VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!

Sorry I'm a little behind on the blogging, after all I am on Vacation so I am allowed my slight delays. I thought I'd make this a music review by reviewing ZZ Top. A hugely popular band in America, but one of those bands that never found their way to India. They were mildly successful in the early 70's. This band was re-known for its one of a kind look - white long beards, kind of like Dumbledore! They too like Lynyrd have a very predominant southern feel to their music, and most of their music is considered to be a part of the Blues-Rock, Boogie-Rock genre.

I would only recommend their Greatest Hits album, for I myself have not heard their entire discography. Still they've got a couple of catchy songs and some good slow songs too, a nice little album to listen to on those long waits in traffic jams. Some of their best songs are "Sharp Dressed Man", "Rough Boy", "Pearl Necklace", "Gimme All Your Lovin'". But their all time greatest song has to be "VIVA LAS VEGAS". This was the only song I heard in Las Vegas on my i-pod. The music video of this song is very well made, showing the 3 band members on a slot machine during the intro and then the King of Pop "Elvis" takes over. Its a catchy number, and arguably the best musical rendition of the the awesome city that is Las Vegas. There is just way too much to do in Las Vegas, and surely one lifetime isn't enough to complete everything in Vegas. It's not just about the Gambling and the Casino's; there's amusement parks (New York,New York and Stratosphere); roman architecture at The Venetian, The Bellagio and absolute debauchery in most of the night clubs and casinos on Las Vegas Blvd. Every guy has to experience Vegas once in his life, it's the greatest entertainment hub in this world. I was lucky enough to be there (albeit with my parents), still like the old saying goes, "What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas". To everybody out there, if you are ever too stressed with life,work, your marriage or relationships and want to cool off, listen to ZZ Top's song - "Viva Las Vegas" and pack your bags. You won't ever regret it, LAS VEGAS will be the GREATEST VACATION OF YOUR LIFE.

PS: In keeping with the nature of this blog, definitely download the Greatest Hits of ZZ Top, and listen to it. Not a great band or something, but definitely worthy of being on your i-pod. Follow @SwamiG13

HOOTER-RIFIC!!!

There are just way to many places to eat at in Vegas, so many choices – from eat all you want shrimp to a nice juicy steak, hell they even had a Tandoori diner. Needless to say, that diner wasn’t worth writing about. I did however manage to get my parents off my back and head to Hooters. Now as most of you would know, Hooters is a chain of restaurants all across America, serving typical American fast food like Buffalo Wings, Prime Ribs, Burgers, Beer etc. What’s so different about this place compared to any other American burger joint? Well the HOOTERS. Wow. The waitresses are dressed in lovely tank tops and the shortest of short pants. And they don’t mind you gawking at them, hell they actually encourage it and if you’re lucky they do a lil’ jiggle while getting your order. It takes you a good 5-10 minutes to get a hang of yourself and actually get to the menu and place your order. I must say the Hooter girls are way too nice, with their least polite comment being, “Can I get you anything Honey?” The restaurant is decorated expertly with tacky signs like “Bumps Ahead” and “It’s okay to stare”. There’s a bar and a proper seating area, but not to worry, the Hooter girls are there everywhere.

The food and beverages at Hooters are beyond belief and you get them at dirt cheap prices. 10,20 and even 50 pieces of Buffalo Wings with all the dip you want only ranging from 7-15 dollars a plate. Boneless too mind you. There is so much beer available in Hooters that you can’t possibly not have a glass. The ladies can get Margaritas for 5 dollars each, yes I saw a lot of families come down to Hooters for a nice meal. Personally if you want the complete Hooters experience you have to have the Bud Lights. Priced at a ridiculous 1.5 dollars a pint, you can tell your waitress to keep them coming. Apart from the Buffalo Wings, they have an insane amount of starters like Onion Rings, Shrimp, Chicken pieces with Bone, Nachos etc. They even have Mexican food at Hooters, but since I was dining alone, I had to be content with their Buffalo Wings. The main course is pretty straight forward, the only choices you have are between Burgers, Hot Dogs and Enchiladas and Fahitas. I was still reeling from the double burger I had at the Harley Davidson Café, still the Ham and Cheese was just too tempting. Served with loads of juicy bacon on a foot long bread, with an ample helping of coleslaw and cheesy dip and all the sauces in this world. Mustard, Mayo, Hot Sauce, they have got it all. Any burger in America is very filling cause they load it with lots and lots of meat. Still its totally worth the trouble, you can take your own sweet time eating at Hooters, the girls will keep checking on you every now and then, asking you for refills of beer or anything else. A lot of people say Hooters is the kind of place where only guys should go and eat, that’s not true. This is the perfect fast food place, it’s just MORE FUN for us guys. But I’d say you can go in a large group, that way you can try almost everything on the menu. And the more the people, the more girls will come and take a picture with you. Yes that’s easily the best part about Hooters, the girls are kind enough to allow them to take a picture with you. I only got the one girl, as I was eating alone, but groups of 4-5 guys can have a perfect picture taken with maybe all the girls. Still I’ve got no complaints here, GREAT food, GREAT ambience, absolutely loved the place.

I’ll sign off my saying this, The man who invented Hooters is either a brilliant visionary or just plain Horny, or maybe a bit of both, but on behalf of all the people in India, I would pray to god that he reads my blogs and sets up a few outlets in Bombay. Till then let me just look at these lovely pictures and reminisce. Thank you HOOTERS. 

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Harley Davidson Cafe

This post is about three things BEEF, BEER and BIKES. So if you don't like any of the above I'm guessing you won't be liking this place. Yes the place, Harley Davidson Cafe right opposite to the City Center casino on Las Vegas Boulevard or as the locals call it "The Strip". Now there are about 45 casinos in Vegas each with their own fancy restaurants, yet still this was the first place I went to eat. Well the logic behind that is pretty straight forward, places like the Bellagio, The Venetian and pretty much any hotel casino is not exactly affordable unless you've won the previous night. Even this place is slightly on the expensive side when it comes to food but one just HAS to visit here for its atmosphere. The building cannot be missed as there's a giant Harley sticking out of the front end of it, and there are Harley's everywhere.

There is an open restaurant and the complete Harley experience inside. The music in the cafe is mind blowing, just my kind of music, and in the 1 hour or so that I was there, I heard CCR, REO Speedwagon, America, Journey and other such vintage American bands that made me feel immensely happy. They let you take all the pictures you want, so you can take a good long look at all the Harley's that they have and mind you they do have a few of them. Up on the first floor are signed memorabilia of famous actors, rock bands, celebrities and other Harley fanatics. Signed engine boards from Chuck Norris, John Malkovich, Martina Navratoliva and a host of others make this a camera crazy zone. The waiters are kind enough to take those "display picture material" type photos of you and I think the best part is that you can actually sit on a Harley and have a picture taken. I'm no fan of biking, hell I don't even know how to ride a bike nor have I actually riden one, still seating on that big monstrous bike is a spectacular feeling. No wonder all the bikers go crazy for a Harley. But am I forgetting something about the Harley Davidson Cafe?? Yes of course the food.

OMG.
The food at this place will absolutely blow your mind. Its every boy's dream menu with only Burgers, Ribs, Hot Dogs, Steak and Beer on the menu. They've got some great deals which lets you have more food, unlimited beer and save your money too, but sadly I went there alone so I couldn't cash in on any of these offers. A entree is about 10$, which is usually a plate of Buffalo Wings, Baby Back Ribs etc. The burgers are absolutely worth every penny, coming with complimentary fries and some greens on the side. You get all kinds of meat here predominantly Beef, but also Turkey, Chicken, Pork, hell they even have a plain Veggie Burger, but the menu clearly says that its only upon special request. The beers are cold, the burgers are big juicy and very very filling. One meal here and you have to walk around the Strip for a good 2 hours until you can even think of having something else to eat. All in all this place is worth the money you spend, and definitely one of the cheaper, affordable yet awesome places in Las Vegas. The beef was really well cooked, I must say even thought it was my first time having Beef, it was very very good, hands down the best meat I've ever had. Don't miss this place guys, if you ever swing by Vegas, the casinos and strip clubs aside, the amount of food on offer here itself is enough to make you never want to go back home.











Cheers to Harley Davidson, Cheers to the City of Las Vegas.  

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Red, White and Blue!!!!

Happy Independence Day American’s, I was privileged enough to be in your country during the 4^th of July weekend, and boy was it a blast. Most people don’t know the cheer size of America, roughly about 3500 miles from one coast to another. It’s so huge it has 3 different time zones within the country itself. Now today’s review is about possibly one of the most AMERICAN bands I can think of. Everything about their music evokes patriotism towards their country and they don’t get more classic than good ol’ Lynyrd Skynyrd. Where do I start with this band, definitely in my top 5 all-time rock bands, I think Lynyrd is why I started listening to so much American Rock. As always I wasn’t born listening to Free Bird, I first heard about the band when Sweet Home Alabama the movie hit India. A very crappy movie to say but the soundtrack of the movie is pure ecstasy. Then I saw Con-Air and after that I was a total total Lynnie Skynnie junkie. Mind blowing vocals, guitar solos and cheer presence on the big stage; Lynyrd Skynyrd had all the essentials required for ruling the rock charts for years to come.

However the band while on tour met with a tragic accident where their plane crashed and all but one of the original members survived. A sad end to what would have been a stellar rock and roll career. However they did release some of their best work before the crash. They had 5 albums from 1973 to 1977, most of them where cult hits. Arguably their greatest song has to be from their first album “Pronounced” released in 1973. With monster hits like “Free Bird”, “Simple Man” and Tuesday’s Gone”. Even till today the guitar solo in the end of the “Free Bird” is one of the toughest to ever play and many a band have tried to cover this timeless classic, but only in vain. You will find a lot of their songs centric around Whiskey, The countryside, the classic rock and roll image of a guy riding across America on a Harley and the true spirit of the United States of America. America has changed like in a million ways since the 1970’s however their undying spirit does remain even until today. Most of the people wouldn’t blink an eye to do something in the name of their country. When you visit places like Independence hall during the 4^th of July, whilst listening to Lynyrd, you are evoked with such a sense of patriotism it’s scary. Being an Indian I thought I would experience such a feeling only when Dhoni hit that majestic six to win us the World Cup, but I must say I have to take off my hat for the Americans. They might not be the most hospitable, or smartest guys around but man they love their Country. I think bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd are a paramount example of that fact, and I couldn’t think of any better way to pay tribute to this country on their Independence Day. This one’s for you America. Thank you for all that you have given us, fast food, cars, ridiculously obese people, casinos and CLASSIC ROCK!!! I’d like to end this post by saluting those bands that came from America, who changed Rock and Roll forever with their music, enigma and spirit.

Gary Rossington, the original band’s only remaining member still tours with the band. It’s good to see the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd still alive and kicking with the band still performing gigs and recording albums. Another couple of good albums are “Vicious Cycle” and “God & Guns”. Even these two albums have phenomenal songs such as “Unwrite That Song”, “Floyd”, “Skynyrd Nation”, “God & Guns”, “That’s How I Like It” and my personal favourite “RED, WHITE and BLUE”!! Sit back with a nice cold beer and enjoy one of the greatest CLASSIC Rock Bands of all time. Its a no brainer really that I have to recommend the entire discography of Lynyrd. Its easily the best investment you will make. Still if you're only looking for their greatest albums I'd say have a look at these:

• 2003 - Vicious Cycle
• 2009 - God & Guns
• 1973 - Pronounced Lynyrd Skynyrd
• 1974 - Second Helping
• 1976 - Gimme Back My Bullets

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Its BURRRRRITTO!!!!

Most of the people I am related to in America live in New Jersey. What is so great about this state I will never know. It was supposed to be one of the rural areas of America, and hence all of us (Indians) decided to come and pimp out the place. I think the sheer presence of so many Indian families has hampered the already poor social life of this state. They have long days with the sun setting at 9 pm on most days, very sparse rain - at least in July and heavy breakfasts. Man these Americans love to start the day with a nice solid meal. They do most of their eating in the morning (as one should) with Bagles, Omlettes, Muffins, Bread, Cereals, Waffles, Pancakes etc etc. I shall be reviewing the "Classic American Breakfast" a bit later on the blog. This review is about Mexican Food.




Now Mexican food isn't something that you will eat on a regular basis, it is the sort of taste that you have to acquire. A lot of their food contains baked beans, lots of veggies, peppers and their signature SALSA. One such place is "Baja Fresh" in New Jersey. Decent place, typical fast food joint with about 10 stalls were families can come and dine on a weekend. Know for its Fahitas, Enciladas and Burritos Baja Fresh is a pleasant change to the otherwise monotonous eating habits of an Indian. As a vegetarian you really don't have much scope for food in America, but this place does have a Veg Burrito but I must warn you it's awful. The Burrito's with meat however are a totally different story. Available in Pork, Chicken and Beef it gives you the proper feel of a wrap packed with sauces and vegetables. Every order comes with a complementary bucket of Nachos with dip and a huge range of Salsa to chose from. A special "Salsa Bar" is there where one can make their own mixes and pick up various flavored salsa's ranging from Plain Tomato to Mango!! The Nachos are very light and purely corn based without any other herbs or species. There are a lot more options for a hard core non vegetarian over here and my luck would have it that I went with a bunch of pure homely food eating noobs. Either way I managed to score me some Chicken Burrito, even if it meant taking it home in a doggy bag.

The Burrito's are huge and man they are filling. Its difficult to finish a single Veg Burrito not because of its size but because of the sheer amount of vegetables in them, there's only a finite amount even a veg person can eat. I think one Burrito with a soda and a few Nachos is a perfect meal enough to fill your hunger for a good 5 hours. Generally people avoid Mexican food, unless there's a lot of meat in them. Just the vegetables in the Burrito are difficult to over dose or hogg. At 7 dollars a Burrito, I think it's a tad expensive - but that's because I'm converting the figure into INR. I think for the Americans its a pretty good price and in Baja Fresh a Proper filling meal would cost you roughly 10 dollars. The final verdict being - Baja Fresh isnt the kind of place I'd go unless I suddenly had a craving for Mexican food. This place is definately better than Chili's and the food is fresh and cooked very well. Its definitely worth it if you are a Non Vegetarian, other wise I'd suggest you stick to India. All in all worth of a blog entry !!!

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AMERICA!!!!

Not the country, the band. This blog isn't just about the food, its also about the Classic Rock Music. America is a band I'm sure very very few people would have even heard about; but this group of 3 American's formed the band in the early 70's. Most of their music was folksy, very simple, a lot like CCR. I think the one song that almost everyone would have heard by America without even knowing it would be "Horse With No Name" from the Friends episode in season 7 where Joey's movie gets canceled and he is left waiting in the desert all alone. The song playing in the background is from the band America. Its a beautiful song.

