Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2023
All You Need Is Liverpool Love
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Champing: Church Camping
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Puns on a Platter!
From the downright outrageous to the uproariously funny, weirdly named dishes offer an interesting insight into the culinary ethos of several countries around the world.
By Raul Dias
Growing up part Anglo-Indian on my Mum’s side, my initiation into the realm of oddly named dishes was complete the moment I, a preternaturally ravenous two-year-old, had had my first helping of pish-pash. Simply put, the rather onomatopoeic dish is an Anglo rite of passage every toddler must endure. Made with soft rice and some form of protein (mostly chicken), pish-pash as a dish was first spoken of by English writer Augustus Prinsep in the mid-19th century where he called it “a slop of rice-soup with small pieces of meat in it, much used in the Anglo-Indian nursery.”
Over the years, I would encounter more funnily named Anglo-Indian culinary ‘jewels’ like the meat kofta curry doppelganger with a very rude name of ball curry. Also known as the even ruder “spinster’s delight curry”, the Sunday special would always be enjoyed with its supporting acts that took the form of yellow rice and the scary-sounding (but comfortingly mild) devil chutney.
Egg banjo, on the other hand is an Anglo snack that was invented by the military during WWII and sees a sunny-side-up fried egg sandwiched between two slices of bread, all doused in the quintessentially British brown sauce. Though the etymology of ‘banjo’ in its name remains a mystery, the sandwich still lives on here in India in the form of the slightly tweaked (both in name and composition) ‘egg benjo’—an insanely popular snack made famous by Indore’s nightly food paradise of Sarafa Bazar. Here, the runny egg is substituted with a more practical folded masala omelette, the sliced bread with a toasted burger bun and brown sauce with tomato ketchup.
Blighty bites
As a university student in the UK of the mid-2000s, as I navigated my way around various college and dorm cafeterias, I was hit in the face with even more inappropriately named British dishes. Take spotted dick, for instance.
Now, before images of some virulent, male appendage-related medical condition begin to swirl in your mind, let me assure you of the name’s rather benign innocuity. This traditional British pudding (as desserts are referred to there) is made with flour, suet (a kind of animal lard), caster sugar, lemon zest and dried currants or raisins making up the ‘spotted’ component. The ‘dick’ part being an old English term for a pudding. Served warm with a thin custard sauce, this steamed pudding has been a mainstay across Britain for centuries.
I am told that the wildly popular Stinking Bishop cheese from Dymock in South West England’s Gloucestershire county apparently gets its nausea-evoking name for the juice of the Stinking Bishop Pear that it is immersed in for its ripening process. Not for its equally putrid odour that is said to be a cross between that of a wet dog and old socks.
Another such bizarrely named specimen is the rather tasty baked savoury dish called toad-in-the-hole. Eaten as part of a light dinner that the Brits call “tea”, the easy-to-prepare dish is a bunch of fried pork sausages (or to use the more colloquial term—bangers) cooked in what is essentially a buttery Yorkshire pudding. But in America, the unfortunately named dish refers to an egg cooked in the hole cut out of a piece of white, sliced bread.
Servings across the pond
Speaking of America, the land of the free too has its own posse of quirkily named dishes. Some like the molten cheese-exploding burger called the juicy Lucy and the soppy, meat sauce laden sandwich named sloppy Joe paying homage to particularly messy individuals! While others are in honour of “sleepy critters” like the 1970s cocktail party classic of pigs in a blanket that sees tiny, cocktail pork sausages wrapped in flaky pastry and then baked.
Devils on horseback is another iconic 70s party snack where pitted, dried prunes are wrapped in bacon strips and then baked. Interestingly, this snack has evolved from another strangely named turn-of-the-century one called angels on horseback, where freshly shucked oysters stood instead of the prunes.
Deep fried oysters also find a place for themselves in the New Orleans po’ boy sandwich ensconced within the crusty confines of a sliced mini French baguette. A shortened version of the original ‘poor boy sandwich’, the po’ boy was named after the conductors of the local streetcar company, who in 1929, were given the sandwiches free of charge for their daily lunch by a local restaurant during their four-month long strike for better wages.
South of the US in the Caribbean twin island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, a strangely named iteration of our very own Malabar parotta has been the number one snack for over a century. The buss up shut which is the local vernacular for “busted up shirt” is a flaky paratha that is smashed up by the cook using their hands after frying on a griddle. Thus, leaving the flatbread to resemble a torn-up shirt, pieces of which are dunked into spicy chickpea and potato curry and eaten with Trini-style mango achaar.
Found in translation
Adidas. Helmet. Walkman. Any guesses as to what this trio could possibly mean in the context of food? Well, in the Philippines they are all nicknames given to popular street food snacks, I discovered on a recent trip to the archipelago nation. So, while Adidas is what barbequed chicken feet are called, helmet is the code word for roasted chicken head and walkman is bite sized bits of grilled pig ears.
Still in the Philippines, Bicol express is a spicy stew made with pork, shrimp paste and coconut milk. It is named in honour of the passenger train service of the same name that plies between the capital Manila and the Bicol region that is well-known for its spicy cuisine.
Imam bayildi, as translated onto the English menu cards in restaurants across Turkey reads “the imam fainted” and is an old Ottoman heirloom dish. Here, whole eggplants are stuffed with a mixture of onions, garlic and tomatoes and simmered in olive oil before being served with rice and a dollop of yogurt. It is said to have got its name when an imam who was so overcome by pleasure after eating the dish, fainted.
Or maybe, the imam had just gotten a whiff of the stinking bishop…?
------
Toad-in-the-Hole
INGREDIENTS:
180 gm all-purpose flour
450 gm pork sausages (can be substituted with chicken sausages)
½ tsp salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
3 eggs, beaten
350 ml milk
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
METHOD:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour with the salt and a pinch of pepper. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour in the eggs, milk, and melted butter into the well and whisk into the flour until smooth. Cover and let the batter stand for 30 minutes.
2. Grease the bottom and sides of a medium-sized, rectangular baking dish with a little vegetable oil. Preheat the oven to 220°C and place the empty dish in it.
3. Meanwhile, in a frying pan heat remaining oil on medium flame and fry the sausages till golden brown.
4. Put the sausages in the hot baking dish and pour the batter over the sausages and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the batter is risen and golden.
5. Cut in wedges and serve warm alongside caramelised onions, brown sauce and buttery mashed potatoes.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 10th October 2020 issue of The Hindu Business Line newspaper's BLink section on page 19 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/takeaway/foods-with-bizarre-names/article32804928.ece)
Sunday, June 9, 2019
12 Hours in Belfast
All it takes is half a day to discover Northern
Ireland’s wondrous capital city—Belfast. Raul Dias shows you how!
By Raul Dias
8am
Start off your Belfast innings with a typical early morning Irish Fry Up breakfast of soda bread, eggs, bacon, sausages and baked beans. The Duke of York Pub in the city’s historic Half Bap area is an iconic spot that serves up one of the best fry ups in the city.
Start off your Belfast innings with a typical early morning Irish Fry Up breakfast of soda bread, eggs, bacon, sausages and baked beans. The Duke of York Pub in the city’s historic Half Bap area is an iconic spot that serves up one of the best fry ups in the city.
9am
Take in the colourful street art and murals that can be seen adorning the walls of buildings that dot the leafy neighbourhood of East Belfast, especially on the corner of Dee St and Newtownards Rd.
Take in the colourful street art and murals that can be seen adorning the walls of buildings that dot the leafy neighbourhood of East Belfast, especially on the corner of Dee St and Newtownards Rd.
11am
Enjoy a little pre-lunch treat by going shopping! The huge Victoria Square Shopping Centre and Castle Court on Royal Avenue are two of Belfast’s best malls to lose yourself in. But for those of you who prefer to go antique hunting, then Donegall Pass is THE place, while Smithfield Market is a haven for bric-a-brac aficionados. For jewellery fiends, look no further than Queen’s Arcade, while the lovers of expensive baubles, art and home décor must make a pilgrimage to Lisburn Road that is also fondly referred to as the Diamond Mile of Belfast.
