Contemplate. Create. Live.
June 2015 `40
HIPSTORY!
Series of illustrations by Amit Shimoni
FASHION ABSOLUTION Vishwa Dave, South India’s first fashion blogger gives us the best fashion trends
WIPE OUT Which are the best beaches in the world? Let’s find out
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In the Contemplate section, we throw light upon the reason and the people behind the street art revolution that has been taking place in Chennai. To add to that, there is also a narration of how an online library called ‘iloveread’ rose from nothing with the help crowd funding, reinstating the fact that a product once loved, can never be erased. For Create, we have gathered an insight into the minds and thoughts behind several artists. With a splendid travel story featuring the top three beaches in the world, a fashion special from For the month of June, we have an adept
South India’s first blogger Vishwa Dave, a culture
collection of articles beginning with the cover
story on how food trucks are becoming the
story about a visionary in the making- Illustrator
picture and many more, the Live section of the
and Designer Amit Shimoni. Creating a series of
magazine is sure to keep you engrossed. Go on,
illustrations called the ‘Hipstory’ that features
and have a great read.
world leaders in western attire, he wishes to reinvent their image to make it easier for youngsters to relate to them and their ideologies, rather than see them as ghosts of the past.
The Brew Magazine is based on the Lifestyle and Entertainment genre and has seen stupendous growth in the past four and a half years of its existence. Based on its tagline ‘Contemplate. Create. Live’, it urges readers to contemplate, create and live- in that order. Featuring human interest stories, articles about the most famed artists and elite lifestyle stories, we are immaculately selective about our content. With the support of the advisory and contributory board comprising of a team of great individuals, we host a minimum of eight events a year, each an astonishment. Sameer Bharat Ram, Publisher and CEO
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Vilani Senthamil, Editor
CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD Thota Tharani (A senior Indian film art director and production designer who has worked in Tamil cinema, Telugu cinema, Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. He has won two National Film Awards, two Filmfare Awards South and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His work consists of paintings, murals, paper collages, wooden montages, installations and so on)
G Venket Ram (A leading Indian fashion photographer, who has shot principal photography stills for several notable films as well as portfolios. He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for a while, after which he joined a course in Visual Communication at Loyola College. He then worked with photographer Sharad Haksar and in 1993, started his own studio)
Mallika Sarabhai (Educated as an economist and business manager, she is one of India’s best-known classical dancers. She has taken her work and her company ‘Darpana’ to not only over 90 countries around the world, but also to the most remote parts of India)
Neeru Nanda (A graduate from Delhi University, she’s passionate about writing. She freelanced as a feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing. Author of a collection of short stories titled ‘IF’, she has also worked on novels and short stories of children)
Ashok Verghese (One of the youngest education entrepreneurs who is making a great difference in this field in the country. He is the Director of the Hindustan group of Institutions, one of the pioneering educational groups in the country. He supports the cause of promoting young talent in art and music)
Veejay Sai (An award-winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art, and loves traveling, researching literary and cultural history. He is an editorial consultant with over 40 brands and designers in and outside India and is on the jury for several prestigious awards in the arts sector across the country)
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COVER STORY Photographer Yael Zur
INTERNAL TEAM FEATURE WRITERS Sanjana Ganesh Prathiba Jayapaul Senior Designer Jesu Durai Junior Designer Vijay Singh Nathawat Circulation Head Seeman Elumalai
Mail to editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com for advertisement queries/feedback
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C o n te n ts
Contemplate PAINTING THE TOWN RED Find out about the street art revolution that too place in the city
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD The online library ‘iloveread’ rises from bankruptcy
Create ILLUSTRATION IS MY LOVE Israeli Illustrator and Designer Amit Shimoni talks about ‘Hipstory’ and lots more
DIVING INTO THE DEEP BLUE(S) SEA Sean Roldan opens up about music and more
TAKING YOUR BREATH AWAY Akhila Ramnarayan, Swarat Ghosh and Saloni Sinha express their thoughts through their respective creative mediums
Live TRENDING NOW Top fashion trends from South India’s first blogger, Vishwa Dave
MAKING A MESS OF A BUN Steps to perfect the messy bun hair-do
RECIPE FOR THE MONTH FROM GRT’S GREAT FROODIE CALENDER FOOD ON WHEELS A gift from the culinary Gods
WIPE OUT Know more about the best three beaches in the world
FOOD REVIEW Are ‘California Pizza Kitchen’ and ‘Waffles Thru The Day’ worth a visit?
BREW PICKS The latest product launches that you have got to know about
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PAINTING THE TOWN Red
No, they are not a Pink Floyd reunion band nor are they students revolting against the educational system. Meet ‘The Paintbox’, an organisation striving to make Chennai colourful, wall by wall, brick by brick. Read on to find out more about their inception, the progress and what they have in store for the city as each street gets a makeover. By Sanjana Ganesh
COLOUR CATALYSTS
T
he country at large consists of several people walking by streets without complaining about the rubble piled up in a corner, the stench and the claustrophobia of a non-existent platform. We even witness motorists riding in tiny spaces to beat the heavy traffic, some even riding over people sleeping on the streets. ‘The Paintbox’ decided to take a stand against all of the above though they are considered ‘lesser’ social evils. This young NGO founded by Namrata, Tejas and Hari, aims at restoring cleaner and greener roads by painting walls. As a part of the ‘Clean Chennai’ campaign introduced by the Chennai Corporation to beautify the streets of the city, the organization invites people of all ages, shapes and sizes to paint on the weekends. The process is relatively
easy, they claim. After working on walls with The Goethe Institute that introduced the fad of popularizing street art, these paint fanatics who have had no prior experience, have gone on to get their hands dirty. “Ours is an initiative without any age limit and that is what we had in mind we began. Even a five year old and a 60 year old can take part in the campaign. However, the majority has been students and young professionals”. Everyone contributes in several different ways. We were tired of seeing Madras the way it was. It was filthy. I love to paint and we decided to have several people discuss and contribute in the process of making the city a better place to live in” says Namrata.
