bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a super discount from LocalBanya.com. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

Why: If you’re too cool to pack theplas for your vacation, outsource the job to mother-daughter duo Rita and Pankti, who put them in vacuum sealed bags. They also do their own ready-to-eat doggy bags for travellers – masala khichdi, upma, poha, missal, Gujarati dal – that can be cooked in the microwave in two minutes after adding water. Unlike the ones available in the supermarket, these they claim, have no added preservatives or colour.

When: You want to say aloha to poha.

***
What: Vir Das at Café Zoe, Todi Mathuradas Mill Compound, 126 NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, call 24902065, no entry or cover charge.

Why: The super funny and easy-on-the-eyes stand up comedian performs two and a half hours of new material for Fosters LOL finale at the recently reopened Café Zoe. Entry is free and first come first serve. Warning: Only Fosters beer will be served – that and mock tales!

When: Sunday June 3 from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Learn more here.

bpb Freebie: Super discount from Artfeat Designs, exclusively for subscribers! 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 4 couple passes to The Fireflies Festival in Purushwadi organised by Grassroutes Journeys. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today, May 25 to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm. Details here.

bAGEL

What: B letuce – take-away wraps, bagels and more, shop no 6, Nicholas Society, Shirley Rajan Road, Rizvi Complex, off Carter Road, Bandra (W), call 9867004760, Rs 200 for a smoked salmon wrap, free home delivery in the area.

Why: When a take-away joint can evoke Neruda’s “sedulous cabbage arranging its petticoats”, you know the produce is fresh enough to be poetic. But while the veggies are crisp and the sauces, bright, the men who wrap at this new health joint need strict instructions. For instance: yum Greek Style wrap (ask for less onion), smoked chicken-brown rice roll (more sauce) and orange crème brule (eat as is). Also served are soy shakes, salads, vegan wraps and in-house gelato. Although bagels weren’t available and our bad-batch avocado sandwich was limp, we focussed on the finer details like super food packaging, upside down potted plants and retro Campbell’s tomato soup cans for sale. Full review out on Monday!

When: You want to stay until the bitter gourd end.

pOWER

What: Private parkour lessons with Free Souls, call Nimrit on 9833950208 / 9920962323 or view the Facebook page here, Rs 3,000 a month (five sessions a week) for a group class and Rs 7,500 per month for personal training.

Why: A pack of five urban ninjas – watch this seriously cool video of them bouncing off a Lonavla fort - want to train you in the art of parkour, a fitness movement that promises “stealth and health”. Call their recently launched collective Free Souls, and they’ll identify a training ground in your neighbourhood with the right set off obstacles, teaching you how to climb, swing, vault and jump. A hip hop indeed.

When: You want to star on 21 Jump Street.

***

What: Cocktail mixer party-pack delivery by Apetito, Sun Mill Compound, Lower Parel, call 66662012/916719243 for delivery, visit www.apetitofb.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 999 for a pack of 8 cocktail mixers, delivery on orders above Rs 999.

Why: If The Great Gatsby trailer is making you pine for lost love and lavish house parties, call Apetito. Out of a Lower Parel office, Milind and his team import sparkling presse, pretty cordials and gem-coloured cocktail mixers from the UK, and deliver anywhere in Mumbai. Interesting are the Funkin party-packs that feature mojito, strawberry woo woo, pina colada, daiquiri and cosmopolitan cocktail mixes (all you have to do is add alcohol), perfect for home entertaining.  You are lime cordial-ly invited.

When: You want the drinks to get you Dizzy Buchanan.

Note: Want a day/annual/lifetime liquor permit? Lagerbay will get you sorted.

bMG

What: Audio cassette pen stands from Green the Gap, ground floor garage, Jewel Milan Apartments, opposite Toto's Garage Pub, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), visit www.greenthegap.com, Rs 200.

Why: Looks like audio cassettes were given some sound advice for they’ve made a comeback as cool pen stands, at this new upcycled store originally from Delhi. (Side) A +

When: You want to stay in the loop.

