Back from Kolkata - 2 things that impressed

stake501 · May 19th, 2006, 20:32

Well back from my biannual trip to India (and of course Kolkata)

Well two things that really impressed me were

1./ City Centre

Where did this come from, from out of the dust like a phoenix from the flames, comes this untypical shopping centre (untypical for kolkata). It was quite eerie being there as its not how i think of my fathers city, all modern and westrern, but impressive none the less, especially the chinese resteraunt in section B 2nd floor (i made up the sector - and i cant remember the name of the food palace)

What did make me laugh though was the queue for KFC going out the shop down the corridor and round the corner

. I repeat for KFC. I aim to open a Kati roll shop in London, and see if I can have the same effect

2./ A Steak in Oly pub (on park street)

Never have i entered a more grimy place to drink. Nicotine stained walls, A cloak of smoke to disguise comings and goings. Ripped up furniture last seen in a house clearance after a squat party, and plenty of cockroaches keeping the lone drinkers company. I was reluctant to drink there let alone eat there, but my cuz told me this is the place for a steak....appropriately ordered as beef steak. Well it was well done (no way would i have asked for medium rare in India, but the option was not extended anyway)but absolutely amazing. I think it was a sirloin cut, or rump, but with the mash, onion gravy, and peas it was randomly delicious and i recommend it even if the venue could do with fumigation and then knocking down.

There was a third place but I dont think a 10 Rs a bag weed shop (or stall or canvas hut) on the VIP Road will resonate with everyone. Still though wish we had hash cafes like that where i live

anindya911 · May 19th, 2006, 20:42

Good to hear something positive about Kolkata for a change!

Casey · May 20th, 2006, 08:14

I loved Calcutta. I enjoyed the subway, the people, the maidan, and even the museum (complete with semi-rotting walrus). Of the big cities in India that I have been to I think I enjoyed it the most.

babuchand · Jun 1st, 2006, 17:10

Stake,
yes city centre was born in recent days...as u described correctly like phoenix, but it amazas me that its the first time u entered Oly Pub... its the old hut of drunkers with not so deep pockets in the park street area.

have u checked out some other malls and cineplexes that have been set up in kolkata recently???

pandg · Jun 2nd, 2006, 03:32

what i enjoyed about calcutta was the people. Everyone seemed so laid back for a major city. Even the ricksha wallas didn’t bother chasing me down for a fare. At one point I had to ask one for directions and he didn’t even offer to take me! And i know that i showered that morning!

skinnylatte · Jul 2nd, 2006, 03:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by anindya911

Good to hear something positive about Kolkata for a change!

I LOVE Kolkata! It suits me just fine and I can't stand people dissing it. Heh.

tintin8801 · Jul 2nd, 2006, 22:59

a message in kolkata forum after a long time........

thanks to all for pointing out the true spirit of calcutta

butterball · Jul 2nd, 2006, 23:07

Agreed, CCU is really THE Indian City. Everything you could want, and even more on top.

The smog does get to you after a while though

sganguly · Jul 12th, 2006, 02:49

City center has been there for a while. I have family in Kolkata and visit every year. This is the 3rd year in a row we went to hang out in the city center. Its gotten steadily busier each year and parking is now a hassle in the evenings but its still a nice place to go shop. The movie hall (Inox) is probably the easiest way to see a movie in Kolkata.

There are several other new and old malls/shopping centers. In terms of ambiance nothing can beat New Market. Unfortunately could not go there this time.

Casey - your comment about the museum was on the mark. We dragged our kids there one day among much screaming and kicking - and while I was quite disappointed by the sorry state of much of the exhibits our kids liked the stuffed animals. I myself thought that the statue section was about the only thing worth seeing.

warlock · Sep 3rd, 2006, 21:59

Good to hear something nice about Kolkata instead of the regular bashing it is used to.

