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Music is the food of love, so the Sangeet ceremony enjoys a special place in the Indian wedding. The Punjabis, of course, sing and dance like never before and so it was on Thursday night in town as Angad and Tara, children of celebrated artistes, jigged as the countdown to their Sunday wedding began, says Nirupama Dutt
Can one imagine celebrated and suave theatre diva Neelam Mansingh Chowdhury and well-known Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen stepping out together on stage in the wild abandon of bhangra? Impossible! It is just not their style. They would not do it for all the riches of the world. That’s true but they would do it for the love of their children and in celebration of their coming together. In this case Neelam is the mother of Angad and Sharon mama to Tara who are tying the nuptial knot in the Delhi on Sunday. When the singers demanded in loud voices: ‘bhangra taan sajada je nache munde di maa’ followed by similar invitation for the ‘kudhi di maa’. The two gracious ladies stepped together in a freestyle jugalbandi because at that moment they were not artistes to reckon with but fond mothers, sharing the joyous moment with their dear ones.
Personal & classy
What made the Sangeet ceremony, gifted to Angad and Tara by Ananads, aunt and uncle of Angad, stand apart from the usual Punjabi wedding extravaganza is that it was a private affair done with a touch of class. No effort was made to have VIPs on the guest list, but relatives, friends, colleagues and associates brought together for the joyous moment. It is a different matter that that friends and associates of Sharon and Neelam include many arty folks from home and abroad. In fact, Neelam and Pushi have had their hands full the past week making their guests from abroad comfortable. Besides various well-known theatre people from the West, gracing the occasion were Madiha Gauhar and Shahid Nadeed from Lahore. Bharatnatyam dancer Vani Ganapathy made it all the way from down south. There were many artistes and intellectuals of the region sharing this moment of joy with the
Chowdhuries.
Way of the heart
When Neelam moved to Chandigarh with her husband Pushpinder Chowdhury to stay, Angad was but a child. He grew up here and then went abroad to study. The association of Neelam and Sharon that brought their children together. For Angad it was love at first sight. They first became friends, later lovers and now they are saying the sacred vows to be together for a lifetime. “I have known her for fourteen years!” Angad exclaimed to friends. Pretty Tara seemed to fit so well in the Chowdhury mold and her American relatives were there to bless them. Sharon’s is a rare story of coming to India to learn dance and then staying on for she just loved the country and its art. Tara blossomed in the dance and art circles in Captial to become a charming and spontaneous young woman.
More ceremonies
Sharon is getting ready for the Sunday fare in the Capital. Looking lovely in black and gold, she said: “So there are two kinds of weddings and two receptions. We will begin in the morning with anand karaj, followed by lunch, then it will be a Jewish wedding in the evening followed by a Jewish reception and then the big reception. That certainly makes the world a happy place where all barriers are overcome with love. |
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He shoots wildlife with a Nikon
Their love for wildlife is infectious. But not surprising, considering that both A.S. Negi and his protégé Rajeev Mehta come from the region, which gave us the Chipko Movement in the early 1980s—Uttranchal. And to quote Negi, Executive Vice-President of Wildlife Preservation Society of India and Advisor of Wildlife Department of Uttranchal, as more than 65 per cent of the hill state comes under forest land, its inhabitants have no other option but to think, breathe and talk about flora and fauna. But the most attractive aspect of this interaction is that it is not only talk. Rajeev, who is a member of the State Wildlife Advisory Board, has brought along with him a series of wildlife photographs (53 in total) to support the cause. “This is my second photography exhibition and my aim is to generate awareness about the richness of the forest land,” says Rajeev. The photographer, by his own admission, is a self-taught one and had taken up it as a hobby only two years ago. “I use a simple Nikon F65 to shoot animals and that, too, without a tripod or any other accessories, except for the zoom of course,” says Rajeev. However, the results are outstanding and each frame tells a tale. Like the wild elephant that gave him a chase and the remains of a prey, dragged all the way to a treetop by a leopard. Well not everything is so grotesque. There are beautiful flowers, friendly elephants and picturesque landscapes from Leh and Ladakh. Rajeev has clicked all over the Corbett Tiger reserve and Rajaji National Park. While Rajeev is busy putting up his frames at the Art Folio, Negi hangs around just to give him moral support. Having spent almost all his productive years in the conservation of wilderness in his home state, Negi feels it is the urban elite who needs to be disciplined. And hence his support to Rajeev in taking the animals (at least the frames) out of their habitats and bring them into the city. “The rural population is judicious in utilising the natural resources. It’s only us, the urban folks, who do not care,” he tells us. He is unhappy on one count: despite the fact that Indian philosophy teaches us to co-exist with nature, we are ignoring everything in order to satiate our greed. So what is the solution? “Draw little from the earth and be content,” comes the parting shot. The exhibition is on till December 4 at Art Folio, Sector 9.
