Dipika Asnani

Did you know that the smell of the first rain after a long, dry and warm period is called petrichor? I didn’t, at least not until Buzzfeed told me. What I did know is how it made me feel.

Dear Diary, I think I’m done with the dirty dishes under my bed and going on a treasure hunt for clean clothes. I need to move.

When you think about getting out for a nice dinner, how do you pick the place? Your checkboxes will probably be good food, drinks, service and ambience. With so many places to pick from, so much competition, just good food doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s definitely the first checkbox, but there’s got to be something more. Do you agree? Here’s a place that ticks all of your checkboxes, and how!

Dear Diary, college life is NOT all fun and games. The customs are strange here and so is the concept of punctuality. Elders must be respected, but don’t expect any ounce of respect back from them. My future is pretty much dependent on how strong my memory is and that’s a bit freaky.

Last Sunday rolled in with some good news for the residents of Baner! Besides Sunday being amazing as it is, this one was made more special with the launch of Cologne Spa in Balewadi High Street. Cologne Spa is a luxurious spa and salon that already has two other outlets in Pune; Koregoan Park and Bhosle Nagar. They offer a blend of unique therapies inspired by Western and Ayurvedic traditions that address the body’s physical, mental and energetic states.

If you’ve been with me since my New Girl in Pune series, you know all about the waterworks, the culture shock and the whole “should I stay or go back?” saga. It took about six months for me to admit that I was actually starting to have fun. I had found a free life away from the shackles of “Indian kids don’t do this” – my parents’ favourite line when they wanted to say no.

Forget beginning your day on the wrong foot; starting your day on an empty stomach is the real Grinch of the morning. We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day to fuel your system and kick-start your metabolism. Not only is it important for your body, but it also sets the tone for the rest of your day. You don’t want to begin a day hangry! To save grace is Café 1730’s breakfast menu that leaves you spoilt for choice!

When you think about getting out for a nice dinner, how do you pick the place? Here’s all you need to know and plan it.

Previously on The Punekar, we gave you some serious cocktail goals for the summer, with heavenly, fruity goodness from Café 1730. On popular demand, we also gave you some light bites to go with your drinks. Then we started to think, why stop there?

Previously on The Punekar, we covered some scrumptious summer cocktails at Café 1730 to beat this hellish heat. A couple of our fellow Punekars dropped in at the Café to try some of them and fell in love. They also sent us a message asking what they should eat. So we thought, why not list it out for you. Here are some light bites from Café 1730 that would go perfectly with your summer cocktails. Dig in!