Weekend Guide: The Eleventh Hour

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As midnight approaches, we recap the biggest lifestyle trends of 2009 and ring in the New Year.

Back: In 2009, Mumbai became Miami. It was the year of big clubs and bigger tabs, when we donned our fanciest shoes and partied the night away with the chic throngs (and throne) at Valhalla, Tote, Aer.

Forth: Next year, the party gets smaller and hopefully, smarter. Gallery cafes will be the new hangouts, with culture replacing cocktails and designer coffee trumping handbags. BMB art gallery has just opened an outpost of the Banyan Tree Cafe, and Volte will launch its restaurant in early January, complete with sandwiches, cupcakes (another 2009 hit – find our best of list here) and a collection of hard-to-find arty books that you can browse through or buy.

Getting there: Volte Gallery, 2/19 Kamal Mansion, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, visit www.volte.in or call 22041220.

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Back: Stars stepped out of the silver screen and crept onto walls, planners, belts. Retro Bollywood art became a symbol of kitschy-cool, with everyone from environmentalists to former film poster artists jumping onto the bandwagon.

Forth: Time to go global. Swap Bachchan for Bono and Himesh for Hitchcock with classy, cool laptop bags by Fungus Designs, which brings together the best international artists to give your accessories a New Year facelift.

Getting there: Shop online at www.fungusdesigns.com or at Taxxi and Vitamin K, Kusum Kunj, next to Mango, Linking Road, Khar (W), Rs 5,300.

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Back: The city’s entertainment circuit went live in 2009, electric with stand-up comedy routines, poetry slams and indie music acts from across the globe.

Forth: 2010 will take live entertainment a step further - underground MMA fight nights and bpb's make-shift restaurants are already giving the city a taste of the thrills to come. Look out for racing of radio-controlled cars, super hot and recently launched onto the market. In the face of these power- packed boy toys that go faster than 150 kmph, ennui will be gone in 60 seconds! Next race on January 10.

Getting there: Tritech International, visit www.tritechgroup.net or call Siddharth on 9820164938, cars start at Rs 10,000.

***

Back: 2009 had Mumbai’s name written all over it. Literally. This year, we were obsessed with personalising everything from jigsaw puzzles and golf balls to nails and sneakers.

Forth: Get a fresh lease of life with the new (and growing) rental asylums. Can't afford a Gucci tote? Hire one for a week. for just three months? Rent a four-poster bed. And if you're out of office space, hot desk in a community work hub. The newest landlord in town is Crezca toy library which, with its mini roller coasters, springy trampolines and vertigo-afflicted giraffes will make you feel like a kid again.

Getting there: Shop no 48, Link Square Mall, 33rd Road, opposite KFC, off Linking Road, Bandra (W). Call 32255222 or check out the Facebook page here. Membership is Rs 600 per month

***

Back: Avowed urbanites dipped their toes into the wilderness, gingerly participating in daytrips with fishing clubs and luxury camping in Mumbai's backyard.

Forth: Go faster, further, higher. Connect with Himalaya organises exploratory treks to remote, astonishingly beautiful destinations high up in the mountains, with fluid itineraries, unmarked trails and few luxuries. No showers, no cabs, no Blackberry service. Can you handle it?

Getting there: Visit www.connectwithhimalaya.com or call Gaurav Punj at +919833829240, trips start at Rs 8,000 per person

Ever Wanted to Rent a Roller Coaster

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Laugh Lines

Crezca, a new toy library in Bandra, is really for children between the ages of ten months to six years, but some of its play things were more fascinating to us than the new Blackberry Bold. We gawked at candy-coloured splash pools and sandpits, rummaged excitedly through books sporting pianos and pop-ups of vertigo-afflicted giraffes, and had to use all our willpower to stop from climbing onto the springy trampoline and vintage rocking horse.

Meet the Librarians

Harvard educated curriculum designer Faridah Bawani and management expert Jasmine Vastani are the women behind Crezca, which means growth in Spanish. True to its moniker, the library not just provides access to super cool toys that aren’t easily available in India, but also ensures that they aid child development. “Any book, activity set, toy or puzzle you borrow from us will enhance your child’s intelligence,” explains Jasmine, who follows the impressive-sounding Dr. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory.

Bag, Borrow, Steal

Best of all, Crezca's membership is quite a steal: Rs 600 a month (minimum period of 3 months) allows you to borrow three toys a week. And if you fall in love with your rental, you can even order it for purchase. Plus, in-store councillors stand by to advise parents on how to maximise the educational and fun aspect of each toy.

So the next time you want a blast from the past, stop by Crezca. You may not be able to fit into the toddler roller coaster, but it'll still make you smile.

Getting there: Shop no 48, Link Square Mall, 33rd Road, opposite KFC, off Linking Road, Bandra (W). Call 32255222 or check out the Facebook page here. Membership is Rs 600 per month, along with Rs 100 registration fee and Rs 1,200 refundable deposit.

You Big Softie, You

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Cushion my fall, support my dreams, soften my dirty talk, prop up my drunken one night stand... Every day, the dependable pillow continues to hold up our loves and other disasters, standing by our heads through thick and thin. And now, the humble cushion has decided to stretch itself further, to accommodate our most bizarre needs.

Pillow Talk
Cushy Cuscino, a new pillow studio can make any kind of cushion you can think up. You can have your pillow quote your favourite Neruda verse or Shakespearean stanza. You could dress it up in buttons from an ex-boyfriend’s shirt you still cling to, or even make it reveal the face of your enemy and stick in voodoo pins while laughing your Dr Evil laugh. “There are round ones, triangular ones, even amoeba-shaped ones. Cushions sporting photographs, messages scrawled in your own handwriting, pop-art graphics, favourite rock band posters...we do it all,” says Cushy Cuscino founder Neha Gupta.

