Author: Samyama

Rootsandleisure_Terra food cafe Ahmedabad

“While Studying in France, I Discovered Farm to Table Concept, and That Inspired My Fresh Food Venture” – Chat With Sriram Nair, Owner of Terra Cafe, Ahmedabad

Published by Samyama

Sriram Nair from Ahmedabad has always had a soft spot in his heart for food. He grew up with a family that bonded over food which helped him pick up his spatula when he was only 6-years-old. When he headed off to Europe to get his Masters in International Business, and later for work, he started to explore a whole new world of food whilst trying to learn new cultures.  What he was most inspired by was their concept of fresh farm to table meals. Sriram was overjoyed by how much the freshness added to the flavor of the dishes and how it also affected his health positively.  When he came back home to Ahmedabad, he decided to share his joy for these newly discovered ways of life. He wanted to create awareness and educate people about the harm processed food can do for you and how making things from scratch will usher a healthier lifestyle. With this goal in mind, he began Terra cafe, which is known today for its dishes from diverse cultures …

A Chat With Ashwin Chikerur – an Urban Sketcher and a Designer from Pune

Published by Samyama

Ashwin Chikerur from Pune has always been intrigued by art. As a child, he used to flip through his grandfather’s art books and as a grown-up, his love for his daughter started an exciting journey of quick sketches. Even though he was out of touch with art for a few years, he found his way back to what he truly loves. Today he is a visual designer and every Saturday,  he heads out with his group, Urban Sketcher Pune, no matter the weather and creates lovely watercolour sketches of his environment.  Hello, Ashwin it’s great to be able to have a chat with you. Please say hello to our readers.  Hello! My name is Ashwin Chikerur, I am currently residing in Pune. I would consider myself a passionate artist, driven designer, and engineer (by mistake). I’m always drawn to things in the bracket of art and design and have been working in the creative industry for more than 17 years now. Tell us when sparked your interest in art. There were various parts of my …

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Dina Weber from Germany Chats About The Art and Soul About Bread-making and Her Bakery ‘SAPA Sourdough & Pastry’ in Mysuru

Published by Samyama

Dina Weber, hailing from Germany, now lives in south India – Mysore. She is the heart behind a small micro-bakery called SAPA sourdough and pastry. Her love for bread extends to more than the science of baking. It comes from the deep importance her mother placed on fresh food and the culture of pouring love and forming communities while creating food.  Dona came to India as a learner, traveller and volunteer but she has found her quiet little corner and is living a truly fascinating, life constantly experimenting and evolving in her bake-house. Fresh plums, creamy matcha, edible flowers, artisanal chocolate and single-origin coffee, she tries to keep all her ingredients as pure as possible. Even her sourdough starter is 4 years old personally made in the Himalayas. Dina hosts workshops and provides breads and desserts to cafes and restaurants but if you are in Mysore, pop by for one of her fabulous bake-sales!  Hello Dina, it’s great to have a conversation with you. We were intrigued by your bakery!  Hi, my name is Dina …

#RECIPE | Urad Dal Pakodas, an Exclusive Pahadi Recipe For Festivals by Navendu Raturi

Published by Samyama

We are excited to present to you today, ‘Urad dal ki Pakodi’, all the way from the Uttarakhand. Our Recipe maker Navendu Raturi is a doctor and social worker living in Dehradun. He originally belongs to the Pauri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand. Since it is the festive season of Diwali – he has given an exclusive recipe to the R&L team to help us share the festival spirit with a Garhwali festival essential.  Navendu holds his culture dear, even though he was in Mumbai for work for a few years he couldn’t stay away from the mountains and it’s culture, to stay rooted he began his Instagram page @insta_pahadi and avidly showcases the pahadi culture, food and tradition of Uttarakhand. ‘Urad dal ki pakodi’ is a tasty treat made on every auspicious occasion – marriages, birthdays, Mundan, and also Diwali. Urad is considered an auspicious grain in Uttarakhand. Therefore a celebration is never complete without a little bit of a binge. Ingredients (Serves: 4, Total Time: 20 mins) 3 cups of split urad dal with cover …

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Meet the Face Behind “Amrapali – House of Grace” a 100-Year-Old Portuguese Home Converted Into a Boutique Hotel in Goa

Published by Samyama

Simran Kaur is the face behind Amrapali, a boutique hotel built on the strong bones of a 100-year-old Portuguese home. She is a true multi-talented woman with a major in English, a minor in photography, and is a pastry chef certified by Le Cordon Bleu in London. With her skills, love for the craft, and collaboration with local artisans, Simran brought Amrapali back to life. The hotel is renowned for its warm color palettes and carefully curated details that adorn every corner of the space. It has been featured in various lifestyle magazines such as Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue, and more. Amrapali is a humble abode that focuses on providing exceptional service, despite being the base for many worldwide fashion brand photoshoots and even being featured in the film ‘Golmaal Again’. Hi Simran, could you please give us a brief introduction of yourself? Hi, my name is Simran Kaur and you can find me either in Mumbai or in Goa. I am an English major with a photography minor from Bryn Mawr …

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Ashwini Narayan, from Hyderabad, is A Saree Stylist Who Making Saree Trendy, Easy and A Fashion Statement

Published by Samyama

Ashwini Narayan, originally from Mumbai and now settled in Hyderabad, is on her way to create a new perspective for the saree. No more, shall it be branded as a tool for the traditionalists. She has moulded and wrapped in various funky, fresh and free designs to accommodate various age groups and personality types. Ashwini tells us that if you are a free-spirit, try out lighter cotton and khadi and keep your draping shorter or try the kashta drape (pant-like) or wrap it as a skirt. But if you are looking for a more elegant design, aim for silk and experiment with your folds or pair your drape with a professional jacket! She holds workshops and is immensely active on Instagram and always has a world of knowledge to share. Let’s see what drew her towards saree and how she’s changing the perception about it! Link in bio.  Hello Ashwini, we are so excited to be having this chat with you and love how passionate you are about your craft! Give our audience a brief …

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Abhilasha Sinha, a Singer-Songwriter from Delhi, is Making Waves With Her Soulful Music

Published by Samyama

This soulful singer-songwriter from Delhi is quickly making a name for herself in one of the largest music hubs in the world, New York. Abhilasha Sinha is incredibly passionate about music and can’t remember a time without it. From lively road trips to jam sessions with her mother and her harmonica, music was part of her life growing up. Currently pursuing her masters degree in Music Business from NYU, she leads a passionate life as a singer-songwriter. She recently finished her India tour and is producing more songs just around the bend. Let’s have a peek at what’s going on with her! Head over to the link in bio to read our conversation with this lively artist. Hello Abhilasha! It’s so exciting to be able to have this conversation with you. Please do give us a brief snippet of your journey so far. I’m a 25-year singer-songwriter from New Delhi, now living in New York. I’m a feminist, a food lover, body+skin positivity advocate, and an avid thrift-store shopper. I’ve been living in New York …

Rootsandleisure_Ishrat Sahgal_Mishcat Co carpet

Ishrat Sahgal, an Entrepreneur From Delhi, Blends Sustainability & Creativity With Her Venture Mishcat Co. Carpets

Published by Samyama

Ishrat Sahgal is known for her creative vision as well as sustainable business ideas. She grew up in Chandigarh but calls Delhi and London her home today. After studying interior architecture and art history, she created a new venture – Mishcat Co. The company boasts a beautiful array of uniquely designed carpets. The special aspect of these carpets is that they are made by using sari yarn which is leftover scrap after creating saris. This upcycle is reducing waste by repurposing it into something incredibly inspired. The carpets themselves are made with the collaboration of artisans in small villages in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.  Ishrat is incredibly attached to this cause of bringing traditional Indian culture and craft to a global platform. She has been in an impressive list of achievers – and the most notable achievement being one of Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018.  We had a chat with her about what makes Mishcat Co her passion venture and how it all began, below.  Hi Ishrat! Thank you for taking the time to …

Shweta Verma from Goa is a Family Photographer Whose Pictures Will Leave You Smiling

Published by Samyama

Shweta Verma was originally from Bihar but now lives in Goa and is a family photographer. Her work stands out as she has an eye for capturing the true essence of each child and family. What started as street photography and taking pictures of her lovely daughter, her love for photography grew with each picture she took. She believes in creating history with her pictures. Something that each client can preserve and protect. She has a chat with us about what keeps her motivated and her process working with babies, children and lovely families.  Hello Shweta! Please introduce us to your life and photography. My name is Shweta Verma, I am originally from Bihar but now I stay in Panjim, Goa. I am an engineer by education but I left my consultant job to pursue photography as a profession when my daughter was born. What initially sparked your interest in photography? My initial days of photography were all about streets. It all started in the country my daughter was born in – Basel in Switzerland. …

#RECIPE | Kerala-Style Fish Curry by Akhila Shekhar from the ‘Pepper Delight’ Blog

Published by Samyama

Today, we have an authentic Keralan recipe by Akhila Shekhar. Thengapaal Ozicha Meen Curry or Kerala-Style Fish Curry is a rich recipe to balance out your lazy Saturday! Akhila discovered her passion for food only after she got married to her husband, Praveen, the critique for her recipes! When they shifted from India to live in Missouri, USA, she started her blog, Pepper Delight, to improve her culinary skills, learn food styling, and master food photography.  Pepper Delight was made to spread a love for cooking and showcase how easily authentic dishes can be made at home with a focus on native spices. Black pepper is Akhila’s favorite and is a spice native to Kerala, but at the same time, pepper is a global spice and resonates with dishes throughout the world. So, the name Pepper Delight aptly summed up the vision of her blog – staying true to her roots yet not limiting herself in her exploration.  “All authentic Kerala dishes evoke fond memories, but fish recipes like today’s recipe, Thengapaal Ozicha Meen Curry …