Teapot Cafe...

Having heard a lot about the 'Teapot Cafe' and being tea-lovers, this cafe had to be on our list of to-visit places.
While exploring the streets of Fort Kochi, we came across the lovely board that read 'Teapot'. We decided we would come back later in the evening to check out their wide variety of teas served:-)
Dusk arrived and so did the rains.
We couldn't let a few droplets keep us away from that steaming cup of 'Masala Chai' could we?
So, armed with borrowed umbrellas, we waddled through knee-deep water to reach our dream destination~ Teapot Cafe!
The cafe was full of tea lovers, enjoying theirs cups/mugs/teapots of delicious hot tea, while it steadily rained outside. We were led to a mezzanine, from where we could enjoy the view of teapots in various sizes hanging on hooks.
The cafe has teapots, kettles and tea accessories collected by the owner displayed beautifully.
Framed jute bags used for packing tea leaves.
Long leaf tea, one of the many served in the cafe:-)
BTW, We had a pot of masala chai with samosas and grilled sandwiches...

The Old Courtyard Hotel

On our recent vacation to Fort Kochi, Kerala, we stayed at an old Portuguese heritage hotel called The Old Courtyard Hotel on Princess Street.
As we entered the huge wooden door, we were immediately transported to the elegance and beauty of a by-gone era.
This restored heritage building now offers 8 rooms, that overlook a charming courtyard.
You can enjoy a cup of cardamom tea sitting under a huge mango tree in the center of the courtyard, or dig into their wide variety of desserts that are so very popular!
The white-washed walls, the arches, antique furniture, the old switchboards and the attention to details makes this quaint place very special.The dining area faces the courtyard. We were torn between enjoying the view and devouring their delicious breakfast:-)
View from the first floor balcony.
The terracotta tiled roof and the fresh green leaves of the mango tree make a lovely combination.
Top view of the Old Courtyard Hotel
Magical light filtering in through the window as we were shown our room.The patina of the seasoned wooden floor with my cup of tea:-)
The owners have retained the original floor and I am so glad they did, the feel of the smooth wood against the feet is something else.The rain-gods decided to shower their blessings on us that evening and the Old Courtyard took on a magical feel.We just stood there watching the rain beat down while sipping our Masala Chai this time;-)
If we traveled to Fort Cochin again, we would surely return to this charming 17th century abode.

Rang Decor Readers' Creative Spaces: VI

Anuradha Varma

Lives in Seattle with her husband and two little ones, she shares few corners of her warm and inviting home with all of us today...



Anuradha describes, 'To me, my home is like a favourite classic book – full of warmth and character. It’s a home for my family and a place to hold treasures that have a special place in my heart.'

'The Indian looking candle holders made of printing blocks were a discovery here in Seattle. When lit they give me and my home a warm glow' says Anuradha.



Her style is eclectic with heirlooms passed down from her parents and mementos of travels from around the world and India.

Anuradha has great fondness for antique brass pieces. She bought these pieces in Kolkata and Delhi. The dragon incense holder is her personal favourite.

A special corner where she has her morning chai.

'A touch of oriental decor. These chairs are replicas of chairs used by the bride and groom in a traditional wedding in China. I love the simplicity and elegance of these chairs.' says Anuradha.

A collection of Murano glass from Italy, Czech crystal, pottery from Mexico and Spain, knick knacks from flea markets and antique stores around the globe compliment each other. An Indian ethnic motif ties all of this together.

The living-dining area is minimalistic in style and has furniture with clean lines.

She loves entertaining. Here is a Christmas dinner arrangement for her family visiting from India.A bright breakfast nook with her prized photograph of Mt Ranier

The foyer area has a collection of family heirlooms and her own shopping ranging from places like Hawaii to Chandni Chowk. Her Ganesha collection displayed here. Every trip to India has her coming back with her good luck charm~ Lord Ganesha.Diyas lit for Diwali ( The festival of lights)



'I appreciate things that are simple yet elegant. I am always experimenting with new ideas and use my home as a canvas for my thoughts to come to life. I am interested in interiors, photography and love to travel and my home reflects that.' says Anuradha.



Thanks for sharing your lovely home with all of us.



Anuradha is a new blogger and paints her interests in her blog~ My Dream Canvas



P.S~ If you have any questions for Anuradha about her home, please ask in the comments section so she can reply to you.

Kashi Art Cafe...

Kashi Art Cafe~ A quaint cafe' that houses an art gallery showcasing the finest works by contemporary artists, a relaxed space where artists, enthusiasts and tourists like us can meet, hang out and enjoy their delicious homemade cakes and french press coffee.
At Kashi Art Cafe, they say 'no to plastics' and serve mineral water in sterilized glass bottles.
What a great idea and love that bottle!(hey but you can't take the bottle, only for drinking;-)
It was super hot in the afternoon and their 'Iced Tea' was a such a great thirst quencher. While you are there also try their refreshing Lemonade with ayurvedic herb.
Ok. Ok. Chai lovers do forgive me;-) On our second visit to the cafe, I was very intrigued by the Bodum French Press coffee, I just needed to try it out.
Sitting pretty is a large slice of Chocolate Cake with a generous helping of Chocolate Sauce.

So next time you are in Fort Cochin, you know where to head for a great glass of Iced tea or a slice of their homemade Date & Walnut cake:-)
Enjoy!

The streets of Fort Kochi...

The first thing that struck us when we entered the streets of Fort Cochin or Fort Kochi is the architectural style~ An interesting blend of British, Portuguese & Dutch style.
An eclectic blend of art culture, quaint theme-cafes', colonial homestays, churches, designer stores, antique shops and boutique hotels...We stayed at a heritage colonial hotel called The Old Courtyard, that came highly recommended for it's food as well as the proximity to the streets of Fort Cochin.(More on that in Rang Decor soon:-)
Walking on the streets, gazing at the various signboards & architectural style was itself a refreshing activity.I loved the names of the various streets...
Beautiful boards on the walls of Malabar House a boutique hotel.
Many cafes' catering to various tastes, line these streets.Loved the liberal use of vibrant colours on the walls of various homes.If you have eaten in all the restaurants and cafes' and want to try something new, join the cooking classes:-)Dal Roti - Desi Khana was amazing. Simple decor. Great food.Idiom Booksellers~ A great little book store, where you can sell your old books and buy new ones:-)

Hope you enjoyed the little tour of the streets of Fort Cochin as seen through my eyes.
Stay tuned. Will be posting about two very interesting cafe's that had us going back for more:-)