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Binoy Nazareth Steps into Serendipity in Maldives

Dreaming of a sun-drenched hideaway?  Binoy Nazareth invites you to experience serendipity in Maldives. If you want to explore enchanted getaways, I would suggest adding Maldives to your bucket list as a wonderful and most-wanted destination. Known as the Republic of Maldives, this gorgeous small archipelago island country is in South Asia in the Arabian Sea in a region of the Indian Ocean. Spanning almost over 298 square kilometers or 115 square miles, Maldives is part of a chain of 26 atolls with just 515,696 inhabitants. Otherwise known as the ‘King’s Island’, this island country with Male as its capital is a terrestrial Eco region with a huge submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean.  Its capital has housed many ancient royal dynasties with a lineage which goes back into antiquity.

You can stay in one of the comfortable hotels at this beautiful vacation spot and enjoy your island sojourn. All you have to do is pick up one of the reasonable flights to Maldives from Travelocity and just take off. Though Maldives is a year-round destination, it is best to visit between December and April to experience dry weather. You can take a pleasure trip during May to August if you fancy dancing in the rain! With exciting places to go and things to do, Maldives offers a serendipitous haven where you can relax on the beach, go on rejuvenating canoe rides, snorkel or swim in the languid blue waters.

Maldives offers a Serendipitous Journey

Picture-perfect, pleasurable and preserving, Maldives as an archipelago showcases 1,190+ small coral islands and is home to The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Declared as a UNESCO Biosphere, this stupendous reserve located in the west of Maldives in the Indian Ocean houses a starling number of flora and fauna. You can witness countless, frigate birds, whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, manta rays and sharks. With incredible coral reefs including black coral, tropical islands and mangroves, this spectacular biosphere also manages marine protected areas.

I love islands and have added Maldives as a great holiday spot to visit in the near future. I have looked up the travel news where you can choose marvelous travel sites to explore and enjoy. If you are an adventurous type, you can experience exciting wind surfing, diving, banana rides with the family, jet skiing or go wake boarding across the lagoon. You can experience a gorgeous sunrise and sunset from your resort, liveaboards or guest house or from one of the great hotels you are staying in at Maldives.

Take off on a Delicious Journey

The chef in me yearns to taste the delicious and traditional dishes of Maldives! Going on night dives and wreck dives can make you hungry and this is what I am planning to do and that is to take a dive into Garudhiya or fragrant fish soup, Boshi mashuni or banana flower salad, the famous Bis keemiya or samosa and Saagu bondibai or sago pudding. One of the best things to do while contemplating a break, it to run through www.expedia.com and pick expedia flights where you can enjoy exciting dishes and see historic places, not to forget lounging on great beaches!

If you are a history buff, one of the places to visit is Utheemu Ganduvaru which is the birthplace and home of the famous Maldivian hero, Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. Another place to include in your sight-seeing is the official palace of the President at Muleeaage which is a must-see in Malé. Hukuru Miskiiy and the Munnaaru in Malé City weave a spiritual atmosphere with ancient structures and is also a popular place of worship. Visitors who love islands can take off island hopping to visit the island of Kaashidoo which is about 86 kilometers from Malé. This special mosque here is made of coral and is the place where the 12th century royal copper chronicles, 'Isdhoo Loamaafaanu', were kept in a special chamber. 

Get the Most out of a Beach Vacation

 Are you ready to take the family on a beach vacation? You are sure to get great travel deals on Travelocity with cheap air tickets. Maldives offers exciting recreational activities for tourists with a range of things to do. Fuamulaku is located in the southern region of the Maldivian archipelago and is famous for its exotic fruits. Kids will have great fun playing on the incredible beaches and building sandcastles. If you are an explorer at heart, you will enjoy the whale submarine tour where you can sight sea life in their habitats. The azure Nalaguraidhoo Beach is a must-see for the laid-back travellers with its pristine surroundings. You can satisfy the tastebuds with Mas Huni or shredded and smoked tuna with coconut which pairs well with Roshi or chapati bread which you can get here.

If you are keen on sightseeing, then you must see the reclaimed island of Hulhumale with its golden-domed mosque. The divers or the brave at heart can take off to dive at the famous and popular dive site at Banana Reef with its exotic fish and sea mammals or they can launch off on a cruise of the Indian Ocean. After all these recreational sports and activities, you can surely indulge in an array of Maldivian food which is a delicious blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, Oriental and Arabic influences. Try out the Bis Keemiya which is a pastry with tuna or hardboiled egg and/or onions. The journey of deliciousness goes on with Tandoori spiced reef fish cutlet served with yummy chutneys, Kulhi Boakibaa which is a fish cake and Gulha or tuna filled dumplings which tastes great with tea or coffee. Choose reasonable vacation packages and fill in your vacation with fabulous fun!

 Maldives offers a jam-packed holiday with catamaran sailing, private fishing for couples, watching a movie under the stars and a breath-taking underwater spa where you can watch sea life and unwind. This beautiful island country fills the senses and caters to the taste buds with Aluvi Boakibaa which is a coconut and cassava cake, Rihaakuru or a spicy fish paste, fish curry, the Tharukaaree Riha or a vegetable curry and you can top your meal with a heavenly Gulab Jamun which is a marvellous dessert. Live a laid-back life at a gorgeous island and sip kalhu sai or black tea or kiru sai which is milk tea. If you fancy a stronger beverage, try out the special Biyadhoo Maldivian, an alcoholic drink blended with fruit juice. Or sip the intoxicating Lucky & Al where you can they hear the music of the universe! Maldives invites you to taste the heavenly life at its exotic locale.

Binoy Nazareth Welcomes You to Live Life to the Fullest

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Binoy Nazareth American Chicken recipe

Transforming a Culinary Repertoire with Chicken

Inspiring the taste buds and the gourmet in you, chicken dishes have come home to roost as the ubiquitous food which has crossed cultural horizons to offer the palate passion and pleasure. Hitting the culinary spotlight with a cadenza of flavor and aroma, the simple chicken or Gallus gallus domesticus displays a mild taste and with its uniform texture can be transformed into any type of culinary concoction.

Making inroads into a vast culinary arena, chicken has conquered the world with a rich and delicious history. Journeying into a delicious path, the famous chicken has traversed through global terrain and has made an impression with its accessibility, low cost, nutritional value and versatility. As an all-time favorite, the chicken absorbs the flavors of any ingredient and has been used in innovative ways around the globe.

Explore Versatile, Vibrant and Vivacious Chicken Dishes

Binoy Nazareth has been known for his culinary skills and expertise in whipping up an awesome array of delicious dishes fit for the gods. He says that the much-loved and much-favored chicken has the ability to transform into a delicious dish whether it is grilled, barbecued, roasted, pan-seared, deep-fried or just used in a gravy, curry, stew, soup or sauce. With its flavor-absorbing base, chicken has been the inspiration of myriad recipes right from BBQ Chicken pizza, Chicken tortillas to pot pies and curries.

Does anyone stop to think of the number of times that they have eaten chicken? Transforming itself into part and parcel of life, chicken has found its way into salads, chicken fingers, nuggets, soups and countless dishes which has soothed hunger pangs and satisfied even the fussiest eater. With almost every part of the chicken being used in dishes for lunch, dinner or snack time, it has turned out to be an inexpensive protein and a healthy meal option.

Chicken is King

Lauded by nutritionists all over the world, the chicken with its lean white meat contributes to a satisfying meal and is also low on calories. Being an intrepid traveler, Binoy emphasizes that a chicken dish when cooked in various ways is sure to satisfy the travel bug in you. He says that dishes taken from various cultures like curried chicken or enchiladas and infused with Indian or Mexican flavors can transport your traveling soul into an exotic dimension. Chicken inspires the gourmet in you where you can try out fusion cuisine, says Binoy who has experimented with even the most intricate chicken recipes from all over the world.

You can reinvent recipes, says Binoy, right from crispy fried to succulent roasted chicken which can speak volumes as a standalone dish or as a hearty meal. Binoy Nazareth delves into the aspirations of culinary talents to give you a favorite chicken recipe to suit any occasion or just a family dinner or lunch. Here is an all-time favorite which is guaranteed to fill the mind, body and soul with the wholesome spirit of taste and a delicious journey.

What you need:

Ingredients

Chicken drumstick with skin 8 pieces

¾ cup of Tomato sauce

2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

3 cloves of crushed garlic

½ cup of chicken stock

2 large onions sliced thin

I tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Equipment or cooking utensils needed:

1 saucepan

1 casserole dish

1 frying pan

What to do:

Method

Take a clean saucepan and pour oil into it. Wait till it heats up and fry the crushed garlic.

Next, add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup of chicken stock, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ¾ cup of tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes while gently stirring the mixture.

