Zhero Denim - Pride and Fashion Launches Uber Cool Range of Denim Bags

 

Denims have always been in fashion and with the launch of the uber cool range of denim bags by Zhero Denim - Pride and Fashion, the trend is all set to make a grand comeback! The new collection of Denim Bags by Zhero Denim - Pride and Fashion was showcased for the first time at Ombre A Fair in CyberHub with several international models setting the ramp on fire. The models made a grand entrance flaunting the super chic bags adding to the panache, as Mr. Anshuman Singh, Director- Marketing at Zhero Denim introduced the brand to the large audience.

 

  

Throughout history, denims have been a symbol of revolution and the brand has made sure the same is conveyed through their designs in their all-new collection. From ‘Rebel’ to ‘Scholar’, the collection inspired by pop aesthetics has a unique design for every kind of personality. Keeping in mind the style quotient and convenience, some of the unisex denim bags have a detachable leather front pocket, which is apt for the back packer and the city dweller alike, as they can even be used separately.
 

 

Speaking about the exquisite range of bags, Mr. Anshuman Singh, Director- Marketing at Zhero Denim said, “We have come up with a very exciting and innovative collection of Denim Bags which will definitely speak a lot about the character and attitude of the brand. All the Denim Bags are not only very innovative but are equally fashionable and in trend as well. Our products are conceived, designed, manufactured and produced in India, extending our support to the PM’s Make In India initiative.”
 

 

With leather detailing and tassels exemplifying the appeal of the bags, the brand is all set to ignite an urban chemistry for street style fashion. Bringing true luxury to the shopping world by starting a movement to create ethical clothing, the brand plans on restoring style and individuality in the society that is still fashionable. As denim is the most versatile fabric and is recognized as a classic fashion statement throughout the world, they aim to honour equality between all and celebrate everyone as a hero in their own right.

 

Its a fresh, youthful and funky look, so grab your favourite fusion of denim and leather bags and get ready to make heads turn this summer.

Log onto www.zherodenim.com and be the trend-setter this season!

 

Treasure of Sea at Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon

 

 

I have always been a seafood lover. Despite being from a typical Punjabi family, where eating non-veg invariably means having kukad or chicken, when I did get exposed to the wonders of  'Fruits de Mer' or 'fruits of the sea' as the French call it, I pretty much took to them like a fish takes to water. Maybe being a cancerian(a crabby crab) at that further enhances the seafood fixation. I find seafood light, healthy and full of zest and flavour. A great protein to have, guilt free.

 

 

When I heard of the 'Treasure of Sea' promotion on at Café G at Crowne Plaza Today, that brings the sound, aroma and taste of Sea to its all day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, I couldn't wait for a single day to sample it. Now here is a true seafood promotion. I mean real seafood with its real aroma, texture and feel for people who consider having the ubiquitous and convenient 'Basa' almost a sacrilege when compared to a robust pomfret or a soulful Sole. 

 

Café G has lively and bright interiors with deep blue table appointments and bright hanging lights that stand out. It has numerous live food stations that are welcoming and build an instant rapport with the guest.

 

 

Seafood Jambalaya

 

 

I start with a chilled iced tea with a special Thai twist with a lemon grass flavour. It is refreshing and sets my palate ready for the pleasures ahead. At Café G, guests can take a dip into the sea of gastronomic delight of extensive sea food-yes, with their tentacles and shells and slithery surfaces that spell freshness. You get to savour on different style of preparation of fish and varieties of seafood from across the globe. Chefs here have conjured a true celebration of seafood in all its manifestations.

The buffet serves an exciting salad section, further forking into Indian, Eastern, European cuisines with the best of seafood preparations that change every day. So the Indian had the delicate Seafood Biryani and Malai Jhinga while the European section tantalised the palate with Lobster Thermidor and Scallops with Bacon. A Seafood Jambalaya vied for attention against a stunning and tangy Tomato, Pineapple Fish from the Eastern section.

 

The sheer variety of seafood on display too leaves you breathless-Manglorean Crab, shark steaks, Calamari, Tuna, Sea Bass, King Prawns and many more.

 

A raw seafood station where “pick your own and cook to your style” approach is sure to find many takers. Assortment of Asian and western dips match the taste of the seafood. Also Sushi, Sashimi and Nigiri and Tempura is prepared by their in-house Japanese chef.