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Mountain arts A sage saw Gautam Budha’s image in the flowing canvas of a river in Tibet as he was taking a bath and started painting the pious image that is how the art of Thanka (meaning a canvas that is hung) paintings took birth, goes the belief in Tibet. The rare art form has come alive in the city as it can be seen done live by eight tribal Budhist students from ten different schools devoted to the art in Himachal. One of these shy tribal boys was also asked to cut the ribbon to inaugurate at the exhibition cum sale of handicraft from Himachal Pradesh on at the Panchayat Bhawan Sector 18 till December 10 from today. It takes an amazing six years to learn Thanka paintings, says the Thuptan Negi. If you are wondering why such paintings coming from China, Tibet, Japan or Ladakh look alike, well it is the mathematics of highly detailed and balanced scales on which the paintings are etched out. Art and craft is forever born out of the needs, experiences and emotions of the natives. The best example of the richness of folk culture and customs can be seen in mountain arts of states like Himachal Pradesh. These folk art and crafts some of them vanishing are on exhibit here. Kulu and Kinnauri handloom shawls, to hand knit woollen socks, the exhibition has the master craftsmen, like Sagar Chand from Arki, working on the loom for everyone to see. The Kinnauri shawl all seven colours of the traditional Budhist motifs woven into the four sides of the shawl on the tana bana of the loom is rare sight for nay visitor here. Real impressive is the wisdom of the hill people in making chappals out of the stems of the bhang or hemp grass. It looks like it cannot work in water but absorbs water and the people wear chappals with the base of this grass and hand-knit body in their homes. The drug is rightfully banned in the state but the exhibition is to bring alive the rare art and that is why it is here. If you want leather socks and a same colour boot you can find these rare Pollu moje and leather shoes for Rs 350 and Rs 175 each at the exhibition. For Nek Chand of a different kind near extinction birds and animals like Monal, Jujurana, Sahi, Nayan, Ibex, Tangrol, made with waste material found in the hills like pine tree drops, etc made by retired drawings teacher Om Prakash Sharma is on exhibit to revive interest and promote awareness on wildlife says Sharma who has been making these animals for the past 12 years. The exhibition also showcases the Thaal art of HP with Ramesh Kumar from Chamba striking the brass thaals to etch out different floral and devotional motifs on both sides. Showcasing stone jewellery, jackets, shawls, Kulu caps, suits and carpets, the list is endless!
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Film & Fashion
Actor-turned-moviemaker Mel Gibson has revealed that he would never have had taken up his first directing job, had it not been for the encouragement he received from two-time Oscar winning director Clint Eastwood. Gibson reveals that he became very nervous, when he was due to direct the 1993 film The Man without a Face as he was doubtful about his abilities. However, after he spoke with Eastwood who already had experience with directing, Gibson felt confident he could handle the pressure.
No kidding!
