coming back to Bistro Grill for more which manifest itself in our steady growth.

Another specialty is Grilled Chicken BBQ, wherein the whole chicken is marinated in Arabic herbs and spices in rotation. It is then roasted in rotisserie. The sauce variants include mint sauce, cucumber yogurt and spicy tomato sauce. The Pizza Zatar with cheese, served with strips of beetroot and garlic sauce, is another good choice. Zatar, a popular Arabic spice,which is evenly spread on the pizza bread topped with cheese and black olives. The Grilled Lebanese Chicken, Chicken Sharwarma, Shish Taouk are the other dishes that make the main course. The sizzlers include Grilled Prawns and Fish.

Samak Harra (Grill Fish) is a delectable Lebanese cuisine featuring an excellent fish marinated that really brings out the flavour of the fish and yet grilled. It is grilled with Arabic spices and herbs that are spanking fresh and flavorsome. The grilled fish is marinated with garlic, lemon juice and savored with sliced green chilies. The Harra tomato curry sauce is a combination of chili tomato paste topped with green capsicum, onions and garnished with fresh coriander leaves. The Samak Harra boldly enhances the natural flavours of your favorite grilled fish, making your meal more palatable.

Bistro Grill also serves a spectrum of Indian and Imported Wines, Cognac, Beers, Vodka, Scotch and Single malts. To capitalize on the exclusive Middle Eastern setting there is an air conditioned section at the Bistro Grill exclusively for Hookah lovers. The Mediterranean specialty shakes include Jeniffer, Terminator, Brooke, Bruce and Super Star. Bistro Grill will leave you with an enjoyable and exhilarating experience, which will keep you wanting for more. 

5 IGNORED WONDERS OF MUMBAI

5 Ignored wonders of Mumbai!!

If you felt that the victory of Taj Mahal in Lebanon was nothing but a marketing gimmick, you were bulls-eye. And if you felt that marketing gimmick should be applied at the right places, then you must surely give it a thought. Apparently, there are certain wonders in Mumbai which aint that great or huge in canvas alias Taj Mahal, but yes they can be certainly considered as the heritage places in Mumbai. And if you felt that it was an exaggeration, then you are wrong. 

Yes, I am talking about the 5 wonders of Mumbai. The Mahakali Caves, the Worli Fort, Watson’s Hotel, Karnala Fort and last but not the least the Shiv Temple. These are just few of the many wonders in Mumbai which have lost their pride due to ignorance, but these are one of the topmost places which are worth getting sighted. To start with Mahakali Caves formerly known as Kondivita caves dating back almost two thousand years, carved out of solid black basalt rock located between Andheri, Jogeshwari and Vikhroli, sandwiched between the Borivali National Park and Aarey Milk Colony, surrounded by encroachments and shanties and is declared endangered.

The second big thing is the Worli Fort, an ancient British Fort, often mistakenly referred to as being built by the Portuguese. Built on the Worli Hill, overlooked the Mahim Bay was used as a lookout for enemy ships and pirates. The upkeep of the fort has been impossible due to its inaccessibility, as the roads leading to it are completely blocked by illegal hutments that have cropped up over the years, only to be overlooked by the local authorities for the sake of electoral gain and bribes paid for allowing illegal constructions. The fort is completely in ruins today and a slum has enveloped the edifice, making it a den for illegal activities like the brewing of illicit liquor within its confines. A bell tower peeps out of the ruins and the ramparts are used to dry clothes. One ray of hope is the new Bandra-Worli sea link that will skirt around the Worli peninsula, bringing the fort back into the public eye, and hopefully, will lead to some action from the government.

To follow-up is the Shiv Temple in Ambernath which aint exactly situated in Mumbai but still it has one of the stupendous histories behind it which can arguably overtake any other historical place. Built over 1200 years ago of interlocking black stone in the “hemadpanti” style, covered with exqusite carvings has a “swayambhu” Shiv Ling. But unfortunately some carvings are now falling off due to poor maintenance and neglect otherwise it’s a rage during Mahashivratri.

