Tata Hexa Experience!!

After hearing from my bloggers friend about #HexaExperience in other cities across the country, I was quite eagerly waiting for it to happen in Bangalore as well. There was lot of hope build up and expectations were very high from this event. Finally got a invite from Indiblogger about this and the event was set in white Orchid, Inside Manyata Tech park, Nagawara, Bangalore on 24 Dec 2016.

The event was well organised with lot of happening around "something for everything". 

In the centre, was the car itself "HEXA" displayed and it was looking just amazing. There was lot of enthusiasm among people to know about the features of the car. 

On first look, the front grill is awesome. The curves on bonnet are so well designed that they give a feeling of power this vehicle can demonstrate. In my opinion it is one of the best things TATA has done in designing the front look of the car along with sophisticated grills.

Under the hood it comes with 2.2 L Vericor engine which can harness 156 PS@4000 rpm and has 400NM of torque. I could feel the this power and torque in off road experience itself. Based on the road condition and vehicle position, vehicle decides the power distribution and it made it look so easy to pass through those tough off road terrain.

However I would have preferred and liked it more if all parts inside bonnet including engine were covered with one piece of frame or plastic. It looked bit cluttered to me inside bonnet.

The vehicle comes in both manual transmission as well in automatic transmission which can be quite helpful in city driving.The Interiors of the vehicle are of good quality( I am not sure, if its same interior quality for all variants or it was only for high end model - don't forget to check if you are interested in buying one ).19" Alloy wheel which comes in high end variant is superb looking and simply compliment the overall look of the vehicle and provides stability and good grip on the road.

There are other tons of features including excellent infotainment system from Harman with powerful speakers, touch display, Aux, Bluetooth, USB, Navigation support. I think in long drives, you will not be disappointed playing with infotainment system. But I felt bit of delay in touch response while using infotainment system which is something can be further improved in order to deliver awesome feeling with whole infotainment usage. Coming to off road experience, I had first of such rides to experience. From going over high hill ,mud, uneven slopes, angular drive , it all went so smooth that you can hardly feel that the terrain is so tough to drive. There are various modes of drive in 'rough mode', 'hill climb' etc. which assist overall drive and make it a effortless driving experience.

Though the prices are not yet disclosed, but I was being told that it could range between Rs. 12L-18L range. #HexaExperience is certainly going to be appreciated by many people and I wish all the best for the success of the car.

Life Is Hard!!!

Life is real hard, one moment it gives you everything and the next it leaves you without anything! you will not have any idea what just happened. Life teaches you so many things which you have never dreamt of and it hard, in my case real hard. It has been a real long time I have blogged about something and I'm finding it so hard to start. After the two big incidents happened in my life, now life has no meaning for me and everything looks so empty and unreal. From 2013 I'm living the same life over and over with no difference at all. Each day and each month is same with so many memories! I wish I had a time machine to stop the time or go back to the old time.

Everybody says just move on and start thinking about new and start being happy but I don't understand how to start something new at the cost of the old memories. Those memories are unforgettable and I have lived the every moment of it and those feelings are just unforgettable. One day you have everything what you want and you do prepare many things to enjoy that moment which you are waiting from long time. And once you reach there and life start having some meaning and you start being busy and starts building up things what you have thought of! All of sudden you have nothing in your hands, everything again becomes empty and things starts haunting and there is only one person standing right behind you to hold you. It is so hard to answer peoples questions I just feel like hiding from everybody and never show them my face. But again I think what will happen to that person who is always there for me in any circumstances!

