Picture Perfect

bEAM

What: Krsna Mehta’s family portraitures, for an appointment email krsna4zeba@gmail.com, Rs 15,000 onwards.

Why: Say “quirky”. After a fun family shoot, designer Krsna Mehta prints the picture on canvas, and paints in kitschy city elements like rickshaws, BEST buses and dabbawallas.

When: You want to frame your family.

* * *

What: The Alchemist, NCPA, Nariman Point, call 66223737, or visit bookmyshow.com.

Why: Director Mahesh Dattani takes India’s favourite signal-to-shelf novel to the stage. Curtains up!

When: May 1, 6.30 pm.

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pACKED

What: Made-to-order wedding invite bags, call Ms Geeta at 9004388331, Rs 75 onwards.

Why: When we saw the sea shell packages this crafty designer customised for a Goa wedding, we couldn’t help but wish we were invited. Tell her your marriage theme, and she’ll be brimming over with cool ideas.

When: You’ve already bagged the man of your dreams, and it’s time to seal the deal.

* * *

What: Paper Dosa in a packet, Chheda Dry Fruits, opposite Ruia College, Matunga.

Why: Crunchy dosa strips come conveniently packed in box that you can take to the office. Slightly buttered with a tinge of masala, this seriously addictive snack is just what the doctor ordered for your work-hour munchies.

When: You need to get your papers in order.

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bOOT

What: 7 Degree Burns custom-made, hand-painted converse sneakers, email vanburn777@gmail.com to place your order, Rs 2,500 a pair.

Why: Give the temperamental but talented Vanburn some time, and he’ll art work you a pair of runners that’ll make you want to jump with joy.

When: You need a new sole, mate.

Up, Up, and Away!

bEYOND

What: Colonial cottages and villas at One Tree Hill point, Matheran, for details call 9820502326, from Rs 1,000 per person.

Why: From hot water and TV to bottled Italian spices, these carefully preserved villas built in 1871 come equipped with everything you need. At this five-acre estate - once owned by Pakistani high commissioner who named it Salmona - you’ll learn how to ride, relax with home-cooked meals and get used to the ubiquitous monkeys.

When: May 1 long weekend. Just remember to vote before you bolt.

* * *

What: Trikaya, Aditya Shagun Mall, 3rd Floor, NDA Pashan Road, Pune. Call 02066750868.

Why: When we visited on opening night, it seemed as though all of Mumbai had migrated to this humongous Pan Asian Pune joint. One bite of the Phanang Curry-rice and we knew exactly why.

When: You don’t mind day-tripping in the quest for a good meal.

pITCH

What: Indian Premiere League Cricket Cupcakes, Sweet Toot, 51 Oceanic, Rajabali Patel Lane, opposite Breach Candy Hospital, call 23510530, Rs 22 per piece.

Why: Because these are the ultimate cricket candy. Bats and balls perch prettily atop moist cupcakes iced with the colour of your favourite IPL team.

When: At your next IPL party. Note: Sweet Toot is not responsible for what might happen when crazy cricket fans get hopped up on sugar.

bORDER

What: Basecamp travel store, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Rs 50 onwards.

Why: Because you’re hitting the road, and there isn’t a restaurant or bathroom in sight.

When: Touch base here before you check out of the city, and tick maglites, backbacks, and even disposable underwear off your list.

* * *

What: Sabyasachi(ish) borders, Boiwada 3 and Kabutarkhana, Bhuleshwar, Rs 25 per yard onwards. (You may have to ask for directions)!

Why: Even as superdesigner (yes, it’s a word!) Sabyasachi unveils his summer collection at Aza, those looking to skirt exorbitant fashion buys should foray through the bustling lanes of Bhuleshwar where sari borders strikingly similar to the Bong’s trademark ones await.

When: You want to go the whole nine yards (or less).

Mumbai Feasting

bRAND SPANKING NEW

What: Café Mangii, 14th Road, off linking Road, Khar (W).

Why: Red. White. Golden.

It's easy to lose yourself in the wine and vibe at this Italian restaurant, which is barely two days olden. The wood-fired pizza, Champagne Risotto, and Mango Cheesecake are hard to resist. All-day dining with burgers and more coffees will soon be on the list.

When: You feel like singing for your supper. Or about it.

* * *

What: Moveable Feast catering service, call 23545454, Rs 300 (per person) onwards.

Why: The good cooks at Indigo restaurant have decided to help civilize our kitchens. Whether you are hosting for 10 a la maison, or 100 at your Alibaug holiday villa, they’ll whip up fancy treats, all the while making sure your centre piece flowers are blooming.

When: You want to play house, with help.

pOTS AND PANS

What: Topli Ma Paneer or Paneer in a Basket, sold out of a Parsi home at Colaba. For orders call 22833567, Rs 15 per piece.

Why: Whether it’s herbed and made to lie on a bed of fresh iceberg lettuce, or told to wait until the end of the meal for dessert, this traditional paneer is as versatile as it is delicious.