Enjoy a little pre-lunch treat by going shopping! The huge Victoria Square Shopping Centre and Castle Court on Royal Avenue are two of Belfast’s best malls to lose yourself in. But for those of you who prefer to go antique hunting, then Donegall Pass is THE place, while Smithfield Market is a haven for bric-a-brac aficionados. For jewellery fiends, look no further than Queen’s Arcade, while the lovers of expensive baubles, art and home décor must make a pilgrimage to Lisburn Road that is also fondly referred to as the Diamond Mile of Belfast.
1pm
‘Do’ a leisurely lunch like the locals at the St Georges Market Bar. Stop in here for a pint of ale and chase it with a plate of freshly shucked oysters and finish it all off with a potent shot of the whiskey-laced Irish coffee.
‘Do’ a leisurely lunch like the locals at the St Georges Market Bar. Stop in here for a pint of ale and chase it with a plate of freshly shucked oysters and finish it all off with a potent shot of the whiskey-laced Irish coffee.
2pm
Walk off that lunch by taking a short stroll down to the Titanic Quarter, 10 minutes from the city centre along Queen’s Road for a tryst with Titanic Belfast. This fascinating museum is housed in the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, the exact same place where the seemingly un-sinkable leviathan of a vessel was constructed. The building contains more than 130,000 sq ft of floor space, most of which is occupied by the dry dock where the ship was built, as well as by a series of galleries including a replica of Titanic’s 5th and 6th floor banqueting suite.
Walk off that lunch by taking a short stroll down to the Titanic Quarter, 10 minutes from the city centre along Queen’s Road for a tryst with Titanic Belfast. This fascinating museum is housed in the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, the exact same place where the seemingly un-sinkable leviathan of a vessel was constructed. The building contains more than 130,000 sq ft of floor space, most of which is occupied by the dry dock where the ship was built, as well as by a series of galleries including a replica of Titanic’s 5th and 6th floor banqueting suite.
3pm
Bask in the warm afternoon sun at one of Belfast’s most popular natural attractions. Spread over 28 acres, the lush Botanic Gardens in the south end of the city is the place to take in the beauty of nature, one fecund plant at a time after a hectic day traipsing around the city. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and completed in 1840, the gardens today house the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine.
Bask in the warm afternoon sun at one of Belfast’s most popular natural attractions. Spread over 28 acres, the lush Botanic Gardens in the south end of the city is the place to take in the beauty of nature, one fecund plant at a time after a hectic day traipsing around the city. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and completed in 1840, the gardens today house the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine.
5pm
One of the best places to get a feel of Belfast’s music pulse is at the Oh Yeah Music Centre that houses The Belfast Music Exhibition which takes you on a unique journey—from Ruby Murray to Snow Patrol, by way of Stiff Little Fingers, Dana and Clodagh Rogers, via The Divine Comedy, Ash and The Undertones. This exhibition tells of the glorious achievements and diverse musical talents that Belfast has produced over the years.
One of the best places to get a feel of Belfast’s music pulse is at the Oh Yeah Music Centre that houses The Belfast Music Exhibition which takes you on a unique journey—from Ruby Murray to Snow Patrol, by way of Stiff Little Fingers, Dana and Clodagh Rogers, via The Divine Comedy, Ash and The Undertones. This exhibition tells of the glorious achievements and diverse musical talents that Belfast has produced over the years.
6pm
This city by the River Lagan puts on a spectacular show as the sun bids adieu. Start your tryst at the stunningly lit up City Hall. This mighty edifice and Northern Ireland’s pride and joy located in the heart of the city centre on Donegall Square first opened its doors on 1 August 1906. Take a tour exploring its inner bowels where local Belfastians register births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships.
This city by the River Lagan puts on a spectacular show as the sun bids adieu. Start your tryst at the stunningly lit up City Hall. This mighty edifice and Northern Ireland’s pride and joy located in the heart of the city centre on Donegall Square first opened its doors on 1 August 1906. Take a tour exploring its inner bowels where local Belfastians register births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships.
8pm
Treat yourself to a Titanic-themed nine course dinner hosted nightly at the stately Rayanne House restaurant and inn, housed in the city’s very own Hollywood neighbourhood. Indulge in a champagne-lubricated meal served on Royal Doulton crockery that is composed of haute cuisine dishes like the exotic salad course of asparagus and watercress with roast squab and the sublime sixth entrée course of pan-seared filet mignon topped with foie gras and truffles among other delicious courses. All this, finally climaxing with the dessert course of spiced peaches in chartreuse jelly and French vanilla ice cream. How’s that for decadence at its best?
Treat yourself to a Titanic-themed nine course dinner hosted nightly at the stately Rayanne House restaurant and inn, housed in the city’s very own Hollywood neighbourhood. Indulge in a champagne-lubricated meal served on Royal Doulton crockery that is composed of haute cuisine dishes like the exotic salad course of asparagus and watercress with roast squab and the sublime sixth entrée course of pan-seared filet mignon topped with foie gras and truffles among other delicious courses. All this, finally climaxing with the dessert course of spiced peaches in chartreuse jelly and French vanilla ice cream. How’s that for decadence at its best?
(An edited version of this column first appeared in the 9th June 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/12-hours-in-belfast?fbclid=IwAR2YHMVSKszWWD2CcPfB-KpLUw1jAl7Hk7l-dVVRwlfmMeJQ0VbNmhi1Of4)
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Celebrating Her!
In the run up to next week’s International Women’s Day on 8th March, this Sunday Raul Dias takes you to four museums around the world that are dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the woman in all her strength and glory.
By Raul Dias
Having my birthday fall exactly a day after 8th March’s International Women’s Day, the day has always been a significant one in my life. Coming from a family dominated by extremely strong, successful ladies, I’ve always held women in the highest esteem. So much so, that, whenever I travel, I try and fit in at least one activity that celebrates a woman the way she should be—with respect and admiration. Be it learning the finer nuances of batik painting in Indonesia from a very patient lady or partaking in a voodoo ritual conducted by a high priestess in New Orleans!
And so, the following article is a collation of my various visits over the years to museums around the world that are significantly different from the scores of others I have visited. Welcome to some of the best ‘Women’s Museums’—from America to Africa and from the UAE to the UK. Places that focus on everything from the history of women’s political, social and cultural equality to some stunning works of art for and by women…
Women’s Museum
Dubai, UAE
Located in Dubai’s historic quarter of Deira, the Women’s Museum is housed in a building called Bait al Banat, which translates to “The Girls House”. Built in the 1950s, this former residential home was said to be the place where three unmarried Emirati sisters once lived. Today, besides being a museum, the space is a national archive and documentation center. It is dedicated to exploring the different facets of the lives of Emirati women—professional and personal, past and present. It includes artwork by various female Emirati artists and photographs showing the contributions of Emirati women. Examples of their Emirati jewellery and dresses and an exploration of how past and current rulers have affected the role of women in the UAE can also be found in this fascinating one-of-a-kind museum.
National Cowgirl Museum
Fort Worth, USA
This museum dedicated to women’s empowerment in a very interesting and unique way, was first started in 1975 in the basement of the Deaf Smith County Library in Hereford, Texas. It was removed to Fort Worth, also in Texas in 1994 and is today dedicated to honouring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneering fortitude. The museum is an educational resource with exhibits, a research library, and rare photography collections. Among its many permanent exhibits, “Into the Arena,” is one of the most fascinating ones. This one covers women in the fields of rodeo and trick riding, as well as modern horsewomen of note such as Belmont Stakes winning jockey Julie Krone. It has interactive computer displays, rodeo memorabilia, clothing, and other rodeo artifacts. However, I personally enjoyed the “Claiming the Spotlight” exbibit that shows the cowgirl as represented in media, and the varying roles the archetypical cowgirl has played in film, television, advertising and music.
Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi, Kenya
Just as one would expect a museum dedicated to an author who was so in love with the wilds of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum is housed at the foot of the Ngong Hills, around 10 km outside of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The life of the Danish writer who was famous for her book Out of Africa is celebrated so wondrously in this well-appointed museum housed in a colonial-style bungalow. The house and its attached property were bought in 1917 by Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke with the intention of operating a coffee plantation. After the Blixens separated in 1921, Karen Blixen continued to live at the house and run the plantation until she returned to Denmark 1931. Her life here is chronicled both in her most famous aforementioned book, as well as in her other book Shadows of the Grass. At the museum, one can join the guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film that was based on Out of Africa and know more about Blixen’s fascinating life.
Florence Nightingale Museum
London, UK
Another great woman whose life and work is celebrated in a specially dedicated museum is the world’s most famous nurse Florence Nightingale. Located on the banks of the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, the museum attracts visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ and her Victorian world. Here you can also examine Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work. The Florence Nightingale Museum even runs a busy learning programme for schools and families activities, as well as a lively events programme with regular afternoon and event talks. Make sure to check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on before you visit!
(An edited version of this column first appeard in the 3rd March 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/international-womens-day-2019-4-museums-around-the-world-dedicated-to-the-indomitable-spirit-of-woman/1472637)
By Raul Dias
Having my birthday fall exactly a day after 8th March’s International Women’s Day, the day has always been a significant one in my life. Coming from a family dominated by extremely strong, successful ladies, I’ve always held women in the highest esteem. So much so, that, whenever I travel, I try and fit in at least one activity that celebrates a woman the way she should be—with respect and admiration. Be it learning the finer nuances of batik painting in Indonesia from a very patient lady or partaking in a voodoo ritual conducted by a high priestess in New Orleans!
And so, the following article is a collation of my various visits over the years to museums around the world that are significantly different from the scores of others I have visited. Welcome to some of the best ‘Women’s Museums’—from America to Africa and from the UAE to the UK. Places that focus on everything from the history of women’s political, social and cultural equality to some stunning works of art for and by women…
Women’s Museum
Dubai, UAE
Located in Dubai’s historic quarter of Deira, the Women’s Museum is housed in a building called Bait al Banat, which translates to “The Girls House”. Built in the 1950s, this former residential home was said to be the place where three unmarried Emirati sisters once lived. Today, besides being a museum, the space is a national archive and documentation center. It is dedicated to exploring the different facets of the lives of Emirati women—professional and personal, past and present. It includes artwork by various female Emirati artists and photographs showing the contributions of Emirati women. Examples of their Emirati jewellery and dresses and an exploration of how past and current rulers have affected the role of women in the UAE can also be found in this fascinating one-of-a-kind museum.
National Cowgirl Museum
Fort Worth, USA
This museum dedicated to women’s empowerment in a very interesting and unique way, was first started in 1975 in the basement of the Deaf Smith County Library in Hereford, Texas. It was removed to Fort Worth, also in Texas in 1994 and is today dedicated to honouring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneering fortitude. The museum is an educational resource with exhibits, a research library, and rare photography collections. Among its many permanent exhibits, “Into the Arena,” is one of the most fascinating ones. This one covers women in the fields of rodeo and trick riding, as well as modern horsewomen of note such as Belmont Stakes winning jockey Julie Krone. It has interactive computer displays, rodeo memorabilia, clothing, and other rodeo artifacts. However, I personally enjoyed the “Claiming the Spotlight” exbibit that shows the cowgirl as represented in media, and the varying roles the archetypical cowgirl has played in film, television, advertising and music.
Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi, Kenya
Just as one would expect a museum dedicated to an author who was so in love with the wilds of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum is housed at the foot of the Ngong Hills, around 10 km outside of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. The life of the Danish writer who was famous for her book Out of Africa is celebrated so wondrously in this well-appointed museum housed in a colonial-style bungalow. The house and its attached property were bought in 1917 by Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke with the intention of operating a coffee plantation. After the Blixens separated in 1921, Karen Blixen continued to live at the house and run the plantation until she returned to Denmark 1931. Her life here is chronicled both in her most famous aforementioned book, as well as in her other book Shadows of the Grass. At the museum, one can join the guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film that was based on Out of Africa and know more about Blixen’s fascinating life.
Florence Nightingale Museum
London, UK
Another great woman whose life and work is celebrated in a specially dedicated museum is the world’s most famous nurse Florence Nightingale. Located on the banks of the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, the museum attracts visitors from all over the world who want to learn more about the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ and her Victorian world. Here you can also examine Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work. The Florence Nightingale Museum even runs a busy learning programme for schools and families activities, as well as a lively events programme with regular afternoon and event talks. Make sure to check the museum’s schedule to see what’s on before you visit!
(An edited version of this column first appeard in the 3rd March 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/international-womens-day-2019-4-museums-around-the-world-dedicated-to-the-indomitable-spirit-of-woman/1472637)
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Around the World in Four Diwalis!
Ready for some hardcore Diwali celebrations—international
style? Raul Dias takes you to four
places around the world, where the Festival of Lights is celebrated by the
Indian diaspora with as much gusto as it is back home in India
By Raul Dias
New
York City
With perhaps one of the strongest Indian diaspora in all of North America, New York City puts on a spectacular show every year for Diwali. One of the most iconic of all these celebrations is the annual ‘Diwali at Times Square’. It is an eight-hour celebration that has everything from live performances and fashion shows to dance and music competitions, photography exhibition and other creative programs like rangoli making. It truly is a spectacular sight when the entire skyline of New York City dazzles with fireworks during Times Square Diwali. Another interesting take on Diwali celebrations in NYC is the Diwali Motorcade and Cultural Show, hosted by the Divya Jyoti Association of New York at Richmond Hill in New York City. The show comprises creative entertainment programs including a parade, a havan ceremony, worship of Goddess Lakshmi, with the event culminating in awarding prizes to the best decorated vehicles.
With perhaps one of the strongest Indian diaspora in all of North America, New York City puts on a spectacular show every year for Diwali. One of the most iconic of all these celebrations is the annual ‘Diwali at Times Square’. It is an eight-hour celebration that has everything from live performances and fashion shows to dance and music competitions, photography exhibition and other creative programs like rangoli making. It truly is a spectacular sight when the entire skyline of New York City dazzles with fireworks during Times Square Diwali. Another interesting take on Diwali celebrations in NYC is the Diwali Motorcade and Cultural Show, hosted by the Divya Jyoti Association of New York at Richmond Hill in New York City. The show comprises creative entertainment programs including a parade, a havan ceremony, worship of Goddess Lakshmi, with the event culminating in awarding prizes to the best decorated vehicles.
Guyana
While not many of us can claim to be familiar with Guyana, here Diwali is a very big deal! Located on the northeast coast of South America, Guyana (formerly known as British Guiana) may not be large geographically speaking, but it does have a sizeable population of about 7,70,000 Hindus who constitute around 33% of the country’s total population. Celebrated according to the Hindu solar calendar, the day of the festival is declared as a national holiday after it is believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the first indentured people from India. Similar to India, the celebration of Diwali includes distribution of sweets, illuminating the inside and outside of the house, exchange of greetings, cleaning of houses and wearing of new clothes along with making sweets like pera (peda), barfi, and kheer.
While not many of us can claim to be familiar with Guyana, here Diwali is a very big deal! Located on the northeast coast of South America, Guyana (formerly known as British Guiana) may not be large geographically speaking, but it does have a sizeable population of about 7,70,000 Hindus who constitute around 33% of the country’s total population. Celebrated according to the Hindu solar calendar, the day of the festival is declared as a national holiday after it is believed to have been brought to Guyana in the year 1853 by the first indentured people from India. Similar to India, the celebration of Diwali includes distribution of sweets, illuminating the inside and outside of the house, exchange of greetings, cleaning of houses and wearing of new clothes along with making sweets like pera (peda), barfi, and kheer.
Malaysia
Along with the indigenous Malay and Chinese people, Indians—mainly of South Indian ethnicity—make up a third of the population of Malaysia. Known as Hari Deepavali, the festival is celebrated almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. While it is a public holiday in Malaysia and celebrated here with plenty of lights, there is a ‘silent’ twist to the festivities as fire crackers are banned in Malaysia. One of the best places in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to get a feel of the pomp and splendor of Diwali is the city’s very own Little India that can be found in the Brickfields District near Bangsar. Here, the neighbourhood’s main street of Jalan Tun Sambanthan is full of the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of a true-blue Indian Diwali. Shops selling aromatic spices sit next to those blasting the latest Bollywood ditties. Traditional clothes such as saris along with jewellery, flower sellers along with the South Indian’s favourite Banana Leaf restaurants can all be found here.
