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What: Ninad Gidwani’s uber-functional ceramic crockery, Bungalow #12A, Stavley Road, near Kayani Bakery, Pune, call +919225526324, Rs 1,500 for a fondue bowl.
Why: Operating out of his home, this clayboy churns out super cute, eco-friendly ceramics including kitchenware, tea lights, fountains and more. bpb's favourite: pretty fondue bowls coated with healthy iron, magnesium and calcium glaze, also used at ABC Farms.
When: You want fondue diligence.
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What: Baan Tao, Ista Hotel, 88, Nagar Road, Yerwada, near Aga Khan Palace, Pune, call (020) 41418888 or visit www.istahotels.com, approximately Rs 2,000 for a meal for two.
Why: bpb only just visited Baan Tao and was instantly charmed by giant pineapples, water bodies and sylvan al fresco seating. The kitchen matches up to the decor, sending out complimentary bowls of jasmine tea; tart, juicy papaya salad; and authentic Thai curry spicy enough to make our eyes water.
When: You want more Bangkok for your buck.
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What: Kraayonz Tattoo Studio and Cafe, next to Envy, main road, Koregaon Park, call Siddhart on 9970181647or visit www.sameerpatange.com, Rs 5,000 for a 3 inch tattoo.
Why: Ink your teeth into Pune’s newest Mumbai import – celebrity tattoo artist Sameer Patange’s Kraayonz. This tattoo studio comes with a comfy, anti-anxiety chair; decor that pays tribute to cult films; heavy metal music; and treats from Deja Vu Cafe, also from Mumbai.
When: You want to win the lucky draw.
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What: Design, buy and bet on T-shirts at SheepStop, visit www.sheepstop.com, call 09766540014, Rs 450 for a tee.
Why: So here’s the deal: every week, T-shirt designs are displayed on this Pune-based website’s ‘casino’. Users make accounts, after which they get ten free chips with which they can bet on designs that they like (we pick Crow). People who put their chips on what ends up being the most popular T-shirt get all kinds of discounts. Baa-d ass!
When: You don’t want to get fleeced.
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What: Fort Jadhavgadh, Jadhavwadi, an hour from Pune, call 9987573819 / 9987573816 or visit www.fortjadhavgadh.com, packages start at Rs 5,500.
Why: If work is waging a fierce war against you, take cover at Fort Jadhavgadh. An hour from Pune, this luxurious heritage hotel comes with stone walled rooms, sexy sky showers, spa, pool, museum, mini golf, mountain view bar and yum Maharashtrian food (get the bhakri and peethla), and is perfect for a weekend getaway.
When: You want to have a ghaat attack.
