Quick look at the month gone by: Space Shuttles make their last Flight

Some of the interesting reads from around the Web for April 2012

Could New York Go the Way of London?

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Space Shuttle Discovery and Enterprise fly past DC and New York

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Titanic memorial cruise set retraces ill-fated maiden voyage 

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Iconic Maruti 800 set to retire as The Beetle makes a return

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Be Proud of Your Accomplishments, Not Your Affiliations

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Solar System Explorer

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SpaceX takes the first private flight to Space.

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The Big Bang Theory!

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The immigration-averse USA

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Indecision 2012: Obama's Late-Night Slow Jam

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Get Kids excited about Engineering

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Capitalism Baby!!

Photograph of the Month June 2012: The KOP @ Anfield

About photograph:  At the KOP in Anfield

Camera: Canon Powershot S95

Photograph of the Month May 2012: Chelsea Champions League 2012 Victory

About photograph:  Chelsea Champions League Victory night near Stamford Bridge

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S2

Photograph of the Month April 2012: BMW Museum

About photograph:  BMW Museum in Munich

Camera: Canon Powershot S95

Quick look at the month gone by: The Wolf who lived for the pack: Rahul Dravid

Some of the interesting reads from around the Web for March 2012

The Wolf who lived for the pack: Rahul Dravid

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The Apple App store will hit 25 billion downloads and iPad3 gets released!

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It happened to Diwali, could Holi be next ?

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India Budget: What was promised, What was Delivered.

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Place your bets on Euro Vegas.

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Why "Generation Why Bother" Doesn't Care

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Battle Cry by Rushdie

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Olympics 2012:  Olympic Torch and Route revealed.

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Indecision 2012 :  GOP boosts Etch A Sketch maker

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India in One, Two or Three Weeks.

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Deep in Pacific

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Olympics 2012:  Limited edition Jubilee & London 2012 Olympics Oyster cards

Photograph of the Month March 2012: St. Paul's Cathedral

About photograph:  St. Paul's Cathedral from Millennium Bridge..

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S2

Quick look at the month gone by: Indecision 2012: Republican Primary

Some of the interesting reads from around the Web for February 2012

Indecision 2012: The World has changed, Mr Romney!

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World celebrates Charles Dickens. And an Indian connection.

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Generosity Day

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Great Indian Food in London. Brick Lane Rules!!!

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David Letterman 30 years on Late Night TV

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SuperBowl 2012 Commercials

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Ski in Spain

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An inconvenient truth: London in 3012

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Education in India

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Rahul Gandhi's political growl.

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Well Left

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How did it work out ?

Travel Review: Edinburgh

"To die in a pub is my dearest plan with my mouth to the tap as close as I can.
Then the angels would say when the singing began 'Oh Lord please show mercy on this boozy man'"

Review: If you like your castles, if you like your war history, if you like your whiskey, then Edinburgh, and by association Scotland, is the place you must go. This beautiful small town on north-eastern shores of Britain gives you a perfect introduction to Scotland. Great Britain might be a surviving union but it's definitely not one country. Scotland is a country that stands on it's own and Scotts are proud people of a proud nation. Even though Edinburgh Castle is its most famous landmark, Edinburgh has plenty other sights and sounds to keep you entertained for few days. And if you have time, a visit north to the Highlands (Caledonia) is highly recommended. It will reveal another country with it's majestic beauty spotted with mountains, lochs, castles and scotch distilleries!

Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/sets/72157629085018907/

Travel Review: Amsterdam

 

Review: Amsterdam amuses me as a city. Because you rarely see cultural landmarks steeped in history standing comfortably next to "coffee" shops and the ever-encroaching windows of a Red Light District. For a first time visitor who was interested in both sides of this historic city, it was surreal feeling. As you walk around the famous Dam square admiring the New Jewish Church and City Center, the "Coffee Shops" and the Red Light District reveal themselves. Whether you want to indulge yourself in the sins or not of this "Sin City", a visit to this part of the town is a must. The perception of Amsterdam been a party city may stem from legalization of weed and prostitution but one has to go to this small western European city to understand it's historic past and it's battle with Nazi regime during the reign of the Third Reich. Churches and museums like Anne Frank House littered across the city are waiting to tell you a story of Amsterdam that you've perhaps never heard before!

Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/sets/72157629085018907/

New York, New York

"I go to Paris, I go to London, I go to Rome, and I always say, 'There's no place like New York. It's the most exciting city in the world now. That's the way it is. That's it.' "

I came to New York as a young 22 year old boy with no expectations and I ended up living in this most exciting of cities for 7 years! I never had been to New York before moving here and now I can't get enough of this city. For now, I have moved on and live in London. But I'll always miss you, New York! And I shall see you soon. Very soon!!!

Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/collections/72157601746402248/

Photograph of the Month February 2012: Vagabond Wines

About photograph:  London Gastronomy @ VagaBond Wines, Fulham, London.

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S2

Food and Wine Reviews for Feburary 2012

Turkish Eggs @ Kopapa

Kopapa <FAVORITES>  Have been meaning to try this place for ages and finally managed (It takes almost a week advance reservation for weekends) on a chilly Feb Sunday afternoon! But the wait was well worth it. On the corner of the hip Seven Dial block, this place is perfect for Sunday brunch on a cold day. The Turkish Eggs were definitely a standout and my Bloody Mary didn't disappoint at all.

Tayyabs <FAVORITES>  This is the "Indian" food that London is famous for. Brick Lane rules but Indian food elsewhere in London disappoints! The Lassi, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Dry Meat are heavenly. I'll be going here many more times!

 

Cha Cha Moon -  Tucked away in one of the corners of the popular Carnaby Street and Kingly Street, Cha Cha Moon is  an interesting place to get some good Singaporean street food. It's always packed. But the service is quick & good so you hopefully wouldn't have to wait for long.

Quick look at the month gone by: Return of the King

Some of the interesting reads from around the Web for January 2012

U.S. Navy repays Iran's bluster about attacking its ships by saving Iranian fishermen from Somali pirates. You're welcome!

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How many Stephen Colberts are there ?

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Ed Miliband too ugly to become Prime Minister. ?

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The $1 Doctor's "Visit"

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Happiness comes from the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs. We've been told time and again to keep finding the first. Our schools helped developed the second. It's time we put more thought on the third !!!

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Return of the King : Theiry Henry

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Millennial Generation: "Trophy" Kids go to Work!

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A nice pair (Reform by Numbers /  The Magic Number) on UIDA (Unique Identification Authority)

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A Full Year without Polio

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View from Top of the Shard

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Stick or Carrot: Keeping the New Year Resolutions!

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SOPA / PIPA: Black Wednesday

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Indecision 2012: Colbert Super PAC Edition

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Costa Concordia cruise ship runs aground off coast of Italy

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How do you hire great engineers ?

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Oprah woos India !!!

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Indecision 2012: Barack Obama, The Strategist

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One Talent Strategy isn't enough for Asia

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Chai Garma Garam Chai: Starbucks comes to India.

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Above Africa and Alaska, Awe Replaces Anxiety!

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Average is Over !!!

Food and Wine Reviews for January 2012

My Old Dutch Pancake House <FAVORITES> Gem in the Chelsea area on Kings Road between South Ken and Sloane Square. If you are craving pancakes on a Sunday morning, do check out this place!

Giraffe- <FAVORITES> Walked into this place waiting for table at the more popular Barafina across the road. It turned out to be a fantastic find for a casual night out. Go there on a Friday/Saturday night to have a relax comfortable dinner on the ground floor or have a chill evening with your friends in the bar lounge on the first floor.

NOPI - Popular restaurant off the Regent Street. Needs reservations well ahead off time.

Saigon Saigon - In an attempt to try something offbeat, I walked into Saigon Saigon near Ravenscourt Park Station with a friend. For a quite and low-key (may I say a bit rundown) market, it is a ,surprisingly, popular restaurant with a busy Tuesday night. From what I found out, it has decent food, big menu but am sure London serves better Vietnamese food.

Bird Thai (Amsterdam) <FAVORITES> I had no idea that Dutch have a Thai history. The fact that the most popular restaurant mentioned in the city's tourism guide is Thai restaurant says it all. But having said Bird doesn't disappoint. Tucked away in the Red Light District (isn't everything in Amserdam ?) it serves world-class Thai food. Definite must when you visiting Amsterdam!

Photograph of the Month January 2012: Baba CoffeeShop

About photograph:  Baba Coffee Shop in Red Light District, Amsterdam.

Camera: Canon Powershot S95

Grape of the Month Feburary 2012: Petie Arvine

 

Grape: Petie Arvine

Wine: Grioud Petite Arvine 2009

Tasting Notes: Best grape from Switzerland

Travel Review: Paris

Review: What can I say about Paris that hasn't been already said! But what does one do when you are going to Paree for the very first time and are there for only 6-7 hours ? This was my predicament and this is my conclusion. Rolling into Paris in Eurostar is not a very welcoming sight. Graffiti covered stations, shut industrial warehouses and ghettos welcome you. You are definitely not thinking of Renaissance then. But as with any great city, you need to immerse yourself in it before you make a judgement and so it is with Paris. A bus ride from Gare Du Nord to Arc de Triomphe I saw her come alive. A must Eiffel Tower tour (please pre-book it and skip the line) reveals breathtaking views of every corner of Paris and ,if you are lucky with your tour guide, illuminates you with history of Eiffel Tower, World Fair of 1889 (Exposition Universelle) and Paris. Take the ferry down Seine or metro to Notre Dame to have a walk about the famous Latin Quarters. With Notre Dame Cathedral, Lourve Museum, Pont des Arts, Tuileries Garden, Saint-Sulpice, Luxembourg Gardens and more all walking distance there is plenty to see and absorb. Take a break and relax yourself in one of the many restaurants and wine bars hidden all over the Latin Quarters. If you have some more time head to Opera or Sacré-Cœur Basilica!

Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/sets/72157627597909191/

Travel Review: Munich

Review: I think Germans get a very unfair rap for being cold and serious. Oktoberfest crowd and carnival was anything but that. It was one of the most welcoming and warm crowd in spite of the carnival teeming with people and plenty of beer flowing. Contrary to general perception, Oktoberfest Carnival is not just gigantic beer tents. With German markets selling knick knacks, live music, plenty of food to indulge and kick-ass amusement rides (bumper cars!!!), it is an complete family affair and has something for everyone. Oktoberfest fever catches you the moment you step out of the train or the flight & buying a Oktoberfest hat / costume is perfect way to blend in :) Bottom line, if you like your beer and if you like to party, Oktoberfest is a definite must once in your life.

Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/sets/72157627599747077/

Travel Review: Montreux

Review: Montreux is a quiet resort town on the eastern shores of Lake Geneva. If you are arriving from Geneva, you have the chance to take a beautiful drive to Montreux through the hills and vineyards of Southern Switzerland along Lake Geneva by-passing the cities of Nyon, Morges and Laussane. Beside the striking beauty of blue waters of Lake Geneva and the snow covered Alps in the background, Montreux gives you a chance to visit the historic Château de Chillon. Being driving distance from Gstaad, Inter Laken and Jungfrau, Montreux provides a great lodging alternative to more popular destinations preferred, and my I say crowded, by the vacation tours!

Photo Album:http://www.flickr.com/photos/adigupta/sets/72157626799878839/

Food and Wine Reviews for April - December 2011

Thanks to my move to London, I was not able to write and post a monthly review for this section. But luckily I was able to visit and dine at multiple places during my 9-month stay in London. Below are reviews of some of the places I've been to in London since March 2011.

Megan's Cafe, Kings Road, London

 

Vagabond Wines - <FAVORITES> Local wine haunt. Lovely hosts serving a wide variety of grapes and massive selection of wines. With wine dispensing machines in place, you can taste samples of multiple wines or have a glass (or bottle) full of your favorite wine. Also, the special events are always a blast with like-minded wine enthusiasts, who want a mid-week night out, make for a fun night with great wines and charcuterie.

Del'Aziz - <FAVORITES> Love this place! Awesome food and great Moroccan Mint Team. Have already been here twice in first 3 days in London. Big help during my property search due to wi-fi connection. Actually sitting at Del Aziz and writing this review!

Megan's - <FAVORITES> Cosy eatery in the Fulham and Chelsea neighborhood. Go there for brunch on a weekend and if available, head downstairs to the garden sitting.

 

Altitude 360 - Definitely have great 360 degree views of London but the brunch buffet is nothing to write home about. Not worth the full price of £107+

Brumus - Really nice bar and restaurant for an elegant evening at Haymarket Hotel.

LVPO - <FAVORITES> Great find in Soho. It's really popular and has line around the corner on weekend nights so get there early. Multi-level bar/club/lounge to get lost and party!

Vinopolis - <FAVORITES> A wine museum!!! Great place to go spend an evening exploring the world of wine. Highly recommended if you have time and are a wine enthusiast. Located in a very busy and chic Borough Market neighborhood.

 

Dishoom - Went there for the Restaurant festival week but was an okay visit. Perhaps will make another visit giving it a benefit of doubt of having an off day since I have heard so much good reviews about it!

Morito - <FAVORITES> Great tapas place in casual setting (very Barcelona like) in the hip Exmouth Market. Reservation is highly recommended.

Planet of the Grapes-  Lovely wine bar tucked away in Bow street near Bank and Mansion House. It boasts of huge and impressive list of wines to purchase (and to drink for an additional surcharge of £10). Basement sitting area makes for cosy evening. The food menu leaves much to be desired. But if you are just looking to have and purchase some wine, it's definitely recommended.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland -  <FAVORITES> Hyde Park hosts Annual Winter Wonderland in the heart of the City and brings the warm festive glow to London. It's perfect oasis just off the madness of Knightsbridge to capture the the mood of season in the month of December. With German market, Skating Rink, Circus and plenty of amusement rides, it has something for everyone !!!