Archive for the ‘Food’ category

Agra-historical city

July 20th, 2010

One of the seven wonders of the world

Agra, the city of Taj, is a treasure trove for the tourists across the globe. Founded by Sikander Lodhi in the 16th century, Agra stands majestically on the banks of River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. The sheer beauty of immortal Taj Mahal and other historic splendors fascinate millions of tourists.

The resplendent history and architectural richness of Agra dotted with majestic buildings, impressive forts, exquisite art and craft and exceptional cuisine captivate each and every visitor. Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The unparallel beauty of this majestic marble wonder is beyond comparison. This exquisitely carved white marble is an epitome of eternal love and pristine beauty. Mughal emperors Shah Jahan build it in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.  Renowned for its architectural excellence and aesthetic charm, Taj Mahal has been an inspiration to poets, lyricist and musicians. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque Besides Taj Mahal, another fascinating attraction in Agra is the Agra Fort. Built exquisitely with red sandstone, this imposing citadel is an important landmark of the city. Splendid palaces, magnificent towers, bastions and huge gateways constructed within the sprawling fort complex symbolize a unique blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural styles of the bygone era. The Moti Masjid built inside the fort is recognized as one of the most enchanting mosques in the country. The sheer grandeur and impressive structure of Agra Fort has been fascinating a number of tourists to explore this undulating monument in Agra.

Among the Agra’s architectural marvels, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is also a great tourist site to visit in the city. Built by the empress Noor Jahan, this beautifully carved edifice represents a fine specimen of Islamic art and architecture. The awesome beauty of the white marble tomb is Jewel box' or 'Baby Tāj'enhanced by the intricate inlay work of Pietra Dura and mosaic done in precious and semi precious stones. Chini Ka Rauza is also an historical monument in Agra featuring the unique glazed tile decoration. Each and every corner of this monument is endowed with varied color schemes and architectural ornamentation which present an alluring site for the visitors.

Besides diverse city attractions, an excursion from Agra includes the royal heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri. This imperial city constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar casts a lasting impression on the visitors. The architectural grandeur and magnificence of this great edifice can be truly signified in the words, “an epic poem in sandstone”.

Apart from varied monumental wonders, Agra is also a favored shopping destination. Some of the specialties of Agra’s markets include beautiful handicraft items decorated with stone inlay work, leather bags, marble table tops, rugs, carpets and brass ware with their exquisite beauty and workmanship.

Agra also boasts of its authentic Mughal cuisine. It is also famous for its petha and dal-moth. If you are open to try new cuisines try Agra’s favorite breakfast aloo-puri. The amazing city of Agra makes an important part of Golden Triangle with its enchanting monuments and architectural richness which welcome the tourists to travel through a world of bygone Mughal era.

Pizza Pasta and much more..

May 5th, 2010

Scilian Pizza

Go on,Take a taste of Italy partake of its magnificent orchestra of flavors. Sure, the predictable pizza and pasta will be a part of the harmony, but you will be delighted with much more. In Italy you will find that lush flavors and textures, the crystal clear taste, the light and fresh sound tracks alternate with the deep bass and heavier beats harmoniously. Your senses will reel under the buttery rich aromas of Italy and be swept away by the golden light olive oil notes.

I have often been fascinated with the diversity of Italian culinary art and, during my visit to Italy I made it a point to explore the history and secrets behind the gastronomy of this region.

Over the centuries many different races from all over Europe invaded or travelled through the Italian peninsula, bringing with them new culinary ideas. The Greek introduced seafood cookery, the Etruscans brought polenta and by 1861, the unification of Italy brought 20 provinces  There are 600 varities of Pasta.under one flag, but the different regional styles remained unchanged. And so did the diversity of Italian cuisine.

During my visit to Italy I discovered that, Italian food is distinct of each region so while pot roasts and veal dishes from Lombardy are well known, the Genoese from Liguria are famed for amazing fish dishes flavored with local olive oil. The pesto sauce originated here. The world’s  famous prosciutto di Parma hams, balsamic vinegar, all come from the gastronomically excellent Emilia Romagna province, while Sicilian desserts, cakes, ice cream and granitas are unparalleled.

