Restaurant Review: Pizza Mia

Location: Ground floor, Romira Apts, Miramar- Panaji Goa

A newly opened Italian restaurant in Miramar serves the tastiest pizzas in the town. 

The restaurant is located on the bylanes of Miramar around the Law college. The seating is limited with outdoor and indoor seating. The place is very quiet and has a soothing ambiance. 

Now coming to food, only thing me and my husband said was, lets make this place our current favorite. For drinks, we had peach iced tea and a bottle of Bira. The iced tea was very nice. We paired it with a Chicken Kheema Pizza with extra toppings of spicy barbeque chicken and of course, Cheeeeese.. This was one of the best pizzas I ever had. It was a freshly baked thin crust pizza with the perfect amount of chicken and cheese. 

Chicken Kheema Pizza with extra cheese
& Spicy Barbeque Chicken

Peach Iced Tea & Bira White

Our bill came exactly as predicted by Zomato. Every penny was worth it. The service is quick.  

Sure to visit again....

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Book Review: Bay of Sighs

Title: Bay Of Sighs (The Guardians Trilogy #2)

Author: Nora Roberts 

After finishing the first book of the Guardian trilogy, Stars of Fortune, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book, Bay of Sighs. Just like the first book, this book too thrilled me till the end. And, now I'm desperately waiting to read the last book.

The quest for stars continue in this book as well with Nerezza constantly following their moves. This time she was accompanied by a human who was equally evil. She recognized the monster inside him and made a demi-demon of him.

Out of the six chosen for the quest, two already fell in love with each other in the first book while two others fell in love in this book. More secrets were revealed and more tests were given, thus strengthening the bond of the six.

The book ends with the finding of the second star by the chosen one and Nerezza's defeat. Also the search for next star begins.

Now, I'm waiting to start the next book.

About the Author:

Nora Roberts is an American bestselling author and her forte lies in romance novels. Her real name is Eleanor Marie Robertson. Till date, she has published about 200+ novels most of which are on top bestselling list. She also writes under pseudonym JD Robbs.

Squids Chilly Fry

Ingredients:

Squids: 6- 7 medium sized squids

Onion:2 

Tomato: 1

Capsicum: 1

Green Chilies: 2

Garlic: 4 cloves

Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon

Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon

Pepper Powder: 1 teaspoon

Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon

Ginger paste: 1 teaspoon

Coriander paste: 1 teaspoon

Tomato ketchup: 1 tablespoon

Salt: As per taste

Method:

• Clean squids and cut in rings. Apply salt and keep aside.
• Cut thin slices of onion, tomato, capsicum and green chilies.
• Heat oil in a pan. 
• Add garlic cloves (crushed), onion and green chilies.
• Saute onion till they turn translucent.
• Now add all the masala and salt. mix well.
• Add capsicum and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Now add tomato and squids.
• Cover and Cook well for 8-10 minutes.
• Add tomato ketchup. Stir well.
• Ready to serve with bread or chapati.

Book Review: The Kiss

Title: The Kiss

Author: Danielle Steel

While going through the aisles of a library, randomly picked up a Danielle Steel book The Kiss as I liked the title. But this book does not live up to the expectation. The story would have been over in maximum 100 pages but it is dragged through every page.

The story revolves around two couples Gordon and Isabelle and Cynthia and Bill who are extremely unhappy in their marriage. Isabelle and Bill get close to each other, they talk over phone and meet once in a while as they stay miles apart. They know their relation will never be anything more than friendship. They meet once and it leads to a very passionate kiss which changes their lives forever. 

The story is very touching and you only crave for a happy ending. 

About the Author:

Danielle Steel is and American novelist, currently the best selling author alive. She mostly writes romance books. She has numerous books to her name. Some of her novels have also been adapted as movies.

Book Review: Stars of Fortune

Title: Stars of Fortune (The Guardians Trilogy #1)
Author: Nora Roberts

The excerpt of this book had me grabbing it from the shelves an also the fact that its by Nora Roberts. All her books are worth a read. 

