bpb freebie: Subscribers get a cracking discount on mustard crabs from Crack Pot, exclusively through bpb. For this and other deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bOUNCER

What: Lagerbay, 183, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W), same spot where Zenzi used to be, approximately Rs 2,000 for a meal for two, including alcohol.

Why: It’s only natural that the restaurant replacing Zenzi initially feels like an evil stepmother, but it’s hard to hold on to the resentment in the face of unassuming ambience; a smiling, tousled-haired owner and a truly superior lamb burger. Lagerbay may never become Bandra’s spirit-ual home, but it’s a fun place to hang at. Read our full review here.

When: Opened Thursday, March 1.

***

What: bpb’s Little Black Book – 20 Useful Contacts Part Deux, read here.

Why: Where does one buy a tricycle bike in Mumbai, or learn to speak Urdu? Who supplies meat and cheese to Don Giovanni, lobster to Café Zoe, Four Seasons’ heavy cutlery? Is it really possible to have 35 photos framed overnight? We know these questions keep you up at night, so we had the city’s most clued-in folks answer them for you: yes, we’re good bind readers.

When: You want to be well receiver-ed.

PLUCK

What: The Little Door, plot no. B 31, ground floor, Shree Siddhivinayak Plaza, New Link Road, Andheri (W), view the Facebook group here, Rs 2,000 for a meal for two.

Why: We’re not sure your big head will fit through this Little Door (you have to actually duck to enter) that leads to pretty blue and white interiors. Although mains are dull, the starters and drinks are nice, as are the owners, who chatted up the crowd on opening day. Our picks at this Mediterranean restaurant: sweet-spicy Podka (fresh pomegranate juice and vodka cocktail), zucchini fritters and Keftedes tiganitos - succulent lamb meatballs. Watch out for the full bpb review!

When: Bell Epoque at The Little Door, now open.

***

What: Birdie bags from Lovetobag, view the Facebook group here, free shipping across India, also available at Fuel and Sobo, start at Rs 2,900.

Why: One swallow does not make a summer, but a flock full on a bag is pretty bright. Meet the new-in-town heat with these sunny clutches that are pre-occupied with winged creatures. Our favourites - white Flamingo Clutch with big black sequined bow and red Birdie Bag with chain strap.

When: You’re looking to buy new aviators.

bOMBAY

What: Last weekend to catch Postcards from the Forest, photography show by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi at Sakshi Gallery, ground floor, Tanna House, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Colaba, call 66103424, 11 am onwards, free entry.

Why: “It’s the failure of aesthetic, the failure of conversation, the failure of love” that prompted author and photographer Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi’s move from Mumbai to Matheran. If you like this text, browse the pictures – Postcards from the Forest and Toy Train – this weekend. Visual (re)treat!

When: Forest essentials on until March 3.

bpb freebie: Get a blooming discount on gardening workshops by Under The Tree, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box.

bANDRA

What: Mustard Crabs on order from Crack Pot, pick up at Sea Breeze Apartments, Bullock Road, Bandstand, Bandra (W), view theFacebook group here, Rs 2,800 for six medium sized crabs.

Why: Getting crabs from a boy in Bandra may not sound very healthy or appetising, but in this instance, it is. Photographer Palash Bose cooks and sells fleshy crabs in a yum mustard sauce – his take on an old Bong family recipe – out of his home, and will soon also do prawn malai curry by the kilo. Large order restrictions make Crack Pot ideal for dinner parties.

When: You want to be a claw-abiding citizen.

***

What: Analogue cameras and related equipment from Lomography India, available at Attic, Bir Sagar, Santacruz (W), visit the Facebook group here, cameras start at approximately Rs 4,000. 

Why: After much sleuthing, bpb has finally cracked the location of Lomography India’s top-secret new shop! Housed inside Attic Santacruz and specialising in equipment for analogue photography (photography using a camera and film), it will stock uber cool cameras featuring red hearts and animal prints, neon colours and manly hues, as well as film, lenses, flash adapters and camera bags. Can’t wait? Check out the online store here. 

