WEEKEND GUIDE

Bpb freebie: Subscribers get 15% off at the Havaianas e-store by quoting the code BPBHAVAIANAS. Exclusively through bpb.

bEGUM

What: The Great Delhi Pop Up, Ojas Art, Qutab, event invite here, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up , Rs 1500 per person.

Why: About a year ago, Anoothi Vishal, a journalist and columnist, began her Great Delhi Pop-Ups, something so underground that she was a bit reluctant to give us details. Much digging (in) later, you can now up for a dinner where home chef Bharati Sanghi will be dishing out Marwari food made from ingredients like home-distilled essence of Ajmeri roses, sweet onions from Bikaner, and, believe it or not, aloe vera. Can’t make it this time? Anoothi organizes regular events once every two months (stay in touch via email or Facebook) where she sometimes cooks with her Old Delhi family and sometimes sources delish home cooks. Coming up: Assamese food, community centric cuisine, and Indian Italian dishes that explore trade links between the two countries. Expect a lovely sit down meal at an art gallery, with butler service, or even book readings. Invites are hand delivered, and you can pay when you get yours.

When:  Saturday, May 18, 8 pm to 10 pm.

***

What: Happy Hours app, available here for iOS and here for Android, free.

Why: This Happy Hour app is so nifty, we wish we had thought of it ourselves. Once you download it on your phone, it asks you to choose a city (Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chandigarh), and a location close to you so it can pinpoint the best deals. From playing about with it at 6 pm, we found out that nearby All American Diner has buy one get one all days of the week, Kylin has 1 + 1 Cosmopolitans and free foot massages for girls on Thursdays, and all restaurants are listed with phone numbers, addresses, cuisine and whether or not they take credit cards. Appy hour!

When: You just want a little credit.

pOP

What: Voice lessons with Ashwati Parmeshwar, call 9873723356, Rs 800 an hour.

Why:  Professionally trained Ashwati Parmeshwar (who has a major in music and a certificate with distinction from Trinity College) is now doing voice and vocal lessons from her home, so get that inner Pavarotti out and about. She teaches a mix of theory and technique—apparently the breathing lessons are great for your abs!—which involve working with the student to see what they’d like to sing. Broadway, movies or Adele? She’s got sheet music, which she’ll teach you to read and work with you on a variety of vocal exercises so you can reach high notes. Requirements? A willingness to practice at home if you want to get good really fast, and keeping an open mind to some of the exercises which include, um, making funny faces in front of the mirror. Glee!

When: You want to stop (American) Idol worship.

***

What: Futurama, vintage pop-up shop, view Facebook page here or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 190 for a children’s book

Why: Divya Guha has a lot of vintage sunglasses. So many that she decided to sell them—and as anyone who has flirted with the retail space knows, no one can sell just one thing. With about 70 different kinds of eye wear, old watches from the 80s, Soviet-era children’s books, and even a 3D bust of Stalin, she’s the kind of crazy collector you want in your corner. Also look out for her custom design Calcutta bus conductor bags made in soft leather, and her old record players both battery and electric.  We’re most excited about her sunglasses though—we love the rainbow of a Colour Magic pair, and the thick frames of this 60s piece. Amongst them also lives Cartier shades from the 90s, and Dior from 10 years ago. At the moment, the next pop-up is at the Escape festival in Naukuchiyatal at the end of this month, but you can also email her if you’d like to buy directly from the source. Old school!

When:  You need to vintage the race.

bUSY

What: IDfy.com, an online trust establishment platform for employees and employers, free and premium services available.

Why: A night of partying on the town can take quite a toll on your liver and Facebook feed. The picture of you dancing on the bar? Oops. And that close up of you with a cigarette. Burn! A dodgy digital presence can work against you in a professional setting, especially if you have nothing to back you up or verify the claims on your resume. IDfy.com, a trust platform started by friends Ashok Hariharan, Hatim Baheranwala, and Vineet Jawa offers to set up a suitable online profile and resume that can be verified by your peers, business partners and reviewed by potential employers, investors and even a landlord. ISB and Namma Bengaluru are some of the organisations that use IDfy’s services.