So, see Italian food is more than just pizzas and pastas, but who can ignore them while on the subject of Italian cooking and I too made my little  discoveries of these world famous dishes. Pasta simply means paste or dough in Italian. There are over 600 different pasta varieties. The most    popular type is made from durum wheat, which is milled to form fine semolina grains.

The pizza of course has invaded most continents but its origin has been pinned down to the Old Italian city of Naples. The classic Napolitano with its thin crust of dough topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, anchovies and oregano is the most well known.

Now moving on to antipasto “before the main course” which is normally served in three categories, meat, fish and vegetables. While veggies are served raw, marinated, deep fried or pickled with or without dressings many varieties of cold meats and fish are popular. Rice, gnocchi and polenta, definitely worth trying is the Italian risotto made with short grained arborio rice. Poultry and meat dishes are popular and veal, roast pig from Umbria offal is loved. I also noticed here that every part of the chicken is used in Italian cooking and that spit roasted chicken flavored with rosemary has almost become a national dish of Italy.

Gorgonzola cheese is served with fruit. If you are doing it the traditional Italian way then there is no better way to complete an absolutely  Tiramesù is a popular Italian cake. scrumptious  meal with fresh fruits or the superlative gorgonzola cheese. For the sweet toothed. The mouth watering Tiramisu, Gorgonzolo Cheese with fruits, Cassata and Ricotta ice creams, Florentine biscuits are just divine.

No Italian meal is absolute without Italian wine. Try the Chianti classic with the black rooster on its neck label. Enjoy its tannic heady, powerful taste, with a slight bouquet of violets and liqourice.  Appetito di bon!!

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Italian Wine Tours

April 19th, 2010

Red Sagrantino of Montefalco

One barrel of wine can work more miracles than a church full of saints.
Italian Proverb

Italy the land of traditions and its unique gastronomy makes this country a benchmark of food and wine. Great food and wine are an integral part of Italian life. The regions that are excellent producers of large variety of wines are Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia, Romagna and Sicily.

I am also somewhat partial to some Chardonnay from Valle D’Aosta, a region nestled in the Alps stretching from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn. The Italian wine are popular all the world. joy of sipping some great wine in Valle D’Aosta while you sit with friends in front of a crackling fireplace is an experience worth remembering.

A visit to the wine roads is a sensual experience. Here I took the opportunity of joining the winery workers in squashing grapes with my feet, walking through the magical vineyards and learning the significance of the effect of rain and sunshine on the variety of grapes and how they influence the flavor and taste when the wine finally gets casked for maturing.

In Perugnia, I headed to the quiet green hills where St, Francis of Assis came to meditate in such a serene setting, and visited his tiny monk cell on a secluded mountain top. From here I then made my way to Montefalco where the historical local Sagrantino wine is produced. The red Sagrantino of Montefalco is one of the finest expressions of Italian wine making. In the morning, I couldn’t resist to participate in cooking lessons, using local fresh produce and learnt the culinary skills of making savory pasta dishes.

An entire day dedicated to the amazing Chianti wine country. A private tasting of Chianti Classico and other super Tuscan vintages is followed by an explanation of the merits of extra virgin olive oil and a visit to an olive mill to gain knowledge of the world’s best olive oil! Later a treat at  Wine tours your best option to try the best food and wine.dining in the wine cellar of a medieval castle surrounded by appropriately dusty wine bottles and Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Familia 2004 and Barolo Serralunga 2003 was one of my best and most cherished experiences in Italy.

Wine tasting and gastronomy tours have become very popular in all wine producing countries. A sommelier (an expert on wine) guides you through the body bouquet and notes of each wine teaching one how to sniff swirl and sip the various varieties of wine.

However, the true experience of the excellent variety of wines in Italy are not only from  tasting the Merlot and Chardonnay, the old Tempranillo and Garnacha but certainly the lesser  known grape varieties like Menica, Verdejo, Albarino and Godello that have legends created  around them.

Experience the spirited trail of Italy and enjoy the warm hospitality of this land. Piacere il liquido effervescente !!!

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