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bE NUDE What: Retro bed linen by United Colors of Benetton, Surprise Homes, Kohinoor Building, Hughes Road, near b:blunt salon, Rs 1,600 onwards. Why: One look at these soft, boldly printed sheets and you’ll want to jump into bed with them. When: Your nightlife needs a cover-up. *** What: Compagnie de Provence bath products and Claus Porto soap bars, Good Earth, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Rs. 600 onwards. Why: Bath products by Compagnie de Provence smell like a French flower market, and Claus Porto soap bars, with their pretty wrappers, will make you want to strip down in a hurry. Go this weekend, and get up to 70 % off at Good Earth’s seasonal sale. When: You want super s(t)uds in your bath. pERCUSSION What: Freedom Jam Room, B8 ground floor, Kamlesh Apts, near HDFC bank, Andheri (E), call John on 9821287813, Rs 150 per hour. Why: If you’ve got a band, they’ve got a soundproof space. Plus four laney amps, bass, keyboard, a Mapex drum kit, an air conditioner and a cook who’ll make you coffee and sandwiches while you work on your next chartbusting album. All this, at a price designed for struggling artists. When: You want to rent a room by the hour. bUNS What: Da Vinci Express, next to Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel; and Gostana, Sefa House, off Pali Mala Road, opp Bagel Shop, Bandra (W), call 64533359. Why: We’re waiting with baited breath for Da Vinci Express to open in Lower Parel, with its take-away pizza and sandwiches. If you’ve eaten at the Bandra flagship, you’ll know why. Also, click here to read about why you should visit an ancient Chinese town for yummy burgers this weekend. When: You’re looking for a lunch-hour quickie. *** What: Made-to-order plain and chocolate chip granola bars, call Amrita Bhoolabhai at 9820633336, Rs 360 for ½ kg. Why: Amrita’s fresh, crunchy granola finally made us stop lusting after the cheesecake at our corner bakery. She also makes organic, low fat cakes and cookies. When: You want to put your diet behind bars. *** Event Round-up:Janaka Selekta at Bonobo, Retro Night with DJ Monty and a live band at Blue Frog, and Club Prana’s Spa Festival.
Bandra’s newest café is an endearing bundle of contradictions, starting with its moniker. Gostana is named after an ancient Chinese town, an unlikely choice for a gourmet burger joint. And the surprises don’t stop there.
Step into the tiny, 300 square foot space, and you’ll find that a Zepplin poster blares loudly on one wall, while a blue cat twists quietly on the other, and bursts of orange cushions interrupt the all-green décor. A mixed music genre CD plays in the background, fitting into the all-over-the-place theme, and a collection of Rolling Stones magazines await, in case you’re: a) snacking alone (recommended), b) waiting for your laptop to boot (they have free Wi-fi) or c) passing time till a friend gets there (it won’t fit your entire unruly mob of friends).
You’d think we’d be at least a little perturbed by the lack of focus at Gostana, but we weren’t. Somehow, this new café manages to pack in all the different elements quite neatly.
The breezy menu focuses on gourmet burgers; you can choose from egg, spinach & cottage cheese, chicken steak, Indian chicken, lamb and fish patties, but the bread comes in just two healthy types – whole wheat and multi-grain. We got the chicken steak (Rs 120) and spinach & cottage cheese (Rs 110) burgers along with a couple of lemon iced teas. Just as the man behind a clean counter placed our minimally fried patties between two healthy buns and sunk a toothpick in, a Kanye West track gave way to U2. Great timing.
But as soon as we bit into our burgers, we lost track of the music. The patty melts in your mouth, the spicy mayo is delish (but not as healthy as they claim), and the bread is well, not white. The burgers are perfect, well-priced, and strike a happy balance between their two extreme cousins - fast food junk and five star excess.
But for an ice tea that we gulped down in two sips, Rs 75 is steep. They also serve other beverages like green tea and coffee, but the price will ensure that you won’t order four cups while leaching off the free Wi-fi.
The pricey drinks however, were pretty much our only complain that night. Our meal ended with a slice of delightful chocolate cake on the house, a great way to get new customers back.
All in all, we loved the vibe at Gostana. And the best part? It’s one of those rare places in the city where you can go alone. Get a table for two, and take a novel along for company.
Getting there: Shop 1, Sefa House, New Kanthwadi Road, off Pali Mala Road, Bandra (W). Call 6453 3359 for home delivery.
Neet Shah, scuba instructor and founder of Flying Mantas plays travel agent for you this season.
Fittingly, Neet’s romance with scuba diving began at during his honeymoon, when he dived for the first time. Since then, he has dived in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Thailand, and the Andamans. Before giving into his scuba obsession, Neet was a management consultant in New York City, and has graduated from IIM Ahmedabad. He runs Flying Mantas, a scuba training and travel agency in Mumbai.
