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Incredible India Tour with Chef Dave 14 Day Tour

Chef Dave — 2012-11-13T02:19:22+00:00

When: November 2012 Where: INDIA DELHI (ARRIVAL) - AGRA – RAMATHRA - JAIPUR – GOA – MUMBAI (DEPART) Description: TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:  Accommodation in the mentioned category of hotels or similar.  Daily Breakfast at hotel.  Return International air from New York or Los Angeles  All airport transfers.  Sightseeing, excursions as per the itinerary in chauffeur driven air conditioned Coach.  Elephant Ride/Jeep Ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur.(Subject to availability)  Tonga (Horse Cart) Tuk – Tuk Ride at Agra.  Rickshaw ride in Jaipur.  Sunset tour of Taj Mahal, Agra (closed on Friday)  Shoe covers at Taj Mahal  Group Photo at Taj Mahal.  Lunch at Naivedyam, Delhi  Dinner at Oberoi Maidens, Delhi  Dinner at ITC Mughal Luxury Collection, Agra.  02 Lunches at Ramathra Fort  03 Dinners at Ramathra Fort  02 Dinners at Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur.  Lunch at Martins Corner, Goa.  Dinner at The Plantain Leaf, Goa.  Dinner at Fort Agauda, Goa  Dinner at Souza Lobo, Goa  Dinner at Masala Kraft Restaurant, Mumbai.  Demonstration of Gem-Cutting & Polishing in Jaipur  A demonstration of Indian “tattoo” design or Mehendi in your hand by a professional Indian Woman  Services of English speaking escort throughout the tour.  All Currently Applicable Govt. Taxes. TOUR ITINERARY: NOV 12 MONDAY DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples, tombs and delicious cuisine is a part of its rich culture. You will be met on arrival at the international airport by a representative of Indus Travels and escorted by private vehicle to the hotel. While the room keys and check-in are organized, our representative will brief you about the tour program and hand over the documents to you. Overnight stay at Hotel The Maidens. NOV 13 TUESDAY DAY 02 DELHI After breakfast start your tour with a brief stop at Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial & cremation site). We continue our quest, still in Old Delhi and on to on to the famous bazzar- Chandni Chowk-bustling with commerce and enterprise. Spices are the specialty of Khari Baoli, be prepared to be assaulted by exotic smells and fragrances. All the secrets of the Moghul Emperors Royal kitchens have been passed on from one generation to another and form the basis of Mughal Cuisine. Here in this area of Old Delhi you will be able to observe how the most delicate kabobs are cooked to perfection in tandoors and served with Roomali Rotis-a melt in your mouth “handkerchief” bread- there is an option to sample one if you wish. Watch the masters prepare this unique “bread” that takes the shape of a handkerchief and can measure up to 3’x3’! We move onwards to New Delhi and drive by Janpath- and the more elegant avenue of Rajpath, past Rashtrapati Bhavan- the massive and awesome residence of the President and India Gate. Afternoon your lunch is organized at Naivedyam specializes in vegetarian south Indian cuisines. It mainly offers Mangalorean and Karnataka Style cuisines. Mangalorean cuisine is well known for their distinct flavor. In general, the Mangalorean recipes are quite spicy and fresh coconut is an integral part of these recipes. Rice is the staple food of the Mangaloreans though for the non vegetarians, fish is also a regular meal. Rice is cooked in various forms such as pancakes, wafer thin rice rottis served with chicken curry, grain rice, sannas i.e., iddlis fluffed with toddy or yeast, neer dosa, etc. Apart from rice, another important thing used in the cuisine of Mangalore is fruits. Many of the recipes at Mangalore are incomplete without the usage of fruits such as jackfruits, bamboo shoot, breadfruit, raw banana, spinach Besale, sweet cucumber known as Taute, etc. A remarkable feature of the Mangalorean sweet dishes is that instead of using sugar, Mangaloreans use jaggery made of palm so as to keep themselves healthy. Moreover, this sweet syrup has a fragrance and taste of its own and thereby makes the Payasam more delicious. Moreover, the three main things that add flavor to the various dishes of Mangalore are raw mango, tamarind and kokum Continue drive for sightseeing of New Delhi where you visit Lotus Temple - known as 'Bahai House of Worship', this 20th century wonder made of marble in the form of a white half-opened lotus flower as a symbol of peace. Qutub Minar- is the tower of victory started by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in 1199AD upon becoming sultan of Delhi, OPTIONAL - Evening enjoy your welcome dinner at Diya. Diya (Leela Gurgaon) is a delightful venue for all who enjoy Indian traditional fare.. Water bodies seen across from the hotel feature prominently in the restaurant. Diya serves north Indian cuisine which is the area of specialization of our Indian master Chef Kunal Kapoor. Watch the Chefs deftly showcase their culinary skills as they and toss, stir and chop while you enjoy music. Here you will have a chance to discuss the special spices and ingredients that have added health benefits-according to the CHEFS!!!!! Return to the hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight stay at Hotel The Maidens. [B/L/D] NOV 14 WEDNESDAY DAY 03 DELHI – AGRA (203 KMS/04 HRS) After breakfast drive to Agra. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Agra is full of excitement and vivacity, as it will sojourn you with the living legend – ‘The Taj Mahal’. Battery-operated vehicles are operated 500m away from the monument as no petrol run vehicles are allowed near the Taj premises, but we have selected for you the more thrilling horse-cart ride, a true Indian experience. We remind you once again..... nothing is allowed except still cameras and binoculars inside the Taj complex. Evening enjoy exclusive Tonga ride and proceed for Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) by Sun set, regarded as one of the Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shahjahan in pure white marble in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Evening enjoy Marble craftsmanship with the demonstration of the inlay work of precious and semi precious stones in the marble. Evening enjoy your dinner at Residing hotel. Overnight stay at ITC Mughal Luxury Collection. [B/D] NOV 15 THURSDAY DAY 04 AGRA – RAMATHRA (225 KMS/06 HRS) After breakfast visit Agra Fort. The elegant building inside reflecting an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural style built by Emperor Akber. Later drive to Ramathra en-route visit Fathepur sikri, a city built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. On arrival check in to the hotel. Ramathra was granted as a jagir (fiefdom) in 1645 AD to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father the Maharaja of Karauli. The name Ramathra honours Lord Rama, who, it is believed, camped here while on his epic journey to Lanka. Today, Ramathra Fort belongs to Thakur Brijendra Raj Pal and his family who are descendents of the founder. Absent is a bazaar with commercial traffic or food stalls. After the sun goes down, Bhajan-singing and community activities are more common than radio or television. Among its numerous shrines, the Ganesh Mandir and Shiva Mandir give the best flavour of local religious life. The pure white marble idol of Lord Shiva, the great Ascetic, is a masterpiece of early 18th century craftsmanship. The fort has a strong perimeter wall crowned with parapets. Its ramparts are wide and offer a spectacular view from the hilltop. Inside there is a multi-story palace, parts of which are being restored using traditional building techniques and local craftspeople. It is also the private residence of the owners and you will have a chance to interact with the whole family, learn local customs, manners and history first hand from the people who have lived it! Rest of time at leisure. Evening enjoy your dinner at hotel. Overnight stay at Ramathra Fort. [B/D] NOV 16 FRIDAY DAY 05 RAMATHRA Today we will start our morning with the walking tour of the Ramathra village a small hamlet of farmers and herders, you will have to the opportunity to interact with these simple villagers, get a glimpse of their daily life as the farmers tend to their crops and animals. Day free for activities such as fishing on the lake, with catch of the day for dinner –you prepare using local ingredients and cooking methods under the watchful eyes of the local “master chef”, in this case it could be your boatman the local fisherman! You will also have the chance to participate in prayer ceremony at the temple with blessings from the priest. Afternoon Lunch at Hotel. In the evening enjoy you will be treated to a special cooking demonstration supervised by Ravi Rajpal, son of Thakur Brijendra Rajpal. Try your hand at cooking game meat using recipies perfected for SHIKAR cuisine- using only the ingredients available in the Jungals! You will be amazed how delicious your meal will be! Exchange recipies and listen to the tales of Shikar expeditions first hand from your host. Overnight stay at Fort. [B/L/D] NOV 17 SATURDAY DAY 06 RAMATHRA Ramathra Fort offers several interesting activities and excursions. Some visitors stay for up to a full week to relax in the fort’s quiet ambience and take in the following activities at their own pace. Afternoon Lunch at Hotel. • Ramathra Village Trail: A complete walking tour of Ramathra village, a small hamlet of farmers and cattle herders, takes about 3 hours. You see all kinds of work associated with tending crops and animals.(included ) • Boating @ Sunset – in a row boat in the kalisil dam. It is peaceful & picturesque with breathtaking views of the sunset & rich with birdlife. we provide life jackets, a bird book & also a pair of binoculars(included ) • Bird Watching: There are a variety of species of birds seen around the Fort & Lake .Bird watching can be done at the lake, at the marshes below the fort or during your walk to the village.