When: You need a new (pro)file cabinet.

bREAKFAST

What: Nashta Paani snack truck, Near Sultanpur Metro Station, 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Why: Three cups of coffee do not a suitable breakfast make. Which is why we're super excited about the opening of an on-the-go breakfast and snack truck, Nastha Paani. An excited phone call revealed that they're planning both English Breakfast as well as Indian breakfast (packed so you can eat them at your desk while you work). There will also be an evening snack section- for your long commute back home. At the moment, they’re only parking at the Sultanpur Metro station, but there should be more locations later. Put that bag of crisps down slowly now.

When: It's going to be a Jerky ride; coming early next month.

pARTICULARS

What: UEA International Non-Fiction Writing Course, ICCR, Kolkota, mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send sample to School of Literature, Drama & Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Rs 25,000 per person for 8 days, accommodation not included.

Why: The University of East Anglia—which has one of the top writingprogrammes in the world—has just announced its second international creative writing workshop in non-fiction led by Amit Chaudhuri and Patrick French. To participate, you need to send in a 2,000 word sample with your CV and reference.  This is a good course for people interested in “biography, essay, travel writing, popular history writing, psychogeography and the urban experience.” Plus you get to meet and hang out with talented aspiring writers from around the world, and receive a certificate of completion at the end. Shake(speare) and bake!

When: Last date for applications is 7 June, 2013. Course starts on July 16.

**

What: Havaiana’s first store, ground floor, Select City Walk, Saket, prices start at Rs 750.

Why: Nothing like a loving layer of inch deep Delhi dust to ruin your new shoes. We suggest you kick back with these cool, durable new chappals, which have been available online for while (www.havaianasindia.in), and have finally found a permanent home in the capital. We're excited about  fuschia and orange printed flip flops, and ecen a pair with the cool white and pink dog print. Men, there are some funky ones for you too: especially raver inspired glow-in-the-dark ones, so you’ll never spill your drink on your toes. Nailed it!

When: You need to break a bad Hobbit.

bONUS

What: Manchester United Pitch Gift, buy it at http://www.excitinglives.com, Rs 1950.

Why: If you’re still grieving Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, this should cheer you up: bpb gifts you a Manchester United mini field that claims to have authentic grass and seeds from the Old Trafford pitch!  Have a field day with the stadium box, seeds, soil and instructions on to grow your mini pitch that comes with a certificate of authenticity from Manchester United.

When: You want to get more than (greeting) carded.

***

What: Book reading at Moon River's newly launched monthly salon.

Why: A newly opened monthly salon at Moon River might just help dispel Delhi's summer ennui,  promising book readings, photography exhibitions, documentary screenings. This week, look forward to a reading of 'Dirty Love' by SampurnaChatterjee. A well-watered rumour has it, there's wine and snacks as well.

When: You need a cut in time on May 15, Moon River, D 16, Defence Colony, call 41617103.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a sweet deal on Mandakini Gupta's Smitten baked goods. To get this and other super deals, enter your email  to subscribe.

bLEMISH

What: Bobbi Brown store, ground floor, Select City Walk, Saket.

Why: The tip of your kohl stick is crumbling in this heat, the bronzer in your bag belonged to the summer of 2011 and your mascara is begging for an upgrade. As if on cue, Bobbi Brown cosmetics will be opening their first stand-alone store in Delhi next month. While they're keeping the line-up secret for now, we're hoping for Sheer Colour cheek tint,  Intensifying long-wear mascara and Hollywood Red lip colour.

bpb Freebie: Take 10% off on all India Circus (www.indiacircus.com) products except furniture and gift vouchers. Use the code BPBR10 at checkout to avail the offer. Valid until May 3.

bOARDWALK

 

What: New Quiksilver store plus skateboarding workshop at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, free entry, check out the Facebook page here.