Pamela Anderson is calling for an amicable and quiet split from Kid Rock, for the sake of her children. In a posting on her website the former Baywatch actress said she hopes to split with rocker husband on good terms, but was worried over the media’s fascination with their break-up after just four months of marriage. The 39-year-old blonde bombshell expressed concern for her children amid the flood of headlines about her divorce from the musician, because they “don’t know the difference between fact and tabloid.” “I’m very concerned with the press on mine and Bob’s divorce. I know I have people who want to defend me or people who want to defend Bob, but my children can read and I’d like to resolve this amicably-not fueling fires-and with dignity. Kids don’t know the difference between fact and tabloid-does anybody?,” Eonline quoted her as saying on her Website. J Lo turns to Scientology
Maid in Manhattan star Jennifer Lopez is reportedly thinking of using Scientology’s doctrines to help her get pregnant. The actress, who recently attended the Italian wedding of top celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise, is said to be taking tips from fellow actress Leah Remini, who turned to the teachings of the religion when she was trying to conceive her first child. According to Life & Style magazine, Lopez became interested in Scientology when Remini confided in her that the religion helped her become a mum. “She’s starting to understand the cleansing process. It’s all about putting the positive energy where you want it,” Contactmusic quoted an insider, as telling the publication. Renee as Bridget Jones
Hollywood actress Renie Zellweger is all set to star in a third Bridget Jones film. The actress has already expressed an interest in reprising the role and is prepared to once again pile on the pounds to play the hapless British TV reporter. “The next film will leap forward 10 years. Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver are still on the scene and Bridget is about to give birth to Daniel’s baby,” a source was quoted by the Post Chronicle, as saying. Working Title, the company who produced the first two films, have already bought the rights to author Helen Fielding’s third
novel. — ANI |
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LOOK OF MUSIC
Music these days is no longer judged by how it ‘sounds’; instead it gets combined with how it ‘looks’. How many singers or music directors can one recall who have made no public appearances (save for the ones at the award ceremonies!) or have no music videos to their credit? It is indeed tricky to remember all of them—thanks to the zillion music competitions being aired on satellite channels nowadays! But the ones who sweat ‘n’ toil with their vocals to get the right sur (read singers), ones who try to compose a never-heard-before tune (read music directors), do get sighted, for their work speaks volumes for them. Precisely that’s what happened with singer Javed Ali and music director Santokh Singh. Call it luck or whatever but these ‘one-song wonders’ have much more to their credit than just this. Javed Ali, whose song Kajrare kajrare has been a rage ever since it was released till date, has many such hits to his credit. Who can forget the Bin tere sanam remix that had Kirti Reddy torn in a love triangle? Javed started his career in 1999 with Beti No 1, Pagalpan, Chameli, Aankhen under Kalyanji and Anandji and happens to be a shagird of Pakistan’s ghazal maestro Ghulam ali. Then Kajrare happened which got him instant recognition and made him a star overnight. Soon we can expect many more Kajrares to happen when he sings for A. R. Rehman, Vishal- Shekhar, Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy and the likes for forthcoming Bollywood films. For music director Santokh Singh, things have been no different. After composing music for Jaspinder Narula’s Saawariya that failed to leave a mark, finally it was Channa Ve that got his work noticed. “Since then, there has been no looking back,” says Santokh whose strong musical background comes in handy. For Santokh, who is well-versed in many languages such as Marwadi, Urdu and Punjabi, it’s going to be testing waters again when his new album, Savera, hits the stores. Very soon he would be donning a music director’s cap as well when he composes music for upcoming Bollywood flicks, Red Carpet and Palak. Folks watch out for these two before they get lost in the meandering crowd of their competitors!
