Day: September 15, 2016

Tasteful Thursdays- Bacon & Maple Syrup Ice-Cream Recipe by Chef Pawan Bisht

A dear friend and a great chef, when you find in one person, it makes for a lethal combination. Chef Pawan Bisht, Head chef at a very popular restaurant Junglee Billee is a dear friend and upon my request, he has shared one of his most favourite recipes. I am sure you all gonna love it, and watch out this space every Thursday for more recipes.

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Bacon and maple syrup ice cream

  • Time:-2.30 hrs
  • Prep:-2 hr 15 mins.
  • Cooking:-15 mins.
  • Yield:- 1 quart

Ingredients:-

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cup heavy cream
  • 3-4 strips bacon
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup caramelized walnut

Procedure:-


  • Whisk the egg yolk and sugar in a bowl. Transfer it to a sauce pan and pour the milk. Whisk it well.
  • Cook this mixture on a low heat, stirring on a regular interval.
  • Once the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon add the maple syrup. Mix well.
  • Pour this mixture in a bowl and refrigerate till cold, approx 30 -45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile take a pan and put it over the medium gas range, once heated sear the bacon on it till crispy.
  • Once the bacon is cooled down cut it into small pieces leaving 1 or 2 strips for the garnish.
  • Take out the custard from the freeze and pour the cream in it.
  • Add the caramelized walnut, bacon pieces and churn the mixture.
  • Pour this mixture in an air tight container and freeze until firm at least 2 to 3 hours.
  • Serve garnishing with crispy bacon strips and caramelized nuts.

For caramelized nuts:-


  • Take a pan and put it on a low heat. Add sugar to it and melt it till golden brown colour.
  • Add nuts to this mixture. Mix well.
  • Pour this mixture on a baking sheet and let it cool.
  • Once cooled down break it nicely into small pieces.
  • Add it to the ice cream to get the crunch.

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India Film Project 2016 is all set to woo the film making fanatics

Time to toil and rack your brains to brew a perfect film is here! Yes, we are talking about India Film Project which is back with a bang with scaled up challenges and opportunities. India Film Project, Asia’s largest film festival challenge, encourages people to make films and this year will be its sixth edition. IFP is one of the rare platforms, which is focused at content creation rather than content consumption. The grand film event has now moved to the film making capital of country, Mumbai and will be held on October 01 at Hall 6, NESCO Goregaon.

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The prestigious India Film Project is a filmmaking challenge with a twist where participants from across the globe create a film on a given theme but in a time-limit of 50 hours, starting from September 16, 8pm to September 18, 10pm. The teams will script, shoot, edit and upload the films, which post the submission will be viewed by an unparalleled jury. The winning films will be showcased at different festivals globally. The event will also witness some of the best content creators on one, huge, prominent platform, the schedule of which shall be announced shortly.

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IFP 2016 Highlights:

  • The upcoming IFP 2016 festival will see a confluence of India’s best filmmakers coming together under one roof. More than 5000 filmmakers from different cities will fly down to attend this gala
  • The number of applicants in the sixth edition of IFP is expected to be higher than the combined number of the previous 5 editions
  • 890+ teams, comprising of 17,500 filmmakers, have already registered for IFP 2016 and the number is estimated to multiply in another 2 days
  • 1300 teams comprising of 25,000 participating filmmakers from across the globe are expected to ferment films on one single theme in 50 hours.
  • The eminent jury for IFP 2016 is comprised of all National Award Winners – Madhur Bhandarkar, Nagesh Kukunoor, Sriram Raghavan and Southern Super director Vetri Maaran
  • A workshop on storytelling by the Terrible Tiny Tales team will also be organized for the selected teams


Participation Categories:

For a level-headed competition, IFP, this year has segregated participation into Professional Filmmaking, Amateur Filmmaking and Mobile Filmmaking category to ensure competition among similar caliber. Mobile Filmmaking will be introduced for the first time in India through IFP and give access to the masses to make films as well.

 


Judging Criteria:

Films at IFP 2016 will be judged on the parameters like relevance to theme and genre, storyline, screenplay as well as technical aspects like editing, cinematography and sound

 

IFP 2016 Grand Award:

The best deserving IFP 2016 Filmmaking teams will be given an honor to create an ad film for the renowned brands of Nestle and Coca-Cola. IFP will fund each team, ensure quality equipments and make the winners work closely with their advertising teams. The best works will then be showcased by brands across its various channels including TV, Digital assets, theatres and many more


IFP in last 5 years:

  • Around 2400+ films have been made by 25,000+ filmmakers in just 50 hours at the festival in the previous five editions of IFP, which comes to 17000+ minutes of super high quality films
  • IFP 2015 saw 730 teams comprising of 14,600 filmmakers. The teams were spread across 182 cities from India and another 17 countries namely US, UK, Dubai, Australia, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, France and many more
  • Participants have joined from 182 cities and towns like Malegaon, Rishikesh to cities such as Bilaspur, Bhavnagar, Ranchi, Lucknow and Madurai to the four metros

Mr. Ritam Bhatnagar, Founder, IFP comments, “In India, Film making has been limited to few and the niche only. With IFP 2016, segregating varied participation categories, there is a fair chance for people to partake in large numbers. I must emphasize that in the last 3-4 years, the ratio of content consumer to content creator has changed drastically. People now are open to sharing their stories, experiences and are not camera shy anymore. This largely supports our agenda where we encourage people to tell a story through their camera.”