Why: Ramp up your weekend with this skateboarding workshop, an event held by international surfing and skateboarding brand Quiksilver that wheels into town today. Skateboarding trainers from Mumbai and Delhi, as well as equipment will be present at the class. While this is the first event they’re hosting in Delhi, they plan to make it a regular feature, so check the Facebook page for updates. Rollering in the deep?

When: Flip off on Saturday, April 27, 5 pm to 8 pm.

 

**

What: Post midnight home-delivery service, Batman Delivers, call 9910099925, Rs 140 for veg biryani

Why: Of all the things debauchery is associated with, an empty, rumbling stomach should not be one of them. A Gurgaon superhero’s answer to the problem is Batman Delivers, a recently launched home-delivery service which promises pretty much everything except a solution to crime. A food menu which covers salads to much needed post-midnight carbs and extras like milk shakes, last minute party essentials (Digene and Eno), 'suttas' , diapers, condoms, tampons and a stationery kit (perhaps for the apology letter that you'll need to write next morning).  Robin is not included.

When: You've Gotham All.

 

pAPER

What: Yodakin Fundraising Events, visit 2 Hauz Khas Village or view the website at http://yodapress.tumblr.com/keepalive for updates and events.

Why: It’s finally happened: Hauz Khas has given up the ghost of the hipster and turned into a trendy “up and coming” neighbourhood. Sadly, this means that everything the hipster loves is being taken away, thanks to skyrocketing rent. Yodakin, the independent publishing house and bookstore, is looking for new space and needs all the help they can get to raise funds for the move. How can you help? Toddle along to the bookstore to buy some books—no more sitting at home in your pajamas waiting for the Flipkart guy —and they’ll make it worth your while with several events they’ve planned (the first of which is a dramatic reading of A Little Prince and Matilda this weekend). PS: We also hear Gunpowder is looking for a new location soon. Will this be the end of HKV as we know it?

When: You want to go to The Shop Around The Corner on Saturday, April 27, 12 noon.

 

bLEND

What: Pop up Sari shop at Cafe CMYK ,15, Meherchand Market, call 24641881.

Why: As summer approaches, we think back to our childhood made up of ice lollies and nimbu paani and our mother’s cotton Jaipur saris. This season, as if on cue, CMYK is showcasing a pop-up sari exhibition by Jaipur based designers Benu and Shaan. With traditional Rajasthani motifs leading the way, the collection will feature block printed angarakhas and anarkalis as well. The Shrinathji temple in Rajasthan and its imagery was a muse, said Shaan, and the inspiration for a line of paintings which will also be available. Getting incensed?

When: For pleating memories on April 26 and 27 from 11am to 9pm.

 

**

What: Warehouse Café, D20, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, call 9999400001.

 

Why: We were hugely surprised to see 18,972  likes on Warehouse Café’s page, not because it’s terrible, but because this new restaurant just started serving on Thursday. Owned by the same people behind Boombox, OTB and Skooter, perhaps it’s not that surprising after all, considering they’re all popular. With a massive 12,000 square foot space, the “longest bar in Delhi” at 60 feet, the man on the phone still describes it as “cozy”. There are plans for an outdoor terrace area, a separate bar and restaurant area and a private room, but most intriguing is the menu—a gargantuan multi-cuisine affair that offers 365 dishes, one for each day of the year. Stay tuned for our full review! (PS: From further snooping, we discovered that the same group also plans to open two other bars/restaurants called Flying Saucer Café and—ahem—Frat House. Oh, Delhi.)

When: You want to get your fact(ory)s straight.

Freebie: Take 10% off on all India Circus (www.indiacircus.com) products except furniture and gift vouchers. Use the code BPBR10 at checkout to avail the offer. Valid until April 30.

bLENDED 

What: bpb and Smoke House BBQ’s cocktail making class, Rs 2,000 per person, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 9910892288 to sign up, limited seats.

Why: A muddled person isn’t very helpful, but a muddled drink can be, especially if you’re having a rough day. Sit down and take a load off as the cool folks at Smoke House BBQ show you how to make a mean martini, infuse a vodka and muddle a drink, as well as whip up two barbecue snacks that you can learn to do at home. This super hands-on class is part of our Coup Card promotion with partner restaurants, and space is limited, so sign up now!