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Ustad and the Divas released by YBR Records has Ustad Sultan Khan alongside three singing divas, Chitra, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. This first album from YBR features Ustad Sultan Khan, who, after the colossal success of Piya Basanti, is returning on six tracks. The album also features four bonus remix tracks by DJ Mit. The video features model Nina Sarkar from Bangalore as the Leja Leja girl and Varun Toorkey, a dashing young model from Mumbai. Says music director Sandesh Shandilya whose association with Khansaab goes beyond the Piya Basanti days, the more you experiment, the more beautiful it is. The vision emerged from the discussions of lyricist Irshad Kamil, myself and album directors Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao. Sandesh feels that Khansaab being from a classical gharana, and being a veteran who has been with Madonna in Duran Duran, his knowledge of music makes a vital difference. Chitraji whose voice was in Piya Basanti, besides two of our best singers, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal, have only added to the excitement. People have not heard Shreya and Sunidhi singing with Khansaab, avers Sandesh. Featuring in the album are some romantic and some foot-tapping numbers with Khansaab’s soulful voice mesmerising the listeners. Sandesh says the USP of the album is good poetry, with each voice bringing its own charm to the lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Adds Irshad Kamil who has wrote lyrics for films like Chameli and Shabd, among others, “there is a vision to the album and we took it forward”. Normally, in films, lyrics are situational but here, I had total freedom and am not bound by any situation. This time, Sandesh tried to give meaning to words, and “in one or two places I tried to enhance the beauty of the composition. In the album, you can perceive the story through the lyrics. The romance reflected in this album is very pure and dedicated. It is the romance in every Indian’s life. Shreya Ghoshal feels that the excitement came from featuring alongside Khansaab. “And Sandesh’s music is fantastic. He has always done very good music in all his films. I have worked with him for a long time. To do an album is like being on a platform where you can express yourself completely. The album has Chitra and Sunidhi and all songs are beautiful. The video is a very innovatively thought of concept by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. Being a diva, adds Shreya, is an added responsibility. I prefer being just a musician than a diva. Probably the prettiest singer in Bollywood circuit, with films like Guru, Babul and Salam-E-Ishq coming up, Shreya has a lot in store with her newfound status of a diva in Ustad and the Divas. I am showcasing various moods in my singing in forthcoming films and that is what makes the experience all the more interesting, she avers. This is our third album, and the second to be released. It is a great experience working with Khansaab, says Chitra. After Piya Basanti, people have actually started addressing me as Piya Basanti. It is a pleasure and honour to work again with Ustad Sultan Khansaab. Sunidhi, Shreya and I got to meet each other and we have come together for the first time in the album. I have sung a Rajasthani folk song and melody with Khansaab in this album, says Chitra. Chitra feels that Khansaab is a jovial person who is very encouraging. “Initially, I was very scared to work with him, but it is a privilege to see him work. He really puts his heart into music. We did not dub any song together, but he was there for the full recording when I was singing. I am eagerly waiting to hear all the songs of the album. That will make my experience complete.” The Ustad has the last word. “After Piya Basanti, Ustad and the Divas is a unique album capturing the myriad moods of love. And we would like it to be received in the same manner by the audiences.” Here is looking forward to that! — D.P.
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word
play French is a language of style, fashion, courtship diplomacy and love. All languages borrow from other languages and English has borrowed liberally from French. Who has not been intimidated by French words while buying a perfume, ordering from a menu or talking about French wines and exotic French holiday locales? The following list includes words one is likely to hear at a society do.1. A la mode — Fashionable 2. Amour — Love affair, intrigue 3. Atelier — Workshop or Studio, especially of an artist or designer 4. Au revoir — Goodbye, until we meet again 5. Billet-doux — A love letter 6. Blasé — Unimpressed, indifferent 7. Bourgeoise — Middle class 8. Cliché — Hackneyed phrase or opinion, stereotype 9. Coupe — A car with a hard roof, esp one with two seats and a sloping rear10. Cul-de-sac — A street or passage closed at one end, a position from which one cannot escape. 11. Dernier cri — Latest fashion, last word 12. Dossier — Set of documents, esp a collection of information about a person, event or subject.13. Faux pas — A tactless mistake, a social indiscretion 14. Gourmet — Connoisseur of good or delicate food 15. Hors d’oeuvre— An appetiser served at the beginning of a meal 16. Laissez faire — The theory or practice of governmental abstention from interference in the working of the market17. Melange — Mixture, medley 18. Melee — A confused fight, skirmish, a scuffle 19. Milieu — One’s environment or social surroundings 20. Naïve — Artless, innocent. Foolishly credulous Remember I had asked you to make a list of words starting with D describing men. Here is my list, compare it with yours. Dandy – Debonair – Dashing – Devilish – Debauch – Desperado – Dastard – Demonic – Don Juan – Decadent If you enjoyed the exercise try words starting with C to describe women.