Along with the indigenous Malay and Chinese people, Indians—mainly of South Indian ethnicity—make up a third of the population of Malaysia. Known as Hari Deepavali, the festival is celebrated almost all over the Malaysia except in Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. While it is a public holiday in Malaysia and celebrated here with plenty of lights, there is a ‘silent’ twist to the festivities as fire crackers are banned in Malaysia. One of the best places in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to get a feel of the pomp and splendor of Diwali is the city’s very own Little India that can be found in the Brickfields District near Bangsar. Here, the neighbourhood’s main street of Jalan Tun Sambanthan is full of the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of a true-blue Indian Diwali. Shops selling aromatic spices sit next to those blasting the latest Bollywood ditties. Traditional clothes such as saris along with jewellery, flower sellers along with the South Indian’s favourite Banana Leaf restaurants can all be found here.
London
If New York has its Times Square Diwali, London too has its wildly popular ‘Diwali on Trafalgar Square’ to boast of! Every year, The Diwali in London (DiL) committee, in partnership with the Mayor of London, brings Diwali On Trafalgar Square (DOTS) to London. This free for all celebration consists of music and dance performances, family-friendly craft activities, community stalls and delicious food from India and beyond, as part of a large programme of activities. Speaking of which, one of star attractions for this year at DOTS is the ‘Mass Ghoomar Dance’. A traditional folk dance of the Bhil tribe that is performed in worship of Goddess Sarasvati, the dance typically involves female performers twirling in and out of a wide circle. It is traditional for a newly married bride to dance the ghoomar on moving into her marital home.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 4th November 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://epaper.freepressjournal.in/m5/1883169/Free-Press-Mumbai-Edition/04-Nov-2018?fbclid=IwAR0Olf47HKsgN29ZP7lM3P2kzz140mmw08xMrf8WthNBHV2by3o1nxLZjCE#page/19/1)
If New York has its Times Square Diwali, London too has its wildly popular ‘Diwali on Trafalgar Square’ to boast of! Every year, The Diwali in London (DiL) committee, in partnership with the Mayor of London, brings Diwali On Trafalgar Square (DOTS) to London. This free for all celebration consists of music and dance performances, family-friendly craft activities, community stalls and delicious food from India and beyond, as part of a large programme of activities. Speaking of which, one of star attractions for this year at DOTS is the ‘Mass Ghoomar Dance’. A traditional folk dance of the Bhil tribe that is performed in worship of Goddess Sarasvati, the dance typically involves female performers twirling in and out of a wide circle. It is traditional for a newly married bride to dance the ghoomar on moving into her marital home.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 4th November 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://epaper.freepressjournal.in/m5/1883169/Free-Press-Mumbai-Edition/04-Nov-2018?fbclid=IwAR0Olf47HKsgN29ZP7lM3P2kzz140mmw08xMrf8WthNBHV2by3o1nxLZjCE#page/19/1)
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Between Breads
From its frugal beginnings—when it was put together by
the 4th Earl of Sandwich as a quick-n-easy hunting trip snack to its
various gourmet avatars available today—the ubiquitous sandwich sure has come a
long way. As gourmands across the world prepare to celebrate the annual
International Sandwich Day on the 3rd of November, we bring you a
serving of a few famous sandwiches from around the world
By Raul Dias
The
Philly Cheesesteak, USA
As its name suggests, this iconic submarine-style sandwich has its origins in the state of Philadelphia and the city of Boston to be more specific. So, what we have here is a long hoagie bread roll holding within its soft center, thinly sliced slivers of meat and grilled sweet, white onions all slathered with the luridly yellow coloured Cheese Whiz cheese sauce. And while the rest of America and even the world has produced several, rather ersatz iterations of the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, the original is a true-blue Bostonian. Right down to legendary ‘war’ between two rival cheesesteak sandwich shops Pat’s and Geno’s, located bang opposite each other at the triangular intersection of 9th St, Wharton St and Passyunk Ave. in the city’s South Philly neighbourhood.
As its name suggests, this iconic submarine-style sandwich has its origins in the state of Philadelphia and the city of Boston to be more specific. So, what we have here is a long hoagie bread roll holding within its soft center, thinly sliced slivers of meat and grilled sweet, white onions all slathered with the luridly yellow coloured Cheese Whiz cheese sauce. And while the rest of America and even the world has produced several, rather ersatz iterations of the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, the original is a true-blue Bostonian. Right down to legendary ‘war’ between two rival cheesesteak sandwich shops Pat’s and Geno’s, located bang opposite each other at the triangular intersection of 9th St, Wharton St and Passyunk Ave. in the city’s South Philly neighbourhood.
The
Bánh Mì, Vietnam
As a lasting ‘legacy’ of its French colonial past, Vietnam’s most iconic street-side snack the Bánh Mì has more than a few elements that reference the, well…French connection! A mini French baguette also called a bánh mì is split lengthwise and layered with a fusion of meats and vegetables from Vietnamese cuisine such as chả lụa sausage, fresh coriander, cucumber ribbons, and pickled carrots and daikon radish, combined with condiments from French cuisine such as pâté along with jalapeño chillies and a sweet-spicy mayonnaise. A typical Saigon dish, the Bánh Mì came into being after the 1954 Partition of Vietnam when migrants moved from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, putting their stamp on Saigon’s local cuisine. Today, one of the best places in Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is known as today, to try a Bánh Mì is at the Bánh Mì Bùi Thị Xuân restaurant in the Phạm Ngũ Lão backpacker ghetto.
As a lasting ‘legacy’ of its French colonial past, Vietnam’s most iconic street-side snack the Bánh Mì has more than a few elements that reference the, well…French connection! A mini French baguette also called a bánh mì is split lengthwise and layered with a fusion of meats and vegetables from Vietnamese cuisine such as chả lụa sausage, fresh coriander, cucumber ribbons, and pickled carrots and daikon radish, combined with condiments from French cuisine such as pâté along with jalapeño chillies and a sweet-spicy mayonnaise. A typical Saigon dish, the Bánh Mì came into being after the 1954 Partition of Vietnam when migrants moved from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, putting their stamp on Saigon’s local cuisine. Today, one of the best places in Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is known as today, to try a Bánh Mì is at the Bánh Mì Bùi Thị Xuân restaurant in the Phạm Ngũ Lão backpacker ghetto.
The
Torta Ahogada, Mexico
Like most great sandwiches, the Torta Ahogada has extremely humble underpinnings as a working man’s lunch. Here the porous, yet firm birote bread which has a thick, crunchy crust and softer interior is filled with slices of fried meat or chicken along with cheese and beans. The sandwich is then dunked into a vat of sauce made from vinegar, arbol chilies, garlic, oregano, and other spices and served in its soggy state with a side of tortillas, onion rings and slices of cooling avocado. Invented in the early 1900s in the Mexican city of Gudalajara—with the word ‘torta’ meaning sandwich and ‘agohada’ meaning drowned—several theories abound as to its genesis. One such belief is that the sandwich maker accidentally dropped his freshly made torta into a pan of chilli salsa and his customer loved it so much he kept repeating his ‘mistake’ to remarkable success. But whatever be its origins, one thing is clear: this spicy, messy sandwich is a multisensory treat!
Like most great sandwiches, the Torta Ahogada has extremely humble underpinnings as a working man’s lunch. Here the porous, yet firm birote bread which has a thick, crunchy crust and softer interior is filled with slices of fried meat or chicken along with cheese and beans. The sandwich is then dunked into a vat of sauce made from vinegar, arbol chilies, garlic, oregano, and other spices and served in its soggy state with a side of tortillas, onion rings and slices of cooling avocado. Invented in the early 1900s in the Mexican city of Gudalajara—with the word ‘torta’ meaning sandwich and ‘agohada’ meaning drowned—several theories abound as to its genesis. One such belief is that the sandwich maker accidentally dropped his freshly made torta into a pan of chilli salsa and his customer loved it so much he kept repeating his ‘mistake’ to remarkable success. But whatever be its origins, one thing is clear: this spicy, messy sandwich is a multisensory treat!