***

What: The Great Gig in the Sky with Caralisa Monteiro at a sea fort in Alibaug, call 9819726688 / 9619793983 or view details on the event page here, limited seats available, Rs 2,600 for transport, meals and concert.

Why: Your weekend gig: packed room, sweat, exorbitant drinks. Their weekend gig: Alibaug fort, dip in the sea, mysterious lighthouse and under-the-stars performance by singer/songwriter Caralisa Monteiro (last heard in Don 2, Karthik Calling Karthik). Yes, it’s a tough choice.

When: To the Lighthouse on May 26-27.

Event Round-Up: Our pick of live music gigs, plays, new menus and more.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get high on a exclusive discount from Barmobile.  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 passes to the Quesadilla and Margarita Festival at Bonobo (Bandra), valid until May 31, 2012. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today, May 18 to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bASKET

What: bpb and The Four Seasons’ dim sum making class at San-Qi, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Worli, to book a spot email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , only 20 seats available, Rs 1,500 per person.

Why: Let off some steam at bpb and the Four Seasons’ dim sum class, where lessons will be hands-on and the mushrooms, wild. Executive chef Clinton Cooper and the hotel’s new dim sum chef Xiao Feng Shi will teach you how to make meat and veggie siu mai, ha gao and half moons from scratch (including the skins), as well as spring rolls and wantons.

When: Spring rolls are in the air on Saturday, June 9 (two batches between 11 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm).

***

What: Sea-facing yoga class at Freedom Lifestyle Centre, Maskan, 5th floor, 69, Carter Road, Bandra (W), call 8879391845 / 920111124 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 3,500 for 12 classes.

Why: Imagine sunrise yoga classes on a Carter Road rooftop, a stretched out arm’s length away from the ocean. Need we sea more? Medical nutritionist and Yoga Institute (Santacruz) studied Naaznin Husein owns a five storey building in Bandra where she recently started Freedom, a holistic center that offers said ashtang yoga class with a view, pranayam and meditation. Along with sports nutritionist Sonal Raval, she also teaches functional training and runs a nutrition centre.

When: Ashtang baby! Classes are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6.30 am and 8.45 am. Evening classes to begin soon.

pLAN

What: Pre-set plated meals by Pllatterati for house parties, call Sunnaeya on 9833967411, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.pllatterati.in, catering for 2-30 people, starts at Rs 1,000 per person.

Why: Overpriced restaurant-wine-hopefully her house. If your Saturday night ritual is jaded, we have a new tem-plate for your date. Newly launched catering service Pllatterati offers a Collage service, where fancy pre-plated meals - they recommend smoked salmon with green mango salad and pad thai noodles - for two (or more) are created by Le Cordon Bleu-educated Shweta Menon and delivered to your home. Her partner Sunnaeya Kapur controls the lighting and helps you pair food with alcohol and crockery, and for bigger dos, with waiters and bartenders. They also offer non pre-plated Indian and Continental food.

When: You want to book a table for woo.

***

What: Artfeat Designs, order on the Facebook page or call 9910330377, Rs 300 for a notebook, additional shipping charges to Mumbai.

Why: When Karan Bakshi was just a young engineering student in Pune, he began repurposing household things into gifts for his friends. Thus was born Artfeat, under which he fits digital clocks into old ammunition carriers, morphs door latches into paperweights, turns rakes into wine holders. He also works with home and corporate interiors, and recently refitted an office using water pipes as decoration, which he compares to Lego. Block party!

When: You need a pied pipe-r.

bOULEVARD

What: Bombay Underground’s pavement sale, outside Al’s Tattoo Studio, 5 Natraj Shopping Centre, 68, Hill Road, Bandra (W), call 9773361243 for more information or view the Facebook page here, books start at Rs 20.