Take a frying pan and pour oil in it. Wait till it heats up and brown the chicken drumsticks with the skin. Fry the chicken gently for a few minutes. Place the browned chicken drumsticks in a casserole and dribble the sauce over the chicken pieces.

Bake the chicken in the oven which has been heated up to 180C.

After 15 minutes, place the thinly sliced onion and baste.

Bake the chicken for 35 minutes while basting every 10 minutes.

Bon appétit! Your delicious American Chicken is now ready. Have a great meal!

Options & Add-ons

You can also use red wine instead of the Worcestershire sauce, water instead of chicken stock and chicken thighs can replace drumsticks.

American Chicken can be accompanied with bread, vegetables, salads and mashed potatoes.

This great dish can be accompanied with white wine, fruit or vegetable juice or a long cool drink.

Add on a scrumptious dessert for that finishing touch.

Recipe taken from:

A very tasty chicken dish with a delicious tomato and onion gravy.

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The Ruminations of a Gourmet in Montana

Exploring Mesmerizing Montana

 Loving every minute of a passionate adventure through the food trails around the globe and being an ardent and avid gourmet, I decided to treat my palate to a spin around Montana to discover the health and the wealth of bison steak. With thoughts of food fit for the adventurer and being an intrepid traveler, I dreamt of traversing the diverse terrain of Montana to indulge in a treasure trove of the most authentic and delicious dishes to add to my repertoire of food tours. With the awakening of exotic appetites and the deliciously colorful carousel of the food train, my taste buds took me across the diverse terrain of Montana to capture the love of food and the pleasures that it offers to a passionate soul.

 Who can suppress the spirit of an adventurer who can carve eternal solace with a delightful spread of food trails? The aspiring chef in me brought out a way to soar to the highest pinnacle of ecstasy while choosing a culinary adventure. Vast and wild, Montana displays wide-open spaces with the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountain, the Glacier National Park and uncultivated regions which offer the essence of adventure. There are nothing like wide open spaces which celebrate the spirit of freedom and Montana perfects the art of diversity with its snow-called peaks and innumerable hiking trails that whip up the appetite to a crescendo of palate-pleasing experiences.    

 All for the Love of Bison Steak

 My culinary journey yearned for the aroma, the texture of flavors and the fragile yet fresh natural ingredients that go to conjuring up a masterpiece. Born of the desire to taste and relish bison meat and its various concoctions, my travel through Montana took my taste buds across a heritage of a rich agriculture and products grown locally. I looked forward to the delicious treats that lay ahead of me as I went toured across the famous ghost towns for Bannock State Park, Virginia City and Nevada City with its 19th century structures and incredible artifacts. Perfect and pleasurable, Montana offers hot springs, wineries, scenic drives and great activities. Yes, in-between sight-seeing and quenching my thirst with awesome wines, I took off to enjoy the much-sought after Bison steaks, Bison burgers and Bison meatballs.

 While the gourmet and the foodie in me sampled delectable Huckleberry macaroons, steak and potato pasty, breakfast frittata, Rancher’s pizza, elk burgers and Lifty Dog, I wallowed in the delicious dining scenario. My taste buds crackled and I heard a distinct echo of my stomach congratulating me when I spent considerable amount of time relishing Bison steaks at the popular historic Montana Lodge and Bison Potstickers. Dating back to well over a 1000 years, bison meat is nutritious and tasty and has become an authentic American food. The Native American tribes used almost all parts of the bison with the bladder being transformed into medicine bags and the bones becoming shovels.

 Discovering the Brilliant Bison Food Tour

 You can almost predict my culinary travel through Montana which is one of the best bison meat producers in the U.S.A. Every nerve in me declared that I should take the food trail in Montana which leads to the best bison meat restaurants. Off I went through beautiful scenic sights which took me to the popular Cafe Kandahar which served game sausage, game paté and grilled bison tenderloin. The Andiamo Italian Grille at Big Sky Resort took me over the moon with their special Montana Osso Buco or the Chianti Braised Bison Shank which is a slow-roasted bison dish. You can imagine my delight as I discovered many other Montana restaurants which served bison entrees with the taste buds tingling from the lasagna to burgers.

While the traveler in me took off to enjoy great sights, Butte beckoned with its jaw-dropping adventures through underground tours and a much-talked about history. My innate talents as an aspiring Chef were inspired as I tasted the Montana favorites such as sausage onion soup, the famous Sleigh Ride Dinner, Buckwheat pancakes, the twice-baked potato casserole and a kaleidoscope of delightful dishes. Making a vow to visit mesmerizing Montana, I made notes in my journal for a future date to rediscover the pleasures of the palate with the brilliance of bison meat delectables.

 Binoy Naareth Takes the Taste Buds on a Gourmet Travel in Montana

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Binoy Nazareth and the Italian Connection

Are you consumed by the power of wanderlust which takes you to places unknown, where you immerse your soul in the ethereal fantasies of Nature and discover the art of passion? I was led by my intuitive sense of adventure which took me to seek the treasures of history, culture and revel in a journey of the most talked-about cuisines of the world. With all roads leading to Rome, I was captured by the spirit of wanderlust as I ventured into the realms of Rome to seek hidden treasures surrounded by myths, mystery and mesmerizing facts of the much-visited tourist destination of Italy.

I was totally overwhelmed by Rome which is the capital of Italy with a history of almost 3,000 years of art, architecture and a haunting background of the Roman Empire. As a much-anticipated trip and a dream vacation, I set out on my Italian Connection tour by taking the sights and sounds and sensations of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica which was first on list followed by the eye-opening artistic Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel was a glorious entrée into the architecture of times gone by and an eternal ode to the celestial and captivating art of the 1400s. After a filling and satisfying ‘prima colazione’ which consisted of fette biscottate, caffè latte and cookies, I joined the merry band of adventurers to explore the treasures of Rome.

The City of Rome Makes an Offer You Can’t Refuse

I just loved the atmosphere and the warmth of the sun as it filtered through an ambience of immortality and filled the traveler’s soul with all things everlasting. I absorbed the Roman environment at the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Palace of Justice and the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II which reverberated with the culture of a charismatic time. I was just waiting to explore the taste of a Roman holiday and revel in the much-talked of Italian dishes. I enjoyed the famous Bruschetta which is a popular antipasto or appetizer, Supplì or fried rice croquettes stuffed with mozzarella and beef ragout and a pasta dish called Bucatini all'Amatriciana and of course, who could resist trying out the delicious gelato, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta?

While Rome had cast a spell over me, I was still raring to explore the romance and the dream-like sequence of gliding through the canals of Venice. Yes, I did try out the gorgeous gondola ride which was every bit like the guide books said they were. Being every traveler’s dream, Venice unrolled spectacular sights and experiences as I walked in awe through St. Mark's Cathedral, San Marco Square and the Doge Palace. The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello held a special interest for me with their incredible glass making crafts while displaying the lifestyle of the Venetians. Fascinating and ethereal, the gorgeous canals of Venice rendered a surrealistic feeling and it was natural to try out flavors of seafood being surrounded by water. I relished the delicious Sarde in saor, a sweet sour dish with fried sardine fillets, Risotto al nero di sepia, a seafood based rice dish and Baccala mantecato

or creamed dried cod including other fabulous specialties which consisted of game meats and the famous wines of Italy at the osterias and trattorias. Delighting the Palate with the Flavors of Italy Created for the fashionista, Milan as I expected was as fashionable as ever and chock full with famous boutiques and high-end designer outlets. I had read extensively about the historical sights of Milan and made it a point to visit the much-talked of grand Gothic Duomo. My gastronomic journey went on a flavorsome tour with Risotto alla Milanese textured to perfection, Cotoletta alla Milanese or veal cutlet, Cassouela made with

pork and Savoy cabbage stew and many other delicacies. I discovered tranquility and peace at the picturesque and picture perfect, Cinque Terre which means Five Villages and was transported into an ambience that was centuries old with colorful houses and vineyards clinging precariously to the sides of rugged cliffs. With harbors which were chock-a-bloc with fishing boats and trattorias with seafood cuisine, I marveled at the famous pesto which is a sauce from the Liguria region.

After visiting Pisa with its unique Leaning Tower which is also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli", or the "Square of Miracles", I traveled to explore the tourist destination of Sorrento, taste the famous Limoncello, relax at the  Marina Grande and absorb the bustling downtown which seemed like an everyday carnival. Being an adventurer at heart, I had decided to explore the ruins of Pompeii which had been destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

 Crafting the Art of an Italian Romance

Known as a popular backdrop for films and a great tourist destination, the Amalfi Coast delighted me with its pastel-colored fishing villages, sheer cliffs with lemon groves and dotted with appealing beaches which stretched across a rocky shoreline along the Tyrrhenian Sea. My taste buds were raring to go and I sat down to experience a combination of seafood and other great dishes with Scialatelli, a pasta in seafood sauce, ’Ndunderi, a type of pasta, Sarchiapone made with stuffed pumpkin, Pigniatello all’ amalfitana, a blend of seafood, Colatura di alici, a fermented fish sauce and a delicious dessert, Sfogliatella.

  I just loved the dashing town of Positano with its dramatic yet luxurious ambience. Painting a picturesque sight with its cliff-side village which cascaded with terracotta and pastel colored houses, this great tourist destination displayed fabulous shopping outlets, hotels shaded with hanging wisteria and awesome restaurants. Bringing the rich harvest of the ocean to satisfy the taste buds, the restaurants in Positano served an amazing array of the local dishes and I reveled in a feast of seafood fit for Neptune. Delighting the palate with a wide range of both gourmet and local tastes, the cuisine of Positano ranged out mouth-watering Spaghetti with mussels, Boiled Octopus dishes, Tubetti with Totani which squid, Linguine with Fresh Prawns, ravioli, Gnocchi, pasta and spaghetti with flavors divine washed down with Chianti Classico, Rosso di Montalcino,  Falerno del massico and other great Campania wines. cheese and liquors.  

As my Italian sojourn drew to a close, I was determined to bring alive the flavors of gorgeous Italy to tickle the taste buds which you will be delighted to read in my next adventure posting.

Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Delight the Taste Buds with the Flavors of Italy

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Binoy Nazareth Adds Croatia to His Bucket List

Explore the Secrets of Croatia

Zdravo (Hello in Croatian)! Welcome to the land of 1000 islands! Discover delicious food, unique culture and a misted over history of Croatia. If you are looking for a refreshing vacation or an adventure through walled towns or even a relaxing holiday by the sea, add Croatia to your bucket list. I am fascinated with Croatia where the sapphire waters make a deep impression on the soul and where the hidden treasures of Europe showcase the secrets of yesterday. Make friends and get kissed 3 times!! Or practice a language that draws you closer to the magnificence of Nature.

Pozdrav (greeting)! I am a beach person and would love to let the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea sweep through the mind with soft breezes and invigorate a vacation with the delights of Croatia. Located in Central and Southeast Europe in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia shares a maritime border with Italy and is bordered by Hungary to the northeast, Slovenia in the northwest, Serbis to the east and Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast.

Experience History that Touches the Heart

My bucket list is full of stimulating breaks! Transform your break with a walk through the history of Croatia and immerse yourself in its ancient past. If you are an aficionado of history, Croatia takes the history buff through the Cathedral of St Domnius in Split, the City Walls & Forts of Dubrovnik and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Take a spiritual tour through the Krka Monastery, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč and St James' Cathedral in Šibenik. Re-visit the past at the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula and let the echoes of the past roar with the cries of the crowd at the gladiator fights. Stop and relish Pasticada with gnocchi and the cuisines from various districts of Croatia with Black risotto, Strukli or pastry, the traditional and typical Pasticada with gnocchi and Peka with meat and vegetables.

I just adore seafood and the Buzara-style cooking with Scampi, mussels or shrimps na Buzarujsut takes the taste buds on a glorious journey while the Skradinski risotto is a treat for every foodie with its veal, ham, chicken, beef and onions. Croatia shares some news for the adventurer with hiking trails, climbing for the brave hearts and the Nature pundits at the Paklenica National Park in North Dalmatia and the Krka National Park with its waterfalls steeped in extraordinary karst and natural surroundings.

My bucket list is abuzz with things to do, places to see and exciting activities in Croatia. You can take off cycling, hiking or rafting to discover Nature’s splendors or walk through the ancient cobbled streets to experience the past. Being a beach lover, I would like to explore Korčula Island with its sandy beaches, small villages, the gorgeous old town, vineyards and olive groves. Stop off at the historic town of Trogir with its beautiful architecture, breathtaking sea views and palm trees. Hold your breath and dive down to absorb a spiritual exercise at the Blue Lagoon where you can surprise the mind with the Stations of the Cross.

Explore the Culinary Secrets of Croatia

My taste buds tingle with the culture of cuisines in Croatia and my culinary journey is rejuvenated with Croatian dishes which are both creative and captivating. Whipping up a storm with the fragrant Gregada an imaginative stew, the aspiring chef in me would love also to taste the rare Vitalac which originates from the island of Brač.  The mouth-watering dishes of Croatia evolve over delicacies such as Istarski fuzi, a pasta served with veal sauce, Brudet, a fish stew,  Viska and komiska pogaca, a savoury dish with salted fish and roasted turkey with mlinci pasta, a traditional Croatian pasta dish. You can top your incredible meal with wine, Grappa, Prosek or Maraschino. Croatia showcases a mind-boggling carousel of culinary delights which take you on a trip through sugary treats like Fritule, Apple Strudel, Bajamini, Krempite, walnut rolls and an array of mouth-watering desserts.

I have chosen Croatia especially as a distinctive summer and winter holiday destination where tourists can amaze their getaway with innumerable activities. Croatia offers fabulous sightseeing in summer and visitors can enjoy winter with the awesome sight of the frozen-over Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an experience at the Drubovnik Winter Festival or attend the various Drubovnik events at the Old Town, toast the season with mulled wine and cakes or stroll through the Advent and Christmas markets.

As I celebrate the spirit of relaxing and rejuvenating, my bucket list teems over with spectacular winter activities in Croatia which includes reviving at the thermal spas, skiing and indulging in a day trip to the Neretva Valley also known as the ‘Garden of Drubovnik’. Take off and mingle with the culture of carnivals in Croatia or explore a museum and relax on the beach with a glass of the famed Croatian wine.

Binoy Nazareth Takes You on a Must-see Destination for all Seasons

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Binoy Nazareth Experiences the Rain in Spain

Experience the Exhilaration of Spain

Hola! Are you ready to experience the land of the flaming flamenco, football and fiesta? Bienvenidos! Come with me to experience the rain in Spain, the fascinating cities, gorgeous beaches and the captivating culture. I am and will always be intrigued by the kingdom of Spain located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. With endless and attractive sights, things to do and explore, Spain has been featured on my bucket list as an exhilarating destination.

In my mind, the land of exotic and vibrant Spain is the epitome of color which takes you by surprise and wonder. I was so intrigued by La Piel de Toro or The Bull Skin as it is popularly called, that I started making notes of the exciting sights, festivals and especially the delicious dishes that I was going to experience. I was also planning on being chased by the bulls at the much-awaited ‘Running of the Bulls’ at a noted Andalusian city called Pamplona which also showcases Islamic architecture. I am just waiting to include interesting and inviting fiestas like the Fiesta de los Patios and the Romería de Nuesra Señora de le Cabeza which has been held for over 800 years!  Can you imagine being covered with ripe tomatoes at La Tomatina where you will be dripping over with juice from tomatoes? Sightseeing in Spain covers innumerable UNESCO heritage sites, art museums the most famous being the Museo del Prado, the Picasso Museum, the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Guggenheim Museum and of course other awesome destinations.

Go on a Tasteful Sojourn with Breathtaking Culinary Adventures

Being an ardent chef and a foodie at heart, my adventurous spirit has been inspired by gourmet and peasant cuisines. Steeped in Mediterranean roots, Spain showcases the popular paella which can be combined with vegetables, seafood or meats. I am waiting to devour pescaíto frito or fried fish, Castilian soup, vegetable and fish-based stews, the lightly cured lacón ham and a variety of seafood. It would be great to start off my day with graham crackers and Magdalena, a sweet muffin before I move to an adventure-filled culinary journey with a before-lunch snack of bocadillos calientes which are hot sandwiches filled with bacon, tortilla, pork loin and sausage.

Disfruta tu comida…enjoy your food! That’s what warms the cockles of my heart! I just love the cultural influences of Spain with its Mediterranean Spain, Inner Spain and the Atlantic Spain cuisines that range over soups like gazpacho, rice based dishes, stews and seafood. It would be wonderful to sit down to a meal filled with culinary delights after exploring the cathedrals, museums and the awesome architecture of Barcelona. Exhibiting the much-talked about Catalan cuisine, Barcelona showcases the famed truffled sweet potato, cod brandade and oxtail soup to enchant the taste buds of adventurous spirits. Madrid opens out avenues of shopping with its central barrio and is ideal for picking up quirky gifts and souvenirs. Which adventurer is not fascinated by history? I just love the passionate and sophisticated lifestyle of Spain as it uncovers the secrets of the Alhambra in Granada with its fortified palace, the seat of the Nasrid emirs.