When: You want to mojito the line on Wednesday April 23,  7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

PS: Only very few spots left at our South Indian brunch class with Carnatic Café!

***

What: Mistral Bar & Grill, Level 3, AmbienceMall, Vasant Kunj, call 40870750.

Why: We love ourselves a good re-invention story, though we're still waiting on one from Charlie Sheen. That's why, when we were told that the restaurant space at Director's Cut was now a proud bar & grill, we didn't interrupt. Mistral, owned by PVR’s Ajay Bijli, is the newest entrant in Ambience Mall's food scene and is a deli, a bar and a grill. With a multi-cuisine menu (we're going to wait to see how long people will stretch this term) boasting of both Iranian and Indian food this looks like a promising watering hole. Even though their 'no happy hours' deal had us raising an eyebrow. Full review out next week!

When: You want a grills night out.

 

*** This advertorial has been sponsored by Thehomelabel.com***

What: Dinner in Paris collection by The Home Label, available online at www.thehomelabel.com, Rs 1,500 for a set of 6 red wine glasses.

Why: Love looks different, better, under the glow of a Parisian street light. Hardships are more delicate when seen through the patterns of a French lace doily.  Life will probably behave itself, if hit on the head with a baguette. Make la vie rosier with online lifestyle store The Home Label’s new range of dining room and kitchen products inspired by interior designer and thehomelabel.com Creative Director Sussanne Roshan’s trips to Paris. See Baguette Tray, wooden candle holder, wine glasses and decanters that are tres jolie and won’t break the bank. Sussanne  Roshan tells us how Parisian street lights turned into candle holders here.

When: You want to turn the other chic.

*** This advertorial has been sponsored by Thehomelabel.com*** 

pLENTIFUL

What: All Creatures Great And Small animal shelter, call Anajali Gopalan at 9910308374, visit VillageSilakhari, P.O Dhauj Zilla, Faridabad, Haryana or view the website at www.allcreaturesgreatandsmall.in

Why: Not only is this brand new (two months old!) animal shelter named after a James Herriot book we love, it is also housed on an organic farm with a large water body that calls to several wild birds. More reasons to visit? All produce from the organic farm go to HIV orphans, all animals are ones in crisis—abandoned or handicapped, and they’re building a four bedroom house on the property where volunteers can live and work up in the Aravalli Hills. If you’d rather have a one-day visit, call Anjali, the head of the foundation to have it set up. 

When: You want to pitch a pup tent. 

***

What: Comedy Writing Workshop, IHC, Lodhi Road,Rs 4000 per person, details here.

Why: You're tired of your friends knock-knock jokes and his comic timing has made him more social baggage than wingman. You don't need to plan an intervention, just sign him up for Anuvab Pal's two day writing workshop. Here your friend will learn how to create his own screenplay, construct scripts, invent characters (no longer will you be chief protagonist), and learn directorial nuances. With modules on understanding comedy in plays, TV as well as stand-up, we think it's safe now for you to remove your cursor from the 'unfriend' button on Facebook.

When: You think you're a riot on April 20 & 21, at 10.30 am.

 

bRIEF

What: Briefcase bag pack from Nappa Dori, available at the Nappa Dori stores in Hauz Khas Village and Meherchand Market, call 09810400778 or visit http://www.nappadori.com, Rs 10,500.

Why: Death of a Salesman would have been far more romantic with this pretty biscuit coloured mini glossy trunk- like briefcase featuring beautiful leather detailing. Half belonging to a doctor and half to a salesman, the cool thing about this Nappa Dori trunk is that it turns into a bag pack, is small enough for daily, non-travel use, and comes with a key. It’s available in a range of colours including bright yellow, forest green and sky blue, but we much prefer the muted cream and black.

When:  You want to be part of the Carry On series.

