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Author: Aditi Malhotra
Marketing & Social Media Consultant | Content Writer & Columnist | Events & Wedding Planner | Award Winning Home Chef | Home Baker | Artist | Photography Enthusiast

Cantonese Food at Yauatcha, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, is a place that leaves you confused, and no I am not talking shopping, but I am talking restaurants, one entire floor has so much to offer that you are left confused on where to head for satiating your taste buds…
Though we were called for reviews, even then making a choice was becoming difficult; nevertheless, after a lot of mental chaos, I picked on Yauatcha.

The name Yauatcha has no literal meaning, ‘but it is made up of these words – Yau which is the surname of founder, i.e Alan Yau, and Cha means tea. Yauatcha is basically a famous dimsum teahouse hailing from London.
Aiming at authenticity in a modern setting, the chefs have taken recipes from all over China and infused them with a modern sensibility. The result..Authentic Cantonese cooking with a contemporary flair.
With a cuisine inspired by history and acknowledging the traditions of the past, one can only expect, well, the best. But sometimes, you are left a little disappointed with the overall experience because you set your expectations too high.
This is exactly what happened to my experience with Yauatcha, left me little dejected.
Though the food was good, but the service was too slow and added to a lot of frustration, in fact not just a slow service, but also a kind of negligence and ignorance in terms of the staff attending to us. They hardly ever came forward to take orders or suggest anything, after a lot of looking around, our eyes would finally meet, and someone would oblige, but nothing like the forthcoming sorts of hospitality happened here. But all the disappointment was dissolved when it comes to food.

We tried their Chicken and Prawn Sui Mai, Vegetable Shanghai Dumplings at first, and dumplings at Yauatcha can never disappoint. They truly have a class of their own and it reflects in the taste remarkably.


We ordered Orange Chilli Smoothie, Virgin Mary and Plum Cut Larissa Smoothie; the drinks were blended to perfection and had very distinct tastes.


Craving for more Cantonese delights, we ordered Chicken Cheung Fun, Crispy Spicy Vegetable Cheung Fun and Chicken Wrapped in Pakchoi. The presentation of food was as tempting as the actual taste of the food. The Chicken Wrapped in Pakchoi went to become one of my favorites. The Chicken Cheung Fun was lip smacking too.


But I guess the best part of the entire dining experience was to come in the form of desserts. They served us a platter of their special desserts, and for a long time we only kept staring it, they were mouth drooling.
Each and every item on the dessert platter is worth dying for, it included three flavors of sorbets, macaroons, milk choco praline and mango mascarpone gateaux. I personally loved the mango mascarpone gateaux and choco praline. They were delectable.


The place is definitely worth giving a try, the food is good, if they work a little on their service, I am sure one wont mind spending that kind of money to try the Cantonese delicacies.

Yauatcha Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Summer Collection by Le Creuset

Summer Collection by Le Creuset

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Le Creuset’s new summer collection is full of colours and luminous hues that would brighten up your Kitchen in a heartbeat. Inspired by sweet spring bouquets, this collection brings the warmth of summer sunshine to your kitchen and the beauty of nature into your home.



 This new collection from Le Creuset feels modern, yet evokes images of a breezy French seaside way of life. True kitchen essentials, these Cast Iron products are not only perfect for making casseroles, stews and one pot roasts, but is versatile enough for baking cakes and bread. Cast Iron cookware also works efficiently at low to medium cooking temperatures and retains heat effectively, ensuring food stays warm for longer. The unique enamel finish is not only durable and easy to clean, but also looks beautiful when presented at the table. 

Our Cast Iron Casseroles are suitable for all hob types (including ceramic, halogen, induction, gas and oil or wood) and are protected by a Lifetime Guarantee for total peace of mind.

The Stoneware products from Le Creuset are original in designs and have been handcrafted making each piece unique.It is safe for use in the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and broiler.The enameled surface is easy to clean and scratch-resistant. The enamel is completely hygienic and will not absorb odors or flavors. Le Creuset Stoneware is extremely strong and durable, and resists staining, chipping and cracking.


