Tag

bangalore blogger

in Fashion

Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019 – #KFUltraDerby

When you’re at the most coveted event of the year #kfultraderby Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019

Placed some bets.. win some lose some but it’s all a part of the game… called life.
Kingfisher derby sees the who is who of Bangalore and it surely is a high on fashion and glamour event. Sharing few pics from a Male’s perspective and fashion scene.Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019 Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019 Must-dos n must-haves n must- follows for this feisty event that can set the race pulsing for all of us as our main concern apart from ” what horse are you betting on”, is  “what are you wearing”.Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019 Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019 Kingfisher Ultra Derby Bangalore 2019

Ream more Kingfisher Ultra Derby 2016 Bangalore

in LifeStyle, Special Menu Tasting

AN ITALIAN FARE AT ALBA- JW MARRIOTT

JW and its signature Italian restaurant Alba is known for its radiant display of culinary supremacy. Recently, we were hosted to an exclusive media table at this delightful restaurant with some lip-smacking new menu that was curated to perfection by the twin chefs CHEF BRIAN and CHEF ILIYAZ.

Four hands collaboration at JW MARRIOTT Bangalore is this new menu by Chef Brian, who happens to be in town while he occupies the position of the executive chef at JW Marriott, Phuket resort and spa. He is the creative genius who has knowledge of Italian, Spanish and modern Australian cuisine. He is in Bangalore and has launched a new menu for the signature Italian restaurant, Alba, in association with Chef Iliyaz who is heading the kitchen at Alba.

The new menu reflects modern Italian flavors and is inspired by the new trends and is an attempt to revive the love of city for the Italian cuisine. The menu echoes rightfully the freshness and right sourcing of ingredients with unique flavors.
The media table saw the four-course menu with lavish choices for both veg and non-vegetarian. It was a culinary experience brimming with delectable flavors and impeccable service as the four courses were served paired with wine.

  • THE FIRST COURSE

PAN SEARED DUCK LIVER FOI GRAS

It was an impressive duck liver served on a bed of sticky date pudding, the texture of the duck was impeccable.

FATHER MICHAELS BURATTA WITH FRESH MANGOES

For the vegetarians was the freshly sourced Father Michael’s burrata with local mangoes and rocket leaves to give it the local flavors coupled with parmesan cheese. This presentation came with a coronet of tuille of spinach which interestingly was red in color with the dry texture of styrofoam.

  • THE SECOND COURSE

ROAST CHICKEN AND PARMESAN BROTH

The soup was a surprise as it was a very rustic Italian style with roasted chicken and parmesan in the broth of chicken. The texture was buttery and it was like a grandma’s recipe out of any common household of Italy.

MELON GAZPACHO

This cold and soothing soup was made out of basil granita, basil foam, and ricotta salts.

  • THE THIRD COURSE

SOUS VIDE DUCK BREAST

A very neat recipe with duck breast cooked to perfection with potato gnocchi melting in the mouth, grappa sour cherry here and there to give distinctness to the flavour and leek confit cooked slowly and achieved to perfection.

ROOT VEGETABLE GARDEN

This was chunky beet mash and veggies.

  • THE LAST COURSE

The last course were desserts and I loved both in their own ways.

FIVE SPICED PANACOTTA

This smelt of the spices in unison with slight sweetness from distance. The spices adding a fresh dash to the cool and amazing textured pannacotta with olive caramels and poached peaches that imparted a slight tinge of sour and sweet to the whole dish.

BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE SORBET

This is what I loved the most, the light sorbet with just the right amount of sweetness that was being perfectly balanced with the subtle salty flavour of goat cheese as u dig in the mix of white chocolate and goat cheese. As though the colours were not enough to make it look so fashionably yummy the edible lavender coloured flowers just upped the glamour quotient of the dish.

This was a delectable meal and we loved our conversations that were very interesting and made the experience so much more delicious topped by the grand hospitality & ambience of the hotel and the lovely company of the chefs who came after the last course was served.

The new menu is available for dinners and lunch so go ahead and have a super time with your family.

Zomato Reviews


Focaccia with olives and sundried tomatoes dip

Put Bruschetta

Put Bruschetta

Lamb Loin Cooked-Differently Hazelnut, Pumpkin, Artichoke

Spinach Risotto

Mushroom Harvest

Beetroot Tartar

Beetroot Tartar

JW Marriott Bengaluru Menu

click here to download Alba – JW Marriott Bengaluru Menu PDF. 

in Media

Paris: A walk to remember | Deccan Herald E-Paper

It was raining in Paris when I landed there, unlike Paris and quite like London, with showers drenching us unpredictably and the sky a dull grey. But the moment I entered the city, the fleeting sight of trees, old vintage buildings, cafes and streets brought back to me the warmest thoughts of my first visit to Paris.

My first stop in Paris was The Louvre. It made me realise how much beauty and love exists in this beautiful city.

Paris is a city that grows on you. It’s not what you see here, rather it’s what you experience here that stays with you.

Like Thomas Jefferson said, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.”

There’s so much to do in Paris; there’s opera, theatre, Moulin Rouge shows; there’s Tuileries Garden,s, Versailles Palace, Arc de Triomphe, Champ Elysees, The Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral that is going through a renovation for the damage that it had suffered recently. There is art on every street and corner of Paris, and there are art lovers, too. And then there is River Seine that flows through the heart of the city.

A cruise of River Seine is a must if you wish to get some wonderful Instagrammable clicks of Eiffel Tower, especially in the night.

Montmartre is one place anyone would love to visit. As you walk through the streets of Montmartre, you finally reach the Sacre Couer Church, whose
stairs offer the most stunning view of the city.

The corner shops and their warm waffles and crepes, the rich aroma of coffee emanating from the cafes that dot the streets, the musicians playing instruments and singing, the fashion boutiques invoking the fashionista in you, the theatrical performances that leave you awe-struck… these are the experiences that you collect and live in Paris.

Paris certainly leaves you intoxicated. It does grow on you.

Source from Deccan Herald E-Paper

 

in LifeStyle, Special Menu Tasting

Alchemy continues to take its culinary experience on to a new high

Chancery Pavilion and celebrity chef Hari Nayak lend a new twist to the gastronomical offerings at Alchemy

Bengaluru, 26th June 2019: Chancery Pavilion delighted its patrons with an irresistible menu change at Alchemy; introducing refreshing flavors and tantalizing dishes that reflect global culinary trends with an Indian twist. Inspired by the fresh and local produce from various regions in India, globally acclaimed Chef Hari Nayak featured handpicked local ingredients in all its grandeur for the new menu. Showcasing over 20 unique dishes, chef Hari presented a unique mix of classic regional delicacies with acontemporary twist.

From lamb cafreal with chutney roti to chettiar chicken, nuts over coconut to textures of coffee, the new menu is bursting with plenty of choices for the gourmand. Those with a sweet tooth have a variety of dishes to choose from, including Mysore pak cheesecake. Alchemy’s most sought after dishes; chicken sukka bulgogi, konkan fish fillet, and gondhoraj lemon mousse can still be relished in the new menu. The highlight of the menu is not only its innovative use of fresh ingredients but also its cooking techniques. The new dishes are prepared by experienced chefs using modern and traditional techniques like flash freezing and slow cooking to enhance the flavors of the food. As a culinary veteran and travel enthusiast, Chef Hari has taken inspiration from his travel experiences across the country and has incorporated his favorite ingredients in this version of the menu.

Chettiar Chciken

Commenting about the launch, Chef Hari Nayak said, “The menu at Alchemy showcases an exceptional range of innovative, native delicacies in a contemporary way by dressing them in global culinary attire. While curating the cuisine, we aimed at transforming the ordinary to extraordinary. I have personally conducted an old fashioned research on the culinary options and handpicked a few preferred ingredients from various regions, like godhoraj lemons from Calcutta, fermented red chilies from Korea. Few of the dishes are conceptualized basis my childhood memories as well. One should definitely try the drool-worthy dishes like lamb cafreal, chettiar chicken and nuts over coconut.”

Nuts Over Coconut

Chicken 65 Naan

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Simarjeet Singh, General Manager, The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru, said, “We have received a tremendous response from our patrons for the culinary experience offered by Alchemy since its launch. This year, we have notched up the game by creating appealing food choices that are inspired from popular regional delicacies. We endeavor to build more excitement, making Alchemy one of the most sought after gastronomical destinations in the city. We are extremely keen and look forward to witness the responses from the food enthusiasts of the city about the new innovations at Alchemy.”

Alchemy also stocks a very good selection of high-end beverages and has master bar staff that consistently and passionately churns out perfect drinks. Alchemy is open for drinks and dinner between 11:00 hrs. to 01:00 hrs. on all days.

About The Chancery Pavilion:

The Chancery Pavilion, Bangalore’s new-age 5 star luxury business hotel of discerning choice. Inaugurated in March 2006 and set on an elevation amidst the heart of Bangalore’s central business district on Residency Road, The Chancery Pavilion is the perfect destination for business travelers, tourists, medical visits and even quick getaways. The Hotel offers an extremely competitive product to both business and leisure travelers. One of the USP of the hotel is the thoughtfully designed rooms for Long Staying Guests.

Food Menu

click here to download Alchemy Food Menu PDF. 

