Gurpreet, What are your Views on AAP in Delhi?

Gurpreet Singh Tikku Leave a comment

Lot of my Friends ask me about why I don’t write about Political changes/happenings in Delhi.

And was asked again a few minutes ago…….So thought to write about it…….

Its very rare when I don’t have point of view.

 

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Very Frankly… I was not very impressed with AAP when they started and the way they started.
But then again I have been believer of Contrarion Theories… And Liked the Way they rose like Phoenix with an Entrepreneurial Attitude and won many hearts.

Yes, even after being in Power… They are making some wrong noises… Which does not reflect well even on their own fan base.

But what I love is that they are DOING. Means kuch kar rahe hai…. Humari tarah ghar par nahi baithe.

I love and agree to what Arvind Kejriwal says ( He talks sense and is a Good Orator)… But when I Rethink certain dialogues… Then I realise many things are wrong.

I am person who always thinks and acts more from his Heart than my Mind.

And Somehow, my Heart is not willing to agree ki jo ho raha hai accha ho raha hai!

Only reason that I restrain to talk about these issues on FB forum is that, AAP has created Fan Buoys like Apple had.They will even Fight and defend some Illogical Step.. and when facts take back seat, then I slowly Withdraw.

But yes I appreciate their view…. and Agar aane waale samay mein ek BARRA Badlaav aayega.. then Sabse aage khare hokar naara mein lagaunga!

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“Made in Punjab”- The BEST Lunch Ever!!

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Warning: Before Reading this Ensure that you have enough Time (Say 7 Minutes) and some snacks beside you to chew on, because I don’t want to take the blame if you chew your fingers accidentally

“There are some meals that are never to be forgotten and then there are some meals that are remembered forever!!”

Ohhh… Did I repeat the same thing, albeit in different words? No No.. Please don’t blame me; I am just back from the BEST LUNCH of my Life.

Yes, BEST LUNCH speaks miles.

 

 

It was a Wonderful event organized by “Delhi Gourmet Club” (DGC) at the “Made in Punjab” Restaurant recently opened at the Cyber Hub in Gurgaon. Have been following and loving the Club, But waited in the wings for very long. Every time thinking that next time I shall take a plunge. It didn’t take me long to decide to be part of the event once Rocky Mohan Sir informed me that Mr Jiggs Kalra would be personally be there at the event.

And I am thanking myself for the Plunge.

On a wonderful Typical Winter Delhi Afternoon, we headed to Gurgaon and reached the CYBER HUB, to be greeted by the Amazing members from the DGC.

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The Excitement was in the air… The smile was there on everyone’s Lips and my sixth sense could tell me that we are here in for a wonderful afternoon. It was only later to be realized that it would extend till evening too!

After greeting everyone and seeking blessings from the great Chef and celebrated Food Writer Jiggs Kalra, we headed to start the afternoon with the Super Amazing Finger Snacks and a few glasses of Jacob Creek Chardonnay Wine.

The Seekh Kebab were super amazing and I had lots of it (How much is not what I am disclosing, lest DGC will ask me to pay a premium for upcoming events)

Another highlight was the PrawnBlachao, which was served on a Cracker.

After teasing us for a while with the finger foods, came the moment for the real fare.

Once On our Tables, we were well taken care of by the Staff at “Made in Punjab” and they asked us about our Food Preferences. And no, I don’t only mean if we are Veg. or Non Veg. but also, if we are allergic to any special food etc etc. Such Care sets the ground for us on what kind of Hospitality to expect and even our raised expectations were met brilliantly.

We were glad that we had a Vegetarian Sid Aryan on our table. Because that meant we could taste and then eat his food too.

The first to be presented was Amuse Bouche which was an Amazing Palak Patta Chaat. The Chaat was delicious and we were really tempted to ask for more. But resisted, as it gave us a glimpse of what more could be in store.

And then we were presented Tomato Soup which had Tawa Asparagus along with Toasted Kalonji Seeds.

Have to mention that “The Hat Plate” added to the experience.

And then came the REAL STUFF. Yes…. Kuch bhi kha lo, par jab tak you don’t have Haddi Wala Mutton, tab tak maza nahi aaata

So we were presented with a Tandoori Mutto Chaap (Triple) and have to say, it was just perfect. Most of the restaurants either serve it too hard, that the Flesh does not leave the Bone easily, or some over cook a lot and in the process, the mutton is so soft that it looks like Marmalade and not how Mutton should be.

Then we had Salmon Tikka…regards to which we had doubts about and conveyed it to Zorawar Bhai.