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COOL STUFF Polaroid, the world leader in instant film cameras, introduced four new digital cameras in the country. The Polaroid range of cameras have been launched by MCC Group, the exclusive partners of Polaroid in India. This marks Polaroid’s maiden foray into the digital camera market in India. The new Polaroid Digital Cameras are available to the discerning Indian customers through MCC Group’s national sales and distribution network across 30,000 retail stores in 16 cities. Adding colour to the digital camera market, Polaroid has introduced for the first time a seven megapixel glamorous pink coloured polaroid i733 Digital Camera. The new line up of digital cameras also includes polaroid i1032 (10 megapixles), polaroid i832 (8 megapixles) and polaroid i533 (5 megapixles) cameras in gunmetal grey. Music for mobile
Star 7827 Voice, the mobile entertainment service from India’s leading media and entertainment company Star Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., has launched unique mobile entertainment service with a mega contest for its users, called Ek Mulakat Sitarron Ke Saath. Callers to the STAR 7827 Voice service will get a chance to meet their favorite TV stars in their own city, by simply dialing into the service from their mobile phones. Mobile subscribers can grab this chance of meeting the biggest TV stars by calling STAR 7827 Voice service between November 24 th- Dec 10th, 2006. Making this more exciting is a unique Roadshow that will travel across the city hotspots between 01 to 04 December, 2006, providing Chandigarh-ites more chances to meet their favorite TV stars and win other exciting prizes. Warm winters
As the nights grow crisp and the leaves transition to their autumnal tones, Nautica® a leading global lifestyle brand presents Fall 2006 Collection with plenty of choices to keep you warm and stylish. From a cozy fisherman cable sweater to classic interlock knits, the Fall Collection will meet all your needs. Though inspired by classic fall colors and activities, this collection is updated to fit any person’s active lifestyle. The traditional fall color palette of navy, ivy green, cranberry red, and cream is accented with pops of yellow, orange, and bright red. Heathers add texture to the entire group. Knits are updated with soft to the hand interlocks, yarn-dyed stripes, and a new long sleeve half-zip model. A fine gauge zip-through cardigan sweater with ribbed piecing and a half-zip cable color block sweater in gradiated neutral look very up-to-date and new. Classic cut pants in twill or a sophisticated tailored houndstooth trouser in tropical weight wool are extremely versatile. Outerwear completes this city-inspired group with a Nautica tradition 3-in-1 cotton/nylon jacket. This category would not be complete without Nautica’s rich leather outerwear offerings. Dine with Malkit
Twenty-five lucky winners of the Tex sponsored Program of ETC Punjabi and Zee Punjabi today got the chance to dine with Punjabi Pop star Malkiat Singh at Hotel K.C. Cross Roads at Panchkula. More than 6000 responded to the promo run on both channels viewers were to answer two simple questions. First question was, What is the name of Malkiat’s latest album and Second was, what is the price of 500 ml pack of Tex. Out of 6000 correct entries, twenty five were rendomly selected for program called “Tex Malkiat De Naal Dhamal”. Fresh ‘n clean
For a brand that prides itself on its “superior and premium” products, Oral-B’s latest offering the ‘Oral-B Fresh Clean’ toothbrush will extend the brand’s presence across the entire spectrum of plaque and stain removal products. This new product is attractively priced at Rs. 16/- and is expected to vitalize the brushing category, enabling more consumers to upgrade to the proven superior dental hygiene of Oral B. It is brawn with rich features but comes at an affordable price. Oral B is the brand more Dentists use themselves worldwide and is a leader in the oral care segment. Combined with intelligent technology and innovative usage like any other Oral B brush, Oral B Fresh Clean also possesses many advantages. All-New genius
Whirlpool Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, is all set to provide consumers with an xtra large experience with the launch of its new refrigerator - Genius XL . Genius XL boasts superior aesthesis, ensures superior cooling and has unique features like 6th Sense Door open alarm, Utility Drawer and Lemon and Onion holder. And the best part is that, it consumes less electricity than even a tube light. Priced between Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,500, Genius XL refrigerator offers extra space, advanced technology, excellent performance, appealing aesthetics at a competitive price. The new Gennius XL is equipped with an extra large chiller, which can hold upto 5 one-litre bottles and jumbo bottle racks. |
