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The Hindu :

French Benjamine Oberoi remembers Bangalore’s idyllic past

Benjamine Oberoi came to India a couple of times as a student, before settling down in Bangalore. The Frenchwoman from Cologne in the South of France says: “I came on research scholarships and then came to do my Ph.D. in Psychology at NIMHANS.” And then she met and fell in love with her husband, Bhushan Oberoi who started the Euro-chain of restaurants, Casa Piccola.

PHOTO: MURALI KUMAR K.TWO ENDS Benjamine: ’You can find the best and the worst in India’

“I come from the South of France with its mountains, sea and a countryside which makes for picturesque viewing.” She says she appreciates France for its sensitivity and its awareness in preserving old villages and buildings. “I came to Bangalore 25 years ago when it was a small town like Mysore. So there were no difficulties. I could walk from Richmond Town to M.G. Road or Commercial Street quite happily and without any problem.”

She took her time to finally settle down in the city — close to five years. “In those days it was quite expensive for Europeans to travel to India. Besides, I wanted to take it slow and not rush into things.” Her husband, having lived abroad and being open to cultures was understanding. “I didn’t want to be dependent on my husband and wanted to come to India with my own personal and career interests.”

Benjamine has been consulting for local and international NGOs who specialise in integrated development. And she also helps look after Casa Cottage, a boutique hotel in Richmond Town by Casa Piccola. “It is important for me to keep in touch with my identity and interacting with my foreign guests helps.” She finds that it is very easy for her guests to approach her for any help, as they are able to relate to her.

She and her family…More

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The Mother Tree as part of its Coffee Morning Series is presenting Self Reflexology by Dr. Nirjhar Mittra for Rs. 600.

Date: April 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Venue: No. 277, 1st Main, 5th Cross, Defence Colony, Indiranagar

Contact: 96323 44144/ 41649044

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The Hindu :

The Colonial brings together all that is regal and European into its range of dishes

Sweet surprise Apple strudel with scented vanilla sauce

With the creaky wooden staircase and a massive piano placed at the entrance, the Colonial manages to retain its ambiance, under its new owners, the Hessing-Ferns and Nonino Dining Concepts Pvt Ltd. (the Via Milano trio). Head chef Paul Nonino starts the meal by whipping up small portions of the lemongrass capacino with shrimp dumplings, where the light soup is balanced well with the delicate flavouring of the lemongrass and the soft shrimp pieces go well with the preparation.

The mushroom soup, with small chicken pieces and a dash of porcini oil is also quite delightful. The Peking duck and orange salad, with cashew nuts and the sesame dressing brings out the smoked flavour of the duck and provides countenance with the sour taste of the orange.

The preparation is fresh and secures full marks for the brilliant presentation.The beef tenderloin red wine sauce with potato puree and onion filling is substantial. The beef is soft and flavoured well. The presentation with the sour red wine sauce makes the dish more enticing.

The timbale of rice with vegetables and chicken prepared in traditional Valencia style is simple, yet scores high on taste.

The baked grouper mixed with cauliflower puree, potatoes cake, and grenoble sauce is also done well. The presentation is superb and the flavouring is light, allowing the myriad tastes to provide a melange of flavours in the mouth, without being too heavy. We finish the meal with a portion of the dark chocolate mousse, vanilla and cinnamon ice cream.

The Colonial is located at 11 Walton Road, off Lavelle Road. Call 41571292.

Ambience: Nice

Service: Efficient

Speciality: Baked grouper mixed with cauliflower puree, potatoes cake and grenoble sauce

Wallet factor: Rs. 600 to

Rs. 800 for two

NIKHIL VARMA

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Kyra is presenting the Laughter Season with comedian Kumar from Singapore fro Rs. 499 per ticket.

Date: April 19 to 21, 6.30 to 9.30 p.m.

Venue: Kyra Theatre, No. 2001, Kattima Centre, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar Contact: 4341999

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The Hindu : CHEF SURENDRA CHETTRI

Ingredients

Oil: to deep fry

Onions: 10 gm

Capsicum: 10 gm

Carrot: 10 gm

Baby corn: 10 gm

Cabbage: 10 gm

Glass noodle: 15 gm

Chopped garlic: 5 gm

Basil: 3 gm

Soya sauce: 5 ml

Seasoning

Fresh red chilli: 3 gm

Spring roll sheet: 2

Chef Surendra Chettri is currently sous chef at Ginseng, Hotel Royal Orchid. He has been associated with the Hotel Royal Orchid for the past five years, delivering the finest Thai, Chinese and other South-east Asian cuisine to guests.Chef Surendra comes with 22 years of experience in this field.

Method

Heat oil in a pan. Add the entire vegetables and sauté for some time. Add soya sauce and glass noodles. Keep the mixture aside. Take a spring roll sheet, stuff the mixture and make a roll out of it. Deep fry till golden brown and serve with peanut sauce.

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Vermilion House is presenting a summer collection of the Dhakai sari in jamdani, muslin, net and silk.

Date: till April 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: No. 3/12 Cleveland Road Cross, Frazer Town

Contact: 41225830

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Artists, solo or group, who wish to perform at the Fête de la Musique 2009 can register before May 10 at Alliance Française or e-mailculture.afbangalore@afindia.org. Launched in France in 1982, the Fête de la Musique is also known as the World Music Day and is held every year on the Summer Solstice Day, June 21.

The festival is celebrated as a mark of solidarity “bringing together humankind”.

Amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform.

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Join the Dots is presenting a theatre workshop for those aged from 14 to 65.

Date: April 18, 2.30 to 5.30 p.m.

Venue: Cubbon Park

Contact: 98455 70014

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As IPL Season 2 begins you can watch and cheer your favourite cricket player from your city in South Africa as it will be screened every night with cocktails, snacks on a large screen.

Venue: Olive Beach

Date: April 18 to May 24

Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Contact: 41128400

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WelcomArt Gallery is presenting “Skin” by Shibu Arakkal, curated by Giridhar Khasnis.

Date: till April 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: WelcomArt Gallery, ITC Windsor, No. 25, Windsor Square, Golf Course Road

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