Earlier this month, one of the additions on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was the Japanese rice drink, sake. On the UNESCO website, the inscription mentioned that ‘the traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan’ was included in this prestigious list. Before this global acknowledgement of its cultural significance, the beverage had made its presence in India, particularly in the past three to four years. Tonu Bage, representative and sake expert at Rad Elan, one of the leading distributors of sake in the country, calls the Japanese spirit the middle child of the alcohol family. “It is stronger than wine and beer but too polite to party like the spirits,” she tells us. Tonu Bage Sake is of two types: Junmai and non-junmai, and is crafted across regions in the country, like Hyogo, Niigata Kobe, Nada and Fushimi. Junmai is made from rice, water, yeast and koji while non-junmai includes an addition of neutral alcohol called Jozo, or brewer’s alcohol. “Under this, there are four types that fall under premium categories: Daiginjo, made from rice that is milled to 70 per cent, and Ginjo with up to 60 per cent brewer’s alcohol. For junmai ginjo and junmai daiginjo, the milling ratio remains the same but with no additional alcohol. Other base level categories include honjozo and futsushu,” Bage informs. Best appreciated as neat shots, cocktails tend to lose the taste of the spirit. “The umami is lost,” she reveals, adding, “but it is a good way to interact with the spirit.” Sake is savoured in shot glasses called ochoko, poured into a cup from a ceramic decanter called tokkuri. “The server or host holds the bottle with two hands — right hand holds the neck, and the left holds the base. It is polite to use both hands when pouring and receiving sake,” she points out. Anil Kably of Izumi, Bandra, says Mumbai has a long way to go to improve its appetite for sake. Masumi Kuro, a junmai ginjo sake (Rs 5,700 for 300ml), is a top seller at the restaurant. “We conduct training for our staff two to three times a year, so they are able to offer it to our guests. The good thing about sake is that it has various flavours and textural notes, some being dry while others are fruity and floral. Junmai daiginjo generally has a fruitier flavour. In general, the higher the polishing the more refined the sake,” he elaborates. Sake in the city Ichigo sour >> Ichigo sour (Rs 827) is a delightful blend of strawberry, balsamic, and sake, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s sweet yet sour. Coming up on the menu is kira kira (Rs 850), a sparkling sake with fresh grapes. It’s a take on Bellini or a mimosa. Avantika Malik AT Mizu Izakaya, ground floor, Ganga Jamuna Building, 14th Road, Khar West. CALL 9372023641 Sakuraaaa >> We assure you the spellings are not incorrect. Co-founder of Donmai, Sameer Uttamsingh, has named the cocktails with an extra punch. “In Matchaaaa (R875), we make a matcha concoction with gin and sake, which is then clarified by milk washing. Sameer Uttamsingh It is stirred over ice. It is garnished with a drop of shiso oil and served with a matcha flavoured pocky. Sakuraaaa (Rs 945), has gin, cranberry juice and cherry extract mixed over ice with edible glitter. This is topped with sparkling sake.AT Donmai, G-03, Altimus, opposite Doordarshan Towers, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli. CALL 9730659776 >> The sake menu at this Bandra space is designed to provide guests with an authentic and curated experience of Japan’s most iconic beverage. They are handpicked from many regions of Japan to give a diverse selection, ranging from Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Honjozo styles. “We serve our sake in hand-crafted ceramic cups [ochoko] or cedar masu boxes for a traditional touch,” explains Syesha Kapoor, its co-founder. Tokachi ice (Rs 1,200) is an aromatic effervescent drink with umami from shitake rum and vanilla infused sake and topped with sparkling wine.AT Akina, Turner Road, Bandra West. CALL 8976452911 >> Masako (Rs 1,250) is spiked with herbal tea blend with chamomile, jasmine, rose and lavender, citrus, mushroom infusion and fresh lychee juice, and is named after the Empress of Japan.AT Dashanzi, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. CALL 66933344 >> At Mirai, the mojito gets a refreshing Japanese twist in the form of the Asian sake lemonade (R800). This is prepared with Honjozo sake, aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, Thai basil leaves and fresh muskmelon.AT Suburbia Building, between Linking Road and Swami Vivekananda Road, Bandra West. CALL 9004618228 >> Masumi kaya sake and Good day soju are muddled with refreshingly fruity flavours with a garnish of a berry smoke bubble to create a Geisha-style concoction (R870).AT Amaru, KC Marg, General Arunkumar Vaidya Nagar, Bandra West. CALL 9833450040 >> The residents of Koliwada brew their ferments in-house, which taste very similar to sake, and are very fruity and uplifting. The folks at Slink & Bardot took inspiration and put together a Koli echoes (R1,200), a cocktail with sake, vodka, Umeshu, lychee, cucumber and fresh lemon.AT Slink & Bardot, Thadani House 329/A, opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli Village. CALL 9326965643 Did You Know? Originally, sake was made only by women. As demand increased, men became involved in the process. Today, people of all genders can master the knowledge and skills. Sake-making is transmitted through apprenticeships. Information: courtesy: UNESCO/ inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Top sakes in Mumbai Sake can be differentiated in daiginjo ( 70 per cent); ginjo (60 per cent); honjozo and genshu (base alcohol) brews. >> Gekkeikan (Junmai Daiginjo)>> Hakushika Yamadanishiki (Junmai genshu)>> Borngold (Junmai daiginjo)>> Hakutsuru Awayuki (sparkling)>> Hakushika Tokubetsu Yamadanishiki (Honjozo)
