The last two decades have been a huge leap forward for the restaurant scene in Kolkata, with impressive additions to what has long been considered the city#39;s traditional treasures. Not only in terms of geographical expansion, but it is the sea of hungry clientele, developing a discerning palate and their exposure to the world beyond. It has literally resulted in a boom in the industry. With a dazzling array of new, fresh places beaming with excitement, it is much about demand. This week, we stop for dinner at the two-month-old Fung Shway, a Pan Asian place replacing good ol#39; China Bowl near the Lakes and it strikes me hard: Are we genuinely interested in the food business or is it just about riding the wave?
next act up over this weekend.
DÉCOR
The spanking entrance on prominent Southern Avenue is right out onto the street giving a much welcome sense of light and space, just a door down from the popular vegetarian world cuisine space. Inside, it is a much smaller venue working on vertical levels. The fun of discovering niche seating at every level till we reach the third, keeps us amused. Regular faux leather white sofas with a sprinkling of Japanese umbrellas and Thai artefacts comprise the decor.
FOOD
We are introduced to the history of the brand. Fung Shway actually comes from the same stable as the erstwhile Twinkle Fung Shway on Dover Lane, Kolkata#39;s first Thai stand alone in the Eighties. It shut down, so did a few experiments on the way and now this new avatar. It is not only the cuisine which has been augmented here; the space is teeming with more service staff than customers, the menu as expected, is a mini booklet bursting at its seams and the pricing reaches into deep pockets. We order across Asian boundaries. Chinese Hawker#39;s Soup (Rs. 295), Steamed Prawns (Rs.700); Thai Papaya Salad (Rs.350), Crispy Whole Pomfret in Thai Herbal Sauce (Rs.600); Malaysian veg Stir fried Flat Noodles with aromatic Chilli Soya (Rs. 300) and Chicken Sweet and Sour curry (Rs.450); Japanese Pork Teppanyaki with Lemon Butter Soya (Rs.450). After much deliberation we are informed the prawns of our choice are not available, so we let the Korean Lamb Chops (Rs.525) replace it.
PLUS MINUS
The Hawker#39;s soup is thick and disappointing, no credit to the broth and the Thai Som Tam lacks lustre; the potent ingredients ground in a stone mortar pestle and splash of fish sauce genuinely missing. The lamb chops bring in dismay; undercooked, doused in barbecue sauce and a sprinkling of sesame. The Malaysian noodles is curried rather than stir fried and the promised chicken accompaniment comes in a thick slurry of spiced-up gravy, nothing matching the palatable sweet and sour description. The only bright spot of the meal is the crispy fried Pomfret in a tamarind soaked, lemongrass and galangal infused sauce. The final blow comes with the Pork Teppanyaki - through the dry, diced pieces of meat - an almost impossible result with grilling, broiling or pan-frying technique used by the professionals. We are compensated by a complimentary Caramelised Coconut ice cream (Rs. 200).
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Big Miracle is a 2012 British-American family drama film based on the 1989 book Freeing the Whales written by Tom Rose. The story film is about the true incident about the rescue operations that took place in 1988. It highlights the challenges and obstacles the team faced ti rescue the gray whales trapped in ice near Point Barrow, Alaska.
Entry: Free
American Centre presents an exhibition of paintings and exhibitions by Partha Dey. The artwork on display in inspired by legacy of paintings left by various generations of the artists#39; family. Partha Dey is the fulbright alumnus of University of IOWA 2011-12 and will be exhibitinh his work at American Centre.
Directed by: Ayan Banerjee
Mukhosh presents Brishti Finally, a play about a scriptwriter named Rik who is in a relationship with Neela and wants to wirte an honest and touching story which is free from all kinds of stereotypes. The play somwehere tries to depict the passion and dedication of a human being who can go to all extent only to find the true story of life, rising above the illusions, torment, pain and agony.
Tickets: Rs 60,100
Tickets available at the venue
Academy of Fine Arts presents an art exhibition showcasing works by Ujjwal Debnath. The paintings on display showcases the artists#39; take on the mythology and represents it in a new light. He infuses these compositions with captivating gravity through the clever use of colors, light and shade. He has also received the Abanindranath Tagore Award in 1993 for his work.
