|
Friday, 09 January 2009 05:30 |
bUILDING BEATS What: Weekend pottery course, 1 BHK, Kamal Mills, Lower Parel, Call 24930004/8, Rs. 3,000 Why: The New Year’s not going exactly as you planned – you’re more broke, bored, (or broad) than you expected. Well, here’s your chance to control the shape of things. Renowned ceramist Rekha Goyal teams up with the uber-chic home store to teach you how to design, throw and mould your way to your very own one-of-a-kind pottery original – and all in the space of a weekend. And if that doesn’t get your juices flowing, think Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze, and a potter’s wheel in Ghost. Need we say more? When: 17th and 18th January, 2008. Limited spots, but we have a few extra reserved for bpb subscribers. *** What: Santoor Virasat (Volume 1 & 2) at music stores in the city, Rs 250 per volume. Why: In case you haven't already heard, it's curtains for Banganga and other Indian classical music fests this January in Mumbai. So you can't wrap yourself in a shawl and drink coffee at an open-air concert, but don't pack away your tabla just yet. Mahesh Babu, director of Banyan Tree Events, one of India’s biggest cultural music societies and record label Neenad Music, lets you in on his favourite concert recording ever. Why: Rise to the ragas of Santoor Virasat by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Rahul Sharma and Ustad Zakir Hussain. "The soul-stirring concert was performed exactly a decade ago in Mumbai," he reveals. Here’s to indulging in some desi déjà vu. pRETTY UP What: Brushed silver earrings, Silver Streak, Trilok Building, near Madhu Park, Khar, Rs 1,500 Why: Okay, so your bank account post-December leaves little scope for retail therapy, but this pair of darling silver leaf earrings is just the upper you need now that the party's over. So gather up your best shopping excuse — birthday gift to self, they're cheaper than diamonds, anniversary gift wish list — and head to this curio house. If you leave with more than just our recommendation, we wouldn't blame you, but we would propose Shopaholics Anonymous. When: Now. A new shipment of cheap but chic silver jewellery from Thailand has just arrived. bHOJAN What: Dakshinayan, Walkeshwar, Teen Batti, Rs 250-300 for a meal for two. Why: South Bombay is good for many things, but authentic South Indian cuisine is not one of them. We had a hankering for spicy rasam and vada, and couldn’t bear another evening at our local Shiv Sagar. Just when the trip to Matunga’s King Circle seemed inevitable, a little birdie told us about Dakshinayan. This nondescript little eatery (don’t look into the barber shop located next door, it’ll spoil your appetite), totally hits the sweet spot. Try the garlic dosai, tamarind rice and Gunpowder Idlis – which are every bit as dangerous as they sound! When: Avoid dinner rush hours – it’s impossible to get a table, and the place gets really noisy. *** What: Kulfi on a stick, Apsara, next to Parla Station, opposite McDonalds, For delivery, call 26144990, Rs 12 per stick Why: If we can't have Dilli ki Sardi in Mumbai, we'll get our chills elsewhere. At Apsara, you can indulge in the works on a popsicle-shaped Kulfi — dry fruits, kesar-pista, mango and rose flavorings — but we suggest you stick to the basics. Malai Kulfi on a stick is bpb's pick. When: Order a box full for a dinner party happy ending. They deliver anywhere in the city, including Town. In this picture: Anand Kabra organza dress with silk bodice, Summer Solstice flared palazzos with silk halter top, Raakesh Agarvwal.