If that wasn’t enough then Watson Hotel may make you think over again, known as the Esplanade Mansions located in Kala Ghoda. Built as the only white’s only hotel, it was the swankiest hotel in the city with 5 storeys with wide open balconies which lost in the race with Taj Mahal. The rooms in Watson's Hotel were built around the atrium in a courtyard arrangement. Just a few days after its nomination for being funded, part of the building's western facade (not seen in the picture) – originally balconies developed into tiny offices, collapsed, killing one person and crushing several cars and motorcycles parked in the street below. The building is currently listed as a Grade II-A heritage structure.

If you felt that we have nearly covered Mumbai, then you must wait and watch because even New Bombay has something to offer from its side. If you ask some of the Navi Mumbaikars, then you might get an instantaneous feedback on the name “Karnala Fort” situated between Panvel and Pen which is also known for its forest and bird sanctuary and gets tremendous response by the tourists during the peak time of monsoon.

When there are so many things in stores offered by these places, why the Government doesn’t consider changing their outlook towards such fantabulous places which can easily prove as a steeping stone towards Mumbai’s success and can provide it with a cutting edge over the others. When Mumbai is considered as the economic capital of India, why it isn’t spending much of its finance on such stupendous works. When there is a Taj Mahal being used as an ace card by Delhi, Mumbai must also think over using one of these cards and get itself back on track. Called as the “City of Dreams” lets sit down and try to fulfill the dreams seen by the people who went their heart outs working for such places. Let’s not shatter them, because it’s not just their dream it’s a part of our own city and our own culture.

A SHORT STORY

I am not a storyteller, or one that can weave an epic story of betrayal, love and tragedy. I will never be able to sell a single fiction book, even if I sold it for 5 cents. However, I will like to present a very simple story, one that fits the mood of Valentine’s/Friendship Day. This is just a very simple story about a boy and a girl.

There was a boy. He was remarkably ordinary, at least not good-looking, smart, friendly or even kind. In fact, he is often too blunt in his words, and often gained enemies without noticing. He did not really care though; he was happy just being in his self-contained sphere. He was also a very pragmatic person, yet his failure was his idealism in romance. He experienced quite a few fleeting relationships, never lasting more than a year. He enjoyed falling in love, because it made him feel on top of the world. Yet, he hated falling in love because he found his heart crushed by the very girl he wished to love. He did not trust love. He only trusted in himself.

One day, the boy decided to blog. It was a dilettantish interest to share his thoughts about things he liked. The truth was that the boy was a little lonely. Oh, he had friends, a few good close friends that he can regard as buddies. However, they never truly knew who he was. He was never able to be fully himself, or he always had to hide his true feelings behind a shell of denial. Everyone was the same way, he often thought, and he was one that did not enjoy wearing that mask.

When he first started blogging, he did not have many visitors to his site. However, one of the visitors was a girl that seemed to have so much in common with him. The girl sounded eloquent, and clearly has a good grasp of writing. As an writer, the boy was impressed with the girl. After a few exchanges, the boy emailed the girl, wanting to see if he could speak with her on another platform. The boy found himself slowly interested in this rather mysterious girl.

After spending time talking to this girl on the phone, he realized that he cannot fall in love with this girl. They are across two continents apart, and the boy is not a millionaire to travel over every few days. It seemed impossible, and he heard all the tales of “it’s just an online relationship.” He was not going to find himself in a position where he would feel helpless. He tried to convince himself but found himself attracted to the girl’s demeanor. He told himself that he could not go on with this.

But he did. He fell in love with the girl, and the girl fell in love with him too. After a crazy confession across two continents on the phone, the boy was with the girl. They eventually met in real life too, when the boy flew over to meet the girl. By then, he already knew that the girl he fell in love with was not the same girl that he knew a few months earlier. All humans hid the bad side of themselves when they first know a person. The girl did too. The boy once again fell in love with the girl. Together, they are still trying to find a way so that they can be together. The time is not yet here, but it will come if they keep persevering.

