chennai spice | february 16th 2013 release

CHENNAISPICECONTENTS

4 EVENT & EXHIBITIONSaround Chennai this week.

Rama Krishnan, CEO India, Pizza RepublicINSPIRING ENTREPRENEUR15Sharda Sriram shares her learning from a workshopHOLISTIC READING FOR CHILDREN22

Linu Paul’s Kadala Curry to soak your puttu inLINUS KITCHEN27Dr. R. Karthik on the needs that Cosmetic Surgery fills.COSmETIC SURGERy24

Sheethal Jayakrishna reminsces on how food has taken over every aspect of life.COOKIN’ IT UP28

Job Offers / Catering / Business Offers / RentalsCS FREE CLASSIFIEDS36Dr. Talat Salim replies.HAIR RAISING QUERIES32

Learn & Play with AImAART & CULTURE41Product Catalogue by Kran Shree Gem ConsultantsBARGAIN STUFF43

CHENNAI SPICE | FEBRUARY 16th 2013 | 3

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONSAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.

CONNECT


The biggest flea market cum carnival that Chennai has ever seen!Catch a celebration of arts, crafts, music, flea market, food and more at the

madras Shopping Sandhai! Catch live bands, folk performances, arts & crafts

activity center for kids and more!

A flea market by artists, designers, hobbyists etc! A bazaar cum carnival which has

something for everyone!A platform to showcase your products!

There is also a Baker’s Bazaar for the home bakers, competition for kids and

women!

Gear up Chennai for a soul filling weekend in Feb!

Express Estates, whites Road. Feb 16-17, 2013.

Interested in keeping a stall or conducting workshops or sponsorships?

mail us at [email protected]

want to just volunteer and have fun? we would love to have u on board!

Just mail us what your interests are!

Madras Shopping Sandhai Thursday,

16th & 17th FEBRUARy 12.00NOON - 8:00PmEXPRESS AVENUE, ROyAPETTAH

facebook.com/madrasshoppingsandhaiM: +91 97909 82025

Eco Alternatives and Ashivta Bistro invite you to an ‘Organic Terrace Garden Workshop’.All gardening enthusiasts keep yourself free on Sunday, Feb 17th.

By popular demand we are having our rooftop gardening workshop

once again between 4pm - 6pm at Ashvita Bistro, Chennai.

Horticulturalist mr. Harish Krishnamoorthy will tell us simple traditional

organic farming techniques that can be applied to your home garden. A

good way to learn the basics of growing your own veggies at home.

Special topics include a practical look into the usage of Panchagavyam,

Vermicompost ,Coir Pith for potting, hints on pest, disease management,

identifying and trouble shooting disorders in plants.

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

Organic Terrace Garden Workshop

CONNECT M: +91 9444163129

ASHVITA BISTRO, NO.11, BAwA ROAD, ALwARPET

suNday17th FEBRUARy 4.00PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


S e q u e n c eup to 50% off End of Season Sale Sequence welcomes you

to their End of Season sale

upto 50% off on Designer

Salwar Kameez, Handbags

& Jewellery. Great Stuff at

even greater price!

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

S e q u e n c eEnd of Season Sale

CONNECT M: +91 9840080863

3, ANANDHU STREET, mAImOON mANzIL

MONday ONWards18th - 23rd FEBRUARy 11.30 - 7.00 PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


facebook.com/sequence.chennai


CONNECT


Melange ExhibitionExquisite Real and Fashion Jewellery, Designer Kurtis, Suits and Sarees, western

wear, Kidswear, Handbags, Footwear, Accessories, Home Decor and more!

60 master Designer’s showcasing more than 50,000 exclusive designs only at

this Exhibition. Never Before Sale.

FrEE ENTry

Melange Exhibition

TuEsday & WEdNEsday19th & 20th FEBRUARy 10.30Am - 8:30PmHyATT REGENCy, TEyNAmPET

facebook.com/MelangeExhibitionM: +91 97909 82025


CONNECT


578 entertainments, a new start by an upcoming choreographer Anusha Swamy, maintaining a high profile in the field of Indian cinema presents, The Epic Show. A performance for a cause, by

the kids for the kids, creating a platform to bring out young talent of the under

privileged children, treating them no different from the others and putting them

alongside a lot of professionals from different levels of the society. Apart from this,

The Epic Show not only brings people from different aspects of life but al...so

brings together different forms of dance on the same stage.

Aerial dance, solo duet, conceptual dance etc. to be looked out for.

Promised to be m.A.D...mUSIC, ART & DANCE... A fusion like never before!

TICKET PRICES: Rs. 1000, Rs.750, Rs.500, Rs.200

GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.

4.00 pm : Art & Craft Stalls open.Exhibition 1: By the kids with their super awesome goodies they made for you

at a very cheap rate. Exclusively for you.

Exhibition 2: wonderful shirts and t shirts and designer wear for girls at a

beautiful rate and all the clothes are imported.

All the Funds Raised Through the tickets are going towards the kids.

The Epic Show FrIday

22nd FEBRUARy 4.00Pm - 8:00PmTHE mUSIC ACADEmy

M: +91 98845 99907 / 99629 35165

Landmark Sale – Upto 70% OFF! The sale is on till the 25th of February, the Landmark sale has never before

discounts on products across all categories.

And to make this Sale even more enticing, Landmark has tied up with Axis Bank,

to offer customers an additional 10% discount on bill values over Rs 1500/-, if they

use their Axis Bank debit or credit cards, to make the payment.

This year’s sale outdoes the last year, with heavy discounts on assorted

merchandise. The highlights of the sale include: bestselling books at a starting

price of Rs. 49/-, 3 for 2 on the Top 500 new releases and bestsellers in books,

70% OFF on Graphic Novels International magazines at the Landmark price of Rs.

99/-, Upto 50% OFF on toys with great discounts on Squap, Scrabble, Pictionary,

Puzzles, and a whole range of remote controlled toys that will ensure that there’s

something for each one in the family!