Witness a Kaleidoscope of Sights, Sounds and Sensations

If you love exploring, the Alcázar in Seville ranges out the Mudéjar and Christian architecture which houses the UNESCO-listed palace complex of Palacio de Don Pedro which is breathtaking and memorable taking pride of place. Enriching a rich culture, Córdoba beckons with its spacious and remarkable Mezquita. Toning up the sweet life, I would just adore to sink into a cushion of oblivion at Ibiza and relax on the sun-drenched beach sipping a Cava and enjoying the Tapas or starters. Did I tell you that the beaches of Tenerife, Mallorca and Gran Canaria are just as inviting and relaxing? I could sit all day watching the waves and chilling out with great seafood dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega or boiled octopus, Sepia or cuttlefish, Calamares or squid, Buñuelos de Bacalao deep fried and breaded cod, garlic shrimp or Gambas Ajillo  and Pescado Frito or fried fish.

My bucket list seems to grow immeasurably with sights, sounds and sensations of Spain as you visit San Sebastián. Your day will turn into myriad adventures as you explore the amazing Aquarium and its marine life. Not to miss sights are the scenic Parque de Cristina Enea, the fiesta-inspiring Playa de la Concha and the Playa de Ondarreta and the Kursaal which showcases cultural and conference centers. You can make a pit stop at the numerous bars and cafes where you can enjoy the pintxos and sip Horchata, a non-alcoholic drink, Sangria, sherry wine or Fino and Cider or Sidra.   Be it the flamenco, the fiestas, the fiery nightlife or the fascinating sights, Spain is one of the must-see destinations which will be etched in your heart, mind and soul.   Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Experience Spain – A Destination to the Heart

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Binoy Nazareth Shares His Dream Destination Bucket List

Light up Your Life with Alaska’s Aurora Borealis

Want to weave your adventure with all that’s wild, wonderful and winsome? Come and enjoy my dream destination bucket list and go on a wanderlust journey. Open the doors to dream destinations that will help to power the inspiration to go on an endless sojourn. I have always longed for adventure and the opportunity to experience unique places. This time, I decided to discover the unique, unusual and unforgettable appeal of Alaska. Yes, of course I did go through several vacation websites and was totally convinced to embark on a memorable holiday in Alaska.

Come with me and discover extraordinary facts about Alaska. I had always been intrigued by the Northern lights or the famous Aurora Borealis that shimmers over Alaska and is witnessed by tourists from all over the world. This incredible destination is the only state that has coastlines which range over the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Can you imagine padding up with your warmest clothes in one of the coldest places in the world and taking off to explore the much-talked about 100 volcanoes and the volcanic fields? You can go hiking, fishing, watch dog mushing or just sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Enjoy a Natural Holiday in a Cool Destination

Discover a laidback holiday in a cool place where there is more inland water than any other state in USA. There are over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska. Just imagine enjoying exciting sports like skiing, kayaking and mountain biking. I could just spend days in the great outdoors and explore the huge Denali National Park with its flora and fauna. With any amount of accommodations of all types, one can also find RV parks and camping grounds to suit hard-core Nature afficionados!

Have you ever thought about sitting in a snug restaurant all warmly clad and tucking into the most delicious Alaskan dishes? This has been topmost in my mind since I am an aspiring chef and adventurer rolled into one! Are you ready for Alaska’s mouth-watering and delicious dishes that evolve over scrumptious seafood, wild berry cobbler topped by your favorite wines and beers? This is the life…the real McCoy, I thought this is what happens when you set off to a natural sojourn, your dream wish comes true with natural offerings. Alaska is a truly inspirational place which offers the most iconic dishes that range over food for the soul with wild berry jellies and jams. A true blue foodie could have a smorgasbord of delights with cold water seafood, game meats, sourdough bread, reindeer dogs, seafood chowder, black cod, prime ribs, smoked salmon, chocolate bread, gumbo, King crab and Eskimo Ice Cream better known as "Aqutak" or "Agutuk”.

Discover a Gourmet Smorgasbord

Refreshing…This is what I call a rejuvenating holiday where you need to blend in with the locals, eat like a local and breathe in the natural air at intriguing destinations. Open your mind and taste the essence of tradition with dishes made from walrus, fish, whales, moose meat, caribou meat, seal meat and oils which is not only delicious but also helps to keep one warm! Every holiday of mine has been filled with experience and learning which was needed to be in sync with my spirit of adventure which manifests itself in what I eat, where I choose to go and all of my passions!

Join me on my Alaskan sojourn topped to the brim with activities for all types of adventurers with zip lining through the Boreal Forest in Denali, going on a cruise or a fishing expedition. Breathtaking and brilliant, Alaska unravels the keys to its wondrous sights with The Great Land evolving over five regions covering the Arctic, the  Inside Passage, the Southcentral, Interior, and Southwest. Home to the home to the Inupiat Eskimos who still live there, the Arctic ranges out incredible sights. The Inside Passage holds the secrets of Alaska’s flora and fauna with lush scenes and fjords. The Southcentral takes you to view enriching experiences of wildlife viewing, hiking and world-class with innumerable lakes and mountains. With a hilly terrain, the Southwest evolves over hills and plains while the Interior unrolls the Tundra experience.

With awesome activities and events, you can take part in the Fur Rendezvous festival in Anchorage, Running of the Reindeer, dog mushing or absorbing the tranquil northern lights. But wait, if there is a vestige of a chef in you and if Alaska is the place which has taken you to the land of intrigue, then you must try uutngungsaat, mouse food, negaasget, iitat and marallat which are roots made in to a wondrous soup. With the ice-cold atmosphere in Alaska, the locals use the fermentation technique which preserves certain foods such as stinkeggs and stinkhead. Being a seafood fan, I am waiting to try out Crab-Stuffed Halibut, Spot Prawns, Caribou soup Oysters and a host of delicious culinary Alaskan skills. 

Follow Binoy Nazareth’s foray into the Secrets of an Alaskan Experience

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Binoy Nazareth Goes On a Gator Trail in Florida

Explore Exciting Encounters in Fantastic Florida

What could be more exciting than to journey through “the Sunshine State” where the brilliant light brightens your day and takes the taste buds on an adventurous mode? I planned my sunshine with great excitement to include Florida’s fantastic food and its perfect days filled with sunshine. Known as the “Land of Flowers” in Spanish, Florida in the United States of America evolves on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with its borders ranging over the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama.

Sensational with sunny days filled to the brim with encounters of exciting days, I headed to the gorgeous shores of Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, South Beach and the Panama City Beach. Rocking with life and exhilaration, my days were leveraged with awesome vibrant activities at Florida’s theme parks and water parks. Yes, Disney World was definitely on my itinerary including Sea World, Universal Studios, Wet and Wild, the Discovery Cove and the marvelous Islands of Adventure. Quenching my thirst with the famous Florida Margaritas, frozen yogurt, delicious ice creams and sweet teas, my hunger pangs were satiated with the mouth-watering Cubano (Cuban sandwich), innumerable types of seafood, barbeque, grits and Caribbean food. I indulged my taste buds with glorious Florida specialties which included Key lime pie, Strawberry shortcake, orange juice, Mojitos, Café Cubano and sun-filled trips to incredible wineries.

Each of my forays into Florida was filled with refreshing cultural offerings and a pasture for my quest to discover the craft of culinary cravings. I indulged in steaks, subs to Biscottis to going the whole “Hawg’ in Jacksonville or Jax besides lazing around on the beaches. I was amazed by the display of rich and awesome cuisines which included coffee to custard to the catch of the day.  To my surprise, I discovered that Florida has two time zones! Lounging around on white sandy beaches at Daytona while taking foodie breaks with Asian, Italian, Mexican and other culinary delights, I have never before enjoyed a unique two-time zone with such immense attractions.

Speaking of entertainment for both mind and body, I was completely fascinated with Orlando which boasted of over a dozen theme parks which I made it a point to visit. Driving down the ocean side highway (The Strip) at Fort Lauderdale was exhilarating and divine. I just loved chilling out in the bars and shopping at the famous boutiques besides visiting the popular attractions.

Discover a Gourmet Gator Trail

Every minute of my breath-taking holiday in Florida was topped to the utmost with hiking, backpacking, fishing and cruising around the calm waters.   Between sightseeing and shopping, I took off to discover my main reason for this vibrant break which is exploring all the restaurants which served alligator meat. I had heard so much about alligator meat that the chef and the intrepid adventurer in me simply had to taste, feel and ingest the essence of a gourmet trail.

This was going to be a tasteful adventure which I knew my taste buds would thoroughly enjoyed while anticipating the flavor of smoked, barbequed, marinated, spiced and oh so delicious delicate gator meat. Have you tasted the healthy, lean alligator meat high in protein and low in fat? I just loved it and relished the alligator meat dishes so much that I visited all the restaurants which specialized in this delectable culinary skill. I satiated the senses with all things alligator such as gator nuggets, sautéed alligator and blackened alligator, seasoned alligator meat ribs, barbecues and smoked alligator ribs. Served with barbecue sauce on the side and also served as an appetizer or even a meal, these amazing dishes hold memories which take the palate on a delectable sojourn.