Making a Good Impression
Here’s how it works: Call Neha to consult over your soft-ware needs, and she'll send you an email design to approve, and then transfer it onto a cushion. As easy as that, and you land up with the perfect gift for any couch turf.

Getting there: Call 919820610921 or email cushycuscino@gmail.com to place your order. Check out the Facebook group here, start at Rs 350.

Room Service
Bed heads will also love the InterContinental, Marine Drive where every room comes with a separate pillow menu card. From the wheat and musk seed-filled Korean versions, to the bamboo, latex and zero headache pillows, you can have whichever cushion your heart (or head) desires.

Getting there: InterContinental, Marine Drive, call 39879999, rooms start at Rs 11,000 + taxes.

Pocket Change

Indian Hippy's quirky accessories may not appeal to everyone, but if you're looking for a more adventurous version of your standard-issue, drab wallet, then you’ve got yourself a hit. Hand-painted by film poster artists rapidly going out of business due to the digital era, this just-launched range of belts, wallets, clutches and small furniture pieces feature Bollywood's most famous stars and movies in miniature. We especially like the foldable chairs featuring President Obama – kitschy and unusually funny.

Poster Boys

Thanks to these guys, you can now be a star. And it doesn’t have to involve bulking up into Hrithik’s frame or shrinking down to Kareena’s size zero. Simply send in your photo, along with your movie of choice, and they'll paint you into the poster.

Motion Pictures

Although Indian Hippy takes orders for canvasses as well, they focus primarily on creating objects which you can carry around. "The idea was to create moveable, accessible art that's integrated into everyday life," explains Hinesh Jethwani, founder of Indian Hippy. He also promises that the leather used is of the "highest grade export quality" and that the paint won't peel off, even after frequent use.

Autograph, Please?

We're not sure how many people can carry off a Sholay belt or a Govinda clutch, but these accessories channel the starry dreams of a billion people, and are guaranteed to make you stand apart. At the very least, they're great conversation-starters, whether you're pulling out your credit card at a fancy restaurant or fishing for change at the local paanwalla's.

Getting there: Available online only, at www.hippy.in, start at approximately Rs 1,850.

Weekend Guide: Merry Christmas!

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get a delicious discount on imported goodies from Chenab Impex, supplier to Nature’s Basket and others. For this and more freebies, enter your email in the subscription box.

bAD SANTA

What: Twisted Christmas adult figurines, Avenger Toys, 16th Road, opposite Hawaiian Shack, Bandra (W), start at Rs 1,200.

Why: Fanged Santa, evil helpers wielding wickedly large blades, underwear-clad Mrs. Claus swinging off a candy cane: this view of Christmas might be warped, but it's also a lot of fun. If you're not one for holiday cheer, hold out for kick-ass Kill Bill miniatures, expected in the first week of January.

When: You want to be a model figure.

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What: Pairs of Shoes collage postcards by 420, to order email 420ishtyle@gmail.com, approximately Rs 300 for a set of 4.

Why: These funky postcards feature countless, quintessentially Indian motifs including BEST tickets, MRP tags and pin-up girls on firecracker labels. For these, Akhila Krishnan is taking orders until January 10, while on break from her Masters course at The Royal College of Arts in London.

When: You want to send a Mass mail.

pRESENTS

What: Trade-in-your-used-corks, Tribal Route, cottage no 18, Aram Nagar 2, Versova Beach Road, Andheri (W), call 9967058848, Rs 20 to Rs 2,000.

Why: Nihar Mehta over at Tribal Route can turn your Christmas party debris into delight. Send in used wine bottle corks and his band of artists will return them as funky office stationery, hand-painted door stoppers or even a tribal neck piece.

When: You want a fancy night cap.

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What: Fruits for Cheese by The Fine Cheese Co, home delivered by Chenab Impex, call 28478880/1623, Rs 485.

Why: Chenab Impex is a direct route to some of the yummiest imported goodies in the city. Pay special attention to fruit purees by The Fine Cheese Co (Gooseberry, Lime Chilli, Quince and Damson) made to complement a range of different cheeses. Also look out for Chenab’s online store, which opens in two weeks.

When: You want to light up your Christmas Brie.

bENEFIT

What: Organic honey beauty products by Under the Mango Tree, call 9833154478 or email utmt.in@gmail.com, start at Rs 50.

Why: Famous for their yummy artisan honeys, Vijaya Pastala’s NGO is creating a buzz with its new beauty line. The grainy body scrub and smooth lip balm definitely deserve some face time.

When: It’s time to indulge in fair trade.

New Year’s Eve Party Round-Up: Zenzi Mills celebrates the New Year through 50 years; The InterContinental packs in star-gazing, Indian cow boys and 70s magic at their various venues; elegant dinner, champagne and French DJ at Blue Frog; China House at Grand Hyatt goes glam; and Bipasha Basu seduces at Hotel Sahara Star NYE performance.

Vireless Vish: Who Needs Sunglasses When You Can Wear These?

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Every month, Vireless Vish will try and get you high on gadgets, and bring you right back down to earth with cool electronic buys you can use. In this space, he hopes to connect with fellow gizmo junkies, and seduce new ones. For tech queries email him at guide@bpbweekend.com

Mirrors that turn into hi-def televisions, “media beds” that allow you to surf the Internet and closets that let you try on clothes virtually – HomesDigital, a smart home solution provider can put your wildest e-fantasy on paper. At a price, of course.

