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Awddyo Sesh Rajani

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Directed by: Bratya Basu Cast: Anirban Bhattacharya, Ankita Majhi and Debjani Chatterjee Awddyo Sesh Rajani is a Bengali play based on the novel written by Shyamal Gangapadhyay. The play deals with the controversy surrounding the censorship of a play titled Barbadhu that theatre personality Ashim Chakraborty in the year 1974. It shows how he was passionate about theatre and his works were ahead of its times. But despite that he did not get much of a support and his work were under the scanner of censorship. Tickets:  Rs 200 Tickets available on Explara.in  

Katha Chitrangada

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Indian Council For Cultural Relations presents Katha Chitrangada, a dance and musical performance by Jalpaiguri based group Iman. The dance-theatre highlights the life and jounrney of Chitrangada with a beautiful and capitvating performance. The dance drama brings the mythology to life and shows the three sides of Chitrangada, as daughter of Vishwakarma, wife of Arjun and mother of Babruvahanudu. Tickets available at the venue.  

City Guide: Kids Special

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It’s not easy to keep the young ones engaged and entertained. What do you do besides take them out for a meal or a movie? Thankfully, you have plenty of options in Kolkata. From soaking in history to helping them learn new things – here are some options that are a must for kids and well, the kid in you in 2016. Science City, EM Bypass A place for curious minds, Science City offers a sneak peek into the fun world of science. There are different sections dedicated to various aspects of humankind, so you can learn about the Iron and Stone Age at the evolution park or get to know more about life beneath the ocean at the maritime centre. The space theatre is a must visit as it gives a sneak peek into our universe and you can also enjoy 3D shows based on planets, solar systems and other celestial bodies. Don’t forget to experience a ride on the motion stimulator called Time Machine. Entry: Rs 40 per person Timings: 9 am to 8 pm (open till 9 pm from April to September) Eco Tourism Park, Rajarhat The relatively new 480 acres park overlooking a water body has a breathtaking view, especially during sunset. And there’s so much to do here than just a picnic. Zorbing on the water can definitely be fun, plus there are kayak, boats and steamer rides as well. For those who prefer being on land, we suggest renting a tandem bicycle. You can also take your badminton sets or frisbee and spend time playing outdoors with your family and friends. Conclude your day with some refreshments at the food stalls inside the park including the Tea Trove, which is known for its wide varieties of tea and snacks. With so much to do, plan your day well before heading out. Entry: Rs 20 per person Timings: 2 pm to 8pm (Tuesday to Saturday), Noon to 8 pm (Sunday), closed on Mondays Nicco Park, Salt Lake No matter how many times you may have visited Nicco Park before, it’s difficult to get enough of this place. The city’s only amusement park is the one place we all love to pay a visit to. From striking cars, flying discs to the traditional merry-go-round – it’s all about having fun. Apart from the rides, there’s also a food court that serves everything from a light sandwich to regional food such as dosa, pav bhaji and more. If you want to explore but are too tired to walk, there are toy trains and cable cars to take you around   Entry: Rs 200 per person Timings: 10 am to 8 pm Timezone, Prince Anwar Shah Road Who doesn’t love video games, right? This new age game parlour has all the gaming options apart from a bowling alley and mini striking car arena. Try your hand at a game of air hockey or test your driving skills with their car and bike racing games. There are shooting games, strategy games and sports-oriented games as well. With so much to choose from, it will not be difficult task to spend hours trying the different tech-entertainment options. Entry: Free with Rs 20/30 per token for games Timings: 11 am to 10 pm  

