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Om Books International And Olive Bar and Kitchen Launches “From My Kitchen To Yours” Celebrated VJ & Model Maria Goretti’s Debut Book

Om Books International And Olive Bar and Kitchen Launches “From My Kitchen To Yours” Celebrated VJ & Model Maria Goretti’s Debut Book

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra


Mumbai, 2ndMarch 2016:  Om Books International launched the debut book of popular VJ and model Maria Goretti titled ‘From My Kitchen To Yours’ at Olive Bar & Kitchen, Mumbai. After a successful launch in the capital city, the splendid Mumbai launch was attended by a string of Bollywood and TV celebrities.



Maria Goretti, Arshad Warsi with their Kids and Ajay Mago, Owner Om Book International
The launch saw Maria Goretti, actor Arshad Warsi and Mini Mathur speaking about their passion for food over hors-d’oeuvre and wine. One of the main highlight of the event was book reading by Maria Goretti Kids Zeke and Zene. 

Mini Mathur with Zeke and Zene
The book was unveiled in the presence of Ajay Mago, Maria Goretti and her parents, Arshad Warsi and Mini Mathur. Many famous personalities like  Kabir Khan, Bharat Dabolkar, Gaurav Kapoor, Shruti Seth, Mandira Bedi, Ronit Roy, Zeba Kohli, Shreya Saran attended the launch. Chefs from Olive Bar and Kitchen tossed some delicious recipes in sync with the book, enhancing the essence of the event.

 Genelia Deshmukh with Maria

Kunal Khemu and Tushar Kapoor


 Masaba, Roshan Abbas, Maria, Shaheen Abbas and Ajay Mago

Mandira Bedi

Maria with Mushtak Sheikh

Masaba & Pooja Dhingra

Sagarika

Shreya Saran

Sohail Khan and Kiran Rao    

From My Kitchen to Yours: Food, Love and Other Ingredients celebrates how Maria Goretti lives her life, with memorable recipes from her mother’s East-Indian spreads, aromas from her grandmother’s kitchen, and the food that she has seen, touched and tasted over her many travels across India, and the world, as a VJ with MTV. Add to that, all those delicious dishes she has eaten at her friends’ homes, especially those sinful desserts that she loved, which she tried and tried till she got them right. Divided into monthly menus with soups, salads, starters, non-vegetarian and vegetarian main course dishes, and desserts, the recipes are simple and delicious. With a foreword by actress and politician Jaya Bachchan, the book presents a six-course meal layout for each month, and easy-to-make recipes with ingredients readily available in any home kitchen. It contains an array of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes.
Maria Goretti speaking on her passion for food says ‘I have actually loved food all my life. In my past life, I must have been born in a country that had no food, because frankly, I am eternally hungry and my near and dear ones will vouch for that!
I know myself; I need to get into something deeply if I take it up, or it makes no sense to me at all. Gradually, I started getting seduced by the aromas, textures and the possibilities that could conspire in this beautiful place I discovered in my own home…my kitchen. It was like meeting a stranger and becoming friends. There were so many things I discovered about myself and food that I did not know before. I started reading, googling and watching food like an obsessed person. I discovered the secrets of fire to vegetables, yeast to flour, wine to meat, the right amount of kneading, whipping and marination.

If anyone had told me a few years ago that I would one day put together a food book, I think I would have rolled on the floor laughing.I’m really happy to be launching my 1st cook book which is a labour of love in my home city ,amidst family and friends.’
Maria Goretti
Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International said on the occasion, ‘The first time I went through Maria’s blog, I knew for sure that she could put together a unique book with flavors of her rich cultural background, and her journeys across India and beyond. And I have been invited at her table several times over, so that I could gorge on all these delights. I have to confess that each page of this book reflects Maria’s generosity of spirit and heart and her belief that Love is the key ingredient in any dish.’

Arshad Warsi, Ajay Mago, Maria Goretti and Maria’s Mother Launching the Book

AD Singh, Managing Director, Olive Bar and Kitchen stated ‘Olive Bar & Kitchen, which recently completed a milestone anniversary of 15 years, is pleased to support TV personality, food devotee and now author Maria Goretti for the launch of her new book, ‘From My Kitchen to Yours,’ as the venue partner’ 
The event saw coming together of a lot of renowned celebrities wishing luck to Maria for her book, and I wish her the same. Time to grab my copy..!!
From My Kitchen To Yours by Maria Goretti
Price- Rs.995
Pages- Rs. 216

Published By Om Books International
A plant’s life

A plant’s life

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
I don’t want to be a pet plant that depends on its caretakers for water, sunlight and air. Nature has given me the ability to make my own food and only by depending on the nature itself, my creator and no one else.

