After a hugely successful Oktoberfest organized by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, which Mumbaikars LOVED (my friends who went there stand testimony) - it's time for some more authentic epicurean delights from around the world, so celebrate! :)

Washoku 4 - A Japanese Street Festival


For the fourth year in a row, IHM Mumbai and maidoindia are bringing Japan even closer to India!
WASHOKU, the annual Japanese food festival is back with a bang. This year, the ambition is to replicate an entire Japanese street in Mumbai, and give the visitors a true feel of ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’.

WHEN: 21 - 24 October
WHERE: Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai
COST: Rs. 500 per person, coupons redeemable at stalls
CONTACT: +91 9769666923, 9769666942 to have your passes home-delivered.
Press coverage: Hindustan Times | Bindass


 Ecuadorean Cornucopia
 
Drawing inspiration from its diverse regions, the cuisine of Ecuador is a perfect integration of tropical fruits and vegetables, seafood and an eclectic style of cooking that is indeed unique and delightful. Savour the Incan and Spanish influences in this unique gastronomic festival of Ecuador.
Experience the cuisine of Ecuador with a dinner buffet at INR 1400 plus taxes.
WHEN: 19 - 26 October
WHERE: Hornby’s Pavilion, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
COST: Rs.1400 + taxes
CONTACT: ITC WelcomZest Lounge / Embassy of Ecuador to India
Press coverage: Chef Edgar Leon speaks to LiveMint | Delhi samples… Ecuador

 French Wine Workshop
Sopexa and French Ministry of Food present the French Wine workshop at The Tasting Room. Discover, savour and revel in the secrets of 5 different wines from around France. Also learn how wines are made and stored and the proper ways of serving and pairing them with food. 
WHEN: 23 October, 4 – 6 pm
WHERE: Good Earth, Lower Parel, Mumbai
COST: Single: Rs. 1500 + taxes  | Couple: Rs. 2500 + taxes
CONTACT: 65285284, 24951954 | Burrp!
UPDATE!
Prasanna (@labellagorda) informs me of another wine fest happening in Mumbai this month, as part of the Celebrate Bandra festival.

Wine tasting, cooking contests, wine appreciation talks, master chefs in action!
WHEN: 30-31 October, 4 – 6 pm
WHERE: D’Monte Park Recreation Club, Bandra, Mumbai
COST: Single: Rs. 500  | Early Bird Offer: 5 passes for Rs. 2,000
CONTACT: Official website

Thanks Niharika, Sagar, Prasanna for the heads up!
All 3D flags by 3DFlags.com

Dear fellow traveler, it's a pleasure to share with you two of my travel pieces which were recently published in Mumbai Mirror, the daily tabloid from the Times of India group.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Please keep it honest, especially constructive criticism!

Most of us have that on top of our dream bucketlist, don't we?

Let me tell you, it's easier than you think. From my own personal experience of traveling, I know that places are always about people. Experiences are about people. Eat Pray Love ratifies that, so does The Art of Travel.

But let's not get all philosophical here and get to the point! There's some SUPER exciting stuff happening in the travel world in early 2011, and I can't wait to share that with my readers...

Simply put, we're talking of collective travel experiences, and how! Read on...

1. The Road Junky Sahara Retreat

Original image by Alex Lichtenberger

What: 5 days in the desert. 50 people from around the world. The stuff of legends!
When: 18-22 January, 2011
How: Details and Registration here. Make your own travel plans to get to Morocco.
Cost: €199 


Disclaimer:

This is a referral promotion, which means I'd make a commission if you book through the registration link. Sure I'd love a few extra bucks but this is an experience I'd love to be a part of myself (and I'm definitely considering!)



2. Circumnavigation of India ... by Train!

The Great Indian Circular Railway Challenge

What: 15 days of train journey all around incredible India
When: 18 Feb - 5 March, 2011
Where: Starting Mumbai, India and circumnavigating the whole country!
How: Details here.
Cost: £200 (US $320)

Seriously, you're still here?!