❇️ An appreciation for funky chairs ❇️
This past month, I was fortunate enough to encounter more than one chair that exceeded its mere utilitarian purpose, becoming an object of genuine aesthetic delight. While I know there is an entire world of Eames and Jeanneret out there, nerding out over furniture had never been my cup of tea, so this sudden admiration for the humble chair even took me by surprise. I think I have unlocked yet another annoying, obsession ;()
❇️ Supernormality ❇️
Speaking of aesthetic delight, I recently came across the concept of ‘Supernormal Design’. A term coined by goat designers Naoto Fukasawa and Jasper Morris, it basically refers to objects designed so well that we just use them intuitively without even noticing their form. More ‘real, lasting, and pleasing things’ that ‘the designer’s trap of placing too much importance on how things look’. Think the average scissor, a moka pot, the bottle opener.
So intrigued by the concept, I want to get the words ‘Supernormal’ tatted. The idea expands beyond design for me, I think it can refer to all aspects of life, that are so ideal we just take them for granted. The clouds that pass above our heads, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, conversations with friends… the mundane, the supernormal. Its an ode to the little things that make us whole.
❇️ The most underrated vibe setter ❇️
I cannot believe I have been sleeping on community radios all this while. I always knew they existed, but I did not realise that private live sets by some of the coolest upcoming DJs in the world are at my fingertips, that too for FREE! That’s right folks, cosy nooks of the internet like the Berlin-based music label and radio Refuge Worldwide and London’s NTS live just let you hop on their websites and listen to live sets, all day, anytime. Jamming to sets here has been a ritual these days, and many of the early evening ambient sets make for a great soundscape while I work. Its discoveries like these that restore my faith in the internet⋆˚꩜｡
❇️ Quest for the perfect Negroni ❇️
The snob and gourmand that is me! But it’s the truth… nothing makes me happier than a perfect Negroni. Encountering both of the above is no small feat, though, so every time my path crosses one, I make a note!
A perfect Negroni feels like your first love. Bittersweet, slow-burning, vibrant and nostalgic.* The beauty of classic cocktails is the simplicity. This simplicity is often lost on the million so called sPeaKeaSys and experimental cocktail lounges that have cropped up across Delhi. It all boils down to quality and precision, an input of just 3 ingredients- some top shelf gin, a fresh bottle of premium sweet vermouth and campari, in equal ratios stirred with ice, strained on a cold hard rock and served with a citrus twist. Tamper with the quality or quantity of either of the above in minute doses, and you’ve messed up. But I’m no puritan- some of the top negronis of this month also enjoyed an occasional splash of brine or some salted plum syrup, Dirty Negronis if you will!
* Inspiration to write an ode to the Negroni here came from Alice Slater’s beautiful piece on martinis
❇️ Round the Mulberry Bush! ❇️
Delhi is abundant with fruiting mulberry trees right now. I cannot help but notice as plump purple berries fall from the sky and stain my shirts or as I see passing school children attack the trees with their slingshots. It’s heartening to see the joy the trees bring to neighbourhoods in their very short fruiting months of March and April, their cooling shade becomes a haunt for gossiping aunties and the berries are gobbled or collected by every passerby. Businesses like my favourite coffee shop in the city, also use these mulberries in some innovative recipes, like their scrumptious Mulberry toast with creamy ricotta and fresh berries from a tree that grows right outside the cafe. Making memories surrounding the humble mulberry is ever Delhites right of passage, and I hope these trees stay around for decades to come.
Those are the lil tit bits from my week, hope they sparked something in your brain or led you to a rabbit hole. I’ll be back with many more soon- see you around!
