fter tasting success with Post 91, the Chandavarkar duo – Prafful and Cheeru – recently launched Grappa Garden, at their popular restaurant in Koregoan Park with much fanfare. Situated between a slew of boutiques and eateries, the bistro with its quaint dining spaces, impressive European cuisine and exotic desserts draws in foodies and wine connoisseurs in large numbers.
As the name suggests, Grappa Garden is a place where you can chill with your friends over good food and wine. Highlighting its features, Shrijith Ravindran, manager, says, “The joint can be compared to a wine garden where one can enjoy a variety of wines and single malts. Infact, we are the only place which serves a large number of single malts , as well as all brands of international wines.” The a-la-carte menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.
“We serve all sorts of meat, which are are imported from abroad. Even the ingredients which go into making the dish are chosen with great care,” reveals Ravindran. There is a plethora of starters, soups, salads, main courses and delectable desserts to choose from. Headlining the starters were all time favourites like Crostini, Bruschetta, Calamri, Pan Roasted Prawns, Cheese and Chicken Pepperoni Melts. For the main course, one can choose from Parma wrapped Chicken, Lamb chops, Rib eye steak, Filet Mignon, Homemade vegetable Cannelloni, Asparagus Mint lemon Risotto, Roasted garlic Lamb with lemon potatoes and so on.
To satiate the sweet tooth one can try the scrumptious desserts like Blackberry Syllabub, Black Forest Bavarios, Tiramisu and Chocolate Zucchini cake. “Through our eatery, we have tried to present European delicacies in a contemporary space. We have tried to bring forth the nuances of perfectly done starters , a well made pizza and a succulent steak here,” says Ravindran.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Act against oil mafia
The way the authorities have been prompt and efficient in dealing with additional collector Yeshwant Sonawan's killing and the oil mafia is commendable. In a single swoop, they seized two lakh litres of adulterated fuel in Mumbai. As many as 200 hideouts across the state were closed down. The authorities arrested 235 persons in 48 hours. More raids are planned, more culprits will be put behind bars and more gallons of adulterated fuel will be confiscated. The government has hit the oil mafia hard.
But does all this action mean that the authorities were aware knowing all the of the mafia activity and hideouts? Did they know the places where adulteration was rampant and on a massive scale?And still they didn't act until they faced a major loss of face? Doesn't seem improbable. Or else, how could the authorities have raided so many places simultaneously?
They are more questions to be answered. What emboldened the mafia members not to think twice before setting an additional collector on fire? Can they think of such a step unless they have got away with murder for years? How strong are their links with the officials? What allowed them to do whatever they pleased and be protected from the law? Has this happened because officials have been compromising themselves in the past? Is such a brazen murder a spasmodic action as the raids that followed?
The roads leading to Panewadi, where Sonawane was killed, is lined with high walls, thus concealing from public view the illegal hoarding of fuel. Trucks from major oil depots were routinely parked behind these walls and fuel adulterated. The world knew about this activity, but not the authorities. Were the authorities really clueless about the oil mafia activity? How serious are the authorities about the present line of action against the mafia? Will they persist with it?
Everyone knew that Sonawane's assailant Popat Shinde's writ ran in the area. He must have enjoyed the blessings of some influential politicians, and bureaucrats and police officials. Who were they? The role of government agencies in letting the illegal trade flourish must be investigated properly. But I am sure and most of the people in the region fear, that in a matter of a few days, all the show of action against the oil mafia will stop. And everything will go back to the good old days, as if nothing objectionable has ever happened.
But does all this action mean that the authorities were aware knowing all the of the mafia activity and hideouts? Did they know the places where adulteration was rampant and on a massive scale?And still they didn't act until they faced a major loss of face? Doesn't seem improbable. Or else, how could the authorities have raided so many places simultaneously?
They are more questions to be answered. What emboldened the mafia members not to think twice before setting an additional collector on fire? Can they think of such a step unless they have got away with murder for years? How strong are their links with the officials? What allowed them to do whatever they pleased and be protected from the law? Has this happened because officials have been compromising themselves in the past? Is such a brazen murder a spasmodic action as the raids that followed?
The roads leading to Panewadi, where Sonawane was killed, is lined with high walls, thus concealing from public view the illegal hoarding of fuel. Trucks from major oil depots were routinely parked behind these walls and fuel adulterated. The world knew about this activity, but not the authorities. Were the authorities really clueless about the oil mafia activity? How serious are the authorities about the present line of action against the mafia? Will they persist with it?