The gadgets I thought up could fuel a whole new series of Bond films, but I’ll save that for another post. After finally detangling myself from a web of vision and wires, I got a chance to chat with CEO Veetrag Bafna, about other off-the-shelf gadgets they introduce. Having watched Avatar on 3D last weekend, I found myself gravitating towards their I-Vision Video Eyewear. They’re not 3D glasses, but wearing them will make you feel like you just bought your own ticket to Pandora. Here’s how it works – Just slap the glasses on, connect to any video source – iPod, laptop, PS2, Xbox, set top box, portable DVD player, mobile phone, PDA - and it projects a screen of 35 to 55 inches, 2 metres away from your eyes, at a comfortable viewing angle of 24 degrees. But the downfall with most gimmicky gadgets is that you end up paying more for novelty rather than for true application.

Here’s why you should get it:
1. You get to carry a big screen experience in your pocket.
2. It comes with lithium rechargeable batteries and a car charger to make those excruciating road trips to work in peak Bombay traffic, more bearable.
3. It beats headphones when you want to ignore mind-numbingly annoying car-poolers or co-workers. Possible side effects: Increasing attachment with I-Vision is known to make girlfriends compete for face time.

Vireless Vish Tip-off: HomeDigital does not have a store at the moment and works on orders only (solutions start at Rs 300). But by the end of this month, you will get to try out all their products, including the super quirky video glasses, at their upcoming Prabhadevi studio. Call Mr Bafna on 9820307215 for prior appointment, price on request.

The HomesDigital website isn’t up to speed, so email info@zeosinfotech.com to get on the product update mailing list.

Give and Get

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If you've been bad all year, we bring you one last chance to get on Santa's good side. Not only are these gifts cool and quirky, they also come packed with karmic points. Hallelujah!

Root for a cause

Blue Banyan’s silver jewellery champions a dual cause - raising your couture currency and supporting the employment of rural Indian artisans. The organisation identifies indigenous skills, transforms them into high fashion and stocks them at the city’s hippest stores. Half of all profits go back to the artists. Especially crafty are their silver earrings moulded in tree sap, chunky bejewelled bangles and crushed glass-painted pendants.

Getting there: The Bombay Store, FabIndia, Bombay Electric and Taj Khazana. Jewellery starts at Rs 500 to Rs 5,500.

Fuel for the Soul

One of a kind, Soul F.u.e.l’s entire retail space is dedicated to a cause. Here you won’t only find products made by NGOs from all over India, but also volunteer information, NGO details and cause donation boxes. Every three months, new NGOs are given shelf life. Now showing: Aroma candles by ADAPT, silk wallets by Advitya and Welfare of Stray Dogs towels and cushions.

Getting there: Shop No 12, New Jalsarshan, 288 Perry Cross Road, Bandra (W), call 65280465. Starts at Rs 100 onwards.

Footing the Bill

Metta Foot Reflexology Center and Spa is your good knead of the year. Here, visually impaired masseurs are trained to locate your problem areas, coaxing the pain right out with amazing dexterity. Owner Jonita Figueredo, a nurse-turned-yoga teacher and National Association for the Blind (NAB) volunteer, has Metta’s newly introduced gift vouchers out just in time for the holiday season.

Getting there: 53, Suravi House, Pali Village, Bandra (W), call 9870719923. Treatments start at Rs 200 for 30 minutes.

PS: Find more karmic gifting options in bpb's article on CNNGo.com.

You're My Butterfly, Sugar, Baby

Lights, Camera, Cupcakes!

What do you get when you cross a gorgeous Miss India with a crafty pastry chef? Perfect 10 cupcakes, with paparazzi in tow. Last evening, model Sarah Jane Dias and gourmet queen Shaana Gwynne opened the shutters of Butterfly, Mumbai’s first official cupcake store. We were at the launch party, enjoying the multi-flavoured beauties, mesmerising despite the flashbulbs going off around us.

Round 1

Contestants in this pastry pageant was impressive, with Peanut Butter-Jellies and dream-coloured Choconillas standing tall and proud and moist Coconut Almonds holding their own against fierce competition - signature Butterfly cupcakes filled with a gourmet ganache and topped with a shock of blue icing. But our clear favorites were the carrot cupcakes, with subtle hints of clove and cinnamon. These, along with seven other flavours we didn’t get to judge, will be on display at the tiny Wonderland-esque store starting today. You can even have them personalised, adorned with everything from edible glitter to pole dancers.

Backstage to Change

Behind the scenes, Shaana and Sarah Jane revealed the secret to the deep flavors and subtle hints of je ne sais quoi that come with their cakes. “Nothing artificial goes into the batter – no essences, colour or flavours. We make everything from scratch,” they claim.

Visit and decide the winner for yourself. But remember, Butterfly isn’t promising world peace, just really yummy dessert.

Getting there: Shop no 4, Bajaj Arcade, Union Park, next to Top Wines, Khar (W). For personalised orders call 9833350745, Rs 50 to Rs 80 per cupcake.

Also in the Running

you need a spoon to drink them. Sprinkle-smothered chocolate and creamy sitaphal flavours will

Adding to Bandra’s sweet spots is a new Krazy Kreamz kiosk, which sells milk shakes so thick help you get past the unnecessary peppering of ‘k’s and ‘z’s in the moniker. Also opening next week is a branch of South Bombay’s favourite dessert mecca, Theobroma.

Getting There: Krazy Kreamz, next to Open Affair, off Carter Road, start at Rs 50; Theobroma, opposite Bonobo in the KFC Lane, off Linking Road, Bandra (W).

Shear Genius

There are, we discovered, many fringe benefits to getting a haircut at celebrity coiffeur Savio John Pereira’s new Bandra salon. You may for instance, get served a glass of Burgundy while they work on your bob, or be able to browse through a soon-to-be-introduced shopping rack while you wait for your turn. Best of all, if the perky receptionist we met is to be believed, you could even get a cut from mane moghul Savio himself, and pay him “whatever you feel like” (word on the street is that Savio usually charges about Rs 2,000).

