Sponsored Twitter Contest: We're giving away 5 couple meals for Blue Frog's new lunch hours . To participate check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today, March 1, to know more. Contest ends at 6 pm.

bAMBI

What: The Barking Deer, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, call 261417400, Rs 250 for a Corona.

Why: With antler-like curved lamps, brick walls and (the same old) industrial finish, bpb puts the headlights on Mathuradas Mills’ newest member, The Barking Deer. We were at this roomy microbrewery, bar and restaurant on opening night yesterday for a quick Irish stout and plate of crumb fried calamari, but we will return over the weekend to bring you a full review this Monday.  The menu features DIY sandwiches, tiger prawns with cous cous, blue cheese empanadas, grilled barbeque ribs, hot dogs and more. The Barking Deer only gets its brewery licence next month, so until then you’ll have to make do with their imported beer list featuring Amstel Lager, Birra Moretti, Murphy’s Irish Stout, Paulaner Munchner Hell and Liefmans Fruitesse Berry Ale. Oh, and they have smoothies too.

When: Deer park is now open.

PS: Sign up for a throne at bpb & Neel's royal culinary class.

pRY

What: Be a gift voyeur on www.giftloop.it, fake water  faucet for 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 other users’ sexy gift wishes from around the web. Bow Derrick! We peeped and picked the fake water faucet, whiskey stones and bamboo Mac Book case from other wish lists.

When: You need to compile a new kind of present-ation.

***This advertorial is sponsored by Blue Frog***

What: Blue Frog is now open for lunch at Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, call 61586158 or visit www.bluefrog.co.in, Rs 600 including taxes.

Why: If the early bird gets the worm, the early Frog gets much, much more: unlimited tapas and soup, an a la carte menu at happy hour prices, free Wi-fi and happy hour discounts at the bar. As Blue Frog opens its doors for lunch with the above mentioned treats, you’ll see this live music venue in a whole new light – sun streaming in, casual diners strewn about enjoying an afternoon drink and Lower Parel corporates sandwiching a quick meal between meetings. Visit this afternoon and dig in. You’ll always have room for that indie band later tonight.

When: Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30 am to 3 pm.

***This advertorial is sponsored by Blue Frog***

bOOK & BAKE

What: Chocolate chip cookies on order from Dough-Re-Mi, call Dilshad on 9820451936, Rs 30 per piece (minimum order of a dozen), order 24 hours in advance, home delivery available.

Why: If your browser’s cookie functionality has been turned off, you’ll miss out on Dough- Re-Mi’s ridiculously yum chocolate chip cookies. Our review comes with hardly any error reports as we dig into generously cut biscuits baked with huge chocolate chips that ooze when you bite into them. We also tried the less glamorous but tasty oatmeal and raisin cookies for the not-so-fun snackers.

When: Your chocolate chips are down.

***

What: A Summer’s Day headlined by Norah Jones at Turf Club, Mahalaxmi, buy tickets here, priced at Rs 3,000 and Rs 7,000.

Why: How would you like to spend Sunday inside a poem – green lawns and golden love, a petty girl with a flower wreath, one you’d really like to meet and keep until the end of summer? Named after Emily Dickenson’s verse, A Summer’s Day is exactly the walk in the park you wished for this chaotic week. Headlined by singer Norah Jones, the one-day music festival from our friends behind NH7 Weekender, will also feature acts by Ankur & The Ghalat Family, Karsh Kale Collective and singer-songwriter M Ward, plus a sweet line up of food kiosks. Tune in to the next season.

When:  “A depth - an azure - a perfume” on March 3 at 4 pm.

***

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 look 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(bound)-core!

When: Now, don’t be a slow Kochi!

bpb freebie: Use the code ‘bpb Zina’ and get 15% off  Flowers by Zina's customised bouquets. Valid until March 8, exclusively for subscribers.

bASIL

Coup Card Alert: Last few days to buy The Coup Card (www.coupcard.in) that gets you 15% off food & alcohol at bpb's favourite restaurants + gourmet stores. To book a card call  7738934888/999.

What: Homemade plain and herbed goat cheese from The Cheese Collective, call 9820331841 or follow them on @cheese_stories, starts at Rs 275 for 150 gms of plain cheese, order a week in advance.
Why: Few New York-Mumbai return yuppies have goats in their future plans, unless they plan to dine at Neel the week after. Meet Bombay resident Mansi Jasani, who's back with a Masters in Food Studies from NYU,  a certificate from the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese and an internship at Murray's Cheese New York. Under her brand new company The Cheese Collective, she plans to make and sell different types of cheese and conduct beer and cheese tastings. She hasn't purchased the goats for her Lonavala home yet, so until then she's using goat's milk off the shelf to make batches of fresh chèvre, plain or studded with herbs, dried cranberries/apricots/raisins. 
When: You want to start your day with 'Dear Dairy'.  

