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3 4 5 6 12 16 PAGE 3 FeATURE hallofframe events gourmet highspirits Reecha Sharma shares a day Binod Bhattrai opines on what The swarm of white swayed Nutritionist turned artist, Instead of buying the popular Find out about inventions of her routine coupled with the demise of the Constituent to songs by popular singers Miriam E. Krantz, captures dessert, try baking the Black that transformed alcohol meetings for new releases Assembly implies for the gathered in Durbar Marg her appreciation for Nepal on Forest Cake. Here’s a recipe right down to making it and a glamourous event. politicians as well as the citizens. for ‘harmony in diversity’. canvas, which are on exhibit. for the German delight. available in powder form.
Parampara Vistaar A great dance tradition from Orissa in India, revived in the 20th century and inspired from temple art, will be performed in Nepal by Madhavi Mudgal and her troupe. The shows reveal the magic of lyrical expression and dynamic movement.
— Dr. Geeti Sen Models: Madhavi Mudgal and troupe Madhavi Models:
For more, turn to page 2 2 Issue 121 | 6 June 2012 Fr!day cover
Dr. Geeti Sen is a cultural historian who has written seven books on Indian art, and taught at colleges and institutions in India and abroad. Her recent book “Your History gets in the Way Parampara Vistaar of My Memory: Essays on Indian Artists” was released this year in Delhi. For twenty years she was Chief Editor at the India International n 8 and 9 June the the postures were meticulously In later centuries when the Centre. In 2009 she was appointed by the Indian Government as Director of the Indian stage in Nepal opens reconstructed from visual focus shifted to courts and dance Cultural Centre in Kathmandu. to performances of evidence. For instance, the became a secular art, the Maharis OOdissi dance by one of pillars of the nata mandapa were no longer dedicated solely India’s renowned groups led by in the great sun temple of to the worship of the Lord. Madhavi Mudgal. The audience Konarak render images of They were replaced with little pakhavaj; yet he choreographed lyrics and often from the will be enthralled by their dancers – in the actual hall boys called Gotipuas dressed for them the entire sequence. cantos of the Gita Govinda, the repertoire of Mangalacharan which now lies open to sky, up as women who danced at Later Mudgal persuaded him celebrated text from the 12th as invocation, the piece de where they had once performed temple festivals. The style had to dance, and to accompany century. This was composed resistance of pure rhythmic in the thirteenth century! High almost died out when it was her on tours to France, Spain, by the poet/devotee Jayadeva, movement called Pallavi, above on the highest plinth revived in its exquisite grace by Brazil, London and elsewhere. singing of Radha and Krishna narrative sequences from the of the main temple are giant contemporary exponents. Great modern dancers in with compelling verses that Gita Govinda on the sublime sculptures of these dancers, Among the pioneers to Europe Iike Pina Bautsch and describe every emotion between love of Radha Krishna, and playing the flute and cymbals revive authentic expression at Maurice Bejart became his lovers, both sensual and spiritual the dance of lord Shiva as and drums (pakhavaj) in ecstasy the Kala Vikas Kendra, Odissi ardent admirers. His dance was in feeling. Ardhanareshwara. to the sun god. Research Centre, and in his a revelation for students and As one of India’s leading Odissi is the most feminine connoisseurs alike. exponents in Odissi, Mudgal expression of classical dance in As a soloist and choreographer she The ultimate expression brings a refined sensibility India which is rarely performed in all classical dance forms in to her art. Honors bestowed in Nepal. Its grace lies in has acclaim from the international India is the mastery of abhinaya, on her include the Sanskriti lasya: slow lyrical movement world of dance. What is unusual is the art of emotive expression Award, the Padma Shri from developed from sculpturesque the commitment which she brings to convey any mood. Mudgal President of India, the Grande stances – inspired directly from describes the approach of her Medaille de la Ville by the city stone carvings on temples in as a teacher to inspire her pupils at guru in motivating his students: of Paris, the Sangeet Natak Orissa. When this dance form Gandharva Vidyalaya in Delhi. “Sometimes in an abhinaya Akademi. The expression of was revived, and that was only teaching session, to depict a Abhinaya is her tour de force 60 years a g o , The origins of Odissi dance school Srijan in Cuttack was an particular Nayika he would with a subtle grace to her can be traced back to 2nd century unassuming man of humility explain for hours how a woman movements. As a soloist and BC in the Rani Gumpha cave, and vision. Guru Kelucharan walked and how a particular choreographer she has acclaim of a dancer with her musicians. Mohapatra strove to perfect gait would suit the part… The from the international world of Infused with new life, Odissi this genre and to inspire a meaning of the words, the dance. What is unusual is the is one of the oldest dance generation of dancers. He bhava to be applied, the music commitment which she brings traditions, linked indisputably received the highest awards of to be used, even the bols that as a teacher to inspire her pupils to temple rituals in this region Padmashri, Padmabhusan and the pakhavaj would play for at Gandharva Vidyalaya in in east India. In its highest Padma Vibhushan from the the abhinaya sequences were Delhi. They accompany her on expression this Government of India, clearly etched in his mind as tours abroad and are encouraged dance was and the Order he crafted them in his masterly to hone their talents. of Art and choreography. This vitality and lyrical Letters from For a performance he expression will be seen in the France before would actually do the dancer’s performances that hold out a he passed away in make-up, tie the saris and hair, promise to be magical ! performed 2004. including the ghungroos, and by priestesses Madhavi Mudgal was then be ready to go on stage and Organized by the Indian Cultural Centre in Kathmandu with support from the Indian Council known as among his prime disciples, from direct the performance, leading for Cultural Relations, New Delhi. Maharis who 1972 when he first played the the musicians and inspiring the Friday June 8: performance at Moksha, Jwalakhel, 5:30 pm performed before the deity, pakhavaj for her performance in dancer to give her best.” Saturday June 9: performance at Nepalese Army either in the inner sanctum or in Mumbai. At the time he would The dances are set to music, Officers Club, 5:30 pm More information on page 7 mandapas built for this purpose. accompany his students on the drawing from medieval Oriya page3 celebrity surveillance make your statement Reecha Sharma In a relatively short career span, this actor has accumulated an impressive portfolio with carefully thought through choices of film offers she has accepted: Highway – the Berlinale selection that has had our hopes sky-high since its screening in Berlin, “Loot” – a movie not only appreciated but celebrated, and “Visa Girl” – the next inline with its poster’s quality itself creating high hopes. She has ‘immense potential’ written all over every project she has taken up—that is what most directors she has worked with have to say about her in their own words. She has a lot on her plate everyday, but she makes time for what she loves. Her day is filled with activities ranging from her hobbies to her work. She spent one such day with us. — Anubhuti Poudyal
“What one message of Lord An ultra-fine line has been Buddha would you like to give 6:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. added to the title of “Visa Girl” 5:20 p.m. to your country men on the An Early Bird She spends some time on the to make it By this time she is home and It is this early that Reecha Sharma internet to check emails and social relaxes for a while. Then it’s time occasion of Buddha Jayanti?” wakes up everyday and prepares networking sites. She cannot miss to get ready for the event – Miss for her day. out on her friends’ updates. 9 Nepal 2012. letters with an extra, almost 7:15 a.m. invisible “i” in “Girl”, in Run For Fun accordance to numerological faith 7: 15 p.m. It is time for a run! Reecha makes She leaves for Hotel Annapurna sure she runs almost every where the annual Miss Nepal morning and prefers fresh air to 2:30 p.m. pageant is to be held. her treadmill at home. Her favorite Break For Lunch Reecha likes to have food that she place? It is either Pashupati or area So far, she has acted in around the airport. loves and at a place she likes. Since the post-production of “Visa Girl” 10:30 a.m. is taking place in Tripureshwor 10:30 p.m. and most afternoons are spent in 5 Reecha prefers walking to her movies – “First Love”, “Mero She is home and is 8:30 a.m. meetings there, Pizza Hut or KFC exhausted. She still Healthy Breakfast dance institute. This helps her body Love Story”, “Loot”, “Highway” at Bluebird Mall are ideal for lunch and “Visa Girl” flips through the On a free day, when there are no warm up. breaks. pages of her shootings or meetings, Reecha current prefers a relatively late breakfast read that is extremely healthy. It contains “Revolution oatmeal, cornflakes or muesli. But on 30 2 2020” by Chetan days when she feels like it, she loves minute long walk to the dance movies in the pipeline currently Bhagat. On almost all days traditional daal, bhat, tarkari as well. institute everyday. she makes it a point to read, She has been part of or she makes time for a movie. 9:00 a.m. She saves all the must-watch 12:30 p.m. recommendations from friends and She flips through different dailies to Movie Meeting family on her laptop. stay updated with the happenings She meets up with the director, TV series – “Housefull”,3 “Gharbeti in the world. Her morning is co- actors and the “Visa Girl” team Ba” and “Hamro Team” She has incomplete without the regular at the office at Tripureshwor. “Visa dose of world news. Girl”, her next, is scheduled to release around mid September this year. 3:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 56 She hangs around ‘DS Collection’ Judgment Time movies on her laptop at present at Sherpa Mall, Durbarmarg where Reecha reaches the premises of she usually shops. ‘Wardrobe’ Hotel Annapurna. She is on the 11:00 p.m. and ‘Odhni’ are also listed among panel of judges for Miss Nepal 2012. Pillow Talk her favorite shopping stops in She asks Nagma Shrestha (Miss She goes off to sleep and prepares Kathmandu. Nepal First Runner up - 2012) for next day. Binod Bhattarai is a journalist who runs The Writing Workshop ([email protected]). feaissues that matter ture Back to the Future The demise of the Constituent Assembly on Sunday has taken the country back to the nowhere land of the period after April 2006. It’s a step back to square one. turned 18 after the last election range from Rs. 3 billion to Rs. because the constitution as it 9 billion in the Constituent is would bar them and there Assembly, not to talk of the is no legislative mechanism unaccounted funds spent to make amends. The term of directly by donors through the constituent assembly to be different constitution writing elected is also something that projects. We’ll never know how lawyers say is unclear. much they spent. The election is also an Still the bright side of the opportunity to put to vote come mess is that the Nepali public is of the key contested issues that now more aware of the texts and were bypassed in the earlier sub-texts that everyone tried to round, which essentially made it understand and interpret as it impossible to have a constitution. suited them. Now the cards are These are the 117 issues that on the table and the voters will remained unresolved from day have a better basis to make their one until Sunday, which even the choices.
hile there are l Federalization thrown up as The election, when hundreds of a word without a discussion it is held, can provide a An election will therefore be a second unanswered on its efficiencies but largely platform for measuring real opportunity for them to review their Wquestions about defined by claims and public opinion. But this can largely feudal structures, and the what went wrong, the future demands happen only after the legal practice of putting up candidates does have a silver lining in the l Governance models not based uncertainties surrounding uncertainty: A large section of on ideological logic but to suit the prime minister’s desire to that have proved themselves to be no the Nepali public has now seen ambitions of personalities, have elections are settled, and better than rubber stamps. through the veil of the rhetoric and voting is held in a free, fair and and the subtexts they’ve been l Political decisions based on transparent manner. There are so-called committee to resolve Most importantly, an election forced fed in the last four years. sahamatis and samajdaris of some serious legal questions contentious issues failed to settle. can provide the electorate an At least an election provides a handful of politicians that on which lawyers are already Putting the uncontested opportunity to ask candidates to a time to reflect and make were never fully followed up having a field day in talk issues on the ballot can provide define some of the words they informed choices. while over 500 rubber stamps shows on radio and TV. One the elected representatives have used all these four years danced to their tunes. is the question about who can The rhetoric included, the mandate on handling the before putting the mark on the vote – particularly those who questions on the contours of ballot. Here’s a brief checklist federalization and sub-units to have ready: within, and the governance l On federalization, ask the model – whether it should candidates what they stand be presidential model or a for in terms of structure, Westminster model, among sub-divisions and governance others. Most important is the models within; ask them issue of how much freedom where individual rights figure we as citizens would get as in their rhetoric of group individuals – some parties rights and guarantees. wanted control (though they l On democracy, ask them did not say so explicitly) as long the model they advocate: a as it suited their purpose of democratic model with the carving out little kingdoms or president as head, or one led vote banks, ethnic or otherwise, by the prime minister; also while others wanted a more ask them about the type of level playing field, but even they democracy they are talking did not expose the rhetoric on about because democracy the other side, as long as they is a word used for meaning could also get their vote banks everything from the North negotiated. Korean model to those in The election can force place in India and the United the political parties to face States. the reality that plagues them: l On basic rights, ask them indiscipline, insubordination, what are their proposed limits lack of transparency and non- on free expression and right democratic structures and to information, or do they still institutions. These had come want to ban political speech back to haunt them in the last as was there in the “agreed few weeks before the demise of draft”, and the Constituent Assembly when l On their economic governance ideologies were replaced by models, ask them if they emotional politics around group are looking for having a rights threatening to push the controlled state-led system country into an abyss. similar to that in China An election will therefore be or laissez-faire approach a second opportunity for them that advocates minimal to review their largely feudal government interference in structures, and the practice of economic affairs other than putting up candidates that have that needed for maintaining proved themselves to be no peace and property rights? better than rubber stamps. The Individually, the voter is a electorate can now once again small cog in the gargantuan choose from people that think machine called government. about their commitments to As a group, this electorate can their constituents. determine if the wheels of Of course there’s been a government move in the right waste of resources – numbers direction. ! hallofframe
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KTM launched in Kathmandu Nepal Appreciation 15 May,Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza 8 9 24 May, Park Gallery Hansraj Hulaschand & Co Ltd., the sole distributor of Bajaj Auto introduced KTM bikes in Nepal. The launch event was held at In her statement, Nutritionist Miriam E Krantz recounts her arrival to Kathmandu, Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza on 15 May, amongst representatives back when the planes were small and the hills, decorated with the rice paddies. for Bajaj Auto and KTM India, friends and family of Hansraj Now that Krantz is retired, she focused on realizing her dreams of taking up the Hulaschand Company, bike enthusiasts and media personnel. The sarangi and painting. For the latter, she joined Kathmandu University’s Center for event showcased KTM Duke 200, the naked 200 cc bike, which Art. Nepal Appreciation is the novice artist’s first exhibition, which showcases is the first bike being introduced in Nepal from the European her gratitude and love for Nepal. The exhibition features still-life, portraits and sports bike manufacturer. landscape paintings, and a solitary abstract piece that the artist interprets as what sunshine looks like. The event was inaugurated by Kiran Manandhar, with an The event successfully got the attention of the audience entourage of artists from Nepal Academy of Fine Arts. with laser works and dances by international dancers. The prestigious motorcycle brand that leads motocross racing 1. Sylvia Harniess 2. Sujan Chitrakar 3. Richard Harniess and Amanda Christie having proven itself with numerous victories and accolades 4. Miriam E. Krantz 5. Becky Thorson and Stephen Thorson 6. K. K. Karmacharya was presented by Shekhar Golchha, Director of Golchha 7. Sharada Chitrakar and Karna Maskey 8. Kiran Manandhar 9. Lindsay Friedman Group with great enthusiasm and excitement, being a bike enthusiast himself. This was followed by a hands-on experience with the street bike that has been advertising its light body with the tagline “lightness rediscovered”. The 1 2 event concluded with a cocktails and dinner. Rallying in White Shrestha, Tenzin Bhutia, Nalina Chitrakar, Aastha B, and Subekchya 1. Saurav Jyoti 2. Joseph Sebastian for Peace Khadka were spotted at the event 3. Shekhar Golchha 4. Siddhant 24 May, Durbar Marg along with many others Nepalis Raj Pandey present in their individual capacities. A swarm of people wearing white had The crowd swayed to popular gathered at Durbar Marg to peacefully songs from some renowned singers. demand harmony and prosperity. Yogeshwor Amatya’s melodious version Carrying the national flag participants of Siddhi Charan Shrestha’s poem expressed their solidarity and slogans “Kyaru Ma Yo Desh Nimitta” was a called for harmony between social moving statement of brotherhood groups. among the rich cultural diversity that The rally was held after the three day comprises Nepalis. 3 4 nationwide bandh. The event saw the As the evening grew dark, the event presence of a host of organizations ended with lighting candles. that included Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Nepal BAR Association, 1.Nirakar Yakthumba 2.Komal Oli Federation of Nepalese Journalists, 3.Padma Jyoti 4.Dr. Bhola Rijal 5.Satya Private Boarding Schools Organization Raj Acharya 6.Manoj K.C. 7. Swaroop (PABSON), Nepal Medical Association, Raj Acharya 8. Ram Krishna Dhakal Nepal Engineers Association and Nepal University Teachers Association. Many prominent faces like Sadichha 8
5 6 7 TOP 3 With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for eget morevents out of your weekends you to choose events to check out this week and the next. Here are our top three picks: 1. MASTER HAROLD...and the boys on Stage One World Theatre has come up with its next production, “MASTER HAROLD... and the boys”. This is an Athol Fugard play set in apartheid-era South Africa and what’s on is based on the tale of a young white boy and his relationship with two black waiters who were responsible for bringing him up. 2. Last Thursdays with Dawa things to do Steven Sherpa Guest Speaker this time is Dawa Steven Sherpa, a two-time Mount sun . mon . tue . wed . thu . fri . sat Everest summitteer and a successful young entrepreneur for “Last 31 1 2 Thursdays” program at DECC. 3 4 5 6 3. Himalayan Outdoor Festival If you want a three day break from your routine life and enjoy some time away from the hassles of the crowded city, do register for the Himalayan Outdoor Festival.
POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but inclusion is not Nepal Appreciation guaranteed due to limited space. Opening Date: 24 May (Thursday); Closing Date: 5 June (Tuesday); Time: 10.30 am to The main objective of the Night Bazaar Splash Fest ‘12 5.30 pm; Venue: Park Gallery, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, 5522307 ART AND THEATER is to give small firms a platform to Date: 2 June (Saturday) MASTER HAROLD...and share their products with organizations Time: 10 am onwards An Exhibition of paintings the boys on Stage like Newa Décor, Quixote’s Cove and Venue: Godavari Village Resort, www. water-football.com by Miriam E. Krantz is Date: 31 May (Thursday) to 3 June Ekadeshma participating.19 exhibitors are showcasing their handicrafts. It also being displayed at Park (Sunday) Summer is unbearable this year and it is has featured portrait artists, musicians Time: 5.30 pm too warm to play any sports. However, Gallery. The opening and tarot card readers. The bazaar also Venue: Moksh Live, Jhamsikhel/ there is a new game in town which is of the exhibition was saw launch of the audio book version 9801093012 cool and fun. It is time to splash it off inaugurated by Kiran of Chaitanya Mishra’s Badlindo Nepali at the Splash Festival ‘12 with Water Manandhar, Chancellor, One World Theatre has come up Samaj’ by Youth Participation Nepal. Football, a cool and splashing twist in the Nepal Academy of Fine with its next production, “MASTER Last Thursdays with game of football. The fun will be topped Arts. The display will be HAROLD...and the boys.” The play is based on the tale of a young white boy Dawa Steven Sherpa up by various other entertaining factors on up to 5 June, but will Date: 31 May (Thursday) like live music, DJ sessions, wide range of be closed on Saturdays. and his relationship with two black waiters who work in his mother’s tea- Time: 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm drinks, foods and a lot of exciting games. Venue: DECC hall, 4th floor of United “As the DC-3 plane room, and were responsible for bringing There are three sets of games designed World Trade Center, Tripureshwor cleared the edge of him up. The play is directed by Deborah for the event. They are Corporate Kathmandu Valley, at Merola and features Rajkumar Pudasaini, “Last Thursdays” program, organized by Participation, Knock Out Set and Ashant Sharma and Alan Gurung. So Entrepreneurs for Nepal in association General Play Set. Corporate Participation the feet of the mighty, do come and watch your favorite actors sparkling snow-capped with Samriddhi and supported by Biruwa is open for total of 8 people (4 players, in Athol Fugard’s play set in apartheid- 1 org representative and 3 supporters). mountains I saw stretched out before me the most beautiful embroidered Ventures and DECC is up for its next era South Africa. program at DECC hall. Guest speaker If you aren’t in the corporate list, don’t multi-colored quilt I had ever seen. It was rice harvest time in mid- Tickets Rs. 500 and for Students this time is Dawa Steven Sherpa, a worry, half of the day is focused on open October 1963. The journey since that time has taken me to many near and two-time Mount Everest summitteer play where teams will be registered at distant places in Nepal to experience the unique hospitality and friendship with I.D. Rs. 200 available by advance reservation at and a successful young entrepreneur. the venue itself. Open play will be divided of the people of this special land,” shares Miriam. Through her paintings, [email protected] He is an environmentalist known for his into Knock Out Set and General Play she expresses her feelings towards the caress of the mountain breezes and eco-friendly mountaineering practices and Set. No pre registration is required for fragrance of ripening grain, fruits and flowers in bloom, and experiences Nature Speaks program to rid Everest trail of trash and either of them. Closing Date: 18 June pollution. His work has been recognized of the nearness of the people around her here in Nepal. So here is an Participation cost: Rs 20,000 Time: 11 am to 7 pm by IUCN, WWF and International opportunity to experience a display of appreciation of the Nepali lifestyle (corporate), Rs 1000/per team of three Venue: Solace International, Blue Note Olympics Committee. This program is an and the artist’s adoration for this land that she has called home for many (Knock Out Set), Rs 1200/ for two Café, Radisson Hotel Road, Lazimpat, opportunity for you to gain knowledge on teams(General Play set) years now. 4005021 specific entrepreneurial opportunities in Nepal and to meet other entrepreneurs Raghini Upadhya’s Nature Speaks, an art Tickets: Rs. 1499 (inclusive of beer, and innovative Nepalis. exhibit is currently running at Solace buffet lunch and pool facilities), Rs 400 (one shot of vodka and 50% discount International. So all the art enthusiasts are Entry: Free welcome to came and explore the world on Water Football game) of the art this June. To meet the artist, you Himalayan Outdoor Festival Italian Food Film Festival Qs can check in between 4 pm to 7 pm. Date: 5 June (Tuesday) Opening Date: 1 June (Friday) Time: 6 pm With Miriam E. Krantz Closing Date: 3 June (Sunday) Venue: Moksh Live, Pulchowk/ 5528362, Artist MISCELLANEUOS Time: 11 am (departure) [email protected] 3 Venue: Hattiban Resort Artudio’s Photography Nepali Lifestyle Exhibited Workshop himalayanoutdoorfestival.com Moksh Live Restaurant and Bar brings you a quality way to spend your evenings. Closing Date: 31 May If you want a three day break from your They are organizing an Italian Food Film Content to have learned to play the sarangi and put her expressions Time: 7 am to 9 am routine life and enjoy some time away Festival, where they will be screening on canvas after her retirement, Krantz shares more about the Venue: Artudio, Nursery Marg, from the hassles of the crowded city, some of the popular Italian movies along Lazimpat, Kathmandu/ info@artudio. do register for the Himalayan Outdoor exhibition that is her first solo exhibition in Nepal. with a special Italian menu at the end of org, 4002037 Festival. It is a three day celebration of each screening. This Tuesday, enjoy the adventure sports, and live music. Some On what themes are the paintings based? Artudio, true home for creative 1987 movie ‘L’Ultimo Imperatore’. The attractions of the event are ice-axe The theme is Nepal Appreciation. I’ve lived in Nepal for forty eight and a experience and exploration, has come festival will continue into June. pull up, acrobatic paragliding show, live half years so the exhibition represents a bit about the people, their work up with Photography Workshop XVI music, mud run and many more. (especially women’s), the houses, landscapes, foods and flowers, etc. I hope for all the photography enthusiasts. This Price: Rs. 350 (with wine) I have caught a bit which shows my love for Nepal. will help the participants enhance their skills and capabilities in the world of Where did the inspiration for the paintings come from? photography. Events As a nutritionist my work took me to many places in Nepal. Brought Index up in a rural setting surrounded by beauty, I was inspired by my father’s Revisited Night Bazaar THURSDAY Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) rose garden and several ponds with water lilies and fish, and my mother’s Closing date: 31 May (Thursday) Artudio’s Photography Workshop Splash Fest ‘12 (Miscellaneous) lovely collection of African violets and ferns. RN Joshi was one of the Time: 5 pm to 9 pm (Miscellaneous) SUNDAY foremost artists in Nepal back in the ‘70s when I lived as a close neighbor Venue: Baber Mahal Revisited Last Thursdays with Dawa Steven Sherpa Himalayan Outdoor Festival to him and his wife. Their art and my friendship with them were factors Courtyard, 9813252090, shakyaanu31@ (Miscellaneous) (Miscellaneous) in eventually, many years later, studying art. Kathmandu University gmail.com MASTER HAROLD...and the boys on Stage MASTER HAROLD...and the boys on Stage encouraged me to exhibit my paintings at Park Gallery. (Art and Theater) (Art and Theater) The Night Bazaar, which was initiated Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) Revisited Night Bazaar What kind of people are you expecting to be your onlookers? on 29 March by Change Fusion Nepal, MONDAY FRIDAY My friends and acquaintances and others who love Nepal and its people is coming to an end for this season. Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) Himalayan Outdoor Festival (Miscellaneous) TUESDAY have come and will continue to come to enjoy this exhibition. These Held on last Thursdays of each month MASTER HAROLD...and the boys on Stage Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) include people from all walks of life from neighbors, shopkeepers, rural inside Baber Mahal Revisited premises, (Art and Theater) friends and urban friends, folks representing a wide variety of work and the bazaar will resume as the monsoon Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) WEDNESDAY professions. (Suprasanna Aryal) ends after two months. The night bazaar SATURDAY Italian Food Film Festival (Miscellaneous) comprises of stalls by small businesses. Himalayan Outdoor Festival (Miscellaneous) Nature Speaks (Art and Theater) events Fr!day Issue 121 | 6 June 2012 7
