TO-GO / TAKE AWAY...

It really matters what you say, where you say and to whom !!!
This incident happened just last week at an Italino Restorantte in London.. when after we finished eating all the Veg Lasagne, Penne Pasta, Bruschetta, Ciabatta, Cheese Crepes.. that we could'nt finish up the Large Mozarella Pizza... still had more than 50% lying in front of us.
Irony, We entered the restuarant coz we had really liked the Dessert Menu and now there was no scope !!!

Anyway, We decided that we would make the large pizza 'TO GO' (in American Language- thats what we say in Austin.. I remembered well and am so used to it)... I asked the waiter for the same and he was taken aback (we saw a wierd look on his face).. Hopefully, he did understand what I meant (though he had hard time earlier while we had placed order for drinks, main course), just to be sure I repeated-"We want a box to make this To-GO".
He asked- "TO-GO?? TO-GO Where ?? Are you visiting UK? Where you from?"
I replied - "Well.. Yes! United States" (Wanted a back up for 'ToGo' thing.. we still saw that look on his face !)
Waiter - "But thats sad... Its not TO-GO.. its Take Away"
Bang !! I knew this was coming...
I said - "Hmmm... Thats what we say out there"
Waiter- "Young Lady, Well not in England.. coz we say what Queen Elizabeth2 decides to say.. and she likes to call it Take Away"
Heck.. I mean enough of it..for a mere two words and that too a synonym !! I just shook my head in agreemeent... And finally the Italian waiter who was barely managing to speak English with all the Italian slang said - "Young Lady, I need to give you English Lessons" And, that was when all others on the table broke into laughter (LOL) !! I smiled - "Yeah! Sure.. someday"
:)

Delhi :: Paranthe wali Gali

Delhi the heart of my country India is a lovely place. Famous for its history, culture, diversity, shopping arena, Delhi Haat and its chaat. Old Delhi is well known for "Delhi ki Chaat", Chandni Chaunk ki " Paranthe wali Gali" and Dariibe ki Jalebi.

People flock from all over the world to experience and have a taste of Delhi. This place also has lots of upscaled pubs,discos and lounge bars. Recently, the restaurants have modified a lot and concentrated on the style and decor. Delhi, specially South Delhi, has its own Style statement. With new restaurants coming up on varied themes and attractive menus to attract people from all generations. The Latest is the projection of old village or remote part of the country into a glamorous restaurant..

Here, I am talking about "Paranthe wali Gali" in old Delhi (Chandni Chawnk) famous from hunderds of years for its Paranthas (Stuffed Bread) served with Yogurt , Pickle. There is a buzz in the town, 'NOT JUST PARANTHAS' (NJP) is the restaurant based on this theme.

As soon as you reach NJP, you notice a olden time cart which was pulled by bullock and an ancient "Hooka" at the entrance. The "Darbaan" is all dressed in traditional dress and salutes and welcomes you in native language. Next step inside the restaurant takes you to another world altogether. Dim lights, Lower seating, and amazing flavor in the air... The waiter was dressed like a "Daakiya" i.e. the Postman who used to wear Khaki dress and delivered the letters door-to-door.

The walls were eye-catching.. They were covered with hand-sketches to depict the old Delhi's Paranthe wali Gali in Chandni Chaunk.. The lanes, houses, and market of that part of Delhi was setup in an appreciable and upscaled manner.
The Menu card looked nothing but a Newspaper.. covering few newsarticles on Old Delhi and its specialties. Inside it had the Menu items listed where you will notice all types of paranthas with mouthwatering stuffings. They serve more than 100 varieties of paranthas in different sizes and shapes like Pocket paranthas,etc. One can chose- the basic style of cooking i.e Tandoori or Tawa fried to a customized "Diet Parantha".

Some examples to quote from their Menu: "Jodhpuri Parantha", "Mughlai Prantha","Papad Parantha", "Achari Paneer Parantha", "Pizza Parantha", "Teekha Aloo Pyaaz Parantha" and the list continues... The most amazing was the "SHARABI Parantha" or the "Wine Parantha" which is served on Fire... Its a delicacy as they put wine while making the dough from the wheat flour and also the stuffing contains almonds soaked overnight in Red Wine.

Also, its worth mentioning the Dinnerware was made of copper, brass metal with unique style, which gives you the actual feel of the Glasses, plates used in olden times in Delhi. Also, the use of "Knife and Fork" is prohibited. There is a sign borad stating so, next to the ancient style wooden window. A glass full of "Lassi" is most refreshing drink in Northern India and NJP serves it alongwith Parantha's in the most authentic manner.

The 'lanterns' create a soothe dim light effect and the aroma of the Parantha's is tempting enough for anyone to experience the Delhi's most upscaled and stylish fashion.