Shine Beneath the Stars!

This festive season, why not take full advantage of the pleasant nip in the air—not to mention the recent lifting of the rooftop eatery ban by the BMC—and head to these super cool al fresco and rooftop restaurants across the city?

By Raul Dias

FOR TOTAL VFM

A Bar Called Life
This one-year-old entrant to Juhu’s nightlife scene is a calming cocoon of a space, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy JVPD circle next to it. While the 200-cover space offers a mix of indoor as well as al fresco seating options, it is the latter that will wow you. A lush, vertical garden fences the al fresco space off from surrounding apartment buildings, giving it a lush, tropical feel. But that’s not the only thing A Bar Called Life has going for it. The bar offers competitively-priced alcoholic beverages, with prices starting as low as Rs. 50 per drink each evening at 6:00pm, and rising every hour, on the hour, until 11pm. Each drink like the tart roselle sour features Indian elements, cleverly interwoven into either the presentation or the flavour. The food menu offers a range of wholesome, hearty finger foods like the pulled raan pao, and mains like the über exotic Naga bamboo smoked mutton teamed with sticky jasmine rice.

Where: C/O Paradise Banquets, opposite PVR Cinemas, Juhu
Call: 26200122
Timings: Tuesdays-Sundays 6:00pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and dinner: Rs 2,000

FOR THE ATOMOSPHERE

Dine at The Quarter
For most of us growing up in Mumbai, the grand old and derelict Royal Opera House at Girgaon seemed like a myth. But now that myth has turned to reality and it’s back in business, all gloriously restored. And a beautiful by product of this restoration is the al fresco, brand spanking new Dine at The Quarter that sits pretty in the compound of the Royal Opera House. It is modelled on the lines of a tropical green house with verdant foliage surrounding bleached wood chairs and tables, with white drapes canopying some areas. Here, soul food meets jazz sounds as you partake in a unique Louisiana Creole cuisine-inspired menu, with dishes like cornmeal crusted sea bass and black eye pea ragout. The menu is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and greens, herbs and edible flowers grown on the in-house walled vertical garden. The food is well matched with a drinks list that includes signature cocktails like the fields of gold and the gin soaked boy made with house syrups and fresh ingredients. 

Where: Royal Opera House, Mathew Road, Opera House, Girgaon
Call: 8329110638
Timings: 11am to 1am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and dinner: Rs 3,500

FOR AN ELEGANT EVENING

Nara Thai
While it may have made its debut in the city a few months ago, it is the recent chill in the air that has made Nara Thai throw open the doors to its beautiful al fresco patio area for both lunch and dinner. But we’d hedge our bets on the latter time of the day for a great meal when the din of BKC reduces to a mere whisper. Done up with hints of royal Thai purple with carefully manicured topiaries and flower beds, the outdoor space is an elegant place to enjoy a romantic date and a welcome new addition to the city, as it offers an unparalled experience that seamlessly blends fine food, exotic cocktails and a casual, yet chic ambience. Whet your appetite here with drinks like the signature butterfly pea tea and kayanta cocktail. The kitchen at Nara Thai specialises in regional cooking, offering an impressive array of piquant salads like the crispy fried morning glory, okra with Thai herbs and yum som o (pomelo salad). Go for mains like the khao phad goong and the crab omelette and thank us later. But save place for the decadent 40-layer Thai crème cake that comes doused with a Thai milk tea sauce.

Where: Ground Floor, Raheja Towers, Opposite SIDBI, Bandra-Kurla Complex
Call: 61378080
Timings: 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11:30pm
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and dinner: Rs 2,500

FOR THE VIEW

Estella
Undoubtedly offering one of the best views in the city where the magical sight of the setting sun melting into the Juhu beach waters greets you, Estella puts on a mighty show every evening. They even custom laser projections into the night sky according to your celebration, making this THE place to pop that all important question. Choose a well-made Champagne margarita from the bar that juts out from the main dining area onto the al fresco deck, while you nibble on an appetizer of seared scallops. For mains, savour the taste of the grass-fed Marlboro lamb rack and seal it all off with a plum and frangipane tart for dessert. And while the price of the food and drink here might be on the higher side, what’s a bit of money compared to the breath-taking experience of seeing the city from a whole other perspective?

Where: Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Call: 7999998232/7999998212
Timings: 6pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and dinner: Rs 5,500

FOR THE WEEKEND VIBE

Carouse
Boasting of a mammoth 2,000 sq. ft. of rooftop, al fresco space with some awesome music, Carouse makes for a very interesting new addition to the city’s cache of rooftop restaurants. Done up in natural stone and wood finishes in deep charcoal with a latticed boundary fencing it off, this outdoor space has a live grill counter serving amazing barbeques with private gazebos for those seeking a bit of privacy with their flavoured sheeshas. While on most nights, a DJ plays his fixed sets, on weekends one can enjoy live music gigs as you sip on drinks like the wacky and aptly named mad king (bourbon whiskey, rosemary reduction, burnt orange, egg white and bitters) served in a mini wooden cabinet. Nibbles like the beetroot, feta and onion tart and the more substantial mains like the fenugreek pesto rubbed grilled chicken, make its French-influenced menu shine at its brightest, just like the stars overhead!