MUSIC AND PARTIES The Red Carpet Night mark your calendar Fete De La Musique 2012 Date: 8 June (Friday); Time: 8 pm to 11 pm; Venue: Alfa House, New Baneshwor; Date: 22 June (Thursday) 9803801302/9851004550. Time: 3 pm onwards events in the next few weeks Venue: Khula Manch, Ratna Park, Platform 977, an event management and promoting company, is gathering Nepali 4241163/www.aliancefrancaise.org.np celebrities, models and embassy executives for a celebrity event. After the success of Ignition Reloaded, they are all set to bring you up-close and personal Fete De La Musique, a music festival, with the celebrity figures of Nepal with ‘The Red Carpet’. With the aim of is going to be organized on 21 June providing you pure entertainment and a platform to socialize, they are inviting to mark the International Music Day you all to come and enjoy this unique event. that will be followed by a series of Storytelling 101 other events throughout the week. The event’s major highlight is the celebrity red carpet, which will also include AFK will organize for the third ramp walk and alcohol sampling with the purpose of social networking. Great Opening Date: 8 June (Friday); Closing Date: 13 July (Friday); Time: 9 am to 12 pm time the music contest for all the food and amazing drinks will be served. The event culminates with an after party. (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Venue: photo.circle HQ, Jhamsikhel, 5013501 interested young creative musicians below 25 on 22 June (Friday), 5 pm Entrance: Rs. 1500 Basically, visual storytelling is all about telling stories with the use of photographs onwards at Alliance Francaise. The or using multiple mediums like photographs, text, sound etc. Like any other form of winners will get an opportunity to storytelling, photo stories have the power to make people understand more about The first will be held in Moksh Live Creative Event Network open for No Jazz, an International the world we live in and also gives individuals an opportunity to express themselves. Restaurant and Bar, Jhamsikhel and International, a government French band at Nepal Academy Hall the second will be held in Army registered company has come up Like photographer Mads Nissen states, “Photography is just a microphone – what on 28 June that will start from 6 pm. Officers’ Club, Sundhara, Kathmandu. with a pool side dance party. The matters is the story you want to tell and your dedication to telling it. Great stories Similarly, 23 June (Saturday) will see As one of the leading classical party is scheduled to take place tie people together, breed empathy, respect and understanding across borders, Classical Music Program at Yala Maya dancers of India, Mudgal has received every month. You will be granted religions, and cultures. Ultimately, great stories possess the power to make our Kendra, Patan Dhoka from 3 pm. numerous awards. So, be there a combination of cooling off and world a better place for all of us” to witness the enchanting dance having fun with friends and family performance. this summer. Local volunteers, Nepal Photo.circle is bringing to you another chance to brush up your photography MISCELLANEOUS Police Force, Group 4 Security, Life skills. Storytelling 101 is a six-week introductory course on visual storytelling. It is Nepal Management Entrance: Free at both venues. Guard and Garud Security will be designed for entry-level photographers who wish to begin producing photo stories. Symposium volunteering for the event. Magic Targeted for beginners, the course is based on DSLR functions and the participants Summer Rafting Opening Date: 8 June (Friday) show, tattoo show, b-boying, live DJ will be required to have a DSLR camera. Opened to 15 participants, the application Date: 9 June (Saturday) Closing Date: 9 June (Saturday) music, live concert and fashion show deadline is on 5 June. Time: 10 am to 6 pm Time: 9 am (8 June) to 6 pm (9 June) Venue: Sukute Beach Camp will definitely freshen you up. Course fee: Rs. 12000 + 13 percent VAT (5%percent discount for my.photo.circle Venue: Shanker Hotel 9841270354, 9841332589 VocaBOOM Classes members) 9841914878 Summer is here and so is the heat. Opening Date: 9 June (Saturday) With the theme “Where managers However, your days don’t necessarily Time: 9 am to 1 pm of today and tomorrow converge”, have to be as lazy as the sun. Faces Venue: Bridgewater Int. School, KCM Student Council is back with and Figures Pvt. Ltd. (FnF) is bringing Jwagal/ [email protected], Nepal Management Symposium to you a one-day event—summer www.vocaboom.com (NMS) for the second time after its rafting in the Bhote Koshi river. 9851023188, 9841336748 huge success in 2011. The event is basically targeting and If you are looking for a course to Qs promoting the local adventure scene. NMS 2012 will host college students help your child improve English A weekend getaway that ensures With Kishor K. Sharma from various business schools vocabulary, VocaBOOM, a Franchisee fun, excitement and exploration. The Programs Assistant/ Workshop Mentor, photo.circle from all over Nepal and corporate course from India is here to help you rafting will also have participants participants from various industries. out. The classes will also deal with 3 from the corporate sectors. Aiming The event will include topics like improvement in English grammar and to promote domestic tourism, FnF human resource management, writing skills, confidence building and Photographic Tales has made all the arrangements the economics, banking and finance, smooth social interaction. The classes potential participants will be requiring. marketing, sales and promotion, run every Saturday (32-34 Lessons). While talking about pictures is also a very important component of Along with the rafting, they also have technology management, and general The age group for the course is 5 the course, the course has been designed to accommodate more of mouth-watering BBQ, exotic Miami management. Sessions will have years to 15 years. cocktails and DJ sessions. But the fun practical assignments rather than just theories. panelists from corporate sectors, doesn’t end there. More surprises are relevant industries and students in store for the participants. What are the basic components of the course that will improve presenting on suitable themes under the skills of the participants? the session topics. High tea, product Tickets: Rs 2500 (including The course begins with the history of photography leading to basic goodie bags and Instant Personalized transportation, breakfast, lunch, rafting techniques and important camera functions. After the basics are Certificates will be offered. The event and a complimentary drink) covered the course will focus on photography ethics, visual styles and will conclude at 6 pm on Saturday. Haiku Hangout master photographers. Street photography, portrait photography and Registration fees: Rs. 350 (for photo storytelling are other major components of the course, where Date: 9 June (Saturday) students) and Rs. 500 (for corporate Time: 9:30 am to 3 pm participants will gain valuable knowledge on photo-storytelling and participants) per session contemporary photography practices. Concluding part of the course Venue: Sarwanam Theatre, Kalikasthan will be on basic digital workflow, post-production, research and caption Parampara Vistaar [email protected] writing. Opening Date: 8 June (Friday) Haiku Hangout is an unconventional Closing Date: 9 June (Saturday) What kind of people do you think are your potential way of experimenting with the ancient Time: 5:30 pm participants? Japanese poetic form and having fun Venue: Moksh Live Restaurant in the process. This informal gathering The course is suitable for entry-level photographers who want to move and Bar, Jhamsikhel (opening beyond producing single images and start producing stories or narratives. is about providing a creative space for performance) and Army Officers’ those whose solace lays in expression The course will be beneficial for the photographers who already have Club, Sundhara (second performance) basic photography skills, but the beginners having passion to drive and the event is not only for the creatively inclined, but for those who forward are also welcome. The Indian Cultural Centre in want to explore their creativity, both Kathmandu is bringing one of India’s What will the participants take back from the course as a artistically and in writing. most acclaimed Odissi Dance benefit? troupes led by Padmashree Ms. The course has been carefully designed for those who want to take their Registration fee: Rs. 100 (includes Madhavi Mudgal. The presentation refreshments and snacks) photography skills to the next level. We will not only give lessons on how by Madhavi Mudgal and her troupe to take pictures, but also make participants think why we take pictures! offers insights into some of the Splash Grind 2012 We believe that photography is a language and the course will make the dynamic dance genre of Odissi, Date: 9 June (Saturday) participants understand and explore the possibilities of photography as a performed at temples in State of Time: 1 pm onwards medium of storytelling. (Suprasanna Aryal) Orissa. The dance performance Venue: International Swimming will be held on two different days. Complex, Satdobato, 9849108101 eget morevents out of your weekends Raghini’s Exhibit ‘Nature Speaks’ the week that was event reviews of the past week Miss Nepal’s “Rahat Siraha” Akriti Shilpakar Kathmandu, 18 May The press meet held at Hotel Annapurna, by Miss Nepal 2012, Shristi Shrestha was in concern of the fire outrage that took place in Siraha. The fire that broke out on 15 May displaced Nischal Oli some 1000 families. In order to help those who have lost Kathmandu, 27 May their homes in the terrible disaster, Shrestha called out for a humanitarian movement ‘Rahat Siraha’. Solace International, an NGO that works with underprivileged artisans, is currently hosting Raghini Upadhaya’s Nature Speaks, at its retail outlet in Rahat Siraha is a charity movement where all the money Lazimpat. The exhibition features 47 paintings, (acrylic and watercolor) on the collected will go towards the people affected by the fire. topic of ecological degradation. Given Solace’s goal to promote eco-friendly Shrestha donated her prize money from the Miss Nepal title for products, Upadhaya’s conscious effort to transcribe her concerns for Mother this noble cause and asked fellow Nepalis to extend a helping Nature fits in well in the boutique store. One might even say that the “eco- hand to those in need. She mentioned that the most important chic” store has been overrun with living gods and goddesses as they struggle to things that are required there at the moment were food, clean survive in their present day state. water, clothing and medical supplies. Upadhaya’s characteristic style flourishes with dynamic colors, thin lines that move viewers’ gaze from one element to the other. But more commanding Live Barbecue with The anniversary party was rather was then followed by a bike stunt and engaging are the surrealist figures that stand in for divinities. Their aloof grand and the attendees consisted of program, which was also one of the expressions are the focus of the paintings, as they remain vulnerable and some prominent faces that included main highlights of the celebratory beleaguered by detrimental activities of modernity, specially people. Music at Cube title holders and beauty queens. event. Later, the DJs shuffled tracks Prayush Lal Shrestha Sahana Vajracharya, Sadichha Shrestha, to get the dance floor abuzz and What Upadhya’s paintings do is pit values against actions. The artist alludes to Kathmandu,18 May Anupama Aura Gurung, Malina Joshi, and the entire spread of the parking the karmic cycle; she wants the audience to understand the give and take that Priyanka Karki were some of the people lot of Anandha Bhawan, Lazimpat binds all ecological systems together. Furthermore, she couples these imageries spotted there. was transformed into the likes of a of angry gods and desperate avatars (the values) with an active surrounding that glamorous discotheque. is abundant in Hindu iconographies and reference to human impact (the action). The affair begun with a musical performance by Acoustic Maya. It
‘Live Barbecue with Music’ was organized by Opaque Events Pvt. Ltd. inside the premises of Cube “The Club”, Kamaladi. The evening featured a combination of music and barbecue that sewed live performances by Kaleidoscope and DJ Krison, and a good number of cocktails. “Most dance parties are limited to dance, but we thought of a refreshing variation, a live barbecue in a dance party”, said Zoe Aryan, CEO/Founder of Opaque Barbecue Pvt. Ltd. The event scheduled to start at 7 p.m. started at 8 p.m. in the evening with songs like “Knockin’ on heaven’s door”, “Soldier of Fortune”, “In my place” by Kaleidoscope. The musical ambience was complemented by a culinary performance by the chefs as they prepared the barbeque. After the performance by Kaleidoscope, DJ Krison set the dance floor on fire with his dance numbers.
Vootoo’s First Anniversary Celebration Mannat Shrestha Kathmandu, 25 May Vootoo—‘the Food Voutique’ celebrated the completion of its first year on Friday. The restaurant which is co-owned by Raju Sigh, Ashutosh Shrestha and Sanjay Gupta has become a popular hangout spot for many youngsters. Known for its ‘special’ momo, Vootoo is popular for its relaxed ambience. bazaarmarkets & launches
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MITA HOSALI loves to observe, comment and sputter – maverick’s musings but she hopes you take everything with a pinch of salt. When she is not penning her columns while living in Nepal, she works for the United Nations in New York. Whither Next here are times when At times like this, we look As I did a quick surf of the Much of the commentary has traffic, it is actually possible to it feels strange to be to the media to reflect the international news channels, been about the issues at stake as breathe and walk without losing writing about arts and state of the nation, to give us predictably, I did not see the country comes to the brink life or limb to streets choked Tentertainment or regaling a barometric reading on what anything about Nepal. The of adopting a constitution with rogue microbuses running readers with tales of travels and people are thinking – the person channels that I would usually and the political parties are amok. Tongue-in-cheek, that culinary adventures. This is one on the street, the politicians expect to cover Nepali news deadlocked – while ordinary scribe concluded, “It’s the of those times – at least for me, in the Constituent Assembly, were conspicuous by their people are struggling to environment, stupid.” an ordinary observer without and even the law enforcement absence. BBC World News may recover from yet another bandh In modern-day South Asia, any clever answers or expert authorities. As I checked in have had a broadcast earlier in that has disrupted life, caused India and Nepal have the dubious knowledge. late on Sunday night, 27 May, the day but there was no reprise huge economic loss and in the honour of perfecting the Life may not come to a there was much revelry over as things came down to the case of the Far West region tradition of bandhs. Although standstill even if the nation Kolkata’s IPL win, the obligatory wire. BBC News online had its imposed unbelievable hardship used to advantage by different seems in deadlock and the interview with Shah Rukh Khan, last story on the constitutional on ordinary people. Bandhs political parties, Bengalis beat political parties are at an impasse. the replaying of TV cameras face-off filed on 24 May. And Al cause chaos on so many levels others hands down in their School goes on, making up for going around Kathmandu and Jazeera was, not unexpectedly, – people need to get to work so proclivity for calling bandhs. days lost in bandhs, students have speaking to young folks. There full of news of massacres in they walk. If they are employed The Supreme Court in India has to appear for exams, marriages was a fair amount of “Hami sabai Hula, Syria; while CNN was by a state institution, they actually fined political parties happen, and in the villages far jana Nepali” talk, some more for calling bandhs and it is true from Kathmandu where these articulate and heartfelt than But let’s face it, bandhs have their that bandhs are used much less weighty issues of the future others. Some broadcast images of supporters. There are those who are frequently. Bandhs are a strange of Nepal are being fought out, the groups assembled outside the mutation of the original concept farmers go out and till their CA, vociferously shouting their convinced that this kind of protest of civil disobedience as used to fields. And everyone with a TV demands. Some channels filled is efficacious, and some who feel it is bring down a colonial empire. keeps watching their favourite air time with nationalistic songs absolutely justified. If you speak out Those who used bandhs to great channels, with a considerable of people from all the different advantage in the past are now number being sucked in by IPL ethnic communities proclaiming against it, you run the risk of being having bandhs used against fever. their Nepali national identity. labeled counter-revolutionary. them – such is the irony of life in Nepal. fixated by a story on debt and are expected to show up or be As dawn broke over Greece’s financial crisis. Some accused of being sympathizers. Kathmandu the day after D-day, others were wondering about People in the service industry the atmosphere in the air was the outcome of the Presidential have to get to work as they are eerie and somewhat listless. election in Egypt. Perhaps the backbone of what people The twitterati crowd were pathetically, I thought I could fall back on when they cannot all atwitter. I checked in on catch a good analysis somewhere buy meat, fish or vegetables. some favourites and then read on the events unfolding in Journalists have to make their the wire reports – whereas Nepal, but none was to be found. deadlines as all want to know last night, there was precious Print media in Nepal, on the what the bandh is about and little comment, this morning other hand, has carried some what comes next – and rely on the agencies were racing to truly insightful critiques and their daily news bulletins which file reports and South Asia opinion pieces over the last few fill hours of being home-bound. pundits were looking anew at Movies at QFX weeks. There has been many But let’s face it, bandhs their crystal balls. Wandering a commentator sounding off have their supporters. There around the streets, the mood Arjun about bandhs and the bandh are those who are convinced appeared sombre. People Release Date: 25 May culture that seems to have gone that this kind of protest is wondered when the next rash haywire in Nepal. Some are well- efficacious, and some who feel of bandhs would hit. Others The storyline begins with Arjun as a nine- written, some are an attempt to it is absolutely justified. If feared worse – and only time year-old boy and follows gently protest, others do so with you speak out against it, you will tell what awaits. But what him till he grows into the humour and some do complain run the risk of being labelled is definitely noticeable in the last warrior that the world knows him as. It explores about the inconvenience of counter-revolutionary. If there few weeks is the state of general Men in Black 3 his life with his brothers Rowdy Rathore having to walk to work in the are no other ways to have your torpor many Kathmanduites in Hastinapur, his training Release date : 1 June blazing heat of a May sun. But voice heard or your demands display. One hears anger being Release date: 25 May and education and his 2012 ultimate discovery of the The film is a remake of I have yet to see one that is a met, this is a legitimate means expressed against Nepali An alien criminal kills warrior within himself. the superhit Telugu film true rant – because if you talk to an end. A journalist whom political leadership, matched a young Agent altering Genre: Animation Vikramarkudu, which to any normal person, they do I read and relish said the other only by the frustration of the the timeline, changing was also remade in Tamil rant about bandhs and how this day that the bandh last week silent majority who are unclear the Agency and placing Director: Arnab as Siruthai. The film will the Earth in danger. Chaudhuri see Akshay Kumar back affects people. But rare is the was an essential tool to break whither the nation is drifting. Someone must travel in his original action voice that rails on the record the three-party consensus Nepalis are a resilient people back in time to 1969 avatar. The movie is against the tragic futility of that had been reached and to – and irrepressibly optimistic. to save the Agency, the pegged to be one of the Earth and humanity itself. most anticipated movies bandhs, especially when bandh change the equation in favour But there is a sense of betrayal of 2012 Cast: Will Smith, Tommy enforcers include school kids of the pro-identity Janajati and cynicism that does not Lee Jones, Josh Brolin Cast : Akshay Kumar, who should have been at their forces, although he agrees the bode well for a society that Sonakshi Sinha, Kareena Director: Barry Kapoor, Maryam Zakaria desks, not letting out air in violence is undesirable. And needs to overcome the forces of Sonnenfeld people’s cycle tires or hurling one writer reminds us that polarization and to heal wounds Director: Prabhu Dheva things at those who walk by. when Kathmandu closes down – and move forward. ! reviewpopular culture revisited The Qualifiers and the Quantifiers of “Khana Pugos Deena Pugos” Author: Rabindra Mishra Reviewed by: Anita Dhungel, Ph.D., teaches graduate
boo k students at IACER and Padma Kanya College. Besides teaching, the associate professor loves to read books.
abindra Mishra. This is a popular name is concise, clear-cut, and deceptively blunt. At times linked with a sharp voice and is familiar to the language becomes ironical as well as satirical most Nepali people. The voice belonging to and at times harsh as well as judgemental. For Rthe name is heard by many Nepalis almost instance in his essay “A Letter to the Dethroned every evening at quarter to nine, broadcasted over King” he mocks and ridicules him for being short of on Nepali BBC Radio Service. Recently, this same insight, farsightedness and sensitiveness. Similarly voice cast his thoughts into writing and the end in his essay “Intellectual Treachery” he scorns product was: Khana Pugos Deena Pugos. From this and derides self-aggrandizement revealed both work I learnt that Mishra had published a book by an industrialist as well as a promising youthful earlier on, and had been contributing articles to politician. In the earlier essay I found myself the Kantipur and Nagarik (print) Daily News since laughing along-with the writer and agreeing with Falgun 2065. Regrettably, I was unaware of this him one-hundred percent with what-ever he had to up to the point I read his book Khana Pugos Deena say about the de-throned King. But again I thought Pugos. Nonetheless, I comprise of the same simple “Mishra is barking up the wrong tree. I don’t think like-minded Nepali people, who are obliquely it is going to make any difference to the person introduced to him through his voice. Thank you he is addressing.” Mishra’s pen is sharp. It pricks. Mishra ji! In giving impartial news bulletin, But, I felt that when writing about these sorts of hence updating all on the current concerns of our people the writing should cut and slash. country. The book Khana Pugos Deena Pugos as mentioned The book Khana Pugos Deena most of the judgements the writer was making. by the writer is a collection of contextual short Hence, by coming to differing conclusions, I was essays in Nepali language published in Kantipur Pugos churns your intellect attempting to disassociate myself from the same and Nagarik from Falgun 2065 to Bhadra 2068. and your emotions and kind of moral censoring. Well, as regards the literary value and significance compels you to think. It But I could not escape, for when I read the of the book, let the readers and time judge and retort of the industrialist, which is printed decide for themselves. However, what I can vouch provokes and incites you to alongside, I thought the industrialist deserved for is that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book review your own actions. the opinions of the writer. I thought how can and empathized completely with the concerns you be an influential industrialist and give such a he raised. I had picked up the book when it was I remember a friend and a colleague commenting shallow answer? The industrialist reacted pettily, recommended to me as the “recent but the most about Mishra when I told him I was reviewing his “I feel extremely lazy in reading books and I do talked about paperback in Nepali language.” Yet, book. I also told him about my view on the book. not have any patience or tolerance to read books.” I I procrastinated in going through the contents, I said, “At times I find his voice is too harsh and was dumbfounded and questioned how this person because of my own personal problem. (I have to too judgemental. He does not give leeway to those reached heights of success with this mentality? unabashedly admit here that reading in Nepali people who fall in-between his moralistic measuring The book Khana Pugos Deena Pugos churns your language is very difficult for me.) rod. He is quick in quantifying and qualifying intellect and your emotions and compels you to Nevertheless, after a couple of days with the people.” He laughed and replied, “He is a very soft think. It provokes and incites you to review your book lying around, one late afternoon I decided spoken gentleman. His voice may seem harsh in own actions. One instance of this is when he talks that I had delayed enough, so took up the book and the book, but in fact if you meet him in person, about a beggar girl on the Thapathali Bagmati sat down to read. While towards the end of the he is an image of gentlemanliness.” Nevertheless, Bridge and coerces to question yourself whether book I suddenly realized that it had grown dark. I when reading the essay about the industrialist you ever contemplated to help. So, in this sense the had not noticed time pass away from the moment and the politician I started to become grave and essays are very “personal and emotional” (vi). In my eyes had originally rested on the written word a little concerned. I thought perhaps the writer is fact while reading, it forces you to undergo similar of the first page, to the time dusk surrounded me jumping to harsh conclusions, too swiftly. Speedily, emotions. The book introduces us to a speaking and it had become difficult to read further. The I rebuked myself for being hypocritical. For here I persona who is the writer himself who informs us book notably has a philanthropic mission at heart, was at one point thinking Mishra is harsh, and the about his inner yearning and his soul’s vision: to and surprisingly it does not forget to weave the very next moment I found myself saying that he help his country even if it be in a small way. Kudos theme throughout its almost three hundred pages. needs to slash and cut those egotistical and self- must be given to his altruistic efforts, for the small The book I found is written in very simple and centred people so they understand what hurting way—the Help Nepal Network—has gone a long easy to understand Nepali language. The language is! The secret is: I found myself eerily agreeing to way and has helped many Nepali villages. ! NATHALIE GASS lives in Kathmandu with her husband, a Swiss diplomat. She has traveled extensively with her family over the last 23 years. She has many different passions in life, and cooking is one of them. Growing up, she remembers watching her mother prepare meals for the family. Today, her cooking reflects both the familiar flavors of home and the taste of many places that have gourfor the adventurous palatemet become her home over the years. Schwarzwälderkirschtorte or Black Forest Cake Why learn to make your own Black Forest Cake when you can easily buy one in most bakeries of Kathmandu? I would just say one thing to that: try this recipe and you will never want to buy a Black Forest Cake again.
ost people believe the puffy sleeves resembles the Schwarzwälderkirschtorte is Black Forest Cake light whipped cream, The red a true sensation. It was rated originated in the pompoms mirror the cherries, among the ten best cakes in Mlate 16th century in and the black lace veil protecting Germany. And Germany is Germany and specifically from the young women’s eyes from certainly the place where the the Black Forest Region (Der the sun looks strikingly like most delicious cakes in the Schwarzwald in German) in the chocolate curls. Moreover, world are baked! state of Baden-Württemberg. they say the hat weighs If you’ve ever wandered the approximately as much as a Black Forest Cake – Black Forest, you surely know Black Forest cake. Interestingly Schwarzwälderkirschtorte how dense and dark it is and enough, only unmarried women (For 6 to 8 persons) how mysterious it looks. This get to wear the giant hat as a Preparation: 2 hours (1 hour darkness was at the origin of sign of their celibacy. I wonder of preparation + 1 hour in the the romantic German concept if they also have to know how fridge) of Waldeinsamkeit or forest- to bake the cake before getting Baking time: 10 minutes loneliness. It seems that this married! However, nobody is Refrigeration time: 1 hour In a pan, warm up 3 tbsp. of liquid As he did not want to lose the was also the reason the cake was quite sure if the dress was cream and melt the soft gelatine preparation, he mixed the milk Ingredients: called so. chosen to match the cake or the in it. During this time beat the with the chocolate and to his Chocolate Biscuit At that time, chocolate cake to match the dress. In any rest of the liquid cream hard with surprise gets a creamy paste— 4 eggs (2 full, 2 separated) just started to be integrated case, it is a nice coincidence. the sugar and the vanilla. Just the ganache was born. 110 gm superfine granulated into cakes and this region of My recipe today comes before obtaining the Chantilly But when and where did sugar Germany, until today, is known from my brother-in-law. He is texture, incorporate the cream/ this story take place? Probably 25 gm flour for its sour cherries and Kirsch German and comes from this gelatine and kirsch to it. And then around 1850, but some contend 20 gm cocoa powder or Kirschwasser (a double region. I wish my husband could continue to beat until you obtain a it was in Switzerland while distilled, clear cherry brandy also bake German cakes as well light Chantilly cream. others argue that it was created Light cream with Kirsch made from the sour Morello as my sister’s husband does, at a Parisian Patisserie! 2 gm of gelatine in leaves Cherry cream cherry). The Germans very but until now it has not been 1 gm vanilla powder Open the tin and drain the rapidly combined these cherries the case! Roland is a gourmet Cut the chocolate in little 200 gm of liquid full cream cherries saving the cherry syrup. with their love of chocolate, and chef and only tolerates absolute pieces and let it melt with a 20 gm (20 ml) of Kirsch liquor Measure 300 gm of cherries created this wonderful chocolate perfection in this area: his Black Bain-Marie. (cherry brandy) (saving at least 10 cherries for confection with cream and Forest cake is perfection for me. Bain-Marie (water bath) the decoration) and 1 cup of cherries. If you ask Roland, he will refers to the method of placing a Cherry cream syrup. Add a tbsp of Maizena The Black forest is also say that the cake wasn’t created pan of food in another pan with 1 large tin of cherries in light (Maize flour) to the syrup and famous for a hat: the Bollenhut. in the 16th century but in the water in it to stabilize the heat syrup (not always available in put the liquid in a pan. Bring the It is part of the traditional beginning of the last century, reaching the food (water bath). the shops, but when I see them I liquid to ebullition for 2 minutes attire and its colours resemble by a backer named Josef Keller The discovery of a water bath is buy some to use when I need it): and add the cherries and let it the colours of the Black Forest (1887-1981) in Bad Godesberg. attributed at Albertus Magnus 300g cherries from the tin cook for 20 more seconds. (1193-1280) who described the cherry cake. The black dress Coincidentally, this is also the 1 cup of cherry syrup from the is reminiscent of the dark town where Roland was born technique for the first time, tin Imbibe with Kirsch and the “bath” comes from the chocolate biscuit, The white and grew up in. But in all 1 tbsp of Maizena (Maize flour) Add the kirsch to the cherry shirt with its wide honesty – and even if Roland vocabulary of alchemy, where syrup. “bath of Mary” was spoken may not be very pleased by this Imbibe with Kirsch to in reference to the Jewish – I have a hard time believing 200 gm cherry syrup from the Confection of the cake: alchemist Maria (Nos. III. BC, this story. In fact, according tin Take the first disk of chocolate Alexandria). to other research carried out 40 cl of cherry brandy biscuit and place it on a railing Do you know that you can by a Tübingen town archivist, and imbibe it with the kirsch/ also melt your chocolate in the another master patissier, Erwin Dark Chocolate Ganache syrup using a brush. Spread on microwave, in position defrost Hildenbrand, is the first to have 135 gm of dark chocolate 60 it ½ of the cherry cream and or 500W, stirring it from time really created the delicious percent then ¼ of the light cream with to time. cake at the Café Walz in 15 cl liquid full cream kirsch. Add the second disk of In a pan bring the cream and Tübingen. I wouldn’t be biscuit on top and repeat the the honey to ebullition. Pour surprised if other towns Decoration same process. Finally add the 1/3 of the hot mixture into the in the Schwarzwald Chocolate curls last disk of biscuit on the top. melted chocolate. With the help have similar claims to Confection sugar Imbibe it as well, and then cover of a spatula, mix vigorously fame. Cherries the whole cake with the rest of making little circles until the One thing the cream. Cover the cream with Preparation: mixture looks shiny and elastic. is certain, the chocolate curls and add the 10 Chocolate Biscuit: Then, incorporate a second 1/3 cherries as decoration. In a bowl, whip 2 egg yolks, of the mixture repeating the 2 full eggs and sugar. Then, Other option: same procedure, and then the in another bowl, beat the 2 Dark Chocolate Ganache: third using the same process egg whites stiff. Add the stiff Another option is to decorate again. Finally mix the entire egg white slowly to the other the cake with a chocolate batter with an electric mixer mixture. Then add the flour Ganache instead of cream. to emulsify it perfectly. Use it and the sieved cocoa. Pour the Ganache is a mixture of directly on the cake. Pour it over dough on a beforehand buttered chocolate and cream, and its the cake to cover it entirely. And baking tray. Bake it in the oven origin has been debated by decorate it with chocolate curls at 180°C during 7 to 8 minutes. culinary historians. They agree and cherries. With the help of a 16 cm of that Ganache is one of those For both options described, diameter circle, cut 3 disks in culinary mistakes that gave place the cake in the fridge for 1 the chocolate biscuit. birth to masterpieces: hour before serving. One day an apprentice drops Tip: You can easily prepare Light cream with your Black Forest cake in Kirsch milk in the chocolate he is preparing. His master, “outraged advance and freeze it. But be Soften the careful; decorate it with the gelatine in a at such a blunder”, called him Ganache, which in popular French chocolate curls only after it bowl with thaws. ! cold water. language means “incapable”. gourmet Fr!day Issue 121 | 6 June 2012 13
vicinity picks weekend hunts FOR LEMONADES Aalishan If you want a nice day out with your Circumventing the Football Ground friends and family but can’t decide on a place to enjoy refreshing Often hurrying through to reach our favourite Jhamsikhel eateries, we miss out lemonade this weekend, check in at Aalishan at Jawalakhel for a fresh on the more unassuming places located near the junction of Jhamel Road. one. The drink is served for Rs. 70. — Akriti Shilpakar You can check in anytime between 10 in the morning to 10 in the evening. ong before Jhamsikhel became Jhamel, the coolest place to hangout Jawalakhel, 5550039 in Lalitpur was Jawalakhel. The Black Pepper fact that the only zoo in the Black Pepper could be a place to L opt for if you want to gulp down country is here, makes this place special some energizing lemon soda this for anyone because it is part of their weekend. The drink is served at childhood memories. Today, Jawalakhel Rs. 95. You can drop in any time between 12 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Black has more to it than just the good, old zoo. Pepper also provides free Wi-Fi. It is home to many prominent buildings Kupundole Height, Sanepa, 5536926 such as the Nepal Telecom Corporation, Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar Nepal Staff College, NGOs and INGOs. You can give a try to Le Bistro It is the centre of an energetic locality. Restaurant & Bar for heat-beating If and when you find yourself around lemonade this weekend. The drink served costs Rs. 70. You can also this place, we have some eat-out picks for enjoy the free Wi-Fi zone. The bar you to choose from. This week, we give is open from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. you eateries from around the Jawalakhel Thamel, 4701170 football ground — the ground where the Northfield Café internationally acclaimed death-metal Come and try the lemonade served band ‘VADER’ performed. at Northfield Café this weekend. Better still, take all your friends out for a summer treat if there is an occasion for you to celebrate since cuisines: Pepper Steak, Pra ka Phun Manabhog Sweets and there is no dearth of seating with Jein (Trout Fish), and Panini are the Restaurant a capacity of 300 people. The drink restaurant’s pride. Available for just It hasn’t been too long, since will obviously cool you down this Rs. 199, their Panini also seems to Manabhog opened up for service. summer. The opening hours at the be many of the customers’ preferred And in a comparatively short span, cafe, with a provision of free Wi-Fi, dish. it has been able to gain a lot of are from 7 a.m. till 10:30 p.m. The popularity and goodwill. Serving lemonade costs Rs. 50 (excluding Their Tapas Bar is famous for Mint almost everything Indian and a little VAT and service charges). Martini, Mojito, Cosmopolitan and bit of this and that, Manabhog is Thamel, 4700884 Cranberry Cooler. With ample one heavenly destination for those parking space and free Wi-Fi, and chairs placed both indoor and Manny’s Eatery and Tapas Bar craving for Indian sweet delights. outdoor, the eatery has an open Manny’s is popular among the young More on A miniature resort is how I would Their colorful menu includes South kitchen, allowing customers to get a describe Manny’s in brief. Hidden denizens. But like every good thing, Indian meals such as dosa and restaurants sneak-peek at how their meal is being and bars in the shades of trees and plants, it has more than what meets the eye. sambher, a plethora of tantalizing The eatery showcases old, classic prepared. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 around it is an ideal place to escape the chaat as well as the not-so-Indian p.m., they also make home deliveries the city in Kathmandu heat. With both inside movies – mostly French and English burger, pizza and Chinese. – every Saturday for free. for free. Just ring them at 5550021. Kathmandu’s and outside seating, the place is Restaurants Most items come roughly within a opened from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Their Location: Across Jawalakhel Location: Take the alley between and Bars 2012 menu boasts continental and South- range of Rs. 50 to Rs. 300. Manabhog the football ground and the Smart vegetable market. In the premises of Thali which is the restaurant’s special East Asian dishes. Their signature Shaligram Hotel Apartment. Mart building. Manabhog is the comes for Rs. 290. With tables painted green on your left.
