Bob Marley Lives on at Raasta, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon

It was not too long ago that I reviewed Raasta, the Carribean Lounge at Hauz Khas village in Delhi. The place had a fantastic vibe, it was cool, it was funky and buzzing with youthful energy and rebellion. 

When the idea of Raasta, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon was proposed I wondered how that laid-back feel could be translated to a space which is virtually the ultimate futuristic food place in the national capital. Standing cheek by jowl with some of India’s biggest corporates, steely skyscrapers steeped in so called capitalism, how would Bob Marley’s dreadlocks and reggae beats fare here?

Commenting on the launch of Raasta @ DLF Cyber Hub, promoters Joy Singh and Rahul Kundan had said, “Raasta is a philosophy and way of life. The huge popularity of the brand made it essential for us to take it to more people and places. DLF Cyber Hub with its cosmopolitan culture and fabulous ambience was an apt choice for Raasta on its journey of expansion.”

Walk into this space, that still remains all about the unmistakable music, an ambience that lets you relax and go with the flow. The essence of the brand stays alive with the décor elements, while evolution has taken place in both the design and food philosophy to bring a newer, fresher version of the brand to old loyalists and new visitors alike.

The décor is quirky, and takes a dig at all things institutional, much like the maverick philosopher who inspired it. Boat shell pushcarts and large truck tyres painted in red, gold and green, back-up as table stands; while caged boxes hold together little references to our industrial and corporate lifestyle.

A unique tribute to Bob Marley

The outdoor seating area of Raasta is like a beach shack

The street style is very much alive with street lamps hung upside down from the ceiling to form a part of the lighting schematics. The movable DJ console and stage form the central focus of the space with the Ms cages with iron chains for a symbolic 3d mural on the main wall of the restaurant where again traditional bongs have been used to add a dose of colour and bring together the connect with the original Raasta. The trademark record cover wall creates a colourful backdrop to this corner.

The tantalising Sex on the Beach

You can either sit inside which is plush and sparkling or the outside bar area which looks like a beach shack with huge fans spraying mist to keep the evening moist and sea-kissed. The staff looks cool and casual in jeans and funky black shirts (oh what a relief not to see stiff, liveried stewards at times!)

We start with some cocktails that look promising. The energetic bartender recommends the notorious ‘Sex on the Beach’ that has my preferred liquor vodka and the even more notorious ‘Electric Iced Tea’ that has every spirit imaginable. Sex on the Beach is truly refreshing and transports me to a palm-fringed beach. Electric Iced Tea is not really my cup of tea but would be a hit with hard drinkers.

You can start off with a cheerful bite of the Plantain Frittos (raw banana chips served with sour cream) or the Tangy Mango Mushroom, and move onto a hearty helping of the all time Caribbean favourite, the Red Snapper Escovitch.

Barbados Platter

Salmon Prawn and Smoked Sole Skewers

For starters we try the Salmon Prawn and Smoked Sole Skewers served with 3 alluring dips and the Non Veg Barbados Platter that comprises of Carribean Chicken Strips, Grilled Chicken Wrapper, Lamb Empanadas and Lamb Chilly served with Cilantro Sour Cream and Spicy Harissa. The cooking is perfect and the tantalising dips provide just the right antidote to the crispy textures and piquant tastes.

Jamaican Jerked Chicken

For the main course there’s Sambuca Cajun Grilled Basa that comes with a side of fajita and Cajun Sauce, Carribean Chicken Curry and Jamaican Jerked Chicken. For vegetarians there is the Wild Mushroom Rizo or a refreshing Soco Peppery Apple Yoghurt Salad amongst others.

While talking about Raasta’s appetizing food menu, Chef Anil Pandey from Raasta elaborates “Staying true to its Caribbean origins, Raasta  serves seamlessly varied cuisine from the cultures of Spain, Africa, East India, China and other palettes into a distinct tradition all its own. Our offering promises to satisfy every craving, as well as makes for a great option for a meal out.”

Herbed Prawns Bowl

Penne Arabiata

Grilled and Spiced Fish Bowl

‘Raasta on the Go’ is a popular menu served from 12 noon to 4 pm catering to corporate busybees who breeze in for a quick bite. Comprising of meals in a bowl such as Pepper Lamb Curry Bowl, Grilled Cajun Chicken Bowl and Herbed Prawns Bowl for the rice lover or basic, nutritious pastas, this is a  popular option for a quick working lunch for corporate denizens of Cyber City.

The menu reflects a fusion of a wide range of cultures and heritages, and many ethnicities that landed on Caribbean shores for the past centuries. This led to an intermingling of different cultures and cuisines, as people survived the islands, and weathered oppressions and challenges for many years. The fascinating stories of this confluence of culture and race are told through the menu of Raasta.

We skip dessert as the sound of reggae resonating into the deep, mysterious evening is all the sweetness one can handle for the moment.

The night is still young and the vibrant crowd is trickling in, fiesty and gregarious, clicking selfies, celebrating birthdays, flirting, buzzing, laughing or simply sharing cosy twosomes.

At Raasta, Cyber Hub the options are manifold. I am sure all of us need a break from our materialistic pursuits!

Cutting Chai at The Claridges

Get a taste of your favourite monsoon foods & hot chai at The Claridges, New Delhi

The Claridges New Delhi’s annual & much loved monsoon food festival – Cutting Chai,  makes a return this July, just in time to welcome the rains. A monsoon ritual at the hotel, Cutting Chai brings with it the familiar tastes of a typical Bombay rainy day. 

Relish street food favourites like “Chana Jor Garam”, Vada Pao, Mirchi Bhajjiya, etc while enjoying a hot cup of chai in the lush & cool environs of the Claridges Gardens. Served hot & strong, in small glasses typical of a roadside tea stall, the cutting chai served with savoury snacks, is a great accompaniment to afternoon conversations and catchups while lazing in the private outdoor gazebos in the garden. Alternately you can also enjoy the chatpata, sweet & spicy foods & chai at the cool, sunlit Lobby Lounge.

Promotion period: 7^th July onwards

Price Range: Starting at Rs. 795

Venues: The Claridges Gardens & The Lobby Lounge at The Claridges, New Delhi

Timings: 3pm to 4pm

For reservations, please contact: +911139555082, +919871294834 or email 

Time Travel at the Spa at Shangri-La's Eros

Ever come back from a holiday feeling as if you need another holiday to rest and recoup? Come to think of it, holidays do get hectic. 

You often end up in different time zones, conflicting weather conditions, varying temperatures. You are in a new room every day, a strange bed, pillows plush and plumped up but you are unable to sleep well as you miss your own little, familiar even if doughy pillow at night. 

Food that you experiment with can leave you both surprised or shocked at times! Add to that the walking, the trekking, the early mornings, the late nights, carting luggage and lugging those rucksacks that keep adding a kilo every hour!

If you go to a reasonably non-urban area, the number of stairs you have to climb to get to anything worth watching. Aaah! We city dwellers have become dependant on out lifts and escalators. Not a good sign but a fact of life.

You do come back from holidays pretty stressed out. There are strange aches that have developed, muscles that are sore, your sleep cycle is messed up, your hair is frazzled and dry as straw and of course there’s that uneven tan (I have nothing against even tans!)you’ve acquired braving it out in the sun all day.

Before

Well, I recently returned from a holiday across four different mountaineous terrains, sated, rejuvenated but yes, a bit deflated. To the extent that on the last leg of my journey I had actually started hallucinating about spas and massages.

Now there are spas and there are spas. Some leave you pampered silly while some leave you iffy and cramped and uncomfortable. A spa should put you at ease and instill a sense of calm. The whole idea is after all, to feel as light as a feather and new-born like a baby.

The Shangri-La Spa sounded promising. Not only is it one of the largest spas in Delhi in terms of area, but the interiors are truly tranquil. The brochure claimed that the spa at Shangri-La's Eros embraces a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being. Inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, their treatments are based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to mind and body. Of course there is a Buddha at every corner and the gurgling water body instantly sends soothing undercurrents in my being.

The therapy rooms are well appointed and spacious with diffused lighting and a welcoming aura. I scanned their many services and while their Shangri-La Journey is supposed to be their signature treatment, there were so many more therapies on offer. 

The much touted Shangri La Journey that takes approximately 2 hrs is holistic healing at its best. After a long tiresome journey or a hectic day, it promises to relieve muscular aches and pains and assist your body's natural healing with this Signature Journey. The journey starts with a full body papaya scrub followed by a Classical Swedish massage, and a head and shoulder massage.

Other massages here include a Jet lag massage, Indian Back Massage and Chakra, Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage.

There is also the alluring 'Serenity Ritual' which combines three relaxing treatments into one. Starting with a Biodraga Nourishing Milk and Honey Wrap, followed by a soothing aroma massage and foot reflexology and a Biodraga Oxygenating Facial.


There are indoor and outdoor jacuzzis where you can enjoy a Cleopatra Bath or a Citrus Jacuzzi Bath or Lavender Jacuzzi Bath and spacious steam and sauna rooms. Ayurvedic treatments include Abhyanga, Podikkizhi and Shirodhara.

However what caught my attention was the ‘Voyage Reviver’. It sounded like just what I needed after my extended romp in the mountains of North-East India which beautiful as it was in a close-to-nature-and-the-elements kind of way, it allowed no access to anything remotely hedonistic. I realised I made the perfect choice in the 'Voyage Reviver' in order to feel buffed and polished and urbane again.

So feeling tired and grimy after a long journey? This oriental treatment is guaranteed to relieve your stressed muscles and tension. It starts with a Balinese scrub made out of dry coconut and some secret ingredients.  It is followed by a Balinese massage which is a hard, deep tissue massage that cajoles those bottlenecks out of your system. The Balinese Boreh wrap feels as if you've been mummified with some curative and preservative herbs for about 30 minutes-I actually dozed off- only to appear from it tender and revived as if your skin was born anew. The scrub cleanses your body, Balinese massage boosts the blood circulation removing knots and aches while the wrap soothes your skin.

I feel I have time-travelled to a happier, purer, calmer place. I am ready to face the rough and tumble of Delhi again. This Voyage Reviver is a must try at the Spa at Shangri-La's Eros hotel.

After

Spa Opening Timing

The Spa opens at 7 am to 11pm, seven days in a week.
For Spa reservations call: 91-11-41191220 Extn 1220

Saha All Set to Regale Singaporeans

Chef Abhijit Saha

Finally the great news has arrived! Award-winning chef Abhijit Saha inaugurated Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar in Singapore, bringing his innovative interpretation of regional Indian cuisine to Singapore, one of the world’s dining capitals, this June. 

Located amidst the traditional shophouses of Duxton Hill, Saha Signature Restaurant & Bar takes guests on a culinary journey to discover the rich heritage of Indian cuisine from the country’s diverse regions, which many have yet to discover. 

Feted by international and Indian media, Chef Saha is one of India’s culinary masters and restaurant pioneers, having established two critically acclaimed restaurants – Caperberry and Fava – in Bangalore, founded under Avant Garde 

Hospitality. Amongst a long list of accolades, he was named Best Chef in India in 2013.

At Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar, Chef Saha serves up an array of quitessentially Indian flavours originating from the rich culinary tapestry of the various Indian regions, recreated with modern techniques and presented with international aesthetics. Offering an eclectic dining experience yet to be seen in Singapore for the discerning guest, the menu at Saha Signature Restaurant & Bar draws from the traditions of the past and imbues excitement for the future.

Baby vegetable poriyal garden with  three flavours of curd rice

The a la carte menu offers regional Indian cuisine and the tasting menu focuses on innovation and creativity. In Saha's hands, food does not remain just food but transcends into an art form. At Saha you can indulge in Indian food redefined by Abhijit Saha’s progressive, modernist perspective. You also have the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of Indian classics in their best manifestation.

