Ruhaniyat - Sufiana samaa under a moonlit sky

Pic Courtesy: http://www.ruhaniyat.com

Ruhaniyat the all India Sufi and Mystic Music festival held its annual Pune edition for the 7th time. The very apt location of Empress Botanical Gardens with its open air atmosphere served to set the mood. A bat fluttering across the sky as the moon played hide and seek with tree tops added a touch of surreal. The trees stood silent witness to an eclectic mix of artists that transported the transfixed audience to a higher plane of existence. 

Showcasing diverse artists from Egypt, Turkey and states across India, the audience got a peek into the innermost emotions of artists, each one of them trying to reach out to their maker. 

The Egyptian father son duo of Mohammad Hasan Farghaly and Mohamad Mohammad Farghaly roped in the audience with their opening act, succeeded by the self taught Swarna Noora from Punjab singing Bulleh Shah compositions in her proud voice accompanied by her equally talented son. Latif Bolat from Turkey then took the stage and showed us how closely tied is the experience of Sufi and Kabir's Bhakti movement. The most entertaining group of the evening was Rizmat Barkat and group singing Sufi Kalam's while the crowd couldn't stop clapping as they experienced Gafoor Khan's flying fingers on the Kartal with a younger accomplice matching his taals, the flair and speed moving everyone to the edge of their seats. Parvathy Baul followed with her renditions of soul. It was interesting to observe this self initiate display her dedication to the art. The Whirling Dervish duo Mostafa M Mohamed Hamdan and M Kamel Mohamed Hussain from Assuit, Egypt performed visual drama of taking the soul through a spiritual journey and entered the audience's heart by showering blessings with their flying skirts. The audience then got a break as the now made famous by the famous bollywood film, 'Rockstar', Chand Nizami Qawwali group from Delhi started setting up. Once the audience assembled again, hands started clapping as the Qawwalis tugged at the heart strings of emotions in everyone present finally drawing the evening to a close.

The intention of a Sufi or Mystic performer is to experience the divine through music and songs. In this endeavor some of the spirit rubs off on the audience as well. Banyan Tree is to be commended for conceptualizing this festival allowing the audiences to experience what ordinarily would be far removed from our daily lives. Though the lyrics might have been a barrier at times, if one closed their eyes it would have been possible to touch something deep inside us and the entertainment aside, this aspect of the festival makes it a winner and its subsequent editions more eagerly awaited.

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The Moto Cafe - Pune's first motorcycle themed cafe

There are those who dream and there are those who make their dreams come true. Located in the biker check point of Chandani Chowk, 'The Moto Cafe' is a personification of dreams and biker passion. A brainchild of Nikhil Sood who quit his plum IT job to start Pune's first Motorcycle themed cafe, The Moto Cafe is fast becoming the place for all bikers to be seen at.

Complete with bike miniatures placed all around the cafe along with caricatures of legendary racing champs adorning the walls, the cafe exudes a warm feeling that makes you sit, kick back your legs and soak in the atmosphere. Appreciate the wheel arm rest on your sofa or race theme wallpaper on the mezzanine, the cafe just reels one in, calling to the motor head in you.

As a bonus, the cafe is internet enabled, has multiple LCD screens to indulge the fan boys during race days/sports events, provides automobile paraphernalia, magazines and coffee table books for the literary buffs along with puzzles, UNO and other card games to keep the kids busy for hours.

On special request the owner might even allow you a go at the Play Station 3 console hooked up to one of the screens and you’ll see time fly by when busy pummelling Hercules in Gods of War or lining up those mean machines in Need for Speed Shift amongst other games.

It goes without saying that all these are only perfunctory add-ons to the real deal and that is the menu. It is a gourmet’s delight at its best. Gorge on the delectable Panini’s, Bagels and sandwiches or indulge your taste buds with Mint Brownies but where The Moto Cafe really excels is in the liquid department. Much recommended is the ‘Moto Mint’ a heady concoction of mint, cream and espresso, ‘Speed Triple’ a spiced up coffee variant, ‘Black Currant Shake’ and flavored Frappe’s apart from the usual suspects you would expect from a coffee shop.

If you are on the way to a group ride in the hills and need a pit stop or just looking for a cool place to hangout, drop in and indulge the motor head in you.

