Matteo Coffea, Kochi

Matteo Coffea, Kochi

A New Elegant Waterfront Coffee Place in Kochi

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

Great news for the growing numbers of hang-out lovers of Kochi;  there is this amazing new waterfront café, right in the heart of the city now. Soft-launched in Nov 12, this three month old, "Matteo Coffea" (mind you, there is no spelling mistake, the 'coffee' is deliberatelt spelt as COFFEA in the name), is the local branch of the 'Biggest Coffee Shop' in Bangalore (If familiar, it is the one located just off Brigade Road on Church Street). The Bangalore-based original, is a sprawling 15,000 Sq Ft sanctum, dedicated to the most addictive brew ‘Coffee’. Incidentally, this cafe chain has been christened 'Matteo' Latin for Mathew, to honour the visionary founder and CEO, of the 30 year old Bangalore - Burgers & Softie pioneers, Sterling's Mac Fast Food, Mr John Mathew.

The second outlet of the Group was opened here, though modest in comparison to the first one, this place can still serve in excess of 60 customers at one time. Tastefully done up, the place is beautifully located on the rear waterfront side of the Swapnil Enclave apartment building, located on Shanmugham Road, opposite the gutted Joy Allukas Wedding Centre at the High Court Junction. The ambience is very warm, inviting and 'coffee-inspiring'. There is a lot of interesting trivia on various brews, displayed around the café. The various types of coffee boldly emblazoned on the wall behind the counter teases one to try a cup at the Espresso Bar.

Beverages are served in the - Tall & Grande variants and come in an agreeably priced range, like Coffees for (Rs 65 - 140), Milk Shakes (Rs 120 - 145), Ice-blended goodies like, Iced Teas (Rs 60 - 80) and Shekeratos (Rs 105 - 150).

 The place also serves a limited offering of eats that go well with coffee, like Sandwiches (Rs 110 - 160), Burgers (Rs 135 - 210), Salads (Rs 155 - 205), an assortment of Wraps for Rs 145, a variety of Eggs to order (Rs 65 - 150) a selection of Penne & Spaghetti Pastas (Rs 210 - 265), besides the customary baked staples like Doughnuts, Brownies and Pastries.

I quite liked the look and feel of this place.  From where I got to sit, I felt relaxed, gazing endlessly, at the shimmer of the placid waters of the Vembanad Lake, stretching out onto the horizon. Not quite the ultimate place for either the brew or the eats, it is definitely an awesome joint to hangout with friends. Undeniably, this is a great nook, to get lost in one's thoughts, surveying the aqueous vista.

'Matteo Coffea' a warm welcome to Kochi!

Matteo Coffea

Ground Floor, Rear-side,

Swapnil Enclave,

Shamnmugham Road,

High Court Junction,

Kochi - 682 002

Open 0900 until 2300 all 7 days of the week.

Phone : 0484-6003010

Shilpa Rao - Unplugged! Kochi

Shilpa Rao – Unplugged!  JT Pac, Kochi

A Memorable 100 Minute Musical Soiree!

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

On Sunday, 17 Feb, we were seated in the 'Acoustic Dreamland' - JT Pac, dot at 7 pm, very excited at the prospect of atlast, coming face to face, with the latest rage in Hindi film playback singing. It was indeed the perfect setting for this intimate 'Unplugged' session, with this sensational 'wonder-voice' that has stealthily arrived, riding on the current invasion of small-town, little-known singers who have suddenly emerged from obscurity and are fast upstaging the older names of the Hindi film music world. At the appointed hour, out came a dainty, frail frame, clad in a loose black gold-bordered garb, a mike in her delicate hand. One could have easily mistaken her for a senior student of the Choice School who happened to stray on to the stage. Then the mouth opens, the voice pours out and instantaneously one knows that the charming Shilpa "was born with it". Her mellifluous voice, traverses from deep inside her pure soul and establishes a sponateous captivating connect, with the enraptured listener’s souls. The next 100 minutes were sheer listening bliss, riding on a melodious roller coaster, ranging from slow soulful ballads to the entrancing high energy anthems. We were absolutely mesmerized, by the easy connect she establishes with her rapt audience, the variety of styles she so effortlessly flits through and the sheer ease with which she hits and holds those high notes.

