For now, enjoy my Diwali article, and please click on it to zoom and read.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Diwali article in Khaleej Times!
Hi Guys, I just realized that an article of mine on Diwali came out in the Weekend Magazine of Khaleej Times over the weekend. I've scanned the article for you guys below if you want to have a read. I was asked to write about what Diwali means to me and what traditions I follow on the big day. Also, if you haven't already, please go get the latest issue of Ahlan Masala and check out the Bloggers feature they did on Kiran's Corner, and my pick for the most "blog worthy Asian."
For now, enjoy my Diwali article, and please click on it to zoom and read.
For now, enjoy my Diwali article, and please click on it to zoom and read.
My Fave French Restaurants around the world
So it could either be that Dr Shefali has me eating next to nothing (no carbs, sugar, gluten, dairy,eggs, lentils, soy,etc etc etc) that has me thinking constantly of food, or Gwyneth Paltrow's review on her blog of her favourite restaurants, that made me want to do the same. Since there are too many to name in one post, I decided to split them by cuisine, rather than country, to give you guys an idea of my favourite restaurants in the world. Also, I'm tired of doing so many fashion posts!
If you remember this post of mine you'll remember how intrinsically French Food is woven in with memories of my Late Father. He absolutely adored his French meals, a trait that I and all my family members inherited from him. In fact, not liking it was not really a choice- when younger, we were only allowed to glance at the prix-fixe menu, written in all French, before we had our elaborate meal of 5-plus courses ordered for us. This was before the days we learnt the French words for things like rabbit, kidneys, pigeon, etc, and realized that was what we were being fed! All we had to help us out were our taste buds, and a glass of wine that my Father insisted we enjoy. [Funny story- my Father himself was a complete teetotaler and never touched the thing, but insisted we-especially I, being the youngest by many years, have a glass or two in front of him so I'd never be tempted to drink behind his back. I grew up however, loving my Vodka and hating champagne and wine, so definitely don't try this strategy at home! Years later when my parents came to visit me while at college, my apartment was completely cleaned out of all traces of alcohol, but I forgot the Vodka that was kept in the Freezer. I almost had a panic attack as my Father opened it and pulled out a Jumbo sized bottle out and looked at me in horror. "I'm dead" I thought, as I waited for him to read me the riot act, but I'll never forget what he said after. "Kiru!" he said, shocked and appalled, "You drink ABSOLUT??!!" Being a liquor manufacturer, he was horrified by my choice in brand!]
But I digress! Back to my post... here are my top 3 favourite French restaurants in the world-
Le Gavroche, London-
I believe a great meal has as much to do with the memories associated with the meal, as much as it does with the food. There might be better French restaurants in London, many more renowned and even a few 3 star Michelin options. However, I grew up eating at Gavroche and if I had to pick my all time favourite French restaurant in the world, this would be it. This two-star Michelin restaurant run by celebrity chef Michel Roux, was my introduction to gastronomy and has since, maintained it's charm and allure, as much as it has it's quality of food. I've literally never had a bad meal there. My Father would be very happy to escort us, his four women there, and would beam with pride as we raved about the food, starting with the amuse-bouche had at the lounge upstairs, right up to their incredible deserts and Petit Fours had in the main dining room. Unfortunately I haven't been there in a few years, as my visits to London haven't been as often, but I've heard it's just as good as it's always been, and is definitely worth a visit!
Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence-
In complete contrast to Gavroche, that I've been to time and time again, I've only visited Enoteca Pinchiorri once in my life two years back. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world, so you can imagine when ONE visit is enough to make a restaurant into my all time favourites list, how absolutely fabulously DIVINE the food must have been. To celebrate my Mother's 60th birthday she had taken my two sisters and I on an amazing vacation to Rome and Florence, and Enoteca is where we'd booked us in for her birthday dinner. All we knew of the place was that it was a 3 star Michelin restaurant and had rave reviews, but none of us had been there before. We were blown away. Not only was the food exquisite, but the service we got that evening was beyond anything I'd ever experienced. To bring my mum's little cake out, they even turned off all the lights in the main living room, with us thinking, "oh crap! The electricity's gone!" for a few seconds (the after effects of living in India for 6 years I guess!) Everything was decorated to PERFECTION and the attention to the tiniest details could be clearly seen. The food was more Italian-French rather than plain French, and was just incredible. I didn't have my blog then so the idea of photographing the food never occurred to me, but here are some pictures I did take that night to give you an idea of what I'm talking about-
I think this was a picture of the ice cream or sorbet that night. Everything was just as elaborately presented!