Deck Chair

Although we never got down to testing that last promise, we did drop in for a Sunday style check at this unisex “salon-wine bar- fashion lounge”. Busy scissors snipped though hip heads of hair in a bright and opulent setting complete with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and wooden panelling. Besides cuts (Rs 800 and up), the salon offers colour jobs (Rs 1,500 and up), hair spa treatments (Rs 1,400), and manicures and pedicures (Rs 500). All in all, a class act.

It's a Lock!

Known for launching Waters, a popular hair oasis in Bandra, Savio has been associated with some of the biggest hair artists in the city, including stylist-to-the-stars, Dilshad's. Now that he has his own studio, we’re sure our heads will be in good hands, given the expertise Savio has earned during his long, prolific career. So in we’ll go, with a resolved mind and an open purse. He'll make the cut, we're sure.

PS: You can test out your new look with the stylish crowd at Bagel Shop downstairs.

Getting there: Anand Villa, 1st floor, Pali Mala Road, off Carter Road, Bandra (W). Call 26058278.

Weekend Guide: bpb 1Up!

bpb has completed a year, and all you have to do to join in our birthday celebrations is bring a friend. Get one new person to subscribe to our weekly newsletter (send them this link: http://www.bpbweekend.com/birthday), and you can access the bpb 1UP! pass, with exclusive deals from Mumbai's hottest clubs and restaurants including Prive, Valhalla, China House and more. Learn more here.

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In preparation of the crazy revelling that (we hope) will ensue, we bring you bpb's party survival kit. Enjoy!

bLESS
What: Hey Bhagwan accessories by Play Clan available at www.theplayclan.com and Attic, Bir Sagar, 17th Road, Santacruz (W), Rs 85 onwards.
Why: When embarking upon such debauchery, turn to God first. Put your hands together for Play Clan’s range of super cool idol prints – Durga, Laxmi, Krishna – which will guard you against all evils. We especially love their hologram postcards and frames.
When: You want the Elephant God on your side. Cheers, big ears!

***
What: Another Shot Would Hit the Spot glasses on a string, Party Basket, 1st floor Ram Nimi Building, above Cotton World, Colaba, call 22833248, Rs 100 onwards.
Why: From non-breakable shot glasses that hang from your neck to anti-stain cocktail print tablecloths, this brand new store has an answer for every soiree SOS. They also stock cool merchandise for bachelor parties, baby showers and more.
When: You need a new bosom buddy.

pLACE

What: When-lost-return-to... T-Shirts, Paani Puri Clothing, email paanipuriclothing@gmail.com or visit www.paanipuriclothing.com, Rs 650.
Why: Part of Paani Puri's brand new Thank You Mumbai collection, these T-shirts will sport maps of different neighbourhoods in the city starting with Santacruz (W), available in January. So the next time you're too inebriated to remember your way home, just point to the drawing on your chest.
When: You're attending a high tee.

***

What: Little I Mirror Mints, available at Chemistry stores on Waterfield Road, Bandra and in INOX and Atria Malls, visit www.littlei.com, Rs 135.
Why: Because it's time to un-stick yourself from tacky, foil-wrapped wads of gum. These gourmet breath mints are fun, stylish and skinny (they're made with Spenta), and come in a pretty box with a concealed mirror. Fresh!
When: You want to look before you lip.

bUSTED!

What: bpb & Gostana’s Hangover Breakfast Hamper, Sefa House, off Pali Mala Road, Bandra (W), home delivery in Bandra and Khar, call 64533359/9004436211, Rs 250.
Why: This anti-hooch hamper may just help you survive the morning after. It packs in salvation with a multi-grain egg / soy burger, coffee / orange juice, banana muffin, aspirins and a slate on which you can chalk a remorseful ‘I will never drink again’. The delivery boy can even capture your low point on Polaroid. Say “binge benefits”.
When: Available for three weekends starting Dec 19, 9.30 am onwards.

***

Event Round-Up: Party with bpb!

Pom-Fret and Fume

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Hey Girl, Hey Buoy

In a sea of tired hobbies, this one’s fresh off the boat. Started by filmmaker Vishal Mahadkar, the Bombay Fishing Club wants Mumbai to wake up to the fact that fishing is more than just a post-retirement, fuddy-duddy activity. “It's fun, relaxing, and meditative – just what the doctor ordered for the stressed out, high strung Mumbaikar,” says Vishal, who has been into the sport since he was a little boy.

Early Worms Get the Fish

Barely a week old, The Bombay Fishing Club doesn’t claim to be structured and won’t make you pay a joining fee. All you have to do is follow the Facebook group to keep track of the weekend fishing trips that you can get in on. But sign up soon, as they fill up pretty fast. In fact, the club's first expedition to Alibaag this Sunday is already booked out.

What’s the Angle?

The club isn’t just for fishing enthusiasts. It’s also open to amateurs, and even supplies out equipment. Usually, members take a boat out from the Gateway or drive to a scenic beach on the outskirts of Mumbai, drop a line, and hope something bites. If you score, the trip could end in a barbeque, in anticipation of which we found the perfect recipe. Using our charm as bait, we got the fish aficionados at Soul Fry Casa to share their (surprisingly simple) secret to the yummiest barbeque fish ever!

Catchers on the Fly

Spicy Coconut Fish with Herb Yogurt Chutney

Recipe from Soul Fry Casa
1/2 cup plain flour
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp pepper powder
1 lemon squeezed
1 kg boneless fish (ghol or rawas or pomfret)
2 eggs lightly beaten
salt to taste

Combine flour, coconut, turmeric, chilli powder and lemon juice in a bowl. Dip fish into beaten eggs. Toss in flour mixture, shake off excess flour. Barbecue fish on hot greased barbecue plate until tender. Serve with dressing.

