The Silver Lining

Segueing luxuriously into both modern and traditional Indian decor aesthetics, silver in its myriad avatars makes for premium art and design pieces around the home. And not to mention, good investments!

By Raul Dias

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that in the context of home decor and design, silver has had a rather tumultuous existence. One that has been fraught with many ups and downs. Thankfully, with more of the former rather than the latter. In most traditional Indian home decor aesthetics, the precious metal has had a starring role for centuries. 

From silver jhulas to silver urlis and vases overflowing with mogras and marigolds, the metal has always been rather omnipresent in homes across the length and width of the land. However, as far as the modern, urban home decor aesthetic is concerned, over the last decade or so, silver has been slowly edged out in favour of the more linear, warm wood-centric, minimalistic, Scandinavian approach to home decor and design that places very little premium on shiny, ostentatious embellishments and curios.

But as far as the soon-approaching New Year goes, we predict that silver will be back with a bang. Shining its brilliant best as design and decor objet d'art and key investment pieces in homes across India!

Shining with versatility

Subscribing to the idea that silverware can fit into any type of home decor, be it modern or traditional is silver expert Prashant Sarawgi who is also the Founder and Managing Director of SR Artefacts, a company that specialises in sliver home decor articles and collectables. “Traditionally, silverware has been used to decorate homes of royalty and was considered to be a status symbol. Detailed nakashi and meenakari work add great value to the very colourful aesthetic of Indian decor. Since time immemorial, Europe and Latin America have been making silver articles for home decor. Candle stands and tureen bowls for example, work wonderfully in a home with western decor aesthetics,” believes Prashant.

Weighing in on this is Vandana Sarawgi, Brand Partner of silverware brand Episode Silver. “For a typical Indian home, one could use more thematic design and pieces like silver idols, carved boxes and bowls to complete the look.  For western home decor, contemporary pieces crafted in modern designs and finishes like mirrors, photo frames, laminates and candle stands could work wonderfully,” advices Vandana.

Giving us another perspective, by decorating one’s home with silver jewellery is silver jewellery and home decor designer Sangeeta Boochra, who hails from a family of Indian silversmiths who have been in the business since the mid-1800s. “There are multiple ways to decorate one's home with jewellery pieces. Vintage necklaces and bracelets can be framed in wood, while silver earrings on a wooden palette and these then placed on a feature wall make for great statement pieces. A silver hand harness or a maangtika can directly be framed on a marble slab or an onyx cut stone and placed as a decorative piece. The possibilities are endless,” says Sangeeta.

Making the bank!

Coming to the investment potential of silver, we see that the sky is truly the limit. A quick market analysis shows us that silver as a precious metal has increased 65% in last five months. No other metal has shown this sort of phenomenal rise. And in the past as well if we see the records, silver has always outperformed all other metals. Echoing this is Prashant who says that silver art piece keep appreciating in time. “Not just equivalent to their intrinsic silver value but also as they are not so easily found and manufactured any more. Therefore, of course silver art pieces work as great investment.”

Comparing silver home decor pieces to similar porcelain, ceramic or glass pieces, Vandana feels that they are definitely a far better investment. “Not only will the value of silver appreciate with time, it is also not as delicate and breakable as other materials used for home decor. Silver being a precious metal not only adds a luxurious and distinctive element, but is something that has an heirloom value,” says Vandana.

According to Sangeeta, silver even outperforms gold. “There are so many characteristics to the metal which no other metal has. Articles can be handcrafted in silver as it is a very soft metal, which is not possible in any other metal other than gold,” says Sangeeta. “For instance, anything made in silver is half the weight as compared to gold, as gold is heavier in weight when compared to silver. So let’s say an article in silver weighs 50 grams, the same piece in gold would come out to be 100 grams. So this gives an advantage to silver over gold as well.”

So, will 2021 be the Renaissance year that heralds the return of silverware art and decor pieces in our homes? Well, we’re surely hedging our bets on that and so should you!

Three tips for decorating with silver from our three experts

• Silver laminates are the latest trend in home decor and are used extensively to clad furniture and even walls.

• An all-time favourite as a grand silver idol at the entrance may be one of Lord Ganesha. 

• A silver chowky, traditionally used only in marriages, is one of the most useful items that one can own. It can be used as a foot stool in front of a lounging chair, as a magazine stand, or even as a planter base.  

(An edited version of this piece was first published in the December 2020 issue of LuxeBook magazine https://www.luxebook.in/)

Sip by Sip...