Makoo Bakery The seating area is quite spacious, As you enter the glass doors of and the place is spotless clean. A Makoo, the first thing you notice self-service eatery, this is the usual is the mouth watering variety of hangout for many college students, bakery products displayed. Their and a lunch destination for others. bakery goods range from fresh Open all days of the week, from breads to pies, muffins to soft, 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; drop in here creamy pastries, delicious ice for either quick lunch or a cup of cream cakes to sandwiches and coffee along side some scrumptious their menu doesn’t end there. cupcakes. Celebration cakes are The bakery also has a broad fast made on order; egg-free and sugar- food menu. For the extremely free too. But in case you are in a sweet-toothed to someone hurry, you can always pick out one with a savory inclination, Makoo from their stacks of freshly made takes care of them all. Their loyal cakes in the freezer. If you like their customers suggest the black- goods, don’t forget to like them on forest pastry, which is soft, facebook! moist and filled with creamy goodness. Location: Beside the NTC building
Their menu lingers from Chinese to Indian, and they have snacks, soups, pastas, burgers and sandwiches. But what makes Jazoo’s menu special is their signature cuisine: Jazoo Special whole fish for just Rs. 675. Their food menu ranges roughly from Rs. 105 to Rs. 675. The soon to Jazoo Cafe De Restaurant be renovated eat-out will You may see the big sign reading have a brand new menu for Location: Next to Makoo, in the Jazoo atop the big building, the customers to pick out from, and same lane. Look out for the board but it takes a while to figure live music every Friday. reading Jazoo. out the entrance— it is the small door on the left end of the building. The long staircase to the restaurant is not very comfortable but the big aquarium displaying large, colorful fish is. The restaurant is on the verge of a makeover, so it wouldn’t be right to judge the ambience at the moment. But the manager assures, it is going to be one buzzing place when it is done.
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Chef’s recommendations: Steak Breakfast Apple Pancakes Affogato al café A Cuppa Above Chai Latte Nachos with cheese melt We discovered a cozy coffee house and café that Chef’s Salad is truly a cut above the rest with an impressive Spaghetti Carbonara wine list and a lip-smacking selection of snacks and food to savor while there. — Andrea Newton
to frappes, there’s a coffee ituated in the bustling breakfasts, pastas, pizzas and preparation catering to everyone touristy spot, Thamel, other delicacies, it certainly on their menu. Galleria Café (owned by beckons more than one visit. The salads are bursting with SBal Krishna Dhoju) is Transforming from a freshness and the dressings a famous joint for people who cheerful eatery in the daytime to are light and a great option live in the area to come get a sophisticated wine lounge in for the health conscious. When their morning caffeine rush. But the evening, whether you choose it comes to choicest Italian beyond the 8 a.m. coffee perk- to hang with the girls and have food, opt for the pizzas, which me-up, there’s a lot more that a special soiree or catch up with are baked to perfection with the Galleria Café has to offer. the boys and watch a football oodles of melting cheese and With the perfect location to match, Galleria Café is just the the pastas which come with Alice A place for family meet and chat and get together, place. creamy and delicious sauces. the ambiance of the café is Try their European coffees The recipes that they use are relaxed and contemporary and as well as local Nepali brands. all family recipes and the chef very welcoming. And with a Whether you like your coffee with eight years of experience versatile menu that spoils one steaming with sugar and is no stranger to customer for choice when it comes to cream or whipped with ice and satisfaction. coffees, refreshments, all day chocolate, from a Macchiato My personal favorite has to be the waffles with ice-cream. Subarna Shamsher Marg, Gairidhara, Kathmandu Authentic right from the crusty Contact: 01-4429207, E-mail: [email protected] “In addition to providing quality exterior to the sponge-like food with unique ingredients, interior, served with a dollop of the chic relaxing ambience is creamy ice-cream and a jar of Read maple syrup, the golden-brown absolutely perfect for a harmonizing waffles take the cake for being a conversation with friends and family.” great way to end a meal. ! – Kreepa Shrestha, Promotions Consultant The café opens at 7.30 a.m. and Every Thursday is open till 10 p.m.
Tandoori Fish Gulnar Rs 300++
Degaa Resto-Lounge Kumaripati (Old Campion Building) Tel: 9849136479 highspiritsfor the love of drinking
to refrain from or to tragically to increase the alcohol content of Venezuela and the exact recipe overindulge in. Below is a short wine. Although the Romans were was invented by a German army Spirited Inventions selection of memorable alcohol- known to employ this technique surgeon called Johan Siegert related inventions and the names by adding honey to their wine, the who served in the Napoleonic of the men responsible for them. process is named after Jean Antoine Wars before working for Simon and Inventors Claude Chaptal, Napoleon’s Bolivar’s army in the liberation Inventions made during the evolution of alcohol The Coffey Still: agriculture minister, who from of South America. Originally the to give it various forms over the years. Stills used for the distillation of alcohol were probably first In 2007 two Dutch research students invented in the Arab world and introduced to Europe by the caused a media frenzy when they Moorish conquerors of Spain. released plans to make a powdered This explains the etymology form of alcohol commercially available. of the word alcohol which is derived from the Arabic 1801 onwards advocated and bitters were intended for use as words al kuhl meaning ‘the encouraged it on the grounds that a tonic and digestive remedy. In essence’. It is doubtful, however, it strengthened and preserved the 2009 there was a world shortage whether the alcohol produced final product. Today chaptalization of Angostura bitters due to a by these early stills was used as is used in wine growing regions bottling related problem in the anything other than a solvent in where the sugar content of grapes company’s only production line fragrances derived from flowers. is low. For example, in Alsace, on the islands of Trinidad and The Coffey or Continuous Riesling grapes that have not Tobago. still, patented in 1831 by an fully ripened on the vine are often Irishman called Aeneas Coffey, Alcohol powder: — Dominik von Bohlen chaptalized in order to boost their ourtesy: GG Machaan C ourtesy: and P rop Venue remains the standard hardware alcohol level post fermentation. In 2007 two Dutch research in use in distilleries today to In other, warmer, wine growing students caused a media frenzy e don’t know probably collected droplets of make grain whiskey, gin, vodka regions, chaptalization is often not when they released plans to who invented alcohol vapor in wool and then and other spirits. It consists of permitted by law. make a powdered form of alcohol fermentation because wrung them out into a container two columns, the first in which commercially available. When Wit happened too long of some sort. But inventions in alcohol vapors rise and the Angostura bitters: interviewed by the press, Harm ago, probably around 10,000BC. the sphere of alcoholic drinks second in which it condenses The Manhattan, the Old van Elderen and Martyn van Nor are we entirely sure who and their production, some at the required strength. Fashioned, The Pink Gin, the Nierop said that they planned invented the technologically more important and with longer Although named after the man Dizzy Lizzy; these are just some to target the youth market. The more advanced process of lasting legacies than others, did who patented the design, the of the cocktails which contain powder would be retailed in 20 distillation, but like with so many not run out of steam hundreds Coffey still appears to have been angostura bitters as one of their gram sachets. Mixed into a glass things it was probably down to of years ago. Inventions and invented five years earlier by an ingredients. The small dark bottle of water it creates a lime flavoured some fiendishly clever Chinese inventors have remained Englishman called Robert Stein. with the oversized label is an liquid with a three-percent alcohol person, who was probably an fairly constant through the essential feature of any serious bar. content. Because their product is alchemist and probably alive in ages, bringing to the drinking Chaptalization: The bitters were first produced not sold in liquid form no legal the eighth century AD. This public an ever wider variety of This is the practice of adding in the town of Angostura age restriction can currently be mysterious probable person tinctures to taste, to tipple with, sugar to unfermented grape-must (now called Ciudad Bolivar) in applied to its purchase. !