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DIFFERENT STROKES The group has a varied set of volunteers who join the organisation after being informed by social media about schedules, location and time of the event. This group is diverse and has a holistic approach towards the campaign. They hope to revive the dying art of street theatre. They have hosted poetry reading sessions in association with the Prakriti Foundation and have written Bharitiyar poems to heighten awareness about the need to stand up for oneself. Hari, one of the co-founders says “It is sad that people are no longer interested in keeping their own streets clean. It has become an age where people are only bothered about their individual lives. We hope to bring out that unity by taking the example of the compound wall. We want people to take responsibility of their respective roads. Hence, we encourage people to identify walls that require attention and give us a shout. We provide them with material and guidance. People understand the significance of each wall only when they contribute. We are working towards creating that understanding”.
“People understand the significance of each wall only when they contribute. We are working towards creating that understanding”
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“A hint of singing, dancing and poetry reading heightens the spirits of individuals”
BRUSHING IT OFF Tejas, the third leg of this important partnership speaks about the emphasis that needs to be laid on performance arts in order to pump up the mood of the city. The lack of a distinct identity and a lively festive mood is absent frequently. A hint of singing, dancing and poetry reading heightens the spirits of individuals. Informal jam sessions have created the necessary spur. He advocates the importance of the same and says that they are focusing on performing and providing a stage to perform. “My favourite
project was the Koturpuram tree park. I got to attend many sessions there. It is close to my heart” says Meera, a teacher and a regular member who describes the beautiful trees that were painted by the crew in association with Nizhal. They are often thanked by strangers who shower them with warm words of gratitude and occasional tea. Let us hope, but more importantly help and support their journey so it continues on the same unconventional track and sets the city straight.
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MIGHTIER
THAN THE SWORD
On the 8th of February earlier this year, Chennai found itself looking at another closed window- in this case, a tab. The city’s biggest online library, iloveread sent emails and announced on their Facebook page that they were shutting down operations, as they were unable to sustain it in the city. Nobody foresaw this catastrophic end. There were questions. There was uproar. Miraculously however, this e-library rose from the ashes. Sanjana Ganesh finds out how.
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A
THE BEGINNING
“You won’t believe it, two and a half lakh rupees was raised within a week”
mrutash Misra completed his under graduation at IIT- Madras in the year 2008. After wanting to branch out and start something of his own, he co-founded iloveread and it came to life. “It’s one thing to build a big library, it’s another to build a happy one” says the founder. Keeping that motto and an ignited fervour towards book reading and storytelling, operations started in full swing in the year 2009. They were set up in both Chennai and Coimbatore. iloveread reaches out to people and tries to refocus their reading interest. Amrutash says, “Typically, people come to us because they feel that they need someone to tell them which books to read and provide suggestions. Though my wife and I are voracious readers, we want recommendations too. Giants such as Flipkart have five million books! It becomes difficult to choose. It becomes a part of a circulation process”. Their software helps them provide a long list of books for their customers to read after understanding previous choices. They are delivered to the respective houses on time and no late fee is applied. Their exclusive customer base keeps them in touch with the latest reading trends and connects with them on a personal level.
IT’S NOT YET OVER
One fine day, the library that was supposed to be acquired by an e-commerce company saw a dead end. It’s Chennai operations drew to a close. The team took a shot in the dark and sent an email to their clientele stating that they had a budget gap that they were unable to bridge. Existing members and several others took it upon themselves to save their beloved library. “You won’t believe it, two and a half lakh rupees was raised within a week. We didn’t put it up on any crowd funding website. The customers realized that we were doing a good job and wanted us to continue”.
EPIC IN THE MAKING
It has been five successful years and the team now consists of the dynamic couple Karthika Gopalakrishnan and Amrutash. They manage the library on a daily basis. The library offers delivery in all areas of the city. They have a total of about 10,000 books and 7,000 titles. They buy books on request if unavailable and later lend it to others. The future of iloveread involves setting up a functioning mobile application. Let’s wish them the best!
“I’ve been a member for quite a while now. It is a fantastic library. Their books are excellent and in pristine condition. On a couple of occasions when I’ve run out of ideas, the librarians have given me something completely new. They even refer to the back panel to give me a synopsis of the story and a few reviews so that making a choice is easy. They truly go beyond their job to ensure that it is a good experience,” says Sangeeta Vasu, a baker and a long-time member of the library.
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“Illustration is my love” says Amit Shimoni, an Israeli Illustrator and Designer. His series of illustrations called the ‘Hipstory’ imagining the great leaders of history and portraying them in a different time and culture – ours, became a huge success. In a very down to earth interview with Vilani Senthamil, he chats about his series and himself.
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Define Amit Shimoni. I am a young israeli illustrator and designer. I graduated from Bezalel academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, in the department of Visual Communication which is considered to be one of the best in Israel. Illustrating is my love. I think anything can be turned into an illustration, whether it is scenery or a feeling; and I believe an illustration has a place anywhere, whether it is in the Louvre, or on Coasters. I see my creation process as a game of Ping Pong with reality. I capture things that arouse thoughts and feelings within myself, and through my filters, I bring it back to the world as an illustration. I hope that after going through my filters, the final outcome should light something in the viewer, or at least give them something to
contemplate about, but equally important, they should find it beautiful. Tell us about Hipstory. Hipstory wishes to re-imagine the great leaders of modern history and to place them in a different time and culture - ours. In our time and culture, the big ideologies have been lost we have grown tired, or perhaps too smart, to follow systems of absolute ideas and beliefs. But have we lost something in this process? With nothing to hold on to, are we becoming global beings- focused more on our individual selves and less on society and ideology? Hipstory wishes not to criticize, but to shed new light on the way we think of ourselves and the figures who inspire us.
“Hipstory wishes not to criticize, but to shed new light on the way we think of ourselves and the figures who inspire us�
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How did you come up with Hipstory? Hipstory started when I began reflecting on the Israeli culture and leaders of the past, and compared them with today. You google a photo of Herzel (the founder of the Israeli nation), and you will find just about two photos. Do the same for any average 18 year old guy, and you’ll find so many. I started by depicting and illustrating the Israeli generation of founding fathers of the country. The reaction to the series was amazing- young and old were all inspired. They had their own perspective of the series, everyone had something to connect with. As I do affordable art, I exhibit mostly in small galleries and pubs, and I sell copy of the illustrations online. I see no shame in doing art that is sold by relatively cheap prices, but has to be seen at everyone’s houses, i.e. the hippy student and the mid age novo-rich. So after the success the of Israeli series, I thought people all over the world will identify with this series of illustrations. The history of the last century is heavily defined by its prominent figures – the
main leaders who shaped the course of history. I often find myself imagining a world where some of these leaders are less interested in influencing lives, and more focused on their own persona. Imagine Gandhi obsessing with his looks, and not about releasing India from the British rule? Or Abraham Lincoln searching for a hip bar, instead of abolishing slavery? Although all of these great leaders were a part of a collective identity, they were all still unique and innovative in their own way. Hipstory tries to recreate these iconic figures and places them in different times and cultures – an attempt to create new and altered images of them. At present, the collective identity is less binding and anyone can reinvent themselves. The intention does not lie in choosing the better generation but rather in highlighting the differences, by changing the point of view and introducing a new perspective. It is my hope that this series should encourage us to reflect: upon our leaders, our society, and ourselves. And failing that, Hipstory should at least make us smile.
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Which is your favourite illustration from the series? My favorite is probably Lincoln, after all he was my first illustration, and he is the oldest. He is so detached from the hipsteric scene, and even by his look you can see that he is not related to this whole thing at all. Let me also tell you the truth, I think even some of the hipsters today are detached from their identity, yet they keep it anyway. On what basis do you come up with features for each figure? As for the style of each figure, I put hints in any character in line with his/her history, ideology, and background. I wanted to show how everyone is becoming distinct from a collective identity, or from a meta ideology,
concerned more about being unique. So you see, Mandela is still with African clothes, Lenin is sort of anarchist, Churchill is still the strong (not literally) person he used to be, Che wears a Che t-shirt and so on. Any more inventive ideas for the future? There are few on the way, I am now doing a series of posters and designs for Hercules, an organization that promotes Animal Rigths. Of course I intend to expand Hipstory as there are many leaders to Hipsterize, and everyday I get many requests from people of different countries ask me so hipserize someone. The last one that I received was by an American feminist organization that want me to hipsterize Hillary Clinton. They wanted to give it to her as they had invited her for a summit as the guest of honour. I couldn’t refuse of course, and I completed it in a few days.
Follow Amit Shimoni on https://www.facebook.com/AmitShimoniIllustration nuvango.com/amitshimoni-1 http://instagram.com/amitshimoni, to get updates about his work
All illustrations used in this article are the property of Amit Shimoni. Any usage or reproduction of these images without his content is prohibited
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DIVING INTO
THE DEEP BLUE(S) SEA
A world without the lofty ideals of individualism and one which is binded by music sounds utopian, doesn’t it? Read on as Sanjana Ganesh speaks to R Raghavendra, popularly known as Sean Roldan about his father Srimushnam V. Raja Rao, beliefs, favourite artists, embarrassing moments, friends and harmony, both mystical and musical in a staccato manner
Your father played the Mirdhangam. You have classical training as well. How did you evolve to the man with the signature guitar strumming, bringing us ‘Sean Roldan’?
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lthough my father is a great artist; he is also a great facilitator. He saw beyond himself and cared more about the musical community than himself as he had achieved enough and more. I believed in doing the same- breaking who I am and seeing beyond myself. I was brought up in an environment where music was more than making money. Music for music’s sake was truly available in the independent style. I saw creative freedom and took it up. How did ‘Sean Roldan and Friends’ come into being? Pradeep Kumar and I met one day and I sang a few songs that I had written. He was excited about them and suggested we perform it. For the next one and a half years, we spent working towards familiarising ourselves with the songs. Indi Earth was the platform where we decided to launch ourselves.
