Smartbuy issue dated August 24, 2011

Smartbuy Business Line

G A D G E T S

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A U T O |

L U X U R Y

www.blsmartbuy.com

Glassy tales The new fad, inside out Page 12 Sneak peek: Nintendo Wii U Restaurant review: Stix, Hyatt Regency

WHAT’S HOT this week

Team Smartbuy Editorial Anushya Mamtora anushya@thehindu.co.in

Archana Achal archana.a@thehindu.co.in

Ketaki Bhojnagarwala ketaki@thehindu.co.in

Mahananda Bohidar mahananda@thehindu.co.in

S. Muralidhar muraliswami@thehindu.co.in

Design Bryan Gaughan aqua@thehindu.co.in

Balakrishnan designkbala@thehindu.co.in

Advertising Contact R. Diwakar ramdiwakar@thehindu.co.in

Web Advertising Contact

Military action

N. Amarnath amarnath@thehindu.co.in

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Cover Photo: Better Interiors

Razer Onza Xbox 360 controller Part of Razer’s Battlefield 3 branded peripherals is this Tournament Edition Xbox 360 controller. The controller comes with adjustable resistance on both analog sticks for better sensitivity control and two fully programmable multifunction buttons. Other features include an improved D-pad, Hyperesponse technology on the backlit action buttons and a 15-foot lightweight braided cable with quick release USB connector. $59.99

Touch me not

Jabra FREEWAY The FREEWAY is the world’s first 2.1 stereo in-car handsfree speakerphone. The HD-ready device makes sure that your conversations sound as natural as possible. It can also play music, podcasts and audio from GPS applications by itself or send it to your radio with A2DP wireless streaming.

The speakerphone displays caller IDs on the car radio display if you have RDS support.

Rs 7,499

Relax as you work

BenQ BL902M

The 19-inch LED monitor sports an anti-glare display to keep the reflections at bay.

A smart reminder system which is created based on the expert-recommended “20/ 20/20 Rule” reminds you to take a break and regain focus. The monitor also comes with a 1.2M: 1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time, 5:4 aspect ratio and 1280x1024 (SXGA) resolution, giving you a better user experience.

Rs 7,850

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Blast off

Double the fun

Creative Tactic Omega

Nokia C2-06 The C2-06 is the latest touch and type phone from Nokia. Available in a range of fresh colours with a smooth, metallic finish, this dual SIM phone lets you easily change SIM cards without removing the battery or turning off the phone. Users will also have access to a range of apps from the Ovi Store as well as Maps. The phone features a 2-meg camera, FM Radio and storage expandable up to 32GB via micro SD card.

Rs 5,349

This wireless gaming headset from Creative’s Sound Blaster range is compatible with PS3, Xbox 360, Mac and PC. It features FullSpectrum tunable 50mm audio drivers, independent voice and game volume controls on the earcups and a detachable noisecancelling microphone. The headset has an optimised lightweight design for marathon gameplay and customisable illuminated earcups. The base station features a line in, ideal for use with media streamers, TVs and MP3 players.

Rs 10,999

Standing tall

Sony BDV-E980 This brand new home theatre system from Sony comes with wider directional speakers to create impressive surround sound. You can connect wirelessly to BRAVIA Internet Video and stream media. Regardless of the size or shape of your room, Sony’s proprietary Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) lets you position your speakers in a way that they provide the ideal sound quality for your room. With the HDMI connector you can stream hi-def content on the telly.

Rs 39,990

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GAMER’S delight

This Wii’s for U!

W

ell, it’s about time. Ever since the current generation of consoles took up residence in our living rooms, the annual gaming expo E3 has been bereft of any big hardware announcements. E3 2010 was dominated by Microsoft and Sony as they fought over who could best imitate the hugely successful Nintendo Wii’s motion control, which this year has left Nintendo with only one choice: innovate yet again. The result is the Nintendo Wii U. Well, mainly the controller for it. But then, it’s the controller that counts… With HD graphics and a full complement of controls, this is the Wii made hardcore.