When: Lomo-sapiens slated to arrive early next week. 

pAGER

What: Early Alphonso mangoes from Mr Vasant Chaskar, shop number 512/513/514, APMC vegetable and fruit market, Vashi, call 9892099811, start at Rs 1,000 for one dozen mangoes.

Why: Yes, they’re hideously expensive and far, far away, but if you make the trek and shell out the moolah, we promise that the fruit of your labour will be sweet. And golden. And oh so juicy. Jolly Mr Chaskar is the proud recipient of 2012's first Alphonso mangoes and bpb’s favourite new dealer – hit him up before he runs out. 

When: Hapus has come to shove.

***

What: Om Book Shop, G-16, ground floor, Grand Galleria, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, call 24950062, Rs 999 for Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Why: Opposite the sweet-smelling Lush shop at High Street Phoenix is a new fragrance: Pour Om. Here, you can take in the smell of new books and browse hyper-organised shelves that range from sports and bestsellers to biographies and cookery. Since they had almost nothing on our reading list – The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, The Rum Diary by Hunter Thompson, Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff – we spent most of our time making eyes at attractive design books like Ripped: T-Shirts from the Underground. Gawk-ward moment! Full review out Monday, February 27!

When: You’re looking to have the tome of your life.

Also see: bpb Classifieds, our monthly listing of the coolest jobs in the city.


’bOOB 

What: Live from the Console, Mehboob Studios, Mt Carmel Road, Bandra (W), visit theFacebook page here, Rs 150 per person.

Why: Live from the Console has become one of the city’s most popular live gigs, and this month, their line-up includes performances by Slow Down Clown, Alisha Pais and Punk Ass Orifus. Plus, cheap beer. 

When: Saturday, February 25, 6.30 pm to midnight.

bpb freebie: Subscribers get awesome discount on international fashion labels at SquareKey’s pop-up store at Colaba (see address and timings here) on Feb 17, 18 and 19. 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 passes to Lakme Fashion Week, 2012. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, February 17) to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bUTTER

What: bpb’s Turning Tables with Indigo Deli, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book a spot, no plus ones allowed, Rs 1,500 this month, BYOB, learn more about the event here.

Why: bpb gets Indigo Deli’s Executive Chef JD and Chef de Cuisine Amit Bajaj to host a pop up restaurant in a Mumbai living room. Sofa so good! Adding to the comfort will be big bowls of Deli food, awfully delish; interesting people, all strangers; and lots of booze, very familiar.

When: New Deli on Saturday, February 25 at 8.30 pm, book your spot now.

***

What: Labrador’s leather organisers, call Harsh Biyani on 9833247659 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view the Facebook page here, also available at Sabi (Bandra) and Le Mill(Wadi Bunder), Rs 1,500 for a leather pouch.

Why: Harsh Biyani has an organiser crafted from leather for every whether. Whether you need to put your pencils in a pocket, an iPad in a sleeve, passport in a wallet or a date in an agenda. These cool pouches he imports from Thai design label Labrador - ask to see their Red Dot Design Award winning square shaped laptop bag – and retails in India. Case closed.

When: You need a Lab partner.

pALI

What: Suzette part deux, next to Thai Ban, opposite Gold’s Gym, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), call 26411431, crepes start at Rs 100.

Why: Big Bandra bienvenue to Suzette, South Mumbai’s lovely creperie that moves into the neighbourhood next week. Besides their usual line up of yum salads and crepes, this ten table café will serve up new additions including never-before tasted morning omelettes, yogurt, fresh pomegranate and almond salad and the owner-recommended serrano ham, basil and mozzarella crepe. Crafty cats, also check out the large DIY menu.

When: French evolution slated to open on Monday, February 20, but we suggest you call ahead.

bILL

What: Bungalow 8 Handmade pop-up store at The Yoga House, 53 Chimbai Road, behind St. Andrews Church, Bandra (W); Arastan from the Middle East at Artisans’ Centre, Kala Ghoda, Fort.