About Le Creuset
Le Creuset is recognised the world over for market-leading, premium quality ranges of enamelled cast iron cookware, multi-ply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, stoneware and ceramics, along with its outstanding range of wine accessories.
Established in 1925, Le Creuset has been making world-class cookware for almost 100 years, innovation remains at the forefront of Le Creuset’s success. Used by leading chefs and keen cooks around the globe, Le Creuset cookware offers outstanding performance time after time.
Available in Stores:
  
New Delhi
DLF Promenade (Vasant Kunj) 
Ambience Mall (Gurgaon) and 
Select City Walk (Saket)
Mumbai
 Infiniti Mall (Malad)

India Runway Week organises a ‘Blogger’s Meet’ to announce interesting contests…!!

India Runway Week organises a ‘Blogger’s Meet’ to announce interesting contests…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
India Runway Week organized a ‘BLOGGER MEETUP’ to announce different contest and quiz happening during the 3 days event at Thyagraj Stadium starting from April 15th- 17th, 2016. The meet also gave a chance to the bloggers to interact with a few renowned and also budding fashion designers who would be participating in this sixth addition of India Runway Week



India Runway Week is Asia’s youngest fashion trade event. Each season of the much-awaited IRW introduces new talent and places young Indian designers firmly on the global fashion stage. This time IRW is going a step further and also giving their media friends’ special attention and engaging them in fun contests.
There would be daily contests for best Social Media Posts by bloggers, and they stand a chance to win hampers from Naturals, a beauty brand.
Also bloggers stand a chance to win Spa Vouchers from Kairali and one lucky winner will get an all paid trip to Kerala at the end of the three-day event.
The organizers of the event Kiran Kheya and Avinash K Pathania, detailed out the entire process at the bloggers meet and also briefed about the highlights of this season
India Runway Week will start with opening show named as ‘FASHION STARTUPS OF INDIA’ showcasing eight upcoming designers.

Some of the designers are..

Day 1- Snishh by Snidhi & Ishna, Puneet Gupta, Yoshita & Neha, Gauri Courture, Hannah Khianghte ,Bani Khurana, Shailesh Singhania, Prachi and Saloni,Sudhanshi Garg, Rohini Gugnani ,Pratibha Lalwani ,Varija Bajaj.
Day 2- Bohurupi by Abhishek Roy, D&N by Dheeru and Nitika, First Edit by Sonya and Monika, Yashika Tejwani ,Saachi Thahyramal, Syle Inn by Richa Ranawat ,Merasal by Nanditha Ramesh, BANKA SILK DAKSH, Akassh K Aggarwal, Maanay by Ashok Maanay, Mimathyma by Mamtaa Gupta, Architha Narayanam.

Day 3- Anjana Singh, Priyanka Munot, Shafali Grover, Satish Kumar, Scarlet by Shruti Jamaal, Pralii Design House by Rupali, Niharika Kamani, Megha Jain Madaan, Mugdha Art Studio, Seema Mehta, Rajdeep Ranawat, Agnimitra paul.
So gear up guys and block your dates…!!
VLCC Femina Style Diva 2016 presented by Maruti Suzuki Dzire Styled by BIBA

VLCC Femina Style Diva 2016 presented by Maruti Suzuki Dzire Styled by BIBA

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Femina, India’s leading women’s magazine provided a platform to 16 young fashionistas to showcase their personal style at VLCC Femina Style Diva 2016 presented by Maruti Suzuki Dzire Styled by BIBA. The glitzy affair hosted at The Westin, Gurgaon offered the best in fashion, music and more.  The esteemed jury panel included names like Bollywood Actress Huma Qureshi, boxer Vijender Singh, Ace designer Gaurav Gupta, Animesh- GM Westin Sohna Resorts and Spa , Femina Editor Tanya Chaitanya

Talking about Femina Style Diva, Tanya Chaitanya, editor, Femina says, “Femina Style Diva 2016 has set out to find that of-the-minute fashionista who knows her trends but prefers to give them her own individual twist. She owns fashion and not the other way round. Here’s looking at the winner’s sartorial sojourn.” 
The show was aimed at unveiling young and aspiring fashionistas, and to assist them to take their stylish avatars to the next level. Femina Style Diva was looking for that chic, well-dressed woman who knows the difference between being a trendsetter and a trend follower.Chief mentor and Super Model Nayanika Chatterjee groomed the contestants during a gruelling 5 day training period and prepared them for the finale.
The event was hosted by  Sameer Kochhar and witnessed some stellar performances by singer Aditi Sharma  and a stand-up act by  Angad Ranyal that had the audience thoroughly entertained. 

The finalists sashayed the ramp with oomph and grace.The esteemed jury quizzed the girls and marked them during the three rounds of choreographed catwalks – first round was presented jointly by our western wear partner Kazo, one of India’s leading fashion houses, and Casio, our elegance partner and one of the world’s most renowned and stylish brands; the ethnic wear round presented by our style partner BIBA, India’s leading ethnic fashion brand; and evening style round by avant-garde designer Namrata Joshipura.

In the first round contestants showcased the latest Spring Summer collection from kazon and elegant Casio Sheen watches. The ethic round saw the contestants in beautiful Biba outfits. The evening wear round had sinfully sheer, sensual and chic gowns from Namrata Joshipura. Footwear for this round was provided by Totesgalore.
Samir Kochhar, actor and television presenter, was the emcee for the evening and kept the audience, jury and contestants engaged with his wit and quick humour. After the three rounds and introductions, the judges shortlisted eight contestants, who were then quizzed by each of the five judges on topics that varied from favourite style icon to which actor they would give a style rescue to. The guests included eminent personalities such as designers Samant Chauhan, Pallavi Mohan and Deepika Govind and many more..


Ms. Sana Dua was announced as the winner of the coveted title, a unanimous choice of the judges. Shreya Mahana and Nivedita were the first and second runners-up at the VLCC Femina Style Diva 2016.
  Winner Sana Dua

First Runner Up Shreya Mahana

 

Second Runner Up Nivedita


The extravagant evening saw well-known guests like Shalini  Kochar, Meenakshi Dutt, Vandana Vadhera, Bharat and Reshma among others.

Maybelline Launches Color Show Nail Paints…!!

Maybelline Launches Color Show Nail Paints…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Recently got my hands on Maybelline Newyork’s new collection of nail paints- The Color Show and I simply love them.
All bright, glittery shades that make your hands talk the party language and add some quirkiness & vibrancy to the usual boring workdays.
I got six of them and have been dying to use all of them one after the other. They are easy to apply, have a smooth finish and dry pretty quickly. They are reasonably priced between 100-175Rs.
So come on girls, show off some color and grab your nail paints now!


Relishing the Mughlai Flavours at Punjabi by Nature, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Punjabi by Nature is a well known restaurant , especially when you want to satiate your Mughlai food cravings. This weekend, we headed straight to Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj and picked Punjabi by Nature out of the many eating joint options available in the mall.

Being first day of Navratras, it was little empty, as compared to the kind of rush it gets over the weekends, but nevertheless, some food enthusiasts were seen relishing the delicacies that Punjabi by Nature has to offer.
For starters we opted for a Non-Veg Kebab Platter and Kastoori Kebab. The non-veg platter consisted 4pcs Galauti Kebabs, and 2pcs each of Amritsar Fish Tikka and Chicken Malai Tikka. 

The Kebab Platter is a  delight for non vegetarian’s, there is nothing better one can ask for, as you get to taste 3 different varieties of kebabs and each one of them is delectable. I personally liked the Galauti and Chicken Malai Tikka the most out of the three. The Kastoori Kebab turned out to be one of the most amazing kebabs I have ever eaten, they were delicious and very different from the regular kind of kebabs and tikkas that we normally eat. Its surely one item you must try.

On the manager’s recommendation, we also tried a small serving of Dahi Ke Kebab, as they are one of the hot selling items, but honestly speaking I didn’t like them much.

For drinks, ordered a bloody merry and mango margarita twist, the drinks were below average. The bloody merry was badly missing out on the punch and spice, and the mango margarita twist had an overdose of ginger, which made it taste not so good.

