A prescription for doctors

It’s time for you to make your doctor feel better with a dosage of cards and gifts. So, take some moments off your daily schedule and wish your physician a Happy Doctor’s Day today, says Saurabh Malik

Semi-limousines with skylights, late evening socials in palatial bungalows with Picasso’s imitations decking up the walls illuminated aby majestic chandeliers, occasional rain dance bashes to commemorate weddings in the family, golden streaks highlighting silky brown tresses and heavy gold chains instead of just stethoscopes — socialite doctors in the city have cured their lifestyles over the past few years, healthily.

So folks, forget all about healing your relationship with family physician by just sending him a bouquet of chuckling chrysanthemums and roses on the Doctor’s Day falling on July 1. Instead, drive down the road twisting its way through style to card and gift shops across the city. Feel better by picking up something robust and in good shape for the occasion. It’s worth it.

A dosage of gifts

Get present perfect. Hop into your car and buy souvenirs of affection and gratitude for someone who takes care of you right from the cradle. Return a bit of caring warmth by picking up nice coffee mugs, posters and even coasters specially designed for the occasion. Right, the ones with “My doc is the greatest” message printed across in bold letters.

Or else, thank him of all those critical moments he spared for you by gifting him “doctor-special” photo frames. You can get one by pulling out anything between Rs 75 and Rs 300 from your wallet. A picture-perfect gift, indeed!

Another thing! Your doctor may have been filling his coffers with hefty fees. So why not buy her a good leather handbag! “You can choose from branded ones like Allen Solly, or else go in for the not-so-expensive local ones,” says Krishna Sahoonja of Dewsun Greetings and Gifts in Sector 11. “The price varies between Rs 595 and Rs 1,000”.

This is not the end of the prescription. You can also go in for elaborate gift packs wrapped specially for the event. Cool shades, chic earrings, and modish bracelets that compliment each other make the collection attractive. And the stuff goes along with your doctor’s new image. The gift packs will not leave you sick as they are not very expensive. The whole “health-package” can be yours for just Rs 850.

Just in case your doctor is in the habit of forgetting appointments, buy a nice little hardbound diary to keep track of day-to-day activities. Pick up the one with “world’s greatest doctor” inscribed on the cover in bold letters.

If your doctor has been the motivating force, buy fine statues shaped out of clay just for the telling her how great she is. The ones with touching messages will cost you something like Rs 200 each, but they are worth the price.

Card once a day

Rain or shine, your doctor has always been a phone call away. And now that you have a special day to recognize his personal and professional abilities, there is no reason why you should hesitate in prescribing a card. Well folks, so many shops across the city have special counter dedicated to doctor’s day cards. So thank him for being there with a nice card.

“You can pick up polite cards with bunch of flowers and good wishes printed across. Or else you can go in for those humorous cards with cartons and funny messages that promise to leave your doctor in the pink. But do not forget to follow the card-and-gift line of treatment! For, it will not come for another year.

Ashiq Banaya Sonu Ne
Shreyasi Thakur & Pankhuri Sood

If given a chance, Sonu Sood, Moga-born actor, who has made a mark in Bollyood with films Ashiq Banaya Aapne and Yuva, would love to do the role that fetched Amitabh Bachchan a lot of applause in Deewar. Speaking in an interview at Mohali where he had come to address students at Aviation Hospitality and Management Ltd, Sonu said “Of course, I would give a different dimension to the role because I cannot hope to be as great as Amitabh but I can be myself.”

Sonu made quite an impact with the students with his presentation on confidence building and they vied with one another for autographs. Sonu, of course, is all confidence with his TDH looks highlighted by a pair of blue jeans, a grey shirt and a red cap. Down to earth and cool in his demeanour he is made of the stuff that would win any girl’s heart but our Moga lad already lost his heart to a southern beauty called Sonali and the two have a son called Ishan.

Sonu had not started out to be a film star. He was doing engineering at Nagpur and well into his final year he decided to participate Grasim Mr. India and made it to the top five. “I wouldn’t say that I was glamour-struck but I liked being in the limelight. I thought of entering the show biz and asked my parents to give me at least a year to try out this option.” The break came for Sonu in Bhagat Singh in the year when as many as four movies were made on the patriot. Ajay Devgan was doing his version of the martyr and Bobby Deol his. Pitted against big stars and big-budget films, newcomer Sonu did make an impact.

