Toscano - The Perfect Italian Casual Dining

It’s my first time ever to be writing about a cuisine and the food that I had recently at a very famous Italian restaurant situated on the 2^nd floor in UB City, Bangalore. I don’t claim to be a connoisseur of food, nor an expert of how authentic a cuisine can be. I just love eating out at new places and hence, thought I should pen down my experience about it. My attempt here is to give an experience; I had at the restaurant, the ambiance, the food and those other aspects that you would look for when scouting for a place to eat.

After a long thinking about the load on wallet and the cuisine, I zeroed down on visiting Toscano to give my palate an Italian experience. To begin with, it’s one of the places in UB city that definitely stands out as you stroll through the place which has lot many offerings. In a corner, with nice open garden seating like ambiance is Toscano. Getting a table was not difficult although I walked in without a reservation. But if you are looking to dine in with a bigger bunch, then I would recommend you reserve a table as the place gets crowded with time.

Toscano had many chalk boards put up and a lot of trivia written here and there. Also was a barrel which consisted of a very nice vintage arrangement of wine bottles (empty ones ;) from all over the world on display.  

Vintage Wine from all over the world on one barrel

With Menu in hand it was time to order food. The Menu had a nice range of spread for the entrée, desserts and drinks (yes they serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks).

I ordered a Mojito Thirsty Pomegranate with Lemon and Pineapple syrup. The drink was very refreshing, not over sweet not very acidic. Along with it I was served some nice Bread with Pesto and Olive Butter while I waited for my food to arrive.

Bread with Pesto and Olive Butter

As for my entrée I ordered Toscano’s House Caesar Salad with Poached and Marinated Shrimps. This cold salad of shrimps accompanied with cheese and lots of greens was very soothing and light on the stomach. The crunch of the greens along with the shrimps came together really well.

Toscano's House Caesar Salad with Poached and Marinated Shrimps

I couldn't resist myself and ordered for another seafood appetizer. It was the - All-time favorite Smoked Salmon with Tartare complimented with sliced Pommery Mustard Apple Salad and Fresh Mixed Greens. Although the salmon was a little salty, what balanced the dish was the mustard apple salad. The light acidic flavor of the apple with nice black olives gave a great texture to the salad.

Smoked Salmon with Tartare complimented with sliced Pommery Mustard Apple Salad and Fresh Mixed Greens 

Having done with my hors d’oeuvre now was the time for the main course. The main course menu is vast and the staffs surely know what goes in the dishes. I was suggested a Chicken de Toscano – Sage Infused Chicken Breast stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta Cheese complimented with Mixed Vegetable Ragout and Parsley Vegetables. The filling of chicken breast with spinach and ricotta cheese makes the dish so scrumptious. The chicken is really moist and the vegetable ragout just adds the right amount of zesty flavors. 

Chicken de Toscano

I was also suggested Pollo alla diavola – Chicken Breast pan friend in Garlic and Pepper Sauce and served with Mashed Potatoes and Butter Peppered Mixed Vegetables for main course. Although I was full with Chicken de Toscano, this sure was something I dint want to miss. The pan fried chicken breast in garlic and pepper sauce was mouth-watering. The aroma of caramelized pungent garlic was a winner. But what came by surprise was a twist in mashed potatoes. It was mixed with risotto, olives and some mint that added great flavors. 

Pollo alla diavola

Once the main course was done, it was time for the sweet moment. Yes, the dessert. I ordered Toscano’s all-time favorite Tiramisu with Crème Anglaise, Cocoa and Coffee Ice Cream. The plating of this dessert surely deserves a mention. The finesse with which the crème anglaise was spread and the coffee ice cream on the tart was an absolute art. I am not a great coffee fan but the aroma of coffee however was enriching. 

