The ‘Kings of Leon‘, a great garage rock band that I’ve been tracking for a few months now made an appearance on a recent episode of my favourite TV show: Saturday Night Live. This appearance follows the launch of their fourth album, ‘Only by the Night ’. They played two new singles from this album, “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody”. Both great tracks.
Keep an eye on these guys.
I thought it might be a good idea to post my favorite hangouts. Now, understand, I am not saying that these are the best places in Bangalore, but rather they are the places you would most likely find me when I’m not home or at work or traveling home to Pondicherry. I’m not really into many of the trendy, contemporary quasi-lounges that keep cropping up around town. Instead, I usually tend to gravitate toward establishments that have a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere where you can let your guard down a bit, pound a few good beers, or get a solid, inexpensive meal. In short, places where I can eat and drink my heart out and not let the woes of the world economy make me feel guilty.
Most of my favorite hangouts are in East and central Bangalore, mainly because of their proximity to where I live, but also because I just hate driving in this city. That is not to say there aren’t outstanding bars and restaurants in the lesser parts of Bangalore. There’s definitely a ton of variety down there no matter what type of experience you are in the mood for, and there are plenty of places that I visit frequently. However, not as frequently as the establishments I would call my “favourites”.
So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are my 5 favourite hangouts in Bangalore, with some notes on each:
Hard Rock Cafe ~ St.Mark’s Road ~ I’ve probably eaten and got drunk here more than any other restaurant in Bangalore, well at least since the place opened up for business, mainly because of the variety of good food, friendly service, generous portions, awesome atmosphere. Good food, liquor (need I say more), good service, great music, and fantastic location. The only thing missing here are happy hours.
Windsor Pub ~ Vasanthnagar ~ This is probably the closest cool hangout my place that serves both liquor and great food. This joint serves some great pork based dishes such as Pandi Curry. A little cramped for room, not the best of service, but he food and beer sort a make up for that. Got introduced to this place by a few friends who studied close by. Now they’re gone, and I’m hooked to the place.
Koshy’s ~ St.Mark’s Road ~ This is one weird place. Terrible service, sounds like a fish market, and not the best food or coffee I’ve had. The place is really more of an institution than a cafe or restaurant. I wouldn’t be surprised if most people who go to this place wonder why they are hooked to the place. There’s just something historic, something that just pulls you here. I maintain that it is arguably home to the population of failed artists and writers of Bangalore.
Infinitea ~ Cunningham Road ~ Masala Chai and Momos. A great place to hang out when you want to be in a rather quiet place. My favourite place to read a book while sipping chai or getting work done. The place is hooked up for Wifi, so that’s a big plus, in a city that is surprisingly short of such places.
Opus ~ Vasanthnagar ~ Good food, lots of liquor, decent service, karaoke nights, live musical performances, they have it all here. I’ve seen this place being just about every time I’ve been there. Sunday afternoon is my favourite time to go to Opus. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends, eat, get smashed drunk, and then embarrass the hell out of yourself on stage.
Bon appetit and cheers. Check out some more Bangalore hangouts at AskLaila
Been looking for a good messenger bag for my MacBook. Finally found it. And got a good deal on Ebay for it as well. It costs $59.95 on the Apple Store. The Ebay store, although, sells it for $35.00. Here’s a pic:
Incase Nylon Sleeve with Handles for 13-inch MacBook
It seems to have everything I need. My MacBook, the adaptor, and my sandwiches will fit perfectly in this bag.
There’s a financial “bloodbath” of sorts at the Wall Street, the markets world over, and closer home, at the Indian stock markets. Banks are shutting down, companies are laying people off by the hundreds, and the valuation of the richest individuals and companies in the world are taking a huge hit. Hundreds and thousands of people will be affected by these events. The United States of America, a great nation, is probably feeling it the most at the moment. At this time it is important to remember that ‘this too shall pass’. Some of us may lose our money, our jobs, our homes, and even hope.
Even events that threaten to completely destroy us have a certain lesson they carry. There might just be a silver lining to this oh-so dark a cloud. When all that you love can be taken away, when those that you have is gone, you wake up as a human being. All the silly things that you placed value in, now appear – well, silly. A product of suffering is a new respect for live and a deeper love for what is true.
This is my hope for us as dark days come.