Lifestyle

CHEENI KUM, THE WORLD OF COOKING BY SAKSHI SHINH   Sakshi Shinh is the creative genius behind Cheeni Kum, her world of cooking. Born with an inquisitive mind, from a young age had an interest in the creative world. Her strengths have included brand conceptualization and ideation, brand strategizing and positioning, knowledge and understanding of various cuisines, understanding of the customers and innovation in food.   Her love for food began at a young age, which only grew stronger afterwards. A banker turned Chef, started cooking as a passion with 140 followers on instagram and now it’s almost 16000 in short span of time. She has completely turned the brand around with their innovative ideas and introduction of latest recipes from around the country.   Talking about food & the extensive menu Cheeni Kum offers; the diverse menu embraces some of the renowned dishes like delectable Murg Makhani which, with the first bite, melts into your mouth and Shahi Panner,Dal Makhani with Kulcha is irresistible. The palatable food menu has signature dishes as Chicken Forest (bed of yellow rice, sauté veggies, eggs, dry fruits and full uncut baby chick), Shahi Mutton Raan served with Mutton Rice and Mutton Gravy (delicious snack for 4 ppl), Kadai Chicken, Laal Maas, Boneless Butter Chicken, Barbeque Chicken, Chaap Masala, Biryani, Handi Chicken and many more finger licking food with great taste and excellent quantity. Their delightful dessert menu is something to die for, make your sweet tooth happy by trying their Badami Halwa, Jalebi and kheer. Certainly, Cheeni Kum rediscovers the royal flavours and culinary heritage of Indian food.     # To order your food; Contact 9818733678   # All days open   # Note: Minimum 6 hours prior order acceptance   # Every single food is cooked fresh & hygienic   # To know more- https://instagram.com/cheenikum_bysakshishinh?utm_medium=copy_link    

For cocktail hours at weddings, baby showers, picnics, and other parties, family-style grazing tables are all the rage. These spreads, also called feasting tables, are great because they let guests casually mingle over drinks and bites as they pick on meat, cheeses, fruits, and other simple finger-foods (a.k.a the tastiest foods ever). And, with the right setup, they also look visually striking. What’s a grazing table? Well, technically it is a buffet with a delectable spread of artfully curated and arranged meat, cheese, seasonal fruits, flowers, decorative tableware, and more. The concept is it can be picked up with the hands when on the plate, primarily finger foods that keep well at room temperature for some time. It is also called a grazing buffet, interchangeably with grazing table. Grazing tables are also known as elevating wedding receptions everywhere by providing a colorful spread to feast on and mingle over. … Grazing tables often take shape as a massive charcuterie board or spread of antipasti laden with meats, cheeses, olives, and a selection of breads. A Tropical Graze For a “picnic” party right on the beach, the creators of this table say it ran more than 30 feet long! A Long Feast Table The eucalyptus that wraps around the table really makes it more special. It almost doesn’t matter what the food looks like (though it does look amazing). A Square Table Or, you can mix it up a bit, and instead of using a long, rectangular table, you can use a square one. That leaves the middle open for a dramatic centerpiece. Home Parties At private parties, the grazing feast can be the centerpiece with tiered plates to add elevation. Select a place roomy enough for guests to move around and admire the arrangement. “A well-put grazing table has premium ingredients, intelligent pairing and diverse flavours. Avoid sweet with savouries. The food should be bite-sized sans sauces,” says Vikram Ganpule, executive chef, Andaz Delhi. Place moisture-laden items on a non-porous base. Don’t leave white spaces on the table. “It allows you the freedom to be as much a part of the party as your guests,” says Chiquita Gulati, chef and co-owner, Gulati Spice Market, Delhi. Health factor Health nuts would love grazing tables. “Faux nuts contain more calcium than milk. Add them with salt and pepper to clarified butter. Walnuts and chia seeds high in omega 3 are a good replacement for buttered popcorn or chips. Include mashed cauliflower tikkis and rice cakes as they are a source of good carbs,” says Nutritionist Gaurav Taneja. Versions of the grazing table have always been there and will continue to reign, says Gulati. “But the times for super formal dining seem to be behind us. Now people enjoy casual get-togethers where food isn’t fussy.” Amazing graze indeed.

