Saturday, October 10, 2009

Butter Chicken at Your Neighborhood Takeaway Restaurant

When it comes to food to relish, people might suggest you popular joints, well known names in food industry such as McDonalds or Pizza Hut that are international brands or stuff like Karims back home in Delhi for Mughlai and non-vegetarian dishes to sooth your palate. However, you might easily forget your neighborhood eatery that may have little local popularity but at times you might discover the great gastronomical experience such eateries can offer you.

One such eatery that I did not exactly discover but had the chance of bumping into because I said I might try it as well because it is at a walking distance and I was not exactly in a mood to go very far. This one however turned out to be a unique experience. The nearest place for Mughlai food that I can go is Moti Mahal at a distance of five kilometers. This one is located just a stone throw away. The eatery is named Rasoi Se which translates to "From Your Kitchen". It has bare minimum furniture to accommodate barely five to six people. It is also a clean place by your neighborhood standards. Most of us living in Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad may not be even aware of this eatery located in Shipra Riveira Tower, yet those like me that had a chance to visit the place once will come back again and again like me.

If you happen to be the father of two cute little daughters like me who are hooked to Butter Chicken, you will be forced to order it almost every third day. The part of the reason is I like this dish too much to resist. Children love it because it has a sweet enticing taste to force you to wipe your plate clean and yet feel unsatiated.

Although, Rasoi Se has a more than two dozen items on their menu including Mughlai and Chinese, I have ended up ordering Butter Chicken nine times out of ten because on few occasions that I ordered Karahi Chicken or Afghani Chicken or mutton korma my kids said they want nothing but butter chicken next time. Nonetheless, I relish other dishes too.

Compared to other places, I would rate it highest as far as their combination of price and quality goes. A full plate of butter chicken comes for Rs 225 (between 4 to 5 U.S dollars). At other places the price would be about fifty percent more. However, in my own experience only Moti Mahal beats them marginally in quality but their price is roughly double. But they are far ahead in quality of their stuff compared to other similar neighborhood eateries.

The proprietor of Rasoi Se is a Youngman in his early seventies. Youngman? Vijay Kumar Sinha, the proprietor of Rasoi Se is a retired government official but leads his pack of boys busy in culinary chores since early morning to midnight. He may be found ever active running and supervising his only passion post-retirement that you may hardly notice his age - early 70s. I wanted to extract his secret of making the dishes so tasty. He did not divulge the secret but said that he takes personal interest in every thing right from the purchase of raw material to the final preparation and serving their clients. He tastes every item that is prepared and nothing can be served to their clients unless he Okays it. Probably this is his secret but I insisted that he reveal the ingredients...the recipe...some secret combination or formulae. He smiled away my query.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Butter-Chicken-at-Your-Neighborhood-Takeaway-Restaurant&id=3016594

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Chocolate For Health

Right. When I was introduced to Xocai I was skeptical to say the least. I've seen things come to market and then leave just as fast when their real secrets are uncovered.

I figured this healthy chocolate business to be just another disappointment in a long string of "get rich quick schemes." All were the same minus the fact that my son somehow found something in this chocolate. That was different.

Oh, he had been involved in his share of multi level businesses in the past. The difference this time was his energy and enthusiasm for the product. Quite contagious, so much so that I decided to bite, no pun intended.

However, before I share my own personal testimony it is important that you understand a bit about my past.

My history with automobiles has been rough to say the least.

* 6 car wrecks
* 2 total outs

All as passenger with knees slamming into glove box. Ouch!

My knees have always taken the worst of the beating. As a result I have very little cartilage left in my poor knees. Thus when I walk up or down stairs my knees have a mind of their own by deciding when they will or will not collapse on me.

At least they did, and then chocolate.

Yes, Xocai chocolate is indeed making the difference for me. I decided to give Xocai a try just to prove that it did not work, unfortunately, or should I say fortunately it did. My buckling knees no longer are buckling in my four-story house and the pain? Well, the pain is gone.

To know that glucocameen is a thing of the past for me is reason enough to stay the course with this healthy chocolate. However, that is just the start of my story, not the end.

I went to the dentist recently. Yes, the dentist.

What does that have to do with this awesome product?

Well, he recently told me that I would need to have a root plaining. That didn't sound fun, though it did sound downright painful.

I put it off as long as I could. Hey, I know when to procrastinate. Finally I decided I needed to take care of my teeth and went back. I was told that the deep pockets I had had were gone.

I was then informed by my son of the dental report on chocolate that was available on YouTube. There is a direct correlation between this chocolate and improved dental hygiene. Yes!

The procedure was no longer necessary.

Eat chocolate instead of experiencing painful dental drills? Where do I sign up? Oh, yeah, I already am.

I'd tell you about the energy that this product has brought to my life but I have to run.

