Shraman, The Ashok: Recreating classical Rajasthani Cuisine

Shraman

Ambience: Located in the heart of Delhi’s lush green stretch, Shraman stands coyly in a quaint corner at the majestic Ashok hotel. A rustic staircase with subtle notes of royalty, contoured by gentle pots of plants hanging merrily, escorted us to the restaurant. There was something very ‘vintage’ about this place. Wooden furniture embossed with intricate silver work were laid aesthetically; turquoise blue table cloths became backdrop to white cutlery and a grand art piece flaunting a gorgeous peacock , carved in meenakari work stood splendidly on one of the walls. Old-world charm juxtaposed with essences of Rajasthani culture made the whole setup beautifully intriguing.

Shraman

Food: This restaurant serves only vegetarian food, breaking the taboo of Rajasthani food mostly being related to laal maas, etc. Being a pure non-vegetarian, I was initially a little stuck up about the idea; but to my surprise, their varied options on the menu turned out to be pleasantly delightful. I started with khas aur paan ka sherbet—a divinely delicious mocktail made of beetle leaves; it was absolutely refreshing and a must-try! Usually, I don’t take more than 5 minutes to decide on ordering my food; but here, I was left spoilt for choice with so many mouthwatering names floating in front of my eyes. However, after much speculation, I ordered some starters—dahi ke sholey (cakes of fresh curd blended with crushed black pepper and chili flakes) and Shraman chappan bhog (an assortment of vegetarian kebabs). Dahi ke sholey was soft, slightly grainy in texture and downright delectable. The later one had a range of appealing kebabs made of cottage cheese, potatoes, chilies and more; my favourite was the bharwa aloo, which was stuffed potato cubes infused with cottage cheese crumbles, cooked in typical Rajasthani spices.

Shraman

For the main course, I ordered the stereotypical dal bati churma; it is literally synonymous to Rajasthani cuisine. You cannot miss to have this whilst dining at a Rajasthani eatery. This traditional nomad’s meal was brought to me moulded in warm, desi ghee. The dal was rich in flavour and the bati was soft in the center and stiff at the coating; thus, it was very well cooked. I relished upon this one. This was followed by methi malai mutter—a beautiful vegetarian dish that comprises of fenugreek leaves and peas cooked in thick, rich and creamy malai (cream). This was consumed with mutter parantha. By the end of the meal, I think, my whole pre-conceived notion on vegetarian food had majorly altered. I would recommend this place to everyone (including non-vegetarian folks)—if you want to savor upon classical, vegetarian Rajasthani food in an elegant fine dining setup then this is the place to be.

Shraman

My lunch concluded with lip-smacking desserts. I had to myself a plate filled with shahi tukda and a bowl of phirni. The bread slices in the shahi tukda were crunchy and well-toasted and the rabri was fresh, thick and super creamy. The smell of elaichi (cardamom) and occasional fragments of broken pistachios brought forth an ecstatic feeling. The phirni on the other hand was nothing extraordinary. Overall, I had a great experience lunching here.

Chef’s recommendation: With its many cultural influences, this place offers a varied selection of cuisines to satisfy your palate. Signature dishes like Saundhi Paneer Tikka, Shraman 56 Bhog, Paneer Lazeez, Dal Shraman, Gatta Curry, Jodh Puri Mirchi Paneer, Vegetable Lohla Puri, Sabzi Balluchi and Shraman Punch will leave you craving for more.

Find them at: The Ashok, 50 B, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Call them at: 011 24672384, 011 24123593

The Art of Watch-Making—Bulgari

 

Bvlgari Serpenti collection

The legend:

The first Bulgari watches were made in the 1920’s, but it was only at the end of the 1970’s that the firm presented its first important collection. In 1982 Bulgari founded the company ‘Bulgari Time’ in Neuchâtel, the heart of Swiss horology. This company now has over 500 employees, who are responsible for overseeing and inspecting the creation and production of all Bulgari watches. The technological research connected with the production of watch movements was initially carried out in collaboration with Girard Perregaux, one of the oldest and most respected Swiss watchmakers. This partnership triggered a process of continuous technological refinement and sophistication of Bulgari watches until 2000, when the Bulgari Group acquired sole ownership of Gérald Genta, Daniel Roth, and Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie. The first two firms produce high-end Swiss watches, while the third is owner of the production plants. They were all merged into Daniel Roth et Gérald Genta Haute Horlogerie S.A. In 2005 the Bulgari Group acquired 50% of Cadrans Designs, a Swiss firm that makes sophisticated dials, and 51% of Prestige D’Or, a specialized maker of bracelets in steel and precious metals.

101956- Serpenti watch,35mm, pink gold-diamonds case, Gold -full setting dial, Quartz movement, Diamonds 228 pce, Weight diamonds 1.11 [ct], Weight precious metall 125

The craftsmanship:

Bulgari craftsmanship produces complicated mechanisms with exclusive content. It is committed to complete control of the watch-making process, during both design and technological development. To do so, it chose to operate independently during the design and production phases, by centralizing development and production activities at just one atelier. Its staff includes des engineers, prototype makers, CAD specialists, and master watchmakers. Their work becomes an integral part of the watch itself, as in the case of the BVL 347 caliber of the Diagono Phases de Lune, with an exclusive display for tracking moon phases and a retrograde display (150°) of the day and date. The 347 components of its movement, which are hand finished and polished, required over 3,120 different steps during production and 350 quality control stages.

