Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Pic/Atul Kamble

Chori chori chupke chupke

A couple takes respite from the searing heat at Juhu beach.

Good cavities

The cheesecakes that are part of the project

Chef Prateek Bakhtiani, head chef and creative director of Ether Atelier, has extended the second issue of his patisserie bulletin Way Too Many Cavities for a good cause. This edition features techniques and recipes dissecting iconic cheesecakes like New York, basque, Indian chenna poda, and French camembert with expert input from heavyweights in the pastry and cheese world such as Heena Punwani, Vinesh Johnny, and Dane Fernandes. To sweeten the deal, all cheesecakes by these chefs are on sale till April and the proceeds will go to Aashayainz's community fridge in Bandra. Chef Bakhtiani told this diarist, "We wanted to give back to the community and Aashayainz was a great fit because of the work they do for those who need it the most."

Prateek Bakhtiani

Jangling for peace

Raul Rocha (left) handing his ghungroo to Akram

Raoul Rocha is a Versova-based musician who has started a campaign called Ghungroos for Peace, calling on people to gift a ghungroo to another person to spread the spark of positivity. It all started when Rocha himself gifted one to a dancer from The Netherlands, named Akram, when he'd attended a workshop that the latter had hosted. Rocha has been wearing a ghungroo for the past five years, after first putting them on to add a musical layer to his band's songs. It promotes gender equality, he said, adding, "I gave mine to Akram because he is my guru. For the campaign, people can take videos of them gifting the ghungroos, and post them on social media." Cool idea, we think.

Indian arts on a global stage

Anita Lal, founder and creative director of Good Earth, was recently named the first-ever tastemaker from India for Christie's upcoming Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds exhibition. The project, which will include an auction of Oriental rugs and carpets, will begin on March 26. The tastemaker series has been designed by the international auction house to offer a glimpse into what inspires those whose tastes influence the world of design. Previous tastemakers have included interior architect André Fu, businesswoman and heiress Aerin Lauder, and fashion designer and successor to Oscar de la Renta, Peter Copping. Lal has handpicked select pieces for the project, which will be on display at King Street in London. Also on display are manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, metalwork, and carpets from the Islamic world from the mid-seventh century to the 20th century. "The lots I have selected have enchanted me. The opulent and sumptuous carpets and rugs; the inspirational designs and techniques, and the noble provenance across the sale are a reminder of our rich cultural past," Lal shared with this diarist.

Tabriz carpet imagined at Lal's home; silver-inlaid brass bowl

Pink carpet cover for Mumbai

The flamingo and leopard-themed covers and special cancellations

To mark International Day of Forests on March 21, the Mangrove Foundation and Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra Forest Department, in collaboration with the office of the Chief Postmaster General, released a flamingo-themed special cover and special cancellation. The cover depicts the two species of flamingos that migrate to Mumbai every winter. The special cancellation shows the lesser flamingo in its mudflat habitat. The cancellation is linked to an augmented reality mode which, when scanned, shows the animated flamingos feeding. Another series on leopards was also released. "This idea was put forth by Veena Srinivas, chief postmaster general, Maharashtra circle, to raise awareness about these species," said Dr Manas Manjrekar, deputy director, research and capacity building, Mangrove Cell.

A slice of good news for SoBo foodies

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants is an annual list of eateries that carries significant heft. Their top 50 restaurants will be revealed on March 29. But before that, the organisers have announced the eateries that have been ranked between 51 and 100, and two Mumbai names feature in it. They are The Table in Colaba and Americano in Fort (Delhi's Bukhara has also made the cut). Speaking about the honour, The Table co-owner Gauri Devidayal (in pic) said, "We don't know how many people are aware of awards like this, but the response that our announcement got on social media was heartening. This is the first time we are on the list, and considering that it's an international platform, it's a huge recognition."