The Guppy Yuppy

funny this comes at a time when the restaurant is closing for the season….

Click here to be directed on my foodie experience at the Guppy by ai pop-up restaurant at Olive in the Racecourse, Mahalaxmi

An early and feeble attempt at dissecting a dining experience with a little bit more skill (and thought) than mere table manners.

Sunday ke Sunday

I have been in Mumbai all through March, and I dare say that it has been a vibrant and activity-filled month. Some would even say, it has been hot and happening.

First up - the jewelry house I have worked with since 2010 opened its flagship boutique in Mumbai amidst great pomp and style in Kala Ghoda. The NIRAV MODI boutique is housed in a beautiful heritage building and the space has been used cleverly and stylishly, reflecting the aesthetic vision of the brand's creative head Mr. Modi.  The novel use of space must be attributed to another creative genius, Spanish-based Jamie Hayon (pronounced “Haymee”). But most importantly, the jewels have found their rightful place in the creative display vitrines with intricately crafted paper art. It is a matter of great pride that I look forward to welcoming guests and friends to the boutique, knowing that the jewels on display in this wonderful setting shall enthrall them.

Put a Bow on it!

Girl Crush moment with Lisa Haydon

 

Welcome to my Office!

Kala Ghoda is shaping out to be a great address for shoppers and city folks to hang out in, with its quaint pedestrian streets, terrific eateries, chic boutiques and of course, art galleries a plenty. The periwinkle-blue synagogue in the heart of the district makes for the perfect picture postcard. The city's oldest music store, The Rhythm House has also spruced up its facade with an eye-popping blue and yellow coat of paint. With many age-old haunts like Khyber, Chetana thali, The Golden Thimble still holding their own, I hope the area continues to flourish and attract more stand-alone entities to add to its collection. It is the one part of South Mumbai that has an eclectic energy to it with such a diverse offering. The edgy-artsy-hipster vibe is definitely what the city needs and I am most glad that it so close to home! For my parents and their friends, the closing of the Cafe Samovar in the Jehangir Art gallery has been the source of huge waves of nostalgia and sadness as it closes down after 50 years of service...Alas, hopefully it signals the beginning of something new and wonderful none the less.

Saturday workstation at The Pantry

 

Lovely new tea house

Sabyasachi's resort show was at the (now) defunct and iconic Richardson and Cruddas warehouse two Sundays ago. What the collection lacked in terms of the Sabya touch was amply made up by the drama of the unique location and the star-studded front row guests. Sabyasachi epitomises success in contemporary Indian fashion wear for Indians in India and elsewhere and continues to hold fort as the leading bridal couturier. The show was a sharp departure from his usual style; say the critics, but in my "fashion outsider" eyes, it was quite simply, blah. Most blah were the gawky, awkward models, who walked for him - poor body language and catwalk style. Was Sabya making a subliminal statement of “Let's mix it up”, with the unexpected psychedelic laser light show and the 70’s retro remix music that replaced the antique chandliers, mogra-infused haze and Satyajit Ray music?

 

Speaking of organisation, Anamika Khanna was the closing designer for the Fashion Week and three hours before the show, political goons came and shut down the show at its original venue - the spectacular Bhau Daji Lad museum.

But, the Show Must Go On and contrary to their violent and regressive vision of the political mafiosi, the fashion fraternity showed a harmonious and productive spirit. The show venue was changed to the Palladium hotel lobby and the entire production and choreography had to be changed, naturally. All the guests still came to show support and feast their eyes on the ethereal garments. Sure, there was a long delay and a poor execution of a new seating plan, but when the show eventually started, all these hassles were forgotten. African Goddess meets Earthly Nymph was the look and the feel of the models with their dewy, wet hair, red wine stained mouths and strong eyes. Designed by AK’s equally talented sister, Suhanie Pittie, the accessories were very eye-catching.

The rest of the fashion week continued on at the new venue - the Palladium Hotel and I did happen to see a few more shows of young designers presenting their work on the New Talent runways. Afterwards, walking through the stalls, I was just amazed at the powerhouse of talent they had. I saw such great work and workmanship in the garments on display. The Indian hand is golden in my opinion, and it angers me when I see the great Western design houses borrow so greedily into our deep talent pool. Buying cheap, only to sell it back to us...! When will we learn to show pride in our metier and ancient know-how? Mostly, when will we have the discipline to make a uniform, international level product. I don't mean to lament, because I do see a sense of organisation kicking in (Nirav Modi, Sabyasachi stand as case in point) and I look forward to strolling down the Avenue Montaigne's of the world and spotting Indian brands commanding top spots in the international retail map.

Stand-alone eateries are much welcome in Mumbai, especially when it is not just the vibe of the place that is cool, but the food is terrific. The latest addition to the local food scene is The Bombay Canteen at Kamala Mills. Opening 6 weeks ago, it is impossible to get a last-minute reservation here and the aam janta’s reviews on the food have been terrific. So it became the restaurant venue of choice for a big, fat family get-together on account of my New York-based sister’s milestone birthday celebration. Arriving there a little bit before the reservation time, I was tired-famished-thirsty all at the same time. The restaurant was buzzing with all the tables occupied and the bar was busy too. Finding myself a spot, I grabbed the menu, which resembled an accounts ledger (taking me back to my school days – Accounts was my favourite subject!). A quick scan of the cocktail menu, I picked the Tar-Booze (vodka, watermelon juice, kala namak) and then pondered over what appetizer to pair it with. I didn’t need to ponder too long as I was approached by a server carrying a tray of “pick-and-eat” bites, adorably called “Chintoos” priced at a swet Rs.40 for the vegetarian (lotus stem fritters with chaat masala) and Rs. 60 for the non-vegetarian (Deviled eggs served in the egg white) selection. How clever was that! Hungrily attacking the bites and washing it back with the yummy drink, I was quickly relieved of my earlier disposition. When the rest of the group came and we were seated at our table within the art-deco inspired glasshouse, the chintoos were ordered by the tray! The final verdict was that it had been a superb meal – the Raan was the clear winner and warranted its 24 hour advance order. For me, the banana leaf steamed snapper and the thepla tackos were the winners, not to mention the ridiculously humble coconut rice, which I could eat sans accompaniments. My only grouse was the poor acoustics and high sound level that rung through the period I was there, definitely making it impossible to enjoy a polite dinner table banter. I nearly lost my voice on account of bellowing over the music level (perhaps the icy cocktail played its part too). I look forward to discovering the rest of the menu, especially the dessert section, soon and wish the young, talented team behind this venture tremendous success.

( A good review can be found at:http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/zk2mYgKTdBMCfQ8it8yJCK/FOOD-REVIEW-Bombay-Canteen-Mumbai.html )

 

 

And slowing down the manic month a tad, was an evening at the movies (Inox of course!), whilst eating popcorn and watching Cinderella.

Sigh

It's true - there ain’t no romance, like a Disney romance and the 2015 adaptation of the classic Cinderella doesn’t disappoint. Staying absolutely true to the story, the movie maker didn’t muck up the tried-and-tested formula by adding any gimmick. Director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz have grounded this romantic tale with sincerity amid the dazzle. Perfectly cast, every character was easy to relate with. The beautiful Lily James (Lady Rose from Downton Abbey) as the humble, obedient, beauty wins over your heart from the very beginning. Cate Blanchett plays the evil stepmother effortlessly and brilliantly, along with her two awkward daughters, as the cruel step sisters.

In these fragile times that we live in, it is very important to remain positive, focused, optimistic and retain innocence. The arts, particularly movies often work as therapy. And watching Cinderella that evening along with my sisters and friends like sisters, proved to be a therapeutic session for me. Perhaps it would have also worked as a suitable alternative therapy for Andreas Lubitz.

We are our own monsters.

Yet another air calamity has hit the news with the Germanwings crash in the deep ravines of the French Alps. The devastation of this incident is compounded by the fact that the utterly young (27) co-pilot was in a distressed and disturbed state of mind and as a consequence, can be held responsible for ending his own life, along with that of the remaining 151 passengers on board the flight. Young people today have such bizarre mental activities. In India, little is known of clinical depression – what triggers it, how to treat it and what its possible repercussions maybe. Perhaps this horrific incident turns attention to this modern-day killer and raises awareness on how to identify it and help those suffering from it.

I am definitely going to begin my spring fling with a greater endeavor to continue the practice of gratitude and always remember to Be Kind and Have Courage

Falak-Numa: Mirror Of the Sky

Haunted by the music of Coldplay that I have been listening to on my iPod for the past two days, I aimlessly drift through the wondrous corridors of the Falaknuma Palace, completely lost in the beauty, décor and details around me.

It is one of those perfect sunset moments. Standing at the edge of the balcony; it is impossible not to feel elevated by the grandeur of the location. At a height of 2000 ft. above the old city of Hyderabad, one can see the Old City distinctly recognized by the Charminar tower in the distance. This is a property so very different from the many beautiful palace properties in Rajasthan, owing to its architecture, interior design, rare objéts and of course, its unique history and incredible story.

Laid out in the shape of a scorpion, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra (birthsign: Scorpio), the Prime Minister of the Sixth Nizam started building it in 1893 as a lavish residence for himself, the palace took 10 years and four million rupees to complete, back then. The foundation stone was laid in 1884, but the building wasn't completed for almost another decade. In that time the prime minister was forced to borrow funds to finish it – money he had no chance of ever earning. The story goes that to save face his wife suggested a shrewd plan. Inviting his master Mehboob Ali Pasha, the sixth Nizam, to stay, the prime minister waited to be extolled for creating such a glorious pleasure dome. And when the praise was lavished, Viqar ul Omra offered the building to the Nizam as a gift. Accepting graciously, the ruler reimbursed the full cost – a pittance to a man of such colossal wealth.  (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/smartbuy/luxury-and-fashion/article1121289.ece) 

The facade by day

The facade by night

The entrance to the palace ground

Golden Light

The Coronation Room

Marble Skies as seen from the inner courtyard

Watching the sun set languidly into the cityscape, and hopelessly enjoying being bathed in the glorious, divine light, I was transported to another era. An era of pomp and splendor, extravagance and beauty, art and perfection; of tehzeeb and khaandaan. Our generation (for the most part), has been prey to the pitfalls of rapid urbanization in our cubby holed existence. For us Mumbaikars, we remain confined to choose between small apartments at exorbitant prices. Most of the modern buildings and construction projects that tower into the sky are eye-sores, with little regard to design and aesthetic. I too, live in a tall building but it’s location and view makes up for a lot! Fortunately, my neighbourhood is dotted with old colonial homes and structures, some of them tucked away in hidden, leafy by-lanes. Most of them are crumbling and decaying, but there are some that have been restored painstakingly. I silently thank the owners of these properties, each time I pass by, for they have invested in heritage and history. From Cuffe Parade, I drive to work, which is in Lower Parel (or are we calling it Upper Worli these days? I really am not sure…), which depicts all that I don’t appreciate in modern development. Ugly buildings that have come up virtually over night, razed trees leaving spaces devoid of greenery, uneven roads, unplanned neighbourhoods and massive, overflowing garbage dumps that dot the area to be viewed as pieces of sculpture!!

I understand the expense and labour and meticulous approach required to build something. The Taj took 10 years to renovate the palace into a palace hotel. Unlike most palace hotels that have been newly built or simply redone, this one has undergone intensive restoration by the Taj group, under the very guidance of Princess Esra Jah (royal consort of HEH Prince Mukarram Jah Nizam Eighth). After a hiatus of about 60 years and ten whole years of restoration later, it is finally set to welcome guests into its marvelous structure, rechristened The Taj Falaknuma Palace.

Dinner 101 - The room has the perfect acoustic so that one can be heard from head to head without having to raise one's voice 

I enjoyed the property as the curious, awe-struck visitor when I was there last weekend for a wedding. The lucky couple had meticulously planned their wedding in this palace venue and the marriage proceedings were nothing short of Magic for all those who were a part of it. The first night was al-fresco in the oval-shaped inner courtyard with music and dancing under the stars! It was impossible not to feel alive and enchanted when one was surrounded in such an atmosphere. Post midnight, the dancing continued into the Coronation room or as I prefer to remember it – the Red Room. Quite the spot for an after-party, wouldn’t you say?

Sky Full of Stars

Party Time!

The wedding ceremony took place the following evening at dusk and once again twilight cast a spell on the guests as the sky turned from a hot, white to a burning orange, then into a tangy red and finally the colours dissolved into a inky blue. The post-nuptial celebration took place in the lawns with the spectacular palace as its background. Between the celebrations, many guests took the 45 minute long palace tour where the guide shared anecdotes and details on the property and its elements of royal finery; making the time spent there more meaningful.

If I had to choose, I would perhaps choose the Jade Room as my favourite space – marrying French sophistication with art deco design motifs and Chinese-Oriental jade antiques, I could have sat there and day dreamed for a long time to come.

Green & Gold - Texture and Colour Balance

As a modern Indian, there is much to be proud of in terms of heritage and past glory – I certainly hope more enlightened and moneyed individuals and enteties step forward to partake in restoration projects before it is too late. We are rich in every artistic resource – past and future – now would be the time for people who have been bestowed with talent and resource to come forth and work towards making India a better place to live in. Basic pride in even our personal domicile would be a super place to start! (Gosh, I didn't realize I was unconsciously campaigning the Swach Bharat Abhiyan here…)

I will leave you with the Magic that was and that will be –

And if you were to ask me

After all that we've been through

Still believe in magic

Oh yes I do

Oh yes I do

Yes I do

Oh yes I do

Of course I do

Whis this Kolveri-D?

Let’s back it up just a little bit and rewind to the Republic Day long weekend. Ok, great – Pause it right there. Perfect:

 

Some of the sights and scenes from my weekend break in the Backwaters land of Kerala. My first trip to ‘God’s Own Country’ was quite wonderful. It was an utterly last minute and spontaneous trip where I didn’t have to do anything other than pack and show up! Pretty neat. I went along with my favourite travel companion and her parents to Bekal, which is located at the Northern most point of the state. In fact, to get to the resort (Taj Vivanta), one lands in Mangalore, which is in fact Karnataka and then involves a two-odd hour drive to the seaside town of Bekal. The uncomfortable drive down the narrow and poorly constructed NH 17 is beautiful for the lush foliage and true-blue water bodies that paints a pretty picture all the way. It is nice to note that I found the land clean and unkempt. The seemingly lazy towns all had electricity supply, water and a bustling bazaar life. Not to mention, the many schools and mosques that were there at every kilometer or so. Statistically, Kerala holds a 100% literacy rate so the number of school kids and educational institutions along the route I took, pointed toward that statistic.

Bekal has come on to the travel map thanks to the Taj group’s newest property there. I learned that they chose Bekal as it was a new spot – Kochi, Kovalam and Kumaram have all been well-discovered and have plenty of established hotel resorts.

Typing this out, I am chuckling to myself because of all the capital K’s I have just typed out. Will do it again:

I spent the first day on Kappil beach, BeKal, which is in Kerala. The closest city is Kasargod and the hotel is located on the Kanhagad Road.

Wokay, that’s a lot of K’s innit?

But more prevalent than the K factor, is the abundance of coconuts and bananas. Erm, I didn’t mean to sound any other way, other than factual, of course! But this region of Kerala (Kasargod to be precise) houses the world’s largest coconut crop research institute – CPCRI (www.cpcri.gov.in). Nothing spells tropical more than a willowy coconut tree, bending lustily toward the sunlight and in Kerala, one won’t tire from seeing abundant, luscious grooves all through the coastal topography. And if one looks closely, one will see that these trees provide shelter from the sun to the smaller banana trees that are grown under/between it. In fact, my sole purchase from the holiday as 2 kg’s worth of banana chips to be distributed among the family.

The weekend was spent kayaking down the backwaters which the property is developed around, enjoying the ocean spray on Kappil beach whilst tanning and collecting shells, taking a look at the infinite coastline from the towers of Bekal fort, adventuring on a remote river island whilst taking a houseboat cruise and generally eating lots of khaana...

Fresh banana tempura from Fruit to Fritters!!

 

Not to forget a mixology lesson under the tutelage of the hotel's principal bartender Prince and his sidekick Shining Star. These were their given names, clearly their parents have set high aspirations to them. It was fun to learn how to make a classic mojito and a classic caprioska.

Well okay, drinking them was probably the best part of the lesson! Whilst on the topic, I was surprised to learn that the state government has pulled the alcohol prohibition strings as recently as October 2014, in an attempt to curb its rowdy drinking problem! A peculiar site that we encoutered during our stay would be a line of lungi-clad men standing in serpentine queues that led to a cubby hole in a random lane, where they could purchase their daily dose of daaru. Wikipedia and BBC reveal-

30th October, 2014 The Kerala High Court has upheld the state government's decision to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol to tackle the state's drink problem.

The order means that nearly 700 bars as well as some shops will be shut in a move towards total prohibition.

Bar owners and hoteliers who challenged the government order say they will now appeal in the Supreme Court.

Kerala has India's highest per capita alcohol consumption at more than eight litres per person yearly.

The national annual average for alcohol consumption is estimated to be about 5.7 litres per person.

Lungi dance, lungi dance....

Boozy at 11.30 am!

(The article can be found at http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-29829015)

Meanwhile, the weather in Mumbai is still quite lovely in the evenings and another week drew to an end watching the sun setting lustily into the Arabian Sea from the terrace of my sisters home with children, music, cake, bhel and the banana chips, of course! The 1^st of February marks my younger niece’s 1st birthday, just two days after celebrating my father’s 75^th birthday. He has the same curiousity and zest for life as my nieces, which is the beauty of it all.

It's February folks - a short and snappy month. So make it count. Or else, mind it................!