(included) • Picnic @ the Lake – Set out in a rowing boat to a island on the lake with breathtaking views & lots of birds & ducks,relax & enjoy a hot Rajasthani meal. (USD 70 per person) • Wilderness Drive – Tour the countryside, visit ‘Gujar’ hamlets, and explore a cavernous gorge and an old cave temple, Return early evening for possible wildlife sightings enroute accompanied by your host. (USD 35 per person) • Night Safaris @ Ramathra fort: Jeep safaris from Ramathra Fort take you across the Daang plateau stretching east to the Chambal river valley and as far as Ranthambhor to the south, This area is filled with gorges, Until recently, tigers roamed the area but visitors regularly see several varieties of deer, blue bulls, wolves, jackals, hyenas and if lucky, a wild boar, bear or leopard. The night safaris are accompanied by the host himself.(USD 45 per person) • Cycling @ Ramathra Fort - (10 Kms) with a route map. Cycle through nearby villages & along the lake & countryside totally un spoilt & see nature at its best (USD 22 per person) • A day-trip to Karauli: An hour’s drive from Ramathra, the city palace in Karauli and the temple of Madanmohanji are very well preserved. The Karauli bazaar is a busy place to explore and shop in. Lacquered bangles are a specialty and one can see bangle makers at work. (USD 42 per person Evening dinner at hotel. Overnight stay at Fort. [B/L/D] NOV 18 SUNDAY DAY 07 RAMATHRA – JAIPUR (180 KMS/05 HRS) After leisurely breakfast drive towards Jaipur. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. A demonstration of Indian “tattoo” design or Mehendi in your hand by a professional Indian Woman is organized for those who wish to participate. This Heena (Mehendi) Design is associated to lots of things - a good dark design is a sign of good luck for the marital couple. It is common for the names of the bride and groom to be hidden in the Mehendi design; and the wedding night cannot commence until the groom has found the names! Some examples of popular traditional images used in Mehendi designs are the peacock, which is the national bird if India, the lotus flower, and an elephant with a raised trunk, which is a symbol of good luck. OR for those who want to check out the beautiful Rajasthani handicrafts an optional shopping tour can also be organized –Jaipur is well known for carpets, cotton clothing and exquisite jwellery. Overnight stay at hotel Jai Mahal Palace. [B/D] NOV 19 MONDAY DAY 08 JAIPUR Morning after breakfast the tour starts with the exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort crowning at top of the hill. A royal ride on elephant up to the hill will take your imagination in the world of kings and Nawabs. At Amber Fort you climb up the fort on Elephant's back (Subject of Availability) like the Maharajas and visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory, Jaimahal amidst the center of the lake is adorned with the exquisite mirror work and abstract inlay design. On the way to Pink City, you enjoy demonstration of Block printing on cotton textile. Continue city sightseeing tour visiting Maharaja's City Palace Museum which contains the original collection of the Maharajas of Jaipur housing paintings, royal dresses and typical Rajasthani handicraft. Afternoon relax at your hotel. Evening dine at Jai Mahal Palace. Overnight stay at hotel Jai Mahal Palace. [B/D] NOV 20 TUESDAY DAY 09 JAIPUR – MUMBAI (9W2374: 0800/0935 HRS) – GOA (9W:475:1205/1305) Morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for Goa via Mumbai. Upon arrival met with our representative and transfer to the hotel. The Portuguese came here in 1510 to wrest control of the spice routes from the Arabs. They stayed for five centuries, which explains the Mediterranean architecture, Catholic churches and amazing cuisine, influenced by “foreign” ingredients like vinegar and wine. We'll stay at one of Goa’s golden beaches and slow our pace a bit, “Sussegado” as they say here. To recover from our flight, you can relax with a dip in the Arabian Sea. This evening is a celebration of Goan Hindu dishes. Goan food is not all about fish and pork. Nor is it always too spicy and too vinegary. The Portuguese had a lasting influence on Goan Catholic cuisine, and delicacies like vindalho, cafreal, balchao and sorportel are known world wide. They have achieved a cult status, so to speak. However, there are as many, if not more for vegetarians too in the Goan Hindu cuisine, which has a lot in common with the Konkan region. Unfortunately, dishes such as bhaji, shaak, usal, tondak, ross (coconut-based dishes), hoomans (curries), karams (salads) and the queen of Goan vegetable dishes, khatkhatem (mixed vegetable curry) are not made outside of Hindu homes Unlike the state's Catholics, who have a more meat-based diet, Goan Hindus use a wide range of vegetables, including squash blossoms, banana leaf stamens and taro leaves. We’ll learn some of their tips and tricks—like roasting dried coconut with spices before adding to a curry, for example. Dine at The Plantain Leaf- Popular with locals, this casual vegetarian restaurant serves a huge array of Udipi-style and North Indian dishes. Try a thali, a platter of curried vegetable dishes, relishes, pappadams, and a dessert. Locals wash it down with feni, a fiercely potent drink made from fermented cashew apples (beware, it's 30 percent to 35 percent proof). Finish your meal—spicy, the way locals like it—with a cup of chai. If your mouth is on fire, don't reach for your water glass; cool your mouth with raita (a yogurt-cucumber relish) or fruit instead. Overnight stay at hotel Fort Agauda. [B/D] NOV 21 WEDNESDAY DAY 10 GOA Breakfast at hotel. Today we will take a half day sightseeing tour of Old Goa, Convent and Church of St Francis Assisi: This old church has carved woodwork and old murals depicting the file of St Francis. The floor is made of gravestones carved with the coat of arms of families going back to the 16th century. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The archaeological museum is open Saturday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm. Basilica of Bom Jesus: This contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who was on a mission to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies of the East. The Professed House is next to the basilica and is a two-storeyed laterite building covered with lime plaster. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. Church of St Cajetan: This church was built by Italian friars who were sent to the kingdom of Golconda to preach Christianity. Since they were not allowed to work in Golconda, they settled in Old Goa in 1640. Church of St Augustine Ruins: This church, constructed by Augustinian friars, was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government. Other buildings of interest in Old Goa are the Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St Catherine and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Evening dine at one of the excellent restaurants at Hotel Fort Agauda. Overnight stay at hotel Fort Agauda. [B/D] NOV 22 THURSDAY DAY 11 GOA We change gears today to recover from the previous night's food orgy. We'll visit Old Goa, the old administrative seat of Portuguese India, famed for its ancient cathedrals, and for a contrast, the 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple. For lunch we'll stop at a local restaurant, Martin's Corner. More than a decade ago, Mrs. Martin started cooking for local taxi drivers who needed to pass the time while waiting for foreign clients who were eating at more upmarket institutions. The secret soon got out, however, and now she presides over one of the best restaurants in the region. The menu here is extensive, and the seafood superb. Highlights include fish caldin, (cooked with coconut and spices), fresh lobster, big pomfret, or red snapper. This evening is slow and relaxed in preparation for the next morning, when we leave quaint little Goa behind for the big bad metropolis of Bombay, now officially Mumbai. Tonight try out the informal 'shacks' on the beach. A good choice would be Souza Lobo, a Goan institution since 1932, Souza Lobo is run today by Jude Lobo, the founder's great grandson. And it still serves some of the best Goan food in the region. Tables are draped in red cloths, and waiters wear cheery orange shirts printed with coconut trees. Dine on steamed rice and fish cooked in a green paste of coriander and spices, served with crisp fried potatoes. For dessert, try the bebinka, a Goan sweet made of stacked coconut pancakes. The restaurant is close enough to the ocean for diners to see the surf glimmering in the moonlight. Musicians perform a lively assortment of Hindu and Konkani songs, American country music, and soft rock. If relaxation is not your cup of tea, there's plenty of nightlife nearby. Overnight stay at hotel Fort Agauda . [B/L/D] NOV 23 FRIDAY DAY 12 GOA – MUMBAI (IT337: 0630/0730) After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon a short tour of city visiting Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai , Gateway of India and Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a favorite sunset watching spot. Evening visit Masala Kraft Restaurant. Although master chef Hemant Oberoi reaches across culinary boundaries at his signature restaurant, his feet are firmly rooted in India. Oberoi uses ingredients not usually seen on the subcontinent, like broccoli and salmon, and the results are hybrid marvels: That salmon, for instance, is smeared with sugarcane vinegar and baked in a clay tandoor oven. Other dishes seem straight out of a kitchen in the heartland—try the tangy, tomato-based mutton curry and dal makhani (creamy lentil stew) for a taste of wholesome home-cooked fare. The setting in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel is grand: Patrons dine amid imposing Thanjavur pillars that shimmer with draped silks, but they still dig in with their hands instead of using cutlery. Don't feel shy about getting your fingers dirty: Soon after the meal, waiters arrive to sprinkle rose water over them. Open daily 12:30 to 2:45 pm and 7 to 11:45 pm. Overnight stay at Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. [B/D] NOV 24 SATURDAY DAY 13 MUMBAI (Check-out time 1200 Noon) In time transfer to the airport to connect flight for your onward destination. DEPART Get all the details on ChefDave.org