India's new-fangled love affair with premium whiskies is one that is growing stronger everyday. One luxurious sip at a time!

By Raul Dias

 “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough.”

--Mark Twain

It is almost as though Twain was looking into the future and prophesying the current premium whisky scene in India today. For gone are the days when generous ‘Patiala Pegs' were splashed forth from bottles of inexpensive and rather pedestrian whisky brands that we Indians loved to indulge in.

Today, there is a paradigm shift in the way we consume...nay, enjoy our whiskies. Sipping them almost reverentially, instead of gulping them down. Admiring that sunlit, almost amber hue of the libation. Taking in that heady aroma and then savouring its smoky, peaty depths of flavour. All this, before letting it gently glide down our throats. Yes, that's what sipping a premium whisky does to one. It takes you into its wonders almost instantaneously, ensnaring you for good. 

Evolution is everything 

It is safe to say that the last four to five years have seen the premium whisky consumption scene in India evolve more rapidly than ever before. Higher disposable income, frequent international travels and rapid digitisation leading to higher levels of awareness, are just a few of the reasons for this evolution. 

Interestingly, the consumption of premium whiskies though, has largely been dominated by Scotch whiskies. Both Premium Blended Scotch whisky with brands like Royal Salute 21, Chivas Regal 25, Blue Label Ghost and Rare among others and by Single Malt Scotch whiskies. “When I look at the imports, I think the field has broadened from just Scotch whisky and Jack Daniel’s. Irish whiskey and Jameson was the first to make headway, followed by, I would say Bourbon brands like Jim Beam,” opines Vikram Achanta, Founder and CEO of Tulleeho which is a drinks education, training and consulting firm.

The Japanese invasion

But there is also another disruptor nipping close at the heels, aka. Japanese whisky. “Over the past few years, Japanese whiskies have gained (strength in India) owing to their soaring popularity globally and lack of supply which makes them very elusive,” say Vinayak Singh and Swati Sharma who are the co-founders of The Dram Club, a platform that endeavours to bring whisky enthusiasts and aficionados together and to create a community for people to enjoy and appreciate their whiskies. 

Echoing this sentiment of the elusiveness of Japanese premium whisky brands is Achanta. “Among the Japanese brands, Yamazaki and Hibiki have proved very popular, in spite of their price point, partially also due their scarcity. Yet, there are still some Japanese brands like Toki that are available at an affordable INR 4,000”.

Desi does it too!

When it comes to Indian whisky, experts seem extremely bullish about their success in the premium whisky category. And rightly so. We have recently seen newer brands like both Amrut and Paul John pave the way here, with a wide, ever-evolving selection of some truly premium, world-class whiskies. “The bottled in India scene is also going through a constant churn. Brands like 100 Pipers are broadening their product selection, with the latest being the launch of their HP 8yo Blended Malt. William Grant and Sons have also recently launched a special whisky for the Indian palate (called) Grant’s Distinction,” says Achanta, who also suggests watching out for Rampur with it’s impending launch in the domestic market. 

It is also the local consumer who is the most important catalyst in this shift towards new Indian premium whisky brands. “Today we have home-grown single malts and blends speaking to a younger audience, connecting with them a lot more than their grandfather's brands did. So this is what they aspire to. While the numbers may be just a fraction of the sub-premium category, it is still a growing segment, one that brands find value in investing in,” believes Karina Agarwal, Beverage Consultant and Founder - Director, Gigglewater Beverage Concepts who goes on to site the example of Oaksmith, launched by the Beam Suntory group involved a Japanese distillery creating a 'world blend' especially for India, that's been quite popular recently. 

Trend spotting

There has also been a change in how we consume our premium whisky today. Whisky, which was earlier considered a drink for the elite and the snobs is now breaking into new consumer segments. According to Singh and Sharma, female consumption of whisky is the biggest trend that the industry is witnessing. “More and more women are now independent and earning for themselves and they are not shying away from spending on new experiences and indulgences- premium whisky is definitely one on their list. Brands are also trying to break through the stereotypes and position it as a more accessible spirit of choice.”

Cheers to that, we say!

(An edited version of this piece was first published in the November 2020 issue of LuxeBook magazine https://www.luxebook.in/)

Some Like it Hot!

Move over icy cocktails, for it is time to make way for a plethora of boozy drinks—from hot mulled wines and warm spicy toddies this festive winter season.

By Raul Dias

Quick question: what are the first few things that come to your mind when you hear the word ‘cocktail’? Tall, icy glasses and tumblers filled with colourful, alcohol-laced libations and topped off with imaginative garnishes would be some of the first to describe the drinks that both refresh and give you a slight buzz in equal measure. 

Well, not quite in this case! We are here to shake things up (pun intended!) a wee bit with a few cocktail iterations that trod the off beaten path. A path that is ultra-seasonal and one that takes you on an alcoholic ride no less potent. We are waxing eloquent about the hot or at the very least warm cocktails that make their annual presence felt the moment the mercury takes a little a southward dive. 

Here is looking at everything from hot mulled wines to warm spicy toddies and boozy buttered rums. All perfect drinks to warm the cockles of your heart this festive winter season. And what is even better is that you can make each of them at home yourselves!

Spiced Cinnamon Hot Toddy

At Silver Beach Café, Mumbai

Bourbon and maple with hints of spice makes this hot alcoholic beverage conceptualised by Iven Henry Raghwan, Senior Bar Manager at Silver Beach Cafe, Bandra, Mumbai the perfect choice for a nippy evening. The flavourful sweetness of maple does not overpower the notes of the Bourbon, yet it allows the spices to take over subtly and hit the right notes, just like the perfect melody! 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup maple syrup or cane sugar 

3/4 cup warm water 

Red chilly to taste 

2 whole cinnamon sticks

2 squeezed fresh lemon

2 ounces Bourbon

Hot water (as required)

Star anise (for garnish)

Method:

* Add maple syrup/sweetener, water, cinnamon sticks, chilly to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook and simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and let it cool for 20 minutes or longer. Strain and store for use. 

* For one glass add half of the lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of the prepared spicy syrup, Bourbon and hot water to top.

* Throw in a stick of cinnamon and allow the drink to pull in the flavour of the spice.

* Garnish with star anise, a lemon slice and serve warm. 

Café Pluck Nutella Hot Coffee

At Café Pluck, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

There is nothing quite like a cup of coffee, is there? Now, imagine few sips of the aromatic magic with an amazing combination of Nutella, and Baileys Irish Cream and you are suddenly awake and motivated to tackle your day head on. This hot cocktail, perfect for a chilly Sunday mid-day brunch is an explosion of flavours and textures and is the concoction of Café Pluck’s Assistant Manager, Mayank Pander all deceptively served up in a tall sundae glass.

Ingredients:

1 shot espresso coffee  

1 shot milk

1 tbsp Nutella

2 tbsp whipped cream

1 shot Baileys Irish Cream

Coffee, chocolate powder and chocolate cookies (for garnish)

Method:

* Take one shot  hot espresso in a sundae glass and slowly mix Nutella into the coffee.

* Add one shot of Baileys.

* Make a nice froth from hot, full cream milk and top it up over the coffee.

* Take whipped cream and nicely whip it over the coffee.

* Garnish it with crushed coffee, chocolate powder and chocolate cookies.

 

Hot Buttered Rum

At Artisan, Sofitel Mumbai BKC

This hot cocktail is especially popular in the fall and winter and is traditionally associated with the holiday season. “What makes it special is that it suits the Indian plate really well, with the use of spice and rum,” says Rajesh Singh, bar executive at Artisan, Sofitel Mumbai BKC who recently came up with this drink.

Ingredients:

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp butter (soft)

1 dash ground cinnamon

1 dash ground nutmeg

1 dash ground allspice

1 splash vanilla extract

2 ounces Bacardi Gold Rum

5 ounces hot water 

Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Method:

* In mixing bowl, combine butter, vanilla extract, sugar and spices. Beat until well combined.   

* In heat-proof glass or mug, combine aged rum with 1 ounce (2 tbsp) spiced butter mixture. Remaining mixture can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for future use.

* Top with hot water and stir until ingredients are well incorporated. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

 

Mulled Wine

At Plum by Bentchair, New Delhi 

Dubbed the '#Plumazing Mulled Wine', this easy-to-prepare riff on a traditional mulled wine by Plum by Bentchair's Corporate Mixologist, Raj Negi is a beautiful meld of red wine, honey, orange zest, and spices to make you feel the pleasure of warmth in this chilly weather.

Ingredients:

150 ml red wine

15 ml honey

A pinch of orange zest

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

2 cloves

Orange slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Method:

* Add all the ingredients in a saucepan simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes.

*  Serve warm and garnish with orange slice and cinnamon sticks.

(An edited version of this piece was first published in the November 2020 issue of LuxeBook magazine https://www.luxebook.in/)