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Here today, gone tomorrow
Waxing eloquent
PACESETTERs Swadeep Patil & Saurabh Garg
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Here today, gone tomorrow
High above the city’s skyline, the view is breathtakingly beautiful as the night settles and a thousand twinkling lights come on. At the rooftop of a Gurgaon high-rise everything is in place for an evening of fine dining.From lightly smoked lamb shanks to pan-seared Himalayan trout and the Cambodian basa, the seafood spread is simply lip-smacking. The other delicacies include juicy tenderloin with burger buns, chorizo hot dogs, fresh porcini mac‘n’cheese, mushrooms in hung-curd dressing and grilled summer vegetables with pesto sauce, all to be washed down with Pinot Noir and pine sherbet in an ambience that spells class. Though this could be the menu of a classy five-star eatery, it is far from it. In fact, this is a strictly a by-invitation-only pop-up event hosted by debutant chef Namrata Chandy. Those lucky enough to be invited have paid Rs 2,500 to be a part of this divine gourmet experience.
Epicurean event
Take for example the Delhi-based Goma Pop Up where Anupama Bhat and Nandini Sood offer Korean and Japanese treats every few weeks to a select group of invitees. These include artists, designers, journalists, authors, doctors and of course, diehard foodies, who pay anything between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 for the privilege. The venue is usually a common acquaintance’s terrace or a friend’s dining room. The crockery and cutlery may not be matching but the experience is unmatchable.
Culinary skills
“Our pop up was born out of two things,” says Nandini Sood. “We both love cooking and wanted to show off our culinary skills but we didn’t want to get into restaurant business. The idea came from my sister who lives in Kolkata who had attended a pop-up event there.” The concept makes amazing business sense. Setting up a restaurant, say in a posh Delhi locality, can cost in lakhs in rent alone leave alone the staff and other paraphernalia. A pop-up event for around 20 persons will cost around Rs 15,000 as there are low or no rent, minimum staffing and very few overheads. The profits usually are 100 per cent or more. The planning for a pop-up event begins almost a month in advance. Nandini and Anupama put up an invite on their Facebook page for a specific number of people. Usually, the event gets sold out within hours and the preparations start once the numbers are confirmed. Though they have help, the two prefer to do everything themselves — from the cooking to decorating and entertaining. Their pop-up event is not one of a kind. Big cities are increasingly embracing the culture. Delhi was introduced to the phenomenon by a Scottish woman Pamela Timms whose Uparwali Chai (literally meaning high tea) became an instant hit among food lovers. Costing around Rs 800 per head, people are served both fusion food and typically British finger foods with one’s favourite cuppa.
Vegetarian treat
In Mumbai, Rishaal Lodhia, a Canadian resident of Indian origin, and his French partner Tatiana Joignant offer a weekly a vegetarian treat on a Bandra terrace. They are usually in the city for six months a year and their weekly supper club, pop up Umami, is a highly anticipated event. Mumbai is host to a number of pop ups. Though once an exclusive pastime of the rich, these here-today-gone-tomorrow restaurants are now catering to a variety of people. Pankaj Gohil of Sahi Tiffin usually sets up his pop up at Bandra’s Friday Market and also at houses of friends. His specialty is organic Indian food that is nourishing and immunity-boosting. “A meal at my place can cost anything from Rs 50 to Rs 900 depending on what one orders. I put up my restaurant in markets and also take it to the places my clients want me to. Many of the foodstuff we sell in our pop-up kiosks like hot theplas and bhelpuri are not only organic but also wheat-free, dairy-free and completely vegan. Give me the space and I will pop up my kitchen,” says Gohil, who recently catered at a Chetan Bhagat party, and is now in great demand.
Electric atmosphere
A lady from Bangalore who goes by the enigmatic name of Wicked Witch of the East is a sought-after entrepreneur. Her pop-up restaurant called Hush which (well) pops up every month, is the toast of the town. She invites a top chef of the city to her home or a friend’s home to make gourmet food for no more than 15 to 20 persons. Guests who drink are expected to bring their own wine and pay between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 for a meal. “The food is gourmet, the wine is divine and the atmosphere electric,” says a guest. The beauty of pop up is that neither the host nor the guests know where the next event will appear. “Our venues are never decided. We go to anyone who is willing to give us space. We sometimes do a live kitchen wherever the space permits,” says Nandini. Pop ups are not just confined to individuals. Last year, Hotel Maurya Sheraton, too, brought to Delhi the celebrated Singapore Takeout, a traveling pop up where Chef Benjamin Seck served up Singapore-inspired dishes. Two of the best-selling dishes Nyonya Prawn Curry with pancakes and the vegan rendition of Popiah Goreng (deep fried spring rolls) were a hit as was the event.
Variety of cuisines
“Indians are travelling a lot. They are getting exposed to a variety of cuisines and they like to experiment. That’s why such pop ups do so well,” says a spokesperson of the hotel. Marketing a pop-up event does not require special skills. Once the word gets around then all that is required is a Facebook or Twitter account to fill up the tables. “Sometimes we get such a huge response that it is hard to pick and choose,” says Anupama Bhat. The forecast for pop ups is bright. In whatever form they appear, the concept seems here to stay. And with passionate chefs like Namrata Chandy, Anupama Bhat, Nandini Sood and others spreading out the goodies in make-shift venues, the business is set to boom. Simply because people no longer want just good food — they want a dining experience!
WAYS TO SET UP A POP UP For those who want to set up a pop up, here are a few tips to bear in mind before venturing out… Create a Buzz: Since the business is all about word-of-mouth publicity, it goes a long way to create a buzz. This can be done with great quality food, ambience and an experience that diners will remember for a long time. Location: Though guests would not be expecting a five-star kind of a location, but it would help a lot if the venue you choose is easily reachable, has adequate parking and offers basic amenities like air conditioning and comfortable seating. Sourcing Equipment: Work out everything you’ll need well in advance, so you’re not rushing around for a lemon squeezer or a bread knife. Also consider how you’ll get supplies of gas, water and electricity and tables and chairs. What’s on the Menu: Planning the menu is the vital part. To keep everything running smoothly (and quickly), it’s sensible to keep the menu simple whilst still serving delicious food that will encourage people to keep coming back repeatedly. Price it Right: Though money may not be a consideration for real foodies who come for the food and the experience, the meal should be priced realistically so that no one gets the feeling of being fleeced or ripped off in the end. Managing Criticism: Not everyone may go home complimenting you for your food and ambience. Complainers are a part of the food business. Take them in your stride and learn from criticism provided it is positive and well-meaning.
A meal at my place can cost anything from Rs 50 to Rs 900. I put up my restaurant in markets and also take it to the places my clients want me to. Hot theplas and bhelpuri we sell are not only organic but also wheat-free, dairy-free and completely vegan. Give me the space and I will pop up my
kitchen.
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Waxing eloquent A collectible is any item that defies the common and prosaic uses of art. It is something one can cherish for a lifetime, and perhaps, pass it on to future generations. This is what makes a collectible such a coveted item. Candle stands and holders remain some of the most in-demand collectibles. In modern expression, these reflect a person’s passion for the fine art of living. If anything, the changing times are only a testimony to their timeless appeal. Another reason why candle stands are among the most popular collectibles nowadays is because of the vast array of candles available in the market. These range from aroma candles to those in a rainbow of colours. Paired with a candle stand, these make a beautiful corner in a house or become the centerpiece of the dining table.
Obscure history
Though these have been around for eons, the history of candle holders is a bit obscure. Some records trace their roots to the Menorah which was a seven-branched candelabrum that was an ancient symbol of Judaism. Others trace it to ancient Europe where these were extensively used in churches during prayers, weddings, and especially during funerals. “Gone are the days when we had clients asking us to light candles during marriages and funerals. Now people bring their own designer candle stands. At a funeral, you will see the best candle holders on display. It’s as if everyone is competing with the kind of candle holders they possess,” says Elroy Naronha of the India Funeral Service.