20 December,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaOn the week that the new Superman trailer comes out, there is another saga of heroes being readied at the familiar Bandra hub of St Andrews’ Auditorium. Ashaita Mahajan, co-founder Cafe Arpan and trustee, Yash Charitable Trust (YCT), is busy with the planning for the annual showcase of the trust’s members, Saarang Sandhya, when she answers our call. “The whole idea of Saarang Sandhya was to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities [on December 3],” she shares. Better late than never, as the programme will seek to break down the barriers between the differently-abled and others on stage. “The performance is primarily a way to show that the world is a better place when people with, and without disabilities, come together on a common platform. There aren’t that many differences between us,” Mahajan adds. Titled Guardians of the Unlikely, the performance showcase will include eight skits featuring musical performances, drama and dance routines rolled into one 90-minute long performance. Interspersed with intervals, the show is being managed by a team of 50 individuals. “The showcase is not just a moment for members of the YCT community to shine, but also the larger support groups that we often work and collaborate with,” the trustee points out. The troupe rehearses a song on stage Among those working closely with the performers is co-trustee Sia Mirchandani. Revealing that the preparation began almost four months ago, she says, “The performance revolves around unsung heroes. Everyone is a hero in their own way, but there are some who underplay their role. They are the ones we hope to bring attention to.” The platforming of such talent is one of the key reasons the trust pays such attention to the showcase, Mahajan notes. The audition process was a long, but a fun experience. “We try to pick up the nuances of their personality and assign characters accordingly,” Mirchandani reveals. A moment from a previous performance Yet, does the challenge of performing on a public stage result in any cold feet, we ask. No, says Mirchandani. The exuberance is shared by the performers as well. She says, “They want to do so much more than we can plan. We sometimes tone it down. They are all very excited. For the participants, to get a platform to perform, and display their talents is what makes it such an exciting opportunity.” Ashaita Mahajan and Sia Mirchandani The showcase also marks a decade of the NGO’s operations in the city. “We started 10 years ago, and have some big things coming up in 2025. Hopefully, there are many more to come,” shares Mahajan. ON Today; 7 pmAT St Andrews’ Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST R300 (Seating on first come-first served basis)
20 December,2024 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThere is a treat in store for bibliophiles and fans of natural history at Premchand Roychand Gallery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). The venue is currently displaying books from the late 18th century to 1947 as part of the 10th Rare Books Exhibition: Hidden Hands in Colonial Natural Histories. The finds include records left behind by the colonial artists as well as preserved documents that highlight the cultural, architectural and geographical makeup of India at the time. “We’ve been holding these exhibitions since 1993,” shares Dr Ashok Kothari, chairman at the Library Committee of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Dr Pheroza Godrej takes a tour of the exhibition with Dr Kothari While on the tour with Kothari, we spot editions of National Geographic magazines from 1926, and the 1940s editions of the Illustrated Weekly of India. “At the time, the British and the Maharajas managed these [collections].” In one of the photographs, we spot a creek ferry boat, linking islands to the mainland. Next, we are shown the dinner menu of the Taj Mahal Hotel from 1952 and those from the steamers. We also find a copy of Modern Bombay and her Patriotic Citizens, opened to a black-and-white photograph of the Bhatia Baug. A collection of Bombay Courier editions at the exhibition Mounted on the walls are prints of the artworks studied by researchers under the McGill University project. “This project’s effort is one-third of the exhibition. One-third is by the BNHS and one-third is Dr Kothari’s collection,” explains Mrinal Kapadia, founder of India Visual Art Archive and one of the contributors to the project. The project was initiated by the McGill University, Montreal, with the purpose of uncovering unacknowledged hands that contributed to the natural history artwork generated