In love, it is not perfection that makes a relationship work. It is the beautiful flaws that are bridged by the human hand. The human touch is fragile yet powerful, and it is perhaps the only way that two people can be brought together. There is never such a thing such as a perfect couple, for that means these two are probably not in love with each other. Perhaps, I am wrong but humans are flawed. How can something that is built of flaws be perfect? For those who are attached, cherish the flaws of your partner for these flaws are created for a reason. For those who are single, your moment is soon to come: it’s only whether you want to take the first step or enjoy spending time with what is most important to all humans. Yourself.

 

I love you all

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMAN IN AMERICAN POLITICS

The most influential women in American politics

For a women to augment in an allegedly male chauvinist society is a laudable story and we can owe this paradigm shift to Miss Rice & her profound influences in the political domain of the World’s super power, America. Born to John Wesley in Alabama, she completed her Masters in Political Science before joining Carters administration hitherto now a part of Bush’s Republican Party. Though being a Republican by fabric, she has played transformational role in setting up diplomatic relationships with the democratic nations in the Middle East. Issues spanning from Israeli- Palestinian conflict to Lebanon, from Iran to Iraq she has been an outspoken lady playing a pivotal role as National Security Advisor & the Secretary of State. She has taken a holistic approach over both regional & international issues such as relocating diplomats in countries like China as well as in hardships areas such as Iraq. Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, bilateral issues has always been at the main threshold of her initiatives. Much to the joy of the secular democratic nation of India, Rice partnered with Bush to improve the much strained Indo-US relationships along with the Nuke deal. As a Progressive black minor, along with her much acclaimed endeavors she also had to face some share of criticism over her role in the Iraq War, rhetoric speeches and a fading reputation among the blacks for her presence in the Bush Administration. Being a spinster, her anomalous personality has certainly made her an influential woman globally.

BRING BACK HEATH LEDGER!!!!

Sheer class and an epitome of artistic exhibition of talent. Yes that’s a single sentence to sum up the Heath Ledger portrayal of Joker in the latest edition of Batman series “The Dark Knight”. If Nicholson is remembered for making the character of Joker Immortal, Heath Ledger can be proudly called as unarguably the perfect successor. Fear, frown, anti-mankind attitude, and name it and Mr. Ledger has it. For once the main protagonist in the movie was overshadowed by this terrifying villain. Who says villains can’t be “Icons”, it’s totally an understatement. There could not have been a better choice for this role than the stalwart himself. The person no longer exists in this world, but his incredible performances over the years including the Joker’s have given him divine powers. Even the Almighty Himself must be shocked to see the demise of The Most promising Actor and would be happy to get him. If there is a cosmic world then Heath’s performance should be placed there in a museum. The person who sent shock waves across the country with his stunning performance in the much acclaimed “The broke Back Mountain” was on a roll with this classic saga. Yes even the Oscars are waiting, waiting to proudly fall in the hands of a legend, but unfortunately his absence will be a big loss for the billions and billions of supporters in all corners of the world. Nolan was right: Ledger was fearless. Take a Bow Mr. Ledger. The word “Joker” no longer exists in just cards, its there live and exclusive. Here is an Art; all you need to do is just give it a “Thumbs Up”. The physical appearance of Ledger is no longer in the picture, but his spirits won’t ever give up. You might see more and more Jokers coming up on the celluloid and the domain of films, even mommies have to pull up their socks and be on their toes as they might see their children painting up their faces trying to harass and torcher their fellow mates. There might be a two page chapter on “The Joker” in the syllabus of the educational institutions or a book titled “101 methods to become a Joker”. Just come out of the room and witness “A cult Character”. Are you still unaware of it? You are missing out on something which is ecstatic and supernatural. 