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

Landmark Sale Upto 70% off

CONNECT facebook.com/landmarkstores

ALL LANDmARK STORES

UPTILLMONday25th FEBRUARy 10.00Am - 8:00PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


It’s Exam time! Creative techniques

to stay focused; increase memory;

concentration skills. And most

importantly, Helping children take

charge

and make studies FUN! :-))

School of Success, a Chennai

based organisation that conducts

‘transformational’ programs for

children helping them take charge of

their lives at an early age, announces

its Study management Leadership.

Price: rs. 850/- per child (includes

snacks and lunch)

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

One Day Study Management

CONNECT facebook.com/schoolofsuccess.in

SCHOOL OF SUCCESS, R A PURAm; mAHALINGAPURAm

MONday23rd FEBRUARy 10.00Am - 4:00PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


M: +91 97899 06146

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

MEN ARE FROM MARS...

CONNECT

TAJ COROmANDEL CHENNAI

FrIday22nd FEBRUARy 6.00Pm - 10:00PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


A Seminar in Chennai John helps men and women understand, respect and appreciate their

differences in both personal and professional relationships.

His approach combines specific communication techniques with healthy,

nutritional choices that create the brain and body chemistry for lasting health,

happiness and romance.

His many books, videos, workshops and seminars provide practical insights

to effectively manage stress and improve relationships at all stages of life

and love.

M: +91 96770 77991 / 97908 75868

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

A Pot Full of Stories

CONNECT

VISVA VIDyA mANDIR, “LITTLE mILLENNIUm”

saTurday 23rd FEBRUARy 4.30Pm - 5:30PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


A story telling session

for adults and kids by

members of Chennai

Storytelling Association.

Come get enthralled by

the stories

M: +91 98408 33953 facebook.com/TaleSpinaplatformforstories

50 Unique Designers under one

destination, presenting the finest collection

of Haut Couture, Pret wear, Indian Couture,

Designer wear, Jewelry, Accessories,

Home furnishings, other lifestyle products

and much more.

Stall bookings open.

CONNECT M: +91 88700 59294 / +91 98418 40055


Cocktail Fashion CollezioneARINGAR ANNA ARANGAm


MONday6th & 7th mARCH 10.00Am - 8:00Pm

PERFORMANCES BY

AGAM, THERMAL AND A QUARTERGREY SHACK, CinC &

USHA SURESH BALAJE

5+ Acres of funAmple car parks

100+ Stalls20+ Food Stalls

EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

Seminar for Working Women

CONNECT

HOTEL QUALITy INN SABARI

FrIday8th mARCH9.30Am - 5:30PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


Woman of Worth we are glad to introduce to you the upcoming Open Program organised by

Lighthouse Leadership on 8th of march 2013, The International women’s

Day. This program is designed to make a difference in the lives of women

in the corporate world, enabling them to face challenges, achieve greater

heights & move forward successfully in their careers as well as personal lives.

Seminar Fee: 3000/- per person

M: +91 98409 40947 / 98400 60536 www.lighthouseleadership.in/events

I was accused of

trivialising cooking

through my one page

cookbooks.

INSPIrINGENTREPRENEUR

CONNECT

RAmA KRISHNANCEO India, Pizza Republic

IN CONVERSATION wITH Chennai Spice

CHENNAI SPICE FEATURE

RAMKI SAYS

Q. When did you begin your

culinary career? did you go to

culinary school? Who taught you

how to cook?

A. 15 years back, when I had to travel frequently abroad, I missed our food. Tried cooking and after a series of mishaps, finally understood getting the big picture is what matters - and details sort themselves out. Since then I’d been on a high cooking cuisines across the world. Never went to culinary school or had a formal teacher.

Q. What was your first job in the restaurant industry?

A. International Flavours & fragrances hired me as a consultant for developing a series of new flavors for Pepsico products. That was my first paid assignment. After that I’ve been consulting restos and bakeris across Chennai.

Q. When did you open your first restaurant? When you started out, what specific idea,

purpose or vision was your key driving force?

A. 6 years back, I opened a small outlet outside my friend’s place, Farm Bazaar in Ambattur called Pizza Man. That’s where it all started. Idea: Pizza making can be greatly simplified. Vision: Cut wastage, setup costs to the bone so that food becomes close to free Key driving force: The smile on a customer’s face when a ‘lifestyle’ product suddenly becomes a regular purchase!

ramkicooks.blogspot.in | facebook.com/pizzarepublic.india



CONNECT

RAmA KRISHNAN





Q. With an abundance of Pizzerias’ in Chennai

what according to you sets Pizza republic

apart?

A. 1. Emphasis on Freshness. Everything we use is bought fresh and leftovers dumped at the end of the day. We store nothing but cheese & sausages. 2. Emphasis on decentralisation: Each store is a completely autonomous entity and prepares everything it needs from scratch. 3. Emphasis on ultra low price, Personalisation & Quality. We offer the widest range of Pizzas in town and you can create never ending combos yourself. Our prices are the lowest in the industry on a like to like basis and we’ve managed to build quality into the system, so that it becomes free and costs us nothing. The systems are so robust that most of our staff have never seen a pizza before, let alone make it. Still they turn out the finest pizzas in the city!

Q. What were the three most important things to

get your business up and running?

A. The idea. The right partners The right location

I goofed up on a lot of these while starting out and have finally managed to get it right!

Q. What do you find most challenging

as a restaurateur?

A. Training people. Everything else can be systemized, but people remain the only uncertain quantity!

Q. Do you have a favorite mantra that

keeps you inspired?

A. Change the rules of the game! In Pizza Republic we gave customers gourmet quality pizzas at throwaway prices. The next project we are working on, would take this to the next level!

Q. How do you inspire and retain

your employees? Quality manpower

shortage seems like a big threat in the

hospitality industry of late.

A. We do not recruit from the regular fast food employee pool. This has the greatest attrition. Most of our staff are first timers and they stick on longer. We also recruit physically challenged people.

CEO India, Pizza Republic


CONNECT

RAmA KRISHNAN





Q. What is your customer service philosophy?

A. If you are not awed, we do not want your money!

Q. What according to you is the biggest mistake

restaurants make?

A. Not acting on customer feedback!

Q. It isn’t just about good food then is it?

A. Nope. It is about the whole experience. Good food is just the entry token to the game.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration and ideas?

A. Mostly from customer comments and feedback. From online forums like Chennai Food Guide. And from other restos.

Q. What has been your greatest professional

success and your biggest setback?

