Author: Deno Dolie

rootsandlesiure-spicy-tuna-rice bowl

Recipe of ‘Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl’ by Keny Metha

Published by Deno Dolie

Hey there! We’ve got something special for you today—a simple recipe from our friend Keny Mehta, who’s based in Kohima. Keny is a true food lover and an amazing cook, and she’s sharing her signature dish with us—a tasty rice bowl with tuna. By the way, we had a fun chat with Keny about her love for food and cooking earlier. You can catch up on it here: [link to interview]. So, let’s jump right into the recipe and learn how to whip up this delicious dish together! “About the dish: Rice is our staple food in Nagaland, and tuna (tinned fish) is easily accessible in any neighborhood local shop. So it is super easy to make. I recommend adding green leafy vegetables as toppings; you can also some creative and healthy ways to garnish this simple dish with local seasonal greens. Do try it, and hope it makes your day a ‘lil better with this simple dish 🙂” ~ Keny Metha Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl by Keny Metha Hey there! We’re updating our recipe …

Rootsandleiure-Duia Trailblazers-Meghalaya

Samuel Duia – Adventurer and Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers’ Talks about Their Exciting Canyon Discovery in Meghalaya!

Published by Deno Dolie

Interview by Deno Dolie Exploring the mystical Northeast of India is on the top of the bucket list for many, and with the region becoming increasingly accessible, a growing number of local and foreign tourists have been visiting the region in recent years. That said, I personally believe that the real joy of traveling to the Northeast lies in exploring the local gems – in the unknowns. This is where I would like to introduce Samuel Duia from Shillong, a passionate traveler, and founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ – a Govt. recognized tour operator based in Meghalaya whose unique offerings include expert local tours, village stays, local food & culture exploration –  and more. Most notably, Samuel and a team from Bangalore Adventure School (BASCOOL) recently discovered an unexplored canyon in Syntung village – now named (by Samuel’s ‘first descend’ team!) as ‘Upper Shonghang Canyon.’  I chat with Samuel about his venture, responsible tourism, canyoning, and of course, their recent canyon discovery – in detail! Samuel Duia – Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ Meghalaya posing in front of …

Rootsandleisure_Footballer_Hiti Seb

Meet 15-Year Old Hiti Seb from Nagaland – Professional Football Player for Sudeva Delhi FC U18s in the Hero I League.

Published by Deno Dolie

Interview by Deno Dolie Hiti is not someone I know personally, but I knew of him through his sisters, who went to to the same school as me. I felt his story is worth sharing as this 15-year-old kid from Nagaland is already a professional player for Sudeva Delhi FC U18s in the Hero I League. Moreover, I was equally impressed by his family’s support, in helping their son take this unconventional route at such an early age – and on a professional level. Hiti attends a residential football school, where he enrolled when he was just 11. In our society, it is not common to see young people going for professional training in pursuit of their passions. Through Hiti’s story, it is my hope to see more parents – especially from the Northeast, support their children’s endeavors in these unconventional careers – and guide them through the right means and channels. This can be a game-changer for a society like ours, which is full of ambitious youths with diverse talents – and through which …

RootsandLeisure_giltgourmet_dimapur

Food Blog ‘Gilt Gourmet’ from Nagaland is Introducing Locals to Gourmet Food from Around the World | Meet the Curators – KT and Grace

Published by Deno Dolie

Before it fills your stomach, good food often serves as a feast for the eyes – and at times, a memorable cooking experience. Today we have Kt & Grace from Dimapur to guide us into their world of gourmet, and their Insta food blog ‘Gilt Gourmet.’ Sisters and best friends, these food curators from Nagaland have been enthusing their followers with their mouth-watering and eye-catching food photos – captured by them while cafe hopping or cooking at home. Their feed serves as an inspiration to go beyond our familiar food zone, and explore new cuisines, which can be just as enticing and comforting as our North Eastern palate. I chat with Kt and Grace to know more about ‘Gilt Gourmet’, their favorite meals, and even get them to share a super simple Italian recipe! Read on. ‘Gilt Gourmet’ curators – Kt & Grace from Dimapur, Nagaland Deno: Welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself to our readers. KT & Grace: We’re two sisters and go by the name Kt & Grace. Growing up, our love for …

Rootsandleisure_recipe-aglio e olio

Recipe of ‘Spaghetti Aglio e Olio’ by ‘Gilt Gourmet’ Nagaland

Published by Deno Dolie

We recently had a chat with sisters KT & Grace from Nagaland, who have been enthusing their followers with their mouth-watering and eye-catching food spread through their Insta food blog ‘Gilt Gourmet.‘ We got them to share an easy recipe that will introduce us to the world of gourmet, and they chose  ‘Spaghetti Aglio e Olio’ (meaning spaghetti with garlic and oil) which is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples, and loved by foodies all over. Albeit a simple dish with only four (main) ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes, the resulting dish will leave you wanting for more! Full recipe below. ‘Spaghetti Aglio e Olio’ recipe by ‘Gilt Gourmet‘ Nagaland Ingredients: 150-170 grams spaghetti ¼ cup olive oil 4-5 garlic cloves (thinly sliced) ½ teaspoon red chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon Oregano 6-7 cherry tomatoes Olives (optional) A handful of baby spinach Salt & black pepper, for taste Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish Directions to Make: Prepare the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain …

RootsandLeisure_melwhisks_pondicherry

Siblings Ayush and Rhea from Pondicherry Talk About their Food Venture ‘Mel Whisks’ – and Their Best-Selling Desserts!