He gives us the low down on his favorite travel destinations:
Sri Lanka: I’ve only been there for a couple of days… but I just loved the vibe. The people are awesomely friendly, the food is great and with the war over, the north-east will be open for tourism. Plus, the locals claim that the beaches up there are as good as the Maldives.
The Andamans: I’ve been on many beach vacations around the world and am happy to report that one of the nicest ones I’ve ever had was right here on our doorstep. Plus, it is awesome value for money!
Costa Rica: Volcanos, rainforests, white water rafting, surfing, thermal spas, ziplining, bungee, diving and COFFFEEEEEE! All in a country the size of Maharashtra. Need I say more?
Bhutan: Never been there, but any place that measures Gross National Happiness certainly knows what it’s doing. If I go, I may never come back.
Galapagos Islands: I know this one is half way around the world, but if there is one place I want to go back to… this is it. For nature lovers, there is no better place in the world. Where else can you hang with penguins, sea lions, iguanas, hammerheads, and turtles!? Drool….
Check out our NEW website on www.bpbweekend.com! bpb Freebie: Members get free entry to Privé’s MJ tribute night. For this and other discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email address in the subscription box.
’bYE
What: Pre-launch of official Michael Jackson T-shirts on eBay India, Rs 1,499.
Why: Because these limited edition T-shirts were specially approved by the King of Pop himself, for his London concert series.
When: You want to wear his art on your sleeve. T-shirts available until August 24.
pICTURE THIS
What: Fables by Bill Willingham and other rare graphic novels at Ashish Book Centre, 142 Mahendra Chambers, DN Road, opp VT station, Rs 300 and up (cost 30% less than at other book stores).
Why: You’ll love the Fables series, where Snow White is divorced, Big Bad Wolf is reformed and other characters face reality post their happily-ever-after fairy tale endings.
Warning: Due to the graphic nature of this recommendation, reader hysteria is advised.
***
What: Dial-a-silver-screen, call Richa at Shamiana on 9833031228 or email shamianashorts@gmail.com, price on request.
Why: The guys at Shamiana will hook you up with a projector, big screen and even some films (you can bring your own movie too). All you need now is friends and wine.
When: You want to turn your terrace into a Cinema Paradiso.
bREAK
What: Lazy Days Goa Rentals, visit www.lazydays.co.uk, price on request.
Why: From rural cottages to bungalows on the beach, Lazy Days rents out homes all over Goa. Our favorite is Casa Marsol, a pretty four bedroom villa right next to Candolim beach, complete with four poster beds, open-aired bathrooms and a private pool.
When: You want to be king of your own (sand) castle.
Why: Give Nidhi your favorite photo, and she’ll turn it into a detailed puzzle, even including little notes to your beau in the back. We also love her photo lamps and clocks.
When: You want to piece together a nostalgic present from the past.
Doopity doopity doo the mouse ran out of the loo having done what he went in to do doopity doopity doo
If you can write poetry that sucks more, join the Son of Godawful Poetry Fortnight, on until August 31. The above excuse for a verse is a sample from last year’s Godawful Poetry Fortnight (the first of its kind), where blogger, poet and Caferati co-founder Peter Griffin declared Sir William I-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud Wordsworth the patron saint of bad poetry. It’s not that Griffin despises Wordsworth. In fact, he said in a newspaper interview last year that he didn’t. It’s Wordworth’s famous definition of poetry — “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” — that won him this unfortunate honour. The official blog says “way too many aspiring poets have rallied behind this Wordsworth banner, too few going so far as recollecting those emotions in tranquility”.
So here’s what you have to do: Post a Godawful poem on your blog (if you don’t have one, you can write here), and put the required tag on your post. For more instructions, click here.
Go rummage through your waste paper bin, For that verse you cursed, balled up and sent to sin. Uncrumple, de-crease, and copy on to blog, Coz apparently you won’t be judged, or publicly flogged.
bpb freebie: Members get a free gift with purchases at Zouk's designer apparel sale at Candies, Bandra this weekend. For this and other discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.
bASH
What: Theme parties by movie set designer, call Dreamz Kraft on 9820287040, price on request.
Why: Having styled the sets for Rock On and Delhi Belly, Dreamz Kraft is equipped to deal with the most elaborate parties, whether it’s recreating Moulin Rouge, Venice or Las Vegas.
When: You wanna dream a little theme.
pASSPORT
What:How You Wish You Were Hanging in Mumbai postcards, to order email Gynelle Alves on gynelle.alves@gmail.com, price on request.
Why: Because Gynelle’s sketches are quirky and intricate and you get to be in them! Send in pictures of yourself and your favourite Mumbai hangout, and she’ll put your love for the city on customised postcards.
When: You want your friends to wish they were here.
***
What: Dolce Vita Ice Cream, next to Babulnath Temple, call 23624546, Rs 650 for a pint; Fugu sushi, San Qi, Four Seasons Hotel, Worli, call 24818000, price on request.
