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Stress buster, thy new name is RETAIL THERAPY!!!!

Stress buster, thy new name is RETAIL THERAPY!!!!

Quite walks at a park or lakeside are for archrivals’ folder by name “Random”. The new mantra is “Retail and not retaliate” a culture which in the recent past has taken the individuals and economies in a high tide. 

Wikipedia the most preferred online encyclopedia defines Retail Therapy as ‘Shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition.’ I call it a paradise of Oniomaniacs.

Gone are the pictures in your album in front of the most famous historical sites. A woman today would put her profile picture carrying a “Louis Vuitton “bag in her arm. Men love to boast their Armanis’

A sinful indulgence is not regretted when it comes to Retail Therapy.  A product from a coveted brand over shadows your entire lifestyle. A few bucks extra (well over here a little too extra ;-)..) makes you the talk of the town. Then why wouldn’t I indulge and inspire?

With growing internet shopping sites like fashionandyou.com, dealsandyou.com, bagit.com, 99labels.com, has raised eyebrows with the authentic and hallmark deliverance of these products. The original fake market in Shenzhen, China draws more crowds than the Original landmark shores of designers. But still end of the day, it’s not money wise spent but money well spent. 

The “Original Fake Market Capital” in China, makes way for not so affordable brands as affordable..And the best part you get to change the style without any regrets or remorse.  But originals have their class and you will completely agree on it.

Malls are driving culture of a indispensable lifestyle. The lure and attraction towards a mall than a standalone store is more diverse and enigmatic.  The choice, ability to change a perception and willingness to spend higher is seen more prominently in a “Mall Culture”.  But the debatable topic remains to differentiate a Mall and a Shopping Centre. Both, in their own distinguished ways feed the desire of Shop’ O’ maniacs. But it’s the Mall’s as a complete package that offer therapies for retail obsessive.

The paradigm of a Mall Obsessive Shopper is wider and demanding.  Today a Mall in India, offers anything from “Shopping under one Roof” concept, to Multiplex viewing, to dining and entertainment options.  But how many malls to really promote the Visual extravaganzas or Walk around entertainment and cherish able spectacles?  Not many to my knowledge.

The much misunderstood concept today is Retail therapy. Just opening a few stores and having all elements of shopping is not Retail Therapy.  Smallest of nuances and detailing have to be covered to give that exceptional element of a “WOW” feeling and a want for opulent indulgence and nurture the feeling of Showstopper when at a Mall. So much,  to build the foundation to let experience the Retail pleasures.

The nicety of retail ventures are much guarded with the fact that none should dissipate the virtue of a experience. Guarded well are the principles supported by strong rave of singulars’, space constraints of community venues and limited resources, Malls and Retail ventures would be in game lock for long.

Adding refined fuel to the fire as I would like to call it are the “SALE” periods which draw the much affording and not so affording crowds to such venues.  The splendid show here turns into woe for many.  But still they do want to splurge in the same, where factors of  “ Value for Money”  rules.

India, as now is opening well to the understanding of Retail and such avenues provide a stepping stone to “Hard earned money well spent” without being very resilient.  

So, with every new Mall opening- I’m ready for a splurge in Kingdom of Retail keeping off realities during the time.  Bring on the Retail Therapist…

From Vintage to Versatile - Kitchen herbs and their new Avatars in concoctions.

From Vintage to  Versatile - Kitchen herbs and their new Avatars in concoctions.

 Sir Thomas Moore once said, “A man taking basil from a woman will love her always."Now, men love to consume the delicious and opulent concoctions prepared with Basil – The legendary herb.  This makes me more diligent to not only re do but re inspire my Kitchen garden.  

Fresh out of Grandma’s kitchen were these lovely herbs of Basil, Oregano, Curry Leaves,  Aloe vera, Mint, Doddapatre (Coleus aromaticus ) and many more which went into daily cooking not only for remedial purpose, but also taste, aroma and flavors.                                 

Much inspired as east if from west, equal influences have been made vice a verse.  The famous Buddha Bar by George V entertainment vehemently applauds of its signature cocktail “ Gauthama Thulasi” with not only toxic ting but therapeutic contents of  Basil infused Vodka and a generous serving of Passion Fruit.

