June 21, 2017 - iKreate Passions

Day: June 21, 2017

Baaya Design Unveils ‘Anantaya’ Concept Studio In Mumbai

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Aditi Malhotra

Baaya Design has launched the ‘Anantaya’ concept studio, Jaipur based décor brand in Mumbai. Anantaya Décor products will now be available exclusively at Baaya Design Store, Lower Parel. ‘Anantaya’ fuses the art of master artisans with the keen eye of award- winning designers. The final effect is a timeless masterpiece that beautifies any space it adorns. An institution of global repute, ‘Anantaya’ is committed to the development of ideas, and understands the importance of preservation of traditional crafts as well as the need to innovate. Using unusual yet traditional materials and processes, the designers present a fresh twist to design with an array of cutting edge artefacts, accessories, textiles, lighting solutions, furniture and many more utility products.

Representing Indian sensibilities in a contemporary context, Anantaya products appeals to the discerning, quality conscious minds that like to make a statement. Working with crafts people and artisans from Rajasthan, ‘Anantaya’ supports local craft traditions and technologies by providing capital, technology and design and marketing interventions, which at the same time showcase the uniqueness of the state and its crafts people.

Lift Top Lau Diya Br Oil Lamps:

Lau, (the flame), a double walled oil lamp made in copper and brass by the Thathera artisans of Jaipur, is an exquisite utilitarian object. Designed by Ayush Kasliwal, the first version of this lamp is gilded with gold and silver leaf. This version of the Lau Diya is simplified with the top detachable. Lau Diya has been awarded with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for its’ innovative sustainable design. Available in three sizes, it is to be lit using liquid paraffin lamp oil only such as Amaya Luminessences. Before lighting, ensure that the wick is trimmed and not more than 1 mm above the wickholder. It is natural for the products to have subtle variations from piece to piece. Due to the nature of the materials used, there may be some tarnishing or aging of the material. This is a natural process and may require you to clean or polish the material.

Trinetra 10 Set of 3

An elegant trio of hand-hammered brass bowls inspired by Shiva’s third eye of enlightenment are a modern twist to the Thathera craft of Jaipur. These appear like mystical eyes, with lit marble tea light holders- an “eyeball” reflecting Lord Shiva’s inner light and spirit. Use all three pods strung together with hanging rods, in multiples as an installation or use them individually as vases, bowls. Trinetra is the artistic vision of the designer Ayush Kasliwal, a visionary Indian industrial designer who is keeping the traditional skills of local craftsmen alive with the creation of modern objects having a global impact. It is the winner of the UNESCO Seal of Excellence.An elegant trio of hand-hammered brass bowls inspired by Shiva’s third eye of enlightenment, are a modern twist to the Thathera craft of Jaipur.

Crescent Thaali Set Full

The Crescent Thaali Set inspired by classic pearl earrings from Deccan is wonderfully versatile. Configured as a crescent moon nestling a full moon with a built in carrying handle, this set is a piece of art. Made of sturdy brass hand hammered by the Thathera metal artisans, with traditional ‘kalai’ hand-tinning for food safety, this thaali set will serve directly from the kitchen, become an intriguing welcoming tray, or a presentation of delectable appetizers for your guests.

Shiva Jug

Shiva, the Auspicious One, has the water of the Ganges flowing from his dreadlocks. And so, healthful water will flow from this brilliantly designed handmade copper pitcher with an elegant balanced lid. Like the ‘Khamandalam’ a Yogi’s copperAyurveda water vessel, copper has healing properties contributing to longevity and restorative health. To complete this experience, an elegant copper tray is paired with copper glasses offset from their round bases to hug the form of the Shiva Jug. To clean, scrub with sponge and liquid detergent

Kalam Table- Maharaja

Kalam or pen is one of the tools used by the miniature painter who decorated this multifunctional reinterpretation of the wooden lacquer trays used in traditional Indian kitchens. In this painted table tray a Bhisthi is watering the garden while the Maharaja and his advisor look on. This example of functional art can be detached and used as a colorful food safe tray to present guests with dry delicacies. The table collapses for easy transport across the globe.

Rumi Tea Light holder

Like the Sufi whirling dervishes.. the Rumi range is remniscent of the inner light and spiritual oneness…12 varieties of designs span the arches and motifs across the silk route. Can hold tealight candles too.

About Baaya Design:

‘Baaya’ in a local Indian language refers to the weaver bird that weaves its nest in a rather unique way. The store brings you the best in Indian Tribal art and craft which combines paintings with textiles and other craft forms to make each piece unique. Baaya Design aims to showcase the natural beauty and workmanship in Tribal Art by presenting them in contemporary colors, style and form. By doing so, it offers original art that all of us can relate to. And with every painting that is purchased, you can bring income to a highly deserving individual – the artisan of India. The store provides customized design and implementation of traditional murals for interior and exteriors of homes and corporate offices.

Baaya Design studio offers a completely unique range of customized, Folk & Cultural Art, Art Installations, Murals, Lights, Accessories and Furniture that can transform any space into energized, living environments. The studio offers expertise to residences, commercial spaces and the hospitality industry. Designer Shibani Jain works with architects and interior designers to create optimized and aesthetic solutions for interiors. Faced with the challenge of customizing Indian Folk art in modern lifestyle spaces, Baaya Design has evolved numerous methodologies and processes to innovate and bring in the versatile skills into urban interiors.

Baaya Design, Pratamesh Tower, Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel: 022 022- 65210165 Visit: www.baayadesign.com

Eating Together as a Family Is More Important Than You Realized

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Aditi Malhotra

Food is a huge part of life; not only does it provide us with sustenance to live but for most people, it can be a very social thing too. We all know the importance of teaching our children to make healthy decisions, but did you know that it’s not just what’s on their plate that matters? Experts suggest that eating dinner as a family is highly beneficial too. Not only does this help us to teach our children good habits with food but it keeps families close and bonded as well. Plus children who eat with the family tend to consume healthier foods with more vegetables and less salt, sugar and saturated fat. If family meals have fallen by the wayside, here are a few tips for getting back on track.

