And now clean Railway platforms

.... But before you think any further, I am referring to mostly platforms in South India which I found to be much cleaner than those in the North. I wonder why it is so.

Take a look at the Secunderababd station (Picture above) where you can clearly see the shop's reflections on the floor. I was amazed to find the platform clean even at 8:00 am; there were no signs of cobwebs either on the ceiling and I have a photo to prove that.


What also caught my attention was the cleaning lady who was armed with a trolley like dustbin and a broom so that she could sweep in the litter straight into the bin. Now isn't that a smart way!
(Incidentally the train standing in the background is the Rajdhani and you can notice Airtel Ad covering the train's exterior completely. Read more about it in my previous blog : Toilet Paper Aboard Indian Railways.)


I came across a signboard that said 'This station is under surveillance', and I didn't see any reason to doubt it. Obviously someone was keeping an eye on errant passengers throwing rubbish wayside.

Way to go Indian Railways! How about emulating this in other stations across India?

Restaurant that kept chocolates in my car

Restaurant Review : Via Milano
Address:
Asha Plaza, 80 ft Road - 100 ft Road junction, 4th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore. Phone 41309997, 41309994

Its not very often that you come out from a restaurant with a rose in your hand, it is even rarer to find chocolates 'gifted' by the restaurant in your car. That's how Via Milano won my heart after winning over my taste buds.

Much has been written about Via Milano's food, but I would like to comment on their hospitality skills. Greeted by a wet hot towel, put us immediately in warm spirits. The congeniality of all stewards was consistent, making you instantly like the place.

I also loved the cutlery... my main dish was served in a triangle shaped plate!

Only disappointing factor was the desert selection which had egg in it, and being strict vegetarian we couldnt order any.

As we left the place, the stewardess handed out a rose to each of the ladies in our group. But the icing on the cake was when I saw they had put in a thank you note in my car with chocolates!

With so much pampering who wouldn't want to go back to Via Milano?

Ada Hind Ki: Good name, could add personality

"Ada Hind Ki" - With a name like that for a restaurant, you are bound to get curious. I went with the expectation of seeing something Rustic or Hindustani, but the decor was average. Anyways what it lacked in spirit, they made it up with taste. And I am not complaining.

The address is : No.3 Home Elegance, Museum Road, Bangalore. Just above In China restaurant.

First let me tell you what I liked about this restaurant which serves North Indian (Awadhi, Gujarati, Punjabi, etc).

1. Easy reservation - Booked for a table for 11 on a Saturday, for a family get together.

2. Easy Parking - I didnt have to scamper around for parking on a Saturday on a busy Church Street! Even my guests got easy parking in the hotel's basement. (Makes me want to visit the place more often just for the free parking!)

3. Good Seating - The seating arrangement couldnt be helped as we were a large team. The management handled our large troupe rather well I must say, getting our orders right at one go. Scores another point from me on that!

4. Feel at home - Incidentally my sister in law had a 4 month old baby to nurse and as expected the baby got cranky just about dinner time. The hotel staff helped her settle in a separate room away from public view. Now that doesnt happen in most restaurants due to lack of space.

5. Good food - Food was tasty and masala rich. Wasnt heavy on oil, just right enough to be declared sumptious. The Lady finger curry was a delight. snacks were easy on the stomach, we ordered kababs (all veg). Try the coconut cooler, it was really innovative, so were the other mocktails.

Finally the bill was modest for a gathering of 11, coming up to almost 500 bucks per person which is not bad.

I recommend this place for a weekend dining as you can be relaxed about parking, easy reservations and great service.

Thats 4 out of five from my side for Ada Hind Ki. Gosh they even remembered my birthday and invited me for a second visit!

And yes, the Namasteys (with folded hands) were there but definitely wasnt out of place. Its good to see Indian salutation being done at restaurants and why not!

Read this review also on Burrp.com - http://bangalore.burrp.com/establishment/review/6df_5mo