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MAN-ning the kitchen
More and more men are taking to cooking, thanks to various cookery shows on air
Super chefs on television are the patron saints who prove that men enjoy cooking! Well, it's the right time to re-phrase the common saying 'a way to man's heart is through his stomach'; as the tables have turned. After the metro-sexual male now we have the gastro-sexual male! A man, who takes up cooking to impress his woman, uses his culinary powers as bait as he does with his personality, looks or social status. A report 'Emergence of the Gastro-sexual' (dailymail.co.uk) cites the popularity of superstar chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver as a factor in making cooking a macho pursuit. And according to a study by food company PurAsia, 48 per cent of people said being able to cook made a person more attractive to them, while 23 per cent of 18 to 34-year-old men said they cook to potentially seduce a partner. The report also showed that men now regularly cook for friends and family and also indicated the number of families where men help in the kitchen has more than doubled in percentage. Well, the credit can also be given to cookery shows such as MasterChef Australia, MasterChef India, Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Sanjeev Kapoor Khanna Khazana, which have a huge male fan-following and have made men the virtual masters of the kitchen as well! Says Nikhil, owner Nik Bakers, "My fascination for cooking stemmed from watching a couple of television shows; though they weren't as popular as they are now. Being a foodie, I always wanted to know how a cake is baked and how would a dish be prepared in varied cities of the world. Seeing my love for food my father decided that I should go for a bakery course." However, his grandmother was against it, as cooking was never considered a good profession for men. "The tables have turned today. We have more men as chefs then women. Plus women find it romantic when men can cook," he adds. Says Bunny, who is pursuing a diploma in hotel management, "It's in to be a chef these days and thanks to television shows, they have really made this profession a hit with men. I am a regular with cookery shows but when it comes to actual cooking, I'm driven by my instincts. With experimentation comes new learning. I enjoy cooking and most of my friends, who are girls, love this fact. I will not deny that it makes me a little more popular than others." Then there is the counterpoint. Says Gagan Salathia, an employee of a telecom company, "I love cooking and help my wife most of the times, but I personally believe a woman does this best. The way she cooks and serves her family cannot be imitated by any man." And are women actually getting attracted towards men who can roll perfectly round rotis and grill succulent chicken? "Of course, such men are always wanted," says Richa Taneja a homemaker from Panchkula. She adds, "This has much to do with stereotypical roles. If a woman cooks well, it is considered normal but if a man can do the same, he's surely something!" Sunita Bali, who married a chef, provides more facts. "It's an added advantage when you know your husband can cook. When I got married I didn't know how to cook, but my husband was a great help and taught me all. His culinary skills clearly set him apart from other men. And though that wasn't the reason I married him, this is a huge plus," she chuckles. With so many men cooking up a storm, women should be more than happy but interestingly the report also indicates that men are not interested in other household chores. So, apparently we've got to get on with the scrubbing!
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Recipe for success
She owns close to three hundred titles in cooking…err...300 recipes perhaps? "No, 300 books," author-chef, Nita Mehta, perhaps needs to correct a lot of people at various times. "There's no end to cooking, people have become so experimental and we as chefs keep creating lots of recipes," she takes a keen look at what the 24 contestants are up to, sifts through their food and answers back to us. Nita is in Chandigarh along with chef Neelesh Limaye to judge Mallika-e-Kitchen, a pan-Indian endeavour for amateurs by LG Electronics. The conversations understandably are all about food. Does anybody really need an illustration on the infinity of food? She adds, "A vegetable as common as bhindi can be cooked in a hundred ways. There's the Kashmiri version of it, then there's a Punjabi way of cooking it, these days you even find Bhindi in Chinese food." Shares the Delhi-based author, "We don't keep on wearing the same kind of clothes; food is ever-evolving. We keep experimenting and keep coming back to authentic. If you ask my personal favourites, I'd say at the end of the day it's dal and sabzi." Of all the food across the world, "Chinese I feel is the most omnipresent."
Meanwhile, she's out to promote food and culture simultaneously. "We are coming up with a book on Indian cooking in olive oil and then there's another coffee table book on festival cooking. These days we have nuclear families and the in-laws and parents are not around all the time; people do not even know about so many festivals. So it won't be a cook book alone but something that "tells about the occasion apart from the cooking suited to it." Also lined up is a magazine that goes way beyond recipes. "We are coming up with Home and Happiness, which will of course talk about recipes, but apart from that it'll talk about interiors as well as fashion." Food for thought Chefs are celebrities in their own right; food has turned from a noun to an industry and restaurants come next to cinemas as entertainment hubs! Even a mute spectator need not think hard to guess what's changed in the last two decades. Shares chef Neelesh Limaye, "I think it's even beaten the entertainment industry when it comes to statistics and numbers." With this he recalls his days as a fresher in the industry, starting with the biggest of names to being a corporate chef. "Of course even amateurs make for good chefs; I was also a starter once. It's only when you start and experiment that you gain expertise in the field." Currently running a cookery show on television and here to judge the amateur cooks, he points out that good food need not restrict itself to any geographical barriers. "I have restaurants in Pune as well at Delhi and Punjabi food is a hit there. We have quite a significant population of Punjabis residing in Pune." Does he plan to extend his presence in the city? "Punjabis love their food and across the globe, Punjabi cuisine is known as the world cuisine." On the cards is a coffee table book on cooking, "We are planning to launch an interactive book on all the special recipes of the show Aamhi Saare Khavayye, a show that I hosted on a Marathi channel for four years." And just as of now, he's off to inspect what the participants are up to. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Flavours of the land
On a table decked up with dal makhni, palak paneer, barni ka meat, tandoori chicken and methi chicken, a colleague stretches her arm to the farthest corner to pick up a bowl of palak chat. The dish is special - spinach leaves brushed up with gram flour and then fried in oil, which results in a crispy recipe that is served with a sprinkle of spices. She asks us to try it out only for the reason that "it's different". We follow the advice, so do others and the dish is amazingly tasty as well as different! Shares Ankit Sharma, Chef de Cuisine at Saffron in JW Marriott that opened its doors to people on Wednesday, "While I was in Meerut a vendor used to make these outside my school. After all these years, I went back to that vendor and got the recipe." Almost every dish in the menu has a similar story. A recce around the region did it all. "We started with Puran Singh ka Dhaba in Ambala and picked the recipe of chicken curry." Next was Kotkapura. "From there, I learnt how to perfectly cook atta chicken. Instead of using the recipe as it is, I introduced some changes and came up with atta raan." A trip to Ludhiana helped him copy kali mirch ka murgh from Chawla Chicken. The Punjab tour ended with Amritsar and the desserts of Kesar Ka Dhaba. The Avadhi dishes are taken from Meerut. "It's important to understand that people in Punjab love 'dhaba' food. I drew inspiration from their menu, modified them with certain spices and presented them in a new manner, although authentic Punjabi flavour has been maintained." The menu, complementing the name of the Indian food restaurant, is in saffron colour and so are the lights. Besides, make sure you don't miss paan kulfi dipped in rabri, which leaves you with a wonderful flavour. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: An even better day than yesterday. A problem with an older relative can be sorted out. Romance wakes up and startles you into an understanding of your own emotional fabric. Relaxation and cruising are what suit you the best. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 32.
TAURUS: The early part of the day is likely to be important. Chronic patients should consult a doctor. A good round of physical exercise will help you to iron out any pent-up frustrations. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic
grey. Magic number: 27.
GEMINI: A small bout of home-sickness may creep in, but do not let it spoil the fun. Spare time should be devoted to creative activities. An excellent day for journeys. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success - its demand and limitations. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 61.
CANCER: A good day to contact people. Romance will be exciting. Keep on the course that you have already set for yourself. This is a perfect time for a family get together. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. You should concentrate on reliable projects. Lucky colour: Aqua.
Magic number: 60.
LEO: Ten of Pentacles reveals that fortune can be made or lost in a fleeting moment, so keep your wits about you. Do not argue with people if you have no chance of winning. Romance may be upsetting. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 65.
VIRGO: The temptation to keep spending money has not abated. Do not invest too much in ventures. Encouraging news will lift your spirits. An Aquarian friend may create a problem. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion, meditation and understanding. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 56.
LIBRA: Keep receipts of transactions and read the fine print. Mental and physical energy can be successfully combined today. Be gentle with subordinates. Routine travel is advisable and should be smooth. Tarot message: Beware of judging people too harshly. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 45.
SCORPIO: Worry is likely due to a child's health. Postpone signing important documents. A beloved brings security, love and warmth. The lure of alcohol may appeal to some, but try not to overdo it. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29.
SAGITTARIUS: An upswing in your earnings keeps you in high spirits. Influential people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Your pet will be source of happiness. Tarot message: Don't be judgmental about people who have made up their mind. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.
CAPRICORN: Get cracking early. You must push yourself harder. Use your imagination to make your surroundings more pleasant and attractive. Steer clear of trouble. Dealing with in-laws will not be much fun. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 63.
AQUARIUS: Contacts and networks should be a rich source of opportunity for financial ventures and educational growth. You should not allow yourself to be guided by friends. Tarot message: Don't be judgmental with people who have made up their mind. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 52.
PISCES: Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining. Do everything possible on your own before calling on assistance. Secret sexual liaisons can temporarily take you out of the mainstream. Tarot message: You are facing challenges and still holding your ground. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 46.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 13...
You may be more responsible and self-disciplined. Sincere and honest, you are a serious and a hard working individual. Your feelings are likely to be repressed at times. Your intolerance and insistence on complete accuracy can be irritating to some.
You could receive an invitation to a social gathering, but you may prefer to spend time on a creative project. Think about letting your imagination flow. Express yourself. Compatible signs: Taurus and Gemini. Lucky colours: Crimson, dark red. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 12, 18, 20. Lucky flower: Sweet-William. Lucky gem: Lapis Lazuli - The gemstone of friendship and truth. Kate Walsh (Kathleen Erin Walsh) was born on October 13, 1967 in San Jose, California, USA. She has acted in films like Normal Life, Peppermills, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer Part 2, Bewitched, Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie and Under the Tuscan Sun. She appeared with her memorable quote in the series: When you turn your car on, does it return the
favor?
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Chatter box Actor Mohit Sehgal, who was last seen in Miley Jab Hum Tum, might not be working but he sure is using his free time well. He has been enjoying sketching these days, which he had been doing for years. Mohit loves sketching his girlfriend Sanaya Irani the most. Cho Chweet!. Shweta Tiwari's new show Production house DJ's creative unit is working on a new show for Sony TV and signed on Shweta Tiwari along with Vivek Mushran. The novelty in this show is that it won't be a regular saas-bahu fare and seasoned actors will give it more weight. The story is about a husband, wife and their parenting experiences. This modern setting and contemporary topic sure sounds interesting!
Heartbroken Phulwa Phulwa (Sargun Mehta) on Colors will face heartbreak when Shatrughan's (Ajay Chaudhary) true identity - that he is a cop - is exposed before her. She had developed a soft spot for him and even dressed up in ghaghra-choli - leaving behind her dacoit clothes - just to impress him. During a mela sequence in the upcoming episodes this week, she will share some romantic moments with him and end up learning the truth about him. Arjun turns host
He will host a celebrity-based show, which is likely to be aired early next month. Arjun last appeared on television as a judge on Nach Baliye Season Four. Apparently, the concept of the show is not borrowed but original and is very hard-hitting. Small step: Arjun Rampal
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BUILDING knowledge
A photo exhibition at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16, Chandigarh, narrates the rich history of buildings in Europe
As many as 40 frames clicked by Sanyam Bahga, final-year student of Chandigarh College of Architecture, displayed at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16 exhibition hall, portray the brilliance of European architecture. As part of his six-month training in one of the semesters, Sanyam chose to study and capture the European architecture by travelling to eight countries. The main aim of the exhibition is to bring out the contrast between the old and the modern buildings in Europe. Says Sanyam, "Europe is the epicentre of architecture and it has influenced the world in a big manner. So, in a way I was inspired to analyse and click the buildings." He adds, "Born in a family of architects and brought up in the well-planned city of Chandigarh, I developed a keen interest in architecture and my father guided me further." Though photography was his hobby, with time he developed a
liking for architectural photography. The display begins with the Roman Colosseum, Rome, Italy, built in 80 AD and then moves on chronologically to Cathedrale Notre-Dame, Luasanne, Switzerland, built in 1275 and Cathedral Saint Jean, Lyon, France, built in 1480. These give an in-depth explanation of the styles of architecture prevailing in olden times through text, drawings and sketches. On the other hand, photographs of modern buildings such as Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain, built in 1910, Cube houses, Rotterdam, Netherlands, built in 1984 and Rolex Learning Centre, Luasanne, Switzerland, built in 2010 narrate the story of the changes that have taken place with time. Shares Sanyam, "The experience during the project was very enriching and interesting at the same time." Another aspect that one wonders about after viewing these pictures is whether European architecture is latent or still dominant in Chandigarh! (On till October 16) sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Flavours of the land
On a table decked up with dal makhni, palak paneer, barni ka meat, tandoori chicken and methi chicken, a colleague stretches her arm to the farthest corner to pick up a bowl of palak chat. The dish is special — spinach leaves brushed up with gram flour and then fried in oil, which results in a crispy recipe that is served with a sprinkle of spices.
She asks us to try it out only for the reason that "it's different". We follow the advice, so do others and the dish is amazingly tasty as well as different! Shares Ankit Sharma, Chef de Cuisine at Saffron in JW Marriott that opened its doors to people on Wednesday, "While I was in Meerut a vendor used to make these outside my school. After all these years, I went back to that vendor and got the recipe." Almost every dish in the menu has a similar story. A recce around the region did it all. "We started with Puran Singh ka Dhaba in Ambala and picked the recipe of chicken curry." Next was Kotkapura. "From there, I learnt how to perfectly cook atta chicken. Instead of using the recipe as it is, I introduced some changes and came up with atta raan." A trip to Ludhiana helped him copy kali mirch ka murgh from Chawla Chicken. The Punjab tour ended with Amritsar and the desserts of Kesar Ka Dhaba. The Avadhi dishes are taken from Meerut. "It's important to understand that people in Punjab love dhaba food. I drew inspiration from their menu, modified them The menu, complementing the name of the Indian food restaurant, is in saffron colour and so are the lights. Besides, make sure you don't miss paan kulfi dipped in rabri, which leaves you with a wonderful flavour. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Aditya Redij aka Raghav of Na Aana Is Desh Laado, currently seen in Imagine's Preeto, loves to watch films, especially action movies. The good looking actor says he is a big fan of all Quentin Tarantino movies. Here is a list of his top five favourite films. Apocalypto This Mel Gibson movie has a nice story and it is one of the best action films. What I really love about this one is that all the action sequences in the film are real and aren't shot by using technology. These days, you hardly get to see such action movies. The film is very realistic. Ijazzat It's the best romantic movie I have seen till date. I loved Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah's performances in the film. The songs in the film are amazing too. The
Godfather I loved both the parts. But more than the first part, I loved the sequel. I found the prequel less interesting but in the sequel you are totally soaked into it. Forrest Gump The film has won six Oscars. That tells how fabulously the film has been made. It's a rom-com. It is an incredible movie and I think everyone should
see it. The story is stunning and will encourage everyone to go the distance and see the world like Forrest did in the film. And to never give up on your dreams. Avatar and Jurassic Park I loved Avatar for its 3D effects. Also Jurassic Park. It isn't the same watching it on DVD or television, so people who watched the movies on the big screen were lucky.
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Family man
Sanjay Dutt is like a teddy bear. It is very hard to hate him. He talks about his movies and family. Work time
I am busy with Zilla Ghaziabad and Agneepath. I am glad that audiences are enjoying Rascals. Toughest role
I think Agneepath will be one of the most challenging films because I am playing a negative role in the film and it's quite challenging. I hope audiences appreciate my work. I am quite excited about this film because it is different from the work I have Future projects
I am busy for at least two years with films. I have done a cameo in Ra.One and my character is called Khalnayak. I also have a cameo in Desi Boyz. My next release will be Agneepath with Hrithik Roshan who is like a kid to me as I have seen him growing up. I have worked with him earlier also and it's always been a pleasure to shoot with him. After that I have Zilla Ghaziabad, Power, Department then Total Dhamaal. The third Munnabhi is also in the pipeline. Sallu’s company
Salman is like my younger brother. If I have a something against him I will say it on his face not to the media. I am working with him in Bigg Boss and enjoying it. We have always shared a great bonding and chemistry. Our on-screen chemistry is liked by the audience. Raising kids
They are like positive energy for me. The moment I see them I get all charged up. It feels like Shahraan and Iqra were just born yesterday but time flies and they are growing faster. I have dreamt a lot for them and want to do so many things. But I will make sure they get raised like any other kids not as star kids. They have to learn to be normal and both Maanayaata and I work towards that. When they grow up, they can choose what they want to do, but till then, we're going to protect them from the paparazzi. Home sweet home
My wife Maanayata has handled everything so well that I have become habituated to it. She takes care of the house and the kids. She has changed my whole house. Now, everyday once I finish work I want to go back home. I want to spend more time with my children. I miss my parents even today but my wife and sisters are my pillars of strength. |
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Dozakh goes to Prague
Fashion label Dozakh by designer duo Isha-Kartikeya has bagged their first Bollywood project which will release next year.
"We are doing our first mainstream movie and that's the reason why we were in Prague till last month. Produced by Glamour struck productions, the film is tentatively titled Prague," Kartikeya said. "The movie will release sometime next year in June. We are really excited to be associated with the team," he added. Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal who played Shahid Kapoor's best friend in Kaminey will play the lead role while a fresh face Elena Kazan will make her Bollywood debut, Kartikeya said. From designing individual pieces for celebrities to creating wardrobe for various production houses to showcasing their designs at the fashion weeks and international exhibitions - the strength and creativity of the designer duo is in full spring. And the two feel that working in Bollywood will be an added advantage. "People have seen and appreciated our work. We are satisfied with our career but Bollywood will be an added advantage," Isha said. "Rohit Khaitan (the producer of the movie) has seen our work. And since he is a long-time friend, he offered the project and we just said yes," she added. Talking about the styling part, Kartikeya said: "The clothes will be very realistic as cinema today has evolved leaps and bounds. Costumes depict reality and character rather than sticking to fashionable attire." The duo is exhibiting their collection at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) and they said this collection too has been inspired by Prague. "On a recent trip to Prague, we got really inspired by the baroque designs and architecture," Isha said. "The collection comprises tunics, wearable dresses and free flowing gowns,” she added.
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Weight watch
Hunger is the need for food. It is more of a process to drive you to eat because the body needs certain nutrients for maintaining life. It refers to physical discomfort caused by prolonged lack of food. One common sign is a rumbling stomach, including hunger pains or a "gnawing" feeling in the stomach, general tension, restlessness and 'light headed' feelings. Appetite on the other hand is the desire or craving for food. It may be prompted by the sight or smell of food. So, we could say that appetite is generally an emotional drive, whereas hunger is considered a biological drive. Shutting down the appetite is one sure way to lose weight permanently. You need to work slowly at reducing your appetite and need to start to listen to your body's hunger signals. However, if you cannot control your appetite, then you cannot control your weight. The more you eat, the more you will want to eat and you will start craving more and more food. Ways to reduce appetite and control hunger
If you want to stay in full control of your appetite, and control your hunger, here are a few tips you should try:
Replace your normal dinner plates with smaller ones. People will often eat all of what they're served, so use smaller plates if you are cutting calories. You will still feel like you have a full plate of food, but will be eating a lot less. Spice up your food. Spicy food makes you feel fuller. If you can't eat spicy foods, settle for more flavourful foods. Strong flavours satisfy the tastebuds, which signal to the appetite that it's being satisfied. Eat slowly. The brain actually takes ten minutes longer than the stomach to receive the message that it is full. Thus, eating too fast might cause you to eat beyond the point of fullness without even
realising. Eat without distractions and concentrate on your food. Eating foods without the TV on, without the computer in front, is a good strategy to be aware of what we are eating. Mindless eating while distracted by another activity will often lead to eating more than you
realise. Avoid taking second helpings. And the easiest way is to eat your food in thali style. Decide how much you want to eat. Serve up your plate with the correct portions in the kitchen and only eat that. Do not place platters of food on the table. Don't starve yourselves. Starving is the greatest enemy of healthy eating habits. It creates a feeling of energy deficiency and people try to eat more after periods of starving to "make up for the lost food". Nothing increases hunger/appetite more than starving for an extended period of time. Eating number of small meals a day is one way to avoid starving. Drink a lot of soup/broth before a meal. Vegetable/chicken broths are tasty and very easy to prepare. The key is to drink enough so that you almost start filling full and then proceed for the main course dishes. Drink a glass of water before every meal. It fills your stomach and gives you a sense of fullness, which in turn decreases your appetite. As water does not have any calories, it's ideal for people who are already over-weight and are controlling their appetite in order to lose weight. Eat food with low glycemic index. Food with high glycemic index cause a sudden rise and fall of blood sugar level. Typically, falling blood sugar levels trigger the 'need' to eat more food and that creates a sense of immediate hunger. Apples, bananas, green vegetables, and beans are some examples of foods with low glycemic index. Increase your dietary fibre and protein intake. Dietary fibre increases the feeling of "fullness" and suppresses appetite. On the other hand, foods higher in protein will take a lot longer for your body to break down, and this means that you're less likely to be hungry shortly after eating them. Chew on some sugarless chewing gum. Studies indicate that having chewing gum reduces hunger and controls appetite. This is because chewing gum may distract the mind from impulsive eating and curb appetite by offering oral satisfaction to the mind and taste buds. (Pahwa is a fitness expert
based in Ludhiana)
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Spice of Thai platter!
The gourmet meal includes dishes like vegetable tempura, made with soya chilli sauce and of course the very authentic Gaeng Khiew-wan. Bringing the best from Thailand is chef Noil D' Souza. Trained at the famed Thai Pavilion, under the watchful eye of a Thai chef, he is busy making amendments according to the Punjabi taste.
"Typical Thai food is very spicy, so we just have to be mellow on the spice factor," he smiles, making his perfect Pla rad pink. A unique combination of spicy, salty, sweet and sour taste, the food here has connoisseurs coming in from Jalandhar as well. Not only are the starters, the main course and desserts boasts of authentic tastes. The ingredients have been brought from Bangkok. From Makwa to Bud Chilli, Kha Ginger and Macroot leaves have been especially imported to retain the true flavour of the food. "Moreover, if guests want anything to taste, there is scope for that with us," the chef adds. Another factor, which should drive you to try out Thai food, is the use of herbs for flavoring, sans ajinomoto. "This tends to give the food rich taste," the chef says. The restaurant has gone ahead in giving the food a decorative twist. A giant dragon boat has specially been made to mark the festival. Made with sticky rice and sugar flour, it's how they define food art. So, if you miss the Thai food you loved in your last trip to Thailand, this festival should fill in the gaps! (On till October 22) vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Kareena Kapoor is the reigning diva in Bollywood. She is on a personal and professional high, especially with the success of Bodyguard. She talks about her hobbies and love for travelling. Keeping busy When you are shooting sometimes you have plenty of time in between shoots. One may get bored during those breaks but I make sure I am using that time. Either, I am on the phone talking to my parents or Saif or else I do yoga. Latest addiction Recently, I got addicted to playing puzzles. I am so hooked to solving Sudoko puzzles that once I start solving them I get so hooked on them I don't look here and there. I play them during breaks on sets on my mobile. Saif's take Saif teases me about this hobby, but he too is hooked on to solving puzzles. In fact, we get the Herald Tribune at our place just so that we can solve the jumble in it. Reading habit I read books during growing up days but it was Saif who got me hooked to them. I read Jane Austen and The Bronte Sisters. Recently I am reading Israel Is Real which Saif gave me. The book's focus on life in modern 21st century Israel telling the stories of ordinary people living in, and in support of, an extraordinary land. Wanderlust I am a traveller. I love travelling and that's what my hobby is. When I was a kid, it was dancing. I was addicted to it. But since my college days I have developed a new hobby and that's travelling and thankfully Saif too loves travelling. We both always plan to go somewhere which is naturally beautifully and we can roam around hand-in-hand. I love wearing my casuals like jeans and tees. So Saif and I just walk around mountains or by the sea-shore. Dream holiday (Smiles) My dream holiday will be spending time with Samaira and Kiaan, solving puzzles, doing yoga in the open, spending time with Saif, and eating all good food.
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Stress buster
In today's techno era kids are facing many challenges which we as children never needed to cope with, so, somehow I feel we ourselves need to get savvy on how to deal with this new techno era download. My friend was just complaining, 'My 12 year old daughter never listens to me as she is constantly with some gizmo. Sometimes, she is emailing or on the phone texting, chatting on her cell blogging or some such thing. If I try talking to her she snaps back and is always irritable. I really don't know how to deal with this'. Well aren't we all going through this anxiety laden situation all the time as parents. Stress over kids has become a constant part of our daily routine. Technology is here to stay and upgrade itself constantly. It is upto us as parents to realise how to deal with our kids stress levels. Frankly, I personally feel that technology is wearing down our kids mentally, emotionally and physically. Get rid of techno mania
Tell your kids to get a 'real life' I know this is hard but kids need to balance their real life along with their techno existence. Interactions with family and friends are extremely important. We are allowing our children to lose their touch with the real world by letting them have fun with their gadgets all the time. As parents help the kid lead a healthy stress free life in a happy zone. Know when to shut down the fun During vacations, I noticed my nephew having a tough time falling asleep as the lure of the video game was a constant temptation. He would lie in the bed after the lights shut off playing his games. I got home a puzzle and helped him with it. Now he has learnt to unwind with the puzzle and it makes him relaxed and sleepy in no time. Kids no longer have to remain victims and at the mercy of what the environment throws at them. We have to facilitate them to handle techno stress and remain happy. (Singh is a Chandigarh-based
psychotherapist)
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Tress-passing
Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge actress Saba Azad, who plays a strong girl in the movie, isn't as strong in real life. The youngster shed a bucket full of tears when her hair was required to be cut for the role.
The actress had knee-length hair originally and the role demanded her to cut them. She was petrified when she heard about it and began crying when her locks were being chopped, said a source from production house Yash Raj Films.
But when she opened her eyes, she was pleasantly surprised and was really happy with her makeover.
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Cent per cent success
Rapper 50 Cent has released a new track online after declaring never to make another album following a bust-up with record label bosses.
The 36-year-old hip-hop star declared in July that he would no longer work with officials at Interscope Records after a long running disagreement over the release date of his next disc. He has now found a novel way of skirting his self-imposed ban by posting new song 50's My Favourite online and making his five million followers on Twitter aware of it. "Man, I'm gonna put out new music in a few min just cause I feel like it. everybody who wants (sic) to hear something new... There goes the track I was telling you about it (sic) called 50 MY FAVORITE," he posted.
— PTI
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Strong DESIRE
If you are the one who desires 'diamonds', young entrepreneur Neha Verma Nagi has brought her new range Desire Diamonds for you.
Neha's love for jewels got fuelled with time and after completing her studies from Jewellery Designing & Technology Institute, Delhi, and Gemological Institute of America, New York, Neha designed her own range. "Just like any woman, I too am in love with jewellery. Desire takes after nature and flowers," says
Neha.
Desire has gorgeous necklaces, chokars, dangliners, cocktail rings and bangles. Some stunning pieces in gold and diamonds, others dotted with emeralds and rubies, Desire has something in all ranges.
— Mona
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The price of fame
Boulle, 22, who now stars in British reality TV show Made in Chelsea, says he called time on the romance because he didn't want to just be known as someone else's boyfriend. "We had a bit of a thing a while back, but I have always been an ambitious person and I want to achieve my own notoriety for what I've done. That's why I chose not to pursue it any longer, because I didn't want to be the boyfriend of some child actress," he said. Boulle says he found Watson "very cool and interesting" and insisted she is nothing like the public perceive her to be. "I actually really like Emma. She's a really cool person. And very different too.”
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Karan, Adi are lallu: SRK
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Chasing the summer
Former wrestler Stacy Keibler, who turns 32 celebrated her birthday a week early with Clooney in Cabo San Lucas. Keibler tweeted a photo of the couple's hotel pool surrounded by palm trees, and wrote, "Chasing the last days of summer."
— PTI
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Tara D'Souza, who plays hottie Malvika in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge is a biker chick. And she got a chance to ride the bike that was used in Dhoom. The bike makes its appearance in the stylishly shot stop-animation track Har Saans Mein. Initially, when the bike arrived on the sets, everyone was just too scared to even touch it as it was damn expensive and was a bike from Dhoom, but Tara, had no difficulty in riding the bike. She took it around for a quick spin. What's more is that Tara got to give Nishant a ride too. Check out the song.
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Deepika turns down marriage proposal!
Deepika Padukone, who is in a rumoured relationship with Siddharth Mallya, turned down the marriage proposal of one of her craziest fans.
Varun Raj, a 21-year-old rich brat from Dehradun, will feature on the upcoming episode of UTV Stars’ Live My Life.
— IANS
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Watch out for Arjun Rampal, who turns host for Star World. We have seen Karan Johar, Preity Zinta and Simi Garewal hosting their respective shows; now Arjun will be following in their footsteps.
People who struggle with their weight typically have problems managing appetite and hunger, and often confuse the two. Hunger and appetite are not synonyms. In fact, hunger and appetite are entirely different processes.
We sat over a cup of Coffee at Barista, my friend and I, she wanted a general breather as her kids had just finished their exams and her stress levels needed some solid honing down. I thought the caffeine, the ambience and the chat should generally soothe her nerves until she said 'Phew, now I am going to be under the onslaught of another type of stress'. Coping with technology in her kids lives seemed to be next on the agenda.
Francis Boulle, who dated Harry Potter star Emma Watson, says he ended a brief relationship with the actress because she was too famous.
Shah Rukh Khan says he had approached his friends Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra to direct his mega-budget RA.One but they chickened out. "I went to all directors to make this film RA.One and even my own friends like Karan or Aditya. They all are lallu (idiots) I say. I wanted to do something more than a romantic comedy," Shah Rukh Preity Zinta on UTV Stars' Up Close and Personal with PZ.
Hollywood star George Clooney has taken his new girlfriend to Mexico as an early 32nd birthday treat.