Where: 1st floor, P2 building, Raghuvanshi Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel West
Call: 33126701/24978080
Timings: 4pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and dinner: Rs 3,000

(An edited version of this review appeared in the 26th December 2017 issue of the evening edition of the Mid-Day newspaper, India https://m.mid-day.com/articles/top-4-open-air-restaurants-in-mumbai-you-must-visit-for-a-dinner-date/18859169)

Mills and Bloom!

This stylish new Lower Parel restaurant takes a detour from the restaurant saturated Kamala Mills and sets up shop at the more laid back Raghuvanshi Mills

By Raul Dias

In a rather refreshing departure from the gazillion new restaurants and bars opening up at the almost de rigueur environs of Lower Parel’s Kamala Mills, Carouse​ finds itself a comfortable roost a little further down the main Tulsi Pipe road at Raghuvanshi Mills. Accessible by a super cool, topless hydraulic elevator, this 9,000 sq.ft. area, first floor restaurant is neatly divided up into two distinct zones.
While the main dining area is a tribute to all things techno-glam with its moody strobe lights projecting onto all-black walls, tufted velvet couches and a blood red DJ booth, the al fresco zone is a whole other story. Here, the wispy smoke of flavoured sheesha along with low slung settees and comfortable bar stools, conjure up a relaxed, laid back atmosphere, all fenced in by latticed woodwork that keeps the outside din…well, outside!
We choose the latter space to make the most of the city’s uncharacteristically chilly spell, as we sip a well-made spicy thoughts (Rs 250). The mocktail, with distinct oriental underpinnings, is a refreshing blend of five spice, ginger and orange, with a hint of mint. Disappointed that our first choice of chicken liver paté with an apple and fennel compote (Rs 499) isn’t available, we settle for the roasted wild mushroom soup (Rs 350). Served up in an almost pool-sized bowl with an accompanying bread basket and two herbed butters, the soup is an ingenious preparation that sees the rather unusual pairing of coconut milk and lemongrass with roasted mushroom, while the Thai chilli oil ‘thais’ things up perfectly.
Masquerading as steamed chicken baos (Rs 400) are three soft (and yes, baked!) pita wedges filled inadequately with shredded chicken and iceberg lettuce with an ineffectual drizzle of overly sweet BBQ sauce. Though perfectly edible, we feel a wee short-changed, especially after our server’s passionate hard sell of it. Our main of fettuccine with pan seared duck leg confit (Rs 625) more than makes up for the earlier aberration. It is a symphony of perfectly al dente pasta and fall-of-the-bone, umami-redolent duck meat, with the accompanying cranberry compote giving it a nifty little festive Christmas flavour.
Feeling a little indulgent for dessert time, we call for the peanut butter pie (Rs 400) and are at once rewarded with one of the best renditions of the all-American classic we’ve ever had, with our very first bite. Sitting on a crumbled oats cookie base is a not-too-sweet peanut butter ganache, topped with a lightly hazelnut flavoured mousse and fresh strawberries, with a luscious maraschino cherry topping it all off. The perfect end, if there ever was one!
Far from being “just another Lower Parel restaurant”, Carouse packs a mighty punch that expertly matches ‘bang’ for ‘buck’ in every which way.  

TIME: 4pm to 1.30am
AT: 1st floor, P2 building, Raghuvanshi Mills compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel West.

CALL: 33126701/24978080 

(An edited version of this review appeared in the 22nd December 2017 issue of the Mid-Day newspaper, India https://m.mid-day.com/articles/this-stylish-restaurant-chose-to-set-up-at-raghuvanshi-mills-instead-of-kamla-mills/18845177)

Present Perfect!

The art of gifting is something that is a very intrinsic part of our lives here in India—be it for festivities or personal celebrations. And the maxim has always been ‘the more extravagant the better!’. Here’s our decadent selection of a few such, ultra-luxe gifts to splurge on and to be splurged on with…

By Raul Dias

ROLLS-ROYCE’S BESPOKE PICNIC HAMPER
In honour of their bespoke, end-of- the-line Phantom models, Rolls-Royce has created a glammed
up, picnic hamper as part of the Phantom Zenith Collection. The leather and wood interior
shelving of the hamper contains lead crystal wine glasses, handmade stainless-steel cutlery,
napkins embroidered with the Rolls-Royce monogram in Arctic White, and a handcrafted
American Walnut chopping board. And as a final flourish, the Zenith Collection Picnic Hamper
comprises unique crockery, with painted black and platinum detail around the edges. With just
50 limited edition pieces being made for order, this one is as exclusive as they come!
Price on request; rolls-roycemotorcars.com

HIS & HER GIFT BOX FROM SHINGORA
Making for fabulously twinned ‘his’ and ‘her’ gifts, the accessories box by Shingora—purveyors
of pashmina shawls, fine luxury textiles and knits—is a great bespoke gifting option. The box
comprises of a range of scarves, stoles, pocket squares and other fashion accessory options that
can be personalised by weaving the couple’s initials onto them along with the date or a quirky
message.
Rs.6,995 onwards; shingora.net

