Binoy Nazareth Steps into Serendipity in Maldives

 

Dreaming of a sun-drenched hideaway?  Binoy Nazareth invites you to experience serendipity in Maldives. If you want to explore enchanted getaways, I would suggest adding Maldives to your bucket list as a wonderful and most-wanted destination. Known as the Republic of Maldives, this gorgeous small archipelago island country is in South Asia in the Arabian Sea in a region of the Indian Ocean. Spanning almost over 298 square kilometers or 115 square miles, Maldives is part of a chain of 26 atolls with just 515,696 inhabitants. Otherwise known as the ‘King’s Island’, this island country with Male as its capital is a terrestrial Eco region with a huge submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean.  Its capital has housed many ancient royal dynasties with a lineage which goes back into antiquity.

You can stay in one of the comfortable hotels at this beautiful vacation spot and enjoy your island sojourn. All you have to do is pick up one of the reasonable flights to Maldives from Travelocity and just take off. Though Maldives is a year-round destination, it is best to visit between December and April to experience dry weather. You can take a pleasure trip during May to August if you fancy dancing in the rain! With exciting places to go and things to do, Maldives offers a serendipitous haven where you can relax on the beach, go on rejuvenating canoe rides, snorkel or swim in the languid blue waters.

Maldives offers a Serendipitous Journey

Picture-perfect, pleasurable and preserving, Maldives as an archipelago showcases 1,190+ small coral islands and is home to The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Declared as a UNESCO Biosphere, this stupendous reserve located in the west of Maldives in the Indian Ocean houses a starling number of flora and fauna. You can witness countless, frigate birds, whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, manta rays and sharks. With incredible coral reefs including black coral, tropical islands and mangroves, this spectacular biosphere also manages marine protected areas.

I love islands and have added Maldives as a great holiday spot to visit in the near future. I have looked up the travel news where you can choose marvelous travel sites to explore and enjoy. If you are an adventurous type, you can experience exciting wind surfing, diving, banana rides with the family, jet skiing or go wake boarding across the lagoon. You can experience a gorgeous sunrise and sunset from your resort, liveaboards or guest house or from one of the great hotels you are staying in at Maldives.

Take off on a Delicious Journey

The chef in me yearns to taste the delicious and traditional dishes of Maldives! Going on night dives and wreck dives can make you hungry and this is what I am planning to do and that is to take a dive into Garudhiya or fragrant fish soup, Boshi mashuni or banana flower salad, the famous Bis keemiya or samosa and Saagu bondibai or sago pudding. One of the best things to do while contemplating a break, it to run through www.expedia.com and pick expedia flights where you can enjoy exciting dishes and see historic places, not to forget lounging on great beaches!

If you are a history buff, one of the places to visit is Utheemu Ganduvaru which is the birthplace and home of the famous Maldivian hero, Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. Another place to include in your sight-seeing is the official palace of the President at Muleeaage which is a must-see in Malé. Hukuru Miskiiy and the Munnaaru in Malé City weave a spiritual atmosphere with ancient structures and is also a popular place of worship. Visitors who love islands can take off island hopping to visit the island of Kaashidoo which is about 86 kilometers from Malé. This special mosque here is made of coral and is the place where the 12^th century royal copper chronicles, 'Isdhoo Loamaafaanu', were kept in a special chamber.

 Get the Most out of a Beach Vacation

 Are you ready to take the family on a beach vacation? You are sure to get great travel deals on Travelocity with cheap air tickets. Maldives offers exciting recreational activities for tourists with a range of things to do. Fuamulaku is located in the southern region of the Maldivian archipelago and is famous for its exotic fruits. Kids will have great fun playing on the incredible beaches and building sandcastles. If you are an explorer at heart, you will enjoy the whale submarine tour where you can sight sea life in their habitats. The azure Nalaguraidhoo Beach is a must-see for the laid-back travellers with its pristine surroundings. You can satisfy the tastebuds with Mas Huni or shredded and smoked tuna with coconut which pairs well with Roshi or chapati bread which you can get here.

 If you are keen on sightseeing, then you must see the reclaimed island of Hulhumale with its golden-domed mosque. The divers or the brave at heart can take off to dive at the famous and popular dive site at Banana Reef with its exotic fish and sea mammals or they can launch off on a cruise of the Indian Ocean. After all these recreational sports and activities, you can surely indulge in an array of Maldivian food which is a delicious blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, Oriental and Arabic influences. Try out the Bis Keemiya which is a pastry with tuna or hardboiled egg and/or onions. The journey of deliciousness goes on with Tandoori spiced reef fish cutlet served with yummy chutneys, Kulhi Boakibaa which is a fish cake and Gulha or tuna filled dumplings which tastes great with tea or coffee. Choose reasonable vacation packages and fill in your vacation with fabulous fun!

