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Category: Events & Happenings

‘Sunday Brunch’ on a platter at “House of Commons”

‘Sunday Brunch’ on a platter at “House of Commons”

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
“House of Commons” a British inspired Gastro pub, located in the heart of the city is the latest entrant in Connaught Place.
Having borrowed its title from the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary House, the space eludes an old world charm of the English Era. Located in Central Delhi, with subtly stunning architecture and a scintillating menu that bridges the gap between Asia and the west.

Creating great food is not hard work alone; it can be loads of fun too. But, Sunday mornings are exclusive, that time of the week when you want to have the best food, but you would do anything to avoid going into the kitchen. After waking up late on Sundays, when breakfast is out of the question, a sumptuous brunch seems very inviting.



The good news is that you don’t have to enter the kitchen and yet have a chance of digging into a lavish, delicious meal.



You can now experience a scintillating menu at House of Commons, who have shaped the menu to maintain a balance between a typical gastropub food and the best of Indian and International fusion to suit the palette of their discerning customers.



The Sunday Brunch will feature a lavish spread of delicacies & offers you an appetising spread of  The China Casserole, Red Wine Poached Pear Salad, The Ultimate BDK, Classic Fish and Chips, Chicken Chettinad, Goan Prawn Curry, Sangria Pork, Tiramisu, Insalata Caprese, Caesar Salad.



Timings:  14th & 21st ebruary, 2016. 12:30 pm onwards.
Price: 1400/- meal for two
Venue: M-39, Second Floor,
Outer Circle, Opposite Shankar market,

Connaught Place, New Delhi

BBQ Sun Downer At Junglee Billee..!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Junglee Billee, the hot and happening restaurant in M-block, Greater Kailash 1 Market, adds another feather in their menu as they introduce BBQ specialities for sundowners every Saturday and Sunday.
It will be the first time that city will witness live grills on lave stones.

The menu has a lot to offer and has choices for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian people. There was Cottage cheese and exotic vegetable skewer, Chargrilled mushrooms, Seared polenta, Double cheese chargrilled vegetarian sliders, Garlic thyme marinated fish, Cajun spiced chicken skewer, Grilled chicken sausage, Lamb kibbeh were some of the things on the offering. There were a few pass around snacks as well, like the Fresh tomato pesto bruschetta, Spinach and mushroom quiche, Dips and chips, Chicken and cream cheese tart, Dill and fish canape and Rosemary lamb pastry puff.



I happened to be present at the Launch Event of this BBQ Sun Downer, and have to say that Junglee Billee never fails to surprise me. The look and feel of the place in itself is so welcoming and every time I visit, I discover newer elements which leave me in complete awe of it.
The ambience was perfect, the terrace, the weather, the music and most importantly the food and drinks. 








The sangrias were amazing and were the highlight of the evening, though there were other drinks available as well, at the open bar. The chargrilled mushrooms were something I can go back anytime for.
The cottage cheese and exotic vegetable skewer was more than perfect. The cajun spiced chicken skewer and garlic thyme marinated fish, were a mouth melting experience. The spices were just right and both chicken and fish very tender.
From the pass around snacks I tried the rosemary lamb pastry puff and it was excellent, slightly on the spicy side, but great to taste. The chicken and cream cheese tarts were delectable too.









I have a special mention for the entire team of Junglee Billee, their hospitality is top class. Nida Mahmood, the brains behind the quirky design of the restaurant was seen attending to the people personally, I had a long chat with their head chef Pawan, who went on to explain the concept and dishes and the handwork gone behind developing this special menu and the way entire team looks after the guests, its truly commendable.
The place was bustling with people and yet, at no times the staff made you feel left out. They were constantly on their toes bringing one delicacy after another and personally looking into the requirements of the guests.



Pawan, also took me around the place personally, and as I explored each floor, with him explaining the details and showing the things, my jaws dropped. The swarovski jeweled posters were simply mind blowing and so is the collection of swarovski jewellery, displayed there. Nida has done an exceptional work with the place, each art work is like a story in itself and I still feel there is a lot more yet to be explored in this amazing restaurant and I can’t wait for the moment when they open their retail and I can treasure some of these artworks with me. The real show stopper was the Junglee Billee logo unit made in swarovski crystals, its a must watch whenever you visit the place.