LOUIS VUITTON’S MONOGRAM WORLD TOUR COLLECTION
An apt gift for the jet setter, Louis Vuitton’s festive season collection is influenced by the
historical trunks of the house that are icons in the world of glamorous luggage. Thus, Nicolas
Ghesquière, LV’s creative director immersed himself in the brand’s archives to come up with the
Pégase suitcase and the Petite Malle among others in this monogram collection that are
emblazoned with new stickers that refer to the utmost cosmopolitan cities or paintings from the
Hyperrealistic movement, to ensure that travelling in style is the norm for the rest of 2017!
Price on request; louisvuitton.com

NORTHERN LIGHTS WATCH BY A. LANGE & SÖHNE
This exclusive, unisex timepiece by A. Lange & Söhne pays obeisance to the Northern Lights
and has a dial that is made of blackened silver with generous apertures and a semi-transparent
black-tinted sapphire-crystal glass wafer. The special coating applied to the glass blocks most of
the visible light but not the UV spectra that “charge” the luminous pigments on the outsize date
mechanism and cause them to glow in the dark à la, the Northern Lights!
Price on request; alange-soehne.com

OGDEN DECANTER CADDY SET
From the house of Ralph Lauren comes this interesting, retro design caddy set, perfect for the port lover. Inspired by a late-19th- century tantalus—a decanter caddy used to store and display
liquors and wines—this decanter is a très chic way to serve spirits harking back to an era when
the Dandy ruled the drinking scene. The case is made from heirloom-quality silver-plated brass
and comes with two lead crystal vessels. And to keep your vintage libation safe from ‘sticky
fingers’, it comes with its own locking system, ornate key et al.
$2,995 onwards; ralphlauren.com

BESPOKE UNISEX BROGUES BY HATS OFF
Specialising in exclusive, made-to- measure, high-end footwear that hark back to the days when
elegant shoes were made in Italy by skilled shoemakers, New Delhi-based Hats Off Accessories
customises bespoke shoes for both men and women. But it is these trendy unisex tri-toned patent
leather, wing-tipped brogues that make the perfect gift for the season. Take your pick from a
range of colour combinations, leather qualities and styles and you can have a one-of- its-kind
brogue down to the giftees initials engraved onto it!
Price on request; hatsoffaccessories.com

TURMS SHOE CARE KIT
For those who like to keep their bespoke brogues and stilletos in top shape, this vintage-looking
shoe care kit may very well be the ultimate in decadence and the perfect gift! Comprising of a
pair of soft wooden brushes, a shoe horn, a cleaning cloth, cream tins and other footwear care
unguents, including a shoe deodorant—in a bid to provide long-lasting shine and comfort—all
this is ensconced in a tan leather case, making this set an absolute must-have for frequent
travellers.
$975 onwards; mrporter.com

STRONGMAN NUTCRACKER BY ALESSI
While one of the world’s most favourite musical ballets may be Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker,
this actual nutcracker by Alessi is a whimsical collector’s item. Designed by Marcel Wanders, it
is part of 999 limited edition special pieces and is inspired by the circuses of the 1930s, with a
grimacing, mustachioed ‘strongman’ pulverizing nutshells with the help of his feet activate by
the golden barbell strategically poised above his head.
€1,000 onwards; store.alessi.com






(An edited version of this article appeared in the year end 2017 issue of Select, the Kotak Mahindra magazine, India)

New Wine, New Bottle!

Back after a hiatus of over a decade, the redux version of the erstwhile Bandra café—Pot Pourri offers up great value for money food in its brand new shabby-chic Chembur avatar

By Raul Dias

Completing the trio of Mumbai’s ultra-popular ‘90s restaurant brands, along with Bombay Brasserie and Copper Chimney—that have seen a recent resurrection at locations different from their original ones—is old-time favourite Pot Pourri. Taking over a decade to migrate from the hipster-cool neighbourhood of Turner Road, Bandra West to the city’s restaurant-infested eastern suburb of Chembur, Pot Pourri is back with a bang!
While it is tough to draw parallels to its erstwhile easy-breezy, curbside, all-day café avatar, given its new, second floor, evenings only ‘mall restaurant’ status, along with its flea market chic, bric-a-brac accentuated décor, two major Pot Pourri mainstays are thankfully pat in place. We’re talking about the stellar food and its very affordable price—something we were hoping would remain the same.
After an aborted first attempt to check it out for lunch, where we ended up coming face to face with a closed door and a suitably apologetic security guard, we recently trooped in for an early dinner. Seated at one the many semi-circular booths, under an art piece depicting the space’s renovation process, we take in the many ‘selfie-worthy’ spots that this humungous restaurant has to offer. The wall adorned with large typewriter-like QWERTY keys seems to be the most popular, while the yellow bicycle installation comes in a close second.
Despite the place being almost empty for a good half hour into our visit, we find the service to be a tad sluggish with our first order of a pulled pork burger (Rs 350) being bungled up. But when it does arrive, it’s taste more than makes up for the unnecessary tardiness. Packed with yummy shreds of hickory-smoked pork, topped with a perfectly runny fried egg, all ensconced in a toasted sesame bun, it is all the things a good burger should be, making for some messy satisfaction. We chase it with a zesty virgin mandarin mojito (Rs 100) whose reasonable price is certainly not the only thing great about it.
Our half portion of French onion soup with chicken (Rs 120), is a great, comforting foil to the unseasonal, wet weather outside and a near spot on rendition of the classic, gruyere cheese toast floating atop it et al. Despite being suitably crispy, the beer batter fried calamari (Rs 270), leaves a bitter, unappetising taste in our mouths, quite literally and is the only downer. The generously portioned slow roast lamb shoulder (Rs 590) that our server informs us had been cooked for close to four hours is an absolute cracker of a dish with juicy, falling-off-the-bone lamb accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, veggies and a luscious red wine jus. A perfect contrast to the meat-y excesses, the delicate ravioli funghi (Rs 350) doused in a smoky scarmoza-parmesan cream sauce is Italian vegetarian comfort food at its best.
Spying the orange crème brûlée (Rs 180) served at the table next to ours, we order one for ourselves and are at once taken in by its caramelised glassy top that holds within it a silken, orange-infused set custard that explodes with citrus-y goodness in every bite. We can’t think of a better end to a meal that worked for us on so many levels, and one that we’d be happy to trudge up two flights of stationary escalators and brave inclement weather for. Anytime!  

TIME: 4pm to 1am
AT: 2nd Floor, Cubic Mall, Vasant Vihar Complex, Chembur East.
CALL: 9699509699

(An edited version of this review appeared in the 11th December 2017 issue of the Mid-Day newspaper, India http://www.mid-day.com/articles/turner-roads-pot-pourri-is-back-with-some-great-twists-to-its-menu/18814178)

A Decadent ‘Spa’rty

From volcanic stone massages and gold dust scrubs to exclusive pampering rituals for the discerning gent, Indian spas are upping the ante with a range of decadent and ultra-exclusive treatments. RAUL DIAS bring you a roundup of a few such hedonistic havens around the country that promise to leave the ‘Urbane Man’ rested and relaxed, while ensconcing him in the lap of luxury!

Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
As one of the largest spas in the state of Tamil Nadu, the plush, 1,781 square feet Kaya Kalp –The Royal Spa, that is a part of ITC’s signature spa brand is a haven like no other! Here, the healing stones, music and therapists’ hands are all effectively integrated into an experience that is deep and meaningful to each person at an almost spiritual level. Each of the 12 treatment rooms—including a couple’s suite, two Ayurvedic suites and two Thai massage suites, are kitted out with luxurious accents and amenities to keep you pampered all through your therapy. Interestingly, the spa recognizes the vagaries of the fast-paced life of today by offering its range of express therapies for those, to whom time is a precious commodity! So, while each and every one of these five express therapies—including the very effective Kaya Kalp Mini Indulgence—on offer may be just 20 minutes-long, they pack in a mighty, relaxing punch.

Top Treatment
Indian Rose & Cardamom Salt Glow (Rs 3,000+taxes/40min): This luxurious body scrub experience—that is part of the Imperial Chola Ceremonies range of therapies—employs the use of the “Queen of Spices”, Indian cardamom, which is truly unique in aroma and a great purifier when enriched with sea salt and rose essence that helps in cooling the skin.

Iridium Spa at St. Regis, Mumbai
Aptly named in honour of the Greek mythological goddess, Iris and also for the rare, silvery-white metal—Iridium—this spa at the stunning St. Regis, Mumbai is a rare, luxurious cocoon located slap bang in the middle of ‘Maximum City’. Creating a much-needed ambiance of tranquility and relaxation, this idyllic sanctuary is THE place to rejuvenate and rebalance the mind and body. Exclusive to St. Regis, the Iridium Spa reflects the signature St. Regis refinement and unrivalled attention to detail. The spa houses nine serene therapy rooms (of which six are equipped with a luxurious steam and bathtub facility), including a luxurious Couple’s Suite for a more intimate setting, with internationally trained therapists and custom-blended elixirs to offer a bespoke transformative experience. Gentlemen, don’t miss the specially designed quartet of treatments for today’s men who recognize the power and importance of grooming.

Top Treatment
Gold Body Therapy with Cane Sugar (Price on request/90min): This ultra-decadent treatment involves an invigorating exfoliation using a gold-sugar scrub, made using fair-trade cane sugar to refine the texture of the skin by eliminating dead cells. The final touch is a massage with fragrant oil enriched with gold particles.

Rait Spa at Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
Named for the sand that seems to be everywhere in Jaisalmer—Rajasthan’s ‘Golden City’ as it were—this spa is part of the majestic Suryagarh, a hotel that encapsulates the regal spirit and romance that defines this land to the hilt. The Rait Spa wing of the hotel itself is a wonderful mélange of the ancient heritage architecture style with its intricately carved jaali screens and mother-of- pearl inlaid marble and sandstone flooring and modern fittings in its five therapy rooms like steam cubicles and in-built whirlpools. The spa garden flanking the structure is an oasis of calm, so imperative for post-therapy ‘blissing-out’ amidst birdsong and the gurgling of the ornamental fountains. Besides a host of traditional treatments, Rait uses IMRS (Intelligent Magnetic Resonance System), a health care system developed in Germany to balance your magnetic field thereby subtly adjusting bodily cadences and improving overall metabolism. These electromagnetic pulses incorporate bio feedback and use colour and music therapy to work on all four levels of brain wave activity, ensuring better cell organisation and promoting overall wellbeing.

