07 April,2016 09:03 AM IST | | Team mid-day
The city — sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Of bathtubs and phone booths
Guess who's the latest entrant on Mumbai's ever-buzzing food-scape? Later this month, a cool and hip neighbour will open up beside SodaBottleOpenerWala.
A few days ago, this diarist spotted construction workers fervently adding final touches to a new all-day eatery-cum-bar that shares a wall with the Irani-style café and bar at BKC. Christened Dishkiyaaon, it's by the owners of popular watering holes, Copa and Sante.
A peek inside the roomy space and we were transported into a chic and quirky setting that included swings in place of bar stools, a bathtub with an attached shower, blocks of vertical gardens hanging from a wall and a lovely blue telephone booth!
Oozing with a fun, kitschy vibe even while under construction, we're keeping our ears to the ground to hear the opening gun shot for this one.
Style sister act
Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
Stylist Pernia Qureshi (left) seems mighty pleased with starlet Sonam Kapoor who dropped by to support the annual art show by kids from Deonar's Gateway School held at Upadasthra House in Kala Ghoda.
Soak in Sahyadris on a budget
If you're planning a summer break at scenic locales within the state, you're sure to bag a sweet deal from Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
The tourism body has announced a host of offers for this season at 19 MTDC resorts including at Ganpatipule, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Harihareshwar, Tarkarli, Tadoba, Ajanta, Bhandardara and Malshej Ghat.
Educational institutes organising tours with students from six to 16 years can avail a 20% discount, and so can senior citizens above 65. Employees of Brihan Maharashtra Mandal residing outside the state, state government employees, Army ex-servicemen, differently abled individuals and NRI tourists are on the list too. And, if you're planning to book more than 20 rooms, check out the bulk booking offers.
Jazzing it up with the US Navy
US President Barack Obama could be accused of re-hyphenating India and Pakistan at the diplomatic high table as he signs off from the White House, but the on-ground bonhomie between the two countries seem to continue unhindered. So much was evident when the US Navy's seventh fleet flagship Blue Ridge, made a goodwill whistle stop in Mumbai.
The Navy sailors have been visiting orphanages in the city, playing soccer with children from the Oscar Foundation, and even had a concert with the children of Dharavi Rocks. On Wednesday morning, the US Navy 7th fleet band performed for the children at the Happy Home School for the Blind at Worli.
The Happy Home choirboys welcomed the band with songs like, When the Saints Go Marching In and La Bamba. The band then reciprocated with a set of Classical American numbers and New Orleans-style Jazz. Towards the end, the kids were given the opportunity to touch and feel the ornate instruments.
While the two countries set out to recalibrate relations with a new President, it is good to know that people-to-people initiatives are still on in full swing.
What's cooking for William and Kate?
The impending visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has created a buzz and how. From footwear concerns at Banganga to cricket matches at the Oval Maidan, it's easily emerging as one of the most anticipated visits. So here's more on it! A source tells the diarist that as soon as the royal couple land in the city, they will be whisked away to the super-swish Tata (Presidential) suite at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Their itinerary includes a tribute at the 26/11 memorial inside the hotel where the couple will also meet a few survivors from the terror attack inside the hotel. The grand big bash at the Taj Ballroom will see nearly 350 of the biggest names from Bollywood and business barons in attendance.
An Indian culinary experience will be whipped up for the young couple, we hear. Exactly what, we have to wait to learn. The hotel is yet to receive the couple's diet preference chart. You can expect to read all about it right here, as soon as we get a whiff of things, that is.
Slam dunk in school
Former India national captain Sambhaji Kadam shows a few hoop tricks to kids from Deonar Colony Municipal School in Govandi. He was there as a part of a workshop at an event to promote education through sports.
Art and ahimsa
The St Regis Mumbai has curated five works by renowned contemporary Indian artist Sakti Burman. Heavily inspired by Indian mythology, the works tie his unique style to his Indian roots. These selections also aim to express his gentle and non-violent philosophy.
Sakti Burman
We find the art vibrant and an enlightening addition to the hotel's famed art collection. The hotel conducts an exclusive art tour every Wednesday and Friday from 5.30 pm-6.30 pm for interested guests the next time you check in. The art might leave you delighted.
