This year’s edition of the Globus Style Awards brought together the city’s purveyors of fashion and style, with this year’s nominations also including locations and places apart from the regular fare of award categories. The event also witnessed the launch of Globus’ Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, which was specially created for the strong glamorous woman of today.
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Following up after a hugely successful debut last year, the second edition of Madras Market more than lived up to expectations, with a huge turnout in attendance. From stalls hawking their various wares to music and entertainment events on the big stage, attendees were seen thoroughly enjoying themselves at the event.
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E Club, a Chennai’s women’s collective, recently hosted an evening of music and masti at the Taj Coromandel. The organisers of the committee – Vimmi Deepak, Sudha Gupta and Nidhi Goenka were instrumental in putting together this beautiful evening aimed at ushering in the festive Diwali spirit. The club that started off small now has over 80 members that join hands to host events every month. The evening started off with a fabulous ramp showcasing of resplendent jewellery from Jaipur Gems followed by scintillating performances from Bhoomi Trivedi, Indian Idol finalist and Toshi, Voice of India finalist. The singers performed hit Bollywood numbers that had the crowds abandoning their seats and shaking a leg to the reverberating beats of the dholak. The delicious dinner, music and cocktails ensured that everyone stayed in high spirits all night long.
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When a well-known restaurant chain from Mumbai decides to open a branch in Hyderabad, the curiosity factor is very high. If it lives up to its name and reputation, you can rest assured the place will become popular very soon. Minal Khona finds out that it is exactly what is happening with Olive Bistro, which was launched recently and is already packed on most days.
Despite its slightly out-of-the-way location, people are flocking to this Mediterranean style restaurant. Despite its picturesque location, the European décor and setting, it is obvious that the food is the star here.
As one enters, besides the stark white of the walls, there is lush greenery and steps lit with tiny lights to brighten the path that lead down to the seating areas. The restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating has eclectic décor. Blue tiles on the floor, mismatched chairs and tables, the Olive trademark cup and saucer chandelier and a bar that has a telescope are part of the interiors. For the outdoor seating, there is a large fishnet and a boat on display to go with the mood of the lake below. The terrace seating is still being finished however.
Retaining most of the dishes from its flagship diner in Pune, the Olive Bistro has food that is predominantly Mediterranean with special dishes conceived by Chef Mayank Tiwari. The only tweaking done is with some seafood dishes where the fish in the original recipe has been replaced with a local one. That still doesn’t take away from any of the flavours.
Attentive staff brings out the starters and the mocktails as soon as we settle. The virgin mojito which I asked for without mint is served instead, with some raw mango deliciously garnished with roasted cumin powder.
The food follows – with the soups leading the way. We sample a cold smoked mushroom veloute served with slow cooked confit of cremini mushrooms and a roast tomato and mandarin broth which had a fresh mozzarella-filled tortellini. The mushroom veloute doesn’t have a single flavour out of place and the tomato soup had a refreshing aftertaste of orange.
This is followed by a roasted beetroot, ricotta, arugula and candied walnut salad, dressed in mild balsamic vinegar and Acacia honey dressing; and the Olive Bistro Chicken Caesar salad. The beetroot salad is a must-have, especially if you are vegetarian – you might even be tempted to try this at home. The Chicken Caesar salad served with bread baked in-house is a large enough portion to be a meal in itself.
The soup only stokes up our appetite further and if the taste is anything to go by, I know we are in for a gourmand experience with the rest of the food. Starters included the Spiked Green Harissa-marinated Prawn skewer, Chermoula spice marinated Chicken and Cottage Cheese Skewers (served separately); the House Special Falafel in pita pockets with hummus and Crumb Fried Ricotta and Thyme Stuffed Cremini Mushroom. The prawns were delicately flavoured and far tastier than the Chicken skewers. The mushrooms though were delicious as were the pita pockets.
We also tried the all-veg on a thin crust and the Smoked Jerk Chicken Pizza – both were laden with toppings and the blend of colours of the peppers, onions, jalapenos and chicken made it a very tempting option.
Mains included the fennel and chili flavored Indian basa which was pan-seared basa lined with fennel, served with a chili sauce and potato puree as well as the flash-baked stuffed chicken rubbed with thyme, where a whole deboned chicken with a stuffing of walnut and spinach, was served with herbed linguini.
The basa was cooked really well and the flavours had been absorbed by the fish completely so one could taste the herbs with every bite.
I always make it point to have dessert after every meal and this time, I was happy I stuck to my rule. The two dishes we tried left me craving for more and if I weren’t so stuffed already, I would have had a second helping. We tried the Vanilla Panacotta served with a pink peppercorn and orange sauce and milk chocolate ice cream filled Profiteroles topped with a hazelnut and bitter chocolate drizzle. The desserts were simply divine.
Now, if after eating way more than my usual quantity of food, plus desserts left me wishing I had a bigger appetite – that should tell you how good the food at Olive Bistro is. Head there at the earliest if you haven’t been there already.
Address: Road 46, Near Durgam Cheruvu, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Tel: +91 40 69999127
Timings: Noon to 11.00 PM
Meal for two: Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 (excluding alcohol. The liquor license is yet to come)
Entrepreneur and socialite Vidya Singh savours the delectable flavours of the Orient with a group of friends at China XO, The Leela Palace’s new offering to Chennai…
The Leela Palace is probably the most elegant of the hotels in Chennai and it is always a pleasure to be here. There is a feeling that we are in someone’s very beautiful home. China XO is The Leela Palace’s offering to the city and is a wonderfully stylish space, created to give a feeling of luxury and every detail has been planned with this in mind – from the layout to even the upholstery and artifacts that have come in from distant places. This elegant restaurant has certainly taken the concept of Oriental fine dining up several notches.
My guests for the evening are the elegant Ratika Haksar, avant-garde jewellery designer and a discerning food connoisseur; the stylish and beautiful Paloma Rao, television presenter, RJ and travel buff; and Paul Raymond, restaurateur who owns Moti Mahal Delux, and has a passion for food and loves experimenting with different cuisines. Together, we are ready to do justice to Chef Dharmen’s creations. Chef Dharmen Makawana assures us that the unique menu that he has styled will feature selections from Sichuan and Canton, but with several innovations. This award-winning chef has worked in Australia, Asia and the Middle East, especially the Dusit Thani Resort, the Nikko Bali Resort in Bali and in Sharm el-Sheik in Cairo, besides working in several luxury hotels in different parts of the world. He constantly endeavours to introduce people to the authentic taste and flavour of Oriental cuisine. As we settle in at our table, we realize that the restaurant is so well-planned that there is ample space between the different tables, giving us an instant feeling of privacy and the impression of being almost the only diners there! Chef Dharmen first sends out platters of Dim Sums, both vegetarian and meat. The signature selections are the Chilean Sea Bass, the Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun and the Chicken Prawn Siumai. I relish mine – the Truffle and Edamame and the Asparagus Cheung Fun, which are both fabulous. The colour palette of the presentation is as pretty as the dim sums are delicious. Chef Dharmen takes us across to have a quick look at the open plan Dim Sum kitchen where we watch the rolled dim sums being prepared. The veggie version had asparagus and the meat variant was made with prawns, in a variety of textures. Now we are really beginning to enjoy the entire experience. The Hong Kong style Fried Prawns with a garlic oat crust is truly unusual in its texture and taste. The Traditional Vegetable Hot and Sour Soup with Bamboo Shoot is simple and made to perfection. After this comes the masterpiece that all of us watch with total fascination as the Chef brings it over – the absolutely authentic Peking Duck, made in a wood-fired oven. Brought whole to our table, it is carved and different parts are served to us separately, from the skin to the breast meat and the thighs. 