Was there in Feb '06 (after a gap of 2 1/2 years)but was there for only 2 weeks and since it was for my own wedding , could not get much time to look around but yes did got to the City center.Its a welcome change happening in Kolkata with so many malls sprouting up.Will be visinting in Feb ,07 again.This time hopefully I will get more time to explore around.
Oly Pub is legendary,thats were one would go to on pay day (Back in the good 'ol days when a paycheck did not go very deep).The waiters making the peg in front of you and the famous chateaubriand steak and yes waiters chipping ice from a whole block of ice.Hygiene was the last thing on one's mind....Oly Pub was a stepping stone,then you progressed on to other places like Trincas/Peter Cat/Moulin Rouge/Someplace else.....Oh Calcutta........

Indiluv · Oct 17th, 2006, 21:55

Calcutta - Nowhere else like it! Love it!!

PortieOwner · Oct 17th, 2006, 22:10

Regarding KFC, the chain is amazingly popular in China as well. For some reason, Asians love fried chicken even more than Americans (and we love fried chicken). For chicken chains, KFC is second tier. Popeyes and especially Bojangles have better fried chicken.

Portie

sganguly · Oct 18th, 2006, 23:30

The KFC in City Center is quite nice - we took out fried chicken twice during our visit and everyone liked it. In India the default version seems to be "spicy" and the boys behind the counter were amazingly polite (huge contrast with the surly min-wage help behind the fast food counters back home)

PortieOwner · Oct 19th, 2006, 01:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sganguly

The KFC in City Center is quite nice - we took out fried chicken twice during our visit and everyone liked it. In India the default version seems to be "spicy" and the boys behind the counter were amazingly polite (huge contrast with the surly min-wage help behind the fast food counters back home)

I have noticed that at McDonalds in India. The restaurants are sparkling clean and the workers are friendly and efficient, unlike the USA version. Sort of reminds me of my childhood.

Portie

robotvoice · Oct 19th, 2006, 05:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by anindya911

Good to hear something positive about Kolkata for a change!

if you want to call visiting kfc positive!

i too am in love with kolkata. i agree with pandg, probably one of the most laid back big cities around, peoplewise, not trafficwise, of course. i felt immediately at home flying into kolkata, and i still look forward to being there, since i have only grazed the surface of this wonderful city.

May 19th, 2006, 20:32	#1
stake501 Jake. I need my money...Jake Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 53	Back from Kolkata - 2 things that impressed Well back from my biannual trip to India (and of course Kolkata) Well two things that really impressed me were 1./ City Centre Where did this come from, from out of the dust like a phoenix from the flames, comes this untypical shopping centre (untypical for kolkata). It was quite eerie being there as its not how i think of my fathers city, all modern and westrern, but impressive none the less, especially the chinese resteraunt in section B 2nd floor (i made up the sector - and i cant remember the name of the food palace) What did make me laugh though was the queue for KFC going out the shop down the corridor and round the corner. I repeat for KFC. I aim to open a Kati roll shop in London, and see if I can have the same effect 2./ A Steak in Oly pub (on park street) Never have i entered a more grimy place to drink. Nicotine stained walls, A cloak of smoke to disguise comings and goings. Ripped up furniture last seen in a house clearance after a squat party, and plenty of cockroaches keeping the lone drinkers company. I was reluctant to drink there let alone eat there, but my cuz told me this is the place for a steak....appropriately ordered as beef steak. Well it was well done (no way would i have asked for medium rare in India, but the option was not extended anyway)but absolutely amazing. I think it was a sirloin cut, or rump, but with the mash, onion gravy, and peas it was randomly delicious and i recommend it even if the venue could do with fumigation and then knocking down. There was a third place but I dont think a 10 Rs a bag weed shop (or stall or canvas hut) on the VIP Road will resonate with everyone. Still though wish we had hash cafes like that where i live __________________ Live fast, Die Young, Leave a good looking corpse

May 19th, 2006, 20:42	#2
anindya911 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 362	Good to hear something positive about Kolkata for a change! __________________ Let Your mind roam ... and the body will follow!

Jun 1st, 2006, 17:10	#4
babuchand Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: KOLKATA, INDIA Posts: 297	Stake, yes city centre was born in recent days...as u described correctly like phoenix, but it amazas me that its the first time u entered Oly Pub... its the old hut of drunkers with not so deep pockets in the park street area. have u checked out some other malls and cineplexes that have been set up in kolkata recently??? __________________ Njoy babu visit : http://www.webmania.co.za/travelmania/babu/index.shtml "The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget."

Oct 17th, 2006, 22:10	#12
PortieOwner Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 351	Kfc Regarding KFC, the chain is amazingly popular in China as well. For some reason, Asians love fried chicken even more than Americans (and we love fried chicken). For chicken chains, KFC is second tier. Popeyes and especially Bojangles have better fried chicken. Portie

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May 20th, 2006, 08:14	#3
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 615	I loved Calcutta. I enjoyed the subway, the people, the maidan, and even the museum (complete with semi-rotting walrus). Of the big cities in India that I have been to I think I enjoyed it the most.

Jun 2nd, 2006, 03:32	#5
pandg Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 4	what i enjoyed about calcutta was the people. Everyone seemed so laid back for a major city. Even the ricksha wallas didn’t bother chasing me down for a fare. At one point I had to ask one for directions and he didn’t even offer to take me! And i know that i showered that morning!

Jul 2nd, 2006, 22:59	#7
tintin8801 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: calcutta Posts: 223	a message in kolkata forum after a long time........ thanks to all for pointing out the true spirit of calcutta

Jul 2nd, 2006, 23:07	#8
butterball Mine's a Haywoods... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London .. sometimes ;o) Posts: 665	Agreed, CCU is really THE Indian City. Everything you could want, and even more on top. The smog does get to you after a while though

Jul 12th, 2006, 02:49	#9
sganguly Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin TX Posts: 5	City center has been there for a while. I have family in Kolkata and visit every year. This is the 3rd year in a row we went to hang out in the city center. Its gotten steadily busier each year and parking is now a hassle in the evenings but its still a nice place to go shop. The movie hall (Inox) is probably the easiest way to see a movie in Kolkata. There are several other new and old malls/shopping centers. In terms of ambiance nothing can beat New Market. Unfortunately could not go there this time. Casey - your comment about the museum was on the mark. We dragged our kids there one day among much screaming and kicking - and while I was quite disappointed by the sorry state of much of the exhibits our kids liked the stuffed animals. I myself thought that the statue section was about the only thing worth seeing.

Sep 3rd, 2006, 21:59	#10
warlock Indophile Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 12	Good to hear something nice about Kolkata instead of the regular bashing it is used to. Was there in Feb '06 (after a gap of 2 1/2 years)but was there for only 2 weeks and since it was for my own wedding , could not get much time to look around but yes did got to the City center.Its a welcome change happening in Kolkata with so many malls sprouting up.Will be visinting in Feb ,07 again.This time hopefully I will get more time to explore around. Oly Pub is legendary,thats were one would go to on pay day (Back in the good 'ol days when a paycheck did not go very deep).The waiters making the peg in front of you and the famous chateaubriand steak and yes waiters chipping ice from a whole block of ice.Hygiene was the last thing on one's mind....Oly Pub was a stepping stone,then you progressed on to other places like Trincas/Peter Cat/Moulin Rouge/Someplace else.....Oh Calcutta........

Oct 17th, 2006, 21:55	#11
Indiluv Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Suffolk Posts: 41	Calcutta - Nowhere else like it! Love it!!

Oct 18th, 2006, 23:30	#13
sganguly Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin TX Posts: 5	The KFC in City Center is quite nice - we took out fried chicken twice during our visit and everyone liked it. In India the default version seems to be "spicy" and the boys behind the counter were amazingly polite (huge contrast with the surly min-wage help behind the fast food counters back home)

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