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Roopa Viroopa

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Roopa Viroopa is the story Beauty and the Beast retold in an Indian village. It story lines follows how a lovely young village belle falls in love with savage tribal - who by the way is a handsome prince who was cursed for his conceit. The story uses various Indian dance forms, particularly the temple dances to tell the story of true love and how it can transcend all other considerations. Price: Rs 499 Tickets available on BookMyShow

The Lost Caravan

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Has the caravan lost its way in the melee of food joints on this street? Hardly, because the youngsters seem to love it. DECOR This is a veritable museum of kitsch! Once the initial shockwave wears off, it all comes together into a look that is quite in vogue. Vintage clocks, huge pop-art posters, travel-related curios, suitcases and reclaimed doors - they have spent lavishly on the interiors. Even the air ducting is laminated with maps. We like the triangular island bar in the middle that inspires a spirit of bonhomie. FOOD Some of the cocktails are refreshingly original, like Smoked Orange Martini and the Pomegranate and Ginger Martini. The Kiwi Mojito, however, lacked balance and could not be fixed even after we sent it back. Crab and Mackerel Cake accompanied by aioli and mustard mayonnaise come highly recommended and live up to expectations. We moved on to try the Pulled Pork Samosa and the Spiced Green Pea and Mutton Kheema Pav. The samosas are bite-sized, crisp, but not oily, and filled with tender pork. They got wiped out in no time! We then ordered the Spiced Chicken Liver and the Varutharacha Boneless Chicken Thigh. The liver was very good in terms of quality and quantity - perfectly spiced to keep the cocktails flowing. The Varutharacha Chicken is a dry rendition of the famous Kerala Curry, replete with coconut slivers to lend it the authenticity. We ended the meal with a Masala Chai Pannacotta and Ginger Short Bread, which was a commendable innovation. SERVICE The wait staff made some good recommendations. The cocktails and starters arrived promptly, even though the place was quite packed. PLUS AND MINUS The location is prime - Church Street, just off Brigade Road - and yes, they have efficient valets. The Lost Caravan can live up to its name since it is located on the second floor and not easily visible. MUST TRY: Crab Mackerel Cake, Spicy Chicken Liver, Pulled Pork Samosa and Varutharacha Chicken

Soundarya and Philip: Live

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It is common knowledge that city girl, Soundarya Jayachandran has been busy with her stint for The Stage - the only English language reality music talent show in India. Did you that she is also a part of M Conservatory that is AR Rehman#39;s music school! So the powerhouse singer and song-writer will be performing live blueFROG. Expect ballads and soulful melodies as Soundarya performs with Philip. Cover: Stag- Rs 1,000; Couple- Rs 500 Tickets available on Insider.in

Junta Art Market

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Illustrations, graphic art, photographs, canvas paintings, sketches and watercolours from 15 upcoming artists in the city - the Junta Art Market curates this very unique experience for Bangaloreans. Spurred into action by the ladies from Kitsch Mandi, this market will showcase the works of young artists at Om Made Cafe. So we have intricately hand-painted umbrellas and musical instruments done by Tejas Dugar. Bold pattern on canvas or those same patterns printed on beautiful silk scarves - how you wear your art from Johanna Alisha Pinto? Dangercat and ceramic Studio Ataash live give you lust worthy pottery and ceramic designs for your home. There is much more to hunt for at this art bazaar. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Stationery Brands We Love

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Chances are you pledged way back at the beginning of the New Year to get your life more organised. In all likelihood, and we are no exception to this, you forgot all about that by February. Well, with a new season come new beginnings – for jotting down notes, making appointments, labelling dockets, and even writing a good ol’ letter (and we mean ‘handwriting’, not typing out a cold, electronic message) with the help of these stationery must-haves. Chic, functional, and fun to use, we could get used to using them all the time. And did we mention, these are all bespoke products, so get your notepads made-to-order! Something Sketchy Brainchild of Madhuvanthi Mohan, Something Sketchy is where this Mumbai-based illustrator puts her creations on products, such as notebooks, magnetic coasters, calendars and postcards, for retail. Most of her work is inspired by what she reads, watches or listens to at the time. After a brief stint in New York, where she was also featured by the Humans of New York, she came back and her work is now available in 15 stores across nine cities in India and four boutique stores in NY. From notebooks, postcards to bookmarks, we are in awe of her beautiful renditions, including works that are inspired by shows like GoT and bands such as Paramore. What We Love: Rum Coke notebook, ice-cream stick bookmarks For more, check here The Bright Log Three young ‘uns have come together and are creating waves with their fun paraphernalia at The Bright Log. The two-year-old brand’s all about intricate designs, crazy detailing, a smooth amalgamation of doodles and Indian henna work on notebooks, bags, name plates, totes and coasters. The trailblazers believe in personalised services and that’s why every notebook is unique. They are soon coming up with a new range of products including, but not limited to, cute bookmarks. PS: They ship all over India on orders above Rs 1,000 What We Love: We Are All Mad Here notebook, Thuglife bookmark For more, check here The Upcycle Project Bookmark these folks for well-designed and high utility products that are affordable. Most of their stuff is primarily made from old vinyl records and helps you do your bit in saving the environment. When the folks here are not curating DIY projects and ideas that use easily available waste, they are busy designing uber-chic stuff made with vinyl, CDs and other industrial waste. What We Love: Upcycled vinyl record document and key holder, visiting card holder For more, check here Cupick Perfect for capturing fleeting ideas or doodling on the go, their soft-cover notebooks inspire you to create something new every day, not just hoard these beauties in your drawer. They come in two size options – an A5 traveller edition and an A6 pocket edition. Another fun thing to add to your workstation while protecting the surface from water-rings is their stylish coasters. These square-shaped coasters are made from high-quality clear glossy acrylic bases and are available in sets of two and sets of four. We dig that budding artists, or anyone who can hold the pencil right, can put up their designs here and get a vast platform to sell their works. What We Love: HeisenBerg diary, Glasgow travel coasters For more, check here Little Somethings Little Somethings, founded by Shruti Chhapia, is a one-stop solution for all your stationery needs. Started as a personal project, it has grown to impress many more happy customers including kids. With one-of-a-kind stationery, such as notecards, gift tags, envelopes, notepads, sketch books, sticky notes sets, planners and many more, Little Somethings makes your daily supplies a lot more fun. All of the items in the product range can be personalised to make your stationery truly your own. They also take bulk orders, which make them perfect for gifting. Their planners sell like hot cakes and we can’t wait to get ours soon! What We Love: Weekly planner, sticky notes For more, check here Purple Prints Purple Prints is guaranteed to leave the recipient of your card with a warm smile thanks to their genius designs that have been carefully illustrated and crafted to the letter. Their personalised stationery sets are a must for every stationery lover. They also do Back To School label sets for kids! What We Love: Pocket diary, stationery sets For more, check here All That Jazz An event and design organisation, we stumbled upon some rare stationery gems here. Personalised products that are finished to perfection, they dare you to dream and turn those dreams to reality. Their personalised stationery for adults and kids alike include ribbons, tags, thank-you cards and envelopes, and are a little high-end but each design is unique to the requirements of every client. Apart from these, they also have on offer other personalised stationery, such as self-ink stamps, transparent labels, wax seal (who knew, right!), embossers and much more! What We Love: Self-ink stamps, transparent labels, wax seal For more, check here The Papier Project A gifting and stationery studio in Mumbai, The Papier Project was founded by Ayesha Wadhawan and Sanaa Jhurani. Believing in the sheer magic of penning their designs and products, the brand thrives on meticulous detailing of handcrafted legacies. So write that thank-you note, send out that paper invite and post that letter. What We Love: Personalised journals, Girl Boss stationery sets For more, check here