PS: New French restaurant The Pier opens at Colaba this weekend! Review out soon.

pUSH

What: The Great Wall Marathon by The Active Holiday Company, call 09886281381 or visit www.activeholiday.in, packages start from 1,200 USD (flights and visa exclusive).

Why: Beach bums, be scared. Really scared as The Active Holiday Company whirls in to get your vacation a** off its beach towel and into some sort of sporting gear. Sign up for a holiday with this travel fitness company and you'll find yourself running a marathon in a country you haven't been to before, trekking up a mountain to get a bird's eye view of a new city or scuba diving below a pretty island. Coming up this May is a holiday planned around the Beijing Great Wall Marathon that involves 5,164 stone steps, among other challenges. But you're on vacation? Quit whining and start training!

When: You don't want to be just another brick in the wall. From  May 15 to 20. 

***

What: CrossFitOM goes to Colaba, Delmonte Fashions, plot no 10, 2^nd Pasta Lane, opposite Colaba market, call Dheepesh Bhatt on 9820028098, Rs 7,500 per month. 

Why: After training pretty much every film celebrity this side of the Sea Link, Mumbai's CrossFit guru Dheepesh Bhatt now brings his fab abs to South Bombay. Along with three trainers, he's set up a CrossFit gym in Colaba where he uses sandbags, Olympic rings, weights and other props to combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training. The routines are gruelling but effective - we've seen our friends shrink and get super fit - so put that macaron down and go sign up. PS: We know of another Bandra yummy coming to South Bombay soon. We'll keep you posted! 

When: Hamstring quartet from Monday to Friday, five batches of one hour each (choose your batch time: 7 am, 8 am, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm). 

bANJO

What: The Symphony Orchestra of India, Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point, for tickets call 22824567 / 66548135, priced at Rs 2,000, 1,600, 1,200 and Rs 800. 

Why: If you thought your Friday night whisky-sugarcane juice-kafir lime cocktail was going to be an interesting collaboration, think again. Catch the Symphony Orchestra of India show this evening for a meeting of many maestros and instruments. There's Marat Bisengaliev on the violin, 14-time Grammy winner Bela Fleck on the banjo, bassist Edgar Meyer who has collaborated with musicians like Yo-Yo Ma, and our very own Ustad  Zakir Hussain on the tabla. Should we add a drum roll? 

When: Today, February 22 at 7 pm. 

***


What: The International Summer School, New Delhi, visit http://www.issnewdelhi.in, applications are now open.

Why: Get more out of the approaching summer than a tan. The International Summer School launches in Delhi,  a fun opportunity to spend six weeks learning and meeting people from across the world. With academic modules from the Jamia Milia Islamia, courses here range from politics, history, economics and sociology, and include a built- in 'experience module' that allows students  to travel and research for two weeks. Sweat deal!

When: You want to be well-re(a)d in the sun. From July 16.

bpb Contest:  We're giving away 5 vouchers worth Rs 2,000 each  from The Home Label. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, February 15) to know more. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bpb freebie: Sweet deal at Bandra's new patisserie, Marie Antoinette. Valid until March 1, exclusively for subscribers.

bUREAU

What: Ministry of New – shared work space at Super Processors Compound, Industrial Estate, Lalbaug, call 9769330848 or view the website here, Rs 8,000 for a 10 day membership, Rs 25,000 for a month.

Why: High ceilings, plenty of windows, a lovely library, Italian coffee and a pretty designer.  These could be some of the elements that make up your work space if you sign up with just-launched community office, Ministry of New. Started by Dutch designer Marlies Bloemendaal, who has been living in Mumbai since 2007, this co-workspace at Parel comes with a community table or a desk (depending on the package you choose), cabinet space, Wi-fi, use of the kitchen, library and conference room, tea-coffee, free advertising on the their website and the chance to collaborate with other cool entrepreneurs and designers from across the world. (Lal)bag a seat here! The space can also be rented for pop-up shows and  events.