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The band’s belief system revolves around celebration and being together as a musical community. Tapas Suresh, Praveen Sparsh and Manianna all came together in order to create wonderful music and did not believe in conceit. It has been great working with them. Setup may change, nature of shows may change but this community never will. How did others learn about your talent? I am very critical about cinema in my own way and try keeping away from my academic way of thought. We had done a few songs for Kappa TV. I had worked with Santosh Narayan for Pizza as well as Soodu Kavum. My name came up when producers were looking for something new to do. CV Kumar called me and asked me to do Mundasapatti. Balaji Mohan wanted me to create the score for Vaaiyai Moodi Pesavum. We made the songs in two days and the shooting began. I’ve liked these different experiences so far. How was your first tour to the United States? We first played a few ‘Sean Roldan and friends’ for the Bostonites. It was lots of fun! A local bartender said “The blues is dying in the US. Such music hasn’t been played for over ten years”this was the greatest compliment because Blues changed my life. I was sure I was born in the Mississippi delta as a part of a slave family in my previous birth and grew up during the time of independence. (Laughs) What are your upcoming projects? I am working on a movie called 144 and am really excited to see (Mirchi) Shiva and Ashok Selvan in this avatar. It is truly a ‘mass’ film. I think it’ll be a great movie for both of them. It was nostalgic for me as mine and Shiva’s friendship dates back to ages. We are finally coming together, that too on the silver screen. Do you have any embarrassing stories or regrets? Pradeep, Shiva, Susha, I and a few others were performing with a live orchestra during a show. The entire legion was waiting and the score was with me. The conductor had to gauge my movement and then start. I was running around, connecting my guitar and was all pumped up. Instead of starting with B, I started with the C chord. It sounded absolutely terrible. That is something I completely regret. Everyone laughed so much after the show.
Have you been placed under any stereotypes? Some old men and women who are stuck in the illusion of a conventional mode of life still refer to us (independent musicians) as hippies. However, the era of lazy musicians is over. We believe in chaste music and that is what we try and produce. What are the problems faced by upcoming musicians? What will you say to them? Affiliation to an organisation or entity is missing. That is a problem. This is why I am hoping that a musical community is created so that an environment of growth is fostered. I would ask them to forget fear and continue what they are doing. Liberation is achieved when one forgets himself/herself on stage. He/she becomes free. That is what is to be achieved every time one goes up on stage. That is what we all work towards.
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His favourite artists! Blues B.B King, Sonny Boy Williams, Albert King, Otis Rush Country Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison. Reggae Bob Marley Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison Cuban Old Blues
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Taking
OUR BREATH AWAY
Say ‘Breath’. Now think about it. The only time we are conscious of our breath is when we are reminded of its crucial presence. Lie against your lover’s chest. You find yourself sinking and rising in a synchronized fashion. Find yourself in a dark empty room, you can feel it quicken. Read on to find out what Akhila Ramnarayan, Swarat Ghosh and Saloni Sinha feel about ‘Breath’ as they use their respective creative mediums to express their thoughts. By Sanjana Ganesh
ETCHED ON PAPER
What is the artist’s imagination and where does it lead you, asks Akhila Ramnarayan as she contemplates the concept of ‘breath’ in both life and after, rhetorically. Her poetry transcends boundaries, speaks of different realms and advocates breathing easy. Rumi she says and her eyes light up as she addresses a child and explains the imperfect yet majestic earth we live in. The stars of our world, the criminal damage that is being caused by human and the possibility of redemption- breath, becomes the formal binding element of these three cosmic worlds. When asked about the representation of ‘breath’ in her work, she says “What does it mean for us to be alive and breathing? I think the progression of my work relates to that which is out of the present, from the self and out into the world. And later considering the past and the future. It becomes more of a cyclic vision than a lateral one. I was thinking in images and was asking what the self’s responsibility to the world was. Any question of the self, becomes a question of the world”.
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THROUGH A PINHOLE Imagine sneaking through the streets of a secluded Hyderabad and letting the shutterbug get the best of you. Swarat Ghosh, a photographer who specializes in street photography went on to create stunning visuals of a goat’s last breath. Walking through a suspicious market that is usually unwelcoming to visitors, he had to gain the trust of the people, goats and the children of the area by slowly waving the camera. Breath for him has always treaded on the path of sharpness. Why else would he find clarity in the eyes of a young boy hosting a relatively large animal on his shoulder? The goats however, remain distant. Their inability to comprehend situations even leaves a smile on their face- something that a human being has never understood. Breath at the face of death is intense, quick and heavy. The goat lives it lighter. Dies, rather. “I wanted to show only the outer layer of breath and not the gory images of a slaughterhouse. There is a connection that the work has with the text and the illustrations. Negativity and blood could have been one approach towards the idea of breath. I chose to show another side to it. The last breath has both happiness and sadness to it”, says Swarat. It certainly does!
SKETCHED “I think that sketching is a great way to communicate as I like to hear interpretations as well as give my version of my art. You can be a part of a sketch or a poem as a character yourself as it involves you. I tried to relate the concept of breath to humans but used animal forms to represent all flora and fauna. Human beings tend to think about breath only if we are choking or if we take up pranayama” says timid Saloni Sinha. Her sketches speak volumes about her. Her drawings about a world with surges of destruction and the lack of air are represented in her work. Be it a strangled pigeon or a fully grown grizzly, Saloni chooses to determine the concept of life through painting a beautiful picture of reality. She metaphorically represents death but echoes hope in her speech. Here’s to hoping that breath is never commoditized life continues to thrive in a planet awaiting its doomsday call.