Podi Mushroom

Potato & Cheese Popcorns

Raw Banana Tuk

Soy Keema Pot Pie

Lamb Cafreal

Fish Kebab

Egg Roast

Malai Prawn

Cherrywood Smoked Garlic Chicken

Classic Prawn Ghee Roast

Cheddar Chicken Tikka

Coorgi Pork Belly

Duck Samosa

Okra Almond kadi

Smoked Almond Mutton Shorba

Channa Chop

Carrot & Water Chestnut Roll

Bocconcini Chat

Bean Curd Vada


 


Hari Nayak – Chef, Restaurateur, Author

Hari Nayak is an internationally acclaimed figure in the Indian culinary scene with many successful ventures as a chef, restaurateur, author and a culinary consultant. New York based Indian chef Hari Nayak believes in deconstructing, innovating and recreating culinary experiences. His sheer commitment and signature style cooking has led him to be one of the most sought after chefs around the globe.

Hari Nayak started his culinary journey working in India and then travelled to North America and attained professional training at the Culinary Institute of America. With a strong inspiration from his Indian roots, he started his career at restaurants in New York, London, and Paris and created a sensation with his unique style of cooking. He worked towards popularizing Indian food in the West by showcasing simplistic and modern ways of cooking the cuisine. Hari managed to successfully dispel the misconceptions of Indian preparation style and provided a modern outlook on the Indian cuisine.

He is the author of 6 bestselling books like Modern Indian Cooking, The Café Spice Cookbook and My Indian Kitchen which feature the simple yet eclectic style of Hari’s dishes. Chef Hari is determined to transform Indian cooking through his books, latest being ‘Spice Trail’ that highlights 100 modern global recipes for home cooks.

Apart from his restaurant undertakings in New Jersey- Matt &Meera, Dosateria in California and Tandur in Tennesse, Hari Nayak added more ventures under his belt by establishing a few modern Indian restaurants in the Middle East like Bombay Bungalow, My Mosa and Masti. He will also be actively curating the menu at Alchemy, the rooftop fine dine restaurant at Chancery Pavillion, Bengaluru. He continues to spread the word about Indian cooking and endeavors to see it among the top three regional cuisines in the world.

in LifeStyle

Farzi Café- illusions of fusion

Farzi has many connotations and I yet remember how my Mom was amazed to hear this name few years back, as this means ‘illusion’. “Why the name FARZI”, was the question that made us curious to try out the food there. I remember how both of us went to enjoy a meal there. It was a delightful experience to see how amazingly Indian flavours from various parts of india were infused into the global cuisine. These recipes were presented in a suave fashion with amalgamation of global cuisine into Indian desi classics, in a very contemporary way in totally a rocking, chic ambiance with some high energy music. That’s when mom told me,”you know why this is Farzi, because they create illusions…”. This is the gastronomical delight that Farzi Café brings in with some dose of everything in its recipes, the innovative menus with some inspiring artistic presentation on quirky plates and serving bowls [in the various shapes of rolling pin, pestle and mortar etc bring back to us the memories of an era that is being forgotten in the rut of todays life, the time of our grandmoms when the preparations were thorough and servicing style was so rustic and traditional].

Yes, Farzi is an illusion wherein we think its so global, and hip and chic while it, at the same time amalgamates and fuses cultures within food and music and a lot more in preparation, spices, innovation and the beautiful presentation. That is Farzi Café Unplugged for all of you.

Last week it has launched its new menu which is so unique and droolworthy. It was a happy bunch of few influencers, food writers, bloggers and enterpreneurs for this delightful lunch that went on for hours, and how we all loved eating the delicacies over discussions on the dominant flavours and other good stuff ( a good bunch makes for a good lunch and good times always). Thanks @Sheetal C for inviting us and being a lovely host, you simply rocked and thank you @Rekha Ghosh for being around and looking after us, your presence always brings about a new surge of energy in the environment.

@Suresh Hinduja, the popular food critic for this new menu and he told me what spices {or read seeds} ‘panchphoran’ is composed of, you can send in your guesses and we will surely disclose it to you…!!

The farzi café new menu is artistic and so original. I am totally ‘farzified’ by the regional recipe of south marrying north in recipes like charcoal appams with paneer bhurji with a imparting it such a unique flavor, the charcoal giving a modern look and feel to the otherwise an Indian recipe at heart.

And then another chartbuster was the khichdi risotto that took my heart away. I realized how my love for risotto and khichdi could be satiated at the same time. I must take this recipe from Mr. Suresh Hinduja soon.

The Italian balls made with daal and chawal were another show stealer.