The main course included Punjabi by Nature Special Chicken, Punjabi Meat Masala and Dal Makhani. Each of the dishes was delectable and perfectly infused with Mughali and Punjabi falvours.
Kesar Kulfi Faloodaa and Firni were served for desserts and I enjoyed polishing off the Kulfi. Firing too was great to taste and brought the mughlai flavours to a perfect end.


So henceforth, whenever you crave Mughlai or Punjabi food, don’t think twice and head straight to Punjabi by Nature at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj..!!

Punjabi By Nature Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

AHS conducts a total workout fitness for hair, mind and body – Zumba..Let your hair dance with Advanced Hair Studio!

AHS conducts a total workout fitness for hair, mind and body – Zumba..Let your hair dance with Advanced Hair Studio!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Advanced Hair Studio (AHS), world’s largest hair replacement and re-growth company took a step ahead and supported fitness for lustrous mane. After the success of their campaign ‘Healthy Eating Healthy Hair’, AHS  conducted a Zumba session for healthy hair, mind and body. The session also witnessed an informative workshop on hair care and answered a plethora of conventional myths regarding hair care.
For someone like me who has two left feet and never danced, it was a truly enriching experience. Zumba was very high on energy and I completely forgot everything else and danced like no one was watching, and I  thoroughly enjoyed myself.

AHS in-house trichologist and a trained Zumba instructor, Dr. Nikita Sood, took an insightful session on the importance of healthy mind, body and hair post the Zumba session. AHS expert provided the details about the dance form and how it benefits in enriching the hair, mind, body & soul as a whole. The discussion also covered topics such as hair loss, its types, possible causes and the solutions including the role of specific diet with reference to hair.

While addressing the media, AHS Trichologist, said, “Hair deserves a detox too. A holistic hair care promotes nourishing and detoxing hair. Zumba, the most interesting form of aerobic dance is gaining huge popularity amongst young people these days. It stimulates the senses and releases active hormones keeping the stress away from mind and body showing positive results for hair.”

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Sanket Shah, CEO & Managing Director, Advanced Hair Studio (India Sub Continent & Middle East), said, “After the successful campaign ‘Healthy Eating Healthy Hair’, which we did last year highlighting how healthy eating results in healthy hair, we are now excited to move one step ahead with the Zumba session to rejuvenate our mind, body and hair. Most people in India do not realize the importance of a fit body. Adopting healthy diet and exercising daily not only helps maintaining the body but also reflects in improving the hair condition.”
He further added, “Stress in life can adversely affect the condition of hair. Zumba, an exciting form of Latin dance increases happy hormones (Serotonin) which in turn reduces stress, increases blood circulation and restores the scalp.”
The session was followed by a one on one interaction with a AHS consultant for a free hair health check up and also a free of cost hair cut and styling session.
The interaction with AHS consultant was very insightful and it told me a lot of aspects about my hair that I was usually ignorant about, and I highly recommend my users to definitely get a consultation done.
Considering the popular trend of achieving fit and toned physique with extreme care about healthy hair, AHS has introduced a six month hair fitness program – Advanced Fitness Program for its clients. The program is considered to be one of the best treatments in the world to benefit all those who face hair thinning or hair fall problem. It will not only maintain the hair on the scalp but will also help combat wear & tear that occurs due to weather conditions and pollution.
Presently, AHS offers a wide range of solutions for all hair loss related problems. In clinical hair procedure, AHS offers – Advanced Laser Therapy treatment (ALT) and Strand by Strand the Ultimate while in cosmetic hair procedure, AHS offers Strand by Strand (Cosmetic) and Flashpoints.
The clientele of Advanced Hair Studio includes names like Shane Warne, Gautam Gambhir, Jacque Kallis, Saurav Ganguly, Darren Gough and many more that stand as a testimony to our successful treatments.
Sichuan Tourism Administration promotes tourism from India to China

Sichuan Tourism Administration promotes tourism from India to China

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
To give a glimpse of the rich art, culture and tradition enjoyed by Sichuan, a Cultural Evening was held at DLF Place, Saket in Delhi on 9th April, 2016 post the conference held by Sichuan Tourism Administration on 7th April in the capital.  The cultural evening, which was attended by guests and dignitaries from China and India, showcased the art and cultural performances by artists from China.