“Human beings tend to think about breath only if we are choking or if we take up pranayama”
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TRENDING
NOW
This season is all about easy breezy silhouettes and a whole lot of fluid fabrics spells out Vishwa Dave, South India’s first fashion blogger. Check out how the latest trends doing the rounds are chic, smart and comfy! In conversation with Vilani Senthamil
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PHOTO CREDIT: SHANON ZIRKLE
ALL ABOUT THE GENES
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ith solid winter colours like Marsala and Khaki surprisingly a rage earlier in the season, the entire fashion scenario is undergoing a dynamic change! Read on as Vishwa gives you an inventory of the best three clothing trends, the accessories that are making the cut and some straightforward grooming tips that are sure to keep you in vogue.
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The season’s most noteworthy trend is the denim on denim clothing that is super cool and ultra smart at the same time. Pairing a denim dress with a denim jacket or a pair of denim shorts with a simple denim shirt is sure to make you look sharp!
FRINGES AND FRILLS The fringe or the frills are coming back in a huge way in clothes. This trend is such a huge hit that it’s catching on to even accessories- on the borderline of clutches and handbags, as well as on the frontier of shoes. The reception of this trend is so massive that it is here to stay for at least another year!
SAVVY SHEATHS With floral patterns and lightweight material, the Kimono cover-ups are pretty and incredibly snug. The go-to cover up in the summer, you can pair a loose kimono with a tank top and shorts to nail the summer look.
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GROOMING TIPS
LET’S ACCESSORIZE n The mini-bags, which are really the tinier version of totes and regular handbags, are hot and heavy of late. Bags are getting smaller and clothes are getting bigger, when you observe all the trends.
n An effortless and messy demeanour is hip and happening right now. Bouncy beach waves for the hair can be done up by blow-drying your hair first and then scrunching it up.
n The block heel is coming back, in the place of stilettos. These are again, much more comfortable and way more bold. The one-strap sandals are the must have shoes of the season!
n The side bangs and block fringes are sweeping in too, so if you have always wanted to get those bangs, now is the right time! n With Gigi Hadid posting the ‘negative space’ eye-do on a social forum, the asymmetrical liner trend caught up with everyone! Line just half your eye, and you’re set.
Vishwa Dave runs a fashion blog called www.embellvish.com and can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Embellvish, where she posts regularly about the trends and updates of the fashion industry through outfit posts, collaborations and YouTube videos
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Making A MESS OF a BUN! It becomes a daunting task to work all night and get up in the morning looking picture perfect. If this is your story, messy buns are your go-to mantra. This simple hair style goes perfectly well with all clothes and looks. Wrap it all up and pull out a few strands. Simple and sexy, the ‘messy bun’ is here to stay Use a fine tooth comb
Bunch it up
The first step in this not-sointense process is to brush your hair and gently remove all the knots. It may seem to astound some when they hear about the need for perfectly combed hair while it is supposed to be messy. This confusion can be dispelled. Combing tames curls and smoothens out straight hair
Once the initial step is complete, scoop your hair up in a bunch and tie it with an elastic band. Twist this amateur ponytail till the tip. Wrap it around the centre in circles and make sure it is stable with the use of bobby pins. This helps the bun stay in place all day despite extreme movement
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Devil may care The final stage in perfecting this round bundle of joy is to pull out a few strands of your hair, to reach that devil may care look. It also helps you add definition to your face and softens the round edges. It case the bun is a little too tight, tug the ends of the bun to release the pull- and voila, you’ve done it!
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NAPOLI
BRUCHETTA A recipe for the month of June from the Great Foodie Cookbook, a collective effort of the Chefs of GRT Hotels and Resorts! This is a signature recipe of Garden CafĂŠ at Radisson Blu Hotel GRT, Chennai INGREDIENTS FILLING n 4 nos. tomato n 10 ml extra virgin oil n 3 spring sweet basil leaves n 1 lemon wedge n Salt to taste n Freshly ground black pepper
TOAST n 8 slices French loaf bread slices n 5 gms table butter
GARLIC RUB n 1 head garlic with skin n 25 ml extra virgin oil n Salt to taste n Freshly ground black pepper
GARNISH n Fresh basil n Fresh rosemary
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METHOD FILLING n Cut the fresh tomatoes into 1â „2 inch chunks n Shred basil leaves and add to it n Sprinkle salt, pepper and freshly squeezed lemon juice n Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and toss together until well mixed n Check the seasoning
TOAST n Toast french bread with butter to crispy golden
GARLIC RUB n To roast garlic, cut head into 1â „2 inch thick slice n Rub some oil and season to taste n Heat skillet, drizzle olive oil and place the garlic facing the cut side on the pan n On a slow flame, griddle it till the garlic turns golden and the aroma enhances n Assemble garlic rub, toast and the filling with garnish of fresh basil
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ON WHEELS! There’s a saying that great things come in small packages and that goes for great food too, enunciates Prathiba Jayapaul! Read on as she gives you reasons as to why food trucks, which are essentially large vehicles equipped to cook and sell food are about to be the next big thing to happen to the food industry
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thing because (a) It’s great food and (b) It comes right to your doorstep! It gets better than that even. Despite the sought-after specials, these trucks are constantly innovating, building new menus and coming up with more appetizing options. ‘Dude-food’ as they call it, comes in great portions and within mean prices!
