Barnalee Handique visits Taste of India, a gourmet haunt for authentic Indian fare, and recommends it to youngsters who want to relish some good food keeping their pocket money under consideration
Just round the corner from the heavy hustle and bustle of the schizoid traffic of Vimanagar, near Dattaray Chowk, is this tiny little eatery, Taste of India. As the name implies, the restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and has earned itself a reputation of serving the best desi dishes in the locality.
Situated in an industrial area, Taste of India has become a favourite with young professionals. And since it's not heavily priced, it's flocked all the more by a young clientele. Deepak Bisht, an ex-IT professional himself and owner of the place, says, "The main idea of setting this place was that one can enjoy different regional cuisines in reasonable prices under one roof." Bisht not only knows the nitty gritties of the food he serves, but also knows how to present it to the city's gastronomes. This aspect is incidentally the first thing that grabs your attention.
"The food is a big hit with my colleagues and me. We frequent it nearly everyday during lunchtime. The food served here is scrumptious. It's like home cooked food with less oil and spices," says Rahul Chada, a professional. Ditto with Bikram Seth, an executive. "It is like a home away from home. You get to savour all the regional cuisines under one roof. Moreover the dishes are well priced and don't burn a hole in your pocket," he reasons. It was a cue that we were not going to miss. We decided to see what's on offer and also to savour some of it. The bright coloured menus are in-depth and extensive.
The menu is a plethora of lunch combos, biryani combos and fusion combos like Indianised Chinese dishes available in both vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Also, the fare served here is generously proportioned and doesn't give you a chance to crib about quantity. As far as the dishes go, a huge draw are the special ones like dum aloo, banarasi chicken, chettinad chicken Maratha, malbar fish curry and Goan dishes. And naturally, these impressive delicacies draw in strolling passer-bys.
An observation before we left: once the waiter staff learns you are interested in exploring authentic fare, they are more than willing to pitch in and help you on your gourmet odyssey.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Provides it all!
Cooking something exotic over the weekend? You can finally find all the right ingredients for that perfect dish, thanks to The Providore, the new provisional store in Aundh, says Barnalee Handique
Ever wanted to prepare tacos, but couldn't find the right ingredients? Ever wanted that delicious bar of cheese to accompany your wine, but didn’t know where to get it? If your answer is yes, then there is relief for you in the form of The Providore. The store, located at Anand Park, Aundh, is every gourmet's dream. Food connoisseurs can go berserk over the goodies here that range from a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, taco fillings, to salad dressings and fresh herbs.
So, what does The Providore mean? “It means a provisional store where you can find all food ingredients under one roof,”explains Salony Kane, owner of the store. “Whenever I tried to cook up something exotic, I used to visit three different shops to find the right ingredients. By the end of the shopping spree, I was exhausted. That's how the idea of the store cropped up,” she says.
Talking about the philosophy of the store, Kane says, “We are not in the business of rushing. The basic idea behind the store is to enjoy food, experience and feel it. Everyone is welcome here. They can browse through the shelves and acquaint themselves with the products. And we are open to 'food talk ' and any kind of suggestions.”
One interesting feature that caught our eyes was the food shows that were played on the televsion. On the big wooden tables, recipe books were piled up. So if you are planning a special dish for dinner, then you can browse through the recipe books to select the right condiments. Or you can consult Kane, who is ready to guide you through your culinary quest.
As for the store, once you step into it, you will be reeling under the wide choice of ingredients and eatables at your disposal. One can find the entire range of condiments for Italian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Mexican dishes. Also on offer are different types of cold cuts and cheese sourced from local traders and from abroad. One has a variety of tastes to choose from and can mix and match according to what one wants. Want to know something else? The Providore stores truffle oil and other special oils.
Kane is convinced that the outlet is just what the urban professional needs. “With the change our lifestyle has seen, and with the young generation adopting a global culture, we believe that this is the most opportune time to launch a store like this, which saves time, money and energy,” Kane says.
As for the future plans, a home delivery system is in the pipeline. There's a bigger dream: in a couple of years, the proud owner wants The Providore model to be replicated all over the country. Amen to that!
Ever wanted to prepare tacos, but couldn't find the right ingredients? Ever wanted that delicious bar of cheese to accompany your wine, but didn’t know where to get it? If your answer is yes, then there is relief for you in the form of The Providore. The store, located at Anand Park, Aundh, is every gourmet's dream. Food connoisseurs can go berserk over the goodies here that range from a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, taco fillings, to salad dressings and fresh herbs.
So, what does The Providore mean? “It means a provisional store where you can find all food ingredients under one roof,”explains Salony Kane, owner of the store. “Whenever I tried to cook up something exotic, I used to visit three different shops to find the right ingredients. By the end of the shopping spree, I was exhausted. That's how the idea of the store cropped up,” she says.
Talking about the philosophy of the store, Kane says, “We are not in the business of rushing. The basic idea behind the store is to enjoy food, experience and feel it. Everyone is welcome here. They can browse through the shelves and acquaint themselves with the products. And we are open to 'food talk ' and any kind of suggestions.”
One interesting feature that caught our eyes was the food shows that were played on the televsion. On the big wooden tables, recipe books were piled up. So if you are planning a special dish for dinner, then you can browse through the recipe books to select the right condiments. Or you can consult Kane, who is ready to guide you through your culinary quest.
As for the store, once you step into it, you will be reeling under the wide choice of ingredients and eatables at your disposal. One can find the entire range of condiments for Italian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Mexican dishes. Also on offer are different types of cold cuts and cheese sourced from local traders and from abroad. One has a variety of tastes to choose from and can mix and match according to what one wants. Want to know something else? The Providore stores truffle oil and other special oils.
Kane is convinced that the outlet is just what the urban professional needs. “With the change our lifestyle has seen, and with the young generation adopting a global culture, we believe that this is the most opportune time to launch a store like this, which saves time, money and energy,” Kane says.
As for the future plans, a home delivery system is in the pipeline. There's a bigger dream: in a couple of years, the proud owner wants The Providore model to be replicated all over the country. Amen to that!
CWG must succeed
Who could have thought that the Commonwealth Games will be such a success even before they began? Never has a sporting event been monitored so avidly. Games organisers from across the world are wondering how India managed this. The secret is simple. The organising committee's big idea was the pre-games competitions. It knew that most countries didn't care about CWG, many countries wouldn't compete, top athletes would avoid them and sponsors will ignore it. The only way to grab the collective eyeballs was to organise a series of contests before the games. And break records after records in them. So the organising committee began to buy things at exorbitant prices. Umbrellas, tissue rolls, chairs, treadmills? All at record prices. As a result, this remarkable CWG is already the talk of the town.
And don't forget the series of slugfests the committee thought of. The Mani Shankar Aiyar versus Suresh Kalmadi was the biggest hit. Aiyar landed massive blows with his acidic words like those organising the event were evil. In return, Kalmadi branded Aiyar anti-national. He was cheered wildly. Yet another contest was for contractors: who will complete the project as close to the opening ceremony as possible. Many contestants are still in the field and going strong.
There is little hope now of the CWG being a global advertisement for the country. Forget competing with the success of the South African World cup or the Chinese Olympics, the CWG will find it difficult to even emulate the success of 1982 Asiad. But let us be optimistic and believe we can and we will ride over all the obstacles at the last minute, and the CWG won't be a disaster. The commoners too can join in and work for the success of the event.
If handled right at this late hour, the fact of playing host to the world's best will usher in a new era in the annals of Indian sports. Despite all the drawbacks, the CWG can still make a statement to the entire world. Delhi will get a facelift because of the games. It will heralded a new beginning. The city will now been on par with world class cities.
A failed CWG experience will add fuel to the already raging fire. It will fan the argument that there remains a big disconnect between the country's new-found modernity and the masses, who live a pitiable condition and will continue to do so for ages. And commentators not very happy about India's growing economy and political clout will focus on the disconnect and the disparities. Let's not give them a chance.
And don't forget the series of slugfests the committee thought of. The Mani Shankar Aiyar versus Suresh Kalmadi was the biggest hit. Aiyar landed massive blows with his acidic words like those organising the event were evil. In return, Kalmadi branded Aiyar anti-national. He was cheered wildly. Yet another contest was for contractors: who will complete the project as close to the opening ceremony as possible. Many contestants are still in the field and going strong.
There is little hope now of the CWG being a global advertisement for the country. Forget competing with the success of the South African World cup or the Chinese Olympics, the CWG will find it difficult to even emulate the success of 1982 Asiad. But let us be optimistic and believe we can and we will ride over all the obstacles at the last minute, and the CWG won't be a disaster. The commoners too can join in and work for the success of the event.
If handled right at this late hour, the fact of playing host to the world's best will usher in a new era in the annals of Indian sports. Despite all the drawbacks, the CWG can still make a statement to the entire world. Delhi will get a facelift because of the games. It will heralded a new beginning. The city will now been on par with world class cities.
A failed CWG experience will add fuel to the already raging fire. It will fan the argument that there remains a big disconnect between the country's new-found modernity and the masses, who live a pitiable condition and will continue to do so for ages. And commentators not very happy about India's growing economy and political clout will focus on the disconnect and the disparities. Let's not give them a chance.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Fashion in your bag!
Arpera, at Kumar Plaza, M G Road, brings to you the latest trends in handbags and accessories for women and men, writes Barnalee Handique
Are you looking for an attractive and exclusive handbag to go with your outfit? Well then, look no further. Arpera, one of the leading brands from Kolkata, has a wide range of bags and accessories in traditional and contemporary styles that will leave you spoilt for choice. It all began in 1994, when Sajal Grover set up his own bag manufacturing unit in Kolkata, in order to supply bags to the international brands. He also exported bags all over the world. The thought of setting up his own brand popped up, and that's how Arpera was born.
Grover, the proud owner reveals, “Arpera means a bag for the aristocrats. Pera means bag in Greek. We prefixed 'Ar' to it. That's how Arpera was coined.”
And since its inception, the brand has gained quite a reputation for its wide range of hand painted handbags, wallets and accessories in every size. The designs are exclusive. The range is characterised by bold forms, rhythmic lines and pure, undiluted colours - all this adds style and sophistication to the collection. We adore the simple cut designs and style. On display at the store is a collection of bags which are for regular and everyday use and are made from pure leather. But the most eye-catching range is the boutique bags. Each piece is specially designed and hand painted by artisans from Bengal. What's more! The store also has an impressive collection of wallets, purses, belts, card holders in a variety of colours and designs. Once you are at the store, check out the waterproof fluroscent coloured bags for the younger generation.
Each piece undergoes a special process before it reaches the store. Explains Grover, “Once we choose a particular piece of leather,we use vegetable dyes to tan and colour the leather. A design is selected and then given to the artisans. The designs are painstakingly hand painted by our team of artisans - it takes about two days.” The vegetable dyes used for Arpera bags are natural and eco-friendly and you can choose from a palette of colours like blues, greens, red, and oranges.
All this comes at surprisingly affordable prices. The bags range between Rs 800 and Rs 2500 for women, while wallets for men are priced between Rs 350 and Rs 700.
In a couple of years time, Grover plans to open stores across the country. Given his efforts to popularise the brand, it looks like Arpera is sure going to be a name to reckon with.
Are you looking for an attractive and exclusive handbag to go with your outfit? Well then, look no further. Arpera, one of the leading brands from Kolkata, has a wide range of bags and accessories in traditional and contemporary styles that will leave you spoilt for choice. It all began in 1994, when Sajal Grover set up his own bag manufacturing unit in Kolkata, in order to supply bags to the international brands. He also exported bags all over the world. The thought of setting up his own brand popped up, and that's how Arpera was born.
Grover, the proud owner reveals, “Arpera means a bag for the aristocrats. Pera means bag in Greek. We prefixed 'Ar' to it. That's how Arpera was coined.”