Top Treatment
Shell and Stone Massage (Rs 4,400+taxes/1.5hrs): Extricating the healing properties of tiger-striped seashells from the Philippine islands with volcanic stones, this therapy improves blood circulation by draining toxins and improving metabolism. Heated sea shells with lava powder are employed by the therapists to give you an experience that masterfully blends the healing properties of naturally occurring elements with expert massage techniques like the long strokes and deep-kneading techniques to help release accumulated tensions.

Shillim Spa at The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, Shillim
Perched precariously atop the Western Ghats in the village of Shilimb—an hour’s drive up the winding mountainous roads from Lonavala, this verdant retreat has one of the largest and most comprehensive spa facilities in Asia with 17 treatment rooms, each offering holistic and Ayurvedic practices in a unique and magical environment that is supposed to help you establish healthy habits for life. This multi-award winning spa encompasses 70 acres and offers a range of exquisite treatments, and also comes with its own meditation cave and a relaxation center, as well as a salon and yoga pavilion. The spa is based on the four principles of the conservation and strengthening of life, sustenance of health, healing of the ‘whole’ person and finally the celebration of the gift of life!

Top Treatment
Walnut and Asparagus Body Scrub (Rs 4,500+taxes/55min): This body-firming spa scrub experience uses walnut paste mixed with the Ayurvedic herb gotu kola (centella asiatica). Both elements, known for their medicinal properties, help in body-firming and skin exfoliation. The cumulative stimulating and astringent effect is said to remove excess of water stagnation. The scrub is followed by an asparagus body mask that further helps in tightening and firming the skin, as asparagus is known to be loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and K, fiber, folate and minerals.

The Elevation Spa at The Tamara, Coorg
One of the plush resort’s newest additions, The Elevation is more than just a mere spa. A 100-year-old plantation bungalow forms the core of this tranquil oasis that has six treatment rooms and a temperature controlled pool just beyond to luxuriate about in post treatment. The spa’s forte is a range of Ayurveda-based treatments using edible ingredients like coffee, fresh coconut, sugar and wild rice, besides the de rigueur Western-style massages and scrubs. As The Tamara, Coorg is part of a functioning coffee estate, the Signature Coffee Therapy is a must-experience. The ritual begins with a scrub made from plantation-grown ground up coffee beans that are loaded with natural antioxidants that work wonders in revitalising and nourishing the skin and thus leaving one in a balanced and relaxed state. And that’s just how you will feel after an hour’s worth of pampering. And not to mention, smelling like a freshly-made cappuccino!

Top Treatment
Kalpa Anubhava Coconut Indulgence (Rs 6,250/2hrs): This über-indulgent two-hour session begins with a freshly grated coconut and sugar scrub, followed by a relaxing massage using cold-pressed coconut and cucumber oil. This ritual is said to stimulate the nerves and blood vessels beneath the skin, while calming muscle tension. Designed to re-activate circulation and the flow of energy, it ends with a continuous stream of warmed oil poured onto your head to bring a dose of calm back into your stressed-out existence. 

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Urbane magazine)

Freakshow!

Much more than just the mere sum of their over-the-top parts, freakshakes truly are milkshakes on steroids and a worldwide trend sugar lovers can’t seem to get enough of.

By Raul Dias

Riding the crest of everything fashionably foodie and au courant in the world of cuisine, thanks to its home-grown reality shows like Masterchef Australia and for its penchant for producing a virtual army of superstar chefs like Peter Gilmore, Adriano Zumbo and the irrepressible Neil Perry, Australia is responsible for the genesis of the mega food trend of the freakshake. Yes, around two years ago, in July 2015 to be more precise, akin to something straight out of science fiction, a ‘monster’ was created at Pâtissez, a rather nondescript bakery and café in Canberra.
Soon London fell for its charms with the now-legendary Molly Bakes cafe in Dalston coming up with totally bonkers versions of the freakshake with everything from lemon and raspberry tartlets, and honeycomb festooning overflowing giant milkshake glasses. And just like some sort of 21^st Century rara avis, the freakshake went viral, amassing a cult-like following thanks to social media, given its tremendous Instagram-worthy appeal.

The Anatomy of a Freakshake
For the uninitiated, this behemoth of a milkshake truly is the mother of all shakes, making for some gloriously messy…and not to mention indulgent satisfaction! A monstrous drink-meets-sundae-meets-dessert, a freakshake gets its name from its rather over-the-top construction methods and its often outlandishly wacky components that make it much more than the mere sum of its parts. 
Poured into everything from the now passé mason jars to the very on trend beer mugs, a freakshake is layered with a cornucopia of treats like heavy cream, bits of cake, pretzels and doughnuts among other confectionary specimens. All this is then drizzled with lashings of sauce, with a fistful of candies and sprinkles thrown in for good measure. But hang on, that’s not all. Aforementioned bits of cake, pretzels and doughnuts find themselves once again taking centre stage as they are haphazardly glued on—with sugar syrup, frosting, jam or peanut butter—to the rim and sides of the glass, giving the freakshake its freaky appearance.

