LEISURE

Is it already six months since I began my iBrowse book club in the Catholic Club (CC)? The months seem to have flown by and there are a lot more readers coming in to enjoy a discussion and listen in to the guest author of the month! Author Gita Aramvudan with her books. Pic Courtesy: Marianne de Nazareth It all began really by default. Schonali Rebello began a book club called 'On the Same Page' and I joined along with other friends. Since the club did not have a fixed venue to meet in and was having the meetings in…

One of the visitors at 'Oota from your Thota', Jeffrey Bakthakumar, 42, brought lettuce, capsicum and tarragon saplings at the event to add to his garden that grows in his four balconies at his apartment near Silk Board. Jeffrey Bhaktakumar, hopes his sons take up gardening too. Pic: Yogaraj S Mudalgi A garden enthusiast since his childhood, he brought his two sons to introduce them to the world of gardening. "I love greenery and try my best to grow a garden at home. I hope my sons take it up too," he said.The AICOBOO ground in BTM Layout, behind Advaita…

Those of us who have had green around our homes must have had perennial Money plants tucked in collectible pretty bottles (which could never been thrown away) or even pots that had the creeper trailing on the wall or balcony.  They were sunned once in a while or may never have seen the sun but yet they gave out new leaves and looked healthy.  If you now go to a nursery and ask for indoor plants you will be shown a wide range to choose from.   Indoor potted  plants thrive in the shade and beautify our homes and give us…

Not many can miss the multi-floor building with the glass facade on 9th Main, 5th Block, Jayanagar. The first and the second floor of this building houses Dakshin Foods’s specialty restaurants Athityam and Bon Aroma. While Athityam serves South Indian dishes from different states, Bon Aroma serves North Indian cuisine as well as cuisine from different parts of the world. Both the restaurants serve only vegetarian food. According to Arjun S Devatha, an ex-citizen of the corporate sector and the founder of Dakshin Foods, Athityam offers a variety of South Indian dishes which families and groups can enjoy in a…

Urban farming in small spaces is the way of the future, however growing vegetables in small spaces can be challenging. The first thought that comes to mind when you moved into your brand new apartment is usually –  "I miss my backyard and the little patch of kitchen garden I tended to". Don’t worry, raised bed planters are an ideal solution that substitutes the little patch you miss.  Home Harvest's planter on Nandini's balcony. Pic: Nandini Vaidyanathan Oota from your Thota Citizen Matters and Garden City Farmers Trust, Bangalore join other Indian cities in the movement initiated by  Kitchen Gardener's…

My friend's 3-year-old wanted to start a garden in their balcony. The friend wanted an easy and manageable aproach.  Of course, as with most persons who have had some experience with balcony/terrace gardening, I wait for such opportunities to offer suggestions! The easiest way to start an organic vegetable garden is with herbs. It takes little space, almost nothing of your time; and the way I see it – the sheer luxury of stepping into your balcony (as opposed to trudging to the nearest store, braving the traffic) to pluck a few leaves and garnish the dish being cooked should…

Shivanasamudra is a beautiful place near Malavalli, Mandya. River Cauvery splits in to two branches, Gaganchukki and Bharachukki; each branch cascades down the rocky cliffs as a waterfall. Bluff falls during summer. Pic: Usha Hariprasad Gaganachukki is 106.6m tall and it has the Asia's oldest hydro-electric power station (set up in 1902) located near the waterfall. The power generated here was used to supply electricity to Kolar gold mines, Mysore and Bangalore. During monsoon the waters are in full volume and though luring it is not advisable to swim here. Bharachukki is about 13 kilometres from Gaganchukki. This waterfall is…

The couple and their team are as famous as the edibles served in this shop. We are talking about Raj Gopal S Kulkarni and his wife Vidya who manage the Uttara Karnataka Store located at 35th Cross, 13th Main, 4 T Block, Jayanagar. Kulkarni (right) with his team. Pic: Uma Swamy. Started in 2002, the specialties include different types of traditional rotis (jolada rotti and akki rotti) and chapatti that do not spoil in refrigeration for many days. Other traditional specialties include stuffed brinjal curry, usal, gravy based dishes made from greens, antinunde (laddoos made from dry fruits) and ‘shenga…

When you feel really really satisfied after a meal, it's worth a mention. "In the Pink" is tucked away on a road where you least expect it; a thoroughfare but maybe you missed noticing it because you were trying to beat the traffic? Pic source: inthepink.in But what's so special about the place anyway? Well, for one it boasts of being "Organic", a restaurant and a store all in one. The store has been around for over a year now and stocks vegetables, bulk rice, lentils, wheat flour etc., as well as organic brand names such as 24 Letter Mantra…

Started in 2002 by Udaya Acharya, Café Acharya’s serves traditional South Indian snacks and meals. The place is popular for its masala dosas, kesari bhaath, idli vada and other savories. The place is frequented by people wanting a take away as well as those catching a quick bite before rushing to work. Cafe Acharya near Sarakki signal, J P Nagar 1st Phase. Pic: Uma Swamy. Backed by 25 years in the hotel industry, Udaya, a native of Hubli, says that they use fresh vegetables and good quality ingredients, while keeping the rates of dishes within the reach of his middle…