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Flavours of China Food may be the best way to win a man’s heart, but diplomacy apart, it sure is how the Chinese have won ours! Enter the Dragon, not the movie but the oldest Chinese restaurant in Sector 15-D, and right at the door you find a different bandanvar greeting you. It’s Chinese kings revered as Gods protecting the place from bad spirit. The place is the destination final where Chandigarhians go for real Chinese food. Run by our own Indian-Chinese joint family, belonging to the Chinese community in Kolkata, the restaurant is the first and one of its kind in not only providing the best Chinese food but also in being able to maintain the authenticity of Chinese cuisine for decades together. The ambience of the place is another story of why the place is a favourite of the city. Liao Ling Yang and his brother Liao Cho Yang run the restaurant as well as cook. That’s where the real taste of Chinese comes from. “The secret behind the authenticity in taste comes from the flavours of the quintessentially Chinese sauces. The dishes depend on the flavour of these sauces and no matter how hard anyone tries to copy these dishes only a Chinese hand knows what goes in”, they quip. “I can cook Indian food but can never get close to the real Indian flavours and same is the story with Chinese dishes”, says Liao Ling Yang. No doubt the sauces and masalas, which come specially made from Kolkata, create the magic of the tastes. Customers have been loyal to these tastes for decades together and still come for the mouth-watering cuisine. What the favourite customers of the restaurant know is that there is a variety of dishes other than the menu available exclusively for those who cherish the food. “The people who really loved and appreciated this kind of food have dwindled over the past few years but have not vanished”, says Prem who has been working at the restaurant since 1992. Their fans keep returning, understandably so, after decades and do not want to miss the food, he says. Students who studied in nearby University come back after years to have the taste of the food remembering the old times. And to please their loyal fans the brothers are keeping the tradition alive even as their brothers have left India to settle abroad. Joining them is Liao Ching’s son Jimmy who was born in the city. “The beginning was made after one of the brothers visited the city beautiful and liked it so much that the restaurant took shape in city in 1973”, says Ling. He got his training in cooking from Mumbai for a year. Catering to the taste buds of the food connoisseurs for the family it’s the rice as well as daals, chapati and saag at home. Food may be the best way to win a man’s heart, but diplomacy apart, it sure is how the Chinese have won ours!
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BON APPETIT A Turk by the name of Haroun, Ate whisky by means of a spoon, When someone asked “Why?“ He gave the reply, “To DRINK, is forbidden, you loon! At the risk of sounding like a sozzled ‘bewdaa’, a la’ Keshto Mukherjee, I have to make a statement— No party really takes off sans alcohol. The music and drinks are essential pre-requisites to creating a swinging mood and lifting the ‘spirits’. And yet, daaru is not the be all and end all of the drinks department. The host and hostess need to be armed with an assorted array of mocktails (apart from having a sufficient stock of attentiveness and charm). After all, just plain juice or a cola, or an un-spiked nimbu-paani is no longer considered imaginative possibilities to tease the taste buds! A mocktail is essentially that- a ‘mock’ cocktail, modified by simply leaving the alcohol out of the ingredients. More often than not, it’s the fairer sex who opts for the mocktails at a party. The consumption of these harmless little colourful concoctions could also help rid the roads of impaired drivers, conquering culverts and roundabouts at midnight! The Citrus Sipper
Created by the Kingston Brewing Company, this mocktail is the winner of the Best Fizzy Mocktail in The Great Mocktail Challenge, 2003. I’ve made a minor change in the ingredients, keeping in mind the availability obstacle. Crushed ice
1 oz Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial 3 oz Seabuckthorn juice ( Leh Berry juice ) 3 oz Grapefruit juice A squeeze of ginger juice Sparkling soda (optional) A wedge of orange to garnish Method
Fill a highball glass ¾ with ice. Blend the cordial and the juices with the ginger juice (prepared by squeezing a tablespoonful of grated ginger). Pour into the glass, over the ice, and serve, garnished with a wedge of orange. Keep the sparkling soda handy for diluting, in case your guest prefers a drink less sweet. Irish Setter
A popular drink from Wycott’s Bar and Grill, Harrowsmith, this is the winner of the Best Cream-based Mocktail, The Great Mocktail Challenge, 2003 1 cup brewed 1 ½ Caramel Syrup ½ oz thin cream 1-2 tbsp whipped cream Chocolate shavings 1-2 cherries Method
To make caramel syrup, heat 4 tsp sugar in a heavy pan till melted. Add ¼ cup of water and allow to simmer till you acquire a golden brown syrup. Thoroughly mix together the brew, syrup and thin cream. Pour into a pretty glass tumbler and top with a dollop of whipped cream followed by a scattering of chocolate shavings and a couple of cherries. If the cherry season is miles away, a chocolate “nuttie” will complete the picture! The Ghetto Blaster
Crushed ice 2-3 tsp lime juice A few splashes of Worcestershire Sauce 6 oz tomato juice 2 tsp Tabasco or Capsico sauce Method
Moisten and coat the rim of a highball glass with salt. Fill halfway with ice and add a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice and salt. Fill up with tomato juice, stir, and serve with a wedge of lime. The Rainbow Cooler
Crushed ice 2 oz Pineapple juice 1 ½ oz Orange juice 1 ½ oz Passionfruit juice 1-2 tsp lemon juice 2 oz Sprite or 7 Up 2 tsp Grenadine Syrup A wedge of kiwi to garnish Method
Pour the three fruit juices over crushed ice in a tall glass. Add the lemon juice and the “fizzy”. Now slowly pour the grenadine syrup down the side of the glass and let it dribble through for special effect. For eye-appeal, make a gash in a piece of kiwi and ease it on to the rim of the glass. CHEERS! |
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Plum offer
So what if much professional and technology savvy, modern chic bakers have replaced the grandmas nowadays. Yes they don’t even go back to the recipe diary (of course with the all the recipes from various cookery shows written neatly in it) unlike old granny, to check the exact quantity of baking powder to be added, the fun of baking is still unharmed. While all the city bakers gear up for the big day, at Cakes ‘n’ Stuff, Sector 8 the grand preparations are already underway. Lets start with fist things first! Christmas calls for a cake unquestionably and not just any, has to be their signature style Plum Cake. What makes the cake to qualify as a Christmas cake? “First of all, the raisins and orange peels that are the key ingredients, have to be dipped in rum for about 30-45 days. Secondly, any other cake would normally take not more than half a minute or so to bake whereas a plum cake (hold your breath!) takes about four hours to bake. Well the outcome has to be mouth-wateringly divine! Others in the league to beat the plum cake are ‘dates and walnut’ cake, ‘chocolate walnut cake’. If that is not enough one can go in for the more coloured ones like the Raspberry cake, Blueberry fruit cocktail cake (according to the owner this one is hot selling presently)’ and ‘Passion fruit cake’. Interestingly all these cakes are made from the Australian and Belgian fruits. And if you thought that’s about it, well there is lot more to go. No list of cakes is complete without mentioning the eternal chocolate cakes. And at this store there is an entire shelf of cakes dedicated to chocoholics. So they can take their picks from Chocolate Mud cake, Choco-nut, Choco Chip and the latest, extreme chocolate cake called, Chocolate Drench Cake which has an ‘enormous’ amount of chocolate in it and yet tasting sweet and not bitter. For the ones without a sweet tooth, they can walk into Cakes ‘n’ Stuff for a variety of pies and flans such as vegetable, meat and mushroom flans along with some paneer pies as well. Very soon there will be Barley cookies, Soya biscuits et al for the fitness freaks with a sweet tooth. “Most importantly, for all ‘the cakes and stuff’ we use cholesterol free and fat less cream”, quickly adds Sanjeev Bhalla, the owner. So folks leave all your ‘fat worries’ and grab a bite!
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Health tip of the day
During lifting a heavy object, it must be held close to the body with the pelvis “tucked in,” thus maintaining the center of gravity close to the hip joints, rather than in front of the body to avoid back pain. Increasing the base of support reduces strain.
— Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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Christmas bells haven’t started ringing as yet. Still the sheer excitement of it— gifts and presents, new clothes, a brand new year (yet again!) is transfixing everyone around. And if it’s about Christmas, how can one forget the wonderful chocolate doused cakes, the delicious pies and the oh-so yummy tarts, that our grandmas used to bake?