|
|
|
|
|
|
Saying cheers naturally Organic wines are made from grapes that are grown without any herbicides, insecticides or fungicides Jewels of the dinner table PACESETTER
|
|
|
Saying cheers naturally Organic spirits are becoming a hot favourite with health-conscious gourmets as ingredients used are grown organically and free of pesticides
Eco-friendly lifestyle Not just whiskey, there is a growing predilection for organic wines, beers, vodkas, rums and other spirits. Lovers of alcoholic beverages are realising that choosing organic beverages means that the grapes, barley, hops and other ingredients used are grown naturally and without any toxic fertilisers, added sugars, artificial acids or commercial yeasts. Many of these wines are also bottled without shelf life-prolonging sulfites and with very little or no oak at all. Delhi-based wine connoisseur Suneel Walecha, says "Organic wines are essentially made from grapes grown without the "cides" that is pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Preservatives like sulphur dioxide are kept to a minimum. Grapes are often picked by hand and the wines are made gently with minimal handling and filtration."
Green wines in India ‘Green’ spirits have a number of takers in India as well. Leading American brewery Brown-Forman Corporation—the makers of Jack Daniels, Finlandia Vodka and Southern Comfort — is all set to give Indians a taste of its organic wine brand Bonterra. Not many know that grapes used in wines are some of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops. According to conservative estimates, 18 types of insecticides, fumigants, herbicides and other chemicals are currently being used in conventional grapes meant for wines. These include synthetic fertilisers, weed-killers, disease-control sprays, growth regulators, colour and flavour-enhancing agents. Environment-friendly wines, on the other hand, are made from grapes grown and processed with the help of natural alternatives and without use of dangerous chemicals. Close to nature
Similar kinds of processes are used to make clean vodkas, rums and other alcoholic beverages. The corn-based Prairie Vodka, for example, is made by a cooperative of organic farmers in America. The corn used in producing the vodka does not employ genetically modified seeds, artificial fertilisers, hormones, weed controllers, or pesticides.
The American dry gin Bluecoat is made with organic berries and the botanicals sweet orange and lemon peel are grown organically and brewed in small stills. The brewery also triple filters and de-ionizes its water to ensure complete purity of the gin. The London dry gin Juniper Green too is an amazing spirit. It is made from juniper berries grown organically. Other ingredients include coriander, angelica root and savoury which are all grown organically. This gin is completely gluten free. Earthy spirits Of late, many vineyards are responding to the increasing demand for ‘earth’ wines and growing grapes with natural fertilisers such as composted animal manure instead of the chemical ones. Organic wines produced by companies like the California-based Hawk & Horse Vineyards, Frog’s Leap Winery, Nuova Cappelletta in Italy, Château Feely in France and many others, are producing Merlots, Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from organic grapes. However, growing organic grapes for wines or barley for whiskies is not the end of the story. The key lies in the process of actual production. Breweries and wineries keep physical treatment of the brew to a minimum level. In wine making genetically engineered yeast is a strict no-no and wild yeast is used for fermentation. The wine is not filtered or ‘fined’—the process that removes natural deposits that develop during fermentation. High prices One of the reasons why there’s sometimes a shortage of organic wines, whiskies, vodkas and rums is because producing pesticide-free grapes, barley and other grains is an expensive process and the yield is very low. The price of an organic bottle of an alcoholic beverage of the same vintage can sometimes be very high as compared to a normal bottle. However, the real lovers of eco-friendly spirits do not seem to be bothered with the price tags. Besides being organic they say that the wines and whiskies have a superior aroma and a purer and softer taste. But whether connoisseurs can or cannot tell the difference, the truth is that the health and ecological benefits are obvious. People who enjoy alcoholic drinks want something that tastes good, and if it’s organic then it’s a double bonus. So next time you want to raise a glass, uncork an organic wine and say cheers to health and environment. Raising a toast to health When taken in moderation (no more than one glass a day) organic wine is good for the health as it…
Recognising organic wine
|
||
|
|
