Beat the Heat
BEAT THE SUMMER BLUES WITH FUN ACTIVITIES THAT FILL YOU WITH ENERGY AND SPIRIT
SIMPLY DELHI brings you a list of things to do and learn this summer.
Scoop to chill >> Gelato making
Fancy a scoop of homemade gelato? Maybe top it up with some freshly- baked cookies? If you’re craving it already, then here’s what you should do— enrol for gelato making classes by Addicted- Freshly Baked. Probably the only class of its kind in the city, this three- hour session will teach you the basics of gelato making, creating your own flavours, and also savouring and taking home what you make. These classes are open to all age groups and organised once a week with batches that comprise not more than four people. Conducted by Ridhima Khanna, owner of Addicted, the classes are fun and have lots of food tasting. A folder with class details is handed over just as you walk in, followed by a small theoretical explanation and then it’s time for action! Everyone is allotted a separate workstation where they follow Khanna’s demonstration. This is where she shares her secret recipe— throw in the ingredients, cook, simmer and whisk to create a basic gelato base. Once that’s ready, she’ll give you a couple of variations to try. Add in a flavour of your choice and set to freeze. It will take about an hour and a half for the gelato to set in the machine, and in the meantime you could try your hand at baking. Be nice and she’ll help you bake a batch of brownies or cookies. Once done, pair or crumble and sprinkle on gelato. The final step is to taste, critique and take home your labour of love, almost half a kg tub of freshly made gelato.
COST Rs 2,500 per person. Ingredients, aprons and tools provided on the spot
TEL 9953393808, orders@addicted.co.in
Make a splash >> Swimming
Don’t let the hot weather hold you hostage inside your air- conditioned rooms. Take advantage of this heat by going for a refreshing swim, which has numerous health benefits. With a number of community, government and private pools offering classes and swimming time, Delhi has got you covered. While many hotels in the city have relaxed their rules and are now allowing people other than their guests to use their swimming pools, oldies such as YMCA, Talkatora Stadium, Siri Fort and Yamuna Sports Complex still remain favourites. The Olympic- sized pool at Siri Fort offers spectacular area to swim; and Talkatora’s Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex is indoors and hence, open all year round. Pools at YMCA and Yamuna Sports Complex are excellent for coaching.
AT YMCA 23746035, Siri Fort 26497482, Talkatora Stadium 23094832, Yamuna Sports Complex 22164726
Stage’s set >> Theatre workshops
Most young people who participate in National School of Drama’s (NSD) summer workshop can put many adults to shame when it comes to the knowledge of theatre. While the workshop, organised by Sanskaar Rang Toli, which is a performance wing of NSD, culminates with a public performance, the teenagers and children are introduced to many facets of theatre, including acting, direction, music, light and set designing, property and costume making, makeup and mask-making during the workshop. NSD’s summer theatre workshop not only promotes theatre among children but also encourages them to raise questions, become more outgoing, and make decisions and choices keeping in mind the society at large.
Also known as Theatre-in-Education (TIE), Sanskaar Rang Toli has done more than 800 plays of 26 plays in Delhi and other cities. TIE also started a Sunday Club for children as an extension of the summer workshop so that the fun and creative learning can continue post vacations as well. Classes will start from May 15. Summer workshops are held for children in the age group of 8 to 16.
TEL 23389402 or log on to nsd.gov.in/delhi/ to get information on admissions
Shake and stir it >> Bartending
Sip and stay cool is the tried and tested mantra to beat the scorching Delhi heat. With the increase in temperature, ideally a perfect summer evening would comprise sitting indoors, sipping on refreshing coolers and listening to some good old numbers. If that’s up your alley, then head to Cocktails and Dreams in Gurgaon. While savouring some delicious cocktails and mocktails is an attraction, you could also master the art of bartending here. Inspired by the concept of speakeasies of the 1920s prohibition, which had a secret back door entry through trapdoors and basements, this bar recreates the magic of a bygone era. Inside, the place is buzzing with jazz music and lots of chitter chatter. Unlike most pubs in the city, this one’s for serious business. You only go here to savour a drink and actually enjoy the music. Owner and mixologist Yangdup Lama has been stirring up quite a storm with his cocktails and mocktails, and we have found out he now teaches the skill of bartending on the last Sunday of each month at his bar. Pre- register in groups and learn the art to mix, stir, muddle and guzzle in these twohour long classes, where you will be provided with your own bartending set, spirits and mixes. Learn a new skill, enhance an old, or just go there to enjoy the drinks.