A place that has such great interiors, a perfect ambience and amazing food & hospitality, what else can one ask for. So don’t think much, just head straight to Junglee Billee and enjoy live grills as you explore and fall in love with the place.

Junglee Billee Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Top CEOs of the country, adorn chef hats for a social cause…!!

Top CEOs of the country, adorn chef hats for a social cause…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
The afternoon of 6th February, saw 9 CEOS of the country come together, not to discuss business plans with presentations or to crack deals with their negotiations, but they came forward and together for a cause. They came together, to support Genesis Foundation, which has been working for critically ill underprivileged children since 2001. It was the 9th season of this annual event organised by Genesis, and the money raised through the event goes towards the medical treatment of these children. It was a great cause, and a great event too, because the CEOs were not doing their bit by just donating money, it was different, the CEOs came together and put their culinary skills to practice for raising funds for this cause.
They adorned chef hats and cooked and served a number of guests, who were especially invited for the event. Ms. Prema Sagar, Founder of Genesis, was overwhelmed with the turn out at the event as she deeply connects with the cause.





The ambience of the event was perfect, bright sunny afternoon, open lawns of Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon and some great music by an energetic band.
Different cuisine stalls were handled by different CEOs and when the cause and intentions behind cooking are good, the food has to turn out awesome.


The first counter belonged to Lebanese Cuisine and the chef behind the counter was Mr. Sanjay Modi, MD Monster India. “I have been learning cooking since a month now, and have tried my hands at making Aaloo Gobhi, Pulao and other things and today with a little assistance I am preparing Shwarmas, as I thought they are extremely popular these days”, he said on being questioned about his cooking skills. His preparation was totally upto the mark.


Mr. Sanjay Modi


Next was the Brazilian counter, where Mr. Oliver Mirza, Oetker India, dished out some broccoli in creamy sauce and was also serving Brazilian barbecued chicken and fish. The broccoli was very yummy and so was the chicken, which I saw him serving to the people, right till the end, holding the skewer in his hands.

 Mr. Oliver Mirza


Mr, Rajan Chopra, CEO, Team Computers and Mr. Lindgren Lars Olof, Head of Market Area India, SAAB Group, held the forts for Italian Cuisine, preparing delectable pastas for vegetarian and non-vegetarian audiences respectively. I personally relished the chicken pasta in white sauce made by Lindgren live in front of me. It was truly remarkable to see these CEOs cooking with so much dedication and passion. “I am cooking after some 10 years, but the cause is such, that I am thoroughly enjoying myself”, said Mr. Rajan Chopra as he tossed some pasta in his pan.


 Mr. Rajan Chopra
Mr. Lindgren Lars Olof

Mr. Suman Bose, MD India, Siemens Industry Software, took over the Japanese counter, and in a most dedicated way possible, he kept tossing portions of chicken noodles one after another.”I cook quite often and enjoy doing it, but today its even more special as the cause we are doing it for, is very close to my heart,” he said, as I enjoyed his preparation.

Mr. Suman Bose

Ms. Manisha Sood, Country General Manager, Fitbit India along with Mr. Suresh Narayanan, chairman and MD, Nestle India, held on to their regional roots and prepared delicacies of Andhra. They made some crispy dosas, biryani and lamb curry.

Ms. Manisha Sood and Mr. Suresh Narayanan

Mr. Sri Ranjan, Chairman, Bain & Company India, was making some very interesting and delicious looking crepes with variety of fruits and other sauces,as he handled the dessert counter.  “My wife has set this as benchmark for my cooking”, so do let me know how I fared”, he joked as he handed me over my crepe.He prepared a mixed fruit crepe with strawberry sauce for me, and I could not stop gazing at it for sometime, it looked so tempting, and it tasted even better. I am very sure he will be handling the desserts department at home too, from now on as his wife will be pretty impressed with his hidden skills 🙂
Mr. Sri Ranjan

Other than cooking behind the counters, these chefs were seen enjoying and mingling with the people present, and also dancing to the songs sung by the live band. 

Mr Rajan Chopra seen here, enjoying a dance with his wife.

Ms Prema Sagar with All the CEOs and their respective wives

It was a great event, and I felt honoured being part of such an initiative by Genesis Foundation. Working as a professional brand strategy planner, I know how these senior people juggle so many roles and responsibilities in their business lives, and it takes a lot to leave all that, and come forward to do something like this. Hats off to each one of them and God bless the kids for whom all of these people put in so many efforts.

Time To Sizzle Your Taste Buds @Hard Rock Cafe

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Good music, great ambience and crazy drinks and awesome sizzlers.. Sounds like a perfect combination.. Isn’t it?
Hard Rock Cafe, the brand synonym to rock and roll music and lip smacking American cuisine invites you to Turn Up The Sizzle all through February! The kitchen at Hard Rock Cafe is on fire and is geared up to roll out a limited time smokin’ hot menu to coddle your taste buds. Hard Rock Café has an astounding treat in store for its fans with a combination of lip-smacking sizzlers; effervescent Long Island Iced Teas and Shots and a chance to win a couple night stay at India’s first Hard Rock Hotel in Goa every week.

A unique fiesta to entice your taste buds with a large spread of scrumptious dishes sizzled to absolute perfection.






Mr. Vikram Varma, AVP – Marketing, JSM Corporation, said: “Hard Rock Cafe has been the prime destination for people of all ages with varied music interest to hang out. We ensure that our fan base gets the most out of their time at the restaurant. Sizzle Festival has been our key promotion each year and this year it involves a lovely integration of the chilly LIITs and hot piping food. The promotion, clubbed with Karaoke Nights, Retro Nights, Thursday Band Nights and Baby Loves Rock make for a delightful evening. This year, we are offering 14 lucky couples a chance to spend two nights and three days at India’s first Hard Rock Hotel in Goa twice in February (13th and 27th) by participating in a contest and are sure to see a massive turnout.”


We tried the Big Bull Iced Tea and the Double Trouble Iced Tea, they were truly mind blowing, one glass serves two, so be sure you share your drink with your significant someone 



For Sizzlers, we first tried the Mexican Chicken Chipotle & Prawn Skillet; they came with Masala Fries, and Mexican Rice. First look at the sizzler, the aroma and that sizzling sound.. and I could feel my senses awakening. I didn’t waste time and wanted to scintillate my other two senses of touch and taste as well. It was truly delectable. The chicken and prawns were both very tender and the flavors of chipotle stood out perfectly.


What followed next was Thai Chicken Skillet with Garlic Rice and Herb Crusted Chicken with Tomato Spaghetti, have to say that both of them were utterly delicious and done to perfection. In spite of trying 3 varieties of chicken sizzlers, I have to admit that each of them had a very distinct taste and were truly remarkable.



They offer a reasonable vegetarian variety as well, like the Italian Mafia Skillet, Thai Style Grilled Cottage Cheese Skillet, Grilled Paneer Tikka Skillet etc. and I am sure they would be great too, as being a hardcore non-vegetarian I ended up tasting all non-veg variety.



With Hard Rock Cafe and its legacy, also get a chance to win a couple stay of two nights and three days at India’s first Hard Rock Hotel twice in February by participating in a contest. One winner will be picked by a lucky draw every week at each outlet. 14 lucky couples across all outlets of Hard Rock Cafe India win this exciting gratification. Thinking of how it’s possible? Head over to your nearest Hard Rock Cafe for a smokin’ hot experience, get social and use the hashtag, #SizzleToGoa, for a sizzling, rocking time in Goa.

The flavours of the festival will be heightened with the signature memorabilia on the walls, high ceilings and of course the signature ambience.
Head straight to Hard Rock Cafe to get your dose of an experience of a lifetime!
When: February 1 – February 29, 2016
Where: Hard Rock Café Delhi & Gurgaon
Telephone No:  011 – 47158888, 0124 –4949630

Timings: 12 noon – 12:30 am

Hard Rock Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

The Launch of “Colours of Refuge”

The Launch of “Colours of Refuge”

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Colours of Refuge, an anthology dedicated to the cause of Refugees was launchedA on 28 January 2016 at Civil Services Officers Institute, New Delhi amidst luminaries from the field of photography, poetry and arts. The event was graced by luminaries such as Padamshree Raghu Rai, the doyen of photography as Chief guest, Mr William Tall, UNHCR Head of Mission in India and Maldives, celebrated Urdu poet and lyricist Farhat Shazad  and renown Hindi poet Dr Sita Sagar as Guests of honour.

This is the third anthology in less than a year by Poets, Artists Unplugged, a diverse and dynamic poetry group on Facebook that comprises of poets and artists from all over the globe, sharing a common penchant and vibe called ‘expression’ through poetry, prose, art and/or photography.
In synch with the mission of the group Poets, Artists Unplugged to offer the medium of poetry and arts for uplifting the human spirit against the violent world of today, displaced and homeless refugees are among the most in need of shelter. This germinated the idea of looking beyond conflict zones and the suffering to the myriad shades of refuge and the Group administrators decided that they must contribute to the cause of refuge. An open submission call was given for works that employ the aesthetics of poetry, short stories, art and photographs to attempt mitigating human hardships and offer healings to the suffering. All poems, artworks and photographs in this anthology were meticulously selected to array the colours of refuge.


Colours of Refuge was born as a bi-lingual (Hindi & English) International Anthology featuring Poems, Short Stories, Nano Fiction(55ers), Art and Photographs of budding and established poets, writers,  artists  and photographers from all over the world coming together for this noble cause of demanding refuge for all humans irrespective of regional borders, races, genders, faiths and also age. The Colours of Refuge offers a rare kaleidoscope of hope in the form of upholding, the basic human dignity of refuge. This anthology bears testimony to the fact that not only has social media opened up new vistas for both budding and seasoned poets and artists, it also offers great reassurance that even in this hectic selfish modern age high-tech living, Poets, Writers, Artists, Photographers and even the publisher can join hands for an altruist cause.
The anthology features works of some celebrated masters such as Jayanta Mahapatra, the Grandfather of Indian English Poetry and Padamshree Raghu Rai, the doyen of photography, Naseer Ahmed Nasir, Pakistan and Farhat Shazad, Pakistan-USA, both acclaimed Urdu poets. Poets, Artists Unplugged is also proud to have many seasoned poets and artists from all over the world contributing to their cause. Moreover, in line with the mission of promoting new poets and artists, Colours of Refuge also features fourteen new poets and some artists whose works had not been published in print before.
Poets, Artists Unplugged endeavours to launch not just a book but a positive response and embrace on the subject of refugees.  To this end, the administrators Sakina and Monica Oswal have already managed to collect contributions of Rs One Hundred Thousand), all of which will be donated to the UNHCR.
The Chief Editor Lt. Col. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Shaurya Chakra (Retd) wanted to focus on evoking the element of hope and development amidst its grim realities to offer reassurance and a sense of ‘home’ for those having suffered exoduses. The Editors Dr. Reena Singh (Hindi), Sheikha A. (English), Sakina Shikari (Visual Arts) along with the help of the co-editors Shivali Dhaka (Hindi) and Dr. Evelyn R. Gaikwad (English) followed through by ensuring that the primary focus reflected in the book, overall, consisting of insightful contributions by both established and emerging writers/artists from different countries, cultures, ethnicities and language backgrounds.
The warmly received event included a thought provoking art and photo exhibition and an Open Mic Poetry session on the same theme. Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal organised the art and photo exhibition, which included masterpieces photographs of Raghu Rai. There was a wonderful blending in of other art forms with Sonali Sharma giving a scintillating performance on a poem of Farhat Shahzad recited by Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal and Geetika and her sister treated the audience with a beautiful self composed song especially penned by the sisters on the theme. Pinakini Naik, the Group administrator in USA gave out a noteworthy presentation on the Group’s mission and the dream and journey of Colours of Refuge.                   
Parveen Sethi and Shivali Dhaka conducted the Open Mic session, which had participation from contributing poets, including some who travelled from long distances on a working day. Dr Reena Singh conducted the proceeding on the stage with remarkable finesse. Monica Oswal and Rajat conducted the felicitations and the book launch ceremony. Mr William Tall was so taken in by the aura and atmosphere at the event that he sat through the entire programme.


Warm your hearts with an indulgent menu at the Plaza Premium Loungethis Valentine’s Day

Warm your hearts with an indulgent menu at the Plaza Premium Loungethis Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Romance is in the air, there is no better opportunity to spoil yourself or your loved ones than on Valentine’s Day. The ingenious team of chefs at Plaza Premium Lounge has prepared a range of romantic surprises for the plate infused with sensual guilty pleasures to make the day even more special.


The exciting menu has great options of fresh healthy salads such as Barbecued Pasta salad, Ripe Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Basil leaves salad, Cucumber and Pomegranate salad which are perfect Valentine’s Day indulgence. Other highlights on the menu include Sicilian Chicken served with Sausages, Cherry Tomatoes and Olives, Malai Murgh Dum Biryani whose aroma fills the atmosphere and Cottage Cheese Hearts and Cherry Tomatoes Coulis.



Sweets are undoubtedly traditional for Valentine’s Day, you can try the perfect Banoffee Pie, which will instantly melt, in your mouth, the refreshing Strawberry French Hearts or our old time favourite Gaajar Ka Halwa. There are also yummy assorted Macaroons for the Macaroons lovers.

Apart from the delicious food, one can simply relax and unwind at the bar, which serves interesting cocktails and mocktails, or indulge in a relaxing massage treatment for a complete pampering. So if you are travelling with someone special, what could be more perfect than the Plaza Premium Lounge to show your loved ones you care?



What: Valentine’s Day Special Menu
Where: Plaza Premium Lounge at Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad Airports
When: 13th and 14th February , 2016
Price: Lounge access starts at Rs.1200 plus taxes
*This promotion is limited to select lounges across Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad Airports.
For more information, please contact:
Harmandeep Singh| 9899666674 | [email protected]

Linda Duo I 8527994422 I [email protected]
Bigger and Spicier Asian Hawkers Market returns to Select Citywalk, Saket, on the Valentine’s Day weekend

Bigger and Spicier Asian Hawkers Market returns to Select Citywalk, Saket, on the Valentine’s Day weekend

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Embark on yet another culinary journey from Japan to Indonesia, with occasional diversions to the home of Chinjabi cuisine, at the Asian Hawkers Market-II
AFTER attracting more than 45,000 visitors in 2015 and getting rave reviews from the media, the Asian Hawkers Market will be back with a bigger and spicier second edition to make the Valentine’s Day weekend more special at the Select Citywalk, Saket, on February 12-14, 2016.

An impressive slew of debuts will be the big attraction of the Asian Hawkers Market-II (AHM-II), Delhi’s only celebration of Asian cuisines being presented by Veeba Food Services Pvt. Ltd., makers of the popular sauces, mayonnaise and salad dressings. Zomato, which has rolled out a popular online ordering service, has come on board as co-sponsor and will offer a tempting discount to all those who visit AHM-II. Black Dog Sparkling Water has signed up as another co-sponsor of the one-of-its-kind food festival.



AHM-II will see Pa PaYa of Mumbai, promoted by multi-award-winning restaurateur Zorawar Kalra, presenting its critically acclaimed dishes for the first time in Delhi. Also in the thick of the action will be Delhi-NCR’s newest Asian restaurants – Honk at Pullman-Novotel, New Delhi Aerocity, and The Bento Café from Ashish Kapur, creator of The Wine Company, dimsumbros and Yo China, showcasing their products for the first time at a food festival. And Vidur Kanodia of Shiv Sagar fame will test-market his forthcoming brand, Hawkers Chowk, and its unique range of Sichuan dosas, Chinese bhel and chilli idlis.
“In the spirit of Startup India, we hail these brands and their promise to make the Delhi-NCR dining scene more exciting than it has already become,” says Atul Sikand, the man behind Facebook’s most popular recipe sharing community, Sikandalous Cuisine, and one of the four founding partners of the Asian Hawkers Market. Adds Sid Mathur, Director and Head of Food, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality, and another founder partner: “We are committed to our promise to provide visitors one platform for exclusive food experiences. These could be restaurant debuts, new dishes from familiar places, and participants from other cities.”
AHM-II will also see the return of the multi-award-winning restaurants that participated in the inaugural show and were literally mobbed by visitors. Popular Pan Asian restaurants Asia7, Chi The Asian Cookhouse, Fatty Bao and Mamagoto are back, and so are Berco’s (Chinese and Thai), En (Japanese), old favourites Jade at The Claridges and Joy Luck Moon (Chinese), Latest Recipe at Le Meridien Gurgaon (Japanese street food items from the 24×7 restaurant), Neung Roi at Radisson Blu Plaza (Thai), Social (Chinese takeaway boxes), Wow Momo (momos with a twist), and Yum Yum Cha (Japanese street food and speciality soft drinks and ice-creams).
A number of new partner restaurants have also signed up – these include Benihana (Japanese robata grill), Big Fat Sandwich (Asian-inspired sandwiches), Big Wong (Chinese and Thai),  Dao (Thai),  Harry’s Bar & Cafe (Pan Asian), which is led by the vision of celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani, and home delivery services Asia Central and Thai Crate. To cater to the sweet cravings of the anticipated 45,000-plus visitors, AHM-II will have Sugarama‘s famous soft-centred pralines and macaroons with unusual flavour combinations. Also on the menu are Hokey Pokey‘s popular ice-creams and frozen desserts.
Says Tanveer Kwatra, Executive Chef, Le Meridien Gurgaon, and another founding partner: “AHM brings together the most talented chefs and they get their passion to the table. For a cooking professional, it’s three days of being with the best, working for 12 hours without a break, and getting instant feedback from our guests.”
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will promote Amazing Thailandwith a cart full of delicacies prepared by Thai chefs in Delhi-NCR. “We are confident that this will be the beginning of more such associations between national tourism offices and AHM,” says Sourish Bhattacharyya, acclaimed food columnist and blogger, and one of the founding partners of the Asian Hawkers Market. He adds: “We are waiting for the day when restaurants from across Asia will stir the pot at our one-of-its-kind food festival.”
The Valentine’s Day weekend has never been spicier. Don’t miss your date with the Asian Hawkers Market-II to feel the heat.
About Asian Hawkers Market
Asian Hawkers Market, (12th to 14thFebruary, 2016 at Select Citywalk, Saket) is yet another scintillating Pan Asian culinary journey celebrating Asian cuisines and culture from the Far East to South-East Asia. This three-day food festival will see the best of five-star and standalone restaurants come together to present the cuisines of Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Instagram: @asianhawkersmarket

