Love Portions

bpb BREAKFAST: Monday to Thursday, get your morning hit (or miss) of Mumbai with bpb Breakfast, where the city’s catch of the day (restaurant, store, service) comes to you in a daily email. Click here to subscribe.

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Bpb CONTEST: What do you want your Halloween pumpkin to turn into at midnight? Send in your answer to guide@bpbweekend.com, and the most creative ones will win a free pass to the October 31 Halloween party at Bonobo or the bash at East.

bURN

What: bpb and East present Pan-Asian Aphrodisiac Tasting and Menu at East, Kemp’s Corner, Rs 650 for vegetarians and Rs 850 for non vegetarians, includes a pint of beer or a glass of wine.

Why: bpb’s first event! Ex-Nobu chef and owner of East, Nachiket Shetye skips the clichéd chocolate and oysters to bring you a truly sensuous experience. The tingle of galangal, musky scent of sweet mustard, and soft slide of lobster is bound to arouse the most stubborn senses. Read the menu here.

When: You want to feast on inter-courses. Tasting on November 11 at 8.30 pm. To sign up, email guide@bpbweekend.com or call 9821468671.

***

pACK

What: Hand-painted shopping bags from Bootika, call Shruti on 9892059361 or view the Facebook page here, start at Rs 650.

Why: Sporting intricately sketched taxi meters, pensive bulls and half-drunk glasses of cutting chai, these organic cotton shopping bags are the perfect reason to go green.

When: It’s time to up your market value.

***

What: Rent-a-bed, Details, near Bombay House, Homi Modi Street, Fort, call 22043732, starts at Rs 200.

Why: Behind the polished surfaces of this swish home store lives a jumble of furniture: Burma teak cupboards, ancient headboards and even a rare piano. These, you can rent for a song – Ms. Anita will have them restored and delivered right to your doorstep. They lease office furniture as well.

When: You don’t want to be chained to your desk.

bUDDY

What: Personalised golf balls, Zaverchand Sports, 3rd Floor, Dena Bank building, Horniman Circle, Fort, call 9819007344, Rs 3,000 for a dozen.

Why: Send these guys a pattern, colour or inscription, and they’ll create a unique set of golf balls just for you. Perfect for gifting.

When: You want to bird(ie) watch.

***

What: Super Slow workout, Bajaj Arcade, Union Park, Khar (W), call 9833923826, Rs 350 per session.

Why: Unlike other trainers hopped up on steroids, Rustom Dalal likes to take it nice and slow. With 3 twenty minute weight-training sessions a week, these unhurried quickies focus on strength training, muscle building and bone density improvement.

When: You want to switch to (a) snail male.

Event Round Up: Halloween parties on October 31 night at Valhalla (Churchgate), Hard Rock Café (Worli) and HQ’s (Colaba); Curio Cottage opens in Khar; Chai & Why at Prithvi Theatre on Nov 1 at 11 am where TIFR expert discusses Rocket Science and Ketchup Economics in Finance.

bpb Review: Yellow Tree Cafe

So we sailed on to the sun. / Till we found a sea of green. / And we lived beneath the waves. / In our yellow submarine.

And not once did we want to come up for air. Yellow Tree Café, Bandra’s newest picture-perfect eatery, managed to lock us in for the better part of the evening, without any resistance. And the sunny space, accented with rainbow-coloured graphics from a book called Happiness, ensured that while we needed to borrow John, Paul, George and Ringo’s tune, we didn’t require their psychedelics.

Fleet-ing Faux Pas

At first glance, the café makes a big splash, but the charm ebbs a little due to the sloppy service. Not only was the attending crew unable to help with recommendations, but they also got our order wrong. Twice. It was only after they swapped iced teas with the hot lemon versions, and a wrongly-served sandwich was replaced by a crepe, that the happy soundtrack in our heads re-started.

Knots and Grosses

We sailed through our cocktails – a Watermelon Caprioska and Mint Mojito – carefully priced, and recklessly potent. Our meal started off with a strictly average potato leek soup (Rs 150), and an addictive spicy hummus with pita bread (Rs 175). Main course of asparagus crepe with caramelised onions in a cheesy gravy (Rs 225) and basil ravioli with sun-dried tomatoes and olives in a creamy pesto sauce (Rs 255), were as delicious on the tongue as they were on paper. A light, creamy Crème Brule with a wafer-thin crisp top turned out to be the dessert heavy weight, and a perfect anchor to our meal.

