The very name evokes images of gentle Thai smiles, Thai food flavours and a befitting ambience. Baan Thai in the Oberoi Grand has been and continues to be the restaurant for authentic Thai cuisine. The menu has been thoughtfully prepared with vegetarian delicacies as well as very popular seafood and meat delicacies. Start your meal with the Tom Yam Koong or Prawn Soup spiced with galangal, kafir lime leaves and lemongrass followed by Som Tam Esan or the Papaya Salad, Kaeng Kiew Wan or Chicken Green Curry and the Phad Thai. End your meal with the Tab Tim Samsee, a coconut-based dessert with water chestnuts. The authenticity of the dishes is maintained by importing the uncommon, special ingredients and spices almost every week to ensure the freshness of the dishes. The interiors too are beautiful, with exquisite objet d’art, floral fragrances and low-floor seating or khan toke that represent true Thai-style of dining. As we go to print, we are informed that plans are open for a change in the menu. Let us wait and watch for the new delights that await us at Baan Thai.
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Baan Thai
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Benjarong
Authentic Thai recipes, mystery ingredients and tangy, spicy sauces have taken Benjarong to great heights… and this does not refer to its location on the top floor of South City Mall! Its location, of course, enables you to take a break from your shopping or give your tired feet a rest. Plush interiors and polite but warm hospitality greet you as you enter the restaurant. Once seated, take a good look at the menu: Benjarong is the only stand-alone restaurant in Kolkata that offers true-blue Thai cuisine. Begin your meal with starters like the Goon Tood Samunpai (tamarind prawn) or the Pu Nim Tod (soft-shell crabs) and the Tom Yum seafood soup or Tom Yum Talay that pack plenty of punch. Vegetarians can order the sweet and tangy Phad Thai with Vegetables and Thai Red Curry with cauliflower and bamboo shoot or Kaeng Ped Doklampuri. Their signature Gai-Hor-Baitei — marinated chicken pieces, wrapped in pandana leaves and deep fried — is a hot seller. For desserts, there is the water chestnut in chilled, sweet coconut milk and the Sankaya Fakthong, which is a coconut pumpkin pudding. Indeed, Benjarong has become a name to reckon with and have been giving high-end restaurants in the city a run for their money… for some time now.
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Pan Asian
With designated areas for each of the cuisines that it offers, from East and South-East Asia, Pan Asian in ITC Sonar is a delight for the gourmet, the connoisseur… the foodie! This elegantly designed signature restaurant covers a substantial area, and houses a one-of-a-kind wine library, consisting of the world’s finest vintages. There’s an interactive island, too, with the Teppanyaki griddle and Yakitori-style cooking — and this is hugely popular with their guests. The menu is elaborate and the expert team of chefs tosses up culinary delights from Korean barbecue to Mongolian brazier to Thai stir-fry to Chinese hot pot and Japanese sushi box. If there’s a very special occasion that you’d like to celebrate with someone very special, you’ll be pleased to know that Pan Asian organizes an exotic weekend brunch — at premium prices, of course — that is simply mind-blowing. As the book goes to press, we are informed that plans are in the offing to change the Pan Asian menu… we watch and wait eagerly!
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Roxy
Stylish, sexy and bold, this cocktail bar in The Park Kolkata sports the metal and velvet chic look — a tribute — of the swinging 60s. Tantalizing cocktails in Roxy like Ultra Marine, Mandarin Kiss, Kiwi, Passion Mimosa, Bellini, and The Roxy help to relax. World wine launches and sommelier events, infused vodkas, daiquiris, martinis, margaritas and Dessert Martinis, single malt and cigar connoisseurs rubbing shoulders with supermodels, graphic art, trendy electronic DJ music — that’s Roxy for the uninitiated. The Liquid Buffet on surprise nights create a great rush for the younger lot. Choose the bites from the Grand Seafood Platter, Grilled Australian Lamb Chops, Chicken Sausage, Chilli-blasted Cottage Cheese, platter of international artisan cheeses, Zaand Ginseng-spiced Mini Tandoori Potatoes, Spanish Piri Piri-spiked Grilled Prawns with Toasted Chestnuts, Date-wrapped Bacon with Green Sauce and Mini Parmesan Kulchas with Tangy Sun-dried Tomato Chutney. Polish off a Frozen Tiramisu before you leave.
