Black Dog ‘Ecstatic’ Easy Evenings-

Whiskey lovers need no introduction to Black Dog. Created in the breweries of the 175-
year-old liquor blending comany, the premium scotch brand acquaints us with the finest
of flavors of the Scottish Highlands.

It was a hot and humid Saturday evening, as we walked into Hotel Hindustan
International. Mr. Paul George approached and warmly welcomed us to the Black Dog
Easy Evening event.

Drinks-

The room had some of the best bartenders, whipping up cocktails, which were amazing
to look at, as they were to taste. We started out with a couple of pegs of Black Dog
Centenary. It had a beautiful amber and golden hue, and smelled and tasted refreshing!
We tried out a glass of white rum-based Mojito, and vodka-based Screwdriver. Also, we
had a few mocktails. Seesaw contained chunks of kiwi, pomegranate, lemon, crushed
and blended with tomato and orange juice. It had an interesting tangy flavor. Next in line
was Kiwi Cooler. The fruity and fizzy mocktail had an excellent taste. We just had to get
another glass!

The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Food-

No cocktail party is complete without a snack, and HHI definitely did not let us down.
First, we were served miniature Vegetable Spring Roll. It contained fine rice noodles
and vegetables, and just melted in our mouths. Next came Onion and Leek Quiche. It
was an ideal balance between the aroma of oregano, and onion, and the tangy flavor of
cheese. They were followed by Mushroom and Tomato Bruchetta, which contained a
tasty mix of mushroom and tomato on tiny pieces of garlic bread. It had a characteristic
taste and aroma. The Grilled Paneer in comparison was slightly bland. Just when we
were thinking that it was an evening for the veggies, came Mutton Shammi Kabab and
Chicken Takrani. The Mutton Shammi Kabab was smooth and yummy, but the Chicken
Takrani with its unique deliciousness, kept our taste buds begging for more! Our begging
taste buds were treated with more goodies like Murg Badami Kabab, and Pesto Fish
Finger. The earlier one had a wonderful zing to it, with the chunks of nuts, perfectly
complimenting its flavors. The latter was a traditional fish finger, but was very much at
par with the rest of the food served that evening.

Mutton Shammi Kebab, Chicken Takrani and Mushroom and Tomato Bruschetta

Music-

The second half of August saw the entire nation moving to the tunes of Madonna, with
leading Madonna cover artist Melissa Totten and her team traveling the major cities. We
had the privilege of catching up with her at the HHI, and ask her a few questions.

Melissa Totten performing at Madonna Forever, HHI

In performance- Melissa Totten

Here's what we talked about-

1. You are the leading Madonna celebration artist. How did your journey
begin?

I moved to Chicago in 1988, where I studied to be an advertising copywriter
at Columbia College. It was there that I was first approached (on a city bus)
to do occasional lookalike work for celebrity themed corporate events. It felt
like playing dress up for beer money. I had no idea that there was a whole
industry out there. In 1991, friends started to realize that the Chicago Tribune's
reported "Madonna sightings" was actually I, and the amused columnists called
me in for an interview. The next day the photo hit the papers.

As the last three credits of her degree at Columbia, a small, low budget tribute
show came into town, and in a news segment, directed anyone looking like
someone famous to call and audition. I thought it would be good for my project.
I called the number on the screen, and set up an audition. It happened to be in
the same apartment building that I lived in. I threw on some red lipstick and got
in the elevator, and came back with a six-month contract on a Royal Caribbean
Cruise Ship. I was going to be singing live. I just went with it.

2. You have been in the music scene for over 20 years now. What would you say,
if you have to describe your musical journey in one word?

Unimaginable.

3. How did you like Kolkata? What are the things you loved about the city?

I was in Kolkata for a very short time. I didn't have time to fall in love.

4. How did you like the Kolkata music scene?

Again, sorry but I literally did not have time to step outside of the hotel except to go
to the airport at 5am.

5. Do you have any plans of working with Indian artists?
Not that I am aware of.

At 9pm, the show began, as Melissa rocked us with Madonna hits like ‘Like a
Prayer’, ‘4 Minutes’ and many more! What can we say? We were left speechless….!It's good food, premium liquor and melodious music all the way with BLACK DOG!