 

 

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a super deal on Maison des Desserts  For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.Valid until April 18,2013.

bUMPY 

What: bpb and Amici’s pizza tossing class, 30 HKV, to register email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 1,250 per person, limited seats available.

Why: In the spirit of cricket season, we’re offering you a chance to learn to toss. As part of our Coup Card promotion with partner restaurants, this hands-on class at Amici will teach you all the elements of making your own pizza, from rolling out the dough to simmering the sauce and finally, getting to bake in their wood-fired oven. You will also learn how to experiment with toppings and score tips on home-baking. 

When: Be the lick-et keeper on April 16, 6 pm to 7.30 pm; register now!

*** 

What: Adopt A Pothole with the Pothole Project, view Facebook page here and website here, free. 

Why: Finally, Facebook gets useful. The very cool Adopt a Pothole initiative encourages you to click a picture of a pothole near your house or your daily commute, upload it, and share with your friends. If your photo gets over 25 likes, Apollo Tyres will fix the hole for you, with a little stencil painted over the road with your name and the pothole’s name. With bumps called things like Kishmish and Django, this project manages to be hilariously satirical and civic minded at the same time.

When: You’ve OD’d on rocky road.

pOLENTA

What: Three Windows Café, Khoj International Artists Association, S-17, Khirkee Extension, call 65655873, meals start at Rs 100. 

Why: Damson Catering has moved from their pop-up restaurants to one that will stay still, a fun summer-y café inside Khoj’s three floor bungalow called Three Windows, featuring watermelon-feta salad and hummus among other things. To be run by Serena Holliday (who is coming down from her gig at Notting Hill’s The Cow to cook at Khoj), the café will also have free wi-fi so you can linger over a sandwich. Damson will continue to do pop-up dinners as well, but we’re looking forward to having a place in Saket to eat that isn’t inside a mall. 

When: You all fal(afel) down on April 18. 

bEAUTIFUL

What: Get a professional Facebook profile picture for free, The Piano Man, Basant Lok Market, Vasant Vihar, call 9899264224.

Why: Everyone’s tired of your duck-face selfies, so we suggest you let Vinay Aravind take over and make you look like your best self, filters not included. We’ve written about Vinay before, when he was travelling around the country and taking photos of people, and now he’s making Sunday about you and your profile picture. The same rules apply: you own the image, but not exclusive rights to it, as a “payment” you leave it watermarked and tag his page.  Take props, a friend, and for the love of God, leave the fish lips to Angelina Jolie.  (PS: Here's our review of The Piano Man to jog your memory). 

When: Your morning papar(azzi) on Sunday, April 14, 11 am to 6 pm. 

***

What: Jewellery designer Suhani Pittie's new online store, visit www.suhianipittie.com, Rs 3,200 for gold plated bird hoop earrings.

Why: Bauble heads, stay still for a second as one of our favourite Indian  jewellery designers Suhani Pittie's  new online store opens on the screen in front of you. Go past the peacock plumes and open doors to find gold and silver plated jewellery that seems to be preoccupied with the sky. There's birds that sit in gold hoops and a starry night sky that unravels  across a cuff. Different from the multi-strand antique coin necklace that we own, buy in mint condition none the less.

When: You want to make a Pittie stop.

bpb Freebie: To help roll out the Coup Card, we're doing fun freebies with stores, designers, spas and other cool Delhi businesses all this month. Today's deal : Get 15% off at Maison des Desserts by using the code "BPBCOUP". Valid until April 18,2013.

bpb Contest: We're giving away 5 vouchers for Olivia Dar accessories . To participate check our Twitter feed (@bpbdelhi) at 1.30 pm today, April 5, to know more. Contest ends at 6 pm.

bARTENDERS’ 

What: Hang with the bpb gang at Coup’s Night Out, S Bar, GK 1, N Block Market and Blue Frog, Mehrauli, RSVP on Facebook here, 15% off total bill if you buy the Coup Card tonight.

