Sampling Dal Moradabadi at Ignis, New Delhi

While this isn’t a food blog, we’ll make a concession and still write about a meal that I thoroughly enjoyed at Ignis, which is a multi-cuisine restaurant in Delhi’s Connaught Place (or Rajiv Chowk) area. It’s above the good ol’ Volga restaurant and, according to a friend, offers the most spectacular view of the market area especially at night time. That the restaurant faces the Central Park only makes the view better.
Ignis still awaits its liquor license but since my husband and I are not too high on the booze quotient, it made for a good choice. Though I was tempted to try mushroom cappuccino (a soup), we settled on what my husband called “nouveau Indian” food. My eyes did veer towards some interesting salmon dishes, a promising starter of chicken and olive parcels and what have you. But what we ordered finally was also an extension of the scrumptious fare offered at Ignis. And though we went totally desi in our order, opting for olive and parmesan naan (one of my favourite Indian breads) along with regular butter naans, we took thick tomato gravy with fenugreek chicken fare and a simple daal. In fact, I loved the way we got our Dal Moradabadi. It reminded me of how the delectable Khowsuey is served at The Kitchen, another favourite haunt at New Delhi’s Khan Market. (Address: 75, Khan Market, New Delhi. Contact: 011 - 41757960/1)

Since we’re a wellness blog, I knew instantly that this is one dish that will make it to SPAlendor. It’s a good idea to replicate the serving style at home too. What we ate was a simple arhar dal served with seven accompaniments including roasted garlic, freshly chopped coriander leaves, amchoor (dried mango powder), ginger juliennes, squeezed juice of half a lemon, a tangy coriander chutney and a dry red chilli.
It’s something we could do at home too. Cook a pan of lentils with salt to taste (salt should never be added after dishes are prepared, it should be added during the process of cooking) and let everyone add their desired flavor. While I’m not too fond of intensifying my dals with too many flavours (unless it’s very badly cooked and bland) it was a nice feeling to keep adding the accompaniments that we got at Ignis.
So, then, bon appétit!

Where: Ignis, B Block, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, Above Volga restaurant, New Delhi
How much: Meal for two (without starters or drinks) with just the main course: Rs 826including taxes

Shiivaz Spa: menu for summer 2009

Mumbai's Shiivaz Spa recently sent its summer 2009 spa menu. Do take a look and take your pick. Don't miss the interesting body wraps and scrubs.
Location: Shiiva’z Spa, Mohammedbhai Mansion, Kemps Corner, Cumballa Hill Hospital Lane, Mumbai – 400 036


Shiiva’z spiritual body treatment [90 mins] Rs 4,500 plus taxes
Soothing sandalwood, turmeric scrub in cold milk is followed by a traditional Indian de stress massage, this rhythmic and artistic technique help open blocked energy channel and relaxes the body.

Shiiva’z detox body treatment [90 mins] Rs 4, 500 plus taxes
A gentle scrubbing mixture of sea salt, ginger powder, lemon, juice, thoroughly blended with relaxing lavender, aromatic sandalwood and strengthening sweet almond oils to eliminate accumulated toxins, and soothe the deeper layers of your body. Followed by firm massage of intermittent pressure techniques to compress and stretch muscle tissues and naturally detoxify the body

Shiiva’z rejuvenation body treatment [90 mins] Rs 4,500 plus taxes
A nourishing and moisturizing paste of cinnamon and powered rice blended in honey and milk to rejuvenate and reverse sun damaged skin, followed by a gentle ‘kalari’ and Indian massage technique specially designed to stimulate new healing energies in the body.


Shiiva’z annalepam [50 mins] Rs 3,300 plus taxes
This ancient therapy starts with a light Kerala massage followed by a specially prepared scrub of toning medicinal rise, milk and healing herbal power for strained muscles and nerves.

Shiva’z sharer [50mins] Rs 3,300 plus taxes
A unique treatment designed, from a combination of the best healing and rejuvenating massage strokes of the Tibetan Himalayan , Javanese, ancient thalassic and traditional Indian ‘champi’ to balance energy flow and repairing damaged tissues whilst completely relaxing stiff muscles.

