Jab Jab Dard Ka Baadal Chaaya

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was indeed a wonderful movie released last summer. One of the underrated parts of the movie was the amazing poetry penned by Javed Akhtar and recited by Farhan Akthar over the course of the film. The scenes where poems are recited in Farhans head in the midst of total silence (sitting on a boat after going diving, admiring the surroundings, driving away from the love of your life, around a campfire in the middle of the night) are the kind of scenes which we can all relate to in our lives, via different, often simple and unexpected experiences, and all have special significance for us for our own personal reasons.

My favorite poem from the movie was when Farhan is coming to terms with how cruel, and irresponsible his father was after meeting him for the first time. The poem is as follows:

Jab jab dard ka baadal chaya
Jab ghum ka saya lehraya
Jab aansoo palkon tak aya
Jab yeh tanha dil ghabraya

Humne dil ko yeh samjhaya
…Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai
Duniya mein yunhi hota hai

Yeh jo gehre sannate hain
Waqt ne sabko hi baante hain
Thoda ghum hai sabka qissa
Thodi dhoop hai sabka hissa
Aankh teri bekaar hi nam hai
Har pal ek naya mausam hai
Kyun tu aise pal khota hai
Dil aakhir tu kyun rota hai

These days, I often listen to these words and try to tell myself that everything will be alright. Thank you Javedsaab for putting into words what I often think about, but fail to emote.

Restaurant Review: The Reef

The Reef
4172 Main Street
Vancouver, BC

The next new cuisine to try, after some thought, was Jamaican. In all honesty, I never realised that Caribbean folk had their own cuisine, and in fact, it is really a bit of a fusion between all the different ethnicities which inhabit the islands. However, I was glad that we went and explored these new tastes.

The specialty about Jamaican food is their use of 'Jerk' Marinade. Jerk Sauce is a garlicy, spicy marinade with a strong hint of ginger which is used to flavor most meat dishes which are served. Additionally you will find liberal helpings of Indian spices mixed into the cuisine, such a various curries, and Roti, which is often served on the side.

I ordered the 'Jamaican Bun' from the 'Special Tings' section of the menu, which was basically a chicken patty marinated in jerk sauce and served on a bun, along with coleslaw and plantain chips on the side. I particularly like the taste of the plaintain chips, as they were different from the french fries you usually get with a burger at most restaurants. We also managed to finish off a pitcher of rum punch between the two of us!

I liked this restaurant. The location is a bit far from campus, but the ambiance is warm and friendly, meant to replicate the Caribbean, and there is a DJ playing reggae music late into the night. The prices are not too bad, and of course, how can you say bad things about a restaurant which serves drinks with umbrellas in them? ;)

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5

Restaurant Review: Vallartas Mexican Restaurant

Vallartas Mexican Restaurant
2991 E. Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Long time since I have blogged. Why you may ask? Well, I have spent a considerable amount of time EATING! :D More specifically, trying out new cuisines with a friend who shares the same interests...

Well, finally, after much searching, a good Mexican Restaurant has been found in Vancouver. I present to you, Vallartas Mexican Restaurant!

Vallartas is a family run, small restaurant, located at the corner of Broadway and Renfrew in Vancouver. While from the outside, the restaurant looks quite shady, and in fact, was a bit difficult to locate, since the signboard is not clearly visible, but this actually ads to the charm when you get inside.

Food is cooked by an elderly Latina woman and was served by her daughter. While the spoken English is a bit weak, the food is prepared and served with love. And what PORTIONS! I don't think I have been to restaurant which has been so generous with their serving sizes.

We ordered a bit much, not realising the portion sizes were so much... Quesadillas for appetizers, Chicken Burrito for my friend, and a Roasted Chicken Platter for me. Topped off with a Corona for good measure. In all honesty, we could have done without the appetizers, as ultimately, we were unable to finish our meals and took them home for lunch the next day.

Perhaps because of the individual attention given to each dish, and the authenticity of the restaurant, I really enjoyed the meal, and was happy to finally discover a place where you could get a decent Mexican meal in Vancouver. Considering the portion sizes, I would say that the prices are also quite reasonable.

Location: 2.5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5