Weekend Getaways: Ooty

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No matter where you are from, there’s a chance you’ve heard about the capital of Nilgiris, be it from your peers over the moon from their last trip there, or shots of romantic scenes and song-and-dance sequences from typical Bollywood flicks. Uncannily beautiful and full of life, the 7,500 feet high mountains, valleys that make you want to take endless mental pictures, and the thrilling forests of Udhagamangalam, better known as Ooty, leave you wanting for more. Packed your bags already? EXPERIENCE Ooty Lake: The hub for the shootings of commercial films, TVCs and romantic song-and-dancing-around-the-trees sequences, Ooty Lake is about three kilometres away from the city centre or Ooty junction. The artificial lake is spread over an area of 65 acres and was constructed by John Sullivan, a British governor working for East India Company, in 1824. There are forest ranges, small streams and tall eucalyptus trees alongside the lake. You can go boating in a casual ferry, rowing boat or speedboat. There is a restaurant nearby that serves tea, snacks and other refreshments. Lamb’s Rock: At a distance of eight kilometres from the Coonoor junction, Lamb’s Rock offers a breathtaking and surreal view of the cloud-laden mountains, which can melt any heart. Named after the British collector Captain Lamb, the cliff has a panoramic view of the lush green village of Coonoor nestled between the mountains. There is a telescope through which you can catch a glimpse of the ravines and the Coonoor stream. Doddabetta Peak: At 8,650 feet, it is the highest peak to be found in the south of India. There are state buses, jeeps and rental cars that can take you to the spot at an affordable rate. The ideal trekking zone offers one of the most beautiful views of an entire range of the Nilgiris. There are a few small eateries near the site that offer local cuisines at cheap rates, along with special homemade chocolates. Don’t forget your binoculars! Botanical Garden: Situated near the bus stop and railway station, Ooty Botanical Garden is a state-of-the-art park – with lush green fields, fountains, serene and breezy poolside benches – and over a hundred varieties of beautiful flowers to see. Spread out over 22 hectares, it was constructed by a British architect named William Graham Mclvor in 1847. The ideal picnic spot is often crowded with photographers, families and tourists, who go there for frequent outings. You can also shop from the local art, culture and lifestyle shops, located at the entrance of the garden. Mudumalai National Park: Sixty kilometres ahead of Ooty lies this famous tiger reserve, which is also home to a bunch of birds and animal species. Some of the most common animals that can be sighted here are bison, barking deer, elephant, peacock, sambar, the Bengal tiger and leopard. The park is huge and spread over 32,155 hectares. There are rare birds like Malabar whistling thrush, grey jungle fowl, bulbul, mynah, magpie-robin, brown dove, and some migratory water birds that can also be spotted seasonally. There are jeep safaris starting at Rs 1,000 that take you through the forest for an animal spotting trip. There are other sightseeing spots like Dolphin’s Nose, Sim’s Park, Tea Factory and 6th Mile that are also worth viewing. FOOD Kwality Restaurant: Conveniently located in Coonoor, this quaint family restaurant offers an indoor seating and serves well-prepared Chinese, North Indian and South Indian foods. There are lunch and dinner buffets and a la carte facilities that cost around Rs 1,000 for two. The service is definitely worth a mention. Amma’s Kitchen: Although this multi-cuisine restaurant offers delicious Chinese, Mughlai and North Indian fare, yet the authentic Malayali and other southern Indian cuisines steal the show. There are BBQs and kebabs and the restaurant is always crowded with hungry tourists. It is situated close to the botanical garden in Ooty. A meal for two would cost you around Rs 800. WHERE TO STAY Ooty has a bunch of flexible lodging options in accordance with your budget, of which maximum are pocket-friendly. We recommend Sri Balaji Hotel if you plan to stay at Coonoor (doubles start at Rs 1,600 per night), located centrally near most of the sightseeing spots. You can also consider the option of a homestay, which might cost a few extra bucks, but nevertheless the experience will be unparalleled. In case of a homestay, try putting up at Sunvalley Homestay (doubles start at Rs 2,500 per night) at Ottupattarai near Coonoor that offers one of the most tranquil views of the green valley and tea estate, free Wi-Fi, multi-cuisine fare, bonfire and music arrangements and round-the-clock service. SHOP Apart from the pure and aromatic home-grown eucalyptus oil that reduces joint pain, there are Nilgiri tea factories that sell pure CTC tea as well as different types of flavoured tea at affordable rates. The delectable locally-made chocolates with cherries, nuts and other toppings, and organic cheese made with milk from Jersey and Holstein cows from Acres Wild, a local family-run farm-stay, are only some of the things you can check out here. Best Time To Visit: April to June How To Reach: Situated 80 kilometres north of Coimbatore, Ooty is roughly a seven-hour drive from Chennai and a four-hour drive from Bangalore. If you plan to take a train, you have to get down at Coimbatore station and catch a bus to Ooty from New Mettupalayam bus stop. There are toy trains plying at short intervals between Ooty and Coonoor that offer a memorable journey. Distance: 560 km from Chennai; 270 km from Bangalore

New In Town: March Edition

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We are tantalisingly close to long weekend looping in Holi and Good Friday (March 24th to 27th) and if you are not going out of town, it will be a pity to spend that time indoors. So give yourself and your kitchen a break to check out one of these fresh options. NOW OPEN BLOW, Church Street We can barely contain our excitement at the arrival of a proper sheesha bar in this part of town. BLOW is a god sent for hookah-olics with its cool new electric pots imported from Amsterdam, which means you don’t light them, but you charge them instead. The hookah pots are part of the decor adorning each table with colourful graffiti, and they emit as much light as they blow up smoke. It’s an added blessing that seating inside is roomy, so it doesn’t get too stuffy. The walls are done up in patterns of white, red and blue with couches and tables sporting soft prints making the place look like an English tea room. Locals have already taken a liking to their Bombay Supari, Paan Rasna and Teen Paan flavours – all priced at Rs 950. The food is a mixed affair featuring The Potato Basket (Rs 185) with fries, wedges and skins alongside Polo Pita Pockets (Rs 230) for appetisers. If you want a meatier meal, you can order the Greek Burger (Rs 260) with ground lamb patty or Chicken Breast (Rs 265) in a sauce of your choice. Price: Rs 1,000 for two Timings: 11 am to 11.30 pm Opus Out Of The Box, Whitefield Residents of Whitefield are rejoicing since Opus In The Creek reopened as Opus Out Of The Box, which was on top of everyone’s mind thanks to the Opus bus doings its musical rounds around town. The new premises surely justify the time taken to complete the renovations. We love the old Goa look and feel – fairy lights, bare wooden furniture, outdoor seating and an open bar. The music too is a great mix, as it ought to be with an exhaustive drinks menu. The food, unfortunately, fails to impress as much as the ambience. You can order staples like Chicken Wings (Rs 275) or Stuffed Mushrooms (Rs 215), but the menu is thin and slightly overpriced considering the quality. Price: Rs 1,500 for two Timings: 11 am to 11 pm Roots, Koramangala A freshly done up multi-cuisine restaurant, which are in aplenty in Koramangala, Roots has the charismatic Chef Ali to keep the kitchen in shape. The decor is contemporary with nothing much to talk about apart from the fact that you will be comfortably seated here. The food however is rather delicious and you can start with Dahi Ke Kebab (Rs 119), Gulabi Tangri (Rs 189) or melt in the mouth Lasooni Murg Tikka (Rs 179). They also make some delicious main with Malai Kofta (Rs 179), Dal Makhani (Rs 149) and Lagan Ka Murg (Rs 179) being out picks. The food is infused with original flavours and is absolutely value for money, plus they have a bar stocked with usual IMFL brands. Price: Rs 1,000 for two Timings: Noon to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 11.30 pm 38 Castle Street, Brigade Road 38 Castle Street is an actual address in London, but everything else about this new café has a whiff of Parisian style. Done up in brilliant powder blue benches with a completely white interior, the brick wall style works well for them. Start with a Flat White Coffee (Rs 95) to go with your Pain Pedro (Rs 115) – a classic French toast drizzled with cinnamon and maple syrup or you can opt for one of the heavier breakfast dishes like The Englishman (Rs 175) and the Mombasa (Rs 175) infused with African flavours. We are also in love with their Caramalised Sausages (Rs 215) and the sweet and sour Turkish Kofti (Rs 225). Price: Rs 1,200 for two Timings: 11.30 am to 11.30 pm Yauatcha Terrace, MG Road Yauatcha is already one of our favourite dim sum places in town, but we always missed a more spirited time on our visits there!That complaint has now been remedied with the recently unveiled Yauatcha Terrace, whichis their new rooftop experience with a well stocked bar and small plates. The rooftop overlooks the entire city from its centrally located vantage point has luminous brilliance. White and dark wood furniture with low slung lamps give the space (that seats 49) a rather tranquil look. Enjoy the breeze and the romantic aura of diffused lights as you sip on oriental cocktails like Lalu (Rs 550) that is vodka infused with oblong tea and lychee or Lam Peak Martini (Rs 550) with vermouth and basil in gin. Pair these with Truffle Edamame Dumplings (Rs 550), Sesame Prawn Toast (Rs 475) and Fried Chilli Squid (Rs 450) from the new menu? as well as classics like the Baked Chicken Puff (Rs 255). Price: Rs 1,800 for two Timings: 7 pm to 1 am, Friday to Sunday OPENING SOON Irish House, Whitefield Watch out – the Irish are coming and they are landing up at VR Mall in Whitefield. Expect Irish House to open its doors to the public in the first week of April. Mind you, this Irish themed watering hole is not for the light hearted, so be ready for large pegs of whiskey and massive mugs of Irish ale!

3 Restaurants to Check Out in Ooty

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We love playing the tourist, but what really gets us going at any new place is the prospect of exciting food. Though the tiffin, comprising idli, vada, sambhar and pongal was our go-to meal at the Nilgiris, there were occasions when we craved something else. If you are planning on visiting Ooty or its neighbouring spots during this long weekend, here are our reccos. Place To Bee What used to be the first ever bee museum in the country is now a restaurant located on the first floor of a quaint homely building. The charming restaurant, with a narrow corridor that doubles up as the alfresco dining area, still holds the cause of bee conservation close to their heart, which can be seen through informational wall arts, murals and a section showcasing documentaries, all dedicated to the humble bee. On offer are Italian and Continental specialities, but what caught our eye was that most of the dishes follow the Slow Food movement, which began in Italy as an alternative to fast food, and few dishes were prepared using ingredients mentioned in the Ark of Taste, an international catalogue of endangered heritage foods. Of the offerings, Roast Chicken Leg (Rs 330), with fall-off-the-bone chicken was a tad sweet for us, owing to the honey in the marinade, but was hearty nonetheless. However, what we really enjoyed was the flavourful Ragi Crepe with Leeks and Zucchini (Rs 250) which, along with multiple cups of Tulsi Chai (Rs 40), kept us warm on a cold night. They are also famous for their wood-fired pizzas that come with either marinara or Margherita base. For souvenirs, check out Green Shop on the ground floor that promotes and stocks organic and fair trade products. Where: 176/A Club Road Price: Rs 800 for two Timings: 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays) For more, check here Nahar#39;s Sidewalk Café A favourite with boarding school students and tourists, the cafe specialises in continental fare, albeit vegetarian. Situated in the bustling Charring Cross, the ground floor in-house restaurant of Nahar Residency Hotel has bright green interiors that are definitely different from other joints in the area. You’d be tempted by the pastry and chocolate counter at the entrance, but we suggest you head in for some savoury goodness. Though they are known for their burgers and wood-fired pizzas, we were huge fans of their soups as well, of which their version of French Onion (Rs 175) and Leek and Potato (Rs 175) were instant hits. Pizza fans can try their thin-crust Café Special (Rs 265 onwards) or the fail-safe Margherita (Rs 225 onwards). If you are still stuck on dessert, head to the parlour and select from the specials of the day. Where: 52 A, Charring Cross Price: Rs 800 for two Timings: 11 am to 10.30 pm For more, check here The Culinarium We have saved the best for the last. An absolute gem, the restaurant overlooks the tea gardens and an in-progress lavender field and is located at Ketti, mid-way between Ooty and Coonoor. While the above-mentioned restaurants might not pass the muster for authentic European fare, this one does with its selections of patisserie items, fresh sorbets and some brilliant mains. The all-white décor with turquoise highlights and wooden flooring also houses the only Sue London franchisee in the country, and on the lower floor is a Pony Needle Craft Store. From the patisserie, Vegetable Croissant (Rs 150), a fresh burst of vegetables and cheese sandwiched between a croissant, and Sausage Roll (Rs 120) are good bets for small eats. But if you want to go full throttle, go straight for Grilled Beef Tenderloin (Rs 770), with either of these sauces – green peppercorn, creamy mushroom or cognac. Served with a side of mash and a beautiful cut of meat, it’s a bit heavy on the pocket but a perfectly indulgent holiday meal. Light eaters can try Spanakopita (Rs 240), spinach and feta stuffed filo pastry, or one of their many soups and salads. Most of their desserts are displayed at the parlour, making it extremely difficult to skip. Our picks were the crumbly Strawberry Tart (Rs 150) and a freshly churned out scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream (Rs 100). Where: No. 7/75B, NH 67, Ooty–Coonoor Main Road, Yellanahalli, Ketti Price: Rs 1,800 Timings: 10 am to 10 pm For more details, check here

Personalise Your Gifts

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Looking to pick up something for yourself or buy a gift for someone special? Personalised items ensure you stand out from the herd. The trend has become quite popular these days, so we’ve rounded up some innovative and quirky products that you should take for the next party you attend. NIANA If you are fans of pretty scented candles like us, Niana is a brand that should be on the top of your list. Started in 2010, Niana makes luxuriously scented candles from soy bean, which is biodegradable and does not emit toxic fumes. Using essential oils, their candles come in a variety of scents inspired from flowers, spices and fruits. The brand also offers customisation options through their bespoke division. If you have a particular fragrance in mind or would like them to create something that will be uniquely yours, they’ll be happy to work with you and create something keeping your taste in mind. Packaging, specific needs and budget are taken into consideration, and we think these candles would make for perfect party favours. Price: Rs 800 onwards Click here to shop THE NIGHT SUIT CO Sweet dreams become sweeter when you are dressed in cute pyjamas for the night. The Night Suit Co designs beautiful nightwear sets for men, women and kids that come in a variety of colours. The cute and quirky patterns make their pyjamas perfect for those who like to sleep in style. You can personalise the night suits by getting your names embossed or stitched on them, or anything you prefer, for that matter. Couple pyjama sets are quite popular and if you are a family with kids, we suggest you go all out and get matching ones made for everyone! Additionally, they also have towels and bathrobes, which too can be customised. Price: Rs 990 onwards Call +919892422174 for orders TRUNKS OF JOY Ruhani Arora’s Trunks of Joy is a collection of quirky trunks that come in all sizes – from little ones you can pack your makeup in to larger ones that are perfect for a bride’s trousseau. In brightly coloured florals, pastels and India-inspired patterns, her trunks are also great for home décor. Arora will also happily customise the trunks for any occasion – baby showers, wedding gifts or anything under the sun. And, to truly make one of these pretty trunks your very own, ask her to paint your name on it and she will happily oblige. Price: Rs 1,500 onwards Call +919910643341 for orders STITCH A WISH Stitch a Wish offers odds and ends, all with the option of personalising them. From bath towel and bathrobe sets for couples to embroidered handkerchiefs and bibs for the little ones, the products make for pretty little collectibles. You can get your name, initials or any message you wish for embroidered on the product. We particularly love their collection of bags for the tiny tots that come with their names embroidered on it! Price: Rs 800 onwards Call +919971944662 for orders CONFETTISH Personalised party banners, chocolate wrappers, badges, mugs, tags, card holders, towels, cards, baskets, stationery and clothes – the list of products available at Confesttish is endless. Their motto is to cater to all kinds of occasions and that’s exactly where they win – from weddings and baby showers to birthdays and other special days, they have gifts for everything. You can always get your name printed on the pre-existing designs they have or if you are the creative type and have an idea of your own, they’ll happily work it out for you. PS: The Hangover Kit is an absolute must if your parties are anything like ours! Price: Rs 140 onwards Click here to shop

4 Stores For Antique Collectors

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We hear so much talk about contemporary furniture, which is often multi-purpose to save space in our ever-shrinking urban homes. Antiques are for mansions and farm houses, we think, their majestic presence accentuated by the space around them. However, there is no thumb rule stating antiques cannot belong in smaller, more compact homes. After all, one classic piece adds so much more radiance to a home. And these antique stores in the city are redefining classic furniture for contemporary homes. Dhakshini Antiques, Ulsoor Dhakshini Antiques is one of the oldest antique stores in the city – they take pride in surviving and growing for the quarter of a century without the help of advertising. All credit goes to Preetha Chandrasekaran, whose calling for old south Indian antiques was set into motion by road trips to Madurai. Preetha sourced her first antiques from these trips with her family way back in 1989. She then learnt the art of restoration from some skilled antique restorers. Now, Preetha designs antiques with contemporary use – even while designing something new, she uses only reclaimed wood and metal to retain the original texture of the pieces. Dhakshini also renovates and restores old pieces on order. We took a distinct liking to their ‘spin around’ bookshelf made of teakwood and also the period panel bookshelf with carvings of meen or fish on it. Cost: Rs 10,000 onwards Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Sundays closed) For more, call 080-65600550 or check here The Vintage Shop, Old Airport Road The Vintage Shop stemmed from the personal collection of a veteran Bangalorean and Josephite, Amar Mangharam. The antique store started operations in 1996 and there has been no looking back since. While you may want to come here for the larger pieces, like the exquisitely carved cabinets, the ornate teak desks or the luxurious arm chairs, the smaller pieces here caught our fancy. The Buddha collection in particular is affordable as well as classy. And the new range of nostalgic newsstands will make you want to go back to reading papers instead of switching on an app. For perks, they have some original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma but, unfortunately, they are not for sale! Cost: Rs 10,000 onwards Timings: 10 am to 7 pm For more, call 080-25278777 or check here Artefacts, Victoria Road This is an antique store that will delight purists – original and traditional antiques, nothing more or less. It would be apt to describe the store as a visual treat – the ancient-looking child’s rocking horse, four-poster temple stands, wooden door carvings, plenty of chests, mother-of-pearl inlaid chairs and much more. The influence of south Indian temple art is obvious in most of the pieces, except the enamel crockery stand – these colourful pieces hail from Czechoslovakia! Artefacts also stocks some reproductions of famous paintings. They have an online presence too, so you can order antiques online. Cost: Rs 5,000 onwards Timings: 10 am to 7 pm (Sundays closed) For more, call 080-25560987 or check here The Amara Store, Koramangala If vintage is your style, Amara’s collection will be to your taste. Be it period furniture from the coffers of southern India, paintings, sandalwood collectables, brassware or engraved hand-bells, the authenticity of the antiques justifies their price. Amara has a huge collection of Mysore and Tanjore paintings, some of them done by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Ramanujam. They are also very big on sculpture – the majestic elephant as the royal ride, polychrome Garuda, and sculpted Natraja paan daan were some of them that stood out. They also have interesting costumes like the Theyyam dance gear from Kerala and Bhuta masks. Cost: 15,000 onwards Timings: 10.30 am to 8 pm (Tuesdays closed) For more, call 080-40973747 or check here

Meaty Midnight Deliveries

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The clock strikes 12 and its time to leave the party, Cinderella – but wait, have you been so busy dancing that you forgot to feed yourself? No problem, says an app on your smartphone showing options that are either overpriced or uninspiring, and often both. You are not unimaginative like the sandwich type and you know from experience that late night delivery boxes mostly arrive with stale food. So, if you want nothing more than box full of smoking hot meaty treats in the wee hours, then you should try these two new food delivery options in town. KICK OUT THE JAMS What happens when foodies who love bacon get together? Well, they cook up amazing food and serve it to other baconators. Kick Out The Jams was conceived and started by four such crazy food-lovers. It is a restaurant and a food delivery service based out of Koramangala, which primarily serves burgers. They also serve pizza by the slice and pasta for the hungry bunnies. It is quite a surprise to receive well-packed and hot food at midnight; but when we got over that and opened the clip-on box, the aroma of well-cooked meat just doubled our hunger. We hear that The Chewbacca (Rs 280), the beef steak burger is the star of their menu, but Wimpy Joe (Rs 220), with its ground beef patty wrapped in bacon, is a personal favourite. Coming to their raison d’être – bacon – The Aporkalyse (Rs 280) with its pulled pork patty is a must-try. Don’t like red meat? Try The Mouthgasm (Rs 180), their signature BBQ chicken burger, or The Chipwrecked (Rs 200) that is the best fish and tartar burger on the menu. Fret not vegetarians, for there is A Missed-steak (Rs 160) for you with a well-intended pun. The Michelangelo (Rs 150 per slice) with its crisp pepperoni is our favourite among the pizzas, and Puff Puff Pasta (Rs 220), with its cheese and bacon extravaganza, is our pick from the pastas. You sweet tooth shall not go to bed unsatiated – call for the sinfully delicious Chocolate Caramel Pastry (Rs 120) or Blueberry Cheesecake (Rs 70).  You can avail of their services anytime between 8 pm and 2 am; keep in mind that they do not want to be known as a late-night delivery only. You can always order an early supper from them and settle down with your Netflix on a day you feel like eating in bed. They are operational in Koramangala, Indiranagar, HSR Layout and BTM Layout. Price: Rs 500 for two Timings: 8 pm to 2 am To order, call on 9035321762 or check here. MIDNIGHT MEAT TREAT When you hear that monstrous growl from your tummy at the middle of the night and raiding the kitchen seems like a futile exercise, try calling Midnight Meat Treat. Serving up a small but interesting range of meat-based dishes, this delivery service specifically operates at night. Their motto is to serve quality food at the dead of the night safely; especially for women who cannot take to the streets as easily as men in the late hours. Started by Vinod Viswanath and Remo Peter, this delivery service has a menu that doesn’t quite comprise staples. Their Veal Kebab (Rs 150) is a definite winner with its smoky flavour. The saucy Pork Vindaloo (Rs 200), with a choice of roti or flavoured rice, will give the high-end Goan restaurants a run for their money. If you like pork, try Pork Chops (Rs 250) and Pork Sausage with Bacon Burger (Rs 250) – they are worth every dime you spend. There are also a couple of weekend special dishes that keep changing every week. They operate between 9 pm and 4 am in and around Kammanahalli and Indiranagar. Price: Rs 400 for two Timings: 9 pm to 4 am, Mondays closed To order, call on 9986608422 or check here.

