bpb freebie: Awesome deal on memo tiles and other products by Asta Couture, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bpb contest: bpb is giving away free couple passes to From Blightly With Love. For yours, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Going fast!

bAGGAGE

What: Live in a tree house, The Machan, 20 kms past Lonavla, call +91 8080877420 or visit www.themachan.com, Rs 10,000 a night per couple, including breakfast and dinner.

Why: Newly opened Machan boasts four gorgeous, eco-chic tree houses that rise 40 feet above the lush Jambulne forest. Bpb loves: glass-walled hanging rooms, outdoor baths and 360° views, which compensate for the lack of room service, air conditioning and fancy food.

When: You need to let off some neem.

***

What: Made-to-order psychedelic travel bags by Maverick Inc, call Priya Bohra on 9820374284 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 2,000.

Why: Trip out with these happy trolley bags sporting jazz trumpets, star bursts and airplane doodles. You can even have them customised with prints that suit your case.

When: You want to be a high roller.

pOPCORN

What: Gourmet butters, 210°c Bakery, Matru Ashish Building, Nepean Sea Road, call 65249279, Rs 30 for 750g. 

Why: The herb roulade, honey chili and roasted garlic butters at South Mumbai’s newest bakery are worth every calorie. Also bag the creamy pesto dip and Tiramisu in a glass.

When: You want to get phat.

***

What: Skype with top British filmmakers, From Blightly with Love, in multiple cinemas, book tickets on www.bookmyshow.com and visit www.fromblightywithlove.com for more details.

Why: Move over fish and chips, there are starrier Brit imports in town. Catch movies like Man on Wire, Rage and Genova at this UK film festival, after which you can Skype with renowned filmmakers. To get a free pass from bpb, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When: March 5 to 18. Jolly good!

***

bASICS

What: Artisan organic e-shop, Altitude Store, visit www.thealtitudestore.com, start at Rs 100.

Why: On this pretty website you’ll find everything from ginger tea and Himalayan black eyed peas to mandarin body butter, all of which can be home delivered. Another high note is the Simon and Garfunkel Herb Collection. Cheeses and honey only available in Delhi.

When: You want to be trapped in a web of chais.

***

Event Round-Up: Lakme Fashion Week kicks off on March 6, Wink, Taj President celebrates fourth birthday with fun deals on March 7; and Underground Jewels surface at Bombay Electric until March 6.
 

bpb Freebie: Rich discount on Shocolaat confectionary (call 65174138), exclusively for subscribers. For this and more cool discounts, along with a free weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bURNER

What: Turning Tables, bpb’s underground kitchen club, to attend email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – limited seats! Rs 500 this month.

Why: For Turning Tables III, Chef Ashutosh Nerlekar of Olio at Novotel Mumbai goes underground with bpb. That means delish Mediterranean fare whipped up from scratch in a subscriber’s kitchen, interesting conversation and the chance to meet cool new people. Hat trick!

When: March 7 at 8.30 pm.

***

What: Fire twirling workshop, 4th floor, Naval Kunj, Linking Road, Bandra (W), call Janit on 9833879338 or visit the Facebook group here, start at Rs 700 per session.

Why: Janit Gambhir - he’s a flaming wizard! - wants to pass on the torch to you. Learn how to hold, twirl, and set ablaze a fire staff while freestyle dancing on his Bandra terrace. Individual sessions available as well.

When: You deserve an exclusive (m)embership. Every Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 8 pm.

pLANT

What: Sunday Farmers' Market, Vishnu Prasad Hall, 14th Road, Linking Road Corner, Khar (W), call 9821142700  or visit www.kavitamukhi.com, free entry.

Why: Here, certified organic farmers from all over Maharashtra will sell their crop. Also available will be cooked treats, spices, eco-friendly paper and more. Remember to bring along a shopping bag (or five).

When: You want fresh produce at (f)arm’s length. Every Sunday starting March 21.

***

What: Cast iron animal-shaped watering cans, Contemporary Arts and Crafts, 19 Napean Sea Road, Rs 1,550.

Why: Complete with spouts and sturdy handles, these bright goldfish and roosters are utilitarian enough to give the maali and stylish enough to display amongst your prized blooms.

When: You want a whole new kettle of fish.

***

bEADS

What: Three dimensional necklaces by En Inde, only available at Ensemble, White House, Kemps Corner, start at Rs 5,000.

Why: Delhi-based designer Sonal Sood strings together wooden cubes, ivory stilettos, glossy beads and neon ribbon into jewelry that’s intricate, original and seriously drool-worthy.

When: You want to get all necked up.

***

Event Round-up: Nikhil Chinapa at Valhalla on February 26; Novotel Mumbai kicks off art series titled Woman; &Then’s Union with Wall of the Vjs at Zenzi Mills from February 26 to 28.

bpb FREEBIE: Delish deal on culinary workshops by Le 15 Patisserie. For this and other discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bRIBE

What: Bar week, part of bpb’s Secret Mumbai initiative, join the Facebook group here, for queries email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , free.

Why: bpb puts Mumbai in the Secret Cities running. In a bid to get you to share your favourite hangouts on our Facebook page, we’re planting gifts at partnering bars all over the city, beginning with Bandra. So visit Bonobo this Thursday, The Den on Friday, Salt Water Café on Saturday, Mocha Mojo on Sunday, Soul Fry on Monday, and you might get lucky!

When: You want a shhh(ot) on the house. From Feb 25 to March 1.

 pAN(T)

What: Houndstooth messenger bag for men, Lord K, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit her Facebook group here or call 9892135331, Rs 2,500.

Why: With their burly detailing, leather flaps and black & white checks, these bags put the macho back in the murse. They come in denim as well, but we like those better for girls.

When: You want to be a strapping young man.

***

What: International culinary workshops, Le 15 Central Kitchen, shop 2, B wing, Rajgruha Co-Op, VM Marg, near India Bulls Building, Lower Parel, call 9820487727 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 2,000 per class, 10% off for bpb!

Why: In less time than it takes to scope out a good caterer, you can learn how to whip up your own Parisian tarts, cream cheese cupcakes or breakfast complete with waffles and French toast. Next week, Le 15 Patisserie is getting chefs from Korea to France to conduct two-hour gourmet cooking workshops in the city. Pot luck!

When: March 3 to 8, see full schedule here.

bANK

What: Purse Fund piggy bank from Yellow Submarine, call Nisha Charania on 9820497905 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to order, Rs 249.

Why: Jean Paul vault-ier! If you don’t have enough for a designer bag just yet, this pretty ‘Purse Fund’ money box will get you started.

When: You love it so clutch.

***

What: Lime Date Coconut and Anjeer Amaranth health bars, Nourish Organics, available at Guardian Pharmacy at Inorbit Mall, Vashi; Muse, Kala Ghoda and GNC Live Well outlets, Rs 330 for a box of six.

Why: Bursting with unusual flavours, these bars taste far better than any other diet food we’ve found and are packed with wonder ingredients like pumpkin seeds, buck wheat, honey and raisins. Apple, date and ginger versions are available as well.

When: You want both, brawn and grains. 

Event Round-Up: Free style footballers take over Carter Road’s amphitheatre on February 19 at 4 pm; Shahid Dattawala’s photography exhibit at Matthieu Foss Gallery; and jazz/blues band Airport lands at Bonobo on Feb 21 at 7 pm.

bpb Freebie: Indulge in a session at the Grand Hyatt’s brand new couples-only Wine Spa (read our review here), and get a juicy deal at their Christiaan Georgio salon. For this and other exclusive discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bpb Exclusive: Subscribers gain access to Bonobo’s invite-only Wingman Party for Valentine’s Day. Show up with your favorite wingman (they have to be of the opposite sex) and let the games begin! Call 9820308156 to register.

bROKEN HEARTED

What: Multipurpose pocket slasher, call Rucha on 9869355416/ 65597609 or visit her stall at Times Lifestyle exhibit at Bandra Kurla Complex until Feb 21, Rs 120.

Why: If love hurts then fight back with bpb’s sharpest pick: A super-edgy steel card with saw blade, knife edge, butterfly wrench, cap and can opener, screwdriver and ruler cutouts.

When: You want to meet the love of your knife.

***

What: Single on Board car stickers, Wishing Tree, Ganga Vihar, C Road, Marine Drive, call 9987173056, Rs 200.

Why: Because you’re in need of a partner, and you’re too broke to take out a full page ad. These stickers are eye-catching, funny and may actually help you pick up a pillion. Hey, you never know, right?

When: You need a pimp for your ride.

pOOR

What: Champagne on the cheap, The Den wine bar, Shop no 3 & 4, Prabhat Kunj, 24th Road, next to Elbo Room, Bandra (W), call 26483136, cocktails for Rs 250.

Why: The wine-steins over at brand new Den – another bpb scoop! - stock over 55 labels of vino and champagne. These are coupled with hazelnut, blue curacao, lychee and more treats to make affordable, yummy cocktails. Bpb loves: The cask-shaped tables, Chilean imports, spicy Arabiatta and alternate rock playlist.

When: You want chic for cheap: a wine-wine situation.

***

What: Short Note serenading workshop, call Kunal Basu on 9819758134, see his MySpace page here, Rs 1,000 for two sessions.

Why: bpb invent! You may not have the time (or talent) to become the next John Mayer, but the guitar guru who invented Chord Wizard is giving you a shortcut to getting some. Love. Even if you’ve never held a guitar before, his two session workshop will teach you how to play your partner’s favourite love songs. You can also opt for his standard tracklist - When you Say Nothing at All, Wonderful Tonight, I’d Love you to Want Me, Stand by Me, Love Me Do.

When:  You want to (almost) Pay Nothing at All.

bRIDE, CORPSE

What: Manimal graphic objects d’art, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 9833037966, view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 450.

Why: Because applied artist Manas Kunder’s jaggedy, Tim Burton-esque graphics are a breath of fresh air in a kitschy-rickshaw choked market. You can buy his pre-made T-shirts and bags, or better yet, have him draw on your favorite objects: vinyl records, sheath dresses, bedroom wall.

When: You want to start a pen drive.

***

Event Round-up: Ma Faiza spins at Valhalla on Saturday, February 13; Parachute XVI perform at Blue Frog on Saturday, February 13; and catch the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble at the Kala Ghoda Amphitheatre on Sunday, February 14.

bpb freebie: Celebrity yoga trainer bends over backwards for bpb subscribers at her new wellness studio, Cosmic Fusion. For this and more discounts, enter your email in the subscription box.

bRICK

What: Ray’s Cafe and Pizzeria, behind Nature’s Basket, Hill Road, Bandra (W), start at Rs 160. 

Why: bpb scoop! Within these rustic yellow walls and picket fences, you can enjoy pizza by the slice and rare vegan and no sauce options. Owned by the guys who started Pizzeria at Churchgate, this all-day café makes its debut today at 6:30 pm. 

When: You want to sing for your supper - Dough-Ray-Me!

***

What: Super suds for men and women from Soap Opera, call 9930842861 to order, start at Rs 70.

Why: These soaps are hand-crafted with notes from the renowned Grasse perfumeries in France, and can be customised to carry the scent of your favourite cologne. Available in over 100 shapes from Dali-ish lips to fun chappals, cast these Soap Opera specials in your next shower scene. They’re naturals! 

When: You need a lather figure.

pRET

What: Nine day road trip to Bhutan, Roadtripper, view the Facebook page here, call Rahat Nathani on 9833282400 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , price on request.
 
Why: Because once you go yak, you'll never come back! There's nothing like driving through the Himalayas in the spring. Handle a 4x4 on hairpin curves and take in the snow peaks during a riverside camp. The newly launched Roadtripper does customised vacations as well.
 
When: April 24 to May 2. Early bird discount for those who register before February 15.

***

What: Made-to-order headgear for men and women from Nisha Abraham, call 9820479775, start at Rs 1,500.

Why: This racing season our money’s on celebrity madhatter Nisha Abraham’s quirky headgear. Having just helped the gamblers in upcoming Teen Patti keep their heads, she’ll now top yours with giant funky fedoras, metallic head corsages, and Brazilian carnival-inspired feather barrettes.

When: You need a band aid.

***

bATTER

What: Artisan brownie mix, 63 Kamal Mansion, Walkeshwar, call Pallavi Sheth at 9820120098, starts at Rs 200 for ½ kg.

Why: Earning brownie points has never been easier. Pass off this baker extraordinaire’s treats as your own by simply adding eggs and butter to her magic mix. Comes in walnut and chocolate chip flavors.

When: You want to be a beater cock.


***

Event Round Up: Kala Ghoda Art Festival starts Feb 6; Rhythms in Nature featuring Zakir Husaain at NCPA on Feb 10; get awesome booze deals at Oba Bar Night on Feb 10; attend Bass Camp, Zenzi Mills’ quarterly electronic music festival on Feb 12.

Bpb freebie: Delish discount at all Wich Latte outlets exclusively for subscribers. For this and other discounts, enter your email in the subscription box.

bETTER HALF

What: bpb’s Flying Solo week at Prive, Colaba; Bonobo, Bandra; Mocha Mojo, Bandra; Tulips, Kemps Corner; and Kino108, Versova.

Why: bpb’s initiative to get you to spend more time with yourself. This week, visit any of our abovementioned partners alone, and receive a bpb incentive: check out the deals here. One-derful!

When: You want to be singled out. From January 29 to February 5.

pAJAMAS

What: Breakfast in Bed home delivery, Soda, above Rolling Beans, Aram Nagar 1, Versova, call 26346688, start at Rs 100, free delivery from Juhu to Oshiwara.

Why: You may never cook breakfast again. This new service brings honey glazed omelets, Jamaican spiced bacon, sausages and other morning goodies right to your doorstep.

When: You want to be comfortably crumbed. 

***
What: Satin boxers and tops in a jar, Pop Att, to order call 9820510790 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , also available at Muse, Sobo and Amara.

Why: Designed by celeb stylists Rakhi Parekh and Khushboo Lahori, these tie-dye boxers and shirts are super sexy. We also love their other lifestyle products like colourful MugPot planters that come with seeds and soil.

When: You want get your hand in the nookie jar.

bRAKE

What: The Blind Man Car Rally by National Association for the Blind (NAB) and Round Table India (RTI), download the form here or call 9322178247, visit www.mumbairally.com, Rs 1,200 registration fee.

Why: At this fund raising rally, you get to race your car down a secret Mumbai route with help from a visually impaired navigator who decodes a Braille sheet of clues. Flag off at Worli Sea Face.

When: You want to touch and go. On February 7 at 7 am; sign up before February 4.

***

What: Trainer for every terrain, Scrunch fitness, call Zaid on 9821622122/ 9820645592 or visit www.scrunch.in, starts at Rs 800 per session.

Why: From water games to a sweaty set on the beach, the guys at newly launched Scrunch can send in a personal trainer and equipment to help you work out in the setting you like best. On a mountain top too!

When:  You want to recover from (the) Rocky Road.

***

Event Round-Up: Swing nights at Olive Bar & Kitchen, Mahalaxmi on Feb 1 and 2; gawk at luxury yachts at Gateway of India at the Indian Marine Federation Boating Days trade shows on Jan 30 and 31; award-winning Jazz pianist performs at Blue Frog on Jan 31.

bpb FREEBIE: Bright deal on Sky Lanterns. For this and other discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bpb Contest: Will Carlos Tevez score at the second leg of the Manchester Derby? Answer this question correctly to win cool ManU merchandise or passes to the opening party at Manchester United Cafe Bar, coming soon to Mumbai! Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

bLANK

What: Dr. Art + Design aesthetic management company, Bajaj Onyx, ground floor, 36/37, Union Park, Khar (W), call 26463373, price on request.

Why: Just for you, we scouted out the geniuses behind Le Sutra, Mumbai’s hottest new art hotel (read our full review here). Dr. Art + Design, with their team of sculptors, installation artists, interior designers and textile specialists can breathe new life into any space, from a tiny cubicle to your entire apartment.

When: You want to heart deco.

***

What: Laser tagging and graffiti in Mumbai, &Then in collaboration with Graffiti Research Lab (GRL), Colaba to Goregaon, call Vikram Sood at 9819648427, participation free.

Why: Want to graffiti the Taj, or paint the walls of Phoenix Mills red? Here’s how you can: this weekend, &Then along with GRL will project lasers onto public landmarks, on which you can draw virtual art with a motion tracking laser point (watch video here). Everyone gets a turn!

When: From January 24 – 28, 8 pm to 4 am; kick off event at Zenzi Mills on Jan 23. Event subject to change. For updates and exact locations follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

pOP

What: Chocolate covered strawberries, Shocolaat, next to Red Ninja, Carter Road, Bandra (W), to order call 9920561313, Rs 30 per piece.

Why: The guys at this brand new chocolate boutique – opens next week - might be terrible spellers, but they know how to treat a strawberry. Dipped in white or milk chocolate, coated with sprinkles, coconut shavings and tiny sugar hearts, it’s the juiciest, sexiest dessert in the city.

When: You want to make a fruity call. Get your hit while still in season!

***

What: Bombay Local Route Marks by Swa, call 9819451906 or visit Sobo, Motor House, Hughes Road, Rs 100 for a pack of four.

Why: Designed by NID graduates Maithili and Ankan Mandal, these pop-coloured bookmarks map local rail routes and are sure to brighten up your morning commute.

When: You don’t want to lose your train of thought.

bOUCHE

What: Coin-sized olive and pepper pizzas, call Nina on 9821047714 / 26162382, Rs 20 per piece, home delivery anywhere in the city.

Why: Nina’s unbelievably cute olive and pepper pizzas, inch-long tacos and mini chocolate cups may be petite, but they’re also big on taste.

When: You want an amuse(d) bouche.

***
Event Round-Up: Trek to Pali and participate in a tree planting drive on Jan 24; DJ Ruskin on Jan 28 at Valhalla; and wine tasting at Bonobo on Jan 24 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

bpb FREEBIE: Subscribers get spa-tacular freebie at Tress Talk, Bandra's newest salon and spa. For this and more member deals, enter your email in the subscription box.

bINOCULARS

What: Marcus Leatherdale at the newly opened Matthieu Foss Gallery, ground floor, Hansraj Damodar building, Goa Street, Ballard Estate, entry free, prints start at 2,000 USD.

Why: Even though his subjects reinforce every cliché about rural India - cows and elephants, bananas and sadhus, ripped men in tiny loin cloths – this Canadian-born photographer knows how to wield a camera. His portraits are severe, sharp, spectacular – and all without the help of Photoshop. Read our full review here.

When: Exhibit opens today and runs through February 13.

***

What: Escobar, 4th floor, VN Sphere, opposite Shoppers Stop, Junction of Turner and Linking Road, Bandra (W).

Why: Sharing its moniker with the infamous Pablo Escobar, this expansive new rooftop bar is ready to get Bandra high. Slated to open next week, we got a sneak peak at the seriously awesome interiors: wooden paneling, plush white upholstery and swanky wall-to-wall bar. European (in particular Spanish) treats and elaborate cocktails are on the menu.
   
