Barbeque Nation presents Mohammed Ali Road to Delhi/NCR

At the entrance of Barbeque Nation

I have visited Mumbai only once for 4/5 days and have loved it for being people friendly, good transport and eating joints and street food. When I heard that the renowned restaurant chain- Barbeque Nation is bringing Mumbai's renowned Mohammed Ali Road to Delhi itself, I was amazed at the concept and couldn't wait to be there.

Ambiance

On the theme of Mohammad Ali Road in Mumbai

As I entered the venue, it was all lit up with glittering lights and staff wearing topi and scarves at the back with Pathani suits. The whole atmosphere was as if Eid celebrations were on and people having gala time. I could see various stalls like Hussain Kebab corner and Pulao Ganj. It was a real happening place celebrating Eid. I just loved the overall ambiance and how festive decoration had camouflaged with it.

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Nidhi KM

Enticing salads

Rane G

Extravaganza of South East Asian cuisine@ Republic of Noodles

Interiors at Republic of Noodles of Lemon Tree Premiere , Aerocity

As I entered the premises of Lemon Tree Premiere at Aerocity, I already knew that my experience at Republic of Noodles is going to be extraordinary. Lemon Tree Premiere hotel at Aerocity organized a two weeks long promotion of South East Asian Cuisine at Republic of Noodles. To savour the cuisine and enjoy the ambiance, I was there to have an experience.

Ambiance

Another view at Republic of Noodles

Commanding the view of pool with eccentric interiors, Republic of Noodles stood valiantly in the heart of Lemon Tree Premiere hotel. As per our hostess Divya Agha, Manager, communications, Lemon Tree, the signature ambiance of Republic of Noodles across all the locations in India is similar. Having a low furniture with orangish broken hint, wall sized windows covered with plants all around providing a sneak preview of outside, statue of Buddha in the middle and bamboo flora are all contemporary statement of Republic of Noodles. I enjoyed the ambiance , it seemed that the restaurant would be a perfect stop for a cozy dine out for a romantic evening or even for business meetings . The atmosphere was soothing and unperturbed.

Cantonese Style Chicken

Food at Republic of Noodles

As we settled, starters started pouring in by well trained staff. First of all, I had a soup named Burnt elephant garlic with Baby Pokchoy which was delicious. It had a good flavour of garlic. It was a thin soup. Then I had Char Grilled Lamb Korean Style which was highly delectable. Lamb pieces were soft and juicy with perfect blend of spices. The snack melted in my mouth as I savoured it. I wanted to eat more but had to stop myself as I had to review more dishes. Then came crackling Young Spinach with Morinu-Tofu. This was a great snack coated with cornflour and deep fried.

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Nidhi KM

Beverly Hills, the premiere destination in California

Beverly Hills City Hall skyline

Think of luxurious hotels, premiere shops, top notch celebrities and glitterati, think of Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills is one of the most regal destinations of the world! Being part of Southern California, this destination offered wealth of oil and water resources. Over the time, with the introduction of Beverly Hills Hotel, movie industry celebrities got lured to this destination thus inviting a huge premiere crowd to the location.

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau , the agency for promoting Beverly Hills as a travel destination joined for the third time the India Mission of Brand USA to join hands with travel trade of India.

Beverly Hills is renowned for numerous sightseeing options like

Two Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way intersection at night

1. Beverly Hilton , the luxurious premier property hosting many prestigious awards and gala events

2. Electric Fountain with a mysterious story depicted, Beverly Hills Sign and Lilly Pond

3. Paley Center for media providing access to 150,000 programs and unprecedented and unparalleled radio and television programming

4. Many art and cultural options like Beverly Hills City Hall, Beverly Garden Park, O'Neill's House, The Witches House , Two Rodeo and many more

The Beverly Hills Hotel Sunset Ballroom

5. If you are visiting with family, Dont forget to visit Sprinkles, Beverley Canon Gardens, Beverly Hills Trolley

6. Do Star line Tours and Sweet stops if you have more time.

Where to Shop at Beverly Hills

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Nidhi KM

Quick reasons for visiting Philadelphia

Nighttime_Panorama photo by Bob Krist for PHLCVB

Mission Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) the official destination marketing organization of Philadelphia has curated special experiences customized for Indian travellers in 4th Annual Brand USA India promoting the destination in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi.