from this era. “At times, the labour to provide information and material was supplied by indigenous people, servants and local guides.The university received a three-year grant to study this.” The McGill exhibition features historical artworks of native flora and fauna from across the city Among the artwork, the most prominent one in the gallery is of James Forbes, the British artist. “He’s important because he was one of the earliest to visually document the flora and fauna of India, particularly Western India, and Bombay’s first resident artist,” shares Kapadia. Keeping with the theme of natural history, the BNHS team invited Dr Pheroza Godrej, environmentalist, art historian and founder of Cymroza Art Gallery, for the inauguration. Visitor reccos >> Oriental Memoirs by James Forbes: I love natural history and prints and James Forbes, it’s a combination. I think that’s why they invited me; they know my special interests. I’m impressed by the research; some of them are even Indians like Vikram Bhatt, who chose the print with the palankeen (palanquin).Dr Pheroza Godrej, art historian and guest of honour Dr Ashok Kothari >> Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier: What I liked most were the archives of the previous articles from the Bombay newspapers, Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier. It’s from the time before Independence. I also liked the books from Dr Kothari’s collection.Anwesha Sirvee, student >> 18th Century maps: These books are very nostalgic; they take you in the past. Some of these are hand-painted. I was looking at the collection of maps of India on display; people usually don’t know what India looked like in the 18th century. When you look at these, you learn about the real India at the time.Deenanath Kamath, advocate >> Indian birds and ducks (by John Gould and EC Stuart Baker): We liked the maps because they were created before India’s Independence. I also liked the collection of rare birds that we weren’t aware of; we particularly liked their colours. The vintage collection of books is also special.Tejal Chaudhari, software engineer >> Bombay’s Mazagaon mango and the purple-eyed butterfly: It is tough to pinpoint a favourite piece [from the exhibition]. If I had to highlight one, it would be the print of the Mazagaon mango of Bombay accompanied with a distinct butterfly. Now, if only I could taste that mango!Nabilah Ladhabhoy, former student of McGill University Till: December 22; 10.30 am to 5.30 pmAt: Premchand Roychand Gallery, CSMVS, 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Entry: Rs 150 (Museum entry ticket)
20 December,2024 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThursday A Sufi eveningTheatre: Kick-start the weekend mood by attending Jo Dooba So Paar, a musical dastangoi based on the life of Amir Khusrau presented by theatre group Aranya.Time 8 pm onwards At Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 500 Friday Participants paint at a previous art session Sketch it outArt: Challenge yourself to sketch a moving figure, and learn to capture dynamic poses and human movements on paper in this art session. Time 6 pm to 8 pm At 3Arthouse, Ajanta Building, 3rd Cross Road, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to @3arthouse on Instagram Cost Rs 200 Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia commons Soup for the soulFood: From warm minestrone soup (below) to aromatic coconut pumpkin soup, attend this workshop that will teach you how to whip up these flavourful concoctions from scratch.Time 3 pm to 5 pm At Urban Platter Studio, New Udyog Mandir, Bethany Co-Operative Housing Society, Mahim West. Log on to @urbanplatter.in on Instagram Cost Rs 1,500 Saturday Moksh Shah aka Cardyac in performance. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Where’s the party tonight?Music: Sway and groove to Afro house and disco tunes by DJ Dhiraaj, Moksh Shah aka Cardyac and Mogra to loosen up and de-stress this weekend. Time 8 pm onwards At McRaasta Bombay, Rohan Plaza, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to skillboxes.com Clay cups and pots from a previous pottery workshop Mould your peaceWorkshop: Unwind and relax by attending this mindful hand pottery workshop by Sarita Ganesh from Khula Aasman Trust to quieten the week’s chaos.Time 11 am onwards At Tolstoy Farm 2.0, Sakal Bhavan Road, Sector 15, CBD Belapur. Log on to @pehel.foundation on Instagram Cost Rs 799 Marathi humour for everyone Comedy: Attend Pranit More’s Bhumi Putra, a Marathi stand-up show packed with relatable anecdotes and witty observations offering a hilarious take on everyday life and society.Time 7.30 pm onwardsAt KC Gandhi School Auditorium, Agra Road, Bhanunagar, Kalyan West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 onwards Sunday A stately affairExhibition: Spend the Sunday at the ongoing Mahalaxmi Saras exhibition, organised by Umed Abhiyan which has over 500 stalls dedicated to home decor, handicrafts, kitchenware and a variety of Maharashtrian food for a wholesome day out.Time 10 am to 10 pmAt CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Sector 30, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Trek time Nature: Re-energise with this trek that will take you through the rocky terrains of Harihar Fort for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. Featuring steep steps, the trek is suitable for intermediate level trekkers.Time 12.15 am Meeting Point Kasara Railway Station Log on to trekandtrails.org Cost Rs 1,099 Queer conversationsEvent: Attend Queering Patterns, a programming event based on the ongoing exhibition titled Stain Canon, followed by performances that talk about queer experiences by artistes Priyanka Paul (below), Shripad Sinnakar, Tanvi Lehr Sonigra, and Vidur Sethi. Time 4.30 pm to 6 pm At Gallery XXL, Arsiwala Mansion, Wodehouse Road, Colaba.Log on to @xxl.gallery on InstagramCost Rs 850
