Subscribers get a cool discount when they shop at www.elitify.com For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bUMCHUM

What: Israel’s kebabs, outside Wallace Apartments, Slater Road, Tardeo, call 9167698797, Rs 120 for a chicken kebab sandwich.

Why: Here you’ll find freshly-made kebabs, artisan boursin cheese and small-batch pita pockets, but the sweetest thing about this new street-side eatery is owner and chef, Israel. He’s a hugely entertaining gourmand and traveler with restaurants in Goa and London, and his own cheese-making operation called Say Cheese, which supplies to Indigo, F-Bar and Foodhall at the Palladium. The evening we stopped by, Israel was cooking deliciously peppery chicken kebabs on an open-aired tava, which he tucked into cheese-smeared slices of bread, but he will also serve vegetarian kebabs and potato rolls starting today 

When: Chewish fantasy from 6 pm to 10:30 pm daily, but we suggest you call ahead; free kebabs on Saturday, October 6 from 7 pm to 8 pm. 

*** 

What: Open-air Mr India screening, sign up at www.trabblr.com, in the lane opposite Out of the Blue, Union Park, Khar West, free.

Why: Because Mr India was our favorite movie growing up, and it should have been yours too. Organized by Visual Disobedience and BAP, we expect the screening to get pretty crowded, so make sure you get there early; or you can come hang out on this Scouter’s balcony, which overlooks the screen – we’ll have cookies and beer!

When: See-devi on Sunday, October 7 at 7 pm.

pIROUETTE

What: Custom-made glitter canvas shoes by Karuna Ezara Parikh, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 3,000 for a pair of adult sized glitter sneakers, plus shipping charges.

Why: If you go through writer Karuna Ezara Parikh's Spark(ly) Notes, you’ll find sneakers covered in glitter, shiny and rain-proof with laces to match. Also a TV presenter, she started customising high tops as a business after her own DIY project featuring a green-gold pair of shoes grabbed a ton of eye balls. Karuna also does boys, ensuring that their sneakers are less shiny, and jazzes up old canvas shoes at half the price. People with tiny feet (size 4 and below) rejoice, because your shoes are Rs 500 cheaper. Small scale business?

When: You want a sneaker peek.

***

What: The Class Act at Liberty Cinema, 41/42, ground floor, Liberty Building, near Bombay Hospital, New Marine Lines, book your tickets here, start at Rs 200.

Why: Liberty Cinema is turning out to be quite a free spirit, moving from a single-screen cinema to gig venue to most recently, a live theatre. This weekend, it will host The Class Act, a comic play about an acting instructor and motley group of students. Attendance is mandatory!

When: Sunday, October 7 at 7 pm.

bAGGAGE

What: Kushalgarh Lodge, Kushalgarh Narainpur Road, Sariska, Kushalgarh, call 09999919861 or write to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , approximately Rs 7,000 per night for a tent, inclusive of all meals.

Why: The late Maharani of Alwar’s weekend getaway in the Aravallis gets a king sized makeover, re-launching soon as a 7 acre luxury retreat.  Expect a dozen air-conditioned luxury tents (verandah and bathroom included), stabled horses, swimming pool, gourmet meals and most importantly, a well-stocked bar. Those looking for an active vacation – who are you people?! – can also borrow bikes from the hotel and head into Sariska National Park, only a few kilometers away.

When: Crown-sourcing begins in November 2012.

bpb Freebie: subscribers get a cool discount from Inner Temple Ayurvedic spa. 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 five couple vouchers, each worth Rs 2,500 for the special menu at Indigo. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, September 27) to know more. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bUCK

What: New Spa La Vie by L’Occitane, Apollo Mills Compound, near Lodha Bellissimo, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Rs 3,250 plus taxes for the Aromachologie massage, call 23059055 to make an appointment, or visit http://itsmyvie.com/ .

Why: Look, trees in the concrete jungle that is Lower Parel! Its sprawling open courtyard with a "green wall" alone warrants a visit, but the new Spa La Vie by skincare brand L'Occitane has other slicks up its sleeve as well: seven treatment rooms, each equipped with steam chambers; a water-ensconced waiting lounge; a hammam bath exclusive for members; a range of massages, wraps, scrubs, facials and Ayurvedic therapies. Look out for our full review next week!