Heart Healthy Cooking Demonstration

Chef Dave — 2012-02-04T14:05:59+00:00

When: February 4, 2009 10.00AM Where: The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge 1800 Wilderness Woods Place, Lincoln, NE Description: Learn how to cook for your heart from nationally recognized Chef Dave Fouts. Guests will enjoy a lively, 90-minute cooking demonstration from Chef Dave, who has received national recognition for sharing cooking tips and preparing healthier meals without sacrificing taste. He is the author of numerous cookbooks and articles that promote weight loss and healthy living, including Ditch Your Diet in 30 Days. He will prepare a soup, entrée and dessert focusing on simple ways to make satisfying and healthy meals. Guests will enjoy a sampling of Chef Dave’s creations as well as a discussion with a Nebraska Heart Institute cardiologist, who will share risk factors of heart disease and practical advice for keeping your heart healthy. After the cooking demonstration, health screenings, such as blood pressure and a spirometry test, measuring lung capacity, will be available to guests. Chef Dave will also be signing books. Take home the recipes and heart healthy tips. Please bring your questions and wear red to show your support for American Heart Month. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? It is estimated that 1 death every 39 seconds is attributed to heart disease. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease happens slowly over time and is the reason most people have heart attacks. “It is important to know one’s own heart disease risk factors and take the necessary steps to reduce those risks. For instance, nearly 20 percent of adults are not aware they have high blood pressure, which, when uncontrolled, can lead to a heart attack,” says Patsy Gleim, director of cardiovascular services at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center. Get all the details on ChefDave.org