Tiramisu with Creme Anglaise, Cocoa and Coffee Ice Cream

Unfortunately, this dessert dint impress me as much as I thought. Hence, to beat the low-spirited mood, I ordered another dessert - White Chocolate and Mango Pave –served with Stewed Apple Chutney, Melons and Cherry Sorbet. This filled the void that I had experienced in the first one. The Mango Pave was smooth and buttery. The sorbet was refreshing. The colors were a delight to eyes. A total justice to have spoon fights over.

Mango Pave with Stewed Apply Chutney, Melons and Cherry Sorbet

All in all, it was worth a visit to Toscano and this restaurant has truly changed my view of the Italian cuisine. The service is prompt. Place is clean. Music is apt with a lot of instrumental jazz on their playlist. The place definitely serves a good meal and the presentation of every dish is done with a lot of patience.

Address:  2^nd Floor, UB City, Lavelle Road Bangalore

Phone: 080- 41738800

Price Pack: Yes its pricey, a little over Rs 2000/-

Cuisine: Italian

Valet Parking : Yes

Goa – A photographer’s paradise

India has several beaches all around its coastal line. However, only one place in particular has practically become the epicenter of our thought process when we think of beaches in India. Yes, it’s Goa.

I decided to treat myself with a trip of solitude and head towards Goa. Although I was very apprehensive about my visit to Goa because of the overcrowded beaches and the loud night life which I have never fancied, I still convinced myself to do everything possible to avoid the latter and decided to go.

I landed in Goa on a bright sunny afternoon and after driving through the coastline and small towns, paved my way to a small old Guest house in the North Goa near Sinquerim. The place, Marbella Guest House, as I entered was very rustic and had a very ancient Portuguese touch to it and was my introduction to life in Goa for the next whole week. 

One of the room's in Marbella Guest House

After a nice hot shower and a nap, I decided to take a walk by the beach in the evening. I strolled through the small streets which possessed very understated and classic houses built over the years that just describe the untold stories. As I take time to evaluate the place and people who have come from all over the world to experience the beauty of this place, I realize that this is going to be a great adventure! The key to settle in to a new place is to understand your hold and grab on the freshness and let the thoughts float freely.

The next morning I wake up to the peacock cries, have a very English bed-time breakfast and decide to explore Goa on my two-wheeler. Wearing shorts, slippers, something dull as I begin my expedition, I immediately fell in love with the laid back life. Savoring on some sumptuous Goan cuisine be it at the local roadside neighborhood eateries or at a fine dining resto, this place does not disappoint the food lovers.

One of the best breakfast's I have ever had

I was told about Morjim beach by a friend. On the outskirts, untouched by the crowd, is Morjim beach. I decide to sit at a shack and start observing faces. I spent hours studying them as they passed by and try to guess what they did for a living. This was mostly a subconscious process.

Morjim Beach - unexplored and undisturbed by the crowd

Then the famous Calangute beach with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops on both sides, it moved at a snails speed. This was certainly the most happening street of Goa. Around here are the flea markets. And the season of Goa carnival, makes this place all the more colorful, people fully charged up to create their floats to display at the carnival. The one sand castle with Shrek, was a delight to eyes.

Shrek - my Hero ;)

River Mandovi is home to floating casinos and its jetty to ferries. The city of Panjim and Old Goa, house many ancient churches, convent, museums, art galleries, government buildings and bungalows. The heritage of this place is magnificent.

Goa is a solo sojourn; me time. I know its a phrase heard more often than not, but yet again I recommend this much hyped destination for a solo trip during non-hyped seasons. Go Goa and rediscover yourself, rekindle your soul.

Modern days divide and rule policy – Religion

I start by apologizing to all the people reading this who are staunch believers and religious followers. The intent of my writing is not to hurt religious sentiments of people and is purely my personal opinion.

Like most blogs, religion-blogs are highly opinionated. Some get way too personal, some are funny, some present facts and some say nasty things about all the religions but theirs. Here I try and give my perspective on what I have personally experienced on the religious values and belief system.

Religion today I call is the modern days divide and rule policy. It’s important to know what we as people think about, when one chants Aum, Amen and Aameen. Religion by and large teaches you to be God fearing. But does it teach you to be God loving? Does it teach you to respect humanity?