The
Balik Ekmek, Turkey
One of the best things about this humble fish sandwich called Balik Ekmek (literally meaning “fish bread”) is that you don’t have to look too hard to find one to treat yourself with when in the Turkish capital of Istanbul. Simply let your olfactory senses lead you to the nearest boat selling this street…err, we mean waterside delicacy! On either sides of the city’s mighty Galata Bridge, in the waterfront neighbourhoods of Eminonu and Karakoy, you can find boats lined up with makeshift grills set up on them dispensing these yummy treats for around 5 Turkish Lira (Rs 56) a piece. What you’ll get is a sturdy round Turkish bread stuffed with a deboned filet of either grilled or fried oily fish such as sardines or mackerel topped with hot sauce and accompanied by sides of raw onion rings, radish, lettuce and a wedge of lemon.
One of the best things about this humble fish sandwich called Balik Ekmek (literally meaning “fish bread”) is that you don’t have to look too hard to find one to treat yourself with when in the Turkish capital of Istanbul. Simply let your olfactory senses lead you to the nearest boat selling this street…err, we mean waterside delicacy! On either sides of the city’s mighty Galata Bridge, in the waterfront neighbourhoods of Eminonu and Karakoy, you can find boats lined up with makeshift grills set up on them dispensing these yummy treats for around 5 Turkish Lira (Rs 56) a piece. What you’ll get is a sturdy round Turkish bread stuffed with a deboned filet of either grilled or fried oily fish such as sardines or mackerel topped with hot sauce and accompanied by sides of raw onion rings, radish, lettuce and a wedge of lemon.
The
Chip Butty, UK
While this aberration of a sandwich might sound like a carb-on-carb keto diet nightmare, let us assure you that one bite of this classic, yet insanely simple British sandwich and you’ll surrender to its charms. Known as a ‘butty’ in the local vernacular, a sandwich is that quintessential British snack whose avatars are numerous, from the dainty cucumber and watercress ones to the cholesterol-rich bacon butty. For a chip butty, you’ll need to pile on two slices of buttered, thick white sandwich bread with another classic, chips—that we know of as thick cut fries—and slather it all with bright red pumpkin and tomato ketchup. And voila, you’ll be staring down at a typical post binge drinking treat that can be found at almost any fish and chip shop across the country.
While this aberration of a sandwich might sound like a carb-on-carb keto diet nightmare, let us assure you that one bite of this classic, yet insanely simple British sandwich and you’ll surrender to its charms. Known as a ‘butty’ in the local vernacular, a sandwich is that quintessential British snack whose avatars are numerous, from the dainty cucumber and watercress ones to the cholesterol-rich bacon butty. For a chip butty, you’ll need to pile on two slices of buttered, thick white sandwich bread with another classic, chips—that we know of as thick cut fries—and slather it all with bright red pumpkin and tomato ketchup. And voila, you’ll be staring down at a typical post binge drinking treat that can be found at almost any fish and chip shop across the country.
The
Po’ Boy, USA
Shrimp, crawfish, lobster, oyster you name it and it can be found in a typically New Orleans, Louisiana style Po’ Boy sandwich. A corruption of the term ‘poor boy’ as it was the most preferred meal of the striking streetcar conductors in 1929, the sandwich evolved from the1800s fried oyster sandwiches on French loaves to include any breaded, deep-fried mollusc or crustacean loaded onto French bread and dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Though essentially a seafood sandwich, places like Texas have been known to put own their spin on a Po’ Boy with versions that come stuffed with BBQ meat and chicken. But for the real deal, head down to joints like Avery’s On Tulane along New Orleans’ Tulane Ave. for a taste of the divine that defies explanation.
Shrimp, crawfish, lobster, oyster you name it and it can be found in a typically New Orleans, Louisiana style Po’ Boy sandwich. A corruption of the term ‘poor boy’ as it was the most preferred meal of the striking streetcar conductors in 1929, the sandwich evolved from the1800s fried oyster sandwiches on French loaves to include any breaded, deep-fried mollusc or crustacean loaded onto French bread and dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Though essentially a seafood sandwich, places like Texas have been known to put own their spin on a Po’ Boy with versions that come stuffed with BBQ meat and chicken. But for the real deal, head down to joints like Avery’s On Tulane along New Orleans’ Tulane Ave. for a taste of the divine that defies explanation.
The
Smørrebrød, Denmark
Proving to the world of casual cuisine that a sandwich isn’t always about two pieces of bread holding forth fillings, this Danish classic open-faced sandwich may be a mouthful to pronounce, but the sheer mind-boggling varieties of Smørrebrød will leave you salivating. A typical Smørrebrød is usually constructed out of a slice of buttered rye bread called rugbrød, known for its dense crumb and deep brown hue. Called pålæg, which translates as “lay-on”, the toppings range from cold cuts, slivers of meat or fish, cheese or spreads. But hands down the most popular of all pålæg has got to be cured salmon called gravad laks that’s further topped off with a frond of dill, a splodge of sweet mayonnaise and sent off with a squirt of lemon juice.
Proving to the world of casual cuisine that a sandwich isn’t always about two pieces of bread holding forth fillings, this Danish classic open-faced sandwich may be a mouthful to pronounce, but the sheer mind-boggling varieties of Smørrebrød will leave you salivating. A typical Smørrebrød is usually constructed out of a slice of buttered rye bread called rugbrød, known for its dense crumb and deep brown hue. Called pålæg, which translates as “lay-on”, the toppings range from cold cuts, slivers of meat or fish, cheese or spreads. But hands down the most popular of all pålæg has got to be cured salmon called gravad laks that’s further topped off with a frond of dill, a splodge of sweet mayonnaise and sent off with a squirt of lemon juice.
Oddities
of the Sandwich World
* At $214 a pop, the title of the World’s Most Expensive Sandwich would have to go to “The Quintessential Grilled Cheese Sandwich,” that’s made by New York City’s legendary Serendipity 3 restaurant. Besides holding unfathomable bragging rights within its folds, the sandwich is made up of two slices of French bread that has Dom Perignon champagne and 23-karat gold baked into it. It is stuffed with caciocavallo podolico, a rare cheese imported from southern Italy and brushed with white truffle oil and gold leaf before it meets the grill.
* Ever heard of the ‘Candwich’? An American company produces these rather bizarre sandwiches in a can! Yes, each tin contains a bread roll and an assortment of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly and Honey BBQ chicken. ‘nuff said.
* As an homage to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, The Elvis sandwich is stuffed with an odd assortment of ingredients Elvis was particularly partial to all his life. So, we have peanut butter, banana and bacon ensconced within slices of commercial white bread and grilled with dollops of butter slathered onto the whole thing.
* In Japan, one of the most popular kinds of sandwiches is the Fruit Sando where sweet, soft white cake-like bread is stuffed with whipped cream and a whole ‘orchard’ of fruits from the most popular being strawberries to the downright strange persimmon and musk melon.
* At $214 a pop, the title of the World’s Most Expensive Sandwich would have to go to “The Quintessential Grilled Cheese Sandwich,” that’s made by New York City’s legendary Serendipity 3 restaurant. Besides holding unfathomable bragging rights within its folds, the sandwich is made up of two slices of French bread that has Dom Perignon champagne and 23-karat gold baked into it. It is stuffed with caciocavallo podolico, a rare cheese imported from southern Italy and brushed with white truffle oil and gold leaf before it meets the grill.
* Ever heard of the ‘Candwich’? An American company produces these rather bizarre sandwiches in a can! Yes, each tin contains a bread roll and an assortment of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly and Honey BBQ chicken. ‘nuff said.
* As an homage to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, The Elvis sandwich is stuffed with an odd assortment of ingredients Elvis was particularly partial to all his life. So, we have peanut butter, banana and bacon ensconced within slices of commercial white bread and grilled with dollops of butter slathered onto the whole thing.
