Owing to a high death rate, Delhi pubs need to constantly reinvent themselves to retain novelty and clientele. DV8 in Connaught Place, a recently refurbished version of the 1970s bohemian hangout The Cellar, added what it calls a Prism Bar (lit by seven distinct colours) to complement its extensive Continental-Lebanese menu. So now hummus or deep-fried chicken can be savoured with some fine cocktails, and co-owner Amida says that the Singapore Sling is one of the closest one will ever get to the Raffles Hotel original. The crowd is young, the music retro pop and visitors can avail of valet parking, a service rarely provided beyond the pompous confines of five-star hotels. Call (011) 3363358 for details.

BOOKS
Love Struck

Veteran photographer T.S. Satyan's glimpses into the lives of ordinary people over a period of 60 years have now been collected into a solid book called In Love with Life. Satyan's pictures have been published in Time and Life, and various exhibitions for the Ford Foundation and New York's Smithsonian Institute. The book costs Rs 1,200 (Rs 720 before its official release in July) and can be ordered from aroonraman@ramanboards.com.

FOOD FESTIVAL
Feast From Bengal

Delhi's ITC Maurya Sheraton continues its celebration of regional cuisine called "Kitchens of India" with a festival of Bengali specialities prepared by Kolkata hobby chef Arunima Gooptu. The machcher jhol, or fish in mustard curry with rice, takes centrestage with other popular dishes like cholar dal, shukto, rosogolla ... Call (011) 6112233 for more details.

BEAUTY
For Men Only

Indian manufacturers are capitalising on the fact that ayurvedic and herbal cosmetics are becoming the biggest fad after organic foods. The Rs 300-crore Cholayil group, that makes an extremely popular ayurvedic soap called Medimix, has taken the initiative in a previously untried sector of men's shaving cream and launched Ziva, a herbal shaving cream that claims to be soft on the skin with high natural antiseptic properties. Retailed at all the leading general, chemist and departmental stores, it is reasonably priced at Rs 18 for a 30 gm pack and Rs 35 for 70 gm pack.