Chettinad duck with vegetable upma, orange and black pepper gastrique

Duet of Tawa kebabs - Banana Blossom and Paneer

Indian cuisine is a judicious mix of its ingredients, methods of cooking and flavours all bound together by its spices. Every dish on the Saha menu is created from a deep understanding and knowledge of the age-old cuisines from the diverse regions of India. To this wealth of tradition, Chef Abhijit Saha brings his passion for innovation and his desire to create dishes that tantalise both palate and mind. Combining the best of both worlds, he presents a dazzlingly sophisticated Indian cuisine with no compromise of its vibrant flavours or essential character.

The menu will feature dishes specially created for Singapore, with such highlights as:

Kerala vegetable istew espuma

 Kerala Vegetable Istew Espuma – citrus pudding, garlic crumbs, black olive powder, cracked pepper and banana chips

 Tasting of Mushroom – masala cappuccino, tandoor grilled and frozen masala mushroom parfait powder

 Kasoor Methi Seared Foie Gras - spice stewed mango, mango salsa and mango panna foam

 Jaipur Style Crispy Okra – moong lentil khichri, coriander and mint

 New Age Paneer Matar – chena quenelles, stir fried snow peas and assorted mini breads

 Baby Vegetable Poriyal Garden – curd rice, cashew, coconut, mustard seed and curry leaf

 Baked Gulab Jamun Cheesecake – saffron poached pears and macaroon

 Frozen Chocolate Ganache Powder – cardamom, saffron soil, mint soil.

The tasting menus, which will change fortnightly, are designed to take you on a memorable culinary adventure, savouring the very best Saha creations – modern, innovative and uniquely Indian.

These menus sometimes bring flavours from across India together in perfect harmony; at others, they celebrate the traditions of a particular region. Always, they dazzle and delight. Besides the Signature dishes traditional Indian specialities like Ajwaini seabass kebab, Pepper masala grilled prawns Banana blossom kebab, Tawa grilled paneer skewers, Smoked chicken korma, Daal makhani, Butter naan, Hyderabadi lamb biryani and Gucchi pulao are also represented in their best manifestation in the a la carte section of the menu. 

For those who want to take a quick gourmet lunch break at Saha, there is the option of Two & Three Course Set Menus with amuse bouche & petit fours.

Saha’s skilled sommelier Sagar will be on hand to provide expert advice on wines from the extensive wine list and cocktail pairings.

The Terrace Bar @ Saha

Drunken Cigar

Saha also houses a 22-seat al fresco Terrace Bar, where guests can indulge in Indian-inspired cocktails crafted by Saha’s resident mixologist, such as the Mango Rosemary Martini, Kari-Tini, Indian Mojito, New Age Pina Colada (served in cocont shell), Compressed Watermelon Martini with Black Salt Foam and Cryo Pomegranate Margarita to name a few.

Grand Old Monk Dark Rum Mojito

The Terrace Bar @ Saha will be the perfect location to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink amidst the beautiful environs of Duxton Hill, accompanied by a selection of Indian tapas such as Baked Chicken Samosa Triangles; Khasta Roti Tacos with Amritsari Chole, Avocado Salsa, Sour Cream & Sev; Vegtarian and Non-Vegetarian Kebabs and much more.

With a bold new take on world-class Indian cuisine in Singapore and famed Indian hospitality, Saha Signature Restaurant & Bar is all set to spice up the Singapore dining scene.

***

Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar
9A Duxton Hill (2nd floor)
Singapore 089593
For reservations, call: +65 6223 7321
www.saha.sg

Operating Hours
Lunch Monday – Saturday
12pm – 3pm
Dinner Monday – Saturday
6pm – 11pm
Terrace Bar Monday – Saturday
5pm – 11pm
Sunday – Closed

Enjoy Coffee and Conversations at Ye Old Bakery, at The Claridges, New Delhi

Coffee brewed to perfection and served in style

“What do you want?"
"Just coffee. Black - like my soul.” 
― Cassandra Clare, City of Bones

“I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.” 
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” 
― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes

What is it about coffee that hits just the right notes? It's stimulating, invigourating, black as night and sweet as sin.

The Claridges, New Delhi introduces its special selection of coffee varieties at the Ye Old Bakery this season. Using the finest ingredients, the city’s renowned patisserie has perfected the art of coffee making and serves the crowning cup in a range of different styles to satisfy the discerning tastes.