The new menu at Farzi Café

Soups & Salads

  • Avocado mint Gazpacho, Jeera namak para (Chilled Avocado soup flavored with Jal Jeera, Garnished with Savory Lavash)
  • Curd rice tikki chaat, Dragon scoop, Besan pearls (Curd rice patty layered with Sweet yogurt, Mint & Sweet chutney in a clay pot, garnished with dragon fruit scoop)
  • Mini Raj Kachori, Crispy okra salad, Chutney foam (Mini shells with sweet & sour pumpkin topped with sweet chutney foam, crispy okra salad)

Small Plates

  • Paniyaram scotch eggs, Desi ghee hollandaise (Take on classic scotch eggs with a Indian twist quail eggs stuffed into a Crispy rice batter bowl)
  • Panch phoran paneer bhurji tart, New pickle onion (Scrambled cottage cheese Flavored with Panch phoran Into a tart shell)
  • Desi Curd Poppers, smoked tomato chutney (Mouth Melting curd poppers with Indian spices, Served with Smoked tomato Chutney)
  • Dal Chawal Arancini, achar, Papad, chutney (Italian rice balls made with Dal & Chawal Served with achar, Papad and Chutney)
  • Harrisa spice Paneer tikka, Tadka Cream (Mellow Cottage cheese marinated with mild chilli spice served with Tempered Mayonnaise)
  • Black sesame chicken Tikka, Sesame Ash (Tender cubes of Chicken leg marinated with black sesame paste garnished with sesame Crumb)
  • Tandoori bacon prawns, Tadka mayo (Indian Take on classic Bacon wrap prawn with Tandoori marinade & Smoked in clay oven)
  • Tempura fried prawn, Nimboo mirch air (Tempura fried prawn tossed in homemade sauce & Served with Lemon & Chilli Foam)

Mains

  • Keema Anda Pao, Masala onion (Re Inventing classic Keema Anda pav with a Farzi twist)
  • Paneer Ghee roast appam, Podi dust (Cubes of panner cooked with south Indian spices served in a black carbon appam)
  • Dal Khichdi risotto, Papad crisp, Achari butter (Yellow lentils cooked with Arborio rice served with lentil crisp and Pickle butter)
  • Ratatouille Bhaji, Maska Focaccia (Spicy mashed vegetables serve with buttered Italian bread)
  • Andhra Chilli chicken, Thatte Idli, Micro herbs (Chicken cubes cooked with green chilli paste served on Flat rice sponge)
  • Prawn Balchao Bowl – Prawn crackers, Cabbage fogaath (A popular goad dish served in a bowl with prawn cracker)
  • Mutton Irachi pepper fry, Malabari Paratha (Mutton cubes cooked with southern spices & Served with Malabari Paratha)

Meetha

  • Flourless chocolate cake, Tanquery Mousse, Orange crumb (Airy Chocolate cake served with seasonal fruits )
  • Fenni Nest, Chenna balls, Flavored Milk (Nest made out of Fenni served with Sweet cottage cheese balls & Saffron flavored milk)
  • Peanut butter mousse taco, Banana Kulfi, Caramelized Banana (Peanut butter mousse stuffed in a sweet taco shell, Served with Banana Kulfi)
  • Rasmalai tres leches, Carrot cream, Rose petal net (Rasmalai made with Three textures of milk garnished with Rose petal sugar net)

This wonderful Farzi food is a delight for a food lover so whoever hasn’t tried it yet in Bangalore is surely missing on something delightful.

Savored by @Anuja Pandey

                Farzi Café ub city

in Fashion

Bangalore Times Fashion Week- SS 18

Bangalore Times fashion week made waves this season with the designers like #rinadhaka and #archanakochhar coming down to #nammabengaluru to set the trends for the season.

My look for the day was a beautiful organza steel grey coloured blouse which is so English in its hemlines, and sleeves with minimal beads work on it. Outfit details are given at the bottom.

So here’s my lookbook for the glamorous night.

=Outfit Details=

Top @camla

                          Skirt @marksandspencers

My hair on fleek  courtesy @bounce salons Koramangala in association
with Latest launch of products by @balmain

in Fashion

Summer Lookbook #001 – The Pastels

Spring-Summer 2018 has seen pastels in fashion and on ramp. Pastel or ice cream colours bring in the idea of luxury, innocence and candies. But we constantly keep wondering what to wear pastels with. This summer trend has many ways to wear it but our concern is how to combine the pastels. the cooling effect of pastels cant be denied. Some of you ladies just love it for the gentleness of the pastel colours for they are such a spring staple. While others love it for they look positively incredible when pared with other interesting trends of the moment.

How to pair pastels :

  1. Monochrome for they look incredible if worn from top to bottom. One could wear a crop top with a skirt and still wear the heels to in the same tone as it immediately elongates and brings the focus to the visage and exposed skin.
  2. Colour blocking – sweet sophistication is when you wear a pastel and bright hue of same colour in two pieces. So same colour and different shades, you could go for bright pants and pastel top and you achieve a look that is bound to draw attention.
  3. Popping on neutrals – think of a white outfit with a pale pink coat. It gives the whole thing a touch of summer, a sweet affair to remember.
  4. Always a great idea to wear bright makeup with mascara when you go minty, or pinks, or bubblegum colours to retain the barbie doll look.
  5. Wear a polka dress with a pastel shade with some bandanas if you are in casual mood.