Port Dine

Later, while we toured the first floor dining area which had a more restaurant-like feel than the airy ground floor café and the second floor banquet hall, we were informed they were launching Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch soon.

We hope that’s more than just a sailor’s promise.

Getting there: Yellow Tree Café, 33rd and Ambedkar Road junction, Bandra (W). Call 65287800. Open from 11 am to 12.30 am.

At Brown Paper Bag, we review restaurants anonymously, and pay for our own meals.

Taking Out Mumbai!

Bpb Freebie: Subscribers get one session of power yoga or body sculpting free with every ten! Call Shilpa at 9820053943.

Bpb Contest: U2 scrambled - 10 bpb subscribers get a FREE breakfast at Gostana on Oct 26 at 9 am, when the café will be showing the U2 concert live from LA. To get on the list, email guide@bpbweekend.com. First come, first serve!

Also, every week this October, bpb is giving away five FREE memberships to BagSutra.com, India’s first luxury handbag rental service. All you have to do to win access to a hot designer bag for a week is tell us about the sneakiest thing you’ve ever carried in your handbag. To win, send in your answers to guide@bpbweekend.com . See last week’s winning entries here.

bITE

What: Chinese box lunch delivery, Zenzi Mills, Lower Parel, call 43455455, starts at Rs 275 including a soft drink; Don Giovanni reopens at Juhu Tara Road, near Prithvi Theatre, call 67426770.

Why: Our favourite foodsters at Zenzi will turn dabbawallas next week, delivering their delicious China boxes all over Lower Parel. Further North, Italian food father Don Giovanni returns to its original neighbourhood, armed with just-installed wood fire ovens and charcoal grills.

When: You want to chew on the new.

***

What: Exotic liqueurs by the litre, Barwings Hospitality, call 9773133220, Rs 600 and up.

Why: Locked up in his lab, an internationally renowned bartender is mixing fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and cream into the most deliciously textured liqueurs. Starting next week, you can call him for coffee, cream and orange blends. Coming soon: cinnamon and hazelnut.

When: You want the cream of the drop.

pICK

What: Overstatement Necklace by Cheny Wagma, email cwagma@gmail.com or visit chenywagma.blogspot.com, starts at Rs 1,400.

Why: Because this jewellery designer strings antique gold and silver chains together with crystals to create some of the fiercest, most eye-catching neck pieces we’ve seen in a long time. She customises as well.

When: You enjoy arty-chokes.

***

What: Bridge lessons, call Arvind Vaidya at 9322305064, Rs 3,000 per person for 12 sessions.

Why: Round up a group of four or more, pick your partner, and call this national level player over – he’s guaranteed to get your house (of cards) in order. Novices welcome!

When: You don’t have a good partner, so need a good hand.

bOOT

What: Hand painted sneakers by Shubert, visit shubertshoes.blogspot.com or email order.shubert@gmail.com, price on request.

Why: From owls to electric poles, doe-eyed ladies to bare-branched trees, Shubert will customise sneakers with graphics best suited to your personality.

When: You want them to gawk when you walk.

***

Event Round Up: The Great Wall of Mumbai at Tulsi Pipe Road on Oct 25; Massamba at Blue Frog on Oct 27; Mumbai Film Festival kicks off October 29 and The Elbo Room opens for lunch.

Forever New Plays to the Gallery

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Last week, a pricey Mumbai store decided to stop milling over the gloss and start playing to the gallery. A welcome development, even if it was just for a month. Australian women’s fashion brand Forever New moved piles of style from its Phoenix Mills store to an empty art gallery in Bandra, slashed its prices by 70%, and alerted hoards of regulars. We went en masse, but left with class - a formal high-waisted grey jersey skirt with slanting pockets (Rs 700), made even more delicious by the fact that some unsuspecting shopper once paid Rs 2,400 for it. The next day – when new shipment was expected – we returned for more goodies.

What to Skirt When you get to the sale, head straight to the rack of translucent white blouses and airy pastel kurta tops, and stop to check out the summer shorts on your way there. If you are migrating out of Mumbai for the winter, the trench jackets (Rs 1,500 and up after discount) are a good buy. Stay away from the shapeless knits, random assortment of shoes and export quality skirts that sport ‘made in India’ labels. Not a lot of small sizes are left, and the 30% off rack, though interesting, still doesn't feel worth it. The shelves are updated every week, so make sure you don’t buy into Forever New’s old stock. On for the next 15 days.