The performances at the cultural evening brought alive the rich culture and tradition enjoyed by various ethnic groups of China. Performances such as Sichuan Opera Face Changing Performance, Tea Art Performances, and interactions with Panda Dolls took place along with some dance numbers and performances from Bollywood as well. The traditions, local customs and culture of Sichuan are celebrated in forms of various art performances which include Sichuan opera, the oldest form of Chinese opera characterized by face-changing, fire-spitting and other stunts; tea art performances; puppet shows; lamp rolling, etc.


The Conference by Sichuan Tourism Administration which was held in the city on 7th April before this cultural evening had also brought out the rich tradition, cultural and ethnic diversity of Sichuan which makes this province an exciting tourism destination to unravel. Being inhabited by multiple ethnic groups with China’s largest Yi ghetto and the only place in China where Qiang ethnic group resides, Sichuan is known as “the Ethnic Corridor” of China.
During the visit, Mr. Wang Ning, Executive Vice Governor, Sichuan remarked “In 2015, Sichuan gained total revenue of 62.10 billion Yuan from tourism, an increase of 27 percent. Now we are making efforts to build Sichuan as an economically powerful province and a world tourist base. Both India and Sichuan are fascinating tourism destination. Just like India, Sichuan has rich ancient heritage, cultural diversity and centuries old civilization which we take immense pride in. I am hopeful that the Conference will help Indian people better understand Sichuan and create a positive atmosphere for the tourism in Sichuan from India.”
Mr. Song Ming, Deputy Director General, Sichuan Tourism Administration also said “With its picturesque scenery, rich wildlife, unique religious beliefs, rustic folk customs and magnificent history, Sichuan is a magical land for traveller who feels after coming to Sichuan that living in utopia is no longer a distant dream.” He further added that “This visit is an important launching pad for us to boost tourism from India to Sichuan and is a precursor of an action plan that includes a number of incentives and trial measures for travellers as well as tour operators from India.”


Known for its Giant Pandas and world famous spicy cuisine, Sichuan and its Tourism Administration aimed through this conference  to spread better awareness about the province amongst Indian travellers with its tagline as “Sichuan – More than Pandas”.
Sichuan Tourism Administration highlighted the province to be home to not only the giant pandas, but also to diverse art and culture, breathtaking natural beauty, unique culinary, ancient history and  vast resources which makes it the tourism cynosure of China.
Sichuan, located in the hinterland of south west China has complex and diverse topography with plateaus in west, Sichuan basin in middle and hilly region in east. Sichuan has favourable geographical and ecological resources with more than 4000 tourist attractions which includes 9 of 5A level scenic spots, 5 world heritage sites, 4 world biosphere reserves, 2 World Geo Parks, 21 China’s best tourist cities. The complex and volatile natural environment of Sichuan gives birth to a rich wildlife making it a home to rare species including 80% of the world’s giant pandas, Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, black bears, rare birds, plants and trees.


The delegation also highlighted the great reputation enjoyed by the spicy Sichuan cuisine famous worldwide for its spices, unique cooking and heavy local hot and spicy flavour. In nutshell, it reiterated what is often said that “To eat in China, taste in Sichuan”.
Dubai Diaries- Its All Happening Here…!!

Dubai Diaries- Its All Happening Here…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
NDTV Good Times, India’s youngest lifestyle channel is taking you to the most luxurious city in the world-Dubai with the launch of its new series Dubai Diaries. A TV series that brings to life all that Dubai has to offer to the Indian traveller; from food and fashion, shopping and entertainment, hotels and beaches to couple getaways and family reunions.
The most unique offering of the five episode series remains that a different anchor will host each episode. The thematic distribution of each episode covers an ocean of variety that Dubai has to offer. Irrespective of whether you are couple, family, foodie, shopaholic, business traveller, Dubai Dairies will manage to gratify all your senses.
To announce the show, and to get a glimpse of the content, NDTV Good Times hosted Delhi Bloggers to an evening of interaction with 3 of the hosts from the show Ambika Anand, Freishia and Neha Dixit, at the Hauz Khas Social.