While its good to keep up with the trend, its always good to keep an eye on what suits your personality. Going ahead with just a pastel bag or shoes is also enough to make a statement.

While you buy the pastels keep in mind the skin tone so you know what looks great on you and wear this trend everywhere, in office, for a lunch with your girls, or for a date, they just make you look so feminine.

So ladies, have a fashionable summer!!!

With yours truly,
Anuja Pandey

 

in Entertainment, LifeStyle

TataSky “World Screen” Launch

So, before the weekend approaches we were already in for a treat from the biggest DTH service in India, Tata Sky the launch event for TataSky World Screen… and guys this made the approaching weekend much enjoyable and I was already looking forward to reaching back home to get glued to my TV set to watch the TataSky World Screen. 

Movies are my passion and that’s what is being catered by the “World Screen” where almost all the world language cinema is showcased and that too without any ad breaks…so yippeeee!!!! you can grab onto your large tub of popcorn and sit for hours together if you love world movies the way i’m mad for it…

timthumb

The content is in multiple languages apart from English, for example, Arabic, Portugese, German, French Italian, Hindi, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Israeli,,,to name a few. Moreover all the movies you can watch with English subtitles, so seeing the whole world at your fingertips with your preferred language was never so easy.

You can of course watch it through your already existing Tata Sky STB or if you want it can be accessed through Tata Sky mobile app or web app (watch.tatasky.com). You can subscribe to Tata Sky World Screen from the link below  https://www.tatasky.com/wps/portal/TataSky/services/tata-sky-services-entertainment/tata-sky-world-screen

Not only you can watch the movies but also you would be able to watch a lot of  TV series from around the world.

The launch event was a fun event with the Stand Up comedian Arnav Rao playing with his words and making it funny for his audience, accompanied by the chilled mocktails and beer served along with hot and juicy starters. Followed by the preview of the World Series content of some sitcoms and movies which made the evening complete and a pre cursor to the great weekend ahead.

DSC_9202

As Arun Unni the CCO of the Tata Sky rightly said…. “Subscribers can watch great content from around the world as great stories have no language barrier”DSC_9215

in Fashion, Inspiration, Wellness & Beauty

Tanishq- Jewels of Royalty

Tanishq- Jewels of RoyaltyTanishq- Jewels of Royalty

We are a rich land of heritage, culture, history. And India and it’s royalty has been a patron of art and magnificence. While the royalty and grandeur spell jewellery, the opulence and regal grace and charisma of the royal pieces of jewels is synonymous to royal identity and status, power and flamboyance. 

The Tanishq, Jewels of Royalty is an ode to this brilliance, to this patronage of royal splendour, the pride of this heritage, an ode to the royal master creation of Nature, the Woman !! 

Each piece of this collection recreates you as you adorn them and I could feel I’m travelling ages and time, playing various women from the chapters of history–the history of art, cultures, glamour. 

Tanishq is revitalising and breathing in oxygen into the history and beauty, the sets are an inspiration from the royal houses of Patiala and Baroda and many more. 

Jewels of Royalty are befitting for every occasion, every moment, they define every mood and season of a woman, every hue and flavour of her brilliant beauty. Yes, the uniqueness of every one of us is impeccably been translated into a masterpiece of jewel that makes you feel Iike a poetry that is heard again and again and applauded, the song of beauty and romance, the Goddess who is worshipped by her Lover to times infinity… !!

 Understanding this essence of modernity and revival of the grace and timeless beauty of these necklaces, I have styled my first look in a typical Hollywood Vintage way. 

first-look2 first-look1

I wanted to adhere to the contemporary twist of Tanishq so this look was born- an amalgamation of sensuality and sophistication which are seen as opposing qualities when they are not. 

The imperial beauty of this tassel effect diamond set with semi precious green stone taking the centre stage is what makes it befitting for any occasion. Brilliance is never just confined to few festivals but it is an ongoing affair. 

The second piece is fabulously rich and passionate and speaks for itself, it spells the unsaid glamour and charisma of a royal stature and upholds the grace and majestic look all the way. 

second-look1 second-look2 second-look3

This is a cascading three tiered diamonds, Polkis and green gemstones set which is inspired by the Maharaja of Patiala, Yadavindra Singh. 

Reimagined by the Patialas, the diamond swirls and the swaying pearls highlight the carved green stone. 

I have again worn it with an off shoulder in satin and floral skirt giving it an indo western feel. The emphasis still lies on the fact that why not incorporate this kind of jewellery free from curtailment of one kind of dressing. 

The sets were many and every set steals my heart and my perpetual appetite could not be restrained and Tanishq gave  reins to my passionate affair with myself for I only felt like the rare royalty who reigns. 

This radiant necklace  is laid into intricate floral motifs and is highlighted by red sugarloaves that perfectly reflect rich imperial heritage. 

last-look2 last-look1 tanishq-Jewels-of-royalty4

The Benarasi lehanga I have worn with this necklace is my mother’s saris that she had done into lehanga and choli with the graceful odhni for me last year. 

 This amalgamation of Benarasi sari and red choker necklace is something my mother always wants me to wear and hence this is an ode to you mom, again and again, I will go on being your daughter and reflecting your tasteful choices and majestic royalty…the poetry of love shall linger… 

breathing in my mother in every work of art I perform, 

=Truly Yours= 

Anuja Pandey
Stylist and writer

In collaboration with – Tanishq 

in Fashion

Dark glitzy romance

If you want to awaken the magpie amongst your circle then Metallic midi skirts should be your pick. The obvious reasons are that they catch the fancy of every street style photographer for the past couple of seasons, and it’s easy to see why. These skirts, often featuring pleats, create just enough flash n glitz while maintaining a daytime-friendly level of modesty and look, thanks to their longer hemline. It is the raging current trend, and it was a very big fashion house iterations that first won the hearts of the fashion crowd, with the fashion house’s shiny gold and green options quickly selling out, prompting it to create more metallic midi skirts. And in case you’re thinking that they’re a hard trend to pull off, think again. These surprisingly versatile skirts will surely get more wear than you ever imagined. They are chic n classy with a hint of glamour.

celebsSkirts1

My night look with cold shoulder top

Here is my list of why they should be on your hit list.

  1. They sparkle so beautifully in the sunlight.
  2. They make whatever you’re wearing feel fancy n glitzy without effort.
  3. They’re guaranteed to make you stand out as they make a style statement.
  4. They’re comfortable.
  5. You can dress them down with flats and a pullover or tee.
  6. They’re flattering especially if worn with off or cold shoulder blouse n pumps or stilettos, they add the glamour to your look.

You can wear them day time by teaming it up with a crop top and ankle high boots as I have done and the faux fur again makes it an evening wear. So go girl, buy the look, and rock every place u go.

My day look with the striped crop top n faux fur

striped crop top n faux fur striped crop top n faux fur striped crop top n faux fur

Let’s see how celebs have sported the look with these skirts-

celebsSkirts2

My night look with cold shoulder top

celebsSkirts3 celebs-skirts2 celebs-skirts1 celebs-skirts3

[Outfit Details]
Curtesy- Forever New
Pumps- Jimmy Choo
Ankle boots- Tommy hilfiger
Cap- Local Kashmir Market

Styled, modelled by- Anuja Pandey

in Wellness & Beauty

Dr. Jamuna Pai- the celebrity skin specialist

Skin is a tattletale. It usually tells people things you don’t always want them to know…. no one gossips more than your skin.  – Dr. Jamuna Pai.

Dr Jamuna PaiWho doesn’t know Dr. Jamuna Pai? She has spent last twenty years being the one that A – list Bollywood stars, top industrialists and Miss Indias have turned to for their skin problems. She has been my childhood favourite columnist when I would ensure to take a sneak peek into Femina when my mom would read her columns. She is the pioneer of the skin care movement in this country , being the first to introduce many techniques including Botox , Medicated Facials, aesthetic peels including Spanish brightening peel.

The other day I had the privilege of writing a review as I was invited to her posh skin lab on the high end Lavelle Road, Bengaluru. The owner of the franchisee was very warm as she introduced me to Dr. Abhishek who took more than half an hour to analyse my skin and recommend the brightening medi facial to take care of my acne and tan at the same time. Further more , I was taken to the lavish treatment room where the therapist took me through the products that she was instructed to use on my skin. The treatment started as a general rule with cleansing which was followed by sugarcane peel for natural brightening and then a mild exfoliating cream. The massage was brief and gel based. Since I have sensitive skin, therefore gel had hyaluronic acid and alpha hydoxy acid for brightening. Thereafter oxygen was infused into my skin using a pressurised stream of oxygen. This process helps in absorption of hyaluronic acid.The high level of oxygen is naturally antibacterial, cooling and calms skin conditions such as acne. Finally a mask goes to complete the process. All the products used are from Dr. Jamuna Pai . The treatment left my skin glowing , refreshed and alive. This was my experience in my words.

skin-specialist-Dr-Jamuna-Pai-2 skin-specialist-Dr-Jamuna-Pai-3
Ashish’s experience of meeting the stunningly gorgeous Dr. Pai in his own words.
Dr-Jamuna-Pai

The next day Dr. Pai was herself visiting the clinic. When I met Dr. Jamuna Pai it was a treat in itself and the plethora of knowledge she has about just not only skin but overall health was something very commendable.

Today in the era of this looks conscious world when you’ll meet the doctor you’ll know healthy skin means overall health care and when people need shortcuts because of the requirements (marriage or an event) there are umpteen number of solutions too which can take care of the situation in the offing.