When: You need a new bureau, chief.

pICTURES

What: Indoor Safari Swing from FabFurnish, buy it here, Rs 2,899,

Why: At any given point, the bpb office is filled with all kinds of animals – three fake birds, one Mail Chimp and hardworking mules who may or may not turn feral at night. And so as we redecorate,  it only makes sense that we replace our old cane swing with this cool Safari one. Well-priced and compact enough to fit in your home too, this Safari seat has a capacity of 104 kgs. Hippos, are you listening?

When: You want (Seren)geti Images.

***

What: Kino Lakeside Chalet, 1 kilometre from Pawna Boat Club, Pawna, Lonavla, to make a reservation call 98200 52222 or visit http://www.kinolakeside.com,  Rs 25,000 per night for all four rooms (8 people) or Rs 12,000 per night per couple for one room.

Why: The Pawna lake-facing wooden deck at this four month old boutique guesthouse could well be the antonym of ‘stress’. Save for one room with strange pink lighting and a lion statue by the bar , the others with floating beds and attached balconies are just where you want to wake up next weekend. The property also comes with a pool table and ping pong-equipped club house, a cook, and of course, water all around. Lake Superior!

When:  You’re Kino on taking some time off.

bLOOM

What: bpb & the Coup Card’s Show and Tell booth with free picnic treats at the Farmer’s Market, Nakshatra Van at Maharashtra Nature Park, Dharavi, two minutes from BKC, for more information call 7738934888 or visit http://farmersmarket.co.in.

Why: Apparently, the Nakshatra Van is “Mumbai’s Hyde Park” (according to Farmer’s Market founder Kavita Mukhi), so why haven’t we been yet? Remedying that this Sunday, the Scouters and the Coup Card team will be at the Sunday Farmer’s Market with a show-and-tell booth. Show us something fun – get your guitar along and play us a song, recommend a book you’re reading this weekend, whisper a secret in our ears, bring your bum because it’s cute - and we’ll give you free picnic treats in exchange!  Bring friends and picnic blankets.

When: Season’s greeting on Sunday, February 17 from 10 am to 3 pm.

***

What: Master class with chef Alex Sanchez and visiting chef Evan Rich at The Table, Kalash Peshi Building, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, call 22825000, Rs 1,800 per person, limited seating available, Coup Card holders get 15% off!

Why: So you think you can cook? Then we suppose you know how to whip up olive oil cake with cream ice cream and strawberries. No? Okay then eat humble pie and sign up for the super master class at The Table, where resident chef Alex Sanchez and visiting chef Evan Rich (of San Francisco’s Rich Table) will also teach you how to make sardine chips with horseradish crème fraiche and tajarin pasta.

 When: Saturday, February 16 from 4 to 6.30 pm.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get a super discount from Ray's Cafe & Pizzeria (Bandra) for their 3^rd anniversary.

Sponsored Contest:  5 couples win Love Feasts at Neel restaurant (Mahalaxmi) from February 14 to 17. #FeelBlue at Neel this Valentine’s Day! Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, February 8) to know more. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bETTY DRAPER

What: The Daily, ground floor, Suburbia Building, behind Shoppers’ Stop, Linking Road, Bandra (W), Rs 180 for a Kingfisher pint, cocktails start at Rs 350.

First on bpb!: Dishant and Amrit have been collecting newspaper clippings of good news for a while now. Hard as it is to find, they have a heap, framed in rose wood and hanging from the ceiling of their new bar called The Daily, where “good news and good times are waiting”. Inspired by Mad Men’s rich, vintage feel, the space has been designed by Busride Designs and done entirely in rosewood, a glass partition separating the outside and inside sections. While the food will not be restricted to bar snacks – the owners recommend you get the steak, pork burger, and fries with minced meat – the drink list includes smoked martinis and prohibition era cocktails. Full review coming soon!

When: Your Daily fix slated to start on February 20.

Note: Read our review of Mad Bites, Bombay's new midnight food delivery service.

***

What: Days-of-the-week panty set, buy online at www.prettysecrets.com, a pack of 7 cost Rs 999.

Why: Our pick for the week includes every day of the week – a set of seven panties brought to us by the very thoughtful people behind Pretty Secrets. These will help you put your best behind forward daily, with messages like Manic Mondays, Tricky Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays, Sexy Saturdays and Soulful Sundays  scrawled across them.

When: You want a new kind of Sunday best.

pLUME

What: Screen writing class with Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti at Le Sutra Hotel, Union Park, next to Olive restaurant, Khar (W), to register email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .in or call 26779066, Rs 350 for a workshop, open to women only.

Why: With a bunch of fun films between them – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Talaash, Lucky By Chance, Honeymoon Travels - filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti host a workshop on storytelling and screenwriting at an art hotel. Organised by the Women in Film and Television Association of India, this super well-priced Monday workshop should be a fun way to open the week. Miss en Scene?

When: First cut on February 11 from 2 to 5 pm.

bRUN

What: Waffle Cookies by Cookie Garage, Rs.80 per bag (between three to five pieces in one), available from February 11 at www.ekstop.com, call 7303105070 for orders of 50 pieces and above.

Why: What happens when a waffle does it with a cookie? A coffle is born? They call it Waffle Thingy, but this breakfast-biscuit hybrid by any name would be just as sweet! The just-launched Peddar Road-based Cookie  Garage comes to us from Renisha and Vicky, a lawyer and trained teacher who moved back from Singapore and New York and started selling cookies. Because you know, “everyone’s doing cupcakes”. bpb also devoured the yum whole wheat chocolate chunk and thin, elegant cheese spice cookies. The cornflake crunch wasn’t a favourite at the office, but throw in a glass of cold milk and we’ll talk again.

When: You want to indulge in Gorge-ous Behavior.

***

What: Savio’s Slaves, half and full marathon training, call Savio D’souza on 9619968873, view the Facebook page here, Rs 1,500 per month.

Why: It’s almost as if you can’t hang with the cool kids if you didn’t run the marathon. Losers in the back benches, want to remedy that? Start training with Savio’s Slaves, a half and full marathon training group that congregates at Nariman Point every morning  with batches for beginners and advanced runners. Headed by Savio, a 58 year-old former athlete who has represented India at international track and field events, he will guide you with your breathing and running technique, and also dispense tips on pacing, nutrition and hydration. Besides motivating each other, group members also plan post-run social activities.

When: You want to read the fine sprint.

bpb freeie: Subscribers get super deal at Piccoli Tortini’s afternoon tea from 1 pm to 6 pm. For this and other cool deals + FREE guides in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box. 

 bINGE

What: Sassy Spoon, ground floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point.

Why: Nariman Point gets a new fine dine restaurant this weekend, one that will serve fusion-y European treats courtesy chef Irfan Pabaney, who used to work at Indigo. At a recent peek, we found bright chandeliers, a small al fresco  section, vintage artefacts and pop-coloured chairs in pink, green and yellow that  were termed “too girly and gaudy” by bpb’s new boy editor.

When: You want a cut(lery) above the rest. Slated to open on Saturday, February 2.

pLACE

What: Sui & Dhaga’s yoga mat and gym bags at The Yoga House, 53 Chimbai Road, Bandra (W), call 65545001 to place an order, Rs 850 for a yoga bag, Rs 950 for a gym bag.

Why:  A tip of the hatha to Yoga House for getting underprivileged women at Sui & Dhaga to make cool yoga mat and roomy gym bags for you. Crafted from canvas in cream and sea green, these carry all the calm of a meditation class. Breathe inn.

 When:  You want sui my.

***

What: Palate Culinary Studio’s new avatar, Survodaya Cooperative Society, opposite Society Stores, behind SBI bank, Santacruz (W), call 9820295221, registrations for classes are now open, start at Rs 1,200 a class.

Why: From a tiny garage to a bigger, “French-inspired” cooking space, Palate Culinary Studio has more than just a new address. Owner and chef Rakhee Vaswani, who has trained under Michelin star chefs, will offer longer culinary courses, visiting sugar artists from the UK and a whole bunch of pimped out kitchen equipment for amateurs and professionals. New workshops will teach you how to sharpen your knife skills, make phyllo pastry from scratch and craft mini sugar handbags. Try not to eat the yummy green door with pink trimming on your way out.

When:  You want to improve your skillets.

bUY

What:  Mylibrary book sale at British Council, 901 Tower 1, 9th floor, One India Bulls Centre, Elphinstone (W), start at Rs 50.

 Why: Kindle readers, let’s do it old-school this weekend. Feel paper, smell books, see pretty covers at  a book sale being organised by The British Council's delivered-to-home library service– Mylibrary. Titles will span across different genres including fiction, business, management, science and children’s literature.

 When: Saturday, February 2 to Wednesday, February 5 from 10 am to 5 pm.     

***

What: A restaurant meal delivered to your train berth by Mera Food Choice (www.merafoodchoice.com), Rs 150 for shahi paneer at Lucknow Junction.