PHLCVB showcased History, Arts and Culture, Dining & Nightlife & Shopping, happening street life, world-class restaurants with cuisine by celebrity and award winning chefs and outdoor life of Philadelphia and how various pockets can make the best of their travel in Philadelphia ranging from economical to luxurious experience. Philadelphoa has been rated as USA's No 1 city for culture presenting incredible history of ballet,  orchestra and many more. Philadelphia also marks itself as best beer drinking cities in USA.

Having so many lucrative options of experiences, a visit to Philadelphia makes memories of lifetime. India ranks 5th amongst top tourist market of Philadelphia.

Chinatown Friendship Gate photo by Jim McWilliams for PHLCVB

Philadelphia can be visited as a family destination

Franklin Square, 18 holes mini Golf Course, China Town Friendship Art, Franklin Institute for electricity experiments, Academy of Natural Sciences and Drexel University focuses on environment,Zoo, The Oval, please touch museum for kids and parents interactive session and hands on learning,a adventure aquarium to get close to numerous fishes and other water animals are some of the options one can enjoy with family

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Huntington Beach, Photo credits Visit California

As I got to attend the Brand USA India Mission of Discover America , I ensured to explore California as a travel destination at the event. What I learnt that ‘Visit California’ is a non profit organization aiming at promotion of travel and tourism at California positioning it as the most preferred premier tourist destination. As per Visit California, travel and tourism expenses summed up to $117.5 Billion in 2014 in California, supporting jobs for 1,013,000 Californians and churning $9.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. The Golden State in 2014, witnessed more than 273K visitors from India spent $527M, accounting for 27.9% market share of the total arrivals to the USA. These remarkable numbers demonstrated a 13.8% growth in visitors over the previous year, and forecasts indicate an additional growth of 9.5 percent in 2015. I was thrillled to learn this.

Why should you Visit California?

1. To explore the Ocean Avenue ,Santa Monica Pier, amusement rides at Pacific Park, beaches at Pacific Ocean, concerts, historic Walking tours, free Fall movies, volleyball beach, aquarium, shopping , street performances, farmer’s weekly market, dance, world class hotels, arts and sports

2. To enjoy Wild North Coast, witness volcanoes to the sea, savour classic wine, coastal drive, luxurious stays while being close to nature, stunning lakes, charming mountains, desert drives by Road

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Nidhi KM

How is Kerala a wellness retreat for many?...article by T.K.Sreevalsan

The backwaters of Payyoli, Kerala a wellness retreat

I had heard a lot about Kerala as a wellness retreat for many! Wanted to  witness the same. My curiosity finally took me to God's own country, this time as - Kerala a wellness retreat!

My first stop over was Karipur literally meaning a place of black. I was actually expecting some theme of black all around. But, what? In total contrast to my understanding of the name Karipur, this place was a lush green hilly area with backwaters and fishing opportunities.

Kerala being in the Tropical zone boasts off its beautiful greens and herbs leading to prevalence of an ancient medical treatment Ayurveda!

This time, my motive of travel being exploration of Kerala a wellness retreat was being satiated by visits to distinctive three locations of Pre Independence India- Malabar, Kochi and Travancore.

Malabar, a scenic destination

Ahead of clibs of Western Ghats, a sexagenarian tribesman - N Vellan who is an expert on natural herbal treatments has got medicinal herbs all around his Vellarachal house. He has taken this legacy of knoweledge from his forefathers who are adivasi Vaidyas. N. Vellan believes that today's world is totally off natural treatments and his natural treatments may even sound heavenly to us. As per him, he was able to cure a lady with colon and great cancer in 2007. She was certified as cancer free by Manipal hospital. He has cures for diseases like migraine and spondylitis.

Totally impressed by this true tale, I wanted to meet a large scale quality trusted grower of medicinal herbs- PJ Chackochan. PJ Chackochan runs an NGO Vanamoolika across a 15 acre cultivation with 2000 farmers taking care of 700 herbs and medicinal plants plus fruits and vegetables.. The quality of the produce is what they can be trusted for.

