CEO Vol 1
Issue 7
October 2014 `100
riding thE wavEs
Luxury cruises for the discerning traveller
vintagE whEEls
a stitch in timE
delhi’s car museum, every automobile lover’s heaven
Jean Claude Jitrois’ exquisite leather creations
Timekeeper’s Treasure
ExclusivE prEviEw of omEga’s nEwEst collEction
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P EOP L E
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Runway Hit List
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A Hotelier And A Gentleman
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India’s Tech Wunderkind
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From Teacher To Tycoon
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The French Couturier
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A Time-keeper’s Treasure
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Give In To Temptation
With fabulous themes and neo-styles, we bring you the best of the runway from LFW Winter/ Festive 2014
The CEO of Brigade Hospitality on making chai and his obsession with jackets
We talk to one of India’s youngest and most successful entrepreneurs yet, Pallav Nadhani
The illustrious life of entrepreneurial giant Dr. Palani G. Periasamy, re-lived
CLS talks to French designer Jean Claude Jitrois and his love for everything leather
We give you a trailer of luxury watch makers Omega’s latest collection
Explore the decadent world of the most luxurious chocolates in the world
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PANACH E
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Brand Factory
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Vintage Allure
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The elitist’s library of new launches
In this issue, we dig deep to find India’s best antique stores
Driving Down Memory Lane
We visit the vintage land of Delhi’s Heritage Transport Museum, shaped by Tarun Thakral
Ultrabooks – yay or nay? Why the world is going nuts for Ultrabooks
P L AC E S Cruise calling: All Aboard
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Hospitality, the Hi-Tec Way
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A twist on the usual holiday, here are some of the best cruises you should sail with
CEO Lifestyle sets out to experience some fine hospitality, the hi-tec way
Nurtured by Nature
Think wellness and adventure can’t go hand-in-hand? Think again
Collector’s Choice
We chat with renowned art collector Chote Lal Bharany on his donation to the National Museum
Fake It Not
Which art work is genuine and which is fake? Take a few tips from the experts out there
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Romancing the Rajasthani Thaal
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Adding a Little Zing
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Say Cheers To The Winter
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The new menu at this Rajasthani gem of a restaurant will blow you away
The Metropolitan Hotel woos guests with its revamped menu and eclectic cuisine
Winter is approaching and it is time to sit back and sip on some of the season’s best cocktails on offer
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Live Pure, Let Nature Cure
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A Touch of Provence
An insight into Naturopathy with expert opinion on how nature heals
Spa la Vie by L’Occitane is a sanctuary inside India’s most fast-moving city
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Sites & Sounds
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Mark your calendar
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All is Fair in Pushkar Celebrating Texas
What we are looking forward to next month
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CEO Vol 1
Issue 7
October 2014 `100
riding thE wavEs
Luxury cruises for the discerning traveller
vintagE whEEls
a stitch in timE
delhi’s car museum, every automobile lover’s heaven
Jean Claude Jitrois’ exquisite leather creations
Timekeeper’s Treasure
ExclusivE prEviEw of omEga’s nEwEst collEction
RAADIA MUKADAM GROUP EDITOR & BUSINESS HEAD raadia@eyeballmedia.in ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR FEATURE WRITERS
ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
General Manager Sales
Neha Malude Rekha Shanmugham Nifty Jacob Veeranandhan Kittappa Narayanan Sathish M. Ashok R. Rajasekar rajasekar@eyeballmedia.in
Manager Sales
Ranjith Kumar ranjith@ @eyeballmedia.in
Sales Co-ordinator
Indu Vigneshwaran indu@eyeballmedia.in
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION
A. Rathinavel Pandian rathinam@eyeballmedia.in
G.SAKTHIVEL MANAGING DIRECTOR Eyeball Media Pvt.Ltd. 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India. Tel: +91 44 4567 1150. www.ceolifestylemagazine.com Printed and published by G.Sakthivel for and on behalf of Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd. Published at 30-32, Subramanian Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai 600018, India and printed by IKON Print Solutions at Shed No.B-10, Quaide Milleth Street, SIDCO Industrial Estate, MMDA, Arumbakkam, Chennai - 600 106. All rights reserved. The different trademarks published in this issue belong to their respective owners. CEO Lifestyle cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The contents of CLS shall not be published or reproduced in any from without the written permission of the Group Editor, Raadia Mukadam. The copyright in the contents of this magazine, including photographs printed and published, rests exclusively with Eyeball Media Pvt. Ltd.
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EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Reader,
These floating resorts offer elegant suites with a butler service, outrageously opulent interiors, a choice of nine different pillows at sea, rockclimbing in the middle of the Mediterranean or even iceskating in the Caribbean!
Less than two decades ago, cruising holidays were the ultimate in luxury, complete with high-society galas playing out over weeks at a time. But things changed when Gen next discovered the pleasure, worth and not to mention the snob value, of cruising and justifiably so. Bigger ships that are even bigger on facilities and attractions allow you to go rock-climbing in the middle of the Mediterranean or ice-skating in the Caribbean! These floating resorts serve you savvy itineraries, spacious and elegant suites, most with balconies and many with a butler service, outrageously opulent interiors, a choice of nine different pillows at sea and gourmet cuisine on a platter. Top-tier cruise lines have invested mightily in some of the sleekest ships ever built. By and large, these are of the intimate, sub-500-guest category, with amenities that can compete with those of the finest resorts the world over (think silver service, personalized sessions with fitness gurus followed by an Elysian cleanse, a lavender body scrub only to be concluded with the Aroma-listic pedicure). In this issue, CEO Lifestyle presents you with a few cruising options you could consider for your next lifestyle holiday. Whether it is the Georgian Queen Mary 2, the swanky Holland America Line or Princess Cruises or the more ‘cheap and cheerful’ alternative presented in Star Cruises, take your pick from that which appeals to you. The global economic downturn, meanwhile, has made for never-before-seen values at the high end. Free round-trip airfare to departure ports is common, and one can even find business class included on some itineraries. Also frequent are free shore excursions, onboard credits toward the likes of boutique shopping and spa treatments, two-for-one offers, and plain old lower prices often knocked down by more than 50 percent from the rack rate (And we are not complaining). With cruise liners wooing travellers all the way, we certainly know which holiday option this season will allow you to enjoy both sides of your bread buttered! And while you’re at it, do carry your copy of CEO Lifestyle, so that you can read more about all things luxe as you cool your heels by the pool on that coveted sun deck earning a glowing tan that you can show off all through the coming holiday season.
Raadia Mukadam
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Contributors Bhisham Mansukhani Saving the world one pour of sublime ferment at a time, Bhisham hopes to retire to life amongst the vines someday. Until then he parts time between a battered keyboard, deadline violations and a smattering of wines.
Suman Tarafdar When not writing to earn a living, he likes to travel, read, cook, chat, shop and watch all kinds of soppy stuff on TV. And yes, he does actually want world peace.
Prachi Joshi Prachi writes about food, travel and lifestyle for various publications. She loves exploring new places and cultures, and will travel anywhere for good food.
Poonam Goel Obsessive mom, forthright to a fault and self-designated agony aunt. Voracious reader who would want to be reborn as an artist. In this life though, she writes on art and loves it.
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Kingston David In an eternal affair with technology and gadgets, an obsessive automobile freak, avid gamer, passionate about cricket and driving. An electronics engineer by chance and a writer by choice.
Jyoti Balani An independent culinary writer and wine enthusiast, Jyoti started her culinary journey in a hotel management institute. When not writing, reading or traveling, she can be found in the kitchen, the garden or on some vineyard !
Dharma Prakash A Chennaiite at heart, Dharma loves his filter coffee and when he is not drinking coffee, he is busy capturing the beauty that is Madras on his camera lens. He also loves experimenting in the kitchen but that is a talent he is lesser known for.
Shivi Saxena Shivi is a perfect concoction of wit with the right jugglery of words. The zany copywriter dwells in Mumbai, is an outlandish ideator, and her high jinks have a rib tickling impact on others. She also pens down life’s happenings unimpaired. CEO LIFESTYLE
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PEOPLE
CLUB CLS
The CLUB CLS Fine Wine Fiesta
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What do you get when you put together great wine, good food, a chef who not only knows how to serenade your senses with his culinary skills but also with his voice? Fine Wine Fiesta by Club CLS, that is what you get. The third edition of CEO Lifestyle’s Club CLS, an exclusive, by-invite only gathering of luminaries was quite the affair. The evening, graciously hosted by The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Mumbai, saw the hotel leaving no stone unturned in transforming the venue into a surreal cornucopia of tulips, beautiful lamps and music. As guests walked in, one after the other, mellifluous, classical music emanated from the talented hands of the music group, In-Sync. No sooner than the soulful, melodious tones began permeating the atmosphere, the limitless flow of fine wine ensued. While guests sipped their drinks, conversations began flowing around the room and the mood was set. A few minutes later, Group Editor and Business Head, CEO Lifestyle, Raadia Mukadam welcomed the guests, giving them a peek into what the evening had in store for CEO LIFESTYLE
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everyone. This was followed by another short and sweet welcome by Anuraag Bhatnagar, Area GM Westin Hotels and GM, Westin Mumbai Garden City. While the cooking station at the centre of the stage did give everyone a hint of what was to happen, no one was quite prepared for master chef Ajay Chopra’s unbelievable musical performance, truly a wonderful surprise for everyone present. With the party in full swing, Chef Chopra proceeded to demonstrate the main feature of this month’s CLUB CLS, cooking with wine. The concept was a way of introducing CEO Lifestyle readers to something that is rather uncommon in Indian kitchens. And it was an instant hit as some of the guests, including noted artist Mithu Basu (Curator and Founder at Dolna), participated along with the chef to prepare classic European dishes like Coq Au Vin and beverages like Mulled Wine. After donning the chef’s hat and making merry, it was time for a lavish dinner. What with the wonderful music, food and of course company, the third edition of Club CLS came to a fitting end, just as expected.
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STYLE CHECK
Runway Hit List With an interesting assortment of eclectic silhouettes, dazzling accessories and vibrant colours that hit the ramp, LFW Winter/Festive 2014 brought the house down with an all-out fashion bonanza. We take you through our list of favourites.
Picture Courtesy: LFW Winter/Festive 2014
‘Wanderess’ by Masaba, powered floral prints in pleasing shades of white, nude, brown and pink inspired by Goan trends. A twist on saris and the flared pants brought back the retro in style. But nothing beats the exquisitely tailored, black and gold cut gown worn by Shilpa Shetty.
STYLE CHECK
The talk of town has been none other than Amit Aggarwal and his heartstopping collection. The experimental weaving techniques worked a unique angle with dark, romantic colours. The range of sari gowns with fitting moulds and a metallic shimmer had a dramatic appeal. Of course, the show stopping black and nude gown worn by Sushmita Sen was a treat for the eyes.
Anita Dongre worked up her magic with ‘Indian Modern’ bridal collection by Taj Mahal Tea. A rich colour palette with delicate detailing and elaborate embroidery offered a retake on traditional wear. The smart juxtaposition of modern white, button-down blouse with traditional lehengas was a contemporary delight. An insert for mens wear did well with the white textured sherwani.
Neha Aggarwal’s debut collection, ‘Mille Fleurs’, was inspired by floral accents and geometric prints woven with meticulous embroidery. The runway saw an array of garments like ponchos, capes, skirts and tunics that were crafted from organic tussar and muga silk, dabbled with hues of ivory, purple, red and gold. The backless, fish tail gown worn by showstopper Esha Gupta, both smart and sassy, warrants a mention too.
As always, the show ended with a bang from Manish Malhotra’s line. The collection, meant for the ‘neo-bride’, displayed lehengas and sari-gowns that were high on sheen, with the use of mirror work and embroidery. Rich wine, silver and a shade of grey formed the main colour palette, perking up the glam factor with the designer’s classic touch. Malhotra’s muse, Kareena Kapoor played the part in a wine lehenga, adorned with a silver studded choli.
TITAN TALK
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There is no mistaking the charm that exudes from the debonair personality that is Vineet Verma. A self-confessed shopaholic, the man at the helm of Brigade Hospitality gives Nifty Jacob a glimpse into an era bygone, as they discuss tea and turf clubs, among other things.
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Like most young and ambitious men, Verma had his goal clearly prioritised. The CEO and Executive Director of Brigade Hospitality distinctly recalls being asked, “What do you want to be?” when he was an aspiring young man. “I want to be different,” he answered in a heartbeat, and different he has been. A day in the lives of most men is
punctuated by waking up to a cup of hot beverage, except that Verma’s day begins by waking up his better half to a cup of tea he personally prepares. Add to that, the interesting career map, one that began with the Royal Calcutta Turf Club and lasted for over two decades, followed by a tryst with real estate and his current stint with the hospitality industry.
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Between setting up serviced residences, operating lifestyle clubs and convention centres, he manages to grab some shuteye for five to six hours, before he is up and working again. “I live my job 24 hours a day but that does not go on to say I am a boring person,” assures the man, in his defence. When it comes to Verma, work can be fun and he thoroughly enjoys the perks of his job, be it travelling for business or trying out new cuisines. After all, “one needs to find a good balance where boundaries do not exist”. Hailing from a family of many doctors, Verma experienced the archetypal pressure to follow suit like his uncles and grandfather. This may have brought an aversion towards the ordinary and an affinity for anything that was a far cry from the beaten track. But lady luck intervened when he was selected to work for the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. This was followed by a small cloud of doubt for the young Verma. “Horse racing is the only form of legalized gambling practised in India,” he explains. Turf clubs were more of a CEO LIFESTYLE
mysterious window to the elite crowd with a certain degree of stigma attached. “Times were different then. Everyone gambled,” he thoughtfully narrates, “but it was those from the lower income groups who would pledge everything they owned in hopes of winning a one-time lottery that never came.” Nevertheless, he thanks his stars for the stringent training he underwent under the finest mentors at the Turf Club that helped him evolve. The man is also known for his keen sartorial sense and if the occasion calls for casual attire, the latest trend of Nehru jackets and linen blazers come to his aid. “You will hardly find me without one,” he says. Currently, he shares a wardrobe with his son as both are similarly built, but the generation gap doesn’t cause a difference in taste, as one might think. “You will be surprised at how up-to-date I am,” he boasts. Verma is a self-confessed shopaholic who likes to pick out his own clothes and prefers subtle shades, but a brand loyalist he is not. “A good fit is paramount,” he says,
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He also attaches the tag of being an ‘impulsive traveller’ who does not adhere to the regular convention of annual family vacations, but a short weekend getaway can always be expected
adding, “Elegance is achieved in wearing what complements you and carrying it with confidence, even if it be something as simple as a Khadi jacket.” He has also earned the ‘techsavvy’ tag and stays abreast of the latest gadget developments in the market. His list of personal gizmos is quite covetous, comprising the MacBook Air, iPhone 5s and Nokia Lumia 1520 and includes the Kindle, to entertain his interest for the written word. A set of Omega time pieces he owns makes for his regular brand of timekeepers. And though Verma personifies sophistication now, he was quite notorious as a child, as are all boys. Born in the tiny settlement of Hapur, Verma frequently relocated owing to his father’s transferable job. Although nothing is dearer than the memorable days he spent in the vast cane fields of St. Peter’s College, Agra during his fourth and fifth grade. “Disciplinary action meant getting caned,” he nostalgically narrates. “And the Reverend Father would ask us to fetch our own canes from the field.” It wasn’t before long that he would learn to CEO LIFESTYLE
pick the ripest, brown canes that would snap easily. But more often than not, the plan was sabotaged. “Father was equally clever,” he laughs, “he would send us right back to fetch the greenest and hardest ones.” Regardless of the mischievous accounts he can be credited with, Verma was a bright child with an inquisitive nature. He also caught the reading bug right from his early years. With a monthly allowance of Rs. 10, his priority was to keep aside a rupee and 75 paisa for the coveted Enid Blyton books. And speaking of books, he is planning to write his own someday. “Well, my friends have been encouraging me to write a book recounting my varied experiences,” he says, offering subtle hints of an author in the making. Speaking of his wife, Rajni, Verma reveals that his former career at the turf club may have caused a few hiccups in finding a partner. “I don’t hesitate in saying that I was rejected on several occasions,” he laughs. Upon his relatives’ persistence, Verma agreed to meet a match, although he had
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Verma is a self-confessed shopaholic. The man is also known for his keen sartorial sense and frequently sports the latest trend of Nehru jackets and linen blazers. “You will be surprised at how upto-date I am,” he boasts
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no intention of getting hitched. But as fate would have it, Rajni became his wife. “There were bells clanging in my head. It was love at first sight,” he fondly reminisces. Verma proudly holds his wife as the world’s best cook after his late mother. He also occasionally dons the chef’s hat at home when he dishes out chicken curry by popular family vote and sandwiches that he regularly used to prepare for his children’s lunch. He personally loves to dig into baked dishes with loads of cheese, favours Continental cuisine, and places no restriction on enjoying life to the fullest. “I eat to my heart’s content,” he says. Of course, that is easily done considering he never misses his evening gym sessions. A diehard movie buff with a soft spot for Bollywood movies and an ear for old melodies, Verma rarely misses a new movie and the PVR right across his residence has been a delightful rescue for the night shows. He also attaches the tag of being an ‘impulsive traveller’ who does not adhere to the regular convention of annual family vacations, but a short weekend getaway can always be expected. So what is in store for the future? The family looks forward to touring the East coast of USA and Bali but what does Verma’s personal wish list read like? “A trip to Singapore with the missus,” he divulges. Not a dull moment in his life, indeed.