                                                          

As we today sprinkle a generous helping of Oregano(Origanum vulgare )  on our salads, pizzas and pastas, little do we know that 0.5 gms of Oregano contains antioxidants matching that of 4 bowls of anti oxidant fruits and 2 glasses of water.  A dry or fresh serving of these herbs, not only help in treating common colds and bacterial infections, but also help in a good blood circulations.With such influence, we seem to have surpassed the simple Tambuli recipe made by our Grandmothers with Doddaptre leaves…

The strong flavor of these herbs remains in whatever condition stored in- fresh, frozen or dried.  Creating a tail spinning experience, every region around the world does have an offering when it comes to “Herbology” .  India as a subcontinent offers many, common being the Holy Basil ( Thulasi), Doddapatre , Oxalis corniculata ( Khatti Bhaji). Ginseng takes the top spot in Chinese herbology.  West well influenced by Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano and many more. Middle East has been greatly influenced by dried rose petals and sumac.

More recent, have been the usage of leaves in culinary experiments of both food and beverage. Mango Leaves, Cinnamon leaves, Pepper leaves and many more having equal flavors and medicinal value, yet undiscovered in the traditional recipes.

Speaking to Mr. K.R. who has been associated as a mixologist with leading group of hotels quoted saying “Concoctions, be it cocktails or mock tails have all approached a new outlook keeping stress levels and health in mind. Today people just don’t want to get drunk, but also keep health in mind. Hence, many of the cocktails designed have a medicinal value added in them. Vodka and Tequila shots are the talk of the past. Today, shooters with bitters, herbs and fruit concoctions are most preferred.”

Adding to which Mr. K.R. also happened to share a recipe with us, filled with most preferred herb of all times and region BASIL!!!

Gauthama Thulasi

Ingredients

Fresh Passion Fruit Puree -         50 ml

Basil Leaves-                                 6 leaves

Simple Syrup-                               15 ml

Basil Infused Vodka-                   50 ml

In a Ice Shaker, shake all the ingredients, double strain and pour into a chilled Martini Glass. Garnish with a Basil leaf and lime wedge.

Influencing our daily lives are these herbs , that can be grown in our kitchen space are not only a boon for taste buds, but a treat to eyes as well.  Well inspired is Nigella Lawson and her cooking where her generous sprinkling of fresh kitchen herbs including Cilantro and Curry leaves makes not only cooking a treat simple, but also contended as fresh fragrances have gone from pots to pans.

Growing and managing these herbs is also not every difficult. They can be grown even in small slab area of your kitchen. Seeds can be procured from stores or even from your dry storage.  So , now experiment with food or beverages are just not going to be complete without the Vintage herbs taking such versatile role not only by demand but also desire.

BASIL

DODDAPATRE LEAVES

KHATTI BHAJI (OXALIS CORNICULATA)

CURRY LEAVES

BASIL INFUSED VODKA

BASIL INFUSED VODKA          

OREGANO INFUSED TEQUILA 

VODKA BASIL INFUSION

THYME VODKA INFUSION

Long Distance Marriage - A constant conflict between career and emotions.

Long Distance Marriage - A constant conflict between career and emotions.


Not so long ago, parents would cry their hearts out when it came to Bidaayi (Farewell towards maternal home). Today it has become a more gala event as not many brides actually leave behind their family to walk the path following their husbands. Long Distance Marriages (LDM) have been the walk and talk of the present generation.

As the runes of a joint family are on verge of extinction, nuclear families are getting even more singular with growing passion for work, competition, high standards of living and financial independence. Gender disparity is rarely seen at this juncture of society.

Couples meet once in a few months, or even sometimes once a year. With growing Airline, Hospitality and Travel industry it’s not very surprising for couples to meet on board or over a meeting over corporate luncheons and dinners. Reminds me of a movie “Up in the Air” starring George Clooney.

Rithika (name changed) got married when she was still doing her final year B.Arch. An arranged marriage undoubtedly, her husband resided in Middle East. Running off choices she had to stay back in India to complete her education. Cell phone and internet became her best pals. And finally she joined her husband after a couple of years. Now she makes it a point not to leave her husband even for short days.

As a result of distance, one becomes more possessive of the belonging. This is the case with Rithika.

Another classic example of uneventful happenings and their implications is Shifa and her husband Jack. Belonging to different caste and religion was itself a challenge for their marriage. With early decision of marriage and unstable careers, they chose to live separately until things mellowed down. But the career and financial demands increased in such ways that they are until now living in different locations despite having a child.

A significant demand by growing economy and daily requirements is another factor affecting marriages and giving birth to long distance marriages. Also so , there is growth in the trust factor, maturity and self independence.

Long distance marriages according to psychiatrist Dr. Anuja Mehta in Bengaluru are a sort of welcome when it comes to making women independent but also means spending long hours in front of computers and phone.

However, many youngsters today believe in a high career growth which is in verge is stepping ahead of long distance marriage... Celibacy... Now its for them to decide on moving ahead with this or taking step back to know and live the importance of families.

Turning 30 !!!

Turning 30!!!!

What’s with women and the numeral 30!!!! Is it the hype created by many around or is it just an assumption or it is truly a measurable value.
I’m 30 and my mother instead of wishing me said, you’re already 30 today. The expression wasn’t quite understood by me. Was it she was happy that I was 30, or was she sad. My father didn’t mention anything, but for sure shot the thought in his mind was “My daughter is 30. She can no more take any government examinations (specifically public service)”.

My brother was like “ Happy Birthday” visa SMS from next room which surprisingly for the fist time he hadn’t to be reminded. And my husband, it didn’t really matter to him..if I was 30 or 60 because he was busy with work. At least he remembered to wish me. The best of all was my two year old “ Happy to you TATE ( cake) hona” which apparently didn’t happen until late evening....

No matter what the world thinks or does one being 30, I would say growing majestically is what is synonymous. Successes in past generations were measured by career and finances. I’m happy that with my generation, measurable have changed. I mat still say I stand 8 years back in terms of handling relationships emotionally. But practically there is a lot that has gone into.

There are no regrets of being 30 as there are no celebrations either. It’s just another year passing. Yes for sure I will have to be careful more medically now, but otherwise there is nothing great. Wonder who was such a source of hype.

Let me recollect all the lines associated with 30. A paradox in estranging relationships, downfall of youth, fine lines and wrinkles (like as if new born’s don’t have any), receding hairline, out of the party scenes, loss of enigma ... to name a few.

Amidst all this what matters is the people around you and how they make you feel. However old I become, relationships will never change. I will still remain a daughter to my parents, a sister to my brother, a wife t my husband and a mother to my daughter. They have made my days wonderful to be remembered. So turning 30 just is a delight....and not despair.

Saffron @ Atlantis, The Palm- Sumptuous and sublime Tuesday Night Dinner Buffet

What could be a better treat on a tumultuous Tuesday than the wonderful saffron setting amidst the sea and an extravagant relaxed meal? For a seafood lover, Saffron @ Atlantis is a paradise in disguise.

Tuesdays, which is more subtly known as the midweek in Middle East, could be chaotic with all the stress fillers like work, traffic and family pressures. Saffron @ Atlantis is a great mid week break. Having frequented the restaurant most of time on pretext of long drives to the Palm Island Beach, Saffron has always caught my interest with the well laid buffet and guest service (Very specific as GUEST and not CUSTOMER).

As a mother of a toddler, I have enjoyed every little time spent there as my little one was well taken care off. For any person to frequent a restaurant, two things prove to be the utmost important. Service and Food. A good service for me is easily measurable when my little one is taken care off. I can then easily enjoy my meal to rate the food.

The spread is so huge, that it is actually taking me a while to recollect what all I ate..but for sure, I could only touch base on 40% of the spread. Being an ardent lover of sea food, most space was taken by lobsters and oysters from the cold station and the grilled prawn from the Arabic station. A huge spread of salads and breads completes your craving for appetisers not forgetting the famous “ Shechuan Crab”

Being an Indian, and a spice lover I very much try to avoid Indian food as it seems blander for me in other countries. But at Saffron, the blend seemed perfect and easily ruled my palette. Tandoori Pomfret took all allocates.

The Thai and Malaysian gourmet station seemed the best when I tasted the much popular “ Laksa “ which I found quite authentic and as well was more convinced when introduced to the Chef from Malaysia. They are more than pleased to come and take your requirement and have your food served matching your taste. You name it and you had it from Nasi Goren to Congee to Phad Thai. But what I missed was the spiciest Sambal.

What is south East food without Dim Sums or Sushi’s ? I could have then to my heart’s content at the buffet. The freshly steamed Dim sums and crisp rolled Sushi was a feast for me, and the best accompaniment of sauces and the most famous Wasabi.

With so much to linger on, I frankly did not have any space for a proper main dish. But made sure I had space for my greatest weakness, Desserts. The freshly made Caramel Custard caught my eyes even when I was entering the restaurant and having a look at the buffet. True chocolate lovers can indulge in “Fountain of Sin” (that’s what I call a chocolate fountain). Cold stone Ice cream couldn’t escape either...I had to indulge in it. Also was there a huge assortment of tarts, crèmes and cakes certainly looked delicious.

With such a huge escapade from the kitchen, Saffron for me is a sure shot return place. And every other time I go there, I think I should try all that I missed on my previous visit, but turns out that every Tuesday night has something new to offer. Saffron, as opulent the spice is, so greater is my indulgence with the sea treat for me.

Reservations could be made at The Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates