The Townhouse Café: Food Review

Town House Cafe

Décor: Restaurateur Priyank Sukhija with Akshay Anand bring forth the latest uber-chic restaurant in town—The Townhouse Café. Standing at the heart of Connaught Place with much poise, this restaurant flaunts luxurious décor. Vintage inspiration runs through the place and makes the entire atmosphere very classy. The bar is one of the largest in New Delhi and the fun part is that—you can hop on to the bar and don the hat of a mixologist; yes, you are allowed to make your own cocktails.

Town House Cafe

Reflecting aesthetics of Gothic architecture, this restaurant looks old school but very plush. Décor elements like moldings, carvings, cast iron and rich velvet have been inculcated to cast a royal appeal. The eatery is spread across an expansive space; one whole stretch has black leather couches kept neatly; while, another section has been turned into small compartments with oxblood red velvet walls and dim lamps hanging above lazily, painting the dining table copper-ish. The furniture used are rusted or withered, which strikingly contrasts some very polished stuff to radiate an imperfect sense of style; perhaps things which are too perfect, might not be beautiful anymore. I certainly find beauty in perfect imperfections.

Town House Cafe

The lounging area is so comforting; Chesterfield’s leather and some animal prints are thrown in to create a contemporary style statement; soft textured wood-work has contoured the whole length of the flooring to give it a royal feel. The ceiling is tall and arched with mirrors placed in strategic locations to magnify certain décor elements.

Town House Cafe

Food: This restaurant brings to you a joyful ride of culinary atlas! Name a place, and they will serve you the specials. The lounge and café opens for you a whole new world of some scrumptious platter. The menu offers you to choose from best of authentic oriental delicacies, continental selection, nutritive salads, soups, spicy Indian, Italian pizzas, pastas and more. The bar flaunts some of the world’s finest spirits. The wine boasts of some thoughtfully put together names, along with an excellent range of whiskey selection.

Town House Cafe

I started with the mouth-watering cheese croquettes, it was crispy and well-fried, and it broke into molten lava of cheese; pure deliciousness! Also, this was served with cocktail sauce. I also ordered a portion of ajwaini fish tikka—it was served with mint sauce and onion rings. However, my favorite remains the mutton galouti kebab; mouth-melting baby kebabs served on mini Malabar parantha. For main course, I tried their grilled fish steak with lemon caper olive; it was served with house mash and lemon on caper sauce—an absolute gastronomical delight! I must say hats off to chef for this one.

Town House Cafe

I would recommend this place to people who love dining with panache. This place has a rustic yet opulent sense of eccentricity and is sure to create buzz amongst food lovers. You can find them at N Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Like Quirky? Check out Lemon Trunk!

Ashutosh Maheshwari is the proud owner of Lemon Trunk—as the name resonates, this label celebrates the best of quirk and pop art, printed innovatively on bags. Their designs are vibrant and refreshing, and their colour palettes are spunky. From floral patterns in shocking hues to Aztec prints in a brand new avatar, this label has struck a chord with the young and peppy! Ashutosh talks to us about LT’s fun designs, pocket-friendly rates, and their range of products.

Lemon Trunk

 How did Lemon Trunk come into being?

Lemon Trunk came into being on a simple idea—‘We want to see India using beautiful, designer products’. The quickest way to achieve that was by creating a product that was mass-market and affordable, but without comprising on quality. Tote bags haven’t really evolved in terms of design and style and therefore, seemed like the best place to add our spunky, young and visually appealing designs.

Lemon Trunk

Why did you choose this name for your brand?

I wanted a name that was fluous…a word that isn’t restricted to a particular style or product, and is young and fun. ‘Lemon Trunk’ had the perfect ring to it and seemed like the right name that would appeal to my target audience.

Lemon Trunk

Tell us about your products

At Lemon Trunk, we design fun products. We use the finest quality materials and printing processes to make our prints look alive. Right now, we’ve launched our College Tote Bag in close to 30 prints. In the next couple of months, we will have added slings, satchels, messenger bags, laptop bags, tablet sleeves and shopping totes to our range, along with more prints. We want to have something for everyone!

Lemon Trunk

Tell us about the upcoming summer trends in tote bags…

We feel, the summer trend this year is going to be easy going—big bags, which are easy to carry, with smart prints in bright colours. Apart from this, of course, the one thing that will always be in demand is innovation in designs.

You may check out the latest Lemon Trunk designs and bags at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, from February 7 to17 in Mumbai or shop for their products on Flipkart http://www.flipkart.com/search?q=lemon+trunk&as=off&as-show=off&otracker=start or Myntra http://www.myntra.com/lemon-trunk?userQuery=true&s=acl

Tales of Benarasi Weaves

Vinayak Couture

Designer duo Asha and Gautam Gupta recently launched their exquisite handloom collection with much poise at Cavalli Café, Emporio Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The occasion weaved layers of triumphant rustic eccentricities from the roots of Benaras (Varanasi).

