Pune Events Listings

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

A TASTE OF PERANAKAN CUISINE @ SHIZUSAN

Shizusan, the popular East Asian bistro has introduced Laksa Curry to its menu. This popular mildly spiced noodle curry consists of rice noodles served primarily with seafood, chicken and even a vegetarian option. It is a meal in itself and pairs well with the Sriracha Bloody Mary and Asian Negroni. Visit Shizusan to get a taste of the very authentic flavour of Laksa Curry - the way it is supposed to be prepared. 

WHERE: Shizusan, Upper Ground Level, Phoenix Marketcity, Nagar Road

FOR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: +91 20 6689 0401

EXQUISITE LINE OF FESTIVE GIFTS @ GODREJ NATURE’S BASKET

Godrej Nature’s Basket (GNB), India’s pioneering gourmet chain, unveiled a range of exquisite

gourmet gifting options that cater to a wide variety of tastes. In vibrant, festive colours, pick from an assortment of Gourmet Indulgences, Healthy & Organic Gifts, World Cuisine Hampers, Exotic Dry Fruit Delights, Aromatic Tea & Coffee Festive Gifts and lots more.

WHERE: Godrej Nature’s Basket stores or order online @ www.naturesbasket.co.in or through the Nature’s Basket Android and iPhone mobile application

PRICING: From Rs. 500 Onwards

CELEBRATE DIWALI WITH PAPA JOHN'S PIZZAS

This Diwali, celebrate with a Papa John’s pizza party! Papa John’s, one of the most loved pizza brands in the world, has just the right offers for you! Papa John’s tantalizing Diwali offer gets you 2 medium pizzas, starting at just Rs. 189! This Diwali, Papa John’s has your party plans sorted. 

WHERE: Across Papa John’s outlets 

OFFER: 2 Medium Pizzas @ 189

CONTACT TOLL-FREE NOS: 180030107272 or order online on www.papajohnspizza.in

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY AMOL SAWANT @ RASTAFA CAFE  

Rastafa Café’s Euphonious Saturday is a gala of live music, great grub & beverages! Enjoy a

performance by Amol Sawant. His inclination towards Bollywood & classical songs make him quite popular.

WHERE: Rastafa Café, Mumbai-Bangalore Highway, Below Sus-Pashan Bridge, Baner

WHEN: October 29, 2016

TIMING: 9 PM Onwards 

FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: 098903 43993

HEAD FOR THE DIWALI PARTY @ WYNKK – THE LOUNGE

Diwali brings with it a host of delicious-sounding traditional drinks. All over the world eating & drinking is at the heart of religious festivals, and Diwali is no exception. So drop by this weekend to avail amazing offers on IMFLs and Beer!! Let’s celebrate with some great drinks and games!

WHERE: Wynkk – The Lounge, Bhosale Nagar

WHEN: October 28-30, 2016

TO AVAIL THE OFFER, CONTACT: 7030855224

RELIVE ALONG WITH YAWAR ABDAL @ BOTTLEROCK PASHAN

Kashmir-born but Pune-based Yawar Abdal is a poet, composer, guitarist & live performer. He is the

founder, lead vocalist, composer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist for his self-formed band AABAD. Revel yourself with his Acoustic performance at Bottlerock Pune on Friday Night Live.

WHERE: Bottlerock - Restaurant and bar, Plot No 106, Vardayani Society, Sus Road, Pashan

WHEN: October 28, 2016

TIME: 7 PM Onwards

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: 020 69701177 / +91 9168413139

FOR LISTINGS, EMAIL ALL DETAILS TO SAPNASARFAREJOURNALIST@GMAIL.COM

Eating Right this Diwali

Celebrating Diwali can be a bother if you think about eating right. Pavithra N Raj, Dietician Executive, Columbia Asia Hospital, Bangalore tells Sapna Sarfare about eating right during the festival.

It’s the time of the year when every Indian will pull out their fineries and celebrate with sparkling joy. Diwali is here and with it comes the whole package of enjoying good food and being in a high spirit. Sweets & savories are part of these celebrations and even the most health freak person breaks rules to gorge on these. And yet one needs to control these outbursts for a healthy body. Being calorie friendly is the word here. After all, India is a country full of festivals and no self-control means a ballooned you.

And that is Pavithra N Raj, Dietician Executive, Columbia Asia Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, is making sure you get some tips this Diwali which can be followed. She reveals, “In most of our sweets, sugar is an integral ingredient and Indians in particular tend to have an affinity towards sweet. But instead of consuming an enormous amount of sugar, try alternatives made of jaggery like Bengali Sandesh made from khajoor gur. Roasted Chikki made of sesame/peanuts and jaggery is delicious in taste and is not unhealthy at all.”

She advices those with an urge to try or think about sweets like laddoos and jalebis to head for the sugar-free section for the same delicacies. Pavithra adds, “Some stores add sweeteners like stevia, which is superb for health. It’s better to say no to those extra sweet mithai and switch to healthier options; after all, you don’t want a mini heart attack this festive season.”

Or go for dry fruits or dry fruit sweets like Dry Fruit Laddoos which are healthy & delicious. “These healthy power packed snack does not have any unhealthy ingredients and are easy to prepare. Stock healthy snack like these at home and keep them easily accessible to kids. Everyone should allow themselves a daily treat because there is no reason why a 100- 200 calorie snack can’t fit into a healthy diet. But we should always be aware about our portion sizes. If we eat 2-3 sweets or half a bowl, then it will only give 250-300 calories.”

To balance out your total calorie intake, cut down on other carbs and focus on healthy snacking. “Small portions of nuts or seeds and fresh or dried fruit are an apt snack. Fill in your plate with extra salads & fruits and taking as much as liquid,” Pavithra suggests.

The most important thing is to make workout a must to maintain your body balance. Pavithra says, “A brisk walk of minimum 20 to 30 mins is recommended as it helps in burning excess fat in the body.”

Last but not the least, she adds, “A few suggestions to maintain balance in our body are to replace fruit toppings instead of icing, dark chocolate instead of chocolate, sweets with fruits, and baking instead of frying.”

Now that the advice session is over and fitted in your minds, you can enjoy the Diwali festivities with the healthy eating options and a whole lot of fun.

Photo Credit: Food-India.com & www.kollywoodkings.com 

Pune Events Listings

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

REVAMPED JW FOOD TRUCK @JW MARRIOTT PUNE

Pune’s favourite hangout place at PBC is back with JW Food Truck! JW Marriott Pune is re-launching its ‘meals on wheels’ with an all new design & a refreshed menu, offering a varied street eats from the world over, but also retain the food truck signatures like Lasooni Teecha, Cheesy Fries and Zingy Pesto. 

WHERE: JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Road

WHEN: October 21 2016 Onwards

TIMING: 5-9 PM (Friday-Sunday)

PAINTING EXHIBITION BY ANAND PATOLE @ BALASAHEB THACKERAY KALADALAN

Studio Anand New York presents retrospective art show of prints of paintings & etchings by senior reputed artist Anand Patole showcasing present the perception of the artist in innovative forms in semi realistic style to highlight vivid realms of life in the relevant perspectives and arenas. 

WHERE: Balasaheb Thackeray Kaladalan, Opp. Sarasbaug, Swargate,

WHEN: Till October 23, 2016

TIMING: 11 AM – 7 PM

‘CITY OF JOY’ GROUP EXHIBITION @ ART2DAY GALLERY, BHANDARKAR ROAD

Art2Day Gallery is celebrating this festive season with ‘CITY OF JOY’ – a group exhibition 14 well-^th year celebrations. This exhibition is a mix of figurative & landscape based artworks along with unique mix of ethnic & folk impact from ​north India.    

known painters from Kolkata & Delhi. This is a part of the 10

WHERE: Art2Day, 805, 3^rd Floor, The Reverie, Above Skoda Showroom, Bhandarkar Road

WHEN: Till November 28, 2016

TIMING: 11 AM to 7 PM (Monday Off)

RANGOLI WORKSHOP BY JANWANI PUNE HERITAGE CELL @ INDIAART GALLERY

With a good each year, by Janwani Pune Heritage Cell brings back the Rangoli Workshop at Indiaart Gallery. In this interactive event, know more about rangoli as an art and a living tradition popular with Indians for ages, while making your day colourful with a hands-on demo!

WHERE: Indiaart Gallery, Plot No. 30, Bhosale Nagar

WHEN:  October 23, 2016

TIMIMG: 11 AM to 1 PM

PRICING: Rs. 400 Per Head

LANGUAGE: Hindi & English

FOR REGISTRATION, CONTACT: +91 7774062593 or Email @ puneheritagecell@janwani.net

FESTIVE GOODIE HAMPERS AT HYATT REGENCY PUNE

This Diwali, surprise your loved ones with our delightful festive goodie baskets from Hyatt Regency Pune. Choose from a selection of Indian sweets & dry fruits, gourmet chocolates, authentic savory snacks along with a variety of mini gift items to create your very own customized Diwali Hamper!

WHERE: Gourmet Avenue, Hyatt Regency Pune

WHEN: Till October 30, 2016

PRICING: From Rs. 800 Onwards

FOR BOOKINGS, CONTACT: 020 66451507

FOR LISTINGS, EMAIL ALL DETAILS TO SAPNASARFAREJOURNALIST@GMAIL.COM

Interview of Author Vikram Balagopal

For author Vikram Balagopal, his book Savage Blue is an escapist fantasy adventure meant to be read for fun, but still addresses many world issues. He speaks to Sapna Sarfare about the book & more

Vikram Balagopal

Literature always welcomes newer pens with open hand and readers always look forward to something new. Adding to this list, HarperCollins Publishers India is presenting Vikram Balagopal’s Savage Blue, a book exploring environmental issues with feminism in an interesting manner. Balagopal is an award winning author, illustrator, a cartoonist, a film-maker and a published poet who previous attempt at writing is an award-winning graphic novel Simian.

One is really intrigued by Savage Blue, which is depicted as an escapist fantasy adventure with romance in the present era. Vikram adds, “Savage Blue is an escapist fantasy adventure meant to be read for fun, but within its story I still wanted to address many of the issues in our world. The relationship between the two main characters, Akila and Shyam, and keeping that real was what mattered most to me. There is love and sex but it is far from a fairytale romance.”

With Savage Blue, Vikram feels readers will connect with the lead in their own way and he wants to know the connection is more on which side. “Every day of our lives we all know what it is to be trapped in something, be it tradition or debt or social norms or our own insecurities and that desire to break free is universal.” 

The idea for the novel came from Vikram’s need to write a present-day fantasy, which took time to develop & be written. One sense Savage Blue is Vikram’s efforts to showcase himself as a multi-faceted writer. “I’ve worked as a screenwriter and filmmaker before I did my graphic novel Simian. I’ve never chosen to do something one way or another simply for the sake of doing it differently. In the case of Simian, I felt that the story suited a graphic novel best in the way I wanted to tell it, and now with Savage Blue, it came to me as a novel. That doesn’t mean I can’t adapt it later to another medium. It is just that this is its original form.”

Ramayan was the base of his graphic novel Simian, but from Hanuman’s point of view. Vikram divulges, “The story in Simian, where Bhima and Hanuman meet, has existed as a part of the Mahabharata and I’ve seen it performed in Kathakali as well, where it is called Kalyana Sougandhikam. It is a famous episode in the epic and when my grandmother used to tell me bedtime stories it was the one I requested most often, along with other stories of Hanuman. In it, Hanuman and Bhima have a chance meeting in the jungle. They have a connection because they are both sons of the wind god Vayu, and when Hanuman learns of the troubles the Pandavas have had to endure in their escalating conflict with the Kauravas, and he sees Bhima’s lust for vengeance, he tries to persuade him that violence and war is not the answer. He has personal experience of it from the Great War between Ram and Ravan and he shares his wisdom with Bhima that war is unpredictable, leading to the participants compromising on their morals, and then spending the rest of their lives living with the consequences of their decisions. And the best way for him to illustrate this is to tell Bhima what really happened the only way he can, through his eyes. Simian was not done with the purpose of being another point of view, but it is instead a quest to understand and dig deeper into this thing called war that touches and shapes our world every single day.” 

Good writers are avid readers, of course. One thinks that the writer might have different topics to read through as a reader. Vikram responds, “That’s a difficult question to answer because my selections as a reader are so eclectic and this is only my second book, so it’s too soon to tell.” He does think there are a lot of new Indian writers who can be described as wonderful. This makes his reading queue quite long. His only remorse is, “I only wish I could read faster and that I had more time for it.”

As a trained filmmaker, he is constantly working on film projects. As for his next from his pen, he reveals that he is waiting to see.

Book Photo Credit: https://booksandstrips.wordpress.com/tag/savage-blue/ 

BOOK: Savage Blue 

AUTHOR: Vikram Balagopal

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Publishers India 

PAGES: 416

PRICE: Rs. 399

RELEASE DATE: September, 2016

Pune Events Listings

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

ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL BY ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE PUNE

On the occasion of the 15th Fête du Cinéma d’Animation, the Alliance Française de Pune is organizing a series of screening of the best French animations. It is organised together with Institut Francais, AFCA, Lost the Plot, Gyaan Adab, FTII, ELTIS-SIFIL and DSK international Campus.

WHEN: October 19-22, 2016

WHERE & TIMING: October 19 – 8 PM@ Lost the Plot Season hotel, Aundh

October 20 – 7PM @ ELTIS-SIFIL, Model Colony

October 21 – 6.30 @ FTII, Law College Road (Entry restricted to 18+)

October 22 – 6.30 PM @ Gyaan Adab, Kalyani Nagar

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: the Culture Department @ culture.pune@afindia.org

PERFORMANCE BY RUDRAKSH – THE SUFI ROCK BAND & DINING @ DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Rudraksh a Sufi Rock Band from Pune will be playing live at Level 12, Double tree by Hilton Chinchwad. Also, come & savor your taste buds with authentic north Indian cuisine at one of the best roof top restaurants in the city.   

WHEN: October 14, 2016 

WHERE: Level 12, DoubleTree By Hilton, Chinchwad

DIWALI DHAMAKA BUFFET @ SOUTHINDIES!!!

This Diwali, Southindies has a special dhamaka buffet with 50+ freshly made specialty vegetarian dishes from the Southern states. Experience authentic tastes like Pazham Puri, Mokkajuna Kerrai Wada, Kai Kari Stew, Paalkatti Vendiya Curry, Appam Stew, Karvepillae Poondu Kozhambu and more!!

WHEN: October 14-31, 2016

WHERE: Southindies, Ganeshkind Road, Shivajinagar

TIMING: 12 noon – 3.30 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm

PRICING: Mon-Fri: Rs. 529; Sat-Sun: Rs. 590 

CONTACT: 020-41057272

CAFÉ MESTIZO INTRODUCES THEIR NEW MENU

Café Mestizo announced their creative new menu by Chef Deepu. With the festive season just round the corner, the eatery has introduced some lip smacking dishes like The Champion’s Breakfast, Do The Cheeto pizza with oh so yummilicious Cheeto toppings and many more. So get ready to be amazed!

WHERE: Café Mestizo , Baner

FOR LISTINGS, EMAIL ALL DETAILS TO SAPNASARFAREJOURNALIST@GMAIL.COM

Truffle Food Festival at Bene

 Truffle lovers can visit Bene, the newly launched Italian restaurant at Le Meridien Pune where the truffle festival is on till October 15. Be delighted with Italian food with a touch of truffle.  

Tagliatelle with Prawns and Truffle

How many of us are really aware of truffles? Not many! That is where the Italian restaurant Bene belonging to Le Meridien Pune (soon to be Sheraton Grand) comes in the picture. They are holding the Truffle Festival where truffle expert Silvia Landucci has come to remove any truffle confusion. Her family-owned company Boscovivo has been dealing with truffles for quite some time. The newly launched restaurant is also holding a food festival where Chef Roberto Boggio will create Italian truffle dishes as an ingredient till October 15 in the evening from 7.30-11.30 PM.

Zuppa Di Patate E Porri

Silvia reveals that there are around 5 different & major kinds of truffles to be found in Italy. Considered to be god’s gift, the valuable truffles were gifted as a mark of peace. “Prices keep fluctuating daily and can start from as much as 6000 Euros.” While the black truffle has a long season and has a huge harvest, it is the white truffle which is quite famous. Most restaurants depend on Carpaccio or thin slices due to the expensive rates.

Silvia adds, “Truffle is an acquired taste. It is quite a different product in terms of growth. You cannot grow in polluted land. Although some truffles can be grown in the mountainous areas of Italy, it can be mostly found in the other areas.” It takes around 5-7 years for a truffle to grow once found. Interestingly, the biggest truffle found in the world was in the region of Tuscany.

Pollo Arrosto Al Tarufo

Each truffle is a different story. They work best when paired only with the best ingredients. She

suggests, “Try using it with ingredients that can absorb its essence. Always combine it with fat as it absorbs the truffle’s taste. You can try it with eggs & rice. Risotto is also a good example. After making a dish, you can then store it.” Fish like salmon also works well.

Pesche Al Forno

Now that the truffle information is absorbed, we go over to the food festival served by Chef Roberto. His Italian delights with truffle truly are enjoyable. The antipasti - Tagliatelle with Prawns and Truffle – had a slight truffle touch to it which was quite delightful and not at all overwhelming. That was a good sign as truffles can have that tendency. Well-cooked Tagliatelle was slightly spiced with herbs & prawns were cooked to perfection. The soup – Zuppa Di Patate E Porri – was a winner. Smooth was the taste of potato & leeks and the truffle oil when mixed with the soup added to the smoothness. It was somewhere between filling and lightness. The main course was the well-made roast chicken with truffles called Pollo Arrosto Al Tarufo. Simple was the word for this dish. I ended the meal with the master touch – a dessert called Pesche Al Forno – a chocolate peach dessert. Chocolate was baked with peach and topped with custard. I was in seventh heaven with each bite of this melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. The dishes were paired well with Sula wines.

The set menu has the price for the main course while you get to select dish each from the antipasti, soup, salad and dessert. So, get your 5 course meal at the price of one. A perfect deal! Visit the Truffle Festival created by Chef Roberto Boggio at the newly launched Italian restaurant Bene at Le Meridien Pune (soon to be Sheraton Grand). Visit till October 15 in the evening from 7.30-11.30 PM. 

Truffle Food Festival at Bene, Le Meridien Pune

 Truffle lovers can visit Bene, the newly launched Italian restaurant at Le Meridien Pune where the truffle festival is on till October 15. Be delighted with Italian food with a touch of truffle.  

Tagliatelle with Prawns and Truffle

How many of us are really aware of truffles? Not many! That is where the Italian restaurant Bene belonging to Le Meridien Pune (soon to be Sheraton Grand) comes in the picture. They are holding the Truffle Festival where truffle expert Silvia Landucci has come to remove any truffle confusion. Her family-owned company Boscovivo has been dealing with truffles for quite some time. The newly launched restaurant is also holding a food festival where Chef Roberto Boggio will create Italian truffle dishes as an ingredient till October 15 in the evening from 7.30-11.30 PM.

Zuppa Di Patate E Porri

Silvia reveals that there are around 5 different & major kinds of truffles to be found in Italy. Considered to be god’s gift, the valuable truffles were gifted as a mark of peace. “Prices keep fluctuating daily and can start from as much as 6000 Euros.” While the black truffle has a long season and has a huge harvest, it is the white truffle which is quite famous. Most restaurants depend on Carpaccio or thin slices due to the expensive rates.

Silvia adds, “Truffle is an acquired taste. It is quite a different product in terms of growth. You cannot grow in polluted land. Although some truffles can be grown in the mountainous areas of Italy, it can be mostly found in the other areas.” It takes around 5-7 years for a truffle to grow once found. Interestingly, the biggest truffle found in the world was in the region of Tuscany.

Pollo Arrosto Al Tarufo

Each truffle is a different story. They work best when paired only with the best ingredients. She

suggests, “Try using it with ingredients that can absorb its essence. Always combine it with fat as it absorbs the truffle’s taste. You can try it with eggs & rice. Risotto is also a good example. After making a dish, you can then store it.” Fish like salmon also works well.

Pesche Al Forno

Now that the truffle information is absorbed, we go over to the food festival served by Chef Roberto. His Italian delights with truffle truly are enjoyable. The antipasti - Tagliatelle with Prawns and Truffle – had a slight truffle touch to it which was quite delightful and not at all overwhelming. That was a good sign as truffles can have that tendency. Well-cooked Tagliatelle was slightly spiced with herbs & prawns were cooked to perfection. The soup – Zuppa Di Patate E Porri – was a winner. Smooth was the taste of potato & leeks and the truffle oil when mixed with the soup added to the smoothness. It was somewhere between filling and lightness. The main course was the well-made roast chicken with truffles called Pollo Arrosto Al Tarufo. Simple was the word for this dish. I ended the meal with the master touch – a dessert called Pesche Al Forno – a chocolate peach dessert. Chocolate was baked with peach and topped with custard. I was in seventh heaven with each bite of this melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. The dishes were paired well with Sula wines.

The set menu has the price for the main course while you get to select dish each from the antipasti, soup, salad and dessert. So, get your 5 course meal at the price of one. A perfect deal! Visit the Truffle Festival created by Chef Roberto Boggio at the newly launched Italian restaurant Bene at Le Meridien Pune (soon to be Sheraton Grand). Visit till October 15 in the evening from 7.30-11.30 PM.