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Showing posts with the label Travelogue

EPICs of South Indian Delicacies on the walls of A2B

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Author: Ganesh Swaminathan Date : Monday, 2Oth March 2023. Time 5:30pm Inspiration : Epics on the walls of A2B in Chennai Bangalore Highway near Vellore. Hey everyone! Did you know that the famous South Indian restaurant food chain A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan) has an interesting history? It was founded in 1979 by a humble sweet shop owner named K.S. Thirupathi Raja who started with just one small outlet in Chennai. Today, A2B has over 150 outlets across India and even in other countries! But that's not all, each A2B outlet is adorned with interesting epics on some of the super popular South Indian delicacies written on the wall. For example, did you know that the classic Masala Dosa, which is a staple in every South Indian household, originated in the Udupi town of Karnataka? It was created by the Udupi Krishna Temple cooks who wanted to offer something unique to their devotees. And have you tried the ...

A Celebration + Spiritual + Business trip to Chennai

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In this travelogue, I share our four-day experience in Chennai, exploring its temples, markets, and beaches, and soaking in the city's vibrant culture and spirituality. From the iconic Marina Beach to the serene Sriperumbudur Ramanujam Temple, Chennai left us feeling fulfilled and grateful for the experience. Join us on our journey through the spiritual heart of Chennai. Friday 17th: We woke up early and traveled from Bangalore to Chennai by Car. After 6 hours of travel, we arrived at the Park Avenue hotel, where we checked in and settled into our room. Later in the evening, we attended an engagement function that was hosted by a welcoming and hospitable relative. Saturday 18th: Today was all about exploring the spiritual side of Chennai. We visited the Parthasarathi Temple, which is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. We also went to the Kabaleeswarar Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We also visited South Indian cuisine speciality shop Ambika Appalam...

Crowning the engagement celebration with Ilaneer Payasam, Curd Rice and Cut Mango Pickle

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Date: Friday, March 17, 2023 Today after a long and tiring drive from Bangalore to Chennai, my wife and I finally arrived at the engagement function of our dear relative in Chennai.  The entire evening was filled with laughter, joy, and celebrations as we all gathered to mark this special occasion. There were meetings, greetings, chatting, photos, selfies and sharing of stories, as we all enjoyed each other's company.  As the function drew to a close, a delicious mix of Indian tiffin items was laid out before us, a beautiful display of colors, aromas, and textures. The dishes ranged from crispy dosas to fluffy idlis, from spicy sambar to tangy chutney. But there were three dishes that stood out from the rest - the shining crown jewels - the tender coconut payasam, curd rice, and cut mango pickle .  The tender coconut payasam was a true masterpiece, with its creamy and nutty flavor. Each spoonful was a delight to the senses, and I couldn't resist going back for...

Madras Nalla Madras

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01 Mar 2023 - 5:55pm Just heading back home from a 5-day trip to Chennai, and it was an experience like no other! The city has definitely changed a lot since I last visited, with new developments and modern amenities making their mark.  But let's be honest, some things never change - like the sweltering heat, the incessant honking of autorickshaws, and rice and sambar for every meal.:-) The best part of the trip was the family reunion we had after so long. It was amazing to see all loved ones in one place and to catch up on all the good times. Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of being surrounded by family, even amidst the chaos of a bustling city Here's to the perfect blend of nostalgia, family love, and good old-fashioned Chennai charm!" 😊🙌🏽👍🏽