 Maldives offers a jam-packed holiday with catamaran sailing, private fishing for couples, watching a movie under the stars and a breath-taking underwater spa where you can watch sea life and unwind. This beautiful island country fills the senses and caters to the taste buds with Aluvi Boakibaa which is a coconut and cassava cake, Rihaakuru or a spicy fish paste, fish curry, the Tharukaaree Riha or a vegetable curry and you can top your meal with a heavenly Gulab Jamun which is a marvellous dessert. Live a laid-back life at a gorgeous island and sip kalhu sai or black tea or kiru sai which is milk tea. If you fancy a stronger beverage, try out the special Biyadhoo Maldivian, an alcoholic drink blended with fruit juice. Or sip the intoxicating Lucky & Al where you can they hear the music of the universe! Maldives invites you to taste the heavenly life at its exotic locale.

Binoy Nazareth Welcomes You to Live Life to the Fullest

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Binoy Nazareth American Chicken recipe

Transforming a Culinary Repertoire with Chicken

Inspiring the taste buds and the gourmet in you, chicken dishes have come home to roost as the ubiquitous food which has crossed cultural horizons to offer the palate passion and pleasure. Hitting the culinary spotlight with a cadenza of flavor and aroma, the simple chicken or Gallus gallus domesticus displays a mild taste and with its uniform texture can be transformed into any type of culinary concoction.

Making inroads into a vast culinary arena, chicken has conquered the world with a rich and delicious history. Journeying into a delicious path, the famous chicken has traversed through global terrain and has made an impression with its accessibility, low cost, nutritional value and versatility. As an all-time favorite, the chicken absorbs the flavors of any ingredient and has been used in innovative ways around the globe.

Explore Versatile, Vibrant and Vivacious Chicken Dishes

Binoy Nazareth has been known for his culinary skills and expertise in whipping up an awesome array of delicious dishes fit for the gods. He says that the much-loved and much-favored chicken has the ability to transform into a delicious dish whether it is grilled, barbecued, roasted, pan-seared, deep-fried or just used in a gravy, curry, stew, soup or sauce. With its flavor-absorbing base, chicken has been the inspiration of myriad recipes right from BBQ Chicken pizza, Chicken tortillas to pot pies and curries.

Does anyone stop to think of the number of times that they have eaten chicken? Transforming itself into part and parcel of life, chicken has found its way into salads, chicken fingers, nuggets, soups and countless dishes which has soothed hunger pangs and satisfied even the fussiest eater. With almost every part of the chicken being used in dishes for lunch, dinner or snack time, it has turned out to be an inexpensive protein and a healthy meal option.

Chicken is King

Lauded by nutritionists all over the world, the chicken with its lean white meat contributes to a satisfying meal and is also low on calories. Being an intrepid traveler, Binoy emphasizes that a chicken dish when cooked in various ways is sure to satisfy the travel bug in you. He says that dishes taken from various cultures like curried chicken or enchiladas and infused with Indian or Mexican flavors can transport your traveling soul into an exotic dimension. Chicken inspires the gourmet in you where you can try out fusion cuisine, says Binoy who has experimented with even the most intricate chicken recipes from all over the world.

You can reinvent recipes, says Binoy, right from crispy fried to succulent roasted chicken which can speak volumes as a standalone dish or as a hearty meal. Binoy Nazareth delves into the aspirations of culinary talents to give you a favorite chicken recipe to suit any occasion or just a family dinner or lunch. Here is an all-time favorite which is guaranteed to fill the mind, body and soul with the wholesome spirit of taste and a delicious journey.

What you need:

Ingredients

Chicken drumstick with skin 8 pieces

¾ cup of Tomato sauce

2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

3 cloves of crushed garlic

½ cup of chicken stock

2 large onions sliced thin

I tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Equipment or cooking utensils needed:

1 saucepan

1 casserole dish

1 frying pan

What to do:

Method

Take a clean saucepan and pour oil into it. Wait till it heats up and fry the crushed garlic.

Next, add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup of chicken stock, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ¾ cup of tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes while gently stirring the mixture.

Take a frying pan and pour oil in it. Wait till it heats up and brown the chicken drumsticks with the skin. Fry the chicken gently for a few minutes. Place the browned chicken drumsticks in a casserole and dribble the sauce over the chicken pieces.

Bake the chicken in the oven which has been heated up to 180C.

After 15 minutes, place the thinly sliced onion and baste.