A. I was accused of trivialising cooking through my one page cookbooks. To end this argument once and for all, I used the same principles to cook solo & from scratch, a ten course meal for 500 people, in less than 3 hours. I pulled it off.

Biggest setback: Not able to convince publishers that My One Pagers are actually cookbooks! I got them exhibited at the Frankfurt book show to rave reviews, but am still unable to find a publisher willing to take a chance on them!

Q. What are your views about food

reviewers in general and how have their

reviews influenced your business?

A. Unless the person understands food, and in particular the cuisine, the reviews just reflect their ignorance. In Pizza republic, we’d been lucky in building a groundswell of support through social media like Chennai Food Guide & Facebook.

Q. What are your views about the recent

phenomena of food bloggers and

social media? How do these elements

influence your business?

A. Social media is scary! It demands immediate solutions and can make or break a resto virtually overnight. Food bloggers are an emerging phenomenon and play a vital role in how the community perceives restos. We actively engage them.

Q. What’s your favorite dish on the

menu?

A. A day old Margherita. The truest test of a pizza is how it tastes after one day.



CONNECT

RAmA KRISHNAN







CONNECT

RAmA KRISHNAN





Q. What is the most popular thing on the

menu?

A. Chicken Supreme has been a top performer. The recently launched Fishwaroopam has been doing well too!

Q. What is your favorite thing to eat?

A. Anything from a cuisine I’m researching / writing about.

Q. What does family have to say about your

pet project?

A. My mom would rather have me as a 9-5 software engineer. She’s not too happy I chose cooking as a career.

Q. What makes ramki tick?

A. The belief that we can dramatically increase quality and cut costs in any food related business, by following a few key principles.

Q. Do you use eco-friendly packaging? What

else do you do to reduce your environmental

impact?

A. Yeah our boxes are bio degradable, and we use liners to prevent fat soaking into the box. Our plastic pizza covers are being replaced by degradable ones. Our seasoning sachets are made from paper and not plastic.

Q. At the end of the day, what

accomplishment makes you the most proud?

A. A good customer review makes it all worthwhile

Q. What is the one book that you recommend

as a must read, and why?

A. Harold McGee. On Food and cooking

Q. Who are the likely possible partners or

professional service providers you would

recommend every entrepreneur who would

like to step into the hospitality industry

should work with?

A. Online facilitators like Gograb.in. Delivery guys like Yo Potato. Tech facilitators like Nexmoo.

Q. What restaurant concepts/restaurateurs

do you respect in your city?

A. Themed restos like Amazon brighten up the scene. Restos which get customers involved concepts like BBQ NationRestos which actively engage the foodie community like Crimson Chakra.

Q. How do you foresee the future of food

in Chennai and what do you think are the

challenges that may arise for restaurateurs

like yourself?

A. Chennai will end up having food from across the world, with numerous specialty restaurants. More affordable veg dining options will emerge. The challenge as ever would be to manage staff, innovate constantly and listen to customer feedback!


EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

Chennai Adoption Drive (CAD)

CONNECT facebook.com/ChennaiAdoptionDriveM: +91 89393 11148

78/1, mCNICHOLS ROAD, CHETPET

suNday17TH FEBRUARy 10.00Am - 3:00PmAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.


EVENTS& EXHIBITIONS

Chennai Adoption Drive (CAD)

CONNECT facebook.com/ChennaiAdoptionDriveM: +91 89393 11148

78/1, mCNICHOLS ROAD, CHETPETAROUND CHENNAI THIS wEEK.

suNday17TH FEBRUARy 10.00Am - 3:00Pm


Getting your tiny tots ready to read is quite tough but certainly

not impossible. I realised that when I attempted to initiate a

holistic approach to reading for my 4 year old son. Christmas

Vacations had commenced and my little one was growing fast.

I wanted to help him explore the world through reading. We

attended a small reading workshop at the Serangoon Public

Library in Singapore. To my surprise, my son and I thoroughly

enjoyed the workshop. We enjoyed the session so much that I

would like to share our experience with everyone.

Readers aren’t born, they are made. Desire is planted

by parents who work at it. – Jim Trelease

Parents play a very important role- Do you know that there are

six pre-reading skills (Motivation, Awareness, Narrative skills,

Phonological awareness, Letter knowledge and Vocabulary) that

children must learn in order to learn to read. Parents, play a very

important role to enhance these skills in their children. This is

because, you know your child best and therefore can find the

best and easiest method that would suit them. Do not ever force

your child to read but whenever they are in a good mood spend

time with them and make reading fun. It is never too early to help

your child develop skills that he or she needs for a lifetime of

learning.

Promote reading in your child

Read aloud- Reading aloud nurtures your children’s love of both

Holistic Reading FOr CHILDrEN

SHARDA SRIRAmFREELANCE wRITER


the written and spoken word. It also helps you bong

with your child. Choose a time every day when you

both can enjoy spending some time together. It doesn’t

matter even if it is only a few minutes, that you can

spend reading and listening to your child.

Be a Role Model- It is important to set an example for

your child. When children see their parents reading and

enjoying it, they will also be tempted to imitate their

parents and experience what they see their parents

experiencing. They will come to understand how

important and valuable reading is. I’ve always noticed

that whenever I read a book, my son comes and sits

next to me with his book and tries to read too. It may

only be for a few minutes and even if they may be

making errors, it still helps is developing their interest

for reading.

Visit Libraries and create one at home- Create your

very own mini library at home. A child is more likely

to pick up a book when there is nothing to do. Make

MAIL yOUr FEEDBACK [email protected]


public library visits a part of your weekly routine.

read everywhere you go

Equip yourself with books for yourself and your child whenever

you set out on any long distance journeys. This will show them

that reading is a constructive and fun way to pass time while

also learning about many interesting things.

choosing books for your child

Books are the first step into the world of reading and

storytelling. Although babies and toddlers may not be able to

read yet, you can provide your loved ones the opportunity to

be exposed to the wonderful world of books. I always prefer to

gift little ones some great books as their birthday gifts. I have

attempted to classify the kinds of books that may be most

suitable until the age of 5 years.

for birth to age two

- Books on rhymes, songs and nursery tales.