She is the co-founder and Director of L’Opéra, the most prominent French Bakery and Pastry operation in India. Christine was born to an artist mother and an academician father. She has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and a MA of Anthropology and Sociology. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren.Christine has served the society in a variety of capacities over the last thirty years. Prominently from 1988 until 2008 as the Head of the European and Francophone Branch of the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information, in Paris.Christine has travelled extensively, given numerous talks and lectures and participated in many radio, television, and press interviews.In 2008, Christine and her family moved to New-Delhi India where she started a new career as an entrepreneur and social activist. In 1994, Christine was elevated by the French Government to the rank of “Knight” in the prestigious “National Order of Merit”.   1)How would you best describe yourself in 50 words? A modern, progressive and passionate woman, happy with my life and not wishing or desiring to emulate or compete with men. I believe in true gender equality and complementary roles of men and women at home and in society. I consider women as true agents of changethrough the education they dispense to their children and through their unique contribution to the public life. I love beauty, harmony, arts and classical music and believe in the good, which is in each human being and in the oneness of mankind.   2) Tell us what the journey has been like for you so far as an Iranian-French woman in India. The journey has been very fulfilling; since I moved here back in 2008, about 9 years ago, I have felt welcomed in India and have taken a great liking to Indian culture, traditions and hospitality. As a trained sociologist and anthropologist, I have always loved to discover new cultures, new civilizations and most of all new peoples. Obviously, there are differences between our life in Paris and the one in Delhi but with support from family and friends I have been able to adapt and feel at home very rapidly. I believe, moreover, that my Western and Eastern backgrounds have enriched my experience in India, as I always try to view realities here from a global perspective. After all, I believe, as a Baha’i, that the world is but one country and mankind its citizens. In this sense, India has further helped me to foster this view. I would also say that my profound involvement in my family business, namely L’Opéra, has been a great opportunity to affirm and rediscover my appreciation for French culinary culture.   3) Your biggest achievement? I would like to reframe the question and say biggest achievement so far since I have not yet given up on what may come and happen in the future…As surprising as it may sound, I consider my biggest achievement not in what I have done so far but rather in how I did it. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I managed to have a well-balanced and harmonious life without any major conflicts. I was lucky to obtain an excellent education, be a good daughter, loving mother and wife, have a fulfilled professional life for decades in the service of society and finally become an entrepreneur and businesswoman without ever going into extremes and having to sacrificeany of my tasks and responsibilities in favour of the other.   4) What do you love the most about your work? All along my professional career, and actually in all my life I was always attracted to and inspired by people, particularly if they came from other cultures and traditions. From the early days of my childhood, I also had the desire to build and create something new, simply to become and entrepreneur. It is interesting that this opportunity finally presented itself to me with L’Opéra where I could realise my childhood dreams and combine my love for aesthetics, with that of people and create something which did not only satisfy my own aspirations, but which also brings joy, happiness and satisfaction to hundreds and thousands of people every day. What makes this undertaking even more precious is that I can engage in what I love together with my closest family members namely my son and my husband.   5) How do you balance home and work? This is indeed an ongoing challenge for every woman and mother who wants to do everything right. First, you need to set your prioritiesstraight and thensecure the necessary help from all available sources, such as family or other, which is required to accomplish all the objectives and tasks you have set for yourself.Subsequently, you need to practice discipline and a good dose of organisation. And finally, as you can imagine this can only work well if you enjoy a true partnership with your spouse and can count on reciprocal love, understanding, support and respect.   6) What do you find to be the most challenging part of being women in hospitality industry. The challenges of being a woman in the hospitality industry are not more than just being a woman in any industry. Incidentally, I find women have a number of innate advantages, which actually help them in the hospitality industry. It is not actually the fact of being a man or woman, which is important. It is the fact that as a woman, you are not only a businessperson, but you are also a mother and often a spouse with the associated expectations. As a (business) man, you are expected to be successful in your professional activities and spend some time with the family. However, as a woman and mother you are expected to bear children, raise and educate them, take care of the household, unite the (extended) family and be a spouse. In most cases, your entrepreneurial activities come on top of these, which are considered as granted. Obviously, once you have mastered all