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India’s tech wunderkinD Often shuttling between San Francisco Bay Area and Bengaluru, Pallav Nadhani, CEO and co-founder of FusionCharts is one of the youngest ever extremely successful entrepreneurs this country has produced. He talks to Rekha Shanmugham about pretty data, music festivals around the world and a certain message that rendered him sleepless.
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At an age that hovers around the meagre number of 30, Pallav Nadhani leads his life like any other youngster his age would. Well, almost. There are the religious visits paid to the mother of all EDM fests, Tomorrowland, evenings spent oscillating between ‘Gears of War’ and ‘Fifa’ on the Xbox, the active socializing that happens at Bengaluru’s happening watering holes like The Biere Club and Loft 38 and then of course, there is FusionCharts, a multimillion dollar business he began when he was all of 17, with no external funding (note that it remains bootstrapped till date). Today, with 23,000 customers and 500,000 developers in 120 countries encompassing over 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies including Facebook, Google and LinkedIn, Nadhani helms one of the industry’s leading Charting Solution in JavaScript and heads a team of ‘60 people on a mission to make your data sing’. Seeing as we were about to encroach the ‘mind boggling’ territory of technology, we were quick to ask him to explain what the company does in layman terms. Nadhani, who holds an MS in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh, UK, says, “Our software gives a pretty face to your data, be it business, financial or personal, in order to simplify the interpretation and understanding.” Yes, he pretty much fits into the description of the boy geniuses we often read about in newspapers. However, Nadhani modestly attributes the developments to serendipity. “I can’t deny the role of luck,” he says, adding, “But hey, for one to be lucky, one needs to keep trying,” and gives us a veritable ‘quotable quote’ in the process. Operating out of offices in Bengaluru and Kolkata, the product today might have caught the attention of none other than President Barack Obama (this also happens to be one of the proudest moments for Nadhani in this 12-year old entrepreneurial journey; his joy knew no bounds when this message reached him and he admits to not have slept that night). The beginning however, was within the confines of the teenager’s bedroom, as he was putting his computer to good use to quench the innocent thirst for pocket money. He merely wanted to be able to pay for his amusements, chief amongst them being bowling. ASPToday.com came to his rescue, paying him CEO LIFESTYLE
handsomely in exchange for innovative articles on technology. Spurred by his disillusionment with Excel’s boring charts, he ventured to write an article on interactive data visualization which garnered a lot of interest from developers along with modification requests. The rest, as they say, is history. Senior Nadhani, who also happens to be the co-founder and CFO of the company, has had a crucial role to play in the process too. There have been awards and acknowledgments galore ever since, making FusionCharts ‘Famous. Kind of.’, as proclaims the website. What with the official mascot being ‘The dude’ and descriptions of the ‘dynamic, restless and pizza-loving’ people filling up the pages of the website, it oozes a refreshing sense of new age-ness and spirited determination. Well, one doesn’t really expect anything else, being spearheaded by a man who has rightfully found himself a place on the map of young, Indian tech innovators and was recently featured in Forbes India’s ’30 Under 30’ list. Compelling and successful entrepreneurial journeys, demanding in nature as they may be, bring along with them several fruits of victory, as we have witnessed often. Add ‘youthfulness’ to the equation and we wonder how much sweeter the fruits may taste. “We are out there, having fun, when we are not working,” says Nadhani, of himself and his wife, Puja, whom he met during his stint at the University of Calcutta. They got married almost eight years later. “We are carefree and do what we want,” he adds. As with most CEOs, travel for both work and pleasure forms an integral part of Nadhani’s life and he and his wife do it in style. Of the things they look for in places to travel to, festivals, beaches and believe it or not, jogging trails and parks score top marks. “We look for a combination of music, art and food in the festivals,” says Nadhani who is skewed towards EDM and progressive house. It is no wonder then that the Tomorrowland music festival held in Belgium features in his list along with several others like the vibrant ‘How Weird Street Faire’ of San Francisco and ‘Sweaty Palms’ of Amsterdam. Both Nadhani and his wife are certified scuba divers and clock destinations that are well known for scuba diving
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and snorkelling. Off-beat locales are sometimes covered too, as Puja is a fan of trekking, while Nadhani, not so much. However, both of them thoroughly enjoy running and he recalls the streets of Paris, the seaside of Hong Kong and particularly Vondelpark in Amsterdam where they have happily broken into a sweat while exploring the cities at dawn. “Puja sometimes plans the trails to make sure we jog along a shopping route,” laughs Nadhani. “She is a bags and sandals person and loves her Jimmy Choos, Louis Vuittons, Burberrys and Ferragamos.” Nadhani, on the other hand, is a sucker for shoes and watches. While Diesel, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo are preferred for shoes, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer and at times, Tommy Hilfiger feed his fetish for watches. And once the limbs are exercised enough, the couple retreats to indulge in the new city’s typical delights. Apart from red wine and beer, the vegetarian-turned-non-vegetarian enjoys his single malts, preferring islay to island. And even though he is appreciative of the nightlife scene in Bengaluru, he prefers Mumbai and Kolkata when it comes to letting his hair down. Crossing frontiers, he also mentions Dragon-i in Hong Kong and the three-kilometre Kuta stretch in Bali as vibrant places for nightlife. Well, we guess Las Vegas can be added to the list too, for the man once played poker for 46 hours straight there! Going forward, Nadhani hopes to keep experimenting and pushing boundaries both on the personal and professional front. “The rule was to be crazy in my 20s. Now that I am entering the next phase I would probably take it slow, because if anything were to go wrong I could say ‘Dude, I’m still in my 20s!’” he chuckles and signs off.
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Painting by Bob Freimark (1922-2010)| Sculpture by JD Hansen & Cheryl Ekstrom
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TITAN TALK
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From Teacher To Tycoon
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In a red-carpeted room in Le Meridien Chennai sits educationalist-turned-entrepreneur Dr.Palani G. Periasamy, surrounded by an obvious aura of wisdom reflective of the illustrious life he has led. Beneath the calm demeanour, however, is an absolute funloving man who lives life by the minute, finds out Rekha Shanmugham.
It was the year 1967, when Dr. Palani G. Periasamy ventured to the other side of the Atlantic. The veteran clearly remembers the date. Spurred by an ambition to pursue Ph.D in Economics, the educationalist-turned-entrepreneur went to the United States of America. The Reserve Bank of India initially refused to provide lump sum-foreign exchange to an economics graduate but later made a special allowance considering his meritorious academic backing. After all, the prestigious Gold Medal was bestowed upon him by Madras University after he completed under graduation. Entering the University of Pittsburgh, the man was looking to expand the frontiers of his academic knowledge. Little did he know that he would return to India with several laurels resting on his shoulders. His calibre and resolve propelled him to the apex as the Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Business in the University of Baltimore. It was almost miraculous at that time, a man from a remote, rural part of India holding a position of such importance. “The succession was rewarding,” he says. America was quick to identify Periasamy’s achievement and conferred upon him the prestigious ‘Outstanding Educator of America’, not once but twice. Well, it came as no surprise to anyone who was acquainted with him right from his childhood, for he was an outlier throughout. His stint at the prestigious Presidency College, Chennai where he rubbed shoulders with many luminaries who later became friends like P. Chidambaram, former Union Minister of Finance, while pursing M.A. in Economics, was nothing short of splendid. Apart from being the editor of the ‘Presidencian Trend’, the college newspaper, he also held the highly coveted post of President of the College Union, bringing student woes to the fore. This got him really close, even as a college-goer, to the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj. “I became his pet,” smiles Periasamy. Well, our man does indeed seem to have a way with chief ministers. Incidentally, when the former CM of Tamil Nadu and iconic actor Dr. M.G.R. visited America, Periasamy who was the head of the Tamil Sangam and Tamil Nadu Foundation of USA in America (a charitable organization he CEO LIFESTYLE
started for the upliftment of Tamils in India by disbursing NRI money) was the one who received him. Impressed by his demeanour, he was later asked to personally manage Dr. M.G.R. while in America, which he did, but not before laying out three strict conditions, the primary amongst them being punctuality while attending meetings. “I wanted to make sure he left an immaculate impression,” he says, of the superstar with whom he shared an extremely special camaraderie. In fact, Dr. M.G.R. had a major role to play in Periasamy’s segue to entrepreneurship. When the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi opened doors for NRI Investment, Periasamy achieved the distinction of becoming one of the pioneers in NRI investment, encouraged by Dr. M.G.R. Interestingly, Dr. M.G.R.’s influence seems to have penetrated areas apart from business too. “He had an eye for fine jewellery and watches which influenced me,” says Periasamy. He has a love for watches himself, with Rado, Cartier and Rolex featuring in his top-three list. While Mont Blanc and Cross are his preferred pens, Armani suits score top marks when it comes to formal clothing. “Life changed a lot after going to America,” says Periasamy. He has four daughters whom he adores and the entire family used to take a month-long sabbatical every year to holiday. At times, they drove their favourite MercedesBenz S-Class to their holiday home in Florida, which he especially enjoyed because of the tropical climate. Amongst the places he has visited, he recalls Monte Carlo, Alaska, Madrid, Mexico City, Barcelona and Paris as his favourite. He also specifically recalls Singapore as a shopper’s haven (although the majority of the shopping he does is for giftgiving). He is yet to explore the African continent though, which he says is on his bucket list. An interesting hobby that was born out of this frequent flying was the collection of airline magazines. He spends time on his brochure, map, coin and stamp collection too, when time permits. Leisure time also encompasses moviewatching and while at it, the fast food junkie loves to munch on this McD burger. “I can’t cook,” he says. “My wife couldn’t either, until she experimented on me,” he adds
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Picture Courtesy: Dharma Prakash before laughing. He is a lover of the Chinese cuisine and on the spirits front, prefers his single malts. Of late, he confesses to have acquired a taste for red wine. However, amusements have taken a backseat in the recent years. He gave up his Green Card about a year ago, and shifted back to India to concentrate on the businesses here. Periasamy sits at the apex of nothing lesser than a first-generation entrepreneurial empire, the PGP Group of Companies. From sugar and financial services to hospitality and residential real estate, the kingdom spans quite a spectrum. And to make sure quality education trickles down to remote corners, he began the PGP Educational and Welfare Society, establishing higher secondary schools as well as colleges in predominantly rural areas. Several awards have found their way to him, including the Padmashree Ma. Po. Si., a region we dare not venture into, for fear of the sheer length. The man, however, remains humble and tells us that there are miles to go before he sleeps. Do we see a second volume of his autobiography in the offing? CEO LIFESTYLE
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TAILOR MADE
The French Couturier French couturier Jean Claude Jitrois chats with Jyoti Balani on his love for pushing past the conventional and trying never-before-tried techniques to create something new with his favourite material, leather.
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One of Jean Claude’s earliest memories served as the inspiration for the Jitrois A/W 2013-14 collection, the designer tells us. At the age of eight, Jean Claude accompanied his grandmother to see ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, where the sight of belles élegantes (elegant beauties) on the arms of gentlemen in the exaggerated corsetry copied from Christian Dior’s New Look (1947) enchanted him. Born Jean Claude Coste in Narbonne, south-west France in 1944, he spent much of his early years in the care of his grandmother in Aixen-Provence. As a child, he was highly observant, it was under his grandmother’s supervision that he was first exposed to the classical arts of opera and theatre that were to play a significant role in his early aesthetic and social education. In 2001, the accomplished couturier was given the honor of a chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur and later, elevated to the rank of officer in 2012, as a result of his contribution to the fashion industry and the promotion of France abroad. “I started designing in the south of France and my first success came in the form of a suede dress simply knotted at the shoulder and in the back, which I dyed in strong colours such as Klein blue and fuchsia, and an ‘into the wild’ luxury dress in my boutique in Saint Tropez,” says Jitrois. “From my first career (psychology) I’ve learned two essential elements for a fashion designer, observation and meaning of the clothes. These skills were my strength to start a new career in fashion in 1976 and to understand the first reason to do fashion – desire,” he reveals. His work with leather is notable too. In late 70s, leather was still heavily associated with motorcycle toughs, punks and the armed forces, was either black or brown and mainly used for accessories (shoes and bags). “I opened my first shop in Nice in the seventies, and spent a lot of time with members of the ‘Ecole de Nice’ (New School of Nice), César, Ben, Nikky de Saint Phalle, etc. From those days, the codes and aesthetic vision of my creations were deeply influenced by these contemporary artists. I started to use vibrant blues (in reference to Yves Klein), reds and yellows, and leather became colourful, bright and
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sophisticated. One of my first evening dresses was worn by Princess Stéphanie de Monaco for Bal de la Rose in a deep sea green. “Before the 90s, leather was quite thick and heavy. In 1995, I designed the first five-pockets, stretch lambskin trousers. What I had been looking for, for more than 15 years, happened. Leather is like a second skin, magnifying the shape, thin and sensual,” he says. According to the French designer, what you wear is what you are. “Fashion starts on the podium and reflects a story, a time and a mood. A designer’s role is to project on his creations all the desires and fears he has. Clothes have a strong meaning and fashion must get off the podium to march off into the street,” he says. Replying to our question about the current and future trends in fashion, he said, “Fashion must embody new trends and keep up with times, now and in the future. There is a vital link between fashion and human psyche. At Jitrois, clothes are perceived as transitional objects, they should serve to aid the relationship between time and human beings.” The accomplished designer centralizes everything in Paris, “There are Fashion Weeks everywhere in the world nowadays, from Canada to Poland, Russia to Morocco, which is a great thing to discover new talent and new brands,” he says. The production of a leather dress, a pair of leather trousers or a leather jacket, from the sketch to CEO LIFESTYLE
the final version takes between five and six months in the designer’s boutique. Jitrois’ favorite model is Sarah Marshall who has been working with him for almost 15 years. For 30 years, the couturier has proudly remained loyal to his roots, all the manufacturing being a 100 percent French, whether in leather, mesh or exotic skins. Jitrois has continued to push past the limitations of the oldest material worn by man by harnessing state-of-the-art technology to create leather garments that go far beyond the normal expectations of leather – thus maintaining its position as a cutting edge and innovative couture house. “Leather is the oldest material worn by man and every day for thirty years, I have tried to push the physical properties of my favourite material. In the eighties, I was the first to use colourful leather and create evening dresses. In the 90s stretch leather gave me international visibility. Since then, each season I try to find a new way of using leather, new techniques to work on it. The Minoray, for instance, which is a mix of organza and leather. This season, I designed a stretch lambskin dress with leather stripes on silk organza,” he says, concluding, “As poet Paul Valery said, ‘Skin is the deepest thing there is’. Skin is such a powerful material to work with and the experience of wearing it is so intimate. It’s something that will evolve with the wearer, above the trends.”