When: You want to praise the (drug) lord. bpb review out soon!

pLEAT

What: Quirky origami ornaments, call Avni Uchat 9321131122 / 9930334774, view portfolio here, order at least 5 days in advance, start at Rs 30 per piece.

Why: An electronic engineer with a penchant for paper folding, Avni makes intricate origami bunnies, dragons, toads, tulips, ashtrays, baskets, fans. Hail Creaser! Also part of the crafty trio is her mum and sis, who’ll come over to teach you the art if you have a group of five or more.

When: You want to pa(y)per view. 

***

What: Bespoke ’60s fashion for men, The Glow Barn, level 2, Libra Towers, 70 Hill Road, opposite St Peters Church, Bandra, call 9967008525, start at Rs 1,500.

Why: Seersucker trousers, plaid shirts, dapper suits in periwinkle blue: rewind your style at this new store. Also try on their Jodhpur pants for kicks.

When: You’re up for retro knight.

bREADED

What: Vegetarian and chicken Russian Kotleti, call 9819078365 / 26431784, 1st floor  Silver Sand, Turner Road, next to HSBC Bank, Rs 18 per piece, free delivery in Bandra.

Why: Shabnam Merchant’s creamy, exotic cutlets are a far cry from your mum’s fried versions. Stuffed with cheese, vegetables and herbs, these are awesome for breakfast or as finger food.

When: You want the crème de la Kremlin.

Event Round-Up: Watch rock band Zedde perform at Gadda da Vida on Jan 15, Kite flying workshop at Big Red Tent on January 16, and Nikhil Chopra walks from Bandra to Colaba and back, sketching the things he sees from Jan 14 – 16.

bpb Freebie: Bag a great discount on handbags from Princesse K, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bREAD

What: Turning Tables, bpb’s underground kitchen club, to attend email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – limited seats only! Rs 700 this month, BYOB.

Why: bpb is back with Act II of Turning Tables, this time starring Blue Frog’s Executive Chef Mrigank Singh, who’ll whip up his signature dishes at a subscriber’s home. Also on the menu will be interesting conversation and the chance to hang with new people.  Do we hear an encore?

When: January 29 at 8:30 pm. Entries shut January 15.

pRIZE

What: The Table, day-long poker workshop by Poker Planet, for venue and other details call 9820062629 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 1,500.

Why: From the fundamentals of poker to advanced strategies, this day-long workshop has a table for every kind of player. Run by the tourney-winning team at Poker Planet, these guys can also hook you up with a subscription to the international Bluff magazine, or a deck of Copag, official playing cards of the World Series of Poker.

When: You don’t want to play blind. January 16, 12 pm to 8 pm.

***

What: Adult snow globes by BoConcept, Palladium Mall, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, visit www.boconcept.com, start at Rs 1,400.

Why: Because even though year end festivities have passed, these heavy, magical orbs will spread cheer. One of the many treasures at just-opened BoConcept, an international home and lifestyle store, these share space with black-and-white saucer sets, acid-trip rugs, and three dimensional wall art. Read our full review here.

When: You’re looking at a global warming present.

bEANIE

What: Java Espresso Coffee Co, Surf, ground floor, 3-c, Pali Mala Road, Bandra (W), call 26432112, opens at 9.30 am, free home delivery in the area, Rs 22 onwards.

Why: This charmingly asymmetrical café’s décor might be suffering from a Bagel Shop hangover, but its menu is original. Here, you’ll find cheap munchies (Roast Veggie Panini costs Rs 30) and an unusual selection of hot brews like Ginger Bread Latte and a spicy Mexicano Hot Chocolate. Bandra’s latest secret!

When: You need a new mug shot.

***

What: Quirky head gear from Accessorize, Raghuleela Mall, Vashi and the Palladium, Lower Parel, Rs 295 onwards.

Why: Enormous chiffon flowers and wide-eyed owls jump on clips to hold your hair in place. Neat! The newly-opened UK-based store also stocks adorable Bakerboy hats for bad hair days that can’t be salvaged by flora and fauna.