He continues, “Participation by students, housewives and working professionals in IFP has made this art look ‘cool’ and much acceptable by the common masses thus prompting us to shift base to Mumbai. This city has unrestricted opportunities to connect with the maximum targeted audience and create round the year engagement with the thriving filmmakers.”


The electrifying event of IFP has some celebrated brands like Maggi Hot Heads, Limca, HDFC Bank and Gujarat Tourism as its sponsors. For added support, IFP has partnered with Radio Partner – RedFM; Media Partner – TVF; Online Partner – The Logical Indian; Cinema Partner – Cinepolis; Magazine Partner – Better Photography; Cab Partner – Uber and Festival Partner – NFDC Film Bazaar so far.


So, all the geeks dreaming of making a film, gear up to create one of your finest movies; you never know, your random imaginative storyline may place you on the highest pedestal of the Indian Film Making Festivals through IFP 2016!


Registration Date, Process and Fee:

  • Registration for the IFP 2016 is open till September 15 midnight via http://bit.ly/ifpwelcome.
  • One has to choose a participating category which cannot be changed later, though details of team members can be edited
  • Each team can accommodate up to 20 members
  • The fee for Professional and Amateur Film Making category is Rs. 2500 per team and Rs. 1000 for Mobile filmmaking category
  • For eligibility in the Professional filmmaking category, the team leader must have worked in capacity of director or producer in 3 or more films, shorts, videos or ads
  • Amateur filmmaking is open to anyone who owns a DSLR camera while Mobile filmmaking is open to all

Social Media Links

  • facebook.com/indiafilmproject, twitter.com/ifilmproject, instagram.com/indiafilmproject,youtube.com/indiafilmproject and Website link – indiafilmproject.co

KidZania Delhi NCR Celebrates the 206th Anniversary of Mexico’s National Independence Day!

KidZania Delhi NCR hosted the Mexican Ambassador H. E. Melba Pria to celebrate the 206th National Independence of Mexico.

KidZania is a concept that originated from Mexico with the launch of their first KidZania facility in the year 1999. With the success of the first KidZania in Mexico City, they now have three centers in Mexico. KidZania has since spread globally, with 24 centers in 19 countries. One of the fastest growing kids interactive edutainment brands in the world; KidZania currently has two facilities in India, ‘Mumbai’ operational since 2013 & KidZania Delhi NCR (operational since May 2016.). It is known for its unique concept where kids have fun while enjoying real-life experiences in a city scaled down to kids’ size. I have been to the place twice myself and I am dying to take my son for this thrilling experience.


KidZania offers a great concept of making children familiar with different professions especially, and these professional experiences involve real life experiences in terms of functioning, monetary transactions, payouts etc. So while children enjoy multiple activities, they also learn the nitty gritties of those professional experiences.

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Mexico’s National Independence Day is officially observed on 16th September 2016. This date is considered the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. KidZania Delhi NCR hosted a ceremony at its theatre, where ‘The Cry of Independence’, a ritual of the church bells ringing was performed & all the honorary Mexicans for the evening and regular visitors cheered along, saying “Viva Mexico” before and after the Mexican national anthem.

KidZania Delhi NCR in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy has also announced exciting offers on entry tickets to Delegates of all Embassies in Delhi NCR from 12th – 30th Sep 2016.

Her Excellency along with the children from Shikhar Foundation participated in the Fire Fighting Activity at KidZania.

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Speaking on the occasion, H. E. Melba Pria said, “At the ceremony of the Independence of Mexico held at KidZania Delhi NCR today, we were able to share some of our beloved traditions with the children and their parents. It is especially important for children in this day and age to get as much exposure to other cultures as possible. Mexico is proud to be the origin of companies like KidZania, which take our creativity and innovative spirit worldwide.”

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, KidZania said, “We are delighted to have hosted the Mexican Ambassador H. E. Melba Pria at KidZania Delhi NCR, It was a great opportunity for us and the children & families of Delhi NCR to connect with Mexican culture and interact with Her Excellency. We strongly believe in empowering children through hands on experiences, where they can learn about culture and values from around the globe, while having a great time.”

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About KidZania Delhi NCR:

KidZania Delhi NCR is built like a city across 96,000 sq. ft. where children can independently explore and choose to role-play from 90+ exciting careers like pilot, surgeon, RJ, chef, fire-fighter among many more. KidZania emulates the workings of a city, complete with a functioning economy and its own currency. Each experience is designed to empower kids, giving them the confidence to be their best selves, and inspiration to be great global citizens.

The franchise for KidZania in India, is owned by Imagination Edutainment India Pvt. Ltd., whose shareholders are Singapore-based KidZ Inc, with 74 per cent of the equity, while actor Mr. Shah Rukh Khan owns the remaining 26 per cent in his personal capacity.


Address: KidZania Delhi NCR, Entertainment City, Gate No. 11, Near TGIP Mall, Sec 38A, Noida – 201 301. Uttar Pradesh.


More info: website www.kidzania.in


Some key achievements at the NCR Kidzania

  • Opened: May 26, 2016
  • Total establishments: 50+
  • Role-playing activities: 90+
  • Visitors: Achieved milestone of 1.25lac+ in first 90 days
  • Schools visited: 50+ schools in first 90 days
  • Brand Partners: 22 brands in 26 establishments

Lebanese Delights at Zerruco Kitchen & Bar

Zerruco at The Ashok Hotel,Chanajyapuri held a Lebanese food festival from the 7th sep to 14th sep and I have to say that by far it was the best Lebanese food I have eaten ever.

The impression that I carried about Lebanese food, and assumed the regular dishes to be served were all met with a surprise. There was nothing regular about the place. The dishes were 100% authentic and the menu featured the typical Lebanese dishes and not the regulars like Shwarmas and Harissa Chicken that we normally relate Lebanese food to. In fact their menu doesn’t comprise of these things at all. So don’t be shocked that walking in at this Lebanese joint and not getting a Shwarma.

The ambience of the place is another highlight, it has a very spacious sitting place with a well stocked bar. The decor is simple and attractive. They have an equally spacious sitting in the open also and it makes a perfect place for a relaxed chilled out time with family and friends.

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The head chef is a young man by the name of Harsh Pathania and is very knowledgeable and competent.

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We left ourselves in the hands of expert and he starter us with two salads, Syrian Salad with Lemon, Mint and Garlic and Tabbouleh Salad. Both the salads were amazing, but I personally found the Tabbouleh Salad better, not because the other was any less in taste, but because this one was little unusual. Both the salads were very satisfying overall.

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For drinks, my dad who was accompanying me settled for a cocktail called Gentleman, which was a whisky based cocktail with Lemon Grass, Angostura and Maple Syrup, and I had Ronella, a mocktail with Apple, Orange, Cranberry and Fresh Fruit. Both the drinks were great.

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The chef recommended the Signature Mezze Platter next, a chef’s special.

And was it special? You bet it was really really special.

The platter consisted of six different dips and an assortment of delicious kebabs which had chicken seekhs,mutton seekh,chicken tikka,fish tikka and prawns all beautifully done in a tandoor.

The high point of the platter was that each of the above kebabs was distinct in their flavours.

Each of the marinade was specially done for each item.

This was really one mouthwatering stuff, Kudos to the chef.

And to be honest if you have one platter between two you don’t really need anything else.

A very very satisfying platter.All the kebabs were juicy and succulent and each held its own intrinsic flavour.

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Then we were treated to their Halloumi Pizza which was quite interesting in presentation but didn’t quite sit well with me. The design of the pizza didn’t let the filling to be spread across equally and it was only in the center of the pizza, so with most bites I could only taste the bread and not the filling. And also may be the lingering taste of kebabs was still there.

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Hummus Bill Dajaj was served next, which was basically homemade hummus topped with sautéed chicken and pine nuts. I loved the presentation of this dish as much as the taste. The hummus was perfect and tasted quite well with the chicken, pine nuts added the extra crunch to the whole dish.

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Thereafter we were served the main course consisting of Chicken Ablama a Lebanese curry chicken, which was again really very good. You rarely find gravies in the Lebanese cuisine but this was an exception and a really good one at that.

The other dish served was Dajajb Falora, a vegetarian curry which again was amazingly good. These both dishes were served with Vermicelli Rice and I have to say that this was one hell of a meal. So filling and so tasteful.

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Last but in no way the least their desserts, they were simply awesome.

Baklava a sweet patty filled with nuts was out of this world as we’re the Malabia and Ummali.

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Malabia is a dessert in which boiled milk is flavored with rose water and cardamom, thickened and then baked in a water bath. It was delicious. Ummali is also a milk based dessert where in a puff pastry is dipped in thick milk.

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All in all a tremendous gastronomic experience.

Visit once and I am quite sure you will go back for more and specially when they are now coming up with Mashrabiya Nights where in you can relish the Lebanese Delicacies with Sizzling Belly, Tanura & Durbuka Dance under one roof.

Do not forget they have a well stocked bar and some interesting cocktails. I am thankful to Sourabh Chandna, the owner of the place for inviting me for this scrumptious meal.

Now its time for you to explore, so get up and going to Zerruco.


Zerruco - The Ashok Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato