Bhatti Indian Grill
100 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

This authentic North Indian restaurant has already become a popular go-to for those who love home-style Punjabi food.  The restaurant’s open fire grill is used to cook fabulous kebabs and its clay oven for the naans and rotis.  Vegetarians, don’t fret, the Bhutte Ke Kebab is delicious and meat free.  Also, the Tandoori Chat is unique (pineapples included)  and worth a taste. Among the kebabs, CitySaheli favorite picks are Murgh Malai Kebab, Gilauti Kebab, and the Methi Macchi Tikka. 

Tamba
103 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Although this very new spot is still ironing out a few wrinkles, its food is set to go.  It’s a great spot for diners looking for variety in their Indian cuisine, as this restaurant offers dishes from all the regions in India.  Its dosas are very good, and bhatura and chole – even better!  Its speciality is North Indian food and CitySaheli definitely loved the cocktails at this cozy location.

Bhojan
102 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010

The owner of Dhaba has opened this pure vegetarian restaurant just a couple of doors down.  Bhojan offers vegetarian thalis and classic chats.  This restaurant just opened and offers a variety of complete vegetarian food.

If you’re looking to order some of these incredibly adorable and chic outfits for your little Masala boy or Masala girl,  Masala Baby is offering CitySaheli readers a special discount until April 30th .  Receive 20% off your purchase (code: citysaheli) and free shipping on online orders over $75 (code: freeship). 

Want to learn more about Masala Baby and its founder? CitySaheli Baby had the chance to speak with owner and president, Dipali Patwa, to learn more about the company and how it came to fruition.  Check out what she had to say.

What inspiredthe different  styles Masala Baby offers and how often is the  line updated?

The styles and colors are inspired by my roots in India, mixed with the urban influence of New York, as well as my travels. Delicious curries, authentic spices, colors of the chaotic bazaars, bollywood movies, beautiful marigold flowers, traditional Indian tunics, ghummar skirts, are all blended together to create a unique eclectic, bohemian, mod relaxed style. I realized that kids respond to color instinctively. The Indian love of color is celebrated in every facet of daily life – the rhapsodic use of color in India in brightly painted streets, mosaics of the palaces, the vivid hues of the women’s sarees, the variety of spices used in Indian cooking and the exuberance of Indian festivals.  When I simplified the silhouettes and introduced in the urban influence, it just seemed to work. 
 
The line gets updated twice a year. There is a Spring- Summer and Fall-Winter collection.
 
Who is your target audience?

Masala baby has a universal appeal. Our customers appreciate stylish comfortable clothes with bold colors that have global influences- whether it is India, Africa, Morocco, East Asia, Latin America. Masala baby is bought by moms and dads, grandmoms, aunts and sisters alike who are well traveled, or aspire to travel, and appreciate the worldly influences.
 
Where can Masala Baby clothing be purchased in NYC?

In NYC, Masala baby is available at:

Apple Seeds
10 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10010-2703
(212) 792-7590

Half Pint Citizens
55 Washington Street

Brooklyn (Dumbo), NY 11201

What are future projects and partnerships that you are working on?

For 2010 our key focus will be to enhance the Masala Baby brand by introducing two new collections: 

The first is called ‘Mela Masala’, inspired by the Indian village fairs.  Mela is the Hindi word for gathering or village fair.  The line is inspired by wandering gypsies, fortune tellers, colorful caravans, medallions and peacock feathers which set the mood for our patterns and colors.  The cuts and designs are earthy, comfortable yet chic, catering to the new age young traveler that appreciates the simplicity and wonder of life.

The second collection called ‘Mod Masala’ is urban, modern and casual using our signature prints and unique appliqué techniques. We are introducing ‘khadi’ which is Indian homespun, hand-woven fabric, within this collection. Its natural properties keep this fabric cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi promoted the production of khadi in his movement to revive India’s domestic weaving industry.  This fabric is close to my heart, both for its aesthetic appeal as well as the small scale industry that it supports in India. 

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs like yourself?

If you believe in something, it is worth giving it a shot. If you have an idea, explore its full potential and keep at it.  It is not rocket science. It is certain level of taste, craftsmanship, and business acumen combined with a whole lot of hard work.

Singhal’s resort collection is a mixed bag of current cutting edge silhouettes that every woman needs in her wardrobe. Separates that can go from day to night make the collection whimsical yet surprisingly practical.

Simple crisp crepes and tulles embellished with crystal embroidery bring together a clean and sparkly collection for the girl who wants to dress up but doesn’t want to try too hard. The collection has easy clothes for a jet setting life style with inter changeable pieces so your wardrobe always looks fresh. Muted colors like ecru, sand and shimmer make the collection timeless and classic. The crystal-encrusted pieces add the touch of   fantasy we all love.

Cowl skirts, jeweled tanks and maxi dresses come together in a collection that resonates the designer’s mantra of “easy comfortable and effortless clothes.”

 Payal Singhal established her label in India in 2000 to fill a niche for eclectic Indian clothing for girls her age. Now thanks to a global design sensibility, Payal is more than able to satisfy the consumer demands of the contemporary woman, and the label stocks in various countries and travels with its unique mobile trunk shows all over the world.

For more information on the pictures shown please contact Payal Singhal at payal@payalsinghal.com.  Photos courtesy of  Payal Singhal and Lakme Fashion Week.

The Indo-American Arts Council is a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting, showcasing and building an awareness of artists of Indian origin in the performing arts, visual arts, literary arts and folk arts. 

MISHA NICOLE, a women’s retail concept store, will be opening Fall 2010 in Soho. The company will showcase coveted designers that have strong brand recognition internationally but have no representation in the U.S. The company’s mission is to create a fresh, cultural and engaging shopping experience, in addition to featuring fabulous emerging global brands. MISHA NICOLE will also be hosting an array of events from the arts, music and fashion, to dance and film and will be the place to go to be on the up and up of fashion and culture.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to view what’s in style for 2010. Also, check out the MISHA NICOLE Pop-Up store, which will be held April 16th, the day after Global Runway’s Night Out.  Here you can be the first to purchase the great merchandise you viewed the night before.

Global Runway’s Night Out

When:
April 15, 2010
7:00pm

Where:
Paramount Hotel
235 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

Tickets:
$100 – Includes Fashion Show, One free drink, After Party
$150 – Includes Fashion Show, VIP Seating with Designers & Celebrities, Light Hors D’oevres, One Free Drink, After Party

Buy Tickets Here

OR
Please send a check to IAAC, 517 East 87th Street, Suite 1B, New York, NY 10128.

CitySaheli has come up with a handy acronym to ensure wedding guest perfection – GET DOWN!  Listed below are some tried and true suggestions – from selecting an appropriate wedding gift to deciding what you should wear to the big day.  So, without further ado, some tips to help you GET DOWN!

G – The Gift
If a couple has a registry, don’t hesitate to select items from that list; however, if nothing suits your budget or catches your fancy, a gift of cash is always a great option.  The bride and groom will appreciate a check or bill neatly tucked into their card, and this is perfectly acceptable (and sometimes preferred) at South Asian weddings.  If you know the bride well, we encourage you to fight the urge to get her a gift because of your close relationship.   If you can find something that is perfect for the couple – great.  If not, you had the bridal shower and the bachelorette party to make her feel special, this time be practical.  .

Make the wedding gift about the couple.  Try a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.  CitySaheli also likes the idea of gifting cute house wares and accents, found during trips to India.  Check out places like Good Earth

If you don’t have a trip planned this year, you can peruse a variety of online stores in India from your desk. We like Tresorie and Shopper’s Stop.

E – Your Energy
South Asian weddings are full of life!  We cannot overstate that an aura of jubilance separates a great guest from just another guest. If you are genuinely enthused for the union of the two people you are celebrating, you will dance, you will sing and you will generally make very merry.  South Asian weddings are typically very large, and the bride and groom have rounds to make, hands to shake, and first dances to dance, so they can’t entertain you in addition to the myriad tasks required of them on their big day.  Your ability to mix, mingle, and generally keep the mood light and joyous will add to the tapestry of memories they create. It helps if you figure prominently in the photos and video wearing a big smile and showcasing coordinated dance moves.

T – The Trip
If you’re attending an out-of-town wedding, you’ll want to book a hotel room well in advance. If you are traveling, organize a group of friends to share rooms with or stay at the same hotel as – this can ease transportation and non-wedding related event planning.  Make the most of the trip. Use it as an opportunity to reconnect with your spouse, take a getaway with a significant other, or reunite with old friends.  While it’s not your big day, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a few great memories of your own as you rejoice in the good fortune of the new couple.

D- Your Date
If you’re married or seeing someone seriously, this is less of an issue, but if you’re a single gal we urge you to choose your date carefully – if you are invited to attend with a date.  Weddings can be a time to spend with close friends and family, and sometimes can be emotional.  The last thing you want to do is bring someone you aren’t seeing seriously to the wedding of a family member or close friend.  You’ll end up having to baby-sit your date and miss out on many of the fun, carefree aspects of attending someone else’s wedding.

Open Bar+Married Friends=Date Disaster 
Factor yourself out of this equation and opt for a close friend or go solo.  Weddings provide an opportunity to meet singles outside your circle. Why bring a random date when you could be dancing with night away with your charming future beau?