Published by Deno Dolie

Pondicherry will always have a special place in my heart, as it reminds me so much of home (even while traveling). Although this beach destination is a contrast from my hilly hometown (of Nagaland), the overall vibe of this small town feels pleasantly familiar to the place I grew up in. A former French colony, the local food in Pondy is an eclectic mix of French and South Indian cuisines. And thanks to Pondy friends, I was introduced to a host of cafes and bakers out there, who make the most amazing baked goodies and desserts! On one of my Pondy food expeditions, I came across ‘Mel Whisks’ – a home-based cloud kitchen run by a sibling duo in Pondicherry. They sell mouthwatering gourmet food and desserts. I have been following their Insta page even since the lockdown happened, and have even ordered their desserts jar for my friends there, who have been raving about them ever since! So I got on a call to interview the two people behind ‘Mel Whisks’ – siblings Ayush …

RootsandLeisure_photographer Ved-Assam

“I May End up Hating Photography If It Becomes My Bread & Butter; I Just Want to Click Photos and Make People Stop, Wonder, and Think.” – Photographer Ved from Assam

Published by Deno Dolie

I’d like to introduce Ved – a talented photographer and videographer friend of mine from Assam, whose work I’ve been following ever since I’ve met him (and worked with) at a university event in Jorhat back in 2019. A fellow traveler, he is always up for an adventure and a great conversationalist. For anyone meeting him for the first time, it is easy to spot his natural passion and love for his work – and life in general. With his go-getter attitude and an infectious positivity, I really enjoyed this chat with him.  Deno: Hi Ved, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself. Ved: I’m Ved, a photographer and videographer based in the quaint little town of Jorhat, Assam. I like to believe that photography runs in my blood because both my grandfathers were very talented photographers and I’ve grown up looking at framed black and white prints of their work. I started dabbling in photography from a young age but I developed the technical know-how much later. I got my first client when I was …

Rootsandleisure_Miss Nagaland_Vikuonuo Sachü

“I Let my Head Work Instead of Letting My Heart Be Troubled” – Tête-à-Tête with Vikuonuo Sachü, Reigning Miss Nagaland

Published by Deno Dolie

I sat down with reigning Miss Nagaland Vikuonuo Sachü over coffee to talk about the crown and the responsibilities that came along with it, her personal journey from aspiring to become Miss Nagaland to fulfilling her dreams to how she’s shaped it as a platform for empowering the youth.  For someone still in college and so young, she has already accomplished more than most can even begin to imagine. Looking at all the work she has done so far, I am confident that this young friend and role model is on her path to achieve much more.  Deno: Hi Vikuonuo, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself. Vikuonuo: Hi everyone, a pleasure to be having this chat. I am Vikuonuo Sachü, reigning Miss Nagaland 2019. I am from Kohima, and currently pursuing a degree along with various social activities. Personally, I would describe myself as both an introvert and an extrovert. I can be very shy at times, but also equally enjoy traveling and meeting new people, and having conversations with them about their lives and perspectives …

Rootsandleisure_Arieno Kera

Artist Arieno Kera from Nagaland Makes Dreamy Renditions of People Around Her – Through Her Signature Acrylic Portraits

Published by Deno Dolie

Arieno Kera is a Fine Art student from Nagaland. A childhood friend, I remember her as this calm individual who had the most natural flair for painting and art – for as long as I can remember. Growing up together, I am so excited to see where her talent is going to take her. Currently, she is pursuing fine arts as a student and she has already captured the hearts of many – with her signature dreamy portraits in acrylic. Worthy to note that she always had a keen interest in stories and people, and that comes out beautifully through each stroke in all her paintings. In her own words, her work is inspired by “the Realist and Impressionistic art periods. They made me see the beauty in truth, in the ordinary, and in life.” I chat with her to give you guys a glimpse into her portfolio of work. Fine Art student Arieno Kera | Photo by Ghanajit Wahengbam Deno: Hi Arieno, such a fan of your portraits! Please introduce yourself.  Arieno: My name …

Rootsandleisure_Keny Metha

Keny Metha from Kohima Talks About Her Obsession with Food and Cooking – and How to Turn Simple Toast into a Yummy Snack

Published by Deno Dolie

I am here today with Keny Metha from Kohima – a self-confessed lover of all things food and cooking. Her creative hobbies serve as a treasure trove for her friends and followers – to discover new cuisines, cooking styles, and plenty of other creative arts. To me, she comes across as this mysterious being, who is always up to something – usually ‘cooking up’ a new concept/idea. Add to that, her calm energy, one cannot help, but be inspired, whenever we are around her. Over a chat, I try to dig deeper into her love for food and cooking, her sources of inspiration, what kind of music gets her creative juices going – and also get her to share a simple recipe that we can all try out. Read on for the full conversation. Deno: Hey Keny, happy to be having this conversation with you on R&L 🙂 Please introduce yourself, and tell us more about what keeps you occupied these days. Keny: Heyy… Keny here everyone : ) I’m 24, and I stay in …