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.
Monday, January 24, 2011
my happy space....
At every stage of my life, I have had several happy spaces of my own. These spaces are very significant to me, as they are my own personal islands where I spend time with myself. And now as the years have flown by, and though I have not been able to access them physically, in time of stress, the stirring nostalgic memories of those particular spaces soothe and please me.
Even today, when the sun shines warmly on a crisp winter morning, I am transported to the happy place where I grew up. I had made a nest for myself in the tiny attic, where my mother used to store jars of pickles and old boxes. The sun streamed in through the square window and warmed the room, while the wind whispered and rustled the leaves of the lychee tree nearby. Once school broke for winter holidays, I would spend the entire day there, sprawled on the woven straw mat, surrounded by stuffed cushions, reading my latest loot from the library. The reading was interrupted with stuffed cheese parathas for breakfast and endless cups of tea with milk and sugar. I can still hear echoes of laughter and see the delight on the faces of my friends. It was a place where I used to laugh, cry and spin improbable dreams.
In my college days, I found refuge under the big banyan tree in the central courtyard. I found a special joy in that space. I would sit there for hours on end, reading books and making notes when the exams came really close. When I wasn't in a mood to study, I would choose an old favourite classic and rifle through it. My attention would wander sometimes from the printed pages to see the city --- completely stretched out, its broad streets and green squares, the silver glint that was the river and the bridges that spanned them.
More recently, my happy spaces include the gulmohor fringed terrace of my flat where I lived when I first moved to this city. This was the venue of many impromptu parties, a place where my friends would gather for barbeque and beer. Over the spitting coals, the lamb roasted while the stars formed a canopy and the soft breeze lulled our senses. This was the vantage point where I first fell in love with the city's winter, with its swirling mysterious fog enveloping everything on its wake. I can still smell the peat burning in the fire, it's red hot smoldering cheerfulness, the smell of tobacco, beer and the filmy layer that frying chips left in the air.
Ofcourse, there are a lot of other places that qualify as happy spaces for me. There is my favourite corner at Barista on MG road, where I can curl up with my favourite book and a strong cup of coffee whenever I want some downtime. The wide windows provide a broad view of the sidewalks, where people take a stroll and swagger in a colourful pedestrian parade. Or the green pastures of Empress Garden, which is the best place to go for a walk as the day winds down. And strangely enough, I find happy spaces in long-haul flights as well, where you can settle down with a glass of wine and watch crappy movies back-to-back without feeling the least bit guilty of wasting time.
I guess at the end of the day, a happy space is where you create some warm and fuzzy memories for yourself. These days, the happiest place for me is the red sofa in my living room where I unwind after a hard day at work.
All of us have happy spaces. Some exist in a physical form and some remain only in our minds. But even if they survive in our minds, they always make life happier with their existence.
Even today, when the sun shines warmly on a crisp winter morning, I am transported to the happy place where I grew up. I had made a nest for myself in the tiny attic, where my mother used to store jars of pickles and old boxes. The sun streamed in through the square window and warmed the room, while the wind whispered and rustled the leaves of the lychee tree nearby. Once school broke for winter holidays, I would spend the entire day there, sprawled on the woven straw mat, surrounded by stuffed cushions, reading my latest loot from the library. The reading was interrupted with stuffed cheese parathas for breakfast and endless cups of tea with milk and sugar. I can still hear echoes of laughter and see the delight on the faces of my friends. It was a place where I used to laugh, cry and spin improbable dreams.
In my college days, I found refuge under the big banyan tree in the central courtyard. I found a special joy in that space. I would sit there for hours on end, reading books and making notes when the exams came really close. When I wasn't in a mood to study, I would choose an old favourite classic and rifle through it. My attention would wander sometimes from the printed pages to see the city --- completely stretched out, its broad streets and green squares, the silver glint that was the river and the bridges that spanned them.
More recently, my happy spaces include the gulmohor fringed terrace of my flat where I lived when I first moved to this city. This was the venue of many impromptu parties, a place where my friends would gather for barbeque and beer. Over the spitting coals, the lamb roasted while the stars formed a canopy and the soft breeze lulled our senses. This was the vantage point where I first fell in love with the city's winter, with its swirling mysterious fog enveloping everything on its wake. I can still smell the peat burning in the fire, it's red hot smoldering cheerfulness, the smell of tobacco, beer and the filmy layer that frying chips left in the air.
Ofcourse, there are a lot of other places that qualify as happy spaces for me. There is my favourite corner at Barista on MG road, where I can curl up with my favourite book and a strong cup of coffee whenever I want some downtime. The wide windows provide a broad view of the sidewalks, where people take a stroll and swagger in a colourful pedestrian parade. Or the green pastures of Empress Garden, which is the best place to go for a walk as the day winds down. And strangely enough, I find happy spaces in long-haul flights as well, where you can settle down with a glass of wine and watch crappy movies back-to-back without feeling the least bit guilty of wasting time.
I guess at the end of the day, a happy space is where you create some warm and fuzzy memories for yourself. These days, the happiest place for me is the red sofa in my living room where I unwind after a hard day at work.
All of us have happy spaces. Some exist in a physical form and some remain only in our minds. But even if they survive in our minds, they always make life happier with their existence.
of accessories and more
Hermes, the Parisian brand, has opened it's outlet in the city at Hotel Ista, Nagar road. Barnalee Handique visited the store.
If you are a connosieur of high-end products, then the Hermes Boutique at Hotel Ista at Nagar Road is a must visit. The newly opened store is the second step in Hermes presence in the country. The very first store of the Parisian brand was launched in Delhi two years, ago. Speaking about the brand, Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermes India, says, “ Hermes is a group of international standing that remains committed to the ongoing brand and application of savoir-faire, while pursuing its quest for fresh avenues of creating. “
For the unitiated, the brand was launched in 1837 by Thiery Hermes in Paris as harness and saddle- maker workshop. Since it's inception the brand has grown with a creative loyalty to the essential values handed down by its founders, who guided its first steps through a century eager for progress and change. Today, Hermes is synonymous with perfection, showcasing high quality products made from the best materials and highest standards. It brings together thepast, present and future in its application of traditional craftmanship combined with the finest materials, to create innovative and beautiful products.
A great deal of thought was given before selecting Pune for setting up it's second outlet. Reveals Michaud, “Pune is one of the fastest growing cities and has all the right ingredients for the brand to flourish. Moreover, the city's proximity to Mumbai makes the city an ideal location and an added boon. Its historical race tracks also connects with the origins of the Hermes House, which is the horse.”
The store fondly called the orange box, is named after the quaint orange boxes used for packing the products. Surrounded by glass windows, the outlet can be compared to a small case witnessing in all details, the values and know how of Hermes. This fashionable boutique truly takes creativity, beauty and style to an altogether different level and promises to make shopping a cherished experience! On display are goods made out of exquisite leather, scarves, watches, ties and jewellery. As you step into the store, a trained assisstant guides you through the product list.
Michaud promises that the store will keep on introducing new products throughout the year. AS for the price, it rangesfrom Rs 50,000 onwards. “For instance, a Hermes bag costs Rs 4 lakh or more. So for shoppers, the sky is the limit,” quips in Michaud.
As for it's future plans, the brand plans to open its flagship store in Mumbai this year.
If you are a connosieur of high-end products, then the Hermes Boutique at Hotel Ista at Nagar Road is a must visit. The newly opened store is the second step in Hermes presence in the country. The very first store of the Parisian brand was launched in Delhi two years, ago. Speaking about the brand, Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermes India, says, “ Hermes is a group of international standing that remains committed to the ongoing brand and application of savoir-faire, while pursuing its quest for fresh avenues of creating. “
For the unitiated, the brand was launched in 1837 by Thiery Hermes in Paris as harness and saddle- maker workshop. Since it's inception the brand has grown with a creative loyalty to the essential values handed down by its founders, who guided its first steps through a century eager for progress and change. Today, Hermes is synonymous with perfection, showcasing high quality products made from the best materials and highest standards. It brings together thepast, present and future in its application of traditional craftmanship combined with the finest materials, to create innovative and beautiful products.
A great deal of thought was given before selecting Pune for setting up it's second outlet. Reveals Michaud, “Pune is one of the fastest growing cities and has all the right ingredients for the brand to flourish. Moreover, the city's proximity to Mumbai makes the city an ideal location and an added boon. Its historical race tracks also connects with the origins of the Hermes House, which is the horse.”
The store fondly called the orange box, is named after the quaint orange boxes used for packing the products. Surrounded by glass windows, the outlet can be compared to a small case witnessing in all details, the values and know how of Hermes. This fashionable boutique truly takes creativity, beauty and style to an altogether different level and promises to make shopping a cherished experience! On display are goods made out of exquisite leather, scarves, watches, ties and jewellery. As you step into the store, a trained assisstant guides you through the product list.
Michaud promises that the store will keep on introducing new products throughout the year. AS for the price, it rangesfrom Rs 50,000 onwards. “For instance, a Hermes bag costs Rs 4 lakh or more. So for shoppers, the sky is the limit,” quips in Michaud.
As for it's future plans, the brand plans to open its flagship store in Mumbai this year.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Our system is on trial
I have been trying to form an opinion on Dr Binayak Sen. He has been awarded a life sentence. So he must be a dangerous person. But it is hard to believe that a man who's worked for the downtrodden for 30 long years can be guilty of sedition and conspiracy.
His journey began the day he became a gold medallist from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, where it is difficult even to get admitted. With such brilliant academic record, he could have chosen any renowned foreign university for his post-graduation and led a comfortable life that comes with dollar earning in millions. He could have been requested one day to treat our top politicians as a visiting physician. Instead, he opted for a life among the poor tribals of Chhattisgarh. Like the rest of the medicos, he did not roll up his car windows, turn the AC on, or pucker up his nose at the beggars knocking at the window.
Things were fine as long as he kept himself busy with distributing medicines among the poor. But he had to dabble in human rights. That was not acceptable. For Dr Sen, it wasn't enough to treat the poor, he had to fight for them and to persuade the poor to fight for their own rights. He said, they did need the medicines, but they also needed to fight for their food and their dignity. He felt the state tolerates charitable work as long as it doesn't hamper the interests of the rich and the powerful.
And Dr Sen had the audacity to blame the state for the diseases like malaria,dengue and cholera, which keep ravaging the fetid slums across the country. He held the state responsible for the malnourishment among half our children. He steadfastly opposed government schemes, which meant eviction of thousands of tribals from their homes. Is this is seditious stuff? The government counsels patience to the poor. They can wait. And they are kept waiting.
Even the trial of Dr Sen raises many questions. The Chhattisgarh police have been successful in converting it into a campaign. Dr Sen's supporters across the world have raised a cry that justice was flawed. Shocked human rights organisations have protested against the judgement in unison. They argue that there is absolutely no evidence against Dr Sen. It is almost as if our judicial system itself is on trial. And the most disquieting factor in the episode is that Dr Sen's case may make people feel that no change is possible by remaining within the system.
His journey began the day he became a gold medallist from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, where it is difficult even to get admitted. With such brilliant academic record, he could have chosen any renowned foreign university for his post-graduation and led a comfortable life that comes with dollar earning in millions. He could have been requested one day to treat our top politicians as a visiting physician. Instead, he opted for a life among the poor tribals of Chhattisgarh. Like the rest of the medicos, he did not roll up his car windows, turn the AC on, or pucker up his nose at the beggars knocking at the window.
Things were fine as long as he kept himself busy with distributing medicines among the poor. But he had to dabble in human rights. That was not acceptable. For Dr Sen, it wasn't enough to treat the poor, he had to fight for them and to persuade the poor to fight for their own rights. He said, they did need the medicines, but they also needed to fight for their food and their dignity. He felt the state tolerates charitable work as long as it doesn't hamper the interests of the rich and the powerful.
And Dr Sen had the audacity to blame the state for the diseases like malaria,dengue and cholera, which keep ravaging the fetid slums across the country. He held the state responsible for the malnourishment among half our children. He steadfastly opposed government schemes, which meant eviction of thousands of tribals from their homes. Is this is seditious stuff? The government counsels patience to the poor. They can wait. And they are kept waiting.
Even the trial of Dr Sen raises many questions. The Chhattisgarh police have been successful in converting it into a campaign. Dr Sen's supporters across the world have raised a cry that justice was flawed. Shocked human rights organisations have protested against the judgement in unison. They argue that there is absolutely no evidence against Dr Sen. It is almost as if our judicial system itself is on trial. And the most disquieting factor in the episode is that Dr Sen's case may make people feel that no change is possible by remaining within the system.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The new girl in town
If a person is known by his testimonials, then Shweta Dolli is one hell of a gal. This 21-year old has recently bagged the Femina Ms India South 2011, held at Hyderabad last month. She is presently undergoing training at The Tiara Pageant and Model Training Academy, under the able guidance of Ritika Ramatri, pageant coach. Reveals Ramatri, “The day she walked into the studio, I noticed the grit and dete
rmination in her. She was steadfast and religiously followed what was expected of her. By the end of the training I didn’t have to second guess myself, leave alone her. I knew she would make it. She was coming home with a crown for sure.” But no one describes Shweta better, then Shweta herself. She says, “I have always been a go-getter.I know if you can dream about it, you can achieve it too. I am ready to go through gruelling routines, to achieve my goals. Afterall, hard work pays at the end of the day.”
Her determination and patience is not the only thing this lady is known for. While we were doing our research this lady, we were surprised by her diverse talents. A graduate in mathematics from Delhi University, she is presently preparing for her MBA entrance. She is an avid sportsperson and public speaking is her forte. leisure time she loves to read and keeps herself abreast with the changing times.But modelling is her first love, and she is purposeful about it. And no one says it better than La Dolli. “I am extremely ambitious. I don’t know why people are afraid to say that.I wont sell my soul to the devil, but I do want success and i don’t think that’s bad. Even as we sign off, Dolli is gearing up for the grand finale the Pantaloon Femina Ms India 2011, to be held in the month of April.
rmination in her. She was steadfast and religiously followed what was expected of her. By the end of the training I didn’t have to second guess myself, leave alone her. I knew she would make it. She was coming home with a crown for sure.” But no one describes Shweta better, then Shweta herself. She says, “I have always been a go-getter.I know if you can dream about it, you can achieve it too. I am ready to go through gruelling routines, to achieve my goals. Afterall, hard work pays at the end of the day.”
Her determination and patience is not the only thing this lady is known for. While we were doing our research this lady, we were surprised by her diverse talents. A graduate in mathematics from Delhi University, she is presently preparing for her MBA entrance. She is an avid sportsperson and public speaking is her forte. leisure time she loves to read and keeps herself abreast with the changing times.But modelling is her first love, and she is purposeful about it. And no one says it better than La Dolli. “I am extremely ambitious. I don’t know why people are afraid to say that.I wont sell my soul to the devil, but I do want success and i don’t think that’s bad. Even as we sign off, Dolli is gearing up for the grand finale the Pantaloon Femina Ms India 2011, to be held in the month of April.
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