The ambience was created to give a look and feel of Dubai, with matteresses and bolsters for seating, and some unique cocktails created by an expert bar tender at Social along with some lip smacking snacks.


Ambika, Freishia and Neha, each shared their experiences from the travel and the aspects that they respectively covered. Ambika would be covering Dubai from a shopper’s perspective with a special focus on Wedding Shopping, while Neha Dixit will explore the adventure activities that Dubai has to offer and Freishia will uncover Dubai from a completely new angle, Dubai as a romantic getaway, which mostly we don’t associate Dubai with.



The series will open with Actress Sumona Chakravarty visiting the most talked about places in Dubai.
There would also be an episode with Chef Kunal Kapoor discovering and unfolding the culinary experiences Dubai has to offer.
Announcing the launch, Arati Singh, Channel Head, NDTV Good Times said, “While Dubai is a familiar destination for most travellers, we intend to bring out a new side of Dubai with this show. We are hopeful our viewers will live the Dubai experience through memorable anchor stories and through the visual aesthetics of the city itself.”
At the event, I also indulged in a candid chat with Mandakini , who is the director of the show and Damini, who has produced the series. They went on to share how different it was visiting Dubai this time from a new angle and how they completed 10 episodes in 34 days of shoot. The next five episodes will be aired around October, the other season of holidays.
We all had a lot of fun clicking selfies and indulging in chit chat with the anchors.


As of now, catch these 5 episodes, every Thursday at 8PM only on NDTV Good Times, and repeats through the week.

Restaurant Review- The University Bistro

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
A small little place, tucked away in the busy Hudson Lane, the famous University area of Delhi is definitely worth every dime you spend on good food.
Its called the University Bistro, and I have to say that it was one of the warmest and tastiest food experiences I had in a long time.

The place is very vibrant and full of energy and has been designed keeping in mind youth as the main TG, it being in the university area. It oozes out a very positive vibe, the moment you enter.

We were called for a review of new additions in the menu, and I consider it completely as our pleasure in doing so.
To begin with we were served watermelon shots, which were very very refreshing.
Tomato Gazpacho, a cold soup, followed this, which again made an equally refreshing drink for the summers.
Chef Anil, went on to explain the concept behind each dish, as he comes with an extensive work experience in foreign countries. He recreates Mexican, Spanish and other dishes with a twist of Indian tastes to suit the audience.
For example, we were served chicken nachos, which had the Mexican nachos, but instead of making it a spicy deal, chef had blended the taste with some cheese. It was simply yum..!!

Next were the cocktail sandwiches and as the name suggests, it had an amazing cocktail of vegetables, making it a vegetarian’s delight. Non-Vegetarian version of the same is available too.
Next was the vegetarian pizza and I have to admit that I never like Pizzas from outside, I always prefer making them at home, but this was an exception. The pizza had a thin crust, which was freshly baked, in the stone oven, which gave it a very authentic taste. I simply loved it.

The next two dishes were each better than the best, the corn-fed chicken and Mexiskin Potatoes with Kapsa Rice. The chicken was juicy and tender, and its sauce was finger licking good, the jacket potatoes were baked to perfection, and their filling had a great taste, the rice were too were perfectly done.
The last dish was like a cherry on icing, the best that I had that day, it was the Chicken Parmigiana. The chicken was done to perfection and the topping of tomato-based sauce and cheese was mind blowing.


For the desserts we had, Apple Pie, which was awesome, the tastes were perfectly blending. There was Kiwi-based Cheese Cake too, but the cheese was too salty, and hence it did not taste that good, but the chef took our feedback constructively and admitted the cheesecake going little wrong.


But overall, it was a beautiful evening spent at the University Bistro and I strongly recommend it to my readers. I also happened to meet the owner of the place, Mr. Aggarwal and he came across as a very warm and down to earth person, discussing the ideation and hardwork that went behind setting the place up.
Also to highlight, their prices are very very pocket friendly, it will not burn a hole in your pocket for the kind of delicious and authentic food you would be tasting there.

The University Bistro Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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