The pancakes and the condiments are brought alongside, and consist of finely sliced cucumber and leek, Hoisin Sauce that is slightly sweet in taste and crushed garlic. The duck is absolutely tender and melts in the mouth, and the flavours are balanced with the accompaniments. A wonderful experience in its entirety, the Peking Duck is a big favourite at our table. Just when Paloma and Paul exclaim that they are done,the next course is brought in! Among the mains that are sent out to us, I am surprised to see the delicious Chicken Garlic Fried Rice. A staple in most Chinese restaurants, this version is especially light and delicate. We have the Jasmine Steamed Rice as well, as an option. The Black Pepper Tenderloin Strips are just superb as is the Clay Pot Chicken that is made with bamboo shoot and chilli bean sauce. We are unanimous in pronouncing the Braised Eggplant in chilli bean sauce to be the most delicious we have ever eaten. Trust me, it can make fans out of even those who don’t usually like eggplant! No wonder this platter is sent back to the kitchen completely empty! The Stir Fried Vegetables with water chestnuts and mushroom in a sweet onion sauce is so totally delicious that we simply attack the dish at the table. Equally droolworthy is the Stir Fried Chinese Greens, with Tofu, a dish that is crisp and flavourful.
Delicious hot Jasmine Tea is constantly replenished for us in little cups and certainly helps digest our large meal. Dessert arrives at the table in platters for each of us. Paloma and Paul love the Crisp Sesame Pancake with lotus and red bean paste, while Ratika declares that the Almond Jelly is incredibly light and delicious. I try the rather unusual Crisp Musk Melon and love the long roll of a sponge cake with a difference. A tiny scoop of vanilla ice-cream tops off the dessert selection. Dining at this restaurant has been a wonderful experience and as Chef Dharmen says, “Food is meant to be shared and enjoyed with good company.” China XO at The Leela Palace Chennai makes for a perfect fine dining experience and comes highly recommended by all of us!
Glamour and style donned the runway at the 4th Annual Glitterati Fashion show held at Treasures Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. A 250 strong audience attended the event in support of the Akshay Patra Foundation. The event charity cum fashion event was organized and sponsored by Anamika & Saurabh Tara, who chair the local Akshaya Patra Chapter in Las Vegas. “Each year at Glitterati our goal is to increase awareness for this great cause. This time, we presented exceptional performances from America’s Got Talent top participants. Along with this a dance and fashion extravaganza was presented by leading names, fashion designer Asif Shah who travelled all the way from India”, said Anamika Tara event Organizer and sponsor.
Asif Shah, leading Bollywood fashion designer in India presented his collection with a glamorous fashion show. The collection caters to the modern Indian women of 21st century who love to travel. Shah’s work is inspired by the ‘Raja-Maharaja’ culture of Madhya Pradesh to which he belongs. Having established himself in the Indian Fashion Industry he has garnered the recognition of being a strong menswear designer. “My next step is to help people just like we are doing today for Akshay Patra and this has got nothing to do with business” said Shah who wants to put Madhya Pradesh and the Indian Fashion Industry at the global level.
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The Studio Saks event held in Chennai recently saw quite a few celebs and socialites in attendance.
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This Diwali, dazzle in Damini’s everlasting Meghamahlar collection. Oviyam artisans from Tanjore and Kochi have come together and created heirloom pieces of jewellery inspired by the legendary Puranams (epics). The artisans have used pure light weight copper to engrave intricate details after which the jewellery is completed with solid gold fillings, a technique that lets the jewellery last forever.
Prices start at Rs. 8490/-
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Tempesta Luxury announces their entry into Mumbai. Founded by Tarun Oberoi and Vineet Khosla, Tempesta Luxury’s line of decorative stone tiles has been conceived and executed for the most discerning clients in India and around the world. With an expert team in place, Tempesta now retails in Mumbai at Eastern Treasure Lifestyle. Tempesta has introduced a range of exquisite decorative stone tiles and beautiful mosaics for the sophisticated and discerning home-owner, architect and interior designer. With a myriad of colours and finishes ranging from sleek and simple to the most opulent and ornate, the simplicity of traditional stone enhanced with the stunning fusion of leather and other superb surface finishes will ensure easy elegance and timeless appeal.
