Day: September 27, 2016

Master Chef India is back with Season 5 – #notjustahobby

Come 1st of October and Master Chef India Season 5 takes off on Star Plus. After a successful run of four seasons this time the show comes to you with a very different perspective.This season promises to be more of a Talent Hunt show for some of the finest cooks the judges could identify . The focus theme is #notjustahobby and the judges want to see people who take cooking not just a hobby but more as a passion and turning it into a profession.

Retaining Chef Vikas Khanna, who has been part of Master Chef since season 2, Master Chef, this year brings back Chef Kunal Kapur who was seen only the first season of the show and also the new addition to the judges profile is
Zoravar Kalra the owner of many popular restaurants like the Farzi Cafe, Masala Library, Masala Bar etc;

unnamed-3

Recently a press conference was organised at Farzi Cafe in CP, where in all the three judges shared their excitement to be a part of the show with the audience. Each one of them has been given specific tasks for their show and I am sure its gonna be really exciting to watch them bring an element of freshness.

unnamed-4

Chef Vikas Khanna has been entrusted with the responsibility to bring in some new elements for the participants to face.
Master Chef Kunal Kapur too is busy giving the show more depth and insight.
As per Zoravar Kalra he mentioned at the press conference that this time the viewers are going to see a lot of new gadgets on the show.

unnamed-5
Chef Vikas Khanna says that India is full of talent and their background and experience bring forth a cutting edge to the show.As Vikas says India is a land of wonders and you will get to see that in some of the amazing participants they have chosen.
Chef Kunal Kapur echoes the sentiment and said that India has treasure full of Talent which they could feel coming through in the auditions.
Master Chef Season 5 will also emphasize the fact that not only cooking is a passion but also requires a great bit of grit and determination to really bring the cooking to a form of Art.
People from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds have participated in the show making it all the more exciting.
So come October 1st switch on to Star Plus on Saturday/Sunday at 8pm and catch all the excitement! Don’t forget to tune in!

An evening with designer & entrepreneur Pooja Bhutani and ace photographer Akash Das before their Calendar Launch!

Elysian Dessire a brainchild of fashion designer and entrepreneur Pooja Bhutaniwho have come with this fabulous idea of launching a Calendar featuring some dynamic Indian Woman Achievers from across the globe
to be shot by the wizard of photography Akash Das.

325

img-20160519-wa0004
Elysian Desire brings a fresh look into fashion with emphasis on luxury and style without compromising on quality.
Pooja Bhutani’s signature collection for the label represents old world elegance combined with the latest global trends.
While Elysian Desire focuses on the design content Pooja’s creativity brings in a purist approach to the Label.

An insight into Pooja’s approach towards her newly launched enterprise Elysian Desire was very heartening to note.She wants to dress up women irrespective of their shape or size. She has a very simplistic approach that no matter your body shape or size every woman has the right and deserves to dress up. She infuses confidence that you dress up well and look good. The mantra is to believe in yourself and carry yourself with confidence. Let the world go take a walk just dress up for yourself and feel good about it because that’s what matters most. Great thought. Great attitude. Here is a sneak peek from her collection.

_mns8471-copy

5k9a0810

5k9a0902

black-b

mustard-a
In the first edition the Calendar will feature Global Indian Divas from Hong Kong and other Far Eastern Countries. Real women, Real Achievers who are a force to contend with.
The ladies will be shot by Akash Das the ace photographer who really doesn’t need an introduction.To name a few of his achievements,he has been a pioneer in the art of visual communication and photography with innumerable awards to his name.
Awarded as one of the ten most influential people in photography industry adjudged by Ernst & Young in 2013-14.
The only photographer whose black n white exhibition ‘In Search Of Asian Nudes’ got engraved in the Limca Book Of World Records.
He has a long association with leading brands like Nikon and Canon.
He is the brand ambassador for Sandisk.
He has held more than ten solo exhibitions across the Globe and also has four coffee table books to his credit.He has also shot a long list of celebrities. Here are some of Akash’s previous works.

ladera-2

original-image

puskar-2

spotlight
An interesting point I picked up talking to Akash Das is that he always clicks with hand held camera be it fashion photography or wild life.Wild life photography involves cameras weighing six to eight kgs. He never uses tripod for them. He has another very fascinating side to his photography. While shooting he clicks non-stop without even once looking down to see in the view finder. He believes that the one split second when you tend to look down may cost you a frame which you should have actually captured and I completely agree with him. He simply carries every click back to his studio,views them and only then discards what he feels is not right. No wonder people call him a genius.