|
|
|
|
Friday, 02 January 2009 05:30 |
bOX
What: Sushi in a box (vegetarian and crab), Candies, Pali Hill next to Learner's Academy and also near AF Petit School, Rs 130 Why: Budget Sushi. It almost seems like an antithesis, but in this time of recession (heightened by a very expensive month of partying) we must make opposites attract. If the likes of Tetsuma and Spices are no longer on your roe-dar, bring your Bento boxes (and expensive tastes) over to Candies for deliciously cheap Sushi in a box. When: Your taste buds crave what your wallet can't deliver. pAMPER What: Metta Foot Reflexology Spa, 53, Suravi House, Pali Village, Bandra (W), Rs 200 for 30 minutes and Rs 300 for one hour. For appointments call 9870719923 Why: You spent all of November 2008 prepping for the wedding season, not forgetting to advance book tickets to Bali for New Year's Eve and track the price slashes on that hot Boudoir London one piece. Then, you danced your way through the first half of December and spent the second half scouring fashion stores, so you'd look perfect on the last night of the year. You REALLY must be tired. Poor you. Bandra's newest foot reflexology spa will not only render you fatigue-free, but also allow you your first good deed of the year. Here, visually impaired women who have been trained in the science of reflexology will treat your senses. When: It officially opens on January 7, but drop our names (show up with a print out of this email) and get a preview between January 2 and 6. Plus, take half off for your first time! Ahem…this is the part where you thank us. * * * What: Cotton and luxury pajamas at lingerie shops, Chandralok Building, Nepeansea Road, and La Senza, Atria Mall, Worli, starting at Rs 250 Why: If you don’t mind the middle-age men who are frighteningly blasé while showing you the latest collection of polyester negligees and tacky underwear, Chandralok’s “lingerie” stores are perfect for you. Scout around, and you’ll score Hanro surplus and adorable teddy bear jammies at throw-away prices. If you’re feeling lazy, head to the La Senza buy-one-get-another-at-half-price sleepwear promotion. Insider tip: our spies tell us that the store will have another sale at the end of January, so if you don’t find anything you love, hold out for then. When: You’ve indeed been jolly in the past season, and it shows. Get some sleep, honey… it looks like you need it. bUDGET BOOZE What: In Wines, same compound as Ivy, Worli Why: If your friend's snooty red and white cabinet is giving your measly wine rack a complex, stock it up at In Wines. Here, you get to choose wine — all bottles available at winery (read throwaway) prices — to the sound of Italian music. Budget buys that don't compromise on taste — try Silverton red — ensure you save without sacrificing your palate. Also, look out for special discounts on purchase of cartons. When: Prefect for a pre-drinking session before you hit a pricey bar. * * * What: Ladies Night at Bootleggers, Colaba, and Wink, Taj President Hotel, Colaba, starting at Rs. O Why: The current economic melt-down (and post-holiday blues) would drive anyone to drink. Problem is, you have nothing fun left to wear, and your wallet is empty. Enter Ladies Night at Bootleggers – it’s relaxed enough to visit in shorts and chappals, and you can get pleasantly buzzed (or deliriously smashed) on their yummy – and more importantly - free Cosmopolitans without spending a dime. If casual Cosmos are not your scene, Ladies Night at Wink is a good bet. Buy a drink - yes, we know it hurts your bank account, but wait for the rest – and you get a complimentary Winktini shot and marshmallows with chocolate fondue. There, don’t you feel better now? When: Tuesdays at Bootleggers, and Wednesdays after 9 pm at Wink In the foot spa picture: Make + Model Short Terry Robe, Miu Miu Sandali Sequin Slides and Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Tote-Ally Miss Marc Tote.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, 26 December 2008 05:30 |
bOISSON What: Zipang Sparkling Sake, Juben Wines, Link Road, Lokhandwala, Rs 1080 for 250 ml Why: Considering Bombay's boire scene hasn't quite developed a taste for sake yet, few stores stock the Japanese rice wine. But after a long search, we finally found the holy grain (and even better) in a handy 250 ml pint. Zipang is no Kame No O, but the naturally carbonated sparkling sake is - and we can vouch for this - refreshingly sweet. Team it with sushi rolls or soba noodles, and you can eat your rice and drink it too. When: It's a great option for your 2008-09 New Year's Eve house party. pEACE What: Sail for Peace organised by Aquasail and the Ashok Kumar Foundation. To book a sail call 22046911/22 / 9987681826 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, Rs 1,000 (donating more is an option). Why: There’s (finally) a nip in the air, and a serene turn around the Mumbai harbor aboard