Parassinikkadavu, Kerala a wellness retreat

Down the hills, in the plains of neighbouring Kannur district, there is a village that occupies a special place in Kerala’s tourism map. The river-side Parassinikkadavu has given a fresh lease of life to no less than 1.10 lakh people in the past 50 years. All because of a pioneering organisation’s acumen to improvise upon one segment of the grand old medical treatment system — and effectively counter snakebite. The Pappinissery Visha Chikitsa Society (PVCS) has fascinated the medical fraternity across the globe as the only institution that blends the wisdom of ancient Ayurveda with new-age allopathy.

What’s more, the PVCS also runs a 30 year old snake park housing numerous poisonous and non-poisonous snakes — an incredible concept luring 3 lakh visitors pee year. Experts say the state’s grand Ayurveda lineage gifts Kerala with the advantage of being a destination for studies on Agadatantra — the ancient science’s toxicology branch — and allied research.

So much for Ayurvedic treatment for snakebite. Okay, these are cure for bodily matters.

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Article and photo credits T.K. Sreevalsan

Have you ever saved money on NYC travel?

When I learnt that Brsnd USA is organizing an event of Discover America, I had my plans set to attend the event. Event being held in Le Meridien, Delhi had major delegates from tourism destinations of USA. Delegates had come from tourism offices of Beverly Hills, California, Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Philadelphia, Oregon, Orlando and San Francisco. I was fortunate enough to interact with most of them.

When I interacted with the delegate of NYC-Mr. Christopher Heywood- Senior Vice President, Global Communications, NYC & Company, I realized that it is possible to travel to the Big Apple, the most premium city of the world and save money too!

Blue Restaurant, Staten Island © NYC & Company Joe Buglewicz as noted by NYC &Company for nycgo.com

NYC embraces its visitors with world cuisine, cultural Broadway programs, performances, festivals, shows and many more. This time New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, recommends travellers low-cost attractions, hotels, museums, competitions like free ferry ride to Staten Island, nominal fees to selwct museums, entry to Central Park and many more.There is a “Free in NYC” guide, nycgo.com/free, that mentions of selecf enormous things to do for free in NYC like entertainment for kids, Broadway shows, museums , events  and many more.

In my interaction with Chris, he mentioned that the time when you can save on money on stays is from November to January.  Also, there are many options available throughout the year.

Insider tips of how to make the best use of money when in NYC

a.)Consider planning trips to NYC at certain times of year and certain days of the week when

Circle Line 2 Hour Semi-Circle Cruise Tour © NYC & Company Marley White as noted by NYC &Company for nycgo.com

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Nidhi KM

Satiate your taste buds this October @Grub Fest

L-R, Chaitanya Mathur, Shiv Karan, Sahil Jain, Vivek Bahl and Arjun Jain

Remember the last time you got grubbed! With a new angle, a new style and a totally differently luring fashion, Grub 2.0 comes soon to Ambiance Lawns, Gurgaon to entice you this October 23rd, 24th, & 25th, October of 2015 with luscious food and its condiments.

Delhi and NCR will be savouring the best of food from all over India as Mr. Chaitanya Mathur and Mr. Arjun Jain decide to do Grub 2.0.

Be rest assured, the experience this time is going to be all the more exciting for 70 restaurants have now become 106, entertainment has added more aspects to it to your surprise. Taking cues from more than 1 lakh footfall, edition 2.0 could not wait even for 7 months to embrace you again!

Aman Kumar, Co Director said it was essential to boost the loyalty while gaining more guests, so the new destination of Grub 2.0 automatically became e Gurgaon, Ambiance Mall!So, what's in store at Grub 2.0?

An opportunity to showcase your culinary skills, your style as Grub 2.0 embraces small businesses, start ups, blogs, food techs during the festival.

Grub Explore 

.     The Grub Team is going to surprise you with genuine chefs, cuisines & traditionally rich and diversified food of India from Bengal, Kerala, Nagaland, Kashmir, Goa and more.