Why: Garage bookstore Bombay Underground has shut shop, and is having its farewell sale on a Bandra pavement this weekend. Working the mean streets? While you say bye you can browse graphic novels, classics, Indian authors, self-published books, movie posters and film scripts. Bombay Underground’s Himanshu picks: Trainspotting script, Amelie poster and RK Narayan’s Malgudi Days.

When: Farewell to Alms on May 19 and 20 from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.

Event Round-Up: Our pick of live music gigs, plays, new menus and more. 

bpb Freebie: Pressing discount at Mudd Salon and Day Spa, Bandra (W). For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bAIT

What: Jjamppong, 223, Rajbhavan Road, Walkeshwar, call 65354444/6666, Rs 900 for a meal for two, home delivery in the area on orders over Rs 400.

Why: We’re wondering how to keep you from scuttling away after we say, “small vegetarian Asian eatery at Walkeshwar”. How’s this: A new box-like restaurant with wooden benches, lychee fried wantons, jaggery-sprinkled spring rolls and The Killers’ Mr Brightside on queue. Run by a very amiable Siddharth Kashyap (previously worked with China House, Grand Hyatt), Jjamppong’s kitchen features interesting oriental dishes re-imagined with fruit like plums, lychees and raw bananas. Get the Jjamppong soup, fruit wantons and star anise surprise. Full review out on Monday.

When: You want to land a plum job.

***

What: Gourmet high fibre breakfast muesli from Missisippy, to order call 09021594555 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit www.missisippy.com, Rs 150 for 5 portions, pick up from Colaba, home delivery starts next week.

Why: Forget smudgy mascara and walks of shame. Your morning-after just got sexy with Missisippy Life’s gourmet muesli made with amaranth, berries and nuts. Let its crumbly sound fill the awkward silence between you two; add heaps on milk, smoothies or yogurt; and share while talking about the weather, but also Missisippy’s many flavours - blueberry, coffee-hazelnut (our favourite), saffron and apple-cinnamon. These are made in a Mahabaleshwar “lair” by food-obsessed Jaideep Sippy, (he previously held senior positions at LV and Gucci in India), who started a health food company after he got sick. More cheap-chic natural products that guarantee a glow, are in the works.

When: You want to spread their seed. You can also sign up for a talk with Jaideep at Godrej Culture Lab’s Funda Friday today, May 11 at 4 pm.

pLOT

What: CMYK bookstore, ground floor, Good Earth, Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel, visit http://www.cmykbookstore.com.

Why: Books star on television and chill in refrigerators at CMYK’s new Mumbai bookstore, where super cool shelves are fitted with vintage home appliances sourced from Chor Bazaar. Set up by publishing house Roli Books, this concept store (also in Delhi and Pune) stocks art and design reads in a plot under the staircase at Good Earth, with eventual plans to creep all around the store. Roli’s Priya Kapoor recommends Hajj – Journey to the Heart of Islam, The Polaroid Book by Taschen and Wristwatches by HF Ullmann. It's time.

When: Speak volumes on opening day - Saturday, May 12.

***
What: Underwear bags for men and women by Studio EkSaat, call 09873331733 to order or view the Facebook page here, they ship nationally with additional charges.

Why: Beyonce-sized bums in polka dotted panties park themselves on these travel lingerie bags, perfect for underwear that goes places. And for the gentleman packer, bags feature hairy legs in briefs. Lovely.

When: You need to take a (s)trip.

Shopping Scoop: Designers Shivan & Narresh to open swimwear store at Pali Hill, Bandra.

bUSINESS

What: Local Banya - online supermarket, shop at www.localbanya.com, minimum order of Rs 500, free next-day home delivery anywhere in Mumbai, cash on delivery only.

Why: Following a van with a fat grocer on it, led us to this newly launched website that home delivers everything from condoms and insect repellant to apples and liquid soap. Great for the time-pressed, this online supermarket’s e-shelves feature fruits and veggies (sourced fresh every morning), personal care and household supplies that are discounted at up to 40 %. Interestingly, you can choose what time you’d like your order to be delivered from the different time slots available and pay cash on delivery. Tres convenient!

