
It’s no hidden fact that Bollywood star, Kareena Kapoor is a big foodie. She loves Chinese and staple desi stuff. While shooting for Bodyguard with Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha at Marriott Courtyard in Pune, Kareena had a big problem with her Peeli Dal. She did not like the preparation and made it a point to communicate it to the Hotel’s GM. I was at audible range and this is what Kareena Kapoor said, “ Your chef can’t make Peeli-Dal. Tell him to mix the Pink Dal (Masoor Dal) with Yellow Dal (Moong Dal) to make the perfect Yellow Dal. In fact, when Chef is here, ask him to call and I’ll explain.”

I am not a foodie, nor do I know much about Dals but I checked it with known foodies and they all said that Kareena was absolutely right. They said that when the Pink-Masoor Dal is mixed with Yellow Moong Dal, the Dal turns out to be ‘karari’ (crispy, I guess). Just Moong Dal makes the Dal very soapy or soggy. I quiet get the point now. Wah Kareena! You should start a restaurant now.
Salman Khan when not shooting used to be at the Hotel Gym. Guess what Sallu Bhai sips at while sweating out at the gym? No it is not Gatorade; it’s Scotch Whiskey! Wah bhai wah!

This week, Hermès, the ultra-luxe brand opened its second store in India. Housed in the plush Ista Hotel, Pune, this store—like all other flagships of this label—has been designed by RDAI, interior design agency from Paris. The current well-rounded collection of Hermès products has shelves stocked with everything from handbags (even a Birkin, which you can see in the pic above!) and jewellery to perfume. Hermes is slated to open a larger Mumbai store at the Taj Mahal Hotel by May 2011.
Hermès is the only luxury label to have opted for Pune to open its store. I guess it’s got something to do with the common love for HORSES that binds Hermès and Pune. Hermès started off as a company making hand-stitched saddles and other equestrian accessories. And of course we have moneybags like the Poonawalas and Natasha Poonawala is quiet a shopaholic and the infamous Hasan Ali, the man with multiple Swiss Accounts.


