Versatile, elegant and universally flattering — the allure of black is undeniable. Yet, due to religious and cultural considerations, the colour is typically avoided for festive occasions, weddings included. However, the tide seems to be turning with celebrities sporting glamorous looks in the colour as recently as during last week’s Ganeshotsav celebrations. “In terms of colour psychology, black can denote strength, formality, sophistication and mystery. It can also symbolise traits such as being aloof, power, sadness and negativity. The difference lies in how the colour is perceived through the lens of culture and etiquette, as well as how the garment is styled,” explains image consultant Greeshma Thampi. These contexts can vary widely, she adds. For instance, while in Hinduism, black is considered to represent evil and bad energy, in Western cultures, black at funerals is a sign of mourning. Whether or not you choose to wear black to a particular event has a lot to do with your own personal beliefs as well as those of your host, Thampi points out. The fine line An all-black look can make you come across as being intimidating, unfriendly and unapproachable. That, says Thampi, is the reason why black suits are often worn by C-level executives who want to command authority. However, it would be quite off-putting at a social gathering. Here’s how to style black right. Soften it: To lean into the inherent sophistication of black, combine it with softer elements. Curved silhouettes, flowy and softer fabrics, and interesting textures could make your look less severe and more suave. Greeshma Thampi Skin is in: Don’t let the outfit wear you, Thampi shares. By that, she means striking the right balance between letting a little skin peek through with a fashion-forward neckline or hemline. Add some sheen: Instead of dull fabrics or those with a matte finish, choose silk, satin, chiffon, lace or georgette for a softer appearance. Velvet can work well for more glamorous night events as well. Tone it down: Balance the colour black with festive colours such as pink, gold, silver and red. Accessories play an important role as the black garment is the perfect canvas to showcase them. Adding items such as a statement necklace or bold shoes can make your look shine, while also resonating with the event’s theme. “For smaller and more intimate events, it is always better to check with the host, especially if they have strong cultural or religious beliefs. If there is a dress code, try to adhere to it. For wedding receptions or events that have a celebratory touch, it is fine to wear black unless otherwise specified,” Thampi signs off.
21 September,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe pen might be mightier than the sword, but there’s a stronger force that has fascinated, confused and baffled young writers for ages — publishing. “Writing an excellent manuscript is a job half done. Navigating the world of publishing — from choosing the publisher to marketing it to reach your audience — is the greater task,” shares author and poet Ashwini Sannake. This weekend, Sannake will join others like her who have made it out the other end of the maze to share her learnings with beginners. At the two-hour-long interaction, questions are bound to flood in from the curious audience members. Fortunately, Sannake knows what she’s signing up for. “The question that I get most frequently is how I took the first step towards putting my book out there,” she shares. The answer, the author believes, is in the question itself. “Self-doubt ends up killing more ideas than choosing the wrong publisher ever can. No one can help you take the leap unless you’re ready for it.” A moment from a writing workshop Rahul Saini, organiser and founder of Paperback Talks, the hosts for the evening, believes the doubt stems from the absence of a strong community to find encouragement in. “There exist readers’ clubs and communities in every neighbourhood of Mumbai today. Each of these readers has a writer in them that eventually shines through. But when the time to seek guidance comes, there’s no one stop solution in place,” he sighs. To that end, Saini has curated authors from varying genres like fantasy, sci-fi, non-fiction and poetry for the event. As much as a community might help you, Sannake believes we must address the elephant in the room — finances. “Whether you will make money, break even, or go home with a gaping hole in your pockets is naturally a big concern. At the session, we will reveal the figures behind the process without mincing our words, or rather numbers,” she assures us. Participants will learn about new self-publishing platforms that can help them publish a book for as low as R15 thousand, for a compact paperback version. Ashwini Sannake Saini, who has spent three years networking with authors through community events, sees a new trend