Connect with us

Cover Story

Soul Sante: Soulfood at Elements

FWD food shoot at Elements, Kochi

Published

on

Photos: Suneesh Suresh

In Harry Potter, the  newspapers are animated, while in Elements the menu is bespoke. Unlike being buried and lost in a menu like stringy  noodles, your wish lands on your plate. Though you do not have to beat around the plate, the restaurant takes you into a miniature wonder world – inspired by the elements of water, wood, metal, fire and earth. From the lush gardens, the peeping tortoise, eclectic art, the huge porthole like windows, to the wooden artwork and Moroccan mosaic, the ambience instigates a surprise; what’s cooking? FWD_soul_sante_pizza_vegetarian_may_2015But there’s no quizzical maze, head yourself to the kitchen and find out.Never be surprised, the kitchen is always open to guests. Santosh Mullapalli – the CEO of Elements mentioned that children loved to see how pizzas were prepared and they always joined in. As the not -so forbidden doors were opened, I was welcomed with warm smiles. Chef Sanil Pothuvalassery was making a final touch to the chicken saltimbocca. Santosh joked, “You won’t chicken out!”, especially when saltimbocca is loosely transliterated as ‘jump into the mouth.’ It never took a long time to discover Element’s secret ingredient was not a pinch of Vatican Pope salt or even some Monin syrup, but a dollop of puns and sautéed humour. A crisp joke was the entrée, especially when we settled for the classic roasted tomato soup. As the toasted bread complimented the soup so as his dialogue, “If you land in a soup, tomato soup is a life saver.” Talk about creaming it, especially with a touch of marscopone. Dining at Elements evokes many moods. Carefully plating, Chef Mahesh Komalan talked about his love for fish. At the garden, we enjoyed his fresh red snapper and later into the evening, the soft lights blended with the tangerine walls and intricate woodwork – quite romantic. While Chef Dipu kar and Chef Anup served us the kebabs, the art pieces beautifully juxtaposed it. That’s when we paired the kebabs with one of the paintings. But the lunch was indelible. As the sun slowly bowed down and the wind blew the leaves like tousled hair, the view out of the circular windows reminded me of tranquil ride in a ship. The lamb was tender, paired with some non-alcoholic wine. I did notice, something quite funny. The cutlery was quite peculiar, the spoons very oblong, especially the knife shaped like a shark’s fin. It was quite coincidental, that the brand was also my name. Santosh narrated an anecdote where his customer said he got the soup right, but claimed the spoon was wrong. All the cutlery confusion fizzled when Santosh decided to shake up things with his famous mocktails. Meticulously placing the salt on the brim of the mocktail glasses, Santosh delighted us with passion fruit and strawberry crush. The day wrapped up with a sumptuous strawberry panacotta. I asked what’s the secret, “Cream cream cream!”But the cherry on top was when Santosh said, “People not only come here to solve their hunger crimes, but satisfy their soul.” Well wouldn’t we be arrested for our all hunger crimes, especially when there’s Elements to bail us out!

FWD_soul_sante_strawberry_pannacota_may_2015FWD-MAY-magazine-2015-81

 

 

 

Advertisement
Comments

Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

Published

on

Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

Continue Reading

Cover Story

Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep

Published

on

Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top  activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.

The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.

Agatti Island:

Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Minicoy Island:

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.

Kadmat Island:

For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.

Amini Beach:

If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Bangaram Island:

Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.

Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Continue Reading

Beauty

Kiara Advani’s Soft Glam Makeup Look

Published

on

Kiara Advani is proof that a look may be beautiful without always requiring intense contouring and layers of makeup. The actor from Satyaprem ki Katha has a natural, luminous, and unquestionably head-turning approach to soft makeup that is worth emulating. Lekha Gupta, her makeup artist, created the ideal mix between a clean, glowing complexion and a subtle brown smoky eye. Whether it’s for her big day or multiple red carpet appearances, the actor has a reputation for doing minimalist makeup flawlessly.

Kiara Advani, wearing a body-hugging pink gown by Tran Hung, was spotted having a pink moment that was enhanced by her bold beauty appearance. Her face was defined by the delicately bronzed cheeks, her glossy nude lips completed the ensemble, and her gently smudged out makeup accentuated the shape of her eyes.

Lekha Gupta, the makeup artist, accentuated Advani’s eyes by using mascara to lend drama to the lashes. She gave Advani’s skin a dewy base and then defined the cheekbones with a warm, peachy bronzer. Her lips were covered in a glossy lip gloss that complemented the brightness of her pink costume, and her brows were nicely shaped and filled in. In terms of hair, the actor sported a glossy, blow-dried mane that had a contemporary centre part to complete the symmetry of the ensemble.

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending