Diwali Hampers: What's new this year?

It’s that time of the year again when the quintessential mithai boxes that are sent out for Diwali jostle for attention, amidst many glamorous and luxe options available. But a Besan laddoo and Kaju katli are timeless and absolutely nothing can really replace them, despite innumerable calorie counts trying to sway you from biting into them! Indian mithai is the most irresistible indulgence during Diwali and numerous varieties of these ghee-laden calorie bombs from all parts of India, topped off with delicate silver foil is worth it. But this year, let’s take a look at some interesting and innovative Diwali gift hampers available in Mumbai — some classic, some new: 1. Cold Food Company: This one specialises in homemade delicacies and gives you a chance to serve and enjoy a deli style menu in your home soirees. The Cold Food Company has put together an exciting array of gourmet hampers this Diwali. The hampers are available in three sizes – Lite, Classic, and Supreme. You can even mix and match and create your own hamper in any one of the sizes. Prices will vary according to your selection. [caption id=“attachment_105617” align=“alignleft” width=“400” caption=“Classic Hamper of the Cold Food Company. Shot by Sheetal Mallar for CFC”] [/caption] The Classic hamper priced at Rs 2,500 contains: 2 dips from the CFC range — Garlic Chilli and Hummus, 1 Salad Dressing - Spiced-Up Honey/Mood Fixer, A dozen of homemade mini Butter Cookies or 4 homemade Chocolate & Raisin brownies, Lavache, a bottle of Green Olives, Soft Cheese (Brie) and a small bottle of Wine which can be replaced with an additional Salad Dressing, if you so wish. The Lite hamper priced at Rs 1,500 contains: 2 dips — Garlic Chilli and Hummus, 1 Salad Dressing - Spiced-Up Honey/Mood Fixer, A dozen homemade mini butter cookies or 4 homemade Chocolate & Raisin Brownies and Lavache. The Supreme hamper, priced at Rs 3,500 contains: 2 dips — Garlic Chilli and Hummus, 2 Salad Dressings - Spiced-Up Honey and Mood Fixer, 1 Big Mamma Barbecue Marinade, a dozen homemade mini Butter Cookies, 6 homemade Chocolate & Raisin Brownies, Lavache, a bottle of Green Olives, Soft Cheese, a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a bottle of Wine which can be replaced with a bottle of Balsamic Vinegar, Gourmet Pasta and Wholegrain Mustard. Cold Food Company’s Yakuta Sarkari, who was one of the top fashion publicists in India having worked with the biggest names in fashion like Tarun Tahiliani, Malini Ramani, Aki Narula, Wendell Rodricks and Manish Arora gave it all up to and started Cold Food Company on 16 October, 2010. “I am a creative person and I needed new creative ground to grow and the kitchen is what beckoned since I am extremely passionate about cooking,” said Yakuta of her foray from the ramp to kitchen champ. Call Yakuta Sarkari on 9820536252 for orders or browse www.facebook.com/ColdFoodCompany to place your orders online. Continues on the next page 2. The Oberoi hotel: It has created bespoke hampers exclusively for the festive season that are available from today at The Gourmet Shoppe. In true Oberoi tradition, their hampers are classy and elegant. The Gourmet Shoppe offers two types of hampers this year: the Sparkler Selection and the Cigar, Cognac and Champagne Collection. [caption id=“attachment_105607” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“In true Oberoi tradition, their hampers are classy and elegant.”] [/caption] The Sparkler Selection is available in three varieties. You can choose from the Signature selection, priced at Rs 5,500 which is filled with delectable spiced truffles, chocolate nut rocks, sumptuous macaroons, home-made pastas, pasta sauce, extra virgin olive oil and a bottle of red wine, along with diyas and sparklers. The Premium selection hamper, priced at Rs 3,750 is filled with delectable spiced truffles, chocolate nut rocks, sumptuous macaroons, home-made pastas, pasta sauce and fruit cake, along with diyas and sparklers and the Assorted selection, also priced at Rs. 3,750 has delectable spiced truffles, chocolate nut rocks, premium cashews, walnuts, mithai and specialty tea along with diyas and sparklers. The Cigar, Champagne, and Cognac Collection is available in four varieties. You can choose from: The Luxe collection, priced at Rs 46,500 inclusive of a hand crafted travel humidor, a cigar cutter and cognac, along with sparklers and diyas. The Signature collection**,** priced at Rs 23,500 inclusive of gourmet chocolates, premium scotch whiskey, a cigar cutter, travellers selection of cigars and sumptuous macaroons, along with sparklers and diyas. The Premium collection, priced at Rs 20,000 inclusive of gourmet chocolates, cognac, Paratagas cigars and a cigar cutter, along with sparklers and diyas and the Assorted collection, priced at Rs 16,000 inclusive of gourmet chocolates, Champagne, Paratagas cigars and a cigar cutter, along with sparklers and diyas. The Gourmet Shoppe at The Oberoi Shopping Arcade, Mumbai is open from 10am to 8pm. Contact: 022-66326245 Continues on the next page 3. Sukho Thai: This is the best foot spa in Mumbai. The Thai Foot Spa is now offering gift vouchers this season, and you can gift a relaxing, stimulating, stress-busting Sukho Thai Spa Therapy to any one you please. After all the dancing and partying during the festive season, what better way than an hour-long Thai traditional foot massage, priced at Rs 1,300 to revive them! And if you are dead beat with the late nights, you can ask for the foot massage with the back, head and shoulder too where two therapists work in tandem which is priced at Rs 2,190 for an hour. [caption id=“attachment_105955” align=“alignleft” width=“250” caption=“You can gift a relaxing, stimulating, stress-busting Sukho Thai Spa Therapy. Image Courtesy: www.sukhothaiindia.com”] [/caption] You can fill up the name of the person you would like to gift the therapy too on an online form. It is one of the best gifts anyone would like to receive this season. I do agree with their tagline ‘The pleasure sure lasts longer than chocolates’ but that doesn’t mean chocolates are any less heavenly! You can read up on all their therapies online at www.sukhothaiindia.com and book the one that suits you best. The first outlet of Sukho Thai was opened in Bandra by entrepreneur, Shailesh Patil in 2010. It received an overwhelming response to its signature foot massages and has since opened two more outlets in the city. Sukho Thai is open every day from 12pm to 10pm. It even has Happy Hours between 2-4pm where you get 15% off your bill. The telephone numbers are: Turner Road, Bandra West: 022-26400264 Skyzone High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel: 022-24900249 Phoenix Market City, Kurla BKC: 022- 26411264 Continues on the next page 4. The Painted Truffle: It is the official retailer for Lindt chocolates in India and the best part is, there is a 100% Vegetarian assortment of chocolates available too. And that is a huge advantage in India, so all you vegetarians can rejoice! [caption id=“attachment_105626” align=“alignleft” width=“400” caption=“There’s a chocolate hamper for everyone in all price ranges in The Painted Truffle.”] [/caption] Viveka Rawal, proprietor, The Painted Truffle started her store in 2009 during the Diwali season and this is the busiest time of the year for her business. Her elegant chocolate gift packs are just the right thing to send out this year too as chocolate never goes out of style and certainly not Lindt! From her Chocolate Bouquets to her Lindt Woven Gold Platters priced at Rs 2,210 to the Octagon Spot Boxes with Lindor priced at Rs 1,975, there’s a chocolate hamper for everyone in all price ranges. They will also customize your order and make a hamper for you the way you’d like it to be. These delectable chocolates packed to perfection are sure to melt the gift receiver’s heart. The Painted Truffle, Shop 67, Ground floor, Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai. Email: info@paintedtruffle.com Phone: 022-24813699 Mobile: 98 200 48123. Continues on the next page 5. The best of the rest: If all of the above don’t appeal to you, Tiwari Brothers, Chandus, Punjabi Ghasitaram, Punjab Sweet House, Haldirams and all the halwais in Mumbai are waiting to serve you with love, even though you try to replace them every year with modern Diwali hampers. Bring on the Laddoos, Kaju Katlis, Gulab Jamuns, Rasgollas, Imirti, Balushahi, Bal Mithai, Jalebis, Soan Papdis, Kalakands and oh-so-many-more syrupy delights! May the festivities begin!