Jharkhand Toursim Showcases Unique Culture at the Bharat Parv

Jharkhand Toursim Showcases Unique Culture at the Bharat Parv

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
From the rustic delicacies of Jharkhand to the enamoring Chou dance form and primitive arts and handicrafts kept alive by tribal artisans – Jharkhand Tourism has  showcased the beautiful and intriguing attractions of the state at the Bharat Parva 2016,at the majestic Red Fort

The Tourism, Art & Culture, Sports and Youth affairs department of Government Jharkhand has set forth an attractive agenda for the state pavilion where the state’s popular food items, its ethnic dance forms, and indigenous arts and crafts are being showcased widely from 26th-29th January. 

According to Ms Suchitra Sinha, Director of Jharkhand Tourism, the department is focusing strongly on promoting tourism to the state which has several tourist attractions, scenic waterfalls, beautiful forests and a rich history. According to Ms Sinha, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das is taking taken personal interest in activities to promote tourism in the state.





Among the irresistible attractions at the state pavilion there were mouth-watering delicacies of Dhooska meat, Mutton-Jhor, Murgi Jhor, Rehu Jhor for non-vegetarian foodies to vegetarian delights like Peetha, Usna Chawal, Kurthi Dal, Chilka, Kachari, Footkal Saag, Kacchu Masala, Maduwa Roti as well as Dhooska- Barra.








The participants included dancers who were promoting the indigenous dance form Chou and artisans who have preserved the age-old traditional arts and craft forms of tribal areas. Seeing all this leaves with a feeling of amazement that how beautifully diverse and culturally rick our country is.




Singapore Tourism Celebrates 100 Years of Singapore Sling

Singapore Tourism Celebrates 100 Years of Singapore Sling

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
The evening of 28th Jan, saw Singapore Tourism celebrating 100 years of their famous cocktail Singapore Sling. To felicitate the event, mixologist Rizwan, came all the way from Long Bar, at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore, where the cocktail was born.

The Singapore Sling was created in 1915 at Raffles Singapore by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.
Following the turn of the century in colonial Singapore, Raffles Singapore was the gathering place for the community and it was common to see the gentlemen nursing glasses of gin or whisky.

Unfortunately for the ladies, etiquette dictated they could not consume alcohol in public. The talented Ngiam thus saw a niche in the market and decided to create a cocktail that looked like a fruit juice. Making it in pink gave it a feminine flair and together with the use of clear alcohol, he clearly led people into thinking it was a socially acceptable punch for the ladies.

With that Singapore Sling was born… and rest as they say is history…!!
The celebration party saw coming together of some travel agents and food bloggers, along with Singapore Tourism officials and our man for the evening Rizwan. It was planned at Shangri-La hotel, New Delhi, one of the best hotels of the capital.