a 25-foot Benteau 7.5, is the best way to enjoy it. So don your nautical stripes, pack a lunch basket (Indigo Deli does a good one), and get ready to take in magnificent views of city landmarks including the Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace. The best part: all proceeds will be donated to 14 families whose breadwinners lost their lives in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. When: This weekend. bUY What: Jersey flapper dress by Zouk at www.zouk.co.in, or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, Rs. 1,190 Why: You’re lounging on top of a piano, carelessly flicking ash off your slender cigarette holder and tapping your foot in time to the beat. The jazz is hot, the men cool, and as you sweep a glance from under perfectly-done eyelashes, you know that they all want you. Ok, so it may no longer be the 1920s, but this seriously-cute flapper dress is the perfect way to bring back a bit of the era. When: Team it with high heels on New Year’s Eve… and remember to climb on to the first piano you see. * * * What: Kitschy clutches at Vitamin K, next to Mango, Khar, start at Rs. 990 Why: Even your closet needs constant replenishment. With a week of hard partying ahead, give it a dose of Vitamin K today. These quirky clutch bags – neon greens complement dark denims – are just what the doctor ordered. When: Sport them at your New Year’s Eve party – they’re guaranteed to make you stand out amidst the usual convention of crows. * * * What: Silver hair barrette, Amrapali Jewels, Oberoi Shopping Centre, Nariman Point, Rs. 800 Why: Plastic tic-tac pins might be convenient, but they’re also tres tacky. Not only will this clip make sure you stay unruffled, it will also give your bling-quotient a stylish head-start. When: On good and bad hair days. In this picture: Zouk blue and yellow flapper dresses, Christian Louboutin Satin Pump with Ribbon and Feather detail.
|
|
|
|
Friday, 19 December 2008 05:30 |
bUY What: Boy shorts, Undercolors of Benetton, Colaba Causeway, Rs 399 each.
Why: Dressing in red and green is quite the fashion faux pas, but Benetton's adorable Christmas undies will get you more action than any sprig of mistletoe. And they’re durable enough to last you until Valentine’s Day, or (unless you’re having a really, really good night) even next year.
When: In the season to be jolly.
* * *
What: She Laq Sealer by Benefit Cosmetics, available at www.amazon.com for 30 USD or Rs. 1,500 at 50 to the dollar. They don’t ship this product to India, but it’s small enough for a foreign-returning friend to carry without trouble.
Why: At the end of a long session of holiday-partying, most of us are transformed into raccoons, with eye pencil smudges doing nothing to help the burgeoning dark circles. Not only does She Laq seal your eye (and if you don’t mind a slightly bitter taste) lip color, it adds a sheen of gloss to your make-up as well.
When: Rumored to be used by the perpetually-drenched cast of Lost, this tiny blue bottle will keep you looking fresh and dewy all night long, baby.
pARTY
What: Bonobo, 2nd floor, KFC building, Linking Road, Bandra (W), cocktails for Rs 300 each.
Why: Bonobo, the free-sex-kinky-female-dominatrix-loving primate from the Congo, has now arrived in Mumbai. Join the orgy of house beats, papaya pulp and Zenzi’s hip overflow (and be sure to make use of the never-before-seen handbag-hooks at the bar). If you are feeling particularly feral, jump over the counter (they let you do that), grab some fruit and make your own cocktail. Warning: you may need a pre-drink to ignore the tacky exterior that leads to the club area.
When: New on the block, Bonobo isn’t getting much action on week nights. So hit it on a Saturday, but remember ladies, it’s a jungle out there.
* * *
What: Day and Age, by The Killers, Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, Rs. 395
Why: This is the best album the band has cut in a long time. Play close attention to “Dustland Fairytale” (track 5) which singer Brandon Flowers admits to writing for his parents.
When: The album’s operatic-yet-wildly-romantic sound is perfect for when you’re driving to a late-night shin-dig, or home waiting for your very own Santa to come down the chimney.
bRUNCH
What: Stollen Bread at Santé, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), Rs 1,300 for 800 gms.
Why: One pieceful Christmas afternoon, Plum Cake presumptuously sat itself down at the centre of the brunch table. Little did the smug loaf know that this year, someone else was going to rise to the occasion — Stollen Bread, a German sweet bread packed with dry fruit, dating back to the 14th Century.
When: Perfect for Christmas Day brunch.
In the Christmas picture: Elizabeth & James Women's "Aurora Sateen" Silk Chiffon Dress, Betsey Johnson Women's Strapless Burnout Stripe Organza Dress, Burberry Bridle Check Hobo and Christian Louboutin Multi-Buckle Sandal.
|
|
|
|