Why: To celebrate the launch of our awesome loyalty program  (www.coupcard.in) which gets you 15% off at Delhi’s top 20 restaurants, bpb will behind the bar at S Bar’s Sufi night tonight and Blue Frog’s retro night tomorrow, serving up drinks, smiles and cards. To sweeten the deal (what, we’re not enough?) we’re offering everyone who buys the card on the day a 15 per cent discount on their bill. See you there! 

When: Host(ile) takeovers on Friday, April 5 at S Bar and Saturday, April 6 at Blue Frog, from 9 pm to 11 pm.

pASTURE

What: Homemade Hmmutton, view the Facebook page to place an order, pick up from Gurgaon, price on request.

Why: Rathhin Mathur works with Ayurvedic supplements by day, and caters to his friends’ cravings-of-the-flesh by night. But not the way you’re thinking: he dishes up a signature mutton concoction (his own recipe inspired by an Indonesian dish) for parties and gatherings. The “hmm” is for the noises people make when they’re eating it, and we were sent a batch to try. Shredded mutton in thick gravy, this is reminiscent of a Punjabi-meets-Andhra mutton curry transformed into a super spicy sandwich filling. The punch comes from desi paan-ka-patta cooked with the meat.  The taste changes depending on how long you store it, Rathhin claims says, and it’s best to eat it the day after he’s cooked it. Ewe baby!

When:  You’re getting marrow-ed in the morning.

*** 

What: New roll shop, Rollmaal, Defence Colony Main Market, call 41017360, view menu at www.rollmaal.in, Rs 135 for a chicken Chettinad roll.

Why: Launched by the guys behind Mamagoto, Rollmaal, a small self-service eatery in Def Col’s main market, marked with a rolling pin window display, servers in khaki restaurants and a menu of rolls, biryani, butter chicken and vada pav . bpb loved mutton Bombay Frankie, the veg Chettinad roll and Pindi channa, plus the little pager that beeps when your order is ready. However, we weren’t so crazy about a too-sweet bun with the vada pav or the bready brioche that sandwiches a bun-samosa. Full disclosure: the Rollmaal promoters knew we were there, but we paid for our own meal. 

When: You want a room(ali) of your own.

bONG

What: Dear Fish Curry, a talk at Khoj Studios, S 17 Khirki Extension, call 65655873, entry free.

Why: Not so much a paean to fish curry as a lament about overfishing, this talk—part of Khoj’s Food Edition residency—is conducted by journalist, historian and environmentalist Kaushik Dasgupta. Kaushik, himself a Bengali, will be talking about that favourite Bong fish: the hilsa and how it went from being a staple to a novelty. Attend this if you love your food with fins and want to know more about where that macher jhol came from.

When: Step out of your gill-ded cage on Friday, April 5 at 6.30 pm.

***

What: The Kirana Shop, 131 Meharchand Market, call 24619666, Rs 60 for a 5 ml bottle of Deo’s cinnamon spice drops.

Why: Unlike other exploding shopping areas in the city, Meharchand Market actually manages to hold on to some of its history, grocery stores, tailors and kebab guys. New organic store The Kirana Shop seems to embrace this ethos with its twee name and local produce. With fresh veggies from I Say Organic, essential oils, spice drops and their own in-house tea, we like the plentiful white shelves, but wonder why they didn’t stick to the old school kirana shop model instead of opting for a regular hypermart-ish layout. With pickles and produce interspersed with embroidered cushion covers from Kashmir and soap, it’s a mish-mash but one that smells good.  Go for the masalas, leave for the varieties of honey (including pepper) and lovely old school bottles of achaar.

When: All you need is clove.

***

bpb freebie: Subscribers get a super deal on Spicy Elephant For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bREAKFAST

What: Cafe 88, Meherchand Market, Shop no. 134, call 490518888.

Why: New kid on the block Cafe 88 has a pedigreed background. Owned by the same folks at Yeti, the café is meant to be like a hotel coffee shop—except not in a hotel. We sneaked a peek and were greeted with an old-world staircase leading up to a beautiful terrace shaded by umbrellas. We hear they’re serving “multi-cuisine” dishes including Australian, Jamaican and even Japanese food. Liquid courage to face the prices (we suspect this might be expensive) will be disguised as beer and wine only.