- Books with large and simple but colourful pictures.

- Books with simple text that are in large and bold print.

- Books that are small which will grab their attention and

which they can hold easily. Preferably choose the animated

character which they love eg. Mickey Mouse words books,

toy story books, Thomas and friends’ first phonics

books etc.

- Flip a flap books- a child will love to explore these at

this stage.

- Books in durable plastic or cloth materials which will help

the young ones to stimulate their senses and imagination.

for three to five years

- Books that are visually attractive.

- Books that convey experiences on their day to day routine

(e.g.- Personal Hygiene, Good and Bad manners)

- Books about exploring the world around them and simple

adventures etc.

- A book with repetition exercises encourages children to

participate. Children enjoy repetition activities of phrases

with sound and action. Adults must also actively participate

in these activities with their children.

- Let the pre schooler choose the books he or she wants to

read. Guidance from parents is necessary to determine their

preferences and reading ability.

- Select some easy books with very few words to encourage

independent reading

- Also include some legends, poems to expand their interest

areas.

rhymes Play an imPortant role

I am sure everyone remembers at least one rhyme

from their childhood if not several. I never realized

the importance of rhymes until I started to teach my

son. When a loving adult and a young child play”

Build an engine” or sing a rhyme together, many

great things happen without us realizing. The child

feels great joy and pleasure while at the same time

the adult can bring out the child inside him or her.

A child experiences the rhythm and rhyme in their

body, hears the musical notes of the song and hears

the language in a different way from adults. New

vocabulary, information about places and ideas are

introduced to children in a fun, joyful and loving

environment. Nursery rhymes which are often

bouncy, stimulates the social, emotional, physical,

intellectual and musical development in children.

That is the reason why it serves as a very important

foundation in a young child’s development.

Holistic Reading FOr CHILDrEN

SHARDA SRIRAm


MAIL yOUr FEEDBACK [email protected]


Cosmetic surgery, like every other medical

field has seen amazing advances in terms

of procedures and techniques. Doctors and

researchers are constantly looking at ways

to enhance the experience of patients while

working towards improving results that last

longer with minimal scarring.

Today a Cosmetic Surgeon can transform you from ‘average’

looking to ‘stunning’ by working with you to achieve it, right

from the top of your lovely head to the tips of your pretty

toes. Together, you will decide on what minor corrections you

may need to achieve your maximum beauty quotient. It could

be a little hair transplant to cover a bald spot or a small fat

transplant to fill a tiny wrinkle. With science making leaps and

bounds of progress almost every day, these are all easy and

relatively painless procedures. Liposuction sucks out those

stubborn rolls of fat that refuse to go, however much you

exercise.

Picture this normal scenario:

Boy has met girl, and both of them are ready to tie the knot of

holy matrimony. The engagement is fixed, and a wedding date

is on the cards six months after. Panic sets in.

“What if I look older than my husband on my wedding day? Am

I too fat? Is my skin bad? Will the roll of fat on my tummy show

through my saree? How can I lose it? Will exercise help? I’ll

crash diet till the wedding. But will it show on my skin?”

This is the one time in your life when you need to look your

best, as it is a new step you are both taking. For this, you need

to relax instead of getting all worked up.

Agreed. The questions are many, the doubts even more. They

are called the heebie-jeebies. The good news is that almost

every bride and groom goes through these thoughts.

Luckily, there is a solution. And it does not involve crash

dieting or depriving yourself of food. What it does involve is a

complete wedding makeover for both the bride and the groom

complete with nutrition consultations that will cleanse your

body from within to make your skin glow and your hair shine

on your special day. It will involve helping you achieve the body

Cosmetic Surgery EMErGE

TrANSFOrMEDDR. R. KARTHIK


CONTACT http://thecosmeticsurgery.org/M: +91 96000 58899


of your dreams, too. Complete with six packs for the guys and

flat two packs for the girls.

One visit to Chennai Plastic Surgery and you could go under

the care of an entire team of experts. Talk to them, tell them

what exactly your concerns with your body (and mind) are, and

they will work on you. Inside and out. Right from the tips of

your hair to the tips of your toes.

A Cosmetic Surgeon and his accompanying team can work

towards unveiling the new you by planning ahead. Six month

before the date is a good time to begin. Choose your team with

care. Ask for referrals and have confidence in the team who

will be working towards a perfectly planned beautification plan.

Together they will consult and work to literally sculpt out the

unnecessary and bring out the inner, glowing you – so you step

into matrimony confidently, gorgeously.

Cosmetic Surgery EMErGE

TrANSFOrMEDDR. R. KARTHIK


CONTACT http://thecosmeticsurgery.org/M: +91 96000 58899


here are some oPtions:

• Liposuction to zap the flab and help your body look

awesome on your big day. If the very thought of surgery freaks

you out, you could do it the non-surgical way using the Exilis

that targets precise fat pockets.

• Hair Fall Management and Hair Regrowth through simple

procedures.

• A small tweak to give your nose a better shape and look.

• Breast lift, breast enlargement or breast reduction.

• Lip reduction or enlargement.

• Botox, Fillers and Laser Resurfacing to remove the wrinkles

and get perfect porcelain smooth skin. Or Exilis sittings which

coax your collagen to resurface.

• Skin Lightening treatment – you could get up to two shades

fairer for your big day.

• Chemical Peeling and Derma Roller to zap out scars, fine

wrinkles, blemishes and replace it with a fresh, clean look.

• Nutrition and exercise consultations to help you keep your

body healthy and trim.

All of this can be done under the single roof of Chennai Plastic

Surgery, for this is where exerts converge. For you! You don’t

need to run from pillar to post looking for them.

Cosmetic Surgery EMErGE TrANSFOrMEDDR. R. KARTHIK


CONTACT M: +91 96000 58899


COOK’S TIP SHEETcHITRA VISWANTHAN

CHENNAI SPICE TIPS

TIpS foR SAVouRIeS

Best savouries are made from freshly ground flours. If that is

not possible, at least buy a fresh pack in a Store where the

goods are fast moving!

Fat is added to all savouries to give crispness.

For Kai murukku , Thenkuzhal , muthusaram ( South Indian

counterpart of Chakli ) Thattai etc butter is the best choice.

For savouries with besan as the main ingredient, very hot oil

added to the ingredients gives good results.

The amount of fat is calculated thus – for every 1 kilo of the

mixed flours, 100 gms or 1/2 cup is ideal.

Use table salt and not grain salt.

For murukku , Thenkuzhal , muthusaram etc. add either jeera

or white seasame seeds.

First mix dry all flours, salt, jeera (or seasame seeds) & hing

powder, thoroughly.

Then add the fat and knead with your fingers very well to a

bread crumb consistency. This is important to incorporate

air in the mixture which accounts for crispness and uniform

texture, as well. Do not add water to the entire quantity and

knead.

Keep the oil ready for heating.

Now, take a handful of the mixture in another vessel & add

water little by little to get the correct “pressing “consistency.

Repeat this for every batch.

For Thenkuzhal, muthusaram etc. it is preferable to press

directly into the oil – but if it is difficult for you, press on a

greased plastic sheet and transfer carefully to the oil without

disturbing the shape.

Heat the oil well first and after putting the batch in it,

keep the flame medium.

when the first side is cooked, turn over.

Thereafter, turn over frequently for uniform cooking.

Remove when the oil bubbles subside completely.

Transfer to a kitchen tissue.

wait till it becomes completely cold and then transfer

to an airtight container.

INGREDIENTS2 cups black chana/kadala3 tablespoon thinly sliced coconut pieces (thenga kothu )1 onion (chopped)2 green chillies (slit)1 teaspoon red chilly powder2 tablespoon coriander powder1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds4 button onions (sliced)2 dry red chilliesA stalk of curry leaves3/4 cup grated coconut1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds2 cardamoms5 cloves1 inch piece of cinnamon stick12 whole peppercorns1 star aniseSalt to taste2-3 tablespoon coconut oil

mETHODSoak the kadala in water overnight. Cook the kadala along with the required amount of salt and water in a pressure cooker till soft. Keep aside.Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan and add fennel seeds, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, peppercorns and star anise. After a couple of seconds, add 1 teaspoon of sliced button onions and saute for a minute. Add the grated coconut and roast until it turns reddish brown. Remove from fire and keep aside for cooling. Grind this mix to a paste after it has cooled.Heat the remaining coconut oil in a deep bottomed pan and splut-ter mustards. Add the dry red chillies and sliced coconut pieces.

PUTTU’S KADALA CUrryLINU PAULFOOD BLOGGER

CHENNAI SPICE yUmm SERIES

Saute until they turn brown. Add the remaining button onions, sliced onions, green chillies and curry leaves. Saute till the onions turn light brown. Add red chilli and coriander powder and saute for a couple of minutes on low flame. Add the water from the cooked kadala and bring to a boil. Add the ground coconut paste and cooked kadala and mix well. Add salt if required. Cook until the gravy becomes thick. Serve hot with puttu.

CONNECT www.linuskitchen.com


COOKIN’ IT UPSHEETHAL JAyAKRISHNA

LANGUAGE mENTOR

CHENNAI SPICE FEATUREEvery day before I left work, I was very particular about making that one phone call. No, no big suspense here. It was a call home to Mom “Amma what are we having for dinner”? Every day, without fail and without ever losing her patience even once, she would list out the items. It was a 13 km ride on my bike from work to home. But I never ever felt the distance. One reason could be that as people who have always

The first drastic change to my food habits

happened when I started cooking. When my

husband and I moved into this cute little house, I

strangely, never gave much thought to the fact

that this meant that I would now have to don the

cooks apron. I loved shopping and so trips to the

supermarket were a pleasure. I loved every bit

of the shopping experience right from choosing

the staples to other indulgences. I also looked up

recipes on the Internet avidly. Every one of them

seemed so easy to do and were purported to be

scrumptious. My “Recipes” file grew fatter every


travelled long distances would say. “You just get used to it “. But for me, it was simply that my mind would be completely filled with visuals of the hot meal waiting for me at home. It never mattered if it was a simple dal, rice and veggies or fish curry and rice or chicken and chapattis. Just the fact, that it was a hot meal cooked by mom was enough to have me licking my lips all the way home. Words cannot express the pleasure of diving into that meal.

month. But somehow, I found that every

time I actually set out to cook, I would

call Mom and have her explain in great

detail, the recipe for HER sambar or HER

dal or HER fish curry or anything else

that I craved. I still maintain a book

which has her recipes, which I use far

more often than any other recipe. The

poor FAT RECIPE File is packed away in

some corner of some cupboard.

Despite my cooking style, collecting

recipes had become a habit. But I soon

grew a little bored of printing out recipes

from those few websites that I was

familiar with. Soon cook books started to

attract my attention. I found the cookery

section in bookstores overflowing with

books on every possible dish that was


being cooked on planet Earth. So then in my efforts

to keep up with the rest of the world which seemed

to be cooking, every time I visited a bookstore, I left

with at least a couple of cook books. Anything with

easy recipes caught my attention. It could be Indian

Continental Chinese or Italian. But when channels like

Discovery Travel and Living started its broadcast, we

were all suddenly exposed to an even bigger variety

of cuisines that seemed very tempting. My sister and

I ardently followed the few cookery shows or food

shows that were telecast. When the

company rebranded themselves as TLC,

there was also a very exciting change

in their programmes. Most of them

seemed to be lifestyle shows with cooking

playing an important part in the show.

Suddenly we could see other cultures and

their regular lifestyles in real time. We

were used to our Indian Chefs showing

us their moves in the studio kitchens.

Now we had others like an elderly British

gentleman cooking our cuisine in our

country like as though he had been

doing it all his life. Though every time he

threw in a handful of turmeric into an

Indian dish my sister and I cringed at

what that would turn out to be!!He was

also particularly heavy handed when it

came to adding our local spices which are

generally added in pinches. Throwing in a

handful of fenugreek seeds to cook a Kerala

Beef Fry would have certainly not resulted in a

scrumptious dish!

That being said, soon every channel be it an

Indian, International or a Local City channel

had designated slots for Cooking Shows.