When: New pressing room now open, by appointment only.

*** 

What: Colour block sandals from Chalk Studio, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to place an order, visit the Facebook page here, Rs 799 a pair. 

Why: Want to procure these adorable sandals? Let’s go over this step by step: two NIFT, Delhi grads and best friends Supreet Raju (who also runs the blog Thank God For Design) and Nupur Nagpal launch new shoe label Chalk Studio. They create cloth and faux leather sandals in yum colours. You browse their Facebook page, email your order and get your pair home delivered. Waiting in the wings are wedges that will be out soon. Plat-form a beeline already!

When: You want to purchase pair-trade products.

pERCOLATE

What: Kaffa Cerrado Coffee Beans, based in Delhi, call 01129523564, view the Facebook page here, Rs 1,400 for a 250 gram pack of coffee, shipping charges extra.

Why: It’s as random as it is fitting, to buy your coffee from a space that sells office furniture. Sink into a sleek chair, pretend like you’re pretending to work and check out this newly launched coffee brand– a selection of single origin beans sourced from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and El Salvador, packed in neat brown paper bags and shipped across India. Cool beans!

When: You’re sick of the daily grind.

bOTTOM 

What: Barwa Khiladi – A Tribute to People Hard Wired to Lose by Sarnath Bannerjee at Project 88, BMP Building, ground floor, N. A. Sawant Road, Colaba, visit the Facebook page here.

Why: “It’s an exhibit of designs he did for the Olympics,” a mis-informant told us. Turns out, it’s a lot more interesting than that. Next week, Project 88 will feature an exhibit of posters Sarnath Bannerjee designed for the London 2012 Festival, a counterpoint to the Olympics, which features a whole bunch of losers. Expect “a boxer whose entire career is built around dodging punches, a pole-vaulter who, just before a jump, realises that he has chosen the wrong sport, a judoka who learned judo through correspondence courses, a high jumpers who achieves levity by eating light food, listening to light music and reading light literature.”

When: Medal pushers opens on Monday, October 1.

***

What: Condoms, lubricants, underwear and accessories on www.hulala.in, view their Facebook page here for more details, Rs 1,400 for Calvin Klein briefs.

Why: We know the truth - you're not shy about walking over to the chemist for a box of condoms, you're just lazy. And here's one more service to enable your slothful ways - online store Hulala provides free shipping across India on condoms, accessories and male underwear from good brands such as Durex, Hanes and Calvin Klein, with no minimum order size or exceptions. Ladies, they don't have underwear for you just yet, but they are stocking sanitary napkins and tampons. Bonus: ten percent of their profits go to organisations working to prevent STDS – aid and abet!

When: You want condom sense to prevail.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get an exclusive discount at Taramay shoes’ new online store. 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 five couple vouchers worth Rs 3,000 each (inclusive of taxes), for cocktails created on the spot by star mixologist Adam Devermann, at Arola Restaurant & Bar, JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, September 21) to know more and for a chance to win. 

bUY 

What: New store ai.ko, B1 Kiran Villa, ground floor, Peddar Road, opposite Paraphernalia, Rs 3,300 for a tulip print jumpsuit.

Why: Because Aarti Kalro’s tiny new studio makes us want to sing, as does an awesome jumpsuit we scored here, with tulips scattered all over it. Also look out for shirts with star motifs and in candy colours, but skip the Indian wear completely. She customizes too!

When: Now, because ai.ko is on sale and you can score your merchandise for a song.

***

What: Discounted books at the Fifty 2 Fifty sale, Shri Sunderbai Hall, Nathibhai Thackersay Road, Churchgate, call 9820753870, books start at Rs 50.

Why: Organized by the same guys behind Butterfly Books, this sale is stocking over 100,000 new and gently used titles, all priced between Rs 50 and Rs 250. Sourced from libraries, distributors and shutting-down shops in the UK, books here include works by Dan Brown and John Grisham, Donne and Shakespeare, Ikebana experts and architects. Also nib-ble on this: their next sale of limited editions and signed copies will take place online at the end of October.

When: Old page home open until September 30.

pERKS

What: Mahindra Blues Festival 2012 DVD, buy at Flipkart.com, Rs 539.

Why: For those who missed the epic second edition of the Mahindra Blues Fest in February, this is a chance to snatch up: a brand new DVD covering the best performances at the festival, including Queen Bee and Corrina, Taj Mahal Trio, Ode To A Sunny Day by Blackstratblues, Set Me Free by Soulmate and Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker Jr. Also don’t miss homegrown boys Overdrive Trio, who brought house down with their first ever big stage gig.

When: You need a blues-ray disc player.

***

What: NoQi’s unisex plastic bowties, shop online on http://www.noqinoqi.com, starts at Rs 950.

Why: While shuttling between Mumbai and Johannesburg and doing her PhD in Development Studies at London School of Economics, Bombay girl Anokhi Parikh decided to make cool stuff out of scrap plastic. Her newly launched e-store sells three products - bow ties, scarves and ties - inspired in aesthetic by traditional Zulu earplugs called isiqhaza. We love how Anokhi Photoshops these (see red and black Miss Jozi bow tie) on celebrity necks in magazine pictures. Swishful thinking!

When: Bowtie call launches on Saturday, September 22; products will be available at select stores soon.

bOND

What: Visual Disobedience art exhibition and sale at Last Ship, Julius Macwan Institute, lane opposite Out Of The Blue, Chuim Village Road, Khar (W).

Why: Visual Disobedience is a newly-formed crew of do-gooders that advocates giving “the middle finger to rules, conventions, or other crimes against the imagination”, and will be hosting its first exhibition and sale of artworks this weekend. Go for works by upcoming artists like Prabha Mallya and Niyati Upadhya, who recently exhibited her photographs at the False Ceiling gallery; director Sudhir Mishra’s talk on short films; or performance artist Dheer Kaku’s video installation debut. 

When: This Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23, 11 am to 6 pm. 

bpb Freebie: Hot discount on workshops at the APB Cook Studio, exclusively through bpb. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bAK CHOY

What: Umame, Eros building, first floor, Churchgate, call 61110303, approximately Rs 2,500 per head, including alcohol.

Why: Because the appetizers alone can make for a grand meal at Farrokh Khambata’s wooded new restaurant, starting with Sriracha prawns, awesome veggie tempura chueng fun, and meat-soaked sugar-cane sticks you’re encouraged to gnaw on. There’s also a superlative Massaman curry, fun cocktails and that awesome Kahlua chocolate soufflé from Joss.

When: Opens this week. For the full dish, read the bpb review here.

***

What: Kofuku – new Japanese restaurant, Kenilworth Shopping Arcade, level 2, Linking Road, Bandra (W), call 67105105.

Why: Bandra’s Firangi Paani replacement hasn't opened yet, and it's already been through a name change. From Azuma to Kofuku (‘East’ to ‘happiness’ in Japanese)- this restaurant promises to serve sushi, sashimi, ramen and imported saki at non-five star rates. Stay high on regular tables or choose to sit on the floor using their fun bamboo mat seating. Overnight Kampai!

When: Slated to open next week.

pAGE

What: Donate books to the 5^th Battalion army library, call 9810037663 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , pick up across the city, collection points to be announced, free.

Why: On a recent reunion with his fellow officers, Mr Dave Sood (he served in the 5^th Battalion of the Indian Army, which in 1965 took the Pakistani district of Barki) came up with the idea of setting up a library to entertain the 200 army families still posted in a desolate village of Punjab. If you have books you’d like to donate, all you have to do is give him a call and he’ll have them picked up/direct you to a collection center in your neighbourhood. Mr Sood isn’t picky—he’ll take anything from historical fiction to management books—but no kids’ titles just yet. The goal is to reach 1,000 books by Diwali and they have only 300, so locate your letter half quickly!

When: You want to participate in the march of the Penguins.

bOYS

What: International fashion brands for men on Elitify.com, Rs 4,490 for 7 for All Mankind jeans, free shipping all over India.

Why: Who doesn’t want to return to an homme sweet homme? Ladies, send your scruffy man to Elitify.com, where he can shop for swimwear, shoes, hats, smart casuals and formal shirts from a bunch of international brands from Ferragamo and Burberry to 7 for All Mankind and Banana Republic. Launched by Amit (ex-Deloitte consultant) and Anahat Rawal (PR and communications consultant), this neat shopping portal also has a gadget section – see Lego-inspired speakers from Jawbone (Rs 12,990) – and fun features like a discount jack pot, special sales and a Fit Guide to jeans.

When: You need a new manscape designer.

***

What: The Nation Wants To Know What This Man Wants by Anuvabh Pal, Comedy Store, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, book online here, Rs 300.

Why: The very funny playwright and stand-up comic Anubhav Pal culminates a 100 stand up shows with this 70 minute one-man routine in which he talks about “advertising that makes no sense, fashion lingo that's confusing, Bollywood villains I miss, customs officers and news anchors, among other things”. Pal-ace!

When: Laugh-hearted effort at 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 19.

bpb Contest: We're giving away 5 vouchers worth Rs 2,000 each for the Forest Essentials Online Store. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, September 7) to know more and for a chance to win. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bANANA

What: FYI (Frozen Yogurt Inc), inside Markiv’s, Industrial Assurance Building, opposite Subway, Churchgate, Rs 155 for a frozen yogurt dessert, regular flavours start at Rs 40.

Why: We’re not sure if Bombay is being committed or lazy, but its long-standing affair with frozen yogurt continues, the latest being FYI (Frozen Yogurt Inc) at Churchgate. Here, yogurt is combined with Deliciae patisserie's dessert to make fun flavours like red velvet, fruit meringue, pina colada and the bpb recommended apple cinnamon crumble and banoffee. Warning: It is located inside the college kid-infested Markiv’s pastry shop, so it’ll do you good to ignore the old-school Black Forest cakes and focus on FYI’s delectable owner Suchit Mahajan instead. If he’s in, that is. 

When: Opens on Monday, September 10. Get in (Pra)line. 

pULL UP

What: Aaj Dukaan Bandh Hai eye mask from Gulabo Chhap Designs, to order call 09891039373, view the Facebook page here, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 799, free shipping across India.

Why: Have an odd bedfellow? Block him/her out by slipping on Gulabo Chhap’s dreamy new sleep masks. These French crepe lined eye patches come digitally printed with psychedelic irises, dreamscapes and our favourite –  an ‘aaj dukaan bandh hai’ message. 

When: You want to go blind mating. 

***

What: Sport Specific Training by Speed X Strength, call 09769768445 or view the Facebook page here, Rs 800 per session.

Why: Dear Basketball Diaries, 
Raoul Hirani’s workout today, featuring weights and resistance training systems upped my game. And it should, because that is what the new-in-town trainer does – helps recreational players and pro athletes workout depending on the sport they pursue, keeping them fit and ultimately enhancing their skills. He also comes in handy if you’re training for the marathon or planning to climb Kili. Raoul, who used to play district level basketball, has a post-grad degree in sport and exercise science and worked with the Auckland cricket team, can train you at your gym, home or a public ground. 

When: You want to sign up for Rugby Tuesdays. 

bROWSE

What: Imported strategy, fantasy and party games at Blah Games, www.blahgames.com, Rs 3,700 for Settlers of Catan, home delivery across India.

Why: We’ve been looking for this German strategy game ever since we played it at a friend’s home and now can finally have them over for a rematch, courtesy the newly launched Blah Games, an e-commerce store that ships international board games all over India. Also try your hand at Identik, a sort of reverse Pictionary; or Jaipur, a two player strategy game where you are a Rajasthani trader. The user interface is a bit jarring – (see yellow and orange font) but also easy to use, with games divided into neat categories. Score!

When: You want to surf pawn(s).

***

What: Professionally shot Facebook profile pictures for free, Vinay Aravind Photography, call Vinay on 09940676017 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , subject to photographer’s availability, for more details visit the Facebook page here.

Why: Chennai based photographer Vinay Aravind has embarked on a curious project to celebrate 5,000 likes on his Facebook page, where you can have him shoot your profile picture for free. It can be as ordinary or as zany as you like – just remember he reserves the right to turn it into an installation someday! Vinay will touch base with you when he’s in your city, set up a time and place for the shoot and also give you unrestricted (but not exclusive) license to use the picture as you please. All you have to do in exchange is spread the word by using a watermarked copy of the image for a month first, tagging him and his page in it. In only three days, he’s been (flash) mobbed with requests, so we suggest you get to it soon.

When: You want some facial profiling.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a super deal at The Vintage Boutique. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bOULANGERIE

What: Baker’s time table + bread baking class on request at the new Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen, The Oberoi, Nariman Point, call 66326245, breads start at Rs 150.

Why: If pastry chef Vikas Bagul left his Filofax open, this is what we’d see - 10 am: croissants and muffins, noon: quiches and puffs, daily: bread. The revamped patisserie at The Oberoi hotel is proudest of its shiny, new oven that comes with a baking time table, so you know exactly when to drop in for fresh goods. You can also set up a bread-making class for you and four friends, by booking a slot in advance. Loafers, take note!

When: You need a strict breadule.

***

What: Start-up speed dating by Headstart Higher at Morella Hall, Holy Family Hospital compound, Hill Road, Bandra (W), call 9821333316, sign up here, Rs 250 for candidates, Rs 1,000 for start-ups.

Why: @uberfacts (yes, that wise one from Twitter), says that it takes 1/5th of a second to fall in love. At this corporate speed dating, you have three full minutes to woo hiring start-ups. Just don’t get too memo-tional. Groups will be divided into tech and non-tech, and companies are mostly made up of internet and creative businesses – already signed up are Drona Mobile, Switch Me, Gyaan Central, Tune Basket. The fact that the venue is in a hospital premises (what’s up with that?) means there’s always hope for dying start-ups.

When: Beta block on Saturday, August 1 from 1.30 pm to 7 pm.

pEARL

What: Sequins collars by Olivia Dar, to order call 09999386020, Rs 2,000 plus shipping charges.

Why: Crane your neck for these: Pretty collars made with beads and sequins sewn onto satin, an elegant alternative to chunky statement necklaces. Crafted by a jewellery trader and gemologist who’s lived in Jaipur and Delhi for over a decade, Olivia Dar does these in a bunch of colours including white, black, navy, purple and emerald green, and ships to Mumbai. Wear with tank top, shift dress or under a blazer.

When: You want to have a (bandh) gala time.

bASKET

What: Dial-a-Rambutan from Eemli.com, call 42153015, delivery from 10 am to 7 pm all over Mumbai, cash on delivery, Rs 300 for 1 kg.

Why: Red Koosh ball and rambutan = #sameguy. This sweet Malaysian fruit– spotted sometimes at a few Mumbai stores – can be sent over by Eemli.com within six hours of placing your order. This new fruit and veggie portal also home delivers other exotic produce like dragon fruit, avocados, white asparagus and bamboo shoot.

When: Hairy met scaly.

***

What: Korn live in Mumbai – The Path of Totality Tour at MMRDA grounds, BKC, tickets available here, start at Rs 1,950 and Rs 1,450 for early bird passes.

Why: Grammy award winning nu-metal band Korn is all set to perform live in Mumbai for the first time. Expect a set list of songs from their latest album The Path of Totality, including single Get Up, one of three tracks produced by EDM wonder kid Skrillex. Make a mosh pit stop here !

When: You’d like to weigh the pros and Korns on Friday, September 7, gates open at 4 pm.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get an awesome deal at Salsa Wraps, Colaba. 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 the After Work Happy Hours at Escobar worth Rs 2,500 each (includes tapas and alcohol from the special menu). Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, August 24) to know more. Contest closes at 6 pm.

bAGUETTE

What: The BrkFst, new breakfast dabba delivery service that works from Monday to Friday, view the Facebook page here, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available (see menu here), minimum sign up for one month, delivery in Bandra and Khar (W), Rs 40 to Rs 50 per meal.

Why: If you’re too busy for bhurji, to scarf it down before you leave for the office, call The BrkFst. Besides dropping its vowels, this brand new nashta delivery service will also drop off your morning meal at work every day. Tell your office watchman to expect parcels - nothing fancy, but neat and tasty - holding dosa, scrambled eggs, chicken burgers, poha, mashed garlic potato, muffins, cookies and cold cut sandwiches. Salami saab!

When: You want all hands on desk. Starts on Monday, August 27. Sign up now.

pISTOL

What: The Revolver Club - new vinyl club at Nova Audion, 3, Fairlands Building, L.J Road, Mahim, visit http://therevolverclub.tumblr.com, to RSVP call Jude on 9833182255.

Why: It’s true what they were singing – Jude can take a sad song and make it better. At vinyl store Nova Audion, partner Jude de Souza cleans old records, sources new ones and also sells turntables. Through his vinyl session The Revolver Club that starts this weekend, he hopes to talk about vinyl’s technical aspects, hold member-curated listening sessions and pre-owned vinyl barter, provide early bird access and discounts to rare records and turn you into somewhat of a music snob.

When: First session on Sunday, August 26 at 5.30 pm. Lennon grad!

***

What: Bullet Boxes Army Drawer, shop online on www.homehero.in, Rs 8,900, delivery across India in 19 days.

Why: An armoire inspired by armory is exactly the kind of tough love you’ll find on Home Hero, an online furniture store that uses wood sourced from demolished houses, door frames, broken ships and army equipment discards. We love the Bullet Boxes drawer (take one for the team?), as well as this bright red Container Wardrobe, that like their other pieces, are crafted in Rajasthan and home delivered in about three weeks. Home Hero also does custom made furniture.

When: You want a Quick Drawer, McGraw.

bELLE

What: Sign up for a Serenade Your Better Half flash mob at an undisclosed bar, to sign up and get a Facebook invite call Tarun on 9930709028, limited slots available, free.

Why: A social innovations agency is planning a singing flash mob at an undisclosed Bombay bar (details will be sent to you on Facebook once you sign up), where participants will come with unsuspecting better halves – BFF, life partner, fluffy cat – and break into song one by one to surprise them. Eventually, it turns into a group performance at dinner, where you’re the entertainment. Criteria to join in: Participant must think it’s wildly romantic, and doesn’t have to be a trained singer.

When: New croon night on Monday, August 27.

***

What: Ren, second floor, Gabbana House, 15th Road, Khar (W), call 26002626, Rs 2,500 entry per couple (cover charge).

Why: Perhaps to bring some buzz to the forgotten China Garden, the restaurant’s owners have resurrected the second floor lounge and called it Ren, an alternative to Bandra’s chilled pubs. Here you’ll find a 30 foot bar, gleaming onyx, Chinese lettering on the walls, a VIP room, LED lights (of course!) and someone called DJ Ankur. Could the Ghalat Family be far behind? Um, yes.

When: Garden of Eaten opens to the public tonight, August 24.

Subscribers get a super deal at Bagelwala, the new bagel cafe in Bandra. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bEAUTIFUL

What: Wazwan food boxes from Kashmir Box, visit www.kashmirbox.com, delivery all over India, Rs 650 for 1 kg Rogan Josh, free shipping on orders above Rs 500.

Why: Too busy for Paradise at the moment? Allow the Kashmir Box to send everything short of a shikara to your doorstep. There’s saffron and cherries, cricket bats and honey wax candles and Rogan Josh on this recently-launched e-store that works to promote Kashmiri artisans. But what you should really be scoping out are the Wazwan boxes – canned food brands selling specialty dishes like yakhni, kofta and more. They’ve been tried and tasted by a homesick Kashmiri friend in Mumbai – he recommends you get the rista, goshtaba and methi maaz - whose mum has been sending him these cans for a while now. Have more questions? Ask Siri(nagar)! 

When: You want to get Sweet Valley High.

***

What: A harpist for your party, call Nush Lewis on 9004100261 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , price on request. 

Why: You’ll have to pull many strings – probably as many as the ones on her celtic harp – to get Nush Lewis to play at your party. Lucky for you, we met the harpist and singer/songwriter in a cab outside Blue Frog, where she played last week with rocker Uday Benegal, and convinced her that it’s a good idea. She does however, come with a set of rules: “I won’t play at weddings and I refuse to be an ornament at your soiree.” But if there is an audience among your party guests, play she will, her pretty acoustic music. Harpe-diem! 