The event began, with Rizwan sharing his recipe for Singapore Sling and also giving people a chance to create their own drink.

One sip into the drink, and I knew it was worth celebrating every year of its creation.






A huge cake was also cut, which had a specific number on it; this number represented the number of Indian’s that traveled to Singapore last year.


There were lots of fun activities and contests also planned for the audience. There were two thematic photo backdrops, and instant prints were given to people in branded photo jackets.




There was an electrifying band playing mix of new and classic English songs.

Lip Smacking snacks were served and an elaborate dinner menu was laid out for the audience to relish. The menu focused on both Singaporean and Indian Cuisines keeping in mind the likes of Indian audience.

I then got a chance to chat up with the hero of the evening Rizwan, in a little privacy and away from the noise of the event. I was amazed to know that he started this mixology thing very early in the age and now has been with Raffles for 7 years. The Long Bar at Raffles caters upto a 1000 people on a weekend, and Rizwan enjoys bartending to them.
He is blessed with 3 adorable and kids and loves spending time with his family.

It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with such a down to earth and loving person. To cherish the memories for long, I got myself clicked with him, and also made him pose with the signature Singapore Sling.



It was a great experience to be a part of such a prestigious event, and I look forward to the 4 city roadshows that Singapore Tourism will organising in India this year.

Till then cheers to the Singapore Sling…!!
Organic Farmer’s Market on 30th Jan at IHC

Organic Farmer’s Market on 30th Jan at IHC

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
There is increasing evidence to suggest good and healthy food is a scarce commodity. Centre for Science and Environment’s research has found various contaminants and unwanted substances in human food – be it antibiotics or pesticides, to name a few of these. In order to further its objective of promoting natural and good food, CSE is organising a Farmers’ Market on January 30. The event will be held at India Habitat Centre’s Margosa lawns from 10 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. The participants in the Farmers’ Market will include individual farmers, farmer collectives like Kheti Virasat. On display and available for purchase will be their produce such as grains and vegetables. Visitors will also have the option of sampling dishes made out of natural ingredients.



Underlining the importance of good food, CSE Director General Sunita Narain said, “We eat relatively good homemade and locally grown food only because we are not rich. As we proceed on the wealth ladder, the business of food also changes—moves to industrial and processed food. Unfortunately, this also means we will move down the food-nutrition ladder unless we put protective systems in place. CSE has been a strong advocate of what we call ‘good food’ – food that is good for nature (rich in biodiversity), nutrition (not junk food and without poisons) and livelihoods (where local people derive benefits). A few years ago, we published our book, First Food, in which we celebrated the diversity of such food and recipes from across the country. To take this work forward we are organising an Organic Farmers’ Market.”
The Farmers’ Market will have a number of educative demonstrations for visitors. These will include: how to make your own compost, how to put together the right ingredients for a pot to grow plants, how to create a healthy plate and a cooking demonstration on millets, among others. The theme for the Farmers’ Market is millets.
Said Narain, “How can we continue to eat local food, built on local biodiversity? How do we improve food safety without deploying inspectors who destroy small and local good food businesses, but do not hurt the ever-evolving and sophisticated industry of global food? These are critical questions. We are running out of time in the food-health trajectory.”
The stalls at the Farmers’ Market will sell various products such as organic vegetables, millets, dishes staples, breads and dairy products. Sessions on traditional and natural food, food and health, air pollution and other issues important in preserving good health will be held. Some well-known personalities from the world of food will deliver talks and participate in the event.
CSE’s Programme Director for the Environmental Education programme, Ranjita Menon said, “Good food is all around us. For generations, Indians have incorporated biodiversity in their daily food – using millets instead of wheat or rice, eating vegetables sourced from forests rather than farms, eating local food and changing their diet with changing seasons.”
Event Highlights:
  • Organic Farmers’ Market to be held on January 30 at Margosa Lawn, India Habitat Centre
  • Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about healthy and natural food
  • Stalls will sell farmers’ produce and also hold live cooking demonstrations
  • Moving up wealth ladder leads to abandoning of natural food, says Sunita Narain
Event Details:
Organic Farmer’s Market by Centre for Science and Environment
on January 30, 2016 to promote good food
at Margosa Lawn, Habitat World, India Habitat Centre ( Entry from Gate No. 2)
Free Entry
Time: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Theme: Overlay by Kaira.  Copyright @ikreatepassions 2024
Goa, India