The largest weather phenomenon in the world is churning. The monsoons are at the doorstep down below. We hope the changing season is the herald we have all been holding out for, to bring us good news. The Kitabu section unravels the mighty monsoon in all its glory. The unsolicited slow life has made thinkers of us all, and those that were born intellects have attained a whole new level of thought and meditation. Stories that matter showcases one such fine mind from the world of luxury travel and hospitality, the peerless Sonu Shivdasani as he explores the parallel between his life and the predicament of the world today, with hope and caution served in equal measure. The Island across the pond is opening up, and in time for the summer too.
Dorchester, the epitome of English finesse expresses the all too human moments we have all been waiting for. On the off chance that you are looking out of the window on a clear night, do wonder if we are alone. If all this happens to lead you to a sense of listlessness, let us create a sense of urgency for you. The king, nay, god of fruits, in its various incarnations is here. Indulge in the mangoes in our food for thought and at your dining table, before the monsoons wash them away.
Keep Safe Indoors,
Ashish
A deep dive into a story that's arcane, thoughtful, and sometimes humorous!
For travellers around the world, if there is one retreat common to all bucket lists, it has to be Soneva. Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmstrom, partners in life and business started these unique and exclusive retreats in some of the choicest locations, enhanced in beauty and aspiration by the magic touch of Eva and Sonu, the founders, who inspire the name Soneva.
Brought to you by Dorchester Collection
Throughout the year past, there are several moments that we’ve all yearned for. From a simpler time, or to reconcile before it was too late. To enjoy another meal without the sense of stress lingering over us. To feel that wave of nostalgia hit us blissfully once more. This has been a year where we have not had the time to spend these moments with our loved ones despite being locked in for the majority of days.
But brighter times are upon us now, and people are starting to rediscover these simple joys.
The Dorchester Collection’s family share some of their most cherished simple desires that they are looking forward to, that we think resonate with all of us here!
“After such an unbelievable year, I’m looking forward to helping guests enjoy the magic of The Dorchester and London once more.
Seeing guests sitting around a table with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and sharing stories.”
“I’m keen to hear the hotel buzzing with activity again, as we welcome back our loyal guests and get to know new faces.
It’s going to be a really special time.”
“I want to enjoy a lovely day out with my mum after so long apart. She can choose where and it will be my treat, I just want to spoil her.
I also can’t wait to delight our guests with all the exciting new events and experiences we’ve been busy planning.”
“I’m looking forward to bringing our guests their morning coffee, setting up their breakfast table
and being the first person to welcome them to a new day.”
“I can’t wait to surprise guests with a glass of champagne on the terrace of our spectacular Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite.
To see their eyes sparkle with delight as they take in all the magnificent monuments of Paris at their feet.”
The Chef's Table
Niki Nakayama is a Japanese-American chef and the owner of Michelin-starred n/naka restaurant in Los Angeles, specializing in modern Japanese kaiseki cuisine.
Ana Roš is a chef from Slovenia. A self-taught cook, she helms the kitchen of Hiša Franko restaurant in Kobarid, Slovenia.
Duangporn "Bo" Songvisava is a Thai chef and restaurateur, an authority on traditional Thai cuisine today. She and her husband, chef Dylan Jones, own and operate Bo.lan, a restaurant in Bangkok's Sukhumvit neighborhood.
Hunting for ET
In 1977, “Close Encounters Of A Third Kind” was released in the United States, telling us the story of a rural electrician in Indiana establishing contact with those who must not be named. The first ever encounter with beings from another planet leaves our protagonists mesmerized, to say the least.
But despite “Close Encounters” being fictional, the idea of aliens evokes the same feeling in many people. Indeed, It is this feeling that inspired folks to search the sky every night, looking for signs.
Making a typo in an online argument is the equivalent of voice cracking in a verbal argument.
The King of Fruits
This "stone fruit" belongs to the Anacardiaceae family (Poison ivy and cashews basically), and the history of this fruit can be traced back to 2000 BCE. In the 18th century, The name of this fruit also became a verb, meaning "to pickle", something that was made up by the Americans because they used to pickle this and other fruits and vegetables on their way back to the States. It has a very different prestigious reputation today, of course. It is the pride of our country now!
A Playlist of all of Bond's hits!
Books you absolutely must read!
We all agree that some books can instill a sense of romance into you, even if the book itself is about something else entirely.
But Alexander Frater evokes every sense in you when talking about the first rains of the monsoon hitting the beaches of Kochi in Chasing The Monsoon, and a sense of romanticism hits you throughout the remainder of the book.
His obsession with chasing down India’s perennial rainfall and its importance to the entire country brought about the highs and lows of our vast country.
All our amusing mannerisms, witty dialogue and our stark contrast in the living classes and conservative background.
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