ACTOR
Taapsee Pannu
Definitely one of the most popular actresses in the country right now, Pannu is going to be very busy this year. She has a whopping eight releases lined up for 2022, across three languages, three of which are still filming. Her releases include Looop Lapeta, the Mithali Raj biopic, Shabaash Mithu, and Blurr, which is also her first film as producer. Talk about being a machine. Also, for those who don’t know, alongside her movie career, Pannu owns a badminton team (Pune 7 Aces), and a very successful wedding planner company since 2019. Here’s to a very successful future.
HANG
Café Duco, Mumbai
Always a fan of quaint roadside cafes, Café Duco is cute and intimate, serving global cuisine that knows what it’s doing, and definitely packs a punch. The menu boasts of organic produce, clean eating, and fresh ingredients, which makes for a relishing experience. Kick off with the refreshing La Pasion, a barley and fresh passionfruit salad that beautifully sets the palate, the cold plates are winners, especially the Salmon Crudo and the Red Snapper Ceviche, the Indian twist to the Chilli Relleno with Bhavnagri chillies is much appreciated, while the other small plate hit is the Miso Aubergine. If you are in the mood for bigger bites, do the Big Fat Duco sandwich (*chef’s kiss* ask to add curry brined chicken). Café Duco definitely is confident with its South American flavours, heroed in the Butter Garlic Shrimp Tacos, and the gorgeously silky-yet-robust Sea Salt Mocha they’re doing, which balances coffee, chocolate, sweet, and a rustic saltiness like a pro. Definitely the perfect ending to a meal, or a great companion for a book.
EAT
Kyma, Mumbai
One of the hottest new restaurants in the city right now — and for good reason — Kyma boasts of a fantastic Middle-Eastern and Asian menu, a spacious property that’s perfect for groups, hangs, and parties, and a vibe that is luxe but not intimidating. Definitely ask for a couple of hot and cold mezze platters to share (they are doing the classics really well, the Baba Ganoush is delightful), along with pides and manakish flatbreads — the lamb meatballs pide and the shawarma manakish are chunky, hearty, and delicious. The Asian section has some solid dimsums and baos, but the Middle-Eastern affair is the one to remember. If you are in the mood for a hearty main, do the Tagine. You can thank me later.