Why: If you must take the train, you might as well travel in (relative) style: a new website ties up with hotels in different cities and delivers a vegetarian meal to your seat at stations, from a Maharaja thali at Kozhikode Main to paneer parathas and pulav at Kanpur Central. The website design needs work, but it is convenient and fast, allowing you to look through menus for different stops and order online, using your PNR or train number. At the moment they only supply to select trains (Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Bangalore are both on the list), but they’re working on adding more. 

When: You could use a berth-day celebration

 

bpb Contest: Haven’t got your #CoupCardyet? We’re opening up the invite-onlywww.coupcard.in for just two hours from 11 am to 1 pm today, January 25. Plus, we’re sweetening the deal: ten people who buy a card during this slot will win three month subscriptions to bpb’s Dessert Box, worth Rs 2,250 each!

bANKS

What: New boutique + garden café at Bohemyan Blue, Agarsure, main road, opposite Fountain Head, Zirad village, Alibaug, call 9820069008.

Why: Gull over this: You wake up on a Saturday morning, take a ferry boat from Colaba over to Alibaug and sip herbal tea, eat a fresh veggie sandwich, nibble on the crust of a tart, all in a graphic designer’s pretty bungalow. Then, you decide on a dip. If it’s the food kind, you order chips to go with it. If it’s the swim kind, you go over to the bungalow’s boutique that sells sarongs, beach clothes and other resortwear. If you see us, wave!

When: Opens next week.

***

What: Bandra Bikes, 19, Rizvi Chambers, next to Lucky Hotel, Hill Road, Bandra (W), call 61614428,cycles start at Rs 4,000.

Why: Old school peddlers Kohinoor Cycle has opened a fancier new space called Bandra Bikes, which sells branded cycles from around the world. Here you'll find Canondale, GT, Mongoose, Trek, Bianchi and more, plus iPhone stands can be fitted in and seat colours can be customised. The owners also run the Bandra Cycling Club (BCC) that conducts weekend rides around the city. Cyc!

When: You need a new chain of thought.

pLUTO

What: Space theme fondant cookies by Alysha Aggarwal, call 9819570025, pick up from Versova, start at Rs 20 per piece.

Why: Our favourite booze blogger Giggle Water has a sister who bakes cookies. Cookies so pretty – shaped like stars, planets, spaceships with intricate fondant work or royal icing- they’ll rock your universe. This new-on-the-scene baker’s plain oatmeal-chocolate cookies have also recently found their way to Leaping Windows’ shelves. Besides these space cadets, Alysha’s menu also features cakes and cupcakes that can be customised by theme.

When: You need a new kind of Mars bar.

bASTAR

What: Jaypore (www.jaypore.com) – clothes and accessories sourced from Indian artisans and craftsmen, now ships to India, Rs 4,000 for a rose brooch.

Why: We’ve been window shopping at this US based e-store for a while and now finally, “Jaypore has come home”. Extending their delivery radius to India, the delicious store and all its artisan goodies are now in a cart near you. bpb  loves: sweet rose brooch, printed grey and yellow patch leather bag, Gond print of the tree of life and insect design block print style wooden ring. Jaypore fest indeed!

When: You want to attend a block (print) party.

***

What: Project Play, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +91-9717718269 to donate/sign up.

Why: It was only when Project Play kicked off in Delhi recently that we heard about them, even though they've been operating in Mumbai for a couple of years - slow coaches! Founded by Kunaal Majgaonkar and Shail Desai, journalists at Times of India and Hindustan Times, Project Play is an initiative that brings sports training and equipment to underprivileged kids. They're already 80 kids strong here, and are looking for your time—and in the absence of that, your old sports equipment, which they will repair if it’s in bad shape. Time to step up to the plate!

When: You want to teach at game-bridge university.

bpb freebie: Super deal on handmade angel figurines, exclusively for bpb subscribers!  For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bLING

What: Shockk, Crystal Shoppers Paradise, 5th Floor, Off Linking Road, in the KFC lane, Bandra (W).

Why: The noisy Mumbai Times Café shuts (yay!) to be replaced by Shockk, a new restaurant and nightclub that’s all set to open on January 24. With European food (they will have open kitchens and a wood fired oven) and occasional live acts on the menu, we hope this new tenant will be more fun than its predecessor. Also coming soon: a sports bar on the rooftop.

When: Shock circuit starts on January 24.

Note: Also see our review of the new Big Bang Bar & Cafe just across the street from Shockk.

***

What: The South Bombay Treasure Hunt by Orange Tie Events, to register now email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the Facebook page here, Rs 7,996 or Rs 9,995 entry fee for teams of  4 and 5 members respectively.