The first thing you might notice is that the U controller is rather large. That’s because there’s a honking great, 6.2-inch touch screen around which sits a more traditional controller setup: four action buttons and dual thumb sticks, shoulder buttons and triggers. There’s also full, 360-degree, motion-sensing capabilities and a forwardfacing camera. It’s lighter than it looks and is comfortable to hold, even if the triggers require both index and middle fingers. The console itself is more of a mystery. The unit we used was clearly a prototype, but we do know that the finished product will have full-HD, 1080p visuals, use solid-state storage and optical discs, be backwards compatible and have access to downloadable content. Will there be a 3D element? No. Nintendo describes this revolutionary console and controller duo as “something for everyone”. That means keeping the motion-control aspects of the Wii – all existing Wii controllers will work with it – while adding a full complement of more traditional controls and HD graphics.

It was hard to tell just how powerful the Wii U is from

Nintendo’s demo. The general idea is that graphics will be on a par with PS3 and Xbox 360.

However, all Nintendo actually had to show off were some rather basic mini-games.

The Nintendo Wii U is an ambitious attempt to do three dissimilar things at once: become the most innovative console on the market once again; win back hardcore gamers; and retain the Wii’s family-friendly image. No small feat, but Nintendo might just pull it off, thanks to the mind-boggling tech inside the U’s console and touch screen controller. Rather magnificently, you can spin the console to view what’s going on around you, independent of what’s happening onscreen. The fact you have your own display also adds a new dimension to offline multiplayer gaming.

But one of the concerns is the fact that Nintendo could potentially alienate developers with too many options. Do they use the screen for key gameplay or just mini games?

Do they use motion control or just treat the controller like a giant joypad? We know innovation is Nintendo’s bag, but with popular franchises, game makers find it easier when you give them a set of rules and say, “Just put FIFA 13 on that”. However, that has not been sufficient in putting off launch partners EA, Bandai, Ubisoft and Eidos. As with the original Wii, the test will be whether third-party developers are able to make the Wii U’s innovative bells and whistles, sing; to produce something brilliant. Among the games said to be coming to U are Assassin’s Creed, Batman Arkham City, Tekken, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Battlefield and a much applauded Super

Smash Bros sequel.

The Wii U’s potential awesomeness outweighs any worries about the sprawling newness of it all. Nintendo referred to this year’s E3 as a “coming out party” rather than a launch, stating that the Wii U won’t hit the shelves until April next year. We can’t wait.

The controller Screen - The 6.5-inch touchscreen is bold and bright. It doesn’t boast the 3D tech found in the 3DS, nor is it hi-def, but it rivals anything seen on the PS Vita.

Controller extras - The controller’s screen is touchsensitive. There’s also an accelerometer for full motion control, plus a front-facing camera and microphone for video calls.

Handheld gaming - Single-player games can be transferred to the controller and played on its touchscreen as long as you remain within range of the console – the range and battery life are not yet known .

Specifications Processor - IBM Power-based multi-core Storage - Flash memory plus SD card Media - 12cm proprietary high-density optical discs Controller - 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen, control pad, four buttons, two shoulder buttons, two rear triggers Conectivity - 4x USB, AV multi-out including HDMI Console size - 267x173x46mm; controller TBC

This material is translated or reproduced from T3 magazine and is the copyright of or licensed to Future Publishing Limited, a Future plc group company, UK 2011. Used under license. All rights reserved.

PLAY TIME No proper titles yet, but these demos gave us a taste of the Wii U’s potential…

HD Experience 1 - A brace of full-HD birds fly around a colonial Japanese garden eating blossom, flying over carp ponds and generally looking stunning, if a little cartoonish HD Experience 2 - A short clip of Zelda (above). The touchscreen can switch between night and day, change the camera, or toggle through the HUD info on the TV or controller Battle Mii - Metroid-style shooting, in which the player with the new controller flies a gunship around an arena, while players with Wiimotes fire at it from below Shield pose - Designed to show how the Wii U utilises motion control. Lift the controller to use it as a shield, deflecting arrows fired from passing pirate ships Panorama view - Footage of a car cruising through Tokyo plays on the TV. The controller’s screen shows the same footage, but by moving it you can get a full, 360-degree view Chase Mii - Four players armed with Wiimotes have two and a half minutes to chase down the player with the Wii U controller, who has the benefit of an onscreen map

TURNTABLE review

Of the record: Denon DP-29F but one can hardly complain considering that this is not a premium product. If you’re not looking for an antique, the DPs silver body should fit in nicely with your home theatre system.