Keep The Atmosphere Light and Friendly

Try to keep heated debates and discussions away from the dinner table. Keeping the vibe light and friendly will make family dinner times much more enjoyable, rather than something the family shies away from. If you have any serious topics to discuss with your kids or partner, call a family meeting rather than doing it over dinner. Switch off the tv, and instead put some music on low if you want a bit of background noise. Make a rule that there are no phones or tablets at the dinner table, it should be a place without distractions where you can chat and enjoy your food.

Aim To Eat At Least One Meal Together on Most Days

When everyone is busy and has different schedules, eating together every day probably isn’t going to be practical. But you should aim to eat together most days, whether that’s in the morning or the evening. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, for a weekday breakfast a couple of cereal options and a bowl of fresh chopped fruit everyone can spoon on top should do the trick. Or a few slices of toast with some tea and juice. The act of getting everyone together to enjoy this time is beneficial, it doesn’t have to be over a feast each day.

Dine Out Together

Dining out as a family is a wonderful treat. Tasty food served with no dishes to tackle afterward- bliss! While it can be expensive, it’s so nice to do every once in a while. If you look at online menu prices before deciding on a venue, you can work out roughly how much it’s going to cost. As you can see from Dave and Busters menu, there are some lower cost dishes as well as more expensive options, so it all depends on what you’re looking to spend. Just about everyone enjoys a meal out, so the perfect way to treat the family and get some all-important bonding time in.

image

Get Everyone Involved

Younger children will usually be more open to foods they have helped to prepare. When time allows it, you could have them help you wash vegetables or do a couple of simple tasks in the kitchen. Different family members could take it in turns to set the table or pour drinks. It helps to teach responsibility and helps you to all get into a routine when it comes to mealtimes.

image

Father’s Day Cook Off by FoodManiacs and Ikreate in Association with Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Aditi Malhotra

Two passionate foodies and marketing experts came together to make this Father’s Day a memorable one by organising a live cook off in association with Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon. I joined hands with Foodmaniacs, founded by Vickrham, who is a well known face in the food marketing & PR industry and a renowned blogger, to create a beautiful event dedicated to Fathers. We thought of giving a tribute to fathers and dedicating a dish to them by participating in a live cook off. We together conceptualised the event and invited participants through a small contest on Facebook. To grace the occasion and make it a healthy competition, we invited Master Chef Season 5 Star Siddharth Talwar, who along with Executive Chef Nilesh Dey of Crowne Plaza, made for the judges panel.

Total of 8 contestants participated in the live cook off. A market place with choicest of ingredients was created for people to select from as they had to cook on spot using those available ingredients only. Some strict rules were laid by Chef Nilesh and Chef Siddharth, primary one being controlled use of ingredients and no wastage. The cook off was judged on criterions of presentation, wastage, cleanliness of workstations and of course taste and innovation of the dish.

Participants were given a time span of 1 hour in which 10 minutes were to explore the market place and pick up the ingredients. Rest of the time was to be used for preparation, cooking and presentation. Individual workstations equipped with induction stoves, essential utensils, chopping boards etc were provided to all participants. There were also arrangements for using the oven, grills and high flame stoves. I have to say that the arrangements by Crowne Plaza were impeccable. Each and everything was taken care of, from hygiene station offering aprons, chef caps, to gloves and the fully functional workstations, all was done with extreme professionalism.

A wonderful contest too place between the participants, where in every one crafted beautiful dishes, made not just with ingredients but lots of love, dedicating the dishes to their fathers. It was a tough time for judges to figure out which was the best dish, because trust me I am not boasting, but each and every dish was truly remarkable. The presentation, the taste, and the overall selection of dishes prepared by participants was done with such expertise that it seemed as if a mini- master chef episode is in progress. After a lot of tussle, judges finally decided to give way not one but two prizes as choosing one did not seem justified. Even those who did not win, were still winners as the gap was just about1-2 marks here and there.

Sandeep Batra, who cooked GolMirch Chicken and Rita Arora, who prepared a lovely Chicken Roulade were declared as top winners, but like I said, others too were winners in their own regards. We got to taste some lovely and unique dishes like South Indian Style Pasta, Laal Maas, Fried Fish with Coconut Sauce, Tamatar Jeera Chicken, Chicken Koftas and some Juicy Chicken Legs.

We also got to try and taste amazing Grilled Chicken Sandwiches prepared by two lovely kids Myeshha, Vickrham’s daughter and Armaan, my son, who dedicated these dishes to their respective fathers, oops sorry, in Armaan’s case he dedicated it to me only as I am a single parent 🙂

The winner announcement was then followed by a high tea session, where in we got to interact with participants, try their delectable dishes, and also indulge in some lip smacking snacks served by Crowne Plaza. The winners carried beautiful hampers back home and the bloggers were given a lovely cake by the hotel. Even the children were given special packs of chocolates as a wonderful gesture by the hotel.

Overall it turned out to be a great event, much greater than my expectations and through my post I would like to thank first and foremost my partner in crime Vickrham for his support and belief. Crowne Plaza for believing in our concept and becoming our hospitality partners, all the participants, without whom this won’t have been possible, bloggers and media for making the buzz about the event, keep doing it guys, thanks to you all, and last but not the least, the PR team of Crowne Plaza, Chef Nilesh Dey and Master Chef Siddharth Talwar for being part of our event. Also a big thank you to all the fathers of the world, for just being what they are, and of course my father too! Look forward to many more events together.