Next came a bit role in Yuva that brought him notice and with Ashiq Banaya Aapne, he had made it. And now he has quite a few projects in hand. The major one is Rocking Meera, which is a crossover film an American cast, and Hands Up, a comedy. He has a number of Tamil and Telegu projects in hand. What about Punjabi? To this Sonu says, “I was offered one but I turned it down. I would love to do a good Punjabi film with a good director.”

Act, not react
Jyotii Subramanian

This fifth stage of yoga develops with constant practice of asanas and pranayama precepts prescribed by the master. The yogi learns to act instead of reacting to external situations and a detachment from these external stimuli occurs. The five sense organs that are attracted to the external stimuli of taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell release their hold on the objects of obsession and in a smooth transition turn inwards towards the source. With diligent and committed practice, the yogi reverses the movement of energy, and from bahirmukhi looking outwards for pleasure, becomes antarmukhi inward moving to find happiness and bliss within.

The realised master prescribes techniques to facilitate this turnabout in the disciples at the right time. It should be pointed out here that this in no way interferes with the functioning of the individual in the external world, which can carry on as usual. The change is purely internal and personal bringing great leaps in awareness in the practitioner. Outwardly the same, the yogi undergoes tremendous transformation within as the sense organs withdraw inwards.

Yogis have experienced this sensation as almost a physical reversal when the electric currents flowing in the psychic nerves slow and stop altogether and then gently begin the process of reversal. As the energy turns around the practitioner realises how old habits and bondage to the sense organs have fallen by the wayside. There is neither attraction nor revulsion to old likes and dislikes. The yogi experiences a dropping off of all excess baggage

The practices that induce the process of pratyahar include kundalini kriya yoga, jyoti mudra and khechari mudra. Once again for all these to flower to their true potency they have to be learnt from a realised master.

A bonus from the garden
Joyshri Lobo

We often live in areas where fresh flowers are impossible to grow or procure. Deserts? Alaska? The Siachin glacier? A flat on the fourteenth floor? We want to add color to all these flowerless places.

What are the options? Plastic flowers? Washable, unbreakable, cheap and colorful. Go ahead and buy some. Silken blooms with those realistic dewdrops? Certainly! They are gorgeous and easily available if you are willing to spend the money. I would opt for dry flowers. They are unusual, versatile, easy to procure, lasting and often free and can be used to decorate our flowerless places. Professionally processed dry flowers, seed stalks and grasses are an easy option. Combine contrasting textures and colors to create unusual arrangements.

I collect grasses, leaves and flowers wherever and whenever I find them. Different seasons bring a variety of foliage. Bring this home on the afternoon of a sunny day, when there is not too much moisture in or on the flowers and leaves. Cut off unnecessary stems, damaged leaves and discolored petals. If you are planning to make decorative items from the flowers, place the foliage singly and thinly between newspapers. Then put the paper between the pages of a thick book or under a frequently walked upon carpet. Forget these for two weeks, after which they will be bone dry and beautiful. There will be a slight fade out but not much.

As a rule pick bright colored leaves and flowers. They should have interesting shapes and ought not to be too large. The dry material can be used to make trays, coasters, tables, hangings, cards, writing paper, wall- paper, lampshades, candles, gift bags and boxes.

If however, you plan to dry flowers for vases, tie them in a bunch, at the stems and hang them upside down, from the roof or pelmet, in a dry, shady area, away from sunlight. Some flowers like dry zinnias, poppy pods, wood roses and paper daisies, can be dipped in colored wax to give them sheen and make them more lasting. Brittle stems can be replaced with wire or nariyal jharoo stems. Heavy flowers like roses, carnations, marigolds ought to be broken up and the petals pressed singly. 

COOL STUFF
New Mantra of Home Entertainment

Salora International Ltd. — one of the prominent players in consumer electronics market, has introduced a wide range of Colour Televisions at a price range starting Rs. 3990/- onwards. Salora pure flat CTV range comes in sizes of 15 inches, 21 inches and 29 inches and is available at all the leading outlets in India.

Salora’s pure Flat CTVs have features like 250 program memory, Channel Tagging and grouping of favourite program as News, Music, Movies, Sports and favourite Group, Automatic volume leveler, Swap & Skip facility, Hyper Band Tuner, Modified Colour System for DVD / VCD / LD Playback, Auto Power Off in no Signal condition, Fuzzy Controlled Multiple Picture Settings, Channel Scan and Video Lock etc.

Fun Cards

Hutch, India’s leading pure play cellular service provider, today introduced Fun Cards – scratch cards that offer predefined content in a tangible form. With Fun Cards, the Hutch customers can now purchase their favourite Caller Tunes and Ring Tones off the shelf from the nearest Hutch retailer. This is the first ever innovation in the cellular service industry that offers VAS in a tangible form.

Fun Cards offer Hutch customers multiple choices of differentiated and updated content. Currently, Fun cards are available in three categories:

These cards are preloaded with specific content so that the customer can choose from the many options that he has. Content currently covers categories like Bollywood, International, Classics, Devotional and Regional Hits.

Ultimate Collection

After the stupendous success of its Sandal Collection, Egle shoes - the premium European Footwear brand has now come out with “ultimate collection” of men’s footwear for all occasions.

Available in a range of shades like Black, Tan, Beige, Cream, Brown-Tan and Shades in Sued etc, Egle’s ultimate Collection is priced between Rs. 3590 to Rs. 4990 

Celebration time

Fortis Hospital, Mohali today celebrated its fifth anniversary. In a major initiative, Mr. Shivinder Mohan Singh, Managing Director, Fortis Health Care Limited, announced five free surgeries for the needy which would be performed over the next two months.

As part of the celebration, the hospital organized a cultural programme by both doctors of Fortis and students of Fortis School of Nursing. Dr. Arvind Sharma presented a melodious flute recital while Dr. Rupak Das and Dr Sharma sang a song. Gidha was presented by the students. Mr. Prateem Tamboli started the proceedings with a presentation on 5 years of Fortis Hospital. The whole grand affair came to an end with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gurbir Singh, Medical Superintendent, Fortis Hospital, Mohali.

The telephone number for the free surgeries is 5096222, extension 6030 and 6033. The hospital, however reserves the right to screen and decide on the most deserving cases.

Monsoon offer

While monsoons mean a pleasant weather and respite from the sultry summers, one would need a special skin care regimen to enjoy this weather.

Kaya Skin Clinic offers Skin polishing and Glycolic Peels which brings the life back into your skin. Moreover, you can now buy the Kaya soothing cleansing gel, Kaya revitalizing tonic and Kaya daily use sunscreen along with a Kaya Glow and enjoy a 10% off on the whole purchase.  

Blue Bolt in India!

Gatorade, the no.1 sports drink in the world, today launched its innovative new flavour - Blue Bolt in India. The exciting new blue colour flavour is a one-of-its kind variant that offers a scientifically validated blend of carbohydrates and key electrolytes. A scientifically formulated and athletically proven sports drink, Gatorade’s Blue Bolt has a unique after taste and is available Rs. 25/- for 500ml across key cities in India.

Virtual reality games

This summer vacations, forget the long queues at the cyber cafes to play your favourite video games, neither plonk yourself in front of the television sets to watch those boring programmes. Get real and spend some action packed summer with Mitashi Virtual Games. Mitashi Edutainment Pvt. Ltd. unveils the most exciting range of Virtual Reality games for the first time in India.

Utilizing an infrared technology, the game allows the player to compete against a virtual opponent on the TV screen, while using a completely wireless handle. The game console packs a high-end processor, which recognizes a full range of motions.

Newer models

SPICE Mobile Phones expanded its entry- level portfolio with the introduction of two new phones; S-400 and S-450 affordable yet feature rich handsets with innovative solutions to meet consumer’s growing needs. The phones will hit market in the first week of May 2006. With S-400 and S-450, Spice Mobile Phones has yet again redefined the value for money proposition for by offering many more features than a typical entry level handset in the Indian market.

S-400 is a stylish and matt finished black and white phones with MRP of Rs.2299. s-400 is a user-friendly handset, which is lightest in the category (65 gms. Only) that slides easily into your pocket or purse.

S-450 is an entry-level phone built in FM radio (on both speaker and headset) that is very loud and clear. S-450 is a stylish phone for customers who are looking for quality, simplicity and value for money. Priced affordably at Rs.3199, it also offers attractive, reliable and easy to use features like Hindi language support, 16 polyphonic tones, speakerphone that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of consumers.

Channel 7 unveils its Anthem

A song of celebration, a symbol of unity, a mission in harmony, Channel 7’s anthem “Karna Hai to Karna Hai” expresses the passion and zeal driving the channel. The anthem reflects the channel’s positioning statement “Khabar Har Keemat Par” illustrating its desire to showcase news as it is, in true form.

Quaker Oats across India

Frito-Lay, the leading foods major, launched its new breakfast cereal - Quaker Oats across India. Quaker, the largest Oats brand in the world with a heritage of over 125 years, will now be available to the Indian consumers as a convenient and nutritious breakfast option.

Quaker Quick Cooking Oatmeal is available in 2 sizes and at an introductory price of Rs. 25/- and Rs. 48/- for 200gms and 400gms carton pack.

Catch the biggest sporting event

True to its tradition of enriching the lives of its subscribers Spice Telecom, Punjab’s premier cellular operator, today, added even more Spice, as it unveiled a host of exciting and action packed content around the world’s greatest sporting game – Football World Cup 2006. The soccer content is available on multiple platforms ranging from GPRS where subscribers can access the unique Soccer Gaming Zone developed especially for soccer enthusiast subscribers who can download and access a range of Football World Cup related JAVA games.

Down movie lane

A trip down memory lane—as the cast and crew of the yet-to-be-released Punjabi film Mai Tu Assi Tussi assembled for tête-à-têtes at the Press Club on Thursday, it was the veteran trio of actors Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rakesh Bedi and Rameshwari that sparkled with their astute yet droll insights and larger-than-life creative personas, says Gayatri Rajwade

“Do you know that Shaan was a flop when it released?” says Kharbanda of his memorable bald-pate villainy in the film. “Every journalist during that time trashed it and here you are telling me how much you liked it,” he says, dead serious. So tell us, we cajole, what makes it work now? “Consistent hamming, for consistency is good,” is the reply, tongue-in-cheek of course!

Kharbanda is a man of few words. By the time you coax one answer out of him, you have forgotten the next and the process is most interesting.

Process, a word he uses often to describe his journey through films which started way back in 1975 when Shyam Benegal discovered him and cast him in Nishaant. “I was a character material not hero material and so that is the way it turned out.”

And no there was no conscious decision not to get cast in a slot, it just happened, like his whole career did. “Film-making is a process. Just like art which after completion ceases to belong to the artist and becomes someone else’s. The whole process is unique, wonderful.”

He believes he was lucky to get the variety that he did for “every beginning was a new one otherwise the rut roles can get to you,” he explains quietly. Right now his role in the remake of Umrao Jaan starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai gets thumbs up from him. “The director is the captain of the ship and this is no meaningless statement for he inspires and creates the atmosphere for the actors to perform,” he says of this J. P. Dutta film.

Into a semi-retired state, he refuses to divulge anything more than the films he is into (Tulsi, Munnabhai Part II where he has a guest appearance and Deepa Mehta’s Water) and the serials (Channo Ki Shaadi and the concluded Mahi Ve). “My personal life has no competition and I do a lot of foolish things,” he smiles, “but that is personal private and not for publicity.”

We do get an idea though when he tells us he has hitch-hiked through Europe and trekked over the Himalayas in his younger days and yes he did wild things, but they no longer seem wild!

Finally, what of his career as an actor? “Film or a pure actor,” he asks, “for I missed theatre somewhere as I went along,” he says. Seems like the process is at work; a look back into time.

THE CAPERS OF LAUGHTER

“Funny works,” says Rakesh Bedi of his ride through filmdom swishing away questions on whether he is satisfied with the way his career shaped up. “Dissatisfaction cannot bring about good acting,” he says. “I belong to a generation where options were not open to people like me and there were only films then for theatre did not pay much and television was virtually non-existent.”

So for this versatile actor existentialism is about “playing various parts in this world” which extend to other roles too, that of a son, brother, husband and father—after all life is a heady mix—but an actor is what he always wanted to be.                                                              Rakesh Bedi 

“I cannot visualise myself as anybody else, anything else,” he smiles, “So I do not regret any role that I did nor do I live for the future waiting for a role to come along that I can do complete justice to. I want to justify what I have with me right now and give it my very best.”

And “best” has many meanings—a Vijay Tendulkar play, Massage which is a solo work spread over two hours and has Bedi essaying 24 characters through the duration—is just one of them. “I take it as a challenge that I will not let you yawn or see your watch in those two hours because I have done 35 shows all around the world and I have that confidence,” he smiles.

His work with IPTA (theatre group) for 29 years now, where hardly a month goes by when he is not performing on stage, Yes Boss on SAB Television in its six year now, films and two plays written by him—Biwi oh Biwi which has seen successful fructification and the other tentatively titled Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha—Bedi is on a creative roll, playing out all his character sketches with aplomb in this melee called a world.

THE ERSTWHILE DULHAN CHARMS

A journey that began more than 29 years ago with Dulhan Wahi Joh Piya Man Bhaye and a smile that lights up the room, feisty film-maker and actor Rameshwari is the eternal optimist. “My half glass of water is totally full,” she laughs.

With breezy apologies for their late-coming she launches into the virtues of her comic caper disarming all those present.

With more productions planned (but no word on those till this film releases on July 14) and the success of Jab Love Hua on Zee Television, she has her fill. However, it is her sanguinity that finally has the ‘final’ word, “I have had my share failings but they have never made me bitter. After all tomorrow is another and a great one too.”                                                              Rameshwari

Positive flowing nostalgia!

FILM & FASHION
Naomi off the legal hook?

Naomi Campbell, who was earlier sued by her maid Ana Scolavino for allegedly thowing a crystal-covered Black Berry at her in her anger, may catwalk her way out of the trouble. Campbell has hurled a Black Berry at the maid in a temper tantrum over a lost pair of jeans. The 35-year-old supermodel is expected to avoid indictment, as the prosecutors are working on a plea-bargain deal that would reduce charges against her. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but her attorney is hopeful that the case will be adjourned by the 27th of this month.

Happy Hasselhoff

Baywatch star David Hasselhoff is thrilled about his recent career moves, which he says are helping him forget the turbulent phase of his life he has being undergoing. Hasselhoff who is currently in the middle of a messy divorce with wife Catherine, and had to cope up with his mother’s illness, said he had left the past behind. “I’ve had a pretty rough year; I’m going through a situation at home with a divorce. It’s a tough thing to go through when you’ve got children and then my mother almost passed away,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying.

Happy time for Dannii

Talk to Dannii Minogue about her sister Kylie’s battle with breast cancer, and you may not get a reply, as she wants to put it behind her and make a move on. She said her sister’s illness was a painful memory, which she wanted to forget, and was looking forward to positive things in life. “I get fed up talking about bad times. Now it’s a happy time, she is better and the nightmare is over. So let’s all accept that it’s over and let’s all rejoice that she is better,” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.

Paparrazi after Pitt’s son

A celebrity photographer was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on Thursday after he was found hiding in the bushes outside the school where actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie send their 4-year-old son, Maddox. Photographer Cliff Brewer, 25, was booked on a misdemeanour trespassing charge and released on $1,000 bail. “School officials and myself feel that some of these paparazzi are like predators who will recklessly take and sell photos of innocent children for money,” Eonline quoted Rich Malchar, Pitt’s head of security as saying.

Madonna not sold out

Pop star Madonna has not been able to sell tickets for the first show of her ‘Confessions’ tour in Britain. According to ananova.com, fans are blaming the high price of tickets. Madonna is starting out her tour in Cardiff. There seem to be extra tickets still, which range from 100 to 150 pounds each. A source said: "Madonna should be the hottest ticket of the year, but for many of her loyal fans, the prices are outrageous."

Scarlett overwhelms Allen

Oscar winning director Woody Allen is intimidated by Scarlett Johansson and says she is "sexually overwhelming". Allen says it is impossible to concentrate when Johansson is around, reports contactmusic.com. He says, "It's very hard to be extra witty around a sexually overwhelming, beautiful young woman who is wittier than you are. Any time I say anything amusing, Scarlett tops me." The two met and hit it off well on the set of their latest movie "Match Point". Johansson adds that she was surprised to find that Allen is "actually very sweet, thoughtful and romantic, in his own strange way".

Depp indebted

Actor Johnny Depp credits the memories of Marlon Brando and journalist Hunter S. Thompson for helping him through the important phases of his life.

According to contactmusic.com, he says, "I wouldn't do anything that I thought could disappoint them or make them ashamed. Even if I'm alone - even if I'm going down this road and I feel it's really what this character is and everyone in the world thinks I'm wrong - you've got to do what you believe in." — IANS

Preeto guy coming to town

Do you remember the debut album of Pakistani singer Abrar-ul-Haq Billo Day Ghar followed by Majajni, Beh Ja Cycle Tay, Assan Jaana Maala O Maal and Nachan Main Audhey Naal. All albums were popular in South-East Asia. And now in India this handsome young singer has come up with another album Preeto.

It has 10 songs written and composed by Abrar-ul-Haq. Abrar would also be visiting Ajmer, Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai to promote his foot-tapping album.

For someone as popular, Abrar-ul-Haq seems a little shy when it comes to giving interviews. But once you have broken the ice with your questions about music, there is no stopping about his latest album Preeto.

Abrar-ul-Haq is a pop star with a celebrity status. On numerous occasions he was voted the most popular singer of Pakistan. But he is a celebrity with a heart who is known for his social work.

Abrar was born in Faisalabad and did masters in Social Science from Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, F.E.L. from Punjab Law College, Rawalpindi and finally joined Aitchison College Lahore as a teacher.

And what Abrar-ul-Haq knows is that Indian listeners like peppy upbeat numbers. The album Preeto, therefore, comes packed with foot-tapping songs. “This is an which is close to my heart,’’ says Abrar. — DP

The beverage t(r)ails
Gayatri Rajwade

Bottoms up everyone! Here’s to distilling the senses with and without the (hic!) effects! For, drinks are a strange breed of creatures. From brews that blend whiskies and vodkas to worms and pickled octopus at the bottom of the tequila bottle or your much beloved martini to those virgin (read minus the sin of alcohol!) recipes of pink fizzes, fruity concoctions even milky delights and bubblegum, cocktails and mocktails have taken a strange turn!

The more exotic their moniker and ingredients, the more delightful (and more expensive!) their breed!

But the city is sweeping into them like never before. With most eateries now serving these infusions—glamorous, mysterious, colourful and outlandish—there is a demand to keep up with the joneses like never before! Move away Delhi, for Chandigarh has its brews and spills all chalked out!

The city’s cocktailing brew

From the spiffy speciality restaurants like the Orchid Lounge—34 to the swishy American-style dining experience at Ruby Tuesday at Fun Republic, Mani Majra, spunky drinks are the order of the day.

Rajeev Bedi, General Manager at Ruby Tuesday, pulls out a star spangled listing which is sheer heaven. From shooters to frozen enchantments to traditional, classical and wine based cocktails to delicious mocktails, there is a funky choice to make.

Move aside B52s and Kamikazes for shooters like the Woo Woo, a mix of Peach Schnapps, vodka and cranberry juice and Blood Shot with Red Label whiskey and Grenadine to the All American Daiquiri are taking over!

In the traditional cocktail segment, Rajeev tells us that the Planters Punch, the Scorpion, the Caprioshka (a tantalising mix of vodka, caramel syrup with lemon chunks) and the Sea Breeze with vodka and grapefruit juice, topped with cranberry juice finds happy favour in the city while the Margarita, Tequila Sunrise and the rum based Mai Tai remain the perennial favourites.

Much mention of the Long Island Iced Tea both at Ruby Tuesday and the Orchid Lounge for this melange of gin, Bacardi, vodka, tequila and Triple Sec with lime juice all poured over ice and topped up with coke is a sure shot bazooka!

Finally sip the Sangria if a wine base is more your flavour, a delightful concoction of red wine, brandy, peach syrup and Triple Sec.

Mocking the sin

All is not lost to the non-tipplers amongst us!

From the sweet old Ginger Fizz, a speciality at the Orchid Lounge to the oh-so-striking Orchid Punch with its orange, pineapple, mango juices blended with fresh cream and strawberry crush and ice and another sprite, lime juice and Blue Curacao wonder, the True Blue, mocktails are here to stay.

Green apple, melon, the Boston Bug, a frozen special with grapefruit juice, banana and cranberry syrup or even the Orange Apple Berry Freeze, the visuals are cheery enough never mind the slip between the cup and the lip!

After all, if there is a ‘vegetarian’ version of the Margarita, the Marganorita how far can a virgin whiskey be!

A platter full of paranthas

For once forget all about porridge, even white oats. Go in for traditional breakfast of paranthas with mounts of white butter melting on the surface like snow, says Saurabh Malik

CRISPY DELIGHT: Paranthas with home-made butter still top the breakfast list for many. — Photo by Vinay malik

Ready to eat porridge with right blend of nutrients and white oats that promise you a healthy lifestyle have pushed paranthas out of your breakfast menu. The stuff may undoubtedly be healthier, but then it doesn’t pamper your taste buds like paranthas do.

So folks, forget all about counting those loathsome calories just for the day if you are hot for paranthas. Rather, make up for excessive eating by skipping lunch, or reducing the intake. But do savour conventional breakfast of scrumptious paranthas topped with some nice mango or lime pickle and a tumbler full of lassi for that taste of summers.

This is not the end of the breakfast menu. You can also go in for poori-channas, or even bhaturas and kulchas. Though fried deep, nothing can beat the pleasure of eating the delightful stuff on a nice relaxing day.

Just in case your mother or spouse is unwilling to stand in front of the blue flame in the kitchen and cook conventionality in June heat, hop into your jaunty jalopy and drive down the road meandering its way to pleasure for enjoying the culinary extravaganza.

The whiff of pleasure is unmistakable. As you cross the restaurants and quick-food joints dexterously preparing the stuff on tawas, the tang of pickling spices blends with the aroma of pure ghee to lure you inside.

As you push open the door to try the stuff, the slight sizzle of white butter slowly melting on the surface leaves you craving for some gastronomic indulgence. You can live through the stuff full of mashed potatoes or just carom seeds, with curd even with omelets. The choice is yours entirely. And then there are sparkling glasses full of chaste creamy lassi topped with pistachios, ready to be picked…. What else can you ask for!

The best thing about the whole breakfast affair is that you can enjoy the foodstuff without burning holes in your pockets. For, most of the joints do not charge more than Rs 10 for a parantha. The roadside tea vendors ask for even less.

In fact, you can have the one with stuffed potatoes for as less as Rs 5 if you do not mind sitting on the footpath for taking pleasure in your meals. Some of them prepare real good stuff and serve it on the platter with onion-pickle.

A word of caution here: Some of the chefs and cooks are in the habit of putting loads of green chilies in the paranthas, especially the ones stuffed with potatoes. To make the matters worse, the menu cards often do not have the tell-tale chilly marks. So just do not hesitate in asking the member of the staff serving at table, lest you sit up uncomfortably with more chilies than your digestive system allows.

Remember to have paranthas if you are going to CITCO’s Stop `n’ stare in Sector 10. The preparation is good and they serve you the foodstuff with a nice helping of white butter and pickle. Otherwise also, the ambience, and the setting, is just fit for a perfect breakfast for two. Just make sure you do not reach the spot too early.

Some of the tea vendors sitting next to the open space at the end of the market in the same sector also prepare first-class and inexpensive paranthas. You can give it a try if you are not too conscious about your image.

At Gopal Sweets in adjoining Sector 9, go in for bhatura-channa. Costing about Rs 25, it’s of good quality. Only the quantity of channas is not all that liberal, but then you can always order an additional plate. Their lassi is also worth tasting.

In case you wish to eat poori-channa, drive down the road cutting its way through the academic environs of Panjab University. Reach the market and try the stuff, along with lassi, from the sweet shops there. You won’t regret it. Happy eating!

Maggi finds flavour
Pankhuri Sood

Maggi noodles have been a hot favourite with children for a long time. But now, a treat awaits the kids of DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Chandigarh, which plays host to the first Maggi Fun Spot in the city. Iced tea, coffee both hot and cold, badam milk, chottu (half plate of noodles) are also available and Aloo tikki bun, vegetable pattie, chana kulcha, muffins, etc will be made available shortly. Special emphasis is laid on the overall hygiene. The rates are very genuine and a cooked plate of maggi costs only Rs. 12. In the evening outsiders are also welcome to drop in.