emerging that is pushing writers to moonlight as content creators to spread the word. “It’s more concerning than exciting. Building your personal brand seems to have taken precedence over writing consistently. You’ll find some popular names today who started off as authors but now make social media content and write as a hobby,” he laughs, adding that the session will help beginners strike the right balance. Sannake leaves with an afterword for aspiring authors. “As much as you try to tick off all the boxes, chances are your first book won’t do as well as you expected. Months before my first release, this fear took over me as well. At the end of the day, you cannot control who reads your book. You might write a title for children and find admirers in their parents. However, as long as even a single reader is moved by your writing, you must consider the job done well,” she signs off. ON September 22; 4 pmAT Iteeha Coffee, behind Famous Studios, Mahalaxmi.LOG ON TO @paperbacktalks on Instagram (to register)ENTRY Rs 300 onwards
21 September,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn a recent episode of The Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan Holiday, American businessman and marketer, speaks with Timm Chiusano, an influencer who transitioned from a Fortune 100 executive to a social media mentor. Timm shares how his unscripted TikTok reflections on everyday life not only gained traction but also empowered him to embrace a more authentic career path. Through humour and vulnerability, he tackles imposter syndrome and highlights the importance of real-time self-reflection, emphasising that there’s never a perfect time to make a career leap. Chiusano discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and shares that reflecting on his day has been “like a video journal,” helping him learn from his mistakes. He emphasises, “You should feel comfortable that if you have aspirations you can do it.” Holiday reinforces these ideas, stating, “The more risks you take, the less scary they become,” and references Epictetus, saying, “It’s impossible to learn what you think you already know,” stressing the importance of humility and curiosity in personal growth. Overall, we found the conversation to be rich with insights about navigating career transitions, managing emotions, and the value of self-kindness. By framing appreciation as a daily practice, Chiusano and Holiday illustrate how embracing the small moments can lead to greater joy and clarity. This dialogue serves as an inspiring reminder that while the path may be uncertain, being present and reflecting on our experiences can empower us to grow and connect meaningfully with others. Log on to YouTube
21 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaFeeling feline Medha Srivastav, professional cosplayerWhile Batman’s signature mask and cape look has been central to the franchise, I couldn’t take my eyes off Catwoman’s bold feminine look when I first watched the animated series. While you can recreate the full look using limited resources like rexine fabric for the mask, cardboard cutouts for the cat ears, and plastic bottles for the eyewear, I recommend going for an inspired look for those short on time and looking for a practical recreation. Start with a contour kit to add definition to your cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of your nose and a light highlighter on the high points of your face to achieve the sharp defined look. For the signature cat eyes, apply a neutral or light grey colour to your entire eyelid as a base and focus the darker colours towards the outer edge to give your eyes that cat-eye shape. You can use a black liquid or gel eyeliner to create a sharp winged look. Apply black mascara to your lashes, making sure to emphasise both upper and lower lashes. Finish the look with a classic red lipstick and green eye lenses. Vintage bat-mania Sahil Shah, comedian, 33The entire Christopher Nolan Batman series is fantastic, but there’s a special place in my heart for the Burton films and the animated show. Michael Keaton and Kevin Conroy are my favourite adaptations of the characters. The Joker stands out as my favourite villain. His chaotic nature towards causing a crime completes Batman. I feel like they are in a weird messed up situationship. The Killing Joke is undoubtedly the greatest comic and provides the best backstory for the Joker. Batman Begins is a beautifully crafted story, perfect for anyone wanting to dive into the Batman universe. Nolan’s direction, combined with the music, the iconic tumbler and performances by Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Cillian Murphy, elevates it to another level. I have always wanted the Batmobile from the animated series, and while I am not quite as wealthy as Bruce Wayne, I do own a tiny Bat-Signal, a mask, and LEGO versions of the Tumbler. Jack Nicholson (left) in Batman (1989). Pics Courtesy/Youtube I’m Batman Satyam Pandey, game designer, 25I was introduced to Batman from its early animated show, through the comic books, and games alongside the theatricals. What better way to celebrate the hero than walking a day in his shoes? For someone looking to dive straight into the action, the Arkham trilogy on Windows, PlayStation and XBox is one of the most intricately crafted superhero video game series. The games are easy to navigate and give a realistic sense of being Batman, allowing you to meet the villains and allies from the original series. What stands out is the game’s open-world nature that allows you to roam around and experience parts of the dark Gotham universe at your own pace. I’m excited about the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow Virtual Reality game that is still in the pipelines. It’s going to be game-changing, quite literally. A still from Batman: Arkham Knight Your tat-signal Pranay Uikey, tattoo artist, 34There’s a good reason why the most common requests we get are for Batman tattoos. Batman personifies justice, courage, and the belief that even in the absence of any true superpowers, a man can rise to the occasion. If you have been procrastinating getting your first tattoo, a minimalistic 4-inch x 4-inch tattoo can be the perfect start. I recommend getting a smaller bat-signal or logo outline on your forearm if you’re paranoid about the outcome, and then moving to a more detailed, coloured tattoo on your upper arm based on how you like it. As cool as it may sound, avoid back, chest, or neck tattoos if you’re a beginner. A 4-inch x 4-inch Batman-inspired tattoo Comic craze Hamza Sayed, owner, The Comic Book Store, 27The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller is a true classic and, in my opinion, one of the best Batman stories. I love stories where Batman shines as a detective. The Killing Joke is another dark and gritty book, written in pure Batman and Joker fashion. Death in the Family shows darker trends with death featured for the first time, where Joker actually wins in this iteration. Our Bandra West store has unique comics, including rare copies from the 1940s in very good condition. Some sold comics feature the first appearance of the Batcave and Alfred Pennyworth. Until the Golden Age, Batman was portrayed in a relatively mellow light. Michael Keaton’s 1989 portrayal made his aura come into the limelight. Since then, his gadgets and world have evolved, becoming better. The recent comics portray deep themes of torture and suffering, emphasising that money doesn’t solve everything, making the storyline ideal for mature audiences who can appreciate the emotional depth, this made me connect with him and is why I consider him my hero. Celebrate in style Back in black: Jump on the Crocs trend with limited-edition Batman footwear. LOG ON TO crocs.com Dress for the job: Wear your love for Batman on your sleeve with graphic t-shirts. LOG ON TO souledstore.com Knight’s guard: Get home an adorable Batman bobblehead figurine to keep you company. LOG ON TO tinyminimo.com
21 September,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Kanisha SoftaForests come alive in the monsoon. Every seven to eight years, in the Western Ghats, a similar phenomenon emerges with the karvi flower. Scientifically named strobilanthes callosa, they are currently in full bloom across this mountain range. Fortunately for Mumbaikars, these plants also have homes across several green lungs. This weekend, the Mumbai Musafir community will host a guided karvi trail in one such popular spot near the Film City, inside the Conservation Education Centre of the Bombay Natural History Society. “Karvi flowers are endemic to the Western Ghats,” explains Shailesh Gupta, a professor at Bhavan’s College (Andheri), and senior naturalist at Mumbai Musafir. Shailesh Gupta at the karvi flower patch in CEC BNHS “The last bloom was in 2016, and the flowers have returned for another season now in 2024. After the mass flowering every seventh or eighth year, the shrubs dry out and die,” adds founder Preeti Bhardwaj. While these flowers have great ecological value by attracting pollinators, they have an equally important cultural value. “When the plant flowers, it gives us what is one of the costliest honey varieties called karvi honey. The dry plant stores seeds in pods. Pic Courtesy/Prabha Pillai And when it dries out, several Adivasi communities in Maharashtra, Gujarat and some parts of Madhya Pradesh make huts of the dry plant’s stalks,” Gupta reveals. This trail, he adds, will discover many such fun facts about these flowers that paint the Western Ghats lavender. “We will further talk about the various species of flora and fauna that come to life in monsoon,” Bhardwaj adds. On Tomorrow and September 28; 7.45 am to 10 am At BNHS CEC, near Film City, Goregaon West. Log on to @mumbai_musafir Message 9833173564Cost Rs 1,150 Cool karvi facts >> These plants grow gregariously in continuous patches >> They usually grow on slopes of mountains or forest floors >> The flowers attract many pollinators, especially honey bees and butterflies >> These plants are not only endemic themselves, but as they grow in masses, they also protect other endemic species >> They usually grow up to 6 ft in height and above >> Karvi honey tastes a tad bitter, and while it hasn’t been proven scientifically, many believe it to have medicinal values >> They flower during the months of September and October. The capsule on plants, which carry seeds in them, burst next year in June after rain begins, resulting in a new population of Karvi >> Their seeds are encapsulated in pods. When they imbibe rain water, these burst open with a pop. It is not a loud sound, but since these plants are gregarious and grow in masses, they make a fascinating feeble sound when seeds are released together. That’s how new colonies of karvi saplings appear >> Avoid rubbing the leaves of these plants in between your fingers. They have trichomes or hair-like structures that may be allergic. The leaves release a scent that could make one feel nauseous after the nature trail >> Look out for leeches during monsoon, and ticks in December By Prabha Pillai, botanist
20 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiPlant-powered paella Tuck into this vegan-friendly black rice paella dish that celebrates plant-based goodness. It is packed with vibrant bell peppers, sweet green peas, tender broccoli, baby corn, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes mixed with mildly spiced black rice giving it a nutty flavour, making every bite wholesome.AT Nude Food Cafe, 364, Dhuru Lodge, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, Dadar West.CALL 9820008382LOG ON TO nudefoodcafe.comCOST Rs 720 The crispy finish Pick from several versions of Spanish paella, with options ranging from vegetarian and chicken to seafood and vegan, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Additionally, diners can request for the socarrat, adding an extra touch of authenticity and texture to the experience.TIME 12 pm to 1 amAT Poco Loco Tapas and Bar, Ground Floor, Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali Marg, 21st Road, Khar West. LOG ON TO @pocolocotapasandbarCALL 9324191366 COST Rs 770 onwards Veggie bliss The ‘I Am Dancing’ vegetarian brown rice paella bowl comes loaded with fresh broccoli, vibrant carrots, red, green, and yellow peppers, crunchy cashews, sweet raisins, almonds, onions, and a hint of garlic. A touch of turmeric powder adds warmth and colour, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.AT The Yoga House, Sherly Rajan Road, Bandra West. CALL 8655930022LOG ON TO @theyogahousemumbaiCOST Rs 490 Rustic rice comfort This version includes Spanish bomba rice cooked in a rich chicken and red wine broth, enhanced with earthy wild mushrooms and succulent pieces of chicken that are simmered to perfection to achieve the signature socarrat — the crispy bottom layer of the paella. TIME 12 pm to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 1 am (closed on Monday) AT La Loca Maria, Fatima Villa, 29th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West.LOG ON TO@laloca_mariaCALL 9324404335COST Rs 1,400 Crispy flavours unfold In this creative twist on the classic paella, the comforting flavours are wrapped in crisp filo pastry and served it on a bed of green pea shoot masala. It blends tradition with innovation while preserving the authentic essence of Spanish cuisine.TIME 12.30 pm to 1.30 am AT Pablo The Art Cafe Lounge, DC-1, Thane-Belapur Road Naka, MIDC Industrial Area, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai.CALL 9309771320COST Rs 600 Sofrito sensation Enjoy the delicious fusion of tender chicken and juicy shrimp, cooked in a rich Latin sofrito sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Infused with fresh herbs, this dish bursts with savoury, smoky, and tangy flavours, making each bite a flavourful delight.AT East End Delhi, Plot No, 70C, Central Avenue Road Mahadeo Wadi, Chembur East. CALL 25283911COST Rs 420 Home comfort Chef Neena Jainani, who spent 14 years in Spain, imbibing its rich culture, brings an authentic slice of the country to Mumbai through her home kitchen. Try this recipe to revive the same flavours. Seafood paella Ingredients>> 150 gm prawns, peeled and cleaned>> 250 gm boneless fish (preferably bhetki)>> 150 gm calamari, peeled and sliced>> 150 gm clams, cleaned and steamed>> 4-5 tiger prawns, shells on>> 1 small onion, finely chopped>> 2 bell peppers (preferably mixed colours), thinly sliced>> 6-7 tomatoes, grated>> 8-10 cloves garlic, minced>> 1 bay leaf>> 5-6 button mushrooms, sliced>> 2-3 asparagus stalks>> 25 gm-50 gm French beans, trimmed>> A few leaves of parsley, finely chopped>> 1 tbsp paprika>> 1 Knorr seafood stock cube, diluted in water>> A couple of saffron strands>> 250gm bomba rice or paella rice>> 5-6 tbsp olive oil>> 2-3 glasses of water>> Salt, to taste MethodIn a flat pan, sauté prawns, fish and calamari separately with a little garlic, paprika, and olive oil for two minutes each. Set aside. Boil the clams for two to three minutes with very little salt till they open. In the same pan, use the remaining oil to sauté onions, parsley, and bay leaf until softened. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and French beans, stir in the grated tomatoes and cook until they blend into the mixture, cook for three to four minutes. Add the seafood stock, water paprika, and saffron. Season with salt, and bring to a boil. Add calamari and prawns (excluding tiger prawns). Stir the rice, ensuring it is well mixed with the ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the bottom is slightly crispy (this is the socarrat). Do not stir the rice; press it flat onto the pan. After the water has mostly evaporated, place the tiger prawns, asparagus, clams and fish on the bed of rice, and serve. LOG ON TO @casadepaella.mumbai CALL 9930910053
20 September,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha Softa | Anisha ShrivastavaParadoxical as it may seem, timeless style is trending again. For proof, look no further than Aditi Rao Hydari’s stunning langa voni in muted gold, or Sobhita Dhulipala’s pastel pink Uppada silk saree that bore none of the OTT flourishes that have become synonymous with big fat Indian weddings. More recently, Kareena Kapoor Khan made waves by opting for an intricately draped, restored Banarasi silk saree over a poofy gown, when celebrating her 25th anniversary in cinema. Sobhita Dhulipala sports a pastel uppada silk saree at her wedding with Naga Chaitanya. Pics Courtesy/Instagram (right) Alia Bhatt styles an Ajrakh saree with minimal jewellery “Given the tremendous pace at which the fashion cycle is moving, it seems like a much safer bet to invest in classics that you can wear and re-wear for several years, versus a very styled look that could just as easily look dated in only a few months,” says celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar. The dilemma, however, is that since most contemporary palates have become accustomed to (or rather desensitised by) an overload of bling and opulent extravaganza, do these relatively muted looks run the risk of the wearer seeming underdressed or washing them out? Not necessarily, says Ambekar, who lays down a few simple rules to nail these looks: Say it with colours “The right colours can make all the difference, especially for special occasions such as weddings and engagements. Knowing your undertones and primary skin shade can enable you to choose shades that compliment you the most. If necessary, enlist the support of an expert,” says Ambekar. When styling a simpler garment, a monochrome colour scheme is a simple and elegant technique to create a striking look, she adds. Muted shades such as ivory, peach, pastel pink or mint work well for the daytime, while deeper tones such as wine, forest green, or midnight blue are perfect for evening events. Mitali Ambekar Simple but impactful Choose timeless fabrics such as heirloom silk weaves (Banarasi or Kanchipuram are immediate favourites) that exude grandeur without needing too much embellishment. “Other fabrics you can opt for high quality silk chiffon, georgette and organza. These fabrics have a natural flow, are figure flattering and do not need heavy embroidery to look elegant,” Ambekar elaborates. While a saree is always a classic, other traditional styles such as anarkalis, lehengas, straight-cut kurtas and angrakhas will give you the most wear over the years. You could also opt to personalise your outfit with a special motif, subtle monograms or other such thoughtful but discreet details. Further, Ambekar suggests that you opt for garments with minimal embellishments such as tone-on-tone embroidery, which helps create a comparatively simple yet memorable look. Kareena Kapoor Khan wears a restored Banarasi saree to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her Bollywood debut Finishing touches Limit your accessories to one or two pieces of statement jewellery. Avoid over layering and adding clutter, and pick metals that suit your skin tone and undertone. “The minimalist aesthetic should extend to your make-up as well — aim for a radiant look with a focus on glowing skin and a hint of blush. Use neutral tones on your eyes and lips. Avoid overtly matte products, and too many layers,” Ambekar notes. She adds that the goal of your make-up should be to define your features without overpowering them. Wear your hair in a sleek, face-framing style, with minimal floral hair accessories.
20 September,2024 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThursdayThrill-filled fun Go all out on playtime at this venue, where packages for video games, arcade games, and go-karting are available for just R99.Time 11 am to 11 pmAt Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla West. Log on to phoenixmarketcity.com Cost Rs 99 FridayClay chronicles Victoria and Albert Museum Explore the parallel histories and contemporary landscapes that Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum shares with Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London, through ceramic collections at this expert-led panel discussion. BDL Museum TIME 4 pm to 5 pm AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East. Unplugged melodies Dive into the world of fusion, as artiste Shrirang Krishnan brings together beats of carnatic, Sufi, and Bollywood music to raise funds for budding Indian women scientists.Time 7 pm to 10 pmAT Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Hindurao Patil Marg, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. CALL 8657865475 Log on to @iwsa_1973COST Rs 300 onwards SaturdayRetail therapy Fill the weekend with self-love, and some conscious retail therapy. This pop-up at Shivaji Park will feature an exhaustive environment-friendly collection for sale by homegrown artisans and craftsmen. Expect sustainable apparel, home decor, (above) crockery, paintings, accessories, and more.Till September 22Time 11 am to 7 pmAt Scout Banquet Hall West, Shivaji Park, opposite Mayor’s Bungalow, Dadar West. SundayAye halo! Why wait for Navratri to show off your best traditional attire and some killer garba moves? Sign up for this pre-Navratri garba night, where enthusiasts will welcome the upcoming festival with much fanfare. Time 6 pm onwardsAT Vrindavan Hall, Trikamdas Road, near Kandivali Station, Kandivali West. Call 9136901020Cost Rs 350; (Rs 300 for individual passes for groups of 10 and above) In-house comedy Attend a live recording of the podcast, Ask (below) Gursimran Khamba Anything, in a house party-like set-up, where participants will get to witness and be part of the episode full of candid conversations.Time 10 pm At Spades Live, above Smoke House Deli, Pali Hill, Bandra West.Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost R499
19 September,2024 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi | Anisha ShrivastavaWe come bearing good news. If there was one thing missing on the Mumbai food scene, it would be a restaurant by Mukhtar Qureshi and Rahul Akerkar. Now, after 14 years the duo opens Waarsa, an Awadhi restaurant under Aditya Birla New Age (ABNAH) Hospitality at NCPA. We met them at the venue a few days before its scheduled opening. A turquoise blue door with a floral-motif doorknob welcomes us into the 56-seater. The walls wear a washed-out salmon blush, inspired by surkhi — a material used in historic buildings. Restoration architect Abha Narain Lambah has done up the space in modern renditions of the old. Intricate floral embossed patterns on the ceiling and the antique mirrors across the room offer depth and grandeur. Mukhtar Qureshi (left) and Rahul Akerkar at Waarsa, NCPA. Pics/Atul Kamble Mukhtar Qureshi, MasterChef at Waarsa, has donned a crisp white chef’s coat that reads Q-Man, and in contrast, Rahul Akerkar is in all black casuals. The two go way back when Akerkar opened Neel — Tote on the Turf with Qureshi at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in 2009. Akerkar calls his first encounter with Qureshi a happenstance. “He was working in the Indian section in our catering company, Moveable Feast. At the time, it was on my mind to never do a restaurant where I was not intimately familiar with the cuisine. But it happened with Mukhtar,” he admits. Awadhi nalli ka shorba and Daal q-man When Akerkar bowed out, the two remained in touch. Over the past decade-and-a-half, they charted different trajectories — Qureshi led the royal Awadhi cuisine restaurant Ummrao at Courtyard by Marriott, while Akerkar had opened Qualia. In the lockdown, Qureshi took the catering route and Akerkar moved to Goa. In 2023, he joined ABNAH as culinary director. “When we were toying with the idea for an Indian restaurant, I dialled Mukhtar, and asked him: ‘Should we open a restaurant again?’ Haq lasooni chaman and Khoobani ka meetha Waarsa, the duo tells us, means inheritance and the food takes inspiration from Awadhi cuisine’s footprint across Kolkata to Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kashmir and Varanasi. Akerkar finds comparisons with Creole food. “The [Creole] cuisine has its backbone in Latin America and West Africa, and is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Native American flavours. Awadhi food is a bit like that.” Waarsa puts the spotlight on khansamas and women chefs — the ‘aapas’ in the bawarchi khana. “Surely, what they ate at home was a far cry from how they cooked for nawabs,” explains Akerkar. Kashmiri seb ka korma When Qureshi began to plan the menu, there were several dilemmas: “Awaam ko kya chahiye? [What does the public want?]; Log mere paas wapas kyu ayenge? [Why will people come back to eat my food?]; “We created a menu jo ghar bhi lage, sheher bhi lage, aur galiyan bhi lage [flavours of homes, cities as well as streets]’.” He hit the road, touring Benaras, Lucknow and Kolkata. He gorged on chaats served on pattas and puri aloo with its humble watery gravy in Benaras. “In Lucknow, I visited a 200-year-old tunday kebabi joint; Ram Bhandar for dahi jalebi and samosa [to relive my childhood], and the famous Sharmaji’s chai stall. “The art of any cooking is to know when to put what ingredient. I noticed the food had earned a lightness without losing its original flavours. I had found my inspiration,” he recalls. Intricate floral and antique patterns adorn its interiors In the trial kitchen, Qureshi was busy working with baigan (brinjal), kadu (pumpkin), tendli (ivy gourd), parwal (pointed gourd), seb (apples) and ratalu (sweet potato). “Being a Qureshi, I have not given enough attention to vegetarian fare,” he laughs, adding, “It is corrected in this menu.” We begin the meal with two shorbas. The santre ka shorba (Rs 450) exudes a tangy sweetness of oranges in a broth with hints of pine nuts. Ginger holds all the flavours under its reign. It manages to open our palates and prepares it to welcome the Awadhi nalli ka shorba (Rs 490), which is a surprisingly light smoked marrow soup. Portions from the mutton shank make for tender morsels. Of the 30 kebabs on offer, we try kamal jad ki shaami (Rs 585; lotus root). It is tucked between fried lotus root stem chips that add a sweet crunch to the minced texture of the kebab. Jaituni dingri (R585), or olive rubbed mushrooms, are slathered in a slippery tapenade that leaves a tinge of tartness in the aftertaste. The finely minced Kakori kebab (Rs 875) is vintage excellence. We fold a mouthful into a bite of malai paratha. The Awadhi sunehri jhinga (Rs ,150) is charcoal fire-grilled in yellow chilli and saffron, giving a spicy hit and a fragrant finish. Mukhtar Qureshi Qureshi’s attention to vegetarian dishes includes the standout Kashmiri seb ka korma (Rs 685). The gravy is made of the fruit, paired with tomatoes. Haq lasooni chaman (Rs 685) is a paneer dish in Kashmiri spinach that’s packed with garlic. The khada masala ke murg (Rs 785) is local at its best. Made with whole garam masala, including cinnamon, cloves, pepper and spice. The signature, dal Q-Man (Rs 585), kid goat slow cooked in black masoor dal base finished with dill, bathua and white butter, is a community dish made during Muharram. The tarkari dum biryani (Rs 685) is a steamed vegetable biryani is too dry and falters, but the kareli ka dum dudhiya biryani (Rs 1,250) is a Hyderabadi rendition of mutton shank, mutton kofta, boiled egg, with gosht yakhni salan that is impressive. Qureshi has way too many versions of his signature khoobani ka meetha. Here, it comes with a purdah, baked apricot halwa cooked in its own sweet juice. “Awadhi food is known for its delicate use of spices, fragrance and a subtle nazakat. Qureshi’s cooking is all of that. My inputs were purely subjective, rather than telling him how to cook it. He doesn’t need that. It is his gift, not mine,” Akerkar signs off. WaarsaOPENS September 21 AT NCPA, Nariman Point. Time 12 pm to 4 pm; 7 pm to 1 amCall 9594943555 Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From British influences to kaanch pudding, Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil on how the royal kitchen of Bhavnagar has embraced cultural diversity in Gujarat
19 September,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaThere will be rhythm. There will be moves. There will be style,” promises Kruti Gandhi, founder of Abrazo Tango as we get on a call early in the evening. Gandhi is in preparation for the second edition of the Mumbai Tango Marathon, which begins tomorrow. The three-day event will mark a gathering of professional tango performers from all over Mumbai in a celebration of the Latin dance. Kruti Gandhi “After our first edition in 2023, we were surprised at how many people were looking forward to such events,” shares Gandhi who began her journey with tango in 2015. To this end, the group of Gandhi, and co-founders Tanvi Shah and Ajinkya Deshpande curated a series of events that spans across the spectrum of music, fashion, cuisine and dance from Latin American culture. The festival will be a mix of workshops and captivating performances Fashion, for instance, is a key part of the tango tradition. Gandhi explains, “People do not often understand how important the apparel and shoes are to a tango dancer. They are shaped to fit and enable movement in a particular way. As a professional, I have often had to spend much time sourcing the right shoes for my competitions. So, we decided to host a tango fair this year where people can walk in and buy apparel, footwear, and memorabilia connected to the dance form.” A performance from 2023 The three-day event is divided into multiple events for professional and amateur dancers, she adds. “The first day is earmarked for professional dancers, with workshops and sessions introducing them to the many forms and techniques,” Gandhi notes. Saturday, she adds, is specifically a celebration of the dance form. With over 20 hours of dancing performances, combined with the tango fair and workshops, it is open to everyone. “It is the perfect way to dip your feet in and experience the social effect of tango as a dance form,” she remarks. The performances are also reflective of a growing demand for the dance form in the city. “Tango is different, and more complex to other Latin forms like salsa or bachata. It is definitely growing in popularity, and since our last edition, we have noticed an overwhelming number of people demanding more such events in the city. The annual event might be a good start to it,” Gandhi concludes. ON September 20 to 22; 11 am onwards AT Girgaon; Nariman Point (venues shared upon registration).LOG ON TO @abrazo_tango on InstagramCALL 9987586384 (Kruti Gandhi) Also Read: How new-age jive socials are exposing more people to Kizomba
19 September,2024 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarHow did Paul McCartney sneak into France without a passport? What was The Beatles’ last conversation before John Lennon’s assassination? And why did the Imagine singer call himself a ‘b#*tard’ following his son’s birth? Peter Brown, The Beatles’ office manager, answers all the questions in his new book, All You Need Is Love: The Beatles In Their Own Words. The book is a collage of interviews, private conversations and anecdotes shared by those closest to The Beatles during their rise and fall. For fans of the Fab Four like me, who don’t mind a bit of juicy gossip from time to time, it checks all the boxes. Available: amazon.in
19 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
