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Bite-sized
delights Precious
animals PACESETTER
rahul Mahajan
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Bite-sized delights As the global obesity levels rise; the concern and awareness about healthy portion sizes is also on the anvil. Big-sized portions are being shunned by consumers and companies alike. The realisation that small is not only beautiful but healthy too is kicking in fast. And the most affected by this sweeping trend is the world of desserts — which always had a love-hate relationship with the dieters and the fitness conscious alike. Enter the mini treats or small-sized desserts, cake pops, cakelettes — they come in many names and varieties — the only common factor is the the small size. The market for bite-sized desserts and sweets is huge and recognises that while people cannot resist their sweet treats, they have become conscious of the portions that they eat. Instead of scaring away customers with huge slices of cakes and puddings, the industry has evolved, serving small portions that are just right for a single person. No more sharing a dessert to avoid the guilt trip; simply choose another treat and dig in sans remorse. Saumya Chawla who manages Choko la's outlets in Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai, says, “There is an increasing demand for individual portions in smaller sizes. While chocolate bars still sell well, we are seeing a surge in sales of our three variants of bite-sized chocolates – choco cups, pralines (confections made of butter, sugar and nuts with many variants) and mendicants (A traditional French confection composed of a chocolate disk with nuts and dried fruits). The choco cups have combination of flavours such as hazelnut, rum and raisin, mint, chilli, star anise and pistachio, etc. With our bite-sized portions, you can try them all without having to choose between favourites.” Sampling pleasure La Stella, a bakery in Chandigarh, offers small samples that you can taste to make up your mind among flavours to buy. Kajal Goyal, owner of the new bakery, says, “From a commercial point of view, the market for small portions is quite big. We are getting good reviews for our small-sized tiramisu, banoffee, strawberry and chantilly puddings. Small portion size encourages people to try more things which would otherwise be difficult as generous helpings leave little space for anything else.” It is a win-win situation for both the consumer and the seller. A bouquet of cake pops that she received after a surgery, encouraged Amber from Michigan, USA, to try her hand at them. There has been no looking back ever since she started in 2010. “I started with pursuing it as a hobby and took them as gifts, birthday treats and party decorations for friends and family. Gradually, I was asked to make them for cancer benefits and other events. My Facebook page, Cake Pops by Amber, got such a good response that I tapped into its potential as a business,” she says. International palate Maison Des Desserts by Shirani Mehta in Hauz Khas Village has a repertoire of varied international desserts — be it a pavlova, a panna cotta or a tiramisu. Says Mehta, “The trend of high-tea has popularised petit-fours in India. This way you can introduce more variety on the menu. International travel has exposed people to more kinds of desserts and they want to try them all locally but at the same time they are also conscious about spending money. By offering bite-sized portions, you can have them try different things and assure them of quality. From lemon curd tarts to creme patisserie, tinier portions are at par in taste with their bigger counterparts and look more appetising.” Small in size, big on style Each piece of dessert gets so much attention in its presentation that it looks almost like a piece of art and the fine ingredients that go into their making make them bite-sized luxuries. The trend of mini sweets is taking the foodies by storm for it limits not just calories but also spending without compromising on quality. People are more willing to experiment with new flavours and styles when they are not shelling out big bucks for the same. Gauri Kakkar, who is planning a return gift hamper or her 40th birthday, says, “When you choose smaller sizes, you can offer more variety in the same hamper. As Indian sweets are increasingly finding less favour with people, small chocolates, shot-glass puddings, tiny tarts and little muffins and cup cakes make for great gifts on various occasions.” Diet-sized delicacies Best things do come in small packages, especially when you are watching what you eat. Stuti Garg loves to eat at Monica's in Elante Mall, Chandigarh. She reasons, “While on a diet, a slice of cake may be too indulgent and a spoonful from a big helping leaves me craving for more, I enjoy the delectable mini-macaroons here and don't feel guilty for the rest of the day. My sweet tooth is happy and so is my waist.” Smart choice Clinical nutritionist Ruchi Goyal, who runs Dietcare Nutrition, is of the opinion that indulging in a small treat now and then is helpful, even when on a diet. She says, “Carbohydrates and sugars release the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Combine that with regular exercise, which also has a similar effect on the body, and you can stick to your diet longer. Without treating yourself once in a while, you are more likely to go off-track. By having a tiny portion of a dessert, you don't deviate from the plan and get emotional satiety too.” Adds Goyal, “Mini desserts are a smart idea for weight watchers too. With sedentary lifestyles increasing even more because of an automated world, our calorie burn-out decreases, these small sugary treats make sense by the way of less calorie intake.” So all those ‘pleasantly-plump’ people, who have held back all their life, restraining themselves from indulging in these simple albeit somewhat unhealthy pleasures of life, — go on ... indulge guilt free.