My life would not depend on any caretaker, that till the time he look after me I blossom and if he doesn’t, I just wither away, because then I won’t die a natural death, I would be killed because of his ignorance, negligence or sheer lack of interest in me.

I want to grow like a plant, a flower in the wild, get my energy from the sun, dance with the winds and get drenched by the rains, I want to be nurtured by my creator.
If I die in the caretakers home, I will be thrown away like a trash and my journey after death would also be denied, but if I die in the arms of nature, my death would find its purpose too, I would mingle with the soil and make it more fertile, and I will somehow germinate again for a new life.

I therefore deny to be dependent on others, my happiness, my blooming, my withering, my death, my rebirth, is all mine, for I am what I am, the perfect divine creation of the GOD.


Retail giants’ partner with CouponDunia to offer exciting pre-budget in-store discount coupons

Retail giants’ partner with CouponDunia to offer exciting pre-budget in-store discount coupons

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Mumbai, 25th February, 2016: Come month end; get ready to avail the best discounts on grocery, home care and personal care products at all leading hypermarkets in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. India’s leading ‘online’ couponing platform, CouponDunia, will launch its 4th edition of offline FMCG coupons insert in leading newspapers on Saturday, 27th February 2016. To redeem these additional discounts, consumers will need to bring a cut out of the coupons at CouponDunia’s 13+ partner hypermarkets and supermarkets in the three cities. Using these coupons, one can save up to Rs. 1200/- and as the coupon discounts are valid over and above supermarket offers, they can be clubbed for more savings and smiles!

In this leg, coupon usage is likely to more than double in the cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru from last year. CouponDunia foresees large scale activities considering brands like Amul, Heinz, Mother’s Recipe, Cornitos, RB (Reckitt Benckiser) India, Unilever, P&G etc. have joined the couponing movement. This year, India’s largest food and grocery supermarket chains like Big Bazaar, HyperCity, Reliance Fresh; Mart and Super, have partnered with CouponDunia.
Commenting on these FMCG coupons, Mr. Sameer Parwani, Founder & CEO, CouponDunia said, “For the first time in India, a couponing player has stepped up as the online-to-offline convergence point between A-List brands and top retailers to curate additional discounts for the masses. In India, consumers are still getting acquainted with couponing; however, with our constant efforts, we hope to inculcate couponing as a shopping habit in every household thus helping them to increase savings.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Damodar Mall, CEO, Reliance Retail Ltd. (Grocery Retail), shared with excitement, “Supermarket shopping is a monthly ‘brandswayamvar’. Deal coupons – proven globally, is another way by which brands can attract customer’s attention, so we are excited to partner with CouponDunia.”
Speaking on the partnership, Mother Recipe’s P. Rajan MATHEWS, V.P -Sales & Marketing, Desai Brothers Ltd – Food Division said, “FMCG couponing in India is an innovative concept, and brands across the globe have benefited from this strategy in expanding its consumer base. We believe that couponing is a win-win for both Indian consumers and FMCG brands, as consumers save money on their monthly spend and brands are able to boost customer happiness and shopper loyalty. We are pleased to partner with CouponDunia, as they have done a commendable job in spearheading the couponing movement and make it successful in the Indian consumer market.”
Mr. Gaurav Singh from General Mills that markets household brands such as Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley Granola Bars and Haagen Dazs said, “We believe for us Coupon Duniya will enable a platform to come closer to both are customers as well as consumers, as couponing has proven to be a highly effective tool worldwide to build sales and customer loyalty”
About CouponDunia

CouponDunia Media Pvt. Ltd. is India’s most popular coupon website as well as the country’s largest listing of offline restaurant and in-store coupons. Founded in 2010 by Sameer Parwani, the company is headquartered in Mumbai with a tech office Bengaluru. CouponDunia has grown to become India’s largest destination of discount, coupons & offers and consists of regularly updated coupons from top Indian online and offline merchants such as Flipkart, Amazon, eBay, Jabong, MakeMyTrip, PayTm, BookMyShow, Indigo Nation, Scullers, Inc.5, Baby Oye, Lee, Wrangler, JustBooks, Arrow etc. At CouponDunia we help people save money on their shopping by connecting merchants looking to increase their sales with shoppers looking to get good deals.  CouponDunia receives about 5.2 million visits a month, shares coupons from more than 2000 online brands, has more than 7.5 million email subscribers and has more than 2 million app downloads. In the offline space, CouponDunia offers coupons from over 5000 restaurants across 8 Indian cities. CouponDunia also lists coupons, across 8 Indian cities, from over 270+ retail brands and 12,000+ outlets across categories like fashion apparel & accessories, baby care, electronics, sports, footwear and home décor.
Papa John’s lends a helping hand to a recuperating Chennai



Papa John’s lends a helping hand to a recuperating Chennai



Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Actor Siddharth and Pianist Anil Srinivasan unveil the Donation Box and announce the Rock n Roll concert.

