Redefining romance on the Machan

My latest article on Rediff talks about this amazing new secret I stumbled upon. Imagine tree-houses with views of hills to die for. Now imagine those rooms to have every conceivable luxury so that at no point are you 'roughing it out'. A private deck with a stand-alone bathtub in one corner, an attic with a daybed and panoramic views and quaint handmade wooden furniture. This is an experience quite different from any that you may have had.

If you believe in romance...and magic...and the beauty of stars...and candle light dinners....this is the perfect place for you to take the one you love.

Read the article here and judge for yourself.

Homesick

I feel hollow inside. I never knew that leaving a city could do that to a person. Two weeks back home, back in the familiar spoilt me. Returning to this crazy, selfish, impersonal city makes me want to hold my breath, and not release it. I'm trying hard to see beyond, remember my routine, get accustomed to loneliness. But this time, it's like a dark shadow that refuses to leave my side.

I shut my windows, switch on the air conditioning and try to cocoon myself in the comfortable. Place the laptop in front so that I remember all my pending assignments that demand my attention. But how do I stop my heart from yearning? How do I feel numb again? How do I get myself to release the breath and take another one?  

A thousand years

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone,
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

[Chorus:]
I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Masala Library - Taking Molecular Gastronomy to the Next Level

A friend reminded me how I haven't updated my blog for almost a month. So I'm back, and how. This month's been a crazy one, lots going one, professionally and personally. But I feel stronger, more in control, a little wiser than before.

My latest restaurant review talks about what possibly could be the most revolutionary restaurant in the country. Rivaled only by Indian Accent in Delhi, Masala Library was a revelation. They take Molecular Gastronomy to new heights.

Galauti Kabab

If there is only one restaurant you can visit in Mumbai, make sure it is this one.

Mishti Doi Palate Cleanser

Read the review here.

Listening to the sounds of silence in Panchgani

Nature has an effect on me that is difficult to explain. It calms me down and gives me peace. I can sit for hours and listen to the echo of crickets in the hills. Or watch the waves crash on the rocks or gently roll on to the beach. No city does this for me...only the serenity of nature can.

My latest article on Rediff is a short travelogue of my recent weekend in Panchgani. A piece I thoroughly enjoyed writing because it came from the heart...unadulterated and non-commercial.

Read it here.   

Le Pain Quotidien - French Bistro Reviewed

Le Pain Quotidien is my happy-place when I need a little pick-me-up. It's where I treat myself when I've achieved something fantastic on the professional front or where I like to drink a glass of Sangria as I look out at the rain.

My latest restaurant review on Rediff shares with you some of the fabulous things you should try at LPQ. Read the article here.

Weekend Plans?

Hills bloom at Palampur

If you haven't made vacation plans yet for the long weekend, here is help. My curated list of memorable weekend getaways for you to enjoy getting away from the city.

Read the article on Rediff here.