Jewels of the dinner table Napkin rings and holders add a touch of sparkle to the dining table and make it look elegant and chic A peek into the endless range available in different shapes, sizes, styles fabrics and colour patterns dismisses the myth that napkin rings and holders are meant only for fine dine restaurants. In homes, the fancy holders and rings, besides performing their function of keeping a napkin in place, also serve as decoratives that add charm to a table setting. Stylish and trendy From napkin rings resembling bracelets to napkin holders shaped like orchids and animal figurines, these are available in a wide array of materials. From those made of sterling silver to the ones that are gold-plated and embedded with diamonds, Swarovski crystals and other precious stones, the holders and rings can be made of porcelain, wood, plastic, metals and other materials. Many are shaped like different trees and flowers, which sparkle the table and make it look elegant. The choices available today give one the option to co-ordinate the right colours and shapes with the other décor on the dining table. But in case you don't find what you are looking for, then you can also make napkin holders at home. There are a number of Do-It-Yourself tutorials on the internet that teach you how to create rings and holders out of paper mâché and cardboard sheets rolled in the shape of a cylinder and then hand-painted or decorated with the shapes and colours of your choice. Interestingly napkin holders and rings are not a new phenomenon. They have been around for over two centuries. Back in the eighteenth century they were made of wrought iron by blacksmiths and were basically rings whose function was to hold a napkin. Designs, sizes and various shapes began to manifest themselves over much of the last centuries when it dawned upon creative minds that these could add to the glitter of a well set dining table for that special touch of oomph. Precious metal rings The first precious metal napkin rings appeared in France around 1800 A.D. These were made of gold and silver and were meant for royalty and the wealthy class of people. By the middle of the nineteenth century the trend had spread to many parts of Europe and America and companies like Reed and Barton, Meriden, Tufts, Simpson Hall & Miller and others were offering holders and rings in the shape of figurals, animals, trees, flowers, and a variety of other natural objects. With so much to choose from it is not surprising the prices of napkin holders and rings began to swing from the very basic for the home made ones to those costing a small fortune for the ones made in gold, silver and platinum. The ones which are studded in diamonds came in an altogether different price range depending largely on their ornamental value. Many designers are of the opinion that napkin holders and rings became universally popular during the Victorian times in England when it became a fashion to give these away as gifts. Each member of well-heeled families had their own individual ring usually with his or her initials. This not just made people feel a sense of possession but also served the purpose of hygiene and sanitation all members would their own napkins which was tucked in the ring and did not get exchanged with someone else. High design element The element of high design came into vogue when the emblems and coat of arms of kings and those belonging to royal families came to be represented on the napkin holders and rings. The commoners too had their share when they started to come in the shape of animals, natural phenomenon, fictional character as also flora and fauna. The ones plated with precious metals were first patented in around 1870 when leading manufacturers began offering figural rings and holders. Creativity came to the fore even as goldsmiths and silver smiths got into the act and began reproducing scenes from real life on the napkin holders. Scenes like a boy on a tricycle in the shape of a napkin ring or a horse pulling a buggy carved in the shape of a ring became the rage of the day. Figural napkins However, with the dawn of the twentieth century the trend of the figural napkin holders began declining and the ornate precious metal ones were replaced by ceramics, wood, plastic and paper mâché. Even the shapes became modernistic and contemporary. There appeared rings in the shape of the airplanes, spacecrafts, automobiles and prominent buildings like the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. In today's trendy times the napkin holders and rings are making a style statement of their own. They are essentially simple yet modern, they remain uncluttered and add to the shimmer of a well laid out dining table, sparkle can adjust light and are remarkably versatile. They come in all shapes and sizes with the rectangles and squares perfectly sized to hold a large linen napkin and they are good both for small and large settings and reflect the personality of the host. So get trendy and add a glitter to your table setting with a set of classy napkin holders and rings.
|
||
|
|
PACESETTER Gaurav Kapoor, the organiser of Banaras Utsav 2013, promotes rich cultural experience by providing artistes a common platform
Gaurav, the brain behind the recently organised art and cultural festival Banaras Utsav is a graduate from University of London in Business Management. When it comes to art and culture, Gaurav shares, "How can anyone be immune to art and culture while staying in Banaras?" Apart from handling the two enterprises, one on the home décor and the other one based on solar energy, Gaurav wants to dedicate his time and energy to providing a podium for both the amateurs and seasoned artists, and taking his hometown Banaras forward on the cultural map. As a kid his ‘only’ interest was to be a successful businessman. "I was 11 when I first went to Amsterdam. I asked my father, ‘Why don’t we have shops selling Indian products’? I always wanted to understand and run a business," shares this young entrepreneur who also owns the brand Nakalchee Bandar — a linen company. During one of his school vacations, Gaurav made a few T-shirts and sold then to a company. "This goes to validate my entrepreneurial skills," he laughs. It isn’t the word ‘business’ however that makes his heart beat. "Whatever I do professionally, is also my hobby, I don’t have a separate business and a separate hobby, the two are amalgamated," he adds. Gaurav’s father runs an NGO Kala Prakash that promotes classical music; his wife is a trained classical singer… "It wasn’t possible for me to stay away from performing arts. So, I decided to start Banaras Utsav in the ancient city of Varanasi. The Utsav brought together the best of art, craft, literature, music, theatre and popular culture from Varanasi. Renowned personalities from various fields shared their craft and their expertise," shares Gaurav who brought known names like Amish Tripathi, Gulzar, Ashok Bajpai, Prof. Chandramouli Upadhyaya, Vikram Shampath to name a few together at the utsav. The festival kickstarted from Assi Ghat. The reason for this Gaurav shares, "The idea is to promote the heritage and rich culture of Banaras. The Banaras Utav is going to be an annual affair." Gaurav plans to provide a platform to the budding artistes. "I want to give them a chance to showcase their talent, not only in front of the local audience and celebrated figures in art and culture." "Not everyone likes to shell their hard earned money into a festival that is promoting art and culture," says Gaurav emphasizing on how arranging funds can be a major issue with other events based on similar lines. For the Banaras Utsav, Gaurav Kapoor had to convince people and private companies to offer support. "This was the toughest part. After all, I was organising a cultural affair and not something commercial, how many people will have interest in this." Despite this hurdle, Gaurav will continue his efforts to bring together more artists every year. "I am a ‘Banaras ka banda, classical music is in the air, and I would like everyone to get the whiff of it."
|
|
|
BULLETPROOF SUIT
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
BABY JET
MIND YOUR EGGS
MAGNIFICENT MEAN MACHINE
‘DESIGNER’ CHRISTMAS
THE CYCLE OF FITNESS
DOLLS’ HOUSE
PORTABLE WORKSTATION
IT’S NOT ONLY WORDS
|
|
|
It is common to hear a dinner
host ask his guests, "Would you like a Scotch?" For years now Scotch
has come to be associated with whiskey. Most liquor enthusiasts know of just
two premium whiskies — Scotch, a blend of malted barley sourced from several
distilleries in Scotland and Single Malt, made from malted barley grown in one
single distillery.
It is common to hear a dinner
host ask his guests, "Would you like a Scotch?" For years now Scotch
has come to be associated with whiskey. Most liquor enthusiasts know of just
two premium whiskies — Scotch, a blend of malted barley sourced from several
distilleries in Scotland and Single Malt, made from malted barley grown in one
single distillery. For those who like their drinks, there is nothing beyond
Scotch and Single Malt. But ask a connoisseur; for him ‘real’ whiskey is
made with ingredients only grown on organic farms and free of pesticides.