Technology The DP-29F has been constructed with high precision diecast aluminium. The rigid diecast material contributes to the turntable’s steady performance, which in turn enhances the audio quality of the turntable. It also has an inbuilt automated system. Once you place a record on the platter and press the start button, the tonearm automatically positions itself on the record to begin playback from the first track. However, you have to first choose the size of the record you want to play and for that there is a selector switch that gives you options for an EP (17cm) or an LP (30cm). This system saves you the hassle of physically placing the tonearm on the record, not to mention the fact that the human touch, while you place the tonearm on the record, causes a little surface friction. The DP-29F also features a built-in phono equaliser. When you turn on the phono equaliser switch (which is hidden below the platter), the RCA interconnects can be connected directly to an integrated amplifier. As a result of this, you needn’t route the low level signals of the turntable to a phono pre-amp.

M

ost people today either use an iPod, Mp3 player or their mobile phone to listen to their favourite music. Even our CD players at home have become outdated, being increasingly replaced with state of the art iPod docks. But in this age of digitalisation, the magic of the LP is still not lost.

Many music companies continue to produce records and the charm of listening to the hum and crackle of needle on vinyl continues to enchant us. No wonder then that De-

non, a world class manufacturer of home-theatre systems, AV receivers and various other electronics hasn’t given up for good on record players. This month, we review the Denon DP-29F, a turntable for the modern day consumer.

Out of the box At first glance, we liked the silver finish of the player which gave it a polished, modern appearance. The outer plastic body of the DP may look simple and economical,

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Performance They say that a record player is a tweaker’s delight. This is because if you consider CD players there aren’t really any adjustments you can make. Most of them come with their built-in DACs and other electronics with which you really can’t play around. But a record player needs proper setup and that is exactly what we ensured with the Denon DP-29F. We placed the turntable on a flat surface to make

sure that no external vibrations could make its way to the player. Some audiophiles may argue that basic features like anti-skate control and counter balance weight are missing on the DP-29F. In fact, we found ourselves wondering whether the tonearm would require changing in the future. We couldn’t figure out an answer to that question. However, the sound quality of the DP-29F is what astounded us the most and it almost made us zip our lips within moments of listening to it.

When we placed “Plastic Beach” by the Gorillaz on the turntable we couldn’t believe our ears for the first few moments. The dynamic range that the player covered was simply amazing. The DP-29F could easily deliver the deep bass notes from the Gorillaz LP. Usually, it isn’t possible for a turntable to enter into the deep bass frequency region

because a lot of low rumble noise is generated by the rotary mechanics and motor systems. But the DP-29F delivered a smooth and rounded bass response. The sound quality of the turntable was not only focussed in the low end region but also in the audible high frequencies which were sweet and clean. The dirt particles on the surface of the records did generate occasional noise during the audition session as they rubbed against the stylus during playback. However, it did not hamper the overall sound quality of the player.

warm and beautiful and the treble is clean and easy on the ears.

In fact, a first time listener would be completely blown away by the charming midrange quality of the turntable.

Moreover, the inbuilt pre-amp saves you the trouble of additional electronics and amplification. Overall, the DP-29F does a great job on the musical frontier. The absence of anti-skate and counter weight options may worry certain audiophiles, but the automated system built into the player takes care of all those things.

Our verdict

Love: Price, replaceable cartridge, good sound quality Hate: Very basic design Rs 9,900

The Denon DP-29F is perfect for everyday casual listening. This player will be an irresistible option for most of us.

Tonally, the player is well-balanced, the mid-range is

AV MAX

Specifications Wow and flutter: 0.15% Speed: 33-1/3 And 45RPM Tonearm length: 7.67-inch Cartridge type: MM (DSN-82) Output level: 2.5mV Weight: 2.8kg

AUTO focus

Revving up Bentley’s stress-buster

Jason H. Harper tep into the $285,000 Bentley Mulsanne and odd things happen. Your heart rate drops. The softball-sized knot between your shoulders shrinks to a marble.

Unlike white-knuckle-driving supercars which cost more than a house in Florida, this luxury sedan induces a vastly different reaction. Breath out, relax. You’re rich, after all.

The Mulsanne demanded that it be put to the ultimate stress test. Early on a Monday morning, I drove out of Manhattan until reaching the heart of commuter country in Westchester. I got a deli coffee and idled until traffic began to shut down to a bumper-to-bumper clog. Then I turned the British coach back towards the city.

Stress level: 20 per cent, with an excellent chance of stratospheric surges.

If the best-selling, bullet-shaped Continental coupe is the modern Bentley, the Mulsanne evokes the era of the horseless carriage. A completely new model which replaces the Arnage as the brand’s flagship, the Mulsanne is a good choice if you aspire to be a modern-day Arthur (either the Camelot king or the rich playboy portrayed by Dudley Moore).

had been used. Leather? Oh yes, it’s got leather, but it takes a backseat to all that blinding wood.

In typical Bentley fashion, each knob is burred and every control has a feeling of mechanical weight behind it.

You’ll find yourself turning stuff on and off just because.

S

Upper-crust bling Owners of the Mulsanne or its competitor, the $246,500 Rolls-Royce Ghost, are of a different ilk than those who drive the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series.

Back-seat nap

There’s an inherent declaration of check-me-out entitlement.

Yet, the two brands have a different approach. If the Ghost wears its extravagance on its bespoke sleeve - call it upper- crust bling - the Bentley has a less showy demeanour.

At 18-plus-feet-long, it’s certainly formidable. It would be hard to overlook the fantastic upright mesh grill and headlights the size of salad plates. You can add optional 21-inch wheels and a flying-B hood ornament. But the beltline is high and the side windows small, rather like hedging hiding a Greenwich mansion.

To really be wowed, you have to be invited in. My test car cost $333,885 with options, and my favourite element was the interior oak wood, a shade so light it seemed to glow. For $4,640, it seemed as if all of Sherwood Forest

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As I set off into traffic, I glanced at the rear seats, each of which reclines and has its own temperature control and folding table (also in wood – part of a $19,860 premiere specification package). Good place to nap or read, ignoring the congestion completely.

But I was in the driver’s seat and was pleased to find that traffic was actually moving. The seat was top-rate comfortable, and the steering wheel surprisingly small and well-weighted in my hand.

The Mulsanne isn’t bad to drive. It’s powered by a 6.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 with 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. It has a sport setting and even a switch to shut off the stability control, plus paddle shifters to manually manipulate the eight-gear automatic transmission (yes, eight).

Speed isn’t the point, though. The sedan handles reasonably on curves, but the instinct is to slow down and enjoy, not accelerate.

The air suspension not only absorbs bumps, it banishes them to a parallel universe. So far my stress level had actually fallen. Even the minivan loitering in the left-hand lane wasn’t bothering me.

Gas guzzling What would stress me would be trying to find a gas station in the city, a common occurrence since the Mulsanne manages only 11 mpg in the city, 18 highway. No wonder it gets socked with a $3,700 gas guzzler tax.

As I knew it must, traffic stopped, so I turned on the Naim Audio system, which has 2,200 watts, 20 speakers and a price tag of $7,415. The car went from church silent to full-on Carnegie Hall. My blood pressure stabilised.

Unlike the Ghost, which I tested around Los Angeles and was always worried about scraping, the Mulsanne’s

footprint seems to shrink in traffic. It’s not easy to squirt into tight openings in traffic, but at least it’s possible.

More quickly than I hoped, I found myself on Manhattan’s West Side Highway. I’d only used the horn twice. I was so relaxed that I decided to really get wild and exited onto Broadway toward Times Square, a place native New Yorkers believe is best avoided even on foot.

Bus stop Tourists pointed. Minutes later I’d left behind the cold light of oversized LCD screens and was skirting past the taxi wars outside Penn Station, the Mulsanne’s torque-

heavy engine pulling me by in an irresistible surge. There was no stopping me now.

Actually, there was, in the form of a stalled bus, blocking three lanes of traffic. Horns erupted. A bike messenger zinged past my door. A pedestrian yelled at him.

I rolled down my window, turned up the 20-speaker stereo and began idly-fiddling with those well-weighted controls. I’d be here for a while.

(The author writes about autos for Muse, the arts and leisure section of Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

The Bentley Mulsanne at a Glance Engine: 6.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 with 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Eight-speed ZF automatic Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds Gas mileage per gallon: 11 city; 18 highway Price as tested: $333,885 Best feature: Magnificent interior Worst feature: Thirst for fuel Target buyer: Royals and playboys Photos: Bloomberg

MELANGE luxury redefined

Strappy & stylish Grab the new Fendi Mia Chain Strap Hobo Bag for a day out in style. Pebbled leather in tan, gold-tone chain links on the strap and a neat hobo design make this the perfect bag for your freespirited self. Available at its boutique at Emporio Mall, New Delhi.

Rs 70,818

Blue beauty Jazz up your outfit with Swarovski’s range of Polly bracelets. The blue bracelet carries Indicolite and Caribbean Blue opal crystals with gold-plated link and end pieces. Also available in red and purple at all Swarovski boutiques.

Rs 3,600

Fetching Five All you need are the bags from DKNY and Bag Snob’s Five Essentials collection to dress up any occasion. The Tote, Treasure, Clutch, Travel and Trendy come in catchy colours with muted gold hardware.

Available at the DKNY store at Emporio mall, New Delhi.

Rs 6,000 onwards

Angelic radiance Gemstone glow L’Oreal Paris launches the new Pearl Perfect range of skin care products enriched with powdered pink tourmaline gemstones for a fairer, rosier glow.

Available at L’Oreal Paris counters across India.

Rs 350 onwards

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L’Occitane launches the Angelica range of skin care products, utilising the goodness of Angelica root. The essential oil and water from the heart of the root provide hydration and vitality to your skin.

Available at its stores and select lifestyle outlets.

Rs 1,250 onwards

PREMIUM interiors

International Furniture Brands introduces a new furniture range by luxury designer, Christopher Guy. The pieces showcase the “Chris-X” design element, tufting and silk-cut details. Available at its store in New Delhi.

Price on request

Luxurious living

Regal recliner Qboid Design House launches its range of designer furniture featuring stately recliners, chairs, tables and beds with a contemporary feel. Teakwood, marble and gold carvings add a touch of royalty to the pieces.

Available at its store in New Delhi.

Rs 29,900 onwards

All in one Find all you need to furnish your home elegantly at Home Et Tu, a high end design store. The range which mixes contemporary and classic styles also includes premier European fabrics and home accessories. Located at New Delhi.

Rs 1,850 onwards

Early to bed !

The new monsoon range of bedspreads and bedcovers from Nas Home will make you want to tuck in early every night. Choose from cotton or polyester fabrics in vibrant colours. Available at its store in Bengaluru.

Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000

Cute caterpillar Add some fun to your cutlery collection with the Hungry Caterpillar range from Art d’inox.

The beverage and dining sets are made of ceramic or brass and stainless steel with a hint of gold. Available at select multi-brand outlets.

Rs 600 to Rs 22,500

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See-through splendour

G

lass structures have become a pertinent feature of the urban landscape. The ultra-modern buildings have taken glass to an innovative, dramatic and surprising high. It is now one of the most versatile and cutting-edge building materials available.

Newer production and development techniques have turned construction from glass into an art. Expanses of glass can now be suspended in front of a series of nearly invisible metal trusses and braces. It is not only spectacular to look at and look through; it is also safer, stronger and more energy-efficient.