Shiiva’z Ananda [50 mins] Rs 3,300 plus taxes
A treatment where the therapist uses his forearms in the ancient Polynesian method, and create increased pressure on the back to loosen stiff muscles, finished with gentle soothing Garhwali massage strokes leaving you feeling re energized.
Shiiva’z sushumna [50 mins] Rs 3,300 plus taxes
A unique balancing massage from the left foot finishing on the right foot, in the direction the ancient Indians used for clearing blocked channel of energy in the physical and emotional body

Lomi Lomi [50 mins ] Rs 3,000 plus taxes
This ancient Polynesian style massage restores balance to the body, mind and soul, with flowing movements across the entire body, healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Signature body scrub Rs. 2,000 plus taxes

Tropical fruit body scrub [50mins ]
The perfect blend from nature’s beauty….a pineapple, honeydew, grapes and banana scrub. The bromeliad in pineapples, a protein enzyme, helps remove the dead skin and dirt off your body, honeydew’s mild astringent soothes and hydrates dry skin, anti-oxidant rich grapes, protect you from the harmful UV rays and the banana’s essential nutrients keep the skin soft and smooth.

Brown sugar body scrub [50 mins]
A warm and gentle exfoliating treatment of brown sugar, white oats, honey, aloe vera gel, lemon juice and almond oil, which easily sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving it feeling smooth and luscious.

Herbal body polish [50 mins]
An aromatic exfoliating treatment power, clove, turmeric, ginger, power, white clay, lemongrass oil and warm milk, leaves your body feeling as smooth as silk.

Bali lulur [50 mins]
This highly medicinal scrub energizes the system, alleviating fatigue. An excellent skin enlivening and nourishing scrub of sea salt, black pepper powder, almond power, holy basil oil, and black pepper essential oil, it gently warms the body on cool, winter days.

Coconut and ginger shred [50 mins]
This very gentle and aromatic scrub of coconut flakes, finely, grated fresh ginger and olive oil, leaves the skin clean smooth and vitalized.

Classic coffee scrub [50 mins]
This stimulating scrub of ground aromatic coffee beans, cooling camphor, cinnamon powder, cinnamon powder, grated carrot and rice flour leaves your skin soft, clear and smooth.

Sugar scrub [50 mins]
This very popular spa treatment of sugar and spice, almond oil, lemon juice, and jasmine oil, removes dead cells and leaves your skin soft and radiant.

Lemon salt glow [50 mins]
Sea salt, almond oil, sweet almond oil mixed with finely grated lemon zest, brings a healthy glow to dull, dry skin.

Body wraps [Rs 2,000 plus taxes]

Aloe and cucumber soother [50 mins]
A soothing combination of cucumber and aloe vera, both strong hydrating elements, makes this a suitable wrap for dry and sun burnt skin. It helps to encourage new cell growth, soothe skin irritation and moisture to thirsty skin.

Sensitive skin cucumber masks [50 mins.]
This chilled cucumber, brewers yeast, ground oatmeal, honey and yogurt mask is a perfect soothe for sensitive skin.

Luscious orange warp [50 mins.]
This freshly prepared wrap of vitamin rice dried orange peel, olive oil, honey, and almond powder; build collagens to smoothen fine lines, another one of nature’s elixir to beautiful, healthy, soft skin.

Indian spice wraps [50 mins.]
Ancient Uptan, a purifying and healing treatment of almond powder, oatmeal powder, sandalwood oil, ginger oil, cinnamon oil, and patchouli oil, cleans and rejuvenates the skin.

Spa break at Kerala: women only

Spa vacation at Punnamada resort

I absolutely adore Sumitra Senapati. A former journalist, she chucked her job to do something more enriching, more fulfilling. Since travelling was -- and continues to be -- her passion, Sengupta started a travel club. No, not just another travel club but one created especially for women.
I first spoke to her for a story that was published in Business Standard Newspaper http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/menchildren-strictly-not-allowed/340945/ and needless to say, since then I've been getting regular updates on Women on Wanderlust http://www.wowsumitra.com/

The club has just announced its new vacation schedule (most of them have already been sold out) and I thought it was necessary to mention WOW's spa break in Kerala. Here are the details

Spa & Monsoon Break in God’s Own Country for 3 nights & 4 days

6th June to 9th June

Day 1: Cochin Airport/Punnamada Resort (6th June Saturday)
· Make your own travel arrangements till Cochin by train or flight
· Pick up from Cochin airport and proceed Punnamada Resorts
· Welcome drinks on arrival.
· Check in at Punnamada Resort by lunch time.
· At leisure after lunch to pamper yourself with a body massage and facial/pedicure/manicure.
· Follow it up with a swim in the pool or try out one of the indoor games available at the resort.
· Build up your appetite as you see a demonstration of some exotic specialties of Kerela.
· Cultural program of one of the best known classical dance forms, “Kathakali”.
· Dinner and Over night stay in the Punnamada Resort

Day 2: House Boat (7th June Sunday)
· After Breakfast in resort try your hand at paddle boat & canoe.
· We proceed to House Boat at 12.noon. Check into AC House Boat.
· Lunch in House Boat.
· Fishing while on House Boat.
Dinner and overnight stay in House Boat.

Day 3: House Boat /Turtle Beach Resort (8th June Monday)
· Breakfast in the House Boat. Disembark
· Thereafter proceed to Turtle beach resort on Marari beach to enjoy the monsoon sights and sounds by the sea.
· Lunch
· Today is the day to relax and just let the day go by as we sit on the patio and chat or take long walk on the beach..
· Dinner & Overnight stay at the Turtle Beach Resort.

Day 4: Turtle Beach Resort/Sightseeing/Railway Station or Airport (9th June Tuesday)
· After breakfast we checkout and proceed to Cochin for local sight seeing- Jews street, Synagogue, Dutch castle, Chinese fishing net and much more before taking flight/ train home.

INCLUSIONS:
A/c Accommodation on twin share basis.
Sightseeing and surface transfers by Ac coach Cochin to Cochin.
Meals as per itinerary
Treatment & Massage mentioned in the itinerary
House Boat Stay in AC comfort
Cultural Programme and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
All Applicable Taxes.

EXCLUSIONS:
· Laundry/Medicines/Doctor/Telephone
· Travel arrangements till Cochin and from Cochin
· Soft Drinks/Mineral water Meals/tea/coffee/drinks other than stated
· Tips & any other thing not mentioned in the itinerary.

Package details
Cost per person on twin sharing basis Rs.19, 500/
Single Occupancy Rs.7, 000/- extra.
EARLY BIRD OFFER: Pay the full amount by 15th May and get Rs 2,000 off!!!!
To reserve your place, courier Rs 7,500 and your signed WRF that is attached. Please note that all balance payments should come in by 31st May, 2009.
Please see payment options below:
· Send us an at par Cheque at the below address or
· Simply deposit the money in Axis Bank in your area .Account no. 296010200002684 (Axis Bank) or
· An online transfer with bank details given below :
AXIS BANK
Mayur Vihar, LSC, Phase 2, ND 91
Current ac no: 296010200002684.
IFS Code: UTIB 0000296
· If you want to pay in cash, this is possible in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore.
Sumitra Senapaty
D 703 Anandlok CGHS, Mayur Vihar, Phase 1
New Delhi 91

Just another trip to the salon

In my previous blog entry that I had written on Kim Robinson, I'd mentioned about why I hate visiting beauty salons. The experts there will take a look at your face, sulk and wonder why you were created in the first place. "What's with the pimples, ma'am?" "Your hair sucks", "You should come regularly", "Oh, your face, so dull"... these are just some of the many comments that I've encountered each time a salon expert has looked at my face. They've wanted to sell me their products, they've punctured my thoughts of being a fairly presentable person, they've cribbed about my sun tan and they've "tsk-ed tsk-ed" about how terrible I'll be when I grow older than I already am.
This article was published as part of our Mystery Guest column in Business Standard http://www.business-standard.com/india/

You need two things when you hit a beauty salon: money (lots of it) and patience (in abundance). After spending three hours at a beauty salon, I realise I lack patience, and whatever money I had has been spent on a face that is “dry, dull with fine lines and prone to pimples, white heads, black heads...”

But let’s go back to the beginning. Perturbed by some recent remarks made by a friend (“Pamper yourself. What are you earning for?”) and an elderly family member (“Why do you work? Sit at home and work, and pamper yourself”), I trudge to Limelite, a unisex beauty salon in the NCR. It’s a spectacularly clean salon, very spacious, with an excellent staff who greet me with wide smiles and a glass of water.

They proceed to show me a “rate card” with different treatments including a chocolate facial. But the one for me is skin lightening facial treatment, because, “your face is too tanned”.

“Your face is very dark, madam. You don’t take care at all?” asks beautician No. 2. “I don’t get the time,” I say coldly, to which she adds, “Looking at your face, no one will believe you earn so much money. You should find the time to take care of your skin.”

Sometime later, a hairdresser, holding a clump of my hair, tells me my hairstyle, “is hopeless” and can be saved only if I get hair colour, followed by a quick wash, a special conditioner and hair serum.

“The shampoo and conditioner,” I’m told, “are available at the salon”. With my hair in a “colouring” mess, I find a five-year-old kid quietly staring at me, as if he’s found an alien sitting on a throne.