It makes for a fun group activity where you watch Lama create something innovative; follow his league in recreating the same. You can learn four recipes in a class, but if you’re genuinely interested and talented, our favourite bartender will be happy to share a tale or two along with his secrets on how to improvise your own drinks.
COST Rs 1,200 per person for a class of two hours and four drinks AT SCO 23, Sector 15, Part 2, Gurgaon TEL 9810104439
Skin therapy>> Spa treatments
Summer often brings with it a host of skin problems, fatigue and stress. If you’re seeking respite from the heat, head to the newly opened Shvaasa spa at Hyatt Regency Gurgaon. There are a few packages on offer, including a summer cool treatment that helps get rid of the tan and rehydrate skin. Whether it’s applying a nutrient-rich pack to your face or indulging in some treatment to benefit your dull and dry skin and hair, they will customise a package to your requirement. We tried the Shvaasa ritual called Immerse, a four-hour long therapy that includes body polish, a gentle scrub made of lemon and sugar that is believed to reduce the tan, rehydrate skin and relaxe the tired muscles. This was followed by a relaxing facial. The treatment concluded with a manicure and pedicure. They also offer an interesting lip rescue, which is a 20 minute lip treatment with a unique combination of ingredients that instantly adds glow to and hydrates the lips.
COST Rs 1,500 onwards depending on the therapy AT National Highway 8, Sector 83, Gurgaon TEL 01246181234
Other wordly charm >> Cultural Centres
This summer, ditch the movie theatres and spend your days exploring the other worlds right here in India. Be it attending Persian poetry sessions or watching movies at the Iran Cultural Centre, there’s a lot to be explored at these centres across the city. You could even consider spending your summers learning a new language. If you’re a voracious reader, there are membership options available at any of the libraries at these centres.
One of the most interesting libraries is Manga Café at The Japan Foundation. With over 1000 books, the café is strewn with colourful bean bags and stacks up a range of Manga (Japanese comic books) titles including Doremon and Naruto. And if you want to please your palate with something new and exciting, try out African food at Blue Nile, Korean snacks at the Korean Cultural centre and more.
AT The Japan Foundation, 5A Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV TEL 26442971
AT Ethiopian Cultural Centre, 7/50 G, Niti Marg, Chanakya Puri TEL 24673654
AT Korean Cultural Centre, A-25, Lajpat Nagar IV TEL 43345000
Beer Hug>> Beer Enthusiast’s Club
If summer outings mean beer for you, then this is something you shouldn’t miss—The Beer Enthusiast’s Club at 7° Bauhaus. Enter this popular German microbrewery on a Wednesday evening and you can spot groups of people nursing their beer mugs and discussing their love for the beverage. On a hot summer evening, the huge watering hole provides a perfect sanctuary with its high ceiling, huge chestnut trees and stone flooring. The stainless steel giant beer tanks and copper kettles entice you to sit back, order for a beer mug and just relax. Membership to the club comes with a fun kit— a T-shirt, a 20 per cent discount card and a Rs 500 discount voucher. You can also expect to taste some rare beers at 7° Brauhaus, which tries to source different varieties of beer from across the world. And while you enjoy your beer, don’t forget to order some delicious bites combined with their delectable dips to complete the summer evening experience.
COST Rs 1,000 for membership AT 7° Brauhaus, South Point Mall, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon