Foodscape

Here comes some exciting news for all food lovers around town. It is the Restaurant Week in New York city. Starting January 23rd till the 10th of February 2017. And its just in time, when you thought all festivities are done with and all you have to do is to  deal with the ordeal of  harshness of  a winter. But then, it's New York city and things are different here. Just as the saying goes, the city never sleeps, the city is also never out of a festivity. It's always a celebration in New York city. So, Rejoice , unwind and explore the endless food choices in New York City, the dining capital of the world.

                                         Christmas brings wonders to the world for sure and one year, I was left wondrous with an amazing revelation about the cellophane wrapped special "X-Mas" cakes found specially in Kolkata around Christmas. The fruit cake, as history unfolds, is a tradition in most European homes, especially in Italy, Spain and Portugal. In the medieval times it was eaten by the kings and royal families at Christmas time, hence it is also called a King’s cake. Today, I am truly humbled as I marvel on the great lineage and the legacy of the Portuguese settlers in India, that  these "cellophane wrapped cakes"sold on Kolkata streets had been silently carrying for years. It is fascinating how this cake, a royal descendant of the medieval era has made its way among the masses of Kolkata. 

   Mahalaya is round the corner, the festive feeling has set in already and the Bengali heart is beating fast. The countdown has begun. The splendid attires are chosen, accessories that goes best with them are all set aside as  the beautiful ladies and gentlemen are ready to walk the ramps and usher Goddess Durga to her Pedestal which the community rightly considers to be highest among  the Gods and celebrates Her homecoming as  their biggest extravaganza. So, it's time for us  to Eat, Pray and Love all together!!

Kolkata, September 25, 2015 (Washington Bangla Radio): Biker’s café, one of the trendiest restaurants of Kolkata celebrated its first anniversary with launching a host of new delicacies in its menu.

One fine morning I have discovered some great savory crepes right in New Jersey which are very akin to the ones I have tasted on the streets of Paris. Having tried crepes in different parts of United States and also in Canada, in Ottawa, Montreal and at Quebec city, no where did they serve the savory crepes that I am so fond of. A browse through the menu at this eatery was like a child being at a toy store, but then I kept my calm and decided to stick to my all time favorite crepe of ham and cheese. And sure enough I remain a happy soul.

A maze of waterways, bridges and tiny squares abound the magical city of Venice. Gondolas strung along canals in front of ageless buildings had been the hallmark of this timeless city. I waited with baited breath to witness this unique cityscape. Being a person who likes to tread the untrodden path, I wanted to wander along its alleys among the dilapidated but brightly hued buildings. And Lo Behold!! Here I stumble upon Piazza Santa Margarita in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. It had a striking resemblance to the ambiance of College Street and the surrounding university  area back home in Kolkata.  The location appealed to my senses at the very first sight and confirmed my conviction that this was the home for some of the best food I would ever find in Venice. And rightly so !!

A trip down memory lane began at the aisles of the Indian grocery store this weekend. I was doing my usual rounds at the grocery store when a glance by chance at the tender jackfruits sparked all memories of childhood. The spikes on them pricked my emotions and carried me to another day; another time. This was what "Poila Boishakh looked like, felt like and tasted like. Here I share the very essence of this day with you my friends, Walk this emotional journey with me..and...Shubho hok Nobo Borsho shobar.