As the guests indulge in conversations, they can unwind by the bakery and enjoy a range of innovative coffee preparations from low fat to rich brews.

The special menu includes coffee in delicious blends including fruits such as strawberry, mango, orange, watermelon and coconut. 

These beverages can be paired with an array of special treats from the bakery such as cakes, muffins, cookies, pastries, chocolates and pudding.

Promotion period: 20^th June to 30^th June, 2014

Pricing: Starting at Rs. 295 plus taxes

Venue: Ye Old Bakery at The Claridges, New Delhi

Timings: 10 am to 9 pm, everyday

For reservations, please contact: +911139555082, +919871294834 or email pickwick.mgr@claridges.com

About the hotel:

The flagship property of the Group - The Claridges, New Delhi was built in 1955 and is located at the heart of the eminent New Delhi Lutyens area. With a seamless blend of old-world charm and a modern elegant approach to guest care and hospitality, the property consists of 128 rooms and 12 exquisite suites along with five signature options for food & beverages. Dining options at the hotel include the award winning Sevilla offering superlative Mediterranean fare, Jade with its authentic Chinese cuisine, Dhaba for its sumptuous, local north Indian food, Pickwicks for all day dining and Aura, the Vodka Bar. Ye Old Bakery at the hotel, offers delightful cakes and pastries. The hotel also has an executive lounge, The Viceregal and The Senate for business events and the grand Maharani hall for corporate meetings, conferences and social get-togethers.

Add a Little Sugariness To This Father's Day

This father’s day express your feelings and your concern over your father’s health by gifting him a box full of love. If your dad has diabetes and still craves for sugar then gift him guilt free sweets. Surprise him with the most unexpected present, ‘Sugarfree Mithai’ from Food Expert, Ms. Bharti Sanghi. Stop worrying and let your favorite guy dig in a luscious affair as Bharti understands the quandary and has thus come up with a huge range of Sugar-free Mithais.

Sugarfree Mithai

Sugarfree Rabdi

Sugarfree Mithai

Bharti has used a traditional approach to control diabetes by using Badam with Chilka which helps in insulin control; she has replaced sugar with some natural sweeteners such as Jaggery, Honey, Maple syrup, Natural Sweetness of Fruits and Coconut sugar. Select from a wide range of sugarfree mithais like Rabdi, Kalakand, Phirni, Chandrakala and Pista Barfi to name a few. 

Fathers’ Day is here, so what other reason do you need to show your gratification towards your Dad. Just pick your phone and dial 011-26388811, 0120-3119881 and they will deliver a beautiful gift pack to your Father. Guess what, you can even customize the sweets according to his favorite ingredient / component / dry-fruit, preferred color or any particular theme.

You can order any or all of these at:

D-15/1 Okhla Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi - 110020

12, Golf Links, Nr. JLN Metro Station, New Delhi - 110003

 Tel.: 011 26388811, 0120-3119881

Go Mangolicious this summer at The Claridges, New Delhi!

An array of mango based delicacies available across all the outlets

The Claridges, New Delhi welcomes summer with its delectable Mangolicious promotion. Guests can indulge in the finest selection of delicacies made with different kinds of Mango this season. Executive Chef, Neeraj Tyagi has crafted this menu to bring forward the perfect blend of the fruit’s delightful flavour and divine sweetness.

Mango Baked Yoghurt

   

A host of fun treats are available during the promotion ranging from Alphanso Mango ice cream made with liquid nitrogen to Mango capsules that tenderly explode in the mouth.  The special menu includes Caramel Mille Feuille with Mango, Mango Baked Yoghurt, Vanilla Pana Cotta with Mango Yolk, Mango and Avocado Salad, Mango Crème Brulée, Mango Sorbet and many more exciting delights.

Mango Creme Brulee

Promotion period: 26th May to 30th June, 2014

Price: Starting at Rs. 645 plus taxes

Venue: All outlets at The Claridges, New Delhi: Sevilla, Jade, Dhaba, Pickwicks and Ye Old Bakery

For reservations, please contact: +91 99717 18208, pr.fnb@claridges.com