Bottom line for this 75 year old is that eating Xocai chocolate for health works. If it works for me just think of the possibilities for you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Chocolate-For-Health&id=2815169

Friday, July 31, 2009

Wine Goblets - Choosing the Right Ones

Wine goblets conjure up images of medieval feasts with a hog roast and mead being passed round glutinous well to do lords. Fast forward to the modern day, and they make a great feature of any dinner party whether you are having hog roast or sea bass. The word goblet is to be used for glasses that hold 4 ounces or more of wine.

Stemware comes in many different materials, however originally it is thought that glass goblets were more envious a possession than silver or even gold equivalents. Other types you can get are Pewter wine goblets and even wooden ones.

You can get the goblets in all different shapes and sizes. And as with most consumer products nowadays they come in a wide variety of different prices too. You may want to head down to your local auction house and see what they have around there as you could pick up something quite unique for a bargain price. It's always worth having a look and picturing what kind of thing you are looking for.

Perhaps you have a particular design that you are going for to match the other dining accessories you own, or even the decor of your dining room. Maybe you would like to try hand painted wine goblets or even customize some yourself. I would recommend you buy some cheap glasses to practice on first though, as if you spend a lot of money or expensive crystal wine goblets you want to be sure that the design you go for is what you were after.

Whether you are looking for wine goblets for yourself or as a gift for an occasion such as a wedding or anniversary, you will find that there are many different types available. Some of the best bargains are to be found online, so why not have a look around shops and the internet to find exactly what you are looking for.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Wine-Goblets---Choosing-the-Right-Ones&id=2644848

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Chocolate, Chocolate, Who's Got the Chocolate?

I am continually amazed at how well dark and unprocessed chocolate fits into a solid health regime. I am amazed because it can be enjoyed and ingested daily, guilt free!

Being healthy is not a small thing, and something we no longer take for granted, especially as we get older. However, today, younger and younger people are cropping up with serious health issues. Diabetes is on the rampage...it's like a viral infection getting passed from one to another! Up until now, children with type II diabetes was unheard of.

The sugar industry is very powerful and wields an aggressive influence on eager but unknowing recipients. Sugar is included in most packaged, canned, frozen and dried food items. You name it and it has sugar in it, in one form or another. Who suffers from this sugar laden diet that is presented to us night and day, everywhere we look or turn? We all do, but most prevalently are the innocent and unsuspecting: our children.

It's impossible to resist the colorful and fun-filled commercials that stream into our homes via TV, internet, and radio without interruption. It's a billion dollar industry; but who is going to foot the billion dollar medical bill that has erupted? We have a generation of children growing up, with many of them manifesting serious symptoms: they are insulin resistant and obese, which is setting the stage for, and even resulting in diabetes. We hear news reports on this daily. Are people alarmed? I am not sure, but it is in fact, alarming!

This brings me back to the chocolate. Dark and unprocessed healthy chocolate supports the body at the cellular level; to nourish cells and tissues so they can do their intended job, which in part is ridding the body of toxins, wastes and fats that it's unable to use and doesn't want.

It also helps to manage and even prevent diabetes type II. In several different studies, scientists have discovered that flavanol-rich cocoa reversed the dysfunction of blood vessels in prediabetics. From their testing, these scientists concluded that high-dose flavanol cocoa improved insulin sensitivity. Cocoa was found to be just as effective in increasing insulin sensitivity as weight loss, exercise, medications and other dietary supplements. This should be encouraging news for anyone suffering from the ill effects of obesity, including type II diabetes.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

How About Some Southern Fried Chicken?

Not really, as Southern Fried Chicken, as a brand is picking up fast popularity all across the country. I have seen their menus, and it must be said that they are lip-smacking items up on their menu list. Who wouldn't want to give them a try? Even the die-hard KFC guys are seen moving into SFC (Southern Fried Chicken), to see what these guys offer.

So, what eventually do they offer?

For starters, items from the Southern Fried Chicken are a bit mellowed down in terms of the intake of calories and fats. Agreed they are fried in oil too, but some dishes are relatively natural and can thus be even consumed by people who are on a diet program.

Bacon baguette, for example, is a crunchy and a snappy breakfast item, which packages in about 800 calories, plenty of proteins and carbohydrates and only about 22 grams of fats. The Sausage and Mustard Baguette is another baguette dish that is low fat!

Enough of baguette and now, lets get understanding some chicken dishes of SFC. This, as most fried chicken lovers would way, is the business end of the discussion.

Honestly, you would find a lot of options, almost as many as what KFC offers you, but what you see is these dishes have chicken coated in Southern Fried Breading. Now, that is different enough for you to grab a bite or two. A Nugget Meal from SFC has enough in it to fill up your stomach. Why not - It has 6 Chicken breast nuggets, crispy French fries, and a glass of ice-cold soft drink, which can quench your thirst. My personal SFC favorite is the Hot 'n' Flakey Wings meal.
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-About-Some-Southern-Fried-Chicken?&id=2424601

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Starting a Cake Decorating Business? Take Cake Decorating Classes

Taking cake decorating classes is an excellent way to expand your skills and to develop a solid business plan. Depending on where you live, there may be a variety of options available to you. Look for classes offered by large arts and craft stores, food craft stores, small local bakeries, community colleges, and culinary schools. There are also online options that are affordable, flexible, and convenient.

