Coke Tales
The arrest and interrogation of a peddler in Delhi reveal that at glitzy parties in faraway farmhouses, money and power go on high with the kick of cocaine. It's the haute drug for the stylish people in black. A peep into the world of the cocaine-users.

Invisible Dialogue
Vajpayee has promised a solution by March next year. But who is he talking to? Nobody knows.

Gunning For Arun
Jaswant Singh's special adviser is again at the centre of a controversy. This one though is not of his own making.

New Metro Hotspots
Establishments combining a rash of activities have taken over from the one-dimensional discos in urban India.

METROSCAPE: LOOKING GLASS

DELHI
Restaurant

Six hundred years ago, Afghan soldiers probably roasted meat over wood fires here. Now there's a CNG pump next door, but The Kootub restaurant in Lado Sarai, Delhi, nestles comfortably in the Minar's shadow, literally and figuratively. From "Samarkand to Dilli" is the culinary tract the restaurant attempts to map with over 30 items under seven heads created by foodie Rocky Mohan. The first of these is gosht-mutton, Afghan style, but the most extravagant of the lamb items is probably the Raan Mussallum, the traditional Avadhi preparation of a whole leg of lamb roast that serves four. There's also an extensive murg section and kormas including the fiery mirchi korma. The surprise in the whole package is the vegetarian section with seven dishes, besides the ubiquitous dal makhni. The decor is matched thematically with the cuisine for the most part suits of armour, a sword ... and a medieval dupatta that cost Rs 5 lakh. "This is what Kajol wore in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," says restaurant manager Manish Kalra. A meal for two costs Rs 600. Call (011) 656-7671.

BANGALORE
Exhibitions

Cinnamon, the storehouse of tasteful designer ware, now has a concomitant display of glass sculptures, clothes and furniture. The glass objects, like a grid screen with monstera leaves (above), have been baptised in 1,000 degrees celsius temperature and include bows, platters, trays, along with just simple, lucid shapes.

The pret range by Renu
Bothra of the label
Inka mixes the finicky cuts of power dressing (shirts and suits) with Zen-inspired stoles, short kurtas in linen, silk and satin. The collection of contemporary lights is brought by Spanish brand Interiors Espania. Till September 8. Call (011) 222-9794.

DELHI
Dance Festival

If Indian dance defies time and age, it is because of its advocacy of abhinaya-mimetic expression-over bodily movement. Kuchipudi Dance Centre presents Abhinaya Sudha, a three-day festival devoted solely to abhinaya on September 8, 9 and 10 at the Habitat Centre, 6:30 p.m. daily. Participating dancers are all doyens from the fields of Kudiyattam, Bharatnatyam and Kathak. One of the participants, Kathak star Rohini Bhate (right), has just been awarded the coveted Kalidas Samman by the Madhya Pradesh Government. Call Kuchipudi Dance Centre at (011) 467 0442 or 688 9166.

DELHI
Restro-bar

The PVR cineplex at Saket has suddenly spawned an entire fast-food playground, so it was only a matter of time before a restro-bar would join the ranks. Buzz, Get It Here is likely to be a magnet for before-the-flick drinkers and those looking for DJ-controlled pop music with snacky accompaniments. Highlights include the buttery spinach and corn risotto, the garlic bread with French vegetable casserole and the juicy chello kebabs on a generous pilaff foundation. Bar expert Edgar (above), a familiar face in Delhi's bistro circles, supervises the cocktails, but in such muggy weather, dependable draught beer will probably be the most favoured option. Don't miss the film. Call (011) 6533-3999.

MetroScape

Looking Glass

Delhi Restaurant:
Kootub Restaurant

Delhi Dance Festival: Abhinaya Sudha

Delhi Restro-bar:
Buzz, Get It Here

Bangalore Exhibitions: Cinnamon