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Luxe Central
A Time-keeper’s Treasure
Picture Courtesy: OMEGA CEO LIFESTYLE
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Time is money, they say. But time is also style, mastery, innovation and breathtaking beauty – all the qualities that Omega embodies perfectly. Nifty Jacob brings to you an exclusive CEO Lifestyle preview of the latest collection of the Swiss luxury watchmaker, the last word in the world of timekeepers.
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Let us recall 21st July, 1969, a quick search of which on Google will inform us of the day the human race made the ultimate leap of faith by exiting the terrestrial atmosphere of earth to set foot on the moon. Undoubtedly, that holds an esteemed place in our history as it was then that the names of three leading astronauts were engraved in stone, plus one more. Do you recall the ‘Moon Watch’? It was the time piece that went down in the book of chronicles for travelling to the moon, strapped onto the astronomer, Buzz Aldrin’s suit. The legacy that beholds this watch has no bounds and the world fell head over heels in love with this beauty. Till date, it is the only NASA approved timepiece that has been known to withstand extreme weather conditions such as those on the moon. With 90 space flights and six moon landings to its credit, the Moon Watch is in a class of its own. With 195 distinct parts and 80 operations involved to create the main plate, the average time taken to produce a single Speedmaster is 14 months. Now that is what we call an object d’art. Nearly four decades after the first lunar landing, Omega has revived history and may we add, in style. The Speedmaster Mark 2 has made a comeback with an upgraded version. The techno-side is all set to woo you with the Co-Axial calibre 3330A that powers the chronograph. The trending neon fever has not been forgotten either. A
refreshing tinge of fluorescent orange complements the elegant dark shade. The watch popularises the three sub-dials as in the original Speedmaster, one that includes a 30-minute recorder, a 12-hour recorder and a small seconds’ sub-dial. Speaking of luxe, the elegant dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire. When astronauts from Apollo 8 first caught a glimpse of the ‘dark side of the moon’, Omega complied by commemorating the experience. From the family of Speedmaster comes, wait for it, drum-roll, and we present ‘Dark Side of the Moon’. A spin on the original, it reflects a sleek and sensual piece, a tribute to the chronographs worn by Apollo astronauts. What catches our fancy is the fact that this time piece is entirely crafted from a single chunk of black Zirconium Oxide Ceramic including the dial, which is a rare feat. The piece also testifies to Deep Space Visibility which ensures that the watch is always readable under any given lighting condition. The beautiful dial, set with 18 karat white gold, marks the hours along with the hands and is coated with Super-LumiNova which makes this possible. Moving on to the family of Seamaster, the first Ploprof (deriving its name from the word ‘Plongeur Professionnel’, which means professional divers in French) was made in 1970. Come high tides or rough waters, the Seamaster
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Ploprof 1200M is what will guide you in the deep end. This creation is built to endure the severe pressure of diving and is water resistant to a depth of 1200 metres. Fancy much? For starters, it is said to be the latest update on the first Seamaster and retains the same rugged look that caused many hearts to skip a beat. A few developments in terms of the Co-Axial calibre 8500 and a new diving safety clasp that allow accurate setting have been added. The new collection comes in a ‘Sharkproof’ stainless steel. Romantics with a passion for the azure seas can go for the couple collection. For those who love the shining stars that dot the dark sky, there isn’t anything more apt than the Constellation collection. With its characteristic star positioned at 6 o’clock and the famous ‘griffes’ on the bracelet, these explore a contemporary accent. Diamonds have gone past being just the ladies’ BFFs, full-cut diamonds mark the hours on the Constellation Omega Co-Axial Day-Date 38MM watch dial and the bezel for the men’s watches too. Cut stones impersonating the night stars make quite an impression. Need something even more special? Pick out the couples set. CEO LIFESTYLE
In 1955, Omega decided it was time to go beyond creating timepieces just for men and hence, the Ladymatic was created. Uniquely tailored, the chronograph revives interest with its comeback in an upgraded version. These lovelies range from cases of red gold, yellow gold, stainless steel or a combination of both metals. The dials come in enchanting shades of elegant black and grey, sophisticated white, dashing purple or delicate mother of Pearl. What makes them even more spectacular is the 11 diamond index in 18 karat gold mounts. Not your cup of tea? You can also opt for the more subtle, elegant pieces from the collection. Of course, there are quite a few unique picks like the celebration of the forthcoming Olympics with the Speedmaster Mark II “Rio 2016”, which is a limited edition of 2,016 pieces. There is also the unbeatable Olympic Pocket Watch of 1932. With an 18 karat white gold body, the chronograph has the official five ring logo stamped on the case back. Constantly reinventing and bettering itself, Omega definitely deserves to be called the best. We can already see the wheels turning inside your mind – which one are you planning to acquire?
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Luxe Central
Picture Courtesy: Delafee Chocolates CEO LIFESTYLE
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Give In To Temptation For some, indulgence means an exotic spa treatment, for others, an expensive watch. The one thing though, that tempts every being on this planet, is chocolate. Shivi Saxena introduces you to the world of designer chocolates where handcrafted decadent creations, exquisite in taste and appearance, will leave you feeling heady.
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From Godiva Chocolatier’s The ‘G’ Collection, Chocopologie by Knipschildt and Richart Chocolates to Leonidas, The Noka Vintages Collection and the world’s most expensive chocolate - La Madeline au Truffle, designer chocolates have very much arrived. We take you on a trip across the globe to meet some of the finest chocolatiers who, much to the envy of the rest of the world, not only make chocolates for a living but are the best at what they do. When it comes to handmade designer chocolate brands of India, Chocolics is a name to reckon with. Its iconic Blackberry Box with the Blackberry logo and a customized message on it was designed for the launch party of Blackberry Z10. For all the vegetarians out there and those looking for gluten free indulgence, Chocolics, which ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 6000, is a great option. Another artisan company, Recchiuti Confections from San Francisco specializes in designer chocolates and claims that a single bite of these hand-sculpted morsels will change the way you think about chocolate forever. The brand loves to play with the classic fine chocolate along with some unexpected twists like the signature burnt caramel chocolates or tarragon grapefruit. Recchiuti’s Paul Madonna collection depicts life in San Francisco painted on chocolates by the acclaimed artist. One of the brand’s most popular products includes the Burgundy Box, which costs 85 US dollars. If you are want something truly luxurious, however, what could possibly be better than gold? In China, certain types of venison are sprinkled with gold, and in Japan, it is customary to exchange good wishes for the New Year over a cup of sake containing gold. Swiss based DeLafée has artfully created unique epicurean products, decorated with edible gold; luxurious, unforgettable presents that express love, passion and success.
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Picture Courtesy: Chocolics And how about combining chocolate with technology? The launch of the latest Android operating system called Android Nestle Kitkat saw the rise of a new concept, Chocnology. ‘Chocnology’ was created to bring 3D printing chocolate and technology together by the internationally revered chocolatier, Hans Fouche. Fouche Chocolates has been doing 3D printing with chocolates for over the last 18 years and has garnered worldwide acclaim. With an unmatched knowledge of chocolates and an uncanny knack for coffee, wine, spirits and tea, Michel Richart from Lyon in France has carved out a niche for himself. Known for its French Macaron Gourmet Core, Richart Chocolates is famous for Petits RICHART chocolates that go upto 67 US dollars. Each of these jewel-like chocolates feature a 73 percent dark chocolate shell from Venezuela, made from the most prestigious cocoa bean, Criollo. The brand’s most expensive assortment is the Petits RICHART in a burl wood vault which costs 850 US dollars. Richart Chocolates has even been featured in the Valentine’s Day episode of the popular American teen television series, CEO LIFESTYLE
‘Gossip Girl’. Thomas Mars, singer of the rock band Phoenix, offered them to his wife and film director, Sofia Coppola as a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift. The love for chocolate and the zeal to bring something new for its admirers encouraged Darshit Shah, MD, Premium Pralines Pvt Ltd. to bring the luxury chocolate brand, Leonidas to India. The company is the authorized Leonidas Reseller for India and has the first-ever luxury chocolate boutique in India. The freshly made chocolates are described as pieces of bliss bestowed with the brilliance of the Belgian tradition by chocolate connoisseurs. Claude Seneque, Leonidas’ master chocolate-maker for nearly 40 years, says, “When I think of new recipes I set out above all to spread pleasure. Everything inspires me – colours, tastes and the little things in everyday life. I then go into my bubble to create new flavours that fill the chocolate boxes of tomorrow.” With over 80 varieties of chocolates, Leonidas enjoys a huge clientele from all walks of life and specializes in customized orders for upto Rs.75,000. Their signature products are Manon Café, Gianduja Collection,
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Picture Courtesy: Recchiuti Confections, Richart Noisette Masquee, Truffles, Pearls, Coupes, Marzipans, Fruitpaste and Orangettes. Another one of our favourites has made a name for itself in The Big Apple. At 484 Broome St in New York lies MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates, a Parisian style chocolate boutique. Conceptualized and created by Mariebel Lieberman, this chocolate store has garnered global acclaim for its signature line of hand painted ganaches, each of which tells a different story. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Kimmel have frequented Mariebelle with Jimmy Kimmel placing a huge holiday order in 2010 for about 600 of the tier box, priced 95 US dollars each and Oprah Winfrey naming MarieBelle’s products in her highly coveted ‘Oprah’s Favourite Things’. What’s more, Mariebelle ships internationally as well. With so much chocolaty goodness all around, it is impossible to stay away from the decadence and magic of the world’s favourite sweet, isn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? CEO LIFESTYLE
Conceptualized and created by Mariebel Lieberman, MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates has garnered global acclaim for its signature line of hand painted ganaches, each of which tells a different story
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BRAND FACTORY
Rs 10,200 FESTIVE GLAM Go Hawaiian with Maui Jim’s latest offering for the season. From pink frames and peacock blue shades to bright brown with an orange tinge, a range of colours finds its place on the Maui Jim shelves to make sure your festive ensemble grabs all eyeballs.
Rs 14,200
Rs 16,000
PRIDE OF YORE Go back in time this October with Amrapali’s limited edition ‘The Dark Maharaja’ collection. Inspired by the erstwhile battlegrounds of India, the collection swirls you with the mystique of powerful weaponry encrusted with rich silver, gold, rubies and diamonds. Price on request.
OF PEARLS AND PRIDE Pay tribute to the beauty of Mother of Pearl this season with S.T. Dupont’s King of Pearl – Haute Creation Edition. The extraordinary collection, born out of a partnership with Robert Wan, the renowned producer of exclusive Tahitian pearls and the acclaimed jeweller Philippe Tournaire, consists of an exquisite pen and lighter and was inspired by the ‘God of the sea’ Poseidon. Price on request. CEO LIFESTYLE
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CELEBRATING THE PARADOX Expressing softness through material and toughness through innovation, Evoluzione presents ‘A Darker Shade Of Blossom’ by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna. Blacks play with whites, gold with silver and an electric blue stands out in this collection that is futuristic in appeal yet relevant to the essence of today. Prices starting from Rs.9000.
Go gardena A recent addition to the men’s bag collection for Fall-Winter 2014/2015, the Gardena messenger bag combines fine craftsmanship and functionality. Soft and unstructured, the bag comes with an ample capacity and features an oversized flap enhanced with iconic intrecciato elements, buckle closures, and an adjustable strap. Price on request.
Rs 11,150
Rs 9,200
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SILER RULES Let silver dominate this season with Bracialeto’s Festive Collection. Choose from a range of beautiful customized silver jewellery crafted in 92.5% silver and coated with an anti-tarnish and witness the glam factor go up several notches. Can be customized and purchased on www. bracialeto.com.
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TV time folks Your home entertainment experience reaches a new level with the 4K Ultra High Definition LED TV by Videocon. With 8.3 Megapixels and engaging features like 3D gaming, face recognition etc., rest assured that there will not be a dull moment with this television around. Prices start from Rs.91, 990 and go up to 9,99,990 depending upon the screen size.
Rs 2,699
Rs 2,799 Rs 3,299
Rs 1,499
A pop of colour Add a burst of colour to the permeating gloom this winter with Caprese’s Autumn Winter 2014 collection. Colour block, pop colours and aesthetic detailing dominate the collection which comprises stylish handbags, hobo bags, satchels, wallets, clutches and slings.
Dazzling elegance Discover the charm of red with The Mystical Ruby collection by Angaaraa this season. The fine range of diamond and ruby jewellery consists of stunning earrings, bracelets and more crafted in 18K white and yellow gold and is sure to make heads turn your way. Price on request. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Swiss Eagle style Wrist wear takes a stylish turn this season with Swiss Eagle’s new range of timepieces. Covering the essential arenas where the most professional of experts need precise, robust and stylish timekeeping, the collection hosts three major themes of ‘Fly’, ‘Dive’, and ‘Field’.
Rs. 22,500
Rs. 22,500
Rs. 19,500
Tom Ford all the way Stand out in vogue with Tom Ford’s Autumn-Winter 2014/15 Eyewear. This season, signature designs evolve with striking new colours to offer a range of looks swaying from classic and understated to bold and provocative. Price on request.
A fine French touch Give your house a French makeover this winter with luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois’ Fall Winter Collection 2014. Comprising contemporary pieces of furniture designed by international designers, this collection is just what your home decor misses. Price on request. CEO LIFESTYLE
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ELITE CLUB
Vintage carpets, ages old porcelain figurines, majestic and intricately carved wooden doors and so much more – there is an inexplicable charm about antiques that draws us to them, something that ties us to our history and heritage. Neha Malude takes you on a trail of timeless treasures in India where you will find some of the country’s best antique stores.