THE TOP-TIERS
While these food trucks are a huge culinary relief to the inhabitants of these cities, most of them come with a story, a calling to the culinary world. Whether they are corporate collars turning into chefs or professional chefs finding their niche, they all have two things in common: Soul, and some more soul for cooking.
SPITFIRE BBQ
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gift from the Culinary Gods- when these mean vehicles hit the streets, it was done with style, purpose and some great, authentic gourmet flavours. Several of these beauties are strewn across the country, serving different cuisines and delectable meals leaving food lovers wanting for more. Be it a twist on our original indigenous flavours or authentic American street food, these trucks are an innovation that take the experience to streets and more importantly, to the people who are constantly on the move.
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Food trucks go down in history, across cultures in the world. But notably, places like New York, Chicago, Boston, Texas and California boast of rich street food culture that emulate both, the authentic American flavour and fusion that is lost in translation. A radical example is Kogi Korean BBQ in Los Angeles, famous for their twist on the usual East-West ramblings. Here, authentic Korean cuisine meets Mexicana in a rare combination resulting in delicacies like Spicy Pork Tacos, Kimchi Quesadillas and Short Rib Sliders. In the States, on hitting the streets you can gorge down countless hotdogs, pulled meat sandwiches, meat pies, juicy tacos and divine desserts from these trucks.
WHEELING FORWARD
With more food connoisseurs taking to the streets, these trucks are becoming the new incubators of culinary innovation- except with simple, ordinary food. In Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and now in Hyderabad, these food trucks are becoming more of a reality. Apart from serving delicious food, these trucks are eliminating one too many nitty-gritties of the traditional dine-in experience, urging more customers to take to the streets. Thankfully, this is a good
When Siddhanth Sawkar started out with Spitfire BBQ, it was going to be a temporary stint before a restaurant of his own. But he was moved with the overwhelming response he got. A trained chef, Siddhanth’s culinary aspirations go way back to his training at the Italian Culinary Institute in Calabria, where he specialised in Italian cuisine. After running his own catering business for a while, the idea of the food truck came up. Incidentally, Spitfire BBQ was the first to hit the road in Bangalore, with a delectable menu of barbequed meat, burgers, hot dogs and nachos. WHAT TO ORDER? Some of the specials in his menu include the Hickory BBQ pork ribs, the Chilli and Cheese hot dog, the New York Style hot dog and the Chicken Steak and Slaw burger WHERE? The Spitfire BBQ truck can be spotted in Kammanahalli, Sahakara Nagar and Koramangala STRONG SUITS: Fresh produce and great portions
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S.W.A.T SQUARE RUTH
Square Ruth was originally an outlet in Phoenix Mall, Whitefield, until owner Umesh Chandran decided to delve into the food truck scene. This place does American and Mexican variants of sandwiches, burgers, steaks and pastas. Originally this was a tempo traveller, and it has been refurbished to look amazing. WHAT TO ORDER? Specials include the ‘Lamb burger’ and the ‘Loaded Nachos’ WHERE? HSR layout and Indiranagar. Recently, the franchise has also set shop at Indiranagar as a dinner and carry out restaurant
The next interesting tale comes from Jimson Johns and Leoma D’Souza of Christ University, who are the owners of the S.W.A.T truck. Serving with a twist, they feature American gourmet curb side treats. Having quit their high profile jobs as professional chefs, this dynamic duo found their culinary calling with this food truck. Their range of burgers is rather sought after. WHAT TO ORDER? The Mac n Cheese and Sloppy Joe burgers are to die for. However, their most craved innovation is the Deep fried Oreo cookies. These heavenly things are served in a bed of vanilla ice cream and topped with chunks of Oreo WHERE? The S.W.A.T truck is often spotted in HSR layout, Domlur, Indiranagar and in Koramangala STRONG SUITS: Authentic taste and variety
STRONG SUITS: Their burgers are a sure win
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GYPSY KITCHEN
Having worked as a corporate trainer for 12 years, Shakti Subbarao’s original plans of opening a restaurant in Goa was put on hold when his twins were born. But a relentless food enthusiast at heart, he decided to open ‘Gypsy Kitchen’ and bring it to the streets of Bangalore, serving his take on steak burgers, hotdogs and finger food from his vibrant and fiery truck. WHAT TO ORDER? Gypsy Kitchen’s specials include the BBQ chicken burger and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich WHERE? They are permanently stationed at HSR layout and have several loyal customers STRONG SUITS: Their home-made touch
FUEL UP
Fuel Up is the brainchild of Deepthi Das and Former Navy Officer, Sagar Govindappa. Deepthi was originally working for the niche French restaurant Café Noir and running her own cake shop before it was time to fuel up her own business. WHAT TO ORDER? Apart from the usual street food menu, this truck also serves delicious Appam and Stew, which is a highlight among the specials WHERE? Currently set up in Manyata Tech Park, Fuel Up has become a household name among the IT professionals working there STRONG SUITS: Exceptional desserts
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BLENDING CULTURES
There are several food trucks that serve authentic Indian cuisine as well. The Goan Fidalgos serves authentic Goan Cuisine. If you’re in Mumbai and you’re craving some Goan chutzpah, you have to try their beef chilli fry, the mince pies, Goan fish/prawn curry and the apple tarts. South 2 Mouth take their roots very seriously, offering South Indian food from an auto rickshaw. If you happen to be at Ahmedabad, you can gorge on fusion South Indian dishes like Cup Idli, Tacos Dosa, and Stuffed Idlis in various flavours. Most of these trucks claim to be the upsized, futuristic versions of the Indian Food Carts that has been with us for decades. Old or new, they have one thing in common- they all serve delicious food!
IN THE DAYS TO COME
While these trucks are becoming an integral part of our culture, most of them still face license issues and run into trouble with the cops on a number of occasions. With time, fans are hopeful that these trucks will find a way to make peace with the municipal corporations across the country, so that the Indian Food Truck Dream becomes a seamless affair. If you’re a fan, keep up with your favourite trucks on their social media forums. You can find the menus, the location of stakeout, order takeaways and post feedback on the same. It is the usual whatnots, but if such things on social media get you genuinely excited, do remember to follow your heart, and that heavenly aroma.
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WIPE OUT! Sun, surf and sand would automatically transport you into the world devoid of Dystopia. Grab your sunscreen, coolers and flip flops-this year round retreat is sure to boost your spirits and end on a high(tide)
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BONDI BEACH, SYDNEY Bondi beach invites all wanderlusters with open arms. This beach at the heart of Sydney is the perfect place to slap on a tan, enjoy the smell of sea salt and let your wild side run crazy. The bay is lined with cafes and shops throwing themselves open. A place for every liberal to be; topless sunbathing is all out allowed.The beach is always buzzing and excitable
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Sean’s Panaroma “It doesn’t get more Sydney than Sean’s Panaroma” says time out Australia. This 18 year old restaurant is a cult name and has a beautiful view of the beach. You can choose to sit outside and is an all-time favourite
Sinclairs Looking for a quaint little B&B amidst the hustle and bustle of this electrifying beach? Sinclairs is your place. Located less than five minutes away from the beach, this affordable bed and breakfast keeps you in touch with the best parts of the city http://www.sinclairsbondi.com.au/
Surf Inspired by the movie ‘Blue Crush’ and want to ride the turf? Grab your surfboards because the beach offers lessons and is one of the best places to catch a wave
Jo & Willy’s Depot Though it may look like a garage shop on the outside, Jo & Willy’s steal many hearts through people’s stomachs. The all day breakfast pancake is a highlight and the rustic interiors are often sought after The Anchor This bar may look innocent on the outside but it is sure to bring out your wild side. Want to party all night and live a fulfilled life? This should be your scene
Intercontinental Hotel Exuberating luxury ought to be a part of a holiday. If you prefer the Midas touch, this might be your ‘go to’ place. Take a dip in the sauna and go for a massage. The Intercontinental hotel has it all. http://www.ihg.com/ intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/ sydney/sydic/hoteldetail?cm_ mmc=GoogleMaps-_-ic-_-AUEN-_sydic Bondi Backpackers On a budget tour and looking for a clean and non-greasy bunk bed? Go to Bondi Backpakers. With free WiFi, Breakfast and Beach equipment, this is every student’s dream http://www.bondibackpackers. com.au/
Take a dip at the Bondi Bath The Bondi Bath is at the far end of the beach and is a 50 meter patrolled pool waiting to be jumped into. It has been around for over 100 years and is a fun place to keep children engaged Shop The Bondi market is the Mecca of the latest trends of the world. From high end designer labels to chic dog collars, this place has it all. Don’t forget to grab your swim wear for a steal!
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PARADISE BEACH, PHUKET Phuket, Thailand offers the opportunity to view the most picturesque beaches. This party capital attracts tourists from the world over to eat, sip, dance and repeat until the end of their holiday. It is relatively light on the pocket and is amplified fun. Have the waters of the Indian Ocean sweep you off your feet. This is Dante’s ‘Paradiso’ at its best.
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Home Kitchen, Bar and Bed: Chef Daniel Isberg steps up to the situation and delivers his creative best at this restaurant which has an upside down boat over the second floor and the hull overlooks the sea
Holiday Inn: The Holiday Inn chain of resorts is a name known world over. The hotel has direct access to the beach and has a private area for its guests hence giving them secluded space http://www.phuket.holiday-inn. com/
Yoga retreat: Asia is lushly populated with culture and believes in fitness through nirvana. Plan a yoga retreat to attain Zen mode. This includes personalized training and helps you pump out those Pilates in style
Khantoke Restaurant: Located at Avista Phuket resort, this restaurant introduces you to the world of pad Thai, flat noodles, green and red curry. If you want your taste buds to experiment, this is your place to be
Burasari Resort: Want the complete Thai experience? Burasari resort, puts the feather on the cap. This beautifully furnished hotel has a stunning view of the beach and an infinity pool that leads to unimaginable worlds http://burasari.com/BRR/index. html
Local eateries: The small eateries by the beach are inexpensive and filling. It has a great range of local and international cuisine. The fish, crab, squid and prawns are fresh from the sea. Hit these stands if you love your proteins
Katathani Resort: The stretch of white sandy beaches will bowl you over as you forget your troubles. You can choose to party or relax and go for a massage http://www.katathani.com/
Scuba diving: Who would miss the possibility of diving into the deep blue sea and swimming with the school of fish? At Paradise beach, verified scuba instructors are out there to help you as you identify different Nemos and Doris Snorkelling: This unique experience allows travellers to explore the ends and the inbetweens of the beach. Set among rocks, this beach is a haven for snorkelers. Equipment is cheap and can be bought at the beach
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The Hamptons An elite beach vacation is not left without the word ‘Hamptons’ resonating from different spheres. Staying true to popular thought, the Hamptons are all about glitz and glamour. A breath taking view of the best beach houses, infinity pools and crazy parties. This is where all the magic happens
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Meeting house: Gourmet food combined with indigenous roots. What better place to start uproar at the Hamptons. After all, it is the place where you go big or go home
Sunset Beach: With white rooms, this chic inn is one of the best places to view the sunset. The grappling landscape and the intense scenic beauty ought to leave you with a lasting impression http://www.sunsetbeachli.com/
Shark Attack Sounds: Calling all party troopers! Shark Attack sounds is the ‘maddest rave’ that happens at the Hamptons. A party so crazy that it has been banned from every single destination it has been hosted at. Sounds fun for a 4th of July weekend, doesn’t it?