New treats on the block
2
Meringue: A pavlova without cornflour is called meringue. It is crispy, inside and out. It forms the base of many popular desserts such as baked Alaska, Eton mess, key lime pie, etc. 3
Panna Cotta: The soft set pudding from North Italy roughly translates to cooked cream. The basic recipe has cream, sugar and gelatine that is combined with berries, chocolate and fruits in varying combinations. 4
Parfait: Originally the name of a French frozen dessert made with eggs, creamand sugar syrup, it now refers to a layered dessert that looks beautiful in shot glasses. The layers maybe fruit, ice cream, syrup, yoghurt or other ingredients. 5
Madeleine: A light, small French tea cake that looks very much like a cookie. The shell shape and crisp edges set it apart from the rest. 6
Red velvet cake: No discussion about desserts is complete without a mention of the hot favourite, red velvet cake. Readily available as mini cupcakes, it is made from flour, buttermilk, cocoa powder, eggs, butter and other ingredients that make it rich and moist and the red food colour that gives it that incredible look.
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Precious animals It’s sort of design revival times for jewellery with jewellery designers using figures like snake, dragonfly, butterfly or equine; even wild cats like cheetahs, panthers, tiger, tuskers, the red lady bug, the birds like the peacock and owl, to adorn you. The fascination for jewellery with animal motifs isn’t new. What’s novel is its contemporary, innovative and fresh approach towards their shapes. Excavations worldwide have thrown up jewellery with motifs of snake, horse or tiger. From gold, iron to ivory and terracotta, one can find animal motifs in jewellery pieces charming homo sapiens through history. Indian history, of course, is replete with instances of erstwhile royal families identified by their typical animal motif jewellery. The most popular being the unisex jewellery with golden snakes coiled on arms, wrists, and even heads of both men and women. Thanks to its beautiful and languorous looking coil, the serpent has been a dominating motif for jewellery designers over the ages. Around 18th century, animal motif jewellery started taking a backseat as floral motifs like the lotus, mango, leaves, climbers, etc gained popularity. Nearly a century ago, in 1914, the fascination for animal motif was rekindled, thanks to Cartier’s limited editions of miniature jaguar and panther, resplendent with white diamonds which appeared in the international market. Since then, animal motifs have been gaining momentum in the market. Of late, these designs have gained tremendous recognition in the last decade or so. The latest to join the bandwagon of animal motifs are luxury watches adorned in animal and avian motifs. These are even replacing high-end jewellery. Ask a lady her preference of jewellery watches and she’s very likely to choose a piece from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection. If she is adventurous, she would zero in on Cartier’s Panthere — a diamond-studded graceful panther running across the dial, along the minute needle! Back home, designers like Mira Gulati, Alpana Gujral, Annu Chadha, Mahesh Notandas, Renu Oberoi, Laksh Pahuja and many others are creating their very own menagerie. Jewellery houses, too, are building their animal world! These animal motifs are not only getting noticed but also winning awards in jewellery competitions. For instance, Mira Gulati has bagged several awards for her pieces inspired by peacocks and butterflies. Maverick designer Laksh Pahuja, who has set the jewellery design world ablaze with his necklace of fire-spewing dragon and pendants containing diving dolphins and swimming fish, gets rave reviews. Jewellery with animal motifs is fun to wear. A tiny pendant or earrings with an animal or a bird theme is likely to attract immediate attention. Available in materials like terracotta, gold, enamel, precious gems, etc. with prices ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 50 million, these pieces can be worn on any occasion. Sulish Verma of Vikas Chain & Jewellery believes that though these pieces look regal, everyone can’t carry these off. One needs a certain kind of personality. “Creating such pieces is an intricate job and very few karigars can do this. Besides, it takes a long time to make one piece and in India, customers don’t like to pay extra for craftsmanship!” he says. Bracelets or cuffs may be the most popularly available animal theme jewellery, especially the reptile. The two ends of the cuffs form the snake head. The body is in gold or studded with precious stones. Ruby or sapphire is used to make the eyes. Snake forms are found in rings and necklaces also. Among the four-legged variety, elephant is the most popular. An elephant motif either in a necklace, finger ring or cuff has good following. You know why? Thanks to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god — the Vighnaharta, vanquisher of obstacles. Designer Sonal Sahrawat of Sonal Bijoux has preference for the bird. She says, “I would never make snake-themed jewellery. I know, for many, snake is an auspicious animal. But I don’t like any coiled-snake form, even if it is in a piece of jewellery! I prefer peacocks — their colourful plumes are great to design and also bring joy to the wearer”. The winged variety, the butterfly motifs are popular too, both in semi-precious and precious jewellery. Used on brooches, hair clips and pendants, butterflies represent femininity. Mira Gulati, who is famous for her peacock and butterfly-themed designs, is fascinated by these insects for their colourful persona and grace. She says, “When I look at a particular gemstone, I get an idea of what animal or bird motif I want to create. Both peacocks and butterflies are such beautiful creatures that it is really fun to create jewellery pieces with these motifs.” Interestingly, animal motif jewellery is both affordable and stunningly beautiful and can make a style statement too if you opt for non-precious material. So keep away the subtle pieces. The bigger and louder your animal motif jewellery, the better and more stylish the impact you’re likely to make. Also avoid mixing any other jewellery with these. These are the statements. Welcome to the animal world!
Leaping tree
frog
Peacock charm Birds
of a feather
Crocodile
on your wrist Snake charmer
Grandeur
on your neck Pretty
parrot
Gothic
romance
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Biker’s dream come true Rahul Mahajan’s venture, the Biker’s Cafe NH 22, has everything a biker would be looking for while on a cruise Aditi Garg
Rahul Mahajan has always been passionate about bikes. With an MBA under his belt and four years of experience in the corporate world, it was likely that his hobby would be consumed by a desk job. But destiny had other plans. Working with a French leather manufacturing house, he discovered the versatility of leather items. He decided to club his zeal for biking with his new-found love of leather goods, add food in good measure and opened the Biker's Cafe NH 22. Situated on National Highway 22, the cafe has everything a biker would want while on a cruise. The location makes it a perfect stop en route the trip to Leh-Ladakh that is big on every biker's itinerary, the cafe is a hit. Rahul says, “I want the Cafe to be everything that a biking enthusiast would look for on the highway. From delightful food like sandwiches, burgers, snacks, beverages and drinks to bike accessories and essential repairs — all under one roof. We have good-quality helmets, tool kits and riding gear as well as a mechanic on call who is made available within 10 minutes.” A friend, Parminder Singh, looks after the place from Monday to Friday and Rahul pitches in on weekends. Some visitors want his help to set up similar cafes. A glance through the visitors’ book will lay to rest any doubts you might have regarding the place. A haven for bikers who wish to interact with other enthusiasts or enjoy simple, home-like food. It is every rider's dream to be able to unwind along the highway without driving off the route and enjoy good food, a rejuvenating ambience, buy essential equipment that would be handy on the trip and take care of maintenance work. With more and more people taking to the road on their bikes, such innovative stops are bound to further boost bike tourism. The cafe stocks an array of leather wear and accessories too; such as jackets, sling bags, printed tees and leather saddles that make for apt souvenirs. A “Road Guardian” bell for motorbikes is best for those who want to ward off negative energy. Whether you want to hang out with fellow bikers from various places or simply unwind with friends, this place has music and basic first-aid to cater to your needs. Just 30, Rahul has clarity regarding plans to develop his concept further. He wants it to throb with more energy and to that is thinking of internationtie-ups with European brands. Expansion is surely on the cards with a contract with Cuir De Satyre, a premium leather goods brand from France and another one with a leading brand from Italy is on the anvil. The menu will also be upgraded. Regulars from Delhi, Patiala and other places stop by to soak in the carefully cultivated rugged feel of a garage, coupled with the warmth of one’s own home.
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Bling it on
FACE IT, THIS BAG’S SPECTACULAR
For your DESK
STEP INTO PARADISE
SHE’S ALL DOLLED UP
OFF-THE COUNTER CAVIAR
RIDE INTO THE PAST
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In
an era of shrinking spaces and increasing girths, when everything is
being miniaturized, could desserts be far behind?
How do you handle a sweet craving? Give in completely, let it pass or be prudent and indulge in a small helping. Depending on the amount of will power, many of us may give in to the gluttony, while the judicious prefer to relish a smaller portion. Because the wise know — the first and the last bite taste similar. 
Small is healthy
Little beginnings 
Bagful of variety 
1 Pavlova: Made by beating egg whites to a stiff and folding in cornflour, caster sugar and white vinegar. It is similar to the crunchy exterior of a meringue but differs in having a soft centre. 
Love is a four-legged word. That’s what jewellery designers seem to be saying who are coming up with a huge range of bespoke and fun-to-wear animal motifs. It’s time you let your subtle jewellery pieces rest in your wardrobe for a while and let the animals loose! Seriously.
Amphibian
art
depicts a pair of miniature amphibians holding up a lustrous South Sea pearl. The ring is rendered entirely in white diamonds with the clever use of emeralds for their eyes. One of the best cocktail rings with all details etched in the small ring.
Allure
of the peacock
price:
Feathered
friend
Ear
birds
price:
Beetle
craft
women to CEOs, it suits all women. 
Panther
on the prowl
with diamonds and fighting over a piece of diamond-studded food, forming the two ends of the bracelet.
SPOOKY MUSIC
Many years ago, Italian luxury house Prada started the bag-as-art tradition. Ever since then it has been living up to its reputation in the most resplendent ways. Its 2014 collection comprises a dramatic line of face bags that are a heady mix of art and feminism. Available in two sizes and styles—a large satchel and a medium shoulder with a detachable strap--they are flying off the shelves ever since they were launched. The satchel bag has only a partial close-up of the face whereas the shoulder bag uses a full chest-up image. Full or partial, the bags have set the trends for things to come in 2014.
Barbadian singer Rihanna sure knows how to walk the song. Her smash hit single Live Your Life can ring true if you rent out her $12-million mansion in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. The seven-bedroom palatial tropical villa-like property is equipped with a shimmering swimming pool, a lavish spa area, an exotic garden and a sundeck. Just the perfect place to wake up every morning and stare at the pool till the break of dawn and then listen to the Music of the Sun... as her song goes.
GRIP THIS PAPER BAG
Barbie may be a dream doll who has appealed to almost everybody — little girls, older girls, baby boys and sometimes even adults for over half a century. But finally, she has competition from Blythe. With a super-sized head and large eyes. The Blythe Doll is the new face of celebrated Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta. Ever since it was launched with the brand’s spring/summer 2014 collection for women, the doll has become a rage. Her big round forehead, the dreamy anime girl lashes and her petite body with the iconic venti-sized head, has made her as one of the most wanted dolls of all time. Though its price may be a small dampener, she is charming its way into swish circles with her sense of style and confidence.