·    Cultural delights- Performing Artists to include an expansive list of acoustic, rock, indie, comedy and electronic music. Some of the eminent artists including Parikrama, Astitva, Nikhil Chinapa, Hari & Sukhmani, Vir Das's Comedy Rock Band - Alien Chutney, and a surprise big headliner for the event. Final artist list to be announced closer to the event

·    A Celebrity Chef from India to host a Pop Uprestaurant

·    Cafe Epicuria is popping up at The Grub Fest, bringing along the renowned brands under its roof

·    Grub Mile - A courtyard curated by House of Sunrydge to include brands like Indigo, Indigo Deli, Qla & many more.

·    The pleasantly mysterious Element, Grub Storey's - The first of its kind in India, a multi storied, travelling restaurant at a food festival. More details will be announced closer to event

·     Early Bird Tickets - to go live 1 month before the event at Ambience Malls, Gurgaon & Vasant Kunj. The event has also introduced a special ticket for families, and express entries.

·     Foodie Meet Ups - Wine and dine with the who's who of the F&B industry curated by The Grub Team and food communities around the city! Fun-filled events, engaging more and more people through contests and give aways. Winners to get special invites to the fest as well as other festival goodies.

The 3 power houses in entertainment, Tricon Media, White Fox & GSM Media, come together yet again, and are all set to take their food festival across India and beyond.

What's next for Grub?

Nidhi KM

As Garam Dharam entered Dhaba te Theka @Garam Dharam

Garam Dharam Dhaba te Theka

Situated at the prime location, Garam Dharam restaurant stands sharp in the heart of Connaught Place. When I learnt that the veteran actor Dharmendra himself is coming over to launch the newest restaurant Garam Dharam, Dhaba the Theka I was very eager to meet him. At the same time, I was curious to see the dhaba te thekka on the theme of Dharam Garam.

Movie names on wall

As I entered the restaurant, it was already very crowded. I was finally able to find a seat for myself after searching.

Ambiance

Royal enfield reminding of 'Ye dosti' song of Sholay

Ambiance was quirky with stylish lamps hung in an innovative way. You need to see it to believe. Restaurant had a graffiti painting of Dharmendra on one wall, movie names on other and dialogues on chairs. The whole area was vibrant and reflected Bollywood aura. Bollywood songs being played at the background radiated high energy in the atmosphere. There was Royal enfield, the grand memory of song 'Ye dosti' of movie 'Sholay' took me to the joyous moments of thise times. It took me a while to simply observe the happening place. In a way, I was absorbed in the ambiance.

Graffiti painting of Dharmendra

Snacks

As we waited for respected Dharam Ji, enticing snacks were coming our way. I must say that I couldn't complain at all. All snacks that I tasted including seekh kebab, chicken wings, chicken Malai tikka were indeed luscious. I loved them all. Fresh lime soda which is my favourite breezer was awesome as well. All in all we were having a gala waiting time.

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Nidhi KM

Get regally treated @ luxury of your time - United Coffee House

United Coffee House

United Coffee House (UCH) established since 1942 stands valiantly in Connaught Place sustaining its legacy of signature dishes and magnificient ambiance. UCH has been the pioneer of specialization in Regional India, Continental and Oriental specialties mastered over years of dedication and experience by its promoters and team members. This restaurant was established considering the need to strike the opportunity to provide a fine dining and luxurious experience to the elite class, bureaucrats, rich businesssmen. Many political strategies and discussions have begun at this opportune outlet. Film stars used to discuss films at United Coffee House. Having heard so many success stories, I consider this place to be propitious to begin a new venture.

Ambiance at United Coffee House

As a child I used to visit United Coffee House many times and had faded memories. My parents used to visit this place during their courtship. I always had an impression of United Coffee House as one restaurant where people can have a regal dining experience and discussions at this luxurious outlet while relishing delectable food. Whenever as kids we visited this restaurant, it used to be a sophisticated affair.

Another view

I was planning for lunch at United Coffee House with friends since long but somehow was not able to due to our busy schedules. Finally, we three friends were able to decide on the date. We reached UCH around noon on a sunny day. United Coffee House had an elegant face to it. As I entered all my childhood memories revived.The feeling of attachment with a place creeped in.

