Road Tripping

bUCKLE UP

What: Reboot shoe and bag laundry, Dr Ambedkar Road, Bandra (W); and Sobo, Hughes Road, Call: 9867435528, from Rs 300 per item. Free pick-up and delivery in Bandra.

Why: Because your eyes aren’t the only tired bags around. Ditch the cucumbers and roll your luggage into Reboot for their cleanse-and-repair Nourishment Pack.

When: Before a trip or to cure jet-lag: anytime your baggage is in need of R&R.

pREPARE FOR LANDING

What: Wasabi Nuts, Premsons, Breach Candy, Rs 100 for 170 grams.

Beer: Peanuts, it's not you, it's me. Now that hot Wasabi Nuts (previously exclusive to Wink) are on the market, I think monogamy is too cruel a rule.

Peanuts: I always knew that someday you'd leave me for a younger, more exotic snack!

When: This “dish” may be a home-wrecker, but it’s a great companion on business (and pleasure) trips.

* * *

What: iNAV Connect (Wayfinder) GPS and navigation service for mobile phones, www.mapmyindia.com, Rs. 3,490 for a GPS receiver (not required in phones with built-in GPS); and Rs 1,990 for annual software subscription.

Why: Compatible with almost all Bluetooth enabled handsets, Wayfinder brings updated maps, voice guidance and an online navigation system straight to your cell phone.

When: Every time you hit the road, Jack, but want to come back.

bLISS OUT

What: Floral suede slippers, Taxxi and Vitamin K, next to Mango, Khar (W), Rs 1,600

Why: Add flower-power to your feet with these sandals, which marry comfy with pretty. Isn't that what holidays should be about?

When: To take you from day to night, when you’re travelling light.

* * *

What: Auto-rickshaw and taxi shape cushions, Splendour Fabrics, Hughes Road, Mumbai, Rs. 1,200 each

Why: These funky cushions will send any room into cool-kitsch overdrive.

When: You’re in the mood for armchair travel.

In this Picture: Alice+Olivia Women's Halter Shorts One Piece Romper, Diane von Furstenberg Hearts 2 Collection 2-in-1 suitcase, Aqua Women's Pleated Front Halter Top, Red Checked Shorts at Barney's New York, Urban Outfitters Engineer Conductor Hat and Ash Virgin Hi Top Sneakers.

Small Town Calling

If you happen to be in Ahmedabad this weekend, remember to stop by Front Row's two-day Designer Sale at Beyond Gallery, Vastrapur. Featuring deeply discounted merchandise from big-wigs such as Narendra Kumar, Gaurav Gupta, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rohit Bal, Malini Ramani, and more, this event is bound to brighten up your visit to this (mostly) blah city. For more information, click here.

The Pune fashion scene (such as it is) recently received a shot in the arm as well, with the launch of Aza, one of Mumbai's most popular multi-brand stores. Also, the Mumbai branch is currently hosting a(nother) special event for Sabyasachi's bridal collection.

So ladies, if you must leave the big city lights, we suggest you bring your shopping hat (and shoes, and bag, and watch) along - or at least remember to buy them while you're here.

Mini Me

bITE

What: Size zero fancy cupcakes from Sugar Rush, Altamount Road. To order, call 9833498943, Rs. 240 for a dozen.

Why: The retro cakes are back and this time they're haute, skinny and for adults. Sugar Rush bakes childhood-meets-chic, chocolate-chip-peanut-butter goodness into bite-size cups, and tops them with pink icing, chocolate frosting, fruit, rainbow sprinkles and pretty much whatever else your heart desires. Sweet!

When: When you want to spread out the guilt.

* * *

What: Alaska shot, Olive Bar and Kitchen, Mahalaxmi Racecourse/Bandra, Rs. 600; and Tulleeho Cocktail Gurukul, Saturday, January 17, VITS, Andheri, Rs 1,000.

Why: When the deep red glacier floated over a cool, clear, vodka sea - it was love at first night. And its sweet, icy kiss sealed the deal.

When: Well worth a trip to the Mediterranean eatery, and also an easy home-fix: just blend ice, lychee syrup and vodka, and pour into a shot glass. Add a thin layer of crushed ice, and top off with a dash of strawberry syrup.

For other fun recipes, attend the Tulleeho Cocktail Gurukul on Saturday afternoon. Click here to learn more.

bLINK

What: Short film festival by Shamiana, D-Ultimate, Oberoi Plaza, Andheri (W), Rs 100 cover charge.

Wanted: Film that takes into account my hectic work schedule and headaches, and climaxes before I fall asleep.

Found!: Movies that satisfy in five minutes. South Mumbai's film fest comes to suburbs with a series of shorts - Portugal film Agora Tu, and home grown Dry Umbrella, My Hero and others.
You can also bring your own film (make sure it's under five minutes and in VOB format) to gauge audience reactions.

When: Saturday, January 17, 6:30 pm

pI

What: La Cucina Verte Sunday Brunch, Alibaug, January 25 and alternate Sundays thereafter, Rs 1,500. Visit lcv.net.in

Question: Oh all-seeing Oracle, I need to get away,
Goa is beckoning, but all I have is a Sunday!

Answer: Go forth with LCV, on a one-day odyssey
You can swim, sing, swill (Champagne and beer, but alas no Henessey)
With brunch, music, a beach - and all so near!
You'll be rejuvenated in a jiffy, guarantees your trusty seer.

* * *

What: Avenger Toys, 16th Road, near Hawaiin Shack, Khar. Log onto www.avengertoys.com, Rs 500 onwards.

Why: Ditch your rising-hemline hunt for a new kind of mini - superhero replicas, Simpson toys and a whole range of adult fantasy figures.

Also, in addition to the usual Marvel and Gotham comics, the store stocks rare ones from the Wolverine series, and Shekar Kapur's Devi and Sadhu. So ladies, get ready for your new boy toy!

When: This weekend, for your piece of the action.

Care for Some Ratatouille from East? Merci but No Thanks!

Sure, East (Kemp's Corner) serves a mean Roti Kanai, but we hope the cooking directions don't come from a culinary expert under chef (and owner) Nachiket Shetye's hat. Our Monday afternoon lunch at the restaurant bought back flashes from the cute animated flick, except the rat we spotted running around over our heads wasn't a gastronomical genius and the dialogue that ensued with the chef wasn't pre-written by witty écrivans.

"We know the rats are in here, but we guarantee they're not in the kitchen," said Shetye, exasperated by our outrage. And how come rats use the Pan Asian eatery's criss-cross bamboo interior as their gymnasium? "Because we don't believe in poisoning them. Instead, we lay traps and then set them free," he assured, not even trying to pretend like this was the first rodent sighting. We admire his stand on cruelty against animals. We only wish they cared that much for humans!

So must we, like Anton Ego, evil critic-turned-friend in Ratatouille, swallow our egos and celebrate the coming of the rat? Frankly, that's a little hard to digest.

And in other kitchen chronicles not so far East, a little foodie told us of another bizarre incident. An overheated bowl of Cheese Fondue exploded (not cracked) on the table at Gallops (Mahalaxmi), sending pieces of glass flying around.

Is it too much to expect a good meal in Mumbai sans le drama? Apparently!