3 Homegrown Chocolates We Can’t Get Enough Of

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Unlike the mass produced, saccharine blocks of milk solids and sugar sold OTC, artisanal chocolates are a labour of love. With a hands on approach to their craft — from picking the cacao beans or choosing the cocoa powder to designing the packaging — we’ve found a few chocolatiers who turn biting into a bar of chocolate into a decadent experience. Plus, they are all homegrown so they fit well with the whole #MakeInIndia wave too! Mason Co Run by husband and wife team, Jane and Fabien, Mason Co started as a kitchen experiment and has now turned into a small artisanal enterprise. The Auroville based brand was one of the first in India to implement the bean-to-bar concept where the chocolate is made from cacao beans locally sourced from organic certified farmers. Hand wrapped in colourful yet minimalistic packaging, the bars come in several variations including peppermint, peanut butter, roasted sesame, and espresso as well as plain semi-sweet (65%), bitter-sweet (75%) and dark (85%) chocolate. The famer first brand also innovates based on the seasonal produce available, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for news on limited edition varieties. In addition, they offer consulting services to anyone seriously interested in the business of chocolate-making, and even organise factory visits on request. Price: Starting from Rs 235 Order here or click here for the store locator All Things A casual glance at the All Things’ menu and the beautifully designed packaging is enough to tell you that co-owners Kuhu Kochar and Tejasvi Chandela have put plenty of soul into their brand, which is based out of Gurgaon. Made from premium cocoa, the chocolate draws inspiration from various muses ranging from special occasions to travel destination and even the elements. There’s something for every mood — so for those with itchy feet, All Things Jaipur (a rich blend of whiskey and dark chocolate) is perfect; if you’re eager for a break then All Things Tropical (single origin Madagascar chocolate with a passion fruit ganache centre) might help you imagine yourself lounging in a hammock shaded by palm fronds; and for a case of the Mondays, there’s All Things Monday (with nuts, oats, rasins and maple syrup) for an energy boost. We love the umami quality of the All Things Water (dark chocolate with a hit of sea salt) and became obsessed with the truffle box they introduced around V-Day. New variations are added monthly, so keep a look out. Most recently, a collaboration with clothing brand péro by Aneeth Arora, has resulted in All Things Checkered — a dark chocolate with lemon and poppy seed creation — made to complement the label’s Pipi Longstocking inspired Autumn/Winter ’16 collection that debuted at Amazon India Fashion Week. Price: Starting from Rs 330 Order here Earth Loaf Headed by David Belo and Angelika Anangnostou — both have a background in the FB industry — Mysore-based Earth Loaf takes its artisanal tag really seriously. The chocolate is lovingly crafted in small batches and all of it is made from single-origin cacao sourced from Varanashi Farms in Karnataka. Hand screened, hand tempered and hand filled – even the wrapping is silk screen printed by hand courtesy artisans in Mysore. Flavours include raw dark chocolate (72%), smoked salt and almond and gondhoraj and apricot amongst others. Also on offer are bon bons (available in chai masala and tiramisu), laddoos and truffles, as well as cacao teas and infusions. Price: Starting from Rs 270 Order here 