We as elders teach the younger lot of people to chant Aum – which in Sanskrit means OM, the first syllable which embodies the universe in the Hindu religion, Amen – in the Holy Bible emphasizes on the approval from Jesus as per Christianity and Aameen – in the Holy Quran says blessings, are upon us by Allah. Midst this, we fail to hear the call from that one supreme power which or who sends the same message to each one, irrespective of the silhouette that we as humans have created.

Can we free ourselves from being Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhism? When you talk about the religion you follow, you are trying to impose your thoughts and beliefs. You redesign the religion to conveniently fit your needs and wants and present it as truth. If you call killing innocent people gets you closer to God in the name of Religion, then you are persuading yourself to accept what is against the wishes of God. If dividing people as the backward class and letting them roll over the leaves after the pundits have had a lavish meal because then the people from the backward class get to climb the stairway to heaven, then you are disrespecting humanity. By doing this and believing the wrongs, we are cascading the effect of divide and rule among us humans and the generations that follow thereby questioning the fundamentals of faith.

Let’s just talk about a diverse country as India. We are very much aware of the differences that are spread from north to south and east to west. The cultures, traditions even within one’s own religion differ. Having had so many differences to deal with already, does it make any logical sense to divide ourselves on religion? Of course the mythology and the hidden stories of a religion are very intriguing. There are a lot of layers in every religion’s mythological story and is interpreted in a lot of ways by many.

God doesn't have a definition. He is over and above the religion. He created humans and not religion. To be able to connect with the supreme divine power is what matters. Never mix faith and tradition or faith and religion to emphasize on having an upper hand in your religion over the other. Don’t discriminate, is what faith teaches every individual. Don’t entangle yourself in the web of innumerable beliefs. 

I chose to believe in humanity, value, kindness which supersedes everything than believing in religion. I searched desperately for that element of solace to be able to connect with my inner beat, but couldn't connect. And then, by giving up a belief system which I have followed for over two decades, I realized the calling for me was beyond the place of worship. By completely cutting my religious ties, I have made more enemies than friends in my own first circle of loved and trusted family members and friends. It did take longer than usual to unplug and has taken many by surprise. But I have no qualms, because it has got me closer to God.

Like very well put by the famous American author Wayne Dyer "Religion is orthodoxy, rules and historical scriptures maintained by people over long periods of time. Generally people are raised to obey the customs and practices of that religion without question. These are customs and expectations from outside the person and do not fit my definition of spiritual."

Do I believe in God? Yes. Do I believe in religion? No. When something works for me, why give it a name to demean its sanctity.

Influence without Authority

“Few will have the greatness to bend the history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events” – by Influencing. To influence is more of an art than science.  When you really have to deal with different people at workplace, the only mechanism that comes handy to create a situation profitable for both individuals and two groups in discussion, is the power of influencing. I call it POWER because when you master this incredible art, it builds a great professional relationship, helps you grow in your career, and help you exchange “something” that other person values in exchange of what you have. You don’t have to be at the top of the ladder to influence people. All it takes is facts and figures backing you and a great deal of confidence combined with both substance and style. Sometimes it’s the fear of rejection that stops us from approaching or the fear of not being able to negotiate appropriately. However, most of these barriers are self-created and hence need to be self-destroyed.

The ability to influence is one of the essential skills as it helps you get things done outside of the reporting lines. These can be categorised in 5 types mentioned below:

1)      Being Assertive: To know whom you are working with and the content that is being spoken about. Ensure that your ideas are heard and that you challenge the ideas of others

2)      To be able to convince: Put forward your ideas and match it with the project requirements. Show how it will help in the growth of the team/project. Offer logical, rational reasons to convince others of your point of view

3)      Negotiating:  you look for compromises and know the demands of people and directly measure it with your capabilities to reach outcomes to satisfy your greater interest

4)      Bridge the gap: Interact with everyone. Build relationships and connect with others through listening, understanding and sharing so that you don’t miss out on any valuable information

