The Lalit Great Eastern Tea Lounge Kolkata
The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata has revamped its tea lounge and its surely going to become one of the most happening tea lounge in Kolkata. Some of the rarest and costliest blends of tea are available here along with a sumptuous high tea menu with a local touch . We tasted Silver needle one of the rarest and exclusive blend along with some rare varieties . The story .
Nepal in rubble – My thoughts
We share a strong emotional connection with Nepal . Its people, nature and history . On a fateful afternoon of 25th April 2015 the city is struck by an Earthquake which is worse in last 80 years . Next 2 days the city spends under open sky . Death toll keeps on ticking . History is ruined . My thoughts
The Windmills of Mykonos
One just cannot miss the windmills in Mykonos . Now a major tourist attraction, these windmills were once a major contributor to the economy of the town and played a major functional role . The magnificent bright shinning white in the morning and the melancholic orange in the dusk only depicts the story of them . We witnessed both and realised the same .
Fever, random thoughts and Chicken nuggets in sweet and sour sauce
Is creativity at its best when someone is under fever ? Those random listless thoughts when the fever just sets in takes you to a different world . Recently while under fever, I dreamt that instead of the singing competition there is a blogging competition happening at Shoondi Kings court in Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen – a cult childrens film by master film maker – Satyajit Ray . I woke up to this lovely Chicken Nuggets made by madhsuhree .
Poila Boishakh and a family recipe of Bhekti
What does the Bengali New year mean to you ? Is it another date in the calendar where, if you are in Kolkata, there may be a holiday, meeting relatives or...
10 best sweet shops in kolkata – Part I
Identifying 10 best sweet shops in Kolkata is like searching needle in a hay stack . From the neighborhood to the century old legends each one is a star in itself . In the first part of this effort we try to explore some new and and some century old sweet shops in kolkata . Let us know which are your favourites
Rato Machhendranath festival Kathmandu
When we reached Durbar Square in Patan little did we know that we will witness an unique festival of worshipping rain god through a Chariot journey .Rato Machhendranath is considered as the reincarnation of the Lord Shiva by Hindus, while the Buddhists regard him as the Tantric reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara. A 300 year old temple at southern part of Durbar square Patan is where it all started .
Creme Caramel Kolkata – your neighbourhood cake shop
We often used to bypass this small little shop at Circus Row while on our way to office . One day we stopped to experiment and check out that shop . We realised that it was worth the experimentation . Creme Caramel is that cake shop in your neighbourhood which will grow on you ..
Sweethandi is delivered – Pikturenama is happy
Its a beginning for two friends . Its a beginning for a friendship over a decade . Sweethandi starts delivering Kolkata sweets across India and Pikturenama becomes the official blogger and food photographer . In the month of December
Fine Art Photography IV. Satarupa flirting with the lens shows the bigger picture
Satarupa represented those women who for ages have remained forcefully silent in dark with leaps sealed but now the time has come to come out . Time has come to embrace the light and become bold and courageous . A photostory.
Winter Tales III – Ma cooks Ranga alur Roshopuli Traditional deep fried sweet potato dumplings in date palm syrup
The transition between winter and spring and then summer has many memories . What defines end of winter ? This winter Ma cooked Rashapuli – a traditional bengali dessert which is fried sweet potato dumplings in date palm syrup . We said good bye to winter . Read here for more
Explore the elements by Thomas Cook – Earth Water Fire and Air
Its rarely I participate in a competition but when the invitation comes from a fellow veteran blogger – thats an honour in itself . Thomas cook wants the bloggers and the photographers to explore the four basic elements in Universe – Earth, Fire, Water and Air . I searched through my pictures and travelled from Mt Alps in Switzerland to Phewa Lake in Pokahara Nepal with a stopover at Turkey and Greece . The choice was tough . However – here are my four options . Let me know how you like it
Zurich Diaries – II – The LGBT parade and memories of P
I was lucky to be witnessing the LGBT parade at Zurich . First time for my life . We had no plans for Zurich and explored the city on our own and at Bahnhofstrasse we witnessed this colourful carnival . Memories surfaced of my friend P who years ago was confused about his identity and suffered . Stay well P .
Sweet nothings… Memories of growing up with Sweets
We Bengalees grow up with sweets . Any occassion , any situation , any season sweets are part of it . Memoirs of growing up along with sweets and how it was an integrated part of life . One misses this the most when stays outside kolkata . Memories , nostalgia and some pictures
Sinful evening with Soha and Kunal at Kolkata – Magnum Ice cream launch
Magnum Ice Cream got officially launched in Kolkata .On 21st February , at Crystal Room Taj Bengal it was a sinful Belgian Chocolate trail with celebrity Masterchef Kunal Kapur and ravishing Soha Ali Khan Pataudi . Check out the recipe for traditional Bengali dish – Pathi Shapta with Magnum Ice Cream .
Nan Khatai on the evening of a long Sunday – with recipe
After a long hectic Sunday , Madhushree starts baking for our son’s tiffin next day . Little research reveals that this is the original Indian Cookie with a Dutch origin and traces in Surat . Presenting Nan Khatai – with recipe
World peace pagoda Pokhara – 1100 metres, 200 stairs with a 2 year old
At 1100 metres height on Ananda hills The World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara Nepal overlooks the Annapurna Mountain range which reflects off Lake Phewa Tal below. It is thus one of the more serene peace pagodas in the world. On a cloudy day we climbed about 200 steps with a 2 year old only to get disheartened and getting our rewards later .