Cook Up An Ugadi Feast

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Known by different names across the Deccan region (from Andhra to Goa), Ugadi is celebrated  during the last week of March or first week of April. This year, Ugadi (or Yugadi as it is known in Karnataka) is being celebrated on April 8th in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It marks the beginning of the New Year and is considered one of the most auspicious days in their calendar. From buying a new car or house to even getting married – Ugadi is a popular day to start something new, which explains the name that comes from the Sanskrit words Yuga meaning age and Adi aka beginning.   Since it’s a great time to get together with family and friends over food, we’ve rounded up some simple recipes you can try at home. UGADI PACHADI While Pachadi translates as a kind of pickle or chutney and varies based on ingredients, on Ugadi it is a kind of juice served to all family members. A special characteristic of the Pachadi is its mix of flavours – sweet, sour, spicy, tangy, salty and bitter. These represent happiness (jaggery), disgust (tamarind), anger (chillies), fear (salt), surprise (mango) and sadness (neem flowers) as all the flavours of life. Ingredients - 100 grams tamarind (varies according to how thick you want the consistency to be) - 200 grams powdered chana dal (Fried Bengal Gram)  - 200 grams grated jaggery - ½ tablespoon neem flower petals - 1 tablespoon cashew (finely chopped) - 1 tablespoon raw mango (finely chopped) - A handful of diced coconut - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ or ¼ teaspoon pepper Method - Add jaggery to the tamarind juice and mix till it’s completely dissolved. - Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. - Refrigerate and serve chilled. BOORALU Booralu is a type of sweet pakoda. Ingredients - 1/2 cup urad dal (Black Gram) -1 cup rice -1 cup chana dal (Bengal Gram) -1 cup jaggery (grated) - 3/4 tsp cardamom powder - 1/3 or ¼ cup of coconut (grated) - Salt to taste - Oil for frying Method For the outer covering - Soak the black gram dal with rice overnight. - Drain the soaked mixture and grind it by adding a bit of water till it develops a consistency similar to a dosa batter, -  Add a pinch of salt, cover and set aside. For the filling - Soak chana dal for some time (around 20 minutes) before adding water (around 4-5 cups) and cooking till it becomes a paste. - Grind the mixture and keep aside. - In a pan, add the jaggery to water until it’s completely dissolved. - Then add the ground chana dal, coconut and cardamom to the mixture before leaving it to cool down to a dough consistency. - Using your hands, mould the dough into small bite sized balls and dip these in the previously made urad dal batter. - Deep fry till golden brown and serve hot with after or during the meal. MAMIDIKAYA PULIHORA Another Ugadi staple is Lemon Rice or Tamarind Rice, known locally as Pulihora. In some homes, a variation with raw mango is made called Mamidikaya Pulihora. Ingredients - 2 cups white rice - 1 cup grated raw green mango (peeled) - 1 tablespoons roasted peanuts - 1/2 tablespoons roasted cashews - Salt to taste - 11/2 tablespoon oil - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon chana dal - 1 tablespoon urad dal - 3-4 dry red chillies (can be reduced in number) - 2-3 green chillies - 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida -1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder - Curry leaves Method - Cook the rice and keep it separately. - Heat the oil and mustard seeds before adding chana dal and urad dal, and cooking on medium heat.   - Add the red chillies, green chillies, grated ginger, curry leaves, turmeric powder and asafoetida to this. - Mix the grated mango and cook for a few minutes before adding in roasted peanuts and cashews. - Add cooked rice and salt to taste. - Serve with Pulusu or Pachadi Recipes Courtesy: sailusfood.com and chefandherkitchen.com  

Ta Koh

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Mamagoto has just come up with a new variety of soft shell tacos filled with zesty Asian flavours at their Taco festival called Ta Koh. When a dish is of Asian origin but challenges the boundaries of Asian cook books, then they are called modern Asian. The tacos that will be served during this festival are cooked with Asian ingredients but the cooking method prepare them is very different. Watch out for specials including Porky, Prawny, Ducky, Craby and Tofuish Ta-Kohs! If you are vegetarian, you can try the Mushroomy or Cheesy flatbreads as well.

EU Film Festival

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EU Film Festival has returned to India with 24 new award-winning films from the continent. The festival opens in Delhi on May 27th and then goes on to cover the cities - Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Jodhpur finally wrapping up on August 14th. This year, some of the highlights of this festival will be Scouting for Zebras which is Belgian film about which basically explores the scouting of football talent on the streets. The Italian masterpiece, My Name Is Maya - a day exploring Rome and all its colourful characters will change the like of two runaway girls forever. Luxemburg has pitched in with Dead Man Talking that chronicles the events around a forty-year- old William Lamers who is an anonymous criminal sentenced to death for murder. There are several other films that cineacs can get high on including Block 12, Michiel de Ruyter, Cats Don#39;t Have Vertigo and Sailing to Paradise. In Bangalore, the festival will be hosted at Alliance Francaise, Suchitra Theatre, Goethe Institut and the British Council. Entry will be granted on first come first serve basis. The full schedule for the EUFF will be available shortly, here.

Si Bangalore M'etait Conte

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Architect by profession but illustrator by passion, that is who Archana Narendran is. And her work has inspired this session of Si Bangalore M#39;était Conté. Archana is currently based out of Bangalore, her artworks depict snapshots of moments frozen in time. She usually ractices pen rendering for creating her works. The city is constant state of change and she is part of it. But sometimes, while travelling through the busy streets, she feels the urge to capture a particular place in that moment – so she sketches and highlights her artwork with watercolour. The paint is used as reference points in her sketches - like a red wall or a pink balloon flying by. Her work will be put up on display in June. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Dohar: Live

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If there is one folk band in India who has got their shit right, then it has to be Dohar. Hailing from Bengal, this 8-piece band comprises of Kalikaprasad Bhattacharya, Rajib Das, Amit Sur, Satyajit Sarkar, Mriganabhi Chattopadhyay, Rittik Guchait, Sudipto Chakraborty and Niranjan Halder. They play more that 25 very unique rustic instruments and dabble in a wide range of folk musical genres - Baul, Bhatiyali (East Bengal), Bhawaiya, Chatka (North Bengal), Jhumur (South Bengal), Saarigaan(songs of boat racing, harvesting etc) Jaari gaan (songs in the memory of kaarvala, sung in Muharram month of Muslim calendar), Gaajan/Charak(music devoted to Lord Shiva), Dhamail-geet (festival songs) and Bihu-Kamrupi (Assam) to name a few. Watch them perform live in the city for the first time. Price: Rs 200 to Rs 499 Tickets available on BookMyShow

Samaikya

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This 80-seater restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.   DÉCOR   Though Samaikya is positioned as a casual dining restaurant, the décor is somewhere in between casual and fine dining. Pink furniture adds a pop of colour to the interiors and creates a youthful vibe. We sat by the big glass window with ample natural light flooding in, as we gazed upon the handicraft figurines displayed on the walls.   FOOD Though highly subjective, a rasam is a good way to test a chef’s mettle, and their Natu Kodi Rasam was well seasoned. It was a country chicken broth to prepare ourselves for the meal ahead. For starters, the manager recommended the Kodi Roast and the Korameenu Roast. The grilled chicken had succulent pieces of meat and was well prepared. It will definitely appeal to people who prefer their food moderately spiced. The Korameenu Roast was a fresh-water fish, well-spiced and flavourful, cooked to optimum. For mains, we opted for a prawns thali called Royallu Bhojanam that had rotis, prawn fry, prawn curry, two vegetables, rice, daal, rasam, curd and payasam. This was more than adequate for one person, though the prawns could have been fresher. We also ordered some Ulavacharu Kodi Koora, Mamidikai Pappu and steamed rice. The Mamidikai Pappu is a raw mango daal that came with a generous amount of ghee floating on top and was one of the best we have had till date. The Ulavacharu Kodi Koora was a chicken gravy dish meant to be enjoyed with rice or roti. It is one of their specialties and was highly-recommended by the manager. We didn’t like it too much though, as the flavour of cinnamon was way too overpowering. To a great degree, the use of cinnamon in Andhra cuisine is rare, and the Ulavacharu Kodi Koora was a new experience for all of us. The breakfast menu is equally tempting as they have most of the authentic Andhra breakfast dishes like Pesarattu, Punugulu, and Guntur Idli. On weekends, they also have Paya with sponge dosa.     SERVICE The server was well-versed with all the dishes, and when we asked for the Bommidala Pulusu, he was aware that the kitchen had not received fresh stocks and was alert enough to recommend other options.   PLUS AND MINUS This is a welcome addition in the developing HSR Layout area. Its proximity to the Outer Ring Road should make it easy for people to take a short detour for good food. Breakfast starts at 6.30 am, which is a very strategic time for working folks to get an authentic Andhra breakfast.    Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.    

Esplanade

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A slice of Kolkata in the heart of Bangalore, Esplanade takes you off on to the foodways reminiscent of a certain era. Decor You have to be observant lest you miss this place. It is on the floor above a lounge.The decor is restrained with wooden beams, panels and comfortable seating areas partitioned by wrought iron grills. The elegant lighting and old Calcutta photographs will take through time capsule to the era of Zamindars and Nawabs without being too gaudy and loud. Food We were expecting sumptuous and elegant Bengali cuisine when we planned to visit the refurbished Esplanade, the new kid in the crowded restaurant space of Indiranagar. But in its new avatar this restaurant has taken a giant leap in representing not only authentic Bengali cuisine but also showcasing the popular dishes from the famed eateries of Central Calcutta.The menu has been influenced by the many cultures including Anglo Indians of Free School Street and Park Street, Chinese quarters of Tangra and the legacy of Nawabs in the bylanes of Chitpur and Gardenridge. For the starters, we tried Chanar Paturi and classic Fish fry- a thick slice of boneless Sea Bass(Bhetki) was fried perfectly in a thin batter served with the quintessential Bengali favourite Kashundi (Mustard Sauce).We sampled the old-time club favourite Chicken a la kiev which had a perfect crispy outer coating and a soft butter core, served with vegetables and mashed potato, it felt like you are dining in a popular eatery of Park Street.The menu offers some classic Tangra Chinese, Mughlai and Bengali fare.The Mutton Rezala with a hint of #39;meetha attar#39; brought out the subtlety of flavour, the Hilsa marinated in mustard sauce tastes as authentic as any Bengali household will serve.We gave the regular fare of Luchi, Begun Bhaja, Kalia, Chanar Dalna, Kosha Manghso a miss but if you are missing Bengali homestyle food you will not be disappointed. Even if you are full to the brim, one cannot afford to miss the nolen gurer icecream, which is absolutely a delight to the taste buds.Also try the Rossogollar Payesh, which is served in a small earthen vessel. Service Service was a bit scratchy compared to the fantastic food that was offer. Our waiter couldnt explain a few of the dishes and had to seek the help of kitchen staff to find out how a particular dish would taste or be presented. Plus and Minus Esplanade is a homecoming for the Bengali diaspora and others who would want to try this structured cuisine.The Tangra Chinese part of the menu needs some tweaking.  

The Open Box

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If quirky and experimental food interests your palate, then The Open Box is a must-visit DECOR The venue is eclectic with multiple seating areas in themes that run from traditional bar and diner styles, to black-and-white checks, outdoor-sy swings and garden chairs, and a mezzanine floor that serves as a sky deck. We loved the snooker table for cue enthusiasts, the eye-catching world map made with green patches, the calendar-style menu and the quirky décor all around that lends a happy vibe to the place. FOOD The Open Box kitchen combines Indian and global cuisines. So, there are experimental dishes like Pork Ribs Vindaloo and Hummosa, (broken samosa with hummus). The vast menu is set on a calendar with choices changing every month, but if you find it all a bit overwhelming, ask the cheerful staff for help, like we did. We tried a variety of cocktails like Drip Me Tight, (served like a saline drip), Cuban Goli (in a banta bottle) and traditional options like Chardonnay and a non-alcoholic Chilli Grape Juice. TOB Sharbat, made with watermelon, roohafza, white rum and a hint of chilli wowed our taste buds. An array of dishes came to our table in unconventional ways - in cutting chai glasses, pressure cookers, camping utensils and wooden boxes. The Wings 65 and Ribs Vindaloo had a nice experimental touch, but the masalas somehow did not get inside the cross-section of the meat. On the other hand, the Hummosa evoked a resounding wow from all at the table. The Crispy Fried Lotus Stem in Som Tam Kamal Kakadi was another exciting interpretation of the well-known salad. Pet Se Momos were a hit at our table, and the filling of Thai Chicken Curry was a pleasant surprise. Some of the dishes were too contrived, like the Phirangi Paani (pani puri with chilled avocado soup), Tunday Kabab on Toasted bread and Meri Cheese Teri Chilli - the humble mirchi bajji with a twist of cheese filling sounded more exciting than it tasted. Kolkata By Trawler — jhal muri with prawns - was another variation that worked. In the mains, Chicken Fettusuey, a take on Burmese Khow Suey and Fettuccine fared well. TOB Cheese Cake is a good way to round off an elaborate meal. SERVICE The service is competent and courteous. Food and beverages were served at regular intervals throughout the time we spent there. PLUS AND MINUS The Open Box is an exciting concept with a prime location, experimental menu, good service and ambience. A wide range of diners will find it a good hangout to spend an afternoon or evening with friends, family or that special someone. However, the food has more focus on the presentation than taste. While some of the experiments yielded great results for the palate, some failed to impress. MUST TRY: Pet Se Momos, Hummosa and Fettusuey Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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