5)      Inspire people: Advocate your position and encourage others with a sense of shared purpose and exciting possibilities. Increase healthy competition in the organisation

Each of the above mentioned styles can be effective depending on the situation and the people involved. A common mistake is to use one-size-fits-all approach. Influencing is highly situational and requires a lot of practice. Be persistent and don’t give up if you fail. Understanding your natural inclination is a good place to start. Learn to be a diplomat – never lie, but never say the truth entirely. This allows you to have a control on the situation. Give choices to yourself and be flexible. This will help you understand the situation better and help you shift gears at the right time to use a different approach to be more effective.

Begin with small steps – target a person or a situation at the lowest stake to know how effective your influencing approach is and measure the outcome. As you build your capability and confidence, take on the bigger challenges.

After having known the importance of influencing, a few things that I have adopted in my way of working is to do quality work. Gain credibility and maintain it. Exit gracefully when necessary and don’t write of people when you don’t get help. Whether you are leading, following, and/or collaborating, chances are you need to influence others to be successful. The key is to know which approach to use in a given situation. 

An Anonymous Loner

We, as a society, are notorious for fire-fighting instead of life prevention. One fine day, a loner comes out of this fabricated society to a live an anonymous and obscure life. A life that makes him feel is his own for once and not like a property on sale. A life which echoes to him “It’s your life, live it for yourself.”

Coercing yourself to prove to the world out there every single day when you wake up is frustrating. The mornings seem to start yet another long day ahead for the constant acceptance where you do what is expected out of  you and not what you feel to do because then you would be judged. Finally, the conclusion, almost unanimously, the community that has the best future is the one that cares the most for you and your coming generation!

Let’s try and understand what is the community giving the coming generation? On one had we teach or rather learn in school about how everyone around us has to be treated equally irrespective of class, creed, sex and religion and on the other when it comes to actually put what we learn in practice, we succumb to the societal pressures and end up leaving our emotional needs unfulfilled eventually becoming lonely and frustrated. And then we reach a position from where one cannot retract or get back to “normalcy”. Hence, you set on the path of searching the anonymous loner in you only because you develop an aversion towards the nagging feeling of being cocooned by a society that is silk wrapped, promises you to give a life that it owns and not the life that you are an owner of.

I am sure many of us have stumbled upon a self-proclaimed non hypocrite sometime or the other who says he lives a life on his terms and conditions.  Really? Put in a little thought and you will know that he who says this is the biggest hypocrite. The irony of this thought which grows over the years within you wherein you believe that you are living your life on your own terms but actually tend to behave in a certain way and live in a malfunctioning society when you are given the regular quota of how you would be looked at the moment you step out of the four walls of your house starts to gain importance and the “craving” of being universally recognized and accepted begins to haunt.

Perhaps, a person has to let go of a lot of luxury that life throws at his/her disposal to choose a life of an anonymous loner. Why when we come alone in this world are free of worries, but as we grow and begin to understand life, we give importance to have a companion to take our life ahead? Why is there a constant need to be accepted by the society to showcase your partner/spouse so we place ourselves in the larger chuck of a “respectable society?”

It still is a taboo today when you choose to stay alone because what people fail to see is that, it’s a choice that one makes just like someone in our own country wishes to adopt two girls and raise them as a single mother. People look up to celebrities because they set examples, but when a normal person wishes to take a stand, all you see is rolling-eyes and raised eyebrows.

I am not writing a blog to preach and induce an anonymous loner’s life to everyone who reads this. It’s just a way of life one chooses, after all to one his own choice. It’s important to have “quality” time with yourself. Don’t be concerned about what is in store tomorrow if left alone because then you will turn to practices that are unhealthy. Ground realities are in fact different. And the reality is to ask yourself “is it really that a big deal?” In short, replace the faulty image with a more suitable, worthy and conscientious one. Don’t look at it as need of acceptance and approval from the so called “permissible society” because then you will never be accepted.