(From top) Harsha Bhatkal; Asha Khatau and Farzana Contractor at the Crossword bookstore; Ipshita Maitra at Zenzi

Sure, the torrential rains in Mumbai last week had Mumbaikars scurrying for cover, but quite a few turned up at Crossword bookstore to attend an event that was all about the sweet things in life. Much to the delight of food lovers in the city, Crossword felicitated well-known food writer, Asha Khatau as her book, Epicure’s Delectable Desserts of the World has won an honourable mention in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2005 in the Best Foreign Cookbook category.

Marking the occasion, was a panel discussion on ‘Why Indian desserts rule’. Presided over by Farzana Contractor, CEO Afternoon Despatch and Courier, and editor of Upper Crust and Afternoon, the panel included Asha Khatau herself, along with Harsha Bhatkal, CEO, Popular Prakashan, singer Raageshwari and model-cum-actress Tara Sharma.

Published by Popular Prakashan, Khatau’s volume is a compilation of 234 of the best recipes from around the world, including Black Forest Gateau from Germany, Tiramisu from Italy, and also a variety of our very own Indian delicacies like phirni, rosogollas and many more.

Speaking about her book, Khatau explained how Indian desserts are loved and appreciated the world over because of their distinctive flavours and tastes. She steadfastly maintained that in India, a good dessert is an ideal way to end a meal, even though she admitted to health being a concern.

Harsha Bhatkal was effusive in his praise of Khatau’s delicious creations. He said, “I am a foodie myself and can personally vouch for Asha’s recipes, having tasted them often. She is one of our best-selling cookery authors and I am sure we will do many more award-winning books with her.”

After the panel discussion, Khatau demonstrated three of her favourite recipes from the book, which made for the perfect sweet ending.

Shooting star

Fine art photography may not be very popular with art collectors in India yet, but efforts are being made to increase awareness of this art form. One such instance was he recent exhibition of the work of artist Ipshita Maitra at Mumbai’s resto-bar Zenzi.

Called Metamorphosis, the collection revolved around the theme of evolution and transformation. In fact, created by the artist at different phases in her life, the works embodied a feeling of movement and of awakening. Actually the 23-year-old Maitra describes herself as “writer, photographer and director” ? in that order. She has done theatre since her teens and studied film and creative writing in England. It was while doing her film course that photography, one of the modules in the course, fascinated her. Soon, it became a passion, as the Zenzi exhibition revealed.

The exhibition’s opening drew artists like Papri Bose and fashion photographer Ashok Salian, who made a late entry. Also seen were actor Dino Morea, VJ Anusha and ex-Viva band-member Pratichee.