 

Later the desserts too are alluring, with a stunning variety of mini samplers that offer the perfect end to the meal.
 

Timings:  1900 hrs- 2300 hrs

When: 17^th – 28^th Feb 2016

Where: Café G, Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon, Sector 29,

National Highway -8, Gurgaon

 

So do visit this seafood promotion if you love the endless treasures of the sea, right here in the middle of Gurgaon!

 

 My 'Café G' Look for the Day: For I take my seafood seriously, I decided to dress up for the occasion. So this black and gold chinon from Bangalore it was, with some white and grey pearls for extra sea-love! I felt nice and formal but the meal was worth it. Saree, the elegant attire in a sea of mundane dresses was my Café G pick!

 

 

 

 

 

Diageo Reserve Announces the 8th Edition of World Class

 

~The best of the country’s bartenders will compete at the National finals~

~ Tim Etherington-Judge takes Delhi on a sensorial journey with a bespoke single malt masterclass~

 

Diageo Reserve World Class, the industry’s biggest and most prestigious bartending competition is back!  13 leading bartenders from around the country will battle it out in a series of challenges to be crowned the best of the best. A unique platform to discover the next generation of bartending talent, Diageo Reserve World Class sets the latest trends in mixology cocktail making, and introduces these trends to the best bars worldwide.

Tim Judge at Diageo Reserve Worldclass Farzi Cafe 2

 

 

As cocktail culture continues to flourish, in an effort to recognize and reward the craft of the bartender, Diageo Reserve World Class has become synonymous with discovering the latest cocktail trends and inspiring a new generation of mixologists to push the boundaries to create exceptional cocktails and fine drinking experiences for patrons. 

 

Tim Judge and Daniel Jones - Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador North at Diageo Reserve World Class Farzi Cafe_2

 

Tim Etherington Judge hosted a 90 minute masterclass in Delhi’s Farzi Café recently, taking guests on a sensorial journey while taking a deep dive into World Class and its importance to the industry. Besides providing a brief overview of The Singleton of Glen Ord and single malt as a category, Tim engaged guests with delectable signature concoctions that were served with carefully selected appetizers to enhance the flavors of the cocktails prepared. Using the latest mixology trends uncovered from the current World Class India competition, Tim created interesting single malt inspired concoctions that were a hit among those present. Each recipe contains one of Tim’s ‘tricks of the trade’, together with unique ingredients to bring out the flavor profiles of The Singleton. The Singleton cocktails were paired with delectable preparations by Farzi Café’s Chef Gaurav Chawla. A hit amongst guests present, the ‘Single Tonic’ was paired with Farzi Café’s Braised Lamb chops and marsh wangan korma glaze, veri grits. Goat cheese stuffed tangri kebab were served with roasted bell pepper coulis that perfectly complemented the flavours in ‘Speyside Sour’.

Braised Lamb Chopsmarsh wangan, korma glaze, veri gritz(Recipe to follow!)

Speaking about his visit to India, Tim Etherington Judge Diageo Reserve World Class Brand Ambassador said, “I’m very excited to be back in India to once again educate and entertain bartenders and beverage connoisseurs alike at the World Class module in Delhi.”

 

"Diageo Reserve World Class certainly sets a benchmark for the bartender to come up with their creativity & talent. As a Chef , it provides me an opportunity to pair my food with the drinks prepared by the finest bartenders across. It gets me an off-beaten track & opens a world of new flavor combinations. Moreover , Pairing in general is completely subjective ; in reality perception & attitude have more to do with a successful pairing than flavor anyway." says Gaurav Chawla  Chef – Farzi Café, New Delhi.

 

Diageo Reserve World Class is recognized as a unique global platform that nurtures the talent of local bartenders, enables them with the right knowledge and prepares them for some of the best bars in the world. Providing a global platform to local talent, this year too, World Class will make people care about what, how and where they drink in the same way they do about food, in whichever part of the world they are. A team of judges comprising Tim Etherington Judge, Diageo Global Ambassador (ex-India Reserve Brand Ambassador), Nicholas Ord, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, West India and, Varun Sudhakar – twice India National World Class Champion will assess participants on knowledge, artistry, innovation, balance, technique and visual aesthetic. Bartenders will compete for the title of the National Winner of Diageo Reserve World Class 2016, India edition. The winner will ultimately take on the world’s best bartenders at Diageo’s eighth annual Global Diageo World Class Competition to be held in Miami, The USA in September, 2016.

 

The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi presents an exclusive evening of 'Soul Strings'

 

~A mystical experience where East met West as sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan collaborated with renowned violinist Elmira Darvarova to create musical paradise~

 

 

 

 

The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi recently hosted the musical maestros and Sarod prodigies Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan and the acclaimed Elmira Darvarova, Grammy-nominated Concert Violinist from New York, for an evening of soul stirring musical collaboration of the East and West.

 

Soul Strings, the musical dialogue between the Sarod maestros and the esteemed violinist represented a uniquely joyful meeting and cross-fertilization at both the cellular and cosmic levels of two classical musical traditions, which are often held to be radically different – too different to meet without a bridge of some sort. The presence of a power-packed audience such as Mrs. Subhalakshmi Khan, Suhel Seth, Jatin Kochhar, Sanjay Sharma and many others made the evening a grand success.

 

The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, with its landmark location in the heart of Lutyen’s Delhi is the quintessential address for business leaders, visiting dignitaries, world renowned artists & celebrities. For decades, it has been New Delhi’s bedrock of fine living and hospitality with a refinement now legendary. The Taj Mahal Hotel has always taken pride in curating unique and culturally enriched experiences for its patrons as a purveyor of art, culture and heritage.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Satyajeet Krishan, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi said, “We are honored to welcome back sarod maestros Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan along with the brilliant Elmira Daravarova at The Taj Mahal Hotel. It is always a great pleasure to host musical geniuses and this magnificent evening will definitely be an experience to cherish for a lifetime!”

 

Speaking on the association with The Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi, sarod maestro Amaan Ali Khan said, “I have very fond memories at The Taj Mahal, New Delhi & the Taj Group. Ayaan and I have performed with our father, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan at the hotel. The Taj Group has become a symbol of excellence and grace all over world. Their commitment to detail and their elegance in whatever they do makes them the iconic brand that they are. This collaboration is very dear to my heart and we are honored to be back in the hotel along with the very talented Elmira Darvarova who is an artiste of very high repute. We will be playing some tracks from 'Soul Strings' and some new tracks will also be there. It's going to be extremely collective. It's very unusual for us to collaborate as we represent Indian Classical music and she Western. To come to a meeting point and mixing both the traditions together is something which has always intrigued us!"

 

On the special collaboration, Ayaan Ali Khan further added, “Elmira Darvarova is a talent house who has got Grammy nominations for her numerous albums. Our journey started last year. The concert will give the audience a glimpse of our album "Soul Strings”. We have grown with each other's music and have developed a comfort level because it's very easy to connect to the person you are performing with on the stage. We will be sharing each other's traditions and treasures.”

 

On the special collaboration, Elmira Darvarova said, “The concept of this collaboration (which began with a live performance at Symphony Space in New York in February 2015) is to interpret the works of Maestro Amjad Ali Khan's singing and playing through the prism of a unique joint performance, in which the artists have aimed to preserve the essence of both Indian and Western traditions so that they are able to partake of each other without artistic compromise. Their goal through this process is to engage and celebrate both the shared and discrete musical “DNA” of both traditions from a perspective of abundance. This is a blissful dream of a project, infused with the unique amalgamated contributions of artists united under a common aegis, regardless of their diverse background, cultures, traditions, generations, genders, religions, upbringing, and career paths.”

 

About Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi:

The Taj Mahal Hotel on Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi is one of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps and business district has furthered The Taj Mahal Hotel’s reputation as the epicenter of the Delhi. Graceful architecture blends aesthetically with modern facilities. Indeed, it is a tribute to hospitality and service, complementing the broad boulevards and leafy splendor of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens.

 

 

Balance and Bouyancy at Flluid

Delhi food scene is so red hot right now that there is literally a new restaurant to discover every day. Covering Delhi and Gurgaon, I almost never end up in Noida.  Moreover I had been concentrating on standalone restaurants lately. They have had such a surge off late that 5 star and 4 star hotels have had to sharpen their claws (and knives) and come back with better concepts, menus and competitive prices. Many hotel restaurants have undergone renovations and revamps. And I welcome change, I appreciate efforts to adapt and adopt new ways, I laud the drive to reinvent and reinterpret. Thus I find myself travelling all the way to Noida a Sunday morning.


Flluid restaurant at Mosaic Hotel, Sector 18, Noida has launched its new menu making it more contemporary and fun. Flluid has had a legacy of being the oldest night club in Noida and since then seen many changes in people's entertainment styles. I found the interiors quite eye-catching and mood enhancing!

Repositioned as a lounge bar that one could frequent at day time too with friends and family, Flluid today offers an eclectic menu of pre-plated dishes with, shall we say, quirky presentation, perfect concoction of cuisines, super slashed down prizes and a fun element.



As I enter the lobby, Flluid is ensconced to the left, almost an
extension of the main lobby. The interiors are black, grey and copper with a very eye catching chandelier that hints at glasses full of heady fluids to lift your spirits. The furniture is a bit chunky and heavy on one end where you get natural light while there are smaller, regular tables on the inside. I am attracted to the big, beefy tables at the entrance with natural light but they are difficult to move which was one feedback I gave. I often like to pull the chair closer to the table or far but it is impossible here. So if you are fidgety, go for the smaller tables inside.



The creators of the extra-ordinary menu are Executive Chef Vijayant Rawat and Executive Sous Chef Rakesh Painuli, whose specialties lie in Indian, Mexican, Lebanese, Thai and Continental cuisines. One can see a lot of effort has gone into curating the menu with each dish undergoing some twist.



It is a crisp winter morning so I start with an American Corn Chowder that arrives in a skull glass. I know one can expect the quirkiness to continue. Order a simple burger and you're in a for a triple whammy. 3 mini burgers come in 3 different flavors and colors, baked with healthy beetroot and spinach and all different fillings inside.

 

 

 

I pick one and scrutinise it thoroughly. It is the beetroot patty with grilled fish and teriyaki sauce. Quite delicious and just the right size for someone like me who gets intimidated by big burgers. You can actually eat this one with your lipstick intact! 

 

 

The more you explore the menu, it becomes difficult to make a choice. There is a l'il bit of everything here. Quick meal Quesadilla, Enchiladas, Sandwiches, Hot Dogs that all come with the compliments of salad, French fries and other condiments. I guess it is targeted at youth.


Innovatively served platters not only tantalize your taste buds but little idiosyncrasies of presentation keep the tempo, creating a surprise element and enthusiasm. Our mocktail comes in a neat hip flask. Never having used a hip flask I suddenly feel very cow-girlish.
 
Soon we realise food is being presented in miniatures of antique iron, chakla belan, miniature shopping trolleys (a truckload of french fries literally), pressure cooker etc. Other beverages are being served in boot shaped glass; glass with shark face, glass with a skull, hop side down glass etc.



Vegetarians can relish from a long list of savory delicacies includes Purani Dilli Chaat platter, Caesar Salad, Vada Pav, Paneer Tikka Kulcha, Naan Pizza and many more. For non vegetarian connoisseurs, the menu comprises of sumptuous dishes like Chicken Khurchan Tart, Spicy Mexican Chicken Salad, Mutton Boti Ke Taco, Amritsari Masala Baked Fish, Chilli Chicken Spring Roll and the famous Bucket of Burgers are a few new comfort food dishes introduced in the menu. Butter Chicken Pasta is perhaps an ode to the quintessential Delhi teen.







The dessert selection has also got enhanced with irresistible offerings like Gulab Jamun Cheese Cake, Mava Gujiya Toffee Sauce, Makhmali Nazakat, etc. I personally found the desserts a bit heavy for my taste but then I have reached a stage where I feel I do not deserve to eat desserts at all! Maybe their target clientele could down these with a flourish.



The prices are very competitive. So, do venture out with your family and friends and enjoy the most of these improvised food platters, choicest beverages and delicious desserts at most affordable prices at Flluid and walk away with a wonderful memory of all times.

Flluid at Mosaic Hotels, Noida opens from 11.00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. all days. Flluid is a restaurant cum bar located at Mosaic Hotels, Noida offers a luscious range of modern cuisine and ambience. It boasts of an urban design lounge bar, offering all that one could ask for, the great options of mocktails, cocktails, selection of international spirits, wine, beers and liquors. It includes lavish buffet served for Breakfast and Lunch, along with a sophisticated a-la carte menu. The restaurant also has some select private dining areas that can be hired for exclusive gatherings in true Delhi NCR, snooty style! Flluid is open all seven days from 11 a.m. in the morning till 11.00 p.m. night.

 

 

 

 My 'Flluid' look for the Day:

 

An animal print sheath dress in browns with black lace trimmings I picked from Debenhams, Ambience before it got replaced by Zara! It's a beautiful fit and even though I bought it five years ago, I still manage to accessorise it differently each time and achieve a different look. This time I wore it with a black Marks and Spencer blazer and brown suede boots, a Russian design I picked from Kala Niketan, Khan Market. Teamed it all with a tan bag I picked in Abu Dhabi from a store called Paprika.

 

 

 

 

Mamagoto Seasonal Menu-A Must Try

Mamagoto - the much loved Pan Asian restaurant chain known for its quirky Asian cuisine brings for its loyalists a new “Seasonal Menu” taking forward their philosophy of Food, Fun, Taste and Innovation. Mamagoto heralds a new interpretation of Asian Cuisine, when literally translated means; “To Play with Food”. It has been inspired by a Japanese experiment of sorts, with the same name, involving infants to use their senses to understand the shapes and textures of food. Mamagoto brings affordable Pan Asian food while retaining a global flavor and cosmopolitan appeal. 

 

Last weekend I decided to be a good Mama and have a nice, warm fun meal with my baby. Mamagoto seemed a great choice. This special menu has been specially curated for the winter season. I had heard great things about Mama’s BIG BOWLS incorporating the classic ‘meal in a bowl’ concept. Mamagoto offered Mama Katsu-DON, a working man’s (or woman's) classic meal in a bowl with Mirin, Sake, Kikkoman Soya, smoky onion sauce poured over sticky rice and served with a topping of either Panko crusted fried Chicken or Aubergine. 

The Mama Bar also offers this season 3 new exotic concoctions namely – Basil Salted Mary cocktail, which is a home made basil infused salt, with vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce served with flash grilled herbed tomato wheels. Rum Diaries is a combination of white and dark rum shaken with grilled pineapple and orange juice, lime and pomegranate essence, served alongside grilled orange. Lastly, the Frozen Sangria is a classic red wine sangria imbued with a citrus flavoured pop rock. The ‘Seasonal Menu’ takes its patrons on a culinary adventure encapsulating the flavours of Pan Asian cuisine with perfectly paired cocktails. I simply loved this one.

 

The cocktails went well with all-time favourite ‘Mama’s Dumplings’, the menu offers 3 varieties from Mixed mushroom spiked with sesame oil, served with a fresh chilli and vinegar dressing, to Minced chicken and preserved beancurd stuffed dumplings, with a home made chilli oil sauce on top and lastly, Nori (seaweed) and shrimp filled dumplings with chilli and soya dressing is of course our favourite. 

The Osaka Tube station Bowl is a traditional ramen noodles bowl found in the tube stations across Tokyo and Osaka. It has a subtle broth with flavours of mushroom, Miso and Shio Tare (a mixed soya sauce) and marinated boiled egg – served with chicken/salmon or tofu. The Mama’s Spicy Ramen Bowl comprises of minced chicken or vegetables combined with a spicy broth, with buttered corn kernels and blanched spinach. The Indo Coco Rice is an exciting innovation wherein rolls made from sticky rice are infused with coconut milk, steamed and wrapped in a banana leaf. 

For dessert there was a sinful Banoffie Pie that we shared but I was in such good spirits that I forgot to click a picture of that!  

All in all a great evening with my l’il one, feeling all drenched in Mama and baby love. 

 

This menu is available at Mamagoto outlets across NCR:

Mamagoto Outlets:

Khan Market – 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Saket12:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Vasant Kunj – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Gurgaon – 12:00 PM to 11:15 PM

Noida – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Stay tuned to their social media handles below

Twitter https://twitter.com/MamagotoFun

Instagram @mamagotofunasian

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MamagotoFunAsian

  My 'Mamagoto' look for the day:

An oversized, pure wool, extra warm, multi-coloured Benetton Sweater with a Nordik look I bought years ago(ok almost 20 years ago. Fine sue me for that!). I still wear it once every year on the coldest day of the year. Heard of comfort clothing? Just like comfort food of Mamagoto! 

My dependable blue jeans and Bruno Manetti blue suede boots!