19 December,2024 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaCarols for allWith Christmas just a week away, the parish choirs in Bandra are set to rock. After the carol night near Mount Mary Basilica last weekend, select choirs from the suburb will be spreading Christmas cheer with their performances at the Bandra Gymkhana.ON December 20; 6 pm onwards AT Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @thebandragymkhanaFREE Dance the night awayDo you want to spend this Christmas dancing the night away? You can, with Kimberly Van’Drine and DJ Samson aka Two Girlz And A Guitar. It’s a chance to bring alive the dance floor with your best moves this Christmas.ON December 25; 8 pm onwards AT The Catholic Gymkhana, Marine Drive. LOG ON TO @catholicgymkhanaENTRY Members: Rs 1,200 per couple, R600 per head; Guests: Rs 2,000 per couple, Rs 600 per head (ladies), Rs 1,600 per head (gents) Youthful joyThis Christmas fest is a two-day-long event packed with competitions like fashion shows, live bands, singing, and duet/group dancing. Gredel Almeida, sub-head, events, shared, “Yuva Fiesta is bringing the festive vibes with a magical Winter Wonderland theme this year. Created by the youth of Vakola, it’s a mix of fun, energy, and holiday cheer, all for a great cause — every paisa raised goes to charity. It’s where this season’s magic meets purpose.” The second day will be brought to a close with a lively DJ night.ON December 28, 8 pm onwards; December 29, 7pm onwards AT St Anthony’s Church, Vakola. LOG ON TO @yuvafiestaENTRY Rs 150 onwards Festive shop-hopAre you one of those people that have just realised that Christmas is a week away, and you have so much shopping still left to do? With a selection of homemade sweets and cakes, handmade crafts, decorations and gifts, this Christmas bazaar might just have everything you’re looking for.ON December 21 to 22; 6 pm onwards AT St Anthony Church, Malwani and Infant Jesus Chapel, Kharodi. LOG ON TO @sac.malwaniFREE Voices in the CathedralThe Wild Voices choir will be performing a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols at St Thomas Cathedral. The choir claims to have a few surprises in the mix.ON December 20; 7.30 pm onwards AT St Thomas Cathedral, Fort. LOG ON TO @wildvoiceschoirindiaFREE Christmas in the WadiCelebrate a traditional Mumbai Christmas at Khotachiwadi as residents including veteran fashion designer James Ferreira and neighbours come together to spread the festive cheer over food, caroling and a bazaar.ON December 21, 22; 11 am to 8 pm; carols at 5.30 pm (both days) AT Khotachiwadi, Girgaon. FREE Under the mistletoeMatchmaking platform, the Heart and Soul Matchmaking Service is all set to play matchmaker this Christmas with their social mixer for singles. This mixer offers you an evening to partake in meaningful conversations, laughter and who knows, there could even be a happily ever after.ON December 22; 5 pm to 8 pm AT The British Brewing Company, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @heartandsouldmatchmakingservice ENTRY Revealed on enquiry World of ChristmasFrom little kids, to gracefully ageing adults; from teenagers in love to overly concerned parents, this Christmas park has something for everyone. It’s a one-stop shop for your festive shopping, fun games, tasty treats and yes, even a snow blizzard.ON December 20 to 25; 2 pm onwards AT Jio World Drive, BKC. LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 499 onwards
19 December,2024 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheTheatremaker Bidyut Nath from Assam’s Nonoi village is busy building bamboo tents when we catch up with him for a short chat. These makeshift stage props might not be grand and fancy, but they are vital to the story he has to retell this weekend on stage. “As a child, I remember seeing these structures pop up every year around monsoon to help villagers after devastating flood water from the Kopili and Sampawati rivers swept their homes away,” he recalls. Elsewhere in Madhya Pradesh’s Chattarpur, director Swati Dubey remembers the sound of water, this time trickling into glasses, clearly marked and set aside by her mother to serve guests from the lower castes. “The practice was to first enquire about their last name. That would give away their identity. I don’t know how it is in Mumbai right now, but in many of India’s villages, the glasses are still marked,” she reveals. The crew readies the bamboo structure for the performance of Raghunath Dubey and Nath’s thirst for telling these stories to the world eventually led them to the National School of Drama, then to the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) where they