This book is first in the Guardians Trilogy. Its about a quest for stars. The story starts with three goddesses who want to present stars to the queen but the evil Nerezza has the stars bewitched. The goddesses have sworn to protect the stars and gift them to the queen at the right time. 

The book has six lead characters each with a unique gift who come together to keep the stars safe from evil spirit and return them to their rightful place. Their journey is very beautifully narrated. The book is in fact filled with beauty on every page. The locations, the relations, the scenes are very well described. There is romance, friendship, mystery, thrill of unknown, evil and everything else. You feel like grabbing onto the next book in the series. I'm just waiting to do the same.

About the Author:

Nora Roberts is an American bestselling author and her forte lies in romance novels. Her real name is Eleanor Marie Robertson. Till date, she has published about 200+ novels most of which are on top bestselling list. She also writes under pseudonym JD Robbs.

Book Review: The Hunt for Atlantis

Title: The Hunt for Atlantis (Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #1)

Author: Andy McDermott

I took to reading this book only because its title kept tugging at me. I like to read books filled with adventure and mystery. Atlantis is the perfect combination of mystery and adventure. But this book is less about the real submerged Atlantis. 

The Hunt for Atlantis is literally hunt for Atlantis by archaeologist Nina Wilde and other expeditions which follow after you know about Atlantis. This book keeps you engrossed and you want to turn the pages faster. The book takes various places in search for Atlantis and its other legends. But, each time, the fate is against Nina and the end is kind of catastrophic. There are other sources who are opposed to the finding of Atlantis for reasons unknown at the beginning. But as the story unfolds, Nina realizes that she is on the wrong side but eventually along with her bodyguard Eddie Chase she sets everything right and prevents a worldwide threat. 

The book travels through various historical places and leaves the readers in awe of what is presented before them. The twists in the book are not easy to guess and leave you wondering as you never saw it coming.

About the Author: 

Andy McDermott is a British thriller author, former magazine writer, journalist & a film critic. Under Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase series he has written about 13 books.

Book Review: The Great Gatsby

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Another of "must read" ticked off my list. Every time I read a Classic, it feels like it never reaches me. No clue where the connection gets lost. 

The Great Gatsby is a well known classic written by author F. Scott Fitzgerald. It portrays times of first World War. Gatsby is the writer's neighbor and is very affluent. The story revolves around things Gatsby was unable to do in his past and wanted to amend in current circumstances. But things do not go as he wants them to and everything is left in a mess. People change as per their requirement.

The novel is a one time read.

About the author: 

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an american novelist and short story writer. He has four finished novels and one unfinished novel on his name.

Book Review: The Silkworm

Title: The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #3)

Author: J K Rowling under pseudonym Robert Galbraith 

After reading The Cuckoo Calling, first book in the Cormoran Strike series by J K Rowling, I had to get my hands on The Silkworm, second in the series. And, I did just that.. visited the library and picked up The Silkworm. The size of the book will scare you but you will not realize when the book gets over. You just don't feel like putting it down.

This book revolves around story of a book author who goes missing and is found dead in rather grotesque circumstances which is exactly same as shown in his book. Strike is hired by the author's wife to investigate his disappearance when he stumbles upon his dead body. The case is being researched by Strike's old friend, Richard Anstis but is going the wrong way by arresting author's wife for the murder. But eventually, it was Strike along with valuable help from his secretary Robin who solve the case and bring forward the killer.

As usual, the best part about the book is till you turn the last page, you would not know the killer. Extremely engrossing tale very well written.

The only thing about the book that puts you off is the several references of the book the author is writing is mentioned in the book in extra detail which is difficult to keep a track of. Overall a very good book.

About the author:

What's there to say about the author. Her name says it all. It's JK Rowling, the author of our most loved book series of childhood as well as adulthood, Harry Potter. She writes crime fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. She has released two book under the series of Cormoran Strike, The Cuckoo's Calling, The Silkworm and The Career of Evil.

Restaurant Review: Viva Panjim

 Location: Rua 31st January Road, Behind Mary Immaculate High School, Fontainhas, Panaji Goa.

This is the perfect hidden gem that I did not know existed in the very city I lived for about 24 years. 

Viva Panjim is located at Mala near Mary Immaculate School. Its an easy to miss place but the sign board on the road guides you right. A beautiful Portuguese style house is converted into a restaurant. There is outside seating like on a veranda and inside seating. They have nice bar setting and serve delicious drinks. 

I finally got to write a review after 3rd or 4th visit. We visited this restaurant on a Sunday for dinner. 

We settled for fresh lime soda and as usual, for starters, we ordered every kind of fish we could see on the menu. There was Prawns Masala Fry, Squids Butter Garlic, Fish Lollipop, Prawns Cocktail, Mussels Rawa fry. Everything was delicious although it was not a fish season. Squids were awesome and juicy. Fish lollipop was served with schezwan sauce and it was extremely tasty. Prawns cocktail was average. Mussels and Prawns were delicious. 

Prawns Cocktail

Prawns Masala Fry

Fish Lollipop

Mussels Rawa Fry

Squids Butter Garlic

For main course, we ordered Prawns curry rice and chonak rawa fry. The Prawns curry was very tasty and slightly tangy. The chonak rawa fry was tender and nicely fried.

The food is just mid blowing here. But a pleasant surprise you get when you see the bill. The food is very much affordable. Our visit was soon after GST was implemented but no taxes appear in the bill. 

You can order for anything and I'm sure it will be amazing. The service is good. The ambiance is so welcoming that you don't feel like leaving the place.

By the end of our meal, we were so full that we did not think of dessert. 

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Restaurant Review: Casa Bhosale 

Location: Above Cafe Bhosale, Near National Theatre, Panaji Goa

Visited this restaurant for lunch on a Sunday and by the time we left, people were waiting in queue to get a table. The only thought I had while leaving the place was, thank God I came early. :-)

Casa Bhosale is a sister concern of one of old and famous cafes in Panaji, Cafe Bhosale. It is located directly above Cafe Bhosale near Church Square. The ambiance of the place is good. The seating area is big and there is a separate closed section. 

For drinks, we ordered for Budweiser, Blender's Pride and Fresh Lime Soda. For starters, we had our usual squids butter garlic served along with veggies and french fries. And, it was amazingly delicious.

Squids Butter Garlic

We planned to order thali but fish in thali was lady fish which I'm not so fond of. So, instead, we ordered prawns curry rice and separate fried fish. It was one of the best prawns curry I ever tried. The prawns were big and succulent. The waiter brought three kinds of fish on a platter to choose for frying. We chose a red snapper which was served Rawa fried. The fried fish was again tasty and nicely cooked. 

Red Snapper Rawa Fried

Prawns curry rice

The overall quality of food was great. Especially, the fish was fresh although it was off-season. 

The service was prompt and fast.

The price was slightly above average. The fish was costly owing to off-season.

A great experience for a fish lover me..

Food: 4/5

Ambiance: 3.5/5

Service: 3.5/5

Book Review: The Pharaoh's Secret

Title: The Pharaoh's Secret (Numa Files #13)

Author: Clive Cussler, Graham Brown

Another adventure book from Clive Cussler. As the name suggests, this book revolves around Egypt and pyramids. The hero of this book is Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala. The story is about a big corporation in Egypt conducting illegal activities under cover of a water plant. Somehow or the other Kurt and Joe are present around a site where some catastrophe takes place and then they get involved in unearthing the mystery.
There are some secrets of ancient Egypt civilization which were discovered by French during their invasion but kept hidden from the world because of its dangerous nature. The same secrets were found by a group of people with evil intention and used to threaten some of the world leaders to establish their power over entire North Africa. They resorted to some of the inhuman ways to get people to follow them.
Several times during their search for the truth, Kurt and Joe were in danger for their lives but it was sheer luck that they came out of it unhurt. At the climax, the bad guys were killed and peace was again reinstated in North Africa.