Bake the chicken for 35 minutes while basting every 10 minutes.

Bon appétit! Your delicious American Chicken is now ready. Have a great meal!

Options & Add-ons

You can also use red wine instead of the Worcestershire sauce, water instead of chicken stock and chicken thighs can replace drumsticks.

American Chicken can be accompanied with bread, vegetables, salads and mashed potatoes.

This great dish can be accompanied with white wine, fruit or vegetable juice or a long cool drink.

Add on a scrumptious dessert for that finishing touch.

Recipe taken from:

A very tasty chicken dish with a delicious tomato and onion gravy.

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Binoy Nazareth Adds Croatia to His Bucket List

Explore the Secrets of Croatia

Zdravo (Hello in Croatian)! Welcome to the land of 1000 islands! Discover delicious food, unique culture and a misted over history of Croatia. If you are looking for a refreshing vacation or an adventure through walled towns or even a relaxing holiday by the sea, add Croatia to your bucket list. I am fascinated with Croatia where the sapphire waters make a deep impression on the soul and where the hidden treasures of Europe showcase the secrets of yesterday. Make friends and get kissed 3 times!! Or practice a language that draws you closer to the magnificence of Nature.

Pozdrav (greeting)! I am a beach person and would love to let the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea sweep through the mind with soft breezes and invigorate a vacation with the delights of Croatia. Located in Central and Southeast Europe in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia shares a maritime border with Italy and is bordered by Hungary to the northeast, Slovenia in the northwest, Serbis to the east and Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast.

Experience History that Touches the Heart

My bucket list is full of stimulating breaks! Transform your break with a walk through the history of Croatia and immerse yourself in its ancient past. If you are an aficionado of history, Croatia takes the history buff through the Cathedral of St Domnius in Split, the City Walls & Forts of Dubrovnik and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Take a spiritual tour through the Krka Monastery, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč and St James' Cathedral in Šibenik. Re-visit the past at the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula and let the echoes of the past roar with the cries of the crowd at the gladiator fights. Stop and relish Pasticada with gnocchi and the cuisines from various districts of Croatia with Black risotto, Strukli or pastry, the traditional and typical Pasticada with gnocchi and Peka with meat and vegetables.

I just adore seafood and the Buzara-style cooking with Scampi, mussels or shrimps na Buzarujsut takes the taste buds on a glorious journey while the Skradinski risotto is a treat for every foodie with its veal, ham, chicken, beef and onions. Croatia shares some news for the adventurer with hiking trails, climbing for the brave hearts and the Nature pundits at the Paklenica National Park in North Dalmatia and the Krka National Park with its waterfalls steeped in extraordinary karst and natural surroundings.

My bucket list is abuzz with things to do, places to see and exciting activities in Croatia. You can take off cycling, hiking or rafting to discover Nature’s splendors or walk through the ancient cobbled streets to experience the past. Being a beach lover, I would like to explore Korčula Island with its sandy beaches, small villages, the gorgeous old town, vineyards and olive groves. Stop off at the historic town of Trogir with its beautiful architecture, breathtaking sea views and palm trees. Hold your breath and dive down to absorb a spiritual exercise at the Blue Lagoon where you can surprise the mind with the Stations of the Cross.

Explore the Culinary Secrets of Croatia

My taste buds tingle with the culture of cuisines in Croatia and my culinary journey is rejuvenated with Croatian dishes which are both creative and captivating. Whipping up a storm with the fragrant Gregada an imaginative stew, the aspiring chef in me would love also to taste the rare Vitalac which originates from the island of Brač.  The mouth-watering dishes of Croatia evolve over delicacies such as Istarski fuzi, a pasta served with veal sauce, Brudet, a fish stew,  Viska and komiska pogaca, a savoury dish with salted fish and roasted turkey with mlinci pasta, a traditional Croatian pasta dish. You can top your incredible meal with wine, Grappa, Prosek or Maraschino. Croatia showcases a mind-boggling carousel of culinary delights which take you on a trip through sugary treats like Fritule, Apple Strudel, Bajamini, Krempite, walnut rolls and an array of mouth-watering desserts.

I have chosen Croatia especially as a distinctive summer and winter holiday destination where tourists can amaze their getaway with innumerable activities. Croatia offers fabulous sightseeing in summer and visitors can enjoy winter with the awesome sight of the frozen-over Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an experience at the Drubovnik Winter Festival or attend the various Drubovnik events at the Old Town, toast the season with mulled wine and cakes or stroll through the Advent and Christmas markets.