Picture Courtesy: Phillips Antiques CEO LIFESTYLE
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Weaving Magic
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If we had to give it another name, The Carpet Cellar would be called ‘A Trove of Woven Treasures’. A brainchild of one of India’s most respected curator of carpets, Sheela Chandra, this is your one stop destination for antique carpets and rugs. The selection of these hand knotted masterpieces comes from the whole world, from Black Sea to China, Mongolia, the former Soviet Union, Tibet, Turkey to Mesopotamia, Persia, Afghanistan, Baluchistan, India, Egypt and Morocco, each piece reflecting the artistry and culture of that land. Chandra, who is known to have one of the largest private collections of Persian carpets in existence, founded the Carpet Cellar in 1991. The collection comprises of classic Oriental rugs and includes original pieces from the 19th and 20th century, the majority of which are collectors’ items. The store also houses antique recreations, which are reproductions of antique carpets made from high quality wool and traditional weaving skills. Each and every single carpet here is hand knotted. The store has even had leading museums around the world borrow from their collection for exhibitions. The Antique Collection is divided into decorative rugs and tribal rugs. The decorative collection has floral patterns and is typically created in major carpet weaving centers such as Kashaan and Isfahaan. Tribal rugs, on the other hand, are woven mostly by tribal nomads and do not usually use a naksha or map to create the piece. These rugs are made from memory and the whimsical patterns represent this. These carpets also normally take their name from the tribes or areas where they were created. The store’s Mughal Decorative Recreations employs those who are themselves fourth and fifth generation weavers. For most of us, carpets are purely a choice in decor but for those who look at them as something beyond decor, as a piece of art, The Carpet Cellar is a perfect visit. For more information, visit www.carpetcellar.com
Picture Courtesy: The Carpet Cellar CEO LIFESTYLE
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Crafting Magnificence
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If you are passionate about collecting antiques, you have to know that Jew Town in Kochi is a cauldron of antiquities. Here also lies Crafters, one of India’s most famed antique stores. Located in the quaint old part of Mattanchery and established in 1989, the store has five showrooms and has a lovely collection of antiques, curios and ancient memorabilia. Johnny and Sunny Malayil, two brothers, converted a former spice warehouse into a trove of vintage and new furnishings. The store has everything one could possibly want – ancient brass jewel boxes, Chinese jars, antique furniture, sculptures, bronze cooking vessels, Gujarati dowry chests, Burmese lacquer boxes and murals. The star of the store, though, is the world’s largest ‘varpu’ (traditional cooking vessel) which has been custom made by the owners and costs Rs. 7 lakhs. It is this masterpiece developed over a period of over a year that landed Crafters in the Limca Book of World Records too. And guess who has been a customer? Prince Charles! Foreigners who visit Cochin are definite visitors to Crafters, but the store is popular worldwide too and caters to clients from 56 countries. Some of their overseas clients include Globus, Zurich, Switzerland, Magazijn de binjenkorf bv Dept. Stores, Amsterdam, Holland and Galeries Lafayette France. So the next time you are in Kerala, apart from the boat house in Alleppey, make sure you drop in at Crafters in Kochi. For more information, visit www.crafters.in
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Picture Courtesy: Crafters Picture Courtesy: Amrapali Jewels
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Picture Courtesy: Geethanjali
Honouring Heritage
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Pondicherry, a small, sleepy town that could be called Goa’s cousin. But if you haven’t been here, then you would be unaware that it has the most exquisite collections of antiques you will find. As you enter the union territory, you will see the road dotted by several small shops filled with ancient wooden doors, brass products and more. French Quarters, the French colony in Pondicherry is a hidden gem where you will find many more such stores but which are bigger and better. And one of the most popular among these is Geethanjali. The entrance is small but don’t be fooled, once you walk in you will see the enormous collection inside. Opened years ago in order to conserve the rich Indian heritage, Geethanjali now has a showroom in Bengaluru as well. The store specializes in collecting and restoring colonial furniture from all over south India. The antique pieces are brought from old houses that are torn down and include doors, wooden pillars, teak beams, etc. Apart from this, the old wood taken from these houses is also used to create furniture such as king sized cots, liquor bars, chests, desks, traditional dowry chests and the like. But that is not all. You will also find bronze ware, huge granite sculptures, wood carvings, Tanjore paintings and glass paintings here. An antique lover’s paradise, indeed. For more information, visit http://www.geethanjaliartifacts. com/
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Picture Courtesy: Konark Collectables
Collecting History
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Started by Amitabh Bacchawat, Konark Collectables was a result of the man’s passion for antique furniture. Bacchawat buys furniture from old homes and restores them to their former glory. Konark Collectables was started with a mission of highlighting the importance of furniture as an inheritance, just like jewellery or paintings. Bacchawat is of the opinion that aesthetics is something handed over from generation to generation and therefore, plays a pivotal role in what we choose as our furniture too. One of the earliest of its kind, Konark Collectables today is a landmark in the city of Kolkata and houses a myriad of products that include curios, collectibles and art objects. You will also find other knick knacks such as clocks and watches, perfume bottles, porcelain vases and vintage posters here. The sister store of Konark Collectables, called Legacy is also a high end decorative arts and period furniture store. Legacy is, as the website mentions, ‘a collector’s heaven’. For those interested in medieval sculpture, there is a dazzling array of Italian alabaster busts, carved carrera marbles, oriental marble figurines and Persian tile panels. You could even take home a pair of Victorian carved rose quartz lamps and a few fine Corinthian pillars. Every object d’art in here has been curated from various Zamindar families of Bengal, and other parts of the world so if you are looking to pick out a slice of time from the old world, this is your place. For more information, visit http://www.konarkcollectables. com/
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ELITE CLUB
Picture Courtesy: Phillips Antiques CEO LIFESTYLE
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Vintage Vantage
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Established in 1860, Phillips Antiques perfectly personifies ‘old is gold’. The store, the oldest in Mumbai and possibly India, offers a selection of Oriental and European porcelain and pottery, brass toys, Victorian coloured glass, Gaudy-Dutch pottery, wine-glasses, South-East Asian trade pottery, tea-pots, Indian Sindh pottery and a lot more. Also available is a fine collection of original engravings, aquatints and lithographs of Indian interest including architecture, landscapes, costumes, potraits, caricatures, military, etc. For those who are fond of vintage photographs, the store also boasts reproductions of late 19th-century photographs, many taken by court photographers. They show the lost beauty of colonial Bombay and cost upto Rs. 5,000. Phillips Antiques also offers a wide variety of furniture, both ethnic and colonial. Here you can find some lovely CEO LIFESTYLE
armchairs, four poster beds, writing tables, chaise lounges, cabinets, etc. And if you are looking for something ethnic, there are several kinds of wooden doors, pillars, arches, etc., that you can choose from. A sure shot tourist’s destination, Phillips was originally a drug store established in 1860. The property was later acquired by the owner, Farook Issa’s great-grandfather, and then converted into an antique store. Some of the masterpieces at the store include the acclaimed tribal artist Satya Narayan Lal Karn’s ornate Mithila works of art pieces of jungle scenes that cost upto Rs. 90,000, and vahana (chariot) decorations that go upto Rs. 3,50,000. For all the exquisite artefacts that you can find here, it is no surprise that Phillips Antiques is a landmark, not just in Mumbai but India as well. For more information, visit http://www.phillipsantiques. com/
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Picture Courtesy: Ganesh Handicraft Emporium CEO LIFESTYLE
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Handy Crafts
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When you are talking antiques, how is it possible not to mention Rajasthan? And one of the names that everyone knows in the state is Ganesh Handicraft Emporium in the beautiful, romantic city of Udaipur. The store itself may well be labelled vintage because it is situated inside a 350-year-old haveli. If you are new to the area, you might miss it. So keep your eyes open as you walk on the City Palace road and look for a passage along the right side of the Shiva temple. As you step inside, the marble floor and ancient carved Gujarati doors welcome you to the 16 galleries replete with antique textiles, wooden crafts and paintings. Cool and quiet, the store is a welcome sanctuary from the outside heat and dust of the city. Ganesh Handicraft was founded in 1970 and the family business has now been handled for three generations, handed down from father to son. Here, you will find everything your heart desires, from embroidered pichvais and vintage wall hangings to sculpted wooden chess boards. Rajasthani, Guajarati, Central and South Indian and Kutchi textiles are the store’s speciality. So famous is the store that their list of visitors is quite luminous – Dame Judi Dench, Freida Pinto, Jeffrey Silver, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Roger Moore and many more. When they started off, it is said that the owners of the store used to send out their men to the nearby villages in search of old textiles, rugs and other artefacts. With time, however, as the popularity of the store increased, villagers started approaching them with their most valuable and traditional belongings. If you are visiting India or are a foreigner, fear not, for they deliver outside India too. So the next time you are in Udaipur, step into Ganesh Handicrafts, accept the hot cup of tea and feel free to wander around and lose yourself in history. For more information, visit http://www.ganeshemporium.com/
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Driving Down Memory Lane The Heritage Transport Museum in Manesar is a trip down nostalgia lane, says Suman Tarafdar. Tracing the journey of Indian transportation from the earliest historical times, it juxtaposes heritage and contemporary art to surprise and delight.
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Fast cars, business class air travel, bullet trains – a modern society aspires for them. But classic cars, vintage planes, luxury railway coaches from the colonial era, tongas, that is where true love lies. You see this love abundantly at the recently opened Heritage Transport Museum in Manesar, a little off the Delhi-Jaipur highway. You can’t help but stare at a regal black and while silver Chevy Impala or look away from the stunning Ford Fairline 500 Skyliner from 1957 with her multiple hoods open, including a retractable hard top. Or gush over a powder blue VW Camper, admire the Bedford bus, gaze wonderingly at how a tiny plane ever fit humans within it – and then flew. As you enter the museum, you will be welcomed by things not usually associated with transport, elaborately ornamented palanquins (not forgetting their demon faced finials) and camel saddles. Lithographs, posters,
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Bollywood moments, Lambys, wheels in different shapes, sizes and materials, a rail coach from the legendary Palace on Wheels, tin models, truck art that says ‘OK TATA BYE BYE’ and much more. Yes, this is a museum where anyone will enjoy, automobile lover or not. Tarun Thakral, whose labour of love it is, shows it off in style, for many of the displays in the museum are collected over decades. Thakral, founder-member of Heritage Transport Trust, a non-profit trust that runs the museum, has given his collection to the trust. “The collection got too huge,” he says. A good example would be the Jodhpur Saloon, the 80-yearold metre gauge coach that was built for Palace on Wheels. When it was discarded by the Indian Railways, Thakral bought it for his home. Today, it is the centrepiece of the railway collection. Thakral, whose day job is as the COO of Le Meridien, Delhi, says his inspirations included the magnificent London Transport Museum, the Smithsonian Museum and Istanbul’s Rahmi M Koç Museum, the last of which, he says, approximates to his own closely, in being a personal collection translated into a museum. He had to do considerable research on how to realise the museum, right from expenses to legalities. The land was his, bought long CEO LIFESTYLE
ago, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India gave a grant of six crore. The construction was realised in three years, and the total cost, minus land and objects, came to Rs. 14 crore. The museum itself is housed in a modern building and given an industrial look. The architects for the project, Jyoti Rath Associates say the inspirations for the site were the brown earth, the corrugated metal roofs, the metal and wielding of the restoration process and an understanding of the occupant. Significantly, as it is made as a museum, it has been able to incorporate modern technologies and sensibilities, from LED lighting and air conditioning by VRV technology. The museum is spread over four levels. From a Morris Minor doubling as a reception desk to the fascinating display of how the humble wheel evolved, the visitor is immediately drawn in. The section on pre-mechanised transport includes palanquins, howdahs, bullock carts, horse carriages, camel carts, carriage lamps, carbide lamps and palanquin finials. The railway section wall is faux brick faced, reminiscent of the thousands of railway stations, big and small, spanning the country. Note the original art work and memorabilia – original posters, train tickets, lamps and railway maps. Buses and trucks are next, though only actual buses make it here.
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The wall art, evocative and relatable, has elements from the gaudy Pakistani truck art as well. Kitsch is also dominant in the rickshaws and ‘phat-phats’ (ask an old Delhi person for explanation – they were banned on count of pollution more than a decade ago). The ‘Tempo’ and the ‘Jugaad’ find space here too. The section on two wheelers brings a fresh wave of nostalgia as Lambys, Vespas and the chunky Salsburys come into view. The aviation section, which pays tribute to JRD Tata, has a Piper J3C Cub aircraft suspended from the ceiling and the Indian flag that travelled to the moon on Apollo 15 mission in 1971. The early aviation posters are delightful and will make you smile, and reflect on the extent of modernisation. The star undoubtedly is the basement car collection. From Hindustan Motors’ beautiful Ambassadors (forget the neta vehicles) to Fords to GM, this section has gems that will make you linger. Note the 1938 Ford V8 Phaeton, the Chevrolets such as the Impala Handtop Sedan from 1970, and the bottle green Bel Air Convertible, or the cute station wagons from Ford and Chevrolet. Fiat, Renault, Buick (bought from a milkman in Bikaner) De Soto, Studebaker, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chrysler, Plymouth and the Beetle – the names alone make a car lover salivate. Touches such as an CEO LIFESTYLE
old newspaper ad titled ‘What is General Motors’, just add to the experience. Some names are missing, and the museum hopes for corporate support from those brands. “Transport has an emotional connect with us,” he says, explaining that he wants the museum to be “a place where we can spark creativity in children”. Children are a big focus for the museum, and there is a lot to fascinate and engage the young viewer. Besides the exhibits, Thakral has ensured worksheets, workshops, a Discovery Centre and plans more interactivity for the “button tech generation”. I want children to pick up on some element of the museum and take it forward in their lives,” he says. The museum has 2,500 items on display. There are another 2,000 odd in storage. Thakral intends for the collection to rotate so as to ensure freshness. There is a lot of art too, largely on loan. The museum also houses conferencing facilities and large lawns for partying in winter. Thakral plans for greater interactivity, and a big bang surprise for the first anniversary, when the museum plans to look at the future of transport and that can mean only one thing, a spaceship. In the future, look out for a museo-hotel and the James Bond Collection. For an automobile enthusiast, this might just be a slice of heaven, on wheels.
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Tech tracker
Ultrabooks – yay or nay? Powerful, classy and a ginormous battery back-up time – this probably sums up every ultrabook available in the market right now. With an ever-evolving laptop market and powerful tablets hitting the shelves every day, Kingston David tries to find out if ultrabooks are more than just pretty accessories.
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For those who are not familiar with ultrabooks, it is rather easy to sum them up. Bolt a sleek-looking frame that is mostly sealed or probably made up of a single block of aluminium to hardware that makes up an impressive brochure and add a very forgiving battery for long hours of backup and voila – you have an ultrabook book. This could easily pass under the radar if not for the premium, over-the-regular and more powerful laptops that you can get for the same price. At the same price-point you can get a higher-spec laptop with better connectivity options, more storage space and better graphics or get yourself a sleeker and more portable tablet. However, we would be completely missing the point if we do not look at the bigger picture an ultrabook has to offer. An ultrabook is not supposed to scorch laptop benchmark charts or be more portable than your iPad. It is supposed CEO LIFESTYLE
to give you the best of both worlds and be better at it than what the other two have to offer. Indeed, your tablet is more portable but it does not have the comfort of a mechanical keyboard. And yes, your ultrabook might not have a VGA port to connect to a projector during your presentations but it will last a long wait at the airport during a delayed flight. So, what is it exactly that we should expect from an ultrabook? Just because it has the latest Intel multi-core i-series processor does not mean that it has to do graphicheavy tasks. Though many ultrabooks do feature a dedicated graphics card, gaming is just not their forte, thanks to the limited real-estate available for the hardware. So, if you are looking to relax by playing your favourite games on your way home in the back seat of your car, you are better off buying a mainstream laptop for the same price.