Vinayak Couture

Asha and Gautam’s label, Vinayak Couture brought forth a celebratory bridal collection, with a colour palette as delicious as it could ever get; mango oranges, peachy pinks, lusty reds, emerald greens, pistachio greens, powder blues, buttery yellow, the colour of Ganga and more.

Vinayak Couture

The collection showcased a perfect amalgamation of traditional and contemporary aesthetics—aptly defining the modern bride of today. The textures were luxurious and patterns worth lusting for.

Vinayak Couture

The designers casted a brand new approach to the good old art of handloom; mixing the golden art with the charm of beautiful colours and motifs, their latest collection is also an ode to local artisans of Banaras.

Vinayak Couture

The fabrics used are pure tussar, Benarasi silk and jute net embellished with unique parsi gara, zardozi and kalamkari. You can pick your outfit from M-8, Main Road, Greater Kailash- 1, New Delhi.

Revisiting India’s history through horology

Imperial Watch Collection by Jaipur Watch Company

As we embark into a brand new year of independence, Jaipur Watch Company pays obeisance to the iconic era by embedding history in horology to reminisce a significant time in India’s evolution as a nation.

Imperial Watch Collection by Jaipur Watch Company

Being India’s first and only bespoke Watch Company, Jaipur Watch Company aims at redefining horology with exceptional concepts revisiting an era to create mesmerizing pieces of art.

Imperial Watch Collection by Jaipur Watch Company

Commemorating a momentous event in India’s history is the Imperial Watch Collection. These watches carry a souvenir from the history of Indian coinage. The collection consists of watches that house the 70 year old King George VI coin in its dial; a series that derives from the last ruling British king, King George VI. Each watch is handcrafted meticulously to be cherished as heirlooms that are worthy of being passed down to generations.

CaratLane.com unveils ‘The Enchanted’ Collection

Enchanted Collection by CaratLane.com

Known for making extravagant and stylish jewellery, CaratLane.com presents its amazingly artistic ‘The Enchanted’ collection. The woman of today covertly desires to wear something which nobody else possesses – giving her an individual identity and making her feel unique.

Enchanted Collection by CaratLane.com

Keeping this thought in mind, CaratLane.com has hand crafted this collection with jewellery designs inspired by ‘The Enchanted’ forest. The Collection is made to reflect a magical and enchanted forest. The use of carved leaves with cut stones gives the assortment a look of the mystic and rustic nature, giving it a very unique and artistic touch.

Enchanted Collection by CaratLane.com

The assortment comprises of jewellery made of precious gemstones. Rubies, blue sapphires and yellow sapphires, accentuate the colours of the forest. The collection is further studded with diamonds, which gives the pieces an extremely classy look. This extraordinary collection by CaratLane.com fits any occasion and the unique designs make these ornate pieces an exquisite work of art to be treasured for generations.

Qutweet with Fendi

QUTWEET collection by FENDI

FENDI presents a very special limited edition capsule collection from a totally different perspective: the QUTWEET collection! A fun touch is in the name that recalls tweeting of the birds in a very cute way.

QUTWEET collection by FENDI

Strong rainbow-like colours as red, orange, yellow and blue characterize this collection. Its lightness and colours represent a pure and fantastic evasion from the cold foggy winter. A collection full of great personality and character features fun geometric patterns and prints that are represented in shapes that recall the Japanese origami, creating a unique modern optical effect.

QUTWEET collection by FENDI

It features iconic bags, like Peekaboo, Mini Peekaboo, Baguette and also Petite2Jours and Demi Jours. To complete the collection, wallets in various models, key holders, foulards jewelry, shoes and ready to wear pieces with the same theme has been introduced. The Bag Bugs family enlarges and welcomes the little and cute newcomers.

CaratLane.com reveals Fleur collection

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Floral Designs have always been in fashion for their timeless appeal and their alluring designs have often captivated hearts of women. Discovering the epitome of enchantment, CaratLane.com has revealed its luxurious assortment of floral jewellery this season.

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Known as Fleur, the collection draws inspiration from a variety of buds. Through this collection, CaratLane.com offers its customers the most enchanting pieces of floral jewellery. The collection has been crafted to blend contemporary styles and modern designs to create magnificent pieces that will make you look like a true fashionista. The bold and chic patterns come in variety of shapes and sizes, from simple floral to elaborate array of pendants, earrings, rings and hand harness.

Fleur Collection by CaratLane.com

Each piece of the Fleur collection induces a treasure of ornamental image where inspirations are drawn from various flowers like Orchids, Plumeria, Pansy, Gerbera, Roses, Daffodils, Marigold and Tulips. The collection is a combination of all three gold where various colors of flowers are brought out through the yellow, white and rose gold giving them a dull finish to make them look subtle pieces of art. The collection is also studded with diamonds to give it an extremely classy look.

Rose Gold For Valentine’s Day

Entice rose and white gold diamond necklace

Entice, the fine jewellery brand by KGK group introduces an exquisite gifting range this Valentine’s Day, for your special one. Valentine’s Day and the flower of Rose are as inseparable as a woman and her love for jewellery. To celebrate your relationships on this day of love, Entice has brought together its stunning Rose Gold jewellery collection. Now you can go beyond the usual roses and charm her with the special offerings from this intricate and beautiful Rose Gold Collection and create a lasting memory.

Entice rose gold earrings with marquise, pear & round diamonds

The sophisticated design coupled with stunning combination of round and pear shaped diamonds are sure to add gleam to your beloved’s eyes. The assortment of dazzling diamonds set in the classy white and rose gold is as much a treat to eyes as it is a pride to wear.

Entice Irresistible ear studs with marquise, pear & round diamonds along with rose cut diamonds in rose gold

The collection which comprises of elegant and spectacular pieces of necklaces, rings and earrings, redefines the expression of your love and makes it a perfect treasure to cherish for a lifetime, just like your love…everlasting! Each piece in the collection symbolizes the beauty and eternity that a woman holds with effervesces of diamonds and hence, makes it a perfect gift to strengthen your commitment.

Entice Irresistible Rose & white gold ring with pear & round diamonds

Best quality of diamonds infused with the talented craftsmanship followed by skillful polishing in KGK’s manufacturing units makes every bauble of jewellery an alluring and enthralling experience, for you and your sweetheart. Moreover, each jewel sold comes with a promise of exclusivity and quality certification to endorse its value. So this Valentine’s Day, adorn your love with not just a Rose but the Rose Gold jewellery piece from Entice.

L’Opéra launches ‘Salon de Thé’

L’Opéra launches ‘Salon de Thé’

Décor: One of the very first French pastry and bakery enterprises in India, L’Opéra, brings forth the brand new concept of Salon de Thé to its Epicuria outlet at Nehru Place, New Delhi. I went there on a very cold afternoon and a cup of warm cappuccino, served as soon as I reached the eatery, comforted me deeply. Salon de Thé means the tea room; and with all its whims and fancies, this place looked like a page from Alice in Wonderland. Quaintly cornered, with pistachio green chairs placed contouring a patch of moist green lawn—this place was so soothing for the eyes. A transparent sheet outlined the space to give it a private feel and cut it off from the rest of the food mall. A staunch Victorian lamp stood with much pride at the centre of the outdoor area and a romantic Parisian terrace blanketed us with much French concoction. The setting only got dreamier, with classical French music floating in the backdrop. Basically, the ambience and décor had me at hello!

Cheese Croissant at Salon de Thé

Food: Apart from its array of mouth-watering cakes and pastries, this outlet serves light meals and assorted bite-sized pastries and snacks. These include the well-known Vol au Vent, flaky pastry enveloping delightfully fresh ingredients such as chicken or assorted vegetables, with France’s much-loved Béchamel sauce or the similar Feuilleté, filled with select cheese. I loved the quiche that they served; crusty pie with a filling of chicken and cheese. There Feta cheese salad served with toasted homegrown bread with a touch of fennel was another super hit!

Vegetable Quiche at Salon de Thé

Also served on L’Opéra’s toasted house bread, is Brouillade, the velvety, buttery, French version of scrambled eggs, which will give you a taste of food from authentic French Provence region. For those looking forward to binging on light snacks, try their Croque Monsieur; it is toasted house bread with ham and melted cheese—elegantly delectable. Also, its fried egg version, called the Croque Madame is equally worth lusting for. All dishes are served with fresh salad.

Mixed salad at Salon de Thé

Lastly, what left me drooling was Café Gourmand, a selection of bite-size signature pastries and snacks served with a brewing cup of hot coffee. The assortment of mini pastries was like celebrating a mélange of flavours. They also serve select fruit juices; the sparkling apple juice was very refreshing. Also, they have a meticulous choice of selected aromatic teas to soothe your soul. Be here for a sophisticated French high-tea experience! The ambience is unhurried and food is impeccable.

Embrace the Royale Collection

Polki for Bridal from RK Jewellers

Elegant, sophisticated, composed and raring to go, RK Jewelers are bringing together the rich diversity and splendor of Indian Royal history in its various hues and facets to create Royal jewels of heirloom quality that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

Through this collection they honor our Indian Royalties who have nurtured and molded the rich Indian art and craft of jewellery making.

Zistatva collection by RK Jewellers

The collection composes of all traditional pieces of jewels including tiaras using old Indian techniques of jewellery making. Their team of jewellery artists have researched and travelled to create these pieces inspired by Indian Monarchs from early mythical and later documented rulers and dynasties who have ruled a portion of the Indian subcontinent.

Chandbali earrings from RK Jewellers

The collection uses rare gemstones, coloured and colourless diamonds, pearls and traditional polki set in hallmarked gold. These are all available at South Ex, New Delhi.