Why: You’ve been so overworked in the new year, your treasure map says, “vex marks the spot”. Unwind with this fun South Bombay scavenger hunt that gets you to register with four or five friends, appoint a team captain – it’s all quite official – and run around the city finding clues. Our favourite South Bombay boy N participated last year and had a great time; tasks involved figuring out locations based on visual logos, sex position crosswords and doing many, many shots. Like Calvin and Hobbes say, “there’s treasure everywhere”. Even en route.

When: Hunt on Saturday, February 9 at 7 pm, last day to register is January 25.

pASTELS

What: Isis dinner plates and napkin swans from Propshop24.in, Rs 1,800 for 4 and Rs 1,450 for 6 respectively.

Why: If Bjork is your favourite swan, this flock will come a close second. Crafted to look like origami birds, these ceramic swans hold pretty napkin fans for your dinner table. Pair these pretties with the Africa-inspired printed dinner plates, and you’ve got yourself quite a setting.

When: You want dinner and a Swan Lake recital.

bRAND NEW

What: Homemade liqueurs at Gostana, in the garage behind Café Goa, Prabhat Kunj, 24th Road, Bandra (W), call 64533359, Rs 180 for 90 ml.

Why: Your favourite burger joint is now doing homemade liqueurs, starting with Gostana Coffee Cream. Drop by for a glass of creamy yum and hear about the next boozy flavours to come – pineapple, orange and chocolate.

When: Now. Keep your Bailey money ready.

***

What: The Being Human Store, view the Facebook page here, next to Jack and Jones, Linking Road, Santacruz (W).

Why: Actor Salman Khan launches his 3,000 square feet Being Human store in Bandra with T-shirts, jackets, trousers and accessories, and thankfully, no ‘Friend’ cap.  The initiative, where all sale proceeds support his charitable trust by the same name, opened with a red carpet star parade yesterday evening, with mortals watching from the outside. Next time, you’ll just have to muscle your way in. Full review out soon!

When: You want to indulge in cause play.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get super deal on The Shah of Blah personalised poetry service. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bREAD

What: Jack’s Pizza delivery service, call 23088444/5/8, delivery in Tardeo, Chowpatty, Peddar Road, Kemp’s Corner, Altamount Road, Breach Candy, Napean Sea Road, Rs 175 for 9 inch plain cheese pizza.

Why: This is no gourmet pie, but it’s cheap and cheesy, which is not always a bad thing. If you live in the area or are passing through, Jack’s Pizza – we love the ‘no box can contain this Jack’ tag line - a new delivery/take-away pizza service in town is a decent alternative to the big chains.  Get the simple thin crust Margherita or the Lamb Bolognese, but request that they make the latter slightly less oily.

When: You’re Jonesing for Jack.

Psst: Did you hear about Mumbai's new Secret Supper Project?

pACK

What: Woven plastic accessories from CellDSGN at Bombay Electric, 1 Reay House, BEST Marg, Colaba, call 22876276, Rs 3,000 for a necklace.

Why: While in Delhi and shopping at CellDSGN, the Scouters once scored a bag that looks like a psychedelic animal and a bottle necklace that reminded the airport security personnel of Bollywood film Ajooba. In short, CellDSGN does super cool accessories and they’re now in Mumbai, retailing out of Bombay Electric. See cool stripey iPad sleeves, fella clutches, laptop bags and wallets made from recycled woven plastic, and also Lost and Found frame necklace. Photo op?

When: You need plastic insurgency.

 bASS

What: Baile-de-Salon - new dance and fitness studio at shops 1,2,3, 1st floor, Excel Plaza, opposite IIT main gate, Powai, call 9833973669, approximately Rs 2,500 for 8 dance classes (one hour each).

Why: The long roster of dance routines may sweep you off your feet, but we suggest you stand back up and learn your steps.  At this new dance and fitness studio, you can sign up for the usual salsa routine, but also learn bachata, rumba, tango, cha cha, samba, Latin ballroom, flamenco, ballet, street jazz,  B-boying and more.  Big bums, there’s also a bunch of fitness modules including yoga, zumba and pilates.

When: Ballet parking on opening day – Saturday, January 12.

***

What: Shubha Mudgal and her band Koshish live at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point, NCPA Marg, call 66223754, book tickets here, priced from Rs 200 to Rs 800.

Why: Tickets are still available for tonight’s performance by Koshish, a band featuring the vocals of Shubha Mudgal, and a whole range of sounds including the harmonium, sarangi, drums, tabla, keyboards and bass. The songs will feature influences from jazz, qawwali, blues, Hindustani music, and some, lyrics by Gulzar. Go!

When: This evening, January 11 at 7 pm.

***

What: Clipped app for iPhone and Android + plug in, download on http://clipped.me, free.

Why: This new app + plug in by US based child genius (don’t you just hate them!) 15 year-old Tanay Tandon, uses an algorithm that can convert web pages and documents into bullet points. bpb found that while this works great on news stories, they haven’t quite figured out the key word system in feature stories yet. Still, it’s super useful for when you’re on the go with lots to read and little time to spare. Don’t believe us? See testimonials on Tanay’s website, including one from “that kid in my Spanish class”. Study hall of fame!

When: You want to byte the bullet.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get a super discount when they book a sail with Luxus. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bpb contest: We're giving away 5 couple vouchers for a 3 course meal at JamJar Diner, Versova (see contest details here). Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, January 4) to know more. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bULLDOG

What: The Lazy Dog, 24 A, Rajabahadur Mansion, Bombay Samachar Marg, Horniman Circle, Fort, call  09004876494, Rs 1,000 for 2 cocktails and 2 appetisers.

Why: Shake hands, roll over, play dead. Good dog! Now here’s your treat: super cheap drinks at The Lazy Dog, a cute new bar at Fort. Pay Rs 250 membership fee for a year and get drinks at less than half price – Ketel One for Rs 175, Caol Ila 12 Years for Rs 350, Bacardi for Rs 200 (all 30 ml). And until next week when the cards are printed, these prices apply to anyone who walks into this all-white and wood space that plays cool jazz and is a tribute to the owner’s dog Tsar. During our visit we figured that the cocktails (Kala Khata Chuski gola kept disintegrating and the Rose Margarita was just okay), should be skipped for regular spirits and expectations from the bar snacks (get the spicy seekh kebab, avoid tandoori mushrooms) shouldn’t be too high. Did we forget to mention that no additional taxes or service charges are levied on the alcohol! You’re wagging your tail aren’t you?

When: You want to make way for the new Tsar Bar. Open from 6 pm to 12.30 am. New outlets coming up in Lower Parel, Bandra, Versova and Powai.

pANTRY

What: Bedside copper carafe plus glass from Coppre, to order email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the Facebook group here, shipping across India, Rs 2,055.

Why: Metal heads will love to wake up next to this bedside copper carafe whose lid also doubles up as a glass. Nice cover! This product, a contemporary twist on the traditional lotta, has been conceptualised by Rashmi Ranade (designer from Industrial Design Centre, IIT and JJ School of Architecture), who under her social enterprise supported by INTACH and Forbes Marshall, works with metal craftsmen in Pune.

When: You need a jug-albandhi.

***

What: Home baked dessert by Flour Girl, to order call 9769052654 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view the menu on the Facebook page, pick up from Carmichael Road, Rs 1,200 for a dozen banana chocolate chip muffins.

Why: When Janki Thackersey moved to India from the US five years ago, she started baking goods that she couldn’t easily find in Bombay bakeries. The result: a new-ish dessert service that offers slightly pricey but yum cookies, granola bars, muffins and icing-free cakes made with imported chocolate and Parsi Dairy butter. bpb tried and loved banana-chocolate chip and rosemary-oatmeal chocolate muffins, sprinkles cookies and chewy apricot-chocolate granola bars that came packed in adorable coloured bags with hearts.

When: You’re seeking the flour de lis.

bUMP

What: Sale at Zara outlets at Lower Parel, Malad and Kurla, 30% off.

Why: Vikings, put on your fanciest helmets. Also, bring a puzzle to solve while standing in long trial room and check-out lines at the Zara sale that started yesterday. We were there to find crazy shoppers but also some good deals: jackets marked down from approximately Rs 6,000 to Rs 4,000; sheer tops from Rs 2,790 to Rs 1,990; sequined minis from Rs 6,000 to Rs 3,390 and men’s shirts from Rs 2,790 to Rs 1,990. Who knows, you may even fall in love with the store chaos you’re supposed to hate. Stock-holm syndrome?

When: Until stocks last. Store opens at 11 am.

***

What: Safecity, www.safecity.in, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or download the Android app here, the iPhone app here, free.