Join their Facebook group, follow the twitter account or check into foursquare:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=109249269095890

Twitter: http://twitter.com/themotocafe

Foursquare: http://foursquare.com/venue/2290114

Please see the location tag for exact directions to the venue.

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Bedekar Tea Stall - Legendary food places of Pune

Bedekar Tea Stall, popularly referred to as Bedekar Misal has been the mainstay of Pune’s Misal aficionados for more than six decades. Established in 1948 by Dattatrey Bedekar, this quaint little establishment has withstood the passage of time and changing tastes of new generations. In its 62nd year it’s being managed by a duo of third generation Bedekar’s.

Located in the busy environs of old city at Narayan Peth, reaching it is akin to a pilgrimage with lot of penance and pain on the way but a desired and pleasant objective at the end. Yet, if one expected place with such history to be old & musty with an aura of nostalgia around it you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Apart from a small Marathi paper clipping adorning the wall, the establishment gives nothing away about the fan following it demands. To the casual visitor it might be just one of those random Amrutalays dotting the cityscape. One could come in have a meal and get out without ever realizing that we were one of those footfalls that have been coming to this place for more than half a century. The interiors are modern, functional and Spartan. The entire premises consist of a small hallway with tables on either sides, the serving/billing counter at the end, a board announcing the menu items on top and kitchen at the back.

On to the food then. Those accustomed to ordering Misal Pav everywhere else, don’t be perturbed by the missing Pav. Bedekar take their Misal very seriously and serve it as they have always done, with sliced bread. The bread soaks up the Tari better and offers a unique experience with focus completely on the Misal. As the bread soaked with Misal hits your tongue already salivating at the wait, the bread lets go as easily as it absorbed, the juice breaks out and assaults the taste buds with its medley of spices. The crunchy onion and Farsan sprinkled with lemon juice adds the tangy crunch and texture. That’s when you lose track of your surroundings and every bite becomes a step towards food nirvana. Bedekar’s Misal is not the hottest Misal around but still ranks up there with the rest. A word of advice? When the tongue starts burning, cool it down with a bowl of fresh curd (it still doesn’t stop the nose from flowing though).

Some purists argue that, the Misal not being fiery enough which traditionally seems to be the standard measure of a Misal’s quality, and consequently Bedekar does not deserve the accolades reserved for it. Historically, hotness is attributed to its Kolhapuri cousin. What Bedekar has succeeded in doing is to put Pune on the Misal map with its own unique taste and characteristics. The repeat visitors and the very fact that Bedekar is still around after 60 years is a testament to the fact that they are good in what they do and deserve every adulation that their fans afford.

Having Misal at Bedekar befits the image of a traditional Puneri Manus relaxing with a soul satisfying cup of tea after a plate of his favorite Misal, an ideal culmination to a slow day at work before he heads home to be with the family.

They do a mean Kharwas too but hold off ordering any of the cooler drinks there. Bedekar’s Misal is best washed down with flavored sugarcane juice at ‘Cool Cane’ on Laxmi Road a minute’s walk from Bedekar. Cool Cane offers cold sugarcane juice without ice in 9 different flavors with or without ice cream and is a treat for the taste buds. I would recommend mixing them up and found the Mint, Lemon, Ginger and Chat masala combination to be very refreshing.

Food - 3.5/5
Value For Money - 4/5
Ambiance - 2.5/5
Service - 3/5
Hygiene - 3/5

Overall - 3.2/5


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Cafe Maroo - A piece of Korea in Pune

Authentic international cuisine has long tried to make its presence felt through stalwarts like the now defunct La Dolce Vita and The Galaxy Grill offering Italian and Greek offerings consecutively.

Completing another piece of the international puzzle is the newly opened Korean "Cafe Maroo" in Aundh, Pune. Aundh boasts of a sizeable korean population, and the owner probably thought it good business sense to offer them a taste of home in this foreign city. Not to mention, the locals get to benefit from it's delectable offerings as well.

What attracted me to this place was the mention of Green Tea right on it's art deco hoarding. It's very rare for an establishment to advertise green tea as a USP and this was worth checking out. I can safely say I came back enchanted.

The decor is very relaxing with muted lighting and traditional korean floor seating at a raised level along with the usual table and chairs. The service is extraordinary and an experience in itself with the mostly Korean and oriental staff very humble and extremely polite.

