shvetabhagat

An elegant and smooth choice..made with precision, the drink that has been monopolised by the French, the 'cognac' always a good pick. My favourite or the one I love to reach out to on occassions- Remy Martin VSOP (Very Special Old Pale). Especially my choice of drink when in desperate need of some relaxation, pampering and yet calorie watching (in comparision to many other spirits).  I love sipping it on the rocks.Probably the only drink can linger on..as every sip delights the palate and makes one want to savour the after taste.Rich, slightly fruity and yes very soothing. While brandy is mostly had in cold climate, it is great to have while unwinding or in special company or celebration time. Cognac is a variety of brandy that comes from the best vineyard region 'Cognac' in France. It is also Bond’s first drink on record and occurs 30 pages into Fleming’s debut novel “Casino Royale.” It stands for ultimate "class". Churchill was known to enjoy it...

Just as Desirable The beauty of the six yards continues to dazzle and nothing looks as classic as a traditional handloom saree. At an ongoing Saree festival by designers  Asha and Gautam Gupta , that is rightly named "Kargha" or "looms" it was a heritage trip, getting to once again see on display our rich history and culture. Each saree is a masterpiece by a mastercraftsman. I am wearing a Paithani with a zari border According to designer Gautam Gupta, "We want to bring alive the craftsmanship of varied regions and innovate to bring out their beauty, while same time not stylising it so much that the essence gets lost." The eclectic collection comprises; Ikat, Patola, Paithani and Uppada . It is noteworthy how the textile hubs, from where these traditional weaves emerge continue to buzz. Infact they make for interesting travel destinations, for those wanting to discover the long running weaving traditions and all the craf...

One of the country's Top rallyists Sunny Sidhu  revs up the engine as it lets out a growl, and takes us on a Hot lap in the latest gleaming swanky Ford Mustang , approximately covering 5.4 kms in two minutes, thirty seconds before telling us.. How this muscle car from the legendary American company, scores in its league of Sports cars.. 1) It is the only V8 400 bhp engine, that you get under one crore. Priced at just Rs 65 lakhs, it makes a sports car finally affordable. 2) This car is more driveable unlike other sports cars that are temperamental and need certain conditions/roads to be driven. The Ford Mustang can be driven locally too. 3) Powerful engine. It can can do upto 100 kilometres in less than 5 seconds, roughly 230 kms in an hour. Also good traction. 4) It is a childhood dream of many to own this classic American car. It is comfortable yet has the race. You dont need to be a pro to own this one. Specs -  Displacement (cc) 4...

The old game of  Bridge  has many new takers Bridge  or Contract  bridge  that came to India with the British seems to be getting popular all over again, with dedicated  bridge  teachers fuelling a renewed interest in the card game. In its long history, the game was always known to be an elitist game played amongst the landed or those who held high positions during the British reign, and that generation is probably the first or the oldest torchbearers of the game in India. The 2015 World  Bridge  Championship was infact held in Chennai last October, with india  continuing to be a  hotspot for the game. One of the sponsors was Kiran Nadar   (Shiv Nadar's wife) Director, HCL Corporation who is a very proficient player and propagator of the game. It is much like mental aerobics and often regarded as the king of all card games. In  bridge , two pairs of partners take turns bidding how many tricks, o...

SANADIGE This few months old restaurant in Delhi serves up coastal Mangalorean fare that one otherwise if familiar with, craves for in the city. And the well accustomed palate by now is Swagat weary (Not to say don't like it) and wanting something more authentic.Finally we have this refreshing entree giving us the "real" thing. They are already an existing chain that made its entry into the capital only this March, After hearing a lot about it, I finally decided to take my mom there for a hearty lunch as it happens to be the weekend right before her birthday. Having spent some time down South, we anyway are partial to all forms of South indian cuisine. The place looked very basic, yet warm and welcoming. With wooden finish and spartan surroundings with very helpful and indulgent staff, one immediately felt "at home" or more like, "in that familiar southern hospitality'. The menu looked as exciting as expected with everything looking mouth waterin...

Viva   Valencia ! The bright azure skies, dreamy beaches, calmingly pleasant weather with an occasional breeze and the sight of a white stork making its way across the horizon, a buzz from the easy going cafeterias and tabernacles that dot almost every street, Spain is an experience to soak in, relish and Relive! I was fortunate to have a local experience as my very gracious friend Paula offered to play host and show me her hometown  Valencia . While the city wouldn’t have otherwise been on my travel agenda, for the simple reason it doesn’t strike a bell as much as the other tourist hotspots, she managed to prevail upon me. All I can say, looking back or while I still reel from its after effect as I go looking for rosquilletas (to call them bread sticks would be an insult), and a cocktail of fresh orange juice, sparkling wine and a dash of vodka /Agua de  Valencia  and carry a tan from the many beaches visited, is that it was everything she said and much...