My Mother, smiling as her birthday cake surprise was brought out in the dark. The entire staff, as well as the restaurant joined us is singing "Happy Birthday" for her. Does she look 60 to you? :)
Le Pont De Brent, Switzerland-
Going back to my post I did here I'd mentioned that I'm convinced the only reason we even had a house in Switzerland is because my Father LOVED the French Food there. Obviously being cut off from civilization and being able to enjoy nature, etc, also had to play a role, but I'm sure it was more the food than anything else. Our house in Montreuax is situated slightly up on the hills and is far removed from even the main restaurants and shopping of the city. Our days there used to be pretty basic with my Father doing the driving and my Mother, the cooking. We'd go for long drives and have very elaborate lunches and were usually too stuffed to have a full dinner which suited my Mum just fine. But on days we wanted a great meal close by, we headed to Le Pont De Brent a couple of times each trip. It became our neighborhood restaurant so to speak, as it just took us less than 10 minutes to get there. The food was always out of this world, and we always had personalized attention given to us in the tiny, cozy restaurant. Imagine my surprise then, that while researching it yesterday, I found out it is a 3 star Michelin restaurant! I don't know if they had their rating back then, but I can definitely say it was very well deserved. My Mother is vegetarian and back in the 80's and early 90's it was very hard for her to get great French food, and Le Pont was always the one place where she relished her meals as they always made an effort to prepare Veg-friendly options. In fact all 3 restaurants I've mentioned above, are also her favourites, so if you're vegetarian you can definitely visit and not worry about getting fed only grass.
Apart from these three favourites there are also a few that perhaps should get honourable mentions. Americans for some reason just CANNOT get French food right and I've eaten at what are supposed to be best restaurants, and hated the food. My best friend in fact refuses to go to any French restaurant with me because she says I complain about the food non-stop.. she is right. I went to the restaurant of 3 star Michelin chef, Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, and had food poisoning and was in bed for 3 days after, so I would say I have good reason to complain too. L'Atelier de Joel Rubichon however, is the only restaurant in America where they have French style of cooking done right. Very American influenced, but really great food. Visit the one at the Four Seasons in New York though, as I wasn't impressed with the food at their restaurant in Vegas.
Another honourable mention has to be Zodiac Grill in Bombay. This along with Golden Dragon (for Chinese at the same hotel) were our standard Saturday night meals when we were kids. Their age limit was 18, but they used to sneak me in and have my back facing the restaurant so no-one would spot me. I still have dreams about their Camembert Dariole.. The best cheese souffle I've ever had!
In Dubai again, any French restaurant has yet to impress me, although I've heard fabulous things about Pierre Gagnaire's restaurant, Reflets.
Anyhow, hope for all the foodies out there, hope this post was helpful!
-
If you remember this post of mine you'll remember how intrinsically French Food is woven in with memories of my Late Father. He absolutely adored his French meals, a trait that I and all my family members inherited from him. In fact, not liking it was not really a choice- when younger, we were only allowed to glance at the prix-fixe menu, written in all French, before we had our elaborate meal of 5-plus courses ordered for us. This was before the days we learnt the French words for things like rabbit, kidneys, pigeon, etc, and realized that was what we were being fed! All we had to help us out were our taste buds, and a glass of wine that my Father insisted we enjoy. [Funny story- my Father himself was a complete teetotaler and never touched the thing, but insisted we-especially I, being the youngest by many years, have a glass or two in front of him so I'd never be tempted to drink behind his back. I grew up however, loving my Vodka and hating champagne and wine, so definitely don't try this strategy at home! Years later when my parents came to visit me while at college, my apartment was completely cleaned out of all traces of alcohol, but I forgot the Vodka that was kept in the Freezer. I almost had a panic attack as my Father opened it and pulled out a Jumbo sized bottle out and looked at me in horror. "I'm dead" I thought, as I waited for him to read me the riot act, but I'll never forget what he said after. "Kiru!" he said, shocked and appalled, "You drink ABSOLUT??!!" Being a liquor manufacturer, he was horrified by my choice in brand!]
But I digress! Back to my post... here are my top 3 favourite French restaurants in the world-
Le Gavroche, London-
Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence-
I think this was a picture of the ice cream or sorbet that night. Everything was just as elaborately presented!