Celebrate the Spirit of a Delightful Journey

Punctuating my explorations through the Nature Coast Manatee Tours, the Everglades National Park and the Busch Gardens in Tampa, the gator meat dishes kept beckoning with inviting enticement. Florida opened out a virtual sea of entertainment with Lake Okeechobee, the Shark City, the inspiring Seminole or Miccosukee Indian reservations including myriad attractions and I stopped off to record all my experiences. I gave in to my gator cravings with Alligator Gumbo, Gator Pucker which is a burger with gator meat and pork, Shrimp and Chicken & Alligator Combo and Gator Tail a la Fud which I not only relished but made sure that I took photos of these memorable dishes. I particularly enjoyed the Gator Ribs which was accompanied by hushpuppies, coleslaw and French fries, the zingy Cajun Fried Gator Tail and the Alligator sausage blended with pork or turkey.

Lounging on the beach as I took a break between my gator trails with intoxicating cocktails and mojitos, I marveled at the amazing southern Florida wildlife and landscape. Of course, I did make time to attend the incredible music festivals that Florida offers to keep the mind on a ethereal journey and to celebrate the spirit of talent. But I vowed to come back to Florida to pursue, enjoy and relish the gator dishes which would whisk my taste buds on a divine tour of all things tasteful and thrilling.

Binoy Nazareth Invites the Brave Hearts to Indulge in a Gator Food Adventure

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Binoy Nazareth Goes On a Rendezvous in Paris

Romantic. Ravishing. Rejuvenating.

In between adventures, food trails and the joys of exploring all things beautiful, I experienced a heart-stopping journey of romance at Paris, the City of Lights. This was something I had always dreamt of and in spite of a short transit, I was determined to absorb the essence of culture in a sophisticated and beautiful city. Paris je t’aime!  This was the Oh la la moment I had been waiting for and it was time to display my principles of ‘aime beaucoup’ which means, ‘Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly’ and here was a chance to prove my ideals!

I think that every tourist loves to visit ‘Gay Paree’, a city with a 19th century cityscape, cultural and oh so cosmopolitan. Historic and everlasting, the environment of Paris brims over with romance, art, design, luxurious fashion, entertainment, media, music  and gourmet food trails. Was I thrilled to be here or what!!?? Being a chef with aspirations of sampling rare and exotic cuisines, I was about to experience the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the City of Lights.

The Bon Appétit Experience

What can I say about my first-time ever in Paris? Je suis enchanté! As I walked through the boulevards lined with monuments, bistros, museums, galleries, maisons de haute couture, enchanting wine bars, boutiques and leveraged with tech start-ups, I was amazed by the romantic atmosphere of tree-lined avenues and the camaraderie of the French. Having heard so much about the landmark icons of Paris, I visited the famed Eiffel Tower, the iconic Louvre and the Notre-Dame. Flowing through Paris is the famous Seine which is a 777-kilometre-long river known for its inland waterway traffic and which is the subject of divine songs and poems.

With every fiber in me screaming for the luxury of the popular and delicious dishes of Paris, I threaded through the cobbled street or ‘rue’ to find the delectable offerings of one of Europe’s much-talked about culinary centers. Though my trip was short, I was determined to make my Parisian fantasy come true by delving in to at least the tip of a culinary iceberg. The chef and the gourmet in me arose to meet this gastronomical journey with moules frites  which is steamed mussels and French fries, Bordier Butter with baguettes, falafel sandwiches and galettes. Fulfilling the taste buds with awesome encounters, Paris offers a mouth-watering array of deliciously crafted French favorites such as sea snails, oysters, venison, boar, seafood, lamb, veal, beef and pork.

Satisfying the Senses at an Abode of Delicious Delights

My sweet sojourn took me to a haven of delights with Kouglof, Moroccan pastries, pain au choclat, cream puffs, puff pastry, Berthillon ice cream, caramels, crepes and other incredible concoctions. Oh, I could go on forever in this paradise for food lovers! My taste buds were dancing with delight with macaron ice-cream sandwiches, gelato, Crepe and Creme Brulee, Pistachio, Giunduja with chocolate and hazelnut, ‘dessert soups’ and Paris-Brest with choux pastry and praline flavored cream especially from La Patisserie des Rêves.   

My time was filled to the brim as I popped into the renowned restaurants and eateries of Paris to revive my sense of mangez bien and joie de vivre. This was a complete paradise and repository of gourmet delicacies! I managed to taste Jamon (Foie Gras and Roasted Pepper), Skewers with Balsamic Reduction, the inspiring Chateaubriand, Jamon (ham) and Artichoke Cream on Waffles, Roast Chicken and Macarons at Pierre Herme. 

As echoes of ‘Sante’ filled the air at the mind-boggling wine bars, I regaled the senses with the popular brands of wine and listened with awe to the language, the French, the customs and culture. Filled with innumerable boulangeries, Paris offers the world-famous cheese or fromage, bread, croissants and other daily staples. But I could go on about the dishes that the French cook up with their famed culinary intelligence which evolve over some of the Jewish Ashkenazi dishes, escargots, tapas and cold cuts plates. Paris eateries brim over with delectable dishes from all over world including A Pho, a Vietnamese dish, Kimchi Ramen, veggie stew, noodle bowls, tacos and a spectrum of culinary delights. Just as I was entering into the Age of Enlightenment, it was time for me to leave and I busied my wandering thoughts with gifts to pick up including a painting of the Seine by a talented street artist. But surely, this was the place to be and rejuvenate with the ravishing lifestyle in Paris. 

Travel with Binoy Nazareth to Color Life with the Culture of Paris

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Venturing into the Realms of Nostalgia

Explore the Stuff that Dreams are Made Of

Teeming with dreamers, celebrities from every walk of life, millionaires and a roiling melting pot of cosmopolitan culture, Mumbai or Bombay as it was once called is the stuff that dreams are made of. Mumbai pulls you into the vortex of British architecture, the celluloid world, beaches and cuisines galore. Binoy Nazareth revels in a nostalgic dream as he recalls his roots in a sprawling city which is the capital of the state of Maharashtra in India with its population growing over 21 million.

Mumbai has been the dream of aspiring actors and has always been center focus of power, politics, fame and wealth. But it has its seamy side filled with the largest slum population in India. With Bollywood and the most prestigious TV industry in India, Mumbai echoes with entertainment while its financial side brims over with commerce, industry and enterprise.

Experience the Magic of Mumbai

With its seamless amalgamation of food, religions, music and festivities, Mumbai has never failed to draw its citizens or visitors into its magic circle and Binoy has been no exception. Each and every facet of this metropolitan city has been woven into the everyday life of its inhabitants. It’s fascinating name, Bombay was derived from Bom Bahia which means “Beautiful Bay” was named by a Portuguese.

Binoy Nazareth’s early upbringing has been touched by the realm of an exotic culture. As delicious aromas waft from the local eateries and street food hawkers, Binoy has traveled the length and breadth of 1000 flavors. Besides the popular and tantalizing dishes made on festive days, Binoy has enjoyed the Chaat snacks. Who can forget the luxurious experience of eating Vada pav and Pav bahaji, muses Binoy. As a special treat, these incredible delicacies would bring excitement, the most fulfilling and replete sense of enjoyment to his heart as a young boy. Tickling the taste buds with exotic aromas and tempting the palate with awesome tastes, Binoy has been swept away by the wonder and magic of gastronomic concoctions that evolve over Murgh Malai, Chicken tikka, Dhal Bukhara, Butter Chicken and countless aromatic dishes.

Fascinated by the culinary repertoire of Mumbai, Binoy has indulged in a tasteful journey and has never stopped to experiment and try his hand at whipping up famous dishes till today. Who has not succumbed to the sweet travel of Mumbai desserts? Binoy has floated on the sweet path of confectionaries made popular by the wonderful ingredients and blend of various concoctions. He has tried the awe-inspiring melt-in-the-mouth sweet dishes and a range of soul enhancing desserts fit for the gods.

Reliving the 3 A’s of Gully Cricket

Cricket has been an all-time favorite with Indians and Mumbai promises to hike your cricket fever at its stadiums. Binoy takes a sneak peek into the joys of gully cricket, a pastime of every boy, everywhere in India till today. He relives the excitement of playing his favorite gully cricket with his everyday gang of unruly sportsmen who applied the 3 A’s of Gully Cricket – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow! Binoy goes back into his childhood fantasy of playing backyard cricket with his trusty lieutenants. The entire game would be filled with the sounds of battle, joy, sorrow at losing a wicket, arguments and a celebration bubbling with who did what and when. Sometimes, Binoy recalls, they would be chased off a particular alleyway by a scowling housewife or when their tennis ball hit one of the windows, the sound of breaking glass would eliminate the bravado of even the most boastful team and send them scampering away in different directions. The gully cricket teams would appear as if by magic anytime and anywhere with makeshift equipment like chairs or a box for the wicket, tennis balls taped up with whatever was handy and scouting teams who searched long and hard for any flat good stretch of ground, anywhere.

Try out Mumbai’s Non-stop Shop-till-you-drop Expedition

Binoy advises travelers to indulge in a delectable dining experience and top it with a shopping expedition fit for the brave hearted. Share your romance with the city of adventure Walk through the slums at Dharavi and go on a city tour of Mumbai to feel the pulse of a city that never sleeps or take off into the nightlife of Mumbai. Binoy insists that a suburban train ride is a must to feel the humanity of the throbbing city of Mumbai. As a must, one should visit Chowpati Jayenge Bhel Puri Khayenge where you can enjoy Bhel Puri while watching the sunset glimmer over Arabian Sea. Binoy Nazareth wanders through a world of nostalgia, dreams, fun, food and fantastic experiences at his favorite city of Mumbai.

Discover the Romance of Unforgettable Mumbai, the vibrant city!!`

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Binoy Nazareth Journeys Through the City of Nazareth

Discover the Holy Aura of the Sacred City of Nazareth

Fascination for the spiritual, historic places, adventurous trails besides discovering the wild and wonderful aspects of Nature have always been close to my heart. This time, I decided to take off in to a journey of peace, tranquility and to discover the holy aura of the sacred city of Nazareth. I have always been intrigued with Nazareth, the little town where Jesus grew up. As I explored the ancient town of Nazareth which is the capital city of the northern district of Israel, I was inspired by the interesting sights, archeology, the Middle Eastern charm combined with the modern culture.

An old and revered historic city, Nazareth is located in Lower Galilee and is the largest Arab city. Being the hub of Christian pilgrimage, Nazareth has been associated as the boyhood home of Jesus. It was here that Jesus preached in the synagogue and was rejected by the people. I walked around the Nazareth Village where excavations had taken place and noticed with awe the 2000-year old winepress carved in to the bedrock. The ruins of terraces, watchtowers and a vineyard stretched silently having witnessed the greatest phenomenon of Jesus and His miracles. I could just imagine Jesus walking around as people gathered from far and near to hear of His wondrous parables.

Traveling Through a Kaleidoscope of Sights

As the day rolled into a balmy afternoon, I wondered about the life of people of those times as I took in the sights of the stone quarries and the spring-fed irrigation system. It was asked in that time if anything good would come out of the small and almost insignificant, Nazareth not knowing that the prophecy of ancient times would come true in the form of a Messiah.

As a must-see pilgrimage center for a believer, here I was, actually reliving the past where stupendous incidents took place causing the little town of Nazareth to take pride of place on the map. My spirit of adventure took over and I wandered through the ancient paths, alleys and the maze-like streets of the old city of Nazareth. I found myself right in the middle of Shuk or bazaar which was teeming with life, color and awash with the smell of spices with the sound of the muezzin calling people to worship. Buzzing with vibrancy, the Shuk ranged out myriad surprises with souvenirs, exotic apparel, food delicacies, Middle Eastern antiques and a kaleidoscope of everything imaginable. I found myself haggling with the local craftsman over Dead Sea cosmetics and a beautifully carved hookah.

Sampling an Exotic Array of Delicious Culinary Delights

Though the people of those days ate simple yet tasty, nourishing food, Nazareth ranges out an exotic and delicious spread. The cuisine and the culture of this old city inspired my taste buds to go on a tasteful spree at hummus eateries where you can enjoy fatayer, sharwarma, baklava, knafeh and tehina and halva. Tasting this excellent food is a privilege for a foodie and gourmet chefs with the hummus being light and creamy along with the incredible Lebanese sandwich and of course kebab in a grilled pita. I was delighted at the repertoire of culinary delights which is endless in Nazareth with the ultimate street food. I loved the Awaeh or sugared jelly doughnut, goat’s milk labaneh, shanklish cheese and sizzling lamb chops. My culinary journey evolved over the most amazing sesame cookies, ma’amoul, karkish anise cookies, barazek, sabanekh or pastry triangles with wild spinach filling and steaming, myriad delicious food.

Journeying Through Ancient Mists

As I made my through this unique Middle Eastern atmosphere the spirit of adventure had already captured and rejuvenated my soul to discover and delight in an exceptional tour of Nazareth. I walked down the narrow streets and admired the picturesque homes of the hospitable people of Nazareth. Making my way to the Church of the Annunciation decorated with beautiful paintings, I discovered a history of Byzantine and Crusader periods in its sacred history. Memorable in its rendition, the Church of Saint Joseph is structured where Joseph, Mary’s husband had his carpentry shop while the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation is near Mary’s Well. Though I was reluctant to leave this historical site, I wandered through the incredible Maronite Church, the Salesian Church and St. Gabriel’s Church to revel in the mists of time.

The interesting museum housed in the White Mosque reveals the history and the beliefs of Nazareth. Magnetic and mesmerizing, The City of Nazareth threw open its ancient secrets and I was amazed at the underground passages of the Greek Orthodox bishop’s house and the compound built by the Russians. The ancient Bath House, the Megiddo National Park, the holy caves of Nazareth, the old Roman town of Seppheris and the Nazareth Village completely occupied and boggled the mind. Of course, a trip to Nazareth is not complete till one visits the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee to relive ancient times and revel in a memorable and historical past.

Travel with Binoy Nazareth Through the Ancient and Awesome City of Nazareth

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Discovering a Rich Heritage at Mount Rushmore

Charismatic. Colossal. Cultural.

Following footprints in the sands of time with legends echoing around the Wild West, I traversed the path of an intrepid traveler through the much-trodden trail to Mount Rushmore. I love adventure and as an ardent adventurer, I indulged in a sojourn in South Dakota, the land where famous pioneers, the aura of pre-historic beasts and the heart of the heritage of American Indian tribes surrounds visitors.

With the sun, filtering through the ponderosa pine, cottonwood, oak and other coniferous trees, I discovered a breath-taking view of the magnificent sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. While the ranges of the Black Hills of South Dakota provide a startling yet appealing sight, the 1700s sculptures reveal the work of Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The memorial park evolves over 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.

These four prominent Presidents of the United States of America were chosen as they had created the most important events in the history of the United States. The concept of the sculptures can be attributed to the South Dakota historian Doane Robinson so that tourism would be promoted with the mountain being renamed after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York lawyer.

Experiencing the Wonder of South Dakota

Walking through trails to experience the massive park in South Dakota, I absorbed the scenic surroundings with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Sightings of wildlife are thrilling and as one ventures on a trek, squirrels, marmots, rabbits, mountain goats, chipmunks, deer, mammals, amphibians and birds can be seen at various locations.

With something for everyone at Mount Rushmore, I took in the sights and sounds at the Presidential Trail and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum. The amenities include Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, the Amphitheater, the Sculptor’s Studio and the Youth Exploration Area. Some of the tourist attractions include the Memorial Ice Cream Shop, the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, the Carvers Café, the Gift Shop and the Memorial Ice Cream Shop. My love for adventure and the penchant to try out new things took me through exciting chairlifts, wheeled sleds and the Aerial Adventure Park as the latest addition to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with its pulsating courses.

Traveling on a Delicious South Dakota Sojourn

My true-blue adventurer spirit, the secret to a traveler’s charisma set off to explore the delectable side of life as I traveled on a chairlift ride to indulge the senses at an ultimate al fresco experience. The Mountaintop Grille offers scenic views of Mount Rushmore and displays gorgeous views with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxing in a congenial ambience, I savored mouth-watering nachos, burgers & brats accompanied by an ice-cold beer. South Dakota specialties include gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood, pizzas, muffins, Cornish pasties, jerky, roasts, tacos and many more delicious dishes. I added to my repertoire of experiences by visiting casual and fine dining eateries, chuckwagon supper and dinner shows, cafes, supper clubs and restaurants that inundate the South Dakota region.

Delving into the American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I took a piece of the Black Hills and Badlands experience back as a keepsake as I browsed through the souvenir and gift shops that showcase original Western art, Sioux beadwork, pottery, leather, star quilts, gold jewelry and innumerable memorabilia.

Exploring the South Dakota Heritage and Culture

Traveling through the prairies, I visited the American Indian communities whose heritage, art and craft still vibrate through South Dakota. Known as the land of the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota, there are nine Native American tribes who live in South Dakota. I enjoyed and experienced their awesome hospitality and admired their incredible art.

