High energy
Metal exoskeletons, cuboids reflecting molecules of food seemingly stepping out of the kitchen into the dining space, 3D mapped animation floating across, making it a dynamic and high energy dining experience – that’s what you experienced at the launch of Pa Pa Ya, Zorawar Kalra’s new flagship restaurant located at Palladium mall. Asian food and drink with a twist was what it was with a mix of cutting edge cooking techniques such as molecular gastronomy and mixology. The expansive menu represents influences from Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia and Singapore among other places. You learnt that Pa Pa Ya uses state-of-the-art equipment and that the signature beverages are curated using extensive Asian influences such as the lemon grass, Thai galangal and even chamomile tea.
Sipping straw
The Black Straw Party, presented by Aspri Spirits showcasing renowned Italian wine brand Zonin at a master class at Millk followed by an after-party turned out to be an informative and intoxicating affair. Maura Marciante from Zonin Wines was present to talk about the history of Zonin wines and demonstrate interesting ways of creating exquisite cocktails with Zonin Prosecco. Introduced were wines from the estate and regions collections like OSO Toscana IGT Castello d’Albola, Sasseo Salento IGT Maseria Altemura, Merlot, Chianti and Chardonnay. Guests enjoyed Zonin Prosecco through the black straw or in cocktails like Mimosa (with orange juice), Spritz (with bitters and soda), Bellini (with peach puree), Rossini (with strawberry puree).
Wine and dine
It was all very cheerful as Sofitel Mumbai BKC celebrated the launch of their international property Sofitel Wine Days with fine wines and molecular gastronomy curated by the hotel chefs. Hosted by Sanjay Menon, the wines sipped and savoured at the preview at Le Bar Diamantaire included Hugel & Fils Gentil 2013, Jacky Marteau AOC Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2012, La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Luberon Blanc 2014, Francois Labet Ile de Beaute Pinot Noir 2012, Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes Du Rhone Parallele 45 2012 and Michel Lynch Bordeaux AOC Rouge 2012. This pairing of French wine and art de vivre, celebrating the traditional wine harvest season in France, is in partnership with award-winning sommelier Enrico Bernardo.
Soda pop!
It was a tale of the quintessential Bombay Irani cafe and bar at the opening of SodaBottleOpenerWala at BKC. All the idiosyncrasies were in place, with the typical Parsi cuisine, some Irani specialties, Bombay street food and a well-stocked bar. Hosts A D Singh and wife Sabina who delved deep within its unique world to stylishly showcase the nuances in terms of cuisine and atmopshere, were present on the launch night to say hello to guests like Lisa Ray, Zaheer Khan, Laila and Ricky Lamba, Shamita Singha, Kedhar Gawde, Angad Bedi, Gayatri and Vikas Oberoi, Waluscha De Sousa, Madhoo Shah, Suchitra Pillai, Marc Robinson, Rochelle Rao, Manasi Scott, Vikram Raizada, Anil Chopra, Ashiesh Raheja, Zarine Khan, Pria Kataria Puri, Pooja Bedi, Ramona Arena and Simone Arora. And at the end it all the gushing guests promised to come back for seconds.
