Diwali Gifting Options

This festive season, choose from a variety of hampers and gifting choices to make the festive occasion special for your loved ones

FOOD

DIWALI HAMPERS WITH THE WESTIN GURGAON, NEW DELHI

Grab the well-curated Diwali Hampers from the Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi. The Indulgence Hamper includes champagne/whiskey, signature truffle chocolates, Indian sweets, macaroons, cookies, chocolate bars, Baklava, exotic nuts, and Lord Ganesha idol. See the Artisanal hamper filled with delights like mithai, dry fruit, tea cakes, confectionaries, savouries, and wine. The Divine Delights Hamper includes Kashmiri kahwa, Mithai box, macarons, truffle chocolates, cookies, nuts, TGL filter coffee collection and diyas & candles with a Lord Ganesha idol. The traditional Rich Royal Blue Coloured Box includes treats like Indian sweets, chocolates, nuts, macarons, with  décor items. The TGL Luxury Tea Hamper has TGL products from TGL Bridesmaid Bouquet to TGL Filter Coffee bottle. Personalise hampers from Rs. 950 onwards. Call +91 78380 90923 / +91 124 497 7777

SASSY GIFT HAMPERS & CHOCOLATE BOXES FROM SASSY TEASPOON!

Celebrate the festive occasion with Sassy Teaspoon’s customised packaged Diwali gift hampers. Their small box of centre filled chocolates is priced at Rs 350+ (box of 6) & at Rs 750+ (Box of 12). Flavours include Masala chai, Passion Fruit, Dry Fruit and Raspberry Jelly, Cardamom and Saffron, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel and Roasted Almond. Other two hampers are Small Hamper (Rs 700) has Sassy Firecracker Chocolates, Belgian Chocolate Brownie Chunks, Roasted Almond & Pistachio Cookies and Chocolate Coated Dry Fruits. The big hamper (Rs 1500) has 6 Assorted Chocolates, Belgian Chocolate Brownie Chunks, Roasted Almond & Pistachio Cookies, Chocolate Coated Dry Fruits, Shrewsbury Biscuits, Salted Caramel Jar and Roasted Almond Brittle. Pre-order from all Sassy Teaspoon outlets or online on Swiggy & Zomato.

DIWALI SWEETS FROM THE WOODEN SPOON

You can go a bit different unconventional delights from The Wooden Spoon. Their Jar Desserts includes Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Jar and Tres Leches Jar. For the health-conscious, go for their best Granola Jars. Their Brookies or brownie-cookies are quite a try. You can also try the Hand-Rolled Truffles, Mini Cinnamon Cookies, and a variety of chocolates. Do not miss their Paan-flavoured balls. You can choose between individual or corporate hampers. Priced from Rs. 125 onwards, visit The Wooden Spoon at 244/A, SVP NAGAR, OPP-Platinum Heights, Mhada Rd, Andheri West. You can call them at 08552991212.

DIWALI HAMPERS AT LOVE & FLOUR

This season, go for Sweets Diwali Hampers from Love & Flour. Want the perfect Hot Chocolate or Cheesecake on a stick? Get it here. You can also go for their Orea-Nutella Ladoos or their chocolate barks (flavoured and Cookies & creme).  Pre-order your sweets now. Priced from Rs. 250, visit Love & Flour at 8, General Jagannath Bhosle Rd, Nariman Point, Mumbai 40002. Call at 09930152303.

DIWALI GIFTING OPTION FROM EARLY DARK WINES

Celebrating with drinks is always a good idea. And that’s why Tetrad Global Beverages has brought a selection of the finest French wines in a classy Cherry Wood box lined with satin. It also includes pourer, a stopper, a corkscrew, a drop stopper and a ‘wine thermometer’. The award-winning range of handcrafted wines in small batches will add to your Diwali celebrations. Available for across India, the price starts from Rs. 1990. Contact connect@tetradbeverages.com or call 9845346932.