When: You want to serve some angel hair with your pasta. 

pACK

What: Gooey chocolate pudding in a tumbler, to order call Candida on 9930630370 (at least a day in advance), pick up from Tardeo, Rs 280 for 180 gms.

Why: Glass tumblers, almost licked clean, left with Oreo crumbs and bits of berries. Hovering over are happy faces smeared with chocolate. Smile, you’re on Candida’s camera! You can’t help but grin when you dig into digital and branding expert Candida D’Silva gooey chocolate pudding, set in glasses. It’s cold and eggless with dense layers of chocolate, a cookie base and a carnival-like three-berry frosting. 

When: You want to visit Trio de Janeiro! 

***

What: Playing cards designed by 54 artists for 54 Project Deck, available online here, Rs 950 for a pack.

Why: Skulls on the three of spades, Ravana-like King of Hearts, retro astronauts floating around the five of spades and a natty argyle pirate on the seven of diamonds—have these uber-cool cards and hold ‘em! On the designer list we spotted Ishan Khosla Design, Harsha Vardhan, Siddhi Yadav and Surgery Minor Kunst. Lucky draw!

When: You want the Queen of Arts.

bENCHPRESS

What: iThinkFitness, new gym on the top floor of Title Waves bookstore building, opposite Durello Convent School, Bandra (W), call 9870223000/9870112000, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 30,000 per year.

Why: Advance booking: It was only a matter of time before Pali Village Café owner Suren Joshi, with his big biceps and monster truck, started a venture more tilted towards testosterone. Enter iThinkFitness, his and his partner Mishali's upcoming gym and fitness centre where membership is now open. Spread across 12,000 square feet, the gym’s buddies will include fancy machines, valet parking, aroma showers, a health food café and an adjoining open space where members can play basketball, football or volleyball. 

When: Gym-y Boy slated to open at the end of this month.

Subscribers will get a cool discount when they shop at Adie.  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 five couple vouchers worth Rs 1,388 plus taxes for the cocktails served during Salt Water Café’s Happiest Hours. To participate, follow us on Twitter (@bpbmumbai) and check our feed at 11.30 am today (Friday, August 10). Contest closes at 6 pm.

bUOYFRIEND

What: Naan rolls at Taste Yum, new Indian and Chinese takeaway (home delivery will start next week), ground floor, Gagangiri Building, next to Yoforia, Carter Road, Bandra (W), call 65266531, start at Rs 110.

Why: And there’s one more petite eatery at Carter Road, one that will serve, stick around, and soon be replaced by another. But while it’s here, pick up their deliciously thick naan rolls, made fresh with creamy chicken tikkas and paneer and sikh kebabs. We suggest you avoid the Chinese combo meals however, looking less-than-fresh with plastic-y orange chicken and fried rice that appeared a day old.

When: You need a pick-me-up.

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What: Tetrapod cement paperweights by Bombayography, view the Facebook page here, to pre-order call 9920473331or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , slated to cost between Rs 400 to 500.

Why: If you’ve been smooching at Marine Drive, you’re probably familiar with the contours of these four-footed rocks. Tetrapods, one of Mumbai’s most under-used icons have inspired design collective Bombayography to create mini cement versions that will serve as paperweights. Hot and heavy! Run by an MIT guy, a product developer and ad executive, Bombayography’s next project involves quilts embroidered with city ward maps. While you were sleeping…

When: Now, because fortune favours the boulder.

pARADISO

What: Christopher Nolan double bill + short at the Russian Center, 31/A next to Jaslok Hospital, Peddar Road, for more information call 9870090105, tickets available on Bookmyshow here or at the venue, Rs 500 for a pass.

Why: Go from Saturday night dreaming to Sunday morning Nolan at the Russian Center that will be screening not Inception, but Following at noon, The Prestige at 2 pm, as well as the director’s short film Doodlebug. Sounds like the right time to get camera conscious.

When: Nolan’s Mementos on Sunday August, 12.