Getting there: 7 Days Art Gallery, opposite Patwardhan Park, off Linking Road, Bandra (W). Forever New: Level 1, High Street Phoenix, Phoenix Mills Compound, 462 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Call: 40040289

Elbow (Makes) Room for Lunch

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According to restaurateur brothers Dino and Nicolo Morea, The Elbo Room, which opened in early September, is Mumbai’s first singles bar, designed to be intimate enough that you can’t help but rub shoulders with fellow drinkers and potential partners. But when we visited on a Diwali weekend afternoon for their newly launched lunch hour, the place was empty. We were the only people there, arms free to flail about to the beats of How Bizarre, pumped through formidable speakers into the English-pub style setting.

Bandra’s Inn
On a better day, The Elbo Room could be Bandra’s answer to Woodside Inn. The international beers, unusual music (we hadn’t heard Malibu by Courtney Love’s awesome-but-forgotten band Hole since high school) , non-stuffy food and an unassuming vibe earned bpb’s stamp of approval right away. The steep price of the drinks, though, weighed down slightly on the casual feel.

The afternoon we visited, confusion reigned supreme over whether the kitchen was serving lunch. After much waffling, we were told we couldn’t order the Bento Boxes or Bangkok Salad (the most exciting dishes on the menu), but were offered Cheesy Garlic Bread, chicken tacos and nachos on the house. The insipid nachos with a side of baked beans and three specks of cheese were a sorry excuse for Mexican food, but the other two fared well. The drinks menu, with its varied choice of cocktails, beers and wines, didn’t disappoint either.

For main course, we ordered the Margherita pizza that was too bready, and a spicy-tangy pomodoro pasta which turned out to be the best choice of the afternoon.

Teething Troubles

But a month into its existence, there are still a number of teething problems that The Elbo Room has to tackle. The strange blinking strobe light-like situation in the bathroom, for instance. Or the fact that they have tap beer on the menu, but can’t serve it yet.

Gay’s Anatomy
But by the time we finished, we were lulled into a happy haze that more than made up for these short-comings. The combination of chilled Stellas, sunlight and Sting’s dreamy vocals reminded us of a drowsy Sunday spent reading in bed, while propped up on our elbows. Not perhaps the kind of room it was meant to be, but one that worked for us.

Getting There: The Elbo Room, Sant Kutir Apartments, behind Levis' Showroom, Linking Road, Khar (W). Call: 26483316

At Brown Paper Bag, we review restaurants anonymously, and pay for our own meals.

Sunny Side Up!

Check out our new website at www.bpbweekend.com!

bpb FREEBIE: Crafty shopping deal from Dhoop, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bpb Contest: Every week this October, bpb is giving away five FREE memberships to BagSutra.com, India’s first luxury handbag rental service. All you have to do to win access to a hot designer bag for a week is tell us about the sneakiest thing you’ve ever carried in your handbag. To win, send in your answers to guide@bpbweekend.com . See last week’s winning entries here.

bRICK

What: Yellow Tree Café, Ambedkar Road, next to Sparkle, Bandra (W).

Why: Because it’s shiny, happy and opening this weekend! We just hope that the soups, salads and cocktails on the menu are as refreshing as the interiors, complete with white-washed walls and sea-green windows. Look out for the bpb review on Monday.

When: You want a picture perfect meal. Say “trees”!

***

What: Individual and group Mixed Martial Arts classes by Full Contact Entertainment, call Prashant on 9821133980, starts at Rs 3,000 a month.

Why: The man who gave Mumbai its first fight night now wants to tackle you. Learn mixed martial arts moves from Prashant and his team, who formerly saved their expertise exclusively for national fighters.

When: You need to strengthen your contacts.

pEDDLE

What: Make Your Own Bath Salts, The Nature’s Co, Palladium, Phoenix Mills Compound, 2nd floor, Lower Parel, call 32211771 or visit their website here, Rs 175 a test tube.

Why: Because playing mad scientist with the pretty, subtly scented bath salts at this new beauty store – you get to pick favorites and bottle them into test tubes – is almost as fun as actually using them. We particularly love the tangerine and cinnamon fragrances.

When: You want to be worthy of a You-Reek-Ah! Go before October 19, and get a complimentary facial and health drink.

***

What: Wrought iron miniature automobiles, Earth, Inorbit, R City and Phoenix Mills Malls, call 26349074, starts at Rs 1,250.

Why: Because these mini auto rickshaws and bicycles, replicated down to fully functional chains and steering wheels, are a perfect melding of childhood whimsy and adult aesthetics. If you want to go all out, bag the life-size Harley Davidson, constructed entirely from wood.

When: You want to toy with the past.

bUTTONS

What: Coming Out of the Closet, call Ashmi Bhansali at 9820009008, starts at Rs 2,000.

Why: bpb’s newest invention, this service will transform your wardrobe. Take your old clothes, mum’s sarees and dad’s retro ties to design wizard Ashmi (you’ll find her stuff at Mogra and Oak Tree), and she’ll piece them into a whole new ensemble.

When: You want to turn old into gold.

Event Round-up: Jazz by Junckt at the Novotel on Friday, Oct 16; Techno with HP at ZenziRoad trip to Pushkar with Quest kicks off on Saturday, Oct 24; and bpb reviews Valhalla’s new menu. Bandra on Saturday, Oct 17;

bpb's All Access Pass to Couture Week

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Even if you didn’t get invited, you can still be part of the haute couture scene. bpb tells you how:French Fantasies

What: Made-to-order haute French cuisine at Napeansea Road, call 9821172620, Rs 400 and up.

Why: Le Cordon Bleu-return Niloufer Mistry whips up ratatouille, roulades, crepes and wine gravies, right here in Mumbai. How do you say yummy in French?

When: You want to eat a poutful of delish.

Be a Buyer

What: Indus – the Bookstore, Grand Hyatt, Off Western Express Highway Santacruz (E), call 66761234.

Why: Located smack-dab in the middle of Couture Week's venue, Indus stocks rare, fashionable editions. They may be crafted from paper instead of expensive fabric, but these, you can afford.

When: You want to skirt around the (t)issue.

Bevy of Beauties

What: Mumbai Martini Beauty Pageant, CNNGo.com, read it here.

Why: CNN’s hip new Mumbai microsite lines up the best bar-candy in the city, for your viewing (and tasting) pleasure.

When: You want to score the hottest item in the room.

Walk the (Cat)Walk

What: Strut on Stilts lessons, call Shilpa at 9833103710 for individual/group classes, Rs 3,300 onwards.

Why: Perfect for Couture Week, this pole dancing expert’s Strut on Stilts class teaches balance and postural training, complete with stiletto stalks and catwalk moves that will leave you feeling sexy, strong and confident. Bonus: Leaner legs.

When: You want to get (a)head over heels.

Get the Skinny

What: Made-to-order plain and chocolate chip granola bars and low-fat yogurt cakes, call Amrita Bhoolabhai at 9820633336, Rs 360 for ½ kg.

Why: Drop the extra pounds with Amrita’s fresh, crunchy granola, which 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.

bpb Review: Fire n Light Menu at Valhalla

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If you want to spend a cool Rs 3,000 on dinner for two, there are better places to do it at than Valhalla. That was our concluding thought after a recent trial of the “Fire n Light” menu at the Eros restobar, launched earlier this month in honor of the upcoming holiday.

Cheers to… who?

We got there at 8:30 pm on a Friday night – a little early, but the place was almost deserted except for a couple more diners and a bevy of wait staff. It reminded us why we love Valhalla for post-dinner partying, but wouldn’t consider it for a meal (one Saturday, we were the only guests present for lunch).

And the drama of our dinner only seemed to accentuate how dead the place was. We started with a couple of flaming cocktails. The Flaming Viper (Rs 750), featuring Baileys, Kahlua and Blue Curacao was served alongside a huge dollop of theatrics, where the bartender stacked at least four different types of glasses on top of each other before lighting a flame. And watching, we were afraid to breathe. It was delicious, creamy, and totally worth the fright. The Ferrari (Rs 600), another flaming cocktail, was tamer, and less tasty. (Our favorite drink is still the Isabella, Valhalla’s delicious twist on the Caprioska, featuring grapes instead of lemons).

Hey, My Food’s on Fire!

