tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81148380843274977492024-02-09T01:28:31.067+05:30Fizzi GalThe difference between alive and dead is that little .... Fizz !Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-22426544034102607132013-08-30T12:02:00.002+05:302013-08-30T12:02:45.581+05:30Trendy, quirky and stylish, it's a tableware odyssey <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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tableware odyssey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
say you first eat with your eyes. In in this age of diverse dining experience,
visual impact is everything. From interior design to presentation of the
tabletop, diners expect a lot more than food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tableware
is a huge investment and it pays to make an intelligent buy say hoteliers. Fine
dining restaurants and casual eateries alike have embraced the idea of mixing
and matching innovative tabletop platters. The idea is to be versatile,
exclusive and coordinated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The
customer perception of food presentation is higher than ever before and chefs
are looking for more innovative presentation materials and style,” says Tarun
Seth, Director F&B at The Claridges, New Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“From
music to lighting to aesthetics on the table, creating a holistic dining
atmosphere is about details. Crockery and cutlery is significant to this,” adds
Seth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15.6pt;">Kama,
the Indian restaurant at Radisson Blu Ghaziabad is a case in point. Everything
from the gold plated ceiling to tables adorned with mother of pearl mats scream
the wow factor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Kama
means pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life. We have worked
on every detail to enhance the dining experience,” says Mohit Khanna, Executive
Chef. “Our amuse platter is a showstopper with its mix of slate and porcelain.
The green and blue of our crockery look fabulous when empty, but when combined
with food, it's visual appeal at another level,” adds Nikhil Rastogi, Executive
Sous Chef. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A riot
of colours on the table is trendy and delightful. Prego at The Westin Gurgaon,
is a perfect example to showcase a cheerful, whimsical synergy between colours
and shapes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amit
Kumar, Food and Beverage Manager says, “Prego stands for fun, casual and
untailored. The cutlery and ceramics have been chosen to depict a synergy in
the theme. You will not find the same design of napkins on an individual table.
Same for plates. As shape and size of tableware differ, so does colour. With
oranges, greens and yellows, you will find blues and reds. This adds to the
impact of the décor on the guest. It serves as an aid to Prego’s aim to convey
the message of Come As You Are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today,
round is boring. Square or oblong are a hit. Demand for contemporary flatware
with sleek lines and occasional sculpted accent is at a peak. The handle of the
tablespoon could well be triangular or cylindrical instead of the typical flat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
whimsical graphics adds humour and interest, green tableware reinforces the ‘Go
Green’ mantra. Vibrant ethnic prints promote a more urban, chic look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15.6pt;">At
Monkey Bar, Bangalore, India's first gastropub, there is a unique spin to
everything. Says Chef Manu Chandra, Partner, “Our tableware is eclectic and
irreverent. It refuses to conform to any norm and the crockery is a cheerful
mismatch and, somehow, perfectly complements the honest wholesomeness of the
food. Aunt Maise from Saligao parted with her recipe of Pork Sorpotel for us
and on her instructions is served in a jam pot with warm pav; our Pickled Beef
comes in a traditional bharani, while our pot-stickers are served in muffin
trays. Mismatched crockery in exciting colours reflect the vibrant, quirky,
irreverent yet warm and spirited nature of the gastropub. Happy spring foam
cake tins carrying an assortment of hot sauces will keep the most hardened
chilli freaks satisfied both visually as well as in flavour."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tabletop saga thus
reflects trendy lifestyle and an appetite for change—in food, as in cars and
clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-26312281999387315512012-09-15T13:33:00.001+05:302012-09-15T13:33:13.067+05:30Business Line : Features / Weekend Life : Fine dining for a week<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/weekend-life/article3889412.ece?ref=wl_features#.UFQ12azFAcg.blogger">Business Line : Features / Weekend Life : Fine dining for a week</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-85417429039200594352012-09-01T08:08:00.001+05:302012-09-01T08:08:08.561+05:30Business Line : Features / Weekend Life : Chef’s special chill-out zone<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/weekend-life/article3843751.ece?textsize=large&test=1#.UEF1BiNRUM8.blogger">Business Line : Features / Weekend Life : Chef’s special chill-out zone</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-11359779205756720722012-06-04T09:46:00.001+05:302012-06-04T09:46:17.991+05:30Cinderella’s city | | | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/search/cinderella%E2%80%99s-city/397523.html#.T8w2cSypKIU.blogger">Cinderella’s city | | | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-15327813294914935022012-04-09T10:10:00.001+05:302012-04-09T10:10:58.944+05:30The coming year on your plate | | | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/lifestyle/the-coming-year-on-your-plate/379405.html#.T4JoTH4ODNs.blogger">The coming year on your plate | | | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-45033188693075223862012-03-19T09:04:00.001+05:302012-03-19T09:04:30.437+05:30A slice of Europe, in courses | Olive restaurant | Tuscan kitchen | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/lifestyle/a-slice-of-europe-in-courses/373135.html#.T2apPQ4sKUw.blogger">A slice of Europe, in courses | Olive restaurant | Tuscan kitchen | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-22652306699833658612012-03-12T11:02:00.001+05:302012-03-12T11:02:49.764+05:30Ushering in sweet dreams | luxury | Sleep | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/lifestyle/ushering-in-sweet-dreams/368524.html#.T12KUI7BwnU.blogger">Ushering in sweet dreams | luxury | Sleep | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-27678090862852482022012-02-22T11:19:00.000+05:302012-02-22T11:19:52.855+05:30Business Line : Smartbuy / Wines & Malts : Review of Xiao Chi, Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, New Delhi<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/smartbuy/wines-and-malts/article2912765.ece?ref=wl_features#.T0SB20q62RU.blogger">Business Line : Smartbuy / Wines & Malts : Review of Xiao Chi, Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, New Delhi</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-5299479637430259922012-02-07T08:52:00.002+05:302012-02-07T08:55:50.758+05:30<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0_uaK8pH_E/TzCZnfOOWzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/OlYZqiDa6u0/s1600/DSC06483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0_uaK8pH_E/TzCZnfOOWzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/OlYZqiDa6u0/s400/DSC06483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706229631553526578" /></a><br />I like Michelin Star Chef DanielSharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-9713227115975883852012-02-07T08:19:00.000+05:302012-02-07T08:19:46.099+05:30‘Dazed’ plan: Keep things simple, fresh | | | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/lifestyle/%E2%80%98dazed%E2%80%99-plan-keep-things-simple-fresh/359679.html#.TzCRPslu-Z0.blogger">‘Dazed’ plan: Keep things simple, fresh | | | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-28451868834795179462011-10-30T11:29:00.000+05:302011-10-30T11:29:42.429+05:30A Pune story: How the north-west was won | cuisine | | The New Indian Express<a href="http://expressbuzz.com/lifestyle/a-pune-story-how-the-north-west-was-won/327316.html#.Tqznxfh8M-Y.blogger">A Pune story: How the north-west was won | cuisine | | The New Indian Express</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-60185739460809080502011-09-11T08:46:00.000+05:302011-09-11T08:46:34.861+05:30The Hindu : Arts / Magazine : Something special every day<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article2435149.ece#.TmwoAyVkwds.blogger">The Hindu : Arts / Magazine : Something special every day</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-1335576809592829992011-09-04T13:40:00.000+05:302011-09-04T13:40:42.764+05:30The Hindu : Arts / Magazine : Ghosts on a roll<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article2417993.ece#.TmMybxkEI6c.blogger">The Hindu : Arts / Magazine : Ghosts on a roll</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-47432843060025027622011-08-24T12:24:00.000+05:302011-08-24T12:24:14.485+05:30TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News - An alternative draw<a href="http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3AumPzGlmlQG4J%3Awww.ttgasia.com%2Farticle.php%3Farticle_id%3D2146+ttg+india+-+Festivals+-+Sharmila+Chand&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in&source=www.google.co.in#.TlSgDfFu0Jk.blogger">TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News - An alternative draw</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-52448984779296525602011-08-23T11:09:00.000+05:302011-08-23T11:09:24.106+05:30The Hindu : Life & Style / Food : Italian, the French way<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/Food/article2368495.ece#.TlM8-UjQAm8.blogger">The Hindu : Life & Style / Food : Italian, the French way</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-15376403154464281622011-08-06T18:18:00.000+05:302011-08-06T18:18:19.208+05:30The Hindu : FEATURES / SUNDAY MAGAZINE : Of the right vintage<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/article2309838.ece#.Tj03-1TWQ3A.blogger">The Hindu : FEATURES / SUNDAY MAGAZINE : Of the right vintage</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-75626621803729326782011-05-01T15:41:00.005+05:302011-05-01T15:56:39.358+05:30Bangkok Trip!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWxvrhS5NMo/Tb01N214RFI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-yhIWs1Ydvc/s1600/me.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWxvrhS5NMo/Tb01N214RFI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-yhIWs1Ydvc/s400/me.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601692023694836818" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGNxbYMs7Lk/Tb0z5MuOAXI/AAAAAAAAAPs/p0fNw4GGeg0/s1600/Songkran%2B2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGNxbYMs7Lk/Tb0z5MuOAXI/AAAAAAAAAPs/p0fNw4GGeg0/s400/Songkran%2B2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601690569279406450" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih0hlx26z20/Tb0zYlqeGZI/AAAAAAAAAPk/EfvdsLfSv54/s1600/Songkran%2B1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih0hlx26z20/Tb0zYlqeGZI/AAAAAAAAAPk/EfvdsLfSv54/s400/Songkran%2B1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601690009038887314" /></a><br />Bangkok was good fun. It was Songkran time, just like our Holi festival. <div><br /></div><div>But they play very gently, no wild game with colors....</div><div><br /></div><div>Food was awesome and the Massage was the BEST!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-5333207942243768592011-03-10T19:17:00.004+05:302011-03-10T19:38:36.266+05:30LA PIAZZA HOSTS FIRST BELLA ITALIA FOOD FESTIVAL IN DELHI<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPGBFsDVzqA/TXjXu3zjUSI/AAAAAAAAAOw/YH5PtNScVuk/s1600/Chef%2BTomei%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPGBFsDVzqA/TXjXu3zjUSI/AAAAAAAAAOw/YH5PtNScVuk/s400/Chef%2BTomei%2B1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448938379858210" /></a><br /><div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> Chef Cristiano Tomei, The Rock Star!!</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">For the first time, Hyatt Regency <st1:city st="on">Delhi</st1:city> and Alta Cucina Italiana have come together with the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, <st1:country-region st="on">Italy</st1:country-region>, to bring the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Bella Italia</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Food Festival to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>. The soon-to-be Michelin-starred chef, Cristiano Tomei, from Restaurant<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>L’Imbuto</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Viareggio</st1:place></st1:city> will showcase his special recipes at La Piazza restaurant from 7 to 13 March 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Bella Italia</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">, the only event that tours the world to promote high-end Italian cooking and wine, is organised by the Alta Cucina Italiana Association (<a href="http://www.italtacucinaitaliana.it/_" target="_blank">www.italtacucinaitaliana.it</a>), a group of selected Italian chefs from different regions of Italy who are not only the owners of their restaurants, but also teach and give several cooking performances at such Italian fairs as Vinitaly, Squisito and others. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F4A6Wg6oGQ/TXjXDmiu_QI/AAAAAAAAAOo/rUq2fogRsrw/s1600/Chef%2BTomei%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F4A6Wg6oGQ/TXjXDmiu_QI/AAAAAAAAAOo/rUq2fogRsrw/s400/Chef%2BTomei%2B2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582448195011542274" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Tahoma;color:red"> Chef Cristiano <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Tomei</span> from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Viareggio</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I met up with Tuscan Chef Cristiano from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Viareggio</st1:city></st1:place>, whose cooking is a reflection of the region’s traditional and modern gastronomy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Some of this exciting chef’s dishes are the Cacciucco, Gnocchi, and pancotto interpreted in a modern way, but Chef Cristiano remains inspired by his local culture. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /><br />In 1995, he graduated from the Nautical Institute of Viareggio but, quite soon, realised that dealing with boats would not be his future profession. He then decided to hit the road and visit some of the most famous restaurants in <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place>. On his return to his home town in 2001, he decided to become a cook and run a restaurant on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Viareggio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>. In 2002, he decided to open his own restaurant, finally finding an old carpentry factory that he turned into a fancy restaurant, which he named<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>L’Imbuto</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(literally “the funnel”). <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">He decided on this name as he intended to invite guests to “channel” themselves from the day-to-day routine to the magic of his cooking kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></o:p></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">In 2009, he was chosen as a candidate for a Michelin star, due to be granted this year. Chef Cristiano’s cooking is strongly tied to the local region of Tuscany, and inspired by his farmer family, focusing on traditional dishes and tastes, as well as on fresh ingredients, although he interprets them with a modern and creative touch. Given his birthplace in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Viareggio</st1:place></st1:city>, a beach town, his seafood dishes are both remarkable and original. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> </span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:red">My tete-a-tete with Chef Tomei <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></p><b><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Your mission in life? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Chef Tomei - Spreading joy and happiness thru good food .<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Your philosophy?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Italian way of Life – enjoy <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Your style of cooking? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">I like to play around with classical dishes, giving them my won creative twist…eg my soup is my own intrepretation…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">How difficult it is to be chosen for a Michelin star?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Verrryyyyyyyy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well the inspector comes and tastes everything, inspects even the toilet ….<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">What do you like the most? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">Food, Women and music – jazz music. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;color:red"><br />My Special Lunch Menu </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></b></span></span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; "><span ><b>With Wines - Bertani soave`08</b></span> & </span></span></b></span></b></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><p align="center" style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><b>Bertani valpolicella`08</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></b></p></span></b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></b></span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></b></span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></b></span></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" > Chef Tomei`s Menu</span></span></b></span></b></p><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span> <span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Pancotto</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">C</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">ooked bread, mixed vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, aged cheese</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>Bertani soave`08</b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Gnocchi con cipolle e acciughe dissalate</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Dumplings, onions, unsalted anchovies</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>Bertani valpolicella`08</b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Tagliolini all’anatra</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Tagliolini, duck sauce</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>Bertani valpolicella`08</b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; ">Scarpaccia</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; "> Typical Tuscan cake, zucchini vegetables, vanilla ice-cream</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 18pt; "><o:p></o:p></span></h4> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span">On Special Request, Chef Tomei</span><span style="color: red; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">gives me his secret recipe for Pancotto. AHHHHH, try folks! </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; ">Serve 4</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; "><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">Pancotto<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr tomato<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr zucchini<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr carrot<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr onion<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr celery<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">50 gr asparagus<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">30 ml olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">200 ml vegetable stock<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">400 gr toasted bread<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">150 gr Grated parmesan cheese<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">Salt and pepper to taste<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; ">Cut the bread in cubes and toast in oven. Cut the vegetables in small cubes. Heat the oil, add the vegetables and cook till start to become soft. Add the vegetables stock and the cubes of bread. When the bread soak all the soak the soup is ready. Pour it in a soup cup, sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve very hot.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma">-------------<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-20143995352121468442011-03-10T08:40:00.021+05:302011-03-10T18:17:41.504+05:30Relax, Have Fun And Eat Well At Amici !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pc8rqu36J4/TXiTJudtCqI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Iak3LDXnBKA/s1600/Amici%2B1%2B.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pc8rqu36J4/TXiTJudtCqI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Iak3LDXnBKA/s400/Amici%2B1%2B.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582373533426453154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iM5ImAyCbpk/TXiSkIc_JYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/XTlrUHX6IZw/s1600/Andrea%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iM5ImAyCbpk/TXiSkIc_JYI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/XTlrUHX6IZw/s400/Andrea%2B1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582372887567738242" /></a><br /> The Freaky, absolutely delightful Food Lover Andrea!! <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Tahoma;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Amici </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">is my kind of a place: a nice casual eatery located in the corner of a buzzing mall with wholesome comfort food. I was all smiles as I walked into the café; the courteous manager, Anand Thakur and one enthusiastic talker (later got to know, he was Andrea) engaged in knowing if the guest was enjoying the food, caught my eye and I smiled better! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The wood construction, simple colourful furniture,<span> </span>large neat counter tops running by the side of the large sunny window added to the happy and cheerful feel. And I thought, ‘Wow’ – all this in the middle of the mall!!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Amici as the name implies “Friends” in Italian, is truly the theme of the café as it really offers a place to meet, chat and eat well. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The restaurant has 50 covers and is open from 11am to 11pm, hence ideal for a cup of coffee and quick bite for those wanting a respite after a heavy shopping expedition. Or a cheerful treat joint offering a plethora of Italian pizzas, pastas, fresh baked goods, salads, soups, mains and amazing coffee for all those hanging out in the mall. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Décor </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Amici seamlessly blends together the convenience of location, alfresco and indoor stylish dining options, free wi-fi and book reading corners. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The décor exudes warmth and homely feel. Says Andrea, “I wanted to create a café which has an urban Italian and casual feel and is inviting enough where friends can come, meet and have a fun time.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Menu</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The menu looks interesting and the open kitchen showcasing the chef busy rolling out a pizza, or conjuring up a great pasta, makes it even more tempting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The focus in designing the menu has been on offering good quality food at affordable price. Beetroot Ravioli, BBQ Chicken Burger, Piri Piri Chicken Pizzas, Confused Confucius, Shakahari Favourite, Garden Fresh Salad are Andrea’s recommendations. The list actually goes on.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">For desserts, the counter full of beautiful, tempting bakery helps you choose what looks best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Andrea Aftab Pauro, The messenger of good food </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The happy go lucky Andrea is the creator of the hugely successful Baci and now a chain of Amici. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea Aftab Pauro is a half Indian half Italian enthusiastic restaurateur. Andrea has always held a strong sense of passion in the field of hospitality. Armed with a degree in hotel management from the University Of Denver, Colorado, his passion has seen great results. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The genes too worked well as Andrea has an ancestral heritage of hospitality, the iconic <a href="http://www.theimperialindia.com/"><span style="text-decoration: none; ">Imperial Hotel</span></a> in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> being founded by the Indian side of his family in 1934.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">The highly ambitioned Andrea found no such concept of authentic Italian food in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> and came up with Baci in Sunder Nagar in 2004. It was after Baci’s success, that Andrea started the success trail of Amici. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">As I dig into my mushroom cream pasta, Andrea looks at me, waiting to see my reaction. He smiles as he understands I am loving it and I get into a tete-a-tete with him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Here it goes: </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>So what is one single mission of yours in launching restaurants? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea – Create a ‘happy’ place where people can eat and enjoy. Simply love to be there and have good food. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>What elements you kept in mind for Amici ? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Many, its my dream project as it is in a mall so all the more difficult to create some character. I wanted : <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">It to be absolute spic and span. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Low on maintenance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Have lot of natural light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Have natural, homely, comfy feel and not stiff environs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Urban industrial finish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Open kitchen to make it very informal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Easy Going Café.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>There must have been many challenges in your journey so far? Name few. </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Yes, many. Firstly, real estate is really expensive in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>. Secondly, there is no system of getting consistent quality of good ingredients. One day it is good, other day it could be really bad. And third, the cost of food supplies is very high. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">What is more important, Food or Ambience? </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Both 100%. No compromise on either. No half half. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>What do you have to say about <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> diners? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Oh, they are the lot that like to eat well. They are also opening up to experiment but need to be given good options. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Expansion Plans? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Next Amici in <st1:place st="on">West Delhi</st1:place> in Pacific mall and soon next and next……<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>What is your favourite cuisine? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Andrea : Anything, I love<span> </span>and live to eat. Right from chana bhatura to Japanese to Italian, I simply love to gorge. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Symbol; "><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Your motto in life? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Eat well, live well. Don’t get too serious about your food, just enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Visit Amici for great quality food made with the finest ingredients offered at great value prices. You can also take delight in the Illy coffee, one of the most tempting coffees, served at Amici.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Signature Dishes At Amici </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><br />* Pizzas - Salsiccia Pizza, Caprese Pizza<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">* Chorizo Amatriciana Pasta<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">· Tenderloin Burger<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span" > Signature Drinks </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> Shakes –Dark Chocolate Oreo Shake<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> <span> </span> Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Coffee – Café Macchiato by Illy<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; ">Where : <st1:placename st="on">Select</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype> Walk, Saket, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="NoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; "><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma; "><span class="Apple-style-span">-------------------</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-40497199905286189452011-03-08T17:03:00.000+05:302011-03-08T17:03:44.179+05:30Business Line : Features / Life : Her hospitality at work<a href="http://blineweb.thehindu.co.in/features/life/article1506557.ece?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d76140f4c8d7712%2C0">Business Line : Features / Life : Her hospitality at work</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-37858799857859536322011-03-08T09:30:00.000+05:302011-03-08T09:30:58.515+05:30Business Line : Features / Life : Well cooked!<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/life/article1327357.ece?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d75a9f5ae2ff8b7%2C0">Business Line : Features / Life : Well cooked!</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-73119457083477845402011-03-08T09:27:00.000+05:302011-03-08T09:27:04.264+05:30The Hindu : FEATURES / SUNDAY MAGAZINE : A platter full of surprises<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/article1024263.ece?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d75a904174fad92%2C0">The Hindu : FEATURES / SUNDAY MAGAZINE : A platter full of surprises</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-74337749435302509262011-03-07T09:15:00.000+05:302011-03-07T09:15:04.715+05:30Business Line : Today's Paper / LIFE : Aglow with Sufi<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-life/article1015369.ece?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d7454afa53a6498%2C0">Business Line : Today's Paper / LIFE : Aglow with Sufi</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-34035292359648105552011-03-07T09:08:00.000+05:302011-03-07T09:08:27.919+05:30Business Line : Features / Life : Salt march at Rann<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/life/article1105274.ece?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d74532ff0405f20%2C0">Business Line : Features / Life : Salt march at Rann</a>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8114838084327497749.post-54837946563611548202010-11-27T17:26:00.003+05:302010-11-27T17:44:15.740+05:30Awesome Deogarh!!! - The Hindu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p_R6PZweQBc/TPD2CTvNCXI/AAAAAAAAANo/gnqw6Yeb4Cs/s1600/Deogarh%2BPalace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p_R6PZweQBc/TPD2CTvNCXI/AAAAAAAAANo/gnqw6Yeb4Cs/s400/Deogarh%2BPalace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544201660811512178" /></a><br /><form> </form> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The Hindu </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="upper"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="upper"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="upper"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="upper"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="upper"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase">CHENNAI,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39;text-transform:uppercase"> </span></span><span class="dateline"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">November 20, 2010</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h1 style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.25in;margin-left: 0in"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#1F57A5">Luxury by design, eco-friendly by choice<o:p></o:p></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span class="author"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#7F7F7F;text-transform:uppercase">SHARMILA CHAND</span></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#7F7F7F;text-transform:uppercase"><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20" title="Share this Article"><span style="color:#1F57A5">SHARE</span></a> · <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article893594.ece?css=print" title="Print"><span style="color:#1F57A5">PRINT</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> · <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article893594.ece" title="Change Text Size"><span style="color:#1F57A5">T+</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:13.5pt; background:#EFF0F8"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Luxury in the tents in the Deogarh Mahal Resort." style="'width:477pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.jpg" href="http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00289/21SMDEOGARH6_JPG_289388f.jpg"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img border="0" width="636" height="427" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/ADMINI~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg" alt="Luxury in the tents in the Deogarh Mahal Resort." class="main-image" title="Luxury in the tents in the Deogarh Mahal Resort." shapes="_x0000_i1026" /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:9.0pt"><span class="photo-source"><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Helvetica;color:#1F57A5">Photo: Special Arrangement</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Helvetica; color:#333333">Luxury in the tents in the Deogarh Mahal Resort.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left: 0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#999999">A stay at Deogarh Mahal, Rajasthan, combines a fairytale setting, a royal lifestyle and care for the environment in a quiet way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">“Dhameero” is taking me to Khayyam. No, it's not a horse like Dhanno of “Sholay” but an army vehicle turned into an open car by the brilliant boys of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Deogarh</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>: Veerbhadra and Shatrunjai Singh. “The idea was to have a vehicle that would consume minimum fuel yet merge with the character of the place. Our beloved ‘Dhameero' is a mix of a tractor and a big open jeep,” say the brothers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">The <st1:placetype st="on">village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Deogarh</st1:placename> lies on a plateau northeast of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Udaipur</st1:place></st1:city> in Western Rajasthan (about two and a half hours drive). Being 2,100 ft above sea level, it is shielded from the desert heat and is enveloped by the Aravali range. At the top of the village, and the very heart of the community, is Deogarh Mahal. With its bold battlements, domed turrets and balconies, the Mahal towers over the town below. The terraces offer a commanding view of the surrounding mountains and its rugged rock-strewn countryside dotted by a number of lakes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Steeped in history</span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">A fitting stronghold for one of the 16 umraos (feudal barons) of Mewar, Deogarh Mahal is over 300 years old. This stone and lime edifice was built in stages as each ruler added to it. The current family restored their ancestral home taking care to retain the integrity of its original style and the many years of history within its ramparts.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Few palaces are more traditional than Deogarh with its mud packed walls and old staircases stretching along neat curves, impeccably kept courtyards with their beautiful greens.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">As we move towards our jungle lodge, sounds from the forest silence us: an owl's hoot, the staccato barking of deer, a movement in the hedges, a flap of wings on the branches high above and the cicadas making music. We are in a heritage tent beside Anjana Fort. The softly lit-up open-air restaurant is the best place to watch as the sun sinks into the fort and stars light up the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Early morning, woken by a choir of birdsong, we walk the trail to spot coots, black ibises, painted sand grouse, kingfisher, Rufus tree pies and a paradise flycatcher. We hit the tracks to reach <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Saind</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Mata</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place> at 1500 ft.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Lunch back amid the agricultural farm was picture perfect with local charpoys neatly laid out to stretch aching legs. Laal maas and vegetables with fresh local produce and live music of Rajasthani dhol ……what more one could ask for?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">And then there is Seengh Sagar, the island fortress, an experience I shall never forget. My suite villa unbelievably exquisite, with the lake waters and the rapidly forming hues of the skyline being picture perfect. An eclectic English tea awaited me with an interesting and knowledgeable host, Col Randhir Singh of Deogarh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Each of the four suites is built around a turret with the balcony being transformed into a daybed covered in jewel-coloured silks. I sat under a huge neem tree in the creeper-strewn courtyard listening to my host's stories while the staff whipped up cocktails from the ‘James Bond bar.' My relentless storyteller ignores my pleas and says, “What's the big deal? It's just another glass!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Complete package</span></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Eco-conservation is the family's mission in their hospitality business, which is a complete package of environment, tradition and culture. Add to it a whopping dose of luxury. The properties are eco-friendly, disabled-friendly and use only renewable source of energy (solar) and water harvesting technologies. The owners aim to generate more than 95 per cent of their electricity using solar panels, windmills and biogas plants. All the waste generated is treated. They are establishing a sewage treatment plant, which will re-cycle sewage and make it fit for use in the garden. The spa uses beeswax candles, which are supposed to clean the air. Plastic is totally banned; laundry bags are made of jute and Haylide, which is bio-degradable, is used for cleaning utensils, the bathroom, metal polishers and for mopping of floors.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family: Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Deogarh has a relaxed rhythm and a heart-stopping beauty. No noise, no pollution… only the parakeet's high pitched call and a myriad of other chirps, whistles, and songs announce the animal orchestra... a goose's honk finishes the notes, at a distance. This is what I call the ultimate bliss!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Plenty to do</span></i></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Trekking, bicycling, picnicking, bird watching</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Explore the countryside on horse or jeep safari</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Look royal with a vintage drive.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Enjoy a pool game in Mahal's bar</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Take a ride on the local metre-gauge train</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Go for day trips to Kumbalgarh or Ranakpur</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Just relax in the Spa at the Mahal</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">How to get there</span></i></b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Deogarh is on the border of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">By road:</span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Deogarh is a couple of miles east of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">National Highway</st1:address></st1:street> 8. It is 140 km from <st1:city st="on">Udaipur</st1:city>, 280 km from Jaipur and 170 km from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jodhpur</st1:place></st1:city>.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">By rail:</span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Deogarh is on the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Western Railway Route</st1:address></st1:street>, between <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Udaipur</st1:place></st1:city> and Marwar junction.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Nearest Airport:</span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"> </span></i></span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Udaipur</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"> (about 140 km)</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="body" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt; margin-left:0in;line-height:13.5pt"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Georgia;color:#3B3A39">Sharmila Chand is a Delhi-based lifestyle and travel writer.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Georgia; color:#3B3A39"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Sharmila Chand http://www.blogger.com/profile/15905649314725084589noreply@blogger.com3