Though so far the cumulative
business of organic wines and spirits had been small as compared to the annual
consumption of commercial alcohol, it has now started making rapid footprints
as more and more breweries respond to the growing demand for cleaner booze.
Organic brewers like the
American Eel River Brewing Company or the Black Isle Brewery in Scotland, the
Pemberton Distillery in Canada keep the production of barley, hops, grains,
potatoes and other ingredients quite close to nature. The farmers mow the
weeds periodically and put them back in the soil so that they rot in the
ground and provide organic fertiliser. Biodiversity helps regulate the soil
and farmers spread beneficial insects such as ladybugs to stave off attacks by
predatory mites for a truly organic produce. Whiskey brands like Highland
Harvest, Benromach Organic Single Malt, Brenne, Lion’s Pride, Bruichladdich
and Slow Hand that retail between $50 and $ 90 (between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,400)
a bottle of one litre are using these cultivation methods to produce cleaner
whiskies .
The production of Papagayo rum
by American brewery Altitude Spirits is even more interesting. The sugarcane
for the rum is sourced from Paraguayan underdeveloped region of Arroyos Y
Esteros (streams and swamps) which is grown by a community of small sugar
farmers who have been taught how to produce the cane organically by the
manufacturers This is not just financially conducive to the community but also
helps in producing one of the most environmentally clean rums. Surprisingly
gin, which forms the base of a number of great cocktails like martini, gimlet
and Long Island, does not have too many organic varieties. However, the
limited ones that are available — one of them from Altitude spirits—are
excellent and score over the normally produced varieties.
These are trendy, stylish and artistic. These lend the final touch to a finely set dining table. Napkin holders and rings have suddenly become the hottest table accessories that spell class and panache. Open any reputed home decor online site or visit any leading kitchen and tableware retail store, and you will find scores of these on offer.
Now you can bring a dog to the table with a set of six Happy Hot Dog Napkin Rings by American tableware company Naked Decor. Designed in the shape of dachshund dogs these napkin rings will make a style statement about your creative side and add a dash of whimsy to your dining table.
Price: Rs 2,100 for a set of six
Akin to a sculptural art, the Spike Napkin Ring by Z Gallerie in a set of four offers a modern detailing to embellish your table. This set is guaranteed to make a dramatic impact on your tabletop. Distinctively cast out of iron and finished in a lustrous gold hue, the Spike collection adds layers of luxe to any interior.
Price: Rs 1,800
If
you make your hobby your business, you don’t have to worry about making
profit. For Gaurav Kapoor, 35, a young entrepreneur who has been recognised as
one of the youngest entrepreneurs of the country by India Today Magazine (2010),
this is the success mantra for life and the secret behind his successful
ventures.
On the face of it there’s nothing unusual about this three-piece suit. But you should be wearing it only if wannabe assassins are chasing you. That’s because the Canadian tailoring company Garrison Bespoke’s suit doesn’t just give you killer looks but will also save you from the bullets of a killer. Made from bullet-resistant fabric, the suit provides solid protection in the guise of fashionable business wear. It contains several sheets of carbon nano-tube fabric in its lining which can withstand the impact from bullets and knife attacks. If you are into any risky or life-threatening business, this suit will surely suit you. So what if it costs a bomb. It will save you from one as well.
Price: Rs 11.40 lakh ($19,000)
These lights are designed to change the way your interiors will look. The Pedestal Lights from corporate luxury house Élitaire are guaranteed to illuminate your room in a classy way. Mounted on a marble stand, the figurines are handcrafted in brass with antique gold leafing. Though they come with an eye-watering price tag, these fancy lights that look like low hanging chandeliers have amazing craftsmanship with the potential of becoming the standout decorative of your drawing room.
Price: Rs 36 lakh for a set of two
So you thought Honda only makes cars and motorbikes? Think again. It also makes jets. Honda’s jet division has collaborated with General Electric Company to make a new jet. And this is no ordinary jet. It is a mini jet with an 18-inch fan aperture. The super lightweight design is perfectly suited for small business jets and is also fuel efficient. Under development for the last decade, it can take a load of up to six people and has a wingspan of around 40 feet and a length of around 42 feet. It also boasts a cruising speed of 778 km/h and can go a distance of 2,600 km on a full tank. A perfect flying toy for a high-flier.
Price Rs 23.40 crore ($3.9 million)
With this quirky device, you will neither run out of eggs nor have an encounter with a bad one.Egg Minder by New York-based company Quirky is a smart egg tray that wirelessly connects to your mobile device and will send you notifications when you're running low or if any egg is going bad. In-tray LED lights indicate the oldest egg, while push notifications alert you when the egg inventory is diminishing. Egg Minder will make sure that you’ll never be in a scramble for a good egg again!
Price: Rs 4,200 ($70)
Some motorbikes are made for speed freaks while others specifically for the true aficionados. The BMW R Nine T comes in the latter category. Created to celebrate nine decades of BMW motorcycles, this hot rod radiates purity and power. Inspired by the first-ever BMW roadster launched in 1923, this cool retro bike harks back to the true spirit of the classic BMW motorcycles and racers. It is powered by a flat twin boxer engine which delivers quick acceleration and can be customised to the rider’s personal preferences to turn the beast into a timeless beauty.
Price: Rs 11 lakh (£11,000)
When two of the most stylish designers collaborate with one of the world’s classiest hotels they can spread plenty of oomph. London’s leading hotel Claridge’s recently selected Italian designer duo Dolce and Gabbana to design its 2013 Christmas tree and the result is there for all to see. The seven-metre tree depicts iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree. Assembled by hand, it is adorned with 450 hand painted glass baubles blown by master artisans from Verona with images of the sun, citrus groves, flowering almonds and prickly pears. The tree is in place for the hotel to wish its guests a Merry Christmas.
Price: Not for sale
High design meets modern technology. Those five words sum up what Peloton Bike is all about. This marvellous pedal-pusher not just promises a higher intensity work-out than a normal exercise bike, but also lots of fun. First the performance. With a near-silent belt drive system and a magnetic resistance flywheel, this bike is power-packed and rides smooth and minutely tracks your progress. But the bike itself is just part of the story. Peloton's 21.5-inch HD, multi-touch console connects to your home WIFI and allows you to download cycling classes from instructors around the world who will help you pedal away to fitness.
Price: Rs 1,20,000 ($2,000)
These dolls are no child’s play. They are part of a very special collection of 93 dolls created by high-fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier and the likes who have come together for the Frimousses de Créateurs event. Initiated by Unicef, the annual affair will see these dolls being auctioned to the highest bidder. Inspired by the theme of “Wonderful Paris” they are now being displayed at the Petit Palais in Paris. The funds from the auction will be spent by Unicef to vaccinate children in Sudan’s wartorn Darfur region giving a fashionable spin to a much-needed charity in Africa.
Expected to raise upwards of Rs 1.80 crore ($300,000)
From the outside it could pass off as a dinky old laptop bag. But looks can be very deceptive. Once you open it the French-made La Fonction leather satchel transforms into a mobile workstation which has a computer desk feeling. It protects your screen from reflections as well as prying eyes, it is composed of several partitions that allow you to carry all your essential tools like pens, phones, books and more. Its enclosed space creates a comfortable and private work-station or even a fun-station if you are Twittering or
Facebooking. Price: Rs 80,400 ($1,340)
It’s your word against Andrew Capener’s. The American games inventor has brought out a perfect holiday season gift for the entire family. The Scrabble Typography features 15 different typefaces set on maple wood tiles, walnut cover, cork-lined storage base and timer to keep the play in check. The game board rotates 360 degrees thanks to a built-in Lazy Susan on the underside so no one has to play upside down. Many game enthusiasts are calling the quirky Scrabble a real piece of art and a great giftable idea.
Price: Rs 12,000 ($200)