The type of course you choose will depend on your objectives. Do you want to strengthen basic skills, widen your skill base, or deepen your expertise to a master's level? Do you want to network with other experienced cake designers or do you want to meet with people at a variety of levels? Do you want an overview of current trends in decorating or do you want to explore a specific type of project such as wedding cakes?

Some advanced programs offer certification recognized by local or national culinary associations. A certificate will enhance your profile as you build your reputation.

A definite plus, offered by some cake decorating classes, is instruction on how to set up a business. Business topics that might be covered include:

* Financing
* How to develop a business plan
* Entrepreneurship
* Government regulations
* How to obtain commercial equipment and supplies
* Display techniques
* Inventory management
* Storage and transport.

A cake decorating course may help you to develop your own niche. Surrounded by others with similar interests you will be inspired and encouraged. You probably are already recognized by friends and family, but it will be an extra boost to share your talents with other cake decorating enthusiasts. Watching others and getting their feedback will give you a clearer idea of your personal strengths.

Attending workshops will expose you to current cake decorating ideas and trends. For example, cupcakes are the rage these days. They are being served more and more at large social events. At weddings they are being used to construct wedding cakes or offered to guests as individual desserts.

Whatever your niche, whether you are running a shop, catering large business events, catering major social events or serving small parties, having the ability to meet your customers' special requests will increase your income-earning potential. Following are examples of special cake decorating techniques that you can develop in a cake decorating class:

* 3-D sculpturing
* Gum paste art
* Cocoa painting
* Fondant icing and sculptures
* Marzipan sculpting
* String work
* Air brush painting.

Taking cake decorating classes is not only a good way to get started in business. You will find that ongoing professional development will feed your creativity and ability to meet changing customer needs.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Starting-a-Cake-Decorating-Business?-Take-Cake-Decorating-Classes&id=2292004

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Pest Control in the Food Service, Catering & Hospitality Industries

It can be said that in the food services industry - be it café, restaurant or caterer that perception and image is everything. Once listed in your local newspaper as having been noted - or even closed down by your local city, state or provincial health department authorities and you are as good as finished. Dead in the water for forever. Once in people minds - especially if the newspaper article is graphic and descriptive and all most of your customers or potential customers can say or think about your establishment or food service is "yuk" and "I will never go there". If you are a caterer then you can well think about canceled events that you have booked never mind a dearth of new meal and catering contracts and bookings is they weddings, bar mitzvahs or staff Christmas parties.

As with most things and events in life and in the food services, hotel and hospitality service industries prevention is key. Count on it. A major role of fire departments is prevention and so should pest prevention be in your case.

Not every rodent is an attractive pet hamster. To keep those pesky pest rodents - in most cases rats and mice - away the first rule and step is for operators of food service establishments to ensure that there is absolutely no way for these pests to gain entry into their establishments. What this means is that all plumbing and electrical lines must be sealed perfectly tight and sealed tight. Next in addition all holes and cracks in the drywall areas need to be patched promptly and well. Another alternate means of entry for these lovely animals is though open delivery doors. Using mechanical traps, in these high risk areas of encroachment and entry usually does the trick. If possible it is always best to catch these pests alive. They can always be dropped off at night in the immediate vicinity of any of your worst competitors.

In addition it is often recommended by professional pest control experts and services that it is best in restaurants and the food service trade , when planning or upgrading you kitchen areas not to use shelving that goes all the way to the ground ( the floor) . All in all this allows for easier cleaning , less clutter and in the end less hiding spots and hidden areas for pests of all kinds to reside , and breed in comfortable , safe nests as well. In addition when it comes to storage of any food products or ingredients these should be as a matter of standard routine placed on higher shelves and in sealed containers.

Lastly in terms of those often most resistant pests - cockroaches , it is observed and is more than well known , in the pest control trades , that cockroaches love water and moisture. Thus always instruct your staff to be more than careful and be vigilant against any areas and places of standing water. Take care, and advise your staff as well to get rid of any standing water - including water that may be residual in any dishwasher machines.

To finish off, when it comes to pests in the restaurant trade and food services industry prevention is key. Keep your areas clean, don't allow pests to enter and lastly always remember to take out the garbage and trash properly. Trash of course must be removed off site promptly and quickly in a regular and routine schedule. Ensure that your garbage is removed on a regular and frequent trash pick up schedule.

If pest problems plague your food or hospitality service business you are as good as finished. Your reputation and image once lost in the food service trade, once lost is gone and can often never be recovered or renewed.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pest-Control-in-the-Food-Service,-Catering-and--Hospitality-
Industries&id=2185371