Dinner at Sly Fox Gastro Club

 

Always nice to dine at a fancy restaurant especially for a birthday dinner.

TFO – A Weekend Birthday Celebration

TFO – The Factory Outlet, tucked away on the 5th floor of 22, Camac Street, had been on our MTO (Must Try Out) list for quite a while. And with my birthday falling on a weekday this year, Saturday was the perfect excuse to head out with the family and celebrate at a new place.

One of the first things that catches your eye at TFO is the décor, especially those striking pink chairs. They are quite unforgettable and probably one of the things you'll remember long after you leave.

The bar had some very interesting cocktails and drinks, but we were here primarily for the food. We ordered the TFO Mezze Platter and a pasta, which made for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

And, of course, no birthday dinner is complete without dessert. We called it a night with the TFO Special Chocolate Bomb—a rather indulgent way to bring the evening, and the birthday celebrations, to a delicious close.

Sometimes, trying out a new place is all you need to make a simple family Saturday feel a little more special.

The Sunday Brunch at The Westin Kolkata is an Experience You Shouldn't Miss

If you've never tried the Sunday Brunch at Seasonal Tastes, the all-day dining restaurant at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, you're missing out on one of the city's finest buffet experiences. The sheer variety of dishes on offer is impressive, with something to satisfy every palate.

For me, the highlight is always the cold cuts and cheese section. A beautifully curated selection of premium meats, artisanal cheeses, fresh breads and accompaniments makes it very difficult not to keep going back for more.

Earlier that morning, we had visited Tirreti Bazar (China Town), where breakfast is almost a Sunday ritual for many Kolkatans. I deliberately skipped eating there. After all, someone had to do justice to the magnificent spread waiting at The Westin!

Safe to say, it was a decision I didn't regret. The Sunday Brunch at Seasonal Tastes is one indulgence that's well worth arriving hungry for.

A Sunday Morning Tradition at Tiretti Bazar

 

A visit to Tiretti Bazar, more popularly known as Kolkata's Chinatown, for a steaming bowl of meatball soup and an assortment of authentic Chinese breakfast delicacies is one of the city's oldest and most cherished Sunday traditions.

There was a time when many a Saturday night ended here, with revellers making their way to Tiretti Bazar in the early hours for breakfast before heading home. Those days have largely faded, as Kolkata's nightlife now winds down shortly after midnight, but the Sunday morning crowds continue to keep the tradition alive.

Like most markets in India, Tiretti Bazar is wonderfully chaotic. Narrow lanes bustle with shoppers, food lovers, and vendors, creating an atmosphere that is uniquely Kolkata. Beyond its famous breakfast stalls, the market is also well known for its exceptionally fresh vegetables, many of which arrive directly from the city's main wholesale mandi nearby. Whether you come for the food, the vibrant street scenes, or simply to soak in a slice of old Calcutta, Tiretti Bazar remains an experience unlike any other.

Major Traffic Incident on Maa Flyover

 

Sometimes you're at the right place at the right time and you're able to capture moments like these. I was at my aunt's place and heard a big commotion coming from outside. I looked out of the window and saw this massive police contingent with the fire brigade. Must be some major traffic incident.

Even the Big B Can't Deter Those Who Want to Make a Mess

 

CESC has done a wonderful job of transforming the city's electrical junction boxes into pieces of public art, celebrating iconic personalities and adding colour to Kolkata's streets. Sadly, it doesn't take long for some people to spoil these efforts with posters, graffiti, stickers, and vandalism.

One such junction box features the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, along with a tribute to his early days, noting that the Big B began his acting journey in Kolkata's theatre scene during the late 1960s. It's a wonderful reminder of the city's contribution to one of Indian cinema's greatest icons.

Unfortunately, even the presence of Bollywood's biggest superstar isn't enough to discourage those who choose to deface public property. It's disappointing to see such creative initiatives treated with so little respect.

Beautifying a city is a collective effort. While organisations like CESC are doing their part, preserving these artistic installations is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. A cleaner, more respectful city begins with the choices we make every day.

On the Pillbox:

AMITABH BACHCHAN

Started hi acting

career from

Kolkata theatre in

the late Sixties