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The Factory Outlet
There are so many new generation restaurants spread over the city of Kolkata, that you are suddenly spoilt for choice. And while the city has been a major playground for cafes, multicuisine and Indian experiments, it is actually the enviable proliferation of colonial European cuisine in its history that makes it unique. Add to that the new world Mediterranean flavours and you have a definitive successful formula. TFO or The Factory Outlet is the latest offering from the house of Ivory and Shisha. Perched on the fifth floor of the busy Camac Street mall address, it ushers us into a candy flossed world of its own.
DÉCOR
If lollies are your favourite this summer, TFO will have you wired in no time. Bright interiors with shades of candy pink, candy orange and candy purple, culminate ultimately to a candy floss machine on display - serving candy floss on request, other than creating Bubblegum and Candy Floss Mojito concoctions! A zebra-stripe bar counter, Barbie pink chandeliers and bird cage seating all add to the flamboyance. Loud music, Nigella#39;s cooking show on television, free wifi and a young spunky crowd complete the eye candy.
FOOD
There#39;s as much of an emphasis on the "good looking" food here, as the interiors. The menu traverses Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, Asia and even touches Morrocan Africa. Today, we are a bit partial to the Arabian specialties in our selection: Three Cheese and Basil Sambusak (Rs. 195), Arabian Mix Meat Charcoal Grill (Rs. 395), Chicken Salami Romansque Pizza (Rs.425), Baked Aubergine (Rs.395), Arabian Spiced Rock Grilled Bekti (Rs.595) and Moroccan Lamb Shank (Rs. 595).
PLUS MINUS
The three cheese Sambasuk or Samosa triangle is lighter, flavoursome cheesy melt inside, but a deep fried, hearty rendition outside. The Arabian Mixed Meat looks inviting, where marinated fish, velvety smooth chicken and ground lamb kofta kebabs take pride of place on a half moon platter served on mini khasta parathas. However, the spicing of the kebabs are quite flat to the palate. The pizza is a bit amateurish with off-the-shelf chicken salami and tomatoes slapped on a hand-crafted biscuit thin base. The Mediterranean influenced comfort dish of baked eggplants comes with herb rice and leaves us with a satisfying sigh; yet the best "looking" dish of the afternoon is the rock grilled Bekti - what with the fancy presentation of pea mash, wilted spinach, tomato-onion salsa and fresh greens on the side. Finally, the Lamb Shanks arrives as a mammoth portion, fleshy, wee bit overdone. Our moods swing as we dig into the unapologetically rich, homestyle Banoffee Pie (Rs.195).
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by What#39;s Hot.
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Bakstage
This is the modern version of a city ‘rock pub’. In the heart of IT land in Salt Lake, Backstage sits pretty on the first floor of the newly built complex. Valet parking is available and essential here. Inside, the long stretch of this rustic-looking pub promises many unwinding evenings. The bar with its row of high stools has something feminine about it. The music blasts away the good old rocking days from the 70s. The menu matches the mood with Rocking Goulash, Coldplay Parachute Prawns, Garage Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and the Promise Ring Onion Rings Tower. And their signature cocktails adds to the zing, with Guns ‘n’ Roses, Sweet Lady, Ecstacy Meringue, Punk Tonic, martinis, Margarita and Sangria by the pitchers.