I'm trying real hard to get back to doing things what I use to do and feel good about it. I force myself to start everything back so that at least people around me feel normal. But every time I end up from where I started. I don't know where to go! If I go alone it's not fair for my husband even he is also in the same feelings what I'm in now. Though I have people around still my empty heart is not filling.. I keep fake smile on my face so that people around me should not feel my pain, but it is not fair. I'm not able to hide or show my pain and it is so difficult to face the world with the fake smile on my face. I feel so good to see when someone has a complete family, somewhere in the corner of my heart I feel bad for me and keep asking to god Why Me! Everyday I get up thinking that we will get what we deserve and keep waiting, but at the end of that day I'm standing in the same place surrounded by a same thoughts and feeling vulnerable. Nothing is changing everything is constant there is no movement at all. I know everybody has a problem in there life and many of them going through this pain, after thinking that also I'm not able to console myself and change my thoughts.. My heart and mind is filled with guilt and that guilt is killing me from inside and I'm not able to justify myself for what I have not done! I have no hope and I'm not able to see anything ahead, everything feels so painful and nothing feels right. The best part is I'm still living in my own virtual world where I have very happy family of my own.. I wish my virtual world would have been my real world! Now I have just given up, I know nothing is going to change I have to live with this pain through out my life. I just pray to god each and everyday no parents should go through this pain what we are going through, it is very painful!!

Eid Mubarak To All!!

Eid Mubarak To Everyone!!!

 

 

These are few main Dishes of EID what my mom usually cookes... There are more dishes which i haven't put on my blog, may be i will complete the menu next year... To know the recipes click the link below :)

 

 

Chicken Dum Briyani
Mutton Briyani
Prawn Briyani
Sheer Khurma
Gulab Jamun

Sevai
Gajar Ka Halwa
Qubani Ka Meetha
Apple and Coconut Custard.

 

 

Happy Holi 2013

Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous Holi.... Holi the festival of colors is undoubtedly the most fun filled and boisterous of Hindu festival. It's an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance and of course lots of bright colors!! 

Like every year this year also i made Gujia, Namak Para, Chakli and many more.. Still thinking what to cook for tomorrow... To know the Gujia recipe Click.

One Of The Best Day Of My Life.. Meeting Winner Of Masterchef Australia Kate Bracks!!!!

Last Wednesday (13March 2013) I saw an advertisement on internet about Kate Bracks visit to India for her "The Sweet life" book launch in Marriott hotel, Whitefield Bangalore. I felt so happy and sad too; sad because I had no idea how to meet her and this hotel is very close to my hubby's office, that’s where I felt he can do something. Then I told my hubby, do whatever you have do to I don't know but I want to meet her and he said I will try. Then he checked with few people and they told the booking is already filled but if you want to meet her then you can come on coming Saturday where she is going to demonstrate her favourite recipe to public and the entry is free and there will be a lot of crowd. 

Then my H called me and said that and I felt it will be impossible to meet her in person in such a huge crowd, forget it will go to Australia to meet her only. I was feeling very sad; I didn’t talk to anybody whole day.

Next day morning as usual he was reading news paper and he again saw the ad. Then slowly he came to me and said, honey I think we can go and see what exactly she will do and then think of something ok... Whenever he says like that somehow he always does it for me and I also said yes. Then in the evening he checked with hotel people and they said you can just walk in. You can say I was very happy, but somewhere in my heart I was not that much satisfied.

Next day morning I woke up early and was doing nothing and just thinking that how can I meet her? I was planning what should I wear, if I wear my best cloths and if she doesn’t meet me then?? No no, I will save my best cloths to wear on when i will meet her in personal and the I decided to go ahead with just normal cloths. Then we left from home early at 1 o'clock so that at least we can get first row seats. We reached hotel... The hotel was awesome and very peaceful, we sat for few minutes and then we filled up registration forms and I was waiting when they will send inside the grand ball room.

In the mean while we were checking out the hotel around and clicking the picture. Then we met one staff in the hotel who was looking after this event arrangement. I told Sushil just check with him, is it possible to meet her in personal. Sushil went and ask and he said I’m not sure about today but you can come and meet her in personal tomorrow where she is hosting a Sunday's Brunch and the charges is 2500+taxes, you can register after this event.

After hearing that i was so so happy. No problem if I can’t see her properly today, tomorrow I will come and sit in front of her... Keeping that in my mind I went inside the ball room where they had arrangement for this event. Now see what god has given me. By luck We got the second row seat, and the host told everybody there are lot prizes to be won and you can ask questions to Kate too, but everybody will not get a chance. Only those of few will get a chance to ask question who has post-its under their chair. Then everybody started searching... With my fast heart beat I looked under my chair but It was not there. Disappointing moment!!! But you know what, there was one post-it under my husband’s chair. I screamed O My God I got it. I was literally flying in the air. Thank You god.