Who’s The Freakiest of Them All?
Forget the maxim ‘less is more’, for in the OTT world of the freakshake ‘more is certainly more’! A couple of months ago, to mark the release of Riverdale season one on DVD, Warner Bros UK and Maxwell’s Covent Garden in London teamed up to create themed freakshakes each based on an Archie comic book character. So, while The Bubblegum Betty freakshake is reflective of Betty’s bubbly personality and is made from a pink bubble gum thick shake topped with whipped cream, candy floss, marshmallows, love hearts and rainbow candy, The Fall from Grace mirrors Veronica’s dark side with an Oreo thick shake, chocolate sauce, and a whole Oreo cookie sandwich as its components.
However, taking things a bit too far, Heliot Steak House in London is believed to have recently added a rather bizarre sounding range of slider freakshakes to their menu. These oddballs include a lobster and avocado slider that sits atop a passion fruit milkshake and a roasted field mushroom, pepper and courgette slider, which is paired with a strawberry milkshake. ‘nuff said!

The Desi Take
Not to be left behind, India too has cottoned on to the freakshake trend churning out (pun intended!) various iterations, many of which reflecting the nations obsession with sugar and more so traditional Indian sweets or mithai. The Mithai Freakshake by Charcoal in Mumbai (see recipe) is one such example that almost contains a virtual sweet shop in and on it! Made with kheer, jalebis, motichoor ladoos and the celebration favourite—gulaab jamun, this diet-busting freakshake references India to the hilt and is not one for the faint hearted. “A freakshake is not just a shake but a phenomenon,” says the Mithai freakshake’s creator, Chef Areez Patel. “This trend is here to last as it has immense scope of experimentation in India. My strong urge to give traditional Indian desserts a freaky twist, making them a multi-sensory delight has resulted in this freakshake that’s a combination of my favourites from Indian desserts.”
Giving their freakshake a vegan twist by using dairy-free cream, The Sassy Spoon in Mumbai and Pune pay homage to an American lunch box classic the peanutbutter and jelly sandwich with their PBJ Vegan Monster Shake (see recipe). “We’ve retained the look and feel of a freakshake, while making it a little bit healthier and vegan friendly,” says Mixologist Pranav Mody, who came up with this version that seeks to go easy on the post-indulgence guilt trip.
But guilty or not, the freakshake phenomenon world-wide is far from done and dusted with. For we predict, as the saying goes “the best (and most bizarre) is yet to come!”

India’s Freakiest Freakshakes!

·         Ferrero Rocher, Kit Kat and Brownie Points freakshakes at Morello’s, Gurugram

·         Banana Nutella, Double Chocolate Fudge, Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk and Vanilla Oreo freakshakes at AMPM Cafe & Bar, Delhi

·         Magnum Choco, Nutella Doughnut and Nutella Mars freakshakes at The Fusion Kitchen, Mumbai

·         Red Velvet, Blue Cheesecake and Lemon Crumble freakshakes at Three Chicks and A Bear, Mumbai

·         Big Bang and Cookie Monster freakshakes at Brik Oven, Bengaluru

·         Belgian Chocolate Cupcake freakshake at Guilt Trip, Bengaluru

·         Waffle Wagon Freakshake at The Chocolate Heaven, Chennai

·         Cookie Monster, Choco Peanut Butter and Banana Caramel freakshakes at Mad Over Freakshakes, Hyderabad

·         Mega Brownie KitKat freakshake at Freak Shake Bro, Hyderabad

·         Blueberry Cheesecake Deconstructed, Mocha Brownie and Mushy Oreo freakshakes at Velvetiine, Kolkata

·         Cotton Candy Berry freakshake at The Street at The Park Hotel, Kolkata

Get Your Freak On
Here are two recipes that show you how to make your very own freakshake at home.

The PBJ Vegan Monster Shake

Ingredients:
1 tbsp Strawberry Jam
180 ml Dairy-free Pouring Cream     
45 ml Peanut Butter   
3/4 Banana                 
1 tbsp Flax Seeds       
Dairy-free Whipped Cream
Melba Toast
Ice Cubes

Method:
1) In a blender add: Strawberry jam, pouring cream, peanut butter, banana, 1/2 tbsp of flax seeds and 2 cubes of ice and blend.
2) Rim a tall milkshake glass with peanut butter and then add a few flax seeds.
3) Spread some peanut butter on the melba toast.
4) Pour the shake into the glass.
5) Top with whipped cream.
6) Stick the melba toast with peanut butter onto the whipped cream.
7) Put a bit of strawberry jam on top of the whipped cream.
8) Sprinkle a few more flax seeds on top and serve with a candy-striped straw.

