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MetroMelawww.metromela.comVol 1. Issue 4 APRIL 2009Editorial TeamBarkha ShahTrupti ShettyFanny ChakrabartiSachin SomannaSanskrity SinhaReshmi ChakrabortyLekshmi NairAnto ThermadamSalesArun Kumar, Aravind SampathAtul Kumar, Jayakeerthi AshokPannalal RanuPhotographyPranay Rupani, Anto ThermadamReshmi RSDesign and LayoutPercept KnoriginFor Sales Enquiriessales@metromela.comFor Editorial Enquirieseditor@metromela.comPrinted and Published byNitin Chowdhary on behalf ofMetroMela Internet Services Pvt.Ltd., Plot No.244, Kavuri HillsPhase II, MadhapurHyderabad - 500081Tel: 0 99 08 13 23 72/73www.metromela.comEdited by Barkha ShahPrinted at Brilliant Printers Pvt. Ltd.BangaloreEDITOR’S NOTEHello Friends,It’s election time again. And while political campaigning has got bigger withparties even assuming rights over a popular song, it’s the public-driven campaignthat’s striking the right chord with all of us. It pushes us to vote, makeour voices heard and bring about a change. This spirit to stand up, takeresponsibility and make amends for a better world does bring a glimmer ofhope and a new enthusiasm within us; especially when financial turmoil andterrorism try to break our very foundation. Well, life is all about growingstronger and tougher, even in difficult times. And this spirit brings a freshperspective to our life.At MetroMela, we too have been working towards bringing something fresh,new and useful to you.i) We added some color to our website and enabled an Auto-suggest option.This means that when you search for something on our site, MetroMela willhelp you get the right results by suggesting related keywords!!ii) In addition, we’ve been expanding. MetroMela is now available in 9 citiessince we launched our websites for Mumbai and Delhi. Do share MetroMela’slaunch with your friends in these two cities so that we learn from their feedback.iii) MetroMela magazine has gone national, even with its local flavor! Yes, thisissue in your hand is a multi-city one. So now we have relevant local informationon Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Vizag, Mysore and Cochin inprint. Of course, for more local information, you can always log on tometromela.com.In the meanwhile, write to us and let us know your thoughts on our websiteand magazine. Do continue being our catalyst to success as you’ve been sofar. Look forward to your e-mails at editor@metromela.com.Happy Reading!Barkha ShahDisclaimer Utmost care has been taken in scrutinizing the editorial contents of MetroMela magazine before going to press. However, the Editorand Publisher shall not be held directly responsible for any inadvertent misrepresentation of fact/s or misprint, which may occur despite ourbest efforts.

CONTENTSSHOPPING8 History in a Bookstore | Chennai12 Exclusively English | Cochin26Handcrafted Stationery atDeckle Edge | Hyderabad32 An Easy Way to Start Reading | Bangalore39 Sapna, a Book Mall | Mysore44 Bakes and Books at the Patio | Pune53 Pages and Pages of Books | Vizag-----------------------------------------------FOOD9 Oodles of Chocolate Treats | Vizag20Authentic Punjabi Dhaba Foodat Dhabba Express | Chennai36 The Art & Science of Wines | Pune42 Finger Licking Kebabs | Hyderabad46 Pub Time | Bangalore-----------------------------------------------10ENTERTAINMENTPhoto Courtesy: Sanjeev Nair24 Divine Dining | Vizag40 In the Midst of Clouds and Hills | Vizag-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SERVICES6 Tee Time | Hyderabad14 Start Pedaling | Pune16 Education First at Pratham | Mysore22 Outdoor and Active | Bangalore49 Dollops of Fun | Chennai50 Insights into Schooling | VizagHEALTH AND WELLNESS10 Dance Therapy | Bangalore34REGULARS18 Event Calender | All Cities 28 Pic Speak | Cochin30 Hot Deals | All CitiesMeditation in Movement | Chennai36 Old and Healthy | Mysore56 Listings | All Cities

GUIDE | EXTRACURRICULARSERVICES | HYDERABADTEETIMETee offs, Dogleg,Out of Bounds…if these names strike abell, then this guide onGolf Clubs inHyderabad is for you.All photos - Boulder Hills Golf and Country ClubE________legant, serious,________focused…some of the________superlatives that would________go with golf as a sport.________And Hyderabad as acity has ensured that lovers ofthis sport have good courses toenjoy their game too. From a4-hole course of the HyderabadGolf Association to an 18-holeone from Emaar’s Boulder Hillsand Golf Country Club,metromela.com spent a happyday or two collecting info onthese golf clubs. Here’s aroundup. A caveat though. TheGreen Fee (the cost of playing around of golf) and rates of caddy(the person who carries theplayer's golf bag and gives advicebased on his knowledge of thecourse) vary for each of theseclubs and are subject to change.Boulder Hills Manikonda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad – 500032. Tel – 040-66660000Designed by world renownedPeter Harradine fromHarradine Golf for theHyderabad elite, EmaarGroup’s Boulder Hills andGolf Country Club spans 235acres of hilly terrain,prominently featuring boulderformations throughout thecourse. Though on theexpensive side, at Rs. 4,000per head per day as Green-------------------------------------Artillery Golf Course Environmental Park and Training Area, Artillery Centre,Golconda, Hyderabad – 500031. Tel – 040-23518219This is an 18-hole coursewith a good andwell-maintained surface. Thecourse is well built andcompact and allows one toplay 18-holes despite havingonly 11 greens. The coursebelongs to the army and--------------------------Fee this 18-hole golf club hasgreat facilities. The club has abar and their clubhouseoffers facilities like golf carts,a swimming pool, gym andsquash court. The course isopen every day from 5.30AM to 8.30 AM and isfloodlit. They also have awell-equipped Pro shop.There are also qualified Golfforeigners are not allowed toplay here. Civilians arecharged Rs. 250 as green fee.It has a practice area (smallarea suitable for short rangeshots) but no driving range.On the premises is a bar andthe clubhouse is good---------------------------------------------------------------Professionals who havespecialized training and vastexperience in teaching alllevels of players - beginners,intermediate and advanced.And apart from golf, you canhave an open-air barbequeparty overlooking thechampionship greens or arelaxing dinner with a fewfriends here.for breakfast. Indian GolfUnion members are offered adiscount of Rs. 50. Thecourse is open everyday from6 AM to 1 PM and again from3 PM to 6 PM. The first teeoff is at 6 AM. They also havea well-equipped Pro shop.6 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Hyderabad Golf ClubMohammedi Lines, Tolichowki, Satham Cheruvu, Golconda, Hyderabad – 500008.Tel - 040-23567207HGA has a 4-hole golf courseand plans to expand to6-holes. This course hasmultiple tee offs (startingpoint). The second hole is anarrow fairway with a lake onone side and an Out ofBounds (area outside thecourse where one is notallowed to play) on the other.The fourth hole has a Dogleg(holes that are not in the line----------------------------------------------------------------------------of sight and may bend to theleft or right) around thedriving range (an area wheregolfers can practice theirswing) with bays and isknown to be good. Golf ballsare provided at the drivingrange for Rs. 50 a bucket (50balls). The course is knownto have one of the bestsurfaces in the city. Clubs areavailable on rent but one has----------------------------------------------------------------------------a limited choice. Krishnan, awell-known coach inHyderabad trains here. ThePro shop on the premises hasa range of golf shoes, clubsets, single clubs, balls, tees,ball markers, caps and more.The course is open from 6AM to 10 AM and again from3 PM to 6.30 PM and isclosed on Tuesdays. The firsttee off starts at 6 AM.Army Golf CourseBison Ecology Park and Training Area, Risala Bazar, General Krishna Rao Road,Bolaram, Secunderabad – 500010. Tel – 040-27861943An 18-hole, par 72 course,this Golf Course belongs tothe army. The caddies arewell organized by a mastercaddy. It has a good drivingrange with bays. Golf ballsare not provided at the drivingrange and must be carried.You can rent club sets.There’s a clubhouse at holenumber one and a basic clubfor breakfast at hole numberten. It has a bar appropriatelynamed The 19th Hole. Thegreen fee for Foreigners isRs. 1,000. It offers discountsfor Indian Golf Unionmembers. The Pro shop onthe premises has balls,shoes, tees, ball markers,caps and more. The course isopen from 6 AM to 6 PM andis closed on Mondays.Yogi BearNecklace Road, Hyderabad – 500003. Tel – 040-32440932Located close to the ArmyGolf Course is the EME GolfCourse, an 18-hole one. Thecaddy system here is lessorganized and thereforesometimes you may have toget caddies from Bolaram.The driving range is an openground and very basic. Golfballs are not provided at thedriving range and must becarried. Foreigners are notallowed to play here.MetroMela’sGolf ClassA golf set has 13 golfclubs, which includethree Drivers used fordistances, seven Irons forcloser hitting and accuracy,one Sand Wedge, onePitching Wedge and onePutter used on the green.-----------------------------------To become a professionalgolfer you need at least threemonths of coaching andpractice. Initially you canmaster the use of three tofour clubs like the third iron,pitching wedge and theputter and then continuelearning the rest.-----------------------------------Jeans and round neckedT-shirts are strictly notallowed in any of the clubs.Trousers, knee-length shortswith belts and T-shirts withcollars are the mostappropriate.-----------------------------------It is best to avoid smoking andthe use of mobile phones onthe course.-----------------------------------Write to us ateditor@metromela.com andlet us know if this informationhelped. Happy Golfing!Yogi Bear is actually a children’s park complete with a play area, place for birthday parties andlawns. However, it also has a 10-track mini golf area. The fee is Rs. 30 for an hour, with arefundable deposit of Rs. 100. The park is open everyday from 2 PM to 9 PM.FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 20097

REVIEW | BOOKS & STATIONERYSHOPPING | CHENNAIHistory in a BookstoreOld beautiful interiors, high ceilings, mammoth staircase, tall shelves of books, grand flooring...M...........ore than one hundred and fifty years, a...........century and a half; that’s how old...........Higginbothams is. That’s why, even though itis not the hippest book store in the city, it’s still oneof the most cherished. It may no longer be the firstbook store you think of or go to when you want tobuy a book, but it’s still the first name that pops intoyour head when you think of ‘books’ and ‘Chennai’.In fact, it is stunning and overwhelming with itscharming architecture and there are few buildings likeit remaining in Chennai.Since the old days of the British Raj, Higginbothamshas been attracting bookworms and students of allages with its collection of popular fiction, magazines,syllabus and technical books. In fact,metromela.com found that although Higginbothamsmay not have the best collection of fiction, it doesboast the most comprehensive collection of syllabusand technical books on every subject from 12thgrade math and science to software, journalism,hotel management and human resourcemanagement.have a parking problem.If you are in Chennai, you must visit theHigginbothams on Mount Road, not just to buybooks but to savor stately architecture and payhomage to one of the city’s favorite institutions.Higginbothams is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 8PM and on Sundays till around 7.30 PM.Higginbothams# 116, Anna Salai,Chennai – 600002.Tel – 044-28513520Higginbothams has a presence in the four southernstates, and in Chennai it has branches at Anna Salai,Anna Nagar, and Taramani (at Tidel Park). It is alsopossibly the only bookstore chain in Chennai withbranches in both the domestic and internationalairports as well as the Central Station.Today, the Amalgamation Group of Companies hastaken over to help it survive the competition. In anattempt to give business a fillip, they have started ascheme called ‘Dial-a-Book’ where you can buybooks with a single phone call and have themdelivered to your doorstep. They have also begunselling gift articles, greeting cards, soft toys andstationery items. Audio and `video CDs have alsofound their way into Higginbothams.Parking is the only problem at Higginbothams inAnna Salai because it is on the busiest road inChennai (Mount Road). The fact that there is aservice lane helps, though not significantly. On acrowded day, you’re still stuck. The other twoHigginbothams in Chennai are smaller but do not8 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

FOOD | VIZAGREVIEW | RESTAURANTSOODLES OFCHOCOLATETREATSSharing shop spacewith Marrybrown,Chokolade at Asilmettais Vizag’s answer to achocolate heaven!We see a----------- delightful little-----------chocolate store---------- at Chokolade,wherein the counters’ frontwalls carry cut out designsof ice cream toppings atthe bottom and thebackdrop displays a stylishode to chocolate on a bigboard. We get the feel ofhaving stepped into achocolate fantasy world,seeing all the divinehomemade chocolatetreats in front of our eyes.The theme of chocolatequotations runs all over inobvious shades ofchocolate brown. We alsosee an interestingcontraption called the ‘coldstone’. The right side ofthe shop in yellow hasshelves with quaintchocolate boxes and a------------------------------------------------------------------------------------long counter filled withoodles of chocolate treats.Chokolade is the creativeand chocolaty brainchild ofchocolatier Radhika Satishof Candy Court andreflects her desire to offerchocolates to Vizag with adifference; in all its formsand true flavors. Shemakes the ice creams,chocolate cakes andvarious chocolateconfectioneries all byherself and ensures thatthe goodies are absolutelyfresh.Chokolade takes off on thisprinciple, and thereforehas the new-to-Vizagcontraption called a ‘coldstone’. Here customersget to see tailor-made icecreams being created infront of their eyes in threesteps (a printed guide hasbeen placed overhead on adisplay board). First, thecustomer can choose afavorite flavor, then pickthe desired mix-ins and,finally, have them-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------concocted in a blend onthe ‘cold stone’. There is amenu card with options forthese delectable creationslike ‘Rock Road’(chocolate, vanilla andstrawberry ice creamswith candy, gummy bears,marshmallows, cake andmore…) and ‘Wrapped inLuxury’ (Fudge ice cream,chocolate ganache,chocolate brownie, Irishcrème and more…), toname a few. The priceshere are between Rs. 99and Rs. 175. The staff ofthree is ever ready toassist with a smile.Chokolade also offerssome delicious scoopsand cups of ice creamsthat start from Rs. 20,soft-centered chocolates(Rs. 6 each and absolutelypriceless), freshchocolates (Rs. 10 eachand really fresh) andmade-to-order chocolatecakes (Rs. 200 to Rs. 500per kg) and chocolatedesserts (Rs. 300onwards per kg) and some-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------melt-in-the-mouthchocolate-rich brownies(Rs. 20 onwards). Theallure of Chokolade is veryhard to miss and thechocolates areworth-every-penny.Parking space is limited infront of the shop. So youmay have to park in abylane. However, we’dalso like to add that sinceChokolade is oppositeTimpany School, the roadleading to the school getsjam-packed at schoolclosing time around 1.45PM. Otherwise, you canvisit the chocolate hauntfrom 10.30 AM to 9.30PM. And if you wish toread an expert guide onchocolates, log on tometromela.com andsearch for ‘Tips on makingchocolates’ in Vizag.Chokolade9-26-2, BambooBay, Asilmetta,Vizag – 530003.Tel – 0891-3298554FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 20099

EXPERT GUIDE | ALTERNATIVE MEDICINEHEALTH AND WELLNESS | BANGALOREDANCETHERAPYFew of us need introduction to dance as aform of artistic expression. But did youknow that it’s therapeutic too?G-------erman contemporary dancer and regular-------Bangalore visitor Angela Boeti uses dance-------to heal women with breast cancer. Usingsimple rhythmic movements she tries to makethem regain their confidence and expressrepressed feelings. Artists like Angela collaborateregularly with acclaimed dancer Madhu Nataraj,director, Stem Dance Kampni, one of India'sleading contemporary dance groups.Trained in Kathak by her mother, Guru Maya Rao,Madhu learnt contemporary dance in New York,before returning to India and developing a uniquedance vocabulary of her own. Blending Kathak,Yoga and martial art techniques like Kalaripayattufrom Kerala and Thaang Ta from Manipur, Madhuhas created a dance form that merges bothcontemporary and traditional movements.We at metromela.com spoke with Madhu on howyou can use dance to relieve stress and attain atoned body. Here are her thoughts.PHOTO COURTESY: SRIVATSA10 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

THERAPEUTIC AND HOWTo look at dance as just astage performance is ahackneyed idea. Thepersonal joy one derivesfrom dance is one of thebenefits. Apart from beinga performing art, dance isalso therapeutic. It'ssimple. Dancing releasesendorphins, making youfeel good.Dance also gives you thechance to express youremotions. If you have anyups and downs, it can beused to heal. For example,in the case of a cancer---------------------------------------------------------patient, it can be used toheal emotionally, if notphysically. Though it ishard to believe, dancetherapy can also be usedin a corporateenvironment. We have heldworkshops with topexecutives of an IT firmwho have started the daylooking all formal and stiff.By the evening, they aremiming, moving withoutinhibitions. Dance is agood way to relieve stress.DANCERCISEDance is a great way toexercise! Learning andpracticing any classicaldance form can help youachieve a well-toned bodyand complete well-being.You need to try differentforms and see what suitsyour body type.Contemporary dances aregood workouts. They arealso more athletic in form.A dance form like ballet isknown to give you stronglegs.When you choose a class,remember that a gooddance class starts with abreathing session,followed by warm-up andthen dance. Looseningyour muscles is a goodthing but if you areuncomfortable doingsomething then stop.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AGE vs DANCECan you take dance up atany age? I strongly believeyou can. You will notbecome an expert in a daybut you can slowly buildup your stamina and painthreshold and be involvedin something joyfuland exciting.DANCE INEDUCATIONDance can be used ineducation. We haveconducted programs withschools like Mallya AditiInternational, using danceas a tool in education. Itallows teachers to thinkout of the box.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECLAIM THEGODDESS WITHINDance is a wonderful wayto bring out yourfemininity. Along withholistic healer BinduNarula, I created thisworkshop called GoddessDances which was allabout nurturing yourself.Women tend to doeverything around thehouse, put themselvesafter everyone else andforget to take time out forthemselves. Ours was aholistic healing, movementand experiential creativityworkshop for women likethese. The idea wasto reclaim the‘Goddess within’.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STEM DANCE KAMPNIAcclaimed dancer MadhuNataraj’s Stem DanceKampni has been holdingclasses for children everySaturday and Sunday forthe past 10 years. Theclass on Saturday teachesKathak the pure andtraditional way. On Sundaythe class teaches creativemovement thatincorporates martial arts,yoga and other danceforms. To know moreabout other interestingdance forms like bellydancing or ballet, log on tometromela.com.Stem DanceKampni# 37, 17th Cross,Malleswaram,Bangalore – 560055.Tel – 080-23348645FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200911

REVIEW | BOOKS & STATIONERYSHOPPING | COCHINA-----revolving book stand------stacked with A-------History of India byJohn Keay, J.K. Rowling’sHarry Potter and manyother popular titles grabsyour attention at Hamlet.This five-year-old store issituated on Banerji Road,one of the noisiest andbusiest places in Cochin.EXCLUSIVELY ENGLISHA name that overtly refers to the literature it houses, Hamlet is a must visit for all English book lovers in Cochin.Hamlet is owned byRamachandran, awell-known journalist andwriter, and offers fiction,non-fiction as well asseveral subject specificbooks in English.MetroMela found that theyhave quite an exhaustivecollection of books onarts, architecture, beauty,cookery, history,management, sports,travel and various othersubjects. Though the storecovers a range of subjects,we found more literaturebooks here. We were alsotold that the demand for--------------------------------------------------------------works of fiction is greater.We spottedautobiographies of famouspersonalities like Gandhi,Nelson Mandela, BillClinton etc too. Almost allthe well-known publishinghouses supply books toHamlet. Besides, if youcannot find a particularbook, the store will get itand courier to you.Regular customers canavail discounts on theirpurchases here. They alsooffer discounts to othercustomers who purchasebooks above a certain--------------------------------------------------------------amount. We learnt thatHamlet is the only shop inCochin that has such awide collection. The bookshere are arranged in sucha manner that finding aparticular author’s or apublisher’s book is notdifficult. And that is whyHamlet is our pick forbookstores to visit inCochin. Its collection offiction is worth browsing.All major credit cards areaccepted here. The parkingarea is insubstantial sinceit is also meant for many--------------------------------------------------------------other shops in theshopping complex.Hamlet is open from9.30 AM to 7.30 PM.HamletC21, Kurian Towers,Opp. Saritha Theatre,Banerji Road, ErnakulamCochin – 682018.Tel - 0484 – 239538912 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

EXPERT GUIDE | EXTRACURRICULARSERVICES | PUNEIt’s inexpensive, environment-friendly, fun--and a great way to stay fit. Yes, it’s the bike--or bicycle that we’re talking about. Want toknow how you can maintain your bike, whereshould you go mountain biking and what safetyprecautions you should keep in mind while doingthat? Here’s a ready reckoner frommetromela.com on biking.MetroMela spoke with bike enthusiast AlpeshYadav who runs Rider Owned Bicycles, a bikeshop where you can get everything from AllTerrain Bikes to even tricycles for the tiny tots.Ride on to know more.STARTPEDALINGSummer’s approaching and it’s gonna be time for expeditions and picnics. How aboutgiving the four-wheeler a miss and straddling the bicycle instead?BIKE MAINTENANCERead the instruction manual carefully to check the life span of each product and its components.Wash and inspect your bike regularly. Preventive maintenance can often save you time and money.For foreign bikes like Firefox and Trek servicing by a professional mechanic is necessary at regular intervals.Check the air pressure every week.In case of bad roads, you can opt for double suspension to avoid jerks for the bike as well as your back and butt.Always use a good lock for the bike to avoid theft.Make sure you ride carefully on roads and adhere to the traffic rules to avoid negligence and accidents.14 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Go Mountain BikingHilly areas like Sinhagad fort which is 25kilometers away from the city is a great place tochallenge you to the hilt. Even Katraj Ghat,Khandala ghat and Bhagdev ghat are hotspotsfor mountain bikers. Within the city limits, thebackside of Chaturshringi Hill near SenapatiBapat road and Dhighi Mountain in Vimannagarare also good options. If you are moreadventurous, then beautiful hill stations likeMahabaleshwar (120 kilometers away fromPune) are quite enchanting. (Log on tometromela.com for a guide to Mahabaleshwar.)Try Cross CountryRacingFor cross country racing, Mulshi situated in thewest of Pune and NDA road near ChandaniChowk apart from parts of Mahableshwar aregreat options.SAFETY PRECAUTIONSAlways buy a bike according to your height andframe size. Also, there are different bikes fordifferent purposes. So what’s good for regularcommuting may not be right for mountain biking.Indian roads are not completely conducive toriding. So make sure you wear helmets.During mountain biking, wear elbow and kneeguard to prevent injuries.Always wear gloves for a better grip to preventsweating.Always carry an energy drink like Electron oreven Glucose in case of dehydration.In case of BMX stunts make sure that you wearall kinds of safety gear.Always carry a hand pump that can easily bemounted on the bike in case of low air pressure.If you’re biking in darkness, always have lightsand reflectors on the front and the rear side ofthe bike.Carry a super tool kit which has a Swiss Knife,screwdriver and panel set that could help inassembling the bike or even chain fixing in caseof emergencies.During monsoons have a mudguard installed onthe bike.Puncture kits can be carried as well with easymanual guides.Rider Owned BicyclesShop No. 20, Gulmohar Gardens, Lane-7,North Main Road, Koregaon ParkNext to Friends CD Shop,Pune - 411001.In terms of dressing always wear bicycle shortswith padding as it prevents backaches and is agood support for the butt. Also in T-shirts youcan opt for lycra or dry-fit cotton T-shirts fromNike and Reebok.Tel - 09822844151FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200915

PAUSE FOR A CAUSESERVICES | MYSOREEDUCATIONFIRST ATPRATHAMTell me and I'll forget. Showme, and I may not remember.Involve me, and I'll understand.T-- hat’s a Native American------saying. And it seems to be------the driving force behindPratham, a community basedorganization, working towards thecause of education for underprivileged children.Pratham was initiated by theUnited Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) in 1994 in Mumbai. Itstarted functioning in Mysoresince May 2002. Theorganization’s mission is simpleand clear – that every child is inschool and learns well. So theywork through variousinterventions at the pre-schoollevel and offer remedial educationfor children in the school system.They also use the service ofeducated unemployed womenfor teaching.-----------------------------------------------------------------------Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman at a Pratham initiative.Towards this cause Prathamruns Balawadi, a pre-schoolprogram to strengthen theeducational foundation ofunder privileged children. Italso has Balasakhi, a remedialeducation program designedto help children who areidentified by their classteachers as lagging behindacademically. Then there isthe Bridge Course Programdesigned to prepare andsupport out-of-schoolchildren.A unique program developedby Pratham is called Outreach.It provides educationalopportunities to child laborers,street children and pavementdwellers. Teaching and-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------learning happens in places ofwork, on streets, pavements,railway platforms - whereverchildren want to learn.Besides these ongoingprograms, Pratham has set upcomputer centers, libraries inschools, built play homes,started women empowermentprograms, initiated self-helpgroups, started regular healthcheck-up for children,organized cultural visits etc.Pratham survives on themonetary contribution ofdonors. You can either make amonetary contribution orsponsor a program. Apartfrom financial assistance youcan serve the organization asa volunteer, create awarenessabout the organization and actas a guardian to any of theBalawadis, Balasakhis orBridge Course centers.Pratham MysoreNo. 113/A,Temple Road,Jayalakshmipuram,Mysore – 570012.Tel – 0821-241261216 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

EVENT CALENDARBANGALORE25th March –31st MayEvent occurs every WednesdayKroaKING Season 4 @ OpusSing your thing at KroaKING Season 4at Opus. The event is spread over 6Wednesdays, at the end of which 3winners will be crowned as OpusKroaKING.OpusFor more details, call 080 - 2344 2580 /23568507-------------------------------------8th April – 19th AprilPhotography exhibition by ShadiGhadirian (Iran)A photography exhibition by one ofIran’s leading contemporaryphotographers Shadi Ghadirian.Seagull Gallery,Kasturba Cross RoadFor more details,call 080-22128358-------------------------------------22nd April – 25th AprilGreat Indian Developer SummitThe biggest gathering of softwaredevelopers from Java/J2EE, Microsoftcomputing technologies, Rich InternetApplications (RIA), Web 2.0, Ajax, Agile,SOA, andEnterprise IT.IISc campusFor more details,call 080 40051000, e-mailinfo@developersummit.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24th April, 7 pmNight of musicals - all time hits fromBroadwayNight of musicals will feature all time hitsfrom Broadway, the West-end andHollywood.Chowdiah Memorial HallFor more details,call 9902815806CHENNAI21st March –31st May, 3 pmSingapore International MathematicsOlympiadSingapore International MathematicsOlympiad conducted by the MathematicsDepartment of National University ofSingapore.Nehru Children’s Cultural AssociationFor more details,call 2445 3014, 2445 3014 or emailnehruchildrenculturalassociation@yahoo.co.in-------------------------------------1st April – 30th AprilEvent occurs every Friday and SaturdayHappy hours at RhapsodyHead to Rhapsody on Fridays andSaturdays, and sip on your favorite drinkwith some lip smacking Italian food.Courtyard by MarriottFor more details, call 044 66764488,044 6676429------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13th April – 30th AprilExhibition - Vinnyasa's art collectionsArt exhibition displaying Vinnyasa's artcollections at Vinnyasa Premier ArtGallery.Vinnyasa Premier Art GalleryFor more details,call 044-32533655-------------------------------------23rd April, 7:30 pmSangam - Jazz ConcertJazz Concert by Sangam featuringBenjamin Prischi on Keyboard, Cyrillede Haes on Bass, Thibault Hien onSaxophone, Sebastien Wacheux onDrums and David Remyon Guitar.Taj CoromandelFor more details, call 6600-2827HYDERABAD28th March – 27th AprilArt in objects - Functional artexhibitionArt in objects is a functional artexhibition that will be held at the DairaArt Gallery.DAIRA Art GalleryFor more details, call 040-66618628,9866486052-------------------------------------18th & 19th AprilDisha-The Career Fair – 2009Disha-The Career Fair – 2009 willfocus on latest trends in Educationaland Training sector.Kotla Vijayabhaskar ReddyIndoor StadiumFor more details, call 66258223POWERED BY18 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

April 10th, 17th & 24thFlash nights at The BarFlash nights at The Bar, enjoyevenings with fun and frolic.Novotel HyderabadFor more details, call 6682-4422-----------------------------------19th April & 26th AprilSunday brunch at The SquareSunday brunch at The Square willinclude an elaborate buffet; dip in thepool and lots of action for kids-----------------------------------------------------------------------Novotel HyderabadFor more details, call 6682-4422PUNE1st April – 30th AprilBollywood Fusion - Dance workshopBollywood Fusion - dance workshop atPulse (The Studio).Pulse (The Studio)For more details, call 9822171257 /9371371357-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15th April – 24th AprilWorkshop - Miniature paintingsRudraksh Art Gallery is organizing a10-day workshop on miniature paintings.Rudraksh Art GalleryFor more details, call 9373388883e-mail rudrakshart@yahoo.comCOCHIN18th April, 7 pmJalebee Cartel One Point Nothing IndiaTour at Ramada ResortJalebee Cartel One Point Nothing IndiaTour at Ramada Resort. To win freepasseslog on to www.buzzintown.comRamada ResortFor more details, call 9008877900--------------------------------------POWERED BYFOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 19

FOOD | CHENNAIREVIEW | RESTAURANTSAuthentic Punjabi dhaba food atDHABBA EXPRESSIn the land of idli and sambar, this dhaba definitelyhas done something right to get so popular..........hinkTDhaba and the.......image of small highway.......food joints servingbutter-loaded, delicious andhomely food, comes up. ThinkChennai and it’s idli sambarand filter coffee that makeyour tummy growl. But thereare times when your tastebuds need a change isn’t it?Well, it was on such a daythat metromela.com visitedDhabba Express where wewere told that Sachin whoruns the show here takesabundant care in the flavor ofthe food he prepares; heensures that he never usesreadymade garam masala andinstead grinds his own freshmasala every morning.------------------------------------------------------------------Dhabba Express carries ahighway dhaba feel with therustic décor and furniture. Youcan make yourself comfortableeither on the bamboo andcane benches or the khatiyas(rope woven cots) in thecourtyard kept cool bynumerous shady trees.There’s also anair-conditioned seating areainside, if that’s what youprefer. And if it’s a party thatyou want to host, they havehalls to serve that purposetoo.Dhabba Express hands out afour page mini newspaper /tabloid instead of the menu.As an interesting conversation------------------------------------------------------------------piece, it briefly explains thehistory of dhabas, SantaBanta jokes, some trivia andof course the menu.To ‘start up your engine’ theyhave Jal jeera pani, gingermint punch, fresh lime sodaand Punjabi Chhach. The onesyou should really try out areBhangra Pepsi and MalaiLassi. Picking the starters iseasy as they are labeled asslightly spicy, medium spicyand very spicy. These rangefrom Tandoori aloo andsteamed momos to chickendrums and Punjabi chickentikka. In the soup categoryyou can choose from normaltomato soup, sweet corn20 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

soup, Lung Fung soup or evenDhabba special cucumbersoup.In the main course, those whowish to try out authenticPunjabi fare should go forMakkai ki roti and sarson dasaag. It’s delicious to say theleast. Otherwise, there’s theregular Dal Makhani, Dumaloo kashmiri, bhindi masala,channa masala, kadai paneer,Punjabi kadhi, rajma masalaand so on. The non-vegetariangravies like Kashmir roganjosh, chicken changezi andkadai murg are popular triestoo. We also spotted sea foodand some Chinese on themenu.As desserts or ‘meethesapne’ (sweet dreams) asthey call it, Dhabba Expressoffers yummy, piping hotjalebis, gulab jamuns, coolmatka kulfi and phirni. Thewater is served in small lotas(mini jugs) and papad andsome salads arecomplimentary.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Express on Cenotaph Road isthe most popular one it hasbranches in Nungambakkam,Greams Road, OMR, BesantNagar, Anna Nagar andKodambakkam. A meal for twocould cost anywhere from Rs.250 to Rs. 400. The vegetarianbuffet lunch is priced at Rs.75per head and is available onlyat Cenotaph Road andNungambakkam branches.Dhabba Express is open from11.30 AM to 3.30 PM and6.30 PM to 11.30 PM.-----------------------------------------------Dhabba Express# 9, Cenotaph Road,Teynampet,Chennai – 600018.Tel – 044-24328211Dhabba Express, we realizedis the perfect place to haveauthentic Punjabi foodpunctuated with a soothingrustic ambience. The food isvery economically priced,spicy and unlike the realdhaba food has less oil andbutter to suit your health.When it comes to the buffet,there is plenty to choose fromso pile up your plate with theones you like.linenboxYou can also go on in forhome deliveries and parcels.Birthday parties andget-togethers can also behosted here. Parking space isadequate. Though the DhabbaFOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 21

EXPERT GUIDE | EXTRACURRICULARSERVICES | BANGALOREOutdoorandActiveFrom watching 31 baby cobras hatch in his roomduring a project to looking for crocodiles on camera,Gerry Martin has done it all.I-ndia's first adventurer on-National Geographic channel-(remember Croc Chronicles orSnake Wranglers?), wildlifeexpert and herpetologist Gerald‘Gerry’ Martin has been wild atheart since the time he was a kid.He grew up in a farmhouse,surrounded by animals andnature and at 17 started assistingthe legendary Romulus Whitakerat the Madras Crocodile Bank. Infact, he was the bank’s youngestcurator. From watching 31 babycobras hatch in his room during aproject to looking for crocodileson camera, Martin has done it all.Today he shares his love foradventure with children andeducates them about nature andanimals through camps andworkshops. He tellsmetromela.com how parents canget city kids away from the TVand closer to nature and evenshares some of his favoriteoutdoor destinations.Read on…----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUTDOORTRIPSParents can organize all kinds ofoutdoor trips, instead of just visitsto a mall or movie theatre. Even awalk in Cubbon Park, a trip toBannerghatta National Park,sitting by any of the new lakes,doing stuff in the garden, makingbird boxes, bird feeders, etc.,could make a huge difference tochildren. The outdoors need notbe compartmentalized intosomething you see when you'reout on a trip. When you do go ona trip, Bangalore is surrounded bybeautiful and magnificentwilderness, forests and hills.Explore!Some areas around Bangalorecould be great adventure trips forfamilies with kids. I personallyhave a few favorites like JungleRetreat in Masinagudi, Hunkal----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Woods in Chikmagalur andGeedee Farms right here inBannerghatta!If you are taking the kids out on atrek, remember that kids needsmall stretches in their activities.There's a fine line betweenadventure and misadventure.Ensuring that the end emotion isa positive one is imperative to theprocess of developing a stronginterest and passion in childrenabout the outdoors.PETS ANDINSECTSKids are intrinsically allured bypets. All we need to do is tonurture that. If you have a pet athome, teach the kids to beresponsible for it by example. Ifthe pet brings joy to the parents,they need to share that with theirchildren.22 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Gerry works with kids from the age of 9to 16. His camps through WishboneInteractive involve a structuredintroduction to nature and thewilderness, where city kids learn aboutsurvival, the dos and don'ts in theoutdoors and get “hands-on experiencesin nature and leave with a certainconnect with the environment.” Activitiesinvolve tree climbing, trekking, camping,direction finding, birdwatching, among ahost of others.Kids are often scared of insects,reptiles and even lizards. In myexperience, most fear isconditioned and comes fromothers around them - parents,friends and others. All we need isto keep our fears to ourselves andnot transfer them on to our kids.For those who are already afraid,it helps to do things slowly -short and gentle exposures to theanimals that they fear. Buildingknowledge about the animals alsohelps a lot.GARDENINGGardening is a great idea to helpkids connect with nature. It buildsa strong connect, gives children afeeling of accomplishment,develops a commitment tosomething alive and helps themstay away from the malls,bowling alleys and otherdecadent hang outs.Wishbone InteractiveKaushik Bajibab, # 2059,13th Cross, 23rd Main,HSR Layout,Bangalore – 560034.Tel - 09886169698FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200923

REVIEW | CITY HOTSPOTSENTERTAINMENT | VIZAGDIVINEDININGThe lounge dining experience is fast catching up in Vizag, thanks wholly to thetrendsetter in city hotspots, Dusk.D---------usk can easily be mistaken for a contemporary----------meditation center at Beach Road in Vizag. We see a---------huge symbolic golden bronze logo of handsoutstretched in repose over a circle, a cove kind of foyer thatopens into artifacts, terracotta, potted palms and burnishedwood; and an orange glow that seeps into almost everything.The décor and ambience at this happening lounge diner says itall. Dusk at the Palm Beach Hotel & Resorts on Beach Road inVizag is indeed the coming of dusk, through and through.Dusk is the new live entertainment lounge diner at thethree-star Palm Beach Hotel & Resorts in Vizag. With earthyinteriors done up by Ameet Mirpuri, this multi-cuisine loungestyle,96-seater diner offers a sunken bar, a DJ console and adining experience, which goes with dinner (only) and livemusic – strictly for couples and bachelors only.----------------------------------------------------Assistant Manager Rehman takes us on an enlightening tour.Stepping inside, Dusk opens into two sections with the sunkenbar at the center. One section that’s narrower has a regulardining facility, while the other goes into lounge mode, fullsteam. The seating is predominantly cane, bamboo and wood(all imported from Bali). The burnt orange ‘throws’ on wide lowseats, against a wooden center-stage low table that’s aglowwith candlelight and soft streaming light from alcove beams,make for a perfect relaxed and leisurely romantic meal.The light reflects subtly on wine glasses placed chandelierstyleat the sunken bar, where a choice of fine wines andimported liquors are served. Service staff personnel glidearound quietly in black uniforms bearing the Dusk goldemblazoned logo. A meal at Dusk is multi-cuisine (a blend ofcontinental and Indian), a la carte and pre-plated. Dishes varyfrom salads (Rs. 135) to the main course (Rs. 185 to Rs. 29524 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

DuskPalm Beach Hotelsand Resorts,Beach Road,Vizag- 530023.Tel – 0891-2754026for veg and Rs. 295 to Rs. 795 for non-veg) and desserts (Rs.200 onwards).Rehman highly recommends the Corn Sheek Kebabs (withplum sauce and yogurt), Pickled Mushroom Tikka (with atangy chilly mustard yogurt dressing), Desi Garlic Prawns(with cream, garlic-lemon butter and mint), Fettuccine withCheese Asparagus and Firangi Vegetables (mix of exoticveggies with flavored curry sauce and dill buttered rice andgarlic naan), to name a few. The breads too are rather fancy(we love the spicy Focaccia Bread).Rehman states that since ‘presentation’ plays a big role atDusk, the cuisine is served designer-like. So we’re notsurprised to see a rather stylish skewer dish that’s meant toserve hot kebabs straight from the chef’s kitchen. It’simpressive and makes the kebabs look even more appetizing.----------------------------------------------------Dusk has also added an 'Indian homely' feel to its menu - itthoughtfully serves Dahi Bhath and Bisibele Bhath (both Rs.145) as well (nice!). Desserts are exotic too - try either theDrunken Prunes (prunes soaked in red wine over a month)served with vanilla ice cream or the Caramel Chunk that's got acaramel sauce and nuts combo with ice cream. Dusk’sspecialty (and a hot favorite) is the Swiss delicacy ChickenFondue (Rs. 295), which comprises diced chicken with amélange of melted cheese in white, and with paprika.MetroMela recommends Dusk for its delicious food, fine winesand divine décor. The ambience is perfect for a romantic meal.Parking space is available at the hotel’s parking lot. Dusk isopen from 7.30 PM to 11.45 PM and a meal for two wouldcost between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,200.FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200925

REVIEW | BOOKS AND STATIONERYSHOPPING | HYDERABADHandcrafted stationery at Deckle EdgeBeautiful handcrafted stuff, pretty envelopes, small potlis, hardboard gift boxes, wall pieces and evenwedding packagingD........eckle Edge isn’t a.........very well-advertised.........store. In fact, it hashardly paid attention topublicity. This shows, evenin its location which is onthe rear side of SrinivasaTowers (next to ITCKakatiya Sheraton), awayfrom the hustle and bustlethat stores like these areusually associated with.Therefore, don’t expectany great interior displayhere. It is a fairly smallshop which has so muchstuffed within it that itsometimes gives you thewarehouse feel.125. Plain notebooks indifferent sizes are goodthings to pick up as well.The pages are handmadeand the cover has beautifulkalamkari designs.Then there are gift tags,visiting cards (100 cardsfor Rs. 35; printing wouldcost more), scrolls (Rs.15), potlis (small, roundcloth baskets) and CDholders too. You can eventake a look at the canetrays from Nagaland,lampshades (uniquelydesigned, some evenshaped like Chinese fans),hardboard gift boxes(triangular-shaped oneslook pretty unique) andwall pieces (ceramic onesand even some madewith dried spices andtwigs) here.Deckle Edge alsospecializes in weddingcards and packaging.Ujwala Giri, who managesthe show here, says thatthey can print about 100cards within two days.And for weddingpackaging, just bring allthe stuff that needs to bepacked and they will dothe needful. Deckle Edgehas a workshop next door.It is difficult to recommendjust a few products fromthe store, but thenotebooks and the giftboxes did make a lastingimpression on us. Thereare some great corporategifting options too. Thestore is open from 10.30AM to 7 PM (closed onSundays) and parkingspace is adequate.Started by Renu Rao,Deckle Edge (which meansfeathered edge of paper)deals in handcrafted stuff.Most of the products hereare made of handmadepaper (simple, silk andmetallic) sourced fromVijayawada, Jaipur and thelike. So you get to see awide variety of paper bags(from Rs. 15 per bag)here, available in brighthues with embellishmentsranging from kalamkari(hand-painted orblock-printed cotton) printsto tissue.Deckle EdgeG-10, Srinivasa Towers,Begumpet,Hyderabad – 500016.Tel – 040-23404924Pretty envelopes cost Rs.35 for two. Then there areorganizers (Rs. 175)which can be used to holdpens, paper and even adiary. Files and folders areavailable too at about Rs.26 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

HOTELSettingNew Standardsin HospitalitySo where do youwant to stay?welcome to our First Transit HotelAfter an excellent experience of catering toclient satisfaction we have launched a FirstTransit Hotel at GMR Shamshabad. This TransitHotel is strategically located opposite to InternationalAirport junction and is first of its kindin Hyderabad.It is a 30-room property and a Sleep in Lounge.The hotel is truly a preferred choice for shortstays and those who want to be close to theairport. It has a multi-cuisine Restaurant.Guests can avail services of pick and drop tothe Airport around the clock.With its elegance style and comfort it will be thediscerning traveler’s ideal Transit stay.HOTELHOTELNear International Hotel, Shamshabad.Ph: 08413 - 223355, 97045 23535. firsttransithotel@gmail.com

PIC SPEAKThe Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is famous as ahistorical and cultural center. Amidst all the modern daychanges in the city, some places have still preserved theirown culture and tradition. One such place is Jew Street,situated at Mattanchery, which MetroMela has capturedthrough images for you. For a complete guide on JewStreet, visit metromela.com.1The Clock tower built in the 18th centuryby Ezekiel Rahabi a Jewish businessman.This clock tower has four faces - one sidefaces the Maharaja’s palace, the secondfaces the street, the third side thesynagogue, and the fourth side facing thesea, has been mysteriously kept blank.28 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS2Rows of closely packed warehouses linethe narrow streets. Old buildings and Dutcharchitecture dominate the landscape.