About the author: Clive Cussler is an American author who has written books about everything that is mysterious. I wonder to what extent the author has extended his knowledge base to know about most of the mysteries around the world. Each book that I come across is based on different area, different civilization, different era. Cussler is founder and chairman of real life NUMA.

Restaurant Review: Peep Kitchen

Location: Old Miramar Dona Paul Road, Caranzalem, Panaji Goa

Visited this place several times and finally got down to review it. This place is a perfect hidden gem as not many people know about it. Its located at Caranzalem near Miramar on the inside road that goes towards Dona Paul. 

The restaurant has AC and non-AC section. The outdoor seating is very comfortable. One of the wall features Mario Miranda cartoons. The only disadvantage is continuous traffic noise. 

This place has earned fame because of the quality and taste of food they offer. We started off with my most favorite things Squids Butter Garlic, Mussels Rava Fry and Prawns Cafreal. Everything that we ordered was so yummmm... Squids were very very tasty and nicely cooked. Drinks were low profile as we ordered Fresh Lime Soda.

Prawns Cafreal

Squids Butter Garlic

For main course, we had a mightily filled Thali which was more than sufficient for my tiny tummy. Thali consisted of rice, Prawns curry, Tisrya Sukhe, Dried Prawns Kismoor, Chonak Rawa Fry, Solkadi, Mackerel Pickle and Tambdi Bhaaji. Mackerel Pickle was something new for my taste buds. It tasted fine but was very spicy. Tisrya were amazing and so was kismoor. Overall, the food was very tasty.

Fish Thali

After such mammoth spread of lunch, I did not even look at Desserts. 

The service was very quick and helpful. The price was slightly on higher side. Thali was quite reasonable but rest of the items were over priced. 

Overall a tasty experience.

Food: 4/5

Ambiance: 3.5/5

Service: 3.5/5

Book Review: The Cuckoo's Calling

Title: The Cuckoo's Calling, Cormoran Strike #1

Author: J K Rowling under pseudonym Robert Galbraith 

SIMPLY AMAZING..!!!!

This book is a complete package. It's rare that you get hold on to a book like this. You just don't want to keep it down. The book is quite big but you don't feel you have read so much. Its been 2 days since I finished the book but it's still there at the back of mind. Hats off to Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling. You are superb. I had no option but to rate the book at 5. It's absolutely perfect.

Now about the book, it's a beautifully narrated crime fiction. The plot is very complex yet very simple. The major character is detective Cormoran Strike who gets to the bottom of the situation which was accepted by public and police to be a suicide but turned out to be a well planned murder. The author gave us no clue whatsoever till the end of book who the killer is or whether there is really a killer.

The story is intertwined and there are many things occurring at the same time which makes it difficult for police to reach the killer and decipher the murder to be suicide. But, the detective looks at all the loopholes and finally gets to the real culprit. In his search, he is helped by his new secretary Robin who happens to be a temporary but at the end of book and to delight of readers, takes it up on permanent basis. The book has several characters but the detective & his secretary dominate the overall story. Although a crime fiction, the book is extremely light-hearted and devoid of any gory scenes.

A must read for the pure joy of reading...

About the Author: 

What's there to say about the author. Her name says it all. It's JK Rowling, the author of our most loved book series of childhood as well as adulthood, Harry Potter. She writes crime fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. She has released two book under the series of Cormoran Strike, The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm.

Restaurant Review: Global Culture

Location: Palm Beach Road, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai

The first impression upon entering this place is.... WOWWWW.....

This multi cuisine restaurant is located at Sanpada on the Palm Beach Road. It is easily accessible. The ground floor has B Desi and the first floor houses Global Culture. We visited this restaurant for a dinner. It was dimly lit and beautifully decorated. I loved the overall decor of the place. 

We were seated in the corner table which was made up like a canopy.

The food was delicious. The menu is diverse. It consists of Chinese, Continental, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Mongolian. We ordered all my favourite items. 

For starters, we had Prawns Hagrow i.e. Prawns Dimsums. It was great with tasty prawns filling.

Then, we ordered Chicken Lasagna with garlic bread. This again was delicious. and lastly, we had Shish Touk Sizzler. It came with steaming veggies, rice, french fries and Chicken skewers. The chicken was succulent and well cooked with masala. We also had peach iced tea.

Overall, the food was very good but I found it slightly on lesser in terms of quantity.

The service was very prompt and helpful.

The price was slightly on higher side but it was worth it.

A lovely place to spend time with your loved ones.

Ambiance: 4/5

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 4/5

Book Review: The Rozabal Line 

Title: The Rozabal Line

Author: Ashwin Sanghi under pseudonym Shawn Haigins

This is the first book by Ashwin Sanghi under pseudo name Shawn Haigins. I finished reading the book quite hastily as I wanted to know what the end of this story is. The book is very interesting and holds on to you. But the bitter truth is that this book is heights of confusion. It takes you to various places in a matter of no time.

This was my second book by this author and I had expected uncovering plethora of mysteries and Sanghi did not disappoint me. But, frankly speaking, I was lost reading this book as it contains every religion possible and the author has tried to complicate each of those. Again, the end was quite unexpected.

Author has done immense research on almost all the religions and picked the good of all those religions; as well as tried to dig the loopholes. This book is like a cocktail.

My suggestion: do not dwell upon the concept in this book, its mind shattering.

About the Author:

Ashwin Sanghi is said to be the Dan Brown of Indian literature. He writes historical, mythological, theological thriller. He pursues dual profession, being an entrepreneur and a writer. Till date, he has authored four books on his own and one along with another writer.

Restaurant Review: Baghdadi

Location: Behind Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba

Everything I say seems like an understatement for this place. The food is SUPERB.

Since I stay in Navi Mumbai, its only once in a while that I get to visit Colaba. And, every time I go there, I end up having food at Bagdadi. This restaurant is amazingly cheap. They serve some of the best mutton and chicken dishes.

It is located right behind Taj Mahal Palace hotel. This is one of the oldest places in Mumbai. The place has absolutely no ambiance or decor. Its just like a roadside dhaba. The place is always overcrowded but you manage to get a place to sit and may be sometimes you have to share your table with others. It is open till late night.

During my recent visit here, I had Chicken Kheema, Chicken fry masala and roti. The food is so filling that you feel completely satiated after the meal. We also had Caramel custard which was again yummy. A must visit if you are fond of North Indian and Mughlai food.

I never manage to get any pics of food as I pounce on the food as soon as it arrives at the table and by the time I remember about getting a pic, my plate is almost over.

As for me, waiting for my next visit to Colaba.!!!

Food: 5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 3/5

Restaurant Review: British Brewing Company (BBC)

Location: Inorbit, Vashi

Visited this place over last weekend. It was crowded owing to the Friday night. I was with my friends meeting them after a long time.  It was a mixed group of vegetarians & non vegetarians.

The ambiance of the restaurant is good. There was continuous music and TV in the background. The tables with sofa are quite cozy. 

The service is very efficient. Everything from ordering to getting the food is quick. The staff is very helpful and attentive.

The best part about BBC is its food. We ordered beer, iced tea and virgin Mary. 

For starters, we went for Mumbai's favorite Veg Chilly, Chicken Malai Kebab, Chicken Cigar rolls. I loved the Chicken cigar rolls. They were filled with cheese and chicken..absolutely delicious.