The accompanying six member troupe, who provided the music for this memorable unplugged evening, were Dilshad Khan on Sarangi, Hitech Modak on Keyboard, Aditya on Acoustic Guitar, Arun on Percussion, the young 17 year old Mohini Dey on Bass Guitar and Ashwin Andrew on the Drums. The patrons who had turned out in quite a large number, were regaled by her, with a well-compiled selection of her songs. Among others, the much awarded 'Khuda Jaane' from Bachna Ae Haseeno, 'Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se' from Paa, 'Tosey Naina Lage' from Anwar, 'Dhol Yaara Dhol' from Dev D, 'Saiyyaan Re' from Salaam-e-Ishq, 'Woh Ajnabee' from The Train, 'Ek Lau' from Aamir, 'Ishq Shava' from Jab Tak Hain Jaan and the foot-stomping title track from English-Vinglish, were well appreciated by the admiring assembly.

This Jharkhand-born, Jamsedpur-bred diminutive 28 year old gifted prodigy, was christened 'Apeksha' at birth, by her father S V Rao, a music aficionado. This name however, endured very briefly, only so long as her 'Apeksha or Wait 'for stardom lasted, then she declared her arrival on stage, and became known to the world, by her more popular allonym 'Shilpa Rao'. The famous ghazal singer Hariharan, her father's dear friend, must be credited with spotting her latent talent in her teens. He brought her under the strict tutelage of the revered Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who studiously imparted the tough fundamentals of vocal training, which included mastery over the principles of breathing, secrets of diaphragm-supported resonance creation and versatile voice modulation. Following that extensive indoctrination, she was fully equipped to face the rigours of any competition, and there was no looking back, thereafter for this dazzling bundle of talent. After some concert singing with Sankar Mahadevan, she moved to Delhi, journeyed her way through some ad jingles before finally arriving in Bombay, where in 2006 she recorded her first film song 'Tosey Naina Laage' for the film Anwar.

The list of heroines who have mouthed her numbers in films reads like a virtual who-is-who of the current Hindi film industry. She has sung for the likes of Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, to name a few. The list of prominent films for which she has sung, apart from the ones listed above, include hits like Gandhi My Father, Anjaana Anjaani, No One Killed Jessica, Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Cocktail, Jodi Breakers, Desi Boyz, Yeh Saali Zindagi, Lafangey Parindey  and Sikandar besides many others. Incidentally, she has also sung for the Tamil movie 'Naan Mahaan Alla' and the Malayalam movie 'Puthiya Mukham'.

Other than her Hindi film projects, Shilpa is also a member of a three-member independent music ensemble - "Band Called Nine" comprising of the noted author/lyricist Neelesh Misra and an advertising professional/composer Amartya Rahut. This band is breaking new ground in the non-film genre, with a unique storytelling-meets-song concept that brings together the classical tradition of qissagoi (storytelling) and the throbbing sounds of neo-folk-fusion Indian music. Their first album 'Rewind' consisting of nine original compositions besides an epic narration, won the Best Debut Award (non-film music) at the Global Indian Music Awards 2011.

She is also reputed to be a firm believer in effectively using the Internet and to explore the digital medium to promote her work and sphere of influence. This exploratory side of her visionary self, professes in the efficacy of experimenting with new technology in widening her social media presence. Intuitively, she also percieved that the new-age belonged to web concerts, and  she is proud of having some energetic collaborations with the likes of Agnee and Parikrama. As early as Dec 2011, this far-sighted singer, had also participated in a simulcast of a WebCert across the ArtistAloud.com, Youtube, Facebook  and Dailymotion.com platforms. This ambitious and clairvoyant creative soul, is meticulously carving out a niche for herself, among her chosen audience; thereby marking her out as 'a formidable voice of the future'.