The 2015 floods were devastating, throwing life in disarray in Chennai and its surrounding region. Over 18 lakh people were displaced, more than 500 lost their lives and loss of property was in excess of INR 50,000 crores. Such a loss is colossal to cope with, even for a city as progressive as Chennai. Every form of help goes a long way in bringing relief to people who are still coping with the calamity. One of the biggest areas where work is needed is rehabilitation of those who lost their homes. Several generous individuals and companies are coming together in lending Chennai a hand. Papa John’s, a much-loved global pizza brand, has stepped in with its unique initiative that is sure to bring smiles on the faces of many.
Papa John’s announced its association with an extensive donation drive on Thursday to organize monetary aid for the victims. In association with ACE Events, the program aspires to lend a helping hand with music. Up to March 26, Papa John’s will collect financial donations across its Chennai outlets via a Drop Box placed in all stores. The massive drive will culminate on March 26 at the Rock n Roll concert at the Music Academy where the proceeds will be handed over to the recipients. At the unveiling of the Drop Box & Concert were Joseph Cherian – CEO, Papa John’s India; Jayashree Chinne and Latha Dubay from ACE Events and Celebrity Management. Actor Siddharth and Anil Srinivasan who worked relentlessly during the floods to bring respite to thousands, was present too lending their support. The strong team brings to the table their strengths of deep knowledge of the situation, wide network and passionate people who are determined to make many lives better.
Announcing the program, Mr. Joseph Cherian, CEO – Papa John’s said, “Papa John’s has always believed in giving back to society in every way possible. The floods were heartbreaking to see, with such extensive damage and losses. We are delighted to partner with Siddharth, ACE Events, and Rotary who feel as strongly about this as us. Our wide network in Chennai, with outlets across the length and breadth, will help us give the plan a huge infrastructural boost.  It’s our way of giving back to the city that has always showered us with so much love!”
Actor Siddharth, who feels strongly about the cause, said, “What happened in Chennai was sad. This is my home and I felt it was my responsibility to help in every way I could. I’ve seen the situation on the ground level at very close quarters and I’m still monitoring it. There’s a lot of need for many things, even now. I am proud to associate myself with Papa John’s, ACE Events and Rotary Club to help Chennai. Each step is important. I am sure that together, we will be able to make a big difference.”
Latha from Ace Events was very proud of the ambitious plan they’ve set up. According to her, “Ever since the floods, we have been maximum efforts to help the victims in any way we could. What began as tiny steps gradually turned into an organized effort, with socially aware brands such as Papa John’s showing faith and coming on board. With their robust support, the donation drive gets some much-needed muscle. We plan to hand over all the financial aid to the beneficiaries on March 26, the day of the Rock n Roll concert. The audience will get to witness spellbinding performances from renowned artistes such as Usha Uthup& Anil Srinivasan. We hope the enthralling evening and the handing over of the proceeds will help spread joy and contribute towards the betterment of the affected areas and people.”
Anil Srinivasan said, “We have been committed to making the world a better place by streamlining resources and help for those in need. We’ve been working for the victims right from the day the floods hit and are grateful to Ace Events, Papa John’s and Siddharth to support with such a massive relief effort. It is sure to help alleviate the pains of many affected people. We will ensure it reaches the right recipients.”
This initiative is a great effort towards relief of the Chennai flood victims. On March 26, the Rock n Roll concert at the Music Academy would sing its way into the hearts of the audience as well as victims. A unique initiative with a widespread reach and committed team, this is sure to make a positive impact in several lives. Chennai’s heart will be warmed with some rock n roll this March!

A Social Catalyst, Zone by the Park

A Social Catalyst, Zone by the Park

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
This is the age of networking, and we are social beings. That is the simple belief behind the creation of Zone by The Park. A chain of upscale hotels designed to go beyond just a superior room and service experience to become a hub of social interactivity for the modern business and leisure traveler.
Zone by the park is set to lead a social shift in hospitality; taking hospitality to a whole new level making the hotel a social hotspot.
With relaxed, unbox spaces where connections are made and ideas exchanged, a happening bar and restaurants and buzzing nightlife, Zone is much more than a hotel. It is a concept whose time has come. Zone is a new brand under the Park Hotels umbrella, spear headed by Priya Paul, chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd., in consultation with UK based architecture firm, Project Orange.

The first thing that strikes you when you’ll enter the property is the colourful zone auto-rickshaw that is customised to serve coffee and snacks and is accessorised with quirky knick-knacks in bright colours.

A replica of this auto was also placed at the entrance of the Zone launch party and served as a perfect photo-opportunity for the people. A miniature version is also what we got as a give away, something really cute to cherish and treasure.


Speaking at the event, Priya Paul, said,”Our guest rooms are designed for endless likes; contemporary, comfortable, customised for today’s multi-tasters. Thats what a stay at Zone is all about. A touch pad gives the guest complete control over their experience. There are nooks for modern gizmos, well planned storage, and many extras that will have guests coming back.
A lively casual lounge, Z-bar, which is a social hub of the town and changes into a vibrant pulsating nightspot on the weekends and a distinctive Z shaped bar.
A free flowing multi cuisine experience just off the lobby with multiple service points and formats and innovative multi-pricing options give our guests the Bazaar experience.
An open plan lobby that can be re-aarenged for private events, a bulletin that connects you with city’s actions, consoles for gaming options in the lobby and the coolest cafe on wheels.”

“Our brand beliefs, social; nimble; at ease.
We believe that the design of our space inspires and encourages our guests to meet, mingle and share. We believe in a place that is always on the move and in service that is quick and efficient. We believe that our friendly atmosphere will allow our guets to feel comfortable and be who they are(and let their hair down when they need to!)



Social by design, Zone will change the way people meet up, tweet up and put their feet up!
Social by format, Zone is big enough to make great business sense and small enough to make great friends”, said Ms, Paul

Zone by the park is open in Coimbatore, Jaipur, Chennai ORR, with up coming hotels in Bengaluru, Mahabalipuram, Jodhpur, Raipur, Igatpuri, Goa and Sindhudurg.

The party thrown to launch Zone by the Park in itself spoke volumes about the quality of service and the brand promise.
The snacks were great, and also had some unusual live counters representing the Zone hotels from each city. There were live Pasta Counters, Dosa Counters and Dimsum Counters as well.
The bar was open with high class malts flowing freely.
The dinner also included some famous regional dishes like the Lal Maas, Gulab Jamum ki Sabzi etc. and it was delectable.






Being an avid traveler, I look forward to staying at one of the Zone hotels in my next trip.
Quick fix beauty treatments for People always on the go” authored byDr. Chytra V Anand, CEO & Consultant Cosmetic Dermatologist, KosmodermaClinics.

Quick fix beauty treatments for People always on the go” authored byDr. Chytra V Anand, CEO & Consultant Cosmetic Dermatologist, KosmodermaClinics.

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Today in Delhi, tomorrow in Mumbai and the day after in Singapore!
If your life is packed with such uncertainties and a choc a bloc busy schedule, where will you find the time to look after your beauty? In the changing lifestyles of today, when people struggle to get 6 hours of basic sleep, beauty care and grooming might appear difficult to pack in your busy schedules. But, this is when you need to take more care of your skin for stress and lack of rest quicken the process of ageing and skin degeneration.   

Sun exposure, persistent environmental onslaught, depletion of moisture and stress are factors that leave an indelible mark on our skin as we age, causing worries and concerns. Surely, you do not want to look 45 at 35.
As we run around the town morning and night, finishing our chores, our mothers keep reminding us of the elaborate beauty rituals they used to practice to keep themselves youthful and beautiful. You may not have the time to follow the extensive beauty routines and homemade beauty remedies of yesteryears, but what you have on your side is advanced research and technology in the field of beauty care.
Today is the time for quick fix beauty care. Treatments and procedures that yield results quickly are extremely popular among both men and women. In every civilization, in every society, the quest to keep looking young and beautiful is common. Technology in the modern times has given us our own ‘elixirs’ that can ensure the fountains of youth and beauty flow unabated.
So, if you do not have enough time to spend on your face and skin every day, fret not, here are some quick fix beauty procedures that can keep you looking beautiful – all you need is step out of work during lunch time and spend just half an hour at a beauty clinic.
Say goodbye to hollow eyes
When stress and persistent lack of sleep leads to dark circles and hollows under your eyes, you know it’s time to worry. They not just mar your beauty, they make you appear ill and unhealthy. Certainly, you do not want to go to work every day looking sick, weary and aged. A session with dermal fillers like Juvederm can remarkably cover-up, rather fill-up your hollows. Juvederm are hyaluronic acid based new age fillers that can be administered under the skin to give it more volume. They not just fill up the hollow areas, but also fill the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, making you look healthier and younger. All in a matter of a few minute!
Get rid of Acne scars
One of the most common and torturous beauty scares are acne and the scars they leave. If you are fed up of covering up your acne scars with make up every day, you should meet a dermatologist and try a laser anti-scar procedure. The laser procedure may take 4-6 sessions of a few minutes each, which you can get done in your lunch, breaks. Procedures like Scar Lift and Revlite photofacial are ideal.
Get rid of your frown lines
The frown lines on our forehead develop with time and age as the worry lines that keep coming all life become sort of permanent. They give us a tired, stressed out and aged look. However, the frown lines can be taken care of by Botox wonderfully. When administered into the muscles causing the frown, the drug prevents them from taking this action, thereby getting rid of the frown lines. The procedure takes a few minutes and its effect lasts for several months. If taken from an earlier age, the procedure would also delay the onset of the wrinkles that are caused by muscle action.
Skin exfoliation to rejuvenate the skin
The dullness and lack of sheen of the skin is often because the dead cells are clouding the surface. Some good and quick exfoliating treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can remove the dead layer and bring back a youthful glow. Diamond Polishing is another technique in which the skin is polished with diamonds fixed on tips that electronically move on the skin. This is useful in removing dead cells, scars, and tanning and overall improves glow and complexion of the skin.
Smile without the crow’s feet
Do you hate the bunch of wrinkles that crowd around your eyes when you smile? Years of laughing and smiling inadvertently leave us with a bunch of fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes, often referred to as the crow’s feet. Botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm can reduce their appearances, cutting down the years on your life’s slate. Skin tightening with Radiofrequency procedures also helps by increasing skin collagen and elastin.

SRK all the way..#fananthem out

SRK all the way..#fananthem out

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

The first song from the film Fan is out and it truly is a slap on faces of those who try to write Shahrukh Khan off. From the first frame itself it speaks volumes about the actor’s capabilities and even those who aren’t SRK fan would agree to it.
It restores the faith in Shahrukh Khan as an actor and tells us that he might do some movies only to make money, but the real actor in him exists and is very much back in action…
The music of the song is very peppy and lively and catches instant attention. The song is sung by playback singer Aakash Aziz and music is composed by Vishal-Shekhar. The song catches the essence of a fan truly. Onc can see Shahrukh playing his biggest fan in the film by a character named Gaurav, who is seen dancing, and jumping around happily on Delhi streets in this song.
Enjoy ..!!

Hues of Setting Sun(Photography)

Hues of Setting Sun(Photography)

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
Kalimpong-The Land of Kings

Kalimpong-The Land of Kings

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Adorned with a breathtaking backdrop of Eastern Himalayas, carpeted with virgin forests and encircled by unchartered villages, this place offers a spectacular milieu of towering snow-capped peaks. Situated 4000 ft above sea level in the beautiful knolls of Darjeeling between Siliguri & Gangok, it shares borders with Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh, which are all within a few hours drive from here.



The Very Appetising Asian Hawkers Market…!!

The Very Appetising Asian Hawkers Market…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra
AFTER attracting more than 45,000 visitors in 2015 and getting rave reviews from the media, the Asian Hawkers Market was 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.
This three-day food festival saw 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.

An impressive slew of debuts was 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.








Spicy Chicken Momos from Chi were simply amazing. Standing there waiting for them to serve the momos, the mere preparing of chicken satays looked very inviting and hence I ordered a portion of that as well, and they were delicious.


The hustle bustle and the liveliness of the place was so overwhelming, the aromas of food were filling the air around, and one ends up feeling eating even when not hungry.


This aroma took me to the stall of Bercos and I ordered the combo meals, one with noodles and garlic chicken and other with fried rice and garlic chicken, and again both of them were delectable.


There was a lot more on the offer, like the Baos from Fatty Bao, the Sushi from En, Sandwiches from Big Fat Sandwich, Sugarama’s pralines and macaroons and ice-creams from Hokey Pokey and many more stalls selling awesome food, but one can only eat selected food and crave for others thinking and planning that next time when Asian Hawkers Market happens, this is where I am going and this is what I am eating.



So here is to all those stalls from which I missed out on eating this time that next time around I will surely make up for it and hope to see you guys soon.
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