both bagged accolades, and now to Mumbai, where they will perform alongside two other META award-winning plays. “Awards aren’t always markers of a play’s true value. But when I heard these stories from parts of India that don’t usually enjoy the spotlight, bringing them to Mumbai felt like the right thing to do. As a Westerner who has lived here for half a decade, I can tell that these are stories that Mumbaikars deserve to hear,” shares Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre and films, NCPA. Raghunath Nath’s play, titled Raghunath, begins where his childhood memories end. “As an adult, I often wondered what it might take to open the world’s eyes to the struggles of a village that drowns every year. Our struggles make it to the news channels every year, and fade into irrelevance a few debates later,” he shares. Taking on the titular lead role, he tells the story of a father who has lost his daughter to flawed disaster management, and his unusual idea to bring the village into limelight. For Dubey, the plot of her fictional play picks up from a familiar story as well, just not hers. A few hundred kilometres from her hometown is Behmai village in Uttar Pradesh, where ‘Bandit Queen’ Phoolan Devi killed 20 men in retaliation to caste-based oppression in 1981. “No one knows what happened to the wives of the 20 men who died that day. Our play is an exploration of their anger, sorrow, denial and subsequent realisations that help them come to terms with the truth,” she says. Swati Dubey, Bidyut Nath and Bruce Guthrie While Dubey’s Agarbatti is performed in Hindi with hints of Bundeli to ensure the audience can keep up with the poignant tale, Nath’s play is written and performed fully in Assamese with running subtitles. “When I wrote this play, I called up my old friends across Assam to put together a crew. These are amateur actors who drive e-rickshaws, run small businesses and work day jobs on other days. Naturally, Assamese is the only language they can speak,” he smiles. Leading up to D-day, the duo is already feeling the butterflies in their stomach. “It’s our first show in Mumbai. It’s all very overwhelming for us,” shares Nath. “But we must tell these stories bravely,” Dubey reminds us. “Not only to play our part in bringing about change, but also to remind the urban audience that there exists an India not far away from where they live that leads a starkly different life,” she signs off. ON December 19 to 22; 7 pm onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com ENTRY Rs 450 onwards
19 December,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleChristmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” cries Jo March in Little Women. Marmee, the mother, quietly tucks a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress under each of the little women’s pillows, bound in their favourite colours. There is no better present to give than books this time of the year; even better is a Christmas book. We bring you 10 such titles to gift to your loved ones: For grown-ups >> A Poem for Every Day of Christmas: From Benjamin Zephaniah’s Talking Turkeys to EE Cummings’s little tree and Christina Rossetti’s A Christmas Carol, this book (Pan Macmillan) celebrates all that the season brings with it: hope, joy, peace, and love. Filled with 31 Christmas poems for each day of December, it is a part of Allie Esiri’s A Poem for Every Day series. Festive décor at a Crossword store >> The Christmas Appeal: A murder strikes the town of Lockwood, where the Fairway Players theatre group lives. As the members busy themselves with their upcoming production, they get involved in solving the mystery, too. This fun Christmas novella (Viper) by Janice Hallet is written in the form of e-mails, text and audio messages, police transcripts, etc. >> A Christmas Memory: Truman Capote writes about friendship in these short stories (Penguin Classics) that celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Seven-year-old Buddy finds a friend in his 60-something, older cousin Sook. Together they bake fruitcakes for Christmas and make kites for each other in the title story. It is a heartwarming collection that finds joy in simple living. >> A Christmas Carol (A Search & Find Book): Charles Dickens’s classic story comes to life, courtesy an inspired approach and gorgeous illustrations by Louise Pigott (Studio Press). This story has been reimagined by Sarah Powell. The reader must find and follow characters, objects, and sub-plots, from Scrooge’s counting house to the arrival of Jacob Marley’s ghost. Pics Courtesy/Instagram >> Small Things Like These: Claire Keegan’s book (Grove Press), now a film adaptation, is set in 1985 Catholic Ireland. It follows the life of Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, weeks before Christmas. On his delivery trips to a local training school, he begins to get suspicious of something untoward happening to the girls admitted in the institution. Children’s corner One Christmas Wish: While his parents are out, Theo wishes Ms Goodyere were taking care of him, instead of his new babysitter. She would give him chocolate cake with cheese and sing him to sleep. He makes a wish: not to be alone on Christmas eve. Katherine Rundell spins a magical story about Theo’s wish with illustrations by Emily Sutton (Simon and Schuster). >> The Christmasaurus series: When the meteor shower destroys dinosaurs on the planet, including Mumosaurus and Dadlodocus, there is one that survives. Tom Fletcher’s words, accompanied by illustrations from Shane Devries (Puffin UK), take readers on an adventure with Christmasaurus (the dinosaur who lives with Santa) and the Trundle family that loves dinos. Gift the joy of reading to your loved ones. Representation pic >> One-A-Day Christmas Stories: Enid Blyton’s 25 warm tales are filled with Christmas treats, vanishing nuts, Santas stuck in chimneys, helpful goblins, magic stockings, and children spending their Christmas pennies wisely. Countdown to the festivities through these bite-sized stories, illustrated by Mark Beech (Hodder Children’s Books). >> A Bite before Christmas: Nandita da Cunha’s desi tale around Christmastime is set in a typical Indian home. Artfully illustrated by Swarnavo Dutta (Karadi Tales), it follows Kyra’s family around the hectic days that lead up to the festival, including the highlight for most children — the delicious sweets! >> Charlie and the Christmas Factory: Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classics and illustrated by Rikin Parekh (Penguin), this collection of tales by various authors brings back Dahl’s characters with a Christmas-y spin. Matilda must do some thinking about naughty and nice lists, Charlie celebrates inside his factory, Frankie, the fantastic little fox, prepares a winter feast. Inputs from Fiona Fernandez Bookstore hop >> The White Crow Books & Coffee, BKC>> Crossword, Juhu and Kemps Corner>> Kitab Khana, Fort>> Trilogy Curated Bookshop and Library, Bandra>> Title Waves, Bandra Other must-reads >> Everyone This Christmas has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson>> The Secret Santa Project by Tracy Bloom>> Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie >> Nut-Cracker and the Mouse King by ETA Hoffman>> Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Blue Carbuncle by AC Doyle Sign up >> Storytelling session by Apeksha Harsh ON December 22; 11 am to 12 noon At Kitab Khana, Fort.Entry Rs 500 >> Bandra Reads’ Secret Santa ON December 22; 9 am At Jogger’s Park, Bandra West.
18 December,2024 10:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLast weekend saw the release of Mismatched Season 3. The trending scene from season one showcases Mumbai-based Prajakta Koli (Dimple) throwing cold coffee all over Rohit Saraf (Rishi), in response to the iconic “Hello, future wife.” dialogue. We saw a repeat of the coffee fiasco in season two and might just see one in the new season. While these coffee incidents became the unexpected foundation of the Dimple-Rishi bond, here are our picks of the best places in Mumbai for a cold coffee date, where the coffee will be too good to waste. On-the-go coffee dates While this is predominantly a chai-lover’s hangout, they are also known for fresh-brewed bottled cold coffee. This café, while light on the pocket, is known for its comfortable ambiance, and the cold coffee comes in easy-to-cart glass bottles, so your date can be on-the-go as well.TIME 8 am to 11.30 pmAt Parichai Espress Yourself, Tilak Nagar, Chembur.LOG ON TO @parichaiespressyourself COST Rs 60 onwards Dessert-coffee therapy Cold brews and tiramisu iced latte. Pics courtesy/Instagram This Asian-inspired café frees you from deciding between a coffee and a dessert, with their tiramisu iced latte, in addition to their pre-existent cold coffee selections. With what today’s generation would call an ‘Instagramable’ aesthetic and well-known location, this café makes for an ideal coffee date.TIME 8 am to 11.30 pmAt Mokai Cafe, St Sebastian Colony Bandra West. LOG ON TO @mokaiindiaCOST Rs 220 onwards Home-brewed comfort coffee Popular for its cold brews, this hotspot opened in late October. Owner Colin Myers states, “Our classic cold coffee [below] is shaken, not blended. Brewed using Ratnagiri Estate AAA grade beans, it’s incredibly luscious, with notes of nougat, chocolate, and caramel.”TIME 8 am to 11 pmAt Colin’s, Gold Coin CHSL, Orlem, Malad West. LOG ON TO @colinsmumbaiCOST Rs 200 onwards Coffee escapades Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s a spot that offers you some calm and quiet. Complete with a wide range of cold brews and iced lattes and a homely ambience, this spot is our pick for slow dates, or a family get-together.TIME 7 am to 12 amAt Iteeha Coffee, Dr E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi. LOG ON TO @iteeha.coffee COST Rs 200 onwards Caffeinated comfort Coffee paired with comfort food and a cosy ambiance can be the perfect ice-breaker to lower your guard and enjoy the moment. With a refreshing coffee menu that complements its multicuisine menu, this restaurant could be a hot pick for a date with a coffee lover.TIME 12 pm (noon) to 12 am (midnight)At 1BHK Brew House Kitchen, Oshiwara Link Road, Andheri West.LOG ON TO @1bhkmumbaiCOST Rs 215 onwards Healthier choices Vietnamese iced coffee This SoBo café offers dairy-free options with oat milk and almond milk. With specialty coffee sourced from Chikmagalur, it could easily become the go-to spot for a true coffee lover.TIME 9 am to 7 pmAt Cravin’ by Andy, opposite Bombay House, Kala Ghoda. LOG ON TO @cravinbyandyCOST Rs 140 onwards Hot dates over cold brews This spacious and buzzing café is fairly new to Mumbai’s coffee-scape. It offers a multicuisine palate, to pair with a delightful array of cold brew coffees. It has a picturesque, modern ambiance, making it a date worth posting.TIME 8 am to 11 amAt Journal, North Avenue, Potohar Nagar, Santacruz West. LOG ON TO @journal.bombay COST Rs 280 onwards European twist Here is a café in the heart of suburban Mumbai that offers a European-styled aesthetic, with a range of cold coffee selections and vegan choices. Step in for a date, a friendly meet-up, or a mid-day break.TIME 8 am to 11.30 pmAt August Cafe, Sundervan Complex, Shastri Nagar, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @augustcafe.in COST Rs 210 onwards