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However, if you are looking for a machine that will handle anything from Internet browsing, word processing to even intense processor-heavy office applications and not run out of juice for long hours, then look no further. Also, with most ultrabooks offering touchscreen these days, it adds a whole new dimension to your browsing experience. In the age of Android tablets and phablets, we have been spoilt with instant ‘get up and go’ technology, with your home screen and apps just a button-press away. Ultrabooks, although unable to match it, come with SSDs to pamper you to an extent. SSDs, short for Solid State Drives, are state-of-the-art hard drives which, unlike your regular hard drives, do not take time to get spinning and retrieve data. And since fetching data from the drive becomes faster, so does the boot-up and wakeup time for Windows. A typical laptop,with the same hardware and loaded with the same data and software, could take as long as a minute to boot up and a few seconds to wake up from sleep whereas ultrabooks armed with SSDs can do the same four times faster. With blazing performance on tap, ultrabooks take your Windows experience to a whole new level. Here is a look at a few ultrabooks available in our country which stand out from the rest. Apple MacBook Air No surprises here, the MacBook Air has to make it to the ultrabook showdown for multiple reasons. One, because it kick-started the ultrabook revolution. Two, since it looks absolutely stunning and three, because it will not run out of steam for nine hours on a single charge. The battery backup is definitely an achievement, especially since the Air is thin enough to fit in an envelope and because it runs on Mac OS X, which is way more graphically intense than your regular Windows Operating System. A gorgeous screen and a backlit keyboard complete the package and users have the storage space options of 128GB or 256GB. With 11 and 13 inch screen sizes and prices ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000 depending
CEO LIFESTYLE
on the configuration you choose, it is the entry ticket to the MacBook world. Lenovo ThinkPad The Lenovo ThinkPad series is basically the descendant of the spartan yet functional IBM laptops from the 90s. In contrast to the MacBook Air, ThinkPads are not exactly good looking. With considerable amount of bulk in their chassis, they barely scrape though into the ultrabook segment. However, what they lose in looks, they make up for in endurance. The ThinkPad X240, which is on sale in India for a little less than Rs. 1 lakh, is built to withstand dust, extreme temperatures and even accidental spills on the keyboard, a crime many coffee guzzlers are guilty of. Even though the lack of a SSD inside might put off a few, it makes up with an innovative battery arrangement which provides 15 hours of backup and even has the option to swap a dying battery without having to interrupt your work. So, if you lead an active lifestyle, you will be mighty impressed. Dell XPS Dell rarely fails to impress and it is the same with their new XPS 13 ultrabook. In fact, it could be the world’s most powerful ultrabook with the Core-i7 4650U processor for their top-end model. The full HD touchscreen display is an icing on the cake for those of you who like to catch up on movies and TV shows while on the move. Acer Aspire Acer puts in a lot of effort to please their customers and it shows with their new Aspire S7. With a stunning unibody design, a full HD multi-touch display and eight hours of battery backup, it impresses beyond words. What really tips the scale over is the availability of a HDMI port and a backlit keyboard, both of which are conspicuous by their absence on the Dell. Priced at Rs. 1,10,000, it is also marginally more value for money. It makes a lucrative option for those who like to flaunt it and have the hardware to back it up.
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PLACES
Lifestyle Holidays
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Cruise Calling: All Aboard Sun-tanning at the beach, cultural tours through museums or long drives, you have been through the list of possibilities for a unique getaway. Well, not quite. Perhaps it is time for something new and sky-blue. Here is a list of leading cruises that will delight you to no end, Nifty Jacob promises.
Picture Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
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If a regal experience is on your mind, come aboard Celebrity Reflection. We absolutely adore the Reflection Suite, located in a private area that only a few have access to. It gets even better with a customised premium mattress and Europeanstyle butler service. If nothing else, showering with the sea in sight cannot be missed. For an evening rendezvous or a simple snack, the place to be is Michael’s Club which lets you unwind with a drink before dinner, as you watch your favourite sport on TV. You can take the pampering a notch higher with Canyon Ranch SpaClub, as you indulge in gentle care and mainly because God knows you deserve it. As for the epicurean experience, check out The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat with a stunning view of the ocean, where orders are placed a la carte and delivered in cute picnic baskets. If you have a stomach for kitsch, Qsine’s international cuisine focuses on providing an experience like none other. You are advised to keep aside regular expectations and let the eclectic presentations woo you. The Main restaurant is SPE certified, which ensures that the 60 dishes offered are nutritious and smashing as well – an excellent choice for those counting their calories. If the inescapable pressure of work has called for your attention, you can simply head to the Conference Centre and sit through a meeting. The space accommodates over 200 guests and can be converted to a fancy ballroom if an evening of classic waltz is on your mind, weddings or even cocktail parties. For those looking for something more interactive and fun, The Art Studio it is. We are talking mixology lessons, a sure shot way to impress guests at your next party, culinary lessons or even sketching and jewellery making. How is that for a class? To make it even better, you can opt for the 11 night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary and gear up to explore the beauty of some amazing destinations. Pick a shore excursion package to suit your interest and catch a glimpse of exotic cities like Istanbul and Athens. For details, visit www.celebritycruises.com
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The cruise has been a winner of many accolades and awards. So, quite simply put, we are looking at one of the very best where cruises are concerned. The interiors work around a chic and contemporary theme and the latest revamp has installed a few firsts in the industry like the chef’s herb garden that adorns the walls. The Penthouse Suites designs combine Hollywood and Fifth Avenue sophistication, truly embedding the deluxe factor. It includes a private living and dining space, master bed with Egyptian Linen, bath in Italian marble with a television embedded in the vanity mirror, a newly redesigned media room, a private workout room, veranda and pantry, alongside butler services that truly ensure a regal experience. Enjoy the morning calm by Seahorse Pool, resting in the pod bed, while the friendly staff brings you a drink. You can also tee off in the complimentary golf sessions. Add some gentle pampering to that with an aromatherapy treatment from the award-winning Crystal Spa, and that is not all. How about indulging in some retail therapy? Apropos is your one-stop destination with everything from accessories to designer wear, including a Dior flagship store. Hit The Big Screen for your favourite movie in the Dolbyequipped theatre, or test your luck with a round of Blackjack, roulette or the slot-machines. To hit ‘casual mode’, there is The Bistro with a variety of cheeses, fresh desserts and premium wine, just the place to relax , meet new folks and share the joy of a wonderful vacation. The Trident Grill is a splendid place to lounge in the open courtyard with beautiful walls, done in variegated greenery. Of course, excursions abound with customised options, including a complimentary ‘voluntourism’ event. How about a 24-day tour from Qubec City to Miami? Scheduled for October 26th, it’s a great way to discover the East Coast of USA as you greet Canada and the Caribbean. For details, visit http://www.crystalcruises.com/
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Picture Courtesy: Crystal Cruises CEO LIFESTYLE
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Picture Courtesy: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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How does the thought of setting sail in an ‘all suite and all balcony’ cruise sound? (wow). We thought as much. Yes, all accommodations are suites with a balcony each, clearly delivering a luxe experience. You can pick from the suite categories available, although the Master Suite with two private balconies and bedrooms truly caught our fancy. This one is ideal for a deluxe family vacation and can accommodate up to six. To catch a breathtaking view of the panorama around, the Pool Deck is quite the spot. Laze on the beach beds, take laps in the heated pool or play a game of tennis, after which you can head straight to the Pool Grill and treat yourself to grilled seafood or burgers, perhaps. When in the mood for a rare cognac or Cuban cigar, Connoisseur Club is where the gentlemen huddle and toast to good life. If you would like a daring spin, hit the Casino to try your hand at blackjack, roulette or studpoker. Constellation Theatre fits the bill of entertainment with cabaret shows and nine piece orchestras. For an informal mode, the Horizon Lounge has resident musicians who entertain as you sip evening tea or unwind with a cocktail. Steak lovers, Prime 7 has amazing Oysters Rockfeller, Filet Mignon and so much more, while the flagship restaurant, Compass Rose, dishes out exotic European-inspired delicacies. The after-hour fun is at Voyager Lounge with club lights, karaoke competitions and late night DJ music. To make your trip perfect, Destination Services helps personalise shore excursions or cruise programs to aid in your quest for a customised and luxurious vacation. Even better, the cruise offers unlimited shore excursions free of cost, in every port-of-call and destination. The vessel has an expansive list of itineraries that cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Asia and just about every other place. A 28-night itinerary, from Africa to Singapore is to set sail around December 21st. A perfect way to welcome the new year. For more information, visit www.rssc.com
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You have hit the bull’s eye if you are looking for an oriental themed journey. The cruise generally offers a three to four day itinerary during which it sails across Asia, the key destinations being Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Of course, you have no dearth of accommodations to choose from. An Executive Suite fits the solo traveller, while large families can opt for the Ocean Stateroom with a balcony. Entertainment galore, the Lido Theatre pumps it up with musical shows and world class acrobatic performances. If you are a sucker for video games, hit the Starlight Video Arcade to catch up on your Wii and Xbox games. Those looking for the watering hole can head to Celebrity, the cruise’s vodka club lounge, a perfect place to bond over fine drinks and talk about sports or politics. Your little ones can have their share of fun at Neptune’s Wet & Wild water pool. So that you still keep at your workout sessions (yes, we know it is your vacation but you will thank us for this) there is the Star Track circuit for you. Tie your running shoes for a sprint or flex those muscles at Universal Gymnasium. You could also shop for souvenirs at Port O’ Call or Milan station if you have a soft spot for branded handbags. For the hydrophilic, the Parthenon Pool awaits. Now for the food bit: the cruise has 17 restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Blue Lagoon and Pavilion offer authentic Asian while Mediterranean serves an international buffet. And guess what? SuperStar Virgo is the only cruise with an Indian restaurant onboard which is free of pork. The cruise is also equipped with internet, Helipad services, a medical centre, library and a Boulevard to enjoy the ocean view. Of course, all the fun is not limited to the sea, you can also enjoy regular shore excursions on pristine white beaches across international terrain. Truly, the best of both worlds. For details, visit http://www.starcruises.com/en/home.aspx
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Picture Courtesy: Silversea Cruises CEO LIFESTYLE
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Well planned and spacious, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio and of course, luxury on board – if these seem tempting, the Silver Cloud is an excellent option for a getaway. The suites are quite roomy with a stunning ocean view that will leave you in awe. The Silver Suite with its teak verandah and separate living and dining space is just the place for a couple or a small family. If you are among those who cannot sleep in a foreign environment, the options to customize your mattress (firm or soft, twin or queen-sized) may certainly help. An in-suite bar with your preferred beverage and Butler service to spoil you makes it even more comfortable. The evenings come alive at The Bar with complimentary cocktails, live music and of course, a dance floor. You can also gather for a game of bridge and if you are a pro, enter the tournaments that happen in the Card Room. The Restaurant assures an elegant evening of candle light dining, amidst the sparkling silver and crystal decor. The cuisine comprises regional delicacies, which means it is going to be Roasted Chilean Sea Bass while sailing across Chilean fjords and Chicken Korma in Mumbai. You can also make your pick from La Collection du Monde’s signature dishes exclusively created by Grand Chefs Relais & Châteaux. The Pool Bar & Grill is a great place for light and healthy meals. But the fun begins after sun down when the place transforms into an intimate alfresco setting with stars for cover and an interactive Black Rock Grill experience. You can also deboard at port and enjoy an excursion with customised tours by the Silver Shore Programmes. Some of the most popular itineraries are the Eastern and Western Mediterranean tours that span 7 to 14 days as it sails across Greek Isles and Black Sea or Spanish and Italian Shores, respectively. For details, visit http://www.silversea.com/
Living IN-STYLE
Hospitality, the Hi-Tec Way A premium hotel located in the high octane tech territory of Hyderabad’s Hitec City means that one too many companies from the world over are probably weighing out the option of utilizing its hospitality. Rekha Shanmugham sets out on a journey to Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City to make their job easier.
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It was a picturesque and convenient drive from the Hyderabad International Airport to the hotel. An approaching brigade of edifices told me that I couldn’t be far from Hitec City. Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City was very quick to welcome me as I entered the IT empire, almost the very first, one could say. A strategically placed hotel indeed, I thought to myself as I entered. After a rather quick check in, I was shown to my room. My first impression of the hotel, well, simply classy. Subdued amethyst, grey and white, with strong accents of silver intertwined to lend the place a delightful sense of contemporary elegance. Snazzy and welcoming, it was the perfect fit for a person like me who is a sucker for all things urbane. The 14-floor building comes with several categories of rooms : there are the Superior Rooms, Business Class Rooms, Executive Suites, Studio Suite and of course, the Presidential Suite, spanning a good 1565 square feet. Barring the Superior Rooms, all categories enjoy access to the Executive Lounge featuring a range of alcoholic beverages that come complimentary for a stipulated period of time in the evening hours. I entered my room to notice that the decor strictly merged with the outdoors that caught my fancy, and was just as sophisticated. My eyes fell on interesting artworks inspired by the regal forts of the city as I plonked down on my inviting king-size bed. Unwrapping the chocolate treats that lay on the centre table along with apples, I scanned the spa services to find a treatment to help spring my sore muscles back to life. Next thing I know, I stir up from an involuntary afternoon siesta. For how long was I asleep anyway, I thought to myself, blaming the snug blankets, as I headed down to address the constant grumbling of my stomach. The prospect of indulging at The Oriental Blossom restaurant was quite exciting. Authentic oriental delicacies never disappoint my taste buds. I walked into the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised that the decor was a stark departure from the rest of the hotel. Done up in rich hues of orange, red and yellow, it evoked a sense of oriental grandeur. The highlights of course, were the gigantic, imported lantern-like chandeliers, the cynosure of all eyes. Making myself comfortable in a seat by an interesting board sporting Chinese letters, I began to
Living IN-STYLE
scan the menu. After some serious contemplation, the meal began with the vegetable manchow soup and later, went on to span some seriously delicious food. It might have reached a crescendo somewhere around the ‘crispy cauliflower Singapore style’, but well, one can’t really say, as the dishes simply competed with one another to guide me on the perfect epicurean journey. It is no wonder, I thought to myself, that this was a multiple award-winning restaurant always ranked amongst the top when it came to Chinese food in Hyderabad, if not right at the very top. Clichéd as it may sound, I had indeed filled myself to the brim and getting up to leave the place seemed like a herculean task. I stirred up with great difficulty and on my way out noticed that adjacent to The Oriental Blossom was Cascade, the all-day dining restaurant that also serves the complimentary breakfast for guests staying at the hotel. Predominantly fusing tones of red and turquoise, the long hallway-like place looked cheery and inviting, while the delectable spread attempting to take a mini tour around the world looked at me as though to beckon. Now is perhaps not the best time, I smiled to myself as I turned to exit the place. After a few strides down the hallway I noticed that I was escorted out by the hotel’s lounge bar Zyng. With plush seating and an impressive repertoire of international spirits and wines and of course, cocktails and mocktails, it seemed CEO LIFESTYLE
to be a good option to unwind in, later in the day. A couple of men and women in crisp suits, arguably in their mid-thirties were having a good time over a few drinks. Making a mental note to return sometime soon, I strode on. Hoping to get some fresh air, I ventured all the way up to the terrace to be welcomed by a lovely rooftop pool. Flanking the azure waters of the pool was Poolside Grill, the seasonal, open-air setting offering several varieties of Indian and international barbeque and grills. I had half a mind to change into swimwear. Nothing can be quite as relaxing as a prolonged dip in a scenic rooftop pool, I thought to myself as I descended the stairs to come indoors again. Close by was the fitness centre, fully equipped and air conditioned. Watching some furious working out knocked me out of my reverie and I set out to explore more of what the hotel offers the typical business traveller. Spread across two floors, Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City has five flexible halls with the luxury of natural lighting, with the largest one being able to accommodate a good 200 guests. With a state-of-the-art business centre, banquet coordinators, specially designed conference packages, impressive menu to choose from and even thematic dinners, the hotel pretty much has the domain of business well looked-after. And if the business traveller would like to set some time apart to explore the city before he bids goodbye, as is usually the norm on
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Friday evenings post the strenuous ‘business week’, the prompt concierge services are readily at his disposal. The lush Hyderabad Botanical Garden, the award-winning Hyderabad International Convention Centre and the huge Inorbit Shopping Mall are just a few options. Well, my next and the final destination before I retired with room service was to be the spa of course. I had grown a little tired from the exploration and was longing for some real pampering. Two smiling ladies seated at the reception counter of the O2 Spa welcomed me graciously. Sipping on my welcome drink, I scanned the booklet to choose the fashion of being pampered and not feeling too adventurous, settled for the usual Aromatherapy massage. Within the confines of the soothing dark room began the therapy, starting with my shoulders and slowly engaging the entire body. My muscles could have cried out loud in glee. Engulfed by the sweet essence of the aromatherapy oils and under the influence of the masseuse’s deft fingers, I knew it was only minutes before my eyelids shut. Wait a minute, let me give you my verdict before that: strategically placed with great interiors, modern amenities and an awardwinning restaurant, this hotel is absolute value for money and a must-consider place if you were to visit Hitec City on business. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Living IN-STYLE
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by
Nurtured
Nature
Breathtaking views of the ethereal Southern Alps, unending grasslands, blue waters of Lake Wakatipu and open skies – if reconnecting with nature and yourself is on your agenda these holidays, there isn’t a better place than Aro Hā, says Neha Malude.
