The eye-catching ‘train’ has fired everyone’s imagination
ATMOSPHERICS
With ample parking, it is just off the main Rajendra Bhavan sprawl. Imly and its likeness to a train has, in the few weeks that it has been opened, been besieged with customers of all ages and it is easy to see why. Just the novelty of boarding a train to have a meal is unique enough, but one composed entirely of chaat and other street-side snacks is everyone’s guilty pleasure. Add to that the sweep of the menu: from Tamil Nadu to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Varanasi, Lucknow, Amritsar and Delhi, and you have a winner. The icing on the cake is the laughably low cost of a meal for two: you could stuff yourself and get back change from Rs 700! The food is all vegetarian, no trouble is too much to source ingredients and cooks from the appropriate town and the bright interiors and jazzy service-ware are designed to appeal to people of all ages.
TABLE TALK
Not everything is uniformly good, but the pick of the lot tends to be the Chole Bhature (Rs 90) fried in desi ghee and the chole is studded with diced, fried paneer, just like it was in the old days. The other unmissable treat includes the Rajasthani Kanji Vada (Rs 65) that is mildly fermented and served cool in an earthenware glass. It appears to have been made by a street-stall owner from the interiors of Rajasthan and to get something like that, you would have to spend a day driving all over Rajasthan, so the price is a steal. Matra Tikki (Rs 95) is a fairly good rendition of the Hazratganj version from Lucknow, made with dried peas (mattra) pressed into a tikka and griddle fried. There is a rich vein of brilliance in the Madras ki Bhatti section, particularly the Ragi Dosa (Rs 100) with its lip-smacking sambhar and chutneys and the Paniyaram (Rs 125).
PLUS AND MINUS
Success, alas, has its own pitfalls, especially in an irresistible eatery as this. Arrive at mealtimes, and you can have an hour long wait. Then, the Amritsari kulchas are merely stuffed parathas and the cholas, though sour, have none of the trademark anardana tanginess. Also, serious reworking of the Bombay sev puri and bhel puri is needed.
Must try: Bundi Pag Rabri, Gatta with Bikaneri Paratha, Tamatar ki Chaat
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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Imly
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Piya Behrupiya
Directed by: Atul Kumar
Cast: Titas Dutta, Pooja Gupta, Sudheer Rikhari, Bhaskar Boruah, Girish Sharma, Nehpal Gautam, Dhwani Vij
Adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the play is an entertaining amalgamation of various emotions and circumstances. Already popular among the crowd, it has perfect elements such as a shipwreck, cross-dressing, mistaken identities and happy endings towards the end.
Note: The second show begins at 8 pm
Tickets: Rs 300 to Rs 500
Tickets available on Bookmyshow
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Preview: Rann Utsav 2015
Tired of hill vacays and beach towns? Then we’ve got just the right option for you if you’re looking at new and fun experiences as well as a relaxed getaway. Rann Utsav, the annual festival celebrating the salty desert that is Rann of Kutch and an initiative by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, is returning this month and will continue till February.
Flanked by Pakistan’s Sind province, the Great Rann of Kutch is one of the biggest salt deserts in the world with an area of over 30,000 square kilometres. While visiting the Rann might be an arduous trip any other time of the year, this festival ensures that visitors have a top-notch experience with a special Tent City, bazaars, recreational activities and numerous adrenaline-packed adventure sports.
The Tent City boasts of being the largest temporary accommodation in India with over 350 luxury cottage tents. All tents have wooden flooring and attached bathrooms with options for every budget – from the luxurious Premium Executive suite (Rs 9,100 ++ for 1N/2D per person) to the more pocket-friendly non-AC Swiss Cottages (Rs 6,500 ++ for 1N/2D per person).
While there will be no dearth of things to do at the festival, the organisers have also put together several recreational activities to keep you entertained. There will be a dedicated play area for kids, spa facilities, meditation hall and equipment on site for stargazing. If you enjoy the outdoors, you could go hiking to the the highest point in Kutch, Kala Dungar; the pristine white Mandvi Beach and the Palace of Mirrors in Bhuj. The special Crafts Bazaar will also give tourists a chance to soak in the local handicrafts, cuisine and culture.
Rann Utsav also offers state-of-the-art facilities if you’d like to organise an off-site corporate event, a wedding or even a formal family get-together against the backdrop of the vast desert.
P.S: We’ve heard that the Rann of Kutch is absolutely stunning on full moon nights so we suggest you look up the lunar calendar and plan accordingly!
Where: Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat
When: November 18th to February 23th
How To Get There: There are regular flights/trains from Delhi to Bhuj. The Rann of Kutch is approximately 80 km from Bhuj and can be reached via taxi. Alliance Air will also be operating direct flights from Delhi to Bhuj starting December 1st.
For bookings and other info, click here.
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Live Music Ft. Shadow Light
Boheme will be hosting an evening of live music with Shadow Light, a Delhi-based band consisting of Pavithra Chari and Anindo Bose. The duo fuses various musical styles such as Hindustani vocal, jazz, pop and electronica. After two years of songwriting and performing, the duo released their debut self-titled album in 2014. Shadow Light has played at venues and festivals across India such as Chandigarh Jazz Festival and Fete de la Musique.
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Qawwali Music With Barmer Boys
Fio Country Kitchen will be hosting a performance by Barmer Boys. The renowned ambassadors of Rajasthani folk music, Barmer Boys carry forward the musical traditions of the Manganiyars. With Manga Khan on vocals, Rais Khan on percussions and Mangu Khan on the dholak, the band’s repertoire includes contemporary folk and Sufi music coupled with modern elements like DJ sets and beat boxing.
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Compunction
Directed by: Kaushik Bose
Compunction is a psychological thriller exploring the emotion of guilt or the lack thereof. Deepa, a renowned psychologist stumbles upon a series of murders while treating one of her patients. While she is running against time to solve these crimes, she also has to deal with a difficult personal life.
Note: For 18 years and above only
Ticket prices: Rs 100 to 400
Tickets available on BookMyShow
Schedule: 7 pm on November 28th; 4 pm and 7 pm on November 29th
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6 Different Momos To Try In Delhi
Whatever the season, the Capital’s love for street food remains constant, but winter is an especially good time to hog outdoors and what better way to do it than to indulge in some momos. The most commonly eaten street food in the city, it has undergone a lot of changes over the years, and while you must’ve eaten the tandoori and whole-wheat versions, here are the 6 unique ones you should check out next.
Vodka Momos @ Queen’s Kitchen
Yes, you heard that right, Vodka Momos. Amar Colony has some of the best joints serving this Tibetan specialty and Queen#39;s Kitchen is one of them. Their specialty is this boozy rendition made with a crisp layer of garlic and onion garnish. The batter is prepped with vodka and then stuffed with either vegetarian or non-veg filling that has also been marinated in vodka. That spirited hit makes this tandoori momo special and priced at Rs 150 a plate, it’s quite a popular order here.
Chocolate Momos @ Mr. Momos
Ever thought of having momos for dessert? This Dwarka eatery thinks you should! The hot chocolate filling in the momo is mixed with vanilla flavours to make the sugar rush even sweeter. The salty flavour of the outer skin is countered by the chocolate and brownie inside and the final product is dusted with chocolate as well. Priced around Rs 40 per piece, it’s a must try.
Momo Burger @ Wow! Momo
Love your burger as much as this street eat? Then how about stuffing your favourite dumpling in between a bun and grabbing a bite. That’s what the MoBurg (Rs 60) at this chain is all about. Two pieces of deep fried momos are stuffed between burger buns filled with schezwan and coriander sauce and mayo. While the brand’s menu sees other unique fillings as well, this one is the craziest concoction.
Afghani Momos @ Afghan Darbar
Afghani momos, also known as Mantu, are one of the hottest selling items at this eatery. Stuffed with minced meat and onion, these steamed dumplings are served with a generous quantity of yoghurt topping, channa dal, capsicum, tomatoes and mustard oil. Priced at Rs 180 a plate, these momos are pretty different from the ones that you might have tasted elsewhere.
Shogo Shabril Momos @ Rigo Restaurant
This simple Tibetan delicacy is their own version of Shepherd#39;s Pie. The stuffing is a classic combination of potatoes and meat served with spicy hot pepper-chilli chutney. Even though it’s churned out at an eatery in the bustling Majnu ka Tila, which has so many other options, we think of it as our perfect winter snack at just Rs 110.
Baked Momo Au Gratin @ Wow! Momo
The brand makes a second appearance on our list thanks to their baked momo. The Baked Momo Au Gratin (Rs 260) has a layer of pan-fried momos topped with white cream, crispy noodles and cheese. As it’s baked, the cheese melts to give it a rich, creamy feel. Certainly not for the light eaters!
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The Karina Buhr Concert
Qla in association with the Brazilian Embassy presents Karina Buhr Magalhães, an artist who dons many hats. A singer, actress, songwriter and percussionist, she began her music career in genre of Art Rock in 1992. She has also made appearance in records of the Mundo Livre S / A, DJ Dolores, Antonio Nobrega, Erastus Vasconcelos, Mestre Ambrósio, Citizen Instigado, Bonsucesso Samba Clube and others.
Entry: Free
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Dastkar's Nature 2015
Dastkar’s annual Nature Bazaar is back this month, bringing together crafts and craftsmen from around the country. With over a hundred participating groups, the fest will be a mix of workshops, exhibitions, cuisines and performances.
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Gig Night Ft. Syncopation
Catch an eclectic gig by Syncopation at Depot 29. The band, which was formed in 2009 plays a mix of modern jazz, funk, swing and bebop. They released their debut album in 2013 and since then have performed at numerous festivals and music venues. Their repertoire includes original music centered around an innovative approach to jazz music.
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Amarrass Night: Mahadev Cometo Barmer Boys
Amarrass Nights return to Lodi – The Garden Restaurant with performances by Mahadev Cometo and Barmer Boys. The former, also working under the name Al Comet, is a skilled sitar musician playing Indian fusion music. Swiss by birth, Mahadev Cometo studied Indian classical music at Varanasi where he got his unusual name.
The renowned ambassadors of Rajasthani folk music, Barmer Boys carry forward the musical traditions of the Manganiyars. With Manga Khan on vocals, Rais Khan on percussions and Mangu Khan on the dholak, the band’s repertoire includes contemporary folk and Sufi music coupled with modern elements like DJ sets and beat boxing.
Ticket prices: Rs 500
Tickets available on www.amarrass.com
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Preview: FUSE – From India With Love
A change in season and the onset of festivals means more reason to indulge in shopping, and that’s exactly what you can do at Fuse – From India With Love. Seeking to bring together new kids on the design block, this showcase features 20 brands ranging from home, apparel, jewellery, accessories and even food.
Expect a curated and handpicked list of emerging young designers, who are doing their bit to promote the handicrafts of India and reshaping the way we look at them. That also explains why they’ve chosen a theatre setting as their venue rather than a regular space. So grab your shopping bags to pick out pieces by brands like Pune’s Jodi with their signature breezy clothes, quirky home décor by Idam, Jaipur-based Tokree known for putting handblocked designs on everything wearable, embroidered jewellery by Fooljhadi, Bangdar Sarali’s experimental fused glass designs on jewellery and watches, bags and leather accessories by Cord, Ahmedabad’s Asa that plays with natural fabrics, quirky collectibles courtesy Kichu and Boriya Basta, stationery designs by Craft Boat, patio and garden design elements by Earthbox, shoes by Banjaraan and many more. Phew!
And while you’re collecting those shopping bags, there will also be some munching options to keep you going. Indulge your love for waffles at Fluffles – a waffle station that will be serving yumminess in different flavours or go healthy with Tobehealthy (TBH) with their cold pressed juices, chia pudding and nut milk.
Where: Akshara Theatre
When: November 21st
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm
For more, click here.
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The Brown Indian Poetry Show
The Brown Indian Poetry Show is an experimental event which will explore the amalgamation of poetry with other forms of art and entertainment. Primarily there will be poetry performances and recitations by Aseem Trivedi, Alok Dixit, Raghavendra Madhu Sanjay Shepherd, Mayank Bokolia and Vikas Rai, some of which will be accompanied by a flute recital and contemporary dance.
Ticket price: Rs 250
Tickets available on Insider.in
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City Guide: Bird Sanctuaries In Delhi
With winter just setting in, bird sanctuaries across Delhi are welcoming their annual visitors. Migratory birds like Green Bee-Eaters, Black Drongos, Gadwals, Eurasian Coots and many more come visiting during the cold months. It’s a happy time for serious bird watchers, but also an interesting experience for a novice. So get ready to spend some time with these winged beauties, no matter what part of town you are in, with our guide.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Situated at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna River, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary technically falls in Noida and is spread across roughly 4kms. Situated right at the point where the river Yamuna enters in the state of Uttar Pradesh, one of the most prominent features of this sanctuary is the lake created by damming the river. The wetland sees around 200 species out of which 20 are common resident water bird species and the rest are migratory. Apart from Baikal Teal, Baer’s Pochard, Sarus Crane and Bristled Grassbird, the sanctuary sees two of the most endangered species of vultures – the White Rumped Vulture and the Indian Vulture. Plus, it also houses mammals like Nilgai, Indian Mongoose, Blacknaped Hare and more.
Where: Okhla
Entry: Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 350 for foreigners
Timings: 9 am to 4 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.30 am to 3 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Nearest Metro Station: Noida Botanical Garden
For more details, click here
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Declared as a National Park by the Haryana Government, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary houses more than 200 species of birds. You’ll spot the likes of the Common Hoopoe, Paddyfield Pipit, Purple Sunbird, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Thick-knee, Black Francolin, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Spot-billed Duck, Painted Stork, White Ibis and Red-collared Dove here. The four towers at different points of the park make it an ideal spot for birding and winter is the best time with wonderful flora and fauna all around.
Where: Sultanpur, Gurgaon
Entry: Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 55 for foreigners
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Metro Station: Huda City Centre
For more details, click here
Yamuna Biodiversity Park
This park is home to biologically rich wetlands as well as grassland communities that provide a serene escape from the city’s noise. Spread over an area of 457 acres near Wazirabad village, it’s a nesting place for birds from Central Asia, Siberia and Europe who migrate here every year. The park also sees many medicinal and fruit plants that only grow here, and acts as a natural conservation site for some endangered plants.
Where: Main Jagatpur Road
Entry: Free
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Nearest Metro Station: GTB Nagar
For more details, click here
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the Northern end of the Aravalli’s, the significance of this ridge lies in its merger with the Indo-Gangetic plains and the sanctuary also has protected status. The long natural trail will expose you to some of the best and even lesser known flora and fauna of the area. The deep pits that were once formed by mining have now been converted into lakes. The rich topography makes it one of the most sought after green patch in the Capital. Species like Blue Bulls,Black Kite, Ducks, Northern Shoveler, Rufous Treepies, Blacknaped Hare, Porcupines, Camels and some endangered butterflies will welcome you at this sanctuary.
Where: Surajkund Road
Entry: Rs 100 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturday-Sunday, but can be opened on special request)
Nearest Metro Station: Tuglaqabad
For more details, click here
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Tex Mex Food Festival
Eggspectation is hosting a food festival which is offering an amazing fusion of American and Mexican cuisine. Chef Enzo Renda has used influences from these two cuisines to come up with a superb menu that offers dishes like Prawns in Chipotley Sauce, Lemon Peppered Salmon, Grilled Lamb Chops, Cilantro and Lime Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Tenderloin with Salsa, Chicken Quesadillas and more.
Price for two: Rs 2,000++
Timings: Lunch (12.30 pm to 3 pm) and Dinner (7.30 pm to 11.30 pm)
Note: The festival is on-going at all Jaypee properties in Delhi NCR
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Heavy 12: Nerm Tapan Raj
A dubstep, bass and drum bass evening comes your way with Summer House Café where Nerm and Tapan Raj will be playing live sets. A well-known DJ and broadcaster, Nerm was initially associated with the Asian underground movement and later went on to pioneer the Shiva Soundsystem. With his vast knowledge of music, he has also curated numerous music festivals, radio shows and club nights. Joining him will be Tapan Raj, one half of the Indian electronic music duo Midival Punditz. Known for his cutting edge sound, he recently also embarked on a solo career.
The supporting gig for the evening will be played by UP7T, the stage name of Delhi-based bass artist Ayush Arora. While studying in the UK, he became acquainted with the underground music there and playing gigs around the city helped him hone his skill. With UP7T, he aims to bring his own interpretation of bass music to people, peppered with a bit of dubstep and grime.
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The Giants Of Jazz Festival
The Piano Man Jazz Club is celebrating its second month anniversary with a 10-day long jazz festival which will feature live music performances along with film screenings. The schedule is as follows:
21 November, 8:45 pm: Burum
Led by trumpeter Tomos Williams, Burum is a band which interprets traditional Welsh melodies. Using dynamic jazz improvisations, Burum brings a new touch to traditional Welsh music.
22 November, 8:45 pm: Music Mixers
This will be an evening of free-style jamming by popular Delhi-based musicians.
23 November, 6 pm: Movie Screenings
The evening will see screening of three movies – Oscar Peterson Live In Montreaux which is about the Canadian jazz pianist and composer who won eight Grammy awards; Clark Terry: Jazzwoche Burghausen about the American swing and bebop trumpeter who is also one of the most recorded jazz musicians ever; and Ken Burns Jazz: Our Language, a documentary miniseries providing a history of jazz and focusing on innovative composers and musicians.
24 November, 8:30 pm: The Nat King Cole Show Screening
This evening will see the screening of the weekly variety show by Nat King Cole, a leading jazz pianist known for his baritone voice.
25 November, 8:45 pm: Kekko Fornarelli
Catch a live gig by Kekko Fornarelli, an Italian pianist and composer. He started learning classical piano at an early age and since then he has released four full-length albums.
26 November, 8:45 pm: Nik Bartsch’s RONIN
Watch the zen-funk quartet RONIN create magic on the stage with a minimalist setup. Founded by Zurich composer and pianist, the quartet also includes Kaspar Rast, Sha and Bjorn Meyer.
27 November, 8:45 pm: Tarun Balani Collective
Led by Tarun Balani and also including Tiziano Bianchi, Joshua Crumbly and David Six, the Collective fuses world music influences with modern jazz elements.
28 November, 8:45 pm: Refuge
Refuge is a jazz/world ensemble combining the spirit of jazz music with folk and classical influences. The band includes Aman Mahajan, Jayant Manchanda and Kartikeya Srivastava.
29 November, 8:45 pm: Dainius Pulauskas Group
Formed in 1996, the Group instantly became one of the most famous Lithuanian jazz units. One of the most popular jazz outfits to come out of the country, the Group has performed extensively across the world.
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Yibe
A business hotel by pedigree, Anya has the soul of a wanderer. That explains its whimsical names and interesting concepts ranging from a beer garden to this tapas bar and lounge. Where they falter is with a prohibitive price range, which makes it too expensive a proposition to go drinking here. The setting is great with a serene rooftop pool outside and a charming Greek island vibe inside. Grab a spot by the pool and order up a round of Bellini’s because it goes perfectly with the leisurely mood. There are other classic cocktails on the menu as well, alongside some in-house creations of which the Betel Leaf Martini is a refreshing change. The molecular options were unavailable on the day we visited, but their wine collection makes up for that. Top that with an ace tapas menu that competes with the excellent one at Naya downstairs and you’ve got a great chilling option in Gurgaon, if you don’t look at the likes of a Kingfisher Ultra at Rs 275! Back to the grub, the small plates of Gambas al Ajillo, Chicken Souvlaki and Patatas Bravas are all delicious and go well with the drinks, but it’s the fresh out of the oven pizzas that we recommend you don’t miss out on. As you bite into a thin crust Parmigiana, sip on some white wine and dip your toes in the cool water – it will almost be like a tribute to the good ol’ Aqua days.
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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7 Barrel Brew Pub
One of the newer pubs that have opened as part of the third wave of microbrewery launches in Gurgaon, 7 Barrel is in a great location that is always buzzing with a post-work office crowd. They don’t seem to care about the dimly lit interiors and loud music that we find strange on a weekday evening, but if we were grappling with excel sheets and snobby bosses all day long, we’d want an escape as well. The beer does its job well with some nifty and fresh options. As always, I suggest asking for a sampler of their brews before committing to one. A mug comes at a competitive Rs 215, while the tower (3 litres) is for Rs 999 and is a bargain! Of the 4, my drinking companion enjoyed the full-bodied Premium Lager, while I preferred the Schwarzbier (Dark) that had fruity and caramel hints with some sweet notes and coffee aromas. It’s quite a complex combo if you can handle dark beers, but if you aren’t the hoppy kind, there’s a full service menu with all the regulars. The grub is the only sore point with predictable dishes that are neither here nor there, so you get an Egg Bhurji Pav next to BBQ Chicken Skewers. It’s the kind of greasy bar food you won’t remember the next day, but is just right after the third round of pitchers. The playlist follows the same pattern with popular hits that the DJ changes as per the crowd’s mood.
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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Social Chhatt
Made for Delhi winter evenings.
ATMOSPHERICS
The best restaurateur is one who knows when to leave well alone. There is simply nowhere else in the city that can beat this location. So Riyaaz Amlani decided to underplay the hip quotient of the terrace. There are low moorhas, beds and floor seating with mattresses. However, it is not so much the type of seating as the location of your table. Beg, borrow or steal, but do get yourself a table that overlooks the Hauz Khas waterbody. In the dark, small details are hard to spot, but the velvety feel of the water wins over every other part of the terrace. Forgotten a shawl? The restaurant will lend you a blanket. And few experiences compare with being cosy under a blanket while sprawled on a bed, a tray in front of you with piping hot kebabs. In spite of the enormous talent that Riyaaz Amlani has access to, the menu has been kept simple and almost home-style. You can smell the sharp whiff of coal fires coiling around the terrace.
TABLE TALK
Do not miss the Crispy Okra with Salsa and Sour Cream (Rs 160). Batter fried and made into a chaat, it is outstanding. The play of textures, temperatures and tastes, from sweet to sour to spicy – it is one of the most popular dishes, as is its twin, Hash Brown Tikki Chaat with Wasabi Raita (Rs 160). The wasabi in one and the sour cream in the other have been kept to a minimum, so that the fusion element is minimized. Also, there is too little light to purr over the presentation: all that remains firmly in the background. Surprisingly for an open air restaurant that operates in winter, there is no soup: a rather glaring omission. However, the Chapli Kebab (Rs 360) is a distinctly upmarket version, from Lahore as opposed to Peshawar, I am told. Served in a lidded dish, it is infused with smoke. Comparatively, the White Butter Chicken Biryani (Rs 360) was mild to the point of being tasteless, especially in the dark when subtleties evade you. Minced Liver and Lamb (Rs 340) had a refined appeal, as had the Rosemary Nihari (Rs 340), unlike those preparations with a rustic touch.
PLUS AND MINUS
The entire terrace is a smoking section, so be warned.
Must Try: Mutton Biryani Burrito; Not Nachos; Fantastic Mutton
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
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