Besides shows which featured celebrity cooks,

regular people also found spots on a number

of shows to showcase their talent. Cooking

competitions conducted on a grand scale have

become such a hit that there are so many spin

offs of the same format in every part of the

world and pretty much telecast by every TV

channel. It seemed like food had moved out

from the kitchen and dining room to other

aspects of our lives. Everywhere people could

COOKIN’ IT UPSHEETHAL JAyAKRISHNALANGUAGE mENTOR



be found discussing the shows in great detail.

Regular home cooks with a flair for cooking

started to have fan followings. Friends and

colleagues discussed the participants the

formats, the techniques, the ingredients

and every part of the show like their next

meals depended on it. Portly, Sourfaced,

Loudmouthed, Curt, Rude, Handsome,

Gorgeous, Ancient food show judges now had

ardent fan followings. You had to hang your


CHENNAI SPICE FEATURE head in shame if you did not know the meaning of

“Hatted” restaurants or “Michelin Stars”. Google that

right now!

Food bloggers by now had also burst onto the scene

and how. Just about everyone seemed to want to

share their talents. Here finally was a space that you

were the master of. Millions of people began blogging

in earnest and this was a boon for people like me.

Suddenly I dint have to really run to the book store

or catch a particular show on TV if I wished to try out

some exotic dish that was native to one particular

cuisine. All I had to do was Google that up and I would

have several versions of the same recipe to choose

from. It also helped that these recipes when posted

by home cooks also gave you valid tips on where

to find ingredients and substitutions for the same.

Better still was the fact that I could post queries to

these strangers and get replies in a flash. Facebook

I feel, to a great extent, helped us to easily identify

blogs suited to our taste. Also the formation of food

groups which allowed hundreds and thousands of

strangers come together helped fan the flame of their

passion for food. Believe me, if you followed a thread

of conversation in any of these food groups,

the passion and interest generated in their

discussion can convert any non-foodie to a

foodie.

Gourmet stores have played a major role in

helping us realise our food dreams. Today one

does not have to wait to travel to a particular

country to try out their cuisine or buy their local

ingredients. Just about everything is available

at your local gourmet store. I find that most

gourmet store owners are very passionate

about food themselves and are very aware of

the products that they sell. Most of them are

also very proactive in acquiring ingredients

that you require. Speaking of Gourmet stores, I

have to mention the role of our neighbourhood

Vegetable Market vendors. A morning trip to


the market is a delight. The sight of the fresh

vegetables and greens and fruits makes

me feel like I could whip up a feast with all

of them. Ahhh wishful thinking!!! Making a

couple of dishes for the day is challenging

enough. Standing there I watched a smartly

dressed lady pick up an Avocado and ask

the vendor. “What is this?” He looked at

her and said “Avak..aedo” and I swear,

rolled his eyes as he looked away. I guess I


CHENNAI SPICE FEATURE shouldn’t be surprised at his disdain, because he is used

to selling every herb be it Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Basil

and several other “foreign” cuisine ingredients, fresh,

looking like they had just been pulled out of the soil. Is

it any wonder then, that all of us can give any cuisine a

go in our own kitchens?

All this has contributed in a great way to what has

become a regular feature of our lifestyles today.

Dining OUT! Today we find multicuisine restaurants

don’t mean that they only serve different cuisines

from our country alone. Nor does it mean only adding

Continental and Chinese to the menu. Besides, theme

based and concept led restaurants and eateries are

popping up faster than popcorn all over the country.

The interest generated in world cuisine through the

various media in the past few years, has opened up the

mind of even the most conservative of us. The friendly

faces cooking up a storm and all the oooooohing and

aaaaaahing and rolling of the eyes, of the tasting done

at the end, has all of us ready to run out and try out

the dish at the first available opportunity. More often

than not you will find that you can start and carry on

a long conversation with a complete stranger if you

bring in food in the picture. Several Foodies

have given up great jobs to follow their food

dreams. Not just to indulge their passions but

with a definite vision of success. Their absolute

faith that today people are willing to pay any

price to satisfy their varied cravings, their

need to experiment, their quest for adventure,

keeps success well within reach. Look around

you, every day a new restaurant seems to

have popped up. But don’t be fooled as there

are several avid Foodies, working in other

industries ,who have given their companies

food related names. An interesting way to

spice up their lives…PUN INTENDED!

I am having NON stop hair fall

even after one year of delivery.

Need a remedy. Please advice.

ANSWeRHair loss after child birth is a normal phenomenon .It is nothing to get scared about or to get stressed about ,sometimes new moms are surprised to find themselves shedding more hair than usual in the first few months after giving birth, but it’s perfectly normal. And there’s no need to panic: You won’t go bald. In fact, your hair should be back to normal by your baby’s first birthday.

Few days back I had a patient in my clinic. She was so depressed and visibly worried. She started crying and mentioned Doctor I am now 3 months postpartum and all of the sudden my drain is clogged with hair. When I wash my hair I have a fistful of hair every time I put my hand through my hair. I am afraid that I will have NO HAIR left in a few weeks. I am finding hairs everywhere in the house, on me, and my son!

Does it mean that i am going bald, Dr please help.

First we have to reassure the patient that it is absolutely normal. Problem starts only when patient has severe hair loss even after 7-8 months .This is the time to see a Trichologist.

Let us first understand what the problem is:-Normally, about 85 to 95 percent of the hair on your head is growing and the other 5 to 15 percent is in a resting stage. After the resting period, this hair falls out — often while you’re brushing or shampooing it — and is replaced by new growth. An average woman sheds about 100 hairs a day.

During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen prolong the

HAIR RAISING QUESTIONSQ&A wITHCS’s HAIR EXPERT

CHENNAI SPICE QUERIES

growing stage. There are fewer hairs in the resting stage and fewer falling out each day, so you have thicker, more luxuriant tresses.

After you give birth, your estrogen levels take a tumble and a lot more hair follicles enter the resting stage. Soon you’ll have more hair coming out in the shower or on the brush. This unusual shedding will taper off and your hair will be back to its pre-pregnancy thickness about six to 12 months after you give birth. It is not necessary that all women should notice dramatic changes in their hair during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Among those who do, it tends to be more obvious among women with longer hair.

HoW To STop HAIR loSS?

You should continue striving for a healthy diet and taking your prenatal vitamins or a daily multivitamin recommended by your doctor. Those vitamins and minerals that were good for your growing baby such as iron, B12, biotin, omega-3s and healthy proteins are also essential for healthy hair growth.