Oh Sorry, I forgot to introduce him.

Zorawar Kalra is the Son of Mr Jiggs Kalra and the man behind awesome Restaurant “Made in Punjab” and “Masala Library” and is coming up with many more innovative concepts which would unfold in 2014. We had been connected on Facebook for some time, but met for the first time yesterday and now it seems, I knew him for ages. He is PASSIONATE about his offerings and leaves no stone unturned to deliver anything less than 100%

Back to Salmon, after hearing us out… he explained us on how a Salmon Tikka is Made, How they Import it from Abroad, How a Actual Salmon Tikka should taste like, How the flakes should be. And later ordered another helping for us. Kehna Parega….. After all that knowledge in our heads… the Salmon Tikka tasted Divine.

Along with Salmon Tikka came Galouti Kabab and Varqi Parantha which was good and the Kabab left a Lingering taste on my taste buds, long after it was eaten.

After The starters we were presented with a Sorbet, which was innovatively presented on a stick like a Kulfi.  The purpose of Sorbet was to clean our palatte for the main course.

Only problem I faced was that when I see it, It looked like a Kulfi and when with same expectation I Ate, it was not sweet. So somehow 2 senses were competing against each other.

Now ready for the Main Course, we were presented with a Slow Cooked Lamb Shank dressed with Keema Gavy.

And by this time I had shunned by Chhuri Kanta and started to dig in… And it was not food, It was “An Edible Piece of Art” Meat so Succulent, Texture so smooth and Taste so Flavorsome.

Whenever I go back and that would be soon, I would order the Lamb Shank for sure.

Then we had the Ajwaini Prawans, which had a Piquant taste and somehow not what my taste buds enjoy.

The Butter Chicken along with Dal Makhni is one combination that any Punjabi can die for And I Announce that I am willing to die twice if this combination comes from “Made in Punjab” Kitchens.

With our Tummy’s holding more than it can hold, We waited for the Desserts.

A Wonderful plate carrying a Combination of Rasmalai and Gajar Halva topped with “Sone ki Varq” was presented and was polished off in a matter of seconds.

Another Dessert we relished was the Chocolate filled Gulab Jamuns beautifully presented on a bed of Roasted Fig and topped with Sesame Chikki as a Flag.

And then came the moment we all waited for…….. Crispy saffron glazed Jalebi’s along with Lacche Daar, Daane daar Rabri.

See the pic below and drool. And if you want to drool more, then see the image below that.

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After having 2 servings of Jalebi, we requested the server to do some utla pulta and requested him to put the Jalebi’s in the glass first and then pour the daanedaar rabri over it.

And the Experience is too big for words…. So just close your eyes and feel the combination of Rabri Covered jalebi’s flirting with your tongue.

Yes THAT TASTE!!!!!

So, as I Said in the beginning, that it was not only my BEST LUNCH ever, But also the Longest one and I still wish that it would have lasted a bit longer.

After reading the entire article, I have realized that my words have not done justice to the Entire Experience.

So, would let you go yourself and check out the fare and thank me later.

And yes, when you send me the Thanks message, Do remember to send a glass of Jalebi Rabri Along with!!

Special Thanks for everyone at “Made In Punjab” and at “Delhi Gourmet Club” for this amazing experience.

May you Grow, May your Tribe Grow and Spread Happiness through FOOD 

Photos Clicked by Shashank Aggarwal

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Paanch Rupye ka Namak Paara-Karam Ka Khel

Gurpreet Singh Tikku Leave a comment

A Short Experience on how people Don’t Walk the Talk. This is Story of a ShopKeeper who Show offs that he believes in Karma, but Actually does not.

A few Days ago a Friend posted on Eatlo, enquiring about where he can find Bhaji Boxes in Old Delhi or Karol Bagh.

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And the Query transported me back by 20 years to a wonderful World, when we stayed in Karol Bagh.It was time when there was not even one day when we didn’t have Matthi, Namak para , Gurr ki Mithai, Tossa at our place.

One reason was that we really loved it and also because the best shops were near our place.
So, as soon it finished, I would pick up my Blue Coloured, Hero Ranger Cycle and rush to grab some more.

So, when it was asked on Eatlo, I could not resist commenting and advising to get it from Mohan Sweets in Desh Bandhu Gupta Market, which was my favourite shop there.

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One more reason of this being my Favourite shop was that the Pot Bellied Aged owner would smile seeing me… And would always give an extra piece of Mithai in my hand… irrespective if I bought for Rs 10 or Rs 50.