When: You want your summer to be a white one.

* * *

What: The Health Awareness Centre Nutritional Program, Call 24361672 for scheduling and other details, Rs. 3,000 for a 9 week course.

Why: Because nutritionist Dr. Vijaya Venkat and her equally talented daughter spill their deepest, darkest secrets, helping you switch over to radically healthier lifestyles. They also dish out lessons on how to cook yummy meals without using oil, dairy, and refined or processed products, as well as daily dabba services.

When: Now. It’s not like you’re getting any younger.

bEVERAGE BEAT

What: Monkey’s Pick Green Tea, Atrium Lounge, Taj Land’s End, Bandstand, Bandra (W), Rs 250.

Why: Legend has it that primates trained by Buddhist monks climb inaccessible mountains to pick the tea leaves that make this herbal infused beverage. One sip of this chic-complex drink, and you know that its chefs are not monkeying around.

When: You want to drink your greens.

Très Chick!

bUNNY

What: Hip Dining Bowl, Shiro, Bombay Dyeing Compound, Worli, Rs 450.

Why: Take humongous heap of Japanese rice/noodles in bowl. Top with spicy tofu/chicken. Hold in hand. Eat. Dance. Eat. Dance.

When: You want to eat between the beats. And if you want the Japanese jaunt to continue, head on over to Wink, President Hotel, Cuffe Parade for their brand new Saketinis until April 19.

* * *

What: Brioche Nest with Raisins, The Gourmet Shoppe, Oberoi Shopping Arcade, Nariman Point, Rs 325.

Why: Your Easter chick will be tres chic in this gourmet brioche nest filled with raisins and almonds.

When: Available until April 12.

pORN

What: Isabella Rossellini’s Green Porno 2 series on www.sundancechannel.com/greenporno.

Why: After doing bugs, daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini is back with round two of her eco shorts that showcase the reproductive habits of marine animals, eggs and all.

When: You want to do it like they do on the Discovery Channel. Started April 1.

bABY

What: Specially curated collection of handicraft infant products, Dhoop, Sheetal Apts, corner of Union Park and Ambedkar Road, Khar (W).

Why: Indian block print bassinettes, drive-away-mosquito citronella lamps and baby slings, we found.

Pillows filled with mustard seeds will make your baby’s head round.
Tribal craft kits and puppets lie somewhere beneath the toy mound.

When: April 14 onwards until storks last!

* * *

What: Wooden, hand painted animal-shaped staplers, Vividha, Warden Road and Khar, Rs 99.

Why: Bright, comical mice, lions and dogs help you tack a tough work day together, and keep a dull one from coming apart.

When: You need some desk candy.

This Weekend in New York: A Scavenger Hunt, Breakfast Workshop, Adorable Egglings, and a Chiffon Hairpiece.

Bloom's Day

bEST PICKS

What: Book Collector’s Festival, Indus – the Bookstore, Grand Hyatt, Kalina.

Why: Rare, limited edition and personally autographed books will be on display. Even if you can’t drop a cool Rs 10,000 to a lakh for a book, a round of this ‘museum’ will be worth your time.

When: April 4 to 15.

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What: Solid coloured pumps and custom designed shoes, street store in tiny lane opposite Globus, next to Le Bijou, Hill Road, Bandra (W), Rs 300 onwards.

Why: Bright coloured pumps, peep toes and wedges startle the air at this non-descript street store. If he’s in a good mood, ‘Musalman Uncle’ will also copy a design for you out of a magazine. But be prepared for it to get mass produced after.

When: You need your weekend fix of faux fashion. For more high-end, but equally psychedelic pieces, hit Fish Fry's 4-day stock clearance sale (up to 50% off) at Courtyard, Colaba, till April 4.

pEPAL TREE

What: Indipepal.com, a new site that combines social networking, expert blogs and content.

Why: Because former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor, award winning economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Rajya Sabha MP Arun Shourie, self-help guru Robin Sharma and others have grabbed a spot in the shade of this pepal tree. Sign up, read their blogs, and much more.

When: You want to social network through the green route.

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What: Gardening class and demo at Green Grower Garden Centre, next to Bandra Talav, Bandra (W), call 26427094 for details.

Why: Horticulturist Anusha Babbar wants to make you “say trees”. In this class, she will dig into topics like bonsai demo, kitchen and vegetable gardening and maintaining gardens by the sea.

When: You want to get your hands dirty on Saturday, April 4.

bREAKFAST

What: Couscous Upma, Basilico Café, Colaba and Bandra (W), Rs 120.

Why: Available under all-day breakfast dining, Bascilico puts a Moroccan spin on the humble upma. Oh, and the coffee’s great too!

When: You need to flush out a night of partying with fusion food.

This weekend in New York: A foldable bike, Play-by-Play, Indigreen T-shirts, Key Lime Tarts, and the Greenhouse Lounge.