Fish cutlet

Food and drinks

Viharin.com- Presentation of Syrian Chicken Kebabs

Menu was vast starting from signature dishes, to regional Indian, to Oriental, Mediterranean, Western,European and Asian. As snacks, we savored Keema Samosa which was sumptuous and luscious. It had no extra oil. Although a bit spicy but I loved it. Then was turn of fish cutlet which was lip smacking. I enjoyed it with the sauce. Cutlet had appropriated spices to entice my taste buds. It was also not at all oily. It melted in my mouth as my palette embraced it.

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Nidhi kM

A trip to the end of the world, Ushuaia- Argentina!

Buenos Aires obelisco monumental tower

I was eagerly waiting to touch the ground of Argentina. Curious to take off with chapter 4 of the journey post our incredible experiences of Asia, Australia and Africa. I had my own curiosity for Argentina, we being aliens in terms of language and people. To overcome this challenge, we already had our own CD and book translators and some phone apps too! Soon the plane landed at Buenos Aires and we headed for the immigration counter. I was a little apprehensive but tried my best to answer all the questions with total confidence and cleared the first major step of immigration.

After picking our bags, we started our drive to the hostel in a cab. Wow! The fresh breeze and fragrance of Argentina embraced me and I got lost in my own thoughts of glaciers, people, homes and atmosphere of Argentina.

Scenic

What happened next was quiet strange for me. We had to stop by the Shipping Agent's office, to produce licence, passport and other documenys to get our vehicle cleared. Nora, a lady who worked in that office was supposed to help in the process. She greeted me with a kiss on my cheek leaving me puzzled. Someone explained to me that this is the culture of greeting in Argentina! Whoever meets whoever irrespective of friends or stranger or gender, this is the way of greeting. I asked him if he kissed men too everyday :-)  to which he replied, hesitantly 'no, I just shake hands'. :-)

After getting our documents cleared, our vehicle was to be handed over the next day. So, we had afternoon till night to us which we spent strolling and looking around, experiencing various fragrances of restaurants, observing people kissing each other on the cheek. It was a fabulous time spent. Argentina appeared to be a vibrant place with people having fun around. After having some snacks, we took a cab back to hostel to simply doze off.

Route - 3 Argentina

Next day , we headed to the port for our vehicle clearance. Our shipping agents’ were already waiting for us. I requested the driver to open the container. As it opened, we saw our lovely "Forrest" and drove it back to our hostel and parked in secured parking. Next day, we went to La Boca, which is popularly known as the place used by new immigrants. You can see tango dancers here and even take a photo or dance with them for a small fee.

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Article by Tushar Agarwal

Photo credits Tushar Agarwal

Want more? Get more at Resort Rio, Goa this monsoon!

Dining hall

Well what is "more"? Its an extra night free stay at Resort Rio, Goa!

Take a break from that busy schedule, enjoy rains in the utmost beauty of Goa in monsoon! This is a Super Saver Holiday package at Resort Rio!

You can do so much! Relax, rejuvinate, rediscover love, treat your family or your loved ones! Resort Rio will ensure to customize to your needs to finest details to make your stay a memorable one!

What more, stay for three nights and get a fourth night free!

Ambiance at Resort Rio

So, what's the deal at Resort Rio?

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Relish the taste of delectable hot fillings @ MR.SUB

MR.SUB

Year- 1968

MR.SUB, a famous American QSR brand was born to strike the opportunity of need of freshly baked breads, healthy eating and crave for customization.

Slowly and gradually, MR.SUB collates 305 outlets in Canada over the years. MR.SUB acquires more and more outlets across the world.

2nd September, 2015

Quirky interiors

MR.SUB gets inaugurated in India with an exclusive store at the SDA market in Delhi. Beverly is the Master Franchisee for “MR.SUB” pan India.

Ambiance at MR.SUB

Order and food counter

MR.SUB stands sharp at the SDA Market with vibrant red colour. Having two floors to it, MR.SUB provides a quick dining at the ground floor with order and food counter. Upper floor is dedicated for quick yet easy dining where people can have SUBs. High roof of the outlet provides a spacious look.

Food

SUB

Spicy Chicken tikka SUB and tandoori chicken tikka sub are good options for non vegetarians. I relished both. MR.SUB spicy sauce and chipotle breads are a must try. Yahoo sauce too adds a flavour to savour.

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Nidhi KM