Entry: Free
Academy of Fine Arts brings to you a solo exhbition of paintings by artist Careen Joplin Langstieh. The painitngs on display that various nuances of day to day life catpured beautfuly by the artist. The are art works including Khasi Bride, Kitchen dialogue and mother and child among others.
Entry: Free
Kolkata and its fascination for Park Street eateries seems unending, so it’s natural for new brands, especially the ones innovating, to make this stretch their home. Bodega is no exception and even though this isn’t a regular restaurant with the usual fare, it packs in a punch. We checked out the newbie before it launched.
AMBIENCE
First things first, Bodega is a gastropub that makes an earnest attempt to create a trendy experience. Breaking the monotony, it takes an unusual route when it comes to décor. Spread across an expansive area of 2700 sq feet, it’s divided into two levels with a bar situated at the ground floor. The entire place dons a chic industrial look with great attention to detail. Starting with the ground level, there are high tables, unfinished white walls and a larger-than-life painting of a yellow cab bringing in the city connect. Moving up, the staircase again has an unconventional design and is suspended with the help of wires and pulley. The dining area is expansive as well with rustic furniture and retro artefacts in an abstract form.
FOOD + DRINKS
The kitchen takes its cuisine seriously and it does show in their presentation. A quick glance at the menu and you know there are a lot of firsts for the city with Mexican, Spanish and Asian signatures. We started with the Parsi Tiffin Box (Rs 345) that came packed in a multi-colour tiffin brimming with dhansak, pulao garnished with fried onions, kurkuri bhindi and kachumbar. This dish was aromatic, light and had mild flavours with the deep fried bhindi being one of the highlights. Next on table was the Moroccon Lamb Tagine (Rs 425) – a delicate dish from North Africa packed with Middle Eastern flavours. The slow cooked lamb chunks with prune, herbs and spices and fluffy couscous was a perfect 10.
If you’re looking for something lighter, the Compressed Beetroot Salad (Rs 265) with green apple, compressed beetroot, lolorsso, iceberg, celery shavings and chilli walnut brittle is a delicious melange with the goat cheese pannacotta adding a creamy touch. Next, it was time to take the Spanish route, so we tried the Gambos Al Ajilo (Rs 295) – a tapas dish comprising of juicy prawns cooked in herbs, garlic and prawn head oil that you can mop up with thick baguette slices. Pair it with concoctions like the Spicy Latina (Rs 295) – a drink high on the hot quotient with spicy tequila, jalapenos, cilantro and fermented green pepper. Or enjoy the topical flavours of The Great Gatsby (Rs 420) served in a brass pineapple shaped container and comprising of Malibu, dark rum, passion fruit, fresh shave coconut ice and pineapple.
Whatever you try though, do leave room for dessert because the precise yet interesting menu has been curated by the one and only Sanjana Patel of Mumbai’s La Folie. We tucked in to the Rocher (Rs 250) – their take on the famous Ferrero Rocher with a moist slice of chocolate pastry topped with Nutella chantilly, hazelnuts and homemade ice-cream prepared from fresh vanilla beans – and were transported to heaven instantly!
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A fresh addition to the Kolkata’s dining scene with pronounced flavours.
Meal For Two: Rs 2,000
Timings: 11.30 am to midnight
Follow them on Facebook or Instagram
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**
We’ve recently embraced the wear local way of life, so finding the best homegrown clothing brands has become a mission statement of sorts. With handmade indigenous textiles and cuts best suited to our climate, these indie clothing labels will help you look chic as well as keep cool all through the sweltering, humid and seemingly never-ending Indian summer.
Mogra
Bohemians who love all things handmade have lucked out this summer. Mogra – run by Pune based Sheena Roy Madhu – combines Western silhouettes with traditional fabrics and designs. Working closely with weavers and craftsmen from across the country, especially those from Gujarat, Varanasi, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it’s a truly rooted brand. We’d gladly ditch our trousers for their breezy dresses that come in elegant, fitted silhouettes and in designs that suit a variety of occasions, from a day at the office to a casual brunch.
We Recommend: Their Madurai Saree dresses
Cost: Rs 2,700 onwards
Shop here
Olio
The Sunny Side Up collection from this Delhi-based label features dresses, shirts and jumpsuits made from lightweight cotton in a palette of gray and pastels. What makes these simple and classic geometric silhouettes stand out are the subtle yet quirky design elements added to each outfit. Think a fried egg splashed across one side of the appropriately named Fried Egg Dress or a sushi-inspired appliqué at the back of a wrap dress.
We Recommend: Their 3 Tier Jumpsuit and Tennis Shirt Dress
Cost: Rs 2,200 onwards
Shop here
Bias
Inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, this label focusses on fuss-free and easily wearable fashion. Their collection features loose, relaxed silhouettes that make you feel like you’re floating. With shirts, kaftans, dresses and skirts on offer, you’ll find plenty to put together a fresh and casual seasonal wardrobe. We suggest picking a few key pieces that catch your fancy and mixing and matching them with existing ones from your closet.
We Recommend: Their Groovy Checks Shirt Dress, Inblot Shirt and Ninja Skirt Pants
Cost: Rs 1,599 onwards
Shop here
Injiri
With a name derived from checkered fabric that was exported from erstwhile Madras to Africa, here’s a label that embraces all that’s Indian and homegrown. The Jaipur-based brand works with a network of craftsmen at all stages of production, right from the spinning of the yarn to the finishing. They offer separates crafted from indigenous, summer friendly fabrics such as jamdani, khadi and ikkat with flowing silhouettes and a palette of cool blues and whites.
P.S: Injiri retails at Bungalow 8 in Mumbai and at stores in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai as well.
We Recommend: Their Kinari Collection – a chic range inspired by the lungi
Cost: Rs 6,000 onwards
To shop, email studio.chinar@gmail.com
Jodi
Co-founded by Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani, this indigenous label’s clothing features Indian textiles embellished with local craft techniques. Their extensive collection is lively with vibrant colours and bold graphic prints. You’ll find everything you need to craft your summer wardrobe, from dresses and kurtas to basic button-down shirts, skirts, trousers and culottes. Plus, there are fun bags that make for the perfect summer accessory.
We Recommend: Their Ink Everyday Tie Up Dress and Bougainvillea Drawstring Trousers
Cost: Rs 999 onwards
Shop here
Change is the only constant, which is why even the city’s best eateries have to keep evolving. No wonder then that amidst all the FB launches, the older ones are redoing their menus by infusing fresh options and flavours to keep loyalists coming back. Here are 3 revamped menu that we are rooting for!
Brickwood, Wood Street
It’s barely been half a year since this pizzeria opened its doors, but they are already ready with their new menu. Called Edizione Estiva, which means the summer edition, you can expect handmade pastas, fresh pizzas, summer salads, desserts and new coolers sections added to the menu. Each of these dishes have been designed keeping in mind the ongoing season. We recommend the Agnello All’aceto Balsamico (Rs 440) – a classic pizza with mozzarella and lamb marinated in balsamic vinegar, while seafood lovers can settle for the Gambari Al Forno Burro (Rs 440) that’s all about butter roasted shrimp with crustacean oil. Or go green with Pomodori (Rs 390) – cherry tomato ragu with mozzarella as well as Pesto Di Rucola (Rs 390) topped with pesto, pomegranate, balsamic rocket salad and parmesan. Not a pie fan? The Creamy Corn and Spinach Canneloni Pasta (Rs 400) and Insalata Estive (Rs 320) washed down with a Tender Coconut Cooler (Rs 120) will do the trick.
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: Noon to 11 pm
Hakuna Matata, Park Street
A popular place for herbivores, this eatery’s trendy décor and global cuisine are a welcome change on the bustling Park Street, where neighbours have been around for decades. With a new menu in place, the kitchen offers even more options to indulge in. There’s a distinct blend of European and Asian flavours along with desi twists on each dish, so the Mini Baked Crostini (Rs 190) topped with garlic spinach and date jam stands right next to the Desi Saag Risotto (Rs 390) with fried okra. Then there’s the Baked Aloo Paneer Kathi Roll (Rs 360) dipped in gravy and garnished with green chillies and coriander pesto with cucumber slaw on the side. Don’t miss out on the recently added section of Bar Chit Chat with chakna style dishes that pair well with drinks such as Pan Seared Chickpea Cake (Rs 190), Crispy Baby Corn Wings (Rs 240) and Crunchy Fried Bharwan Bhindi (Rs 190).