Why: The shopping Gods are certainly smiling over Mumbai this weekend, with Bungalow 8 hosting a pop-up store at the very pretty Yoga House in Bandra, (expect Grecian dresses in cheese cotton and a claw-shaped ivory necklace) and a new exhibit arriving at the Artisans’ Centre by way of the Silk Route, bringing in kaftans from Turkey, jewellery from Morocco and lamp shades from Uzbekistan. A retail of two cities!

When: Bungalow 8 Handmade on February 19 from 10 am to 10 pm; Arastan from February 16 to 18.

***

What: Weekend Brunch with Nadir Khan (including an hour with bpb!), tune in to 94.3 Radio One to listen, free.

Why: We Secret Scouters are super excited to chime in on the new and vastly improved all-English 94.3 Radio One. For an hour every weekend, you can find us on Nadir Khan’s awesome Weekend Brunch show, where we’ll be dishing on new happenings, answering questions and playing kick ass music.

When: Air kisses, misses and hits on Saturdays at 11 am.

Boozy discount on passes to the Kala Ghoda Wine Festival, 2012 this weekend, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bpb Contest: We’re giving away seven WittyGift boxes. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, February 10) to know more. Contest closes at 7 pm.

bOMAN

What: Jumjoji, shop no. 4, Ankleshwar building, ONGC Colony, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W), 26516156, Rs 1100 for a meal for two.

Why: This one’s no Café Britannia, but Jumjoji with its efficient service and plush décor is a different way to enjoy Parsi food in Mumbai. Here, recipes are sourced from different Parsi aunties – get Zenobia’s sausages and chicken curry – lagan nu custard is all dressed up for Diwali. Read the full review here.

When: Homi is where the heart is.

pRO-NOUN

What: Carnivorous plants at Vriksha nursery, 1 Ganga Apartments, Irla Railway Society, Vile Parle (W), call 9820704069 or view the Facebook page here, Rs 2,000 for a pitcher plant.

Why: The perfect anti-rose, this fierce bug-eating pitcher plant is the sharpest way to say you care. But with only 15 of its kind ordered in to the nursery every month, we suggest you get in on the action soon. Maybe you’ll catch a bite this season, and if you’re lucky, a swallow.

When: You need a lady(bug) killer.

***

What: La Profesora’s Spanish language classes at your doorstep, call 9819570025, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it /  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the Facebook page here.

Why: If your relationships are teaching you nothing, get involved with La Profesora, a cool new door-to-door Spanish teacher. With over four years of teaching experience, Alysha is also a DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) qualified professor, corporate trainer and interpreter. She customises her lessons depending on each student’s needs, and judging from the Facebook group, uses tees with Spanish typos and Pedro Almodovar movies as teaching aids. Imagine the learning curve!

When: You have a Hola! in your heart. Lessons on weekdays and weekends.

bULBS

What: Light Surgeons' audio visual show at Edward Theatre, Kalbadevi, entry tickets for Rs 200 and Rs 300, available on bookmyshow.com.

Why: This week, the Light Surgeons (a collective of designers and filmmakers who’ve developed visuals for The Rolling Stones, U2) bring their trippy video show to Mumbai, operating out of the lovely, crumbling Edward theatre. Buy a ticket and you’ll be treated to LDN-REDUX, shots of London city set to electronic music. Big seedy lights!

When: See and score today, February 10, 9 pm onwards.

***

What: Branded Bargains for men and women, F-49, second floor, Trident Hotel, (Oberoi Towers), Nariman Point, call 9820143553 for an appointment or visit the website, Rs 16,000 for a Tod’s bag.

Why: The newly opened Branded Bargains is where old LVs come to find new love. Here’s how it works: Those looking to discard can bring their designer loot to owner Fatima who will estimate a value, retail it at her store and take a commission once it’s sold. Or, you can choose only to browse through the discounted merchandise, currently a skinny collection of sunglasses, bags, belts and wallets. Best bargains: white Tod’s bag for Rs 16,000 (originally Rs 34,000) and men’s black leather Valentino belt with box for Rs 16,000 (originally Rs 25,000).

When: You want to catch wind of trade.

Cheesy discount at Ray’s Café & Pizzeria, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bRIGANZA

What: Chicken Cafreal at Ainsley’s Grills And More, shop no 15, Bandra Silver Croft, Pali Market, opposite Sante, Bandra (W), call 9920022379/9920022539 for home delivery, Rs 150 for half plate of chicken.

Why: This new Goan and East Indian food shack home delivers dishes not unlike the ones available at Soul Fry next door: Chicken Vindaloo, Tongue Moile, Prawns Balchao and beef chili fry. bpb tried and loved the flavourful, garlicky Chicken Cafreal and well spiced Pomfret Recheado. The watery caramel custard however, didn’t travel well. Thumbs up to generous portions and double quick delivery. Speedy Gonsalves!

When: You need a Mac Pro. Shut on Mondays.

Also, read the first review for Café Zoe, Lower Parel.

pETTICOAT

What: Kinky costumes from Under Cover Lingerie at Sanctum, 19th Road, Khar (W), call 26495775, start at Rs 399.

Why: We love you for who you are, but it wouldn’t hurt to turn into someone else once in a while. Chinese tart, F1 babe, sexy sailor, hot secretary or a mate-y pirate, perhaps? At furniture store Sanctum’s weekend exhibit, Under Cover is selling all of the above fantasy costumes imported from London, along with the clichéd bunny and devil outfits. Remember, dress is more.

When: Make a lusting impression on February 4 and 5.

bOOK

What: The Rise of the Indian Typewriter at Roof Garden, Godrej Bhavan, 4A, Home Street, (behind Bombay Gymkhana), Fort, to RSVP email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 67964124/2014, view the Facebook page here, free event.

Why: If Wednesday is retro night, then a talk on the typewriter seems like a good pre-party plan. At a pretty Fort rooftop, historian and Warwick University professor David Arnold will hold an evening class on the rise and fall of the typewriter in India.

When: Page against the machine on Wednesday, February 8 at 6.30 pm.

***

What: Freestyle Fitness gym, 301, Silver Pearl, Waterfield Road, opposite China Gate, Bandra (W), call 31924779, memberships start at Rs 4,000 a month.

Why: With sandpits, Crossfit bars, a physiotherapy suite and star athlete members, this new gym and ‘sports clinic’ is as fancy as they come. The coolest bit, we think, is that they integrate squash and tennis into your gym schedule, giving you access to Otter’s Club and Khar Gym courts even if you aren’t a club member. Read the full review here.

When: You need a new game plan.

***

What: Cooking with honey by Under the Mango Tree at Maharashtra Nature Park, Dharavi, call 6517953 or view the Facebook event here, free.

Why: To bee or not to bee this Sunday, that is the question. Under The Mango Tree is hosting a cooking with honey class smack in the middle of a leafy park, with demonstrations and tastings conducted by Rajiv Basak, head chef at Bungalow 9. To bee, it is.

When: You don’t want to be a buzz kill. On Sunday, February 5 (National Bee Day) at noon.

bpb Freebie: Sweet discount at women’s fashion store Sabi, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bOUNTY

What: Café Zoe, Todi Mathuradas Mill Compound, 126 NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, call 24902065 / 24902066 or view or view the Facebook group here.

Why: With shutters that will go up at 7.30 am, this new brasserie, deli and bar will probably be the earliest riser in the Mill. bpb peeped in to find a 4,000 square foot industrial space with a cool angular bar, deli counter, book shelves, free Wi-fi and treats from chef Viraf Patel (formerly at Salt Water Cafe). Bonus: the menu is expected to be 25% cheaper than Indigo Deli’s. Good morning, indeed.

When: You want to kiss the Todi. Slated to open this weekend, but we suggest you call ahead.

***

What: Under the Tree’s gardening workshops, to register call 9833921120 or visit the Facebook group here, Rs 850 for a half-day rose class.

Why: Horticulturist and weeder Anusha Bubber is Bandra’s Bob Maali. Starting February 1, she’ll open up her bungalow rooftop to hold workshops on butterfly attraction, rose maintenance and gardens by the sea. Group classes of five to ten (bring your own buds or join a class) will also include music, lemonade, salad and sandwiches. 

