The Big Book Of Treats by Pooja Dhingra is the ultimate home baker’s cookbook, from Mumbai’s very own ‘macaron lady’.

Cupcake addict, Macaron lover and Baker. She is founder and owner of Mumbai’s most famous French-style pâtisserie, Le15.

Her passion for baking led Pooja to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.  She opened Le15 Pâtisserie on her return to Bombay.  In addition to being one if India’s top professional bakers, Pooja heads one of India’s finest pâtisserie’s as well.

Moreover, mouth- watering food photography of the recipes fill this lavishly produced dessert book. The recipes include her delicately-flavoured macarons which she’s best known for.

Firstly, the book starts with a Baking 101 guide. It takes readers through commonly used ingredients, essential equipment and techniques and tips. For instance, some are really useful, like the distinction between baking soda and powder and the handy conversion table.

As a home baker, she makes hearty, relatively easy desserts. Above all, these are done with kitchen staples that can be found at any corner shop. The Big Book of Treats is Pooja’s gift to Indian home bakers. A lot of recipes have international products, which are tough to find and measurements which can be confusing.

Moreover, this book helps the reader to avoid all that. Written with a professional’s eye and a home chef ’s ability to improvise. In addition, it teaches you how to make everything from cookies and cupcakes to brownies and birthday cakes.

In conclusion, recipes are accessible, engaging and undeniably delicious. The book promises to bring all sorts of baked goodies, even macarons, into your own kitchen.

The Big Book of Treats, won second place at the Gourmand World Cookbook Award.

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Mizu Izakaya is a modern Japanese Izakaya and is the brainchild of Vedant Malik and Chef Lakhan Jethani. Both of whom,  share a common passion for good food and experiences. It takes inspiration from the izakaya’s in the by-lanes of Shinjuku.  They are known for its drinking culture at tiny bars that only serve yakitori’s and gyozas with your drinks.

The food philosophy of Mizu serves up Japanese food prepared using Japanese technique. Subsequently, they incorporate a strangely satisfying layer of familiar Indian flavours as well. It’s the most unassuming Japanese restaurant-cum-bar. Rather, Mumbai’s first Izakaya as they say.

Shooting Mizu was a food photographers dream. In this case, I ended up using  a lot of black acrylic for the shoot. This enhanced the luxurious positioning which is what the clients wanted.

One of the highlights of Mizu is an extensive Yakitori menu with a slight Indian twist to the recipes.The desert section was definitely a highlight for me to shoot as Chef Nikhil Menon produced some aesthetically beautiful deserts. Furthermore, the heart of Mizu Izakaya lies in its diverse and tantalising menu, is fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Thus, maintainimng the authenticity of each dish. From sashimi to sushi, tempura to teppanyaki, and ramen to robatayaki, the menu caters to every palate and craving. Vegetarian options are plentiful, ensuring that everyone can relish the delightful flavours.

In conclusion, Mizu is a place for you to relax, unwind and indulge, and don’t let anything come in the way of that. Mizu Izakaya in Bandra is a must-visit destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts and anyone looking to embark on a culinary adventure. With its delightful ambiance, authentic dishes, and warm hospitality, Mizu Izakaya offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to return and explore more of the diverse and enchanting flavors of Japan. So, step into this hidden oasis of Japanese gastronomy and prepare to be amazed by the delectable delights that await you.

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