After all this melodrama, Beautiful, Simple and very Energetic Kate Bracks arrives. I was just looking at her only, with my wide mouth open. Then she started talking how much she is loving India and the people. She had gone for shopping to Commercial Street, some local market and she ate Butter Chicken and tandoori rotis and she kept saying that how she can take tandoor on her flight back home. She liked one more thing the most is Pappdi chat, where she call it as Indian Nachos. After that she started her baking class, she baked her few Favourite recipes. "Chocolate Hazelnuts and Raspberry Muffins", "Chocolate Coffee Cake" and "Chocolate Terrine with Spiced Praline"

In between her baking, she was answering the questions also, few kids asked “what is her favourite food”, “favourite dish”, “what she like about Masterchef”, “what inspired her to take a part in Masterchef” etc etc..

"Then my turns comes, I asked her,

Me: What has changed in you from before Masterchef and after winning Masterchef?

Kate: Nothing as much changed in me, still I cook, make tiffens, clean home and take care of my 3 little kids. Yeah one thing has changed, I have become more confident.

The show went on and we dint realize how fast the time was passing, and at 6:30 she winded up and we all left for home. It became 7:30pm to reach home. It was worth watching and listening to her. She is the best chef I have ever met, very humble and down to earth. I was very much inspired watching on her Masterchef Australia show and because of her only I went to give the Masterchef India 3 auditions,

This was more than enough for me, god gave me this chance to meet and talk to my inspiration and stand next to her and take picture, what better I would have asked from god today.. I really need to thanks Love of My Life, he makes a everything possible for me and he is the lucky charm for me.. Thank you god and Sushil for making my dream come true... I will definitely visit Australia to meet her and spend a more time with her and I know this will happen....

Happy Women's Day To All The Women's In The World!!!

Wishing you a day filled with goodness and warmth, Wishing you happiness… today and forever,

Happy Women’s Day!

Spice Ur Senses 3rd Year Celebration With Black Forest Cake

With all the support and love from friends and food lovers, today Spice Ur Senses completes 3years. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments and feed back which encouraged me to experiment with food and and share with all. Keep supporting me like this. To celebrate this wonderful day i tried to bake "Black Forest Cake". Here are the few picture of my cake, will post the recipe next time :)

Happy Diwali 2012!!!

Happy Diwali to all my blog readers and my blogger friends.... I am going to have lot of fun this Diwali and hope the same for all of you... Have Fun and safe diwali :). Surprise your loved one's this Diwali by cooking different types of sweets. To know the recipe click on the link. Gulab Jamun, Gajar Ka Halwa, Suji Ka Ladoo, Roasted Sevai, Suji Ka Halwa, Sheer Khurma, Rice Kheer.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi..

@Bakasur- Eat-Drink & Enjoy

Bakasura, most of us would have  heard about this epic character from Mahabharata. Bakasura lived only for eating and following the same concept "BAKASUR" chain of restaurants is launched with its first branch at Namma Bangalore.

The place is quite well positioned in close vicinity to SEZ parks on outer ring road near Belandur (Location on google map). I happened to visit this place along with my friends in PoshVine's pre-launch dining experience at Bakasur and enjoyed being a part of "Bakasur". 

I like the big opened mouth picture of Bakasur at the entrance and many of you will agree with me. Tables are well spaced and you can be sure that your conversations are not being overheard by people sitting at next table. 

Warm greetings from staff and we decided our table and chose to sit at the corner near the cooking counter. I was quite hungry so without wasting any more time went directly to order food.

Menu was sort of limited but seems selectively created as most of items are unique in their name. We decided to go for drinks and few veg/non-veg starters to start with. 

Malai wala Lassi was a hit with its earthen pot serving and believe me it was big to fill your stomach. You must try if you are there. Hariyali murg kabab was quite tender and well cooked. We all enjoyed it and would love it eat again. 

I felt Gosht Kastoori tikka could have been better as it was bit overcooked. Mushroom Galauti & Tandoori Panja Prawn tasted average. 