The plum tomato and goat cheese tart (Rs 325) appetizer was perfect – creamy, crusty and deliciously ripe. The entrée of asparagus risotto with cognac (Rs 495) was beautifully presented, but would have tasted better without the bitter flambé; as we maneuvered our forks around acrid, alcohol-soaked grains of rice, we wondered at the kitchen’s inclination to unnecessarily set things on fire.

Lighting up the Night

But it was the dessert that made our evening, possibly even our entire week. The chocolate fondant (Rs 400) was sinfully delicious, and served with a side of Grand Marnier ice cream on a biscuit crust that tasted like Orange Cream cookies from fifth grade. Darkly decadent pleasure melding with a sunny childhood treat – surprising, and absolutely sensational.

All in all, the food at Valhalla is good, sometimes even great. But to justify the astronomical prices, the place needs to become a more happening dinner destination, with more diners. Sitting in the large, echoing dining hall, dominated by an empty throne and surrounded by equally empty tables, can ruin even the most persistent appetites.

So we suggest that you brave the long-lines-guest-list-bouncer nonsense and visit Valhalla post-dinner – but remember to save room for dessert.

Getting There: Eros Building, 1st Floor, Churchgate, call 67353535.

bpb's Couture Week

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As Couture Week sashays into Mumbai, bpb digs through its style files to line-up the coolest, under-the-radar designers we wish would be in the spotlight.

Ladies and Their Linen

What: Minimalist linen wear, Kishmish Design Studio, Colaba, call 9820031361, Rs 2,500 for a cowl-neck dress.
Why: Because Nikki Kalia and her partner‘s collection of deceptively simple designs in an airy palette of whites, creams and pale blues is like a bit of beach for your closet. You’ll find Kishmish offerings at Melange, Ensemble and more, but these designers also run a secret studio, where they’ll create customised pieces.
When: You want to lay it on the line(n).

Recycling Rani

What: Diana’s recycled jewelry, call 9987354466, Rs 1,000 onwards.
Why: Diana Linda turns old magazine pages into hip papier maché bangles, earrings and necklaces. She retails at super pricey stores like Bombay Electric and Attic, but we bring you a direct line to her, minus the mark ups.
When: You want to see waste turned into wonder.

Smoking Hot Designer

What: Made-to-order hemp pants for men and women, call Sarita on 9220520467, price on request.
Why: This designer-to-watch-out-for makes the coolest 3/4ths out of hemp, but remember, with great pants comes great patience; she has to order the banned fabric all the way from Nepal.
When: You like your pants smoking hot.

Moodiest Shoe Smith

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.

Lean, Mean, Green Team

What: Indigreen organic hand-painted Bollywood Poster bags and T-Shirts, click here to order.
Why: A fashion designer, environmental activist, and movie poster painter collaborate to bring you bags and tees that will cause everyone around you to see green.
When: You need to bag your organic-fix.

bpb at the Races!

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He wasn't fast, and we were furious. Just for the first hour, that is. Given the cruel October sun, waiting an hour for David Coulthard to show up at the firing of the engines, an exclusive precursor event to the Redbull Speed Link today (October 10), was harrowing. To say the least. But when the Formula One ace driver (finally!) showed up, it was awesome! And once the engines were fired, we’d forgotten all about the mid-day heat. Plus, the Red Bull girls and their infinite supply of energising liquid did their bit to cool the disgruntled crowd.

bpb Reader Insight

A Brown Paper Bag reader, also at the event, who thought DC was “cool - a little cocky for some people's liking, but still cool”, wrote in to say that he asked the race car driver a question on behalf of bpb.

K.A (Name withheld to protect privacy): DC, the note in the media kit said this was a Toro Rosso F1 car (Red Bull Racing's sister team) but everyone else has been saying it’s a Red Bull Racing Car. Which is it?

DC: I'm not a historian mate! But its one of the older ones, from 2-3 years ago. (Checks with the chief mechanic)..yeah it’s actually the first car I ever drove for Red Bull (about four years ago). We've had to add some fans to the radiators because of the heat. This adds a ton of weight to the car, so we could never use this in a race. We can't be bringing this season's car out here. The Mumbai roads would destroy it!

Lap it Up!

Tomorrow (October 11) at 2 pm, David Coulthard will drive the Red Bull Racing Car down the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, adding a zippy cool to the city’s newest heavyweight bridge. The event is open to the public so we hope to see you there! Have a racy weekend!

For more information on the event, click here.