My Mother, smiling as her birthday cake surprise was brought out in the dark. The entire staff, as well as the restaurant joined us is singing "Happy Birthday" for her. Does she look 60 to you? :)
Le Pont De Brent, Switzerland-
Going back to my post I did here I'd mentioned that I'm convinced the only reason we even had a house in Switzerland is because my Father LOVED the French Food there. Obviously being cut off from civilization and being able to enjoy nature, etc, also had to play a role, but I'm sure it was more the food than anything else. Our house in Montreuax is situated slightly up on the hills and is far removed from even the main restaurants and shopping of the city. Our days there used to be pretty basic with my Father doing the driving and my Mother, the cooking. We'd go for long drives and have very elaborate lunches and were usually too stuffed to have a full dinner which suited my Mum just fine. But on days we wanted a great meal close by, we headed to Le Pont De Brent a couple of times each trip. It became our neighborhood restaurant so to speak, as it just took us less than 10 minutes to get there. The food was always out of this world, and we always had personalized attention given to us in the tiny, cozy restaurant. Imagine my surprise then, that while researching it yesterday, I found out it is a 3 star Michelin restaurant! I don't know if they had their rating back then, but I can definitely say it was very well deserved. My Mother is vegetarian and back in the 80's and early 90's it was very hard for her to get great French food, and Le Pont was always the one place where she relished her meals as they always made an effort to prepare Veg-friendly options. In fact all 3 restaurants I've mentioned above, are also her favourites, so if you're vegetarian you can definitely visit and not worry about getting fed only grass.
Apart from these three favourites there are also a few that perhaps should get honourable mentions. Americans for some reason just CANNOT get French food right and I've eaten at what are supposed to be best restaurants, and hated the food. My best friend in fact refuses to go to any French restaurant with me because she says I complain about the food non-stop.. she is right. I went to the restaurant of 3 star Michelin chef, Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, and had food poisoning and was in bed for 3 days after, so I would say I have good reason to complain too. L'Atelier de Joel Rubichon however, is the only restaurant in America where they have French style of cooking done right. Very American influenced, but really great food. Visit the one at the Four Seasons in New York though, as I wasn't impressed with the food at their restaurant in Vegas.
Another honourable mention has to be Zodiac Grill in Bombay. This along with Golden Dragon (for Chinese at the same hotel) were our standard Saturday night meals when we were kids. Their age limit was 18, but they used to sneak me in and have my back facing the restaurant so no-one would spot me. I still have dreams about their Camembert Dariole.. The best cheese souffle I've ever had!
In Dubai again, any French restaurant has yet to impress me, although I've heard fabulous things about Pierre Gagnaire's restaurant, Reflets.
Anyhow, hope for all the foodies out there, hope this post was helpful!
-
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Latest Chanel bags!
I guess this post really needs no introduction after the obvious title. Let's get straight into it and check out the gorgeous bags!-
However blah you think the bag above looks, you have NO idea just how beautiful it is in real life. I spotted my friend Vandana Bhatia carry it recently and I was about to pounce on it across the room. The colour is perfect for Fall, the leather INCREDIBLY supple and luxurious and it is just ultra stylish, very young and PERFECT. I in fact had even returned my PS1 because I was lusting after this bag so much and was so happy when I found out Chanel in Bur Juman had one piece left! I went today and was ITCHING to buy it, but just felt really bad as I know how much I hate it when somebody goes out and buys the exact same thing I have. Anyhow, if you're interested and live in Dubai, Chanel Bur Juman as of today has one piece on hold for me (which will be put back on the shop floor tomorrow) and Wafi has the same one in all black. If you're not in the UAE or the stores here are sold out, please contact Linda at Bergdorf's to ship the bag to you.
And moving on...
Grey and Tan small flap handbag- USD 2350
The Maxi and Jumbo bags are soon becoming scarce like the Birkins, and recently had a price increase of 40% (no you didn't read wrong- FORTY PERCENT!!!) and apparently are set to increase (like Hermes bags) year on year. Anyhow, the red caviar is one of the hottest colours and is a great buy!
Please contact Linda David from Bergdorf Goodman's at lindampreston@yahoo.com for prices, information or to purchase any of the items listed above
-
Fall's hottest shoes!!
Ok, ok.. I know I just recently did a post about the latest shoe fashions but if you look at that post, they were more the comfy types to run around in. The shoes picked out for this post are for anyone BUT the comfort seekers! Here are my favourite sexy fall shoes-
Alexander McQueen- Black leather zip-front Pirate boot with golden metal heel and trim- USD 3,995
Pics courtesy Bergdorf Goodmans.