Aloo Paneer til Bharwan was a disappointment. I wish they could have given more attention on the veg part. 

But nevertheless we enjoyed all the starters along with Lassi. 

With Starters and a big glass of lassi ‘the Bakasura’ inside us was bit calm now and we spent some time in chit-chat before going for the main course. 

In the main course, we tried mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Probably I have raised my expectation high after the starters which main course could only partially meet. 

Since I am bit oil conscious so could not eat palak puri as it was bit oily but for those who don’t mind oily stuff it’s worth a try. 

Mutton Bheja masala, is one unique item on menu which you won’t find everywhere.

Looking around the ambience, i think you will appreciate it too and would like to be there. Music was not too loud and was pleasant to ears but what I came to know is that they have Bakasur theme music which they have planned to play in coming days.

To summarize, in my opinion, ambience is very good, music is pleasant, well spaced tables, good staff, Lassi is must try. I wish they could improve a bit on their main course menu before my next dinner at Bakasur.

Road Trip To Masinagudi

Masinagudi is a very nice place with a backdrop of Nilgiris hills, surrounded by lavish green forest (glad to see so many trees and greenery after a long time, otherwise living in urban concrete forest mostly we see these forests in Discovery/NGC channels only). Google shall be able to provide much more information about history of this hill station, in case if you are getting curious to know more J

We enjoyed the drive till there. For breakfast we had pit stop at Kamat (After Ramnagar). Road condition is good but don’t expect anything like driving on NH7 (Hosur -> Krishnagiri) which is superb. Read More...

Innovative Film City...

Quick getaway from hectic REAL life to pleasant REEL life!!!

It was a long time pending plan to visit Innovative film city which we could not complete because of one or other reasons. Few of my colleagues have visited this place with family and feedback was quite good, as they really enjoyed the time spent over there.

Friday night, while having dinner with my wife at Kobe Sizzlers @ Garuda Mall, we thought to visit Innovative film city next day morning. We called up some of our friends to check if they can join us and after few minutes we got one couple on board. So Saturday morning was all set for a drive to Innovative film city.

Saturday morning, we decided to meet up near the BEL Circle, Vidyaranyapura and reach the NICE road by 10:15am. As most of the time, plan didn’t work out and with some delay we could finally start from Vidyaranyapura at 11:15am. 

We took the road next to Prestige apartments and reached the NICE road in about 15 minutes. Before i should write my experience of driving on NICE road, i must say it was AWESOME drive. We paid the toll of Rs.55 to enter the NICE road stretch and were told to take the left exit after 17km. In a small drive before we took exit turn, I guess after around 15 minutes, my Ford Figo touched the mark of 110Km/h without my notice. The scenery along on the sides of NICE road is so refreshing. All you could see if big green and open space, it was such a treat to eyes.

After taking exit from NICE road, we continued towards Bidadi, it’s just one straight road then and in no way you can get lost. After around 27km, we could see the big board of Innovative Film City on the left side of the road. From there you can find proper road directions to reach film city. With one small break on the way we reached there by 12:30pm and parked the car in a big open parking ground.

There are 2 kinds of tickets available- Rs.499/- for full day and Rs.299/- from 3pm onwards (Credit cards are accepted). We took the full day combo tickets which included most of the rides and attractions which we could enjoy. For the camera and Handy cam, separate charges (Rs.100/-) are applicable.

We enjoyed our day over there and by the time we left the film city we were fully tired. It was really a much needed break and couldn’t have been better than this. It’s a place which gives you chance to bring out your creativity in photography with all such sets around the film city, so don‘t forget your camera.

Few of the things which we really enjoyed –

Mirror Maze – It was terrific. We got scared after going inside few steps as we could not find any way exit nor entry gate and were totally confused. But don’t worry, somebody will take you out so don’t afraid to be lost inside J

Ripley’s – Must watch. Watch out for one way mirror kept next to tongue rolling girl. From the other side we could not stop our laugh watching people trying to roll their tongues. I bet you could just sit there whole day watching people rolling their tongues and you will not stop laughing.