 The cafe offers a variety of Korean meals, snacks and beverages. Right from the traditional Kimchi, Bulgogi Kimbab (Beef BBQ) and Korean Ramyeon to Maggi and Spaghetti with Korean Sauce. Wash it down with a Green Tea latte or traditional Korean herbal tea. An added bonus is that the Chef does Vegetarian varieties of most of the items on the menu which turned out to be a very pleasant and tasty surprise for me!

Maroo Kimbab - 80 Rs.

Jjajang Myeon - 120 Rs.

Maroo Green Tea - 80 Rs.

 Most of the items on the menu are in the range of 80 to 120 Rs. and for the complete variety and culinary experience the establishment offers, it's quite a steal. They also sell variety of Korean tea's, cups, etc.

 So if you are in an experimental mood and want to take your taste buds for a test drive, do give it a dekko and it will not be found wanting.

Food - 4/5

Value For Money - 3.5/5

Ambiance - 4/5

Service - 3.5/5

Hygiene - 4/5

Map Location: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=6265819802961949611&q=Cafe%2BMaroo&hl=en

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Cafe Good Luck - Legendary food places of Pune

 You know a restaurant is successful when it is used as a landmark by anyone and everyone throughout the city. Good Luck chowk on F.C.Road is just that. A prime busy crossing deriving it's name from the Irani establishment that lords over the corner.

Since 1935 is what their hoarding proudly proclaims and 75 years in the business is no mean feat. Even donkeys years feels short of an adjective to describe the legacy of this place. From octogenarians to the now college going crowd, everyone fondly remembers at some time having had a cup of Irani tea with brun maska in it's hallowed confines.

 Cafe Good Luck is primarily a non vegetarian place with the mutton biryani, mutton cutlet curry and mutton kheema being the mainstays of its eclectic menu. However, many a vegetarians are found enjoying the thali during lunch hour and breakfast time is when I believe the place truly offers a unique experience with the most varied egg options. From omelette's, fried eggs to the most soft and fluffy scrambled eggs on toast, you'll get them here. French toast is served either sweet, salty or both to your taste while the baked beans allow the most fitting accompaniment to the spread. Keep an eye out for that waiter though, he's not going to make way to your table in a hurry nor he is going to greet you with a 32 teeth smile unless you are a regular and are known to tip generously.

 

Nostalgia pervades the surrounding with glass mirrors decorating the main hall. Antique decoration adds the quintessential touch. For that Good Luck has retained it's original character. It still is at face value a true blue irani joint. Cheap food with no frills service.

 Food pilgrimage if there is such a thing ends with the shrine of it's premises where to find a solitary gentleman reading his morning paper with the customary cup of tea gives you a deep sense of satisfaction. At that moment you know, that every thing is alright with the world and there's nothing that a lazy hour spent in the gastronomic temple cannot fix.

 There comes a time when you don't just visit a restaurant for the food it offers but as part of a ritual. An arcane rite of passage that isn't complete till you confess to having succumbed to it's marble top charms. For you haven't really experienced the culture and the soul of the city if you haven't tried to absorb it looking out of the window, seated on its chairs wondering about the person who might have sat on the same seat as yours 50 years ago staring out of the same window as the world nonchalantly went by.

 So if you are in Pune with a little time to spare, visit this place and you'll find one piece of the puzzle that makes the city complete.

Food - 4/5

Value For Money - 4/5

Ambiance - 3.5/5

Service - 2.5/5

Hygiene - 2/5

Overall - 3.2 + 1 for old times sake = 4.2/5

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New Sub in Town

Tried out the new subway breakfast items yet? Spotted the egg and cheese sub at the new Subway opened in Aundh, Pune. Haven't seen this in any of the other subway outlets! The egg definitely adds much needed texture to a plain veggie sub. Feast your eyes on this:

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Paintball Mania

Yesterday afternoon, 40 people descended on a dusty ground in Baner, Pune to do their thing with Paintball. Organized by TURZ (The Unbound Riderz), a motorcycle club in association with Headrush Paintball who were having their maiden event.

It was sweat, blood and gore for 6 hours in the scorching heat but I didn't hear anyone complain.

Follow the hyperlinks for more details.

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