Mumbai's favorite Veg Chilly

Chicken Cigar Rolls

Chicken Malai Kebab

Veg Cigar Rolls

For main course, we ordered for a Basil Pesto Chicken Pizza and Basil Pesto Veg pasta. The pizza had lot of chicken toppings with cheese. 

Basil Pesto Veg Pasta

Our pizza also had a complimentary beer to go with it. 

Basil Pesto Chicken Pizza

(We pounced on the pizza & pasta the moment it came. So, the delay in clicking.)

And finally, the price was very much worth it. Less than we expected actually.

So, all in all, a great place to visit. Looking forward to visiting again.

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Book Review: छावा -  एका शूर सिंहाच्या शूर छाव्याची गोष्ट

शीर्षक - छावा
लेखक - शिवाजी  सावंत

छत्रपति शिवाजी हे नाव अणि त्यांचे कार्य आपल्या जेवढ्या ओळखीचे आहे तेवढंच संभाजी राजाचं  आयुष्य व कार्य अनेक कारणामुळे संदिग्ध आहे. लहानपणापासून शिवाजी राजांच्या गोष्टी ऐकून त्यांच्या बद्दल मनात अभिमान आणि आदर दोन्ही निर्माण झालेला आहे. शिवाजीबद्दल वाचताना मनात तेवढंच कुतूहल संभाजी राजे आणि त्यांची कारकीर्द निर्माण करते.

जर कोणाला खरोखर काय झालेले हे जाणून घ्यायचं असेल तर छावा ही शिवाजी सावंत ह्यांची कादंबरी वाचावी. शेवटपर्यंत मनाला जखडून ठेवणारी आणि आपल्या इतिहासकडे जवळ नेणारी अशी ही अप्रतिम कलाकृति आहे. प्रत्येक मराठी माणसाने वाचायलाच हवी अशी ही छाव्याची कहाणी आहे.

लहान असताना शिवाजीराजांबरोबर आग्र्याला गेलेले सम्भाजी आणि जीवास धोका आहे हे जाणून फ़क़त शिवाजींच्या सांगण्यावरून मागून वेष बदलून आलेले संभाजी, मिर्झाराजे ह्यांच्या गोटात ओलिस म्हणून राहिलेले संभाजी, मरण यातना भोगणाऱ्या शिवाजीना भेटता येत नाही म्हणून तळमळणारे संभाजी, शिवाजीवर विषप्रयोग करणाऱ्यांना खड़सावणारे संभाजी, जिजाऊच्या मृत्युवेळी धाय मोकलून रडणारे संभाजी, गोदावरी ह्या बाईच्या मृत्यूसाठी स्वतःला कारणीभूत मानणारे आणि तिच्या ह्या यातनेसाठी मूळ कारण असलेल्या सोयराबाईंचे नाव सदरेपुढे सांगण्यास कचरणारे संभाजी, त्यांच्यावर विषप्रयोग करणाऱ्यांना हत्तीच्या पायाखाली देणारे आणि चुकून कटात सामिल झालेल्याना माफ़ करणारे संभाजी, रामराजांवर जिवापाड प्रेम करणारे संभाजी, महाराष्ट्र जिंकून कर्नाटकपर्यन्त मजल मारणारे संभाजी, उभ्या कारकिर्दीत कुणी जिंकू न शकलेल्या जंजिऱ्याला वेढा घालून खच्ची करणारे संभाजी, अपमान सहन न होऊन दिलेरच्या गोटात जाणारे संभाजी आणि आपली चूक समजल्यावर परत येणारे संभाजी, औरंगजेबाच्या कचाट्यात सापडल्यावरही मराठी मान न तुकवणारे संभाजी.

ह्या पुस्तकात सम्भाजीराजांची अशी कितीतरी रूपे दर्शवली आहेत. पुस्तक संपेपर्यंत मन फक्त एका गोष्टींकडे ओढ़ घेते. त्या काळात संभाजीराजांच्या नेतृत्वाखाली काहीतरी अचाट करता आलं असतं, तर जीवन धन्य झालं असतं.