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Aqua
There is more of Aqua now than before! A double deck, this is the new addition in the indoor seating at Aqua. However, Aqua is still essentially the glamorous alfresco bar by the pool at The Park Kolkata. It is great for lounging any time of the year. In summer, the cool, fluorescent blue pool satiates your dip-in-the-pool cravings with poolside deck and gazebos for relaxation. A tall glass of Long Island Iced Tea or Aqua Fizz with Lolla Rossa Salad, Stuffed Button Mushrooms and Parma Ham and Rock Melon Combination, Chicken Combo Platter adds to the experience. The evenings are eventful with in-house DJs and a glass of Margarita, Manhattan, B52 or Bellini. Try some of their delicious salads, shots and smoothies. The Champagne Pavilions create their own drama with bottles of the bubbly, Grilled Fresh Tuna, Stir-fried Tofu, pastas or risottos. The new additions are the hookahs post-sunset every evening... add to that an exhaustive world wine menu that features full-bodied, medium-bodied, light, sparkling and Rose varieties.
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Smoke Shack
A perfect setting in the middle of urban concrete that will help you relax and enjoy your evenings with friends and family. Smoke Shack, the new roof-top barbecue restaurant in the Park Plaza creates another dimension of eating out in the city. The setting of a terrace with live barbecue counters, an infinity pool and pleasurable music is a combination very few can resist. Add to that a full-fledged bar and internationally flavoured menu: Stuffed Sweet Peppers, Barbecued Corns, Barbecued Baked Potatoes, Pork Chops, Chicken Teriyaki, Tenderloin Steak, Salmon and Smoke Shack Kebab Platter, Tandoori Pomfret, Sarson Mahi Tikka, Tandoori Chicken from the Indian tandoor. This is surely going to make a wonderful winter choice!
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Chowringhee Bar
A classic bar, the Chowringhee Bar has a grace and sophistication that has to be experienced. Located in the Oberoi Grand, it offers its patrons the choicest of highland malts, world wines, cocktails galore and cigar in humidors, and the food, too, with options in Indian, Mexican and South-East Asian cuisines is a delight. Sit back and relax with a classic Bloody Mary or Whisky Sour and quesadillas or Mahi Tikka to go with it. The efficient staff and the aesthetically done interiors create the perfect ambience: Italian green-marble tops, cane and upholstered Chesterfield sofas, pool-facing view and strewn with antiques, Chowringhee Bar exudes old-world charm and elegance. And, yes, soak in the live melodious music.
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Revisit: Afraa Deli
A favourite among youngsters, this deli is nestled in City Centre 1, Salt Lake. It has a cozy ambience and an outdoor seating area with a view of the mall. The place has redone its menu with fresh additions and retained old favourites, so we decided to check out what sets it apart from others.
To make things simpler, the new additions on the menu are highlighted in bright orange. The soup section has been recently added and the ‘mock-tale’ selection has some refreshing options. The menu is inspired by urban street culture and you can find these elements in various dishes. The quirky names add to the fun of dining here. Fowl-Play (Rs 140) is an interesting dish featuring crumbed chicken cutlets served with 3 types of dips, taking a cue from the revered eateries of North Kolkata. The Desi Burger (Rs 125) is a hat-tip to Mumbai’s favourite Vada Pav. This street food served with 3 dips stands out with its clean flavours. Visually, too, it looks rather neat with three green chillies placed on top of the bun.
Well, if you aren’t into desi flavours, there are enough choices for you as well.
Look for the ‘Ballads with Salads’ section and dig into the Tuscan Fried Bread Panzanella Salad (Rs 200) that’s served with marinated grilled chicken and lemon vinaigrette dressing. If you fancy a Brit Style dish, then go for the Phishing For Compliments (Rs 360), a crumb fried basa fillet served with French fries, tartar sauce and kasundi sauce to give it a local twist. There’s plenty of drinks to choose from as well including the Blueberry Marshmallow Smoothie (Rs 130) and Apple Pie Shake (Rs 140) that are served in quirky mason jars. We loved the Rang Rassiya Smoothie (Rs 140), the eatery’ssignature saffron-flavoured rasmalai shake.