When: You want to create a new supply chain of command.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a discount on fitness class registrations at Temperance. 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 ten free passes to the beer tasting workshop at Woodside All Day Bar & Eatery, Andheri (W) to be held on May 11 and June 8 (five passes for each event). Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today, May 4 to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bOK CHOY

What: At-home Cantonese dinners by Chopsticks Food Catering, call Cindy Chan on 9769690924 / 9930780244 or visit http://www.chopsticksfoodcatering.com, start at Rs 800 per person (minimum 6 people) for a set 5 course meal.

Why: If Cindy Chan had to write a fortune cookie message for those who love Indian-Chinese food, she’d probably put her mobile number in it. This would give them access to an authentic Cantonese food service that she (ex-catering manager for the Marriott group, Hong Kong) set up along with chef Ng Mo On from Kowloon, who recently moved to Mumbai. While they cook chicken with Chinese plums, Fu Yung eggs, salted squid and Ma Po tofu in your kitchen, Cindy will ask for scuba diving recommendations and Ng Mo On will challenge you to say his name three times in a row.

When: You want hits by the Tofu Fighters.

***

What: Zazen Spa, shop no 8 and 9, off E Moses Road, in the lane next to Four Seasons Hotel, Worli, call 24900040 or visit www.zazenspa.co.in, Rs 399 + taxes for a foot massage, Rs 700 for a mangosteen scrub.

Why: The Strokes are in the city and ticket prices are cheap - a foot press is just Rs 399 and a full body massage costs Rs 1,499. You’ll find this and other reasonable beauty treatments at Zazen, a small new spa in Worli where four rooms dressed in bamboo hope to relieve your stress. We tried and sighed after the foot kneads, combined with a back and neck massage conducted by therapist Soju. Dry and non-messy, this ritual is perfect for in-between office hours.

When: You need an (almost) Free Press Journal.

pEDDAR ROAD

What: Bus ticket and matchbox stationery by Chamku, to order call Neeti on 9892742540 or view the Facebook page here, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request a May 5-6 trunk sale invite at Peddar Road, Rs 200 for a 4 by 6 diary.

When: Much fuel and many cigarettes were probably burned to source materials for these – recycled paper diaries pieced together with local bus tickets and matchbox covers. Sold under the newly launched label Chamku, these seriously cool note pads are made by travel writer and photographer Neeti Mehra, who is having her first trunk show this weekend. Born OK Please!

When: You’re looking for an artist’s BEST work.

***

What: Kiteboarding lessons by Kite Surf India, conducted at Mandwa beach (15 kms from Mumbai), call 9930920409/ 9820367412 or visit www.kitesurfindia.com, Rs 2,500 per person for an hour and a half in a group of 4.

Why: When a paragliding instructor finds kiteboarding more interesting, you know the tides have changed. New on Indian shores, Jehan Driver has taken it upon himself to teach you this sport – a cross between paragliding and windsurfing - through his new school Kite Surf India. Classes are just a ferry ride away from Mumbai and taught by an International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO) instructor from the UK. A basic course (six to ten hours) entitles you to an IKO member’s card that you can use to continue your training anywhere in the world.

When: You want to answer your final boarding call.

bUTTERFLY

What: Soulphool florist, visit www.soulphool.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 560 for a Tropical Bloom Bouquet.

Why: Out with Facebook notifications and in with Soulphool’s birthday reminders. This online florist allows you to pre-book flowers for the entire year, ensuring that their best blooms reach your best buds, irrespective of that rusty memory. Soulphool - run by a company that exports flowers to Europe and Japan – features pretty, pricey bouquets and fresh-from-the-garden harvests, but also cheesy lines like “nature laughs in flowers.” Phools!

When: You want to visit the Garden of e-den.

Subscribers get a cool discount at the bpb corner at Attic, Santacruz and 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 five couple passes to the movie premiere of Oscar nominated director Ashvin Kumar's The Forest, on May 4 at PVR Juhu. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today, April 27 to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bELLINI

What: F-Mumbai Lounge and Diner, One India Bulls Centre, 3rd floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road, call 66505820 for reservations.