Doobie-Doob-Up!

bpb FREEBIE: Delish deal exclusively for subscribers at Gostana. For this and other discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

Plus, we’re giving away a bunch of VIP passes to the Redbull Speedlink on the Bandra- Worli Sea Link this Sunday. For yours, email guide@bpbweekend.com. Going fast!

bpb Contest: Every week this October, bpb is giving away five FREE memberships to BagSutra.com, India’s first luxury handbag rental service. All you have to do to win access to a hot designer bag for a week is tell us about the sneakiest thing you’ve ever carried in your handbag. To win, send in your answers to guide@bpbweekend.com. See last week’s winning entries here.

bLOW

What: Adult theme parties, Party Hunterz, Shabistan C.S.H.L, Dr Ambedkar Road, opp Brownie Point, Bandra (W), email sharon@partyhunterz.com, price on request.

Why: Rastafarian riots, lovely luaus, superhero soirees - anything you think up, these planners can execute, complete with décor and costumes. They open their doors this Diwali, right in time for the party season.

When: You want a bl(i)ssing in disguise.

***

What: Funky boxer shorts for men and women from SayC, call Simera on 9833073066.

Why: Because these super comfy boxers, sporting everything from Felix the cat to Mr. Men, are guaranteed to jazz up your underwear drawer.

When: You want to burn the briefs along with the bra.

pACK

What: The Pawsh, dog vacation retreat, Pune, visit www.thepawspack.com, Rs 350 per day and up.

Why: Here, pets get private temperature controlled rooms equipped with customised beds and insulated roofing. They also have access to a swimming pool, masseuse, and friend circles with like-minded canines. Trips can last from 24 hours to two months.

When: You want your vacation to go to the dogs.

***

What: Bag in a Bag, call Beverly on 9820792918 or visit her stall on October 10 at Candies Bazaar & Bling next to Learners Academy, Bandra (W), Rs 90 to Rs 250.

Why: These silk organisers carry essentials, fit in any bag and ensure you don’t misplace stuff on your switch from satchel to sling. We also love the patchwork lingerie and stiletto bags. Customised orders available.

When: You want to get Carrie(d) away.

bOUQUET

What: Crush Course by We Know Vino wine club at The Tasting Room, Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel, call 65285284 to register.

Why: Virgin wine enthusiasts learn the ropes from model and sommelier Shamita Singha. Part of her newly launched wine club, this crash course teaches you the basics in grape varieties, wine styles, label reading, storage, serving, food pairing and more.

When: October 31, 12 pm to 5 pm. Sign up soon!

***

Event Round-up: One Drop’s Poetic Special Mission in Space on Saturday, Comedy Store tour at St Andrews Auditorium on Oct 9 and Taj Mahal Hotel on Oct 11, David Coulthard Races Redbull car on Sunday, and Sandwich and Co. opens in Bandra.

Plus, read the winning travel secrets from our Turkish Delight Contest here.

bpb Review: Posh Pick-Ups at Sandwich & Co

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The trend is near. We can smell it. We like what we sniff, but we don’t like what we pay. Casual-chic cafes selling overpriced sandwiches stuffed with fancy cheeses and organic yummies - that’s what Mumbai’s culinary circuit is dishing out. The latest - Sandwich & Co in Bandra - joins the likes of Indigo Deli, Bagel Shop and Gostana, selling expensive whole wheat and multi-grain sandwiches, along with show-off shelves that display three-citrus fruit jams, garlic and parsley mustard, black olive paste, green tea bottles, salty crackers, smoked cheese, Spanish cured chorizo and pretty much anything you usually buy at Nature’s Basket or Santé. The bread selection isn’t as exciting, though.

In the Company of Delicious
It was hard to keep from drooling over the shelves, but then it was time to order. A welcome distraction. After glancing at the menu we decided on the BBQ Chicken and More Than Mozzarella sandwiches from the set menu, and a multi grain one with roasted garlic mayo, mushrooms, scamorza smoked cheese, iceberg lettuce and other greens from the make-your-own sandwich counter. The men behind it, were informed enough to tell us that the Spinach and Corn Baps didn’t go with the smoked scamorza. They also let us try multiple cheeses – no matter how expensive or sealed - before our taste buds finally picked one.