I think and hope the joining together of one zealous entrepreneur and a genius photographer will bring us a really breathtaking Calendar. To add the glamour, Surbhi, a well known make up artist and hair stylist is also on the panel.We had a pleasant evening spending time with these maestros at Frat House, Hauz Khas Village, where this exclusive pre-launch meet was organised.
We wish the venture all the best and a huge success.

img_9546

img_9559

img_9561

img_9563
Next year young Pooja herself might feature as one of the Great Indian Women Achievers. Here’s wishing her great success.
I am sure it will have a great inspirational value for all the global Indian women.
Eagerly awaiting for the launch of this great idea.

Maharaja Bhog – The tale of Royal Thali

Battled scarred heritage, nurturing pride and tradition, ancient Aravallis, Sun-kissed golden sand dunes, marvelous forts & palaces that can only be described as the architectural wonders, such a land of Kings is a standing testimony to the history of Imperial India. The cuisine from the land too has earned zillion admirers across the globe.  Rajasthan, a kingdom well-endowed with richness of art, culture & history has a long standing tradition of welcoming every guests stating “PADHARO MHAARE DESH”.  And the same thought is well-translated into reality by  Maharaja Bhog. Styled in an opulent Marwar fashion with illuminated pillars and mirrored ceilings having a gold & beige theme sketched across the property, the fine-dine spoke volumes about imperial grandeur through its ambience.

20160923_211857

20160923_211907

20160923_212442

The staff was incredibly courteous,  friendly and patient. If there is a way to show the warm hospitality of India and the welcoming personality of Rajasthan, then it is here where one can live the experience. The philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” is deep rooted in the restaurant’s code of conduct and which is why all the guests are hosted warmly with great care. The legacy is not just limited to the hospitality but also it is reflected through the recipes which are crafted with great care.


Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the Manager – RewaSinghJi and his waiting staff, who explained the menu in detail. When I expressed to capture the warm hospitality of this place in lenses, they tirelessly expedited the process.  Once you place yourself, a guy comes with Brass pitcher and basin to help you wash your hands in a princely manner and another offers a napkin to mop your hands dry. After this ritual of pampering you with comforts at your fingertips, a wait staff  arrives with a bowl of coins and a ceramic cow – similar to a piggybank. As part of Gowseva* you may pick one coin and put it through.

20160923_204434

The journey of savoring Rajasthani culinary commenced on a delectable note where first they served Kesar sharbat as a welcome drink. And then it started with 3 snacks – Potli Kachori, Veg Handva Dhokla & the special Pizza Papdi Chat. Of the served starters, the one I couldnt ressist just not once but twice and thrice, was the fingerlickilicious Papdi Chaat.

20160923_205058a

20160923_205853

Rajasthani Curries can be spicy yet tangy and can be categorized into Dal & Kadhi. The  one I savored to the tee was Teekhi Dal & Rajasthani Kadhi which were a part of the menu that day.  Indian breads mostly known as Rotis, Parathas, Puris have a long-serving relation with the Rajputanas. The cuisine was complemented with the 3 types of breads i.e. Paneer Veg Parantha, Mithi Roti i.e. Jowri Roti complemented with sweet curd& sweetboondi.

20160923_205529

20160923_205753

20160923_210429

I must confess that Rajasthani Kadhi was simply scrumptiously-fantabulous. Enticingly piquant veggies like Tiranga Rasgulla ki Sabzi, Palak Rajma, Aloo Patal Bhaaji , Kanda Pitla were accompanied with papad & chutenty, choonda alongwith Dahi-Raita.

20160923_210056

20160923_210206

20160923_210530

20160923_204722

While the rice platter comprised of 2 variety i.e. Khichdi & Steam rice, the Thali also consisted of lip smacking Corn Ka Halwa & Shrikhand. The Manager – RewaSinghJi shared a fact that the menu changes everyday which mean 30 different menus for a month. Well, that’s  quite amazing.

20160923_210909   20160923_205333

There’s one thing I feel it would be unjust on my part to share is the essence. It was delicious lip-smacking, scrumptious but what made it so special is the essence of warmth about the home-made feel that lingered while relishing the Thali. And only a blessed few succeed in discovering the warmth of home-made recipes being away from home!

20160923_210419

Trust me, this time I was touched by the warmth of the cuisine, culture & courteousness. So don’t wait any further, head straight to Maharaja Bhog and enjoy these authentic vegetarian thali and get your taste buds tingling!


 

Maharaja Bhog - Premium Veg Thali Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Theme: Overlay by Kaira Copyright @ikreatepassions 2024
Goa, India