101787- Serpenti watch, 26mm, white gold-diamonds-case, White mother of pearl-diamonds dial, Quartz movement, Diamonds 134 pce, Weight diamonds 8.0 [ct], Weight precious metal 70.5

The movements:

Bulgari complications perfectly represent the fusion of Swiss watch-making art and unmistakable Italian design. Bulgari can satisfy the most demanding collectors with its characteristic and prestigious high-end watches, created by the passion of master watchmakers. For example, the handcrafted movement and dial and exclusive design of the Multi Complication Squelette case perfectly embody the essence of a Bulgari watch. The movement is the heart of a watch. It is the most complicated part to produce and develop, requiring over 7,360 hours for development and 380 for assembly and adjustment. The extremely delicate assembly phase is overseen from start to finish by the same Master Watchmaker, who guarantees its functionality and accuracy. The Bulgari Group develops and realizes ‘large and small complications’ in-house, at its subsidiaries Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta. Its objective was to continue creating unique movements with innovative ideas analyzed by watchmakers and translated into new technical designs. A prototype is then created and subjected to severe tests that can guarantee the technical feasibility and reliability of the movement.

101938- Serpenti watch, 35mm, pink gold-diamonds case, Full setting dial, Quartz movement, pink gold bracelet, 7 loops, Diamonds mounted 1.1100 carats

The case:

The case is a key part of the unique design of a Bulgari watch and not just the element that contains and protects the movement. Balancing these different functions renders its creation very complex. For example, a structure with 67 components was developed for the Assioma chronograph. Each individual step in the production process demands total precision, starting from realization of the prototype to definition of all the production phases. After all the components have been meticulously checked by experts to ensure the highest standard of quality, they are assembled by hand with the most delicate care.

101788- Serpenti watch, 26mm, gold-diamonds-case, Mother of pearl Black-diamonds dial, Quartz movement, Diamonds 42 pce, Weight diamonds 0.700 [ct], Weight precious metal 77.2

The dial:

For Bulgari, the dial is not just a simple device that indicates the time but also an important tool for demonstrating its watch-making experience. The incredible attention to detail that result from the combination of exacting skill and traditional Swiss craftsmanship is clearly reflected in the extreme complexity of all Bulgari dials. Cadrans Design of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Bulgari Group subsidiary that specializes in the production of top-quality dials, has provided Bulgari with the tools and knowledge necessary for development and in-house production of high-end dials. The philosophy of Bulgari designers is to achieve sophisticated results through different combinations of colours on different levels of the dial in order to continue developing exclusive creations. Once the design is finalized, it has to be subjected to a careful technical analysis. Every treatment, colour, or supplemental surface (from 0.1 to 0.3 mm) could interfere with production of the dial. In the Assioma Multi-complication Squelette, the dial is composed of four levels (for a total depth of 0.8 mm) on which four different treatments are carried out. Different decorations can be realized in high-end horology, from the simplest to the most complicated motifs. The most common are: the Soleilé effect, the vertical treatment, Emaillé, Clou de Paris, Côtes de Genève, Azzuré, and Guilloché – the most precious of all.

101666- Astrale watch in white gold with marquise cut and pear cut diamonds (4,29ct), emeralds (4,29 ct) and round brilliant cut diamonds

The bracelet:

A watch bracelet complements the case by highlighting the principal features of its design, assuring comfortable wear. This implies a highly complex structure that often entails the use of more than 100 components. Following acquisition of Prestige D’Or, the Group subsidiary located in Saignelégier that specializes in the fabrication of bracelets, Bulgari can develop and produce its own bracelets in-house. The components are then finished by hand in order to obtain the desired level of finish and comfort. Only after this delicate operation is carried out can every single element be assembled in the exact order specified by a professional assembler. Over three hours are needed to polish the bracelet, a step that is carried out entirely by hand, while the delicate and painstaking assembly process takes from 30 minutes to one hour.

Divine Invention— d’Mart Exclusif

Lakshmi by d’Mart Exclusif

This festive season, d’mart Exclusif unveils a collection for all the devotees, rightly titled, ‘The Divine Invention’. This limited edition collection is dynamic and powerful matching to detailed perfection in 92.5 sterling silver and 24 carat liquid gold.

Crystal Ganesha by d’Mart Exclusif

The collection’s persona and elegance is accurately depicted with the well-engraved, designed and sculptured base. The collection has been rendered with exquisite craftsmanship and each art piece of the collection is embellished with beautiful coloured Swarovski crystals and is put to perfection with intricate carving.

Shree Lakshmi by d’Mart Exclusif

The idols are an insight into the Indian mythology, positive values and fine side of existence. A venture of the Dolphin Mart Ltd., d’Mart Exclusif specialises in bric-a-brac and objects d’art for the home.

Three Face Ganesha by d’Mart Exclusif

This exceptional collection includes beautifully carved figures of Durgaji and Shreenathji with base. The base flaunts stunning craft of cut and hammered work with a fine beaded edge pattern. It has been created of skilful metal smiths and boasts of exemplary craftsmanship and a sparkling finish.

Shivan and Narresh go sassy on bikinis and trikinis this Spring/Summer

Shivan and Narresh for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Delhi-based designer duo, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja left the audience startled with their super sexy line of swimwear collection at the Wills India Fashion Week, Spring-Summer 2015.

Shivan and Narresh for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Colourful maillots, quirky-printed bikinis and edgy trikinis ruled the runway. Made for ‘contemporary’ women, the prints personified work of noted American sculptor Alexander Calder through the elements of their designs.

Shivan and Narresh for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The designers flaunted two signature prints for the upcoming season—the hued influx and the Calder’s eye print. Incorporating colours like, vermillion, chrome and moss, the palettes worked wonders with stunning caramel Indian skin.

Shivan and Narresh for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Popularly known for their beachwear forte, the designers brought forth a mélange of resort wear outfits—fringed dress sporting hand-cut fringes, fine Italian jersey palazzo and a silk cape. The models swaggered in style with pulled back wet tresses, thus emphasising upon the resort/pool wear look.

Advocators of the pastel palette—Pankaj & Nidhi

Pankaj and Nidhi for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Designer duo, Pankaj and Nidhi exhibited an all-embracing collection at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015. The line of clothes showed an assortment of laces and crochets.

Pankaj and Nidhi for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Asymmetrical sleeves, layered dresses, palazzo jumpsuits and pleated skirts flaunted remarkably intricate detailing that proves the designers’ flair for finer things in life.

Pankaj and Nidhi for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The designer duo partnered with Myntra.com and unleashed their vintage closet for the forthcoming Spring/Summer season that poured out magically, silk thread-work, jackets, skirts, cape dresses and more.

Pankaj and Nidhi for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Their inspiration lay in the essences of old school interiors and jewel brooches, and pearls and pendants that interplayed with the range of outfits in their own subtle ways.

Atsu Sekhose’s dairy of Oriental trails

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

For the forthcoming Spring/Summer2015 season at Wills India Fashion Week, designer Atsu Sekhose’s collection brought forth an array of dresses and skirts in shades of grey and pink.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

His collection revolved around structured pastel silhouettes; this was blended with sharp cuts and minimal accessories to accentuate looks in entirety. The satin-finish dresses with embellishments and flares lingered in my mind for a couple of days! The bow detailing, ruffled sleeves, well-fitted, linear trousers, and perfect inculcation of sheer invited cheer for the designer.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

Atsu Sekhose’s outfits projected a marked oriental influence, which resulted in surfacing a brand new rear of silhouettes and architectural shapes. Gowns, trousers, cropped tops and capes comprised of this season’s choice for the designer.

Atsu for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer2015

Controlled embellishments, detailed embroidery work and intricate surface techniques exuded an overall elegance. The Samurai armour was emulated in many of the garments, with strong shoulders, sashes and sleeves that fluttered out from the elbow. Feather-like corsage units featured on some of the garments, swaying with the wearer’s movement, resembling frail underwater coral.

Samant Chauhan interplays with layers of silk and zardozi work

Samant Chauhan for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Designer Samant Chauhan’s latest collection at the Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 exuded purity through strands of soothing colours.

Samant Chauhan for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Floral palette was juxtaposed beautifully with hues of whites and nudes to create a softer look for the forthcoming Spring/Summer season.

Samant Chauhan for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Embroideries along with fabric layering preserved the richness of the collection coupled with the ever-lusted for zardozi work.

Samant Chauhan for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

The collection had undertones of romance and illusion weaved breathtakingly. The outfits represented a flow in silhouettes blended seamlessly with Bhagalpur silk in Samant’s signature style.

Samant Chauhan for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Silk threads in cheery reds, blues, light pinks, yellow and cream moulded themselves gracefully with plush fabrics to procure into long dresses, tunics, skirts, trousers and hand-weaved saris.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Designer duo Paras and Shalini, presented an evening wear collection that takes inspiration from the idea of fossilized flowers preserved in time. The silhouettes were diverse—drapes and pleats, and maxis and separates, contrasted with romantic 50s baby doll skirts.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Their choice of colours coupled with breathtaking embellishments and luxurious fabrics, created magic on the runway. Tea-dipped ivories, morning sunshine yellows, apple greens and fossilized blues spoke the loudest against prints of pressed flowers on parchment base.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Play of transparencies and opacities, lace like patterns, botanical floral appliqué work and embroidery took the collection to a whole new level. Fabrics were rich and soft—silky taffetas and heavy jerseys punctuated by intricate laser cuts.

Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini for Wills India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Lastly, accessories gave the whole look, a somewhat gothic feel. Bold earrings, black ribbons, sprayed flower wreaths, ballerina shoes, knots, lace cuffs and halo-like head pieces added to the rather somber mood.