Mrs Magpie Kolkata has a new cousin in town – The Bistro
Mrs Magpie at Lake View Road has been our personal favourite . We visited the second outlet opened at Kasba Connector opposite at 2nd floor of The Chambers Mall opposite of Gitanjali Stadium . This is Bistro and offers a menu which is distinctly different from Mrs Magpie the Coffee shop . Check out whats on offering .
Zurich diaries – 1 with camera and without plan
At times unplanned moving around in an unknown city helps to explore the city more. On our last day of our tour at Switzerland we were at Zurich . We explored the city on our own and saw another face of Zurich . Part 1 of the travelog .
Fine Art photography – III. Ishita , her mask and alter ego
When was the last time you had put up a mask ? I explore Ishita with a mask , her self and also her alter ego . As a part of Fine Art Photography workshop by Agnimirh Basu Ishita took us on a journey of self exploration and inner dilemma
Lunch at Sonar Tori Kolkata at Ganga Kutir, Ffort Raichak
If you are at Ganga Kutir then you cannot afford to miss the Authentic Bengali restaurant – Sonar Tori . We had a sumptuous lunch there and enjoyed it too . Designed by ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee this is worth a visit for all gastronomes . Later a discussion with Chef Firoz Hossain threw some detailed insight on the restaurant . Here is my review .
Flurys All Day breakfast at home – Morning no.1 by Red FM
93.5 Red FM Kolkata relaunches its morning show as Morning no.1. A breakfast magician visits our home from Flurys as surprise . All day breakfast gets cooked and served . The eldest and the youngest family member are the happiest of the lot .
10 things that I have learnt as a wedding photographer
Wedding photography is not all fun always . Dedication , hard work , focus , sincerity all is needed just like any other profession . My ten best learning as a professional wedding photographer and some tips to overcome some problems
Winter Tales II – 5 memories of Orange and Orange Swiss Roll
Winter brings back loads of memories and out of which one is with the orange . Our 5 memories of Orange in winters and a recipe of Orange Swiss Roll with Whipped Cream .
20 hours at Ganga Kutir Kolkata – My diary speaks
A journal of how I spent 20 hours at Ganga Kutir Kolkata with some pictures . This place is not for excitement filled adrenaline rushes but when one feels for quick rejuvenation and introspection, this is the place to go.
Help Portrait Kolkata 2014 – the first saturday of December
Its 2nd year in a row where I participate in Help Portrait movement by Jeremy Cowart . Help Portrait Kolkata 2014 where we click picture and we give away . This year it was Hope foundation and New Light NGO.
Masala Roast Chicken with Shahi Gravy inspired by passive blogging
A roasted chicken recipe with a Shahi touch . Blogging makes deep inroads in the family as my wife turns a passive blogger . In the midst super chaotic situation at home we manage to cook and blog too .. Now its time for some feedback
Winter Tales 1 – Gobi Hara Masala and memories
What does winter to mean to you ? Remembering some memories and how cauliflower is an integrated part of winter .
Fine Art Photography II . Momii – silent, surreal and sensuous
Momii the silent surreal and sensuous lady who left us thinking and wanting for more . A photostory of Fine Art Photography workshop .
Fine Art photography I. Dristi the butterfly who transforms into a firefly
My experience in a fine art photography workshop . A girl called Dristi who came in as a butterfly slowly transforms herself to a firefly . A picture essay .
5 reasons why you should visit Boudhanath in Kathmandu
On the last day of the Nepal tour I felt the inner call – to visit Boudhanath with my camera . Its an experience worth sharing . The selection was tough between the pictures and words.
Masala Chai / Tea Ice Cream with Candied Peanuts
Its tea with a twist . Remembering our first cup of tea and the journey henceforth . Have you ever tasted masala Chai ice cream – Read on
Exploring an enigmatic matured lady by Lake Geneva – Montreux
How we explored the beautiful historic city of Montreux by the Lake Geneva on our own . We realised finally that she is a true enigmatic beauty ..
The yodeling festival of Interlaken – we were lucky
Unknowingly we became a part of Yodeling festival in interLaken Switzerland . Here’s our story of that memorable night .
Pomfret Tel Jhal – Hot and Spicy Pomfret Fish Curry
While passing through a very hectic week with professional and personal commitments – this quick, easy to make dish will definitely enhance the eating experience . Check it out .
How we loved missing our trains in Engelberg – the swiss town
We missed our train twice in a small quaint Swiss town called Engelberg . We discovered love , dreams and a place to come back when we will be old . Discover Engelberg . Fall in love . Weave some dreams .
Scott Kelby Photowalk 2014 – Kalighat Temple and surroundings Kolkata
As a part of the largest Social Photography event in world – I participated in the 7th Scott Kelby worldwide photowalk and successfully failed to capture Kalighat the abode of goddess Kali in Kolkata
Fabulous Feta Cheese Pie – A surprise on a Sunday evening
How on a Sunday evening my son and I were surprised by this beautiful dish . Feta Cheese as the hero and some experimental piktures as embelishments
Dinner at Tero Parbon – Restaurant Review
Revisiting Tero Parbon – The Bengali theme restaurant at Gariahat kolkata and the experience and review thereafter
Riot of red – Sindoor khela or playing with vermillion Durga Puja 2014
The festival of Sindoor Khela or vermillion smearing is riot of red – colourful , versatile and extravagant . Some pictures to depict the story