O – Select Options Early
Be courteous.  RSVP ASAP.  Decide early who you will invite as your date and give them enough time to take time off and rent a tux if needed.  If you’re asked to choose a meal – asking your date what he’d like for his meal instead of choosing your favorite option is considerate – be considerate!
Make sure you log into the registry early, so you have options for the gift. If you are going off the registry, think about the new couple and be judicious in picking a gift that best suits their needs and your budget.  Don’t leave your gift giving till the last minute.
Book the car/plane/train and hotel as far in advance as you can.  Be sure to take time off if need be. Your boss will appreciate the heads up and so will your co-workers.

W – What to Wear
Now, choosing your wardrobe is critical to any woman attending any wedding. We recommend steering clear of white, red or black. Wear something colorful and you will fit right in!  Typically, South Asian weddings are more formal and colorful than a traditional western affair.  For non-Indian weddings, CitySaheli also suggests daring to don indo-fusion. You will stand out as exotic and beautiful in addition to adding ethnic flair.  For Fall and Winter weddings, we suggest colors like camel and olive in heavier fabrics.  For Spring, try lighter pinks, oranges and even soft golds.  Keep in mind, weddings vary in level of ostentation; make sure to check with the bride or bridesmaids if you aren’t sure of the finery expected of invitees.

N – Their Night
And, we know this is obvious, but remember that this is their big night.  Above and beyond how much fun you have, you’re invited to bear witness to a newly formed family.  Show your support by smiling for photos, dancing with gusto, and bring down the house!
JUST GET DOWN..GET DOWN….

Ms. Saujani’s parents are of Indian origin and are political refugees who escaped the regime of idi Amin in Uganda.  The loss of rights and freedom her family suffered in Uganda remind and inspire her to fight for those who are under-represented.  She has experience from a major law firm and hedge fund, but today is committed to improving the lives of New Yorkers in the 14^th District. Ms. Saujani’s bid is historic – if elected, she would be the first South Asian woman to serve in Congress.  There already are signs of strong grassroots support for Ms. Saujani in the Manhattan and Queens community, the campaign has raised over $403,000 for the Democratic nomination.

To find out more about Ms. Saujani, check out Women for Reshma, in support of the Congressional Campaign of Reshma Saujani!

Tickets:  $100, $250, $500, $1000 and $2400

Tickets may be purchased by:
1) Completing the attached form and mailing to PO Box 20245, New York, NY 10009;
2) Heading online to www.reshma2010.com/women;
3) Calling Annie at 347-325-0699

 WOMEN_FOR_RESHMA

The legend is, there was a king who tried to punish his son for believing in Lord Vishnu.  He asked his sister Hollika, who was immune from fire, to kill his son. When Holika tried to burn the king’s son, she burned and died instead.  She asked the king’s son for forgiveness and he forgave her by saying that she would be remembered every year onwards.   

The festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha.  Since Lord Krishna was known to be a prankster, he would throw dyed colors all over Radha.  Holi celebrates the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.

Today, families and friends celebrate Holi by gathering and throwing colored powders and water balloons at each other to celebrate the beginning of the Spring season. The holiday has also become very popular in Bollywood movies, where many beautiful songs and dances performed, like the one below.

If you are looking for some great ways to celebrate this Holi with your loved ones, check out these upcoming events.

March 6th, 7:00pm-10:00pm
Holi Hungama!

Holi Hungama! Parvesh Jai is the spotlight designer is ready to showcase their collection exclusively with NetIP-NY!
For more information click here. 

March 7th, 12:00pm
Holi Parade and Festival

Paghwah celebration in North America in Richmond Hill Queens. The parade can draw up to 25,000 people. Smokey Oval Park afterward where people will be, yes, coloring one another. Again this year, dye and powder are only allowed in the Smoky Oval Park on the concrete and, not in the parade, so it sounds possible to be an observer without getting color thrown on you, if you prefer.

March 13th, 12:00pm
Rang Barse on Peking Ship

IN Group brings you – RANG BARSE, the festival of colors on Peking
(a 377 ft ship docked at the South Street Seaport).
Come enjoy The HOLI celebration amidst joyful dancing on Indian music, snacks and of course the traditional “rang”
Admission:$30 until March 1st; $40 after. Group specials available.
For more information click here.

Mountain Hardware

The “Radiance” jacket by Mountain Hardware looks like a regular jacket on the outside, but is wired and heated on the inside.  The jacket offers three on-demand heat settings and the capability to charge electronic devices, like your mp3 player or digital camera, via its built-in plug-ins.  Mountain Hardware also allows its customers to customize the jacket (which retails at $425 for the fully customized jacket) by selecting either of the heat settings, a built-in electronics charger or both.  The fully customized jacket weighs about 1 lb. 8 oz., but on-demand heat translates to carrying and wearing fewer layers. 

 Radiance is available at limited retail stores, but you can also find it at www.mountainhardwear.com

LFLECT

Harness the Power of Smart Clothing this WinterThe LFLECT Woolly Hat and LFLECT Wool Scarf, by UK based Lost Values, look like ordinary fashion accessories by day but come to illuminating life at night.  The reflective thread used to create the hat and scarf creates that wow effect that every fashionista strives for.  The hat and scarf come in a variety of patterns and designs and even have the option of adding an illuminating pompon to the Woolly hat!

These products retail for £65 and are currently available at the Lost Values website and select retailers in London. 

North Face

The Femphonic Audio Jacket, by North Face, is designed for athletes who need to stay connected to their digital lifestyles at all times.  Whether you are skiing, snowboarding or just rockin’ out in the ski lodge, this audio jacket will keep you dry and connected.  Simply plug your mp3 player into the inner media pocket, stick in your head phones, and press the on-sleeve buttons to shuffle between songs or adjust the volume.  The Femphonic Audio Jacket also keeps you warm and comfy with its Heatseeker Eco insulation and has plenty of pockets to hold your goggles and gloves.

The Femphonic Audio Jacket retails for just under $350 and can be found at the North Face website or anywhere North Face products are sold.

CitySaheli has handpicked a few Lebanese favorites that are sure to appeal to your appetite while preserving your health.

One of the friendliest restaurants in New York just opened its doors, but already has a loyal clientele. Balade, which means fresh in Lebanese, lives up to its name. The grilled meats and mouth-watering mezzas are as delicious as the menu is affordable. The luscious Labneh on the fresh-out-the-oven bread will appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike, while the moist Mouhallabie pudding dessert offers a lighter alternative for all taste buds. The spicy beef Soujouk sausage is highly recommended, as are the homemade Hummus and savory side salad. The sleek and intimate East Village eatery also boasts the best Baba Ghanouj in NYC, along with a wide variety of Lebanese wines.

208 First Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 529 6868

If you love Lebanese food but are looking for a more high-end setting, Ilili is the place for you. The posh decoration and the flavorful food make this Mediterranean gem a Fifth Avenue favorite. Vegetarians cannot miss out on the tasty Tabbouleh with fresh parsley and mint, the Fattoush salad with toasted bread, and the Moujadara lentil puree with crispy red onion. Meat eaters should try the marinated lamb kebab or the chicken Shish Taouk with garlic and lemon, while the tuna kebab with grilled peppers will not disappoint fish fanatics. Try Ilili during Restaurant Week for a broader and cheaper choice off their rich menu, or come during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday between 5.30 PM and 7.30 PM, for a plush experience with exotic cocktails and lighter hors-d’oeuvres from the bar.

236 5th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 683 2929

International make up artist and skin care consultant Karuna Chani of KC Makeup has worked with some of the world’s top beauty magazines and is no stranger to the world of fashion.  She advises that the fashion runways are a great place to get inspiration and new ideas on how to modernize and update your look. Vijay Uttam, stylist and PR representative for Karuna Chani, shares some of Karuna’s favorite makeup trends for Spring/Summer 2010 with CitySaheli.  With these few easy tips, you too can turn runway looks into reality!

 You Only Better

The natural, no makeup look is one of the most popular make up trends for Spring/Summer 2010.  Karuna recommends using a lightweight foundation, concealer and sheer/soft colors and the eye lids and lips.

Products to try: Tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown foundation

 Color Me Coral

Shades of coral and peach were spotted on the lips and eye lids of many models during Fashion Week in NYC.  Karuna suggests trying one trend at a time by using these cheerful colors on the eyelids or lips.  She also advises that shades of coral are very complimentary to olive complexions, as they reduce the yellow undertones of the skin.

Products to try: NARS blush in Amour, CoCo Rouge collection by Chanel

Shades of Peacock

Bright colors pop on the runway, but adding colored eyeliner to your eyes will make you POP.  Karuna suggests colors that are found on the feather of a peacock such as sapphire blue and deep green.  These colors are great for a day or night look and even help to make the whites of your eyes look brighter.  Rihanna’s eye color is definitely intensified using this look.

Products to try: Eyeliners by Laura Mercier or Urban Decay
 

Red + Gold = Bold

From Bollywood to Hollywood, red lips are classic, timeless and always a favorite on the catwalk or the red carpet. “Warm reds are usually best for olive skin, stay away from reds with an orange undertone. Also try a touch of sparkly gold eye shadow on the lids for a great alternative to the classic brown eye shadow” suggests Karuna.  Jessica Alba masters this look below!

Products to try: Cruella by NARS or CoCo Rouge collection by Chanel

Light and Smokey

The smokey eye is a trend that is here to stay.  To update the look for the spring/summer, Karuna recommends using jewel tones such as vibrant violets and jade green instead of the traditional black and gray.  Salma Hayek looks so classy and sexy with the smokey look.

Products to try: Star Powders by Makeup Forever

For more information about Karuna Chani or to see a portfolio of her work please visit www.kc-makeup.com or visit KC Makeup Group on Facebook.