For Herb Yoghurt Dressing
3/4 cup beaten curd
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3-4 tlsp finely chopped dill
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
salt and sugar to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Whisk lightly. Ready to serve

PS: Recipe can be prepared three hours in advance.

Breaching the Fort

Optical Illusion

At first glance Saxonia, a little optometric store looks perfectly ordinary, like any other business in the commercial Fort district. You'd hardly imagine that it conceals a secret staircase in the back, one that leads to treasures like a giant spoon big enough to cradle a baby, and a tiny man who rides on the back of a stapler.

Bested in Bandra

Opened on Sunday, Tappu Ki Dukaan calls itself "a little shop with little knick knacks and a lot more", but it is really a contemporary curio store that stocks a range of quirky brands including Happily Unmarried, Pop Goes the Art and Mixed Juice Designs. On closer inspection, it seems like a (slightly outdated) version of Loose Ends in Bandra - a lot of the stock ("Cheeni" mugs, doormats, shot glasses) is stuff we've seen months ago at the suburban store.

Bright Spots

There are, however, a handful of unique offerings: Tappu Ki Dukaan is the only Mumbai retailer of Haathi Chaap stationary, ridiculously cute and made completely out of elephant poo (Rs 200 onwards); the abovementioned giant spoon-shaped starter platter by Happily Unmarried (Rs 740); Mukul Goel's stainless steel figures (Rs 400 onwards); Bus Kya BEST bags (Rs 550); and framed prints (Rs 550 onwards) amassed by the owner over the years, including a really beautiful black and white photo of a couple frozen in mid-embrace.

Go if you need a kitschy gift, or for the adventure of finding a hidden store peddling trinkets both banal and bemusing.

Getting there: 27-A, Kermani Building, mezzanine foor, Sir P.M. Road, opposite Citibank, Fort, call 22043716.

Café Art

The Fort neighbourhood got another tenant this week - Worli resident Banyan Tree Bakery and Café has expanded into Gallery BMB, and this one is a vast improvement over the original. The café is bright, airy and uber-chic, complete with textured white walls, minimalistic black chairs and a giant glass bowl filled with pom-pom lights.

Like the space, the menu is surprisingly vast for a gallery café, including Mexican appetizers, pizzas, burgers, and a full breakfast spread in addition to artisan teas and coffees. Also offered are Banyan Tree's signature desserts like luscious blueberry cheesecake, Tiramisu and chocolate torte.

Visit soon, while the place is still relatively undiscovered (before long it will be over-run by school kids from the neighbouring J.B. Petit and Cathedral), and in time to catch the LaVA Exhibit, hosted by Gallery BMB until January 29, 2010.

Getting there: Gallery BMB, Queens Mansion, ground floor, GT Marg, Fort, call 22000061.

Nice Rack!

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Tee-ser Campaign

Karan Gonsalves finds inspiration for his T-shirts in the oddest places – the tattoo of a beautiful woman, a butterfly trapped between her lips; pulsing beats of electronic music; the footwork of a freestyle dancer. And that’s perhaps what makes his designs so unique.

Once an advertising executive and fashion school hopeful in New York, Karan founded Keylow six months ago, producing high quality T-shirts (he promises that they won't fade or shrink) that he "would want to wear." His newest collection features random geometric designs, cool face prints, music artists and more. Despite the eclectic motifs, his tees have a couple of things in common – they're all limited editions, and more importantly, non-corny. Karan’s personal pick is a Daft Punk tee celebrating Revolution 909, one of his favourite songs.

Space – the Final Frontier

For now, Keylow is available exclusively online (www.fashnvia.com), but catch a preview at the designer's home this weekend (see address below). Also starting next week, you can browse through the racks at Attic, Santacruz and SOBO, Hughes Road for Karan’s designs. And soon, he hopes, a separate Keylow store will surface. Probably in Mumbai’s hippest neighbourhood, if his “I’d rather be in Bandra” T-shirt is anything to go by.

Getting there: Exhibition runs Friday to Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm at Conville, Convent Road, in the lane opposite Candies, Bandra (W), Call 9833804272, Rs 500.

Happy Logic
Cheer is in the air, and one band is finding logic in all the bliss. Describing their music as “easy listening with bursts of electro, rock, jazz and blues”, Mumbai band Bliss Logic shares their current playlist with bpb. They're performing at Il Terrazzo on December 16 at 10 pm, as part of the popular Daddy’s Windsong Wednesdays. Be there to take notes.

Bliss Logic’s Playlist:

Bird and the Bee - Diamond Dave
Bird and the Bee - What's In the Middle
Shair & Funk - Secrets
Imogen Heap - Ellipse
Gary Willis - No Sweat
Square Pusher - Square Window
John Mayer - Edge of Desire
Drum and Bass For Papa - Luke

Getting there: Il Terrazzo above delItalia, opposite Juhu Beach, Juhu Tara Road, call 26184040.

Make-Shift Mumbai

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Getting Mumbaikars to make a long-term commitment is difficult. And who can blame them? With so many new things to do in the city each day, monogamy seems too cruel a rule. It’s no surprise then, that everything from stores to restaurants are playing the pop-up card.

High Browse

The newest venture catering to the cultural commitment-phobes is LaVA (Laboratory of Visual Arts), brainchild of celebrated artist and curator Bose Krishnamachari. At first, this temporary library seems like quite a departure for an artist best known for his psychedelic, mind-bending canvases. But look closely, and you’ll see reflections of his saturated hues and linear forms in the boxy bookshelves he designed for this project; the eclectic nature of his art, which covers everything from a symbolic swirl of colour to a solemn man in a Gandhi cap, is echoed in the wide range of materials present.