* In Japan, one of the most popular kinds of sandwiches is the Fruit Sando where sweet, soft white cake-like bread is stuffed with whipped cream and a whole ‘orchard’ of fruits from the most popular being strawberries to the downright strange persimmon and musk melon.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the October 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
24 hrs in… MANCHESTER
The world’s first industrialised city, a city that
worships its sport and a metropolis that’s got a throbbing pulse rate,
Manchester has a list of epithets that try their best to define it. A day about
town, however abbreviated, is a fantastic way to get orientated to this dynamic
city, neatly tucked away in England’s northwest.
By Raul Dias
Manchester
Cathedral
If you happen to be in the city on a Sunday morning, prepare to hear the almost deafening tolling of this magnificent cathedral’s 10 bells during mass service. As the seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city’s parish church, this gothic edifice is on Victoria Street, slap bang in the middle of the city centre. With its tall bell tower, stained-glass windows and intricately carved wooden benches and pews, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful in all of the UK. Interestingly, the cathedral has a church within a church, when it was discovered that the same spot housed a Saxon church dating back to 700AD. Today, all that remains of its previous avatar is an ‘angel stone’—a small carving of an angel with a scroll that’s been preserved with other minor relics of its past.
If you happen to be in the city on a Sunday morning, prepare to hear the almost deafening tolling of this magnificent cathedral’s 10 bells during mass service. As the seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city’s parish church, this gothic edifice is on Victoria Street, slap bang in the middle of the city centre. With its tall bell tower, stained-glass windows and intricately carved wooden benches and pews, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful in all of the UK. Interestingly, the cathedral has a church within a church, when it was discovered that the same spot housed a Saxon church dating back to 700AD. Today, all that remains of its previous avatar is an ‘angel stone’—a small carving of an angel with a scroll that’s been preserved with other minor relics of its past.
Old
Trafford
Home to one of the world’s most iconic football clubs—Manchester United—since 1910, the equally popular Old Trafford football stadium is hallowed ground for all die-hard footie fans. But even if you’re not one, this stadium’s sheer volume, with a capacity to comfortably contain a whopping 74,994 people at any given time, will leave you speechless. Partially destroyed during the German blitzkrieg of December 1940, the stadium was painstakingly reconstructed to its original glory by an army of fans and supporters two years later. Today, on non-match days, one can purchase a spot on the many tours that the stadium has on offer. Now, here’s one piece of interesting Old Trafford trivia: they even allow fans’ ashes to be sprinkled on the pitch!
Home to one of the world’s most iconic football clubs—Manchester United—since 1910, the equally popular Old Trafford football stadium is hallowed ground for all die-hard footie fans. But even if you’re not one, this stadium’s sheer volume, with a capacity to comfortably contain a whopping 74,994 people at any given time, will leave you speechless. Partially destroyed during the German blitzkrieg of December 1940, the stadium was painstakingly reconstructed to its original glory by an army of fans and supporters two years later. Today, on non-match days, one can purchase a spot on the many tours that the stadium has on offer. Now, here’s one piece of interesting Old Trafford trivia: they even allow fans’ ashes to be sprinkled on the pitch!
The
Quays
Bestowing a certain, futuristic Venice-like cache onto a small section of Greater Manchester are the Salford Quays, 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre. Better known simply as ‘The Quays’ this is a great place to just ‘hang-out’ at. With everything from impromptu live theatre on the weekends in summer to trendy restaurants and high-end shopping opportunities, there’s a lot this modern waterfront development destination has on offer. Football and cricket fans can pick up merchandise from the well-appointed Manchester United and Lancashire County Cricket Club official superstores that can be found in The Quays.
Bestowing a certain, futuristic Venice-like cache onto a small section of Greater Manchester are the Salford Quays, 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre. Better known simply as ‘The Quays’ this is a great place to just ‘hang-out’ at. With everything from impromptu live theatre on the weekends in summer to trendy restaurants and high-end shopping opportunities, there’s a lot this modern waterfront development destination has on offer. Football and cricket fans can pick up merchandise from the well-appointed Manchester United and Lancashire County Cricket Club official superstores that can be found in The Quays.
Manchester
Museum
Done up in the neo-gothic style of architecture, this museum is a rare one. In that, it is one of the few museums in the world to be owned by a university. In its case, the University of Manchester which established it in 1888. With galleries that range from ancient and natural history to ones documenting Manchester’s remarkable industrial prowess, the museum showcases over four million objects. Acquired in 2004, Stan, the reproduction model of a fossilised Tyrannosaurus rex is one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, as is the relief of Pepi II from the temple of Menes and Isis in Qift, Egypt.
Done up in the neo-gothic style of architecture, this museum is a rare one. In that, it is one of the few museums in the world to be owned by a university. In its case, the University of Manchester which established it in 1888. With galleries that range from ancient and natural history to ones documenting Manchester’s remarkable industrial prowess, the museum showcases over four million objects. Acquired in 2004, Stan, the reproduction model of a fossilised Tyrannosaurus rex is one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, as is the relief of Pepi II from the temple of Menes and Isis in Qift, Egypt.
Northern
Quarter
With its profusion of quirky bars and restaurants, this boho-chic neighbourhood of Manchester—wedged between Piccadilly station and Victoria station—is where the hip-n-trendy Mancunians go to party. During the day, casual diners like Alabama’s All American Eatery offer great brunch deals, while at night the more sophisticated vibe of places like Cane & Grain and 63 Degrees kicks in. But it’s not all about food and drink here. The Northern Quarter has an excellent selection of art galleries, boutiques and salons to indulge at.
With its profusion of quirky bars and restaurants, this boho-chic neighbourhood of Manchester—wedged between Piccadilly station and Victoria station—is where the hip-n-trendy Mancunians go to party. During the day, casual diners like Alabama’s All American Eatery offer great brunch deals, while at night the more sophisticated vibe of places like Cane & Grain and 63 Degrees kicks in. But it’s not all about food and drink here. The Northern Quarter has an excellent selection of art galleries, boutiques and salons to indulge at.
National
Football Museum
Ensconced in a shimmery glass façade, this free museum located in Manchester’s city centre may be one of the city’s newest attractions having been set up only in 2012. But it’s fast gaining a reputation of being a repository of all things wonderfully football, spread over four floors. One of the most popular exhibits is The Global Game on level one that’s dedicated to world football and includes the ball that was played with in the first ever world cup final.
Ensconced in a shimmery glass façade, this free museum located in Manchester’s city centre may be one of the city’s newest attractions having been set up only in 2012. But it’s fast gaining a reputation of being a repository of all things wonderfully football, spread over four floors. One of the most popular exhibits is The Global Game on level one that’s dedicated to world football and includes the ball that was played with in the first ever world cup final.
Castlefield
Imagine being at THE place where the city of Manchester got its name? Yes, Castlefield is at the very heart of the city where the Roman fort of Mancunium once stood proudly in defence against the marauding Celtic tribe of the Brigantes. Today, this largely traffic-free artsy haven is where stressed out Mancunians go to wind down and chill out at. This, thanks to the fact that in 1982, the area was designated as the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park. Pop into the Castlefield Gallery, a contemporary art space that hosts works of both established and upcoming artists many of whom study at the Manchester Art School which partners with the gallery.
Imagine being at THE place where the city of Manchester got its name? Yes, Castlefield is at the very heart of the city where the Roman fort of Mancunium once stood proudly in defence against the marauding Celtic tribe of the Brigantes. Today, this largely traffic-free artsy haven is where stressed out Mancunians go to wind down and chill out at. This, thanks to the fact that in 1982, the area was designated as the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park. Pop into the Castlefield Gallery, a contemporary art space that hosts works of both established and upcoming artists many of whom study at the Manchester Art School which partners with the gallery.
Sea
Life Manchester
Line up at 10am outside its mighty doors and enter an aquatic paradise where you can spend an entire day being enchanted by the creatures of the deep. The aquarium plays host to over 5,000 species of sea life, ranging from great white sharks to the more benign-looking seahorses. As one of Sea Life Manchester’s newest attractions that was launched this year, Liar of the Giant Crab is where you can encounter the 3 meters-long Japanese spider crabs in all their spiny glory.
Line up at 10am outside its mighty doors and enter an aquatic paradise where you can spend an entire day being enchanted by the creatures of the deep. The aquarium plays host to over 5,000 species of sea life, ranging from great white sharks to the more benign-looking seahorses. As one of Sea Life Manchester’s newest attractions that was launched this year, Liar of the Giant Crab is where you can encounter the 3 meters-long Japanese spider crabs in all their spiny glory.
Heaton
Park
The perfect setting for a typically English picnic on a balmy day, this free municipal park is Manchester’s de facto ‘green lung’, if you may! With a coverage area of over 600 acres, the park houses an 18-hole golf course, a boating lake and even its own tramway circuit. And if you’re lucky, you can even find yourselves attending a free summer concert, movie screening or play on its greens as Heaton Park has hosted some open-air theatre productions including Shakespearean treats like Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth in the recent past.
The perfect setting for a typically English picnic on a balmy day, this free municipal park is Manchester’s de facto ‘green lung’, if you may! With a coverage area of over 600 acres, the park houses an 18-hole golf course, a boating lake and even its own tramway circuit. And if you’re lucky, you can even find yourselves attending a free summer concert, movie screening or play on its greens as Heaton Park has hosted some open-air theatre productions including Shakespearean treats like Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth in the recent past.
Museum
of Science and Industry
Perhaps one of the best places in all of Manchester that pays rich tribute to the city’s industrial past, is the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). With no entry fee charged, visitors are free to have a wander around its many galleries that include the permanent Air, Space and Power Halls, the Revolution Manchester and the Textiles Gallery that tells you why Manchester also had another nickname in the 19th century—Cottonopolis. Interestingly, the MSI is housed in the same site where the world’s first railway station called Manchester Liverpool Road was located. What’s more is that, every weekend and public holiday, the museum offers you the chance to sit back and enjoy a short ride in a train lead by a good old-fashioned steam engine!
Perhaps one of the best places in all of Manchester that pays rich tribute to the city’s industrial past, is the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). With no entry fee charged, visitors are free to have a wander around its many galleries that include the permanent Air, Space and Power Halls, the Revolution Manchester and the Textiles Gallery that tells you why Manchester also had another nickname in the 19th century—Cottonopolis. Interestingly, the MSI is housed in the same site where the world’s first railway station called Manchester Liverpool Road was located. What’s more is that, every weekend and public holiday, the museum offers you the chance to sit back and enjoy a short ride in a train lead by a good old-fashioned steam engine!
Detours
Beyond Manchester
Where About
64 km northwest from Manchester
Why While it may seem just like any other English sea side resort town with its salt water taffy kiosks and weather-beaten wooden board walk, Blackpool has a distinct charm of its own. Perfect for a day trip, this town that hugs the Irish Sea with all its might is home to the famous Blackpool Tower, the much more diminutive doppelganger of Paris’ grand Eiffel Tower. Also located on the sea-facing Promenade is the legendary Madame Tussauds with waxworks of famous British celebrities like Ed Sheeran and David Beckham. And if all that beach action simply isn’t enough, Blackpool has more. Pleasure Beach is one the UK’s most popular amusement parks with its two iconic roller coaster rides—Big One and Valhalla to get your adrenaline racing!
Why While it may seem just like any other English sea side resort town with its salt water taffy kiosks and weather-beaten wooden board walk, Blackpool has a distinct charm of its own. Perfect for a day trip, this town that hugs the Irish Sea with all its might is home to the famous Blackpool Tower, the much more diminutive doppelganger of Paris’ grand Eiffel Tower. Also located on the sea-facing Promenade is the legendary Madame Tussauds with waxworks of famous British celebrities like Ed Sheeran and David Beckham. And if all that beach action simply isn’t enough, Blackpool has more. Pleasure Beach is one the UK’s most popular amusement parks with its two iconic roller coaster rides—Big One and Valhalla to get your adrenaline racing!
Where
About 47 km southwest from Manchester
Why Replete with its black and white Tudor-style, half-timber buildings and cobblestoned walkways, the charming Roman town of Chester is the only completely walled city in all of Britain. Chester Cathedral with its medieval past and hundreds of years of history is the perfect orientation to this town with its Victorian organ and its mighty tower that you can climb via 200 steps. And speaking of towers, make sure to visit the Shot Tower, which is the only surviving tower of its kind that dates back from the 18th century, where lead shots for guns were made the old way by dropping molten lead from the top of the tower. A wonderful way to see Chester is by taking a Roman-style walking tour that’s led by a ‘Roman soldier’ who’ll regale you with spooky tales and even guide you on a boat ride down the River Dee that languidly courses its way through Chester.
Why Replete with its black and white Tudor-style, half-timber buildings and cobblestoned walkways, the charming Roman town of Chester is the only completely walled city in all of Britain. Chester Cathedral with its medieval past and hundreds of years of history is the perfect orientation to this town with its Victorian organ and its mighty tower that you can climb via 200 steps. And speaking of towers, make sure to visit the Shot Tower, which is the only surviving tower of its kind that dates back from the 18th century, where lead shots for guns were made the old way by dropping molten lead from the top of the tower. A wonderful way to see Chester is by taking a Roman-style walking tour that’s led by a ‘Roman soldier’ who’ll regale you with spooky tales and even guide you on a boat ride down the River Dee that languidly courses its way through Chester.
Where About
139 km north from Manchester
Why With its fecund natural beauty and bucolic surroundings, the Lake District is the perfect getaway from a city like Manchester into the lap of Mother Nature. Magical little towns like Windermere, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere have everything you’re looking for—from quaint English countryside cottages to tiny little gingerbread shops. No surprise then that the Lake District had such a profound impact of the works of literary greats like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. In fact, celebrating the latter’s life and works is the wonderfully appointed The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Windermere where all your favourite characters like Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-winkle come alive in a picture-postcard-perfect setting that’s nothing short of magical.
Why With its fecund natural beauty and bucolic surroundings, the Lake District is the perfect getaway from a city like Manchester into the lap of Mother Nature. Magical little towns like Windermere, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere have everything you’re looking for—from quaint English countryside cottages to tiny little gingerbread shops. No surprise then that the Lake District had such a profound impact of the works of literary greats like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. In fact, celebrating the latter’s life and works is the wonderfully appointed The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Windermere where all your favourite characters like Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-winkle come alive in a picture-postcard-perfect setting that’s nothing short of magical.
- By Raul Dias
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the July 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Book to Book!
In an increasingly digital world, it is these iconic brick and mortar bookshops around the world that still hold great promise and hope for die-hard bibliophiles and serve as sanctuaries where they can lose themselves in the sight, smell and feel of crisp pages.
By Raul Dias
Shakespeare and Company, Paris
Since 1951, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie on Paris’ Left Bank has seen the legendary Shakespeare and Company cater to millions of book lovers. Offering them not just juicy morsels in the form of their favourite reads—which they are free to peruse through—but also a place to bed down for the night for free! Yes, this bookshop has several beds interspersed between its bookshelves and truly lives up to its motto of “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” that’s even emblazoned above the entry way to the reading section. And while you’re leafing thr uoough the works of the greats like Hugo, Balzac and of course Shakespeare, take a moment to go through the bookshop’s very own coffee table book titled Shakespeare and Company, Paris: A History of the Rag & Bone Shop of the Heart that came out in 2016.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
+33 1 43 25 40 93
shakespeareandcompany.com
Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
Literally meaning ‘High Water Bookstore’, Libreria Acqua Alta is housed on the Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, next to Venice’s Piazza San Giovanni e Paolo and has a decidedly shabby chic feel to it—what with its flea market-meets-wacky bookshop appearance. But despite this, it is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful bookshop and is a repository for books like old editions of the works of greats like Dante to modern fiction of the Dan Brown kind. Interestingly, paying the ultimate tribute to the ‘water wonderland’ that is Venice, this quirky bookshop houses its books in everything from bathtubs and washbasins to… get this, a life-size gondola!
Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa, 5176/b, 30122 Castello, Venice, Italy
+39 041 296 0841
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles
This bookshop with a rather ominous name, may not have a rich legacy to rely on, what with it having been established only in 2005. But what it lacks in years, it more than makes up for in prowess. All of 22,000 sq. ft. in downtown LA, this store is actually a collection of small stores within the main space. So, while you will find 250,000 new and second-hand books on the first two floors, including the new Arts & Rare Book Annex, it also has a shared space that house vinyl records and graphic novels. In addition to this, it also has a mammoth mezzanine level that includes The Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops. What’s interesting about The Labyrinth is that it features a maze-like space that stocks over 100,000 used books that are all sold at $1 each!
453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
+1 213-488-0599
lastbookstorela.com
Livraria Lello, Porto
Though we’re loathe to pick favourites on a selection of such wonderful bookshops around the world, this stunning bookshop in the portside city of Porto in Portugal is worthy of every single hyperbole! Rua das Carmelitas, a short walk from the city center is where this store that resembles the inside of an old wooden ship has been housed since 1906 (it opened at another location in 1869). A winding mahogany double staircase leads you up to the higher floors where you will find a treasure trove of books—both in Portuguese and other languages—on shelves that are set between pillars that are decorated with bronze bas-reliefs of Portuguese literature figures. Don’t miss checking out the tiny tracks on the floor that are used by the staff for sliding ladders and carts laden with books.
R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
+351 22 200 2037
livrarialello.pt
Powell’s City of Books, Portland
Besides it’s moniker of ‘America’s Weirdest City’, Portland also has one other calling card that gives it some serious street cred as a bibliophile’s paradise—Powell’s City of Books. Located in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, this bookstore is the largest second-hand and new bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block and housing approximately one million books. Established in 1971, it has a plethora of titles ranging from vintage cookery to indigenous native American history. The store is so large that every Sunday, there is a free public tour offered. On this 45-minute tour, one is given a brief history of the gargantuan bookstore, from the Pillar of Signatude to a sneak peek into their Rare Book room.
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
+1 800-878-7323
powells.com
The Indian Quintet
While we’re still coming to grips the recent shutting down of one of the country’s most revered bookshops—Mumbai’s Strand Book Stall, here’s a list of five other iconic Indian bookshops.
1. Dasgupta & Co, Kolkata: A virtual institution that’s part of the College Street posse of bookshops, this historic bookstore was established in 1886 and is still the go-to place to procure the first editions of various rare publications.
2. The Book Shop, New Delhi: Simply called ‘Book Shop’ this spartan, yet treasure trove of amazing reads in New Delhi’s Jor Bagh truly lives up to its name. Opened in 1970, this store may be a tad cramped and crowded, but you’ll always find whatever you are looking for here!
3. Kitab Khana, Mumbai: Located in a historic building in the city’s culture and arts hub of Fort, this large, airy bookshop stocks books not just in English and Hindi, but also in other regional and international languages.
4. Literati Book Shop and Café, Goa: Housed in a picturesque cottage in Calangute, this bookstore-cum-café is the perfect place to leaf through both second-hand and new books while tucking into a scrumptious lemon tea cake.
5. Leaping Windows, Bengaluru: A slight departure from the other bookshops on this list, in that it is comic bookstore and library, this Indiranagar shop makes the cut thanks to its mindboggling collection of comic book and magazine titles available for purchase or rent.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the April 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
By Raul Dias
Shakespeare and Company, Paris
Since 1951, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie on Paris’ Left Bank has seen the legendary Shakespeare and Company cater to millions of book lovers. Offering them not just juicy morsels in the form of their favourite reads—which they are free to peruse through—but also a place to bed down for the night for free! Yes, this bookshop has several beds interspersed between its bookshelves and truly lives up to its motto of “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” that’s even emblazoned above the entry way to the reading section. And while you’re leafing thr uoough the works of the greats like Hugo, Balzac and of course Shakespeare, take a moment to go through the bookshop’s very own coffee table book titled Shakespeare and Company, Paris: A History of the Rag & Bone Shop of the Heart that came out in 2016.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
+33 1 43 25 40 93
shakespeareandcompany.com
Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
Literally meaning ‘High Water Bookstore’, Libreria Acqua Alta is housed on the Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, next to Venice’s Piazza San Giovanni e Paolo and has a decidedly shabby chic feel to it—what with its flea market-meets-wacky bookshop appearance. But despite this, it is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful bookshop and is a repository for books like old editions of the works of greats like Dante to modern fiction of the Dan Brown kind. Interestingly, paying the ultimate tribute to the ‘water wonderland’ that is Venice, this quirky bookshop houses its books in everything from bathtubs and washbasins to… get this, a life-size gondola!
Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa, 5176/b, 30122 Castello, Venice, Italy
+39 041 296 0841
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles
This bookshop with a rather ominous name, may not have a rich legacy to rely on, what with it having been established only in 2005. But what it lacks in years, it more than makes up for in prowess. All of 22,000 sq. ft. in downtown LA, this store is actually a collection of small stores within the main space. So, while you will find 250,000 new and second-hand books on the first two floors, including the new Arts & Rare Book Annex, it also has a shared space that house vinyl records and graphic novels. In addition to this, it also has a mammoth mezzanine level that includes The Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops. What’s interesting about The Labyrinth is that it features a maze-like space that stocks over 100,000 used books that are all sold at $1 each!
453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
+1 213-488-0599
lastbookstorela.com
Livraria Lello, Porto
Though we’re loathe to pick favourites on a selection of such wonderful bookshops around the world, this stunning bookshop in the portside city of Porto in Portugal is worthy of every single hyperbole! Rua das Carmelitas, a short walk from the city center is where this store that resembles the inside of an old wooden ship has been housed since 1906 (it opened at another location in 1869). A winding mahogany double staircase leads you up to the higher floors where you will find a treasure trove of books—both in Portuguese and other languages—on shelves that are set between pillars that are decorated with bronze bas-reliefs of Portuguese literature figures. Don’t miss checking out the tiny tracks on the floor that are used by the staff for sliding ladders and carts laden with books.
R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
+351 22 200 2037
livrarialello.pt
Powell’s City of Books, Portland
Besides it’s moniker of ‘America’s Weirdest City’, Portland also has one other calling card that gives it some serious street cred as a bibliophile’s paradise—Powell’s City of Books. Located in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, this bookstore is the largest second-hand and new bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block and housing approximately one million books. Established in 1971, it has a plethora of titles ranging from vintage cookery to indigenous native American history. The store is so large that every Sunday, there is a free public tour offered. On this 45-minute tour, one is given a brief history of the gargantuan bookstore, from the Pillar of Signatude to a sneak peek into their Rare Book room.
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
+1 800-878-7323
powells.com
The Indian Quintet
While we’re still coming to grips the recent shutting down of one of the country’s most revered bookshops—Mumbai’s Strand Book Stall, here’s a list of five other iconic Indian bookshops.
1. Dasgupta & Co, Kolkata: A virtual institution that’s part of the College Street posse of bookshops, this historic bookstore was established in 1886 and is still the go-to place to procure the first editions of various rare publications.
2. The Book Shop, New Delhi: Simply called ‘Book Shop’ this spartan, yet treasure trove of amazing reads in New Delhi’s Jor Bagh truly lives up to its name. Opened in 1970, this store may be a tad cramped and crowded, but you’ll always find whatever you are looking for here!
3. Kitab Khana, Mumbai: Located in a historic building in the city’s culture and arts hub of Fort, this large, airy bookshop stocks books not just in English and Hindi, but also in other regional and international languages.
4. Literati Book Shop and Café, Goa: Housed in a picturesque cottage in Calangute, this bookstore-cum-café is the perfect place to leaf through both second-hand and new books while tucking into a scrumptious lemon tea cake.
5. Leaping Windows, Bengaluru: A slight departure from the other bookshops on this list, in that it is comic bookstore and library, this Indiranagar shop makes the cut thanks to its mindboggling collection of comic book and magazine titles available for purchase or rent.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the April 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
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