Heat-strengthened glass and tempered glass are amongst the stronger varieties of glass. Glass must be strengthened for three basic reasons: to handle wind-load, to increase impact-resistance and to combat thermal stress. Architects and designers must consider the force of wind on a building or installation when choosing to use glass. Wind causes glass to deflect, straining not only the glass, but the entire glazing system: the framework, gaskets and sealants. Impact-resistance is closely related to wind-load, because the wind carries hailstones, dust, small stones and other debris.

However, in a tropical country like ours, it becomes more important to beat the heat. Certain types of glass available absorb over 70 per cent of heat that falls on it.

The transmission to the inside of a building is about 20 per cent. Energy transmitted through ordinary glass is absorbed by the floor, walls and furnishings and released much later. The heat storage capacity of these objects tends to spread the cooling load over a considerable period of time so that the peak amount of heat felt is reduced. The

Versatile and cutting-edge, glass has taken over as the building material of the season effectiveness of heat-absorbing glass may be increased by using it as the outer pane of a double-glazed window so that absorbed energy is dissipated outside.

Reflective glass Reflective glass is clear or tinted glass that has a very thin layer of metal, metallic oxide or a film of dielectric material on the surface. The reflective coating reduces heat gain and glare from the outside while allowing visible light to enter. Sealed double glazed units are now available with a reflective coating on the inner surface of the outer pane.

Their reflectivity depends on the angle at which light hits the glass, but it is higher than that of ordinary glass.

Characteristics • It gives a building a mirror-like appearance • The coatings are available in silver, copper, gold and earthtone •It reflects and absorbs the sun’s rays; therefore it reduces the amount of solar radiation that enters the building, thus reducing power costs

Low E glass Low emissivity glass, commonly called low E glass, is a type of reflective glass that is gaining popularity, especially in residential and office applications. Low E coatings are

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very thin metallic coatings that reduce visible light transmission by about 10 per cent compared to uncoated glass.

In northern areas, low E coatings let in the heat from the winter sun while retaining the heat generated from inside the building. In southern areas, low E coatings are usually applied to bronze, green or gray tinted glass. They reduce glare and reflect the sun’s heat away from the structure.

Characteristics •Reduced heat loss through windows •Re-radiation of the heat absorbed from sunlight inside the room •Allows sunlight into a room without letting heat outside •Resists ultraviolet light, which results in less damage to carpets, draperies and other furnishings •Reduces glare

Insulating glass Insulating glass units, also known as IG units, are made from two or more sheets of glass separated by a sealed air space. The metal tube around the perimeter of the insulated unit which separates the two sheets of glass is called the spacer. It is filled with a special moisture absorbing material called a dessicant. The perimeter of the entire unit is sealed with a high grade sealant.

Characteristics •Reduces the tendency of condensation forming on the room side of the glass •Reduces cold transmittance at windows and helps maintain a uniform temperature. In the winter, IG units reduce heat loss and in the summer they reduce heat gain • Reduce the level of noise from the outside

Glass glossary Float glass: The process involves floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. This gives the glass uniform thickness and makes it very flat. Float glass-making was perfected in 1959 by Pilkington Brothers Ltd of England.

Tinted, or heat absorbing glass: It is made by adding colouring agents to the batch mix. These agents include bronze, grey, green and blue. Tinting glass reduces the amount of light that passes through the glass. As the glass gets thicker, the density of the colour also increases.

This causes the glass to transmit less visible light.

Patterned glass: Also called figured glass, obscure glass and decorative glass, patterned glass is made by passing it through rollers that have patterns on them. The pattern is transferred to one or both sides of the glass.

Patterned glass also helps control the transmission of light and diffuses the details of objects that would be clearly visible through ordinary glass.

Mirrors: These are made from high-quality annealed float glass designated as either mirror quality or mirror select. Mirrors are made by depositing a layer of silver on the back surface of the glass, because the tin side does not accept silver properly. The reflectivity of the mirror depends on the thickness of the silver layer, glass, and glass colour. High quality mirrors could have a copper backing, which offers the best protection.

Laminated glass: It is used as the inboard sheet in skylights. By varying the thickness and colour of the PVB (polyvinyl butyral), laminated glass can be used to control glare, reduce the transmission of solar energy, and screen out ultraviolet radiation.

