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bITES

What: Rara Avis, M27, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 2, call 08802687425, Rs 2,500 for a meal for two without alcohol.

Why: Named after a legendary bird and perched high up in a nondescript building is this new, dim café that offers hearty French fare on wide-lipped plates, wispily-limned drawings on the walls and tantalising glimpses of a bustling open kitchen. We tried and enjoyed a vast grilled meat platter (pork and sausage, lamb and chicken); lemony salmon salad; half-moon of leek-and-cheese quiche served with a cloud of greens. Warning: alcohol-drenched sorbets are less dessert and more cocktail. Full review out soon!

When: You want to grin and beret.

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What: May Day bookstore and café, 2254/2A Ground Floor, Shadi Khampur, New Ranjit Nagar, call 25709456, café is pay as you please.

Why: This cool new communist bookstore carries volumes on economics, politics, history and even children’s fiction - look out for Tariq Ali's The Fear Of Mirrors as well as a set of Satre and little booklets on Lenin's writing. Also on sale are bags, large-framed photo prints, t-shirts and awesome sickle patterned teacups. Attached too is a locally-supported pay-what-you-please café and large studio space for movie screenings and plays. Full review out next week!

When: You need to add full stops and Commies. Girish Kasarvalli’s Gulabi Talkies screened this Saturday, May 5 at 6 pm.

pEACH

What: Dunkin Donuts, M19, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 1, Rs 45 for a classic glazed donut.

Why: It’s finally in India, this much awaited, much beloved international giant; and if you’re a patron for long enough, the gigantic quality is sure to rub off on you as well. As dreaded, most of the donuts are eggless, although the flavors we tried – classic glazed, chocolate frosted and jelly-filled – taste pretty close to the original. They didn’t have breakfast sandwiches the day we went, but under no circumstances must you succumb to fancier savory options; mushroom on Ciabatta was absolutely unpalatable. They don’t have their signature hot chocolate either, so wash your treat down with a rich cup of mocha instead.

When: You want to go the hole nine lards.

bUY

What: Dang, Hauz Khas Village, right next to Love Birds, starts at Rs 200 for a ring.

Why: Even barely hatched, this new costume jewelry store has some fun pieces, mostly featuring birds – tres chick! Look for a large parrot pendant hewed from forest green stone, spindly avian cages attached to long gold chains and dove-dangling earrings. Bonus – nothing costs over Rs 2,500.

When: Cheep goods store opens tomorrow, Friday, May 4.

* * *

What: Designer merchandise at steep discounts via The Stock Market, The Lalit Hotel, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place, call 44447777, up to 50% off.

Why: At the launch event of this blowout sale project you can score garments from designers such as CUE by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani, J J Valaya and Shantanu & Nikhil at up to half off. Plus, part of the proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, India. Open and closet case!

When: May 5 and 6 from 11 am onwards.