Between sips: Good end-of-year plans – Waffle cones, 24 karat edible gold and super premium wine

This will be my last piece of a year that has gone too quickly and too slowly at the same time. Here’s how I racked up the year-end calories.

Everyone loves ice cream, the rich, creamy stuff (not the low calorie ones), and when it comes to waffle cones and generous toppings, there’s even more reason to dig. That’s the Baskin Robbins Happiness Pack in a nutshell.

During this time, I did something like work: I organized the launch of the latest line of super premium wines from Grover-Zampa. It’s called Signet and it’s a great experience: the same Syrah grapes from one estate, made slightly differently. The result is five vibrant and distinct wines that are a great talking point in connoisseur circles. They cost Rs 4,000 a piece but only a few hundred of each have been made (and will only be sold at the cellar door). So, not only is it a good wine, but it’s also quite rare.

Now I’m going to give you a quick rundown of a few bottles I’ve recently stocked: Martell XO cognac, which is among the best cognacs and is perfect with an Andre Garcia cigar at this time of year; Chandon rosé sparkling wine, which is a local sparkling wine with French know-how and backing that is always a bursting delight; Kremlin vodka, the official (original) vodka for all state and elite functions in Russia; Corralejo Tequila, a charming, family-run, handmade, upscale tequila house; and Grant’s Jam Station. The latter is a set of three tins that convert into a quick-release bar, and comes complete with a highball glass and a peg pourer / stirrer / measure. Insert the Grant’s Distinction bottle (which comes with it) and you’re ready to dispense drinks in style.

I know gold doesn’t have an inherent taste, but I found the concept of the exquisite Fabelle chocolates made with 24k edible gold quite irresistible. I mean, it’s delicious chocolate already, and if the ancient alchemists were right from the start, gold might help us longevity as well.

Now I’m going to talk about the guys doing a hot dog what Barista did at the cafe as a grade. Loaded with a combination of toppings (meat / cheese), Top Dog’s hot dogs are the right kind of sloppy to don your winter coat. Sin, but then it’s December.

They say Ricky’s Cookies makes natural cookies with unusual flavors and it’s true. But I think they do a lot more than that. The batch I received was delicious, crumbly, slightly gooey and chewy, and wore off very quickly. If you’re in the mood for a good cookie to dip into that glass of milk, look no further.

I think my wife and I decided to take a vacation every month. It gives you a whole new motivation to work hard the rest of the time. The Lodhi is a unique property in that it is a luxury resort destination in the heart of the city.

Step inside and you are already swept away into a whole new world of tranquility with private pools, a lavish spa, fine Italian cuisine, unique outdoor spaces and a wine list that is hard to resist. I have resolved to go back more regularly because life, I now believe, is wasted on those who do not take advantage of it more frequently.

A final, albeit somewhat unrelated, sensory indulgence. In a fairly unique pivot, C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewelers has launched an exquisite line of fragrances. I tried the kit and was pleasantly surprised and also confused as to which one to choose. Contrary to current trends, they are not all our own but play with a myriad of notes. My favorite was Beryl with fresh cut Virginia cedar, Italian bergamot and Iranian saffron, this is a glocal luxury item if ever there is one.

The writer is a sommelier