She epitomizes the 'You are the song..The song is you' oneness, that exceptional singers carry as their calling card. In this frivolous movie industry plagued with capricious loyalties this rising star, with her refreshing dedication, fiery ambition, scrupulous planning and determined professionalism, will be one enduring voice that will be entertaining us for a very long time. I shall be looking out for her name, when I need to select a melody to connect with, because I am assured any song that Shilpa should allow to pass between her lips, must be worth going miles to listen to. God bless this young singer! Go forth Girl, and conquer the world! Thank you JT Pac for facilitating the discovery of Shilpa in Kochi!

Kochi's - Big Choice Fruit & Vegetable Shop

KPN Fruit Shop, Palarivattom, Kochi

The Local Big Bargain Store for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

By – Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

The famous Coimbatore-based Fruits & Vegetables retail group, Kovai Pazhamudir Nilayam ( KPN ) which when translated to English means - 'Coimbatore's - Orchard of Fruits' - has opened a successfully running local store at Palarivattom, a couple of months ago. This KPN Group, currently helmed by the young, dynamic and visionary Senthil Natarajan, is in fact reputed to be the first branded retail chain, purely dedicated to the business of fruits and vegetables in the country. This Group is also one of the largest bulk importers of Apples, Strawberries, Oranges, Pears and Citrus fruits from the US, Egypt, South Africa, New Zealand and Australian markets since last year, they are also major exporters of Mangoes, Pomegranates, Papayas and many varieties of vegetables to the Middle East and Maldives.

The rags-to-riches saga of how Senthil's father Natarajan Sr, rose from being just a cleaner in a road-side fruit shop in 1953, before setting up, along with his three brothers, in 1965, their first 400 odd square feet vegetable shop in Coimbatore, to currently, owning a profitable chain of 40 odd outlets, with a turnover in excess of Rs 150 Crores for FY 2011-2012; is the stuff legends are made of.

The KPN Group has a very expansive presence in Tamil Nadu, with around 20 vends in Chennai alone, and around 10 in Coimbatore, besides shops in Cuddalore, Karur, Pollachi, Tanjore, Trichy, Erode, Tirupur and neighboring Pondicherry. All the KPN shops always have a customary juice corner, which serves the customers fresh fruit juice and cut fruits, they are very popular among juice lovers of the respective locations. Kochi is indeed privileged to have the first KPN outlet, in Kerala due to the initiative of our own homegrown businessman Mr Sajeev.

We as a family have been regularly purchasing from this well-stocked shop in Palarivattom. We always found a wide assortment of delicious seasonal fruits including exotic varieties like - Apples, Pears, Oranges, Sweet lime, Mangoes, Pomegranates, Papaya, Pineapples, Grapes, Plums, Bananas, Kiwi, Strawberry, Litchi, Guava, Sapota, Longans, Purple Mangosteen, Rambutan, Durian, Peaches and many types of Melon, Citrus and Banana varieties - here.

As far as the vegetables are concerned, all the regular requirements like Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes, Carrots,  Garlic, Green Chilies, Beans, Beetroot, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Drumstick, Brinjal, Okra, Radish, Cucumber, Yam, Pumpkin, Squash, Sweet Potato etc are clean, fresh and well stocked. Other than that, a wide miscellany of the more peregrine varieties, like  Mushroom, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Corn, Chinese Cabbage, Iceberg Lettuce, Avocado, Celery, Parsley, Endive, Fennel, Leek are also available along with all other imaginable medley of greens; one would love to throw into one's 'feel-good' gallimaufry soup. If lucky, one would also chance upon the limited, occasional fresh Artichoke, Kale, Arugula and Asparagus.