Ruschmeyer’s: Sipping a drink and overlooking the beach opens doors to the fine verisimilitude of life. Head to Ruschmeyer’s for the best cocktails in town and bring the roof down Big Olaf: Is your sweet tooth screaming out for some ice cream? Big Olaf will point you in the direction of some of the most scrumptious desserts in town
East Hamptons Art House Bed and Breakfast: This hotel has been carefully curated by its owners in order to offer you a holistic holiday. Let the colours sink in and paint your imagination http://www.easthamptonarthouse-bedandbreakfast.com/ Montauk Yacht Club: Destination weddings? Elite lifestyle? If this is your calling, Montauk Yacht Club which has over 80 years of credibility, suave and style would be your appropriate living space. Rent a yacht, sip some champagne and dwell in luxury http://www.montaukyachtclub. com/
The Surf Lodge concert series: This concert series happens through the summer and showcases the talent of an array of artists. Jazz, blues, metal, rock- this is a must do on every music junkie’s list The Sculpture fields of Nova’s Ark: Have a niche taste and love art? The Sculpture Fields of Nova’s Ark is your place to be. With exquisite paintings and bold sculptures, this gallery hosts many important art festivals of the country
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CALIFORNICATION What: California Pizza Kitchen Where: Phoenix Market City, Velachery Main Road, Velachery, Chennai; 044 6108888 Ambience: Located outdoors of the mall, the restaurant has bright natural lights coming through the large paned windows that make up one side of the wall (Not a big fan of bright lights? Not to worry, they have a section with dimmed ones too). with woody seats and cubicle shaped tables, the décor is neat and minimalistic
Food: From the Mexifornia menu, we ordered a few beverages to begin with- the Apple Jack and Mango Tango, which were a perfect antidote to the hot summer afternoon. From the appetizers, we opted for the CPK Nachos and Southwestern Chille Chicken to see what the hype was all about. Not a big fan of nachos myself, I was surprised that I more than loved the CPK Nachos- the combination of goat cheese with nachos was finger licking good. On wolfing down these yummy appetizers, we were a lot more excited for the next course. The Mexican Veggie Pizza and Southwestern Pizza along with the Fettuccine Heidi and Cheesy Chimichurri Penne from the Pasta were flavoursome in every sense.
The healthier option in the Mexfornia special was the New Mexican Basa Fish in Banana Leaf. Simple, healthy and purely Mexican, this was the dish of the day for me. After all the Mexican dishes, we quite looked forward to the dessert cuisine. Though the Trio of Chocolate Mousse was more inviting, I found The Mexican Caramel Banana Flan a lot more delectable. Overall, the Mexifornia dishes proved to be a select package of delicious dishes and beverages. Service: Prompt with verbose explanations for every dish Cost for two: INR 1200 By Vilani Senthamil
WAFFLETASTIC! What: Waffles Thru The Day Where: 5th Cross Street, Indira Nagar, Adyar; 044 30853877 Ambience: Stride into ‘Waffles Thru The Day’ and it will leave you lost in the smell of cappuccino, cinnamon and batter. This tiny little café nestled in the quiet little streets of Indira Nagar is a dessert haven Food: The waffles, pancakes and pies accompanied by rich sauces and syrups make for sumptuous desserts. The cafe perfects the buttermilk batter for their original pancakes which are served with a dole of maple syrup and fresh cream. Have you heard of savoury pancakes? Well, you can try it out here and you will not regret it, as we sure didn’t. Inspired by Richard Walker’s Pancake House from the States, the place works towards giving the local foodie a taste of the world. A wide platter, a wide breakfast and dessert menu- this quaint hide-out is an ideal place to fill your stomachs, be it for those with a sweet tooth as well as those with fiery taste buds Service: Willing and friendly Cost for two: INR 700 By Sanjana Ganesh
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TURN UP THE COLOUR Looking for a colourful pair of earrings to brighten up sullen monsoon days? Voylla, an store brings out its vibrant accessories collection this rainy season
A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
A plethora of choice is one thing, absolute exclusivity is another. Thankfully, both were evident as the well established boutique, Lawrence and Mayo showcased a grand expo of premium and luxury eyewear at their store in Khadar Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai. India’s leading opticians brought together a grand collection of the latest in eyewear technology and fashion by showcasing the very best of the Milanese runway. The event created an unparalleled ambience and a brand experiential environment within the store.
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SIT BACK
Studio Creo bring a range of chic and contemporary furniture for great urban space. Choose from a collection of bright, warm colours and see excitement light up your rooms
STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTE Circle Pro Audio launches the new the new Signature Palash Sen series of wireless microphones. Listen to the crystal clear sound and be astounded at the international quality!
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