Creativity at its best!    “Arts and Crafts have been my always ultimate interest. I did my graduation in history Hons., diploma in aviation, travel, hospitality, candle making and then Trousseau. Trousseau is something that I have always passionated about’ since I was a little girl. After trousseau I knew I wanted to study floral designing too.   In the Industry it’s been 5 years of journey. Initially I used to work 20-22hrs every day. It was quite challenging as I had no god father in the city, no mentor, but never gave up.”   Achievements & Accolades   Christina Taying has been awarded as an Excellence in International Floral Fashion designs Thailand (2018).   Most promising skilled floral artist in 2021   Best Women Entrepreneur (floral artist) of the year 2021   Born in Arunachal Pradesh Pasighat “The Land of Rising Sun”, blessed with amazing parents & two elder brothers.   Flower has always fascinated her, as she was born with nature; grew up with nature. Her Mom is a Govt. employee and a great homemaker. Her house is located in a area Space of 8-10Acre. It was enough of space for the house, where her mom would grow seasonal vegetables and flowers all over the compounds.   As she concluded further, “I see everyone in the Industry is amazing and superb talented. But my biggest challenge is within myself. Upgrading my Skills. If you go through my work page it’s completely different from others. I don’t have any competition with anyone. Competition and challenges is within myself.”   Work page – ( Instagram ) @Fiori di bloom @Meraki Pines FB @fiori di bloom by Meraki Pines   Christina Taying Floral Artist Founder – Meraki Pines & Fiori Di Bloom

As they say that there’s always a silver lining to the black clouds, for us that silver lining will always be a new restaurant launch, and this time it is Out Of The Box in Connaught Place. Yes, you heard us right. OTB is out with their new outlet after their humongous success in Khan Market and Hauz Khas. As the name suggests, OTB has built a legacy of always being different, serving different and giving its patrons a different feel as soon as they enter the place. And this is exactly what their CP outlet has to offer too. Located in the heart of the city, Connaught Place, OTB is a power-packed house with a large open area full of vibrant energies and a gorgeous open Out of the Box courtyard. The lush greens and the open sky give it a perfect European feel. Keeping up the legacy of OTB, this outlet brings with it the first windmill of the city. Once you plop your bottoms in their veranda, you’d able to enjoy these windmills and also a mesmerizing waterfall that sits there in all its grace. To add on, they have beautiful plants all over, spreading fresh fragrances, to awaken your senses and give you a good time. OTB offers a mix of casual and formal dining. While the courtyard has a more casual feel, with those lounging areas and a more relaxed vibe, the indoor seating is a bit more formal, suitable for cooperate events and family dinners. They serve American, North Indian, European, Mexican,Lebanese, and Asian cuisines with the side of their stellar bar. As soon as the day reaches the twilight zone, when the Sun sets down and the sky changes its colors, OTB goes through a tremendous transformation, the kind you’ve never seen before. With the moon coming up, OTB fills the room with fairy lights like the sky lighting up with stars, and tables start to glow like the moon. Even the plants, the staircases, and everything are adorned with lights to create a breath-taking moment. To add on, there’s a hand-curated list of the best live artists in town to keep your mood in place. Also, just when you thought about where to click those Instagrammable pictures, these guys got you sorted there too. They have a dedicated selfie point, right at the beginning of the restaurant that comes with a cool chimpanzee painting. Also, with so many unique elements like their windmill, the open courtyard, the waterfall, and the amazing décor, we think that every corner at OTB is a selfie point. Apart from their décor, the food and drinks they serve will surely look good on your feed too. Take it from us, their South Bohemian soup, Cuban Cigar Rolls, Masala Mozzarella Fritters, and Chicken Cheese Jalapenos will make for the best company if you’re a foodie just like us. And do not forget to try their Signature OTB Bomb LIIT which comes with a smoking kettle, and also their fabulous range of Martinis that comes with an OTB twist. Udit Bagga, the co-founder said, “With OTB our aim is to give our patrons an experience they’ll cherish for long. From the lights, the waterfall, the windmill, and even the food, we want them to experience something new and different with every step they take at OTB. With tremendous success in HKV and Khan Market, we want to up our game with this outlet”. To which Udit Bhasin, the co-founder added,“People these days do not just want to sit anywhere and eat, they want to experience the joy of stepping out and spending time with their friends and family, and hence we want OTB to be very experiential. Having footprints in Dehradun, Chandigarh, Gurgaon,Hyderabad and Rajouri Garden, CP seemed like a perfect fit

The dynamic and multi-faceted Saakshi Kanwar is a self-driven individual. She believes that education and awareness can bring a positive change to society. A native of Rawatbhata in Rajasthan, she was schooled at the Atomic Energy Central School. The multi-cultural and poly-ethnic environment at the school sowed the seeds of the passion for driving social change in her. Saakshi says, “Willingness to help others can come only when you are beautiful inside.Your inner beauty reflects on the outside that makes you beautiful. So inner beauty plays a big role in creating a beautiful whole”. Her affinity for Mathematics made her choose teaching as a profession. Her stint as a teacher began in a humble village with a diverse group of students. She progressed to teaching at the prestigious GEMS Education institution in Dubai, and then the Langley Grammar in UK. Teaching made her adaptable and flexible with an innate ability to balance her personal life as a homemaker and her professional career. She has been active in the teaching arena with a full-fledged tutoring class along with secondary school teaching. The family business also saw her contributing as the company account keeper. She also volunteered for Art of Living and the IAHV inclusive the British 10K. Cultural activities on various forums like Colours TV, Desi Beat and performing Rajasthani Folk dances are her forte. Painting, singing, Sudoku and dabbling in cyber security are the other interests of this versatile personality. Her fitness routine encompasses Yoga, meditation, Zumba and jogging. Awards and Accolades Saakshi participated in Confluence London 2019 where she had the opportunity to show case more than 10 International Designers. It was the event to celebrate 150th birth annivarsary of Mahatma Gandhi to promote Khadi Saakshi got Rajasthan Women Achievment Award in Jaipur, Septemer 2019 in the field of Education and social work.

Swati Tuteja is the rising face in the current modelling industry. She is the winner of the 2019 Mrs India Worldwide Crown (fire). Swati also bagged the top position in the North Zone and holds the esteemed subtitle of Mrs Hourglass. She is married, brings along with her work experience in the Aviation industry and right now, she is smashing the roofs in modelling. What is her secret to success and advice to youngsters? She reveals all to the Beauty and the Best Magazine. Tell us about your experience in the field None, actually. Before winning the Mrs India Worldwide Crown (fire), I actually had no exposure or industry experience. I truly believe all you need to achieve anything are a passion for that stream and confidence at every step, and they were my driving force to win the pageant. I always wanted to be a model. I kept my confidence high and followed my heart. Those were my secrets. Suggestion for youngsters who want to be in the modelling industry? Do what I did. Find your passion for modelling and pursue it with confidence. Your positive attitude is going to make a difference. Learn from others, continuously upgrade your skills, believe in yourself, and always be confident. Advice and information related to the beauty pageant It feels splendid to win the pageant and wear the crown, but that should not be the only goal. Every step along the way matters and that is what models should focus on. I always tried to build the best version of myself, took care of my body, built discipline and skills. Although my one eye was always set on the crown, I enjoyed and learned from every moment. That is what a pageant is all about. Future of pageant as so many pageants are happening these days? I am excited about the future of pageants. Unlike the old times, today’s pageants are not only about your beauty. Your intellect, your thinking, your skills, and your social contributions, everything is tested and that provides a level ground. As a model, you need to research the pageant you are entering in. Read the audience and the judges. What’s your vision to make a mark on the international platform? I truly see myself walking the famed international ramps adorned in the dresses designed by the top designers. I believe that the 2019 Mrs India Worldwide Crown was my stepping stone. With the blessings of the Almighty and the support that I have from my family, I am certain that I will make a mark in the international modelling arena and earn my fame.

Beauty and the Best Magazine was in conversation with Meenakshi Dutt, an icon of the glamour industry and a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring make-up artistes. She has broken the glass ceiling in unimaginable ways and has styled herself into a persona that begets respect in the field of this career path. She believes staying positive and dreaming big is essential to create the life of your dreams. What business are you into? Our forte is Makeup and hairstyling. We aim to teach the craft to new people who have dreams in their eyes and talent in their fingers. The glamour world thrives on new styles and looks and we update our skills regularly to create novel looks. The more Avant garde the better. Creating global trends in desi environs is our style statement.   Who has inspired you the most? People who have the determination to win and move ahead in life are my source of inspiration. It is a trait I admire, not a person as such. There are many who have lit fires within my consciousness. Shehnaz Hussain is a feisty entrepreneur in my industry who has shown the way forward.   If not this which profession would you choose? I was always someone who has been attracted to creativity. The Plan B of my life would have been being an actress or dancer. In the early phase of life, the idea of being the cabin crew in an international airline had caught my fancy. Makeup was the other choice I had in mind and with time it took the front seat. Since then there has been no turning back. I would also like to advise young people to have more than one career choice in mind. Knowledge is the key. Learn everything about your trade and keep yourself updated. Do what you love and works best for you.   What are the challenges that you faced? The field I have chosen is still in a nascent phase. There are a plethora of challenges that you need to face when you are in the throes of establishing yourself as a makeup artist. The bridal market is another huge challenge that you have to conquer. The new crop of makeup artistes are more tech savvy and have garnered huge exposure. It is a roller coaster ride that keeps any professional on her toes. It is fun and exhilarating at the same time.   What differentiates you from others? The Meenakshi Dutt Makeovers team has the zeal and the passion to follow the latest trends in makeup and hairstyling. The softest look to the loudest makeup can be nailed with ease at our premises. The looks we specialize are Arabic, Cut crease and sequin eyes. The latest trends and classic makeup are both equally liked by our patrons. Our capability to add creativity and uniqueness to our work is our academy’s hallmark.   How do you keep your clients happy? Clients always like a personal touch and connection when they visit us. The key to customer delight is understanding their needs and requirements and add our suggestions to the mix to help them reach a solution. The end result is always an enhanced look. We have so many happy clients who endorse us to their friends and family too. Our reputation is growing.   The New Face with Exciting Ideas Shivangi Dutt Heir to an icon of the Indian makeup industry, harboring some prolific ideas for herself and their brand, and with a dream to transform the current makeup trends, ShivangiDutt is the new face of the famed makeup brand MDM Makeovers and the able daughter of ace makeup artist. MeenakshiDutt, Shivangi recently completed her university education in the UK, raked up an A1 grade in her makeup and hairstyling degree, and has now come to India to pursue her career. The Beauty and the Best team got in touch with her to pen down her visions for the Indian market, the excerpts of which are here.   What is your style file? My style file is all about myself and what my mood is like at a particular moment. Even in my work, I like to replicate that idea by providing a makeover depending on the audience and the ambiance. Not all situations can have the same makeup. The art has to be different for a grungy and cute setting.   How’s your work shaping up? Right now, I am focusing on mainly clientele-based work. I have hardly been in India for 2-3 months now and really haven’t had the opportunity to explore the other areas of makeup. But soon enough, I would like to discover more as the potential available in the makeup industry is so vast.   Tell us about your professional training in your field of work? During my time at the university, I have worked with multiple professional photographers and their shoots. I was also a part of the makeup team of the Graduate Fashion Week in London where we worked side by side with L’Oréal. Then I interned at a UK-based magazine called the Beauty Papers and now I am here working for MDM Makeovers. Your mother is a legend in the makeup industry, do you feel you can match up to her success Mom is an inspiration to everyone, isn’t she? She started at a different time and I have always seen her work very hard. I hope to give the same amount of dedication to my work and wish to reach a level of success that will satisfy me.   Are you planning to make a mark in the Bollywood industry as a makeup artist? Stepping into Bollywood as a makeup artist will be really exciting. It is not about looking good there. You create stories with makeup, bring fiction to life, and that is something I look forward to doing.   What are your views on the Indian makeup industry? Right now, I feel the Indian makeup industry is