And a wide range it is, with over 5,000 books and 2,000 DVDs and CDs on art, cinema, architecture, design, fashion, cultural studies and philosophy. Available for browsing but not borrowing, these are the best short-term benefits in the city. Pay special attention to treasures from Krishnamachari’s personal collection, including works by Ed Roche, Damien Hirst, and the King of Pop-Art himself, Andy Warhol.

Canvassing for Art

Part of a celebration to commemorate Krishnamachari’s 20 years in the art world, the LaVA project, which opens at Gallery BMB today, has culled visual art practices from museums, institutions, galleries, shops and streets of global art capitals. With this library, first conceived in 2006, Krishnamachari tries to offer budding artists and lay people a deeper insight into the different and constantly shifting avenues of art. He calls it “a growing work in progress” – much like our fair city.

Getting there: Gallery BMB, Queens Mansion, ground floor, GT Marg, Fort, call 22000061. On until January 29, 2010.

A Tale of Two Cities

And nothing showcases Mumbai as a work in progress better than Bombay Then Mumbai Now, a new coffee table book written by Jim Masselos and Naresh Fernandes that launches today. Divided neatly into two sections celebrating the past and pondering the present, the book is almost eerily schizophrenic, similar to, some may argue, its subject matter.

One side of the book cover is sepia toned and wistfully vintage, the other bright-eyed and contemporary. Both sections feature some great photos, although the fisher folk, over-crowded locals and sweeping sea-link in the “Mumbai Now” have all been done before. The real gems lie in the “Bombay Then” segment, where the city looks like little more than a small seaside town. Photos from the latter part of the 1800s, which show the construction of Mumbai University and Rajabhai Clocktower, and a view of the Mahalaxmi Temple watching over a few low roofs, are particularly spectacular.

Getting there: Available at Crosswords, Rs 2,975.

Door Stoppers

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get hot discount from Lotus Blossom Thai catering service. For this and more freebies, enter your email in the subscription box.

bLANCH

What: Turning Tables, bpb’s new underground kitchen club, email guide@bpbweekend.com, Rs 500 this month, BYOB.

Why: bpb’s very own make-shift restaurants! Every month, we’ll organise dinner at a bpb subscriber’s home, featuring meals cooked by celebrated chefs, interesting conversation, and the chance to hang with new people. All you have to do to attend is email us – first come, first serve! Our chef this month is Kshama Prabhu, who heads the kitchen at Tasting Room.

When: You want to join a sup(p)er club. December 22, 9 pm.

pAUSE

What: Rainbow Gay Pride Store by Azaad Bazaar, corner of 16th and 33rd Road, ground floor, opposite Mini Punjab, off Linking Road, Bandra (W), start at Rs 100.

Why: At India’s first permanent LGBT store, you’ll find everything your bedroom needs: linens, curtains, handcuffs, boas and masks. Showcased too are other socially conscious goods and products made by local artists. You’ll also find rainbow sprinkles at Butterfly, a cupcake bakery opening in Bandra on December 21. bpb review out soon!

When: You want to stir a cause. Store opens December 12 at 11 am.

***

What: Dial-a-rapper, call Siddharth Sood on 9890532996 or log onto www.mcsid.in, price on request.

Why: This former channel [V] VJ opened for Akon in Mumbai and is a great value add to any event. He’ll rap in-between tracks, spontaneously stringing together witty verses about you, your friends, your grandma, your goldfish and anyone else who got an invite.

When: You need a rhyme and reason to party.

bLACK & BLUE

What: Mixed Martial Arts Fight Night, Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi, call Prashant on 9821133980 for passes, price TBD.

Why: Full Contact Entertainment is back with round two of Mumbai’s secret fight night, where you can eat, drink and watch India’s best MMA fighters show off their moves.

When: Fight night is not until December 19 at 7pm, but prior registration is required.

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What: Nailed at Champagne Salon, Imperial Plaza, 30th Road, lane opposite China Gate, Bandra (W), Call 26404000, Rs 600.

Why: When you visit Champagne salon in Bandra, look out for the fine prints. Here, nail technicians can scan any material – your favourite Warhol T-shirt, mum’s antique table cloth, Goa floral bikini – and transfer the design on to your nails.

When: You’re looking for clip art.

Event Round-Up: Mango’s Christmas Collection preview at C’est La Vie on Saturday, DJ Lolly G at Valhalla on Saturday, and DJ ANKYTRIXX at China House on Wednesday.

Breaking a Date

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Merry Poppins

Wake up. Brush teeth. Break a date. Drive to work.

The Bubble Calendar 2010 allows you to pop out of your rut, even if just for a split second. This ingenious calendar takes the bubble wrap we all love to burst to an entirely new level, with each date on the calendar marked with a pop-able bubble.

Wall Power
A super fun accessory that gives your walls a nice lift, this calendar has received rave reviews, being dubbed “the cleverest calendar ever” and the “best kind of pop art”. The Bubble Calendar is available in horizontal and vertical designs, and printed on thick 80 pound cover stock paper.

Born in the USA
Designed and handmade in Brooklyn, USA, Bubble Calendars can be mailed anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, they are marked with American holidays only. Popping Thanksgiving may be no fun for us desis, but we can still take a shot at Valentine’s Day.

Getting There: Log on to www.bubblecalendar.com or email info@BubbleCalendar.com, approximately Rs 950 (20 USD) plus shipping charges.

City Planning

Also helping you organise the New Year is veteran designer Krsna Mehta, with his signature pop art-style Mumbai Planner 2010. Adorned with bus tickets bills, daily dabbas, tottering taxis and Bollywood action, it allows you to keep your date with the city’s most iconic motifs. Definitely beats that corporate diary your office hands out at the end of every year. Get your preview here.

Getting There: Available at Good Earth, Juhu and Lower Parel; Indigo Deli, Colaba; Bombay Store, Fort; Leopold, Colaba and Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, Rs 300, available next week onwards.

Ladies Special

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Sizing Up
An English professor remarked to one of us Secret Scouters that fiction writing is as complicated as brain surgery, but the difference is that everyone thinks they can be an author. The same it seems, is true of fashion in Mumbai today, with the city staggering under the weight of upcoming “designers”, trained or otherwise. But after much scouting, we managed to find a couple of originals in this swelling sea of fakes, and right in time for the party season. Lo and behold!

For Good Measure
Natasha Agarwal and Rashmi Somani have studied under stalwarts like Narendra Kumar and Krishna Mehta and the training shows in their clothes, which they stock at stores like Amara, Zoya and You. Drop into their Cuffe Parade living room-cum-studio, and you can have them custom design an outfit or browse through their readymade stock, sans the mark-ups.

Winning the Day
In honour of the holiday season, this design duo is concentrating on evening wear, including a killer silver twist dress. But we like their day time collection best, with its wispy white and solid black shirts and dresses, brightened up by an unexpected but well-placed pleat or rush of colourful pom-poms. Their design tip for the season: “Accessorise with pop-art colours. There’s nothing that accentuates a purple dress better than blue shoes.”

Getting there: Call Natasha Agrawal at 9820221956, daywear starts at Rs 2,500.

Skirting Around
You can also pad up your wardrobe at the latest Chamomile store, which debuted at the Palladium in Phoenix Mills, and do the Day Disco with Cue designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna at Bombay Electric on Thursday, December 10 from 6pm to 10 pm.

bpb Exclusive: Be sure to check out the newly launched 99labels.com for huge designer discounts as well. Get your FREE membership code specially for bpb subscribers, here.

bpb Backstage Pass: For a direct route to other designers who stock at the city’s hippest stores, click here.

Hot Off the Press

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War Thai

When two spas rub shoulders in the same neighbourhood, there’s bound to be friction. And located just one shop away, Bandra’s spanking new Aura Thai Spa has inched too close for comfort for the popular Aroma Thai Foot Spa, which is fighting tooth and nail to keep its turf, a slew of discounts and new treatments in its arsenal. This is war, and we hope that in the end customers will be the winners.
Spa-ticus in the Ring

Dressed in gold and red with Thai elephants at the door, Aura is attractive enough to pull in passing feet. Strangely, their meet and greet counter is also outside the door, where we were made to exchange our city shoes for comfy bamboo footwear. Inside, the cozy space is broken up into several small booths that made us feel boxed in rather than relaxed. But to be fair, the areas are fresh and pretty, with beds covered in oriental print silks. The massage menu on the other hand is unimaginative, with the done-to-death chocolate wrap qualifying amongst the most exotic treatments available. The prices are steep, with the basic full body dry massage and foot rub both starting at Rs 1,250. The deft hands of our masseuse, however, almost justified the price tag.

Feet-al Position

Establishing a new business is always a rocky road, and Aura Thai Spa has more than its share of bumps ahead, seeing as it's sharing space with the Aroma Thai. The veteran spa has pulled out the big guns, offering 25% off on select packages, new winter green hot oil treatments, and a launch of their Esscents product range. What may, work in Aura’s favour is the separate sections for men and women, and concentration on full body treatments - reflexology, scrubs, wraps, exfoliation and rub downs - as opposed to just peds : (a less similar moniker would have helped too).

So go have a look at the place – if it doesn’t suit your fancy, you can always rest your feet at the tried-and-tested alternative down the street.
Getting there: Shop no 1, Chetak Society, next to Juice hair salon, Pali Hill, Bandra (W). Call 65220000. Open from 10 am to 10 pm.

bpb Review: Aer

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Opening on December 11, the terrace bar at the Four Seasons Hotel is the most anticipated new entrant on Mumbai’s burgeoning bar scene. But ten minutes into Aer’s launch party on Saturday night, we, along with our sky-high expectations were brought firmly down to earth.

Bursting Our Bubble

Split into two connected sections, the space was packed to the rafters, a circumstance that we imagine will hold true for at least the next couple of months. It took us a good fifteen minutes to maneuver our way to the makeshift bar, a quest we pursued in anticipation of a glass Moet & Chandon, which Aer will reportedly serve at half price during Champagne Hour from 5:30 to 8 pm daily.

But when we got there we were politely informed that the bar wasn’t serving any champagne. Or shooters, or cocktails. A real damper, and surprisingly stingy for the Four Seasons. They did, however, have some good beers (Carlsberg, Hoegarden) as well as excellent whisky (Chivas). Also available were Absolut vodka, Havana Club rum, and a couple of white and red wines.

Smoggy Bottom

Clutching glasses of Jacob’s Creek, we wound our way toward the glass-framed boundaries to check out the view: dusty and largely disappointing. To be fair, the night was unusually smoggy, and reduced the far-spreading cityscape to little more than a blur.

Nothing they could do about that. But there were other things that the management could control, many of which they got right (apart from the perplexingly limited selection of alcohol). The décor was perfect – elegant and urban, with couches and individual seats in black and white, and a truly beautiful egg-shaped bar. Service was as good as one could have expected in the face of the throng, with cheerful wait staff circulating through the crowd. And the music was hot, manned by the very talented DJ Shaan Bhavnani. A flash of the hospitality Four Seasons is famous for was evident on our way out, when we were handed a very nice gift bag containing yum candy and macaroons as well as a set of handkerchiefs from The Collective.

Castle in the Sky

There’s no denying that Aer fills a gaping hole in Mumbai’s nightlife – we’re evolving into a city of skyscrapers and we need a real terrace bar to enjoy the view (the Dome is lovely, but it’s only on the eighth floor). This place will probably show off best at sunset when the crowd is less overpowering, the champagne chilled and relatively cheap (they have Rajkhan Pathan who crafted the delicious champagne cocktails at Wink on board, so be sure to try one of those as well), the green of the Race Course and steel gray sea visible in the distance. We’ll take in the cool breeze, make a toast to our fair city, and decide it was totally worth knocking out of work an hour early.

Can’t wait!

Getting there: Aer Bar and Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel, 114 Dr. E Moses Road, Worli, call 24818000.

Weekend Guide: City Sightings

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bpb Contest: We’re giving away a bunch of passes to the Rajasthan Roots performance at Bonobo on Sunday, December 6 at 6.30 pm. For yours, email us at guide@bpbweekend.com. Going fast!

bRAND NEW

What: Aer Bar and Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel, 114 Dr. E Moses Road, Worli, call 24818000.

Why: Because there’s a sip in the Aer. Situated on the 34th floor, Mumbai’s first terrace bar offers astonishing views of the city and an awesome champagne happy hour. Go between 5.30 and 8 pm, and you can score a glass of Moet & Chandon for just Rs 500.

When: Opens to the public on December 11, but we’ll be at the launch party tomorrow night. Check in for the bpb review on Sunday!

***

What: Deep designer discounts from http://99labels.com, apply for membership on the site or keep checking www.missmalini.com for an invite code, membership free.

Why: Launched just yesterday, this site offers discounts of up to 70% on merchandise from one Indian or international (although they haven’t procured anyone yet) designer every week. Satya Paul is the current flavor, with saris slashed from Rs 27,000 to Rs 17,000 and cuff links marked down from Rs 1,500 to Rs 900. Next in line is Ashish N Soni, followed by Shantanu and Nikhil and Rocky S.

When: You need a site for sore eyes.

pOP UP

What: Everything Japan Shop, Grand Hyatt Plaza, Grand Hyatt, Santacruz (E), starts at Rs 1,400.

Why: This pop-up Japanese store is in town for just three months, carrying with it both clichés and surprises. We love the porcelain USB drives, lacquer bento boxes and ornate chopsticks for our cutlery and chignons. Miso excited!

When: You want to dig into a movable (f)East. Read the full review here.

***

What: Conversation starting cocktail napkins by Blue Pepper, call Gita Murti on 09823416653, Rs 400 for a set of 6, minimum order of two sets.

Why: These Pune-based designers embroider snatches of drunken banter - wine a little, it helps; whisky tastes better with friends – on cool cocktail napkins. A fresh batch of pub eavesdropping is currently under production.

When: You’re looking for some hanky-panky. From December 15 to February 1, Blue Pepper will break their bulk-order-only rule to take individual requests, exclusively for bpb subscribers.

bOOM

What: Silent Noise private parties, visit http://www.silentnoise.in/about/ or call 09730935334, price on request.

Why: Skip the band-baaja this wedding season for a silent noise party, where music is piped through individual wireless headphones rather than booming speakers. Successfully running similar gigs in Goa and Pune, these guys also supply other equipment, DJs, lasers and screens. But remember, it’ll cost you more than a song.

When: You want to be as quiet as a (g)rave. ***

Event Round-up: The Mill Culture Crawl, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel from Dec 4-6; Upper Crust Show at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade from Dec 4-6; and listen to us guest-host Pirate Radio with Miss Malini on 94.3, where we played our top 10 tracks and spilled Mumbai's deepest, darkest secrets.

Calling Your Name (Quite Literally)

Culled from a list we wrote for CNNGo.com, below are some of our favourite gifting ideas this season. Highly personalised and uber cool, they’re guaranteed to earn you some major brownie points.Plus, you can be sure they won’t land up in the wrong stocking!

Poems that Rhyme with Your Tune

From the beak of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez parrot to an exposed reel in a film can, these poems (or blahs, as their crafters prefer to call them) have found their way into the oddest of places. Give them a few details, and the Shahs of Blah will write customised odes for any occasion, also hand picking the quirkiest carriers to present them in.

Getting there: Email poems.ideashop@gmail.com, Rs 1,000 and up.

Bespoke Book, of Indian Mythological Fame

Ashok Banker is best known for his freewheeling retelling of Indian mythology, but in "Vortal: Shockwave", he moves into the future zone. A limited edition available through the holiday season and complete with a personalised note from the author, this book is guaranteed to make you a 'legend' in gifting circles.

Getting There: Visit www.ashokbanker.com, Rs 400 for the large paperback version.

Read about more cool personalised presents in our story on CNNGO.com.

Easy as Pie!

Speaking of tailor made, we got Paul Kinny, Executive Chef of InterContinental Marine Drive to dish on his secret pizza crust recipe. Add sauce and toppings of your choice, and voila! you have your very own culinary masterpiece.

Thin Pizza Crust

Recipe by Paul Kinny, Executive Chef, InterContinental Marine Drive

5 gms yeast
5 gms of sugar
3/4 cup of lukewarm water
100gms of plain flour
Salt to taste

Combine dry yeast, sugar and lukewarm water. Mix a little and let sit for 6-8 minutes. Combine plain flour with salt in a bowl. Pour the water combination into the bowl (or food processor) and mix until ready to knead (around 30 seconds in a food processor). If using a bowl, mix with a spoon until you have a neat ball. Prepare a lightly sprinkled surface with flour. Turn out dough and knead for around 2-3 minutes. Lightly cover your finger tips with flour if the mixture is a little sticky. Roll out by hand for a 12'' base. Place in 12'' lightly oiled oven pan. Press out dough to form a slight lip. Prepare and apply your sauce and topping or choice. Cook in a pre-heated oven (450-500F) for 8-12 minutes. Remove from oven and enjoy!

For more cool recipes from this dessert guru, check out Second Helping, bpb's newest culinary service.