2 March 2018

What has journalism got to do with it?

We, the poor Bengalis, have been denied of a “V” in our scripts. It is usually replaced with a “B”. Much to the chagrin of every non-Bengali! For all of you know, we were destined to be the “Vengalis” till God’s proofreader forgot to put in the letter “V” in our script! Other than that peculiar accent of ours, it can also land us in some very interesting situations – especially in a country like the USA.

For example, I recently overheard an indignant daughter yelling on her phone to her mother – “CVS? Why would you think I have applied for a job to CVS? I am studying Journalism, mother! I have applied to CBS. “C” “B” “S” – the news channel”.

“Oh”!, said the mother as I shimmied away to another room before I could be spotted overhearing the conversation.

I am not suggesting that this happened in our house.

But then again, I am not expressly denying it either 🙂

Category: Humor | 24 Comments on What has journalism got to do with it?
1 March 2018

Those indelible ink marks – Unbranded sky blue

This is one of my favorite fountain pens. I carry this with me on a daily basis. I had bought this in April, 2011 at the Atlanta Fountain Pen Show from a gentleman from the New York area who makes pens from different materials. The sky blue color and the rich veins of indigo had caught my attention. I switched the nib out for a fine tip and today use it with turquoise blue ink…

Category: Fountain Pens | 12 Comments on Those indelible ink marks – Unbranded sky blue
1 March 2018

From the bartender’s corner – Lady Leon

The Harvey Wallbanger was a pretty big hit at Nanette’s birthday. Usually aniseeds evoke strong reaction – some just love it. And some just do not. I am one of those in the side of “love it”. From ouzo (Greece) to licor beirao (Portugal) to sambuca (italy), I like it in my cocktail as well as a post-dinner aperitif. Harvey Wallbanger uses Galliano (Italy) whic as aniseed as well as other herbs.

To mix it with Gin, I made a Lady Leon today. A LL is gin with Galliano, dry vermouth and orange curacao. It is usually shaken with crushed ice and served in a champagne flute.

Perfect pick me up drink after 350 miles of driving in some crazy traffic at times…

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24 February 2018

I guess I can claim to be a “pro” now!

What started as an innocuous goal “Learn how to mix drinks” during one of the off years, soon became a passion. Most of my learning has been old style – I read up a lot of books and I experimented a lot. And bugged a lot of bartenders at bars to learn some of their unique tricks. Over the last four years, I have probably made 500+ different cocktails, visited multiple distilleries and collected some esoteric stuff from different countries to experiment with.

While I have bartended in a few informal events and a couple of corporate events, today was the first time I had a paid gig. Of course, I do this as a hobby. So all money – inclusive of tips was donated to the hostess’s favorite charity.

Thank you Tim and Nanette for featuring me as the mixologist at your private event. I loved the venue. And I loved the guests. Sharmila and I really had a great time. None of this would have been possible without Tim’s meticulous planning, Tanya working with us to set everything to the last bit of detail and an immense amount of help I got from Telvin.

It was Nanette’s birthday. 50th one in fact. It was a lot of fun to research what was America like in 1968 and what were the common drinks being served at New York bars. Eventually, I went with Bourbon Sidecar, Harvey Wallbanger, Seabreeze and Pegu Club. As always in such events, some guests have different tastes leading to some on the spot improvisations – there were a few Cosmopolitans, a couple of Old Fashioneds and a Cape Codder too!

I cannot wait for Nanette to be 40 now!!! 🙂

Category: Cocktails | 2 Comments on I guess I can claim to be a “pro” now!