Spice and wine

Food and beverage aficionados are now marrying Indian fare with sparkling wines 

When it comes to finding the perfect glass of wine to go with French, Italian or American cuisine, the options are endless. Finding the ideal match for the spicy food preferred mostly in this part of the world, however, is more complicated. Wine aficionados were also never quite satisfied with the wines available to accompany dishes in this part of the world where the food is much spicy; the former never managed to fully complement the rich flavours of the latter.

Sam Bhatia, a veteran of Continental Airlines, became frustrated with not having a good answer when asked what wines to pair with Indian cuisine. “As aficionados of Indian cuisine, we were never quite satisfied with the wines available to accompany our dishes,” says Bhatia.

Led by Frédéric-Jean Hoguet, wine expert and member of the prestigious Académie du vin de Paris, Bhatia and few of his friends started to find an answer to this question and after lot of research, they came up with Mirza Ghalib wines.

“Mirza Ghalib complements spicy and complex flavours in one of two ways: First, wine’s acidity boosts the layers of flavours in a dish while softening its extremes -- whether of body, richness, fattiness, or spiciness. Second, the wine’s fruitiness or sweetness tones down spicy heat, letting the dish’s other flavours shine,” says Bhatia, principal and founder of the Sufi Wine Company.

From the haven of wines

Served in 46 restaurants between New York and New Jersey, including some of the most highly awarded restaurants like Devi, Tulsi, Tamarind Tribeca and Junoon, it is manufactured in France's Pays D’Oc, one of the great wine regions of the country. Bhatia says the region's rich soil, fine climate and hilly terrain led them to choose this region.

 “The Pays d’Oc boasts a rich and natural combination of steep slopes, hilly peaks, vineyards, garrigue vegetation and the sea. Moreover, the territory is embraced by its Mediterranean climate that comfortably enfolds the vines with its dry and windswept soils,” adds Bhatia. They plan to launch the wine in India, Bangladesh and some other South Asian countries in 2015.

Food pairings

The Mirza Ghalib White is described as round, velvety, aromatic, and dry, with a final touch of vanilla and best accompanies fish dishes and lighter vegetarian delicacies such as tikkas, pakoras and samosas.

The Mirza Ghalib Red is described as well-balanced with velvety smooth tannins and main aromas of red mature fruits and spices. It best accompanies north/south Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, such as lentils (dal makhani), curries (chicken tikka masala), assorted kebabs and biryanis, go for Mirza Ghalib Red. And the Mirza Ghalib Rose contains a fine aromatic expression of fruits and flowers and is best accompanied with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food.

Happy shopping, folks!

Eid and other festivals are all about mixing up simplicity and style and below is a vast array of choices you could possibly want, to do just that

We feel it is the birthright of every girl to shop her heart out, regardless of season or occasion. When an occasion does, however, rear its bejeweled head, there is absolutely no stopping! For a city like Dhaka, the act of shopping is as simple as it is complicated. During Eid, as it is now, men and women battle traffic, brave the heat and crowd and travel far and wide to buy the very best of the lot. This is why, we feel that a quick look at some of the best bazaars of Dhaka is invaluable!

Tried and tested look

Saris are the best friend of a Bengali woman. Simple, graceful and comfortable, this look is tried and tested and adored each time! While there are many places to shop for saris, we feel the need to mention two of the best sari bazaars in town. At one end of town -- in hatirpool -- is a mall known and renowned as Eastern Plaza. Since its conception, this mall has been known for its vast choice in saris, be it in crepes, silks, chiffons or cottons. You name the colour and they have it for you. Yards and bolts of material is unfolded and refolded each year by over a hundred salesmen, catering to throngs of fashionistas. If all this makes you worry about your bank account, curb that thought right now. These stores are as reasonable as they get. If you pride yourself on being a class negotiator, these stores are your calling.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Mirpur wholesale sari market. Was that a smile at the mention of wholesale? Smile away ladies, because this is the largest sari market in town and the choices are abundant. Rajshahi silks, Jamdanis or nets, this bazaar boasts everything. Buy the best at the cheapest and walk away smiling wide.

They never disspoint

Unparalleled in its variety for salwar kamizes is Chandni Chowk and Gausia. Call them twin sisters, because they complement each other every which way. Cloth pieces, readymade suits, simple or embroidered heavily, these stores have them all. If Chandni Chowk gives you quality cloth pieces, hop over to Gausia for the perfect match of complementary items like dupattas. Between Chandni Chowk and Gausia, shoppers have a two-stop solution for it all. With almost everything to offer, like shoes, jewellery, accessory items and clothes, Chadni Chowk and Gausia never disappoint. Be well prepared to brave massive amounts of traffic if you do not come from nearby areas, though! You would also do well to brush up on your negotiation skills for this one.

Just for men

Men who have, by now, lost hope that this is an article only for the benefit of ladies, wait up a little because this part is yours for the taking. Eid means kurta pajamas for most and what better place for that than the Bangldeshi pride, Aarong! With branches in Tejgaon, Uttara, Lalmatia, Bashundhara and Banani, these stores are accessible anywhere. Intricate work or simple designs, Aarong sports the best punjabis in town. It is also your solution for sandals, shoes and men's accessories for that complete Eid look.

If you have an Aarong nearby, look nowhere else! Do remember, however, that because all their work is handmade by local craftspeople, they can be a tad bit expensive, but as they say -- with great price, comes greater fashion. Okay, we may have modified that saying just a little.

Some more option

Artisti, Artisan, Sailor and Cat's Eye are some more Bangladeshi fashion brands that fashionable men set their eyes on. Known for their variety and fit, these stores are available in the leading malls of Dhaka, namely Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park. If you happen to be near one on Elephant Road, don't forget to stop by Chaurangi Bazaar for shoes that will claim your heart and stay there. We speak here, for both our male and female readers. Chaurangi Bazaar is the best you can do for any kind of footwear. While the surrounding stores will entice you with big names like Woodland and Buffalo, rest assured, you will get first copies or even originals, if you are lucky, at Chaurangi for half that price. That's right, people. Prudence.

Eid and other festivals are all about mixing up simplicity and style and what you have above is a vast array of all the choices you could possibly want, to do just that. Happy shopping, folks.

Denims reloaded

We often have to give away our favourite pair of jeans even though you didn't want to. Not any more.

How many times you had to part ways with your favourite pair of denims because it's torn or old? Rather than bearing the pain of parting with them you can now reuse them in various interesting ways. If your denims are old, torn or simply don't fit you, here are some creative alternative uses for them.

Lampshade: Bored of your lampshade? Just cut your denim into small pieces and stick them on the top of the lampshade. This way, you have a new lampshade in no time. Also, you could always make your own lampshade from scratch and use the denim patches for a cover.

Cushion covers: Cut the denim into small squares and stitch them together to form two big squares, enough to contain a cushion. Then, place the two big squares, one on top of the other, and stitch three sides. Attach a zipper on the unstitched side. You now have a funky patchwork denim cushion cover.

Multi-purpose holder: If you have a number of jeans that are being unused, this is probably the best thing to make. Snip the pockets off all the jeans and keep them aside. Cover a thick board with a fabric of your choice and stick the pockets on to the board with fabric glue. You could use this board as a pen holder in your room or put it up in the kitchen to hold your cutlery. Use it any way you like.

Coasters: This is probably the simplest to make. Cut an art board into squares. Now, cut denim into squares that are slightly bigger than your art board pieces. Stick the fabric on to the cardboard with fabric glue and wrap the edges over the sides of the squares. Your denim coasters are ready.

Wine bag: One of the collect way to reuse your denim. Here first place the wine bottle on the lower leg. Cut the leg off about 1 inch from the bottom of the bottle. And then stitch the cut opening. Remove the pocket from the seat of the jeans and trim around the back of the pocket so you are left with just one layer of fabric. On the backside of the pocket, apply a bead of fabric glue around the outer edge and glue to the wine bag from the bottom. Place the wine bottle in the bag. You can add a wine opener to the pocket and tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle.

48 hours in Bangkok

The capital city of Thailand has everything -- from historical temples and green leafy parks to the most fantastic markets and some of the best food you will have the chance to experience for your pennies. But here's how you can make the most of it, if you just have about two days in hand

Chaotic and filled with energy, Bangkok hits you smack-dab in the face. Spicy aromas from street-side hawker centres fill the air, temples glisten in the harsh morning sun, neon signs vie for attention and roof-top restaurants provide respite from the city's madness -- Bangkok is all this and much more. In our opinion at least, Bangkok should be on any Thailand traveller's itinerary. The perfect Thai holiday? Fly into Bangkok, spend at least two nights there before boarding a plane and visiting Chiang Mai for three or four nights, then finish up in one of the glorious islands of the south.

Here is your guide to spending 48 hours in this amazing capital city of Thailand.

Day 1:

Morning

Many of Thailand's famous cultural sites are located in Bangkok, so it is a good idea to include at least a couple of them. Get to the temples early, before the crowds and the heat of the day become overwhelming. Perhaps the most visited temple in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew or 'The Temple of the Emerald Buddha' is in the precinct of the Grand Palace and a must-see. You can hire a guide to take you on a tour of a few of Bangkok's highlights, and recommend doing this if only to understand the broader story and history behind these incredible sites.

Next stop is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, not far from the Grand Palace. The enormous Buddha – 15 metres high and 43 metres long – is originally from Ayutthaya (Thailand's ancient capital). It is a must-see while in Bangkok.

If you are a bit of a culture-vulture, there are plenty more sites for you to discover in Bangkok, including the National Museum. Or, get your tour guide to take you out of the city to the Floating Markets. Here, you will get a fascinating look into the life in old Thailand when much of the day-to-day trading and living centred around the major river which starts in Northern Thailand and goes through Bangkok before dispersing into the Gulf of Thailand.

For lunch, you can head to Chinatown, where countless restaurants sell delicacies such as crocodile steaks and bird’s nest soup, as well as more conventional Chinese fare.

Post-lunch

Take a stroll into the heart of Chinatown, along Yaowarat Road. Look out for Trok Itsaranuphap, a narrow lane off the main road, crammed with shops selling a vast selection of Chinese delicacies, cooked and uncooked. Don’t miss Wat Traimit, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha. The adjacent temple museum recounts the life story of the Buddha.

From Wat Traimit, it’s just a short walk to the historic Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Catch a train from the adjacent underground MRT (Mass Rapid Transit System) station to Sukhumvit Station and change on to the BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) sky train for Sala Daeng. It’s a 15-minute walk up Silom Road to the impressively colourful Hindu Mahariamman Temple.

Evening

If you're in Bangkok, shopping has to be on the menu. You have no shortage of malls to choose from. Start with the Siam area for a range of shopping malls where prices are spread from one end of the scale to the other. If you are after budget shopping, MBK Centre is a favourite with tourists, locals and expats alike and is home to more than 2,000 stores.

You can then check out Siam Centre – one of the city's first malls, or head to Siam Paragon, the piece-de-resistance of the Siam area (which is dubbed the 'battleground of shopping malls').

Day 2

Morning

The following morning, head to Tha Chang (Elephant Pier), near the northwest corner of the Royal Palace, and either engage a long-tail boat or take a much cheaper public ferry and head into the khlongs of Thonburi, on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River. These waterways are pretty much all that's left of the 'Venice of the East' that was Bangkok before most of the khlongs were concreted over, and it's fun to just explore the area. If you take a long-tail boat, they'll likely drop you at Wat Arun and the Royal Barges National Museum, both of which can also be reached by public ferries.

At the Royal Barges National Museum, you can discover eight of the country's most unique and stunning vessels: the Royal Barges. These boats are reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession, and have only made an appearance on the water 16 times in the last 65 years.

Post-lunch & evening

Take a stroll through Bangkok’s foreign ghetto, the pulsing enclave around Khao San Road, Southeast Asia’s largest backpacker district. For decades, this warren of streets and alleyways was a haven of cheap food and lodging for the great tide of unwashed European and American budget travellers. Now the area, parts of which are closed off to traffic at night, has become a hip destination for young Thais who stroll, gawk at the backpackers and gulp down cheap beer.

You can also visit Jim Thompson's House, which now a museum and houses various old Thai structures that the American businessman Jim Thompson collected from all parts of Thailand in the 1950s and 1960s. Here, you can get an introduction to traditional Thai architecture, before heading down to Suan Lum Night Bazaar for an outdoor meal and last-minute knock-off shopping.