One of the antique shops, a specialty ofJew Street, displaying the biggest vaarppu(a flat bronze vessel with handles onboth sides).4The spice that flows to the world marketsfrom Cochin is mainly traded from JewStreet’s Spice Market.3FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200929

HOTDEALS!20% OFFValid till30 APRIL 0920% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Men's Clothing/Women's ClothingMaqdoom Bros"# 22/7/174, Charminar Road, Hyderabad- 500002., Tel: 66710366 Landmark: OppMadina Building"Men's Clothing/Women's ClothingMaqdoom Bros"Sufi Chambers, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad - 500034., Tel: 23325109Landmark: Opp Food World"10% OFFONGOINGHYDERABADAccessories/Men's Clothing/Women's ClothingKapaasPlot No. 470/A/1, Road No. 36, JubileeHills, Hyderabad - 500034., Tel: 65888882Landmark: Beside Latitudes10% OFFONGOINGWomen's Clothing/AccessoriesOmkara"Plot No. 128, Road No. 11, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad - 500034., Tel: 9396843777Landmark: Next to Rajini Sarees"CHENNAI10% OFFONGOINGAccessories/Men's Clothing/Women's Clothing/Kids ShoppingKapaas# 1-43/B, Main Road, Madhapur,Hyderabad - 530081., Tel: 66848882Landmark: Near ING Vysya Bank"10% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Women's Clothing/Kids' Shopping/Men's ClothingAsha"# 179, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore,Chennai - 600004., Tel: 42087166Landmark: Near Vidya Mandir School"10% OFFONGOINGHotels and Serviced ApartmentsEmensee Suites"# 31, Kaushik Enclave, Road No. 12,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034., Tel:40073470 Landmark: Lane Next toKanakdurga Temple"15% OFFONGOINGTours and TravelsAmirtha Car Rentals# 7, RKP. Road, Saidapet,Chennai - 600015., Tel: 984137782210% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Kids’ ShoppingKids Zone"Shop No. 211, Babu Khan Mall,Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500016., Tel:39109000 Landmark: Opp Kalanikethan"5% OFFONGOINGFlowers and Gifts/Kids' ShoppingThe World Winner"# 32, 3rd Cross Street, Kasturba Nagar,Adyar, Chennai - 600020., Tel: 42117250Landmark: Near Domino's Pizza"10% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Home Décor/Flowers and GiftsSheela's Arts & Crafts"Shop No. 17, Lal Bahadur StadiumComplex, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad -500001., Tel: 23236944 Landmark: OppNizam College"3% OFFONGOINGon Purchases of Rs. 1000 & aboveWomen's ClothingKataria's Selection"# 45,1st Floor, Cathedral Road, Chennai -600086., Tel: 28111182 Landmark: OppStella Maris College"20% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Men's Clothing/Women's ClothingMaqdoom Bros"# 17, Prasads, Necklace Road,Hyderabad - 500063., Tel: 23450499Landmark: Near NTR Gardens"10% OFFValid tillONGOINGYoga and MeditationSivananda Yoga# 3655, Plot No. 131, Kaveri Nagar,Kuppam Road, Kottivakkam,Chennai - 600041., Tel: 2451254630 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

BANGALORE5% OFFONGOINGHome DecorMaster Kitchen"# 66-G-1, Gem Plaza, Infantry Road,Bangalore - 560001., Tel: 41130637Landmark: Near Safina Plaza Complex"5% OFFONGOINGHome DecorMaster Kitchen"# 737/C2, SRG Complex, 10th Main,Basaveshwaranagar, Bangalore - 560079.,Tel: 41288257 Landmark: Next to DiwakarEnterprises"12% OFFONGOINGHome Décor/Flowers and GiftsKashmir Art Industries"# 210, Brigade Road, Bangalore -560001., Tel: 41510500Landmark: Next to Levi's"10% OFFValid till31 JULY 09RestaurantsMade In India"Ram Towers, # 296, 100 Feet Ring Road,3rd Stage, 4th Phase, Banashankari,Bangalore - 560085., Tel: 42181084Landmark: Near Ashwa TVS Showroom"MYSORE8% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09Women's ClothingStates Emporium"Vishweshwarayya Building, KR Circle,Mysore - 570001., Tel: 2420235Landmark: Next to KR Circle"PUNE10% OFFValid till30 APRIL 09On Radiance PackageGyms, Spas and SalonsJeevaa Skin Care"Flat No. 5, 1st Floor, Ganga Cascade,North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune -411001., Tel: 64019957Landmark: Next to Pizza Hut"Offers are metromela.com specific.To avail these offers, cut and use thecoupons above while shopping.FOR MORE SUCH DEALS LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 31

REVIEW | BOOKS & STATIONERYSHOPPING | BANGALOREAn easy wayto start readingVani Mahesh, who started the library, is a softwareengineer who returned from US and decided to dowhat she loved the most — set up a place that wouldencourage people to read.Readers enjoy a session of 'Meet the author' at Easy Library-------brightAred and yellow building welcomes--------you into Easy Library, an online library that-------- holds several extracurricular activities for---------children. Started by Vani Mahesh, EasyLibrary is an online library that delivers books toyour home or office, anywhere in Bangalore. Allyou do is register, pay a fee, log on, select booksand it can be delivered to you in a day’s time.However, with a big building dedicated to books,-------------------------------you can also visit the library (take the laneopposite Maharaja restaurant) and browse andselect books at your leisure. There are books inevery possible genre here, from fiction tomanagement to cookery to humor and for adultsas well as for kids. To MetroMela, what makesthis library special is that they encourage childrento read. In fact, one entire floor is dedicated tochildren's books!32 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

With over 6,000 books forchildren alone, there is a lotfor kids (or the moms) tochoose from. There's a bigrange of picture books andboard books for toddlers,and a collection of theClifford, Winnie the Pooh,Bubbles and other kiddieseries. For older boys andgirls there is a collection ofmystery series like Nate TheGreat and humor like theHorrid Henry and CaptainUnderpants series. And ifyour little girl is already livingin a fairy and fantasy world,there is the Olsen Twins,Tiara Club, Princess Diariesand other series.Vani ensures that there is agood dose of literaturethrown in as well with booksby Roald Dahl, Ruskin Bond,Phillip Pullman and others.Your child (and you too) canbecome a member by payingan initial refundable depositof Rs. 500 and anon-refundable registrationfee of Rs. 100. What givesthis library an extra edge arethe several extracurricularactivities they conduct forchildren. "All literary oriented-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------with books as the backdrop,"says Vani. For three to sevenyear olds, they havestorytelling sessions. Forkids aged eight and above,who have already startedreading, there is anintroduction to classics oncea month.Vani gets an interesting mixof people to conduct all thesessions. For instance, Arka,a performer poet, hasperformed Sukumar Ray'sAbol Tabol for children, wellknown RJ Darius hasnarrated from stories byTerry Pratchett and Kathalayahas conducted thestorytelling sessions for thesmaller kids, which areusually followed by a craftactivity. In Vani's experience,most children have picked upthe books and read themafter sessions like these.Easy Library also conductsseveral interestingworkshops for kids insummer, including a BookBuffet, where kids get tochoose the books they wantto read and even give ashort review!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If your child loves reading,then a membership here is agreat gift. The best part is thatyou can select the books fromthe comfort of your home.Easy Library has everypossible genre categorizedmeticulously on their website,including an enviablecollection of Amar ChitraKatha. The reading programsfor children are listed on theirhomepage and are a greatway to inculcate a love forwords in your kid. Parkingspace is available. EasyLibrary is open from 10 AM to2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.It is closed on Wednesdays.Theater artist Vivek Vijayakumaran’sstory-telling sessionPiles of booksVani MaheshEasy Library,972 H, 1st A MainST Bed Layout,4th Block, Koramangala,Bangalore – 560095.Tel - 080-41102231FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200933

EXPERT GUIDE | YOGA AND MEDITATIONHEALTH AND WELLNESS | CHENNAIMeditationin MovementAn early morning class of health enthusiasts of all ages but mostly middle aged,swinging their arms in the air, slowly caressing a peacock’s tail, gently stretching animaginary rubber band. They are all dressed in loose-fitting clothes, either a salwarbottom and T-shirt or track pants. They are moving slowly, steadily, calmly. All ofthem in their own meditative worlds, but watching their Sifu or Master. Tai Chi, this is.T.........his martial art form is intriguing to say the.......least. We therefore, met up with Sifu George.......Thomas, the Founder and President of FuSheng Yuan Tai Chi Academy – India Chapter,which he established in Chennai in 1998 and laterset up tmore branches in Chennai, Bangalore,Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. He is alsoauthorized by the World Yong Nian Tai ChiFederation to teach the art. Currently there arearound 5,000 students across India who arelearning and practicing Tai Chi in the Academy.Sifu George Thomas also conducts seminars,workshops, lectures / demonstrations regularly forcorporate houses, clubs and educationalinstitutions. He helps us know more about this art.34 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

What is Tai ChiTai Chi, the ancient Chinesemartial art, involves graceful,meditative and light, naturalmovements which relaxes andstimulates different parts ofthe body. It is like meditationin movement with theconstant interplay of two vitalenergies - the passiveprinciple Yin and the activeprinciple, Yang. This schoolfollows the Yang family Tai Chisystem. There are a total offive styles of Tai Chi of whichthis is the most popular.------------------------------------------------------------------Why practiceTai ChiAccording to George Thomas,it is great for the mind, bodyand soul. Tai Chi providesrelief from stress-relateddisorders such ashypertension, backaches andother ailments; It improves theimmunity and helps fightdisease, strengthens theenergy of the body andprevents negative elementsfrom penetrating into thesystem. Tai Chi is also knownto raise one’s awareness leveland alertness, improveconcentration and staminaand control short tempers. Italso helps in strengthening thejoints, ligaments and tendons,stretching the nerves andtoning up the muscles.--------------------------------------------What’s the ideal ageto learn Tai ChiThere is no age bar to practiceTai Chi, Sifu George Thomassays. It is suitable for anyperson no matter their fitnesslevel or the lack of it. If youcan walk, you can do Tai Chi.No wonder some people call itthe Chinese version of yoga.You can learnTai Chi inChennai at thefollowing centres.Vidya SagarNo. 1, Ranjit RoadKotturpuram,Chennai – 600085.TTK House (Arogya)No. 6,Cathedral Road,Near Chola Sheraton,Chennai – 600086.Tel - 044-23743257 /6546, 09840298450FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200935

EXPERT GUIDE | PUBS AND CLUBSFOOD | PUNETHE ART AND SCIENCE OF WINESA celebration, a quiet romantic evening, a special business eventor even a get-together at home – if it’s an alcoholic beverage thatgoes down well with any of the above, it’s the wine.36 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

The Indian party scene is now accepting wineas a great way to enjoy an evening. However,the art of drinking and serving wine isn’tsomething that all of us are familiar with.MetroMela went on an odyssey to help knowmore about what wine’s got to do with health,what food it should be paired with, how shouldit be stored and more. And accompanying uson this odyssey was Chateau Indage, India’slargest and oldest wine company, established----------------------------------in 1982. Chateau has vineyards spread over2,500 hectares. Their range of wines includingred, wine and sparkling wines have won severalawards ranging from the International Wine andSpirit Competition (IWSC), held annually atLondon to Wine Style Asia from Singapore. Thecompany also holds the honor of being listed inthe world wine encyclopedia as the only IndianInternational wine. Here are the inputs fromthe expert.Hale and heartywith WineDrinking wine can rejuvenate youin more ways than one. Moderateconsumption of red wine (readtwo glasses) reduces the risk ofheart and brain disease, worksagainst anxiety and tension andacts as a tranquilizer preventingcoronary diseases, Alzheimer’sand some forms of cancer. As apart of normal diet, wine is agreat energy booster thatprovides the body withsubstances that aid digestion.Wine cannot be called a medicinein the actual pharmaceuticalterms, but it is comforting toknow that not only can you enjoy------------------------------------------------------------------it but you may live a longer,healthier life drinking it.Pairing Foodwith WineWine shouldn't dominate the foodor vice versa. They shouldcomplement each other. It is alsoimportant to remember that winehad alone tastes different thanwith food. White wine goes wellwith white meat, creamy pastasand salads while red wine goeswith red meat. However, there isno hard and fast rule either. If youwish to enhance the taste ofwine, have it with cheese (mainlyused while tasting wine) whichneutralizes the taste of food.------------------------------------------------------------------Nonetheless acids, tannins andsugars in the wine interact withfood to create different tastes.Usually the wine grown in aparticular region goes well withthe typical food of that region.Therefore it’s a good match tocombine Indian cuisine withIndian wines. Balance themethod of preparation with thewine - like a poached fish will goalong well with ChantilliSauvignon Blanc (white wine),whereas a Murgh Makhani in richgravy requires the heavier IVYwhite Zinfandel (rose wine). Tryto match flavors, so when youtaste cherries in the ChantelliMerlot (red wine), pair it with aduck served with a cherry sauce.FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200937