With adventure all the way, I filled my South Dakota experience with non-stop entertainment that evolves over hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, camping and visiting museums. As a perfect way to an adventurer’s heart, the state offers visits to dig sites to discover evidence of prehistoric humans and animals. In addition to outdoor recreation, amusement & theme parks, information and learning centers, I celebrated my action-packed trip to Mount Rushmore with sightings of burros, wild mustangs, herds of buffalo and the largest collection of reptiles in the world. With the spirit of freedom and the love of the great outdoors, I treasured my experience at Mount Rushmore as an inspiring and memorable adventure.  

Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom and Inspiration at Mount Rushmore

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Binoy Nazareth Takes a Tex-Mex Approach in Mexico

Experiencing the Spirit of Wanderlust

Have you ever looked for a place with character? Does the spirit of wanderlust fill your soul with inspiration? With magic in the air, I decided to explore Mexico, the land of enchantment where channels of art, music, dance, color, art and cuisines galore flowed in infinite streams to give the adventurer a celebration of culture. With a diverse landscape filled jungles, deserts and mountains, Mexico evolves between Central America and the USA showcasing its popular Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches with Belize and Guatemala in the southeast.

 Immersing the soul in a passionate whirlpool of rich history and scenic wonders, Mexico opened its doors to discover Spanish colonial-era towns, warm beaches, incredible cuisine, archaeological sites, jungles, deserts and awesome getaway destinations. I absorbed the secrets of the ancient ruins and gazed in awe at the windswept Mayan cities of Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán while wondering about the life in days gone past. As the morning sun strode across the blue skies, I took off on my intoxicating tour of a much-spoken about country to explore the gourmet restaurants, the sophisticated shops and the museums.

 Exploring Sensational and Sizzling Mexico

 I found Mexico truly intoxicating with its pyramids, amazing architecture, ancient ruins and innumerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I was whisked away by my buddies on an exciting Tequila tour at the Mayan ruins where we sampled some of the most sensational varieties of Tequila. But no Mexican adventure is complete unless you go on a delicious travel with platillo tipico, rice, and bean Tamales and Enchilada Rice Beans. I tasted Mexican Tacos and Carnitas, a fascinating pork dish, while indulging in myriad seafood delicacies, spicy vegetables and chicken-based concoctions. I relaxed on the great beaches and was regaled by mysterious and intriguing tales of Mayan beliefs that swirled around in an everlasting mist over a bygone culture.

 Quaint yet keeping up with modern advances, Costa Maya (Mexico) and filled my itinerary with visiting the beaches, sampling seafood and discovering island life. Playing in sync with the music of the universe, Costa Maya evolves as a well-known cruise ship port on the Yucatán Peninsula with coral reefs and beaches. Picturesque with innumerable flora and fauna, Cozumel is a perfect getaway with underwater caverns, fascinating sea life, great diving spots, an eco park, scuba diving and exciting natural attractions.

 With its myriad intense flavors, unique presentation, varieties of spices and aromas, Mexican street food has been much-talked about and inviting. With its roots steeped in Maya, Aztec and pre-Colombian traditions, the penchant of Mexican culinary trends lean heavily towards the influence of Spanish colonists. But was it ever memorable!! Taste reached its zenith as I sampled alambres, quesadillas, barbacoa, pambazos and an endless list of great and gorgeous dishes.  

 Mexico has it all with its colorful culture, an extensive over 10,000Km of coastline, sunny weather, unique art, delicious food and interesting architecture. But its wonders do not stop there as Mexico showcases 21st century cities, snowy mountains, deserts and the Sierra mountains.

 Spicing the Art of Travel

 Continuing my laid-back vacation, I arrived at Belize which was the capital British Honduras in Central America. With meat for the stronger soul, I immediately set out to explore a tongue tingling and exciting menu with gibnut, iguana, lobsters, fish, pork, chicken, game meat, beef and countless other delicious dishes. Known for its rich marine life, Belize turns on its charm with Mayan ruins, the Belize Barrier Reef with its cays, great resorts, water sports and thick impenetrable jungles as the perfect gateway to a getaway.

 Perfectly crafted to give you the spice of life, my Mexican adventure hosted a dreamy vision with sun, sand and sea which took me on a tasteful and exotic culinary journey. Echoing with ancient and modern sights and sounds, I made my way reluctantly back from a paradise created for intrepid adventurers with the stuff that dreams are made of.

 Binoy Nazareth Celebrates a Tex-Mex Approach in Mexico

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Binoy Nazareth Goes on a Culinary Travel

Rich. Ravishing. Royal.

I could imagine the aroma of Chicken Makhani making its way across deserts, sand dunes, salt-lakes and the craggy rocks of the riot-ridden regions during the Indo-Pak Partition to reach Delhi on a long, arduous yet delicious journey. Creamy, rich and buttery, Chicken Makhani stems from Punjabi cuisine and has become a hot favorite having been concocted by Kundan Lal Gujral. I simply had to taste this marvelous and popular dish and was stunned to know that it was made with leftover chicken in rich gravy of butter, tomato and cream. Though I had sampled this dish in Mumbai during my adolescent years, there’s nothing like tasting the original at Moti Mahal Delux in Delhi, India.  

With its popularity, Chicken Makhani or Butter Chicken is a hearty and robust dish and is served by most of the restaurants in India besides making its simmering way to almost every part of the globe. There are so many variations that go towards the making of Butter Chicken or Chicken Makhani. Some of the chefs use sugar to sweeten the dish while others use honey. In some restaurants, cashew paste is used and in others fenugreek leaves are used to heighten the aroma.

Showcasing the Art of Blending

Being an ardent chef, I was completely intrigued by K. Gujral’s innovative idea of making use of leftover chicken. Showcasing it in a deft and brilliant dish that takes the palate to through a delicious and satisfying travel, Chicken Makhani involves softening dried pieces of chicken which has already been cooked in a Tandoor or clay oven. The trick here is to skillfully combine dairy fat and tomatoes and K. Gujral had used the art of blending in cream, butter and tomatoes to conjure up a delectable curry.  

My tour to India in 2013 included a 10-day visit to Delhi where I also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, a must for every visitor who believes in eternal love and appreciation of all things unique. Actually, one can take the aspect of uniqueness and blend it in with all facets of life. That’s my passion and my forte which showcases trying out unique dishes and mastering its art. Being a gourmet and a chef at heart, let me take you on a culinary adventure which make the taste buds tingle and will leave an aromatic trail with lasting memories.

This is my version of Chicken Makhani or Butter Chicken:

Ingredients:

·         Chicken skinned and cut into pieces – 800 grams

·         Kashmiri red chili – 1 teaspoon

·         Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

·         Salt to taste

·         Butter – 2 tablespoons

For Marinating:

·         Yogurt – 1 cup

·         Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 teaspoon

·         Salt to taste

·         Ginger paste – 2 teaspoons

·         Garlic paste – 2 teaspoons

·         Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons

·         Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

·         Mustard oil – 2 tablespoons

For Makhani Gravy:

·         Butter – 3 tablespoons

·         Green cardamoms 2-3

·         Cloves 4-5

·         Black peppercorns 7-8

·         Cinnamon – 1 inch stick

·         Ginger paste – 1 tablespoon

·         Garlic paste – 1 tablespoon

·         Green chilies chopped 2

·         Tomato puree – 400 grams

·         Red chili powder – 1 tablespoon

·         Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

·         Salt to taste

·         Sugar/honey – 2 tablespoons

·         Dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi) – 1/2 teaspoon

·         Fresh cream – 1 cup

Procedure:

For Marinating:

Make deep cuts or incisions across the chicken pieces. According to me, this will help the flavor of different ingredients to soak into the meat. Then add lemon juice, red chili powder, salt and mix well.

Place the yogurt in a muslin cloth and hang it up to remove extra water for 15 to 20 minutes. Then in a bowl, add ginger and garlic paste along with yogurt and mix well, add the chicken pieces. Add a tablespoon of mustard oil and mix again.

Keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to absorb the flavor.

Preparation of chicken:

After marinating, set your microwave or oven to preheat at 200 degrees. Then skewer the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken pieces in a microwave or oven till it’s almost done and you can see oil on the tray below.

For the Makhani Gravy:

Heat a pan and add butter to melt. Then add green cardamom, cloves, black peppercorns and a cinnamon stick about one inch in length and sauté them well till they start popping. Then add the rest of the ginger garlic paste and green chilies, sauté them again for two minutes.

Now add tomato puree, garam masala, red chili powder, salt and a cup of water. Mix them well and boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for another ten minutes.

Add the chicken pieces to the Makhani Gravy. Bring it to a boil until the chicken pieces are cooked well and have absorbed the flavor of the Makhani gravy.

I advise serving Chicken Makhani hot with Indian roti, naan, paratha or any type of flat-bread. This recipe is guaranteed to make the mouth water and give you the satisfaction of going on a steaming, sizzling and delightful journey to a delicious abode.

Continuing the Culinary Adventures of Binoy Nazareth…

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Binoy Nazareth Goes California Dreamin

Experiencing the Essence of Wanderlust

 With love of all inspiring things great and small, I decided to take the road to California to experience my passion for sunny beaches, great food and revel in an intoxicating atmosphere. Evolving over 900 miles on the Western border of America, the California dream became a reality as I stepped into the land of diverse people, cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz Island. With innumerable things to do, I tried to cram my itinerary with hiking through the national parks, going on wine tasting tours, visiting Disneyland, relaxing on sunny beaches and experimenting with water sports.

 Integrating traditions, foods and languages from all around the globe, California displays roots in the cultures of Asia, Mexico and Spain including the eastern part of the United States. My quest for adventure accelerated my heartbeat and increased the anticipation of discovering the famous Californian cuisine and a fusion of culinary styles including sampling the sparkling wines. As a must-do on my bucket list, I gorged on the popular California pizza, salads, seafood, barbecued meats, Asian and Latino food.

 Delighting the Palate with a Culinary Repertoire

 Exciting and exhilarating, my California sojourn was topped with adventures galore and a chance to travel incessantly through a culinary repertoire and a kaleidoscope of classic Californian dreamy dishes. I relaxed on divine beaches with a cool Boba drink and satisfied hunger pangs with great hotdogs and Italian subs. As a daring spirit took over, I took off paddle-boarding on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and laterwent rock climbing at Yosemite Park which offered many other outdoor activities. Every meal time and in-between was punctuated with the marvelous cuisines of California. My culinary adventure evolved over custom crepes at Harajuku Crêpes, seafood burritos, filling Matt Cain sandwiches, incredible porchetta sandwiches, Korean, Chinese and Japanese fare. After fortifying my system with an amazing range of cuisines and cultures over many days, whereI enjoyed a great game at the seventh hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links, experienced the mesmerizingPismo Beach and let Santa Maria Valleycatapult me on a sparkling travel through great wines which brought out the aesthetic in me, I then headed towards Lone Pine and the small town in Owens Valley in my rental convertible.

  San Francisco with its world-class attractions, stunning scenery and a strong presence of fusion cuisines satisfied my senses with its awe-inspiring concerts and music that echoed everywhere. It was time for a California pier experience which I wasn’t about to give up on and strolled along Pier 39,

Fisherman’s Wharf

and the Santa Monica Pier to absorb the unique pier experience. As the California sun glittered on the famous Golden Gate Bridge, I drove through this iconic structure and of course took innumerable photographs to take memories back home.  With the misty hills of San Francisco echoing with ancient tales that swished around the age-old forests, it was time to surround myself with the majestic and massive Redwood trees at Redwood National and State Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a United States National Park on the North Coast of California. Muir Woods was another site to cherish, with its monumental trees that can fit multiple people like me in their trunks.

 Every day was a treat, from San Francisco to Sacramento, and from San Jose to San Diego to LA, as the sunshine warmed the heart, I toured through the delights of life with barbecued Baby Back Ribs from Phil’s BBQ, Praise the Lard from The Waffle Experience, Cioppino from Sotto Mare Chocolate with sweet deserts to melt in the mouth with Bouchons from Bouchon Bakery and Julian Apple Pie from Julian Pie Company across these beautiful cities. While a colorful melee of sights and sounds twirled in a wild dance of colors, Chinatown in Los Angeles beckoned with its red lanterns and Pagoda styled buildings. I shopped, dined, wined and toured the traditional dimsum destinations, temples, art galleries, awesome Asian-fusion eateries and tasted the popular French dip sandwich.No trip to California is complete without a visit to the famous Laguna and Malibu Beacheswhere celebs frolic on golden sands and I found myself admiring a picturesque view with a cool cocktail to quench my thirst on these sun-kissed paradise beauties.

 Time flew and disappeared around a kaleidoscope of magical and mesmerizing attractions as I packed my bags and got ready to take inspiring memories of a delightful and action-packed California adventure back home.

 Take Off with Binoy Nazareth on a California Culture Trip

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Binoy Nazareth Experiences the Passion and Pleasure of Puttu

Go On A Delicious Sojourn

Do you want to travel with me to discover a truly flavorsome path? It is said that one needs to share the goodness of life and I intend to do just that by taking you to a practically gourmet destination known for its quintessential and exquisite cuisine. I think by now, everyone has heard of Kerala, a land of stunning scenery, artistic culture and a culinary haven for the foodie.

Interestingly enough, the cuisine of Kerala has been influenced by the Dutch, Middle Eastern, Portuguese, English, Jewish and Arab traders. With indigenous dishes being amalgamated with foreign tastes, Kerala boasts of a rich repertoire of culinary concoctions which have mesmerized the palate and have taken its cuisine to delicious heights.

Discover Mesmerizing, Magical and Mouth-Watering Dishes of Kerala

The fragrance of spices, the aroma of Thalasseri Biriyani, the smoky and delectable Nenthrakka chips, the sweet prathamans, pungent pickles, the hot karimeen pollichathu and countless culinary delights showcase the art of cuisine in Kerala. With vegetarian and non-vegetarian concoctions to tickle the taste buds, one of the most talked-of culinary experiences is the 24-course Sadya which is served during the Onam celebrations. Needless to say, every dish stands out with the flavor of coconut and coconut oil.

Known for coconut trees populating every nook and corner of its green and verdant state, Kerala has infused the taste of coconuts into every dish possible. In fact, it’s difficult to find a dish without coconut in Kerala! Talking of coconuts and the incredible flavor it adds to any dish is another subject altogether. I daresay that no guest would come away feeling empty and hungry in this land of plenty. But, I digress…I just want to tell you about an exotic and divine dish which I had the privilege of tasting, relishing and enjoying. Puttu, like Kerala is God’s own dish which is made with white rice powder and of course, coconut. As an unusual accompaniment, Puttu is served with chickpea gravy. This spicy and aromatic gravy has a coconut base which is seasoned with red chilies, mustard seeds and curry leaves in coconut oil. There are other Puttu variants with yet another tasty breakfast dish made from Matta rice or red rice which is equally magical.  

Experience the Heavenly Melt-in-the Mouth Puttu

Let me tell you what I enjoyed the most besides being surrounded in a cloud of fragrances, aromas and steaming dishes of this serendipitous and tranquil backwater land. It’s Puttu, of course! Basically a breakfast dish, Puttu is a rice cake with grated coconut which is steamed in a cylindrical bamboo holder or steel steamer. Normally served with gravy comprising of kala chana or black chickpeas with coconut milk, spices and shallots, this dish can also be enjoyed with ripe bananas and an accompaniment of papadams. With jackfruit being plentiful as well, Puttu may be served with this sweet fruit instead of bananas. I traveled to the zenith of taste as I relished this melt-in-the-mouth dish with sweet black coffee which brought out the gourmet in my soul.

 Being an ardent chef at heart and an ambitious gourmet, I could not resist the urge to try this famous and popular breakfast dish. So I got this ancestral and authentic recipe from a good friend of mine to bring back the memory and the experience of relishing Puttu.

 This is how Puttu is made:

 Ingredients needed:

 Rice flour                         2 cups

White Raw Rice Pachari     ½ kg.

Water                              ½ to ¾ cup

Grated coconut                 ¾ to 1 cup

Salt to taste

 Method:

 Soak the raw rice for 2 hours. Drain the water and let it dry for a while. Grind it into a coarse powder. Keep aside.

You can also substitute the raw rice with rice flour.

Place the coarsely ground rice in a pan and heat for 5 minutes. Be careful that you do not roast the rice. Take it off the fire and let it cool.

Next, take a big bowl or vessel and place the coarse heated rice flour in it. Sprinkle water lightly on the flour. The water should be carefully and slowly mixed so that the flour does not get pasty or lumpy.

Add salt to taste and knead the damp flour mixture gently till it reaches the consistency of bread crumbs.

Take a Puttu Kutti or a Puttu making vessel (This is available in the market). This is very akin to an Idli steamer. It has two sections. The lower section holds the hot water and the upper section comprises of the puttu mould. There are perforated plates which separate each section.

Fill the bottom of the puttu maker with water. Heat till the water simmers and is hot. Now take the perforated disc which comes along with the puttu maker.

Place the disc inside the puttu maker. See that it fits in perfectly and is not crooked or shaky.

Fill the bottom of the puttu maker with grated coconut.

Slowly add about 6 tablespoons of the coarsely ground rice flour.

Keep repeating the process alternating between the grated coconut and the coarsely ground rice flour.

Top the filling with grated coconut.

Place a lid over the puttu mould and position it on the perforated plate.

Once the steam starts to escape from the vessel, turn the flame to low and keep for another 5-6 minutes or so.

Your Puttu is now ready.

Serve hot with kadala curry/gravy, egg gravy or green gram curry and papadams.