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The Bombay Bullion Association limited hosted a mega event , India international bullion summit to commemorate its 65th foundation anniversary, which was held on October 5th at hotel grand hyatt, Mumbai. A dazzling fashion show followed, showcasing exquisite jewellery crafted by leading jewellery manufacturers. Bollywood stars like Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Shilpa Shetty,Sushmita Sen, Huma Qureshi and Malika Sherawat were the Show Stoppers. Manish Paul and Karishma Kotak anchored the night.
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Celebrate this festive season of Indian tradition and matrimony with a pair of uniqueness from AurumCo. These traditionally cut and crafted shoes from the house of AurumCo are specifically designed to make a statement. A pair of AurumCo’s blend in radiantly with that perfect outfit you’re wearing this season.
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Kalanikethan, one of the biggest family shopping mall across A.P. is now venturing into new horizons with its store in Coimbatore. A venture, started in 1976 by Sri V. Venkateswara Rao, with a vision of catering to the fashion conscious consumers with the best they deserve is today a household name in fine textiles. Mr V. Rajendra Kumar, CMD of Kalanikethan has taken his father’s vision miles ahead by expanding into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Kalanikethan, after its huge success at Chennai with 6 stores enters Coimbatore with a bang. Opening at 100 feet road,Gandhipuram with 3 expansive floors exclusively for ladies. Inaugurated by film artist, Ms. Amala Paul and blessed by Padma Shri Dr. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, the store boasts of regionally selected silks ranging from the Kanjeevarams to the Uppadas to the Paithanis and the Patolas.
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As part of the Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience by Emaar properties, Bollywood Superstar Shilpa Shetty was invited to be a part of the extravagant shopping event in Dubai recently. Shilpa Shetty was the guest of honour for the Level Shoe District VIP grand event.
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Estelle, the branded jewellery name from Europe in association with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, the premium brand for finest crystals has launched an exclusive collection, designed for the stylish and elegant woman. Estelle is the first branded costume jewellery to launch in India by Normak Fashions Inc.
The modern collection has set new design standards in costume jewellery, featuring a selection of timeless and iconic pieces created for special occasions. All these pieces incorporate the highest quality SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals into each design. The colours are bright and vibrant, each crystal glistens and glimmers.
This elegantly designed collection is available in 20 designs featuring pendants and earrings. As a corporate social responsibility initiative, Normak has not used lead and cadmium in its manufacturing process, which is harmful to the consumer.
Priced between Rs. 2,999/- to Rs. 4,999/-, the collection will be present across select stores pan India through Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Central and West Side.
As the windy monsoons beckon, it’s time for us to tuck in to some honest to goodness comfort food with Courtyard by Marriott Chennai’s British Pub Food Festival. The Festival features a spread of delicious pub grub that is sure to transport you to the toasty taverns of old England!
Indulge in a hearty Shepherd’s Pie, stuffed with meat and topped with a thick crust, Bangers and Mash that include plump flavoured sausages and a side of mashed potatoes, Chilli Nachos served with Guacamole, Sour Cream and tangy tomato Salsa, Lamb Liver served with Bubble and Squeak (shallow-fried potato and cabbage cooked in the traditional way) and Ham, Egg and thickly cut chips, amongst others.
Give your meal a happy ending with the choicest of hearty English desserts including Eton Mess comprising meringue and cream topped with a tumble of juicy strawberries, Treacle Tart infused with a sweet and sticky golden syrup and of course, the crown jewel of Britain’s gastronomical landscape, the Pudding.
Price Points: INR 800+ taxes for one mug of beer + one main course + one dessert. The festival is on from Nov 15th – Nov 30th, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm at Paprika & Rhapsody, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, 564, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai. Ph No: 6676 4000
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Hotel Aditya Park is organizing a Punjabi Food Festival from October 17th – 27th, 2013 during Lunch and Dinner at their “Promenade” restaurant. The specially designed Food Festival offers an array of mouth watering Punjabi delicacies served in a dhaba style ambience. The Punjabi food festival promises to provide everyone an opportunity to enjoy the cuisine which is rich in tradition and taste.
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