#CourtyardWeddingFair at Courtyard by Mariott, Mumbai

Marriage is indeed one of the most special part of one's life. I am sure all the girls harness a secret dream since childhood about their marriages and especially weddings. That one day, a prince will come on a white horse and charm her away to his lovely kingdom. They shall be happy ever after.

Weddings are the stuffs that dreams are made of. Indian weddings are like Yashraj films- Grand, luxurious and a grandiose affair. With advent of newer technology, media, expanding markets and shrinking globes, the celebration just begins grand and more grand.

To celebrate this coalescence of million dreams, Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai showcased a one day wedding fair in town. It was a one stop destination to discover some of the most spectacular wedding paraphernalia. From wedding trousseau to lavish buffet menu to enthralling decor set to bridal make up to wedding video, albums to best of bags, shoes, return gifts, courtyard had all in form of dedicated wedding specialists and stalls to engage you in and help you prepare for that big day in your' your child's life.

Not just that, they also offer luxurious packages including options for wedding hall/stage and decor at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai. Isn't that wonderful? Well in case of doubt, you may like to check their poolside venue for wedding galas.

Here's the invitation that I received-

Well the proof of grandiose is in seeing and not listening. So here we go with pictures that speak volumes. The counter for wedding gifts for guests..some wonderful designs. Is specially loved this potli bag

Pick up your dress and get 40% discount too. Yeah.

That's all Folks! There was another exhibit that was at level no2. Due to lack of time and absence of a person to guide me through, I missed covering it too. Do not lose your heart as the level 2 was even more grand with Make up, jewelery, Spa, Tarot and lot many taking place there. You can check all those and more at Courtyard by Marriott facebook page.

A Word by Haute Kutir- The wedding Fair indeed was a lovely showcase and given your purchasing parity and budget, offered a good show for prospective planners, brides/grooms to be. Unlike any other wedding fair, it was done in a grand style. However, what I missed that being at a hotel, I was looking out for a glass of water to drink. May be blame that to my late arrival or the rush to closure. The overall experience was good. Team Marriott was hospitable as always. Indeed they will be henceforth, one of my favorite venue and hospitality partner for any upcoming wedding or celebration in family. 

One thing they sure could add is- having more variety of exhibitors and sending a detailed agenda in invite for the attendees to plan their visit on a hot scorching summer day.

So, if you are planning a wedding soon, do give a holla to them. Happy weddings!

Cheese Fondue Making Workshop at Cafe Mangii, Versova

One fine Saturday afternoon, a blogger friend from Pune asked me if I would be interested to attend a Fondue-making workshop. Cheese Fondue making? Well, Cheese is my second love and I cannot say No. 

I canceled my other appointment and tucked a few inline and made a beeline for the workshop. I still remember the rush that day when I have to go to South Mumbai, finish my work and return back, all in a span of 3-4 hours. Phew! the traffic was maddening but men! I managed to reach my workshop just in time.

What: Cheese Fondue Making Workshop

Where: Cafe Mangii, Versova

With: Chef Govind and Chef Gautam

Entry Fee: Rs 2000 /head

organized by: UrbanRestro.com

The Table for Cheese Fondue Class was set up with essential cooking tools and assorted varieties of cheese, condiments, sauces, wine, Cognac, and other ingredients including butter and bread crumbs.

4 kinds of cheese were used for the different Fondues.

A fellow attendee is going through the different types of cheese used and understanding each. For ma, I love all of them.

The Fondue forks, assorted. Soaked in water, along with the red little fondue pot. Ummm...

Here's the cute-looking Fondue set in which the final fondue[s] were served to all the participants.

During the workshop, some amazing finger foods were served to us both in veg and nonveg. I really liked the potato Gnocchi and assorted veg slider burger. However, pizza Margarita stole the show. It was awesome and perfect bite-size. I just cannot have enough of it. Cafe Mangii, I am visiting you soon for your loveable pizza and of course, the nice ambiance.  Here are a few pictures-

 

The Gnocchi that just melts in your mouth.

The chef encouraged some of us to try and cook ourselves. I was excited and waited for my chance to come while watching another participant learning the trick. She said- it looks seemingly easy when Chefs do it but in reality, simmering and mixing the content is a tough cookie oops cheese to crack.

A lot of pine nuts were used in this Fondue and it released a great aroma.

The chef demonstrated 3 different types of Cheese fondue. The attendees were curious and shared their food, fondue experiences. Post the workshop, we were all ushered into the first floor of the cafe for some good interaction session across the dinner table.

The ambiance at level one was even better and had a view of the Versova sea beach via windows. The table was set for all of us. We took our seats and over a few sips of wine, began chatting. The topic of conversation- The upcoming chocolate fondue session post-dinner and the food woes of the ladies around.

I was really surprised to know how these multi-talented, well-bred women play their role brilliantly that of a wife, mother, daughter in law, friend, and an individual, and how curious were they to learn a new cuisine and treat their family with while maintaining their high profile lifestyle and individual aspirations.

The dinner was a mixed course of pasta, potato mash, stir-fried vegetables, and non-vegetarian meals like fish, etc. All the participants were treated with a complimentary glass of wine.

A round of follow-up conversations, some on entailing a few popular age-old specialty restaurants of Mumbai and food trails, including my experience sharing of SMBLC Kolkata, made the last half of the evening and concluded the workshop. The chocolate fondue session was called off as the Chefs were hurried for another assignment.

All in all the workshop was a good experience and I look forward to more. And yes, do visit Cage Mangii. I so much loved it and look forward to going there again, soon.

Ciaos Amigo! Till then happy living and keep sharing your love with @HauteKutir

I am on Instagram too. My handle is - EktaKhetan. See ya!

3 Extravagant Days of Fashion and Beauty with Lakmé Absolute Salon

Love Fashion, Love Beauty?

Wanna look Beautiful without your usual black eyes and Red lip color?

Wanna try a new hair color but unsure what suits you

Wanna pamper self and Kids too? [yeah it is age of Alpha Mums afterall]

 Lakmé Absolute invites you to

Style File

Starting on 18th April 2014 to 20th April 2014

Your chance to be part of biggest beauty festival by their expert stylists team who will get you Ramp Ready!

Details below:

Lakmé Absolute Salon presents 3 extravagant days of fashion and beauty – ‘STYLE FILES’

on

18th April – 20th April

 4PM onwards

at

 Lakmé Absolute Salon, Bandra

Schedule for Style Files:

18th April – Day 1

[Experience the latest runway looks straight from LFW & be your own Showstopper]

4 PM onward:    Stuck in a BEAUTY RUT?

-    Let our experts get you runway ready. Beauty & makeup consultations especially for you

5 PM onward:    NAIL ART time

-    Experience the hottest trends on your fingertips!

7 PM onward:    NAIL IT!

-    A Masterclass on Nails

8 PM-10 PM:    Get RAMP READY

-    Get ready with your gal pals for the night out with flat 15% discount on services

19th April – Day 2

[All this hair- Spa, color and more, to get Saturday Night a Stylish affair with your BFFs]

4 PM onward:    HAIR SPA Heaven
-    Explore various discounts on hair treatments. 
5 PM onward:    STYLE CHECK for your partner
-    Guide your man to getting GQ worthy from our experts
6 PM onward:    HAIR Masterclass!
-    Creative Head at Lakmé Absolute Salon shows you how to get that perfect coif.
8 PM-10PM:    PARTY time!
-    Get dressed with the girls and enjoy 15% discounts on all services.

20th April - Day 3

[Dolce Vita with friends, kids, movies, wine and a good company of skin care]

4 PM onward:    TOTS time!
-    Get your kids along for a haircut and browse curated kids fashion.
6 PM onward:    UNDER YOUR SKIN! 
-    A skin Masterclass
8 PM-10 PM:    MOVIE time!!
-    Watch fashion’s favorite movie; Valentino – the Last Emperor with your friends while sipping on wine and enjoy the high life!!! 

If you have not yet made good on your fashion and style revolutions for 2014, it is never too late. Get Started now and explore the mesmerizing, scintillating world of Beauty, Style and Fashion.

and not just that

For these 3 days only - you get 15% discount on all products and services of Lakmé Absolute Salon 

_____________

Call 9819006482 to book your appointments

  

Dove Premiers "Patches" to celebrate "Real Beauty" with Konkona Sen Sharma

In a recent research conducted across the world, only 4% of women considered themselves at beautiful. While a majority lacked that basic self-confidence. Strange isn't it?

Before I add to it, I would urge you to see this beautiful video first. Courtesy: Dove

Thank you for watching this video. If you recall, 10 years back Dove has initiated a campaign called "Real beauty". Adding to the theme, Dove, the leading brand in soaps, shampoos and now trying a foray in oil market has recently launched- Patches. Some called it another ad, some called it outrageous, while some women who watched this video found a new self-confidence in self and I call this a wonderful initiative. To each his own and that is the beauty of it. Even if some are calling it garbage,  I believe it is a beautiful approach to tell the world and it's women- "You are beautiful!

Exclusive Premiere of the Dove Patches Film

9th April 2014, when I got an invite to attend the launch of "Patches" by Dove, I was deep in a performance review meeting that I was driving and was unsure to attend the event or not. It was the last moment decision and a little nudge from a blogger friend- iCynosure made me change my mind and join her for what I call as an evening well spent. 

The Venue: Olive Bar & Kitchen, Race Course, Mumbai

The invitation-

Initially, I was little apprehensive as I was "not dressed/prepared" for the occasion and was on my way after a long, exhausting day at work. What the heck, I am not dependent on what I am wearing but what I am carrying, I thought and took the plunge.  

We reached at the nick of time when the event was about to begin. I had been planning to visit Olive from quite some time in Mumbai and was thankful to know that it was the venue. Here's a dekko of the venue-

The event started with a formal introduction, welcome and a panel discussion on "Beauty is a state of mind" amid many flash bulbs and shooting cameras and star frenzy media which stood left, right and center to capture a demure Konkona Sen Sharma with their roving lenses. The other members of the panel included demure author Kiran Manral, A representative from Dove and a warm Pooja Dhingra from La 15 Patisserie.


Here are the few glimpses from the panel discussion-

Post the panel discussion, Team Dove played the exclusive screening of the film "patches". The short video was screened simultaneously across 66 countries.

Post the Video, here's a glimpse of Konkona Sen Sharma sharing her thoughts on the same.

Like I said, I liked the video and can totally understand, empathize with the ladies who were subjected to be the audience/ subject of the video. Marketing, brand building notwithstanding, the concept to me, was genuine and Dove indeed was a lovely host, so were their agency.

The event was also graced by a short talk by the Dove team including their Global Brand Director Vikramjeet.

The Cocktail Hour
I was truly mesmerized by the Dove tree at the lawn of Olive, wherein the team requested us to write our own message for beauty and dangle it on the lovely tree. Here we go-

To know more about the campaign, you can read their press release here-

In the end, I sincerely wish that the message do reach out the right women who consider themselves in the 96% of the surveyed population and heal them, and help them move to the other 4%, making it a better pie.

Ciao!
Love
#HauteKutir
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