Monday, December 20, 2010

Grillopolis - The King of Grill

Photo taken from Grillopolis Facebook Page
Thanks to Sassy Fork, I came to know that there is a new place which has opened up near my office known as Grillopolis. And to meet your group who love food this is the place one has to go.

We planned a Saturday lunch as we that was the only time when most of us would be free and everyone agreed as the place sounded interesting. We reached there at 1:40 PM and there was a huge door just like a gate of something very important is hidden inside and let me tell you it was one of the most amazing place to go to. As you go towards the table you see an amazing spread, one side veg collection and other side non veg collection and both looked yum yum.

We were a group of 8 but sadly there is only one table in the which sits a group of 8 comfortably, we sat in a table of 6 where almost 8 sat (one was a kid). As we all became comfortable, we were given an option to have beer, iced tea, fresh lime soda or wine. Then came the starters, first was Paneer (Cottage cheese) with green chutney all soft and tasty. Then came the 2 giants of non-veg, Chicken grill and fish grill both were tender and had an amazing taste. We asked repeat of the fish tandoor as everyone fell in love with it.
There was another veg starter something in potato and cheese which I kinda avoided. By this time it was decided that the food at this place is awesome.

Now was the time for the bigger treat the main course as we took our plate we started off with non veg and there was an amazing variety Turkish style cooked chicken, Spanish Paella, Butter Crab, Prawn salad, Mutton Biryani and Chicken Curry. I avoided the Indian versions but enjoyed all the sea food and crab was superb...got the best pieces, the arms of the crabs. Then after some talking and discussing and laughing tried my hands at veg section and I was not disappointed the Mushroom Risotto was amazing.

The desert had Baked Gulab Jamun, Pastry and I think it was chocolate souffle.

All in all per person cost for Saturday Lunch buffet was Rs. 570 inclusive of taxes which I would say is not bad at all.

Address: Go1-101, Morya Landmark 1, New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 
Phone: 64559900 , 64569900
 
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Monday, December 13, 2010

La kebabiya - Lunch Buffet

Near my new office there are lots of eating joint located and one is Le Kebabiya located opposite Hyundai showroom in Lokhandwala.

When I went there last time it was for drinks and hookah and IPL matches but did not know it serves you Lunch buffet also. Colleagues were planning to go for Friday Buffet and i tagged along.

The place is bit cramped in terms of space but the spread is nice which is written down.
Soup (veg and non veg) we got Manchow soup
8 starters (4 veg and 4 non veg). The good part about the starters was they were prepared only after guest arrive so we would get them hot and nice. The best of all was Malai kebab which was soft and tasty. Also there are 2 chinese in the starters and 4 Indian and 2 Mexican. The waiters serve it to you so you do not have to leave the table again and again.

Then there was main course which had 12 dishes in total out of which there was Mexican, Italian and Indian again....the buffet is such a risky deal if you are lucky you can get the best or the worst. But we had an 50-50 deal in terms of quality and taste.

The best of the lot was the dessert, we had 5 flavors of Ice Cream, Chocolate Souffle and Firni which was super duper tasty.

All in all for Rs. 325 without taxes on Friday it is a good deal if you want to sleep at work.



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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Pratap Da Dhaba

This place has being in New Oshiwara Link road for a very long time and my last visit was some 3 years back. But today there was a surprise lunch party and we all zoomed to The Dhaba. This place has changed its name quite a few times but the decor and menu have remained the same.

There is an a/c sitting and non a/c sitting which can accommodate around 80+ people which is quite good. But as we decided a place to sit we found a cockroach basking itself and it was a bad start. Finally decided on sitting in a cleaner place, we were divided into veg and non-veg eating section.

We started off with ordering starters such as Kukkad Sheekan, Kukkad Achari and Kukkad Tandoori (do not be confused Kukkad = Chicken). After waiting for almost half an hour the starters came in and we all started devouring Kukkad Piece by piece (the food was not hot but no one complained because we were already late). The Kukkad Tandoori was nice and succulent with not much colour and Achari was supposed to be tangy it was anything but. The good part is quantity is quite large for 5 chicken eating people everyone had 2 piece for themselves.

We ordered for main course which was Adraki Kukkad, I thought it would be bit spicy again they mellowed it down big time. It was good to taste but nothing near what the name is. Again good quantity.

Sorry, I am not writing anything about veg food as I did not taste it but I guess it was good as no one complained.


In the end we had Paan Shots....dunno what exactly it is if you go there in the end ask for Paan Shots it is complimentary.
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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Amla Curry - Healthy Curry

This is also another of those fruit which I could not think where a curry would be made but here is the ingredient of the Amla Curry, very simple very easy.

Ingredients:
  1. 6 Pieces of Amla
  2. Oil
  3. Salt, Red Chilli Powder, Turmuric, Jeera, Hing, Sauf, Sugar all things according to taste
How to Make:
  1. First we will need to steam the amla this is an important process.
  2. Take a pressure cooker and then pour water in the base. Take a plate with holes in it and put it over the water. Note that water should not touch the plate.  Do not cut the Amla just drop them over the plate
  3. Close the pressure cooker lid and steam the Amla till 2 whistles.
  4. Open the lid you will see that Amla is all soft and broken up. Clean up the seeds of Amla.
  5. Keep it to cool in room temperature. 
  6. Add Oil in another Kadai and then add 1 tea spoon of jeera, sauf and hing. 
  7. Cook till you hear pop sound of Jeera.
  8. Then add Amla in the Kadai
  9. Cook for sometime and then add Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric and Salt according to taste.
  10. Cook again for sometime and then add Sugar according to the taste just to give a sweet flavor to the Amla
  11. Cook for a min and remove the kadai from the heat. Put the lid over the kadai just to that the flavors mix together. 
  12. You can eat with Roti or Rice. 



You will have the typical Amla Taste with a bit of sugary flavor.
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Monday, November 22, 2010

The Bagel Shop

If you have want to just chill and work at same time The Bagel Shop is where most people go in Bandra. It is near the Carter Road Police Station.

Most of you all are familiar to this place and it was my second visit, while first one was just to meet a friend and move to another location. This time had to do some shopping in Bandra and I reached the shop before it opened so went to The Bagel Shop for some breakfast as did not have a good enough breakfast at home.

After lots of thinking zeroed it on Spanish Bacon Spinach Hummus Bagel....it surely had a good quality bacon and around 5 pieces of red meat. The hummus was a good twist to the whole thing. But it pushed me back by Rs. 250 which I feel is expensive. But, again I do not visit this place regularly so was OK with it.

You do have lots of options Sandwiches, muffins, salads, shakes etc etc to enjoy with good Bagel Menu.
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Some Like it Hot - It is HOT!!

Located right opposite Lokhandwala MTNL Office next to Masala Mantar this place was termed by my sister and her boss as their favorite place to eat. I think after this place opened up they must have gone there umpteen number of times. Well last Friday was my first time and I must say I was impressed.

Reached there around 8:45 pm and after walking up two floors greeted and was asked where would I want to eat Masala Mantar or Some Like it Hot well as decided before it was Some Like it Hot. The place is a bit like American Diner, there are big red colour sofas and white table which can sit 8 normal size people. The place smelled of Dettol at start but faded away after sometime.

Everyday has a special offer on Alcohol like Friday it was Cocktail night where you will get 1 on 1 cocktail free for the whole day and we ordered England Iced tea which is same as Long Island Iced Tea expect coke is replaced with Cranberry Juice. Well it was a bit flat and we told the waiter about it and was replaced promptly.
Nice Decor


We then ordered Mongolian Chicken, Stir Fried Fish in Thai sauce and Nachos with cheese and baked beans. The quantity is nothing much to say about, good enough for 2 but taste wise it was amazing.

The cost is decent enough with Cocktail, Beer and 3 starters the total cost came upto 900+ including 20% discount as my sister had some coupons. They do have desserts but we wanted to have some Crepe at Crepe Station.....

The DJ at times gets confused on which music should be played and in between we heard some Hindi songs which was produced in 90's. All in all an awesome place to be with a big group. 
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Eggsunday - Eggie Affair

Located opposite Mega Mall in Lokhandwala this place only serves you eggs and egg related recipe. I was on my way to home and saw this place, turned around got in.

The place is quite big in terms of roof size so it is roomy and bright. Seating of only 20 odd people.

The menu consists of Sandwiches, Salads, Mini Lunches, Starters, Main Course, Omelets etc etc. Well it was only 7 pm and I just had Donuts from M.O.D so was not that hungry. But had to try something different and it was Cheesy Baida Roti which won my vote.
Almost Finished Cheesy Baida Roti

Cheesy Baida Roti is just a roll with Omelet and cheese rolled with extra masalas added in it. Taste wise when cheese and some red pepper were in the same bite it was amazing otherwise bland. The green chutney was nice.

They serve you Omelets with 4 bread slice, butter and hash brown which people on the other table were eating.

The cost is tad bit expensive but if you are hungry and want something healthy you can just come here sit and enjoy some eggs. 
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Friday, November 12, 2010

Khasiyat - Parathewala

Location of Khasiyat is just brilliant, near the junction of S.V.Road and Link Road, near colleges, on Vile Parle station road. It has being there for years doing just one thing and one thing it knows best serving good parathas at reasonable rates.

I have being going there since school days and I guess the taste has not yet changed, the chole taste the same, the daal makhani taste the same. The decor is almost the same with option of Air Condition and Non Air Condition.

I should not say more about it, just go and try. 
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

50 Dishes to try in Delhi

Copied it from some forum...this list is not mine but is it brilliant one.


Peeli Dal at Shakahari, Chawri Bazar: Making good peeli dal is an art, but these guys excel in it, though the one at Karim's is also to die for.

Fish Fry at Ganesh, Karol Bagh ( Gurudwara Chowk): The queue of cars outside this beehive of activity is a testament to the drawing power of its menu's main attraction.

Bedmi Aloo near Naugarha, Chandni Chowk: If waking up early in the morning and having your breakfast beside an open drain is your idea of fun, this is an experience you can't miss.

Aloo Tikki at Natraj Cafe, Chandni Chowk: The tangy tikkis served in a pool of creamy dahi and a medley of chutneys are enough to make you ignore the elbow power of passers- by.

Papri Chaat outside UPSC Building, Shahjahan Road: You may have had chaat all over, but this one has something that makes even your crashing dream of entering babudom seem fine.

Kakori Kebabs at Aap Ki Khatir, Khan Market: The hole- in- the- wall restaurant has moved from Nizamuddin to Khan, but the quality of its kebabs hasn't suffered.

Cream Chicken Kebabs at Salim's, Khan Market: Even the Middle Lane dogs seem to love it - if they see you eating it, they'll wait patiently around you for their turn to lick the plate.

Chicken Tikka Rolls at Khan Chacha, Khan Market: These rolls defined Khan Market for an entire generation of bunkers from Modern School - now the whole of Delhi goes to have them.

Chicken Changezi at Chicken Planet, Tyre Market, Near Filmistan: Now, you can have this beauty in air- conditioned comfort, away from the confusion at the eatery's aam admi side.

Poori Aloo of Ramchand, Chhota Bazar, Shahdara: The pooris don't get soggy because they are made with sooji and the aloo ki sabzi is drenched in imli chutney.

Chhole Bhature at Odeon Sweets, Bhagat Singh Marg, Gole Market: Some people get very possessive about their favourite chhole bhature place. Our cholesterol- laden heart beats for this one.

Mutton Dish at Ashok Meat Dhaba, Shop No. 42, Subhash Chowk, Sadar Bazar: You won't get lost trying to find this hole in the wall. Just follow the aroma of shudh desi ghee.

CP Chicken Pepper Steak at United Coffee House, E- Block, Inner Circle: A chunky piece of chicken breast bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce and accompanied by lots of veggies is our idea of bliss.

Dal Meat at Embassy, D- Block, Inner Circle: The hardy perennial has winner written all over it. The mutton pieces in it are like butter, as is the dal . You must also have the Pindi Chana and the scrumptious Embassy Pudding.

Tomato Fish at Kwality, Regal Building: Certain classics become a part of a city's collective consciousness. This is one of them. The place also has the best caramel custard.

Double Egg Single Mutton Kathi at Nizam's Kathi Kabab, Plaza Building: This is the best of their offerings, though you must also have their Pakhtooni Keema Kofta Curry.

SOUTHERN SIRENS
Set Dosa at Sagar, Defence Colony Market: You may keep complaining about the how Sagar has become a sprawling corporate enterprise, but certain favourites remain as good as they were.

Bombay Duck at Swagath, Defence Colony Market: This is the only place in the city where you can get real Bombay Duck prepared in the way it should be.

Rice with Gunpowder & Ghee, Andhra Bhawan: It's a treat that even people on a no- carb diet must indulge in once in a while. Before leaving the place, make sure you buy a bottle of gunpowder and gonkura pickles from the little stall outside.

Bisi Bele Bhath, Karnataka Food Centre, Karnataka Sangha, Rao Tula Ram Marg: Once you have had this scrumptious, soul- nourishing vegetarian meal-in- a- dish, you'll want to book a ticket to Udipi.

ALL- TIME STARS
Chicken Pakodas at Moti Mahal Delux, Greater Kailash- I, M- Block Market: The restaurant's signature dish is butter chicken, but the chicken pakodas win the popularity race by a mile.

Butter Chicken at Havemore, Pandara Road Market: But don't go for the boneless chicken; the meat can be fibrous. If you're vegetarian, dig into the soya chaamp ki sabzi .

Kashmiri Kebabs at Gulati, Pandara Road Market: There's nothing Kashmiri about the kebabs. These are chicken malai tikkas quilted in chickpea paste and egg yolk.

Dab Chingri at Fire, The Park, CP: If you wish to win a Bengali heart, go for this seductive prawn in coconut milk and mustard curry that comes in a green coconut shell.

Gushtaba at Chor Bizarre, Hotel Broadway, Asaf Ali Road: This is the closest you'd get to Kashmiri food as your mother- in- law woul d make it, though we personally prefer the rista made in the Pandit style.Veggies must have the Tamatar Chaman ( tomato paneer).

Chicken Haldighati at Colonel's Kebabs, Defence Colony Market: Once you have eaten it, you'll forget all the rarha chicken you've had in your life.

Nargisi Kofta at Karim's, Jama Masjid: It's difficult to figure out what's the best at Karim's, but this one scores because of the fineness of the preparation.

Veggie Cutlets at Coffee Home, Baba Kharak Singh Marg: These oildrenched temptresses may just go out of circulation if the High Court decides in favour of the Coffee Home's closure.

Pakistani Biryani at DeeZ Biryani  Kababs: This biryani, we are told, is cooked in the Sindhi style. We suspect they use packed masala from Pakistan. Whatever it is, it tastes great.

Mutton Mince at St Stephen's, Delhi University: Stephanians get mistyeyed at the thought of this essential part of their callow youth.

Kosha Mansho at Oh Calcutta, Nehru Place: Kolkata's favourite mutton dish takes on the zest of Delhi to become something special. Have it with loochis , or pooris made with maida .

Mutton Barra at Bukhara, ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave: People love the ones at Moti Mahal or Karim's, but our vote goes to Bukhara's barras because they are uniformly well- marinated.

EXOTIC FLAVOURS
Pizzas at Flavors, Under Moolchand Flyover: Flavors manages to deliver impeccable pizzas from its wood- fired oven at any time of the day. Our favourite is the Vegetarian Piri Piri.

Khao Suey at The Kitchen, Khan Market: It's impossible to get into the restaurant and the guy at the door is rude, but this Burmese delicacy is Delhi's winter must- have.

Patrani Mekong Basa, Indian Accent ( The Manor, Friends Colony West): It feels like the fish has just popped out of the river - it melts in the mouth and the masala isn't allowed to overpower it. Veggies must go for the paneer pinwheels.

Black Cod with Miso at 360 Degrees, The Oberoi: When the fish is silken and the sauce is made to be perfect, you won't miss Nobu, where it was invented.

Stalin's Beard at Nanking, Vasant Kunj ( opp. DPS Vasant Kunj): Potato has never tasted better. Even among their brilliantly innovative dim sum, this one stands out.

Peking Duck at China Kitchen, Hyatt Regency: This is justifiably the restaurant's signature dish. The slivers of duck melt in the mouth, for the chefs prepare the bird by pumping air into it.

Hunanese Braised Prawns at The Chinese, Middle Circle, CP: There's something about the sauce that stays in your edible memory.

Green Tea Noodles at The Monk, Galaxy Hotel, Sec. 15, Gurgaon: We thought it was impossible to get these noodles outside Sakura, but we were wrong.

Dim Sum at Tea House of the August Moon, Taj Palace: Best for Sunday afternoons. Ask for bok choy in garlic sauce for a change of taste.

SWEET SOMETHINGS
Kadha Prasad at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: It may be blasphemous to go to the gurudwara on a Sunday morning with the thought of food, but the stomach has its own logic.

Badam Halwa at Saravana Bhawan, Janpath, CP: This temple of good vegetarian food serves the best badam halwa redolent of shudh desi ghee .

Kancha Golla at Annapurna Mishtanna Bhandar, Chandni Chowk: This is the finest address for Bengali sweets. We could list many must- haves, but this is the best.

Saffron Lassi at Kaleva, Bangla Sahib Road, Gole Market: You can't spend a summer without it. Nor can you let the winter pass by without their imarti and ghevar .

Chocolate Pudding at Angels in My Kitchen, Defence Colony: This is the mouth- watering reason why Def Col residents swear by Angels.

Jalebis at Old & Famous Jalebiwala, Dariba, Chandni Chowk: The man playing video games on his laptop at the counter may not have manners, but people still queue up for the soft jalebis straight out of the vast kadhai .

Karachi Halwa at Chaina Ram, Next to Fatehpuri Masjid: This is the last place you'd find this disappearing delicacy, and the near- extinct Sohan Halwa. They deserve to live.

Hot Butter Scotch at Nirula's: We are not being facetious, but this is one buttery treat that is worth every milligram of bad cholesterol.

Neembu Soda and Pan at Prince Pan, Greater Kailash- I, M- Block Market: We can't think of a better way to end one's meal, or one's life.
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Indian Harvest - Foodie Blogger Meet

Indian Harvest located in Acres Club in Chembur came as a delightful surprise for me as I generally have being to bars and lounges only in Chembur. This place has an amazing decor, it is bright and hint of yellow lights just proper.
Well Stocked Bar of Indian Harvest

It was the second foodie blogger meet and my first with some super amazing foodie bloggers, see the link below.
Rushina: http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/
Curry Spice: http://thesassyfork.blogspot.com/
Jyotika: http://followmyrecipe.blogspot.com./
Shanky: http://lotsafood.blogspot.com/)
http://www.nonchalantgourmand.blogspot.com/
Snighda: nowcooking.blogspot.com

The owners Satyen and Meher Dasondi who are Industry experts for very long had created a special menu specially for us and big thanks to Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal who organized the meet for us.
There are 2 kinds of seating, Indian (which is sit on the floor kind and eat) and the regular dining table. We took the on the floor seating and were asked for an option of Veg or non veg which came as a surprise to me but after gathering my wits I came to know there was a option but in the end it did not matter as most of us were non-veg except one.

I got introduced to Chakli Hummus (which I already suggested to my mom for diwali), it is just a simple starter Chakli in the bottom, and hummus sauce on it. Just small enough to fit in your mouth in one bite.

Then we got a plate of starters which were Murg Aur Makkai Gujiana, Gosht Ke Dahi Barre, Rajasthani Methi Churan Bhindi and Kombdi Patra Hirvi Chutney. Do not be scared by the names in simple translation it was Chicken and Corn with noodles kind of coating, second was Mutton and Curd cutlet (super delicious), third was friend bhindi and last but not the least it was Chicken Patra (a non-veg version of a super gujju snack).

Then came in the best part 3 shot glasses of soups, another amazing concept but in general they give it in a bowl. It was Tamatar Vadi Rasam, Palak Feni Shorba and Aab Dhania Murg. First one was Rasam with mini vada, second was palak soup with a small hint of feni and coconut and third was mix of chicken, coconut milk and coriander. All the three had their uniqueness and there was no unanimous decision on which one was the best. But if you are out there go for any of the three you will not be disappointed.

Then came in the main course Aloo Makhana Chettinad, Murg Parda, Dal Makhani and Ananas Aur Paneer Ka Malai Kundan again we were all in awe when we saw such different variety come out Chettinad was fried potato with chettinad curry, Chicken dish was a something different not too much gravy but enough and the fourth one was brilliant just I cannot describe the taste but when I go there next time definitely going to order it.

I forgot about the Ghost Do Pyaza Narangi which was a succelent piece of meat cooked in Onion and Orange marmalade.

By this time we were so full that there was no space left but no we still had 2 dishes left one was the Biryani which seriously I cannot comment as my stomach was full and palate satisfied. They call it the Bhatkali Biryani something not many heard of.

The final hurrah was the sweet which was kept as a suprise till the end it was a Spicy Sweet theplas, yes Theplas. Super duper amazing.

If you are fan of trying out new things then this is the place to go and do not be scared to try anything as you will be surprised that something like this exists.

Address:
Indian Harvest
Gate no.1,Acres Club,Hemu Kalani Marg.
Chembur
Mumbai
telephone:022-65169339; 022-65169338


22-65169339; 022-65169338
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Monday, November 1, 2010

Smirnoff Indian Cocktail

Smirnoff India has created some new cocktails to be enjoyed by all spice loving Indian, they have added the masala's which we generally use to make curries like Jeera, Green Chilli, Red Chili Powder, mint leaves etc. 

I have posted 4 new Indian based Cocktails created by Smirnoff.

To know more about Smirnoff India, check their Facebook page

Smirnoff Mule: A refreshing authentic drink with Smirnoff & flavors of ginger lime & fizzy soda.
Ingredients:
  1. 45ml Smirnoff
  2. 15ml Ginger Lime cordial
  3. 1 Lime Wedge
  4. Ice                                                       
  5. Soda                                                    
  6. Sprite
How to Make:
  1. Add in 4-5 cubes of ice in a rock glass/whisky glass.                           
  2. Add in15ml ginger lime cordial+ squeeze in a lime wedge on the ice.                         
  3. Pour in Smirnoff & stir.
  4. Top with 1/2 soda 1/2 sprite.
  5. Garnish with lime slice
Smirnoff Caipiroshka: A sweet and tangy mix of Sugar, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and Lime.
Ingredients:
  1. 45ml Smirnoff              
  2. 8-9 Mint leaves 4-5 lime wedges                  
  3. 5 ml sugar syrup                                       
  4. Crushed/Cracked Ice    
How to Make:
  1. Pour the sugar syrup onto the lime wedges & mint in a rocks glass.
  2. Muddle well. Add Smirnoff & ¾ crushed ice/cracked ice.                                    
  3. Finally, stir all the ingredients together well before topping off the glass with more crushed ice.
Smirnoff Masala Marke: Smirnoff with the desi tadka, spicy on the tongue Smirnoff with mirchi & chat masala
Ingredients:
  1. 45ml Smirnoff                                        
  2. Pinch of Chat Masala                   
  3. Pinch of Red Chili powder                     
  4. 5ml Lime juice                                                  
  5. Sprite                                                      
  6. 1 Slit green chilly
How to Make:
  1. Mix all ingredients together over 4-5 cubes of ice in a rock glass/whisky glass.
  2. Stir well with a slit green chilly.
Smirnoff Khatta Pudina: A delicious combination of Smirnoff, guava juice with a dash of spicy flavors
How to Make:
  1. 45ml Smirnoff                                   
  2. 1 ltr Guava Juice
  3. 60 ml lime juice
  4. 20 mint leaves
  5. 1 teaspoon of salt / rock salt (as per requirement)                                                                         
  6. Half teaspoon jeera (roasted and crushed)
  7. Lime slice and mint sprig
How to Make:
  1. Blend all together and serve in Collins glass with Ice.

Bandra Wine Tasting Festival - A newbie post

In this post I will not be telling you what I drank, which one I liked better but what we did mostly.
I am not a wine drinker but I am not biased on what I drink. Wine is said to be the drink for the classes. And when I saw Wine Tasting festival organized by Pune Gourmet Club aka PGC in Bandra Gymkhana, I had set my heart out and the deal given by PGC was awesome taste 20 glasses wines for Rs. 500 only which by a marwadi calculation is a super deal (I know I am being cheap here but month end you need to check your wallet, right?)

We 3 eager people reached the location around 1:45 pm all excited and with a promise to ourselves that we will finish off the coupons, yes all 20 of them. We entered and found ourselves a shady place to sit away from the sun and relax. Opened our bags which was given by PGC which contained Wine Glass by Pause, Booklet by PGC where all about wine and wine making was written, Pen, coupons and menu card of the food stall.

10 minutes after soaking in the whole atmosphere we all naive wine drinkers headed off to the first stall Four Seasons and upon greeting they asked what would we like to have. As naive as we are about not knowing the names, how to pronounce them we just said in simple English "What do you suggest?" Then the lady behind the counter courteous enough told us, "I suggest you white wine" we nod, she added "do you like it sweet or dry?" We had no clue what dry meant we went for sweet. Ohh! yes we did sniff, we did swirl, we did roll the wine in our tongue but did not get exactly what they meant by fruity flavor.

So first few drinks were all white or at times Rose we did sip in slowly, talked, watched, read the booklet. As it was afternoon time we were suggested to have white chilled wine and as a good listener we obeyed them and drank them slowly.

Around 5 pm we had around total of 11 glasses of white wine, rose and red wine. But mostly it was white wine with the sweet tasting one. Well the dry white wine makes your tongue go dry when you swirl the Wine around a bit in your mouth and gulp it down.

The festival also had some interesting food counters Cafe Arabia for Lebanese food which was great. PGC Sea Food barbeque which had fishes and pastas, we tried Chicken Pasta which was just OK. And Chicken Curry South Indian style again average.

We novice people wanted to try cheese as well and after having some horrific cheese forgot the name (do not want to remember about it at all) we decided we are happy with our Amul Cheese.

There was a live food counter made by a famous Chef of a famous hotel, he made Ravioli and Risotto, If I had ordered them, I would have promptly sent them away. One of the worst I have ever tasted and an Italian female duly agreed with me.

Around 7:30 PM when I had another appointment to keep had to rush off after around 16 glasses and we did not finish our promise.



Heard it on a TV Channel "Wine Making and drinking is a serious business and beer making is a fun business" which I understood when I was at the tasting festival, guys behind the counter in smart white, very serious looking, jazz playing and everyone sitting in their own table talking in a low voice.
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

14 Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Cocktails by mixologist Kenji Jesse




Recipes for the 14 customised Smirnoff Mule cocktail recipes, created by mixologist Kenji Jesse to celebrate the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project. 


Join the Smirnoff India Facebook Page here for more updates on their parties and cocktails.

1. Smirnoff Mule India
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml jaggery sugar syrup, 2 fresh wedges of lime and ginger ale.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.      

2. Smirnoff Mule Canada
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml maple syrup, 2 fresh wedges of lime and ginger ale.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.

3. Smirnoff Mule Argentina
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 20ml pomelo juice, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger beer.     
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.

4. Smirnoff Mule Australia
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml lemon myrtle syrup, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger beer.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.                                                      
                                                           
5. Smirnoff Mule Brazil
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml Acai berry juice, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger ale.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.                                                      

6. Smirnoff Mule Germany
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 2 blackberries, 2 slices of cucumber, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger beer.
Place the berries, cucumber and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and ginger beer. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.

7. Smirnoff Mule Great Britain
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, a spoonful of marmalade, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger beer.
Place the marmalade and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and ginger beer. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.        

8. Smirnoff Mule Ireland
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with Irish red lemonade.
Place the ginger and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and Irish red lemonade. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.                    

9. Smirnoff Mule Lebanon
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 5ml atar syrup, 5ml date syrup, 2 wedges of lime
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.
                                               
10. Smirnoff Mule Poland
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Black Vodka, 2 slices of polish pears, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger ale.
Place the pears and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and ginger beer. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.

