| |
METROSCAPE: LOOKING GLASS
CALCUTTA
Restaurant
 It's
called a "food theatre" probably because it has no doors. But
the walk-in facility at The Hub, the new multi-cuisine coffee shop
that opened at the Taj Bengal recently, makes it seem more welcoming-there's
a lot to feast your eyes on once inside. This split-level eatery has a
top "floor" that has a cyber corner and pool tables. Pity it's
reserved for guests staying at the hotel. Others can check out the photo
montage of Kolkata images that run along three walls, as well as the well
laid out salad bar. Italian is the hot favourite, though the delectable
thin-crust pizzas could do with some more spice. Ten types of pasta, several
grills and griddles, and the hot smudge dessert are to die for. Open 24
hrs.
Call (033) 223-3939.
DELHI
Film Club
 |
| Shashi Kapoor in Junoon |
The membership of the India Habitat Centre's
Habitat Film Club is open to the general public. The club regularly
screens films in English, Hindi and other Indian and foreign languages
and there are also regular interactions with film personalities. April
is the Shashi Kapoor month. May is dedicated to Sharmila Tagore. The club
also holds film appreciation courses and workshops. Annual fees: Rs 700
for individuals, Rs 900 for a couple, Rs 100 for dependants (below 18
years) and Rs 300 for students. For details call (011) 468-2222/2001.
Bar
 At
Golf Bar at Maurya Sheraton, a row of clubs stacked across a wall
nudge each other to the rhythm of Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. The
Jazz Bar has metamorphosed into a corporate club where the illustrations,
the leather upholstery and the plump menu cards wheeze the dry green odour
of meandering holes across a course dotted with figures in chequered clothing.
If the sport is a lifestyle, than this bar is an evening stop-over whose
offerings, to quote the intricate menu, are "as exclusive as those
fortunate to have played on this (Augusta) green". Which narrows
the clientele considerably.
"India's most discerning", if not
most modest cellar has shooter Kamikaze, Pineapple Daiquiri and Death
by Chocolate (Rs 450 each) which sometimes pips single malts in the day's
alcohol rankings. For in-between, the range of platters include Norwegian
smoked salmon with capers and pita pockets stuffed with all manner of
indulgences like calamari. For afters, a cigar counter offers Bolivar,
Monte Cristos and Churchills for Rs 600-Rs 1,200. According to the manager
no golfers have come there yet, but they must be tempted-the country's
best have been given 25 per cent discount cards. Call (011) 611-2233.
MASHOBRA
Resort
The Himalayas outside your bedroom window. Sounds
lofty? If you want to find out this summer, the Oberoi Group has opened
Wildflower Hall, a luxury mountain resort in Mashobra, some 8,000
ft above sea level in the Himalayan ranges. The resort, the former residence
of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, now rebuilt and renovated, comes with the
regular facilities and creature comforts: well-appointed rooms, spa, conference
room, restaurants, gym, library, outdoor activities from trekking, bird
watching and nature walks. Connected by rail via Delhi, Chandigarh and
Kalka, the resort is 45 minutes by road from Shimla. Tariff rates for
a premium double room: Rs 8,250 and for deluxe: Rs 9,000. For more details,
call (011) 389-0505.
Contributed
by Labonita Ghosh, Anna M. M. Vetticad, Methil Renuka and Sonia Faleiro
|
|
METRO TODAY
Web
Exclusives