Cocktail Masterclass at Drinks on MG

I was invited to Drinks on MG for an exclusive cocktail masterclass hosted by Nicholas Ord and Alphonso Del Portillo, from Drinks on MG, winner of the India Bartender of the Year at Diageo Reserve World Class 2015...

Last month, Portillo edged his competitors and swayed the judges with his speed, meticulous execution and balanced cocktails in Mumbai at the India finals to emerge as the 'India Bartender of the Year'...

Diageo Reserve World Class hosted an exclusive evening to celebrate the India champion Alfonso Del Portillo’s journey at the competition...

Nicholas Ord, Reserve Brand Ambassador India curated an interactive session with Alfonso Del Portillo and took the guests on a pleasant flavor trail with delectable signature cocktails, paired with a delicious menu...

The syrups...

The tools...

The boys are ready for the action...

Alfonso set the mood for the evening with Atlantic Martini made with the Talisker, Tanqueray No Ten, orange, grapefruit powder and served in an elegant coupette.

Here's the recipe...

And here's how he made it...

Next was the unique CIROC vodka cocktail; Botanical Heritage which was presented in a Chai tea clay pot. It was infused with green apples, tomatoes, basil, chardonnay syrup and a dash of Licorice syrup...

Here's the recipe...

 


Now see it being made...

Nicholas surprised the guests by presenting a classic Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve cocktail which was showcased at the Diageo Reserve World Class 2013 finale. He prepared the Golden Flip which is a delectably creamy and sweet creation. The Golden Flip is a rich mixture of Greek wildflower honey and tahini infused Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, dash of apricot brandy and a spritz of orange zest...
Here's the recipe...

Alfonso magically executing it...

During the session, Alfonso shared special insights into the rigorous World Class programme, training under World Class experts and provided key tips on the artistry of cocktail-making along with latest industry trends. The interactive and engaging session allowed everyone to appreciate a fine-drinking experience.

Alfonso will now represent India and compete with the world’s best bartenders at the Diageo Reserve World Class Global Finals, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in September, 2015.

I wish him good luck for a bigger trophy!!

Weekend trip to Shivanasamudra and Talakad

Shivanasamudra waterfalls is 139 km from my city, Bangalore. The river Kaveri, after flowing through the rocks and ravines of Deccan Plateau drops off to form twin waterfalls...

The Gaganachukki waterfalls is 98m high... 

Bharachukki falls are a few kilometers to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls...

We went for a coracle ride. The boatman took us right under the waterfall making us completely drenched...

It was fun playing in the water...

There are some monkeys who are happy among themselves...

The time of best flow are the monsoon season of July to October...

A few kilometers away is Talakad, where the eastward flowing Kaveri river changes course as the sand on its banks spreads over a wide area. The coracle ride here was much serene...

There are five famous Shiva temples in Talakad. It once had over 30 temples, most of which now lay buried in sand...

The temples have some interesting stone carvings...

This five headed snake and stone chain is quite incredible....

More pictures on my Facebook page.

Turmeric

A fresh batch of Turmeric has been harvested from my terrace garden...

Turmeric is regarded as an anti-cancer substance which is another strong reason to put Turmeric on your daily list of good nutritional therapies. And it also makes great Thai Yellow curry...

15 Health Benefits of Turmeric & Why it is Good for Weight Loss

12 Health Benefits of Turmeric Including Weight Loss

Latest pictures of Rohan

Our home-grown Captain America loves to be in the thick of things...

His favorite spot these days...

First smile of the day...

And here is on a crazy ride...

Jamva Chaloji - Parsi cuisine at Movenpick

I was invited to explore Parsi cuisine at Movenpick Hotel and Spa, Bangalore. As I had never tried Parsi food before, this invite sparked my interest immediately. Here's a photo tour...

MyPlace restaurant at Movenpick Hotel and Spa is known for their lavish buffet. I decided to focus only on the Parsi dishes interspersed in between many other delectable dishes... 

Mahi Fish Sheekh Kabab and Chicken grill starters were tender and had interesting flavors. I finished my portion in no time... 

Gaam no Patio was a fish preparation. Although I liked the sauce, I would have liked it more if the flavors were not so mild...

I was told that Ginger Ale was the preferred drink to go with Parsi cuisine. I think it paired well with the mildly spiced food...

Chana ni dar is a chick pea dish which tasted good...

Jerdalu ma marghi - Chicken with apricots and shallots. I could feel the beautiful blend of spices it had...

Tandoori rotis...

Papeta ne Sekhta hi seenah - Potato and drumstick masala tasted like the common homemade Indian curry...

Browne Rice - Parsi pulao. This fried rice was quite good...

Dahi no gos - Lamb curry with yoghurt remains my favorite... 

The meat pieces were soft but still with a little chew in them that made it just perfect with the Browne rice. The lamb totally stole the show...

For dessert, I had Parsi Custard Pudding which was creamy with light sugary and caramel feel. It was a well-executed dish...

There were a variety of desserts which would really excite the young ones...

A little co-diner tasting the dessert...

Expression says it all...