Latest news with #Persian-inspired
Time Out
25-06-2025
- Time Out
It's official: This epic Indian monument to love is the world's most beautiful building
The eye perceives beauty, but this building in Asia strikes straight at the heart. India's Taj Mahal, an ivory white marble monument to love, has just been named the most beautiful building in the world by Time Out. It tops a list of 24 most beautiful buildings in the world, shortlisted by Time Out travel editors to celebrate striking and inspiring architectural gems across the world. We've featured centuries-old monasteries and futuristic art galleries, but taking the cake: what we'd consider the most romantic gesture of all time. Built between 1632 and 1653, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Besides the poignant love story behind it, the Taj Mahal is admired as a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring an immense Persian-inspired dome, four free-standing minarets similar to those found in Islamic mosques, and calligraphy and floral motifs reminiscent of Islamic art. It's also really easy on the eye, with perfect symmetry from every angle, only enhanced by a reflection pool that leads up to the Taj Mahal. Three other buildings from Asia were included in our ranking. At No. 12 is the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the house of the Parliament of Bangladesh in the capital, Dhaka. It was designed by the world-renowned architect Louis Kahn, who incorporated local materials, such as concrete and marble, to create a powerful structure. Vast geometric openings punctuate this imposing facade to allow natural light to flood the interior space – creating the depth and texture Kahn so admired in ancient architecture. Next, Vietnam's Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House in Hanoi is ranked No. 15. Situated in a village renowned for its pottery, this elegant, tiered structure is designed to resemble interlocking potters' wheels. Seven upside-down domes with skylights create a light-filled space for public events, with floors stacked above providing spaces to showcase the pottery crafts and techniques that define the village. At No. 24 is Enryaku-ji, a Tendai monastery in Kyoto, Japan. It's considered one of the most important monasteries in Japan, as it was founded in 288 by Saicho, the monk who introduced Tendai Buddhism to the country. Most of the temple buildings you see today were rebuilt in the early Edo Period, after an attack by Oda Nobunaga (one of the three great unifiers of Japan) destroyed most of the original structures in 1571. Today, you can wander through forested trails to visit the main Todo area, the Saito area, and the Yokawa area. The most beautiful buildings in Asia, according to Time Out: Taj Mahal, India Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam Enryaku-ji, Japan
India.com
19-06-2025
- India.com
Family-Friendly Places To Visit In Delhi This Summer
Delhi, the lively capital of India, buzzes with activity all year round. However, as soon as summer sets in, the city changes into a kaleidoscope of colors, tastes and experiences one cannot forget about easily. In spite of the blistering heat that can be intimidating at first glance, Delhi has various mesmerizing places where one wouldn't resist the urge to travel around to examine its rich history, culture and culinary amenities. It is here that these are some of the best venues you should consider visiting during this summer season. Wonders Delhi is studded with historical landmarks which reflect various epochs. Among these are Red Fort, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mughal splendor. It is worth spending time exploring its intricately designed rooms and contemplating over its towering red sandstone walls that have so much to say about India's glorious past. Another magnificent architectural marvel Qutub Minar stands amidst lush greenery. This is a tall tower built in 12th century featuring beautiful Islamic architecture and providing panoramic views of the city from top. Every history lover has to pay a visit to Humayun's Tomb – meticulously constructed burial place dedicated to Mughal Emperor Humayun offering breathtaking Persian-inspired design and picturesque gardens Hides Wishing to break free from a clamor inherent in urban environment? Then you can enjoy solitude among Delhi's verdant patches. Lodi Gardens spread over an area of 90 acres present themselves as serene oasis amidst hustle bustle metropolis. Here you can do nothing but walk along well-groomed lawns, admire ancient buildings or just watch blooming flowers and ponds reflecting sunbeams. The Garden of Five Senses stretches out across wide territories wherein nature merges seamlessly with art and culture in Delhi Metropolitan Area too.. So take a stroll in special parks; attend cultural activities or simply take a break in the relaxing atmosphere of this magic place. Seek serenity in Delhi Ridge, which is one of the major forested areas. It hosts many activities including hiking, bird watching and reconnecting with nature escapades; thus a perfect getaway from summer heat. Treats Delhi's cultural canvas is as vibrant as it is diverse and what better season to delve into its rich heritage than summer? Walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, Delhi's oldest market where age-old traditional practices coexist with present day business activities. You can eat street food and savor delicacies, shop for crafts that are unique to Indian traditions or just soak yourself in the chaotic yet fascinating atmosphere of this historic bazaar. National Gallery of Modern Art showcases an extensive collection of contemporary Indian art revealing Delhi's excellence in artistry. The museum has paintings and sculptures that show how India's artistic landscape has evolved over time. Take pleasure in watching Kathak or Bharatanatyam at Kamani Auditorium and India Habitat Centre respectively if you would like a glimpse of Delhi's performing arts scene. Let these classical dance forms' rhythm and grace transport you to a world full of cultural richness. Trips No trip to Delhi would be complete without indulging in its gastronomic delights and summer is the perfect time for such an exercise. Try out various street foods at Paranthe Wali Gali or Chandni Chowk full jalebis, chaat etc., whose flavors will remain on your tongue forever. When you want to have the best meal in town, go on a tour of the city's thriving restaurant business that serves many different culinary options from all over the world. Delhi has something for every appetite; if you are looking for original Indian cuisine or international dishes. Don't forget to try the city's cool drinks as a way of taking off the heat during summer ranging from regular lassi and sugar cane juice to fancy mocktails plus artisan coffees. This refreshing drink will quench your thirst and give back your energy. Conclusion With each moment ushering in summer, Delhi gets filled with an array of experiences waiting to be unraveled. For those who love history, nature, culture or food, there is something for everyone in Delhi. Therefore, withstand the scorching sunrays and hit the road towards an unknown fate while experiencing India's capital intoxicating aroma around yourself.
San Francisco Chronicle
05-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Big cookies arrive to big lines, plus more new Peninsula and South Bay food
Pudgy cookies, late-night Korean barbecue, Laotian smashburgers: The Peninsula and South Bay food scene saw exciting additions in recent weeks. Fans lined up for cookies in Los Gatos. A popular dim sum chain opened a shiny new outpost in Palo Alto. A new sweets shop specializes in Persian-inspired desserts. There's a lot of new food out there; read on for more on eight new Peninsula and South Bay food businesses. Hit cookies get their own home Batch 22, a popular South Bay business known for its oversized cookies, opened a bakery in Los Gatos to much anticipation in May. Co-owner Amy Wong, who left a marketing job to start the cottage food business in Cupertino in 2020, built a loyal following for her thick, 6-ounce 'pudge' cookies, inspired by New York City's famous Levain Bakery. The rotating menu includes flavors like chocolate chip, earl grey milk chocolate and dark chocolate-orange (as well as a few smaller, thin cookies). The best-seller is the ube dulcey, made with the purple Filipino yam, caramelized white chocolate and toffee. The Los Gatos bakery is airy and colorful, with one wall carved in the shape of a cookie with bites taken out of it. Batch 22 often sells out; check Instagram or call 408-827-4184 to find out what, if any, flavors are left. 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., #113, Los Gatos. Dumplings descend on Peninsula mall Bay Area mini dim sum chain Dumpling Time brought its latest outpost to the upscale Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto. With it came a slew of new dishes, debuting here and then rolling out at all Dumpling Time locations, like pho-flavored xiao long bao filled with beef broth and a twist on mapo tofu with deep-fried batons of tofu served over a shiitake mapo sauce. The new menu is courtesy of Dustin Falcon, who comes with experience at the three-Michelin-star French Laundry and now serves as corporate executive chef for Omakase Restaurant Group, which runs Dumpling Time as well as Niku Steakhouse and Prelude in San Francisco. The new restaurant has an ample outdoor patio, dumpling bar and view into the dumpling-making process in the open kitchen. Dumpling Time became known first in San Francisco for handmade dim sum and oversized soup dumplings, and has since steadily expanded throughout the Bay Area. Sunnyvale now has an outpost of popular East Bay Korean barbecue restaurant. Don Blanc, one of the Chronicle's picks for the Bay Area's top Korean restaurants, is known for meat cooked on cast iron grills (including a specialty in beef intestine) and a lively vibe. The menu also includes Korean specialties like marinated raw crab, fried chicken and beef tartare. While the Oakland original stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends, Sunnyvale closes at midnight daily. Plus, a Korean kimbap specialist arrives A local kimbap shop just opened, devoted to the Korean sushi rolled with fish cake, spicy beef, Spam, pickles and other fillings. Bibimmate, located inside a San Mateo ghost kitchen, comes from Seonghye Park-Kwak, a local veterinarian who's long wanted to open a kimbap shop, according to a social media post. 66 21st Ave., San Mateo. Lao food truck debuts Enter: A rare Lao smashburger. It comes courtesy of Szn N Spice, a new food truck parked in Redwood City. The burger comes with double beef 'sai oua' patties (made in the style of the Lao sausage), pickled onions and cucumbers, American cheese and a Thai chili crema. Also on the menu are chicken satay, truffle fries and beef croquettes. A sweet new dessert shop Petal's Creamery is now scooping ice cream and serving desserts in Los Gatos. The new shop, elegant with pastel-green walls, black-and-white checkered floors and tufted banquette seating, serves creative, Persian-inflected ice cream flavors like orange blossom creamsicle, cardamom-chocolate and 'rozu' (rose plus yuzu). Toppings come in the form of saffron brittle or sour cherry sauce. A glass case is also stocked with Persian-inspired desserts. Con Azucar Cafe's calling card is an Instagrammable giant concha, and it's now available in Redwood City. The San Jose cafe's second location just opened on Middlefield Road with coffee, iced horchata and conchas in a colorful, almost arcade-like space. A nostalgic Italian-American joint Mountain View is home to a new Italian-American restaurant from the team behind popular Peninsula pizzeria chain Doppio Zero. Johnny & Sanny's — a twist on the names of co-owners Gianni (Johnny) Chiloiro and Angelo Sannino (Sanny) — is serving Italian-American classics like chicken parm and housemade pastas, plus Roman-style pizza.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ed Sheeran's new 'soundtrack of summer' amasses 500,000 streams in just hours
Iconic singer Ed Sheeran has stormed social media with his latest hit. The star's track "Azizam" was released earlier today, following days of music fans waiting for the song to drop. And in its first day, it has already amassed hundreds of thousands of views on the streaming platform, YouTube. Read more: Black Sabbath fans believe they'd 'never have made it' if they kept original name The Persian-inspired song has nearly 500,000 views in just 11 hours, with the figure only projected to rise. Ed took to TikTok this morning to announce the track's release, in a playful video including snippets of the YouTube music video. The musician said: "Azizam is out now. I'm overwhelmed with the positive reaction to this song, and so excited for all the other surprises I have for you. Hope this sets the scene of the soundtrack to your summer, more to come." The song includes many Middle Eastern influences, with its producer, Illya Salmanzadeh, hailing from Persian heritage. Ed's hit has accrued support from thousands of people all over the globe, as the pop sensation's latest song was marketed all around the world with huge heart balloons with the writing "Azizam" plastered on them set in locations such as London Kings Cross, Dubai, Dublin and more. Read more: Huge demand as JLS announces Birmingham gig and confirms 'very special guest' And the singer's fans were quick to praise his latest musical move. One commenter said: "Ed Sheeran saving the music industry once again." Another said: "Safe to say every Persian around the globe will be playing this on full blast at every Mehmooni, thank you Ed." Other commenters even claimed the new track was good enough to be the "song of the year." Ed's newest song can be bought as a CD, a 7" single or on streaming platforms now.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Make your living room comfier with these furniture sales during Wayfair's 72-hour sale
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Wayfair's 72-hour clear-out event is here, giving you one more chance to save big on items like sofas, rugs and tables for your living room. You can save up to 60% on these items and more until Monday, March 10. Thanks to the sale, now is the time to redecorate your living room and get hundreds off on big-ticket items. Relax in style on your brand-new sectional or chairs and update your vibe with oriental rugs or more modern rug options. Couches Rugs Chairs Tables Read On The Fox News App Original price: $1,299.99 A cozy six-piece corduroy sectional offers space for the whole family on a comfortable fabric. In addition to the couch, you get a footrest that you can arrange anywhere along the couch. You can also arrange the couch into a lounger or a traditional long couch. Original price: $949.99 When you're relaxing on the comfy cloud couch, it literally feels like you're sitting on a cloud, thanks to the ultra-soft cushions. It's a U-shaped design, so you can fit five people on the couch at once, or use it as a sleeper when you have guests. Original price: $729.99 Need to fill a small living room? This two-piece corduroy sectional is small, but especially comfortable. The corduroy fabric is comfortable to sit on no matter the season and comes in gray, green, beige and tan. You also get a chaise lounge, so even though this sectional is small, it has plenty of room to lounge. Original price: $959.99 Fill your large living room with this 147-inch modular corner sectional. You can fit up to six people, and the chaise is reversible, so you can arrange the couch however you need to accommodate all your friends and family. The couch cushions are filled with foam, offering support and comfort. Original price: $1,299 Create the couch of your dreams when you get this six-piece upholstered sectional. You can arrange it as a long couch or a lounger, making it the best couch for movie nights or game nights. The couch is wrapped in a neutral polyester in gray or green, so it'll fit nicely in a variety of living rooms. Everything You Need To Complete These 5 Easy Winter Diy Projects Original price: $405 The Benfield area rug is a beautiful rug that's kid and pet-friendly thanks to its machine washable design. The heavily faded beige and blue tones create a boho vibe, perfect for many different spaces. Original price: $520 Looking for a soft rug? The Lurdes geometric area rug is a plush rug that'll feel comfortable underfoot and has a modern design. You can pick from nine different colors, like dark blue, orange, beige, brown and gray. Original price: $360 An Albion oriental rug has a Persian-inspired design that's unique and timeless. Choose from green, blue or red and get a rug that'll fit in effortlessly with all your current living room décor. It's also stain-resistant and machine-washable, so it's great for busy households. Sleep Through The Night With These 5 Viral Bedroom Finds Original price: $1,199 Part chair, part sofa and part bed, this Serta Sabrina sofa chair combines everything you need into one stylish piece of furniture. The small sofa transforms into a recliner chair with ease and can also convert into a queen-size bed your guests can comfortably sleep in. Original price: $330 Add two handsome chairs to your living room when you pick this Boney two-piece set of barrel club chairs. The faux leather and barrel-design are comfortable and stain resistant, so you're living from can look classy even when you have kids and pets running around. There's a red, green, white, brown and black option. 10 Furniture Picks For Your Tiny Home Original price: $955 Wayfair's Ludlow reeded four-door sideboard is a great TV console or table behind your couch. It has four spacious cabinets and is 69-inches long, so it'll fit pretty much any TV. The console is Scandinavian-inspired, so you get a minimalist look in either black, oak or a walnut finish. For more deals, visit Original price: $455 The Lismore storage cabinet is designed to hold up to 16 pairs of shoes, but it also works great as a living room hutch or TV console. There are eight shelves in the cabinet, offering plenty of storage article source: Make your living room comfier with these furniture sales during Wayfair's 72-hour sale