--Recipe courtesy: Pranav Mody, Mixologist from The Sassy Spoon, Mumbai and Pune

Mithai Freak Shake

Ingredients:
125 gm Poha (flat beaten rice flakes)
375 gm Milk
65 gm Sugar
5 gm Pistachios
3 gm Almonds
A pinch Cardamom Powder
30-40 strands Saffron
9 pcs Mini Gulaab Jamuns
2 pcs Small Crisp Jalebi
4 pcs Motichoor Ladoo
100 gm Whipped Cream
25 gm Milk
5 ml Sugar Syrup
1 small sheet Silver Leaf

Method:
1) For the saffron cream: Whip cream to soft peaks while you heat the 25 gm milk and put half the saffron in it (around 15 strands). Let it sit for 5 mins. After cool add to the cream and whip till mixes well. Put in the ref.
2) For the kheer: Soak the poha in water for 5 mins. Boil the milk in a pan. Reduce flame to low and simmer. Add the soaked poha. Add sugar and stir well until fully dissolved. Switch off the flame and add cardamom powder. Add 4 gulaab jamuns and blend it well. Let it cool.
3) To assemble: Take a large beer mug and crush the motichoor ladoo and put it at the bottom of the glass (leave some for garnish). Put some kheer into it. Put 4 gulaab jamuns, pressing a few on the outside of the glass. Pour more kheer till just below the rim of the glass. Pipe the saffron cream on the top of the glass to a point. Brush one inch of the outer side of the glass with sugar syrup. Stick crushed pistachios on the sugar syrup. Sprinkle motichoor ladoo, almonds, pistachios and saffron on the cream. Sit the jalebi and gulaab jamun on top of the cream and cover with silver leaf. Serve with a long spoon.

--Recipe courtesy: Chef Areez Patel of Charcoal, Mumbai

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways https://www.jetairways.com/EN/DE/JetExperience/magazines.aspx) 

48 Hours in Stockholm

From its ancient Viking lineage to its cutting-edge modern ‘Scandie’ style quotient—both of which are on ample display—Stockholm truly is a dynamic city. Add to this a much-celebrated culinary scene, and what you have on hand are the ingredients for a perfect two-day tryst with the Swedish capital!

By Raul Dias

Quick question: How many times have you heard the comparative moniker ‘Venice of the east/west/north/south’ being bandied about by over-enthusiastic tour guides on your travels when describing any self-respecting, waterway-saturated city? Well, in the case of Stockholm, there truly couldn’t be a more apt descriptor. Made up of 14 islands that form part of the archipelago where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, it is this warren of narrow canals and other water conduits—all forded over by magnificent bridges—that give Stockholm a fantastical ‘waterwold’ look and feel.
From its Viking history-imbued museums and grand edifices to its bustling markets and fecund parks, Sweden’s capital city sure knows how to put on a spectacular show. Be it glorious, sun-drenched summers or crisp, burnished gold-hued autumns, it’s always a good time to be in Stockholm.
And it is also at the very center of the global food revolution known as ‘The New Nordic Cuisine’ with its emphasis on ethics, health, quality and sustainability. At the vanguard of this development are a number of Stockholm chefs who have transformed the city into a world-renowned destination for food tourism and lifted the entire food scene in both Stockholm and Sweden on the whole.
All this, making for a choc-a-bloc 48 hours to truly let the Stockholm vibe seep into your very being!  

Day 1

9.30 A.M.
JOIN THE QUEUE FOR A RIDE DOWN HISTORY AT THE VASA MUSEUM
Brave the morning queues and prepare to be blown away by the sheer scale and grandeur of one of Stockholm’s, nay Scandinavia’s greatest calling cards aka. The Vasa Museum. Despite housing just one major relic, the mighty Viking ship that gives it its name—The Vasa, this museum is worth the trouble it takes to get in. Just ask the over one million people that visit it every year!
The only preserved 17^th Century ship in the world, the 69-meter-long warship sank 20-minutes into its maiden voyage in the middle of the Stockholm harbour in 1628, and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961. For nearly half a century the ship has been slowly, deliberately and painstakingly restored to a state approaching its original glory. Though there are 10 different exhibitions around the ship to tell you about life on board the ship, its scale is best appreciated once you leave the museum, as the three masts on the roof outside the museum show the height of the ship’s original masts.

12.00 P.M.
BRUNCH LIKE THE LOCALS AT NYSTEKT STRÖMMINGVAGNEN
A virtual Stockholm institution, this small herring wagon in Södermalm Square has been dishing out freshly caught fish in its myriad preparations for more than two decades. For a true-blue Stockholmer style brunch, order the skåning which is a portion of herring served open face sandwich style on dense rye bread. This is then topped with Spanish red onion, fresh dill and mustard. Chase this with a tall glass of lingondricka which is a refreshing soft drink made from the Swedish national favourite—the lingonberry.

2.00 P.M.
WATER TREAT!
One of the best ways to see Stockholm is by taking a boat tour along its placid waterways. And a much-recommended way to do that is by securing a spot for yourself in the Under the Bridges tour that departs from the Stadshuset dock. This two-hour journey charts a course under twelve bridges and even passes through the lock that connects Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. All this, as the boat gently glides by the various neighbourhoods of Stockholm affording you views of the inner city, the Old Town, the islands of Södermalm, Lilla and Stora Essingen, the new, skyscraper-ridden area of Hammarby Sjöstad.

