AUTHENTIC BEST
There’s a hot new boutique brand in town: The Postcard Hotel. It currently has three properties across Goa—in Moira, Velha and Cuelim—but the year ahead will see the doors to many more opening, from Uttarakhand to the Sunderbans, with a firm focus on authentic local experiences. For now, pick between a heritage tour of Goa on foot, surfing with locals, or a food tour through colourful markets—and then end it all with generous helpings of vindaloo, curry and xacuti. Pro tip: if you enjoy your privacy, check in to The Postcard, Velha. It is surrounded by acres of coconut plantations, and its shaded pool is made for lazy afternoons. Postcardresorts.com
A suite at The Postcard Hotel, Moira
The Postcard Hotel, Velha
PLATE UP
A new restaurant in Mumbai is all about Japanese fare, but with a hint of familiarity for the Indian palate
Mizu
Cold ramen salad
Japanese food is so much more than sushi, and Mizu, at Atria Mall, is determined to move beyond this trope; indeed, you’ll find none on the menu. What you will find is a mix of keen culinary experiments and bold flavour. Chef Lakhan Jethani is a champion of ingredients, and he sources his raw material from a hydroponic greenhouse in the city that specially grows Japanese herbs such as mizuna (mustard greens), and shisho (basil). In the kitchen, Jethani marries Japanese cuisine with Indian elements. So, your ponzu is laced with garam masala and your yuzu has Kashmiri chilli oil. Ready to be adventurous? Tel: 022 24913388
SHELF SPACE
Nicobar’s new collaboration with MasterChef’s Gary Mehigan is on our wish list
Indian Ocean from Nicobar
What happens when a well known Indophile meets a label that’s all about keeping it hip and local? You get a collaboration that’s all kinds of cool. Indian Ocean, Nicobar’s new home products line, created with Gary Mehigan and his wife Mandy Mehigan, features aboriginal motifs and coral-inspired accessories in palettes ranging from sun-kissed bronze to dazzling azure. Nicobar.com
CELEBRATION TIME
To commemorate five years in India, Chandon has unveiled its new Think Pink bottle. The design is inspired by some of our most-loved motifs—peacock feathers, antique jewellery and architectural elements drawn from the delicate inlay work seen on Mughal monuments. We’re torn between keeping a few bottles for posterity or popping them open to celebrate this beautiful limited-edition rosé varietal. What about you? Chandon.co.in