Fashion statement
Whatever their origin, one thing is sure that their use was prevalent in ancient times when candles were the only means of light. These holders were created to prevent candles from falling over and causing a fire. Over the years, these became both utility items and a fashion statement and in present times, have acquired names like candle stands, candle holders, and even candelabras or candelabrum. Today these have extensive usages. As a decorative, these add warmth and grace to a house. These are mood creators and their most romantic use is during a candle-lit dinner. Interior designers are discovering the understated elegance of metal and silver candle holders, which are establishing their own identity in the drawing rooms of India’s jet-set circles. It is not just the traditional silver merchants, who have set in the boom. New boutiques are mushrooming that have on offer some of the most exotic of these collectibles. Today, apart from wooden, brass, copper, cast iron and silver, there are candle holders made of crystals, and even porcelain. Their prices can range from a few hundred rupees to lakhs, in case, these are made of precious metals. If you are in the mood to be extravagant, you can feast your eyes upon imported candle stands from Austria, Spain or Italy in gold and silver leaf danglers that are both stunning and enchanting. The prices can range between $200 and $2,000 for those made of precious metal and studded with stones.
Pricey candle holders
Swarovski candle holders can range between Rs 2,500 and Rs 25,000. However, some of the most expensive and trendy ones can be bought from the Spanish luxury brand Lalique that has outlets in India. A simple flower-shaped crystal candle holder can cost around Rs 17,000 while an elaborate deep red votive candle holder can cost more than Rs 1.5 lakh. If you have a flair for the dramatic and money to back it up, opt for Murano red and gold crystal candle stands, which are a rage in high circles. Such candle stands can cost anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 3 lakh per pair. Crystal and sterling silver candle holders exude a charm of their own and spell class. These are valuable and can go with any kind of decor. Silver looks best with glass tables and colourful accessories. So, if you are choosing a simple set of silver candle stands, go in for red or blue candles to offset these. Make sure the silver objects are kept in a place which is well lit and is dust free.
Fluid shapes
If silver is not your style, then you can opt for something more exotic like crystal, which has a fluid shape and can be moulded into many beautiful forms. It also does not occupy too much space in a home and looks best when well lit. Hand cut or etched glass is the latest rage nowadays with coloured and painted glass not too far behind. Candle stands in the shape of figurines, or even in amorphous silhouettes, too, look classy, say experts. However, it would be best to be careful that these expensive crystal and glass candle stands are kept on a high table or in a case that keeps them safe.
Candle cauldron
Aromatherapy candles: These are refined blend of the incense stick and wax candle. These heighten romantic mood and create an exhilarating ambience. Feng Shui candles: These bring good luck. Colours and shapes represent different elements and the places you place the candle determines the effect it will have on the house. Floating candles: As the name suggests, these are special candles that float in a bowl of water. These are decorative and provide hours of soothing fragrance and calming light. Hurricane candles: These have an outer shell of wax with a high melting point, which protects from wind and draft an inner candle with a low-melting point that actually burns. Mashaals: These are candles for the outdoors encased in transparent candle stand called a shell that serves as a wind guard. These produce a beautiful glow in a garden party. Votive candles: These are plain, yet stylish, unscented candles that add a warm flickering glow to a romantic dinner or relaxing bath. These are a must-have around the house.
The wrought-iron Pine double candle holder features exquisite hand-forged detailing in its signature rustic bark texture with pine cone and needle accents. It is coated with a rustic bark finish and comes in a choice of gold or copper accents making a great addition to your home. Price:
Rs 6,875 ($125)
Viewed from different angles, the Nest candelabrum forms an interesting series of geometric curves and reflections. Made from high quality stainless steel and hand finished, these come gift-packed and include five 10-inch ivory dining candles making it a super gift for any occasion. Price:
Rs 14,900 (£175)
This candleholder first debuted in 1958. It was made as a part of the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen’s commission to design the interiors of the iconic SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Many pieces that were part of the original design — like this candle stand — are now considered classics. Price:
Rs 12,500 (£145)
The stunning candelabra is an elegant design from London designers Dan Black and Martin Blum. It is inspired by the perfect curves in nature. Loop candelabras can be used individually or interlinked to create a cluster, making a striking centre piece for your dining room or dining table. Price:
Rs 11,000 (£130)
A cobra’s curls take on a new dimension as three spectacular floor candleholders. Curving upward, these candle holders are instantly captivating. The voluptuous, gravity-defying curves are rendered in mirror-polished stainless steel, which would light up any dining table. Price:
Rs 13,750 ($250)
Inspired by the exceptional refraction qualities of crystal-clear, lead-free glass, the Royalton Optic Hurricane is meticulously designed to form rich, vivid and dazzling light displays when a lit candle is placed inside. The quilted pattern of this hurricane casts a breathtaking light pattern. Price:
Rs 16,225 ($295)
Renaissance
Price:
Rs 6,600 ($120)
Light up the evenings with this stunning Fyrling candleholder from Scandinavian design house LADP. It is sure to make your interiors glow in soft romantic light. These are four separate candle sticks, which can be placed in any order giving you a chance to be creative. Price:
Rs 4,125 ($75) for a set of four
This gorgeous five-branched candle holder, made of brass with a polished nickel finish, is inspired by the abundance of wild flowers in nature. The silhouette is light and naturalistic. It is guaranteed to spread warmth and glow to any room. It will add to the romance of any candlelit dinner for two.
Australian designer Ilse Crawford broadens the horizons of everyday items. Using materials such as solid copper, steel, brass and glass she creates smooth, beautiful finishes. This brass candle holder is an example. The sleek mirror-finish gives a dazzle to this spectacular piece. Price:
Rs 7,700 ($140)
Inspired by traditionally turned candleholders, Ellipse is a modern rendering of this classic motif. Made of stainless steel and oak, the set of three candleholders has a mirror polished finish and can be used as accents or as a centerpiece. Either way, the effect is amazing. Price:
Rs 9,500 (£110)
The round bowls of these hand-blown Aegean Hurricanes create a spacious showcase for decorative objects such as pebbles, or any other small objects on which to perch the candles on. The rolled rims capture and reflect the flicker of candlelight and brighten up the surroundings. Price: Between
Rs 2500 and Rs 3,150
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PACESETTERs Swadeep Patil & Saurabh Garg Swadeep Patil, an MBA, and Saurabh Garg, an IIT graduate have set up Power Spa, a mobile spa that helps guests attending a marriage to unwind Mriganka Dadwal What happens when a Yale School MBA parties hard in a Big Fat Indian Wedding? For starters, an innovative business idea is born. Swadeep Patil, Director, Power Spa, recollects how, more than a month of dance practice for his friend’s Sangeet ceremony left him and his friends with achy feet. The lavish wedding at ITC Grand Maratha, Mumbai, did offer a respite in the form of foot massage by some local malishwalas. “It was indeed bliss when these malishwalas twisted and massaged the feet. However, neither the malishwalas nor their set-up was in sync with the beautiful surroundings,” remembers Swadeep who later started a spa-on-wheels service to rejuvenate tired commuters in Mumbai. Around the same time, Saurabh Garg, an IIT Mumbai/IIMA graduate and Director, The Four Fountains Spa (TFFS), realised that there was quite a bit of demand for on-the-location spa facilities in the Indian wedding market. “We were getting a lot of requests for setting up a spa at weddings and realised the huge potential here.” TFFS acquired Power Spa, a mobile spa company, the young entrepreneurs Saurabh and Swadeep, both now 33, joined hands and in Swadeep’s own words, “There has been no looking back since then”. The discerning Indian wedding connoisseur can now pamper guests with a rejuvenating spa experience right at the pandal in this case. One can choose from décor and spa therapy options to match the flavour of the wedding. From décor to the colour of the masseuse’ uniform — everything is customised. The masseuses (men as well as women), ensure guests get a foot rub or back massage in their comfort zone. “I remember, at the wedding with malishwalas, many women were not comfortable with the idea of men giving them a massage,” recalls Swadeep. The most in-demand spa is for guests at the bride vs groom family cricket matches. Next in line are offices in Delhi and Bangalore to “better serve” the growing clientele. Wedding aficionados can indulge in a “summer splash” with aloe vera or delight in “warming red thyme” foot massage in winter. The cost be between a couple of lakhs and Rs 10 lakh, depending upon the number of days service availed, location and number of guests etc. “During the wedding season we do up to 15 events every month and around 10 events during the non-wedding season,” Saurabh says, “We have already set up mobile spas in 20 cities for over 300 events and rejuvenated more than 10,000 guests.” “We feel that Indians are value-hunters. They will spend on wedding-related services as long as they perceive it adds to the overall experience” Swadeep sums it up. What motivates them to continue with Power Spa? They concur: “The preparations that lead to a wedding take a toll on one's body. Till the day of the wedding everyone is overworked and stressed out.” There couldn't be a more perfect opportunity to de-stress people than the day of the wedding, especially for the bride, groom and the family, relatives and close friends maintains the duo who are on a mission to “de-stress India”.
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Bling it on price:
Rs 29,900 + taxes
Connoisseurs know that premium cigars are treated like gold. But gold going up in smoke is a new one. The London Cigar Company has come up with the Black Tie – Gold Hand-Rolled Cigar Box set that comprises 20 cigars hand-rolled in 24-karat edible gold. These Dominican cigars are sold together with a black glass-top humidor and custom black tie cutter. So, if you like to smoke, go ahead and savour the taste of opulence with this cigar and leave behind ashes of gold. price:
Rs 2.64 lakh ($ 4,800)
If you aspire to be among the best-dressed men then you have got to have the accessories to match that claim. French luxury goods house Hermes realises this and has come out with the ultimate accessory for the world's best-dressed gentlemen -- a valet stand in mahogany, leather and brass with ebony detailing. It has a calfskin hangar for a suit, a calfskin tray for wristwatch, cufflinks and tiepin, a shoe rack at the base and brass hooks and rods for tie, belt and braces. In short, a valet in wood to help you dress up in style. price: $3,000 (Rs 1.65 lakh)
New Zealand designer Kathyrn Wilson says that the footwear she creates is the stuff fairy tales are made of. Which explains why her latest pair of shoes are fantasy-like. Called the Diamond Shoes, they are encrusted with 21.18 carats of diamonds making it the most expensive pair in the world. It took the designer 50 hours of surgical tweezing and special glue to create the shoe beats. So, if a lady has the attitude — and the wallet—to flaunt this luxury, she is sure to look like a fairy princess herself. price:
Rs 2.31 crore ($420,000)
It is a rideable work of art. The Woody Scorcher combines form and function and its minimalist design incorporates clean lines, a basic drive-train and chunky tyres. Made by the Denver-based Connor Wood Cycles the hand-sculpted wooden bicycle is tough enough for everyday use and will guarantee a smooth ride. Its heavy tyres, disc brakes, carbon drive belt system, and a single gear ensure not just a great drive but a very stylish drive as well price: $4,500
(Rs 2,47,500)
Does the thought of a bulky backpack around your shoulder put you off exciting travel plans? If it does, then try the teardrop-shaped Victorinox Dual Compartment Monosling. Designed for day trips and urban exploring, the bag is stylish, lightweight and can hold your phone, wallet, maps, travel books and a water bottle. The zippered front compartment with snap cover contains an interior slash pocket and the shoulder strap has an electronic device pocket. Made by Victorinox, the bag comes with the same guarantee as the company’s famed Swiss Army Knife. price:
Rs 2,180
That surfing is one of the most strenuous sports and exercises every part of the body is common knowledge. But what many of us may not know is that it can now be done on terra firma and without the surf. American company Surfset Fitness has developed the first total-body surf trainer, Ripsurfer X, to simulate the physical demands of surfing without the ocean. It is an exercise apparatus to be used in a gym for total body fitness. It has a board, mounted on a tilting base and elasticised resistance cords to simulate paddling for those rippling muscles of a surfer. price: $450 (Rs 24,750)
At times haven’t many of us computer users put our heads on the keyboard and dozed off for a few minutes? Now you can do it legitimately by not just putting your head on the keypad but lying down on the keyboard itself! An Italian design group Zo Loft has come up with a qwerty sofa-cum-bed designed like a keyboard. Cool! That’s what you are supposed to feel when you lie on this sofa that can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the height of each key. Pressing a few specific keys you can change the sofa into a bed and vice versa. Other keys will also help you create a makeshift table for a laptop or just some extra back support. The sofa which will be released shortly will surely put a smile on the face of all geeks. price: Yet to be announced
It has a vice-like grip of a spider and can attach itself virtually to any surface and in any position. It is particularly useful for a smartphone or a camera allowing far more versatility than a standard tripod. The Spiderpodium by Breffo is an eight-legged dock with advanced soft touch rubber coating. It holds a camera or a mobile phone or even a camcorder very securely when you are out on an adventure trip. So, if you are biking you could cradle the camera device to a Spiderpodium and attach it to the handlebars of the
bike for those picture-postcard moments. price: $30 (Rs 1,650)
BE A GOLF ROYAL
price: Ranging between $9,500 and $37,500 (Between
Rs 5.225 lakh and Rs 20.625 lakh)
BEAUTY ON HOT WHEELS price:
Rs 13.60 crore
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High above the city’s skyline, the view is breathtakingly beautiful as the night settles and a thousand twinkling lights come on. At the rooftop of a Gurgaon high-rise everything is in place for an evening of fine dining.From lightly smoked lamb shanks to pan-seared Himalayan trout and the Cambodian basa, the seafood spread is simply lip-smacking.
What
Pop-up restaurants are the latest phenomenon among big city high rollers. The concept is not just confined to Delhi and its neighbourhood but is fast evolving into a pan-India fad with a culture of its own. 
Our pop up was born out of two things,” says . We both love cooking and wanted to show off our culinary skills but we didn’t want to get into restaurant business. This seemed like a great way to have everybody come in and sample the food we
cooked.
The reason for the existence of candle holders, candle stands and candelabras is an array of candles available in the market. Decorative and ornamental candles, which paired with fancy holders light up stylish dining tables and lounges, meditation centres and spas. Following are some of the most prominent candles available in the market that would do any holder proud:
Rustic Pine
Robert Welch Nest
Arne Jacobsen
Black & Blum loop
Cobra
Royalton Optic Hurricane
As part of an elegant collection of hand-forged wrought-iron candle holders, the Renaissance double candle holder features a unique one-of-a-kind design. The compelling shape of these candle holders make a great addition to your home decor and will complement any setting.
Fyrling
Antonietta
Ilse Brass
Ellipse set
Aegean Hurricanes
Ever thought of matching time with President Barak Obama? Perish the thought, you’d say. The Chrono Watch Company can turn that fantasy into reality if your wrist supports the Jorg Gray 6500 watch that the American President wore during his swearing-in ceremony and has been seen wearing it on other occasions as well. Encashing on this opportunity, the company has engraved each Jorg Gray 6500 Limited Edition Chronograph timepiece with a commemorative inscription and an individualised serial number so as to make you feel a part of the contemporary history. 
PUFF OF GOLD
VALET IN WOOD
GEM OF A FOOT
ROAD SCORCHER
ON-THE-GO TRAVEL BAG
SURF’S UP
‘TYPE’ OF SOFA
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Are you one of those sports buffs to whom accessories are as important as the game? In case you are, then you need not feel isolated. There are several people like you especially in golf who love their equipment as much as their game. And it is for these connoisseurs that the Milan-based luxury leather goods brand Treccani Milano has launched the handmade golf leather bag. Crafted with a choice of calf, ostrich or alligator leathers, these bags can even be custom-made and finished with 18 or 24 karat gold and platinum designs. Since no two bags are alike, the price range varies immensely. But no matter which bag you take to the golf course, it will guarantee you a royal status. 
Do you know which is the fastest non-racer car in the world? No, it’s neither Lamborghini nor the Maseratti. It is the new 16.4 Super Sports Bugatti Veyron designed and developed by the Volkswagen group. At 431.072 kmp/h, it is the fastest street legal car in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. But make no mistake. The beauty doesn’t come cheap. So, apart from being a car lover and a speed freak you would have to be among the richest people in the world to own this astounding roadster.