Why: Get to the bottom of this over-hyped restaurant and lounge that’s finally opening in Mumbai today, for it’s the lower level that houses the essentials – DJ console, terrace lounge and wall-to-wall bar (see their Temptation cocktail recipe here). A lit up staircase leads to the top leather and wood dining area where consulting chef Vineet Bhatia has designed contemporary Indian dishes like tawa rosemary glazed seekh. Couture kebab?

When: Opens today, April 27, daily from noon to 1.30 am.

Note: Carter Road's new frozen yogurt parlour, Yoforia opens today.

***

What: Nightcall: after-party booze and cigarette delivery service, call 9820794523, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tweet @nightcall_in, visit www.nightcall.in, delivery from Cuffe Parade to VT only, Rs 40 for 5 cigarettes plus a flat Rs 50 delivery charge.

Why: Kaiser and Rohit could be South Mumbai’s new Avengers, saving your after-party pangs from shutters down. Call/tweet/email them – on weekends only from 11 pm to 4 am – after your neighbourhood bar shuts, and the 26 year-olds promise to deliver booze, cigarettes, mixers and chips (see menu here) to your home within 20 minutes. Place your Hulk order now. Geographical expansion, coming soon.

When: Your night needs shining armour from Friday to Sunday, 11 pm to 4 am.

pLEASURE

What: Kallista, 101 – A Wing, Gasper Enclave, Pali Market, Ambedkar Road, Bandra (W), call 26421380 / 9769181644, Rs 3,000 for a Swedish massage, Rs 500 for a Brazilian wax.

Why: If Olive Bar and Kitchen morphed into a spa, it would look like Kallista, Bandra’s fancy new spalon with textured white walls, pretty jars and a sparkly Gulmohar tree wall mural. While they offer the usual set of massages and beauty rituals, there’s also a more interesting version of the Turkish hamam and a twin room with shared kneads and rose petal bath. Other chambers are dedicated to hair, feet and face, but none to the heart.

When: You want another glimpse of Kallista Flock-art.

***

What: The Pink Sink by Ajji, call 65022574, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.ajji.in, price on request.

Why: Game of Thrones fans, meet your new chair person. Lekha Washington, actress and closet product designer with a Masters from NID just invented The Pink Sink, “a chair that looks like there’s no way you can sit on it…until you do”. Made with lycra, canvas, stainless steel, blood, sweat and tears, it’s also available in neon green, black, beige and red. This is the first of many mad-cool products that will come out of Lekha’s “invention lab” under the label Ajji, inspired by her artsy grandmother.

When: You want to hit pew-berty.

bUM

What: Panty Pops at La Senza outlets across the city, Rs 690.

Why: Why would someone pack lacy panties like a heart-shaped lollipop and present it to you? Because your underwear sucks! Spotted at La Senza, super cute panty pops (one size fits all) available in purple, pink and red.

When: You want to live out a Lolly-ita fantasy.

bpb Contest: 5 subscribers will win private at-home wine tastings with sommelier Nikhil Agarwal from All Things Nice (see contest details here). Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, February 20) to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bHUMRO

What: Kashmiri food at Poush, Arcade Building, World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade, call 9833983232, individual meals start at Rs 195.

Why: South Bombay gets a small new Kashmiri restaurant that serves fragrant thalis filled with rajma, roganjosh, phirni and kahwa. Poush spice! While an accompanying friend from Kashmir says it wasn’t one hundred percent authentic, he admits the food is tasty and recommends the meatballs or Goshtaba. Ignore the cheesy décor complete with a houseboat-like booth, be patient with the slightly overbearing staff and remind them to get rid of the disposable crockery used for some of the cheaper set meals.

When: You want to pay kahwa charge.