JourneyLite, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chef Dave — 2011-09-10T19:56:11+00:00

When: September 10, 2011 11:00AM Where: JourneyLite of Cincinnati 10475 Reading Road, Suite 115 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Description: Chef Dave Tips and Tricks Get all the details on ChefDave.org

JourneyLite, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chef Dave — 2011-06-04T20:54:07+00:00

When: june 4, 2011 11:00AM Where: JourneyLite of Cincinnati 10475 Reading Road, Suite 115 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Description: Chef Dave Tips and Tricks Get all the details on ChefDave.org

JourneyLite, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chef Dave — 2011-03-05T18:48:22+00:00

When: March 5, 2011 11:00AM Where: JourneyLite of Cincinnati 10475 Reading Road, Suite 115 Cincinnati, OH 45241 513.259.2555 ext. 107 Description: Chef Dave Tips and Tricks. Get all the details on ChefDave.org

JourneyLite Cincinnati, Ohio

Chef Dave — 2010-12-16T23:18:06+00:00

When: December 16th, 2010 7:00PM Where: 10475 Reading Road, #117 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Description: Tips and tricks for the holidays... Get all the details on ChefDave.org

United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches annual Christmas Dinner Theater

Chef Dave — 2010-12-08T22:35:01+00:00

When: December 8th, 2010 - December 10, 2010 Where: 900 Brandywine Road West Palm Beach, FL 33409-2003 Description: Chef Dave prepares dinner for the sold out dinner and Christmas spectacular. This will be Chef Dave's 8th year to be invited back to prepare an amazing feast! Get your tickets early these tickets sell out fast. Get all the details on ChefDave.org

ThedaCare - Appleton, WI

Chef Dave — 2010-12-04T12:32:50+00:00

When: December 4, 2010 Where: Appleton, WI Description: Chef Dave will be back again! Cookbook signing, cooking demo, and talk about Made From Scratch VS. Processed Foods. Get all the details on ChefDave.org

Integris Baptist Medical Center - Oklahoma City

Chef Dave — 2010-11-16T23:09:42+00:00

When: November 16 , 2010 6:30pm-8:00pm Where: Integris Baptist Medical Center 3433 N.W. 56th Street Oklahoma City, Ok 73112 Description: Chef Dave will have a book signing and presentation on Made from scratch vs. processed foods. Get all the details on ChefDave.org

Obesity Help Event Houston, TX

Chef Dave — 2010-11-05T12:16:23+00:00

When: Novemeber 5, 2010 - November 6, 2010 Where: Hilton Houston Post Oak 2001 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX Description: Join ObesityHelp for education, inspiration and motivation for researching weight loss, weight loss surgery or plastic surgery following weight loss, staying on track with your journey, and for help in finding the product supplements that fit you the best! Back by popular demand, offering new topics on main stage are speakers at the tops of their fields, such as Chef Dave, Dr. Garth Davis, Mary Jo Rapini and Dr. Connie Stapleton. We have also added a free form q & a period on Friday, hoping to address weight regain, vitamins and labs and other issues. Some of this same information will again be addressed on Saturday in breakout rooms by individual speakers. In addition, Jeremy Gentles will be offering his exercise physiology expertise, specific to bariatrics. Watch this page for the additional speakers to be announced as they are confirmed. In addition, a wide variety of bariatric product companies will be providing free samples so you can try before you buy! USE COUPON CODE: CHEFDAVE and save money! For more information, visit Obesity Help's website. Get all the details on ChefDave.org