As I celebrate the spirit of relaxing and rejuvenating, my bucket list teems over with spectacular winter activities in Croatia which includes reviving at the thermal spas, skiing and indulging in a day trip to the Neretva Valley also known as the ‘Garden of Drubovnik’. Take off and mingle with the culture of carnivals in Croatia or explore a museum and relax on the beach with a glass of the famed Croatian wine.

Binoy Nazareth Takes You on a Must-see Destination for all Seasons

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Binoy Nazareth Experiences the Rain in Spain

Experience the Exhilaration of Spain

Hola! Are you ready to experience the land of the flaming flamenco, football and fiesta? Bienvenidos! Come with me to experience the rain in Spain, the fascinating cities, gorgeous beaches and the captivating culture. I am and will always be intrigued by the kingdom of Spain located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. With endless and attractive sights, things to do and explore, Spain has been featured on my bucket list as an exhilarating destination.

In my mind, the land of exotic and vibrant Spain is the epitome of color which takes you by surprise and wonder. I was so intrigued by La Piel de Toro or The Bull Skin as it is popularly called, that I started making notes of the exciting sights, festivals and especially the delicious dishes that I was going to experience. I was also planning on being chased by the bulls at the much-awaited ‘Running of the Bulls’ at a noted Andalusian city called Pamplona which also showcases Islamic architecture. I am just waiting to include interesting and inviting fiestas like the Fiesta de los Patios and the Romería de Nuesra Señora de le Cabeza which has been held for over 800 years!  Can you imagine being covered with ripe tomatoes at La Tomatina where you will be dripping over with juice from tomatoes? Sightseeing in Spain covers innumerable UNESCO heritage sites, art museums the most famous being the Museo del Prado, the Picasso Museum, the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Guggenheim Museum and of course other awesome destinations.

Go on a Tasteful Sojourn with Breathtaking Culinary Adventures

Being an ardent chef and a foodie at heart, my adventurous spirit has been inspired by gourmet and peasant cuisines. Steeped in Mediterranean roots, Spain showcases the popular paella which can be combined with vegetables, seafood or meats. I am waiting to devour pescaíto frito or fried fish, Castilian soup, vegetable and fish-based stews, the lightly cured lacón ham and a variety of seafood. It would be great to start off my day with graham crackers and Magdalena, a sweet muffin before I move to an adventure-filled culinary journey with a before-lunch snack of bocadillos calientes which are hot sandwiches filled with bacon, tortilla, pork loin and sausage.

Disfruta tu comida…enjoy your food! That’s what warms the cockles of my heart! I just love the cultural influences of Spain with its Mediterranean Spain, Inner Spain and the Atlantic Spain cuisines that range over soups like gazpacho, rice based dishes, stews and seafood. It would be wonderful to sit down to a meal filled with culinary delights after exploring the cathedrals, museums and the awesome architecture of Barcelona. Exhibiting the much-talked about Catalan cuisine, Barcelona showcases the famed truffled sweet potato, cod brandade and oxtail soup to enchant the taste buds of adventurous spirits. Madrid opens out avenues of shopping with its central barrio and is ideal for picking up quirky gifts and souvenirs. Which adventurer is not fascinated by history? I just love the passionate and sophisticated lifestyle of Spain as it uncovers the secrets of the Alhambra in Granada with its fortified palace, the seat of the Nasrid emirs.

Witness a Kaleidoscope of Sights, Sounds and Sensations

If you love exploring, the Alcázar in Seville ranges out the Mudéjar and Christian architecture which houses the UNESCO-listed palace complex of Palacio de Don Pedro which is breathtaking and memorable taking pride of place. Enriching a rich culture, Córdoba beckons with its spacious and remarkable Mezquita. Toning up the sweet life, I would just adore to sink into a cushion of oblivion at Ibiza and relax on the sun-drenched beach sipping a Cava and enjoying the Tapas or starters. Did I tell you that the beaches of Tenerife, Mallorca and Gran Canaria are just as inviting and relaxing? I could sit all day watching the waves and chilling out with great seafood dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega or boiled octopus, Sepia or cuttlefish, Calamares or squid, Buñuelos de Bacalao deep fried and breaded cod, garlic shrimp or Gambas Ajillo  and Pescado Frito or fried fish.

My bucket list seems to grow immeasurably with sights, sounds and sensations of Spain as you visit San Sebastián. Your day will turn into myriad adventures as you explore the amazing Aquarium and its marine life. Not to miss sights are the scenic Parque de Cristina Enea, the fiesta-inspiring Playa de la Concha and the Playa de Ondarreta and the Kursaal which showcases cultural and conference centers. You can make a pit stop at the numerous bars and cafes where you can enjoy the pintxos and sip Horchata, a non-alcoholic drink, Sangria, sherry wine or Fino and Cider or Sidra.

