Ep 19: Spicy black meat and orange-based sweets, and a seafood meal at Gajalee

<p>Has the coronavirus pandemic disrupted your plan to take that long trip? Is the ongoing lockdown making you crave going off-road? Fret not. If you can’t go to the highway, Rocky, Mayur, Prashant, and Abhinandan — the team behind shows like <em>Highway On My Plate</em>, <em>Vital Stats of India</em>, <em>Jai Hind</em>, and <em>Rocky and Mayur's Food Xpress</em> — will bring the highway to you!</p><br><p>So, here goes the newest offering from <em>Newslaundry</em>: Highway On My Podcast. The creators of the much loved TV travel show revisit their travels across India, sharing stories, anecdotes, trivia, and — for when the roads are open and inviting again — recommendations on food, culture, people, and much more.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this episode of Highway On My Podcast, Rocky, Mayur, Abhinandan and Prashant traverse the coastal state of Maharashtra. Doing justice to its highly varied food culture, the gang eats everything with equal enthusiasm, from Bhel to exotic bird preparations.&nbsp;</p><br><p>The journey begins on a heartbreaking note in the breezy hill town of Mahabaleshwar, where the team’s dreams were shattered once they were welcomed by the caretaker of Hotel Regency. As it turned out, the hotel was so dirty that Rocky decided to sleep in the clothes he’d been wearing all day since he was sure they were much cleaner than the bedsheets. Shedding the memories of their horrific overnight stay, they hit the road to try out some roasted lentils, a speciality of Mahabaleshwar. They also try delicious jams after feasting on Chana <em>.&nbsp;</em></p><br><p>Driving to the plains, the gang discusses, while in transit, whether monsoons are a good time to visit Mahabaleshwar. Mayur doesn’t think so but Abhinandan strongly recommends it, only for the beautiful waterfalls.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In Pune, they head to Kayani Bakery, a landmark in the city, that’s known for its scrumptious Shrewsbury biscuits. Prashant says the visit to Kayani is one of his more delightful experiences from their travels. They also talk about