India makes it to the finals

India is so synonymous to its festivals that each and every element of it can be closely consorted with the festivals that are celebrated in plethora. No wonder, I started this blog of mine associating India's miraculous run in Lanka with the festival taking place back home.  Just like in Shraavan, people fast and get spiritual, the Indian cricket team cannot afford to fast but definitely needs spirituality to overcome its ongoing slaughtering at the hands of the Lankans and the kiwis. The test series culminated on a very blissful note for the Indians as they managed to clinch victory from the clutches of defeat. But the one day series has taken aback the Indians by surprise as the famous pitch in "Dambulla" is making the Indians look "Dumb". Wickets tumbling, batsmen getting flummoxed by the swing and bowlers suffering the agony of the batsmen unable to put a big score and to add to it some horrendous decisions from the umpires.

But India has finally jumped out of the precarious situation by beating New Zealand in the last preliminary match. This time around the Dambulla wicket turned gold for India as its bowlers ripped through the batting line-up of New Zealand. After setting a mediocre total on the board (mediocre not on the funky wickets in lanka), India had the odds in its favor considering the moist wicket. And the edgy batting line up of New Zealand crumbled like a pack of cards. The beauty of the game is clearly depicted by this match, a few weeks ago, the skipper was complaining about the dodgy wicket in Dambulla but now the same pitch has worked in its favor.

As the Indians get all geared up for the finale against the Lankans, I hope this time around the skipper does not have any qualms about the wicket and simply concentrate on the game. As we could infer from the New Zealand game that a positive mind-set overshadows all the external factors.

Waiting to see the Lankan wickets getting rattled and the Indians back home celebrating Shraavan after demolishing the Raavan.

"CHOR GOVINDA" UNVEILED

DEAR FRIENDS,

As I promised that I would keep you abreast with the latest developments both in my personal life as well as the political circuit, I am bringing to you "CHOR GOVINDA" an initiative by Aditya Shirodkar & Ajinkya Naik of the MAHARASHTRA NAVNIRMAN SENA, headed by Raj Saheb Thackeray. Mumbai is not only the cosmopolitan but also the festivities hub of India as it plays hosts to people of diverse caste, creed, mileu and what best to kick start the season with "Janmashtmi" popularly known as Dahi Handi or Govinda ( Not the Ex-MP from North-Mumbai). North-Mumbai constituency is where we are waiting to make inroads soon. 

Several people might get flummoxed trying to gauge the actual interpretation of "Chor Govinda". Some might think it as abducting or stealing Dahi Handi, some might believe the actor Govinda has manufactured a new business of theft, but these are absolutely wrong connotations of the word. "CHOR GOVINDA" is a dress rehearsal before the actual event that would commence on the 3rd September. In traditional terms, CHOR GOVINDA" usually falls on the day of Raksha Bandhan where the Govinda Pathaks congregate for rigorous training.  

The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena has organized the "CHOR GOVINDA" at Worli, Mumbai on the 28th of August, 2010. The event is the brain child of Aditya Shirodkar and myself under the bolstering leadership of Raj Saheb Thackeray. It is an avant-garde activity which would showcase Govinda Pathaks surfacing out from diverse pockets of Mumbai like Parel, Lalbaug, Sewree, Byculla, Worli etc. Unfortunately, Mumbai has been gripped with Malaria and we sympathize with the people suffering from it. But this is what makes Mumbai anomalous and a notch ahead of other cities, its called the "Spirit of Mumbai". Be it natural calamities, terrorist activities, epidemic outbreaks or any such catastrophes, Mumbai rises in Like a Phoenix from the Ashes. And the MNS which is synonymous to Aggression wont let Malaria play spoilsport. The Govinda Pathaks would lead their way for the others to follow as they would construct pyramids aspiring to reach maximum heights. 

The event would also witness the popular MLA's from MNS for the likes of Bala Nandgaonkar, Ram Kadam, Nitin Sardesai and others. Ram Kadam is the one who played spoilsport for a certain MLA defiantly promising to take oath in Hindi. To add icing on the cake, several Marathi Celebrities would also illuminate the occasion with their presence. 

So pull up your socks and get ready for the festive season to kick start as the MNS gets equipped to set the stone rolling. The chants are already buzzing through and I can hear the echo, "Govinda Aaala Re" in distinct MNS style.

Jai Maharashtra