BEAUTY

DIWALI GIFTING OPTIONS FOR KIKO MILANO

A different Diwali gifting options come from KIKO Milano. The KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Brightening Primer Price (Rs. 1890) is the best for all skin types. The KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Full Coverage Hydra Foundation (Rs.  2290) camouglages imperfections with protection and hydration. The KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Eyes And Lip Primer (Rs. 1000) is a 2-in-1 base & stops make-up from melting and smudging. The KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Liquid Lip Colour Duo (Rs. 1190) provides long-lasting matte and shiny lip paint. In 9 colours, KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Maxi Eyeshadow Palette (Rs. 2490) gives silky texture with matte & metallic finish up to 10 hours. KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Long Lasting Eyeshadow Duo (Rs. 1150) is long-lasting and gives matte & metallic finish. KIKO Milano Sicilian Notes Nutrilash Mascara (Rs. 1500) last up to 16 hours long and has 6 natural ingredients. Available in all KIKO Milano stores 

DIWALI GIFTING WITH THE BODY SHOP

Be beautiful with natural gifting options from The Body Shop. Their range of responsible gifting hampers are perfect replacement of the boring mithai & dry fruits boxes. The product range in these gorgeous gift hampers include ingredients like British Rose, Almond Milk and Honey, Strawberry,  Moringa, Argan and more. Customise or choose the pre-made ones. Being responsible this Diwali got better with The Body Shop’s natural hampers. The hampers start from Rs. 895 onwards and are available at www.thebodyshop.in or across all The Body Shop outlets.

CLOTHING

FESTIVE GIFTING WITH UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON

This Diwali, United Colors of Benetton has come up with stylish options! Their Autumn Winter collection is fashionable with an array of apparels for men, women and kids. You can add Benetton’s accessory line that’s modern and sophisticated. Easy convertible bags, small coin pouches, purses in true Benetton colors, classic work and laptop bags are available in neutral colors with pop accents, with metallic and patent shine bags and more. Price range is between Rs. 699 – 6499. Visit your nearest Benetton Store.

GO DIFFERENT THIS DIWALI WITH ALDO

Canadian footwear brand ALDO brings you their festive range of accessories, bags and shoes for men and women. It ranges from statement pumps to golden block heels to funky slides for women and smart loafers to formal Brogues for men. The accessories has wide assortment of animal print tote bags, barrel bags, clutches for women and backpacks, messenger bags and wallets for men from their latest Autumn winter collection. Get comfort and style along with elegance and grace for every occasion. Find the ALDO AW’19 collection at all ALDO & ALDO Accessories stores across India.

GIFTING OPTIONS FROM TISSER

This season, give your loved ones hand-crafted gifts right from the artisan and help your community. Tisser offers eco-friendly, handcrafted artisan made products for family and friends that will help rural livelihood. These products are natural, craft based, contemporary, and affordable and help preserve our traditional handicrafts. You can also make your own sets for gifting. You can find who made your diwali hamper with the QR code on each product. To order your gifts from Tisser, contact on the website www.tisserindia.com or email them at contact@tisserindia.com

HOSPITALITY

DIWALI BONANZA AT JW MARRIOTT JAIPUR RESORT AND SPA HOTEL

This Diwali, celebrate on a grand level just at JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa which offers 8 distinct accommodation experiences. Explore Rajasthan with curated experiences. Offers include Buffet Breakfast for two at Sukh Mahal, Lunc /Dinner for two at Sukh Mahal, Evening tea with fun activities at ‘Kookas ki Chaupad’, Buy one get one free spa treatment at Spa by JW, Morning & evening aarti at in-house temple, 20% Discount on Food and Beverage and 20% Discount on Laundry. Book at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jainh-jw-marriott-jaipur-resort-and-spa/

GREEN DIWALI AT THE WESTIN SOHNA RESORT AND SPA

Celebrate the festival amidst nature at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa thanks to the specially curated staycation package. Have special moments with activities like diya lighting ceremony, campfires and sky lanterns along with moon gazing experience. The kids’ creative sessions has art & craft and more.  Or visit the relaxing Heavenly Spa by Westin. You have delectable food, drinks, good music, and the festive vibe. The price starts at Rs. 9999+ per room per night (includes accommodation in premiere room, buffet breakfast and choice of buffet lunch or dinner, 20% discount on beverages and spa services at Heavenly Spa by Westin and Festive turndown with artisanal Diwali Sweet Platter). It applies for stays till October 31, 2019, and includes 2 adults and 2 kids upto 6.

EATING OUT

DECADENT DIWALI DESSERTS AT SANTE SPA CUISINE

Be prepared to gorge on exciting desserts this Diwali at Sante Spa Cuisine only at Rs. 330 each. But these are healthy desserts for your sweet tooth. Indulge in Organic Ajmer ‘Gulkand’ Cheese Slab or a Rasmalai Watermelon ‘Sandwich’. What are you waiting for? Visit Santé Spa Cuisine, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai for Healthy Diwali Desserts between 22^nd October and 3^rd November.

PATAKA BREAKFAST AT PLATE & PINT!

Make this Diwali special with The Pataka Breakfast at Plate & Pint. Till October 30 for Rs. 500++, try the Cappuccino, Americano (Regular/ Iced), English Breakfast Tea, Regular Milkshake or Watermelon Chia, eggs options like Scrambled/Fried/Akuri/Eggs Kejriwal/Masala Omelette, veggie delights like Vegetable Cracked Wheat Upma, Paneer Bhurji, Baked Beans and Toast or classic Waffles or Pancakes with Berry Compote or Chocolate Sauce. Have pataka Breakfast between 8.30 AM to 12 PM at Plate and Pint 106, Dhunabad, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Kemps Corner, Mumbai.

DIWALI THALI AT RASOVARA, UB CITY

Make this Diwali special at Rasovara, UB City with their Royal Diwali Thali. Their traditional menu includes delights like Farsans like Crunchy Corn Kebab, Cheese Bhare Kebab, Chaats like Palak Patta Chaat, Mains likes Undhiyu &  desserts like Kesari Rasmalai. Their In–house chef Maharaj Hemaram Choudhary has crafted the delicacies from century-old recipes. Go for the Royal Diwali Thali at Rasovara till October 29, 2019 at Rasovara, UB City 

GO TRADITIONAL WITH RAJDHANI

This Diwali, celebrate with your loved ones at Khandani Rajdhani with their Diwali Special Thali. They offer delicious farsan, main courses and desserts like Khajoor ni pattice, Kaju Katli, Karanji, Kesar Shrikhand, Methipuri , Undhiyu, Mirch Vada Chaat, Anjeer Gujiya, Mewa Lapsi, Akhrot Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa and Dry fruit Churma Ladoo. Make your reservation now at the nearest Rajdhani outlet till October 29, 2019.

Foodie’s Delight at Sheraton Grand Pune

A visit to Feast, the multi-cuisine restaurant at Sheraton Grand Pune where they have new themed food promotion dinner for Fridays & Saturdays. On Saturday, it was time to take in some Spanish delights. Here are the details.

It is quite an interesting aspect to showcase world cuisines at your restaurants and let aficionados get a taste of sumptuous food. Sheraton Grand Pune is doing just that at their multi-cuisine restaurant aptly named Feast. The hotel and restaurant in turn have unveiled their new themed food promotion dinner for Fridays & Saturdays. Of course, they have their all-time darling sushi & tempuras on Wednesdays. Then there is the usual 30% regular dinner buffet which has Indian and international cuisines. In this special food promotion offer, foodies will get to eat Sushi & Tempuras delights on Wednesday, Persian Treats on Friday and Spanish Cuisine on Saturday. The best part is that they will be there for a few months and will see different menus every week. So you will see no repetitions. Yet the chefs at Feast will keep popular dishes based on feedback.

At the blogger’s meet on Saturday, we got the chance to try some Spanish temptations. The dishes picked were popular dishes from all over Spain. We started by getting to the soups. Three types of soups were inviting – two cold soups & one hot one. I tried the Ajo Blanco Soup which has almond, sherry, vinegar, olive oil and garlic. Almost pureed almond with a slight bite combined well with the other ingredients. Very mild to taste, I found it to be quite comforting. But the Crema De Queso soup consisting of Manchego Cheese just brightens your mood with its subtle cheesy taste.

What I liked about the starters is that they were bite-sized/ small and tempted you with some appealing tastes. The Tamales Pollo, a popular item in Spain and Latin America, is surprisingly again mildly spiced but still tempts you. For the uninitiated, it is steam corn dough steamed in corn husks or banana leaves. The Uncooked Banana Frilas with Paprika Flavour are an acquired taste but the paprika adds to the appeal. Of course, the Torte De Marise which is mix seafood, olives and eggs were sensational. Every flavour was distinctive yet did not overwhelm the other. The fried cheese sticks consisting of the Manchego cheese just could not go wrong. Another starter which was more a tapas dish was Salmon served with Tomato Sauce on Toast and cheese was light enough to go for a couple of them at one time. The well-prepared Salmon went well with the sauce and cheese. Mushrooms served with Cheese on Tortilla Chips were nothing exceptional but worth a try. What stole the limelight was the mixed seafood paella. The perfectly cooked paella rice with a slight bite combined well with the tomato sauce and other ingredients. One would assume this is how paella would taste in Spain.  

We smoothly moved over to the main course. One needs to mention the Fish Mullet Escabeche Style which is sour and spicy. The combination worked well with the delicate fish and leaves a fabulous after taste in your mouth. The Pollo Al Chilindron which is Roast Green Pepper Sauce with Chicken could be called neat but nothing exceptional.

You have to finish the meal with some desserts and this is where words fell short to describe the desserts. Chocolate & Churros won us over. The rightly sweet chocolate sauce was a perfect match to the crispy churro. The Creme Catalana which was cinnamon flavoured brulee was also a winner with its delightfully tantalizing flavour. Pity it has small portion per cup. The perfectly made Flan tasted just the way a normal flan would. But the Spanish Rice Pudding with its overwhelming cinnamon flavour and rather bland taste was just off putting. I was told that it was supposed to be that way but I was sorely disappointed. The rest of the Spanish sweet treats were neat too.

On a whole, one can safely assume the multi-cuisine restaurant Feast at Sheraton Grand Pune is making an effort to treat foodies and regulars with something different in world cuisine. Visit the to know what Spanish, Persian and Japanese cuisine is like on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

TIMING: 7 PM – 11.30 PM

DATE: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

FOR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: 020 66411111 ext. 35

Pune Events Listings

 Here are the latest events happening in Pune. Choose the favourite for a great time…

SUNBURN RELOAD @ PHOENIX MARKETCITY PUNE

 Sunburn, Asia’s largest dance music festival is set to bring its spin-off 'Sunburn Reload' to Pune at Phoenix Marketcity. Catch talented Julia Bliss, Noise Faktory and Joshi play live at Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity Pune. The electrifying evening will witness Siberia’s house music talent - Julia Bliss spinning popular tracks & mixes; Joshi, a young lad from the sand & surf of Goa, will impress the audience with his foot-tapping EDM music and Noise Faktory is sure to take the crowd on a rollercoaster ride with their energetic sets across genres ranging from Future House, Electro, Trap, Progressive n Dubstep. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to jump!

WHERE: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity Pune, Nagar Road

WHEN: October 28, 2017

TIMING: 6 PM Onward

CELEBRATE SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN AT EFFINGUT BREWERKZ PUNE!

Want to have a wickedly good time at Effingut Brewerkz Pune? Get into Halloween mood and scare away those demons on Tuesday at the three brewpubs (Koregaon Park, Baner and Kharadi). Put on spooky costumes and shout trick or treat with us while you sway to the beats of DJ Jack’s Tetralogy on special DJ Nights. This great venue is home to some of the best craft beers and offers guests nothing but the best service. Dance the night away with your friends with spooky décor around you and some Halloween special surprises. Savor your favourite craft beer styles & finger foods and celebrate spooky Halloween at Effingut Brewerkz. Trick or Treat!!

WHERE: Effingut Brewerkz – Koregaon Park, Baner and Kharadi

WHEN:  October 31, 2017

TIMING: 8 PM Onwards

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: 7620038888

EXTRAORDINARY ITALIAN VIOLINIST MASSIMO QUARTA @ MAZDA HALL

Massimo Quarta is considered one of the most important Italian violinists. His expertise with the violin and his musicality has been hailed by audiences all over the world and his recordings of Paganini’s violin music are unequalled. On his first visit to India, he will be joined by prominent pianist Simonetta Tancredi. They will be playing Stravinsky (Suite Italienne), Beethoven (Sonata No. 8 Op. 30 No. 3), Respighi (Violin Sonata) and Paganini (I Palpiti). This concert should not be missed. PHOTO CREDIT: http://poonamusic.com

WHERE: Mazda Hall, Dastur Primary School, Opp. Ladies Club, Camp

WHEN: October 29, 2017

TIMING: 6.30 PM

PRICING: Entry Free

For listings, email all details to sapnasarfarejournalist@gmail.com