Reminder: Indigo Deli Bandra opens on Wednesday, April 25 and Theobroma patisserie to open at Peddar Road in mid-May.

pHYLL

What: Crazy plant installations by S.E.E.D, call Simrit Malhi on 09320606012, view the Facebook group here or visit http://maaliwalli.tumblr.com, start at Rs 3,000.

Why: Have you seen the leaflet yet? Plant artist and reviewer of eco hotels in South East Asia, Simrit provides mad garden solutions that include putting organic plants in oil drums, electric meters, robots and old Onida TVs. For soil sample see outside section at Colaba store Bombay Electric, that’s been greened by this “maaliwalli”. The S.E.E.D fund also offers landscaping services, custom-built garden accessories and terrariums where wild plants take over little Lego towns. Shyamalan would be proud.

When: Your garden needs to grow up.

***

What: Art Studio by Tarana, A/9, Ganesh Prasad, ground floor, Sleator Road, Grant Road, call 9821530004,start at Rs 80.

Why: Product designer Tarana Sheth will launch her new store on Tuesday at a Grant Road space that she says could well be mistaken for an “old bookstore in London”. While half of it will serve as her workshop, the other half will retail products from her new collection featuring black metal home fixtures that look like shadows (ask to see the top hat dustbin and balloon lamp). This cast party will also host new designers every month, starting with Art n Light.

When: Go to the dark side on Tuesday, April 24.

bARBADOS

What: Travel Ninjas - vacations planned by experts, view the website here, start at Rs 1,250 for 30 days of planning and research.

Why: Dull summer holidays will get their a** kicked by the Travel Ninjas, a panel of professional gadabouts - travel book writers, bloggers, conservationists and photographers – who plan cool vacations for a reasonable sum. They make tall promises like introducing you to storytellers who’ll turn into friends, procuring cheap Broadway tickets, hoisting you up into a tree, and assure a refund if they can’t deliver. You can interact with your Ninja of choices over the phone, email, chat and Skype. Is that a ‘hi’ or ‘haiya’ we just heard?

When: You need a new planning commission report.

***

What: Tear-resistant, recycled paper wallets from Kingdom of Calm, view the Facebook page here, available at the Bliss (Versova) Flea Market on April 21-22 and online on www.kingdomofcalm.com starting April 23, Rs 599.

Why: It’s made of paper but can’t be torn. / You don’t make enough money, so it won’t get worn. / Artists work hard to make it fetching. / With black and white patterns that warrant some letching.

So striking is this pocket purse, we thought it deserved its own verse.

When: Switch to a recycled wallet now, because dimes have changed.

 Event Round-Up: Gigs, food festivals, plays and more here.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get super discount from HitPlay.in! For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bRAVAS

What: Vinoteca, ground floor, Sunville Building, 9, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, call 40046234, Rs 2,300 for a meal for two with sangria.

Why: Wine bottles make kaleidoscopic patterns on menus, masquerade as lights and pour themselves into the making of neat champagne truffles at this new Worli wine bar by Sula. What to get: white wine sangria with fresh strawberries, minced lamb in an aubergine and off-the-menu cabernet shiraz gelato. Skip: Less than-fresh Kingfish and prawns. Also, carry your reading glasses for text heavy wine and tapas menu, and pretty chef who flits in and out of the kitchen. Full review out on Monday, April 16.

When: You want to drink with My Friend Pinot.

Note: Also read our review of Leaping Windows Cafe and Comic Library.

pIRANHA

What: Trunks for Trunks – new swimwear for men and boys from Love Brand & Co, available online on www.lovebrand.com and in Mumbai at Mal stores, Juhu and Colaba, call 65294224, start at Rs 5,000.

Why: Boys, did you know that your adorable tushy can save the endangered Asian elephant?
Park it in a pair of Trunks for Trunks swim shorts just in from London, and part of the proceeds will go to the Elephant Family. Available in pop colours, nautical stripes and summery cherry, bug and pineapple prints.

When: You want to sport a six pachyderm.