Today, I was in Karol Bagh for some Work. And as it was Lunch time, I was feeling hungry.
So, I went to Om Corner and had Bhature Cholle.  And then to have some Meetha, headed to nearby Sindhi Corner for Rabri Faluda.

After having my fill, When I was about to come back…… I remembered the post and headed to Mohan Sweets.

The Shop looked the same and brought back many memories.

Even the Salesman behind the Counter was same.

I asked him to pack a 1 Kg Box of Bhaji. In a minute the 48 year old Owner of the shop too joined him and I could remember seeing him Bees Saal pehle.

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(Pic of the Bhaji Box I Bought)

Meanwhile a Group of School Students came there. And one of them Stretched his hand with a Rs 10 note and asked for “Paanch Rupye ke Namak pare” And the Owner Said.. “Chal aage ja”.

Was really astonished to see this attitude of the owner. The kid with his head bowed down walked away.

And I wondered how a Shopkeeper can talk like this. Rather, he should have taken Rs 5 and give whatever the Weighing scale would have justified. Or at the maximum Smiled and  told his inability to do so.

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(The Boy who came to the Shop is one of these Smiling, Beaming School Children. Couldn’t resist capturing their Innocence)

Firstly, he should not have talked to the Kid like this, also who was his Current Consumer, and would have come back ordering MORE in the future. Just Like I have come today!!

 

What was more Ironical is that on the Weighing Scale of the Shop, a Doha of Kabir was written citing the Importance of Karma (Pic Attached)

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(Pic of the DOHA on the Weighing Scale of Mohan Sweets)

One thing is for Sure that he has lost the Customer in me, But If I go to his Place…. Would surely give him another Kabir  Doha… And probably ask him to paste it facing him

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(My planned Gift for the Owner of Mohan Sweets)

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Happiest Date of my Life “1st Dec”

Gurpreet Singh Tikku 2 Comments
1st December was and will always be special in the life of Cottonions. 

This is the Day when we used to come back to our homes after staying 9 months in our Hostel BISHOP COTTON SCHOOL SHIMLA 
This was the day we met our Family and gali ke friends for the first time since March when we left for the session.
This is the day when our Final Exams got over.
This is the day when we had THREE MONTHS of vacations waiting for us.
This is the Day when we came back as 35 kg and went back as 45 in 3 months after having maa ke haath ka khana.

And this is the Day we used to get our Clothes and stuff packed in our Trunks to get back home. This Trunk is 30 years Old!!!

This has been and forever will be the Best day of my Life!!!
Happy 1st December!!!

 

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PS:-Waise this DIAMOND Sticker was of Diamond Shoes. Which I had purchased from the factory. It had a small pocket and Was a good place to keep some cash…. this would help us not getting bullied while the seniors checked our shorts and trousers!

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Lift for Wheel Chair in DLF Promenade

Gurpreet Singh Tikku Leave a comment

Lift for Wheel Chair in DLF Promenade

Lift for wheel chair: If you have Visited DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, Then you would have Noticed the 7 step Staircase which leads you there. The Staircase also had an Elevator along with, but it was still a problem for the Disabled or People on wheel chair to climb those steps. To rectify this, The Mall Authorities have installed a small External Lift, specifically for Food Court and Movie Goers. it will surely elate the mood people who had faced some trouble due to this.

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Heavy_winter

The Morning Breeze, the Nip in the Air, We can now sense that Winter is here!!

Gurpreet Singh Tikku 2 Comments

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The Morning Breeze, the Nip in the Air,

We can now sense that Winter is here….

 

Apart from the Cold Weather, I look forward to many things new and Nice,

A few would be to have Garam Kheer, Gulab Jamun and  Garm-a-Garam Rajma Rice…..

 

Less use of Air conditioners in Winter is good for Environment too,

And I would cunningly admit, Good for my Pocket too…….

 

Electricity Bills go Down and so do the Petrol outgo,

And I just keep looking for places, Somewhere nice to go…….

 

Winter is also the time for me to Grin,
As My Sweatshirts cover my Tummy and I Look Thin……

 

It’s time for me to wear my Waist Coat,

And how Can I forget, it is also Time for us Delhi-ites to Vote…

 

The Only thing that worries me is for the People who sleep on the street,

It will be difficult for them to sleep in just a sheet……

 

No Worries, we will do our bit this year too.

Like we did in year Two Zero One two…..

 

Will try to ensure winters bring happiness for All,

So that everyone walks through their Life Happily and Not just Crawl….

The Morning Breeze, the Nip in the Air….

We can now sense that winter is here….