When: You want to root for the tortoise in your hair.

***

Event Round-Up: 5th Octave goes live at Gadda da Vida, Novotel, Juhu on Jan 8 at 10 pm; NCPA Weekend Festival kicks off, featuring Zakir Hussain and other musicians from Jan 8-19; and read bpb’s review of Asia 7, the newest restaurant at Phoenix Mills.

bpb Freebie: Start the new year on a sweet note with a discount on artisan honeys by Under the Mango Tree. For this and other discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email address in the subscription box.

As midnight approaches, we recap the biggest lifestyle trends of 2009 and ring in the New Year.

Back: In 2009, Mumbai became Miami. It was the year of big clubs and bigger tabs, when we donned our fanciest shoes and partied the night away with the chic throngs (and throne) at Valhalla, Tote, Aer.

Forth: Next year, the party gets smaller and hopefully, smarter. Gallery cafes will be the new hangouts, with culture replacing cocktails and designer coffee trumping handbags. BMB art gallery has just opened an outpost of the Banyan Tree Cafe, and Volte will launch its restaurant in early January, complete with sandwiches, cupcakes (another 2009 hit – find our best of list here) and a collection of hard-to-find arty books that you can browse through or buy.

Getting there: Volte Gallery, 2/19 Kamal Mansion, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, visit www.volte.in or call 22041220.

***

Back: Stars stepped out of the silver screen and crept onto walls, planners, belts. Retro Bollywood art became a symbol of kitschy-cool, with everyone from environmentalists to former film poster artists jumping onto the bandwagon.

Forth: Time to go global. Swap Bachchan for Bono and Himesh for Hitchcock with classy, cool laptop bags by Fungus Designs, which brings together the best international artists to give your accessories a New Year facelift.

Getting there: Shop online at www.fungusdesigns.com or at Taxxi and Vitamin K, Kusum Kunj, next to Mango, Linking Road, Khar (W), Rs 5,300.

***

Back: The city’s entertainment circuit went live in 2009, electric with stand-up comedy routines, poetry slams and indie music acts from across the globe.

Forth: 2010 will take live entertainment a step further - underground MMA fight nights and bpb's make-shift restaurants are already giving the city a taste of the thrills to come. Look out for racing of radio-controlled cars, super hot and recently launched onto the market. In the face of these power- packed boy toys that go faster than 150 kmph, ennui will be gone in 60 seconds! Next race on January 10.

Getting there: Tritech International, visit www.tritechgroup.net or call Siddharth on 9820164938, cars start at Rs 10,000.

***

Back: 2009 had Mumbai’s name written all over it. Literally. This year, we were obsessed with personalising everything from jigsaw puzzles and golf balls to nails and sneakers.

Forth: Get a fresh lease of life with the new (and growing) rental asylums. Can't afford a Gucci tote? Hire one for a week. Here for just three months? Rent a four-poster bed. And if you're out of office space, hot desk in a community work hub. The newest landlord in town is Crezca toy library which, with its mini roller coasters, springy trampolines and vertigo-afflicted giraffes will make you feel like a kid again.

Getting there: Shop no 48, Link Square Mall, 33rd Road, opposite KFC, off Linking Road, Bandra (W). Call 32255222 or check out the Facebook page here. Membership is Rs 600 per month

***

Back: Avowed urbanites dipped their toes into the wilderness, gingerly participating in daytrips with fishing clubs and luxury camping in Mumbai's backyard.

Forth: Go faster, further, higher. Connect with Himalaya organises exploratory treks to remote, astonishingly beautiful destinations high up in the mountains, with fluid itineraries, unmarked trails and few luxuries. No showers, no cabs, no Blackberry service. Can you handle it?

Getting there: Visit www.connectwithhimalaya.com or call Gaurav Punj at +919833829240, trips start at Rs 8,000 per person