Latest news with #Avatara
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
This Teej, ghevar goes gourmet with modern reinventions
Hariyali Teej is here, and with it comes a celebration of monsoon romance, vibrant rituals, and the unmistakable presence of ghevar. Traditionally soaked in syrup and layered with rabri, this Rajasthani sweet is getting a bold makeover in kitchens across India. This Teej, ghevar goes gourmet with modern reinventions At Lavonne Academy in Bengaluru, chef Vinesh Johny is plating a refined version, swapping rabri for a saffron cheesecake and topping it with pistachio cream and raspberries. 'The tartness cuts the richness and adds freshness. It still feels festive, just lighter,' he says. In Mumbai, chef Sanket Joshi at Avatara takes the savoury route with Missi Ghevar, paired with sarson ka saag and pickled radish: 'The beauty of ghevar is its versatility. We wanted to tell a new story through an old form.' Jaipur-based patissier Tejasvi Chandela merges French technique with Indian flavour using saffron mousse, almond sponge, and citrus glaze. The result? A Clementine Ghevar Entremet. Meanwhile baker and content creator Shivesh Bhatia keeps it Instagram-friendly with mini ghevar topped with a rose frosting. For chef Ritu Khemka, nostalgia takes the form of a Rabri Ghevar Cheesecake, where ghevar serves as the crust, bringing together two comforting desserts into one layered bite. Innovation continues with chef Nishant Choubey, who is layering ghevar with matcha mousse and jamun, and even a deconstructed chaat version. 'The idea was to retain the porous, saffron soul of ghevar and build around it,' he says. Meanwhile, chef Reetu Uday Kugaji is leaning into mindful eating by swapping sugar for date syrup and topping ghevar with gulkand rabri or seasonal fruits such as litchi. Her recipes also focus on reducing food waste during festivals.'The goal was to hold on to the spirit of celebration while making it lighter and more thoughtful,' she says. (Written by Richa Singh)
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
I hired a witch on Etsy to fix my life
Wicked part 2 starring Cynthia Erivo, Image: Instagram/@wickedmovie Image: Image: Instagram/@wickedmovie ON Etsy, magic is big business, and it's possible to pay a witch to cast a spell for just about anything, on just about anyone. The online marketplace where people can buy and sell unique handmade or vintage goods, banned 'metaphysical services' in 2015, but there are thousands of spells for sale, most tagged as 'entertainment.' For $17(R300), you can place an order for good luck. Repairing a relationship costs $5. To make someone feel guilty, you'll need $9.99, and curses tend to start around $15. Recently, I've been feeling like there's something in my way. Maybe it's a symptom of trying to 'have it all.' So I paid a witch on Etsy to fix it with a spell. Obviously. My spell was performed by Avatara, of the Etsy shop NovaLunaTarot. Using the platform's messaging function, I provided my name and birthday, and I told her a bit about how I've been feeling. She sent me photos of an altar, adorned with stones and tarot cards, where three candles burned. It cost $15.99. Avatara joined Etsy in 2022 and has made close to 11,000 sales. It's the only platform where she sells spells, and it's her primary source of income. Business is up, she says, as interest in witchcraft grows. And witchcraft is certainly having a moment. Videos on 'WitchTok,' a corner of the social media platform TikTok, have been viewed more than 30 billion times. Some 30 million posts on Instagram are tagged with 'witch' or 'witchcraft.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Chris Miller, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, researches contemporary paganism, an umbrella term for spiritual practices and religions such as Wicca, druidry and others that revere nature. Despite a history marked by secrecy and persecution, witchcraft is now part of the mainstream consciousness, he says. That's in part because many millennials and Gen Xers grew up surrounded by pop culture references to witches. 'Think about all these things - 'The Craft,' 'Sabrina,' 'Buffy,' 'Charmed' - all being popular during adolescence,' he says.'Now those people are in their 30s and 40s.' They're fueling a retail industry worth more than $2 billion, both online and off; metaphysical shops and apothecaries are thriving across the United States. Daysi De Dios, 41, remembers being captivated by the witch-rich pop culture of the 1990s. More than a decade ago, the first-generation Mexican American began learning about the healing folk magic practice Curanderismo. 