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What: Gift a clay animation video by Apwig, call 9594099637, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit the website for details, Rs 9,000 for a video.

Why: Meet the new pottery bards, who will use your friends’ photographs as references, moulding their lives into mini clay animation videos. Apwig is run by two young graduates of film and art, who’ll help you conceptualise the idea and then deliver the film in two weeks, in a pretty DVD box that’s poised for gifting. Don’t expect Aardman Animation quality, but the execution is still cute. Also, ignore the tacky scrapbook-like videos that string together photos and sentimental songs, and focus solely on the claymation.

When: You need your action re-clayed.

bLARE

What: Sound Gecko – turn web articles into audio files, visit www.soundgecko.com, free.

Why: All those online long reads you’ve had to neglect at work, are having serious self-esteem issues. Now, you can send them to a happy place until it’s time to leave work. That place is Sound Gecko, a cool site that turns your web article link into an audio file and emails it to you within minutes. It works on all devices – they have an iPhone app too – and can be listened to on your home from the office. Close those weary eyes.

When: You want to achieve scale.

Event Round-up: music gigs, comic acts, art shows and more this weekend!

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a super deal when they have a meal at Poco Loco. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bUNS

What: Sign up for the super sweet bpb dessert Box, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 9820228582/9867885533 with questions, Rs 750 per month, three month minimum.

Why: Because ordering a dozen of the same cupcakes is so 2011. Behold the Count of Calories - a pretty box featuring a variety of bpb’s favorite desserts, hand-delivered to you on a designated day every month. Each box will contain six different treats from three new bakers, tried and tested by us and rotated on a monthly basis. Expect batter-filled cupcakes and palm-sized macaroons, Swiss rolls and sweet pies, and maybe even a chocolate-covered Scouter?

When: First batch delivered in the last week of August. Limited slots, so sign up today!

pENCIL

What: Find and list cool classes on Skill Kindle, visit www.skillkindle.com or call +91-9910900551, Rs 4,000 for a crash course in fashion photography.

Why: The Delhi-NCR based teach-and-learn website launches in our fair city this week, with a handful of photography and pottery classes. But if the Capital edition is anything to go by, you’ll soon see all kinds of cool stuff here, including workshops on Japanese origami, ballet, magic tricks and using Excel. Crafty cats and know-alls can also list their own classes.

When: You want to rekindle an Ex(cel) flame.

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What: Citybliss Spa’s permanent location, third floor, C’est La Vie building, 164 Hill Road, next to Godrej Nature’s Basket, Bandra (W), 9167999666, open all days 11 am to 10 pm, starts at Rs 790, Rs 20,000 for yearly membership.

Why: Our favorite spa-on-wheels now has a permanent parking spot at C’est La Vie, Bandra, with separate sections for men and women, Jacuzzis, therapy rooms, and wet-and-dry baths. You can pay per session – we’d pick from their long list of body massages and hydro-therapies – or get a yearly membership, which allows you access to the C’est La Vie swimming pool, café and restaurant. PS: The club itself has always seemed a bit dodgy to us, but perhaps it’s getting a makeover?

When: You need some spa-rks and recreation.

bRINJAL

What: Saffron Bay, 39 B Chowpatty, next to Café Coffee Day, Marine Drive, call 23696991, Rs 1,500 for two people without alcohol.

Why: Saffron Bay may not be associated with the Shiv Sena, but it plans to live up to its name: this new restaurant will serve all things North Indian, including tandoor-cooked meats, biryani, traditional dessert and even martinis from the motherland, like the jambuntini, a gin-based cocktail served with fresh jambuns. Saffron Bay can seat up to fifty people, and feature private dining areas named Mughal, Rajashtan, Ajanta and Madhuban. Son of the boil, indeed!

When: One in vermillion slated to open on Monday, August 6. bpb review out soon!

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What: Neon Betsey Johnson bags at Steve Madden, Palladium at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Rs 5,900.

Why: The bright Betsey tote wins our vote this dreary week. Available in electric blue, pink and toxic yellow, these roomy, faux patent leather bags are good for work, and better for play.

When: You need a sense of belonging(s).