And since its inception, the brand has gained quite a reputation for its wide range of hand painted handbags, wallets and accessories in every size. The designs are exclusive. The range is characterised by bold forms, rhythmic lines and pure, undiluted colours - all this adds style and sophistication to the collection. We adore the simple cut designs and style. On display at the store is a collection of bags which are for regular and everyday use and are made from pure leather. But the most eye-catching range is the boutique bags. Each piece is specially designed and hand painted by artisans from Bengal. What's more! The store also has an impressive collection of wallets, purses, belts, card holders in a variety of colours and designs. Once you are at the store, check out the waterproof fluroscent coloured bags for the younger generation.
Each piece undergoes a special process before it reaches the store. Explains Grover, “Once we choose a particular piece of leather,we use vegetable dyes to tan and colour the leather. A design is selected and then given to the artisans. The designs are painstakingly hand painted by our team of artisans - it takes about two days.” The vegetable dyes used for Arpera bags are natural and eco-friendly and you can choose from a palette of colours like blues, greens, red, and oranges.
All this comes at surprisingly affordable prices. The bags range between Rs 800 and Rs 2500 for women, while wallets for men are priced between Rs 350 and Rs 700.
In a couple of years time, Grover plans to open stores across the country. Given his efforts to popularise the brand, it looks like Arpera is sure going to be a name to reckon with.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rejuvenate and energise your hair with amla
The Indian gooseberry strengthens the hair and the root, and stabilises the blackness as well, says Barnalee Handique
Beautiful and lustrous hair is what all women long for. No matter which part of the world we inhabit, maintaining a healthy crowning glory is an aspired trait. To get the sheen in your hair, you can choose from a range of haircare products in the market. But can you guess what primarily goes into the making of most of these haircare products? The green, fleshy fruit commonly known as 'amla' or the Indian gooseberry. This berry is not only endowed with natural vitamin C, but is a good source of antioxidants. It stops the regeneration of radicals which are responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. It can be used externally and can be accommodated in your daily diet too. Regular intake of amla results in a stronger healthier digestive system and an improved immune system. It helps detoxification and acts as a laxative. It is also known to increase the metabolism rate and helps one lose weight.
Dr S K Luthra, deputy head, Dabur India, says, “Our hectic lifestyles and the lack of proper nutrients and minerals in our diet play havoc with our skin as well as our hair. The scorching heat of the sun robs the sheen and lustre of our hair and also makes it dry and brittle. The rich antioxidant and vitamin C found in amla helps free the body of radicals. It not only rejuvenates, but also energises.”
The 'keshya' effect
Amla is used in haircare products such as hair creams, lotions and oils for its medicinal properties. It's 'keshya' effect strengthens the hair and hair root and stabilises the blackness of hair as well. Reveals dermatologist Dr Narendra Patwardhan, “We usually prescribe the use of amla for premature hair loss, balding and greying. It has been identified for its key properties that give black and lustrous hair. Besides, it aids in water uptake and water retention supported by the astringency of the skin. Finally, it helps tighten the skin, stimulates the circulation of the scalp and offers protective care.”
Ayurveda extensively propagates the use of amla in daily healthcare routine. Amla when mixed with oil and applied to hair makes it long, dense, soft and lustrous. It can be used with henna for hair to retain their natural colour. Amla is sometimes used in the form of a 'tailam' as a cure for mental disorders. The extract of the dried fruit can be used as a shampoo for cleansing the hair as well.
Beautiful and lustrous hair is what all women long for. No matter which part of the world we inhabit, maintaining a healthy crowning glory is an aspired trait. To get the sheen in your hair, you can choose from a range of haircare products in the market. But can you guess what primarily goes into the making of most of these haircare products? The green, fleshy fruit commonly known as 'amla' or the Indian gooseberry. This berry is not only endowed with natural vitamin C, but is a good source of antioxidants. It stops the regeneration of radicals which are responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. It can be used externally and can be accommodated in your daily diet too. Regular intake of amla results in a stronger healthier digestive system and an improved immune system. It helps detoxification and acts as a laxative. It is also known to increase the metabolism rate and helps one lose weight.
Dr S K Luthra, deputy head, Dabur India, says, “Our hectic lifestyles and the lack of proper nutrients and minerals in our diet play havoc with our skin as well as our hair. The scorching heat of the sun robs the sheen and lustre of our hair and also makes it dry and brittle. The rich antioxidant and vitamin C found in amla helps free the body of radicals. It not only rejuvenates, but also energises.”
The 'keshya' effect
Amla is used in haircare products such as hair creams, lotions and oils for its medicinal properties. It's 'keshya' effect strengthens the hair and hair root and stabilises the blackness of hair as well. Reveals dermatologist Dr Narendra Patwardhan, “We usually prescribe the use of amla for premature hair loss, balding and greying. It has been identified for its key properties that give black and lustrous hair. Besides, it aids in water uptake and water retention supported by the astringency of the skin. Finally, it helps tighten the skin, stimulates the circulation of the scalp and offers protective care.”
Ayurveda extensively propagates the use of amla in daily healthcare routine. Amla when mixed with oil and applied to hair makes it long, dense, soft and lustrous. It can be used with henna for hair to retain their natural colour. Amla is sometimes used in the form of a 'tailam' as a cure for mental disorders. The extract of the dried fruit can be used as a shampoo for cleansing the hair as well.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
For a winning smile
Dr Ravi Sapra
Dental Surgeon & Periodontist
You are exhausted after a hard day's work and head straight for the bed. You are too tired to brush or floss your teeth. Who has the time, the energy or the inclination to go through the routine stuff? Right? But, if you skip theses daily dental routines, you are heading for trouble. Remember that your teeth and smile depends a lot on these simple dentalcare habits.
Dr Ravi Sapra says, “Oral health begins with clean teeth. In an age where we are all fighting to stay healthy and fit, a healthy smile is something which we long for. In fact, the condition of your dental health reflects on your general health. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, but most people tend to overlook it.”
Common dental issues
Dental problems can occur in different stages in life. The most common dental problems occur due to poor dental hygiene leading to plaque formation, hormonal imbalance commonly seen during pregnancy and menopause. It aggravates the negative effects of plaque. Simple tasks like improper brushing, not flossing, not rinsing properly will lead to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and lead to tooth decay. If proper care is not taken immediately, the bacteria in the mouth may lead to swollen and bleeding gums. Ultimately, it may cause bad breath, decay, gum disease and weakening and loosening of teeth.
During pregnancy, the most common dental ailment is gingivitis or bleeding gums. In extreme cases, a large localised swelling of the gum may occur known as pregnancy tumour. But, there is nothing to worry, as this swelling is not cancerous. Women should guard against being lethargic and negligent about their oral health during this period. You must get a dental check-up and cleaning done at least twice in your pregnancy.
Other problems like bad breath may happen also due to acidity and sore throat. Women in their menopausal period must have regular dental check-ups to minimise the negative effects of plaque and hormonal imbalance.
Food & nutrition
A balanced diet and proper intake of vitamins and minerals ensures a set of healthy teeth and gums. These, together with good oral hygiene, can help prevent dental cavities, bad breath and gum diseases. Vitamins such as vitamin C, flavonoids and Coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants that help protect your gums against cell damage and promote healing. Vitamin C also helps in building collagen that is vital for building all living tissues. It also acts as a shield against bacterial penetration. It also promotes healthy capillaries, which helps oral tissue in staying healthy. An insufficient intake of these leads to swollen and bleeding gums.
Regular dental check-ups are a must every six months. If any dental problem persists, do visit your nearest dental clinic.
As told to Barnalee Handique
Dental Surgeon & Periodontist
You are exhausted after a hard day's work and head straight for the bed. You are too tired to brush or floss your teeth. Who has the time, the energy or the inclination to go through the routine stuff? Right? But, if you skip theses daily dental routines, you are heading for trouble. Remember that your teeth and smile depends a lot on these simple dentalcare habits.
Dr Ravi Sapra says, “Oral health begins with clean teeth. In an age where we are all fighting to stay healthy and fit, a healthy smile is something which we long for. In fact, the condition of your dental health reflects on your general health. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, but most people tend to overlook it.”
Common dental issues
Dental problems can occur in different stages in life. The most common dental problems occur due to poor dental hygiene leading to plaque formation, hormonal imbalance commonly seen during pregnancy and menopause. It aggravates the negative effects of plaque. Simple tasks like improper brushing, not flossing, not rinsing properly will lead to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and lead to tooth decay. If proper care is not taken immediately, the bacteria in the mouth may lead to swollen and bleeding gums. Ultimately, it may cause bad breath, decay, gum disease and weakening and loosening of teeth.
During pregnancy, the most common dental ailment is gingivitis or bleeding gums. In extreme cases, a large localised swelling of the gum may occur known as pregnancy tumour. But, there is nothing to worry, as this swelling is not cancerous. Women should guard against being lethargic and negligent about their oral health during this period. You must get a dental check-up and cleaning done at least twice in your pregnancy.
Other problems like bad breath may happen also due to acidity and sore throat. Women in their menopausal period must have regular dental check-ups to minimise the negative effects of plaque and hormonal imbalance.
Food & nutrition
A balanced diet and proper intake of vitamins and minerals ensures a set of healthy teeth and gums. These, together with good oral hygiene, can help prevent dental cavities, bad breath and gum diseases. Vitamins such as vitamin C, flavonoids and Coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants that help protect your gums against cell damage and promote healing. Vitamin C also helps in building collagen that is vital for building all living tissues. It also acts as a shield against bacterial penetration. It also promotes healthy capillaries, which helps oral tissue in staying healthy. An insufficient intake of these leads to swollen and bleeding gums.
Regular dental check-ups are a must every six months. If any dental problem persists, do visit your nearest dental clinic.
As told to Barnalee Handique
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Where colours flow easily
“Different strokes of nature beguiles and inspires me. I like observing minutely the different peculiarities of nature like a tiny caterpillar in all it's colourful splendour, the sun's radiance on my face and how nature glows luminously before the sun sets. These various nuances excites me, and prompts me to pick up the brush,” reveals Neha Asher, whose 25 paintings are presently being exhibited at Malaka Spice, Lane 5, Koregaon Park, from 11 am to 11.30 pm till July 15.
A teacher by profession, Asher's favourite themes are nature and women. Her collection of paintings in oil, watercolour and dry pastels are drawn from simple themes and shades of nature and women in different avatars. “I focused on small details capturing women in their everyday life like cooking, doing household chores and so on. These details usually go unnoticed,” she says.
In most of her paintings, she uses different colours and textures to give expression to her moods and feelings. “I don't follow a set style, texture and colours. I usually mix and match shades, which is visually and texturally appealing to the eye. Mostly, it depends on the particular subject and the ambience. For instance, if I am painting a tribal scene, I use contrasting earthen shades,” Asher shares. The amazingly wide spectrum of colours in her works catches your eye. Among the most arresting images are the paintings on women depicting her various moods and the paintings of nature in subtle hues.
A teacher by profession, Asher's favourite themes are nature and women. Her collection of paintings in oil, watercolour and dry pastels are drawn from simple themes and shades of nature and women in different avatars. “I focused on small details capturing women in their everyday life like cooking, doing household chores and so on. These details usually go unnoticed,” she says.
In most of her paintings, she uses different colours and textures to give expression to her moods and feelings. “I don't follow a set style, texture and colours. I usually mix and match shades, which is visually and texturally appealing to the eye. Mostly, it depends on the particular subject and the ambience. For instance, if I am painting a tribal scene, I use contrasting earthen shades,” Asher shares. The amazingly wide spectrum of colours in her works catches your eye. Among the most arresting images are the paintings on women depicting her various moods and the paintings of nature in subtle hues.
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