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Living IN-STYLE
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Opened this year in January, Aro Hā in New Zealand specializes in what they call wellness adventures. If you haven’t guessed already, this is not your average resort where you escape the tediousness of daily life to binge on food and drinks and just laze around all day, no siree. Touted as a detox spa resort, one visits Aro Hā to leave it all behind and become one with nature and in ways that will leave you utterly refreshed, lean, happy and just over all, positive. A long winding road from Queensland will lead you to Glenorchy, a small settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand. A 35-minute drive will lead you to the gates of Aro Hā, a 21-hectare site that sits on a sub-alpine terrace in a naturally secluded cluster of Wyuna Preserve. From the get go, everything about the resort spells a closeness to Mother Earth – from Passive Haus buildings (a technique that reduces ecological footprint of a building) and sustainable architecture (the resort produces its own energy) to growing their own food from permaculture gardens that has all the goodness of nature in it. New Zealand’s first renewable CEO LIFESTYLE
distributed heating scheme ensures that the retreat treads lightly on the local environment. While the crops are stored in cellars, refrigerated by the ambient temperature of the earth, the site is monitored by a state-of-the-art building management system, allowing efficient conversion of sun and water to energy. With eight accommodation units, the resort by design, encourages shared space. There are four types of accommodations, namely Eco Suite Private Room (King), Eco Suite Shared Room (King & twins), Monastic Eco (singles) Suite and the Private Eco Suite. While the Eco Suite Private Room is divided into two private rooms with King sized beds in each room, the Shared Room has a King bed and two single beds. The Monastic Eco Suite has four single beds with shared bathrooms and the Private Eco Suite is meant for couples or singles wanting absolute privacy. The rooms are minimalist and have been designed keeping in mind the harmony with the surroundings. They are furnished with recycled timber, woven natural dyed blankets, organic cotton linen, New Zealand wool floor rugs and natural latex
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mattresses. But it is the view from each of these rooms that will have you sighing in pleasure. The bathrooms are well appointed, designed to be shared and feature separate shower, bath and toilet spaces. They come well-stocked with bathrobes and oversized towels as well as organic body and shower products. In the foyer of the Eco Suites and Monastic Singles there is space to sit, change shoes, and share herbal teas. Guests also have access to a laundry service and a separate drying room for hiking boots and jackets. The accommodation is designed to celebrate the fundamental acts of sleeping and bathing in Zen inspired luxury – all the creature comforts soaked in the purity of nature. Seeing as the basic principle of Aro HÄ is rejuvenation of the spirit, their wellness programs are also created accordingly. So, an average day at the resort begins early in the morning with mindfulness meditation, followed by a super-healthy breakfast of nutrient-dense vegetarian cuisine that is gluten free, paleo friendly and filled with micro nutrients and active enzymes and therefore packs a punch, leaving you ready to face the day. Then, along with a small CEO LIFESTYLE
group, it is time for a sub-alpine hike that lasts for at least three hours. And if you think that is intensive, yes it is. But that is the very idea, is it not? The trek will bring you in contact with the wilderness like you have never before experienced. But if they know how to test your strength and tenacity, they also know how to serve you. A smashing lunch made from the best ingredients follows a therapeutic massage that should restore all the lost energy in your body right away. Apart from that, guests can enjoy the benefits of Vinyasa Yoga, functional strength training, hands on nutrition classes and contrast spa therapy. The spa combines Finnish and infrared saunas, hot tub and cold plunge to provide an advanced contrast therapy circuit, which is what the Obsidian Spa at Aro Ha is all about. Note that contrast therapy provides proven pain relief, speedy muscle recovery and cardiovascular support. Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat offers four night/five day and six night/seven day retreats in the heart of the South Island with a focus on nutrient dense organic nutrition, yoga for the soul, massage for the body, hiking for the brain and nature
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Living IN-STYLE
Picture Courtesy: Aro Hā Wellness Retreat
The accommodation is designed to celebrate the fundamental acts of sleeping and bathing in Zen inspired luxury – all the creature comforts soaked in the purity of nature
CEO LIFESTYLE
for life enrichment. One of the best things about a visit to the resort is that you can experience whatever you want. Guests don’t have to stick to a specific wellness adventure program because Aro Hā offers different kinds of retreats, some of them being Winter Wellness (4550 NZ dollars), Invigorate & Enrich (4550 NZ dollars), Yoga & Longevity (4550 NZ dollars), Wild Wise & Free (4550 NZ dollars) and another recent addition, Heli Ski Wellness (9975 NZ dollars for a seven-day retreat). If you are short on time, choose the Invigorate & Enrich program that uses nature, nutrition, mindfulness yoga, and functional movement to quickly jumpstart your health. If you are a yoga buff, the Yoga & Longevity program is a no-brainer. And for those ‘inclined’ towards adventure and fitness, there is the Heli Ski Wellness program, where you and your friends get a chance to ski in the Southern Alps of New Zealand enjoying stunning views as you speed down the slopes, followed by a wholesome yet delicious, organic meal. A chance to escape to the snowcapped hills of New Zealand, away from civilization and an experience that will leave you with a renewed enthusiasm for life – now, who wouldn’t want that? For more information, visit: http://www.aro-ha.com/
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picture perfect
Collector’s Choice
Chote Lal Bharany’s generous donation to National Museum of rare art works and artefacts has put the spotlight back on the passion that drives private collectors, says Poonam Goel.
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At 87, Chote Lal Bharany is a contented man. He is being celebrated as a generous art collector whose magnanimous donation of over a thousand art objects to Delhi’s National Museum in 1976 has now become the talk of the town. Especially since around hundred rare paintings, sculptures and textiles from this donation were thrown open to public gaze in an exhibition titled A Passionate Eye at the museum in August. But the reason for the octogenarian’s satisfied demeanour is something deeper. This is the opportunity CEO LIFESTYLE
for him to talk about his father Radha Krishna Bharany, an unlettered man whose business was selling carpets in Amritsar but who acquired country wide fame as an art dealer, with a client list that included names like scholar Ananda Coomaraswamy and art historian Stella Kramrisch. R.K. Bharany, it is revealed to us, would buy anything that would appeal to his instinct – be it Pahari miniatures, stone and bronze sculptures, textiles, jewellery, Kashmiri needlework, carpets etc. “He was not imprisoned by any
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material but by the beauty of any art which his eyes adored,” says C.L. Bharany, showing the letters of recommendations that his father had received from some eminent people of those times. He recollects that a lot of paintings would come to his father from Tibber, a tiny village near Gurdaspur. Runners or gobetweens between R.K. Bharany and the rulers would go from house to house, from Raja to Raja in Kangra valley. “The owners of these paintings were blue-blooded but the art of their ancestors was just pieces of paper for them and their declining fortunes forced them to barter these. My father had several trunks full of these paintings, which he categorized and priced at Rs. 10, 20 and 50. He was an intuitive art dealer.” Even though art dealer is a term which is frowned upon in today’s contemporary art world, this does not bother the proud son. “These terms are prison houses of the mind. Buying art is only about passion. Whether you are an art dealer or a collector, you must go by your instinct and love what you are buying. When one buys art, it should only be a thing of beauty irrespective of who made the work, where and when they were made, and for whom.” CEO LIFESTYLE
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R.K. Bharany would buy anything that would appeal to his instinct – be it Pahari miniatures, stone and bronze sculptures, textiles, jewellery, Kashmiri needlework, carpets etc.
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Picture Courtesy: National Museum, Delhi It is for the same reason that Bharany refuses to name any favourite artist from the contemporary world, even though he recalls fondly a Sarada Ukil painting he bought for Rs. 700. He would rather focus on the fact that India’s traditional art forms including folk and tribal art must get their due in mainstream art. “Paintings from Mandi or Basholi or Kullu were at one time considered ‘folk art’, while today they are prized possessions. Similarly Shangri Ramayana paintings were once sold to the National Museum for Rs. 250 or Rs. 300 each and gossip came pouring in that taxpayers’ money was being wasted on folk art. Today, Shangri paintings are being sold at exorbitant prices and every scholar rates them as first class works of art.” Even in the exhibition at National Museum, the objects were diverse in terms of social context as well, ranging from courtly art and elite items to rural and folk art. C.L. Bharany himself took up art dealing when his father died in 1942, leaving behind a staggering collection of Pahari paintings. He first started with a showroom of Indian artefacts in Kolkata in 1950, and then diversified into jewellery. Over the years, jewellery has come to be his main business, with the present Sunder Nagar showroom in Delhi being run by C.L. Bharany with his two sons, Ramji and Mahesh. The CEO LIFESTYLE
Bharany collection includes Mughal miniatures, Kashmiri shawls, Kantha embroidery from Bengal, and Phulkari and Bagh from Punjab, wood carvings and bronze statues from Kerala, and more recently, tribal art and calendar art. As a collector, C.L. Bharany admits that he has also faced the disappointment of being cheated with fake works. One such incident is with a set of Sirohi paintings that turned out to be fake. “It was a good lesson for me. The incident served the purpose of educating me.” It is the same dedication to Indian traditional art forms that he has passed on to his own sons. “We do not buy anymore, but we hope that more private collectors will be inspired to donate their works,” says younger son Mahesh, echoing his father’s thought that giving is better than receiving. Some stunners from the Bharany Collection: • Phulkari and Kantha Shawls • 11th century stone sculpture of Uma-Shankar • Kerala woodcarving depicting scenes from the Ramayana • Ras Lila, Kangra painting, early 19th century • Jarasandh Vadh, paperwork by Bundelkhandi artist
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MY SECRET INGREDIENT? KAFF! IT�S Chef Vicky Ratnani
Every chef knows that it takes a special touch to make good dishes great. For Vicky Ratnani, it's Kaff. Our range of beautiful, sophisticated kitchen appliances make healthy cooking a real pleasure! And when cooking is a joy, the dish will definitely be fantastico!
1800-180-2221
picture perfect
‘Untitled’ by Murli Dhar Rai
Fake It Not
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It can often be a daunting task, especially for a newbie art collector, to decide which piece of art is fake and which isn’t. But there are some do’s and don’ts of collecting art as well, writes Poonam Goel.
Sanjeev Sethi, 37, is a young art enthusiast who bought his first painting from an art student for mere Rs. 10,000. The pen and ink portrait hangs proud in his office cabin and even today, three years after this purchase, Sethi says it is his favourite. Undoubtedly, buying art is mostly a matter of personal choice, and in cases like the Bharany family, pure businessman’s instinct. But most of us wanting to buy art really don’t know where to begin. So, here is what you need to guide yourself through the maze of intimidating galleries, inaccessible artists and a grey market teeming with art dealers. Don’t be scared of galleries You might shrug this off as a facetious statement but the fact is that a typical gallery ambience is snooty to most. CEO LIFESTYLE
But do not give up. Visit as many galleries as you can in your own city or even during travels. Visit museums and experimental non-profit spaces as well (Khoj in Delhi and 1, Shanti Road in Bangalore). Over time, you will begin to develop a fondness for a particular genre or style of art. This is the start really. Says Shobha Bhatia of Gallerie Ganesha, “Reputed galleries are more likely to have the best works of their artists. Therefore they would also be more reliable.” Study like a student Start subscribing to art magazines (Art India, Art & Deal, Take on Art) and become aware of the trends in contemporary art. Online art media (artslant.com, artinfo. com, thewallartmag.com) also give more updated news on
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‘Untitled’ by Murli Dhar Rai
‘See’ by Devdatta Padekar
own individual taste and style,” comments Lubna Sen, a former corporate girl now venturing into getting art students to show and sell their art under the banner of Art Route.
both the entrants and the veterans of art market. Get yourself on the mailing list of auction houses. Avoid making a gallery owner as your art advisor. Be your own, no matter how intimidating the task.
Be aware of middlemen Art dealers are often shady middlemen trying to make a quick buck in super short time. Suggests Raghuvanshi, “Develop a relationship with the artist. In the internet age, when few artists are inaccessible, why give into middlemen or pay huge commissions to galleries?”
Never buy art to match your walls Don’t take your interior decorator’s advice either. You may change the furniture and curtains, and even the house you live in, but the art is there to stay. Choose art which tells you a story and appeals to your instinct rather than to the colour of your walls. Says Bhatia, “Select an artist who has consistency in quality and a proven track record.” Background checks Once your education tour is done (and be warned, it may take months before you know what you want to buy) and you have zeroed in on an artist, make sure you know everything about your next best friend. Says art curator Ranjita Chaney, “Any new buyer, depending on their budget, should be fully aware of the artist’s background. Having the right provenance of any work makes the work important and authenticated.” Artist, art writer and curator Alka Raghuvanshi adds, “Collectors should also know whether the artist has gained critical acclaim. Also check if the artist uses good quality paints and canvas and good quality paper.”
Take care of your collection Finally, good quality framing, temperature control, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture, restoration in time – all these go a long way in keeping your art happy and glowing. Stick to a budget Ensure you know how much you have to spend. A longterm collector will always keep in mind a long term spending plan. If you want more affordable works, go to art fairs and art college exhibitions.
Shy away from trends So you recently read that a film star has bought a painting from a specific artist. It might be easy to be swayed, but hold tight. It could just be a publicity endorsement. “Stick to your CEO LIFESTYLE
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Some bankable names you can buy: Niren Sengupta, Shridhar Iyer, Manisha Gawade, Saba Hasan, Nupur Kundu, Alka Raghuvanshi, Harsha Swaminathan and younger artists like Devdatta Padekar, Avijit Dutta, Raghava K.K., Alok Uniyal and Murli Dhar Rai. OCTOBER 2014
WINE & DINE
PERFECT BITE
Romancing the Rajasthani Thaal Experience life as a Rajasthani nobleman, while savouring the traditional cuisine of the state at Jaipur’s boutique heritage hotel Samode Haveli, says Prachi Joshi. CEO LIFESTYLE
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In the chaos of Old Jaipur, stepping inside Samode Haveli is like happening upon an oasis in the desert. The 175-year old property was built as a manor townhouse for the royal family of Rawal Sheo Singhji. The Indo-Saracenic architecture, drawing influences from Mughal, Gothic and Neo-Classical styles, presents an elegant picture with lavishly decorated and well-appointed rooms and suites. The former dining hall serves as the main restaurant and is bedecked with colourful murals, painstakingly hand-painted. Food at Samode Haveli is not the usual Daal-bati-churma and Gatte ki sabzi variety. “I have always felt that there is more to Rajasthani cuisine than the standard dishes that are CEO LIFESTYLE
found everywhere today, and I am proud to be able to offer our guests a truly unique dining experience,” says Yadavendra Singh, the scion of the family and owner of Samode Hotels. The haveli’s iconic restaurant has launched a new menu that draws inspiration from a hand-me-down family cookbook. “The menu is influenced by a handwritten book compiled and presented to me by my late uncle Thakur Ashok Singh Diggi – a book where we discovered recipes unique to our family, measured in the old units of tola, ser, masha and ratti,” says Singh. Singh and Chef Rajeev Sharma, the Director of F&B at Samode Hotels, spent a lot of time trying to decipher the language and measurements to come up with this menu.
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Our starters were Dahi bada, but not your run-of-the-mill street chaat. Rather, we had a Mutton Dahi Bada, a lightly seasoned, succulent meat patty and a Makai Khumb Dahi Bada, mushroom and corn patties, spiked with garam masala. Both were served in a spiced yoghurt sauce, topped with pomegranate seeds. For the kebab round, we tried the Murg Ka Sula, broiled and smoked chicken, flavoured with an unusual blend of almonds, onion, garlic and masalas. The rest of the dishes were served in a thaal, each dish redolent with flavours of the past with a fine balance of spices that did not overpower the senses. First to arrive was the Baingan Ki Burrani, a raita made with roasted aubergines, fried garlic and seasoned yoghurt. The smoky flavours of the aubergines, combined with the yoghurt made for a refreshing start to the thaal, almost like a palate cleanser after the starters. We were served several vegetables, beginning with an Aloo Tadka, followed by Lahsuni Palak and Dhungari Gwar Fali. The potato vegetable tempered with mustard, chillies and ginger was quite a homely kind of a dish, something that is served in countless restaurants across India. The spinach cooked in mustard oil and flavoured with cumin, garlic and chilli flakes was full of punchy flavours. However, the vegetable that won hands down was the cluster beans – not a vegetable that is used to accolades. The slightly bitter tones of the cluster beans were tempered with asafoetida, garlic and aamchur. The dish was smoked in mustard oil, a process that brought out all the flavours, without having the mustard oil take over the entire palate. Then came the dish that I had been waiting for, Junglee Maans. This dish was traditionally prepared with very few ingredients, as it was usually made fresh, right after the shikar. Singh’s family recipe listed just three ingredients – ghee, coarse salt and dried red chillies. It is a wonder how such a limited number of ingredients can transform the pulled goat’s meat into a flavourful treat, simple yet rich with the goodness of ghee. We were served two types of breads with these dishes. The Bakarkahni, an unleavened bread of Muslim origin and the Persian bread Taftaan. The taftaan was our favourite, delicately flavoured with almonds, saffron and kewra. The thaal also had a Sabz Yahkni Pulao, fragrant basmati rice, vegetables and whole spices and a Dal Kabila, a simple chana daal preparation that complemented the pulao. We ended the meal with a deliciously creamy Gulab Ki Kheer, aromatic basmati rice, slow-cooked with rose petals and dry fruits, with a hint of cardamom. The rose flavour was subtle and the cold kheer was a fitting end for a meal to remember. “We put a lot of effort into our food and I hope that it pays off when our guests come to stay at our hotels,” says Singh. Based on this particular lunch, we can certainly vouch that it is well worth the effort. lEft to right Aloo Tadka, Gulab ki kheer, Junglee Maans, Baingan ki Burrani, Dal Kabila, Dhungari Gwar Fali, Murg ka Sula, Lahsuni Palak, Makai Khumb Dahi Bada
PERFECT BITE
Adding a Little Zing A long drive down the naturally curved Bangla Sahib Road brings us to the more secluded part of Connaught Place. N Kumar hops off at The Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi to sample the fare of Zing's new menu.
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The first thing that hits you at Zing is the space. While we are quite happy with small, cosy spaces, the sheer expanse of space was a welcome change. As we walked into the hotel lobby, we were greeted by the helpful staff who then escorted us to our dining abode for the evening. Wooden tables and chairs bearing wine glasses and cutlery kept it simple, yet classy. Zing is evidently popular amongst the hotel guests who choose to dine in-house more often than step outside to try the Central Delhi food scene. Once we were seated at our window-side table and presented with the menu, we started off with the drinks called Sharaabi Gola and the Aamarita. Both were gin based but the former contained orange juice CEO LIFESTYLE
and sweet vermouth and did not do much for our taste buds. The Aamarita proved to be the perfect thirst quencher for the balmy evening. Both cocktails were, however, equally potent and left little desire for seconds. Just as well, as the soups made their way to the table shortly. Thereafter, we diverted our eyes to the food menu. The recently revamped menu promised to give guests the world on the plate with cuisines from across the globe. With the helpful guidance of Executive Chef Sandeep Panwar, we began our long, leisurely meal. The Essence of Porcini was a thick mushroom soup accompanied by a matching vol-au-vent, which was first
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PERFECT BITE
served in a classic white bowl, followed by the soup, which was poured on top of it submerging itself completely. It was rich and flavoursome but paled in comparison to the Pea Soup, a blend of thai and Italian elements served with a sprig of lemongrass. Once the green wonder was slurped up, we braced ourselves for some fresh and crunchy salad. The Smoked Chicken and Apple Salad, which came bound in a little lump by apple peels and topped up with a single rocket leaf was a delight. The sweet crunch of the apple combined with the tender chicken morsels, perfectly cut into cubes resulted in a burst of wonderful flavours. For a vegetarian option, the Greek Salad is a safe bet. A combination of bell peppers, tomatoes and feta wrapped in a thin layer of cucumber was refreshing and proved to be an ideal palate cleanser. Quite pleased with the first course, we were quite looking forward to the main course but (to our delight) were treated to more appetisers. The Moroccan Charmoule Fish comprised two succulent pieces of fish smothered in a green pesto-like sauce accompanied by a side of vegetables and a sour cream dip. Seafood lovers, order this right away. The tofu dish, however, came as a disappointment after the fish had set the standard. Served in a spicy gravy, it left us wanting. Not that it tasted bad but the texture was more akin to cottage cheese. Had the same dish been given to us as Paneer Tikka Masala, we would have lapped it up without complaint. When we finally made it to the main course, a large steaming pot of Khao Suey was brought to us. Sitting inside an elevated bowl, the tea-light at the bottom helped keep it warm CEO LIFESTYLE
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and also made for a great presentation. The Burmese delicacy had been sprinkled with some tadka. As the chef explained that fusion was an integral part of the menu, we didn’t mind the lack of authenticity. It was definitely the spiciest khao suey we have had but it was well worth the wait. We gobbled many helpings of it before turning our attention to the Norwegian Salmon with Shrimp Ravioli. Although presented beautifully in a stack, we wished the dish had a little more sauce. Unsurprisingly, we turned our attention back to the khao suey. A quick scan of the next course, desserts, left us looking forward to the last bit of the meal. We picked up the Walnut Pudding with Orange Mascarpone Cream, Baked Yogyurt and Chocolate Cake. The walnut cake was nice but the accompanying orange cream truly saved the dish and maintained our smiles. The regular chocolate cake was, for lack of a better word, regular. The baked yoghurt was simultaneously rich and light; quite reminiscent of the Bengali mishti doi, we give this one a thumbs up. We did love a few of the dishes at Zing and would go back just to hog the khao suey but as a complete meal. And while you are at Zing, we would highly recommend their strong cocktails and great service. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Braised Lamb Shanks, Seabass, Tofu Meshwi, Tiramisu, Mushroom Risotto
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In High spirits
Varun Sudhakar at Aer, Four Seasons Mumbai
Say Cheers To The Winter Winter is coming, as it always predictably does. Tantalisingly though, some rather eclectic and very original cocktails are being readied just as summer is dispatched. Bhisham Mansukhani enjoys a hedonistic preview of just some of these drinks that you can look forward to during the chilly season.
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Winter julep at Eau Bar, The Oberoi Mumbai
Sahib chai at the Kipling Bar
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Noted American thinker Charles Warner once quipped that everyone complains about the weather but no one does anything about it. But that tireless inventive person, the bartender, who warms up countless souls no matter what the season might rage outside the tavern, won’t agree. So while classics like the Dirty Martini and Bloody Mary remain perennial selections, winters witness bartenders whipping up cocktails with innovative ingredients like spices and cream and spirits like brandy, rum and vodka. We bring you five bartenders with their two choicest winter cocktails that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, this cold season. CEO LIFESTYLE
Harbour Bar, Taj Mahal Palace and Towers Perhaps India’s most likely candidate for a heritage status as far as bars go, Harbour Bar is an ideal place to seek warmth during Mumbai’s mild winters. Winter Café: With Cognac and coffee, the quintessential combination is many notches better than the choice of a brandy and shot of espresso. Kahlua is the icing on the cake, adding a nice rush of flavour on the finish. Pomegranate Eve: Pink vermouth and ginger ale temper the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice’s sweet, acidic palate, delivering a dry, fruity cocktail of layered flavours and a
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In High spirits
Pomegranate Eve at Harbour Bar, Taj Mahal Sahib chai at the Kipling Bar
Palace and Towers
Christmassy colour that makes it an appropriate choice for the month of December. The Kipling Bar, Palladium Mumbai’s newest hotel’s most elegant bar pays homage to the Brit hunter and author, Rudyard Kipling. The bar abounds with colonial motifs and a signature range of cocktails, reflecting Kipling’s tastes and writings. Sahib’s Chai: Maybe this is how Kipling liked his wintry cuppa, save for the cognac and spiced rum added to the concoction of hot chocolate, caramel, nutmeg and hazelnut syrup in this Palladium signature cocktail. Served in a rather ornamental silver cup with a matching kettle, the drink is potent, thanks to the spice that underlines the flavours of chocolate and the complexity of the cognac. Ballad of East & West: This cocktail takes in elements from both sides of the Pacific – cinnamon and cloves from the East and western favourites, Bourbon and Grand Marnier as well as roasted Italian coffee beans and Canadian maple syrup. The Irish Coffee glass makes an invariable appearance. Eau Bar, The Oberoi Mumbai Another gorgeous sea-facing bar, the Eau Bar sports just the kind of tasteful space one would want to spend hours contemplating an interesting cocktail, or two. CEO LIFESTYLE
Café Amour: The cocktail is ‘poured’ out from a smoke suffused tea pot into an Irish Coffee glass, already filled with a dollop of whipped cream dotted with almond flakes. Café Amour is an almost dessertesque cocktail with intense flavours of chocolate and coffee. The flavours are concentrated because the teapot contains a reduction of the cocktail ingredients mixed with dry ice and smoked into the drink. Café Amour is one hell of a caffeine and chocolate fix. Winter Julep: Remarkably simple, the Winter Julep is curiously served cold. Its key ingredient is a cold peppermint tea tinged slightly with dissolved sugar, and bourbon to provide the essential warmth and natural sweetness. The Winter Julep could potentially make for an aperitif to ride out a wintry afternoon. The Bar, Grand Hyatt Simply called The Bar, Grand Hyatt’s watering hole is the embodiment of minimal urban chic and a great place to experiment with and enjoy a staggering range of cocktails. Vanille: Vanilla flavoured vodka comes together and contrasts wonderfully with juices of fresh apple and lime in this drink. Hints of cardamom and basil leaves avoid the vanilla from overpowering the dry yet fruity vodka cocktail. D-Café: The D-Café definitely contains caffeine from added coffee and coffee-flavoured tequila, a superior substitute to a
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D cafe at the Grand Hyatt
Cafe amour at the eau bar
traditional espresso shot. Dark rum brings the full body and spicy notes while some liquid sugar and orange-flavoured liqueur tamp down D-Café’s pervading coffee palate. Aer, Four Seasons Mumbai There are few vantage points in the city of Mumbai that can compete with Four Season’s 34th floor bar, Aer lounge. And even fewer who can claim the bragging rights of having India’s only bartender (Varun Sudhakar) to have won the Indian leg of Diageo’s World Class bartending competition two years running. Nectar: A simple name and list of ingredients doesn’t take away from the dimensions of contrasting flavours and depth contained in a bulbous brandy snifter. Cognac is viscous just like nectar itself and is hence the key spirit. Martini Rosso adds a herbaceous, almost bittery orange flavour while the garnish of cinnamon isn’t merely ornamental but adds to Nectar’s warmth. Walk the Talk: Named after the eponymous Johnnie Walker scotch whisky of which the cocktail contains the Platinum Label, Walk the Talk is an ambitious and interesting pour that matches the premium whisky with intense anise-suffused Absinthe. Instead of competing, the sweet caramelised flavours of the whisky and Absinthe blend together, yielding a long, complex, dry yet concentrated palate. CEO LIFESTYLE
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Vanilla flavoured vodka contrasts wonderfully with juices of fresh apple and lime in Vanille. Hints of cardamom and basil leaves avoid the vanilla from overpowering the cocktail.
OCTOBER 2014
HEALTH
BODY BASICS
Live Pure, Let Nature Cure
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Let’s face it. We live in a challenging environment and the battles on the professional, mental and physical front are never-ending. Not to mention the cornucopia of allergies, varieties of pollution and bizarre ailments that have begun to make guest appearances. How about solving it the natural way? With insights from experts in the field, Nifty Jacob offers a quick glimpse into the world of naturopathy.
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BODY BASICS
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We have all been subjected to natural quick-fix solutions by our mothers or grandmothers, a concoction of honey and lemon for common cold, a hot oil massage for joint pains or unhealthy hair and ginger to soothe you when it is an all out Delhi belly. And guess what, it worked. It is quite surprising how these ancient secrets, passed over centuries from mothers to daughters effectively addressed the small but much too common everyday health problems. And in the present day, although we can boast about increased life expectancy, we can also add to it the simultaneous increase in urban maladies. Enter naturopathy. Hippocrates, the legend behind the science of medicine, stated that “nature cures, not the physician”. And he was quite right. Demystifying ‘Naturopathy’ According to Dr. Babina Nandkumar, Chief Medical Officer of Jindal Care Naturecure Institute, “Naturopathy is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of healing which does not imply any kind of medicine.” The roots of the practice can be traced back to Germany around the 19th century, when healing was more of an organic nature, rather than a collection of pharmaceuticals, and health was perceived as a direct result of lifestyle. “Healing is a process, inherent in our genetic blueprint, which is what enables blood to clot whilst bleeding, or an open wound to develop a scab and then heal. The body only requires time, space and energy to fulfil its genetic impulse of health,” says Dr. Vijaya Venkat, renowned health activist and nutritionist, CEO LIFESTYLE
who also co-founded The Health Awareness Centre. According to the laws of naturopathy, humans suffer ailments simply because their bodies suffer from an internal imbalance, physical, emotional or mental. This lack of sync reflects via symptoms and discomfort that we experience. Naturopathy avoids all forms of man-made products and drugs, solely relying on natural substances to recover. The downside? The slow rate of recovery or ineffectiveness perhaps (owing to the individual’s physical temperament). It is imperative that no patient should suffer from any harmful side effects of the system. Naturopathy also relies on making individuals aware of their ailment by teaching them the root of the cause, and inspiring a healthy and responsible outlook towards personal health. How Nature Cures Naturopathy does not consist of a fixed set of methods. As the entire concept deals with a holistic approach to treatment and well-being, the root of the problem is first indentified. All details pertaining to the individual such as family history, hereditary diseases, lifestyle, diet and the nature of work is thoroughly analysed, before charting a customised form of treatment. The kinds of treatments are varied and can range from specialised diets to herbal medicines. If you have been facing too much stress at work and after, Yoga and meditation is often said to be a good solution. It also helps stabilise sleeping patterns for individuals suffering from insomnia, a
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by-product of a rigorous and strenuous lifestyle. A few other methods widely practised in naturopathy are representative of the elements of nature like Mud Therapy, Hydrotherapy, or Fasting Therapy, to name a few. More often than not, these are adopted with traditional practices of Reflexology, Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy and other natural regimes. So, getting down to the most engaging question: when is it viable to use naturopathic forms of treatment? “A few conditions like obesity, dyspepsia, hypertension, insomnia, stress and anxiety, sinusitis, migraine or diabetes can best be treated with naturopathy,” says Dr. Babina. “However, it cannot be implemented in acute emergencies and infectious conditions or during pregnancy.” An even more popular question looms large: can naturopathy be combined with Allopathy? This largely depends on the ailment and the individual’s response to treatment. In many cases, Allopathy is administered to settle a severe condition. Over time, the dosage can be reduced in case of recovery, following which, other dietary and natural forms of treatment can be added. Needless to say, avoid selfprescribing and consult a doctor. The return to roots A few years ago, veteran actress, Neetu Singh was in the news again, when she seemed to be ageing in reverse. What changed, you ask? Keen on health routines, she underwent a healthy lifestyle change that included supervision under Dr. Venkat. A key aspect of this reform was the ‘dabba’ service that regularly delivered her meals. “THAC’ S ‘Lunch Box CEO LIFESTYLE
Words of wisdom Dr. Vijaya Venkat
ÍÍ Do not boil, microwave or pressure cook your food. They destroy enzymes. Keep it raw, steamed, lightly sautéed, grilled or baked ÍÍ Say no to refined and processed products. Go organic, all the way. ÍÍ Fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts, herbs and spices, they are all you need. Dr. Babina Nandkumar
ÍÍ Drink 2 to 4 glasses of warm water when you wake up. ÍÍ Fasting once a week is an excellent method of detoxifying and cleansing ÍÍ Add a time slot for yoga and other meditation activities. ÍÍ Ban the television while taking your meals.
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BODY BASICS
initiative’ was started 25 years ago to enable people to get the real taste of nutrition,” says Dr. Venkat. “Today, it is not so much a lunch service, but a system of correct foods, designed with a counsellor’s advice to suit the client’s current lifestyle.” The meals are devoid of oil, milk products and processed and refined products, and come with an emphasis on wholesome and unadulterated ingredients. Jindal Naturecure has also been in the spotlight as a prominent destination to those seeking a holistic cure. The institute is a great place for those suffering from conditions like abdominal disorders, anaemia, migraine, hyper acidity, etc. The place has garnered the vote of numerous individuals and celebrities who flock to receive advice and adopt to a natural and organic lifestyle. Start Today With time, a larger chunk of the population has leaned towards natural rejuvenation methods and treatments. The number of stores selling organic products is on the rise, along with gyms. More evident, though, are the number of joggers and walkers that dot the track circuit and beachside every day. You don’t need to be suffering from a serious ailment to take control of your lifestyle. The rat race has caused many to undermine the wealth of a healthy body and mind. But it is never too late to take the reins and adopt a few corrective measures. So hop onto the quest for a healthy life. CEO LIFESTYLE
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BANANA DATE JUICE Ingredients:
ÍÍ 4 to 6 small bananas or 2 to 4 big bananas. ÍÍ 6 to 8 pieces of dates. Method:
ÍÍ Grind all the ingredients together to make a thick pulp with a quarter cup of water. Chill and serve in a nice attractive glass. The best time to have it – first thing in the morning or in the evening, instead of a snack. Recipe Courtesy: Dr. Vijaya Venkat
OCTOBER 2014
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HOLISTIC HEALING
A Touch of Provence
Take a trip to the south of France right here in Mumbai and come away rejuvenated. Spa la Vie by L’Occitane is a luxury spa that is a treat for all your senses, says Prachi Joshi.
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I admit it, I am a spa junkie. The thought of lying on a massage table and getting pampered with oils and lotions is my idea of bliss. So naturally, I was looking forward to trying one of the most plush day spas in Mumbai – Spa La Vie by L’Occitane, the French brand of luxury beauty products. Located in the hubbub of Lower Parel, a largely business and commercial part of Mumbai, the spa is spread over 8,000 square feet in a standalone building. In a noisy, space-starved city, stepping into this veritable sanctuary of peace was a quite a treat. The 20-feet tall living Green Wall in the courtyard is merely a preview to the oasis of calm that is Spa la Vie. I was impressed with the softly lit lobby, its high ceiling, a cascading modern-esque ‘chandelier’ and the clean-cut lines of the space. The ambience is done up in whites, browns and champagne tones, with a few strategic splashes of colour, notably the bright yellow flowers and two tall, purple, throne-like chairs at the far end of the lobby. I was welcomed by Vikas Rajput, the Senior Manager, Operations and we began with a tour of the spa facilities. On the ground floor is the manicure and pedicure section as well as a water ensconced lounge, where treatments such as foot reflexology and head-neck-shoulder massages are carried out. Both these areas are also given out for a ‘spa soiree’; you can host an intimate spa day for your friends or perhaps a baby shower. The treatment rooms are on the first floor, each named after one of L’Occitane’s signature products. There are three single treatment rooms, two VIP couple suites, and a Hammam room, with an adjoining single room, which formerly housed the Ayurveda room. All treatment rooms look like mini hotel suites and come equipped with a steam and shower room as well as a bathtub, plus plenty of storage space for your clothes and valuables. The sense of space is carried over into the treatment rooms and all of them are quite large and well appointed. The Hammam is a one-of-a-kind treatment room in Mumbai providing a
HOLISTIC HEALING
Turkish-style bath. The room has a heated marble bed with showerheads above, which gently caress you with warm rain and diffused steam. Back in the lobby, I sank into one of the purple thrones. My designated therapist Mhonyani came with a set of sterilised Osho chappals for me to wear. I was offered a steaming cup of herbal tea, a delicious concoction of ginger, honey, lime and holy basil. The balance of flavours was perfect, with a slightly sharp ginger aftertaste. The drink and the accompanying hot towel were a welcome relief from the cold and rainy Mumbai afternoon. Nearby, a small water fountain spouted ‘Eaux de Provence’ or waters of Provence. The warm drink, soothing music and the water fountain combined to put me in a relaxed frame of mind right away. As I discussed my requirements with Pritesh Sawant, the Assistant Spa Manager, I filled out a personal history form and also highlighted my focus areas that needed more attention. Sawant went through my requirements and suggested that I try the Relaxing Aromachologie Massage, which combines Swedish and Balinese massage techniques along with Chinese acupressure. The massage uses a blend CEO LIFESTYLE
of essential oils such as lavender, tea tree and geranium, all of which are sourced from the L’Occitane grand herbarium, a repository of hundreds of essential oils and natural ingredients. Sawant informed me that this particular massage is Spa la Vie’s signature treatment and also their most popular service. And I was about to find out why. Mhonyani escorted me to the Shea treatment room where I switched off my mobile and changed into spa robes. We began with a foot ritual, a thorough cleansing in a bath of warm water sprinkled with rose petals and lavender. I then lay face down on the massage bed while Mhonyani made sure I was comfortable. She placed a foot pillow to support my ankles. It is little touches like that, which elevate a spa experience from ‘nice’ to ‘excellent’. Mhonyani rubbed some scented oils on her palms and encouraged me to breathe deeply. The scent of oils, the calming instrumental music and the general feeling of luxury immediately transported me to the Provence of my imagination. The treatment commenced with the Balinese style of manual therapy, with Mhonyani kneading my sore muscles with just enough pressure; she also made sure that I was
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comfortable with the level of pressure. Then began the Swedish effleurage technique, which is basically light, stroking movements made with the palm of the hand. I could feel the knots in my shoulders loosening, and especially found the shoulder blades worked on very well. Mhonyani combined this with strategic acupressure, poking and prodding various parts of my body, which responded by drifting in and out of sleep, lulled into submission by the combination of music, scented oils and skilled techniques. She then asked me to lie on my back, and placed under my head a fresh pillow lightly sprayed with essential oils. With each stroke, I could feel my body relax further. The treatment also included a scalp massage, and Mhonyani offered me the choice of a dry and an oil massage. I opted for the oil massage and my dry scalp thanked me for it. Also the slight headache I had woken up with that morning disappeared as she addressed the pressure points on my forehead. The 60-minute massage ended with a relaxing hot compress on my back. I had a quick shower and changed, before heading back to the lobby. I was offered another cup of the herbal tea, which I CEO LIFESTYLE
gratefully accepted. While I sipped on the tea, I thought back on the many, many spa therapies I have indulged in over the years – some were memorable, others were good, and a small percentage which were just a waste of time. I can safely say that the Relaxing Aromachologie treatment at Spa la Vie ranks right up there with some of the best therapies I have experienced so far. I stepped out of the spa into the busyness of Mumbai streets. The blaring cacophony, the pothole riddled ride back home and the ubiquitous traffic jams did nothing to mar the blissful state that I had achieved under Mhonyani’s expert administrations. The relaxing effects of the therapy carried on for the rest of the day and resulted in sound sleep, completely reversing the sleep deprivation I had been facing for nearly a week earlier. I am certainly going back to Spa la Vie, to be pampered with the absolutely luxurious sounding Shea Ultra Rich Softening Body Wrap. Or maybe I will try the decadent Hammam bath. Decisions, decisions. Body Massages at the spa start at Rs. 3,250, body wraps at Rs. 3,500, facials at Rs. 4,000 and area-focussed treatments at Rs. 1,500.
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EVENTS
SITES & SOUNDS
All is Fair in Pushkar
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Come October 26th, the sleepy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan awakens to a myriad of colours, music and merry making which transforms into quite a grand event, until November 3rd. The Pushkar Fair occurs every year in the month of ‘Karthik’ and begins with a pilgrimage performed by taking a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake to wash away a lifetime of sin. But it is not all about making amends here. Visitors across the globe gather in thousands to witness the spectacle of vibrant colours and indulge in festivities that last five days. The near barren lands quickly fill up with men, women and children as they take a break to enjoy the festivities. Tagging along is an eminent spectacle of cattle like goats and horses, but of course, the camels are here to steal the spotlight. Decked in bedazzling head gear and fancy accessories, they arrive in large numbers as their owners get ready to engage in a serious barter of their livestock. The fair is often said to be the CEO LIFESTYLE
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largest in camel trading. So, find yourself a camel to take you on a bumpy yet thoroughly enchanting ride across the dunes. Plenty of stalls get lined where you can pick locally produced bangles, silver nose pins, anklets and other accessories that will engage you in a shopping spree. Don’t forget to pick up the famous ‘tie and dye’ textiles available in vibrant colours and patterns. And while here, you certainly cannot miss the moustache competitions. Considered a huge symbol of pride, witness the village men twist and turn their beard to contend for the best moustache. You can also enjoy watching various events like the camel races which are a true delight, Kabaddi matches or turban tying competitions. Of course, you will be treated to some of the most savoury and delightful Rajasthani dishes that are cooked in pure ghee. So pick your stall, and do try out the Dal Baati, Missi roti or even Churma. If you seek great food, fun and the best of cultures, it couldn’t get any better.
OCTOBER 2014
Picture Courtesy: Texas Renaissance Festival
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Celebrating Texas
We are forever telling tales, preserving heritage and reminiscing about the days gone by. Well, the folks up in Texas are doing a lot more than that with the Texas Renaissance Festival. Spread across 55 acres in a beautiful village, with over 200 performances daily, 400 shops and of course, plenty of food and beverage, this is a festival for all the culturally inclined who would like the idea of merrymaking with good folks, tap dance to music and yes, having plenty of fun. The festival is set to begin by October 11th and goes on right up to November 30th over the weekends, with each week celebrating a different theme right up to the last one that ends by kick-starting the season festivities with Celtic Christmas. The first weekend welcomes Oktoberfest in true style, with beer pints, Bratwurst and plenty of German music. What’s more, you can even pitch your tent, RV’s or trailers at The Fields of New Market Campground. What with the communal bonfire, performances and get-togethers, you are bound to take back a whole lot of camping memories. And when the spirit of countryside gets to you, perhaps you can CEO LIFESTYLE
contest the best Bavarian costume or sign yourself up for the Bratwurst Eating Contest. If you have little ones, the theme of 1001 Dreams opens a whole new world of Fantasy Scavenger Hunts with wizards and elves. Not to forget the the wide range of games and adventures waiting in tow. The fun never ends with King’s Wine Tasting with eight wines personally hand-picked for you. If you are addicted to humour and terse wit, ‘Frilly, Fancy Feast’ will have you doubling up with laughter with over two hours of songs and comedy. We also promise unending music with plenty of bands set to entertain, like Iron Hill Vagabonds with Celtic tunes and Irish songs, while Istanpitta indulges you with old instrumentals like medieval bagpipes or saz. Delicacies abound, so don’t miss out on the goodies lined up for you. Captain’s Pub is big on Grilled seafood and King’s Brew while Las Misiones will delight your Spanish taste buds with Super Nacho and Quesadillas, and these are just to begin with. With so much in store, you better hurry with those ticket bookings. For details, visit http://texrenfest.com/
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Mark Y our Calendar Mark Your Calendar
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What: Remember when you were a kid and loved playing with balloons – head to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as thousands of hot air balloons fill the azure sky. When: Oct 4 - 12, 2014 Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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What: Acadia’s Oktoberfest welcomes the month in style. For the love of finer things, enjoy at the 5th Annual Wine & Cheese Tasting or go bonkers over good beer at the 19th Annual Beerfest. When: Oct 10 - 11, 2014 Where: Maine, UK
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What: A host of jewelled camels greet you on the sands of What: A perfect cornucopia of Pushkar Fair. Plan a culture, music, dance, visit to witness the beer and plenty of fun, the popular moustache Texas Renaissance Festival competitions, along administers a taste of the with camel races old charm. Pitch a tent, or and indulge in a set base with your RV as Rajasthani Thaali. the weekends come alive with Bratwurst contests When: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2014 and scavenger hunts. Where: Rajasthan, India When: Oct 11- Nov 30, 2014 Where: Texas, USA
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What: It is time to ‘trick or treat’. Get your costume ready for Halloween as you hit the Big Apple to enjoy a night of eerie fun and don’t forget to throw in some candy with that. When: Oct 31, 2014 CEO LIFESTYLE
Where: New York City
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11 What: Join the Cranberry Harvest Celebration. Experience the joys of harvest, along with live music, great food, and of course, plenty of cranberries to pick while at it. When: : Oct 11 - 12, 2014 Where: Wareham, Massachusetts
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What: If you are a bibliophile with a soft corner for classics, Dylan Thomas Festival showcases critical reviews of Dylan’s literary works, sessions by eminent authors and more with plenty of likeminded people. When: Oct 27 - Nov 09, 2014 Where: Dylan Thomas Centre, Wales
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What: Brussels Light Festival delivers fun after hours. In the dark of the night, watch holograms and electric lights decked up to develop artistic creations. When: Oct 31 - Nov 3, 2014 Where: Brussels, Belgium
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