Gentlemen’s Style Guide For 2016

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We’ve all made our secret little resolutions already and if dressing better tops your list, then this guide is for you. From quirky prints to retro style suits – with classic styles making a comeback in 2016, here are a few options to check out for bespoke tailoring and that elusive perfect outfit. SASYA Spread across four floors with the top two dedicated to men, this store offers a diverse range of clothing options. The third floor has a wide range of suits, Nehru jackets, waistcoats and shoes. Move on to the fourth floor where you get customised clothing, and can play with luxury fabrics by David and John Anderson, Scabal, Ermenegildo Zegna, S.I.C Tess and Thomas Mason among others. There are different cufflinks with alphabets, stones and even designs inspired by your favourite sports such as football and cricket. Starting from a simple pair of shirts and trousers to classy suits and Indo-Western clothes, there are sufficient choices for people with different styles and fashion ethics. Do try the various cheque fabrics perfect for a three-piece suits. Good For: Smart Casuals  Where: 23A, Shakespeare Sarani Timings: 11 am to 8 pm Contact: 033-22892323 SURBHI PANSARI A playful mix of colours, cuts and silhouettes defines this brand. Surbhi, who has showcased her collections in Kolkata Fashion Week and Kolkata Design Week, has gone all out to offer with this flagship store. Opt for the moustache print Nehru jacket that goes well with a pair of denims or go for linen for a formal avatar. The dual-fabric blazers and jackets stand out with plain textures on the outside and floral prints on the inside. They recently launched a wedding range as well and have a lot of enticing colours that are paired with fine embroideries and designs. The store has a wide variety of brooches to go with traditional attire, and the bespoke tailoring section is ideal for custom fit suits. Good For: Indian Wear  Where: 12, Loudon Street Timings: 10.30 am to 8.30 pm Contact: 033-40648232 SOOD Once known as Burlignton’s, Sood is all about aesthetic menswear. The in-house designer and the man behind it all is Ratul Sood, and his creations are about attention to detail and use of premium fabrics. You can order for tailored suits, trousers, shirts, traditional bandgalas and sherwanis with embroideries on ethnic wear as well as Indo-Western outfits done by local artisans. For suits, their international range includes Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Reda and Dormeuil. Be it simple suits or embellished ethnic wear, the choices here are aplenty. Good For: Party Wear  Where:  43, Park Mansions, Park Street Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm  Contact: 033-64500887 TAILORMAN This bespoke tailoring shop puts emphasis on carefree casual shirts and English style three-piece suits. And to match that, there are classics like pockets squares, bow-ties and cummerbunds in abundance. The company has recently forayed into traditional wear with subtle designs. Before ordering something for yourself, you can choose a fabric that matches your style and comfort from the likes of Giza Cotton, Merino Wool, Irish Linens and other blends. Their team of experts provide various fits to make sure you get a garment as you’re your body size and type. The suits can be tailored with different lapel styles as well. Go for a narrow notch style for a dinner jacket, peak lapel for a formal occasion or a shawl lapel for a casual outing. Good For: Formal Attire Where: 42-A, Ground Floor, Shakespeare Sarani Timings: 11.30 am to 8.30 pm Contact: 033-40083213

Studio

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Who knew we#39;ll get second time lucky? This new year, we visit Rajarhat, New Town#39;s latest burgeoning hot spot: Novotel#39;s  Pan Asian Gallery - Stud!o. Sure, we got second time lucky - our first visit to this half lounge, half restaurant outfit was a bit of a noisy, scurrying vegetarian affair. So we return for our leisurely fill of this uber Pan Asian offering with an emphasis on reinvention. DÉCOR  We easily walk past the shimmering pool,  through the largely unmarked glass door to the narrow slice of ultra chic space. Our initial reaction is that of walking through an aerospace corridor with much metal intrusion. But as we settle down, the clever play of contemporary design and lighting on the interiors makes more sense. The dramatic use of metal and wood, prismatic kitchen partitions, curtained off PDR, exuberant strategic bar and the live DJ in attendance highlight the  latent energy. It is balanced by the Zen of the French windows, overlooking the evening pool, the digital art black and white runner and striking English fine crockery and polished black Belgian cutlery on the tables. The complimentary welcome shot of Cranberry and Ginger ale peps up the evening further. FOOD The introductory menu is brief and out of the box. It spans Pan Asian boundaries - Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma. And is simply divided into  Minis, Dim sum, Sushi, soup, main course, staples and dessert. Yet, it takes us much effort to choose from the limited renditions: Steam Prawn Half Moon Dim Sum (Rs. 255), Dutch Pork Tonkatsu (Rs. 395), Mushroom and Spinach, Soya Garlic Sauce (Rs.425), Tenderloin Rendang (Rs. 425) to go with Spicy Garlic Noodles Vegetable (Rs. 275) and Jasmine Rice (Rs.195) and the Tab Tim Samsee (Rs. 295) dessert. PLUS MINUS The Dim Sum arrive bright fresh, like three drops of pearl in a banana leaf- lined bamboo steamer. Juicy steamed prawns inside delicately skinned shells.  The Pork cutlets in light and crunchy batter are lifted in sweet and salty Japanese style barbecue sauce, Tonkatsu, adding adequate tastiness to the dish. Next, the generous helpings of the gently flavoured mixed mushrooms and baby spinach in slippery soya garlic made the table fall silent just for few minutes and the Malaysian Rendang with sliced beef shavings, its silky, spicy coconut sauce is probably the unanimous favourite of the night.  The only disappointment of the meal is the noodles on the oily side, even seasoning cannot help. A pleasant discovery is the chilled coconut dessert with bubbles of water chestnut - Thai Tab Tim Samsee. Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.

