A good weekend starts with a good Friday and mine started with an amazing evening at Brown Town Regal in Candolim last week. Located at the prime junction of Candolim, this place is an eye catcher with its sparky vibes and attracts people with its exuberance. I have been to this place a number of times but this time it was with few other lifestyle & food bloggers/Instagrammers. And like always, it did not disappoint me at all. Specially when you are already a regular guest over there but still get a warm welcome and special treatment from the owner (Chris is one of the owner at Browntown) and the Chef himself. It overwhelming to Chef walking upto you to check if we like the food and if he can prepare something special for us.
Brown Town has seating options both inside and outside, a sports bar, a dance floor and the highlight of the place is it’s live music which plays Konkan, Bollywood , Punjabi and other genres of music. What I enjoyed that evening was the melodious violin performance and the Bollywood retro songs sung by the band. As I entered, I found my other fellow mates had already reached and the table was already full with food which was a special curated menu including both vegetarian and non vegetarian options just for us. A surprise for us was the association of Bira for that evening to make it even more special with its beer.
**The soup options brought with it the Classic Cream Soup and Caldo Verde Soup of which I tried the first one which was quite thick but tasted good.
**There were three types of salads – Salad Marinara, Chicken Hawain, Three Beans Salad and Kimchi Salad, I tried all as salads are my all time favourite.
**The menu was mix of a bit of Tandoori, Indian, Continental and Chinese delicacies. The continental dishes had Chicken Supreme, Brown Town Regal Fish and Prawns, Mushroom Turnover and Sicilian Garlic Chicken. The Tandoor brought with it Chicken Parda Kebab, Chicken Rozali Kebab, Chicken Lucknowi Sheek Kebab, Chicken Arbin Tikka and Anar ki Tikki.
**The Indian list had all vegetarian items which were Veg Rangoli, Mantush Paneer and Kurmuni Bhendi along with just one non veg item Chicken Dilwala.We had Chicken Dumpling and Paneer Thread in the Chinese options.
**Last but definitely not the least was the desserts with Brown Town Regal Fried Ice Cream, Coconut Pancake with Ice Cream and Shrikhand. I was lucky enough to meet the Executive Chef who was the one who created such delectable food.
Brown Town Regal knows the pulse of the crowd very well and always lives upto people’s expectations. A place place to let your hair down and lift up your mood be it any day of the week.
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₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
Opening hour
8am – 4am
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Facilities
Right at the heart of the city, Taj Vivanta Goa, is a small stroll away from everything there is to see and do in the capital city of Goa. A prime location, exemplary services and unique motifs make Vivanta Goa, the next generation of contemporary hospitality.
An a gala time indulging in a culinary experience that celebrates the vibrant colours of the coastal cuisine at Latitude, Vivanta Goa, Panaji. A plethora of delectable preparations showcasing the culinary history and traditions of the country’s western coast is brought to you by the Konkan Culinary Wizard -Chef Jose Thomas.
About Chef Jose Thomas –
Chef Thomas is a true artist defining the extraordinary in the culinary world. He has climbed through several positions and has mastered his skills working across India. Mostly the coastal reason. He ensures his preparations celebrate the simplicity and the authentic flavours of the Konkan coast.
About The Festival – “Windows On The Culinary Coast”
A delectable menu comprising recipes from Kerala and Mangalore that are rustic, homely and immensely satisfying.
The flavourful journey begins with an assortment of mouth-watering appetizers including delectable seafood preparations like Crab Milagu Fry, Tiger Prawns Roast, Scampi Tawa Fry, Kane Kaidina, Meen Pollichatu and Squid Sukka to name a few. A few of my favourites of these were –
● Prawns Roast – NV – which is prawns tossed in a Kerala spice mix full if the fresh flavours of tomato, ginger, green chillies, coconut slivers, lemon juice and traditional spices
● Attirachy Ularthu -NV – This was lamb cubes cooked with onion, tomato and fresh spices including ginger, green chillies and fennel powder from Travancore, Kerala
● Kaju Motor Vade -V – This was fresh coriander and onion infused cashew fritters.
As you coast through the mains, savour an aromatic selection of curries including the Konkan Crab Curry, Bangaloreans Fish Curry, Allapuzha Meen Curry and Konkan Mutton Curry again to name a few of the many. My favorites from the main course were –
● Meen Moily -NV – a mildly spiced Kerala fish stew made with lightly fried fish, coconut milk and spices
● Konkan Mutton Curry -NV – a speciality from South Canada which is made from finely ground local spices thickened with cashew paste and coconut milk and flavoured with tomato
● Bassle Kajippu -V – this was spinach leaves cooked with lentils and coconut
These complimented well with few accompaniments like
● Neer Dosa – V – a paper thin , delicate rice pancakes that melt in your mouth
● Malabar Maratha -V – a type of flaky refined flour bread and
● Puliogre -V – This was rice flavoured with tamarind and seasoned with mustard seeds, cashewnuts, split gram, red chillies and Curry leaves
Add a sweet finish to your journey with favourites such as Elaneer Paadam, Ada Pradhaman, Ela Ada and Banana Caramel Ice-Cream. I tried the
● Ada Pradhaman -V – rice flakes cooked milk and jaggery delightfully thick
● Ela Ada -V – rice parcels encased in a dough made of rice flour, with a stuffing of banana and jaggery.
P.S. – Here is the zomato link for the restaurent.
Summer Time Gladness!
When the sun is out in all its glory, fierce blue skies overhead and temperature rising, well then that’s when it’s time to look cool isn’t it? ‘Coz what we wear, the fabrics, the colors, the cuts and silhouettes can actually prevent you from feeling the full blast of summer!
Dont get me wrong, I love the summers. It’s the time for fresh light salads and refreshing cocktails. And then diving into the blue waters of the sea or a swimming pool. Sigh! Is there anything better!
But we all know summers can get you really hot under the collar but have a glance at my summer looks below and you will know how I keep it cool when its hot!
Look 1
Nothing is better than sheer! Here I’m wearing a white ( everybody’s fave color in summers 😊 ) long netted dress which is quite versatile. I throw it over swimwear when I’m at the beach, over shorts and tank top at a pool party or a short tube dress.
Still keeping it white with kitten heel pumps and upping the cool quotient with a long strap uber trendy tan and beige purse. Slip on a few silver bangles on the wrist, always carry a pair of cool shades and who’s afraid of the sun now?!
White Lace Dress – Thailand Flea Market
Boho Bag – Thailand Flea Market
Heels – Dressberry India
Sunnies – Fancypants.com
Look 2
What better way to announce that summer has arrived than with cheery yellow florals! This colour never fails to lift up my spirits. Here I’m dressed in a wrap dress with frills that flow and cinched at the waist for that very feminine silhouette . Teamed with nude tie up sandals with colourful pompoms for that touch of whimsy!
Floral Dress – Allen Solly India
Sandals – Anjuna Flea Market Goa
Sunnies – Idee Eye Wear
Look 3
Another must-have colour in your summer wardrobe is blue! This empire line baby blue cotton frock dress is the coolest thing for casual sunny days. To double it up as evening wear on a date or movie night, just add a pair of glamour silver heels and you are good to go!
Powder Blue Cotton Dress – Handmade By Manvi, Goa
Heels – Dressberry
Look 4
A traditional and modern fusion style can amp up a dreary high-centigrade day of summer. A six yard circumference dress skirt in pure cotton with hand block prints from Laila’s Style Studio, Goa with a delightfully contrasting orange hem that swirls when I whirl! I can wear it off shoulder or team it up with a denim jacket with cut off sleeves for that touch of high street fashion.
Skirt Dress – Laila’s Style Studio, Goa
Denim Jacket – FBB Online
Look 5
Back to my favourite white! This double frill maxi dress with a gathered waist is perfect for a champagne brunch with pals. Bringing out my ever dependable white heels and a stylish powder blue hand bag with a ring handle that completes the posh brunch look.
White Cotton Dress – Style By And
Handbag – Hautecurry India
Heels – Dressberry India
Goa doesn’t go long without a new place opening to keep the excitement level high. And once again the party capital did not disappoint! The newly opened Toy Beach Club in Candolim had more to offer than I expected when I set out for an evening there.
A huge property transformed into a lavish beach club with beautiful sea view around. A short walk from the entrance takes you to the main club inside, though its extremely tempting to linger a while in the beautifully arranged cozy white cabanas outside! As we enter the club the massive space is beautifully decorated. Right from the decor, the chandeliered lighting to the multiple seating arrangement, to the view and the vibe, everything was so refreshing and welcoming.
What I really liked was that the various seating options both inside and outside were not cluttered but spaced out evenly. So whether a chilled out sundowner or a saturday night party, you now know where to go!
I took a tour of the club which is so picture worthy that I simply had to get loads of pictures clicked of myself. To enjoy the sunset, I opted to sit at the upper floor. One thing worth mentioning is the staff who was extremely polite and hospitable to each and every guest.
I was checking the menu when the chef himself recommended what I should try starting with a ‘Cosmopolitan’ which was perfect while waiting for the appetizers.
Favourite were –
* Toy Buffalo Cheese Nachos
* The Peri Peri Cottage Cheese
* Specially curated Pesto Paneer along
* Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers
* Parmesan Chicken.
The nachos were really different than the ones I have had till date and had a very unique flavour (I kept nibbling it for a long time).
Mains –
Just when I thought that I cannot eat any further, came the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio which was again tough to resist as pastas are a weakness.Dessert-
My cheat day ended with a nice Strawberry Cheese Cake.
It was an evening well spent, meeting some amazing people and enjoying some quality me time as well!
Cuisines
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What a night it was…
Sensational Dishes and super chic interiors
From the selection of fresh seafood and authentic ingredients, this place has got it all.
Also super exited to be back in Delhi and have met few amazing friends after such a long time.
A contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, young restaurateur and entrepreneur, Avantika Sinha, unveils Kampai – the newest, contemporary Japanese cuisine restaurant in Aerocity, New Delhi.
Kampai offers a unique menu consisting of various Japanese specialties such as Sushi, Sashimi, Ramen, Tempura, Yakitori, Udon, Katsu, Tepenyaki, and so on! Combining freshly imported ingredients with creative interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine with East-meets-West culinary techniques.
The restaurant also features a sunken table mirroring those found in Japanese homes. On the other hand, the option of conventional tables and chairs has been provided too for others who find comfort in familiarity.
Spread over 2400 sq ft area, the 70-seater restaurant is a first-of-its-kind in the capital
with its carefully curated menu and specialties. Kampai, which means “Cheers” in
English, is a fresh respite, where patrons can look forward to great food & drinks in and understated Japanese ambience. From the selection of fresh seafood and authentic ingredients, the unconventional restaurant décor to the well-trained service staff, the team at Kampai has gone through great lengths to ensure that the dining experience is comfortable, palatable and memorable.
Chefs at Kampai have designed a tantalizing menu that showcases a carefully curated selection – from mouth-watering salads to fried and grilled treasures from the sea; hearty meats, the freshest of sashimi to irresistible nigiris and rolls. In short, there is something for anyone who appreciates the finer flavors of modern Japanese cuisine.
Kampai puts their spin on classic Japanese dishes with creative & artfully curated food.
For those who enjoy pairing good food with their favourite tipple, Kampai’s fully-
equipped bar offers a wide range of Japanese sakes; champagnes, whisky, cocktails,
beers and carefully-selected wines from different regions of the world. Featuring an 18-foot bar with unique projection mapping as the background, the bar concept is unlike
any other in Delhi. The projections of Tokyo skyline and beautiful elements from Japan
will transport you to Tokyo.
Special emphasis has been given to the interiors at Kampai to complement its delectable
cuisine. From Japan’s chilly winters, to pleasant springs with cherry blossoms dotting the
landscape, the restaurant has been segregated into various sections, each depicting a
different season. The depiction has been executed through various features such as the
colours of the walls, the difference in the ceilings throughout the restaurant; unique
laser cut panels as well as projections. With its subtle colours and ambience, it
proves a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat.
When you are in Goa, one of the best places one can visit is the old Portugese houses. It becomes better when such a house is converted into a place of modern and contemporary lifestyle without losing the traditional feel. The introduction of Mumbai’s popular interior designer store Vaishnavipratima in last September to such a villa in Goa presented a new studio of furniture, interior decor, Indianized artifacts along with the brand Prama and Bhava jewellery. I fell in love with it then and I fell in love once again with this brand.
The studio is named after Vaishnavipratima who is an example of the new age woman, from being a mother, traveller, an artist to an entrepreneur, self made interior designer and aesthetic consultant. She had been designing and redesigning her home and helped her friends with theirs and finally in 2015 she decided to spread this creativity to others. By 2016, we saw the launch of her self titled interior decor studio in Lower Parel, Mumbai.
The 6th of April marked the launch of Vaishnavipratima – Signature Collection – Goan edition with a new look. The very first look of the place gives a picture of traditional and a stylish ambience which gets the attention. I have been to this place earlier and was enthralled by the collection and this time it was much more interesting. Every piece of furniture is a beauty in itself and reflects the designer’s temperament. The beauty of this collection is that every piece is made of sustainable material which is an important factor considering the environment. Thus saw the collaboration of sustainable lighting designer Oorjadesign and both presented an amazing collection of handcrafted lights which are made of sustainable materials like handmade paper, cork waste and quarry dust.
The place will also soon be coming up with a special corner for tea and bites to enjoy it more. I wanted to capture every nook and corner and every bit of art which was so unique and beautiful but the camera is not enough to translate what the eyes see. This place is a motivation to crave for more in giving your home a makeover and she is right when she says “Your home is your Pratima”.
That Mecca of fashion, the Big Apple, the melting pot, the city of cutting edge style New York city! How does one describe the elation of being invited to the NYFW?
Barely containing my excitement on landing there, I was immediately swept away by the style quotient of this fantastic city. Be it in it’s architecture or haute couture, New York lived up to it’s every expectation.
The fashion week set the ramps afire with the brilliance of designers like ANVEGLOSA, CHARLY NZOGANG, Clothing For All Sizes, MEG BECK, BENNOY and SUPIN.
I particularly was blown away by the cuts and silhouettes of PHEREN COUTURE and VIDEMUS OMNIA. And the Nolcha shows were amazing.
Keeping up with the terrific trendy city is a challenge that I enjoyed taking up. The days were bright and clear but temperatures were chillingly low. Have a look at what I wore during the New York Fashion Week.
Day 1
Let me confess something. I love animal prints! It’s not the easiest print when you want to be business like in your attire but I may have just about pulled it off 🙂 What do you think?
Here I’m wearing this print on a thigh length full sleeved shirt cinched in with a studded oversize belt. Black leggings with ankle boots of the same colour, a shawl scarf , a work style hand bag and a beret on my head , all in black complete this look that says ‘I mean business’ but softens the sombre tone of work with a bit of fun. And because it was cold , I fished out my black leather gloves to keep warm and keep it stylish!
Shirt Dress – H&M
Handbag – Louis Vuitton
Belt – H&M
Boots – H&M
Scarf – H&M
Day 2
Yes, black is a slimming colour ( and sometimes thats why I choose it!) but it’s also the colour of sophistication and glamour in New York. No occasion is unfit for black. I probably had some black in every outfit I wore while I was there. In this look I teamed up an ultra-glam faux-fur cape jacket with a high waisted wrap leather skirt. Calf length boots in burnt brown and a chunky neck piece, swinging a leopard print and tan hand bag, and slim cat eye double shaded sun shades. Boy, was I ready to take on the big bad city!
Leather Skirt – Mango
Far Jacket – H&M
Bodysuit – H&M
Handbag – Bata
Sunglasses – Shein India
Boots – Dune London
Day 3
Sometimes a sporty casual attire I chose because I was under the weather and did not want to spend much time on my OOTD, can translate to the most complimented look of that week! Leather pants, a black tee, a stylish striped blazer in dark green and a surprise twist with bright white sneakers and I was strutting on the red carpet , fever forgotten and enthusiasm reloaded!
Blazer – H&M
Bodysuit – H&M
Half Leather Pants – Vero Moda
Handbag – Bata
White Shoes – H&M
Day 4
When I decided to attend the NYFW, I knew I wanted to bring a touch of India for atleast one of my looks. But most representations of Indian attire abroad have been colourful sarees or Anarkali tunics and lehengas and I did not want to tread down that same path so I fell back on my Black is Beautiful mantra and donned an unusual leather saree. For the blouse I went the unconventional way with a black body suit, clasped a slim studded belt around my waist ( a nod to the waist chains that Indian women wear). Keeping my accessories light with earrings and neck chain in a modern design, a silver watch strapped to the wrist and a clutch purse with a trendy handle, I’m still basking in the appreciation I got for this look at the Pier Studios at the amazing 2019 NYFW. Now I can’t wait to head back to the 2020 NYFW with more such styles and looks.
Leather Saree – Storeat22
Bodysuit – H&M
Handbag – Forever21
Waist Belt – H&M
Fashion Week After Party
What does one wear to a fashion after-party in the party capital of the world? Out came the glam! A sequinned jumpsuit that spelt sensuous style was my pick. Zipped up my feet in high leather boots and limited my accessories to a chain link neclace that accentuated the gold of my outfit. And then it was Party Time!
Sequins Dress – Shein India
Boots – Dune London
Nicole Nilakshi 
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