'I'm also a practicing shaman, drawing on my Mesoamerican roots and the tradition of Aztecs and Mayans,' she says. De Dios opened an online shop in 2017, then, in 2020, a brick-and-mortar in Montclair, New Jersey, called Houss Freya, after the Norse goddess of love and war. Customers often come in wanting their 'energy cleansed,' De Dios says. Witchcraft has in some ways lost its taboo, De Dios says. Lindsay Squire, a Britain-based practitioner known to her half-million Instagram followers as 'the Witch of the Forest,' says some family and friends 'thought it was weird' when she began practicing close to a decade ago. 'They assumed straightaway that witchcraft is devil worship. Now, people are much more accepting and less judgmental.' Melinda Nemecek, an Ohio-based content creator who has an audience of more than 300,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, says she began dabbling in witchcraft 'at a time when I had just gone through a divorce and a custody battle, and I was living in government housing as a single mother.' Nemecek's followers are often looking for what's referred to as 'baneful magic; getting back at someone, making someone stop gossiping about you,' she says. Avatara won't perform spells to hurt other people. Most of her magic is of the self-help variety; her most popular seller used to be the cord cutter, a spell to help people sever unhealthy attachments. Squire says the bulk of her requests are for love spells. 'You know,' she says, ''can you make this person fall in love with me? Can you make this person come back?' The obvious question to outsiders, though, is less about ethics and more about efficacy: Is there any real power in these spells? The more open a client is, says Avatara, the better her spells work. 'It's an exchange of energy,' she says. 'It's not just about what I'm doing.' As I read the five-part incantation she sent, I tried to focus on making it come true. When I got to the end, nothing felt different. De Dios believes the growing community around witchcraft transcends religion. 'Using nature as a source of energy is an ancient practice. To me, it's just bringing in different energies, seen and unseen, to help you be more fulfilled and at peace. I think anyone could use a little magic in their life,'she says.
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Indian Express
Chef Rahul Rana on redefining Indian vegetarian cuisine at his Michelin-starred Dubai restaurant Avatara: ‘No longer a compromise'
As global fine dining is leaning heavily into sustainability and mindful eating, chef Rahul Rana is placing Indian vegetarian cuisine at the centre of that conversation, but without relying on the usual suspects like paneer, potato, and heavy masalas. His Michelin-starred Dubai restaurant – Avatara – launched in 2022, is a bold, evolving experiment that celebrates vegetables, grains, and spices with precision and creativity – an amalgamation of all of his learnings. In this candid chat, Rana opens up about his roots in Rishikesh, his unexpected pivot from an army dream to the culinary world, and why vegetarian food today is not about limitations but possibilities. Read the edited excerpts below: Q: Tell us about your childhood in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh? Rahul Rana: I grew up in Rishikesh, a beautiful tourist destination famous for yoga and spirituality. My upbringing was rooted in a family with strong farming traditions and a proud army background. That foundation has shaped my values and work ethic today. Q: What made you become a chef? Rahul Rana: I wanted to join the army, initially, inspired by my father's service. When that path didn't work out, I found myself drawn to cooking – something I had always been surrounded by in my family. That's when I realised my true calling was to become a chef. Q: Can you take us through your early culinary journey in India, and how Dubai happened? Rahul Rana: My culinary journey began in India, training in classic kitchens and working across different regions to understand the diversity of Indian cuisine. I moved to Dubai with a dream, to represent Indian vegetarian food in a new light. Dubai's energy, multiculturalism, and openness to innovation made it the perfect platform. Q: What inspired you to open an all-vegetarian, no-onion, no-garlic, no-masala Michelin-starred restaurant like Avatara? Rahul Rana: When we launched Avatara, we wanted to prove that vegetarian food can be luxurious and delicious without onion, garlic, or heavy masalas and that idea worked really well. Now, staying true to the meaning of 'Avatara' or reincarnation, we're evolving and introducing onion and garlic in our new menu to bring fresh flavours while honouring our journey. Q: A memory associated with Indian cuisine on the menu — can you take us through that? Rahul Rana: It's hard to pick a single favourite as the menu is constantly evolving. Each dish is created with a narrative in mind, often inspired by a memory, a region, or an emotion. I watch how guests connect with the dishes, that response often becomes the most rewarding part of the process. Honestly, every dish on the menu ties back