Auntie Anne's

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This Christmas one of the hottest additions to town is the posh Acropolis Mall on the Kasba connector. Though, half baked still,  it is cooking fast with new spaces and brand names vying for space. And Santa#39;s choice for the holidays will definitely be the brand new counters of Auntie Anne#39;s Cinnabon, on the third floor. With pretzels cinnamon rolls just in for Christmas, for the first time in the city, we make a beeline to try old American classics in the new setting. DÉCOR It#39;s hard not to be immediately won over by, first the vastness of the spanking new mall and second, the visuals at the food court counters. As we approach Auntie Anne#39;s and Cinnabon at the strategic curve, just next to the movie theatre, Cinepolis, what catches our eyes are the wall mounted digital menus, state of the art temperature controlled display counters, the frosty and midnight blue signages, with visuals of cross-your-heart pretzels and pillowy sugar dusted cinnamon buns. However, Auntie Anne#39;s savoury side only has a scanty display of sample pretzels, while Cinnabon counters are piled up much with caught-in-the-blizzard snowy desserts. The food court seating is simple - sprawling mall style, modern. FOOD The number of pretzel options and flavours of Cinnabon can be bewildering for a first time visitor. Seek assistance. The attentive counter staff help us decide on our pick: Cheese Pretzel Dog Chicken (Rs. 110), Pepperoni Pretzel (Rs.100), flavoured Sour Cream Onion Pretzel (Rs. 70), Cheese Stix (Rs. 90) and Minibon Roll (Rs.75), Mini Pecanbon (Rs.90) and Cupcake Red Velvet (Rs. 75) and a regular Mochalatta Chill (Rs. 135) to drink. PLUS MINUS The hand rolled savoury pretzels bring in novelty to snacking. The Pepperoni-stuck long arms get adequate attention, but the sour cream onion powder brushed one lacks flavour. The Cheese Stix demands a dip (also available) and the Pretzel wrapped sausage dog is worth appreciation. While the Red velvet cake is a bit dry and ordinary, the Cinnabons are actually bundle of joys. Impressionably soft with cinnamon and sugar ratio intact, the minibon roll looks like it is caught in a blizzard with outside icing and the Pecanbon is syrupy sweet, studded with the whole bunch of pecan nuts. We break through the generous icing to discover fluffy layers inside without being cloyingly sweet. The Mochalatta Chill gives the ultimate high of a perfectly smooth blended coffee, the kind I#39;ll go back for every time. Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.

New In Town: December Edition

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The city is soaked in the festive spirit and with barely 10 days to go for the year to end, there are enough reasons for you to head out. We are giving you even more incentive with these newly opened spots that you should check out if you’re in a mood for something new.  NOW OPEN Aauris, Robinson Street This newly opened star property houses some eclectic food choices under one roof. As you enter, there’s Scarlet – a cafe lounge with a decent variety of salads, wraps and sandwiches apart from tea and coffee. Move on to the first floor and you’ll spot  Blu – the 24x7 coffee shop that bears an international look with pristine white walls and blue upholstery dominating the interiors. Here you can gorge on an assortment of dishes including Prawn Cocktail (Rs 525), Beef Satay (Rs 500), Lamb Galouti (Rs 550) and Fish and Chips (Rs 550). The Black Lounge is the place for parties. This plush lounge is all about black and metallic interiors accentuated with a red ambience lighting and tufted sofas that exude opulence. And lastly, the Black Sky Bar is their rooftop lounge and bar with wooden decks along with a large LED lit bar and a pristine swimming pool. The LED-lit furniture augments the appeal of this sky bar post sunset, while both the lounge and bar share the same menu. You can pick from 1870s Manhattan (Rs 450), Vodka Sour (Rs 500), Calcutta Sunset (Rs 500) and The Aauris Martini (Rs 600) among others. Pair these with Cantonese Honey Chilli Garlic Fish (Rs 500), Lebanese Orfali Kebab (Rs 350) and Jamaican Grilled Jerk Chicken (Rs 550). Price: Rs 900 for two (Scarlet), Rs 1,500 for two (Blu), Rs 2,200 for two (Black Lounge Bar and Sky Bar)   Timings: 10 am to 11 pm (Scarlet), 24/7 (Blu), 4 pm to midnight (Black Sky Bar), 6 pm to mindight and till 2 am on weekends (Black Lounge Bar) Asia Kitchen By Mainland China, Kasba This new brand from Speciality Restaurants brings the best of Asian food on one platter.Asia Kitchen by Mainland China is all about exploring the regional food of the Orient in contemporary settings. The classy interiors, wooden furniture, minimal lighting and open kitchen create a Zen-like ambience while the expansive menu offers a culinary trip. Expect dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, Vietnam and Myanamar among others. Start off your meal with Baked Asparagus Tempura Rolls (Rs 295), Prawn Hargao (Rs 250) and Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken (Rs 350). The main course options include Khao Suey (Rs 425), Spicy Malaysian Fish Curry (Rs 425) or Corn and Potato Tsing Hoi Style (Rs 325) can you can wrap up your meal with a helping of Coconut Caramel Custard (Rs 140) or Rambutan with Ice Cream (Rs 175). Price: Rs 1,200 for two Timings: 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm The Sin City, Prince Anwar Shah Road  Inspired by the hit Hollywood film, this youth-centric café offers an uber cool experience to patrons. The 55-seater is pegged as a hookah cum café lounge on the first floor, which is is bathed in blue neon light and has a glass wall overlooking the main road. There are mostly European signatures on the menu such as Pesto Pizza (Rs 189), Creamy Chicken Risotto (Rs 220), Chicken Mayo Sandwich (Rs 120), Veg Ratatouille (Rs 160), Truffle Shake (Rs 130) and Oreo Mint Shake (Rs 130). Price: Rs 600 for two Timings: 10 am to 11 pm SECOND COMING Khandani Rajdhani, Park Street The all-veg thali joint has now opened their new restaurant at Park Street. The interior of this 100 seater isn’t very different from previous avatars with dual tone design giving a plush feel. The menu offers a wide variety of Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes including Jodhpuri Pakoda, Sangri ke Kofte, Mattar Khasta Rolls, Surti Undhiyu and Akhrot Halwa. Perfect for large appetites that can do justice to their unlimited servings! Price: Rs 399 per head (lunch) and Rs 425 per head (dinner) Timings: Noon to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm UG Reincarnated at Hotel Hindhustan International, A.J.C Bose Road This is the previous nightclub Underground’s relaunched avatar with chic décor and shades of steel gray and a dash of blue. The 40-feet long bar counter and a lounge section called Zingg with private bars are the new additions. We especially liked the seating area, which is well-spread out making more room for revellers. The food and beverage menu has been updated as well and includes Cilantro Martini (Rs 325), Flavoured Kamikaze (Rs 295), Margaritas (Rs 395) and Long Beach Iced Tea (Rs 445) to name a few. Fuel up with Rosemary Potato (Rs 225)- Southwest Eggrolls (Rs 255), Mexican Veg Platter (Rs 425), Harissa Chicken Pizza (Rs 395) and Tiramisu Cake (Rs 325). Price: Rs 1,200 for two Timings: 6 pm to midnight

Cafe 4/1

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There#39;s a new wave of vegetarian meals in the city and I#39;m excited. And hungry. These next generation spaces are focused on doing one or two things only. And they believe in doing it well. In fact, Calcuttans can#39;t get enough of them yet. This week we visit cafe 4/1 for a weekday lunch. Perched on Camac Street and Shakespeare Sarani crossing, this  one is a perky combination of style and innovation. DÉCOR A rare entry as the uniformed guard on the street corner pavement almost bows to welcome us in. Flight of cheery stairs with yellow smiley faces glued on them brings us the the first floor cafe. Bathed in warm daylight and spacious, indoor and a stretch of indulgent outdoor seating, it is reassuringly packed with the young and the happening lunch crowd. As we settle down, we realise off-the-beaten-track decor, mind blowing intensity in the presentations and casualness sprinkled in with familiarity in the menu - are the right mix of  ingredients making this work. Tin chairs, benches, light wood furniture and splashes of green at every opportunity is soothing to the eyes. FOOD The clipboard menu may seem a bit limited, but brings in more cheer. And ample to drink too. We start with an Avocado Land cold soup (Rs.160) and move on to 4/1 Asparagus-Iceberg-Bell pepper Roast Salad (Rs.230), Thai Local rolls (Rs.200), a MI 3 or Mushroom Impossible Pizza (Rs. 375)  and a potent Mexican Pouty Poblano Sizzler (Rs. 350). PLUS MINUS The eye for detail is impressive. Each dish is presented in individual portions, with a unique service style. The waitstaff is easy to spot and eager to help. The Avocado soup whacks a punch with refreshing thick blend of avocado, bitter gourd, celery, leek and cucumber, chilled on a bed of ice. The deep fried Thai rolls dramatically arrive on a tea rack, crisp, dipped in a darn tasty peanut sauce. The AIB roast salad add a crunchy zing from a glass jar with a tingle on the tongue pesto dressing. However, there is no rocket, olive or artichoke as promised, but with a peek of goat cheese instead. The mushroom pizza  is a large portion with Shitake, Porcini and Button variety, yet mild with a limp base, the goat cheese and pesto fail to pep it up. The sizzler is adventurous with cottage cheese stuffed chillies with a generous helping of Jalapeño cheese sauce, pilaf, veggies and potato wedges on the side. For dessert there#39;s simple freshness of Baked Cheesecake (Rs.195) served with cured rose petals. Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.

Bhojohori Manna

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Bhojohori Manna, the name refers to the eponymous song sung by Manna Dey and certainly brings forth nostalgia and the prolific tune in every Bengali’s mind. What deepens the thread are the Sukumar Ray sketches on the walls, the popularity of their Bengali home-cooked food and nostalgic recipes of the ‘pice’ hotel concept. Delicacies like the Fowl Cutlet, Labra (a mix of leafy vegetables), the subtle Daab Chingri, Goalondo Steamer Curry and Mutton Dakbangla recreate the Bengal of a certain era. Over forty varieties of fish preparations, 35 vegetarian delicacies that grandmothers used to boast and delicate specials from family secret recipes make this brand of restaurant unique on its own. In season, their several preparations of Hilsa add to the attraction. And the exciting range of specials, sometimes there are dishes already extinct or unheard of in the modern days. But beware, if the main kitchen goofs up, then many things on the menu may go unavailable. Better to go with the day’s special from the hand-written whiteboard with seasonal surprises. They do home delivery and catering as well. Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.

Brickwood, Wood Street: First Look

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Slowly but steadily, the food scene in Kolkata is evolving with novel concepts and fresh ideas. Brickwood – the newly opened pizzeria is a fine example of that change. The dedicated restaurant offers authentic wood fired pizza to patrons and we checked it out on opening day.   AMBIENCE Run by one half of the team that brought Mocha to Kolkata – not only is the concept a novel one, the décor is too. Spread across the ground and mezzanine level, this newbie also has outdoor seating overlooking the busy street. The undone walls are complemented with pristine white ceilings as hanging LED’s and filament bulbs provide lighting. The focus here is the show kitchen, where you can see all the action. The ground floor has dining tables based around the concept of community dining, while the mezzanine level has three tables offering cosy seating. The Italian music in the background adds authenticity to the overall experience. FOOD + DRINK There aren’t many standalone spots in the city offering authentic pie. From the stone used in the oven to the mango tree wood chip that adds smokiness –  everything enhances the flavours. The no-nonsense menu will give you sufficient choices with 10.5 inch pizzas, breads, cannelloni and desserts. We kicked off with The Brickwood Pizza (Rs 350). This is their signature and comes with tomato and basil pesto topped with black olives, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese and aragula leaves. The fresh feta adds a creaminess that#39;s balanced by the pesto and tomato base#39;s tangy hints. Next on table was the Pollo Fungi Cilantro (Rs 350) and this was all about fresh flavours from roasted chicken, mushrooms, cilantro pesto and parmesan cheese. Both the pizzas had this wonderful aroma that you expect from a wood-fired pizza. If you are conscious about carbs, ask for the Multigrain Pizza Base (Rs 40) instead. For sides, try the Pulled Cheesy Garlic Bread (Rs 160). The criss-cross cut bun is stuffed with parmesan and garlic butter, which is baked in the oven for a few minutes after which you can pull apart indulgent pieces with gooey cheese. The story doesn’t end here though. There’s one more innovative pizza on the menu, which comes under desserts and is called The Chocolate Pizza (Rs 200). A perfect sweet ending to your meal, the pizza base is baked on the side and then smeared with a chocolate and Nutella paste with a garnish of strawberry. IN A NUTSHELL WH Verdict: A haven for those who love authentic pizzas! Review and Other Details: Brickwood on What#39;s Hot Meal for Two: Rs 700 Cuisine: Italian **The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**

Matsuri

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This is serious business. With the novelty of 2014, there is an emergence of professional food players in Kolkata. While the domestic players are bringing in their plethora of star restaurants into the city already, international chains are not far behind, whether in introducing franchise models or opening doors to new cuisines, cultures and business models. We heard about this Japanese food chain expanding into restaurants, setting up shop in south Kolkata a few months back. While we were giving it breathing time, another outlet named Matsuri is launched by them at a popular city mall space.We are inquisitive and excited. Decor: Japanese cuisine relates directly to the ambience,  it is all about simplicity and freshness,  presented with an inspired artist’s visual beauty. This Japanese restaurant in dark shades of grey, is splashed with colours of the gorgeous yet subtle culture. The modern architecture of the space is frilled with detailed touches of booth seating, festooned paper lanterns, fragile hand crafted ceramic on the tables and the original handpainted imprint of a shrine on the wall. The island counter in black and white marble, takes centre stage, but lacks action packed gourmet afternoons. However, the kimono clad servers add the flutters of the butterflies to this Zen garden. Food: At this point, I must admit, Japanese cuisine, a well-cultivated taste, is my weakness. The laminated plastic folder menu running into pages with colour photos and description actually fails to impress. Too many choices, makes it a tough. We choose in random order: Kaisen to avocado no tarutaru (Rs.300), Suzuki Sea bass Sashimi (Rs.500), Original Makimono Kolkata Maki sushi (Rs.450), Tomato and Bacon Yakitori (Rs.250), Yasai Tempura Moriawase (Rs.400) and Buta Kimchi Yakimeshi fried rice (Rs.650). And Watermelon Ice Tea (Rs.95) to wash down the shower of food. PlusMinus: We start with the quivering fresh Sea bass sashimi, with the faintest pink blush, excellent to our palate, with pinch of potent wasabi salty dip in the soya. The well-touted assorted seafood and avocado appetizer is a damp squib, overwhelming with the Japanese version of Tartaru sauce. The vegetable Tempura Moriawase, arrives with light and fluffy, crispy fried batter noticeably thin on asparagus, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, onions, babycorn, okra and more. The watered down version of the iced tea, sweet almost sherbetty, works perfectly to cleanse the palate between dishes. The Kolkata sushi is batter-wrapped prawns – a little heavy - textured in the sticky sweetness of sushi rice, wee bit overdone in my opinion, keeping the Indian audience in mind. The Yakitori of glazed bacon and cherry tomatoes, actually come rather under-grilled and needs more zing. The perked up pork and kim-chi fried rice finally brings in a generous helping of comfort food.

Winter Spa Therapies

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As we celebrate the end of one year and the start of the next, some of us want a break from the stress of work and super-packed calendars. Don#39;t let the winter take a toll on your body and instead, use this time for leisure. A little bit of indulgence never hurt after all and these spa therapies will prove just that. Ilakizhi @ Club Prana, Salt Lake Native to Kerela, this treatment is apt during winters and helps you get rid of joint and muscular pain. The medicated leaves are boiled, dried, crushed and mixed with lemon. The mixture is then tied in a muslin cloth which is then used to massage the body to help loosen up those muscles. The Dhanvantari and Ksheerabala oil replenish your skin and their medicinal properties ensure that your joints are not stiff anymore. Price: Rs 3,800/4,800 Timing: 7.30 am to 10.30 pm   Duration: 60/90 minutes Honey And Youghurt Body Polish @ Solace Day Spa, Sunny Park If you prefer natural remedies to pamper your skin, this honey and yoghurt body polish should fit the bill.. The yoghurt acts as a cleaning agent and honey is a natural moisturiser. The session begins with aromatherapy where you get an oil massage followed by exfoliation. You can choose from lavender, jasmine and rose oil among others.  The yoghurt and honey are then applied to the body and the therapy also involves massaging pressure points. Price: Rs 3,500 Timing: 7 am to 8 pm   Duration: 80 minutes Hot Stone Therapy @ Sawasdee Namaste Spa, Sarat Bose Road A hot stone therapy is just what your body needs to cope with the chilling winter. The hot stone oil massage relieves you of back and joint pains. The smooth basalt stones are heated and placed on your back. It’s then dipped in almond oil and used for a full body massage. The oil is rich in vitamin E and the stone has good iron content. The almond oil moisturises your skin, making it healthy, and basalt stone is known for its therapeutic properties. A perfect detox, this one.. Price: Rs 4,000 Timing: 7 am to 8 pm   Duration: 90 minutes Avartana Therapy @ Aikya Spa, Salt Lake This therapy is a combination of dry and oil massage, and is designed to improve the flow of oxygen, blood and energy in your body. After some gentle stretches and a reflexology session, you will be given a hot oil massage. You can choose from rose, green apple and sandalwood oil; these are not only aromatic but also help calm your senses.  Price: Rs 3,800 Timing: 11 am to 9 pm Duration: 90 minutes  

Glimpses From The Times Food Nightlife Awards 2016

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The city’s glitterati gathered at the ITC Sonar for the much awaited Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2016 in association with PepperTap and powered by What’s Hot. From the city’s socialites to the who’s who of Tollywood – everyone was present at the event. The evening was all about the best of the city’s FB scene and of course, the winners dominating the culinary industry. The evening started with Mir Afsar Ali taking on the stage as the emcee for the evening. He kept the audience entertained with his witty one liners and antics, not even sparing Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was the chief guest for the evening. The TFNA guide, authored by Salmoli Mukerji, was launched by the heartthrob of Tollywood – Abir Chatterjee. And what followed was a series of awards given to top restaurants and nightlife spots in their respective categories. This year, there were new categories added to the list of worthy award winners that recognise people behind the scene. These included Best Restaurateur of the Year, Best Chef of the Year and Best Bartender of the Year. These were conferred to Naveen Pai of Hashtagwaale and Pai’s Malgudi, Joymaya Banerjee of Bohemian, and Arghya Acharya of M Bar Kitchen. The eagerly awaited Noteworthy Newcomer went to Café 4/1 for vegetarian and Spice Kraft for world cuisine. The food stalls by various winning outles is what everyone looks forward to the most and guests were seen indulging in their favourite cuisines from the likes of Café Mezzuna, Dumpukht, Bhojohori Manna, The Bikers Café, Rahmania, and Spaghetti Kitchen among others. Those wanting a sugar rush flocked to Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick and Little Pleasures. Not to forget the drinks section with cocktails an by The Irish House, Myx and The Factory Outlet. Watch out for the Pune and Jaipur awards next and check out #TFNA2016 on Twitter to win passes for your city! For a full list of award winners, click here  

4 Cruises From Kolkata

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As the year end festivities are over, start 2016 with new adventures. Go off the beaten path and sail into the sunset as you explore the hidden gems of our city. From mangrove forests and heritage sites to erstwhile colonies, we#39;ve rounded up 4 options to get you cruising! COLONIES OF BENGAL Parts of Bengal were once colonies of French, Dutch and English, and what better way to peek into the past than to take off on a cruise. Get on board at Central Kolkata and sail up to the Danish colony of Serampore in Hooghly district. Earlier known as Frederiksnagore, this place is home to many temples built in the 18th century. Make a stop at Chisura and explore its Dutch settlements. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the the famous Bandel Church and Hooghly Imambara.  Other places on the itinerary are Kalna, known for its enigmatic terracotta temples and Chandennagore known as the French colony of Bengal. The journey contines covering places such as Mayapur, Matiari, Murshidabad and Farakka. This entire trip takes a good 8 days to complete but is an experience of a lifetime. Price: Starting from Rs 13,000 per person Duration: 7 nights and 8 days For more info, click here GHATS Like Varanasi, Bengal too is bordered with ghats along the riverside. The state has 54 ghats where several rituals and ceremonies are performed. One of the popular attractions is the Belur Math which is where the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission is situated. Your trip to this place is incomplete without a visit to the Sri Ramakrishna Temple, Ramakrishna Museum, Swami Vivekananda Temple and Samadhi Enclosure. Take the morning cruise to soak in the serenity of the ghats sans the bustling crowds. If you want to be a part of the Sandhya Aarti, hop on the evening cruise and enjoy a breath-taking sunset along the Hooghly River. Price: Starting from Rs 1,046 per person Duration: 3 hours For more info, click here FOREST Land amidst the largest mangrove forests of Sunderbans and embark on an adventurous boat ride through the jungle. It leaves from the Kolkata Ghats and takes you through Namkhana, Bhagabatpur, Lothian Island, Netidhopani , Dobanki , Sudhanyakhali, Sajnekhali and Bali Village near Sunderbans. One can take a walk through the forest, visit temples in the region and spot animals in their natural habitat. Navigating your way through the Sundari trees and shrubs on either side of the river can be a great experience. The place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so we’re sure a journey here will certainly be worth your time. Price: Starting from Rs 24,000 per person Duration: 3 nights and 4 days For more info, click here ROYAL BENGAL The Murshidabad district is associated with the royal era of Bengal. The area is home to some beautiful palaces and is well connected with the city. But exploring the area on a cruise is bound to be a unique experience. This cruise  starts from Kolkata and crosses the districts of Kalna and Matiari before reaching Murshidabad. The grandeur of Hazarduari Palace located in the premises of Nizamat Fort is awe-inspiring. Some of the other sites to visit include Nizamat Imambara, Khushbagh Cemetery and Katra Mosque to name a few. The journey, however, doesn’t end here. The 6-day cruise ends at Farakka where the 16.5 km barrage built across the Ganges stands. Price: Starting from Rs 3,13,000 Duration: 5 nights and 6 days For more info, click here

Oedipus

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Directed by: Anirban Bhattacharya Playwright: Hara Bhattacharya Oedipus is a Bengali play is based on the adaptation of a Greek Tragedy. The story is set during the time of plague in Thebes. Gods demand vengeance for the death of Laius as the price for offering respite. Oedipus, who has been a wise and just ruler of the people, is determined to seek justice. Through his efforts, he ascertains that he is the slaughterer of Laius, his father.          Tickets:  Rs 100 Tickets available on explara.in

Ebong Andhokaar

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Directed by: Prithunandan Ghose Cast: Shyamal Chakraborty, Sudip Mukherjee, Bindiya Ghosh, Prabir Dutta and Kinjal Nanda  Ebong Andhokaar is an interesting play narrated through songs.The Bengali play is about an urban family and its neighbourhood. It unveils the intense relationship at the backdrop of the deadliest war of all times. Music, with all its melodies, flows gently throughout and embraces the settings and adds on to the narration of the story. Tickets: Rs 100 Tickets available on Explara. in

Tughlaq

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Directed by: Debesh Chattapadhyay Cast: Rajatava Dutta, Kasturi Chattapadhyay Tughlaq is a Bengali play that  questions the kingship of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. Known to be impulsive and unstable, he was the ruler for as long as 26 years. The Bengali play explores the impractical methods and decisions Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. This infamous historical figure was a misunderstood ruler who considered himself as the sole arbiter of truth and so when he instructed is subject to move to Daulatabad, it created much dissatisfaction among people.  Tickets: Rs 200 Tickets available on Explara.in

Sauda

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Directed by: Supriyo Chakraborty Written by:  Kanchan Amin Cast: Senjuti Mukhopadhyay, Lokenath Dey, Deb Shankar Halder and Kinjal Nanda amongo others Sauda is an adaptation of The Merchant of Venice. The paly highlights how the society and situation haven#39;t change much and one can relate to the severla situations even today. This Bengali version tries to question about the oppressor and the oppressed. Tickets:  Rs 200 onwards Tickets available on Explara.in

Ashar Neshay

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Directed by:  Sekhar Samaddar Ashar Neshay is a Bengali play that throws light on the life of Girishchandra Ghosh, one of the noted theatre personality. The play revolves around a playwright writer, who while writing a story on the life Girishchandra Ghosh starts imagining himself as one. The story takes a new turn when the protagonist starts hallucinating and this assumes that he is living in 18th century. Through this journey, the playwright relives the life of the Girishchandra Ghosh thus showcasing the various incidents of his life.  Tickets:  Rs 60 onwards Tickets available on Explara.in

All the President's Men

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Directed by:  Alan J. Pakula Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden and Martin Balsam among others All the President#39;s Men is an films about the Watergate scandal. It#39;s a story about Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodard who investigated and uncovered the details of the Watergate scanadal that lead to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Entry:  Free  
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