Price: Rs 1,000 for two
Timings: Noon to 11 pm
The Shack Lounge, Ballygunge
This 65-seater rooftop café dishes out Italian, Mexican and Lebanese signatures, but has now added American staples as well as new platters to the list. The trendy vibe along with a stack of board games and gaming consoles available for diners makes it a hotspot for the young and the young at heart. Watch out for the different types of sandwiches, toasts and burgers served with dips and fries. If you have a big appetite, try out their signature OMG Burger (Rs 375) that comes with a humongous veg/non-veg? patty stuffed in large buns along with lettuce, tomato and onion. The platter options include Mexican (Rs 325) and Mezze (Rs 325) options. The former comes with herb rice, enchiladas, nachos and a salsa verde; while the latter comprises Lebanese rice, falafel pockets and a wrap served with hummus.
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: Noon to midnight
First Innings, the multi-cuisine restaurant at The Stadel presents a lavish spread to celebrate the occassion of Jamai Sashti. Gorge on the wide variety of dishes including options such as Mach Paturi, Mutton Kosha, Gondhoraj Murgir Jhol, Echorer Aloo Kalia and Raj Bhog among others.
Price: Rs. 1081 all inclusive
Directed by: Prithunandan Ghose
Cast: Shyamal Chakraborty, Sudip Mukherjee, Bindiya Ghosh, Prabir Dutta and Kinjal Nanda among others.
Ebong Andhakar is a Bengali play about an urban family and its neighbourhood. The story narration is supported by songs and music that adds depth to the entire plot. As the play proceeds, it unveils the complex relationship of the family members in times of war and distress. It shows how equation changes between two peple due to change in times and circumstances.
Tickets: Rs 100
Tickets available on Explara.in
Directed by: Koushik Kar
Cast: Parthasarathi Deb, Soumitra Mitra, Swarnali Ghosh, Tarun Paul and Chhanda Chattopadhyay among others
Patol Babu Film Star is Bengali play that revolves around man named Patol Babu. He was once a theatre actor but due to some obstacles is now struggling for work with family responsibilities distracting him from his love of acting. He gets a job of playing a character in a movie and he is excited about this opportunity. But when he arrives at the set he realises that his role is very inconsequential, and he has nothing much to do. He is disappointed initially but remembers his guru’s words about – no role is small and every act is a chance to enhance your art and skills.
Tickets: Rs 100 onwards
Tickets available on Explara.in
Enjoy a lavish spread of Biryani at Oudh 1590 as the restaurant brings to you The Great Awadhi Biryani Festival. Food lovers can gorge on to a wide variety of dishes including Awadhi Nargisi Biryani, Yakhni Gosht Biryani, Shahi Paya Biryani, Keema Biryani and Subz Kofta Biryani among others.
Price: On a la carte basis
Note: The festival is also going at the Salt Lake outlet
Directed By: Biswajit Bhattacharya.
Written By: Habib Tanvir
Charandas Chor is a Bengali play based on a classic folk tale. The story revolves around a thief who is an honest man. He makes a vow to never tell a lie. He also makes three other ambitious vows. The pledge taken by Charandas are constantly tried and tested. He is tempted to break his vows at every step and faces many challenges.
There is a show at 3.30 pm on 13th June.
Tickets: Rs 100
Tickets available on Explara.in
Myx, the nightlife destination at Park Street brings the star music producer Jerome Isma Ae from Germany performing live in the house. Known for his techno and deep house beats, he has been signed by many international labels. He has performed worldwide and is now setting his foot in the city to woo the audiences. So be there with your friends and enjoy the evening with best of music, food and drinks on offer.
