Rajika Mittra is the curator and driving force behind the Asian Art House, which specializes in bringing exceptional contemporary art from across India and Southeast Asia to curated luxury spaces.

For an event like this Art Brunch, her curation is what bridges the gap between the culinary experience and the gallery-level showcases, specifically selecting the Indi-Vietnamese art and Manoj Das’s Banaras paintings to transform Coriander Kitchen into a living gallery.

Coriander Kitchen

• Culinary Showcase: The buffet features a dedicated “Pahadi ki Rasoi” section, serving authentic, rustic flavors and traditional dishes from the Indian Himalayan foothills.
• Ambiance: The restaurant’s expansive architecture, marked by a 40-foot high ceiling and large windows, complements the exhibition of fine art.

Featured Art Exhibitions

The dining area transforms into a gallery space showcasing distinct cultural and artistic themes.

• Indi-Vietnamese Art: A unique display blending Indian sensibilities with Vietnamese artistic traditions, highlighting shared Eastern aesthetics, forms, and textures.
• Manoj Das’s Banaras Paintings: A collection by artist Manoj Das, capturing the mystical essence, ghats, and spiritual energy of Banaras through a distinct modern perspective and rich visual depth.

And I sketched while I was waiting at the Conrad.

Live sketch as Urban Sketchers Sunday meet of Flutist Neeraj Kulkarni.

Sketching in the patio of Coriander Kitchen.

Gateway of India

Furgesson College, Pune, F C Road.

Kakakuwa Mansion, Laxmi Road.

Dastur Meher Road, Camp, Pune

Furgesson College, FC Road, Pune

Urban Sketchers 10 year completion Logo

Xrbia Towship, Phase 2, Opp to Club House.

Paradise Restaurtant and Cafe, Secunderbad.

IHMC, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

By Moiz Mamoowala

It’s heartening to see Pune leaning into its “cultural capital” roots by embracing the future of food, which, ironically, looks a lot like the past. Initiatives like the Earth Souk at Monalisa Kalagram aren’t just about shopping; they are about rebuilding a lost connection with the soil. Extending the Art gallery to artisanal food and making an excuse for a Mother’s Day gift hamper or for any festive occasion. Creating a unique experience for mothers and kids or grownups to treat their mothers for a memory inclusive of art, food and groceries.

Here is a breakdown of why this shift towards millets and mindful consumption is gaining such momentum:

Why the “Millet Revival” Matters?

Millets are often called “miracle grains” for a reason. While they were sidelined during the Green Revolution in favor of rice and wheat, their comeback is fueled by two major factors:

• Environmental Resilience: Millets are incredibly hardy. They require significantly less water than rice and can grow in poor soil without the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: They are gluten-free, have a low Glycemic Index (GI), and are packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

At a Glance: What Earth Souk Offers

Category	Featured Highlights
The Grains	Ragi (Finger millet), Bajra (Pearl), Jowar (Sorghum), and minor millets like Foxtail and Kodo.
Pantry Staples	Cold-pressed oils, chemical-free jaggery, raw forest honey, and stone-ground spices.
Fresh Produce	Seasonal vegetables and fruits grown using regenerative farming practices.
Education	Workshops on cooking with millets and the “Farm-to-Fork” journey.

Beyond the Shopping Bag

The real value of events managed by community leaders like Akash Panavkar lies in the transparency they provide. In a typical supermarket, the “story” of your food is hidden behind plastic packaging. At the Earth Souk:

1. Direct Dialogue: You can actually talk to the person who grew your food, understanding the challenges of chemical-free farming.
2. Cultural Revival: By showcasing indigenous foods, the souk helps preserve traditional recipes and farming techniques that were on the verge of disappearing.
3. Community Building: It transforms the act of “buying groceries” into a social and educational experience, making sustainability feel like a collective journey rather than a chore.