Well the excitement around Sushi is not new and one keeps reading, watching, hearing about it every now and then. I had been eager to try out Sushi to figure out what all the talk was about.
There are two things that one would not want to happen when trying out a new cuisine/dish -
1.Trying it at a restaurant where they might not know how to prepare it and they end up serving you with a version which is enough to keep you away from further adventures.
2. Ordering a dish which would not fit your palate at all (e.g. asking some of our friends from the US/ Europe to partake Kolhapuri chicken as their first tryst with Indian food)
So I talked to one my buddies Shantanu (aka musa) who has dabbled a lot with Sushi (making friends with the Chef at a Sushi Bar in US) and got some tips for an amateur.
Recently on my way back from Manila I had an extended stopover at Bangkok airport (thanks to flight delay).As I roamed around the sprawling terminal I spotted a Sushi bar - my chance to satisfy this culinary curiosity.
I sat at the counter opposite the Chef and the first order was a Salmon Sushi (a safe bet to start as per musa). On the Chef’s recommendation I ordered some hot Sake for drink. It was served in a small ceramic flask to be had from a small cylindrical ceramic vessel resembling a mini shot-glass. (further reading and I know it’s called ochoko)
Then came the Sushi - rice covered with slice of Salmon along with Wasabi paste and Soy sauce. As for the taste, well it was bland if you benchmark it with regular Indian food, and definitely had some smell of the fish. (I am sure some of my friends who just can't bear any odor in the sea-food won't like it). I had too generous a helping of the Wasabi and it hit like a lightning :)...needless to say the next helpings were more careful.
Sitting at the counter I was in a position to watch the chef in action, as I waited for my next order - the Spicy Tuna rolls (rice and tuna rolled with chopped green chilies tossed in) I enjoyed this one more and was willing to try out some more, the only problem was I was already full.
It was an enjoyable experience and has left me with the desire to try out more varieties sometime. I didn't try the Sashimi (fresh raw fish without the rice), perhaps that would need more courage and some homework on what an amateur needs to start with !
Pity I wasn't carrying my camera, but here's how the Salmon and the Tuna Rolls looked liked.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Election Heat !
I have been following the run-up to the Nominations for the US Presidential elections since December and must say it's been quite an interesting experience.Although the major source has been the mainstream TV channels CNN, NBC, (even) Fox News and websites I have also managed to read some independent blogs and websites from units like MediaMatters.
I like the concept of a party coming up with its Nominee by first going through an election process. The wannabes campaigning within the respective party's support base,debating the issues on television makes the process more vibrant(For argument sake, ignoring the the criticism that News channels are backed by corporate interests or how lobbyists play a big role the process is intended to be more participative)
With the Presidential form of democracy the election is obviously more focused on the individuals, their personality, charisma and of course their gaffes.
While the socio-economic realities in India are different and we have a parliamentary system, it is difficult to say which one is better.I can't even imagine having Televised debates or such debates being of much use in the Indian scenario.But for country which became independent after the Second World War India is an encouraging example of an evolving and successful (people might disagree on the the degree of success)democracy.
And in spite of the differences one can draw parallels -
-Race and to a extent religion is a issue in the US the way vote banks based on caste and religion play a important role in India.
-How the pollsters go wrong be it opinion polls for a Primary or a State election in India.
-How candidates complain about the media being biased to them.
One thing that I have been puzzled by is the seemingly undue coverage given to things like false sniper fire comments, flag-pins, Pastor remarks rather than issues which more important for the ordinary citizen.It might be because these are more newsworthy and eye-catching stories on Prime time. I would like to think that people are more discerning and see beyond such things when making the choices.
As for me I am rooting for Obama.I am impressed by the fresh views he brings to the table and there is a certain genuineness in the man.He has done a great job at leveraging Information Technology for his campaign and the manner in which he seems to be mobilizing the youth(thanks to his oratory skills).For those who point at his inexperience, well the ones with a lot of experience haven't been doing that great a job too !
Be it India, USA, Africa or Europe I think the world needs young politicians.... with a fresh perspective.
While a friend of mine said looking at Obama she was reminded of me...that's not the reason for me supporting him :)
I like the concept of a party coming up with its Nominee by first going through an election process. The wannabes campaigning within the respective party's support base,debating the issues on television makes the process more vibrant(For argument sake, ignoring the the criticism that News channels are backed by corporate interests or how lobbyists play a big role the process is intended to be more participative)
With the Presidential form of democracy the election is obviously more focused on the individuals, their personality, charisma and of course their gaffes.
While the socio-economic realities in India are different and we have a parliamentary system, it is difficult to say which one is better.I can't even imagine having Televised debates or such debates being of much use in the Indian scenario.But for country which became independent after the Second World War India is an encouraging example of an evolving and successful (people might disagree on the the degree of success)democracy.
And in spite of the differences one can draw parallels -
-Race and to a extent religion is a issue in the US the way vote banks based on caste and religion play a important role in India.
-How the pollsters go wrong be it opinion polls for a Primary or a State election in India.
-How candidates complain about the media being biased to them.
One thing that I have been puzzled by is the seemingly undue coverage given to things like false sniper fire comments, flag-pins, Pastor remarks rather than issues which more important for the ordinary citizen.It might be because these are more newsworthy and eye-catching stories on Prime time. I would like to think that people are more discerning and see beyond such things when making the choices.
As for me I am rooting for Obama.I am impressed by the fresh views he brings to the table and there is a certain genuineness in the man.He has done a great job at leveraging Information Technology for his campaign and the manner in which he seems to be mobilizing the youth(thanks to his oratory skills).For those who point at his inexperience, well the ones with a lot of experience haven't been doing that great a job too !
Be it India, USA, Africa or Europe I think the world needs young politicians.... with a fresh perspective.
While a friend of mine said looking at Obama she was reminded of me...that's not the reason for me supporting him :)
Good Times
A friend and ex-colleague of mine - Devendra recently wrote about Good Things in Life. I enjoyed it a lot and couldn't help writing down a few more in the comments for his post.
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