 

Be it the flamenco, the fiestas, the fiery nightlife or the fascinating sights, Spain is one of the must-see destinations which will be etched in your heart, mind and soul.

 

Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Experience Spain – A Destination to the Heart

 

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Binoy Nazareth Shares His Dream Destination Bucket List

Light up Your Life with Alaska’s Aurora Borealis

Want to weave your adventure with all that’s wild, wonderful and winsome? Come and enjoy my dream destination bucket list and go on a wanderlust journey. Open the doors to dream destinations that will help to power the inspiration to go on an endless sojourn. I have always longed for adventure and the opportunity to experience unique places. This time, I decided to discover the unique, unusual and unforgettable appeal of Alaska. Yes, of course I did go through several vacation websites and was totally convinced to embark on a memorable holiday in Alaska.

Come with me and discover extraordinary facts about Alaska. I had always been intrigued by the Northern lights or the famous Aurora Borealis that shimmers over Alaska and is witnessed by tourists from all over the world. This incredible destination is the only state that has coastlines which range over the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Can you imagine padding up with your warmest clothes in one of the coldest places in the world and taking off to explore the much-talked about 100 volcanoes and the volcanic fields? You can go hiking, fishing, watch dog mushing or just sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Enjoy a Natural Holiday in a Cool Destination

Discover a laidback holiday in a cool place where there is more inland water than any other state in USA. There are over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska. Just imagine enjoying exciting sports like skiing, kayaking and mountain biking. I could just spend days in the great outdoors and explore the huge Denali National Park with its flora and fauna. With any amount of accommodations of all types, one can also find RV parks and camping grounds to suit hard-core Nature afficionados!

Have you ever thought about sitting in a snug restaurant all warmly clad and tucking into the most delicious Alaskan dishes? This has been topmost in my mind since I am an aspiring chef and adventurer rolled into one! Are you ready for Alaska’s mouth-watering and delicious dishes that evolve over scrumptious seafood, wild berry cobbler topped by your favorite wines and beers? This is the life…the real McCoy, I thought this is what happens when you set off to a natural sojourn, your dream wish comes true with natural offerings. Alaska is a truly inspirational place which offers the most iconic dishes that range over food for the soul with wild berry jellies and jams. A true blue foodie could have a smorgasbord of delights with cold water seafood, game meats, sourdough bread, reindeer dogs, seafood chowder, black cod, prime ribs, smoked salmon, chocolate bread, gumbo, King crab and Eskimo Ice Cream better known as "Aqutak" or "Agutuk”.

Discover a Gourmet Smorgasbord

Refreshing…This is what I call a rejuvenating holiday where you need to blend in with the locals, eat like a local and breathe in the natural air at intriguing destinations. Open your mind and taste the essence of tradition with dishes made from walrus, fish, whales, moose meat, caribou meat, seal meat and oils which is not only delicious but also helps to keep one warm! Every holiday of mine has been filled with experience and learning which was needed to be in sync with my spirit of adventure which manifests itself in what I eat, where I choose to go and all of my passions!

Join me on my Alaskan sojourn topped to the brim with activities for all types of adventurers with zip lining through the Boreal Forest in Denali, going on a cruise or a fishing expedition. Breathtaking and brilliant, Alaska unravels the keys to its wondrous sights with The Great Land evolving over five regions covering the Arctic, the  Inside Passage, the Southcentral, Interior, and Southwest. Home to the home to the Inupiat Eskimos who still live there, the Arctic ranges out incredible sights. The Inside Passage holds the secrets of Alaska’s flora and fauna with lush scenes and fjords. The Southcentral takes you to view enriching experiences of wildlife viewing, hiking and world-class with innumerable lakes and mountains. With a hilly terrain, the Southwest evolves over hills and plains while the Interior unrolls the Tundra experience.

With awesome activities and events, you can take part in the Fur Rendezvous festival in Anchorage, Running of the Reindeer, dog mushing or absorbing the tranquil northern lights. But wait, if there is a vestige of a chef in you and if Alaska is the place which has taken you to the land of intrigue, then you must try uutngungsaat, mouse food, negaasget, iitat and marallat which are roots made in to a wondrous soup. With the ice-cold atmosphere in Alaska, the locals use the fermentation technique which preserves certain foods such as stinkeggs and stinkhead. Being a seafood fan, I am waiting to try out Crab-Stuffed Halibut, Spot Prawns, Caribou soup Oysters and a host of delicious culinary Alaskan skills.

Follow Binoy Nazareth’s foray into the Secrets of an Alaskan Experience

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