 

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Gandhi temple

Gandhi Jee… A Different Perspective!!

Gurpreet Singh Tikku 22 Comments

No jee.. I am no Historian and have no interest too.  But yes… I love asking Questions, I love Observing Situations, I love analysing them for my own knowledge.

My only Association with Gandhi jee is that I love him in my pocket. No No Not literally, but because his image is there on the the Indian Currency Notes. Waise for the Information.. to us it seems that he was there on the Currency notes for past many Decades.. but actually it happened only in 1996.

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Yesterday was fortunate enough to be at the Book launch of “Gandhi before India” a Book Written by an eminent Historian Mr. RamaChandra Guha. It was good to hear him on why he wrote this book and on some important phases of Gandhi jee’s life. What made the evening more meaningful was reading of Excerpts by the Great Actor Naseeruddin Shah, whose reading was like a Walk through!!

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With what I gathered there, with my own experience,  With what I have read and thora bahut apna analysis laga kar.. writing a short note on him Today on his Birthday.

Hopefully it would give you a different insight on Gandhi!! If there is any doubt in the Facts then please do share…

Apart from some facts… some humour has been added, So if you think you may not be able to take it decently, then the blog ends here for you. Best Wishes.

 

Baaki Dosto.. Carry on… You know how to see the brighter side of Life. The Happier Side! :-)

Hopefully it would give you a different insight on Gandhi!!

  • Gandhi Was a Failure in Rajkot and Mumbai Courts as a Lawyer. Had he been successful here…then he would not have moved to South Africa and then would not have have become as Big for India and fir aaj India Mein chutti na hoti!!
  • Most of what is known about Gandhi’s and Nehru’s Life is derived from letters that they sent or received. So I believe Letters play an Important Role in life and are a good source of information. Just like Photographs are. So I have decided that from today… Apart from having dialogues with my Children which I do regularly.. I would also write letters to them and hand them a print out to file which I and they too can refer back when they may need to.

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  • As widely perceived, the Title of Mahatma was not bestowed on him FIRST by Rabindranath Tagore. Rather by a Follower and his Financier/Sponsor Prem Jeewan Patel….. Who wrote it in a Letter to Gandhi’s Mentor Gokhale “That Take care of Him, he is a MAHATMA”. So sometimes… Popular belief is not a Fact!!
  • History suggests that Gandhi jee was not a Good Father, but still he is called “Father of the Nation”. Irony, Isn’t it
  • Gandhi may not be God, But for some he is not less than God. There are two temples in India dedicated to Gandhi.  One is located at Sambalpur in Orissa and the other at Nidaghatta village near Kadur in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.

 

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  • On one of his visit to South Africa….. he was beaten black and blue as they didn’t want Asiatics there. He was then not allowed to take a cab and the protesters followed till his place and then they gheraoed the complete area where he stayed. Finally Gandhi was forced by Local police to change his looks and change into local clothing and reach safely to the local police station. Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona parrta hai

In Sabarmati Ashram Archives, There is a Log of letters Gandhi Received and Sent. In one Log of 1858, there stands a Name of M.A. Jinnah and 2 letters were shared. No one knows what those letters would contain. Was he actually Muhammad Ali Jinnah, The so called Founder of Pakistan? But only Assumptions can be made and as Mr Guha pointed out… that Jinnah was also a lawyer and those days his practice was not good, So MAY BE…… both of them were planning to be partners in South Africa. Means the FATHER OF BOTH NATIONS were in touch somehow 50 years before independence took place. Mast hai na? :-)

Reminds me that on one of my Sojourns to Chor Bazar in Delhi, I happened to see one book… Chotti si thi…. Don’t know what struck me… And I asked “Bhaiya kitne ki” he said Rs 10, I knew they negotiate and always carried khulle paise in my pocket. So gave him Rs 5 and moved on… And Bhaiya said, “nahi nahi dus hi lagenge”, And then I gave a Re 1 coin to him and moved on with my copy brought for Rs 6.

It was only reaching home I realised that Book was on Gandhi Called “My Student Days”

  • It was Published in 1960
  • Has been Signed by the Publisher Anand T Hingorani
  • It Was gifted to Great teacher of all times K G Saiyidain, Who was the Director of Education, Jammu and Kashmir State from 1938 to 1945.
  • The original Cost of the Book in 1960 was Re 1.50

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Would like to end this with a Few Words of Gandhi which hold more relevance now that it did earlier…… Hope we all adhere to it and Make our Life and of People around our better

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You have something to Add, Criticize or Compliment? Please do :-)

 

 

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