(Aruna Rathod – Better Interiors)

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GOURMET encounters Archana Achal Anushya Mamtora here is something about live kitchens that whets the palette.

The clinking sounds of cutlery, the smell of aromatic spices, punctuated by the laughter and exclamations of the chefs working at the cooking station - the experience of dining reaches a new high. No wonder then that the newly opened Hyatt Regency in Chennai has made live kitchens the cynosure of all its restaurants. We decided to soak in the atmosphere of some Asian street-hawker stall style food at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Stix.

With an open kitchen in the centre, the pleasure of watching the chefs in action as they stir fry, braise and toss together your dish is beautifully blended with the view of the zen-style poolside and the cloudy skies beyond.

T

Street-style Sichuan goes chic

Inviting interiors, Chinese touches Warm in its use of brown and beige colours, the restaurant brings together rough stone slabs, wooden panels and polished steel to create a contemporary dining space. However, while you step on stone slabs to reach your table, you can’t miss the elegant Chinese touches in the form of traditional teapot displays. Large vases containing chopsticks on each table also add a nice touch. One has the option of choosing a cosy corner for private conversations or experience community-style dining at the large table right next to the chef’s station, for a whiff of the Sichuan province.

Sichuan at your table Sichuan cuisine, more popularly known as Szechuan cuisine is known to be spicy and pungent as its most celebrated ingredient is the Sichuan peppercorn. Yet, there exists a certain amount of subtlety to the food. After all, Chinese cuisine is based on balance of tastes. At Stix, you don’t have an elaborate menu to flip through. Short and crisp, one can easily glance through the appetisers, dimsums, soups, main course, rice and noodles and desserts in one go.

We began the meal with an appetiser of blanched spinach leaves dressed with Chinese rice vinegar, sesame and peanut sauce.

Strictly for those who love the flavour of

peanuts. For non-vegetarians, the recommended poached chicken in a crushed peanut and sesame sauce is a delightful start to the meal, with the chicken slightly spiced and served cold on a bed of cucumber.

What’s a Chinese meal without dimsums!

We tried the vegetable and spinach one and it was just right. There were also options of steamed fish, prawn and lamb fillings.

The soup choices were interesting too.

Served in a traditional urn-shaped bowl,

the baby bok choy and assorted mushroom clear soup was well balanced in its flavours.

Non-vegetarians can sample the delectable clam and bean curd soup and braised tomato and egg soup.

Chinese mainstay While sipping jasmine tea to cleanse our palate, the main course was quickly laid out. Kung Pao chicken and the chef-recommended Sichuan style chicken with chilli and peppercorns didn’t disappoint.

These dishes show the diverse cooking styles native to the Sichuan region. While the large cashew nuts tossed in the sweet and spicy Kung Pao chicken was a highlight, the clear winner was the steamed broccoli in oyster sauce.

The light sauce teamed well with the stir-fried noodles and rice with lettuce and soy sauce.

Seafood lovers can look forward to savouring stir-fried lobsters, scallops and prawns and also a special mixed seafood rice with black fungus and carrot. The more adventurous can try duck with mushrooms in mild, sweet soya sauce.

The Head Sous Chef sent in some yummy desserts to round off the lunch. Yes, though desserts do not form a part of the cuisine, Stix has a few options for those with a sweet tooth. And they have steered clear of the commonly served darsan (deep-fried flat noodles in honey). We loved the caramel crust of the egg custard tart, the perfect squishiness and mild sweetness of the honey in the banana fritters and the wholesome fruitiness of the mango pudding.

What works well for Stix is its warm ambience, non-fussy a la carte options, use of authentic ingredients all the way from China, a team of expert Chinese chefs and good food. The burden on your wallet is not too heavy and the view transports you above the din of the city and into the joyful clamour of Sichuan streets.

What: Sichuan Cuisine Where: Stix, Hyatt Regency, Chennai How much: Approximately Rs 2,500 for a meal for two archana.a@thehindu.co.in anushya@thehindu.co.in