Flavonoids strengthen the little blood vessels supplying the hair follicles and make the hair roots stronger. Diet supplements are also known to assist with hair evolution. The most effective vitamin supplements are Biotin, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc and these are cheerfully at single’s disposal in multivitamin capsules.

MAIL US send in your hair related queries to [email protected]


I would suggest that you take Biotin Supplements. Biotin is recognized for promoting blood sugar stability and is an important component of nutritional health. When used daily, Biotin is a key component in maintaining healthy blood sugar and has been linked to cosmetic benefits such as reducing hair loss and repairing brittle nails. Continue your Iron and folic acid supplements.

For external application you can try to use following herbal preparations which helps to reduce your hair loss.

1. Coconut milk is among the richest source of tissue – nourishing, plant derivatives .Excellent home remedy for soft hair and regenerating dead follicles

Concoction of coconut oil mixed with half the amount of Amla oil. Add little lime juice to the mixture.

The following is very effective for scalp healing, receding hairline.

2. Dry peels of lemons and oranges can be used beneficially to stop the hair loss along with soap- nut (reetha)

Boil lemon and orange peel along with reetha and hibiscus flower. Massage the scalp with this decoction and rinse. This can be used thrice a week.

Hair pack - 2tbsp

Egg -1 full egg

Curd – 1 tbsp

Aloe vera gel -1tbsp

HAIR RAISING QUESTIONSQ&A wITHCS’s HAIR EXPERT

CHENNAI SPICE QUERIES

Almond oil (roghn-e-badam shreen) – 1tbsp

Olive oil - 1tbsp

Castor oil – 5-6 drops

Avocado – ½ ripe fruit

Herbal hair decoction - enough to make the paste.

Mix all the ingredients and make a past, apply over scalp and hair.

Leave them over for 1-1 ½ hr and then wash it off with mild shampoo.

If the problem is severe, consult a Tricologist. It is a very common problem. I see 2-3 patients with Alopecia Areata per day in my clinic .Timely treatment is very important

Above all keep your mind at peace. Though it is difficult to achieve but not impossible.

1. Meditation is a valuable tool to relax your body and calm your mind.

2. Yoga and Pranayama helps a lot in bringing down the stress levels. There by contributes in reducing the hair loss.

STAY POSITIVE: If we keep an optimistic mindset we can improve our health and physical well-being. Listen and be aware of your thoughts. Replace negative with positive thoughts for a week and see what happens.

MAIL US send in your hair related queries to [email protected]


dr. Talat salim is a professional Trichologist

(specializing in treatment of Hair and Scalp disorders)

She is one of the very few Trichologists in south India.

She completed her graduation from Dr. MGR Medical

University Tamil Nadu. She was awarded Gold Medal

for securing highest marks in her batch. She completed

her post-graduation (Doctor of Medicine) in alternative

medicines from Indian Board of Alternate Medicine,

Calcutta. She graduated Tricology from ‘The Trichological

Society London’ UK with highest honours. She is a

fully qualified Trichologist and Licentiate of Trichological

Society, UK.

Her unique specialism is the diagnosis, counselling and

treatment of National & International patients suffering

Scalp and Hair Diseases and Disorders like dandruff,

scalp scaling conditions, scalp itching, seborrhoeic

eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis,

pigmentation of skin and warts removal.

From her long established Sehat scalp and hair clinic in

Chennai, she has successfully researched and developed

her own products dealing exclusively with problems

associated with Hair and Scalp.

She has a wealth of expertise and experience in the

successful treatment of the many conditions that can

affect the hair and scalp.

HAIR RAISING EXPErTDR. TALAT SALIm

CHENNAI SPICE PANEL

MAIL US

USEFUL TIP SHEETHemA VASudeVAN

CHENNAI SPICE TIPS

A mINI FACIAL AT HOmE.

Step1:Cleanse your face with a cleanser or a mild

soap.

Step2:Add some mint leaves or pudina and a

spoon of lime juice to boiling water and steam

your face for ten minutes.This will open up the

pores and clean them.The dirt that clog the pores

are mainly responsible for skin damage.

Step 3:Now wash your face using an exfoliating

scrub or a home made one with curd and sugar.

Step 4:Apply a face pack that would suit your skin

and cover eyelids with cucumber slices.

Step5:Roll ice cube wrapped in cloth to close

the pores.moisturise your skin with a nourishing

moisturiser.

VALENTINE’S DAy OFFErS

CHENNAI SPICE


CLASSIFIEDSJOB OFFErS

CHENNAI SPICE

CLASSIFIEDSCATErING

CHENNAI SPICE

CLASSIFIEDSBUSINESS OFFErS

CHENNAI SPICE

Trinity associates, a decade young Recruitment Consultancy Firm

requires for their clientele the following professionals:

Lighting designer : 1 to 3 years experience in lighting design with a

Architectural/Lighting Design Firm ; Job Location: Bengaluru ; Industry:

Interior Design

asst. General Manager – Lines : 8-10 years in sales/ business

development role in the shipping/liner industry, to head the south region.

Job Location: Chennai; Industry: Shipping

Manager – IT( software) : 7-8 years in Software Application Support

in a Corporate ; for a Shipping & Logistics Co. : Job Location: Chennai ;

Industry: Logistics

Project Manager – saP: 8-10 years in SAP development,

implementation, to lead a team of 40 SAP Consultants ; Job Location:

Chennai ; Industry: Software (ERP)

academic Coordinator: 3-4 years in Academic Operations/

Training Operations, to coordinate for the management programmes ;

Job Location: manamai( Near mahabalipuram); Industry: management

Education

Suitable candidates could email their updated resume to career@

trinityassociates.co.in or call +91 44-24482045 for further

details on the above vacancies.

are you missing the traditional sambar Podi, appalam,

Vadaams, Pickles etc ? we are here to serve your need. we

prepare and door deliver Home made food products straight from

our kitchen to your doorstep. For more details contact :

sai Kailash homely Foods, Chennai - 5.

mobile: +91 94441 70338 Email : saikailash.foods@gmail.

com

facebook.com/saikailash.homelyfoods

Our Products : Sambar Podi | Rasa Podi | Paruppu Podi | Idly Podi

| Ellu Podi | Karuveppilai Podi | Javvirisi Vadaam | Villai Vadaam |

Kattai Vadaam | Onion Vadaam | Appalam | Sundaikkai Vaththal |

manathakkali Vathal | Pickles

door delivery available for chennai customers. For

outstation orders , we will send through courier.

unveil an enticing range of Indian handicrafts in Tanjore

style by integrating contemporary design with evergreen classical

styles! Creative Campus offers you a unique range of Tanjore

Paintings and gift articles including Trays, mirrors,Jewel Box,Photo

Frames,marapaachi dolls and much more! For further details contact

- Ramaa Ramesh at +91 9840779253

a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Isn’t it? Let me introduce aVON, the world’s

largest direct selling company. It offers a wide range of products from Skincare and

cosmetics to Perfumes and Jewellery. Do call me at +91 95000 95950 or email

me at [email protected] and receive the latest AVON brochure filled

with exciting offers! Remember Beauty matters! www.in.avon.com


ART & CULTUrEACADEmy OF INDIAN mUSIC& ARTS

CONTENT By

CHENNAI SPICE

dId yOu KNOW?The Sarangi is one of the most emotive stringed instruments we find today in the Hindusthani classical music.

It is a bowed, string instrument which originated from Gandarbha folk instruments. It is still commonly played by the Gaine or Gandarbha ethnic group. It plays an important role in Nepalese classical music tradition also. The word Sarangi is derived from two Nepali words : Saya (meaning hundred) and rang (meaning colour) hence meaning the instrument of 100 colours .Just like Violin , sārangā said to most resemble the sound of the human voice – able to imitate vocal ornaments such as gamakas (shakes) and meend (sliding movements).

Carved from a single block of tun (red cedar) wood, the sarangi has a box-like shape with three hollow chambers: pet (stomach), chaati(chest) and magaj (brain). It is usually around 2 feet (0.61 m) long and around 6 inches (150 mm) wide though it can vary as there are smaller as well as larger variant sarangis as well. There are three main playing strings and approximately 35- 37 sympathetic steel or brass strings. The neck has ivory/bone platforms on which the fingers slide to play .

But today, Sarangi enjoys the status of a solo classical instrument in hIndusthani concert scenario. Well known Sarangi players include Pt .Ram Narain, Ustad Sultan Khan , Mamman khan, Nathu Khan, Shakoor Khan, Sagiruddin Khan, Hanuman Prasad Mishra, Abdul Lateef Khan, Ustad Sabri Khan etc. Sarangi is also widely used in film music industry.

The Academy of Indian Music & Arts

(AIMA),founded in 1984 by the legendary

musician Padma Bhushan Dr. T.V.

Gopalakrishnan and is registered Charitable

Trust. Starting off with humble beginnings, it

has enabled its students to grow holistically.

46, Al Khauser, First Floor, 4th Main Road,

Gandhinagar, Adyar, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu 600020

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

+91 44 24466678 / +91 8754402523


ART & CULTUrEACADEmy OF INDIAN mUSIC& ARTS

CONTENT By

CHENNAI SPICE

REALITY SHOW TRAINING Basic & Advanced

PLAYBACK SINGING TRAINING Basic & Advanced

46, Al Khauser, First Floor, 4th Main Road,

Gandhinagar, Adyar, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu 600020

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

+91 44 24466678 / +91 8754402523

Across

1. Sarangi is this kind of instrument.

3. Author of the tamil epic Silappathiakaram.

4. The Tamizh name for raga.

6. The great musician tansen adorned the court of thisEmperor.

7. The bow of a violin is made of this animal's hair.

9. Kuchipudi is the official dance form of this state ofIndia.

Down

1. Vande matharam was composed by him.

2. Saxophone is a this kind instrument.

5. The descenT of a musical scale is called.

8. One who plays a veena is called this.

AIMA 2

AImA CULTUrE

QUIz 0002


Across







Down





AIMA 2

Across







Down





AIMA 2

AImA CULTUrE QUIz 0001

wINNERCONGrATULATIONS

Deepak raghuraman

email the answers to

[email protected]

The winner will be announced

in the next issue.

Kran shree Gem Consultants provides consultation on gems that can control the

body’s energy-flow by diverting the negative impacts and increasing the positive

influence of the planets governing the horoscope. Kran Shree consults and offers

100% genuine dosha free gems, whose effect can be felt within the first 30 days

at highly competitive prices almost 15% below market price.

GEM CONsuLTaNTs

BARGAINSTUFF!

CONNECT M: +91 98846 80708

rs.2500-4000/carat rs.2000-3000/carat

rs.500-800/carat

rs.1800/carat

15% lesser than Market Price

rs.2000/carat

rs.1800/carat

rs.2000/carat

rs.400/carat

ruBy: Burma 5 carat size2-3 carat - Rs.2000-2500

PEarLs: Hyderabad Pearls 1-5 carat - Rs.400Seminatural - 1 carat - Rs.650/-Bassa(Natural) - 1 carat - Rs.3000-15000/-

saPhIrE: 1-2 Carat - Rs.2000-3000/caratCeylon 2-3 carat - Rs.3000-6000/caratCeylon 4-5 carat - Rs.8000 - 10000Bangkok Yellow Saphire 15% lesser than market.

COraL: 1-3 Carat - Rs500-800/carat4-5 carat - Rs.900/Carat

dIaMONds: Dosha free diamonds at 15% lesser than market price.

BLuE saPhIrE: 1Carat - Rs2000/carat2-4 carat - Rs.4000/Carat

GOMEdhaGaM: 1-3 Carat - Rs.18004-5 Carat - Rs.10000

EMEraLd: 1-2 Carat - Rs.18003-4 Carat - Rs.4000-5000 /carat

CaT’s EyE: 1-2 Carat - Rs.20004-5 Carat - Rs.4000-6000 /carat


KRANSHREE

CONNECT WITH US:

facebook.com/SpiceHunt

chennai spice | february 16th 2013 release

Documents

pmaround chennai

connectchennai spice

home garden

ashvita bistro

home bakers

s e q u e n c eup

biggest flea market

ashivta bistro