18 December,2024 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita Roche‘TIS the time of the year when children end up scurrying around, looking for pens, and notepads to write their annual letter to Father Christmas. For all its celebration, scrumptious dinners, diverse desserts, and plentiful shopping, Christmas is also a season of giving and thinking of others around us. Walk down St Andrews Road, past the Bandra Gymkhana, and you will come across a unique initiative. The neighbourhood residents have gathered to create a special postbox for ‘Letters to Santa’. If you are looking to keep the dream of Santa alive in your little one, head over to help them drop a letter to St Nick (Nicholas, for the uninitiated). Bring along pre-loved toys as well as stuffed cuddly bears and speedy toy cars that might find new homes among less fortunate children. After all, that’s the true spirit of Christmas. Till December 25At Delima Apartments, St Andrews Road, next to Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra West.
18 December,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWith Christmas preparations reaching full swing in the city, your furry friends have surely sniffed out the festive spirit in the air by now. Dolly Bhavsar, a professional photographer is ensuring this Christmas is a memorable one for all, with a special Christmas-themed pet photography session at Thane’s Doolally Taproom. “Not all pets are wired the same. Some are calm and composed in front of the camera, while some require extra love to warm up to the photoshoot,” she reveals, further assuring us that she has a trick or two up her sleeve to get the perfect shot. “I’ve had to imitate all kinds of animal sounds to calm my excited subjects down in the past,” she laughs. Come Saturday, she will deck the venue with simple Christmas-y backdrops and props, but for four-legged visitors who wish to bring their own pizzazz, there are no restrictions on looking good, the photographer says. This season of giving, Bhavsar hasn’t forgotten the ones who need some extra loving. For older pets who cannot step out amidst the bustle, Bhavsar offers home visits and personal sessions. “I was in Bengaluru a few years ago to cater to a senior indie dog. By the end of the photoshoot, the parent was teary-eyed because it was her old friend’s first portrait. I can’t put the sense of fulfilment I felt that day into words,” Bhavsar reminisces. We’ll call it a Christmas miracle. ON December 21; 11 am to 5 pmAT Doolally Taproom, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West.LOG ON TO @woofwoofstories (to register) COST Revealed on registration
18 December,2024 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt’s the elephant in the corporate boardroom that no one wants to address, and yet, must contend with every day — the workplace spouse that you repeatedly reassure your significant other to not worry about; but know that they would do well to more than worry about anyway. We’re talking about office affairs which, as recent data reveals, are far more common than you’d think. The survey explained that the long work hours and high stress levels that corporate employees must contend with, were the main causes for extramarital workplace affairs. REPRESENTATION PICS A survey by Gleeden, an extramarital dating app, reveals that nearly 25 per cent of Indian users, especially those in corporate jobs, have been unfaithful — the numbers are much higher in metro cities, with Kolkata and Mumbai leading with 35 per cent of respondents answering in the affirmative with Delhi coming a close second at 32 per cent. An unhealthy outlet? The makers of the survey cite the long work hours and high stress levels that corporate employees must contend with, as leading causes for extramarital workplace affairs. They contend that stepping outside the boundaries of marriage (whether in the form of casual flings or more serious relationships) offers an easy outlet to alleviate this stress. Taylor Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth, an emotional intelligence coach, agrees with these observations. “Professionals, especially in corporate settings, often juggle demanding schedules, high stress, and the constant need to prove themselves. This can create emotional gaps in their personal lives, making them more susceptible to seeking connection and validation elsewhere. Long hours, frequent collaborations, and shared challenges in the workplace often blur boundaries, leading to deeper-than-expected