4.30 P.M.
TAKE IN THE FRAGRANCE AT ROSENDALS TRÄDGÅRD
As much as it is ‘blue’ city thanks to all those canals and waterways, Stockholm is also refreshingly green. And that’s not surprising, since more than a third of the city is made up of parks and gardens. And the most fecund of these is Rosendals Trädgård. Situated on the island of Djurgården, on the grounds of King Oscar I’s 19th century palace, this garden which means ‘rose valley’ in Swedish, houses both a rose garden and a fruit orchard. It can be reached by ferry whose dock is a 15-minute stroll from the garden’s gates. It also houses a charming little café that serves some of the most scrumptious kanelbulle or cinnamon rolls which are perfect for the traditional Swedish afternoon coffee break called fika.  

6.00 P.M.
RETAIL THERAPY AT DROTTNINGGATAN
From the home-spun Swedish brands like the ubiquitous H&M to the other popular high street brands, there can be no better place than Drottninggatan in the heart of Stockholm to find exactly what you’re looking for. Åhlens City, right at the corner of Drottninggatan and Klarabergsgatan, is one of the best department stores in the city, with not just an excellent selection of fashion but also books, homewares, makeup, and a whole lot more.

8.00 P.M.
DINE ON SWEDISH-JAPANESE FUSION CUISINE AT TAK
With the fusion of Swedish and Japanese cuisines as her hallmark, Chef Frida Ronge has been the recipient of prestigious awards such as the “Rising Star of the Year” by White Guide 2013. Her brand-new restaurant, bar and terrace TAK which opened in April 2017 at Brunkebergstorg in central Stockholm boasts of a 1,000 sq m space, while giving you an amazing view over Stockholm’s rooftops. Making your dinner of dishes like Arctic char with daikon and soy sauce-cured salmon with trout roe, ginger and pickled Swedish turnip a truly memorable one.

Day 2

8.00 A.M.
VISIT THE GRAND SALUHALL
More commonly known as Saluhall, the Östermalm food hall is one place you simply have to tick off your list of Stockholm icons to visit. Though the original building which was built in 1888 is currently under renovation (till its re-opening in 2018), the temporary market, housed in a modern blonde wood structure bang opposite the old one is a treasure trove of fish, meat, fruits, vegetables and cheeses, among other edible products. Speaking of which, why not breakfast at one of its many restaurants like Lisa Elmqvist that serve everything from cured salmon called gravlax to traditional Swedish dishes like smörgåsen sandwiches on crisp bread called knäckebröd that are buttered, with toppings such as hard cheese, cold cuts, caviar and messmör which is a sweet spread made from butter and whey?

10.00 A.M.
GROOVE YOUR WAY THOUGH THE ABBA MUSEUM
No trip to Sweden can ever be complete without paying homage in some way or form to the legendary 70s, Swedish-born musical quartet of ABBA. The interactive museum is perhaps unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with not just a permanent exhibition that is full of ABBA memorabilia like stage outfits, instruments, gold records and awards, but also affording you the opportunity to take center stage. The interactive experience here invites you to sing, dance, mix music and try out virtual stage outfits. You can also record your performance and download it from the museum’s homepage with the help of your ticket. Get, set…groove!

1.00 P.M.
TAKE A DETOUR TO IKEA
This one is for those who can’t get enough of the cutting edge Swedish design movement. And at the very vortex of this revolution is IKEA—the furniture and home décor chain store that defines the quintessential minimalistic ‘Scandie’ style. An hourly free shuttle bus service departing from outside Stockholm’s central train station takes you on a 20-minute ride to the world’s largest IKEA superstore on the outskirts of the city, where you can not only shop for your home, but also tuck into a lunch of the brand’s famed Swedish meatballs served with dill potatoes and lingonberry jam. And when you’re all done, simply hop back onto the shuttle for a free ride back into town!

5.00 P.M.
PAY HOMAGE TO OLD STOCKHOLM AT GAMLA STAN
Since its foundations were laid in 1252, Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan has been and continues to be one of Europe’s largest and best preserved medieval city centers. No great surprise then that it is a quaint, atmospheric part of the city, steeped in history, with narrow streets and grand buildings. It is also home to the stunning Royal Palace where one can often spot the current Queen of Sweden waving out from her balcony. Built in the Neoclassical style, with a Neo-Baroque façade fronted by large Corinthian columns, the Riksdaghuset or the Swedish Parliament is on the tiny island of Helgeandsholmen and is very much worth a visit. As is the Baroque-style Royal Cathedral of Sweden, the Storkyrkan, which is the oldest church in Gamla Stan. First built as a chapel in the 12th century, it was rebuilt as a basilica after a fire destroyed it in the 14th century.

7.30 P.M.
PARTAKE IN A FINE DINE VEGETARIAN MEAL AT RUTABAGA
Make your way here on foot from the Old Town and prepare yourself for a real treat! But first, make sure to have made your dinner reservations way in advance at Rutabaga, the all-veg restaurant by Michelin starred Chef Mathias Dahlgren at the Grand Hôtel in Södra Blasieholmshamnen. As the driving forces behind the New Nordic Cuisine and it’s “dig-where-you-are” ideology, Dahlgren puts out a tasting menu that has everything from a simple, yet evocative ceviche of avocado and jalapeno to grilled asparagus with a romesco sauce. And for dessert, tuck into a healthy olive oil sorbet that is served with thin slices of radish. 

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways https://www.jetairways.com/EN/DE/JetExperience/magazines.aspx)