Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan (or USKB :-) )

(a small piece that i added to a friend's blog)

One of the first things you will notice as you enter Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan is the sign at the entrance. It says '1926'. You really need a moment to digest that information before walking in. I was introduced to USKB several years ago by my Dad. Who used to go there as a child, with his parents and siblings. It was a sort of family tradition. In fact the first time we went there he had pre-decided what we should eat. It's not really a protocol, as much as just ensuring that you start with their benne dose. Anything else can follow :-).

I love places that can focus on what's important (in this case, being an out and out Udupi joint) without getting distracted with all the fluff. Basic interiors. Some pictures that give you a sense of the legend that is USKB. And best of all, quick, no-nonsense service.

USKB now has a couple of branches in other parts of the city, but even today, every time we have visitors in town, the Chickpet one remains a popular choice for breakfast.

The last time I was there the waiters all had 'USKB' tees, done in the style of the American college tees/ sweatshirts. I had to smile - after all, Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan IS an institution :-)

USKB, the original, is at Chickpet Bangalore.
http://udupisrikrishnabhavan.in/

Gastronomie Goa-aah!

I love Goa. The word conjures up all these images of sandy beaches and long afternoons lazing in shacks, watching the ocean. Endlessly.

Or not!

I went on a quick trip to Goa recently, to visit some very close friends who live there. When in Goa, do as the Goans do.. which is V.E.R.Y. different from the lotus-eaters life above! You wake up, go to the gym, work.. maybe.. go to the market, maybe work some more, maybe go for a movie. But the thing that you can definitely do is.. EAT! And eat well. And I did!

So here’s my list of must-do food places, that are completely off the well-beaten, shack track:

1. Quarterdeck Panjim

Watch the sunset by the riverside, accompanied by chicken sandwiches and masala chai.

Location: Mandovi Riviera, Panaji

2. Cantare, Saligao

Set in the quiet village of Saligao. They have a huge verandah and balcony to sit. Perfect for people-watching. A refreshing change from the Baga-Calngute-Candolim beat, with its traffic and traffic jams.

Location: Pass the police stations into Saligao. As you drive through and start to leave the village, there are local shops and bars on the right. Look out for Cantare on the left. Ample parking (behind the restaurant) available.

3. Zanja

Ok, I admit this one is near Calangute. But it’s not a shack. In fact they shut at 5.30 in the evening! Their specialty is breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks. Chris and Lee (the couple that run this place) are the sweetest souls and the meanest cooks :-). Everything on the menu is fantastic. And you can top it off with some ‘darshini’ style coffee!

Location: Calangute Arpora Road, Porra Vaddo, Calangute. Look out for the funky logo of a ginger cat.

4. Bomras

Fancy some Burmese food? Then this is THE place! Wednesdays are Khao Suey nights, but that hardly matters because everything there is unusual and superb.

Location: From Candolim, towards the Fort Aquada Road. It’s on the right side.

5. Ritz Classic

A nondescript, super busy and noisy place, mostly frequented by locals. But OMG, the fish thali! Just dig in with your fingers and let the smell stay on your hands for the rest of the day :-)

Location: 18th June Road, inside the Hotel Le Grande, Panjim. Upstairs.

6. Viva Panjim

Another nondescript place, frequented by the locals. But unlike Ritz above, this one is tucked away in a quiet lane, in a beautiful part of Panjim. Definitely try the local fare (Xacuti, Caldinh dishes).

Location: 31st January Rd, Fontainhas area, Panjim.

I love Goa. But I looooove Gastronomie Goa!

Reflections...

Revisited an old post of mine (from June 2003!)... Not much has changed since then... :-)

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What type of organisation do I want to be in?

Having been part of an incredible start-up at indya.com (lets refer to start-ups as 'S'), and also been part of some well established (W) companies, I have been thinking about the two a lot recently.

Amongst other things, the freedom of a start-up, being part of a creative / innovative product / process from its conception, is something the well established company may not be able to provide. Its really one of the best highs I have experienced. The luxuries of a W, systems in place, small things like leave, increments, etc etc being taken care of, the S can't give.

Being at the cutting edge of technology only in a W is a myth in my opinion because today access to the latest technology is no longer restricted to only the 'biggies'.

In a W you may be part of several high profile projects but you also are one of 100 others who also are. On the other hand the S allows you to be part of a core team working on one big idea, and wholly involved in realising that dream.

As a person i'm not driven by success, ambition and money. This is not to say that i'm casual or laid-back in a work atmosphere. My career is important but the so called 'important' rules of the game don't drive it. I just want to do my best and make a difference.

I’d like to be part of an organisation:

• Where ‘size doesnt really matter, where 'bigness’ need not necessarily relate to scale but to quality and excellence!
• Generates a strong work ethic and work culture that facilitates individuals to contribute to that excellence, and therefore hires people with the right outlook, sensibilities and professionalism.
• Takes utmost care of Quality, Speed and Customer Service, and Profit will take care of itself.
• Is contemporary in spirit and future-looking in terms of technology, product, service quality and mindset. A non-heirarchial, agile and flexible organisation.
• A Learning Organisation, a place of discovery, where work is fun. Where individuals truly develop - professionally and personally.

At the end of the day those are the things that matter to me more than the S or W or any other identity.

Volley-Girls!

It'll be fun to see how this beach volleyball event for women turns out... Will they wear bikinis to show off washboard abs or will they be made to wear oversized shorts and t-shirts cluttered with sponsors names... and will our wonderful moral brigade types see this as an affront to Indian morals and the modesty of Indian women... We live in exciting times... :-)