When: Lobby for your bill next week.

***

What: Gingr food messenger, view at http://gingr.me/en/, app available for Android phones, free.

Why: This nifty new app app lets you text restaurants to place orders, make bookings and complain about how they forgot to send you extra soy sauce with your sushi… again. Pretty and user friendly, Gingr allows you to search by cuisine or area, as well as make dinner reservations and figure out happy hours during your next boring meeting. Multi-tasking, anyone?

When: You’re in the mood for text-mex.

pOETS

What: Project Voice by Sara Kay and Phil Kaye, spoken word poetry, visithttp://www.project-voice.net.

Why: "When they make fun of your accent, I'll take you swimming because we all sound the same underwater." Poets Sara Kay and Phil Kaye’s spoken words about spiders and sweaters, love letters and elbows, are guaranteed to make you fall in love. The US-based poets have performed solo or together at some of the best venues and events including Lincoln Center, Tribeca Film Festival, the United Nations and a 2011 TED conference. Even if you can't catch them live, watch their videos and read their books just to marvel at how acrobatic words can be. If you begin to love them like this Scouter does (YouTube introduced to me by a super someone last year), maybe even email them. From their audience dedication last night, we know they read fan mail.

When: You really want to meter.

***

What: BarTrender Pro, order at Benetta Bartrender, Suite 1210, DLF Towers-2, Jasola call 41550060, Rs 3.5 lakhs and upwards.

Why: We Instagrammed your last house party and we have to say, you’re looking sort of idiotic. There that’s you in the blue, not a Uni student and still chugging straight from the bottle. How about you put that Absolut down and invest in a grown-up (read: expensive) bar instead. Previously available only at hotels, BarTender Pro is now selling their hybrid bars to individuals as well. These are stocked with professional cocktail mixer, a wine cooler from France (no free bottles though, we checked), a dual temperature zone and dry storage bar. Cheers!

When: You need a sip replacement.

bIZARRE!

What: Flying Angels, Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Pragati Vihar, entry free. 

Why: Kitted out in feathers (of course!) the Flying Angels promise to wrap up Bonjour India by leaping from steel railings inside a specially constructed dome; dress up in clown costumes to heckle the crowd, and generally take your breath away. We suggest you break out your Mardi Gras beads and binoculars.

When: Hark, the herald angels swing on March 31, 6 pm.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get a super deal on SmokeHouse Grill For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box. 

bUTTERCREAM

What: Maison Des Desserts Patisserie , Hauz Khas Village, call 9560366914, Rs 125 for a citrus meringue muffin.

Why: bpb featured Shirani Mehta way back when she was a home baker in Gurgaon and we are jazzed about her brand new offline space in HKV, where indignantly rich desserts sit in a beautiful display. We loved chocolate orange cake and decadent roulade, but you might have a hard time choosing just two (or twenty).

When: You want to make a Frostian bargain. 

***

What: Turn tricks with magician Ishamuddin at May Day Bookstore and Cafe. Registration details to be shared on their Facebook page next week, free.

Why: Ishamuddin—famous for the Indian rope trick - is proficient also in traditional magic, snake charming, juggling and acrobatics. And he is willing to share his best tricks with you – wand to give it a shot? Along with attending the workshop, you can also watch a documentary on magic and raid the May Day café for refreshments. 

When: Make your heart (st)healthier on March 24. 

*** 

pLUSH

What: Mithai-inspired cushions and quilts by Safomasi, available online and at Artisan Luxe, Meharchand Market, prices start at Rs 1,500 for a small cushion.

Why: Artist Sarah Fotheringham, currently a designer at W+K, spent several years travelling around India, drawing pictures of various mithai. With the help of her boyfriend and business partner, she began to print these on cotton to turn them into fun colourful cushions—both floor and small—as well as quilts. Her current collection includes some very pretty camels from the Pushkar fair, and she plans to introduce rugs soon, with illustrations from Japan. Fun fact: the name Safomasi comes from their names—Sarah Fotheringham and Maninder Singh. Duo over? 

When: You want to let the katli out of the bag.

***

bREAKDANCE

What: Cafe 79, Lado Sarai main market, call 09818674130, opens this week.

Why: This new restaurant calls itself an 'art and music cafe' (yes, we rolled our eyes too) and is founded by the folks over at alternative station Radio79Delhi. The menu will feature sandwiches, juices, coffee, a terrace and free wi-fi, as well as three additional rooms, which will be rented out for pop-up purposes. Look out for our full review next week!

When: You need a tune-a sandwich. 

** 

What: Sunset walk with Skilled Samaritan, Rs 1500 per person, meets at Badarpur Metro Station, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up. 

Why: This foundation has been leading walks through the little village of Sirohi—40 kilometres from Delhi—for a while, with most proceeds going to bettering the village. This particular walk takes you through a stone quarry with sunken lakes to the top of a hill, where the Kot temple offers a birds-eye view of the Aravalli hills. Follow the trek up with a home cooked meal in the village as well as a tempo ride home. The foundation is also commissioning and selling cool charpoys, the strings made of trash plastic material, crafted by the villagers in any colour you’d like. Diwan-i-khas!

When: Sunday, March 10, 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

 

bpb freebie: Subscribers get a super deal on Pop Vulture For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box 

bIRDS

What: Simply Fondue,43, Chiranjiv Towers, Nehru Place, call 32906629.

Why: American fondue chain (with branches in California, Texas and New York) comes to the Capital with fondues cheese and chocolate, many dippers and a range of broths. Targeted at the cubicle dwellers that crowd up Nehru Place, will this be where suits will spend their bread? Full review out next week.

When: You want to kiss the brie(d).

***

What: Hot air ballooning, as part of The Great Adventure Fest, Haryana Police RTC, Bhondsi and Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon. Rs 4,500 per ticket, buy tickets here.

Why: Pull out all the cheesy stops and take her on a hot air balloon ride. Both free flight and tethered (for the faint hearted) options are available. With each balloon carrying three to four passengers, we suspect this could be a rad singles party venue as well. The Great Adventure Fest also offers other attractions like parasailing, powered paragliding, paintballing, adventure walls, rocket ejectors, archery, and quad biking to name a phew.

When: Hope floats on March 23, 6 am.

pOTS

What: Artisan tea and coffee for your next party by Jugmug Thela- Chai & Coffee,email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , approximately Rs 80 for a mug-size drink.

Why: Because champagne is so 2012. Give your next bash a cutting (chai) edge with the help of the dudes--former graphic designers--at Jugmug Thela, a fun new service that will set up a kiosk of "artisan" tea and coffee, doling out tea made from 12 secret ingredients and Italian-style coffee to your guests. Also coming up are blends from Costa Rica and Vietnam.

When: You want to raze the bar.

**

What: Fake water faucets and more on www.Giftloop.it, Rs 2,700

Why: We at the bpb office cringe each time someone says ‘e-store’, but we’re willing to give the newly launched Gift Loop a chance. Why? Because this voyeur’s guide to gifting not only curates fun products from international partner vendors that ship to India, but also lets you view, steal and buy users’ sexy gift wishes from around the web. Bow Derrick! We loved the fake water faucet, whiskey stones and bamboo Mac Book case.

When: You need to compile a present-ation.

bIBLIO 

What: Rare books from the Kerala State library available online, view at http://statelibrary.kerala.gov.in/rarebooks/index.php.

Why: Who would've thought that the Kerala State Library could be a bibliophile's wet dream? But here they come with an online archive of over a thousand rare books, easy to browse, search zoom into and ogle over. Most are academic, but have a browse and you could stumble upon books like Beasts And Man In India by John Lockwood Kipling (yes, Rudyard’s dad) and The Diary Of The Besieged Resident In Paris, a collection of reports from a war correspondent during the Franco-Prussian war. Hard-core!

When: You want someone to Kochi up to.