***

What: Balloon sculptor for grown-up (and often explicit) parties, call Rose from Party Pixie on 9892488544 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 6,000 for three hours.

Why: Rose Van Gorder is the blow up doll your do’s been missing. Invite the balloon sculptor (an American national in Mumbai with a performing arts degree from Denmark) to your party and she’ll set up a booth, twisting balloons into anything your heart desires – crazy animals, pouty lips, intricate flowers, hats, handbags, inflated egos. Although the material required for naughty balloons is the same, it requires a “different frame of mind” so inform Rose in advance. Private(s) party, indeed!

When: You need a new air-tell network.

bOX

What: bpb Corner at Attic, a curated set of products we love at the store, Bir Sagar, Santacruz (W); and Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, call 65650444, start at Rs 500.

Why: Standing at the centre of a fashion store, an overwhelmingly large number of products come at you. Take cover in a corner, our corner, where bpb curates and certifies a dozen or so thingamajigs that you should be focusing your mind and money on. The first of the series kicks off at Attic, where under a chandelier of brown paper bags you’ll see a flamingo dress, orange linen shirt, retro lomography camera, picnic booze bottle carrier, vintage sunglasses and more.

When: Your cart needs some heart. Starts today, April 13.

***

What: Festival Sherpa, online guide to Indian festivals, visit www.festivalsherpa.com, free.

Why: Here, an incredibly cute Sherpa (believes “he’s more than a logo”) guides you through a list of upcoming music, movie, food, literature and cultural festivals across India. With witty descriptions and easy navigation, the website also lets compulsive festival-ers share their experiences, ask questions and follow events for updates.

When: You need a Ne(w) pal.

For gigs, new menus and art exhibits, see our event round-up.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get scenty discount from Saint Pure (check out the single malt soaps)! For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bIRTH

What: Ellipsis, B-1 Amarchand Mansion, Madam Cama Road, where Villa 39 used to be, Colaba, call 66213333 for reservations.

Why: Remember our December report on Ranbir Batra, interior designer Thomas Schoos and the Voltaggio brothers (of Top Chef fame) teaming up to do a Colaba restaurant and bar? Well, it’s all complete now and oddly enough, it’s called Ellipsis. Unfinished business… Here in this champagne hued space you can order tuna in ponzu sauce, gourmet burgers, steak, yellowtail fish and other “modern American” food. They will focus on small portions that can be placed at the centre of the table and shared. Group buying, anyone?

When: Scheduled to open on Friday, April 6 for dinner only. Call ahead to confirm.

pULL-UPS


What: New socks e-store for men and women, visit www.footsy.in, starts at Rs 50, shipping all over India at an additional flat fee of Rs 65.

Why: Design professionals Seema Seth and Pooja Mehta got tired of the way India treats its socks. “Almost like undergarments. God forbid someone should get a peek!” Meet the product of their rebellion, Footsy, a new e-store that sells fun socks you’ll want to flaunt – tie-dye, kites and slipper prints for women; psychedelic checks and stripes for men; one toe flip flop socks and snugglers; and pretty “sockettes” to accessorise ballet flats.

When: You want to win a Toe-ny Award.

***

What: Crazy Bawa’s Night at Cool Chef Cafe, Thadani House, 329/A, Worli Village, Worli Sea Face, off Bandra-Worli Sea Link, call 32231199, Rs 300 entry fee includes one alcoholic drink.

Why: This party from the guys behind Bawa Tips, promises to be a mad night out with hot cutlets, cold Duke’s Raspberry, music by DJ Merzin and the chance to say ‘what’s up Homi?’ more than once.

When: Duke’s Retreat on Friday, April 6 from 9 pm onwards.

bAGHEERA

What: The Terrace Art Gallery at Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, call 22843989, free entry.

Why: The winding staircase by Café Samovar will soon lead to where the wild things are. Starting Monday, level one will see the launch of The Terrace Art Gallery, a long and narrow exhibit space dedicated to photography. First up, wildlife pictures by photographer Kakubhai Kothari.

