A trip to God’s own country amidst hectic schedules, SKR’s Offsite was a refreshing break! It was all about fun, food and a fabulous time for the entire SK Restaurants team. The presence of my better half, Alyona made it all the more special for me and all the team members!
Read on to know more about this short yet productive vacation…
Day 1 (September 1, 2016): Destination: Kochi Marriott Hotel
The group got a super melodious and grand welcome with the chenda melam – a traditional music performance with the chenda, a percussion instrument. This was followed by a lavish lunch. The Marriott team outdid itself with this one! Post lunch, it was time for a cycle tour of the picturesque Fort Kochi – the team peddled their way for almost 2 hours in the area and other places of interest in the Old City. Super exhausted and hungry, we went straight for dinner before retiring for the day, and the next eventful day!
Day 2 (September 2, 2016): Yoga and Sadhya
Started on a healthy note with a yoga session on the helipad with a view to kill for! After a hearty breakfast, it was time for an exciting water polo match. There were 2 teams, Red and White. The Red team headed by Rajeev Matta played their way to victory!
The most awaited part of the day was the authentic sadhya (‘banquet’ in Malayalam) lunch – an array of pure vegetarian dishes traditionally served on a banana leaf.
After such a heavenly meal, a nap was in order. Soon it was time for the conference meeting where the team members time-travelled with a presentation that spoke about SK Restaurants in the year 2015. It ended with a trailer for FY 2016-2017 and a felicitation ceremony for Rajeev Matta, CEO, SK Restaurants for outstanding contribution throughout the years.
Day 3 (September 3, 2016): Trek and treat!
An early start to the day with an exhilarating trek at the Athirappilly Waterfalls – India’s answer to Niagara Falls! With munchies to snack on in the bus and an Ad-Mad game alongwith it, the 2 hour journey went off in a blink! Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayat Thrissur district. Straight out of the movie Bahubali, the falls were a sight to remember! Photography sessions followed by fun in the water amidst flora and fauna – what a day! Reached the hotel for a lovely hi-tea. It was party time in the evening! All the team members were dressed to kill for the dance party, suspenders for guys and minis for the girls. Other than toe tapping music, the highlight was the Fun Awards. And the winners were…
· Best Dancer (Male) – Saurabh Saxena
· Best Dancer (Female) – Sugatha Menon
· Best Dress (Male) – Rajeev Matta
· Best Dress (Female) – Aditi Mehta
· Best Entertainer – Anupa Das
· Most Punctual – Rahil Aga
· Human Vulture – Swapnil Jaiwant
· Late Lateef – Amar Mhole
· Surprise Buddy – Esha Makwana, Reshma Nair and Priyanka Chavda
Day 4 (September 4, 2016)
It was the last day and a day to revel in the beauty of God’s own country and what better way than to float languidly on the backwaters? The team departed for a cruise in a House Boat. Coconut water and endless cups of coffee added to the charm of the day. After lunch, the rest of the day was kept for leisure – some shopping at the nearby markets, a visit to India’s largest mall, Lulu and eating out! Just before leaving for the airport in the evening, SK Restaurants felicitated the team at Marriott with special gifts for their warm hospitality.
These thin wheat flour rotis with a generous sweet chana dal stuffing inside are something that every true blue Maharashtrian swears by! The stuffing known as puran is made with a mix of soft boiled chana dal, jaggery and cardamom powder and melts as soon as it hits your tongue. Served with a dollop of ghee or toop as it is known in Marathi, puran poli has its share of serious fanatics and is always in great demand during Chaturthi. You can also shape the puran into laddoos, top with a cashewnuts each and serve it up in a brand new avatar!
From My Kitchen 