Congratulations!

Congratulations! UpperCrust's a great name for an excellent magazine, and I am sure it will do very well, judging the first issue.

– Parmeshwar Godrej, Mumbai

UpperCrust, a challenge to the best in the world

The first three issues of UpperCrust have prompted me to convey my feelings to you. For many years, India was starved of a high-class magazine that talked about food and food-related subjects. You have successfully catered to that need. UpperCrust will become a challenge to other world-class magazines soon. I wish you superlative success.

– Satish Arora, Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumai

The unstoppable Zohra Segal

Only an actor like Zohra Segal can say things like "Sex keeps me young" and get away with it. Your interview with her was fantastic and I just hope she continues to make entertaining films as she has done in the past.

– Aparna Bose, Kolkata

UpperCrust made me homesick!

The copy of UpperCrust that my father sent me is titillating palates in this university town (Cornell has the best hotel management school in the USA). But really, I am proud to show it around. The production values are superb and it made alive memories of India, Bombay and home. The editorial content is well-researched and very professional. The photography is excellent. Even the advertising is a joy to the eye and very impressive. Do I get another helping? I can hardly wait.

– Simone St. Anne, Cornell University, USA.

The Best Recipes

When I get my hands on each new issue, it's the last pages I turn to. The recipes are the best part of UpperCrust. They are so easy to make. And the added advantage is that they are from chefs who would never put them in books.

– Aditi Dave, Ahmedabad

A Real Scoop!

Getting five of Bombay's top caterers together to stir the Bombay pot was a scoop! The pictures were fantastic as usual, and the interviews made for interesting reading.

– Anjali Pai, Bangalore

Thank-you for visiting Belgaum!

It was kind of you to send me a copy of UpperCrust with your piece on Burbusa. I had already got one, and liked what you wrote. Many people have telephoned saying that they had read the piece. Thank you, Farzana, Mark Manuel and Meher Moos. I wish you had been able to spend a little more time at my place. But the half hour that all of you were here, was a welcome interlude for me.

– Manohar Malgonkar, Burbusa, Belgaum

"The UpperCrust Show"... what a show!

On a visit to Goa I stopped by in Bombay and was taken to the UpperCrust Show being held there over a weekend. The grape-crushing ceremony amazed me. I was astonished to discover that India even has its own successful winemakers. I tasted some of the wines and found them comparable to the best from my country. I am now a proud subscriber of UpperCrust.

– Henri Moncourt, Paris

UpperCrust, the perfect gift!

I have been an UpperCrust subscriber since the first issue hit the stands and collect all the old issues. I thought I had to share this story with you.

We have a sizeable expat population in Pune. Recently, a close friend left India to go back home; I racked my brains for an appropriate gift and came up with the idea of giving her an UpperCrust subscription as I knew what a great fan she was of your magazine. Needless to say, she was truly delighted!

Keep up the good work!

– Rati Forbes, Pune

Good Show!

I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks to UpperCrust for giving me the opportunity to visit the UpperCrust Show that was held on December 3, 2006 and contribute to it in my own way, as a judge.

I must say I truly enjoyed the event, as well as the special task of judging stalls. Exciting and entertaining to any food lover, the show was very thoughtfully and exquisitely organised with creativity, attention to detail and admirable professional depth.

The fabulous response to the show is yet another proof of Farzana Contractor's commitment to this appealing and challenging profession, as well as her hands-on approach and overall leadership capabilities.

– Nita M. Ambani,Bombay

Busybee's slice of history

My wife and I are ardent fans of UpperCrust. We look forward to each issue and I have to say all the articles and photographs in it are just excellent! In the last issue I particularly enjoyed Behram Contractor's piece on the old Irani restaurants of Bombay in the section Busybee Forever. Very nice!

The column brought out memories of long, winding chats on lazy afternoons, characterised by the fragrance of freshly baked cakes, biscuits and, of course, bun-maska and hot chai. Fountain was a hot spot for us office goers on the way to Fort, I also remember Kyani's for its pastries and mutton patties. It was a great piece. Thanks to UpperCrust for pulling out such a nice magazine.

– Flora Gomes, Bombay

Great reading!

I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the UpperCrust magazine, which I have subscribed for since the past one year. My neighbours who borrow my copy since it comes from so far away, were indeed surprised, to say the least, at the quality of the magazine. I have been trying out quite a few recipes inspite of the fact that they are so diverse, with rewarding and fulfilling results ! Also, the glossy magazine makes a good "coffee table" presentation!

– Loretta Wood, Middlesex

East India banquet!

I read the article on East Indian food online (www.uppercrustindia.com) and was delighted since I am an East Indian myself. You mentioned Khimad in your piece and that evokes childhood memories of my grandparents encouraging the children to have a wee bit for their throats on rainy days. I'm sure my parents could whip up Khimad in a jiffy, if the Cardinal Simon Pimenta so desires!

Just an observation, I didn't come across the ubiquitous hand-breads appas and letri in the UpperCrust article on East Indian food. Otherwise, the article was like sitting down to an East Indian meal!

– June D'Souza,june_dsouza@yahoo.com

What an accolade to R.K. Laxman!

On reading "Not a Common Man - R.K. Laxman" I instantly picked up my pen to send you a few thoughts. What a wonderful cover and biography UpperCrust has done! What a tribute you have paid this unique individual who brightens our mornings with his wit. Your article aptly captures the essence of Laxman and Kamala, revealing them to be a wise and down-to-earth curd-rice couple despite the international honours and recognition.

– Anjani Desai, anath@anwpl.com

Magnificent feature on NZ!

Congratulations, that was some excellent coverage of the scenic wonders of New Zealand's South Island. It brought back many happy memories of my own holiday in Queenstown last year. Your photos do justice to the fine scenery and recreational activities, as well as the fabulous wining and dining.

I was pleased to read that Farzana Contractor chose to drive herself for much of the holiday, even if she did avoid the jet boat ride and the bungy jump! We find that many Indian travellers enjoy the independence that comes with self driving. Many of our visitors from India are also on honeymoon, and enjoy the chance to be on their own as a couple in their car. And we know from Kaho na Pyaar Hai, those mountain lake views are VERY romantic!

– Graeme Waters,High Commissioner (New Zealand) New Delhi