Mysore Palace & Dasara Memories 2013

The heritage city of Mysore is at its vibrant best during the 10-day Dasera festival, which continues a tradition started by the Vijayanagar kings in the 15th century. The festival starts with a procession of decorated elephants led by the Maharaja of Mysore – a grand spectacle. Every evening, the Maharaja’s Palace is dramatically lit up, while the town is transformed into a gigantic fairground, with concerts, dance performances, sporting demonstrations and cultural events. On the last day, Vijayadashami, the celebrations are capped off with a dazzling torchlight procession.
- Lonely Planet 

I wanted this travel for many reasons. And this time I didn't want to miss the festive moments at Mysore. Called up Nadheem and we decided to make the move. Ani didn't join this and she wasn't comfortable with the crowd during Dasera. 

We started from Bangalore by 5 in the morning. Took the route through the KR Market and headed on to the Mysore Road. After an hour and a half, we had a halt at one of the high way hotels on the way. That nice coffee and Iddaly made our day. So tasty it was. Yummy.

I was watching the traffic from the restaurant. Almost all the vehicles were commuting at a speed of 100 kmph. I felt like they are after some treasure hidden in Mysore. After 30 minutes, we got back to our road to Mysore.

Reached Mysore at 9:30 am. But the palace will open only at 10:30. We thought of spending time around, by having one more breakfast. We parked the car at that hotel and went for a walk. Took some pics walking around, took a horse cart ride, small shopping and then headed towards the hotel where we parked the car.

Got inside the palace by 10:50 in the morning (INR 40/head. No camera charges as they will not allow the camera inside the palace. You can click around the premises).

The Palace got the same old glorious look and feel. It shined like never before as a part of the Dasera preparations. Around a couple of crores are spend towards the maintenance of the palace every year. And it shows. 

Cultural shows, fun loving crowds, curios kids, royal processions and 1 lakh bulbs illuminated palace - everything together made our day...

The very first breakfast. Can you see that single spoon of butter on the iddly? He does a magic in the mouth...

Travel With Many Tasks

Ani was planning for this trip from last week. Not a pleasure trip, but a trip to make me to do the things that I've been skipping for months.

Started off by 11 in the morning. 10 km drive to Printo branch at Indra Nagar, then to PrintXpress Kormangala. Once done with the 'printing' related tasks, we geared up to Josettan's Mess. 

Frankly speaking, this is the only event proposed from my end. I LOVE THIS FOOD...Kerala rice meals along with Beef Fry + Sambar + Moru Curry + Meen Curry + Couple of Pappads + Payaru Thoran + Kaya Curry + Gooseberry Pickle...YUMMY!!!

Then headed towards to SP Road near City Market. What was that place? I never seen such a crowded and narrow roads in Bangalore before. Had a tough time

Baked Potato Wedges with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing

A quick and easy dish for snacks. It was easier than expected. And the Raspberry dressing gave it a wonderful flavor.

Try it out in four simple steps:

1. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
2. Turn the potatoes over and microwave for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Check for doneness. If potato is still not fully cooked, continue microwaving potato in 1 minute intervals until fully cooked.
4. Garnish as necessary.

And it's done!!!

Spicy, Juicy, Tangy Chilli Chicken

Seems like I am liking cooking as much I love travelling...This time spicy, juicy, tangy chilli chicken.

The Famous Biriyani Recipe

Was watching the movie Ustad Hotel yesterday and few memories kicked in then. I believe, Kareemikka's biriyani is an actual copy of kayika's biriyani. It was Thomas Muttithodathil who took me to kayees hotel, while we were in college. We have gone there several times to get the parcel, in his signature gypsy and ate it at his home, enjoying the taste of each and every rice in it. 

Want to realy try kayees biriyani recipe. But am sure there will be one part missing - the secret ingedient. Only his grandson knows what it is...