Is there anything right about me? “Oh, no. Why are your fingernails not shaped?” whines another girl, who’s getting ready to give me a manicure. By now the word “patience” has vanished from my dictionary and I’m wondering why people refer to a salon trip as a “relaxing experience”?

Having wiped off one-third of my salary in three hours, and finding out that, genetically speaking, my skin loves to burst into pimples, I head home with a new hairstyle, a “lightened” face and neatly painted fingernails. At home, my mother opens the door, looks at me lovingly and says, “Hi, bad day at work?”

Hair spa review: Aman, New Delhi

"Who'll style my hair?" Rod quipped while giving me a hair spa treatment



What is hair spa, I thought aloud, looking at Rod Anker, who was busy studying my scalp at Kim Robinson, the brand new salon that opened its doors recently at New Delhi’s Aman. While I relished my cappuccino with cookies, sinking comfortably into the plush chair, surrendering my scalp and mane in the able hands of Rod, I found myself struggling to keep awake thanks to the soothing music that played in the background and Rod’s firm yet comforting head massage. But Rod began: “Hair spa is all about studying your scalp, knowing which treatment to give for a lustrous, shiny mane and really, doing justice to your hair that should be well maintained.”
I suppose, he would know better. As creative director of Kim Robinson at the deliciously serene Aman, the world class hospitality chain that opened its magnificent gates to the junta (audience) just a month ago, Rod is working overtime to ensure that everyone who walks into Kim Robinson walk out feeling confident, feeling wonderful.
So, what was the best part or the one defining moment about my spa treatment? It would be unfair to pin it down to just one, for the joys of being treated at Kim Robinson are aplenty. Number one: No one will tell you, “Madam, your hair, very bad. And miss, what is this thinning of hair? You should put oil in the head madam, see how bad you look. You should use our volume enhancing cream madam, only with that can your hair look better, or else, tsk tsk tsk.” I hate this about salons and the manner in which people cluck their tongues in disgust after carelessly holding a clump of my hair and feeling sorry for my existence. So it’s surprising when Rod looks at my hair (even taking pictures of my scalp from a complicated looking gadget) and pronounces, “So, your hair’s very clean. Nice.” He’s convincing too, immediately giving my hair a good rub and then proceeding to cut my hair.
“Wait! You won’t spray my hair with water?” No, exclaimed Rod stunned at the suggestion. At Kim Robinson they use what’s called a dry technique. Instead of wetting hair and then snipping it away, the promoters believe that hair should be treated in as natural a way as possible. It means hard work for the hairstylist but Rod says it’s worth it. A regular haircut at any other salon would mean the hairstylist spraying jets of water all over the name, helping it to concentrate in one area which makes it easier for them to snip it away. After that is a quick blow dry, a yummy hairstyle which draws everyone’s attention. But what happens the next morning? Don’t you invariably sulk looking at your hair which is back to its usual look with no volume, no bounce and absolutely no convincing haircut.
Surprisingly, that’s where Kim Robinson haircut with its dry technique works. After snipping away with his scissors, Rod gently rubs and massages orange essential oil by parting my hair in different sections and soon after, I’m ushered into a room where his assistant Akram diligently gives my hair a smart wash. This is done after he’s parted my hair in sections and applied a cooling hair mask that’s then treated to a “micro mist” steam. This is clearly the best part of the treatment and I find myself snoozing for 20 minutes before Akram wakes me up by lathering my hair in shampoo. I feel like I’m floating on clouds what with the steam mist rising gently over my face. Akram proceeds to apply a quick conditioner followed by scented linseed oil which is mild but gives my hair a soft, feathery touch.
I look into the mirror with dreamy eyes [still sleepy, you see] and by now, Rod’s done a swell job of setting my hair. “It’ll stay like this,” he reassures while I walk out of the experience, glad that Rod touched my hair and created magic. But that’s what a creator does, no?

Spa Notes
· The overall experience of a hair spa treatment at Kim Robinson, Aman, New Delhi, is wonderful. I just wish they’d give at least five-10 minutes of a power nap to clients who, after such a great experience, have to walk out to the usual stress of the city.
The cost of a hair spa treatment: Rs 9,700 ($194) + taxes
Contact Rod on (91) 11 43633475 at Aman, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
PSSSST!!!

• Overheard that Ms Shobhana Bhartiya, chairperson and editorial director of the Hindustan Times group, walks into Kim Robinson twice a week with her shampoo, conditioner and hair spray for hair wash and blow dry.
• Actor Karishma Kapoor and her cousin Riddhima Kapoor Sahni are ditching their previous haunt Salon de Ravissant for Aman