LEISURE

A lot has already been written about the virtues of barefoot running and with each passing day, more are being added. The sales of minimalist running shoes world over, had increased by more than 283% in the first half of 2011, the New York Times has reported. In the month of December 2011 alone, sales grew by 658%, a report by Leisure Trends Group, a speciality retail market intelligence provider. I see more and more people taking to barefoot running or with minimalist footwear with each passing race these days. In absolute numbers though, they are yet negligible compared to…

The aroma of the coconut oil being heated on a pan, the tempting curries and payasam dishes spread across the table is what God's Own Country's food is about. Here are some of the restaurants that serve the best of Kerala cuisine in Namma Koramangala and HSR layout.When you set foot into Kumarakom in HSR layout, it feels like you have stepped into open courtyard house in Kerala with all the woodwork and high ceiling. It has with some typical kerala features like the chuttu vilakku and some fine cane and wood furniture. Meen. Pic courtesy: Oyster Bay The pearl…

Dr B N Vishwanath of Garden City Farmers Trust, in his talks gently but firmly reminds you that we humans are just one of the species on this planet. There are several hundreds of insect species, we have no right to try and exterminate insect-life in the garden or even indiscriminately refer to them as 'pests'. At the National Seminar on Organic Urban Gardening in 2010, Dipak Suchde (www.prayogpariwar.net) made a pointed observation that when insects affect a particular plant in the garden, they are a sign that the given plant is not fit for our (human) consumption. This was…

The movie 3 Idiots, has this famous scene with Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan that refers to Gujarati dishes - Dhokla, Faafda, Thepla, Haandva. Watching the movie again made me yearn for those yummy delicacies. I set out to find some in Jayanagar. Khandvi. Pic: Wikipedia free A typical north Indian village setup where you are welcomed with vermilion on your forehead. Village, Jayanagar, has the perfect atmosphere for a wonderful dining experience. Such an unusual welcome in a restaurant! You can play Dandia-raas in the open space. The puppet shows will definitely keep the children engrossed. The Mehendi counters…

It was an unusual Sunday buzzing in Bengaluru with activities. Colours were all around. Creativity seemed to be at its peak. From perfectly cut wine bottles to make a pot, to neatly sewn fabric wastes forming into beautiful earrings and a lot more. You name it and you have it there. All this and more was at the fourth edition of "Second to none" flea market held at Jaaga on KH road. "This was the busiest of all the flea markets we have held so far," says Anupama G, the organiser of this market. "Second to none" (220) flea market…

Visit to Srirangapatna is a walk down the history lane. The stone fortress, the Summer palace, Tipu museum, Hoysala temples and Gumbaz are the remainders of a bygone era when Srirangapatna was a power center. Srirangapatna served as the base for powerful empires of Gangas, Vijayanagara viceroys, Mysore kings and as the capital city of Hyder and Tipu Sultan. Till the end of 17th century it enjoyed an illustrious status being an important religious and cultural hub center.Not many realise that Srirangapatna is actually an island surrounded by river cauvery from all sides. This egg shaped island is named after…

This Sunday’s Second to None flea market event, will have a bit of everything from used books, electronic items, furniture and home decor knick knacks. You can also pick up handmade and homemade items from paper jewellery to jams, cakes and more.Let us recycle and re-use, replenish, restore and rethink, why throw away used things you no longer want when you can sell them? This is the buzz in town this weekend, 22nd April, 2012, 11 am-5 pm at ‘Jaaga’, Double Road, Opposite Corporation Bank, Behind KH Road Bus Stand. File pic: Second To None. Anupama Gummaraju, along with her…

Steps and Seat  What scenes have these steps seen?Who are the people who've sat upon that seat?How many have rested their backs there?On the steps, how many feet?How many suns have cast their lightUpon the steps and the seat?How many misty winter mornings?How much of summer heat?How many quarrels or scoldings?How many newspapers unfurled?How many people have used seat and stepsTo get away for a while from the world? ⊕

Do you want to taste authentic Chinese cuisine without the tadka? Here are some options you can check out in Jayanagar. Three Quarter Chinese at Jayanagar is a perfect place to hangout during weekends as it is a part of a set up that includes Amoeba bowling alley and games floor for children and grown-ups. The restaurant specialises in authentic Chinese and north Indian cuisines.The ambience is posh and the hospitality is good. Golden Fried Babycorn and Chicken Taipei are the most sought-after starters here. The restaurant serves buffet lunch at Rs.350 without alcohol. "The best of all the buffets I…

The urge to eat Chinese cuisine made me hunt for a smaller version of China here in Bengaluru and I searched for some genuine Chinese cuisine restaurants here. When that sour and spicy taste mixes on the tongue, China does not seem far away. Check out some of the best restaurants serving Chinese cuisine in Koramangala and HSR layout. Chilli Basil Fish in a Clay Pot Pic: Main Land China The pungent aromas from the Sichuan province attracted me to Sichuan, a Chinese restaurant in Koramangala. The vegetarian dishes here prominently feature Broccoli, Zucchini, Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Bok…