All in all we bloggers had a blast meeting this beautiful lady and fetching some very important information about a healthy and beautiful looking skin.

Dr-Jamuna-Pai-2

No one has to knowCherry on the cake was getting a signed copy of her famous book ” No one has to know“.

Thus “Make a wish. Beautiful, glowing skin. Hair that shines with health. No age spots or dark circles. The very process of ageing slowed down to a gentle crawl… you now have the power.” No one has to know

Both me and Ashish had a wonderful experience jointly blogging on Dr. Jamuna Pai. Ashish ‘s review on young guy’s skin care would follow soon.

skin-specialist-Dr-Jamuna-PaiskinlabDr-Jamuna-Pai-3

Venue: Dr. Jamuna Pai Skin Labs, Bengaluru
Happy skin courtesy : Dr. Jamuna Pai

in Fashion

Black is the new black – 2 – holiday fashion

Rompers are the most stylishly comfortable outfit, specially when you are holidaying in a resort. I love rompers for the fact that they look cute and you can team it up with any statement booties or shoes. This holiday season if you are travelling down South to Goa, Bangalore, Mysore etc. then you can carry any summer clothes for the daytime. You will surely need to layer it in the mornings or late evenings.
I chose to wear these rompers for my Sunday lazying around near the pool after I had a fun afternoon swim, with my book ” The almond eyes and lotus feet

I have this particular affinity towards rompers and jumpsuits as-

  1. They are perfect for a sports activity filled day and a comfy leisure wear.
  2. They are cute and sexy at the same time.
  3. They can be carried with perfect ease and don’t need much accessorising.
  4. I wore them with an ankle high bootie to add some glitz to the otherwise plain black rompers.
  5. I used a solid belt to add to the look with no other piece of accessories to keep it bold yet making an impact.
  6. Too much of anything kills the look so the idea is to keep it simple and trendy so let’s stick to one statement accessory at a time and I think the booties here did the trick.

So let your hair free when holidaying, minimal is the key to have a great time holidaying while looking cool. Cheers to the festive season, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may diet! Live, love and laugh and be lofty while you enjoy the various colourful spectrums…

Always remember black and grey are the shades that you will face invariably despite the rainbow.. the sun will eventually shine on you but you need to travel the dark tunnel too.

Merry Christmas to all of you beautiful people.

[Outfit Details]

Rompers – GAP
Booties – Street shopping

Location – Taj Bangalore

Photography – Vasanthan Kumaraswamy
Styled & Written by – Anuja Pandey

in Fashion

Mix print with print- for style never goes out of fashion

Last weekend when I was enjoying the staycation with my family at the Taj, bangalore, wherein I was invited as a special guest to blog about the beautiful, five star luxury hotel at the airport, I was a little confused about what to pack. For a girl who wants to wear good clothes and clothes which make you feel comfortable and classy is really necessary. The holiday fun, playing the mommy could also not be compromised so I chose this beautiful yellow dress for the first day. This colour is one of my favs and it brings so much of sunshine and happiness at the same time, and of course, it definitely enhances the style quotient as this colour is ruling this season totally.

I love the soft, flowing fabric and the black prints in leaves and flowers running all over it. I combined it with a printed scarf which my mom wears all the time ( I love to pick up her things, it makes me so cozy).

I chose the strappy block heels in beige colour. The Universally Flattering silhouette with the dark prints, midi length dress, makes it a complete day wear which doesn’t come in high price tag too. Style need not be expensive always. The defined waistline makes one look neat and not shabby. I chose to wear sparkly danglers from Swarovski and I think I can say, I love this comfortable and peppy combination. So mix prints with prints and give a twist to your look for style is your own though fashion might change.

[Outfit Details]
Location- Taj, bangalore
Suzy shier
Blocks- all about Spring
Earrings- Swarovski
Photography- Vasanthan Kumaraswamy
Styled & Written by – Anuja Pandey

in LifeStyle

Soi and Sake- the aromas of delectable Chinese and Japanese kitchen

Soi and Sake, which is the Chinese and Japanese restaurant by Taj, Bangalore serves the most sumptuous, authentic, fresh and delicious food I have had in a long time. So recently, when I was at Taj bangalore for my luxurious staycation (I surely would have easily gained 2 kgs of weight with the delightful treat I had, I’m scared to stand and check on my weighing scale now 😀), I had some deliciously tossed noodles, the tepenyaki and some lovely food. The name Soi and Sake is a mix of Japanese and Chinese, thereby denoting the kind of cuisine you can expect as you dine there. Sake means the alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

Japanese, unlike westerns, serve the food in small plate or bowls so that the flavours don’t mix and the original taste of each dish is significantly noticed and enjoyed. So the food is not served on the table but is served in typical Japanese etiquette in a full course Japanese meal in seperate bowls one after the other. Either the plates have the division or even the leaves and such are used at the base of each dish to retain the flavour of every dish singularly. Rice is the staple food and it usually is served with many side dishes and main dishes in Japan and China. The experience at taj was an excellent one and I can swear by the food we had here at Soi and Sake and the hot green teas we guzzled.

The first course was the chilled choi sum wrap This was so refreshing that it made my taste buds alive.

Pakchoy and water chestnut dimsum

Pakchoy and water chestnut dimsum

Pan fried chicken kothe

Pan fried chicken kothe


Then the second and the third course were the Sushis and dim-sums (best of both the world).

The definite condiment for the Sushis, we all know, are the pickled Gari which acts like a palette cleanser and wasabi which has the piquant taste peculiar to it and has anti-microbial properties to save from food poisoning, in case be it. Also soya sauce and shoyu are other condiments which were served. We were served the spicy tuna sushi which includes raw tuna mixed with hot sauce infused mayonnaise. The other one was the Hawaiian roll that contains fresh Japanese Maguro Tuna, tamago, kanpyo, Kamaboko, and the distinctive red and green hana ebi (shrimp powder).

Seasoning is very important part of any cooking and specially Japanese. Japan is an island and most of the meals comprise of seafood. A modest number of herbs and spices may be used during cooking as a hint or accent, or as a means of neutralizing fishy or gamy odors present. Examples of such spices include ginger, soy sauce, vinegar and miso soups flavour the food and make it a magnificent treat to have. Japanese food is either grilled or braised and also served raw like in Sushis or as sashimi, or, the tempura which are deep fried and batter coated.

Chef preparing sushi

Chef preparing sushi

hawaiian-roll-sushi

Hawaiian roll sushi

spicy-tuna-sushi

Spicy tuna sushi


The next course were the exotic dimsums which were unparalleled and served in minimalistic style.

exotic-vegetable-dumplings-dimsums

Exotic vegetable dumplings- dimsums

This was followed by the fourth course, that was, the chilli chicken which my kids thoroughly enjoyed while my hubby gorged on the delicious, succulent prawns seasoned with pepper and salt. Everything retained the fresh and original taste typical to it. I also particularly savoured the stir fried bak choi, which is a type of Chinese cabbage with a garnish of sesame seeds. This course’s most delectable dish was fresh water chestnut and lotus stem stir fry. Since the Japanese food is a lot about seasonal and fresh vegetables and seaweeds, we were served Fresh, crunchy, greens which smelt so crispy and great and made the best of the accompaniments with a green onion dip in oil, the chilli soy and the miso soup . I loved the water chestnut and lotus stems stir fried in honey chilli and it is a Chinese dish (I remember eating this as apart of daily ritual in the evenings in a desi stir fry at home when we were kids, time to adopt our food habits which we are leaving behind).

bak-choi

Crispy seaweed and spinach with toasted almonds

Prawn pepper salt

Prawn pepper salt

Dry red chilli chicken

Dry red chilli chicken

Water chestnut and lotus stem stir fry

Water chestnut and lotus stem stir fry


The fifth course was from the teppenyaki grill and we had some grilled vegetables braised in garlic butter and my kids tried their hands on the teriyaki chicken ( the chef was definitely patient man and also very witty trying to keep all of us in happy spirits). He not only threw in the sauces in the chicken but also his jokes in between and we had a hearty, happy meal, full of laughter and fun. The sticky Japanese rice (I love it so much), and the flat noodles were served according to the preferences ponzu napped prawn was served it was an ecstacy.

teriyaki-chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

Ponzu napped Prawn

Ponzu napped Prawn

teriyaki-chicken1

Teriyaki Chicken

Flat noodles

Flat noodles

Flat noodles

Flat noodles

teriyaki-chicken2


The sixth course of mains was the edamame beans flavoured chicken which was a stir fry which my hubby loved. Edamame beans were imported from Japan and were fresh, usually they are eaten blanched with some salt and they lose their freshness and flavour within a day, and these beans are a nutritional punch. I had the haricot beans in Shanghai style. (I was oh so full by now).

Stir fried chicken with edamame beans

Stir fried chicken with edamame beans

Prawns in hot garlic sauce

Prawns in hot garlic sauce

stir-fry


The last course was dessert which was amazing and we had it after some half an hour in our luxury suite. It was sesame Ferrero rocher, ginger nutty dumplings and fresh lychee ice cream. The food at SOI AND SAKE was perfectly balanced and each dish was flavoured and seasoned in the authentic Chinese and Japanese way. I realise my love for food and food tasting was catered wonderfully by the warm service, perfect flavours which were rightly balanced and great ambience, lovely people, and awesome chefs of Taj , bangalore. Thanks to the team Taj for the wonderful staycation.

Dessert

Dessert

=Location- Taj, bangalore=

Restaurant- Soi and Sake 

 Written and experienced by – Anuja Pandey