to Indian cuisine in some way. It might be a modern take, but the soul is always rooted in tradition. Q: Do you think there's a renewed spotlight on vegetarian and vegan cuisine at a global level? Rahul Rana: Absolutely. People are beginning to realise that vegetarian cuisine is far more diverse and flavourful than they ever imagined. It's no longer seen as a compromise, it's an experience in itself. The fact that it's still so untapped makes it special. There's so much more to discover, experiment with, and elevate, especially when it's treated with intention and creativity. Q: Tell us about your family life. Do you cook at home? Rahul Rana: Yes, I do treat them from time to time, but my wife is an amazing cook as well, so there's always a lot of variety at home. Cooking together or just sharing a meal with the kids is one of the simplest joys for me. Q: How was your latest experience on the recently concluded Celebrity MasterChef? Rahul Rana: It was incredibly humbling. Being invited as a judge on MasterChef was not just a personal milestone, it signified that the food I create resonates across cultures. It was an honour to be in that space and share what I've learned. Q: Who inspires you the most, and who do you see as your biggest competitor? Rahul Rana: I've had the privilege of working with some of the best chefs around the world, especially in Dubai. Each of them brings something unique, and that constant exposure to excellence keeps me inspired and driven. I try not to see anyone as a 'competitor' in a negative sense – we're all pushing boundaries in our own way. I'm grateful to be part of a movement that's redefining Indian food, to be surrounded by people who believe in the vision, and to get to wake up every day and do what I love. Q: How do you view Michelin-starred chefs like Garima Arora and Vikas Khanna who have popularised Indian cuisine at a global stage? Rahul Rana: They're true pioneers. Chef Garima brings a bold, modern voice to the table and continues to redefine what Indian food can be. Chef Vikas has been a powerful global ambassador for Indian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation so gracefully. It's always inspiring to exchange ideas with them. We're all adding unique chapters to the evolving story of Indian gastronomy. Q: If not a chef, you would have been…? Rahul Rana: I would have served in the army. That was my first dream – one inspired by my family's tradition and my respect for discipline and service. Q: How do you unwind on an off day? Rahul Rana: I love going for long drives with my family, enjoying movie nights together, or simply playing at home with my kids. It's those little moments with them that recharge me the most. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why You Should Dine At These Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurants In Dubai
If you are planning a trip to Dubai, you must make time to sample its food culture in different ways. Beyond street eats, international food chains and mall cafes, Dubai offers an exquisite range of fine dining experiences - some of which are considered among the best in the world. These award-winning restaurants are renowned for their clever and distinctive approaches to gastronomy. Several of them are Indian establishments serving elevated versions of regional cuisine. Dubai is currently home to three Michelin-starred Indian restaurants. Each of them has unique features that make them a worthy dining destination. Here is a guide to help you decide which one(s) to visit: These Indian Restaurants In Dubai Have Michelin Stars - Here's Why You Should Visit: 1. Tresind Studio Tresind Studio is the world's first and only Indian restaurant to win three Michelin stars. It is also one of only two Dubai restaurants to hold this coveted status at present. For many, this distinction alone is reason enough to try to score a reservation (which is far from easy). However, it is important to understand what it actually offers you as a guest. Helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, Tresind Studio offers tasting menus that showcase reimagined regional Indian flavours. The presentation is innovative and visually striking, as it combines traditional ingredients and textures in unexpected ways. The restaurant is located on the terrace of the St. Regis Gardens at The Palm Jumeirah, thus offering a rooftop view - ideal for a luxurious dining experience. Who should visit: Dine at Tresind Studio if you are someone who seeks out the best of the best Indian restaurants in any given destination, if you want an intimate fine dining experience (it has only 20 seats), or if you simply want to try an elevated Indian tasting menu served with theatrical flair. This Indian restaurant offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, so it caters to a wide range of food preferences. In terms of location, Tresind Studio also has an advantage since The Palm Jumeirah is a popular tourist destination in itself. So, if you get the chance to dine here, you can plan your itinerary around your visit to this locality and its various other attractions. 2. Avatara Avatara is the world's first and only vegetarian Indian restaurant with a Michelin star. Its food famously contains no garlic or onion. Led by Chef Rahul Rana, Avatara aims to challenge stereotypes about Indian vegetarian cuisine and spotlight overlooked ingredients through its multi-course tasting menus. Like Tresind Studio, Avatara is also known for its eye-catching presentation, although it follows its own creative style. Moreover, each course comes with a fascinating story that adds depth to the experience. Avatara is located in Dubai Hills Business Park. The space has a soothing interior design, which allows the vibrant colours on plates to stand out even more. Who should visit: Plan a meal at Avatara if you are curious to try the diverse possibilities of vegetarian Indian food. Even if you are a non-vegetarian, this can help you appreciate new dimensions of plant-based ingredients. The food here is also said to be wholesome and typically light. So, if you are seeking a multi-course tasting menu that is not overly rich or heavy, Avatara could be a good option. 3. Jamavar Dubai Jamavar Dubai was awarded its first Michelin star in 2025. Its two other international branches - London and Doha - also hold single Michelin stars. The restaurant is helmed by Culinary Director Surender Mohan. The menu curation is inspired by the royal delicacies of Northern India and the coastal flavours of the Southern states. The glamorous interiors are enhanced by chandeliers, palatial designs and striking artwork. Jamavar is situated in downtown Dubai in the Opera District. Who should visit: Jamavar Dubai is an excellent choice if you want an Indian restaurant with opulent interiors and indulgent delicacies. Unlike the other two restaurants on this list, Jamavar offers food a la carte too (not just tasting menus). Its location in downtown Dubai means it is close to several other popular tourist attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium and more. Additionally, if you are attending a show at the Dubai Opera, Jamavar offers a set lunch menu as a pre-theatre dining option, as per The Michelin Guide. Want other travel tips for your Dubai trip? Click here to read more.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How Dubai became an eco-friendly home to sustainable tourism
Dubai has become synonymous with modernity and innovation, but the city is also evolving as a shining example of sustainable development and eco living, shaping itself as a place where green initiatives can thrive alongside world-class attractions. Here are just some of the ways you can embrace this eco-friendly ethos while visiting. Taste and try Dubai's culinary scene offers a range of eateries that embrace sustainability and promote locally sourced and organic food, with an increasing number of plant-based options available too. One of the most notable is Lowe, a Michelin Green Star-awarded restaurant in the lush surroundings of Al Barari, where diners are treated to dishes that emphasise seasonal produce cooked over fire, giving an experience that blends fine dining with eco-consciousness. Another must-try is Gerbou, a farm-to-table restaurant that's perfect for those wanting to enjoy sustainable, locally inspired cuisine in a beautifully designed space that references traditional Emirati design. And if sustainable dining really inspires you, try Boca, the 2025 winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award at Mena's 50 Best Restaurants and also holder of a Michelin Green Star. Boca runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, diners are encouraged to offset their meals through local environmental initiatives and the restaurant partners with conservation organisations to further their sustainability efforts. Dubai's vegan scene also continues to expand with a host of plant-based eateries throughout the city. You can now go vegan in Jumeirah at Seva Table, part of the yoga, meditation and holistic wellness centre, or visit Dubai hills for the soulful Indian dishes of Michelin-starred Avatara. Shop, mingle and explore Exploring urban communities off the beaten path is a great way to dip into low-key yet impactful experiences, mingle with Dubai's residents, support local businesses and try some great food. The Ripe Market at Academy Park is an al fresco lifestyle hub that will win over anyone who loves to shop and connect with small-scale local businesses, producers and artisans. You can buy everything from hand-made beauty products to vinyl records and vintage clothes at its outdoor stalls, all of which are presented by homegrown UAE companies. Al Quoz is a creative cultural neighbourhood that's home to all the galleries and studios of Alserkal Avenue, and is where you can also find The Farmers' Market on Saturdays, when organic farmers from all over the UAE come with freshly harvested produce, complemented by stalls selling everything from Emirati traditional snacks to handmade soaps. Sustainability is taking centre stage in Dubai's fashion scene too, with a growing number of stores and markets offering pre-loved and vintage clothing. Retold in Al Quoz is a prime example of Dubai's growing interest in circular fashion, with this flagship store selling pre-owned garments from a host of big-name brands. For those seeking unique pieces, Urban Market Concept is a pop-up market showcasing thrifted and upcycled clothing. To get 'under the bonnet' of Dubai's drive to sustainability, take a day out to explore the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, some 50km south of the city, in the desert at Saih Al-Dahal. It's now home to the world's largest single-site solar park, where a visitor center provides interactive exhibits and detailed insights into how solar power is harnessed and its role in reducing carbon emissions. Here, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) Innovation Centre hosts more than 35 interactive exhibitions, welcoming visitors of all ages to learn more about renewable energy sources. It's an inspiring experience for anyone interested in sustainability, and it's a strikingly beautiful melding of 21st century technology and nature, too. Natural beauty Dubai has many beautiful protected natural areas that both showcase robust conservation efforts and offer an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, in the heart of the city, is one of the UAE's most important wetland reserves, serving as a crucial stop for migratory birds along the East Africa-West Asia flyway, attracting more than 450 species of wildlife to its mangroves, mudflats and lagoons. Another noteworthy spot is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which, at 225 sq km, makes up almost five per cent of Dubai's land mass, and is one of the largest protected natural areas in the country. Part of the legendary Empty Quarter, it was the UAE's first national park and one of its most biologically diverse environments. It hosts more than 50 plant species, 120 bird species, and 43 mammals and reptiles, and here you can expect to see sand gazelles and even desert foxes on a guided safari or an eco-friendly tour – operators include Platinum Heritage and Sand Sherpa. Making up around 10 per cent of the total land area of the emirate is Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's first unfenced nature reserve. Head here for excellent birdwatching, stargazing and eco-friendly cycling and walking trails. Be on the look-out for wildlife too, including one of the largest populations of Arabian oryx in Dubai, as well as gazelle and 26 species of reptiles. Further afield, the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains offers a mix of memorable mountain landscapes, lush green valleys and freshwater pools. Known for its cooler high-altitude climate, it's a perfect nature retreat and is just a 90-minute drive from the city. When it comes to eco-conscious places to stay, within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve itself is the Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. Al Maha is the heart of an eco-tourism project that is dedicated to preserving the ecology of the desert. More than 6,000 indigenous trees are planted here and the resort regularly looks at ways to reduce water and energy consumption. In Hatta, meanwhile, visitors can stay at eco-lodges such as Damani Lodges and Sedr Trailers, which provide an immersive experience reflecting local culture and heritage. Back in the city, Anantara Hotels & Resorts group includes sustainability as part of its growth and development, and its Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort was recently awarded Green Growth Certification by the Green Growth 2050 council. Similarly, the three hotels that comprise JA The Resort in Jebel Ali have reduced their environmental footprint by using solar water heating throughout the resort, from its pools to its guest rooms. Jumeirah Al Naseem, which looks out across the water to the mighty Burj al Arab, is another sustainability champion, but what makes it stand out the most is its lagoon, built as a sanctuary for sick and injured turtles, as part of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. You can also look out for the city-wide Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, which has already recognised 70 hotels for achieving the highest sustainability rankings. Broaden your horizons in Dubai In Dubai, you'll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world's tallest building. Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white-sand beaches. You'll return home with plenty of tales to share.
