Estate of Affairs

Ami Bhansali grew up vacationing on her family tea plantation in Ooty, but oddly enough, the PR executive has always been a coffee drinker. It was only when she decided to pursue chai professionally last year, did the words “I’ll take mine black” mean something different. “I discovered the most fragrant black tea with blends of rose that when brewed and iced, is perfect for Mumbai’s weather,” says Ami. Now, she’s hopelessly addicted.

The good news for you is that Ami has started retailing tea bags of this blend and a few other favourites under the label Chai Diaries, a teaser to a more promising project coming soon for tea lovers. Besides the usual green and jasmine tea that you drink hot, there are also fresh hibiscus based blends in berry blossom, apple pie and rose delight that work as yum coolers. Ami says she can bore us with talk of benefits and anti-oxidants, but all she’d really like to say is that they’re yum. And also “your room will smell like a bouquet when you open a packet of Rose Delight”. I'll put the petal on!

Java Plus Plus

If you’d still rather have coffee, take your cup under the over at Kemp's Corner where a gourmet coffee store has been brewing for the last few weeks.

Here at ID Gourmet, another family run store that imports coffee and coffee-related products from brands like la Pavoni and Gaggia, you’ll find everything to make the bean’s list. There’s organic coffee beans by Lucaffe, pricey coffee makers (see the cool red one called Baby Dose for Rs 30,000), espresso shot cups and mugs. Once you’ve found your java paraphernalia, you won’t be able to resist the pop-coloured jugs, retro toasters that allow you to crisp just one side of the slice and slanting citrus juice makers that look like an army of aliens. And just yesterday,  they received a whole batch of baking treats – cupcake moulds, animal cut-outs and bright spatulas. Also, if you like other kitchen ware from their catalogue, they can order it for you.

Getting there: Chai Diaries, to pre-order call Ami on 9867200994, start at Rs 350 for 60 gms; ID Gourmet, shop no 2A, Crystal Building, 36, Altamount Road, near Kemp’s Corner, call 23538586, Rs 17,500 for a small coffee machine.