Since space isn't a problem for me, I always download the entire discography of an artist. America however have 15 albums and since they weren't a whole lot popular, acquiring the entire collection could be a tad time consuming but trust me its all worth it. America was breaking all sorts of records with 5 albums in as many years and each and every one of them was a bigger success than the previous ones. I swear to you, of the 50 something songs that are there in these 5 albums - at least 45 of them are brilliant. I am not over exaggerating but America is definitely worth the trouble, they have a good vocalist, soothing lyrics and a very happy feel about their music. Another reason why I did manage to listen to a lot of America recently was the fact that I was in New Jersey. Possibly one of the most boring cities I've ever been to, no apartments, no traffic, no public transport. Just people with huge hatch backs and family cars, zooming around the country side. Row houses built like dominoes, almost identical, there really isn't much to do in this place. Driving around the city is so peaceful and serene that only music like America will work. Even after 2-3 hours of non-stop driving and music, you will still be craving for the roads to never end. All in all its a great band, totally worth the effort of downloading it. I think all 15 albums is a little too much to start with, I think some of America's stand out songs are from their first five albums, namely:

• 1971 - America
• 1972 - Homecoming
• 1973 - Hat Trick
• 1974 - Holiday
• 1975 - Hearts    

All the songs from these albums are great, very light and easy to hear. America is one such band, that you can listen to any song of theirs and still have a smile on your face. Still their best songs in my book have to be "Horse With No Name", "I Need You", "Only In Your Heart", "Ventura Highway", "Another Try", "Don't Cross The River" etc etc. Like I said, I can sit here all night and keep on naming their good songs, so why don't I just end this review here. After all I've got a super busy day tomorrow. Keep on following the Flavor of Rock, as we round up New Jersey this weekend and look ahead to Sin City - Las Vegas!!! Adios Amigos! 

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If you fly Business Class, flights should be 16 days long!!!

Alright my first official post of the America vacation was supposed to be after I land describing the awesomeness of Philadelphia and Survivor, but however a recent change in events have diverted my attentions elsewhere. For the record this was the first time I have ever flown abroad ! EVER! And my super fly dad decided to break my duck with probably the most fulfilling airline experiences I will ever have. 16 hours of pure bliss in the heavens above. So much so I was literally crying when I found out that due to an already overbooked flight, they could only bump us up to Business Class with a catch. What was the catch you ask? Oh well it meant that I had to sit alone far far away from my parents!!! Guys its at times like this in life when you actually accept that maybe there is a big guy up there, pulling all the strings.

So I set off to my seat, plush expansive massage chairs with full recliner comfort, the softest of pillows, the prettiest of air hostesses, everything. EVERYTHING was PERFECT about business class. And all this was before I had taken a look at the in flight menu. Now the most annoying part about my journey was the fact that I was surrounded by 25 people who had probably flown Business class all their life, hence zero excitement. I however was like a little child on Christmas morning; so with me gasping at every single thing about the Jet Privilege Experience I was sort of sticking out like a bull in a China Shop. But what the hell, let them secretly mock me; I wasn't going to let some fancy suit spoil my flight.

I don't really like airline food, I was always the type who would sit through the entire flights listening to my music and just having the welcome drink. But last night, I didn't even bother taking out my I-pod. The Bar Menu was so amazing, I swear I think I got a little tipsy just by looking at it. Only the best for business class. Single Malt Whiskey and I must say I was spoilt for choice. Glen Fiddich 18 Year Blend, Chivas 18 Year Blend, Black Label 18 Year Blend, Campari, Grey Goose Vodka and Wine. There was so much wine on the menu I couldn't even believe it. There were wines that I had not even heard of. And let me tell you Wine is seriously the most under-rated drink ever. No prizes for guessing the drink I ordered - Glen Fiddich!! A gentlemen never reveals how many pegs he's had. The in flight movie selection was a bit lame, especially the Hollywood ones, but that gave me a good chance to catch up on some good Hindi movies that I had not gotten the chance to see. The food was your textbook "Airplane Food". I hardly had breakfast. Unless you can count Whiskey for Breakfast, Red Wine for lunch followed up with some lip smacking Prawns.

Ahh the Good Life !! I can't thank my father enough and here's hoping each and every one of us experience this heavenly experience atleast once in their lifetime. All I have to say is BUSINESS CLASS FTW !!! :) :) Sorry guys this post comes without any pictures, I was so high on Business Class that it never dawned to me that I had a camera. 

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