Time, Forbes and other literature kept us company while we waited in the seating area outside, a setting that might not be so peaceful after the freak showers leave us with the violent October heat. But last evening, it was cool and quiet, the answer to Bandra’s people-spilling hangouts off Carter Road. We actually heard the crisp iceberg lettuce crunch between our teeth when we got down to business ten minutes later, a half read magazine fluttering by the side.

The Breaded Moment
The combinations were well put together, the greens fresh, and the roasted garlic mayo, delish. The finale act - the Apple Crumble - didn't disappoint either. But none of the picks were tasty enough to warrant the exorbitant prices we saw on the bill. While the Chicken BBQ was reasonably priced at Rs 175, the make-your-own vegetarian sandwich cost us a cool Rs 315, and the mozzarella one was Rs 225. And the café, though fancy on the inside, can’t boast of a seating area that makes you want to stay.

Expensive Pick-ups
Here, the price tags take away the casual air that’s supposed to sit inside a sandwich. The kind that makes you want to pick one up en route, stuff it in a brown paper bag, and lug it to work without wondering if you dropped part of the 300-rupee organic filling while paying the cabbie. So will these costly pick-ups succeed in seducing Bandra? They mayo, they mayo not.
Getting there: Shop no 2, ground floor, Perry Cross Road, ahead of Turquoise, Bandra (W). Call 26553366 (free home delivery).

At Brown Paper Bag, we review restaurants anonymously and pay for our own meals.

Bombay Electric: Wear No Evil

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The Gandhi hangover continues at Bombay Electric, putting an end to dry fashion days in the city. This South Mumbai mecca of style pays tribute to the Mahatma with an exhibition titled By Hand, putting the spotlight on the humble, hand-spun khadi. In collaboration with NGO Women Weave’s Organic Khadi Project, the store is retailing designs for women, men and children crafted from Gandhi’s favourite fabric, with a side of chai and farsan. Check out the organic lotus pants. Wear no evil, we say. On till
Oct 9.
Getting there: Bombay Electric, 1 Reay House, Best Marg, Colaba. Call 22876276.

Out of the Box Celebration

Bpb Freebie: To kick off the holiday season, members get exclusive deals on delicious goodies by Babycakes. For this and other freebies, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

Bpb Contest: Every week this October, bpb is giving away five FREE memberships to BagSutra.com, India’s first luxury handbag rental service. All you have to do to win access to a hot designer bag for a week is tell us about the sneakiest thing you’ve ever carried in your handbag. To win, send in your answers to guide@bpbweekend.com.

bULBS

What: Personalised Sky Lanterns, to order call 9821030582, Rs 125 onwards. See picture here.

Why: Made from biodegradable paper, these “noiseless firecrackers” are safe, eco-friendly and super pretty.

When: You want to set the night on fire.

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What: Made-to-order hemp pants for men and women, call Sarita on 9220520467, price on request.

Why: This designer-to-watch-out-for makes the coolest 3/4ths out of hemp, but remember, with great pants comes great patience; she has to order the banned fabric all the way from Nepal.

When: You like your pants smoking hot.

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What: Garage sale at Ruby Mansion, 3rd floor, near St Stephens Church, Napeansea Road, call 9821555982.

Why: Rummage through writer/traveller Natasha Pratap’s past, on sale this weekend. You’re guaranteed to find treasures in her crazy jumble of books, CDs, clothes and trinkets. Also check out gold school girl clips from SOS and What the Fuss pom pom neck pieces at Taxxi and Vitamin K’s Diwali Bazaar.

When: Oct 3-4, 11 am to 6 pm; and Diwali Bazaar from October 2 to 4.

pATTI

What: Personalised playing cards, call Nidhi at 9820644124, price on request.

Why: Give this creative cat your favorite photos or cool graphics, and she’ll turn them into a personalised deck of cards. Perfect for gifting!

When: This Diwali, when you want to be the king/queen of hearts.

bURRITO

What: Mexican catering, call 9821740001, price on request.

Why: Because this ex-New Yorker chef brings the onion rings and enchiladas of everyone’s favorite college haunt straight to your kitchen. Nachos gracias!

When: You want to stock for your fiesta while taking a siesta.

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Event Round Up: Reverse Polarity, Motherjane and more test of metal at I-Rock, Chitrakoot Grounds on Oct 3 and 4; Shubha Mudgal concert on Oct 3 at the Bandra Festival, MMRDA grounds, 8 pm onwards; Fabindia opens East; and Fluke sells Durga and Kali’s baggage on Diwali.