For the wise ones who are looking for variety, freshness and quality, this is indeed the one stop shop, we in Kochi are so lucky to have, courtesy the expansion of the KPN network into Kerala. And the best thing is that, all this is available at almost 15 to 20 % less than the regular market rates for the day, elsewhere in the city. The exciting choice of greens must drive the health conscious amongst us, to this shop for their vegetable needs and the fact that some of the best fresh fruit juices are also available here, must surely be another added incentive to go here. Try it once, who knows like us, you may never go anywhere else after that, for your regular vegetables.

KPN Fruit Shop

Kochi Outlet

Kanchanjunga Building

Civil Line Road, Palarivattom,

Kochi - 682025

Phones :

Shop - Landline       : 0484-4010102

Mr Sajeev – Mobile  : 9843558149

Website                     : http://www.kovaipazhamudir.com/

Facebook Page Link    : https://www.facebook.com/KPNfruitshop

14 Feb 2013 - One Billion Rising - Kochi Event

A Day Kochi Rose in Unison for Its Women!

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

One Billion Rising!( OBR ) is a global one day campaign by women, for women, on Thursday, 14 Feb 2013, commemorating the 15th anniversary of the 1998-born V-Day Organisation, a women's movement initiated by the 59 year old American feminist, performer, artivist, playwright of "The Vagina Monologues" and world renowned activist - Eve Ensler, herself a sad victim of paternal abuse. This movement calls for an end to violence and for justice and gender equality for women all around the world.

This world-wide rally is being held in around 197 countries, aided and supported by more than 13000 organizations, it is believed that supporters would take time from their busy lives, jobs, homes and businesses to congregate in a central piazza, in their respective cities, and dance in a symbolic show of solidarity, and avow their refusal to accept violence against women anymore, anywhere. The 'One Billion' in the slogan refers to the number of women world over, who have already suffered outrage and are courageous survivors of various types of abuse. According to the data analyzed by the V-Day Organization, there is a strong likelihood that one in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime, and therefore, they have given a clarion call to rise up, and demand an end to all manner of violence against women. They say one billion women violated is indeed a shameful atrocity, but then having one billion women, all around the globe, on this day, dancing, will be a start of a glorious new revolution!

The evening started with singer Usha Uthup riding a float flagged off by Bishop Sebastian Edayantharath and M Lakshmi, from the Rajendra Maidan to the Durbar Hall stage, accompanied by an enthusiastic procession of people from all walks of life. There was a fair sprinkling of representatives from a variety of fields like politics, law, cinema, performing arts, journalism, writing, TV, NGOs, religious organizations, academic institutions and the obvious women organizations, who came in large numbers to actively participate in this pioneering movement - OBR.

The event is proud to have an art installation by Contemporary Visual Artist Sajitha Shankar, which symbolized the inner 'Shakthi' of the Indian woman rising to end the violence. The proceedings on the grounds, started with lighting of lamps around this art installation along with a communal prayer, thereafter, Justice Usha Sukumaran administered an oath to the assembly of people, appropriate to the occasion. Justice V R Krishna Iyer spoke with passion and inspired the multitude in attendance to support women and shun any kind of violence against them. It was also very heartening to see another leading citizen of Kochi, the enterprising Industrialist Mr Jose Thomas, the visionary Head of the Choice Group, voluntarily take some precious time out from his busy schedule, to not only speak a few words, but also shake a leg with Usha Uthup and other dancers on the stage, in support of this crusade. In the context of a spurt in the spate of incidents of violence against women, some very old cases and many new ones have been grabbing the headlines lately; it is such wonderful heartfelt gestures of advocacy, solidarity and encouragement, from the leading citizens in any city, that will ensure socially-relevant and meaningful campaigns like this one, get widely noticed and will ultimately succeed in acheiving their noble aims.

After the aforementioned eloquent oration; there was a new energy that was unleashed on the assembled throng, with the effervescence created by 'Didi'- Usha Uthup's soulful rendition of her compilation, in her mellifluous voice. Ranjini Haridas added her share of vivaciousness with her enthusiastic spontaneity and infectious zeal. The various songs regaled the audience, it must be said that the selection was apt and well thought-out, befitting the spirit that was required to be created for the occasion. I would like to make a special mention of two of Didi's melodies - one devoted to the patriotic malayalee "Ente Keralam Ehtre Sundaram" and the other an exotic medley of hindi film hits "Bindiya Chamkegi" - they were crowd-rousing, instant hits with the masses, all were seen wildly enjoying these foot-tapping numbers. The event also had other artistes performing a variety of acts, for the entertainment of the assembled crowd. It was indeed a most memorable evening, gleefully celebrated with exuberance, high energy and gay abandon.

Let us hope this great show of solidarity by the local citizenry, would go a long way in ensuring, that our wonderful Kochi, fulfils the primary V-Day Organisation vision, of providing in this city -"a world where all women can live fearlessly,  safely and freely".

Happy Valentine's Day! A Day To Celebrate Love!!

This is a picture of a special heart shaped dark chocolate that I shared with Nandini my wife today, to celebrate the occasion. I am christening it 'Chocolate Celebrations', I am also adding a link to my own little creative attempt at composing a picture posted as a blog picture on my WordPress Blog as; Happy Valentine's Day For Everything Lovable In My Life!!!  It is a wonderful day for remembering and being thankful for everything in one's life that reminds one of that special feeling called 'Love'!

The Sailing Club House, Kochi

The Sailing Club House, Kochi

An Exclusive and Intimately Private Backwater Retreat

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

    We were most pleasantly surprised on discovering this peaceful hideout on the banks of the calm waters of the Vembanad Lake, on the hitherto under-explored island of Panangad, very close to the Lakeshore Hospital, just off NH 47, around nine odd kilometers from Vytilla. It just took us all of 40 minutes, in the peak weekday evening traffic, that too after stopping twice for the odd pointer in the right direction, to get there from Kakkanad, where we had started from.

    This wonderful place is a pristine villa, nestling two spacious bedrooms, exotically christened as Tamara & Ambal. These air-conditioned bedchambers with attached bathrooms, have commodious, warm and welcoming bedsteads, and the room space has been charmingly embellished and tastefully spruced up. But for me, the one thing that just took my breath away, was that both these rooms had their own, discreet, high-walled, mood-lit, open sit outs with, ornate wrought-iron intimate seating for two, set on an amorous floor of scattered shells, which mutedly crackles underfoot, however gingerly one tries trampling on them, in the exciting excursion into that, 'oh so romantic' private space.

    These bedrooms then open into a copious, airy and elegant central living room, well stocked with great leisure reading material. There is an attached dining alcove, serviced by a mini-pantry which should take care of all manner of beverage demands of the guests. On walking further out of this cozy sanctuary, one finds oneself out on a secluded patio, which bears witness to one of the most bewildering sights to behold.

    Opening out in front of our eyes, is this sprawling, green, expanse of verdant, well manicured lawns; which we will soon discover, is but the teaser, for what lay beyond it, can scarcely be put into words. We survey one of the most picturesque vistas that one can be privileged to see in Kochi, by this lakeside. The placid waters of the Vembanad Lake carpet the horizon like one shimmering expanse of beauty and tranquility. The fact that we were there at sunset, made me realize that I personally haven't witnessed anything so naturally beautiful, anywhere else in Kochi. At that precise instant, one will instantaneously fall in love with everything about that moment, from the skies which changed color every passing breath, to the twinkling dazzle of the glistening waves and of course, with this marvelous place, for having offered you one of the most memorable spectacles, you will never ever forget.

    Owned by the professional Avenue Hotels chain, this is an exceptionally well run establishment.  It has an adjoining outdoor dining hut, which serves some chosen delectable local delicacies, prepared by an expert in Nadan cuisine. Furthermore, the mono or multi-hull sail boats of the club, that seem to carelessly quiver to the rhythm of the undulating waves that ripple the lakeside, are also available to be pressed into service, for a relaxing cruise on Poseidon’s little realm that stretches out into the horizon, in an expansive watery wilderness, which always looks to beckon you into its warm embrace with open arms.

