The name is Contractor, Farzana Contractor... alas, that doesn�t quite sound the same but I had to attempt it. You may dismiss it as the James Bond hangover, but do take into account that you don�t get to meet men like him too often in one lifetime. Pierce Brosnan is drool-worthy. And as is with people who have rags to riches tales, he is most friendly and un-arrogant in real life. That he is infectiously charming, suave and disarming goes with the premise. Was a pleasure meeting him.

The gent you see on the opposite page is another kind of James Bond. Corporate Czar Mukesh Ambani, hero worshipped by zillions of Indians, was our chief guest for the 2nd UpperCrust Show held at the World Trade Centre. So impressed was he by the set up and the 100 stalls displaying foods and other kitchen goodies, he extracted a commitment from me that we take the show all over India. Sure Mr Ambani, your request is my command. Besides, we did have a lot of fun hosting such an event, giving Bombay a genuine fillip. Turn to Page143 and check out what happens at the UpperCrust Show and make sure you participate this year.

With this issue we enter our sixth year of publication. The common successful thread that has run through all these years has been the Gourmet destinations. I do believe our readers love them as much as we enjoy discovering them. It�s Ratnagiri this time and believe me, there is more to it than just Alphonso Mangoes. These coastal places have a laidback, old world charm about them that is hard to beat. The food is simple and tasty. Take time to try out the recipes.

Suna Kanga is one lucky person. She and her husband make exciting forays into the world of travel and document them for us at UpperCrust. This time around they were on a cruise to South America and am I envious? Well, it�s not quite in my nature to be so, besides I myself discovered a haven at the Verandah, in Matheran, a pedestrian hill-station in the Sahyadari hills of Maharashtra. A lovely little mansion-hotel hidden away in thick foliage, Verandah was formerly a family holiday home of the Dubashes, those well-known Parsis of Bombay. Verandah, now restored to its original splendour by Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath, is now what is best described by Simone Tata as, �A verandah with trees, a house with a soul.�

Farzana Contractor