When: You need lawn-term solutions.

***

What: Party catering by Silverspoon Gourmet, call 9820044424 or visit the Facebook page here, minimum group size of eight people, canapé menu starts at Rs 800 per head. 

Why: Give Neha Manekia a couple of days notice and she’ll organise your entire party. She runs Silverspoon Gourmet, a full service catering company that provides wait staff, cutlery, bartenders and more along with fancy dishes, all of which are prepared in your kitchen. bpb tried and loved ratatouille bruschetta, mushroom mousse and sharp, tangy chicken liver pate. 

When: See you cater, alligator!

pLUMMET

What: Weekend mountain climbing expeditions in the Sahyadri mountains with Petzl and Advivors - The Adventure People, call +919930992329/     +919969700241 to book a private expedition (minimum of five people), start at Rs 1,200 per head.

Why: In order to promote mountain climbing in India, French company Petzl is drilling climbing bolts into rock faces all over the Sahyadris. You can go find these yourself, or better yet, enlist the services of Ram Vengurlekar, Petzl employee and trained mountain climber. Through his personal company Advivors, Ram will map out your private expedition, train you, and accompany you on a super day or weekend trip. Rock on!

When: You want to knock the chip off your boulder.

bUNDLE

What: Shift by Sabyasachi cable knit sweaters, Sabyasachi by Sabyasachi, 3rd floor, opposite the Blue Synagogue, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Rs 8,000 for a sweater.

Why: Cloud-soft and comfortingly warm, these sweaters and woolen dresses from a new, more casual line by the designer come refreshingly devoid of embellishments and in delish colours like camel and purple. Plus, they’re housed in what has to be the prettiest store this side of the Sea Link. Read our full review here.

When: You’re feeling knit-picky.

bpb Freebie: Delish deal on Chinese takeout from Red Ninja Express, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other discounts, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bOUNTY

What: Make three different pastas from scratch at bpb and Tasting Room’s pasta class, Tasting Room, Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book a spot, Rs 1,300 per person.

Why: Want to know about gnocchi? Or make penne with a pen? Gracian D’Souza, head chef at the Tasting Room will teach twenty bpb subscribers the rhyme and reasons of pasta-making in a two hour hands-on session where you’ll get to do everything, from rolling dough to slurping noodles. On the menu are abovementioned penne and gnocchi, as well as open ravioli of pear, walnut and Stilton with green olive cream.

When: Visit Pasta Lane on February 4 from 4 – 6 pm. Reserve your spot now!

***

What:  Rroboska – clothes for men, to order call Brijesh on 09891039373 or view the Facebook group here, Rs 1,000 for a bow tie, free shipping to Mumbai.

Why: After giving us Cheap Sex, Delhi designer Brijesh Dahia now unveils the Russian goods. Under his new label Rroboska (Russian for shirt), he does wearable paneled shirts and dark denims but also quirky red pants and pop coloured berets. bpb suggests you make a rendezvous with knife pleat white shirt and olive checked bow tie.

When: You’re looking for Garb-achev

pEDDAR ROAD

What: 36 Oak & Barley, 76 Nidhi, August Kranti Marg, off Kemps Corner, approximately Rs 1,750 per head with one cocktail.

Why: Because this new all-day eatery (formerly pan-Asian restaurant East) serves up warm soup with icy sorbet, macaroni with truffles and cocktails that taste like pickle in a martini glass. Are you biting yet? Read the full sneak peek here.

When: Slated to open tuesday, January 24.

bOOMBOX

What: Goldspot live at Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Rs 300 entry post 9 pm.

Why: Orange you glad Goldspot’s coming to town next week? Influenced by The Beatles and Kishore Kumar, this US-based band led by Siddhartha Khosla is known for fun tracks like Friday, Time Bomb and a mad remix of Ina Mina Dika (check out the video here).  We’ll be there so come say hello!

When: Goldspot’s A-reated music on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 pm.

***

What: Buy LP players on www.saregama.com, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 9,500, free shipping, delivery in three weeks.

Why: This week’s cool find comes from an unlikely place - Sa Re Ga Ma. Scratch that! On the music company's website, bpb found for sale LP players and turn tables by Lenco with USB slots and one year warranties. If you have the cash, this one’s a catch.

When: You need a new vintage point.

Note: Need some new music for your new player? Check out bpb’s Boombox.

bAGUETTE

What: Bombay ChowParty home bakery, confectionery and party catering service, call Reshmy on 9819024086 or view the Facebook group here, pick up from Andheri (W), Rs 185 for a dozen apple pie cookies.

Why: Ever see Marge Simpson turn into a cupcake coiffed with a tall cinnamon marshmallow fluff. How about apple pie that’s morphed into cookies – sweet-sticky rounds with slivers of caramalised fruit inside. These transitioned treats in pretty packaging arrived from Reshmy Kurian’s kitchen, where in addition to “dish doppelgangers”, she does fresh bread loaves, buttered rolls with ham and pickled cucumber, mole chicken tortillas and her husband’s favourite – breakfast burritos. We love that one of her services includes re-creating a dish you ate while on vacation and can’t find in Mumbai.

When: You need a yeast of burden.

***

What: Dial-a-masseuse from the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Tardeo, to make an appointment call 23531236, Rs 250 for a half hour and Rs 450 for a one hour foot massage.

Why: Considering all the debauched parties that your legs were photographed at last December, we think they could do with some good press. Call The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind that sends visually impaired foot reflexology specialists to your home, creating a spa experience that levitates somewhere between basic maalishwallah and fancy masseuse. They’re super skilled, not to mention reasonably priced.

When: Feet and greet from Monday to Sunday, appointments must be made a day in advance between Monday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm.

pLUSH

What: Trikaya, 6/11 Meera Apartments, Juhu Versova Link Road, Seven Bungalows, call 265021389 / 265047177, Rs 400 for khao suey.

Why: This new Asian restaurant and bar comes with ship sails for umbrellas, a gazillion single malts, yum khao suey and the promise of stocking Amrut whisky next month. We suggest you sit in the weather-friendly outdoor section and end your meal – solid or liquid- with the lotus seed-coffee momos. Read the full sneak peek here.

When: Striling and puling want dumpling. Opens Saturday, January 14 for lunch and dinner.

***

What: Black Soda at Filter, right next to the blue synagogue, opposite Sabysachi, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Rs 85 for a can.

Why: It’s soda. And jet black. Jet black soda that tastes exactly like soda, which is to say that it tastes like nothing. Can you think of anything more useless, or more irresistibly cool? We couldn’t either. The gorgeous packaging (cans come in four different designs) only adds to the appeal. Kaala Bruni!

When: You want to get into show fizz-ness.

bANDRA

What: BooksOnToast book drive, drop off points at Thane, Bandra (W), Bandra (E), Andheri (W), Dadar, Flora Fountain, Chembur, Juhu and Pune; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for exact addresses; book sale at Candies in Bandra (W), all titles for under Rs 150.

Why: Drowning in words, wading through pages, trying to cut down to 140 characters? This book drive is your chance to get rid of your excess books, all of which will be sold at a special sale at Candies. Proceeds will go to Hamara Footpath, an NGO that works with street kids. If you’re looking to pad up your reading list, stop by the sale for titles at deep discounts, including children's books, old Naipaul, Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath and a collection of graphic novels. Plotted cream!

When: Book drive on until January 18; Candies sale on January 22 and 23.

bpb Freebie: Cool discount on guitars from The Music Bay, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bUNSEN

What: bpb and Aurus’ Gourmet Science Class at Aurus, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, to register email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , limited seats, Rs 1,500.

Why: Aurus head chef and the ever-entertaining Vicky Ratnani invites you to his science lab where you’ll use syringes and pipes and calcium chloride to make watermelon caviar, cheese soufflé-stuffed mushrooms and Argentinean chicken. The course includes a lecture but not without hands-on work stations, tongue twister techniques like spherification and the chance to poke injections into (chicken) breasts.

When: Pans and needles on Saturday, January 21 from 3.30 pm to 5 pm.

Note: Also read our review of Mangiamo, Bandra’s newest Italian restaurant.

***

What: Vintage sunglasses for boys and girls by Periwinkle, to order call Isha on 9820435159 or pick up at Attic, Santacruz (W) and Bombay Electric, Colaba, start at Rs 3,000.

Why: Goggle search Isha Bhansali and fun vintage eye frames will come up, re-aligned and refurbished with new lenses and old jewels. These spectacles – cat eye frames from the 60s and Lennon glasses - are sourced from antique dealers in Mumbai and Ahmedabad for your eyes only.

When: You want to be Sir Lens-a-lot.

pRE & POST

What: All night food delivery from MAD Orders, order on www.madorders.com or call 8080204041, Rs 100 for cheese pav bhaji, delivery between Sion and Mulund (Bandra included).

Why: Delivering between 11 pm and 7 am, this brand new culinary service will send you pizza, pav bhaji, sandwiches and even chocolate mousse within an hour. Watch out for the full bpb review!

When: Perfect for late night jam sessions or a 3 am toast.

***

What: Teacher’s Scotch pre-mixed cans available at Topmost Wines, Union Park, Khar (W) and Peekay Wines, Crawford Market, Rs 160 for a small.

Why: These new cans, filled with Teacher’s Scotch and soda or Coke are going to give Janata’s party packs serious competition. Perfect for pre-gaming, before you get to those thousand-rupee whiskies at the club. Scotch bright!

When: You want to Teach(er’s) for India.

***

bROWNING

What: Strand Book Stall’s Annual Book Festival, Sunderbhai Hall, near Churchgate Station, 40-80% off on all titles.

Why: With over 250,000 titles deeply discounted by the city’s most beloved bookstore, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get type-fisted.

When: Until January 22, 10 am to 8 pm daily.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get celebration-worthy discount from party planners Groovy Two Shoes. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bOLOGNA

What: Don Giovanni takeaway and delivery (within 1 km), opposite JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu, call 67426770, Rs 150 for a salami baguette.

Why: After much delay and speculation the Don Giovanni takeaway counter finally opens in Juhu, doling out fresh baguette and focaccia sandwiches, delish bruschetta and signature thin crust pizzas. bpb loves salami baguette sandwiches, ham and salami pizza and Italian Ladyfingers (Rs 275), light-as-air tiramisu biscuits that go wonderfully with coffee. Occupying the shelves are also imported olive oil, dry pasta, Italian balsamic vinegar and several cheeses.

When: You’re waiting for Don 2.

pERCUSSION

What: The Music Bay, Satyam building, ground floor, opposite BP Petrol Pump, Juhu Tara Road, call 9819982662 or view the Facebook group here, Rs 3,800 for a beginner’s acoustic guitar.

Why: The coolest thing about this new instrument store is their own brand of guitars, cheaper and better than many instruments on the market. Also on offer are Ratpro, Dean and Fender electric guitars, NUX amplifiers, accessories like 3-in-1 auto tuners and pure leather guitar straps. Pay special attention to Djembe drums, first in a range of exotic instruments from all over the world. The Music Bay also holds basic guitar classes four times a month.

When: You want to be a strum dog millionaire.

bUNCH

What: Miss U Donuts & Coffee, shop no 5, ground floor, Shiv Darshan Building, 33 Road, opposite Marc Cain, Bandra (W); and shop no 7, Amritlal Mansion, LN Road, Matunga, call 9323878557 or view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 40.

Why: This Malaysian chain that opens today, will serve donuts with fruit centers, dipped in chocolate and orange and topped with peach, apple, coconut or cheese. Prepare to binge, hate yourself for it and then return the next day. They're viscious circles, these donuts.

When: Make a round today, December 22.

***

What: Filter, next to the blue synagogue, opposite Sabysachi, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Rs 1,500 for a set of notebooks.

Why: Sunglasses that can imbue their wearer with untold super powers; Ogden Nash postcards; mugs that re-articulate the chicken-and-egg conundrum; many, many diaries: at Filter, a new design store in Kala Ghoda, you’ll find all these and more. Go in and take a book! Full review here.

When: Opened this week.