The new menu at this deli is much better and it has exciting options for every kind of food lover.
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Guilt Free Desserts
We believe it’s sacrilege to not end your meal with dessert. However, if you’re off sugar for health reasons, these places make sugar-free versions of your favourite sweet treats, so now you can have your cake and eat it too. Here’s our guide to guilt-free sweet indulgence.
FLURY’S, PARK STREET
This place needs no introduction. Our favourite confectionery has some sugar-free desserts that are just as good as the regular ones. The Beetroot and Honey Souffle is subtle and has pureed beetroot, honey, egg white and cream. The Yoghurt and Kafir Lime Mousse has a light, airy texture and is made with whipped yoghurt, honey, kaffir lime and egg whites. Looking for something simple? Try the Marsala Poached Pears with Sour Cream which is a simple combination of fresh pears peeled cooked in dry red wine, served with sour cream and wine reduction. We suggest you try the Jasmine Tea Set Custard, Oatmeal and Crème Fraiche Cranachan and Apple and Oat Tart.
Price: Rs 147 per piece inclusiveof taxes
Contact: 40007453
LITTLE PLEASURE, LOUDON STREET
It’s been a year since this place opened its doors, and it is already a hit among dessert lovers in town. To keep up with the competition, the brand has introduced a bunch of sugar-free options too. The Peach Clan cake is vanilla sponge layered with fresh peaches compote and crème patisserie. You could also go for the Blueberry Cheese Cake and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cake. The Baked Alaska is available as a sugar-free option and is prepared with vanilla sponge, ice-cream, muddled seasonal fruit and topped with cream instead of Italian meringue, all of which are devoid of sugar.
Price: Starts at Rs 850 a pound
Contact: 9830544866
VELVETIINE, RASHBEHARI AVENUE
Shradha Goel started this service after training at a couple of 5 star properties for a year. She introduced sugar-free desserts to meet the demands of her clients. The menu isn’t expansive but has interesting choices for health freaks. The Green Tea Mousse has a beautiful balance of flavours with the green tea adding a whiff of freshness. The popular coffee flavoured Italian dessert, Tiramisu, too comes in a sugar-free avatar. Love cupcakes but can’t handle the sugar rush? You might find solace in the Blueberry Cupcakes made with fresh berries and curd, both being rich in anti oxidants and low on calories.
Price: Starts at Rs 50 a piece
Contact: 9830817171
IN GOOD TASTE, SALT LAKE
This brand is the brain child of Aditi Ghosh, a home baker who customises her menu as per the client’s special dietary requirements. Her menu features regular cakes, timeless classics and quick bites among others. The sugar-free options include the traditional Marble Cake, Golden Vanilla Cake and Decadent Chocolate. The best part is that you can choose any dessert from the menu and Aditi will whip up a sugar-free variant for you. So you could dig in to the Blueberry Dream Cake, vanilla sponge with blueberries and blueberry vanilla mousse, or the Breath of Life, chocolate cake with chocolate chips and mint filling, without feeling guilty!
Price: Starts at Rs 2,000 a kg
Contact: 9830074323
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6 Ballygunge Place
6 Ballygunge Place has made a name for itself as a restaurant serving authentic Bengali food, ever since it opened its doors some time back. This is the place to head to if you are on the lookout for Bengali dishes prepared the traditional way: Kosha Mangsho, Kakra Shorshe, Daab Chingri, Bhapa Ilish, and Baked Sandesh and the seasonal Nolen Gur Ice Cream as the dessert — these are also their signature dishes. Incidentally, they also manage corporate canteens and provide special occasion catering, chiefly weddings. Home-delivery facilities are also offered. Their branch in Salt Lake is also doing pretty well, which is not surprising, considering that 6 Ballygunge Place is a brainchild of five foodie partners, who are aware of the market trends.
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The Bikers Cafe
World over this concept has worked as a common gathering space for like minds. They all possess mean machines too! They are serious community motorcycle garages, where any enthusiast can come work on their bikes, take a workshop and get knowhow. In many cases, the space has been extended to motorcycles and Egg Benedict or even motorcycles and Ramen! So tank up Kolkata as we get ready for our first ride to The Bikers Café. The idea is to provide a café space for bravehearts and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. Decor: We expect a looming warehouse look, with tools and tattooed service staff. Instead, are pleasantly surprised by the swanky woodwork at the first floor space. Divided into two sections – a guarded lounge area and an open café – it has a welcome, action-packed and happy feel. Spot lighting keep focus on the round tables branded with Royal Enfield, Harley Davidson et al. Bike headlights and handlebars for light fittings, helmets used as lampshades, motorcycle saddles for seats, metal number plate signages, framed posters and graffiti on the walls, a game of table foosball and a gleaming Harley Davidson on display completes the atmosphere. Madonna, Ace of Base, Modern Talking, Michael Jackson and the reigning Eighties music pep it up. Food: The menu we find is a wee refined for the wild outdoor people. Several options, drawing inspirations from well-known motorbike tracks of the world, actually keeps in mind an urban palate. Breakfast is important, with a variety of Chef’s special Vegetable, Sui Mai and Pink Salmon Benedict (we are told it is a Bikers’ favourite!). A bit of huddled contemplation and we decide to go with Honey Chilli Cajun Potato (Rs.160), The “Twin Cam” Fish Burger (Rs.270), Wild Wild West Pizza (Rs.280), Jack Daniel BBQ Lamb Steak (Rs.580), Prawn Calzone (Rs.580), Fruit Crepes with Ice Cream (Rs.180). PlusMinus: The French fries are frail, even with its honey-chilli zing. A rustic bowl of homestyle potatoes with skin and all, drizzled in Cajun spices, would be wonderful. The square pizza brings with it a hearty home flavour, resplendent in rocket and basil notes, worth savouring. The Burger does no magic; crumb-fried twin slabs of fish are slapped between the soft buns. The highlight lamb steak arrives - springy and firm with a satisfying chew doused in the overwhelming Jack Daniels sauce. The quibble still remains, when will they ever standardize the portion for a steak in this country? The much touted Chef special - outside of the menu - stewed Prawn Calzone, is over cheesy, cooked to a barely set stickiness and does not make a mark. The paper-thin crepe rolled in with an assortment of fruits, a dollop of ice cream and chocolate sauce is worth keeping the little extra room for dessert.
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by What#39;s Hot.
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Au Bon Pain
One of the big changes in the city in 2013, food wise, is advent of new chains on Park Street. Much to the disappointment of the city, Music World, a losing business proposition was lost forever in favour of the next big business, food. Au Bon Pain, a Boston based cafe bakery opens its doors just next to the legendary Swiss Confectionery in town. We are enticed by the idea of an all day fresh bakery.
Decor:The huge and historic interiors is the last remnants of colonial Kolkata. The high ceilings, historic pillars and Gothic window design is juxtaposed with modern food counters, see through live bakery section and self help food display section. The staff await at every step, eager to help, but confused with the complex set up none the less. Seating is ample, from low loungers overlooking the busy street, wall mounted sofa seating to high bar style stools. There are enough places to hide beyond public eye, with private nooks and a desolate mezzanine level seating.
Food:The wall mounted menu is fairly simple. But the complexity of multiple queuing up to get the different choices makes it chaotic. Self help food display with trays - one counter, filling up forms for ordering -one counter, placing the order for beverages, breads, sandwiches, salads and soups - all different counters, prepaid payment - yet another counter! We try to keep it simple: Butter Croissant (Rs. 35), choice of Veg Soup (Rs. 115), we choose Potato Leek, Bagel with Cream Cheese (Rs. 99) with the portioned cream cheese charged separately (Rs.75), Chicken Chipotle sandwich (Rs.199), Salmon and Cream Cheese sandwich (Rs. 299), Make your own salad (Rs. 175) with add-on Tuna (Rs. 75), Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Large (Rs.140), Black Currant Danish (Rs.75) and Tiramisu Cake Slice (Rs.125).rnrn
Plus Minus:Our choice of potato and leek soup, a bit insipid, sees us through after a tasting of the other spicy options. The oven fresh butter croissant with an extra dollop of cream cheese makes things look up. rnThe Chicken Chipotle on baguette gives the freshness of grilled chicken, but lacks the zing of Emmental. On the other hand, the Salmon cheese sandwich has an overwhelming helping of cheese, killing the subtle salmon taste. rnThe Iceberg Tuna salad needs a lot of pep to make a mark. The desserts for breakfast make our meal. The black currant Danish and the Gingerbread hot chocolate are yum! However the Tiramisu slice needs proper refrigeration to retain the freshness of the mascarpone cheese.
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Koshe Kosha
Who can resist the luxury of sitting at home and enjoying ordering out all the Bengali delicacies? The Koshe Kosha brand of Bengali cuisine ensures that not only do you visit their restaurants, they even deliver hot and fresh Bengali dishes home. Try out their cutlets (prawn/mutton/chicken), Fish Fry, Mochar Chop, Mangsher Shingara, Kosha Mangsho with Pulao, Tomator Chutney and Rabadi if you are ordering in. But if you decide to visit them, plan an afternoon of leisure with Gondhoraj Ghol, Ghee Bhaat, Postor Bora, Kumro Phul Bhaja, Topse Machh Bhaja, Labra, Lau Chingri, Mochar Ghanto, Beckti Paturi, Doi Ilish, Chitol Muithya, Luchi, Basanti Pulao, Anaraser Chutney and Daab Ice Cream... enjoy.
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Retail Therapy: Quirky Décor Accessories
There is an inherent charm to block colours, paisley prints and everything India-inspired that makes them classic design hits across households. And while décor tastes differ vastly, it was not so long ago that bold, bling and over the top were the order of the day. Thankfully, it’s all about quirky and kitsch now. So we’ve rounded up a few homegrown brands that will make you want to give your house a makeover with small but fun additions.
THE POSTBOX
This Chennai based décor cum lifestyle store was an outcome of pure love for the art, and it shows. The PostBox is an e-commerce site where you can buy stationery, fridge magnets, mugs, linen, lamps and much more. The site curates their in-house products along with works of upcoming artists as well as sources collections from stores in remote parts of the country. Some of the things we adored on their site include Terracotta Mugs, fridge magnets and notepads by Nest By Arpit Agarwal that showcases elements from North East and ikat print cotton pillowcases. You can also place a bulk order with them for gifting.
Price: Rs 300 onwards
Click here (www.thepostbox.in) to shop
BAARIQUE
Early this year, when The Bombay Canteen opened its doors, pictures of their punch bowls and other utensils received much praise on social media. We too couldn’t stop gawking at their cool crockery and hounded the owners to find out more. Well, it turns out Baarique is the brand behind TBC’s curios. Better known for their hand-drawn designs on tradition copper utensils sourced from UP and Rajasthan, this indigenous company’s prints are inspired by Indian art and culture. We recommend you pick a set of their Kansa glasses for the festive season.
Price: On request
Mail info@baarique.com to order
BOTL
What started out as an eco-friendly initiative has now become a full-fledged go-to stop for funky glass lights. BOTL is based out of Mumbai and creates hand painted lamps, hanging lights, mugs and more from empty wine bottles. For Diwali, they will be churning out special items like tea lamps and lights that will add a sparkle to your house. Keep an eye out for their soon-to-be-launched campaign where you can donate bottles and get discounts on the products.
Price: Rs 250 onwards
Mail mesodesignworks@gmail.com to order
TRUMATTER
Rukmini Roy Kadam started Trumatter a few years ago because she loved DIY décor solution. Her baby quickly became an award-winning blog and her beach themed décor ideas a raging success. That’s what led to her hosting giveaways on a small scale for her DIY lamps, wall art and garden accessories. This Diwali, she’s come up with Sweetstitions – a take on Indian superstitions – that include pillow covers with flipped footwear, black eyed cat , nimboo mirchi and more. Our focus is set firmly on her Fairy Light Chandeliers, which can also be used once the festivities are over.
Price: Rs1000 onwards
Mail koelroy86@gmail.com to order
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Nutmeg The Gourmet Shop
Revamped and renamed from The Gourmet Shop to Nutmeg – The Gourmet Shop, the ITC Sonar bakery has taken a new dimension all right. Earlier a bakery and retail, it has moved one notch higher to become a gourmet store. The bakery rules supreme with a delectable range of cakes: Wild Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Silk Cake, Grand Truffle Torte, All Berry Bombe, Tiramisu, Black Forest, Lemon and White Chocolate Charlotte et al., while their fresh loaves of Multigrain and Walnut Loaf, Milk Bread, Italian Fruit Bread, German Rye Bread and baguettes have a constant fan following. Off the shelf there are Chicken Leek Turnovers and Quiches, Chicken Tikka Puff, doughnuts, muffins and more. The new gourmet condiments section sports Black Truffle, Greek Feta, Udon Noodles and some premium infused tea boxes that are great for gifting. Handcrafted white and dark chocolates complete the whole experience: Espresso Truffle, Basil and Lime Pralines, Nolen Gurer Praline.
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Palazzo
Finally, nightlife is shifting south beyond Park Street in Kolkata. The new lounge bar in the heart of Alipore spreads wings over 5,000sq ft luxurious space covering lounging in private Cabanas, ample seating options for romantic dates, a separate hookah lounge space to grooving with the latest live DJ music. The flashy bar transforms with LED magic as the chandeliers dim to give way to rocking night life. And the fun munch? With global influences all the way order the Tandoori Healthy Platter of baby corn, bell pepper, mushrooms and Tofu Tikka, Baked Jacket Potatoes, Chinese Basket, Lebanese Felafel Burger, Whole Wheat Hawaiian Pizza, Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Malai Kebab, Tandoori Pomfret, Pan-fried Chilli Fish and wholesome Chelo Kebab, Thai Curry Combo, Cottage Cheese Steak Combo. Goes perfectly well with the flambé and beer cocktails over entertaining stand-up comedian evenings.
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Aaira
The April rains have sobered things down. The searing heat dampened, we are adventurous enough to try out the new Indian offerings in town. The vertical hospitality address, The Myx, has a prime position off Park Street. It has kept its promise and few months back launched its first floor Indian restaurant Aaira - a tribute of the multicultural influences of history to the rich collection of Indian cuisine, spanning over civilisations.
DÉCOR
Our summer afternoon rendezvous lands us in an advantage of being the only customers in the Indian section. A short lift ride brings us directly into the first floor dining space. First impressions are always lasting: It#39;s modern. It#39;s plush. It#39;s dim. What#39;s with the fancy mood lighting in restaurants these days? We can hardly enjoy the niche chandeliers in subdued mood. Add to that a colour palate of velvety sandstone, dull gold, woodsy brown and off white marble. The only brightness in the room comes from the wall mounted TV and reflections off the spot-lit artworks on the wall.
FOOD
The menu runs into pages and has a new take on Indian cuisine - "opulent and authentic", it claims to highlight the influences from the Mughals, British and the Portuguese. Our choice goes a bit elaborate for the lunch hours with Gosht Zafrani Shorba (Rs. 175), Dahi Makhana Malai Tikka (Rs. 325), Murgh Patangar Kebab (Rs. 355), Bhindi Amchur (Rs. 295), Fish Koliwada (Rs.475), Fish Biryani (Rs. 375), Dabba Gosht (Rs. 445).
PLUS MINUS
The Shorba arrives warm and light textured, coloured by the saffron and with diced mutton bits, but unfortunately has not much flavour. The pan grilled Malai Tikka is a dampener of sorts, with way dense inside, but a crisp outside. The Patangar kebab add a welcome freshness to the palate with fleshy, soft chicken wings in mint marination and the fluffy rice-flour battered Fish Koliwada is the Indian style deep fried fish. The starters come with bowls of innovative homestyle yoghurt dips. The Bhindi Amchur is a perfect vegetarian choice with its tangy twist. But the drama of the meal appears with the signature Fish Biryani and Dabba Gosht. While the mutton dish cooked in gravy comes hidden inside a covering of thin egg wrap garnished with juliennes of ginger, the Biryani comes in an edible crusty potli sprinkled with caramelised onions and coriander, which when broken into, lets steam out along with the familiar components of Biryani rice and chunks of fish. For desserts we have the highly recommended fusion composition of stacked Mini Gulab Jamun with baked Cheese Cake Pineapple Rabri (Rs.265).
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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Support A Good Cause This Diwali
Festivals aren’t just about celebrations, but also a chance to spread happiness. As much as we all love shopping and eating during festive occasions, we must use the opportunity to light up someone’s life and make a difference. Here are 4 ways to do just that.
EDUCATE A CHILD
CINI or Child In Need Institute works towards educating young children who cannot afford proper schooling. The NGO has many field workers who are actively working in slums and villages. These workers counsel the parents of such children who do not go to school or work as child labourers. Through their bridge courses, they teach children and prepare them to join schools as per their age eligibility. Apart from this, the institute also assists students who do go to school but need guidance at home. They are tutored and given a better understanding of their curriculum so that they gain confidence. Nutrition counselling is also an integral aspect of the programme, wherein children are taught how to eat right and access low-cost nutritious food. You can contribute to this cause by volunteering to teach or donate funds for their education.
Contact: 9830489225
Email: cini@cinindia.org
To know more, click here
STOP NOISE POLLUTION
Diwali celebrations are incomplete without fire crackers. The sound and noise pollution caused isn’t healthy for the environment. Saviours And Friend of Environment (SAFE) is committed to preventing pollution without hampering the spirit of the festival. The team visits all the local markets to ensure that no banned fireworks are being sold. In addition, volunteers in every locality keep a check on noise pollution. On violation of the prescribed sound limit, the control room is alerted and in turn the local authorities are informed to take appropriate action. You too can be a part of this by volunteering for your locality.
Contact: 25441313
Email: safe_env@rediffmail.com
To know more, click here
DONATE
Donating clothes and food is a great way to add some sparkle to someone else’s life, and what better time to do it than during Diwali. Headed by Urmi Basu, New Light India strives to uplift women and children in the red light districts of the city. The organisation also has shelter homes and it sponsors underprivileged families including children. They are provided with health care and the NGO also conducts special programmes and campaigns on issues such as empowerment, recreation and gender based violence.
Contact: 24850068
Email: info@newlightindia.org
To know more, click here
LIGHT UP LIVES
By donating kerosene and solar lamps, you can literally and metaphorically brighten up the lives of less fortunate people. Hope Foundation in Kolkata works with underprivileged women and children who are deprived of even basic amenities. They also organise skill development programmes to train people in the art of making candles, diyas, notebooks, greeting cards and pen stands. These are exhibited and can be bought from the NGO’s office. The idea of this campaign is to promote a spirit of unity. The foundation also has several projects aimed at improving the lives of children in slum areas and streets.
Contact: 24742904
Email: info@hopechild.org
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