Star Trek beyond cocktail masterclass

Coinciding with the release of the movie, Star Trek Beyond, Smirnoff is stirring up some limited edition special concoctions to the delight of Trekkies. I got an opportunity to sample the fascinating Start Trek Beyond cocktails. 

Here's a photo tour... 

Hemant Mundkur, master mixologist and Brand Ambassador, Diageo Bar Academy was at his usual creative best and well loved by everyone...

Bangalore has been producing a bumper crop of fine pubs and G77 Café is one of the decent ones...

A classic design with simple messaging...

The welcome drink...

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Hemant started off with the Spocktail, an electric mix of Smirnoff Vodka, fresh red grapes and apple juice...

The Spoctail...

Here's the recipe...

Smirnoff comes from the house of United Spirits Limited, a Diageo company...

Next up was LIIT (& PROSPER), a trekkie spin of the classic Long Island Ice Tea...

A snazzy combo of Smirnoff Orange and Captain Morgan rum...

LIIT (& PROSPER)...

Here's the recipe...

Orange and Lime Wedges come together in this tangy mix called Vulcan Salute...

A liberal squeeze of lime makes this a refreshing drink...

Vulcan Salute...

Here's the recipe...

And next comes Beam Me Up, my favorite cocktail of the day. This will definitely be appealing to any coffee lover...

Beam Me Up...

Here's the recipe...

And finally the Warp Driver. A trekkie version of the classic Screw Driver...

Here's the recipe...

Warp Driver seemed to be the popular choice...

Do not miss out on a chance to try out these limited edition concoctions specially stirred up for Star Trek Beyond at a pub near you. Live long and Prosper!

Asian Barbecue and Steak Festival at High

I was invited for the preview of Asian Barbecue & Steak Festival at High Ultra Lounge which starts from 22nd July to 14th August. 

Here's a photo tour...

Myanmar born Chef Myo Zaw Aung is renowned for his exquisite fusion technique with modern cooking methods and artistic plating. Myo and his team were dishing up a set of barbecue. I was eagerly looking forward to the impending fare... 

It is always a pleasure to see such a cozy setting...

The light fittings are not great for food photography but they make a nice view none the less....

Some interesting cocktails to start with...

The bar counter is elegant...

Ground Beef Steak was a bit different than what I expected, but the flavors were spot on, raised by a slick of Parmesan cheese and  crunchy garlic croutons...

Next up was the Salmon Steak which remains my favorite of the day. The dish was a perfect example of a simple and comforting fare...

At 421 feet, the view is breathtaking...

And the rains gave me a really good photo opportunity...

Asian grilled pork ribs were succulent, slow cooked with some special sauce...

Guru's Love Potion cocktail was a beautiful concoction of Vodka, Cranberry juice, Triple sec, orange blossom water. This was infused with carbon dioxide at the table...

High style Baby Chicken - a special Chef Myo marinade with whole spring baby chicken cooked to a silky perfection...

Main course had Jasmine rice and Thai yellow curry which is always a delightful combination...

The Hookah smoking in the end was fun. Leaving you with a picture of Rumana enjoying a puff...

A Spa Party with Ema

The occasion was dear friend, Ema Trinidad's birthday. She invited a bunch of us for a 'sparty' at her brainchild, S2 Spa and Anti Aging Center. 
Here's a photo tour...

To start with, Ema served us the yummy and  nutritious Vietnamese Chicken Salad. The combination of chili, lime and fish sauce dressing was spot on...

Soon we lie down for a Foot reflexology massage...

The foot massage was really intense with the masseuse applying real force on the pressure points...

The masseuse was displaying excellent skill and technique...

And we were not complaining...

Ema explained the intricacies. The stroking and application of pressure is in sync with the energy lines of the body...

Sipping green tea during foot massage is a great idea...

I tried sipping wine, which felt even better...

The massage focus on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendon and fascia...

They personalize their treatments according to the person's distinctive skin characteristics. Debolina getting her jaws covered...

 Rumana painted with a clay facial...

A clay facial for me too...

Indrani treated with their signature wrinkle iron facial...

Some of the results are instant. Debolina was glowing after the treatment...

Here's a glimpse of Thumb Circling - a technique in hand reflexology...

The Filipino Chicken Adobo was the perfect ending to the party. It was really delicious and flavorful. No wonder it's the national dish of the Philippines...

I returned from the party rejuvenated and full of energy. 
You can know more about the Spa at www.emaspa.com