Latest news with #Moai
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
under the hood of 5 cocktail dens in India
You might consider going all the way to JSan in Goa to get Chef Vishesh Jawarani's take on Japanese Izakaya (literally stay-drink-place), or to Crackle Kitchen in Bengaluru to explore omakase. But you cannot get into Chennai's MadCo. unless you pass the test, and likewise at Zorawar Kalra's Mamma Killa, Delhi's first Aztec-themed members-only bar. Chef-steered experiences and curated menus fundamental to the 2025 resto bar, as well as the small plates with drinks typical of Tokyo's Izakaya culture, have evolved unique bar themes and hospitality design. Aiming for visitors to slow down, mingle, and be indulged, from cosy 22-seaters to bustling 400-plus, designers fuse global and Indian trends for an audience desiring elevated experiences. Architect Ashiesh Shah elaborates, 'Bars today are experiential spaces. Five years ago, the focus may have been more on functionality and glamour; today, it's storytelling, mood-building, and emotional connection. They're no longer taboo but rather cultural venues. There's a shift towards creating bespoke, curated environments where design plays a central role in how the space feels, not just looks. It's also about inclusivity — welcoming different people into a space that respects craft, context, and community.' MOAI, Hyderabad Architect: Vikram Singh Minhas Spread across a sprawling 24,000 sq. ft. in Hyderabad's Financial District, MOAI is a 450-seater resto-bar designed by Vikram Singh Minhas to deliver dual experiences: refined fine dining by day and a high-energy bar by night. The theme, inspired by the boulders in the natural landscape of the region in the city's outskirts, draws from the monumental Moai statues of Easter Island, lending to the larger-than-life aura of the space. Catering to the rapidly growing hospitality scene in the neighbourhood, the design by Minhas is a 450-seater crowd pleaser. While the target audience is above the age of 21, people of all ages land up at MOAI, where carefully crafted culinary journeys and a vibrant ambience come together. Most of all, it's the return to nature that evocatively unfolds in the organic layout. Natural elements like quarry-cut stone walls, granite flooring, and a 150-foot-long glass facade connect guests to the lush outdoors, while a tranquil koi pond and inbuilt brick seating that allows natural airflow, evoke serenity — a response to post-pandemic cravings for open, breathable environments. Varied zones break down the vast space into intimate retreats. Discreet grey drop-down cylindrical lights focus on the food. Towering above are Moai sculpture heads, some up to 15 feet. Made of FRP by local artist Ranga, they mimic stone faithfully — right to the sumptuous textures and hues — creating visual drama. Minhas attributes the main factors contributing to the evolving space of fine dining and drinks as the desire for immersive experiences. And both clients and the audience are willing to pay for it. Clients have also become more exploratory, which gives designers a free rein to experiment. Further, the typical visitor today is a global traveller, and they come with a wider sense of appreciation for extravagant detailing. As Minhas puts it, 'Most people come in and remark — I don't feel like I'm in Hyderabad.' This is the very spirit behind the drink and dine destination — to be transported elsewhere. MADCo., Chennai Madras Cocktail Company, popularly known as 'MadCo.', opened last year with the idea of a speakeasy bar with restricted access. Managing Partner Santhosh Zachariah Abraham wanted to disrupt the stodgy image of Chennai with a convivial watering hole where young and old can come together for a fine dining and drinking experience. The afternoon I meet Zachariah, he is enthusiastically planning a Singles Social Mixer for ages 27 to 40, something he says no one in Chennai has ever done. 'This is a community space, not a commercial bar.' Zachariah's 15 years at Bacardi inspired him to create a cosy hang-out for regulars fastidious about the quality and balance of their drinks. A carefully curated group of well-travelled folks with discerning taste, a yen for experimental cocktails and artful menus make MadCo. what it is — a premium and exclusive cocktail bar. Zachariah credits his Founding Partner RVS Kiran for the once-neglected space transformed into a lively hub. The 1,000 sq. ft. space is a cleverly refurbished ground floor with an obscure entrance. The wow factor is a dimmable 'starry sky' made of thousands of fairy lights set into wooden tubes of varying heights that effortlessly conceal unbecoming beams. Mirror and glass vie with sensibly tiled floors to make a splash. The corner bar has a fluted wood front and a countertop of concrete and epoxy that can take any spill. The experience of mixology is core to the design. Under a shiny curved ceiling, a vacuum-sealed pouch with fruit and spices simmer in a sous vide process for a banana oleo-saccharum (a syrup extract) for MadCo.'s custom cocktails. Copper-clad table tops marry chairs covered with svelte pale yellows, duns and leaf green lending to a smart and functional dining space, with cosy tables and chairs for two, benches across couch-seaters paired for four, and bar-style high-chair set-ups for six. Touch lamps complete the intimate feel at tables. Designed for 65, the bar can take up to 75. MadCo. stands as a bold, nuanced reminder of the curious mix of old Madras and modern Chennai — in spirit, taste, and style. Ru, Hyderabad Architect: The Linespace Studio When The Linespace Studio was commissioned to design a resto-bar for up to 300 in Jubilee Hills, architects Mithul Sanghi and Disha Bhansali embraced an approach that honoured the awe-inspiring natural landscape. 'In our firm, we believe each project should be true to its intent,' Sanghi explains. At Ru — an extract of the word 'ruin' — that intent became an architectural homage to the site's rugged boulders, evocative of how monuments age. Spanning 14,000 sq. ft., Ru draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfections. Designed across five levels, the structure wraps around the existing rock formations, with the lower three levels discreetly housing service areas. At the pinnacle — 50 feet above ground — guests experience panoramic views of the adjacent government park from both indoor and semi-outdoor seating areas. Material choices reinforce the narrative of natural ageing: sustainable fly-ash bricks and lime plaster lend the façade a distressed, earthy character, further accentuated by wood-slat windows and the lattice-style wooden door. The interplay of light and shadow is central to the spatial experience, with interiors by Essajees Atelier complementing the architectural language through custom bamboo lighting that casts a warm, organic glow. Departing from the earlier low-light environs of bars, the designers envisioned an inviting, light-filled environment with the bar on the fourth floor evoking a woodsy Zen aesthetic. While the client initially sought a Goa beach shack vibe, the concept evolved into a refined, minimalist Indo-Japanese blend that seamlessly connects inside and outside, embracing the rockface and lush landscaping, a testament to the ancient and the future. One8 Commune, Noida Architect: Sanjana Singh With the shout-out 'Noida is officially Kohlified!' on Instagram, one8 Commune Noida officially opened its doors in November 2024. Part of the growing chain of resto-bars by Virat Kohli, it's named after his jersey number and built around the ethos of 'artful living, soulful dining'. This outpost designed by Saaz Designs Studio continues the brand's narrative of community and inclusivity — welcoming families, couples, and corporate diners alike for shared experiences of leisurely fine dining. Spread across 5,817 with seating for 165, the venue draws on the relaxed sophistication of Mexican Tulum lounges and global cafés. The bohemian chic aesthetic comes alive in an eclectic yet elegant blend of wood, rattan, and linen in warm, earthy tones. Layered lighting — from sculptural pendants to intimate spotlights — enhances the ambience across the venue's zoned layout: a central dining area, vibrant bar and lounge, alfresco patio, and private dining room. Speaking on the broader evolution of resto-bars, Sanjana Singh, founder and principal architect at Saaz, notes: 'Open bar concepts, curated bottle displays, and immersive mixology stations are now focal points celebrating the craft. Evolving norms around drinking have enabled architects to design spaces that foster openness, interaction, and elevated leisure without stigma.' This shift informs Singh's creative approach to lighting and spatial design — emphasizing transparency, mood-setting, and visual storytelling. The bar isn't tucked away; it's lit to invite curiosity. Pendant lamps become art. A mosaic on the floor spells out 'Communing', echoing Kohli's vision for food and drink as immersive, thematic experiences — where ambience is as much a part of the menu as the cuisine or cocktails. Paradox, Mumbai Designer: Ashiesh Shah Commissioned by restaurateur Aditya Dugar, Bar Paradox in Mumbai's Shakti Mills unfolds as a multi-layered narrative across a compact 2,500 sq. ft. vertically-defined space across two levels. In a city beloved for cinema, designer Ashiesh Shah has visualised a space of drama, right from the narrow entrance door that surprises you with a double-height volume 'like stepping into an old elevator'. Dugar's brief to create an immersive experience, more than just a bar, which spoke with nostalgia to reflect both memory and modernity sparked it off. Shah elaborates, 'He wanted a space that felt intimate yet cinematic, luxurious but not loud — a place that celebrated craft, storytelling, and personal history. It wasn't just about designing a bar, it was about creating a narrative that people could walk into.' Paradox plays with contrasts — old and new, nostalgic and contemporary, intimate and dramatic. Spatial treatments for zones — the vitrines, the mezzanine, the formal dining room and the fumoir (salon) — unfold as distinct narratives. Shah navigates the challenges of low ceilings, awkward beams and low light, turning them into opportunities. 'You're constantly discovering whether it's a Chamba Rumal (a form of embroidery), a Dhokra fish in the bathroom, or a bar that feels like a tent on a midnight safari.' Collaborating closely with Peter d'Ascoli, a common love for textiles and storytelling came to fruition in the Fumoir, as Shah describes, 'something that felt both royal and secretive'. The bar on the upper level has a counter of black marble with brass inlay and the front face finished in walnut burl. A levitating Dhokra egg sculpture suspended in the double-height volume acts as a spiritual and visual anchor, capturing the soul of the space. 2024-25's winning features Embracing nature and bringing inside and outside closer Warm and light-filled over dark shady interiors Minimalist yet unique experiential themes merging global and Indian Large bars that welcome family and community settings Exclusive club-style bars for regulars creating known community
International Business Times
14-05-2025
- International Business Times
Barry Billcliff on Living Life Amidst Controversies
Barry Billcliff is no stranger to the limelight. Controversies and remarkable challenges have marked his journey from an early entrepreneur to a thrill-seeking adventurer. Yet he has overcome them, started fresh, and achieved his personal and career goals. A Life of Audacious Adventures People know Barry Billcliff for his unconventional and often daring stunts, which draw admiration and criticism. His adventures include scaling the Great Pyramid of Giza, exploring Windsor Castle, visiting the Moai statues on Easter Island, and rearranging skulls in a Parisian crypt. These global escapades highlight his fearless nature and pursuit of unique experiences. Barry Billcliff believes such adventures offer valuable insights that can change or enhance people's understanding of the world despite dangers and criticism. "I have faced many near-death experiences with all the adventures I took, yet the discovery that comes after makes everything worth it," Billcliff states. Facing Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny Due to his daring exploits, Billcliff's adventurous spirit has often brought consequences, including encounters with legal authorities and public misconceptions. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department chased him after making a scene at the Hollywood sign. They even used drones to catch him. In addition, Barry Billcliff's adventure at the Great Pyramid of Giza turned dangerous when inspectors arrived and intended to arrest him for his climb. However, thanks to the quick thinking of his tour guide who also happened to be military personnel they created enough doubt in the inspectors' minds to delay their action. However, Barry Billcliff's most complex legal battle happened beyond the context of his adventures. He faced a high-profile case from 2005 involving antique currency worth up to $125,000. Billcliff and three others Timothy Crebase, Kevin Kozak, and Matt Ingham were charged with stealing the cache of old currency while working on a roofing job. After investigating, the district court dismissed all charges against the four men, citing insufficient evidence. The authorities did not establish probable cause, and though the Essex district attorney's office initially held the currency, the Essex district attorney's office eventually returned it to Barry Billcliff. Interestingly, the money has never resurfaced in the marketplace since its return, adding an element of mystery to this resolved case. Additionally, Barry Billcliff faced a legal battle related to Merrimack Valley Roofing. In 2023, a federal administrative law judge deemed Barry Billcliff personally responsible for over $150,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines and attorneys' fees related to fall protection violations. However, later evidence proved it was only a retribution case stemming from an argument between Barry Billcliff and OSHA agent Brett Buzzle. Billcliff was proved to have no ownership interest at the time of the fine, and the appellate court overturned the ruling. Resilience and Starting Anew Despite these controversies, Barry Billcliff remains resilient and true to himself. He understands that life is a blend of highs and lows, successes and hard work, and he embraces each experience as a vital part of his growth. This recognition shapes his character and drives him to achieve his goals in his adventurous lifestyle and business ventures. With these life lessons, he has developed a robust portfolio comprising 16 business ventures he has created, acquired, or initiated. Among his most successful endeavors is The Bear Cave, recognized as New England's most extensive bar by selection. In addition to his business ventures, Barry Billcliff has become a certified pilot and has associations with motorcycle and off-road clubs. These new roles became his new avenues for creativity and adventure. He has also deepened his purpose for adventure by integrating research as his primary reason. This certifies that every new location for adventure and the dangers and risks with every location are worth it and can positively impact society. Barry Billcliff says, "Challenges and unexpected concerns are all part of life. This is why I live every day to the best of my abilities. From working on construction during the day, exercising in the afternoon, or traveling in between, I strive to focus on the positive avenues." Billcliff's Secret to Success Barry Billcliff's story involves legal challenges, public scrutiny, and personal setbacks, yet he remains undeterred. His life highlights that success is not a straight path but a journey filled with ups and downs. Whether piloting a plane, managing his diverse business portfolio, or starting on his next great adventure, Barry Billcliff lives life to the fullest. His experiences have taught him not to give up but to continue, even starting anew when necessary. This mindset, combined with hard work and determination, makes anything possible for him.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- NDTV
7 Of The World's Most Remote Islands You Can Actually Visit
If your idea of a dream getaway involves patchy Wi-Fi, no crowds, and endless sea views, then these remote islands might be exactly what you're after. Far from the tourist trail (and often, any trail at all), these places take the idea of "getting away from it all" to the next level. Whether you're into volcanic landscapes, penguin spotting, or just want to be somewhere that barely registers on Google Maps, here are seven of the most remote islands on the planet that you can actually reach — if you're up for the challenge. Here Are 7 Most Remote Islands In The World: 1. Pitcairn Island, Pacific Ocean This speck of land is known for its mutinous past-descendants of the HMS Bounty crew still live here, along with fewer than 50 other residents. The nearest airstrip is over 500 km away on Mangareva (French Polynesia), and you'll need to hop on a 32-hour boat ride from there to get to Pitcairn. Tourists are welcome, but it's all very DIY: Think homestays, home-cooked meals, and possibly a ride in the island's only quad bike taxi. 2. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean Welcome to the world's most isolated inhabited island. Tristan da Cunha is a tiny volcanic spit in the South Atlantic, located roughly 2,400 km from the nearest land (South Africa) and home to just over 200 people. It's part of a British Overseas Territory and only accessible by boat — a seven-day trip from Cape Town. There's no airport, no hotel chains, and definitely no Starbucks. What you will find: wild coastal cliffs, rare seabirds, and locals who bake a mean loaf of home-baked bread. 3. Bouvet Island, South Atlantic Ocean Not for the casual holidaymaker, Bouvet Island is a Norwegian dependency that's almost entirely covered by glaciers and surrounded by ice. It's also uninhabited, which makes sense given that it's one of the most isolated islands on Earth to reach. Located between South Africa and Antarctica, even scientists rarely get to visit. You'll need a research permit, a solid reason, and a stomach strong enough for wild Antarctic swells. 4. Easter Island, Chile OK, it's technically got an airport and daily flights, but Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is still one of the most remote places you can fly to. Sitting 3,500 km west of mainland Chile, it's best known for its massive stone statues called Moai. But there's more here than just mysterious heads — think volcanic craters, white sand beaches, and one of the most fascinating Polynesian cultures you'll ever come across. 5. Kerguelen Islands, Southern Indian Ocean Dubbed the "Desolation Islands," this French territory is as bleak as it is fascinating. Located about 3,300 km from Madagascar, it has no permanent population, only scientists and support staff rotating in and out. There's no airport, so the only way in is via a supply ship that runs a few times a year. It's windy, wild, and feels like the edge of the world-because it basically is. 6. Macquarie Island, Australia Smack between Tasmania and Antarctica, Macquarie is a wildlife haven that plays host to thousands of penguins and seals. Managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and not open for casual tourism. That said, you can visit on specific expedition cruises if you book early (and have a decent tolerance for sub-zero windchill). 7. Socotra, Yemen Socotra looks like it belongs on another planet. Known for its otherworldly dragon's blood trees and surreal landscapes, it's located in the Arabian Sea, about 380 km south of mainland Yemen. Political instability made it off-limits for years, but in recent times, adventure travellers have been trickling back in via chartered flights from the UAE. Just don't expect resort comforts-this one's for seasoned backpackers and nature lovers.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
MOAI in Hyderabad is a beauty cast in stone
Once inside MOAI, located in Hyderabad's Financial District, make sure you mind your steps. You do not want to smell fishy after walking inside the Koi pond! The 24,000-square-feet restobar's interior design includes a Koi pond with a stone pathway near the entrance. The interior is dominated by boulder cut stone walls, murals with metal and house plants. MOAI can seat 400 people and is an ode to the elements, a space where fire, stone and water all come together. Moai statues of Easter Island form an integral part of the space. Aesthetically, it can easily distract diners with thoughts about right spots for photographs. The open-air space with tropical landscapes incorporates quarry-cut stone walls and natural granite flooring. The towering 15-foot Moai sculptures is the venue's other show stopper. Sashidhar Kasi, one of the founders of MOAI, says about the food and design, 'MOAI's culinary philosophy is built on purity, depth of flavour, and respect for Nature's finest ingredients — reimagined for the modern palate. Presentation is supreme; menu is globally inspired but still very local. We also take great pride in our cocktails programme. It is crafted by mixologists Claudio Caprio and Saurav Samanta.' He adds that MOAI is built on the idea that great dining is not just about food and drink, it is about an experience that stays with diners. 'We wanted to create a space that feels timeless yet fresh, where guests can gather, explore, and immerse themselves in something truly special.' The menu is designed by Michelin-trained chef Mohib Farooqui, whose approach to food is both primal and refined. The chef is popular for blending tradition with innovation, crafting dishes that are deeply rooted yet refreshingly modern. For instance, when you order the khichdi khatta keema (KKK) you don't get anything that looks like the khichi-khatta-keema combo. Crumb fried rice balls stuffed with keema served with a squirt of tamarind reduction. Bite into it and you realise it is bite-sized khichdi khatta keema with a crunch. While I waited for KKK, I relished a crab stick and avocado salad. A smooth buttery creamy salad from avocado and generous topping of edamame beans. Strictly not meant for those who do not appreciate Asian fishy flavours. That's not all. Like a true local, I went ahead and ordered dum ka keema. It was Dum ka Keema 2.0 — a spicy, smoked goat pate, Zarai cheese, served with milk pav. Turns out the 2.0 version is more like a galouti kebab with a bold flavour of spice powder and kewra. Other signature creations include char-grilled baby chicken — a combination of corn-fed spring chicken, shio koji, sesame, and barberries. Instead, I wanted to try the lamb chops. I instantly regretted since it was undercooked and spoilt my taste. Having tasted Mohib's earlier, I skipped the other signatures like Muhamarra and feta, served with a pomegranate waffle and went for Asian starters such as cream cheese dumpling, Korean potato dumplings (potato version of tteokbokki), chewy, spicy and hot. The dessert menu includes popular picks such as the Gajar Halwa 2.0 — a reimagined classic with a carrot pudding and smoked cardamom cream cheese. Then there is Maamoul cheese cake, which I tried — it is made with key lime liquid, cheesecake, medjool dates, 'maamoul' shortbread and pecan nuts. You will feel cruel as you disintegrate the presentation for the right flavours in every spoonful. It is like destroying an artiste's art to visualise it differently.
RNZ News
21-04-2025
- RNZ News
Life on Easter Island with Marc Shields
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Photo: AFP/ Pablo Cozzaglio The small island of Rapa Nui - also known as Easter Island - sits off the coast of Chile and is home to about 8600 people. It's known for the huge historic statues, called Moai, which are dotted around the island. Marc Shields hails from West Auckland but is a long-term resident of Rapa Nui, with his wife and three children. The population was only about 7750 in the 2017 Chilean census. Shields told Paddy Gower on RNZ's Easter Monday show that what a lot of people didn't know was that Rapa Nui was closely linked to New Zealand and Māori. "The name Easter Island comes from the first European explorer who saw it on Easter sunday on 1722... but Rapa Nui - it's polynesian name - was used by most on the island." Shields said the arrival of the first Rapa Nui was about 1200AD. "They are Polynesian, so basically cousins of the New Zealand Māori. They have a lot of intercultural kind of relationship with the Māori people, the language is very very similar, much more similar for example Samoan and Tongan. "Māori people who come here can understand to a degree the language even though it's 8000km away." Mark Shields. Photo: Youtube/RapaNuiLife Shields said after the Rapa Nui's first arrival, at about 1250AD, they began to build the famous statues called Moai. In 1680-1750 a civil war broke out over resource scarcity, and after that the birdman competition began. "Each year someone from each tribe would gather and they would have a competition climbing down cliffs, swimming off the coast to try and find the first egg of the Sooty Tern bird, and whoever got that egg, his respective chief would be the chief of the island for that year." Shields said people began to convert to Catholicism in about 1860, with their underlying beliefs and traditions still remaining. He added that since the 70s, tourism had become an important part of the island's day to day life. "It's the only thing on the island that generates money. You are either employed by the government or you are employed in tourism. "Tourism is where the money is, but it is perhaps a little bit less stable," he said. Mark Shields on Easter Island coast with his family and dogs. Photo: Youtube/RapaNuiLife Shields also said the Rapa Nui language was "going through a tough time". "So you got people in their 70s speaking it as a first language, people my age speak it as a second language quite comfortably, the next generation are really struggling to speak it. "So you've got this kind of loss of the language where now the grandparents can't speak to their grandchildren in Rapa Nui." But Shields for the moment, most on the island would be enjoying their Sunday off work. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