Please contact Linda David from Bergdorf Goodmans at lindampreston@yahoo.com for prices, information or to purchase any of the items shown above
-
Dries Van Noten- USD 735
Giuseppe Zanotti- Brown/tan dyed ocelot print pony haired platform bootie- USD 1,195
Fendi- Boot with rubber toe and lace up detail- USD 900
Givenchy Red leather lace-up bootie- USD 1190. Also available in black.
Miu Miu- Black natte crepe pump with metal flowers and bow- USD 990
Gravati loafers- available in different colours in croc and ostrich leathers- USD 895
Pics courtesy Bergdorf Goodmans.
Please contact Linda David from Bergdorf Goodmans at lindampreston@yahoo.com for prices, information or to purchase any of the items shown above
-
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Randi Rahm Trunk Show at Bergdorfs
I'm absolutely in LOVE with the gowns from designer Randi Rahm, who recently had a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman's in New York. Her gowns are not only stunning just as they are, but if you have a specific party to go for or a specific colour in mind, THEY ARE COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE! You can add a sleeve, change the colour, make it long, make it short... wear it however you want! Here are some pictures of the dresses... personally I love them just the way they are!
Please contact Linda David from Bergdorf Goodman's for at lindampreston@yahoo.com for prices, information or to purchase any of the items shown above.
-
-
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sony Playstation Phone revealed today!
If you're a hardcore gamer, or even if you just LOVE your PSP, this news will make you very, very happy indeed! Tech blog Engadget has today uncovered the details behind a Playstation phone that Sony has apparently been working on, and is due for release sometime soon. The device apparently is running Android 3.0 and has a special Sony Marketplace that allows you to download Playstation games onto the device. If this is real (and it is) it is going to KILL competition and be THE phone of the future. Sony Ericsson have always done an incredible job of having incredible looking phones that have all the bells and whistles- you only need to look at the Xperia X10 to understand what I'm talking about. Where (according to me of course) Sony Ericsson fails in the market? Their pricing and availability. The phones usually get leaked and create so much hype and keep getting postponed and postponed... that by the time they're finally out, they look like old news. If the Playstation group is involved in this project however, and they must be, the execution of this device will be flawless! You really can't beat an open Android system, full PSP games and a Sony trademark kick-ass camera installed in a device!
I have it pretty much confirmed that this phone is in fact real, but that's really all I can say for now. In the meantime, look at the pictures below (taken from the Engadget website) and drool!
I have it pretty much confirmed that this phone is in fact real, but that's really all I can say for now. In the meantime, look at the pictures below (taken from the Engadget website) and drool!
Fashionable Kids and what they wear
Gucci has picked the most fashionable Mom of them all, JLo to pose with her twins, Max and Emme for their first kids campaign. Here are some of the pics-
Here are some stills from the kids collection by Stella. I'm absolutely loving the one on the far right!
SO cute!
If you're looking for something budget-friendly, yet ultra chic for your recessionista baby, I think this Gap onesie is the cutest thing I have seen in a long, long time!
-
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Umar Sayeed at Dubai Fashion Week!
My good friend Mariya Kassam, owner of Soiree Boutique, decided to take part in Dubai Fashion Week and showcase her fabulous designer, Umar Sayeed's latest collection. The show took place last evening, and was a shared show with designers Meher and Riddhima showing their collection first.
Now a few words about Dubai Fashion Week- It is, in a word- sad. I've never heard of the designers showcasing there, and if some of the work in the tents I saw outside the show yesterday are anything to go by, I can understand why. I haven't been to one of these fashion shows in ages, and after the terrible organization I witnessed yesterday, I'm not about to go to another one anytime soon. My friends and I had tickets to be on the Front row, but instead found someone else in our seats, and were shoved on the side (and when I say shoved, I mean literally pushed) and made to stand and watch instead. It is a shame that the organizers can even TRY to compare themselves with the "Fashion Weeks" the world over, and the fact that a lot of the top designers in the UAE decided to show their collections last week is quite a telling sign of what they think of DFW. I've really gone to college fashion shows that are better organized- and I'm not even exaggerating.
My friends and I decided to stand and watch the show not only to support Mariya, but also to see the stunning Umar Sayeed pieces that were to come down the ramp. Sayeed has for this collection, been inspired by the works of the famous Pakistani artist, Sadequain, whose artworks I've recently acquired for my new home. Mariya knew I'd appreciate the translation of his work into Fashion, that too by the extremely talented Umar Sayeed no less, and had insisted I make the show. I wasn't about to let the DFW staff ruin that for me!
After the Meher and Riddima first half was done, the lights were dimmed and a slideshow of Sadequain's works were showed on two giant screens, followed by the showstopper of the evening- a Model wearing a jacket with a 6 feet trail of works from a Sadequain mural walked from the corner of the room, up the ramp to the back of the stage. Never before has a fashion show ever given me goosebumps like I had at that very moment! Ok I'll stop here and let some of the pictures do the talking-
The Showstopper!
An Umar Sayeed dress, with a close-up of the Sadequain detailing
Few more pieces from the collection
Those who witnessed the show will vouch that the dresses were exquisite and were art in themselves. Sadequain would be proud!
-
Now a few words about Dubai Fashion Week- It is, in a word- sad. I've never heard of the designers showcasing there, and if some of the work in the tents I saw outside the show yesterday are anything to go by, I can understand why. I haven't been to one of these fashion shows in ages, and after the terrible organization I witnessed yesterday, I'm not about to go to another one anytime soon. My friends and I had tickets to be on the Front row, but instead found someone else in our seats, and were shoved on the side (and when I say shoved, I mean literally pushed) and made to stand and watch instead. It is a shame that the organizers can even TRY to compare themselves with the "Fashion Weeks" the world over, and the fact that a lot of the top designers in the UAE decided to show their collections last week is quite a telling sign of what they think of DFW. I've really gone to college fashion shows that are better organized- and I'm not even exaggerating.
My friends and I decided to stand and watch the show not only to support Mariya, but also to see the stunning Umar Sayeed pieces that were to come down the ramp. Sayeed has for this collection, been inspired by the works of the famous Pakistani artist, Sadequain, whose artworks I've recently acquired for my new home. Mariya knew I'd appreciate the translation of his work into Fashion, that too by the extremely talented Umar Sayeed no less, and had insisted I make the show. I wasn't about to let the DFW staff ruin that for me!
After the Meher and Riddima first half was done, the lights were dimmed and a slideshow of Sadequain's works were showed on two giant screens, followed by the showstopper of the evening- a Model wearing a jacket with a 6 feet trail of works from a Sadequain mural walked from the corner of the room, up the ramp to the back of the stage. Never before has a fashion show ever given me goosebumps like I had at that very moment! Ok I'll stop here and let some of the pictures do the talking-
Those who witnessed the show will vouch that the dresses were exquisite and were art in themselves. Sadequain would be proud!
-
Monday, October 25, 2010
Corto Moltedo Trunk Show in the UAE
If you're reading the Title of this post going, "Corto What?" don't worry.. that was my reaction too. It was only when Natasha Jethwani, a friend of mine who is organizing the trunk show explained to me what the brand represented did I understand what the excitement was about. "Corto what" is apparently not the question to ask, it is "Corto Who"... and what a 'Who' he is! Corto Moltedo is the son of Laura and Vittorio Moltedo, the Founders of Bottega Veneta, and apparently has inherited his parents gift of translating exotic leathers into luxurious handbags.
The Trunk Show is going to be held in Abu Dhabi on November 20th, and in Dubai on and the 21st, and Dubai on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th so do check out their stuff and maybe email Natasha for any custom orders or reservations. I'll leave the details at the end of the post. First, here are some pics of the bags-
Madonna carrying a Corto-customized "Mdolla" clutch
For further questions or inquiries please email corto.uae@gmail.com
-
The Trunk Show is going to be held in Abu Dhabi on November 20th
Wall full of special colours and skins in a clutch that closely resembles the famous Bottega "knot"
Love this clutch!
I can't tell if I quite like this bag yet, but it definitely is interesting!
For further questions or inquiries please email corto.uae@gmail.com
-
The Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel
Ok I've gotten into a terrible new habit of buying new stuff (especially handbags!) only to return them later. First I did that with my Hermes Gypsiere in canvas and then it was the Hermes reversible tote (yup, both went back) and now, this is the third one on my list- the Proenza Schouler PS1. I was eying this lovely bag in Barneys in New York but didn't get it, only for me to lust after it some more when I was here. I ordered it from Net-a-Porter and was so excited till it arrived and I opened the box.. and then I didn't quite want it anymore. I think the PS1 will be the same for me like the Chloe Paddington- LOVE it, but just not enough to own it.
Anyhow, back to the PS1, I loved it in the suede and I especially loved the colour. Aah well...
Anyhow, back to the PS1, I loved it in the suede and I especially loved the colour. Aah well...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
