what’s new in the big cities

London

Theatre: The hilarious One Man Two Guvnors (Haymarket Theatre Royal, 18 Suffolk St, tel: 0845 481 1870) is back with a new cast. A unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners, the play has been receiving rave reviews. Runs till September.

Film tour: Making waves among Potter fans is The Making of Harry Potter, a new tour at the Warner Bros Studio (Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Watford, tel: 0845 0840 900). The tour includes two soundstages where the blockbuster film series was filmed over ten years. Walk through the sets that appeared on screen including the Great Hall, Dumbledores office, the Gryffindor common room and Hagrids hut.

Exhibition: ‘Out of Focus: Photography at the Saatchi Gallery(Duke of Yorks HQ, Kings Road, tel: 020 7811 3070) is the gallerys first major photography exhibition in a long time. On display are works by 37 international artists. Runs till July.

Mexican fare: La Bodega Negra(tel: 020 7785 4100) is a combo of bar, restaurant and nightclub. It looks like a jazz club with posters, booths and bar seating. It offers a variety of tortillas and quesadillas.

new york

Store opening: Kith (644 Broadway, tel: 646 648 6285) is shoe designer Ronnie Fiegs speciality mens shoe store, designed to look like a futuristic room. It houses an assortment of highly sought-after sneakers from around the world, limited-edition collaborative apparel, photo books, leather boots and dressy street shoes.

Restaurant: North End Grill (104 North End Avenue, Murray Street, tel: 646 747 1600) has a large and bright dining room. Try any of the egg dishes, Sea Bream With Salsa Verde, Scallops with Cauliflower; Grilled Clam Pizza and end with the Butterscotch Pot De Crème.

Theatre: The move to Broadway has been an easy one for Claybourne Park (Walter Kerr Theater, 219 West 48th Street, tel: 212 239 6200) following a Pullitzer Prize. A satire on social prejudices, it is a collective introspection on how things have changed or not, regarding race, and how we think about it. Runs till July.

Designer Salon: Hale (91 Franklin St), stylist Joe Murrays hair parlour is designed aesthetically with French doors, a repurposed barn-wood floor and a baby grand piano used as the reception desk. It uses toxic-free substances as far as possible.

Montreal

Quebec food: Taste delicious Quebec food in small plates at Pastaga(tel: 438 381 6389). Try out the Tenderly Marinated Organic Salmon with Creamed Potatoes and the Smoked Bison. Theres also an abundance of fresh herbs, which makes the dishes extra special. Large groups can also sit inside the kitchen and watch the chefs in action.

Theatre: Cirque du Soleil opens Amaluna (Old Port, Old Montreal), an emotional love story set on a mysterious island governed by goddesses and guided by the moon. The show involves astounding acrobatic feats and beautiful choreography. Runs till mid July.

Exhibition: Star Wars Identities(Montreal Science Center, King Edward Pier, Old Port) is a hugely popular touring exhibition that displays stunning costumes, models and artwork from the film series. It provides the visitor with a complete interactive immersion into the series. Runs till mid-September.

Public space: Montreals famous 21 Balan?oires (or 21 Swings, an interactive, collective instrument—each swing generates its own musical notes in conjunction with the other swings) opened again this Spring in April on the Promenade des Artistes. A unique interactive public facility, the brightly coloured swings are very popular and a hit with both children and adults. They will remain open till June 3.

barceLona

Art exhibition: The Caixa Forum(Av. De Francesc Ferrer i Guardia) is hosting an exhibition of works by the French artist Eugene Delacroix in association with the Louvre. The works have been borrowed from private collections and museums across the world, such as New Yorks MOMA, Chicagos Art Institute and Londons National Gallery. The show runs till late May.

Molecular Gastronomy: Gelonch(C. Bailen) is Catalan chef Robert Gelonchs showcase for his food. Having trained at El Bulli and Gaig, the restaurant is intimate, modern and cosy. Go for the tasting menu and feast on dishes like Deconstructed Pesto, Nitrogen Frozen Popcorn, Buffalo Carpaccio and Suckling Pig.

Theatre: Based on the real life story of actress Adriana Lecouvreur, the eponymous play at Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barri Gotic, tel: 093 485 9913) who fell in love with a French marshal, the opera blends drama and comedy and is done very artistically. Runs through May and June.

Music Festival: Festival Guitarra(or festival of guitars) is a prestigious event that attracts world-class guitar players from all over the world and styles include everything from Flamenco to Latin and classical to gypsy. Runs till end of June.

goa

italian cuisine: Café Mangii (Madhav Ashram, MG Road, Panaji, tel: 223 0771) is a bright, cheerful Italian restaurant. The ambience is soothing and hospitable. Popular dishes include Prawn Tempura, Salmon Pizza and Roasted Mushrooms.

Lounge: Beachend Lounge (Patnem Beach, Canacona, South Goa, tel: 92417 80851) is a beach shack that is not just a restaurant but has a choice of books, sunbeds, board games, beach cricket and the beach for company. Theres a choice of the usual Indian dishes as well as Continental food, including such exotic ones with lobster; theres also a fairly eclectic bar menu.

Restaurant: Unwind at Chilli & Spice(Fidalgo Hotel, 18th June Road, Panaji, tel: 222 6291 99) with its comfortable ambience and peppy atmosphere. The restaurant aims to please many palates so it dishes up multi cuisine food with a choice of Chinese, Indian, Italian and Arabic food. Try the Char Sieu Barbecue Spare Ribs, Gransukai (Mongolian chicken), Dum Biriyani and the sizzling Death By Chocolate.

Fashion boutique: Designer Malini Ramani is one of the first people to open a fashion boutique (House 156, Calangute, tel: 227 5305) in Calangute. The boutique is decked up with Buddha and elephant statues, paintings and designer furniture. The showroom will also be used as an art gallery for exhibitions. COMPILEd By ANITA RAO KASHI