Entry: Club rules and cover charges as applicable
The Big Ben is here with another musical evening for all music lovers in town as the venue presents Usha Uthup performing live. A well-known Indian pop, jazz and playback singer, Usha is popular for her hits in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Having started her professional singing career in 1969, the singer presently sings in more than thirteen Indian and eight foreign languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Bangla, Assamese, French, German, Italian, to name a few.
Entry: Club rules and cover charges as applicable.
Directed by: Prof. Bhaskar Shewalkar
Main Rahi Masoom is a Hindi Monologue made on the life of writer Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza. This story shows how Rahi detested communal and vote-bank politics, and how he fought against the divisive forces in the country through his writings. The paly traces his journey from as early as 1927 and highlights his struggle and stand against the pseudo-secularism and the fundamentalist. The monologue has had 29 performances all over India and has been bestowed with several awards such as Bhilwara Natya Puraskar.
Tickets: Rs 100
Tickets available on Explara.in
CIMA Art Gallery presents Summer Show 2015- a group art show showcasing paintings by well-known artists. More than 40 artists from across India will be participating in this art exhibition and will include names such as Samir Aich, Jayasri Burman, Manu Parekh, Sumitro Basak, Suhas Roy, Sakti Burman and Paresh MAity among others.
Entry: Free
It’s that time of the year when people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, get ready to gorge on a sumptuous spread of iftar food. The holy month of fasting is not just about the traditions, but also about spreading love and sharing a plate of haleem with your friends and family. So here’s where you can head to for your share of some meaty goodness.
Shiraz Golden Restaurant, Park Street
One of the most venerated eateries on the Park Street-Mullick Bazar crossing, Shiraz has been synonymous with Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine for decades. And during this time of the year, the restaurant dishes out different types of haleem preparations, in both chicken and mutton, as well. Their Shahi Haleem (Rs 160) is the traditional one that is mildly spicy and comes with chunks of meat. Looking for something delicate? Then opt for Irani Haleem (Rs 170) that is aromatic and cooked with garam masala. Those who love it hot can try out the Hyderabadi variation of the haleem that comes with meat mashed along with lentils.
Price: Rs 350 for two
Timing: 2 pm to 6 pm
Aminia, Zakaria Street
Aminia is a popular brand with restaurants all over the city, but this is the first and oldest one of them all that started way back in 1929. Located opposite the famous Nakhoda Masjid, this place is strictly for those who love beef. Go for their four varieties of haleem – Paaya Haleem (Rs 175), Magaz Haleem (Rs 120), Arbi Haleem (Rs 115) and Special Beef Haleem (Rs 120). The Arbi Haleem (Rs 115) is their signature dish, which is cooked with different spices and jari buti, and comes with juicy chunks of beef. The Beef Haleem takes the game a notch higher and also has kofta or meat balls along with zubaan.
Price: Rs 250 for two
Timing: 2 pm to 7.30 pm
Arsalan, Park Circus
It won’t be incorrect to say that biryani lovers swear by this place. Arsalan has become one of the most popular destinations for all kinds of Mughlai food and during Ramadan, people flock here in huge numbers for the Haleem (Rs 160). To keep things simple, the restaurant offers just one variety that comes with the option of mutton and chicken. Their haleem is rich, aromatic and slightly on the spicier side with a garnish of fried onions, green chillies and dash of lime juice that does the trick.
Price: Rs 320 for two
Timing: 2 pm to 7 pm
India Restaurant, Khidderpore
Located beside the famous Fancy Market, this eatery has become one the most visited Mughlai spots that side of Kolkata. During the holy of month of Ramadan, the restaurant offers India Special Mutton Haleem (Rs 120), which has a subtle aroma and is studded with succulent pieces of meat. A visiting cook from Lucknow is stationed in the kitchen and he personally oversees each preparation, thus giving it an authentic Awadhi touch.
Price: Rs 240 for two
Timings: 3 pm to 7 pm
Zeeshan, Park Circus
Another restaurant that joins the haleem brigade during this month, they also stick with options of mutton or chicken for their Shahi Haleem (Rs 150). There’s no denying that people love this dish, thanks to its intense flavours, so why mess with the classic, right? The slow cooked meat and added stock gives it a wonderful flavour making it a must have dish.
Price: Rs 300 for two
Timings: 3 pm to 7 pm