When: Animal prints are in starting Monday, April 9.

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What: Gulbahar kulfi on order, call Sriram Icecream on 28655566 or Prakash on 9819035821, Rs 450 for a roll that serves 18.

Why: Way fancier than Apsara’s blah blocks, Gulbahar - fragrant kulfi base coated with crushed praline and rose petals - is the cheap chic your freezer should be stalking this month. Remember to ask for individual slices (not cylindrical rolls) that are easy to store and don’t spoil easily. This summer, it’s rose before hos!

When: You want to harbor (ch)ill will.

Event Round Up: See music gigs, new menus and Easter treats scheduled for this weekend, here.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a handy discount at the Home Collective store, Chowpatty. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bLUE SKY

What: Picnic basket + treats on order from The Picnik Basket at Cuffe Parade, call 9987687005 or view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 500, no delivery yet.

Why: If you could cancel Mumbai’s humidity and order summer from a catalogue, book mark this: picnic baskets packed by trade economist-turned-caterer Raashi, who does yum chicken-celery pinwheel sandwiches, prawn cocktail in disposable glasses, oatmeal muffins with fresh strawberries and mini Mexican wraps with avocado and beans. Customers who bought this also liked: hair flower wreaths and Saturday outdoor music gigs.

When: You want a parallel park.

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What: Single malt whisky soap and shampoo from Saint Pure, buy online here or call Maria on 09711097110, home delivery in up to 48 hours (cash on delivery), Rs 999 for a Laphroaig soap bar (with a COD option).

Why: Your rubber ducky sees you naked every day. Don’t you think the poor bird needs a drink? The bathing bar is now open at Saint Pure, a luxe company that works with distilleries in Scotland to put single malts in pricey  bath and body works. bpb tried and loved the Isle of Jura shampoo for shiny hair and Laphroaig  bathing bar that’s supposed to firm your skin. There’s a new way to get pee kay tight.

When: You want a large Lather-vulin.

pIERRE

What: Artisan epicerie, pâtisserie and chocolaterie at Sofitel Hotel, C/57, Block G, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Rs 600 (including taxes) for a three course meal with one beer or a glass of wine.

Why: The weird Indo-contemporary décor at the new-ish Sofitel hotel is offset by Artisan, its pretty patisserie with a giant cake tray and see-through truffle cells. Here, an affordable Rs 600 will get you a fun four course meal:  salad/sandwich/bagel (try the BLT baguette and salmon bagel); cheese platter/pastry (get the chocolate tart and Opera cake), a glass of Sula/Kingfisher/juice; and a final round of tea/coffee/hot chocolate. Special mention for server Sagar, their house-smoked charcuterie and mad crockery printed with French movie titles. Full review out on Monday, April 2!

When: Earn Sofi-a-laurels from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm, seven days a week.

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What: Captain Obvious badge, to order call Sheena on 9819904940, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit her site here, Rs 200, pick up from Pali Naka, Bandra (W).

Why: Freelance photographer, copywriter and “professional-do-what-she-wants”, Sheena Dabholkar first made this Captain Obvious badge as a joke for a friend. Yes, she’s rude that way. Word got out and other meanies placed orders for the plastic badge (reminds us of a cop’s name pin) with English and Hindi lettering. We know you have a friend who deserves it. Also, words can be customised for your personality – we plan to get Captain Awesome.

When: You need a #lash-tag.

bUCKET

What: Water Bearers - floral installations and archival prints at  Design Temple, 32 Mereweather Road, no 2 Churchill Chambers, Colaba, call 22821001, start at Rs 500.

Why: Fancy flowers from around the world pop out of kettles,  pipe vases and antiques rescued from Pydhonie, for an exhibit that explores water and its scarcity. Eau baby! This is a collective effort by artisan florist Libellule and Colaba’s Design Temple that’s also doing prints and posters of the installations. More on the show and a cycle with posies here.

When: You want an aster martin. Starts today, March 30.