A Tale of Two Cities

Hey guys,

One of us secret scouters leaves to set up bpb-shop in New York next week. Keep reading our Mumbai recommendations, and watch out for a slice of the Big Apple in a brown paper bag. Au revoir!

bOOMBOX

What: Haridas Vhatkar Tabla Makers, Mahim Causeway, call 9820891225, Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,000 for a pair; tabla class, call 9221608959, Rs 300 per lesson.

Why: Hard to believe that such a big sound could have come out of such a small workshop. It's at this inconspicuous tabla store - you could well miss it in the line of huts - that percussion pandit Talvin Singh buys his beat.

When: You want the rhythm to get you. Tabla coach Uday Panchal, who conducts lessons at your home, can show you how.

pRINT:

What: Pigment Prints, The Cinemas Project, visit www.zubinpastakia.com, or email zubinpastakia@gmail.com, price on request.

Why: Remember cutting class to sit in the decaying glory of New Excelsior's screening room? Or buying tickets in black at Gaiety? In the age of the multiplex, photographer Zubin Pastakia's prints of cinema halls invoke perfectly the lost era.

When: You're looking for a houseful of nostalgia.

* * *

What: Psychedelic or hand-painted laptop cases at Sobo, Motor House, 1st floor, Chowpatty, call 23612751, starting at Rs 2,300.

Why: These funky laptop cases are just what the dreary business scene needs. We would have preferred them with handles, though.

When: Your hardware needs to go undercover in style.

bOOTILICIOUS:

What: Ella Yoga Pants, Good Earth, Reay House, Colaba, Rs 1,200.

Why: These little pants are comfortable enough to perform convoluted aasanas in, and hip enough for a lazy afternoon with the girls.

When: You want to dress up your fitness act.

* * *

What: Women's Day Specials at Ivy, Versova, and the Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel, Colaba.

Why: At Ivy, get a pitcher of Sangria (serves 8) and a plate of complimentary bruschetta for Rs 650. For a fancier bite, hit Wasabi, Souk, or Zodiac Grill, where lunch for ladies is discounted by 50% until March 8th.

When: You want to drown out all the Woman's Day cliches in a deluge of delicious.