relationships,” she explains. She adds that many professionals describe these affairs as a means of escaping feelings of monotony or dissatisfaction — especially when in the throes of a mid-life crisis that may cause them to question their life choices or seek excitement beyond their typical routines. According to her, such affairs signal deeper emotional struggles that often go unaddressed, which may include feeling stuck or undervalued. Filling a void Sohini Rohra Paucities in existing relationships — whether actual or perceived — can further cause either partner to go astray. Sohini Rohra, a counselling psychologist, notes that, in her practice, many corporate employees report feeling uncared for or emotionally neglected, especially if their partner is frequently away or constantly preoccupied with their job. “For others, the dynamic shifts may occur when one partner becomes controlling or overly dependent, making the other feel trapped and desperate for freedom. Further, when physical intimacy is lacking or unfulfilling, the disconnect becomes even harder to ignore, leading some to seek what’s missing outside their marriage,” she clarifies. The situation becomes further complicated in major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, which have a culture of individualism. “People in big cities are juggling high-powered careers and endless opportunities, and this privilege can sometimes lead to entitlement in relationships. It’s easy to believe, ‘If this isn’t working for me, I have other options’,” she says. Let’s keep it real Namrata Jain Even though it may seem as though extramarital affairs are simply individuals seeking what their heart truly desires, counselling psychologist Namrata Jain warns against romanticising the notion. “In my practice, I have observed that extramarital affairs rarely last long; even if they do, the partner who has strayed often ends up miserable. Such affairs are fuelled by the thrill of secrecy. Once that initial excitement wears off, the relationship can be difficult to sustain and often falls apart. People eventually realise that the same emotional patterns they were trying to escape in their marital relationship exists in the affair as well,” she cautions. What makes such affairs particularly damaging is that their fallout almost always spills over into the professional realm. “I have seen clients lose their drive, their sense of purpose and even their passion for their work. When your personal life feels unstable, everything else starts to feel unstable too. It’s almost as if your foundation is missing and nothing seems to hold firm anymore,” she adds. The saving grace Claiming ownership and accountability when it comes to extramarital relationships isn’t easy; but if you’re genuinely concerned about moving forward, Elizabeth suggests taking it slow. “It’s important to pause and reflect, and to ask yourself why this happened and what you truly want as you move forward. Avoid acting impulsively out of guilt or fear; instead, focus on handling the situation with maturity and responsibility,” she says. Should you decide to end the affair and focus on your marital relationship, here’s how you can go about it: Be honest: Approach conversations with those who are impacted by the affair with empathy and respect. Taking accountability, without placing blame elsewhere, is key to moving forward. Get support: Talking to a therapist, coach, or trusted mentor can provide clarity and help you process emotions in a healthy way. Rebuild trust: Whether it’s with your partner, family or colleagues, focus on actions that show integrity and reliability. Set boundaries: If the relationship involves a colleague, it’s important to establish and maintain clear professional boundaries moving forward. “Remember, moving forward from an affair is not about erasing what happened but learning from it and making choices that align with who you want to be,” Elizabeth signs off. Containing the fallout An extramarital affair, especially in the workplace, can have serious implications for your reputation, says Rohra. “If your colleagues learn of it, it could lead to damaged trust, strained relationships, or even disciplinary action if company policies are violated. Gossip can overshadow your achievements, making it harder to maintain credibility,” she advises. The experts suggest relatable strategies: >> Stay professional: Keep the personal out of office dynamics. Focus on your performance and demonstrate your reliability. >> Address concerns: If rumours emerge, address it discreetly and professionally. Staying silent or defensive can escalate matters. >> Learn and grow: Take the opportunity to reflect on your values and ensure your actions align with them, moving forward. Colleagues and peers tend to respect those who own up and try to improve. >> Take it slow: Consistency and integrity will help restore professional relationships. Let your consistent, ethical behaviour rebuild trust over time. >> Seek help: Guidance from a mentor or counsellor can help you navigate smoothly; the opportunity can be used for personal and professional growth. Also Read: Politics in dating: Is political opinion a determining factor while choosing partners?
16 December,2024 06:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