Everyone knew that Sonawane's assailant Popat Shinde's writ ran in the area. He must have enjoyed the blessings of some influential politicians, and bureaucrats and police officials. Who were they? The role of government agencies in letting the illegal trade flourish must be investigated properly. But I am sure and most of the people in the region fear, that in a matter of a few days, all the show of action against the oil mafia will stop. And everything will go back to the good old days, as if nothing objectionable has ever happened.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
For some Delightenment!
If you are planning to do up your place in a colourful mode, check out the new extension of Either Or store — Either Or Delightenment. The store which was launched two weeks back boasts of colourful accessories, linen, ceramics and other bric-a-bracs. One of the partners of the store, Ritika Tickoo says, “Either Or Delightenment is an extension of the core philosophy of the parent store. It is about bringing people together. Once a client walks in, he/she can air their views and give us their feedback. For that, we have made this an interactive space. There is a food alcove, an audio-visual corner, and spaces for art exhibitions and creative workshops. You can compare it with travel shows, like a sharing space of creative energies of artists, NGOs or freelance designers.”
Everything the store has to offer is displayed on the wooden shelves. So, you just have to scan the shelves and zero in on the accessories that perfectly compliment your home, or you!
The store is all about colour and vibranacy. Elaborating on the collection, Tickoo says, “We have completed 12 years in the city. So, as the celebration of entering into the 13th year, we have introduced a new series of special products, fondly called — Utchki. It means ‘hiccup’ in Marathi. The range is all about celebrating the Maharastrian way of life, culture, performance in a hip, chic way. In short, the range is all about blending cultures.”
Under this vibrant series, there are three special displays. Check out the cushions and bags where traditional motifs have been embossed and painted. The bags have paintings of girls in traditional Maharastrian jewellery.
Once you have finished browsing through the bag section, check out the colour coordinated items of the well known design house Freedom Tree. On display are ceramics, accessories and bed linens. The USP of the collection is that it is funky, trendy and suited to the taste of the present generation.
In the other corner of the store is Winter Garden — where the designs of a textile artist are showcased. The sarees, stoles, kurtis and shawls are made from a variety of textiles. There is a special feel and touch to it. As for the designs and prints, there is a juxtaposition of kanthas, kalamkari work with block prints and so on. The stoles are availavble in jacquard and in a variety of flowery prints.
Reveals Tikoo, “These colourful stoles can be worn over a coat or can be tied into a knot to give that special effect.” The prices of these products start from Rs 50 and can go upto a couple of thousands rupees.
As for its future plans, Tickoo plans to upgrade the stock every month. “We plan to launch new products every month that will portray the Maharastrian culture,” informs Tickoo.
Everything the store has to offer is displayed on the wooden shelves. So, you just have to scan the shelves and zero in on the accessories that perfectly compliment your home, or you!
The store is all about colour and vibranacy. Elaborating on the collection, Tickoo says, “We have completed 12 years in the city. So, as the celebration of entering into the 13th year, we have introduced a new series of special products, fondly called — Utchki. It means ‘hiccup’ in Marathi. The range is all about celebrating the Maharastrian way of life, culture, performance in a hip, chic way. In short, the range is all about blending cultures.”
Under this vibrant series, there are three special displays. Check out the cushions and bags where traditional motifs have been embossed and painted. The bags have paintings of girls in traditional Maharastrian jewellery.
Once you have finished browsing through the bag section, check out the colour coordinated items of the well known design house Freedom Tree. On display are ceramics, accessories and bed linens. The USP of the collection is that it is funky, trendy and suited to the taste of the present generation.
In the other corner of the store is Winter Garden — where the designs of a textile artist are showcased. The sarees, stoles, kurtis and shawls are made from a variety of textiles. There is a special feel and touch to it. As for the designs and prints, there is a juxtaposition of kanthas, kalamkari work with block prints and so on. The stoles are availavble in jacquard and in a variety of flowery prints.
Reveals Tikoo, “These colourful stoles can be worn over a coat or can be tied into a knot to give that special effect.” The prices of these products start from Rs 50 and can go upto a couple of thousands rupees.
As for its future plans, Tickoo plans to upgrade the stock every month. “We plan to launch new products every month that will portray the Maharastrian culture,” informs Tickoo.
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