Sometimes the difference makesthe charm. So a really hot dishlike Kolhapuri chicken can goperfectly with the slightsweetness of an IVY-WhiteZinfandel (rose wine). Be carefulof the spices you use as thosealso have enormous influence onthe taste felt by the tongue. Forexample the bitterness in foodincreases the felt bitterness oftannic elements in red wine,whereas salt and sourness hasexactly the opposite effect andincreases the sweetness in wine.Wine should never be sweeterthan the dessert and vice versa,but a sparkling wine of highquality such as Madame dePompadour (sparking wine,Indian champagne) will go alongwith most sweet finales.And as a last point remember thatwines from the new world(including India) are fruitier andless complex compared with theearthy ones made in the oldworld. As a result wines from thenew world are much easier topair with any kind of food andit’s usually possible to staywith one wine for the wholemeal. The only thing to be keptin mind is that you pair highquality food with an equallyhigh quality of wine.The Right Way toStore WineWine should be stored in a dark(light makes the wine older), quiet(no agitation), smell neutral (novegetables close by) place with aconstant temperature. Humidity inthe storage room should be at ahigh level (in connection with thetemperature) as it guarantees thatthe wine is unable to rise out ofthe bottle. It’s a good idea to-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------store wines in horizontal positionor in a 60° angle, as the winecovers the cork from inside andprevents it from drying out.When storing sparkling orfortified wines, many experts saythat it is better to keep it uprightthough, as either the carbondioxide gas or the high alcoholvolume can damage the cork andas a result influence the winequality negatively.There is no absolute golden rulewith respect to temperature. Butit’s around 4 degrees centigradefor sparkling wine and moves upto around 19 degrees centigradefor semidry red wines.The Art ofServing WineChoosing the right glass for wineis very important too. The rightglassware acts as a simpleserving utility, pleases the eyewith design, shape and materialand lastly supports the wineduring the “performance” due toshape. White wine needs a smallwine glass and red wine needsbigger. If you are into sparking----------------------------------FOOD & WINE1. Combine Indian cuisine withIndian wines.2. White wine goes well with whitemeat, creamy pastas and salads.3. Red wine goes with red meat.4. Wine should never be sweeterthan the dessert and vice versa.expensive wines then wine flutesare the best. When buying anytype of glass, focus on the rim.The rim should have a sharp cut,as this guarantees that the wineis well placed on the tongue.Well, who would have thoughtthat there is so much sciencebehind the art of serving, storingor just having wine…38 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

SHOPPING | MYSORESAPNA,A BOOK MALLSince the store opened in August 2007,Sapna Book House has become a hugehit with the Mysoreans. Find out why.REVIEW | BOOKS AND STATIONERY........heTexteriors of Sapna Book.......House are unconventional........In fact, the three-storiedbuilding looks more like ashopping mall thanks to itsprofessional and modern façade.Sapna Book House has been aleading library and institutionalsupplier of books since 1967.This store opened in August 2007,and since then it has been a bighit with the Mysoreans. Theground floor has CDs (movies andmusic), gifts, toys, stationery,greeting cards, writinginstruments and fashion jewelry.The first floor stocks booksranging from those for children, tofiction and non-fiction. Englishand Kannada literature, businessand money, diet, health, foodparenting, crafts, art, hobbies,fashion, interior design,photography, music, gardening,philosophy and religion are justsome of the topics available forreaders.The second floor stocks booksrelated to computers, electronics,mechanics, civics, physics,chemistry, mathematics, biology,---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------agriculture etc apart from school,pre-university and undergraduatelevel books. Medicine, Ayurveda,pharmacy and nursing books toocan be bought here.You will also find dictionaries,maps, language guides,travelogues and studymaterial for variouscompetitive exams.We even found out that Sapna’sCD collection offers differentsyllabi covered in the schoolsalong with general awarenesstopics like the birth of thecomputer, the evolution of manand plants, geographical details ofdifferent countries and wildlife andenvironment related information.Apart from books, Sapna has avery impressive range of greetingcards for all seasons and occasions,cute soft toys and writingmaterials. Also, drop into thisstore before your child startsschool to pick up all that he / shewould need. There are charts,diagrams and educationaltoys for all ages of children. Theyhave a very good sales staff tohelp you source the books---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------without having to walk aroundthe whole store.What we liked at Sapna BookHouse is the variety on offer. It’sa complete book store withstationery and greeting cardstoo. The interiors of the store areneat and offer plenty of spacefor customers to browsecomfortably. You can also placeorders with them for specifictitles or study materials that youmay be looking for. They will getthose arranged. There is ampleparking space in the basementof the building. Sapna BookHouse is open from 10.30 AMto 8.30 PM on all days. If youhave something to share onSapna Book House, drop in acomment at metromela.com.Sapna Book House#1433, NaryanaShastry Road,Devaraja Mohalla,Mysore – 570001.Tel - 0821-4004499FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 200939

ENTERTAINMENT | VIZAGGUIDE | CITY HOTSPOTSIN THE MIDSTOF CLOUDSAND HILLSIf green hills, coffee plantations, fresh air is your idea of aweekend holiday then here’s a guide to the breathtakinglybeautiful Araku Valley.Vizag’s blessed with the good fortune of having both the sea beach and the hills. While the beach iswithin traveling distance of the city and nice for an evening stroll and a by-the-bay ambience ofroasted corn and peanuts, it’s the green hills that metromela.com finds more inviting. Araku Valley issaid to be the queen of these hills. So go ahead and enjoy her serene company for the weekend!40 APRIL 2009metromela.comEXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

.........vastAexpanse of flat land surrounded by...........the endless hills of the towering Eastern...........Ghats the Araku Valley greets you withfresh air, solitude, tribal hamlets and asmattering of resorts. After having driventhrough undulating green hills and coffeeplantations, a good 120 kilometers from Vizag,the sight is refreshing and rejuvenating.Araku Valley is a perfect weekend getaway forVizagites. Located amidst the Eastern Ghats atan elevation of approximately 2,992 feet, it isscenic, gloriously green and peaceful. You caneither travel by train or by road to the valley.The train runs on a broad gauge railway lineKirandole, traveling onwards to MadhyaPradesh. Kirandole is said to be the highestbroad gauge railway line in India, at about 3,400feet. The train journey is breathtaking, through46 tunnels; and it takes about three and a halfhours from Vizag to reach the valley. On road,you get to drive through the myriad coffeeplantations of the Ananthagiri Hills. If you havethe time, you could also take a small diversionto visit the Borra Caves. The journey from Vizagcity to Araku Valley, by road, takes aboutfour hours.Although the Andhra Pradesh TourismDevelopment Corporation (APTDC) organizes aday-tour package to the Araku Valley, it is bestto spend a night at the APTDC guest houses(either the Mayuri Hill Resort or the HarithaValley Resort) if you would like to enjoy theideal weekend break. The rooms have to bebooked well in advance at the APTDC office atthe RTC Complex in Vizag. The rooms arecomfortable and the resorts also have in-houserestaurants that offer decent meals.From a tourist point of view, you can either visitthe Tribal Museum that’s located in the heart ofthe township at Araku Valley or take a stroll atthe evening bazaar or get a glimpse of theDhimsa tribal dance by a bonfire at nightat the resorts which is organized by theAPTDC management.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Araku Valley is at its cool andmisty best during December andJanuary, so you would need to takealong some light winter wear for thenight. But it’s equally picturesque duringthe months of August and September,especially if you are the kind whorelishes a drive through rain-soakedhills in bright green and through infantwaterfalls that trickle alongside. It’sabsolutely picture-perfect.FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.comAPRIL 2009 41

GUIDE | RESTAURANTSFOOD | HYDERABADFingerLickingKebabsShammi, Sheek, Tangdi or Kakori,Hyderabad’s food joints serveseveral varieties to pamper thosewith a fancy for kebabs.W........ hen it comes to food, Hyderabad is most.......... famous for its Biryani but not far behind are .... the delectable Kebabs served at many a placearound the city. Not surprisingly, most of the places,which serve the best Biryani, also serve some of thebest Kebabs but all that is changing as new food jointsget added to the ever expanding Hyderabad’sgastronomic map. Here is a guide frommetromela.com to some of the best places for Kebabs.42 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Old and PopularThese restaurants have grownwith the city. The typicaldishes they serve range fromthe ever popular Murgh Tikkato the very delectable MurghMalai Kebab, Tangdi Kebaband of course traditionalfavourites like the ShammiKebab, Mutton Do Pyaza,Mutton Sheek kebab andPatthar Ka Gosht. Do notexpect a large variety ofseafood here, as only thefastest moving items servedhere are the best. The pricesrange from Rs. 80 to Rs. 160.Worth a try are GardenRestaurant on SD Road, HotelShadab on High Court Road,Paradise Restaurant inSecunderabad and HotelNiagara in Chaderghat.New Kids on the BlockHyderabad has grownexponentially and there hasbeen a huge surge in thenumber of restaurants thatserve kebabs. While somefollow the fast-food culture,others offer fine diningfacilities too. Some even offerMediterranean, Lebanese andArabic varieties of kebabs. Sowhile there are evergreenfavorites, there are even newvarieties to sample like theShawarma, Falafel, etc. Thepricing here is modest andranges from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100for the chicken variety and Rs.100 to Rs. 140 for the muttonvariety. Popular ones amongthese are The Great KebabFactory, Hyderabad House(multiple branches), KababishFood Court at Red Hills andLakdi-ka-Pul and FourSeasons opposite RTO officein Toli Chowki.The 5-Star ExperienceFive star hotels like the TajBanjara has Kebab-e-Bahar,which is by far one of the bestplaces for Kebabs inHyderabad. They serve thepopular fare with a Lucknowitouch in the form of Kakorikebabs and the ever-popularBarah Kebab. Since this is afive star restaurant, there isalso a good selection ofseafood from Tandoori fish toFish Amritsari and the TandooriJhinga to choose from. Thefood has a distinct touch of theNorth.Then there is even Kebabs &Kurries (formerly Peshwari) atthe ITC Kakatiya Sheraton.They serve some of the bestTandoori Raan in Hyderabad.Their lobster is one of the bestin the country and so are theirjumbo prawns. Apart from itsspecialties, they also servesome of the softest and mostdelectable Sheek kebabs (witha special crunchy butteryvariety) and Murgh Malaikebabs. The prices, needlessto say, are on the higher side.Log on tometromela.com for thecontact info of thesefood joints.FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 43

REVIEWS | BOOKS AND STATIONERYSHOPPING | PUNEBakesand Booksat The PatioBuilt like a European café with a cozyambience, this bookstore-cum-eatingjoint called The Patio, is unique andworth a visit.---------------------------------------------------------------------.........heTPatio is bound to.........attract any passerby by.........its sheer uniqueness.Jute chairs, made by theowner Jayant Patel and hiswife Chaitra, mugs, candlesand books are just some of thethings that vie for yourattention here, thanks to thecreativity of Prabhakar Baste, arenowned architect whosework of art this is.MetroMela visited it andrealized that The Patio hassomething for almosteverybody here. So if you area foodie then they have anarray of food items for you tochoose from and if you prefer---------------------------------------------------------------------just books then they haveloads of those on the upperlevel.Let’s start with the food. Herethey have vegetarian andnon-vegetarian sandwiches,rolls, calzones, puffs,croissants and burgers (Rs.25). MetroMela tried theirbarbeque chicken grilledsandwiches (Rs. 35) alongwith coffee. The experiencewas delightful to say the least.Otherwise, you could try theirspicy Chettinad chicken (Rs.30) or Hariyali chicken (Rs. 25)sandwiches, which are quitepopular too. You could getthese to be made with whole44 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

wheat or multi-grain bread.But if you have a sweet tooththen you should go for thedelicious creamy treats thatthey have like RaspberryPastries, Zucotto gateau (Rs.35), Mocha Mousse andLemon Cheese for Rs. 40each. You could also opt forthe Apple pie (Rs. 40; have itslightly heated) or PureChocolate Fudge dunked inchocolate sauce. Cakes areavailable in pounds in the eggand eggless varieties.They have specialweight-watcher options likehealthy whole wheat or slicedbrown breads (Rs. 14),multigrain, rye, oatmeal andFoccacia (flour and herbs)breads too apart from garlicbread. You can also find Italianbiscottis, cheese straws andchocolate chip cookies here.MetroMela loved the basketsand white and red checkeredcloth in which these goodieswere placed, thus giving it atraditional bakery feel.Climb to the upper level andyou see a cozy bookstore thatstocks almost 5,000 books.Earlier the owner was a traderin books and therefore has apretty good collectioncomprising self help books,biographies, cookery, erotica,fantasy, bestsellers,philosophy, fiction andnon-fiction and a separatechildren’s section as well. Thebooks are an amalgamation ofwork by Indian andinternational writers. Wenoticed that they have acollection of Marathi and Hindi---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------books of renowned writers aswell as translated versions ofpopular English books here.Other than books, they have aunique pottery collection byartiste Asha Baste and lovelyimprints of renowned artisteslike Vincent Van Goghadorning the walls. Thesecould make excellent giftoptions. Diyas, candles andmugs are there too for sale.They also encourageupcoming artistes and arebooked for art exhibitions aswell. For instance, when wevisited, they had paintings ofAshish Kate whose medium isshoe polish.The owner Jayant Patel is veryfriendly and is more thanwilling to offer his advice onbooks and food making. Thismakes the experience here allthe more personal andinformal. So do chat up withhim to know more. The serviceis good and the variety isimpressive. They also updatetheir menu on a regular basis.The Patio is open from 9.15AM to 10 PM.The store’s worth a visit forbooks, bites, art and more! Toknow about many suchinteresting bookstores in Pune,log on to metromela.com.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The PatioShop No. 3,Chaitraben SocietyAundh, Pune – 411007.Tel – 09822792051FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 45

GUIDE | PUBS AND CLUBSFOOD | BANGALORETen years back, Bangalore had the unique sobriquet of being called ThePub City. Today as well, pubs remain a Bangalore landmark, in spite ofthe few rising voices against the popular culture. Here’s a guide frommetromela.com on what you can expect at these pubs.PUB TIME INBANGALOREEveryday Watering Holess......... .ome pubs are evergreen, despite............occasional downsides like stale............peanuts, smelly toilets and indifferentwaiters. Invariably, these are places that playgreat music (read rock) and have a certainambience that lives up to Bangalore's originalpub city image. The thumbs up goes to Tavernfor its Eighties Rock and Happy Hours that goon till 8.15 PM and Pecos on Rest House Road(off Brigade Road). Pecos is legendary, despitethe fact that it is dark, congested and the beeris often watered down. They play rock andsome people swear by Pecos. Go check out thepopcorn, chilli pork and posters to find out why.Guzzlers Inn has slightly more comfortableseating and tries the look of an English pub(they all do, don't they?). The music is classicrock and they have a pool parlor upstairs.Legends of Rock in Koramangala, Bangalorestays true to its name and plays rock and heavymetal music. It’s spread over two levels but you-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------are advised to sit on the cozier lower floor andwatch rock bands play on a large screen. Thereis a cover charge on Saturday, though you cancheck before going. Take Five above CafeCoffee Day in Indiranagar has posters of Jazzgreats and plays good rock and jazz. They alsoserve good Belgian beers and a wider range offood than many other pubs. Purple Haze is asclassic as rock itself and has pictures oflegends like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morisson onthe walls. They play metal and rock both andused to be one of the most happening pubs tovisit on weekends. They also have aMarathahalli outlet now but the haze still hasn'tdimmed say regulars.Night Outs with the GangPlanning to pub hop with your friends? If it's agirls' night out, Zero G has Bollywood nights onWednesday and if you love your jhatkas and46 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

matkas, be sure to get there. The ambiencewith open-air seating on the terrace andremixes playing in the background makes for afun outing. Hard Rock Cafe is a hotspot inBangalore and plays rock on huge LCDscreens. The cocktails are great and so is someof the burger-sandwich food. Makes for apricey night out. Fuga is yet another happeningand pricey spot on Wood Street. Dress trendy,whether you plan to sit in the lounge area or thebar. Their special nights come with a stiff covercharge. Kosmo near Cunningham Road is alounge bar that also serves Tapas (Spanishstyle nibbles). It’s a good place to go for moodlighting and conversation. For more bonhomieand cheer, visit The 13th Floor which has anindoor and outdoor terrace section. Choose theterrace which offers a great view of Bangaloreand is buzzing with music and conversation.The food is okay but you could always eat atEbony next door later. Hint on the terrace ofBangalore Central is yet another similar andclassy place. The Blue Bar (the bar has a bluetinge) with its gazebo style setting has some ofthe city’s hippest crowds thronging to it and themusic is house and electronica. Weekends canbe extremely crowded though. Anotherexpensive place this one.Chill out TimeWhat do you do when your uncle comes totown and you need to take him to a placewhere he can relive the famous Bangalore pubscene he has heard so much about? Go to PubWorld of course. One of the first pubs in thepub city, it has five different theme seatings.Now that smoking’s banned, you can even tagalong the kids. Another ‘family’ pub in theKodava Samaj building, Windsor Pub, is known---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------as much for its food as for the chilled draughtbeer you get there. Try their Pandi Curry andMasala Prawns. The appams are great too. It’sa small place so the smoke used to be aproblem but not anymore, hopefully, with thesmoking ban. Infinitely cooler than the abovetwo and much more airy and spacious is Opus.This is where you can lounge on thepebble-strewn ground, hear some ofBangalore’s most talented musicians perform,drink your cocktails and order food that’s Goan.The kids can come along too.Office talkA drink with colleagues post work cansometimes help break the ice and make youbond better. If at least over beer. Try Geoffrey's,which is a classic English style pub withstained glass and leather chairs. The seating isspread over two levels, though the bar or thealcoves are a good bet. The music is retro andit’s ideal for mid-budget outings. Firangi Paaniat Forum is another favorite with the corporatecrowd and aims at the same English theme.The music shifts between retro and rock. Wealso like TGIF for its good Happy Hour deals.The desserts are great too. To break the bankand have a team outing in style, head to i-BarFOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 47

or Dublin. I-Bar at The Park is as glamorous asthey come with rich brocade cushions andArabic style lights. Music veers betweenBollywood, retro, rock and house. Watch out forDJ Hussain’s Shukrawar ki Raat on Fridaynights. Dublin at Windsor Manor is for thosewho love the Irish Pub ambience. The beer atRs. 400 for a mug of draught is steep, althoughthe variety in beers is great. For a real classyevening, head to the Library Bar at The Leela.Plush leather sofas, chandeliers and gleamingwood cabinets makes it seem like somethingout of a grand English manor. You could alsoopt to sit in the garden like outdoor setting.Need we add, that it is expensive?Romantic getawaysWant to take your date on a pubbing spree?Since conversation is important here, loungebars high on the ambience factor and low onthe lighting and music are ideal. Our vote goesto Vaayu Sky Lounge above Eva Mall, with itsopen-air comfy seating. Try the martinis here.Taika on Church Street is usually a greatfavorite with the girls and plays electronicdance music among others. It’s also got thiscalm, soothing, spa-type look which workswell. Hypnos on Infantry Road comes withhookahs and a very Mediterranean-meetsArabic ambience. The blue and white seating isideal to laze around and whisper sweet nothingsinto the ears of your date. The food is MiddleEastern and quite authentic. For romanticrendezvous also try Liquid, the stylish pub atIsta Hotel, with its gazebo style seating.----------------------------------------------------------------------So if this guide has helped youdecide which to pick tonight, log onto metromela.com for their contactdetails. Happy pubbing!48 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

DOLLOPSOF FUNSimple, well-thought,safe and verychild-friendly – Vanilla isa fun place for momsand kids.SERVICES | CHENNAIREVIEW | EXTRACURRICULARv.........anilla is not as plain as.........the name. And even as........you drive into thetree-lined avenue that housesthe mom and kids center, yourealize this place is somethingdifferent.So what does Vanilla have? It’sgot a play gym for children, it’sgot a Wi-Fi vegetarian café, it’sgot an outdoor play area forchildren (where they canactually drive cars), it’s got astore, it’s got a library, it’s gota massage center, and it’s gotexercise classes.First, the play gym. Over here,you have child-friendly,non-toxic trampolines, seesaws, tunnels, and littlemountains, all of themcompletely safe. Your child cando anything from run up anddown foam steps, torappelling, to rolling, bouncingand more. It’s great fun.Outside, in the play area, the‘cars’ are non-battery-operatedor motorized, which means thechild has to navigate the carusing their motor andcoordination skills. The storestocks linen, some toys andbooks, as does the library,where you can buy books.At the massage center, things---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------are simple - the mom can get a massagedone while the child is watched at theplay gym. She can get a full-bodymassage or a reflexology one oracupressure or post-natal. This way shewill not feel nervous about her childbeing left at home as the child will be inthe same complex.At the café, the menu is simple andtasty, just as a child would like it. There’spasta, sandwiches, juice and Frenchfries apart from some wedges andcutlets. The prices too are reasonable asa meal for you and your child wouldwork out to less than Rs. 200.The exercise classes upstairs are bothfor mother and child (and by child, wemean baby too), where the two aretaught to discover their bodies. Theseare dance, aerobics, yoga andmovement classes, which we are toldare quite popular.As for prices, Vanilla charges Rs. 150per child to use the facilities (the gymand the outside area) for an unlimitedamount of time. The massages costbetween Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vanilla keeps conducting some funsessions on special days likeAugust 15, Halloween etc. Soregister with them to get the details.Apart from this you can conduct abirthday party there, which willwork out to Rs. 400-Rs 500 a child(that includes the menu and theplay-gym area). The place hasample parking space and it is openfrom 9.30 AM to 7 PM onweekdays and from 10.30 AM to7 PM on Sundays.Vanilla# 8/57, 1st Street,Luz Avenue,Mylapore,Chennai – 600004.Tel – 044-45534146------------------------------------------------------------------FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 49

EXPERT GUIDE | SCHOOLSSERVICES | VIZAGINSIGHTS INTO SCHOOLINGLoads of homework, tuitions and cut-throat competition – life for a child is no longer easy. AnnapurnaEmani, principal of a school in Vizag, shares her thoughts on the current day education system.I...f a good principal were...to need a definition...then we thinkAnnapurna Emani wouldfit the bill, and rightly so!She’s the quintessentialprincipal – attired in anethnic cotton saree,bespectacled,soft-spoken and genteel;with twinkling eyes anda kind smile (makes uswant to go back toschool again); and anunderlying subtle butsteely resolve thatshows the probability ofsurfacing as and whenthe need arises.-------------------------------------------------------------------A principal of the JassverEnglish Medium Schoolin Lawsons Bay Colony,Vizag since 2004,Annapurna Emani isbacked by a rich 20-yearstint in teaching atTimpany School. Having‘lived and breathed’education at closequarters, she shares herviews withmetromela.com on thepresent-day educationsystem in India andprovides (she modestlyhopes is) an insight intowhat could maybe help inmaking the life of astudent better.-------------------------------------------------------------------The problemsIndia’s educationalsystem is at an age ofcut-throat competitionthat lacks ‘application’and focuses more onthe quest to get the right‘scores’. Consequently,the purpose of impartingknowledge to create‘learned’ adults is beinglost. Children are nolonger encouraged touse their ability toabsorb, think and retainwhat they have learnt.The answers arespoon-fed and the childmemorizes them-------------------------------------------------------------------mechanically, becauseat the end of the day thechild has to get goodmarks in class. Theparents (left with nochoice) demand and theschools (left with littlechoice) provide theapparently ‘right’ kind ofeducation that’s driventowards scoring thehighest marks. Both arehapless against asocio-economic andpolitical system thatremains unmoved; andthe poor child isforgotten, lost inthis conflict.50 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Today, children areconstantly beingbombarded withhomework and endlesstuition, and in order toface this kind ofhammering, theyultimately ‘switch’ offand subconsciouslystart to lead the life of azombie. Playtime too isvirtually non-existent intheir lives, and they endup losing out on ahealthy childhood andso much more. Ofcourse, there areexceptions and these,although just a handful,are heartening to see.Solutions, yesSo we need to think ofstudents as ‘children’---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------first, and then take thehealing process a stepfurther. Make ‘lessons’age-appropriate. Asadults, there’s only somuch that one can takein, so imagine the plightof a six-year-old childwho’s been told to grasplarge concepts. Teacherstoo can try to makelearning interesting, byinvolving students eitherin live enactments (if it’sa lesson in English) or ina healthy debate (for saya class in History).Whenever feasible easeoff the pressurebecause, alike adults,children are entitled totheir moods. So givethem that much-neededbreak in class once ina while.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Furthermore, a shifttowards a change in theeducational system canbegin at the basicelementary level. Say, forinstance, we have thesesimple examples wherelittle ones are told to‘write’ sentencespictorially and notrepeatedly; and wherethey are encouraged to‘experience’ the touchand ‘feel’ the color of afruit rather than beingtold to tediously write theword ‘fruit’. In doing this,we would be sowing theseeds for a learningthat’s ‘enjoyable’ and nota mundane ‘task’ to becompleted. This wouldgo a long way innurturing healthy mindsfor a healthy nation.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It’s a long haul, butthere’s a beginning to bemade somewhere, andMetroMela hopes thatthe wheel of relearninghas already been set inmotion, thanks toAnnapurna Emani’sconcerted efforts. For acomplete review ofJassver School, browsethrough metromela.com.Jassver EnglishMedium SchoolLawsons Bay Colony,Vizag – 500017.Tel – 0891-2723717FOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 51

EXPERT GUIDE | GYMS, SPAS AND SALONSHEALTH AND WELLNESS | MYSOREOLD AND HEALTHYReams of newsprint and hours of television timehave been spent on helping the young stay fit. It’shigh time we realize that exercising and staying fitis as much important for those above 50 too.A....... geing is inevitable. With every birthday that you.........celebrate your physical and mental fitness loses a..........little agility and sharpness. We at metromela.com,therefore spoke with Bob aka Zahar, a physical trainer atBurn Out, one of the best fitness centers in Mysore, aboutways to keep oneself fit in spite of advancing age.According to Bob, the main problems faced by 50-pluspeople are lack of sleep, weak bones and muscles, heartailments, arthritis, diabetes, loss of stamina, brain strain,obesity and those related to digestion. Avoid these issuesand alleviate your troubles by following these tips fromthe expert.Burn OutHonnasiri Towers,Sahukar Chennaiah Road,Saraswathipuram,Mysore – 570006.Tel – 0821-4282444------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Don’t think that fitness centers are meant only foryoungsters to build muscles. They also help olderpeople strengthen their muscles and maintain goodphysical health.Enroll in a fitness center and do work-out forminimum of 30 minutes so as to strengthen yourbones and muscles. A comprehensive work-out at thefitness center will also keep your body mass in check.The equipment best suited for you are the treadmill,back press and hand press. A session of lightaerobics also helps.Maintain a strict fitness schedule which includesmorning walks, stretching and breathing exercises.If you have access to facilities, then make it a habit toplay some sport like tennis, badminton, table tennisetc. Don’t strain your body too much.If you can buy a treadmill, do so to help you keep acheck on heart ailments and to strengthen your jointmuscles to avoid arthritis.Exercise your brain by solving puzzles or spendingquality time reading newspapers.Set apart time for recreational activity to keep yourselfstress-free.Practice yoga regularly because it helpsyou rejuvenate.Have a regular body massage by an expert becausethe oil used by them will enrich your skin and add anextra glow.Abstain from late nights, alcohol, smoking and drugs.Most importantly, maintain a balanced and healthydiet which can do wonders for your health and fitness.52 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

SHOPPING | VIZAGPAGES ANDPAGES OF FUNWell-lit interiors with couches and chairs forbrowsers to comfortably read their tomes.That’s Pages in Vizag, a bookstore that’s ahaunt for book lovers in the city.REVIEW | BOOOKS AND STATIONERYT........he ground floor of this.......double-storied store called...... Pages is a lot like a maze ofbookshelves that you may wellwish to get lost in. The first flooron the other hand is an explosionof color. Pages is so substantiallystocked that MetroMela had tospend the better part of the dayjust to check out the store and itswares. At the entrance the newarrivals shelf beckons with itsattractive new titles and gleamingdust jackets. To the left areglossy imported magazines andto the right are Indian magazines.Pages has a good number ofnational level magazines and evenniche publications.------------------------------------------------------------Impatient to check out the books,we dived into the section onIndian writers. Here weencountered the works ofKhushwant Singh, Anita Desai, RK Narayan, Vikram Seth andArundhati Roy among others. Theentire Ramayana series by AshokBanker (set of five books), theancient epic retold for a modernaudience, caught our eye. Theyalso have three omnibus volumesof the same.The biographies section had aneclectic mix of personalities likeMandela, Protima Bedi, Nehru,Charlie Chaplin, Shahrukh Khanand even Pele. The children’s------------------------------------------------------------section at Pages is amazing; theyhave divided this largish sectioninto categories like comics,reference (encyclopedias and TellMe Whys etc.), Youth Fiction(Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, thePrincess Diaries series and awhole lot more), drawing andcoloring, activities, puzzles, quiz,story books etc. We liked thebiography section for kids whichhad books on Mother Teresa,Edison, Karl Marx, Dickens etc,all written especially for kids.The fiction shelves, easilynumbering the most in the storehad authors’ names displayedboldly so that readers couldFOR MORE SUCH ARTICLES LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 53

easily find specific writers. Fromthe popular pulp fiction of WilburSmith and Tom Clancy to finercreations of Umberto Eco andZadie Smith can be found here.We loved the whodunit shelfcrammed with the works of muchloved British writers like P DJames, Mary Higgins Clark andAgatha Christie. You canrediscover the wonderful oldclassics of Browning, HenryJames and Blake as well asmodern cult writings of EmileZola, Goethe and Ibsen.Apart from these, Pages has anexhaustive collection of books onastrology, gardening, interiordecoration, mind, body and spirit,self help books, management,sports, mother and baby care,cookery, food and drinks, historyand current affairs, humor andeven erotica. Whew!Once you’re done with the books,you can check out the CD rackswhich have normal and MP3music CDs as well as movieVCDs and DVDs. Their numbersthough are limited. Game andeducational CDs are stocked inlarge numbers though. From theLearning Company’s ReaderRabbit series, NationalGeographic Trivia Trek andEncyclopedia Britannica’sChildren’s Encyclopedia toEdurite’s series of ICSE andCBSE syllabi subjects from grade4 to 12 are available here. Headphones and DVD cleaning spraytoo can be bought here.Part of the ground floor also hasdesigner perfumes (Armani,Davidoff, and Escada to name afew), Fast Track shades andwatches and stationery.Waterman Paris and Parker pensare prominently displayed apartfrom all the other popular brands-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------that are available here. Everythingan office could possibly use likefolders, files, paper clips of allsizes, Post-its and many moreuseful things from major brandslike Staedtler and Corporate aresold here.The first floor should be off limitsfor kids because once they go upthere they may not want to leave.Cards, toys, board games, glassgift items, junk jewelry, stuffedtoys, chimes, chocolates, TantraT-shirts and mugs fill this space.We must mention that theircollection of school bags, pencilboxes and piggy banks isprobably the largest that we have-----------------------------------------------------------seen in the city so far. Artists canalso pick up art supplies likeeasels, different types of paper,brushes, palettes, art books anda huge variety of paints (oil, glassand water) at Pages.The best thing about the place isthat the service is discreet buthelpful and customers areencouraged to sit down with theirfavorite book and read for as longas they like. Parking for Pages ison the main road outside thebuilding. Visit it anytime between9.30 AM and 9.30 PM.PagesOld Jail Road,Opposite SBI,Vizag – 530009.Tel - 0891-6450555,645099954 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

Get High on SportsAdvertorialIf Sports be the religion of our country, we bringyou the ultimate place to worship the religion.Introducing Xtreme Sports Bar, featuring LargeScreen plasma & LCD Screens, pulsating surroundsound and perfect digital clarity. Xtreme Sports Baris the ultimate heart-stopping,adrenaline-pumping,yell-yourself-hoarse sports viewing experience.The fastest growing chain in Sports Bars, they havegone National with a chain of four. You could beseated or cheering your sports heroes from one ofour Bars in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Bangalore orGurgaon. That’s not going to be the end of it. Weare opening very soon in Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta,Chennai and Chandigarh very soon.At Xtreme Sports Bar, you shouldn't be surprised tosee grown men and women behaving like collegegrads as they watch extreme sports unfold on thegiant screens in front of them. When there's acommercial break, look around and soak in theambience. The coasters have smart lines like, “Ispent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars.The rest I just squandered”.The decor is casual. You could lounge on beanbagsin sunny hues or stake your claim to a booth wherethe tables have insets of cars, bikes and sportygear. On the food menu, the steaks and salads reignsupreme. If you want variety, try the fried calamari,the fajitas or the pasta. The bar menu has a rangeof shooters, flamers, margaritas or fresh fruitmartinis. Xtreme Sports Bar is open from 12 PM to12 AM and serves Continental, Chinese & IndianTandoori cuisine. We have an in-house DJ, playingClassic Rock and Retro music. Going with therequests of the customers and the popularity of theevent, the sporting commentary is either left on orturned off. What’s good is that it is not too noisyeither. You can talk and hear without having to shoutabovethe din.Whatever your sport, round up your gang and comeover. Experience the electrifying energy of a packedarena. Get transported into the heart of the action.Spur your heroes to victory at Xtreme. Getting Highon Sports or Getting High with friends has neverbeen the same.

LISTINGSHYDERABAD STD CODE - 040Flowers and GiftsAbhisiriCorporateDomalguda. Tel :23225182For exclusivecorporate gifts.FurnitureS. B. Sofa Makers& Door Curtains# 8-2-603/B/34/56, RoadNo. 10, Zaheer Nagar,Banjara Hills Tel :9391362537Mainly furniture and curtain makers alsodealing in furniture repair.EvlasPlot No. 270F,Road No.10∏Jubilee HillsTel : 23546332, 23547618Offers beauty services like hair coloring,facials, pedicure, manicure etc..Home DecorLower Ground Floor, Ashoka Metropolitan Mall, #6/3/2, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills Tel : 23386244Decorative candles for all occasions.Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsMandava SuitesPlot No. 27 & 28, ArunodayaColony, MadhapurTel : 23114477, 23114488Stylish interiors withquality infrastructure forideal stay.Emensee Suites# 31, Kaushik Enclave,Road No. 12, Banjara Hills.Tel: 40073470A concept service villawith services that promisecomfort.Hampshire Plaza# 6-1-79 & 80, Lakdi Ka Pul.Tel : 23335555A four-star deluxe hotel with100 rooms, pub, gym and restaurants.Kids’ ShoppingJack's Hobby StoreAt Shopping Centre, # 3-3-15, RP RoadTel : 27813329This store has a wide range of radiocontrolledtoys for kids.Men's ClothingThe Loot# 6-3-1111, Shop No. 111, 1st Floor,Babukhan Mall, SomajigudaTel : 66774849Indian and western casual andformal clothing are availablehere.BlackBerrysShop No. 6-6-885/7, Ground Floor, SaphhireSquare, Somajiguda Tel : 23410289, 9948239777Pubs and ClubsScarletPlot No. 8-2-293/82/A/71, Road No. 9, Jubilee HillsTel : 23425063SchoolsIndus InternationalSchoolSurvey No. 424 & 425,Kondakal, ShankerpallyTel : 08417-302100, 9701064111A co-educational international school offeringeducation from Grade 1 to 12.DikshaPlot No. 9, AP TextBook Colony,KarkhanaTel : 44553144, 9704801802A Waldorf co-educational school followingRudolf Steiner's pedagogy.Doctors and HospitalsSmile-in Dental HospitalPlot No. 1143, Madhu Nivas, 1st Floor, MainRoad, Srinagar Colony. Tel : 66736939Back & Neck Clinic# 8-2-684/3/6, Valley View Lane, Road No. 12,Banjara Hills. Tel : 6673300056 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

LISTINGSCHENNAI STD CODE - 044AccessoriesEstelle# 152, Shop No. 8, Abhirami Mega Mall,Kellys, Purasawalkam High Road,PurasawalkamTel : 26610909GKB Opticals# 73 & 75, Ace Tower, Ground Floor, RK Salai,MylaporeTel : 64511097Alternative MedicineDr. Batra'sMowbrays Flats, # 282/2, TTK Road, AlwarpetTel : 42012392, 42012391Ayush# 5, Ground Floor, Maharaja Surya Rao Road,Alwarpet. Tel : 32533001, 32543001City HotspotsMGM Dizzee World# 1/74, East Coast Road, MuttukaduTel : 27472033, 27472129Chennai Snake ParkRaj Bhavan Road, Adyar. Tel : 22353623Doctors and HospitalsDentistree# 56, Vignesh Villa, 7th Avenue, Ashok NagarTel : 42029494, 9940040033Malar Hospital# 52, 1st Main, Gandhi Nagar, AdyarTel : 24914023Electronics and AppliancesOHM ComputersG-5, Nakoda Complex, NarasingapuramStreet, Ritchie Street Tel : 28587833,42149089, 42168344Sells keyboards,motherboards,web cameras,mouse andcomputer related accessories.Gyms, Spas and SalonsA Cut AboveHotel Savera, # 146,Radhakrishna Salai,Mylapore. Tel : 28114700, 28111979Offer facials, waxing, threading, bleaching,hair bonding, straightening, massages etc.Blue# 329/128, 1st Floor, TTK RoadTel : 24996064, 24996045.Home DecorLinenboxMint Box Company, # 55/8A,7thAvenue Lane, Besant NagarTel : 45511991Sells only white colored bed linen, tablelinen, bath linen and hand towels.Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsThe Park# 601, Anna Salai. Tel : 42676000The Pride Hotel# 216, EVR Periyar Salai, Poonamallee HighRoad, Kilpauk. Tel : 43989898Yoga and MeditationSivananda YogaL-12, 26th Street, AnnaNagar. Tel : 26630978Learn Yoga for relaxation,weight loss and fitness.Vipassana Meditation Centre# 533, Pazhan Thandalam Road,Thirumudivakkam. Tel : 24780953, 24783311SchoolsAnna Adarsh Matriculation School# 5042 A, 9th Main, Shanthi Colony, AnnaNagar. Tel : 26268733C.S.I. Bains School# 42-49, Ormes Road, Kilpauk Tel : 26448961,26454236Women's ClothingAnanya# 11, 2nd Street, Ganapathy Colony,Gopalpuram. Tel : 28352580Brass Tacks# 77/13, CP Ramaswamy Road, AlwarpetTel : 42081767Kids’ ShoppingGini & Jony# 10, Nageswara Road, T NagarTel : 42652424, 24343434Kids WorldShop No. 29, City Centre Basement Complex,Purasawalkam High Road, KilpaukTel : 9345613311Men's ClothingEuropa# 37A, SBI Complex, Velachery Tel : 42334274HasbroDwaraka Plaza, # 36/1, Nungambakkam HighRoad, Nungambakkam Tel : 23746762, 42034337RestaurantsDhabba Express# 9, Cenotaph Road∏TeynampetTel : 24328211∏24328212A platter of authentic Punjabi food alongwith a highway dhaba ambience.601The Park, Anna Salai Tel : 42676000,Pubs and ClubsDeep Purple# 1/74, MGM Beach Resorts, East Coast Road,Muttukadu. Tel : 27472435, 27472436FOR MORE SUCH LISTINGS LOG ON TO metromela.com APRIL 2009 57

LISTINGSBANGALORE STD CODE - 080Koramangala, Bangalore- 560034.Tel : 09391010846AccessoriesAccessorizeLido Mall, Unit No. 5, First Floor, SwamiVivekanada Road, Trinity Circle, UlsoorTel : 40923847Alukkas Jewellery1st Floor, Garuda Mall MG RoadTel : 66641134, 66641135Kids’ ShoppingApple Of My I# 2985, 12th Main, HAL II Stage IndiranagarTel : 41154031Bums On The Saddle# 327, III Floor, 15 Cross, 2 BlockJayanagarMobile : 9880141394Men's ClothingBalance by Rohit Bal# 14, Embassy Classic Vittal Mallya RoadTel : 41121089ClothingBlackBerrys# 42 Brigade Road Tel : 25582433Women's ClothingPrashanti# 2080,38th Cross, East End 'B' Main, 9th Block(East) Jayanagar Tel : 22449595, 9886185951Angadi Silks# 514/39, 46th Cross, 5th Block JayanagarTel : 26638034, 26542959.Alternative MedicineAyurvedagramHemmandalahalli, Samethanahalli P.O.Whitefield Tel : 65651090, 65651091Jindal Nature CureJindal NagarTumkur RoadTel : 28374804, 22791615Doctors and HospitalsColumbia Asia HospitalKirloskar Business Park HebbalTel : 41791000Elbit# 22, Cunningham Classic Cunningham RoadTel : 40570100Gyms, Spas and SalonsAsian Woman# 374, Sarjapura Road, 3rd BlockKoramangala Tel : 32510725Bare Body Essentials# 58 Brigade Road Tel : 25553961Yoga and MeditationBhaswati Seal4th Block Koramangala Tel : 41217848Sivananda Yoga# 79, 4th Cross, 4th Block, 16th Main RoadKoramangala Tel : 25634991City HotspotsAmoebaB 22, Leela Galleria, Hotel Leela PalaceAirport Road Tel : 41255467, 41255468Innovative Film City# 24 & 26, Bidadi Industrial EstateBidadi080 -66966666Pubs and ClubsGuzzlers Inn# 48, Rest House Road Brigade RoadTel : 25587336, 25582138Hypnos# 66, Hotel Infantry Court, Gem PlazaInfantryRoad080 - 41113364, 41113366RestaurantsAda Hind Ki# 31, HM Eleganza Museum RoadTel : 40001234Malgudi# 95/3, Doddanekkundi, KR PuramMarathahalli Ring Road Tel : 25234166More Than Paranthas# 610, 6th Block, 80 Feet Road KoramangalaTel : 41724630, 41724640ExtracurricularActive Canvas# 343, 10th A Main, 3rd Cross, 1st BlockJayanagar Tel : 41609122Embassy Intl. Riding SchoolTharuhunhe Lake, # 149/2/223, InternationalAirport Road Devanahalli Tel : 28468296Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsBuena Vista# 331, 5th Main Road, 1st BlockKoramangala Tel : 41122761, 9980470261Gateway Hotel# 66 Residency Road Tel : 66604545SchoolsBangalore InternationalGeddalahalli, Kothanur Post Hennur BagalurRoad Tel : 28465060, 28445852Indus International SchoolBillapura Cross Sarjapura Tel : 22895900Home DecorAtmosphere# 11, Embassy Classic Vittal Mallya RoadTel : 41120820Bella Casa# 296, Ram Towers, 7th Block, 4th Phase,100 Feet Ring Road Tel : 26795244,9945219830Carmichael HouseShop No. 110, Upper Ground Floor,Commercial Street Tel : 4110862358 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

LISTINGSPUNE STD CODE - 020AccessoriesBig Baggage# 56, MG Road, Camp. Tel: 26331552C.T. Pundole & Sons# 262 & 263, MG Road, Camp.Tel: 26343685, 26343687Alternative MedicineArogyamPlot No. 6/5, Nal Stop, ErandwaneTel: 25446522Indian Cure# 301, Ace Diagnostic Centre, The Greens,North Main Road, Koregaon ParkTel: 64197038, 989087179City Hotspots3D Destination FunRatna Chintamani Building, Sujay Garden,Mukund Nagar. Tel: 66027777, 66015601Rajiv Gandhi Zoological ParkSatara Road. Tel: 24370747Doctors and HospitalsAditya Birla HospitalChinchwad. Tel: 30717615, 30717500KEM HospitalSardar Moodliar Road, Rasta PethTel: 66037300, 26120526ExtracurricularDecibels Denon DJ AcademyB-4, Mantri Manor, Lane No 5, # 344,Sangamwadi, Koregaon ParkPh: 26138305Entre NousB-1, Liberty Apartments, North Main Road,Koregaon Park. Tel: 26114784Grand Slam AcademyC/O Nitin Kirtane, Deccan Gymkhana Club,Deccan Gymkhana. Tel: 9823106488Holiday AdventuresB-32, East Street Galleria, East Street, CampTel: 24267047, 9822037144Gyms, Spas and SalonsChaitanya Health ClubWIE Complex, Off. J.M. Road, Shivaji NagarTel: 25538817Club Solaris# 128, Mayur Colony, KothrudTel: 25468780Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsSahara HotelSenapati Bapat Road, Shivaji NagarTel: 25655405, 25655406Sun-n-Sand# 262, Bund Garden Road. Tel: 66013333Kids’ ShoppingAll for Small# 759/76-5, Unique Kid's Mart Private Limited,Deccan Gymkhana. Tel: 25662291Bonsaii# 91, Supreme Centre, ITI Road, AundhTel: 25896647Men's ClothingEspritShop No. 6 & 7, SGS Mall, Moledina RoadTel: 40065102MuftiShop No. 3, Niyoshi Park, # 2, SanghaviNagar, Aundh. Tel: 41242298Pubs and Clubs1000 Oaks# 2417, East Street,Camp. Tel: 26343194252 - The LoungeHotel Sun n Sand, # 262, Bund GardenRoad. Tel: 26167777, 66013333RestaurantsAll Stir FryGordon House Hotel, E-Square, GaneshkhindRoad. Tel: 66044100Arthur's Theme# 2, Vrindavan Apartments, Lane No. 6, NorthMain Road, Koregaon ParkTel: 26132710SchoolsBharatiya Vidya Bhavan# 407/408, Senapati Bapat RoadTel: 25653413, 25657372City International SchoolAundh. Tel: 25899773, 25899380Women's ClothingAraliyaA6, Shahin Shah Complex, Lane No. 6,Koregaon Park. Tel: 65007535BandhejGround Floor, ìJayantiî Apartment, SenapatiBapat Road. Tel: 25660790Yoga and MeditationKare Ayurvedic RetreatMisty Valley, Village Gonawadi, Mulshi Lake,Mulshi. Tel: 32933361Osho Meditation Resort# 17, Koregaon Park. Tel: 66019999Art of Living# 405B, 4th Floor, Citi Centre, Karve RoadTel : 64002463 / 25411821Home DecorCasa ItaliaShop No. 1/2, Chetna Apartment, # 2423,East Street, Camp. Tel : 26330199,26334843DalanBuilding-B, Shop No. 4, Clarion Park, DPRoad, Aundh. Tel : 25883077 / 25801182Elegant CraftsShop No. 3, DP Road, Aundh Tel : 40009980FOR MORE SUCH LISTINGS LOG ON TOmetromela.com APRIL 2009 59

LISTINGSVIZAG STD CODE - 0891AccessoriesGKB OpticalsShop No. 651 to 653, Dwaraka Nagar MainRoad, Dondaparthy Tel : 2733138Mahaveer Jewellers# 47-10-21/5, Isnar Plaza, DwarakanagarTel: 2565196Tours and TravelsArnav TravelsKRM Colony, SeethamadharaTel : 2713726, 9949332203Yoga and MeditationArt of Living# 404, Sharon Gardens, Akkayapalem,Narshimanagar Tel : 9849008642The Yoga VillageAndhra University, Beach RoadTel : 2566640, 2566625Women's ClothingAmberKGH Down Tel : 2565295Clothing CreekSiripuram Tel: 9949677749SchoolsBethany School# 10-50-29, Waltair Main RoadTel : 2567722, 2706121Timpany SchoolCBM Compound Tel : 2755156, 2754601RestaurantsOriental JadeFusion Foods, Siripuram. Tel : 2569555Hyderabad HousePeejay Plaza, Siripuram Tel : 6463939,6466969Spice India# 10-1-11, Waltair Uplands Tel : 6646666,9866646664Pubs and Clubs10 Downing Street3rd Floor, Sri Kanya Canopy, Waltair MainRoad, Siripuram Tel : 6666776ChromeVarun Towers, Siripuram Tel : 2529000Sandy LanesBeach Road Tel : 2736997Men's ClothingOzone# 10-1-31, Waltair Uplands Tel : 6672898The WardrobeC-3, Tirumala Arcade, Asilmetta Tel : 2501316Kids’ ShoppingMira Collections# 10-50-11/7, Ram Mansion, Waltair MainRoad Tel : 2550775, 2704247Puja's Collections# 30-15-78, Main Road, DabagardensTel : 2704574Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsPalm Beach Hotels and ResortsBeach Road Tel : 2754026, 2754027Grand BayBeach Road Tel : 2560101Gyms, Spas and SalonsEffectsFirst Floor, Varun Towers, Kasturba Marg,Siripuram Tel : 27012320891Do-Up Salon# 7-8-1/3, 3rd Floor, Varun Towers, SiripuramTel : 2701232, 9849004657ExtracurricularLearn Tennis Academy# 502B, Brindavan Apartments, MaharanipetaTel : 9866074504Nritya Kala BharatiShri Krishna Vidya Mandir Campus,Dwarakanagar Tel : 2577552Doctors and HospitalsApollo HospitalsWaltair Main Road Tel : 2727272Apoorva Hospital# 50-17-62, Rajendra Nagar, SeethammapetaTel : 2701258, 2747436City HotspotsIndira Gandhi Zoological ParkMadhurawada Tel : 2552081MGM Selvee WorldVuda Park Beach Road Tel : 2720000,2720001Music and MoviesJagadambaJagadamba Centre, Suryabagh Tel : 2564796Raj Audio & VideoShop No. 16, VUDA Complex, SiripuramTel : 6664647Rhythm HousePrakasaraopet Junction, Jagadamb.Tel : 2721125, 939390009960 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

LISTINGSMYSORE STD CODE - 0821AccessoriesAravind Optical#281, KR Hospital Road, Dhanvanthri RoadTel : 2447275/9351, MG Road. Tel: 2360808Bhima & Brothers Jewellers#96, 1st Floor, Devaraj Urs Road, DevarajaMohalla. Tel : 2428451, 2429838Alternative MedicineAmrutha Ayurvedalaya# 2014, Dhanvanthri Road, Devaraja Mohalla.Tel : 4264654Indus ValleyPost Box No. 3, Lalithadripura, IttigegudTel : 2473437, 2473263City HotspotsChitravana ResortSurvey No. 39, Lalawadi Gate, ManandawadyRoad. Tel : 3295553, 3295554Fun FortMysore-Bangalore RoadTel : 8236-217442, 9343121771GRS Fantasy ParkOff KRS Road, Metagalli. Tel : 2582781,2582782Doctors and HospitalsApollo BGS HospitalAdhichunchanagiri Road, KuvempunagarTel : 2568888, 2566666Basappa Memorial Hospital# 22B, Vinoba Road, JayalakshmipuramTel : 2512401, 2414471ExtracurricularAnthony Smith# 982, 10th Cross, 7th Main, VijayanagarTel : 9448739020Flames# 26, 1st Main, Paramahamsa Road,Yadavagiri. Tel : 2514976, 9845271051Gyms, Spas and SalonsXlent Beauty Parlour# 15/5, 6th Cross, Vishwamanava DoubleRoad, Kuvempunagar. Tel : 6532029Synergy Wellness# 59, Stone Building, 8th Main,Jayalakshmipuram. Tel : 4267500, 4267555Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsHotel DasaprakashSP Road, Gandhi Square. Tel : 2442444 / 55Lalitha Mahal PalaceSiddarthanagar. Tel : 2526100, 2526198Kids’ ShoppingBaby in Arms10th Main, 5th Cross, SaraswathipuramTel : 4257258, 9972977111Big Bus# 100, Devaraj Urs Road. Tel : 2424170Men's ClothingBafna's Men's Avenue# 16, Devaraj Urs Road. Tel : 2417407Benzer Fashions# 40, Devaraj Mohalla, Devaraj Urs RoadTel : 2525307Pubs and ClubsPurple Haze2nd Stage, Vijayanagar. Tel : 4004091,Lounge Bar# 13-14, Hotel Regaalis, Vinoba RoadTel : 2426426, 2427427RestaurantsBrewzHotel President, # 2723, Bangalore NilgiriRoad. Tel : 2425111Edelweiss Austrian# 2686/1, 9th Cross, Adipampa Road, VaniVillas Mohalla. Tel : 6452448SchoolsBharatiya Vidya BhavanCA14, 1st Stage, Vijayanagar. Tel : 2412141De Paul InternationalBelagola, Mandya Dist, SrirangapatnamTel : 08236-290340Women's ClothingAnjali Creations# 186, Old Bank Road. Tel : 2429239Badsha's Saibeen Silks# 93, Devaraj Urs Road. Tel : 2422998Yoga and MeditationArt of Living#110, 2 Main, 4th Stage, TK LayoutTel : 2341573Ashtanga Yoga# 235, 3rd Stage, 8th Cross, GokulamTel : 2516756Home DecorKarnataka Silks Handicrafts# 2941, Five Light Circle, Bangalore NilgiriRoad. Tel : 4260258Gm Lites# 182/2Road Old Bank Road. Tel : 4288769Chopda's 299# 1150, Mazanine Floor, Girnar Plaza,Narayan Shastry Road, KR MohallaTel : 2425299FOR MORE SUCH LISTINGS LOG ON TOmetromela.com APRIL 2009 61

LISTINGSCOCHIN STD CODE - 0484AccessoriesTanishq# 40/9351, MG Road. Tel: 2360808Hidesign# 6/63, Jew Town, Mattancherry, Tel: 2211087Alternative MedicineAmrita AyurvedaLayam Road, Tripunithura. Tel: 2778924,2778925Serena SpaKoder House, Tower Road Fort Cochin Tel:2218485 / 2218485City HotspotsBolgatty PalaceMulavukadu. Tel: 2750003/2750500Cherai Beach ResortsCherai, Vypeen Islands Tel: 2481818/2416949Doctors and HospitalsAmrita InstituteAmrita Lane, Elamakkara Post. Tel: 2801234 /2804321Cochin HospitalM.G. Road, Pallimukku Tel: 2378980/2378981ExtracurricularAvishkarPadmasree, Surabhi Enclave SA Road Tel:2313791 / 2312254Cochin WavesJanatha Junction Palarivattam. Tel: 2348945Flowers and GiftsCottage Industries# 4/1394, Bazar Road, MattancherryTel: 2229436 / 2226656Crafters# VI/141, Jew Town. Tel: 2223346/2227652Gyms, Spas and SalonsJawed HabibThe Trident, Bristow Road, Willingdon IslandTel: 2666816Kaya Skin ClinicGround Floor, Shop No. 14, Swapnil EnclaveMarine Drive Tel: 3092789/3092790Home DecorEuphoria Arts EmporiumCC/VII/32, Jew Town, MattancherryTel: 2221427 / 9895205411Hotels and Serviced ApartmentsTaj MalabarWillingdon Island Tel: 2666811/2668010Taj ResidencyMarine Drive Tel: 2371471Kids’ ShoppingButtons1st Floor, Blue Bell Square, Statue JunctionTripunithura. Tel: 2785595Lilliput# 40/978, Ground Floor, MG RoadTel: 4027713Men's ClothingGraffitiRajaji Road Junction, MG Road. Tel: 2367665KoutonsBay Pride Mall, Marine Drive. Tel: 4025612Taj Collections# 2425-B, Vipins Arcade Palluruthy VeliTel : 2235844Pubs and ClubsArmouryThe Bruton Boatyard Hotel, Calvetty RoadFort Cochin. Tel: 2215461 / 2215462ChampsGokulam Park Inn, Kaloor. Tel: 2400707RestaurantsAbad Food CourtBaypride Mall, Ground Floor, Marine DriveTel: 4025381Golden DragonMG Road, Ravipuram. Tel: 2368453SchoolsChinmaya VidyalayaLayam Road, Tripunithura.Tel: 2777684 / 2780207Cochin Public SchoolPipeline Junction, Thrikkakara.Tel: 2575198/2575086Dawn International SchoolWard III, Puthencruz P. O. VelloorkkaraTel: 3217225 / 2806176Women's ClothingKalyan SilksHospital Road Junction. Tel: 4081111Mamma's CollectionSheetal Building, ThoppumpadyTel: 3052535Yoga and MeditationArt of LivingVVK Cochin Information Centre, Abhivridhi,2nd Floor, Durbar Hall. Tel : 2545255 /2383738Life YogaChangampuzha Samadhi Road, EdappallyTel : 2330009Ayush# 2/530A, Ground Floor, Grace Tourist HouseFort Cochin. Tel 6456566Electronics and AppliancesBismi AppliancesGCDA Complex, Kaloor. Tel : 2345605 /2346998Capri# 35/65A, Thadikaran Centre, PalarivattamTel : 2334274 / 2332497ImagineABM Towers, Ground Floor, # 38/721-82,Gandhi Nagar Road, KadavantharaTel : 2207636 / 324848662 APRIL 2009 metromela.com EXPLORE YOUR METRO’S BEST MERCHANTS

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THERE IS A NEED TO EDUCATE THEIR WILL, HELP THEM LEARN FOR LIFE AND FOCUS ON DEVELOPINGALL 8 FORMS OF INTELLIGENCE ( LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL, VERBAL-LINGUISTIC, VISUAL-SPATIAL,BODILY-KINESTHETIC, INTRAPERSONAL, INTERPERSONAL, MUSICAL AND NATURALISTIC ) IN THEM.BECAUSE, EVERY CHILD IS INNATELY GIFTED !At Diksha – A Waldorf School, we follow Rudolf Steiner’spedagogy which balances academic, artistic and practicalelements, educating the whole child: Head, Heart andHands. At Diksha, learning is interdisciplinary, integratespractical, artistic, and intellectual elements, and is coordinatedwith “natural rhythms of everyday life”.At Diksha, teachers focus on developing each dimensionof a child’s personality which leads to un-inhibitedgrowth of the child and ensures each child fully utilizeshis/her latent potential. Thereby, nurturing each child’sindividual personality and facilitating them to meet theirbright and unique destiny.The approach has been termed "the most completearticulation of an evolutionary developmental K-12curriculum and creative teaching methodology".DikshaA Waldorf SchoolAdmissions now open from Nursery to Grade VIII.Hyderabad Office : Plot No : 9, A.P. Text Book Colony, Kharkhana, Secunderabad - 500 009, Phone : 040-44553144 , 09704801802