Why: Ladies, how many times have you ignored a lewd comment on your way to work? Apart from maybe complaining about it to some friends, there’s really no way to pin point that location for other women passing through the same area. Or is there? Safecity aims to do just that, with a real time updated map that shows areas where women are harassed. We clicked through to Mumbai and learned that men misbehave at the Wadala Station Road and there’s a serious lack of railway police force on the harbor line. Even though it’s a new site, the updates have (sadly) grown since we checked in a couple of days ago, but it’s nice to know that someone has your back.  Location and incidents can be posted via email, Twitter, phone app and the web.

When: You want to end New Year’s Eve teasing.

Note: There will be no bpb newsletter from December 24 to January 1, but you can follow us on Twitter @bpbmumbai for daily updates. Happy holidays and see you in 2013!

bpb freebie: Manish Arora Happy Socks
Subscribers get a cool discount when they shop for this limited edition Happy Socks box set by Manish Arora. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bRUSCHETTA

What: Pizza Express, ground floor, Dhanraj Mahal, CSM Road, next to Le Pain Quotidien, Colaba, call 66562633, Rs 350 for an 11 inch margherita, Rs 475 for spaghetti Arrabiata, Rs 200 for a Kingfisher pint.

Why: Verses from Kipling’s To The City of Bombay separate booths, brass fittings hang above an open kitchen and a big globe-like light (also recently spotted at Cheval, Kala Ghoda) make up the pretty space at UK chain Pizza Express’ outlet in Colaba. It was one of those rare restaurant moments when we liked everything we ordered - the La Reine pizza with prosciutto ham, mozzarella, olives and the vegetarian Soho with garlic oil, rocket leaves and shaved emilgrana, both super saucy and sitting on perfectly made classic bases. Also definitely get the surprisingly light ricotta and spinach cannelloni with tomato sauce so delicious it requires no extra seasoning, and end with the home-style chocolate fudge cake with mascarpone. They must however, reduce the amount of Adele on the playlist. PS: They refused to let customers pay for their meal yesterday since it was their first night.

When: You want to Rome around in Colaba.

***

What: Seven at Shangri-La Hotel, 462, next to High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, call 61628000, Rs 3,000 a couple for a set meal without alcohol, Rs 11,500 for a room.

Why: Check in: the new Shangri-La Hotel is finally open for business with a sunny restaurant called Seven. bpb was here before it opened to sample Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, sweet treats from its many live theatrical kitchens; we loved the shawarma, sushi and candy floss that can be eaten through a set meal or a la carte order. There’s also Ekayana, a business meeting bar; a lobby lounge with over 60 types of tea; plus an outdoor infinity pool, a racecourse facing gym and the Chi spa that non-hotel guests can access through a membership.

When: You want a prime number.

pACK

What: Chikabum portable folding seat, to order call 9833255515 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view the Facebook page here, Rs 1,500, additional shipping charges outside Mumbai.

Why: This is your life: your partner is cheating, success is fleeting, everywhere you go there’s limited seating. Tired? Enter Chikabum, a cool portable folding chair with backrest that you can lean on in any situation – satsang, music fest, warm beach, pavement protest, mountain trek, ticket line. Made from canvas, sponge and fibre glass, this chair is super light, waterproof and easy to clean. And what a fun name too!

When: You want to get to the glute of the problem.

***

What: New service villas in Mandwa, Alibaug, call 9820028145 to make a booking, Rs 10,000 per night.

Why: There are so many unruly travel plans on your shelf, they threaten to fall off the sides. How about some book(ing) ends? Two brand new Mandwa villas, a quick boat ride from Bombay, make for a lovely last minute plan for the holidays. Each villa comes with two bedrooms, dining area, stocked kitchen, extra air mattresses and a common swimming pool with beach furniture and an open barbecue area. Drinking water, meat, seafood and alcohol can be delivered from nearby stores or picked up by the villa's caretaker. And the cook can make you authentic Malvani meals for just Rs 500 per day.

When: Now, because where there’s a villa there’s a way.

bASH

What: Make your own Christmas decorations at The Hab, G-1, 444 Corporate Lounge, road no 7, Linking Road , Khar (W), call 61274444, priced between Rs 100 to Rs 500 per piece.

Why: You have a pretty skirt for the holidays, it’s only fair that your Christmas tree has one too. Get quick DIY lessons in making tree skirts, ornaments, stars and wrapping paper using beads, stones, sequins, lace and ribbons at The Hab, Bandra’s super fun craft studio. Don’t forget to make some mistletoe now. Smooch!

When: You want Christmas to be sew pretty.

Also check out this year's Christmas and New Year specials!