Why: This store stocks Ben & Jerry’s (also at Nature’s Baskets), as well as ice creams from Masterfoods (Mars, Bounty, Twix), Mackie’s – and dieters rejoice! – Heinz Weight Watchers. For something more upscale, try the poisonous fugu blowfish at San Qi, India’s only restaurant to serve the Japanese delicacy, which can kill you if not cleaned and cooked right.
When: You’re looking for a chilling meal.
bRIGHT
What: Sterling silver elephant bookmarks at Kisha, off Linking road, lane opposite Shopper’s Stop, Bandra (W), Rs 600.
Why: At Bandra’s newest lifestyle store, you can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Even if it’s tiny, sits atop a slim silver stick and is overshadowed by the towering Thailand-made Buddhas, so ubiquitous in Mumbai.
When: It takes an elephant’s memory to remember where you left off.
***
What: Clocky Chrome alarm clock and Shower Radio, visit www.hitplay.in, Rs 1,999 and Rs 899 respectively.
Why: You’ll have to chase this clock on wheels around your room to shut off the alarm - hey, got you out of bed, didn’t it? And with the shower radio, you’ll have back-up vocals for your bath. HitPlay also makes a bunch of other cool products, like the SunJar.
When: You want your morning to start off on a high note.
bpb freebie: New deal on hand painted sneakers by 7 Degree Burns, exclusively for subscribers. For this and more discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.
Also, win entrance passes to Blue Frog for Akshai and Yahel’s gig on Saturday Night, August 8 by sharing your Mumbai secret (bar, shop, street treat).
bRUISE
What: Mixed Martial Arts Fight Night, 2nd floor, Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi, call 9820112639 for passes and cover charge.
Why: Because a Mixed Martial Arts fight league is making its moves on Mumbai for the first time. At this under-(w)raps event, you can watch ten bouts of India’s best fighters in the ring, while you drink whiskey and thank God you got a break from the city’s bars.
When: You want a kickass Saturday night. August 8, 7 to 11 pm.
pILSNER What: The BeerMachine, visit www.beermachine.in or call Yesha at 09833879333, Rs. 5,999 onwards. Why: This compact counter-friendly contraption makes fresh brews in eight different varieties (we like the Golden Lager and Amber Ale). Just add in the beer mix, and develop your very own six pack.
When: You wanna hops to it. *** What: Customised psychedelic bar fridge, call artist Rashmi Dogra at 9820450066, Rs 2,800 onwards. Why: Big-bummed babes, floozy flamingoes, souped-up superheroes: Rashmi, whose designs are showcased at some of the city’s best stores (Aza, Ogaan) will jazz up your drab Kelvinator with any motif you want. Add in awesome shot glasses made of ice from Loose Ends, and you’ll have the coolest fridge in town!
When: You want to be a free(ze) spirit.
bUCKLE UP What: Handcuffs, feather boas and masks, Pride! Azaad Bazaar Exhibition, 1st floor, Link Corner Mall, KFC Lane, Bandra (W), Rs 350 onwards.
Why: Too racy for their online store, these accessories are bound to spice up your sex life, whichever way you swing.
When: You want a new set of cuff links. Exhibition on August 14 and 15.
Why: Maxxis’ hot wheels add style to your automobile. If you want to go all out, halt at Vardenchi’s customised bike building chopper shop, and owner Akshai Varde and his team will bring your motorcycle diary to life. Visit www.vardenchi.com.
If you didn’t get Brown Paper Bag’s free passes to Gordon Southern and James Moffet’s stand-up act this week, it’s time to pay for your own. Here’s why it’s worth your time and money: For one thing, Mumbai is starved for non-booze, non-Bollywood action. So when award-winning comedians come calling, go you must.
Beyond the FringeBrit boy Southern, who’s on his way to headline The Edinburgh Fringe, one of the best-known comedy festivals in the world, will be giving us a sneak peek to gigs from his new show, The Unofficial 2009 Album! He has also appeared on several BBC TV comedy shows like Have I Got News for You and Comedy Nation.
Knead to LaughWhen his career as a massage therapist brought him only “hairy backed gorilla men” and no “hot chicks”, Australia-born James Moffet decided to turn to stand-up comedy. We hope he works these shenanigans into his act! This funny guy has done the whole routine — been on prominent TV shows, won awards and gone on tour, so we’re sure he’ll have us in splits.
Show Schedule August 6: St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra August 7: St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra August 8: Y.B. Chavan Centre, Nariman Point
Tickets are available at the venues and bookmyshow.com.
The legendary Yahel is performing at the Frog on Saturday with Akshai Sarin (it’s also his “Moving to Bombay” party – yay!), as part of Yahel’s “XPORT” album launch; and we’re giving away free entries to the gig!
All you have to do is Share Your Secret on our newly launched website(tell us about your favourite Mumbai bar, restaurant, shop, hide-out), and the best ones will win free entry to the club that night.
Check out our NEW website on www.bpbweekend.com!