    The resident staff posted to assist guests, were found to be very efficient, helpful, knowledgeable and courteous. As I see it, this property could also ideally serve as a secluded venue to host, some of the most exclusive private events, parties and scenic intimate weddings.

    The Sailing Club House, for me has been a great personal discovery. It must rank as the most perfect romantic destination to serenade one's beloved in Kochi. Go there and feel it for yourself!

Sailing Club House

Chathamma South,

Pannangad P.O.

Kochi – 682506

Phones

+91-9995708888

+91-9995358888

+91-9539078888

Website

www.sailingclubhouse.in

Sunsets & Cloudy Skies!

The Sun, Clouds & Skies
By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

Each sky shot at sunset is a unique creation of God, splurging that sky canvas with the beauty of nature, that sunset ends on the day,  and can never occur again. It is that one moment of ethereal beauty, if captured on camera, will remain with you to show others; else it will be a special memory, only yours forever in your soul, which can never be physically shared. Here are some of those beautiful cloudy sunset skies, both grey ones and crimson orange ones and clear beach sunsets, I was fortunately privileged to capture, at the spur of the moment, on my handy Galaxy Note phone camera over the past few months, around Kochi & Kannur, composed for you, as a photogrid. Sharing a lot many of them for your viewing pleasure! Hope you enjoy some of them. I just loved witnessing them, in between capturing a bit of it to share later. They were indeed special 'Thank You God' moments; I shall relish for eternity, with great gratitude!

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi
By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

A chic hangout at Fort Kochi, famous for its breakfast, coffee & cakes. Try it out, if in that area for the KMB. I love the ambience & the atmosphere! It enjoys a legendary repeat value, among all those who saunter there once. A casual visit transforms into a 'must visit' every time you are in that vicinity. Our every foray into Fort Kochi, in the past five years, religiously finds time for atleast a quick cup of coffee at this cafe. I think we are quite close to our centurion visit there. The ownership has changed hands recently; but mercifully that "feel" has been left untampered, other than the change-induced welcome spruce up with a customary coat of fresh paint & varnish on anything which absolutely needed that. However discernably the enthusiastic service has jumped to a newer efficiency level and has definitely acquired a  brisk urgency, from the earlier laidback laziness. I would love to exchange notes with first time visitors; to know from them, if they feel the same attraction; even today. If only to demistify the plausible reasons for such a durable magnetism this space has been consistently enjoying, over all these years, in the hearts of all those who wander into that space! Could it be Feng-Shui?

Cafes & Eateries

Tokyo Bay - Authentic Japanese Cuisine

The Only Place To Savour That Exquisite Japanese Food Experience In Kochi

By - Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

    To enjoy a very different and serene dining experience in the heart of the city, all one needs to do is to get to Tokyo Bay - the one and only authentic Japanese restaurant in Kochi. Perched atop the seventh floor of the Hotel Presidency near the North Railway Station is this precious eatery waiting to be discovered. Once the lift doors open, one finds oneself transported into a mystic realm of tranquility; the Little Japan that opens its arms, in your welcome, is most pleasing both aesthetically and spiritually. The subdued and neutral colors and geometric order of the uncluttered Japanese decor lends a feeling of openness, simplicity and purity. This is indeed the perfect setting to spoil oneself with a unique experience of Japanese cuisine, which is almost an art form that balances delicate tastes, intricate textures, aesthetic appearance and the vibrant colours of the different foods. Their attention to detail is legendary and presentation is immaculate. The finished dishes make their ceremonial entry into the diner's presence on carefully presented plates beautifully arranged and garnished; it takes heart to dig into that perfection and disturb the harmony. But for the uninitiated, when the first morsel arrives on the palate, it exudes a splurge of hitherto undiscovered gustatory flavours, subtle yet resounding, your senses are at once aroused and ask to savour more of this new piquant appetence.