     

      Wax Museum - Few statues are really worth watching.

 Roller Coaster – Must try. Will keep your heart young.

Haunted Mansion – It was good. Luckily they didn't make it so haunted.
Roller Skates - Fun to try even if you don't know how to skate but just be careful ;)

Beach – After a tiring day, best place to relax and play in wave pool.

Food Court – Good option of foods. McDonald is also there.

After a wonderful day we left from there at 6:45pm and reached back to BEL circle by 8:30pm. You need to be careful while coming back to enter the NICE road as it’s on the right side of the road so need to take U-TURN to enter NICE road....

EID MUBARAK!!!!!

Eid Mubarak to every one !!!!!!

Happy Holi !!!!!

Holi - the festival of colors - is undoubtedly the most fun-filled and boisterous of Hindu festival. It's an occasion that brings in unadulterated joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance, and, of course, lots of bright colors!

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit, also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South India.

(Source Wikipedia)
To celebrate this holi i made gujia .. To know the recipe click here

Announcement Of Winners: Treat To Eyes Series-1 Event

Hi friends!!! WOW, i had never expected that my first event would be such a great success... My personal thanks to each and everyony of you for making it such a yummy event and sharing the best of yours.

Event received so many different types of recipes from different part of the globe and i was amazed to see the creativity of each dish. Each recipe had its own unique style and yummy factor :) I must admit it was very difficult for me to choose 3 out of so many recipes and for a while i thought to make it best 10. But then rules are rules and must be followed so had a tough time deciding the best 3.

So here is the TOP 3 best presented Treat to eyes :)

• Nutella Little Hearts is certainly heart stealing 
• Orange and Carrot Juice gives a rich fruit freshness feeling 
• Sabudana Vada perfect shape and great texture with green chutney is just so tempting

I would like to present my event's logo as an appreciation award to the winners of Treat To Eyes Series-1

Once again thank you to each and everyone for participating in my event.

Nutella Little Heart from Rasoi 

Orange and Carrot Juice from 4th sense cooking

Sabudana Vada from Foodelicious

Treat To Eyes : Series 1

Some great person had rightly said that food is first tasted with eyes before going into mouth... After thinking for a while i got the idea to host this event where we all can see and learn from each other's creativity to present even the simplest dish in a way that pleases the eyes...
Also it's time to recognize my blogger friend's wonderful and mouth watering recipes with mind blowing presentation.
So friends, by now you must have guessed about the rules of this event. If not then let me tell you that there is one and only one rule -
" The dish should be in it's best presentation bringing out the creativity in you and shall be TREAT to eyes"


Just to make sure smooth submission  of entries please follow the bellow guidelines
1. Please link ur entries to this announcement page in your posts with my name and blog name. Usage of the logo is very much appreciated.
2. Multiple entries per person is allowed..
3. Archived recipes are accepted, but must b reposted.
4. When you mail me the recipe in the Subject mention: Treat To Eyes Series-1

Out of all the entries, selected TOP 3 will be posted on the main page of my blog with loads of applause.
Below link will be opened 24x7 till 14th March 2011. In case you find any problem in submitting using this link, please send me your entries @ rumana.am@gmail.com. I would be happy to post it on the page.
So get ready to put on apron and rock!!!!

Happy Diwali

WISH YOU ALL PROSPEROUS AND HAPPY DIWALI
Happy Diwali to all my blog readers and my blogger friends. I will be away for couple of days from my blog, 
because i am going to celebrate Diwali to my In-Laws place... I am going to have lot fun this Diwali and i hope the same for all of you................ Have Fun and safe diwali :)
Surprise your loved one's this Diwali by cooking this simple yet delicious Pistachio & Butter Cookies.

Sweet Memories of Seoul (South Korea)

Submitted this entry in Incredible Stories contest by Mahindra on Indiblogger.
My stay in south korea was amazing, the climate was so good(not to forget lot of snow fall and often chilling wind) and the people around were ok not so good and not so bad.Most of the locals were not very comfortable in english and i knew just few korean words like kamsamida(thanks), annyohasiyo(hello)..Read More>>