    It would be pertinent to touch upon the fact, that the Japanese enjoy one of the longest life expectancies and their women have the lowest rates of obesity on the planet; thanks mainly to their unique style of eating which presents fresh seasonal low-calorie filling foods delivered in small portions in pretty little bowls and dishes, which encourages one to have a little taste of everything and 'eat with your eyes' by enjoying the beauty of the food in front of you. Their food has low cholesterol, in the traditional absence of red meats and cow's milk, sugar consumption is also nominal, thereby markedly preventing disease. Their diet is rich in cruciferous vegetables, Shiitake mushrooms, EPA-abundant fish, iodine-intense Kombu & Nori Seaweed and Green Tea; all these enhance the innate healthiness.

    We are indeed fortunate that Tokyo Bay has inspired a legend to journey to our shores, the scholarly Chef Akinori Nishioka's four decade long dedication to the cuisine he so loves from his soul, has transformed this fine art into a science; and he has chosen to share his passion, showcase his culinary expertise and serve his delicacies, at this restaurant.

    The thoughtful Chef has discreetly crafted an informative menu which helps the unfamiliar in making an informed choice; if one needs more help the knowledgeable and courteous waiting staff is ever present with their erudite suggestions. The choices include Zensai (Appetisers), Ippin Ryori (Short-eats), Yakitori/Kushiyaki - Chicken/Pork/Beef/Prawn/Veg (Barbecued skewers), Maki, Hoso Maki & Nigri Sushi, Teppan-Yaki (Grilled Meats), with a selection of Menrui (Noodles), Gohan (Cooked White Rice). There are two options in the set menu - Okosama Teishoku for kids in the age group 2 to 5 and 6 to 10 years old. The adults also have multiple Tyushoku/Teishoku set menu options, with Chicken/Beef/Seafood/Pork main courses, which allows one to sample a selection of soups, pickles, vegetables, rice along with Koutcha or Kouhii (Tea or Coffee). The dessert options were a trifle restricted. The only major disappointment was the lack of Japanese alcoholic beverages like fermented rice Sake, Awamori, Shochu and Japanese Beer brands like Sapporo, Kirin, Asahi, Suntory etc, to go with the food to complete the Japanese experience.

    My dining experience here, meandered through a delectable fare that started with my perennial favourite, Hoso Maki (Slender Sushi rolls) Tekka Maki (12 Nori (Seaweed)-wrapped Raw Tuna Sushi rolls); along with Buta Bara (Barbecued skewers of Pork Ribs) followed by the mains which included a Miso Soup, Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) with the Pork Katsu Don (Pork cutlet with onion and egg on the rice) accompanied with the subtle Shizouka Koucha (Japanese Black Tea). I topped all this with the exotic Uji Matcha Green Tea ice cream. What a treat it was indeed!

    The eating experience here leaves one "lightly satiated" - a new type of an unheavy, unaccustomed, pleasurable satiation for the experimental Kochi palate. I recommend this restaurant as a must visit for all the adventurous foodies in Kochi, looking for a genuine experience of an unfamiliar cuisine. The 'Sushi' served with Wasabi paste, was absolutely to die for, I have never sampled such an assortment of subtle dressings that perfectly complemented the accompanying dishes. This new place really grows on you. The waiting staff must rank among the best we have in the city today, they were energetic, helpful, thoughtful, alert and competent. The radiant presence of the cheerful and affable Mrs Joey Bhogal who makes it a point to check on one's experience; must be another one of the reasons the place bears the hallmark of a well-oiled, efficiently run establishment from where one comes away with a special feeling of being well taken care of.

    The thoughtful provision of exclusive independent curtained alcoves lends a certain intimacy which some diners would love to enjoy with their privacy. The restaurant also boasts of two private dining rooms that can accommodate around twenty gourmands, having a small party of their own. Therefore, the spacious serenity of this restaurant offers versatile options, as a nice romantic place for two, a fun diner to celebrate with a group of friends or a great new place to savour a new cuisine.