11. Smirnoff Mule South Africa
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 3 cape gooseberries, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger beer.
Place the cape gooseberries and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and ginger beer. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.       

12. Smirnoff Mule Thailand
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 3 slices of lemongrass, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger ale. Place the lemongrass and fresh lime in the bottom of the glass and muddle well. Fill with cubed ice before pouring in the Smirnoff and ginger beer. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.          

13. Smirnoff Mule USA
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 20ml of coconut juice, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger ale. 
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.   Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.
           
14. Smirnoff Mule Venezuela
Ingredients: 40ml of Smirnoff Vodka, 10ml papelon sugar syrup, 2 fresh wedges of lime and topped with ginger ale.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring in all the liquid ingredients.  Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy. 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Papad Curry - Simplest and Quickest

Papad is one thing which we eat just with dinner which is roasted or fried but today I shall write about the most simplest curry known as Papad Curry.

Ingredients:
  1. Papad - 4 Pieces
  2. Red Chilly Powder
  3. Turmeric
  4. Jeera
  5. Oil
  6. Water
  7. Salt
How to make:
  1. Put in 2 teaspoon of Oil in a pan and heat it up with Jeera.
  2. Cut papad in small pieces almost 1/5th of actual size of each papad.
  3. Put them in the Pan and cook it with the oil for a minute medium heat
  4. Add Red Chilly powder and turmeric.
  5. Add salt but not too much as papad already has too much salt in it.
  6. Add water and then cook again for 2 mins. Stir slowly.
  7. That is it...step 7 is eat
The full flavor of the curry is based on what Papad you use as there are many flavors. We make it with the marwadi style papad which is generally roasted.

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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Khan Chacha - Kebabs that you will not forget

As you go up the stairs you can hear some hindi songs playing and as you reach the top you see lot of people starring at the LED indicator and waiting eagerly for some number to pop up. And as soon as the number is displayed on the screen they run towards the kitchen as if a kid is given a big candy. And come out with a big tray and multiple plates of Kababs and Rolls.


Yes the name of the place is Khan Chacha located in Khan Market and almost crowded till the last minute. This is not a regular place your order and food comes to your table. But you have to look up the menu get confused on what to order for a few minutes, order a roll or a kabab at bill counter and give the bill to the man behind the glass door and wait.


Just stare at the LED screen and when your bill number is displayed show the bill to the guy behind the glass window and they will give you the food what you have ordered. Get the food to the table and then just breathe slowly and take a bite of whatever you have ordered and I must say you must not have tried anything soft and tasty meat. The chutney provided with it compliments it so well that you will try to finish it with the kebab and want more.


One of the most decently priced place in one of the most pricey locality. And if you want to just lighten your wallet go to Big Chill for some pastries.

A must visit place when you are in Delhi and order anything, everything in the menu taste really good..
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Friday, October 15, 2010

Aloo Kachori - Agra

It was a pretty decent Sunday October morning in Agra temperature hovering around 25 degrees celcius and right opposite our hotel was a place known as Pappu Kachori at Baluganj road opposite Lavania Villas.
Kachoris In the process
We were walking randomly in Agra and we asked where can we find an awesome breakfast he pointed us the place from where we started.
The Team
The place is just 8 x 8 place where inside 1 person is filling up the dough, 2nd person rolling up the dough in small circles and putting them in hot oil and 3rd person taking order from hungry junta. This is the first time I have seen a complete process of Kachori making it just looks like you are making Puri. But here they have to be cooked for a longer time. People are getting stressed, hungry, more people join in. And outside I see the 4th person making Jalebis and almost everywhere in India people do not say no to Jalebi in the morning. But for the first time I have seen them it having with Aloo Bhaji yes Jalebi mixed with Aloo Bhaji.
People waiting for the Kachori
Finally after 20+ min wait we get hot hot kachoris in our hands with Aloo bhaji curry in a small bowl. You have to crack open the Kachori let the heat out and dip it in the curry and enjoy it. Note: the curry is a spicy mix of red chilly powder, pieces of green chillies and other masalas. The 75+ odd kachoris got over in 10 mins.
We had 4 Aloo kachori, 1 dal kachori and 2 bowls of Jalebi total bill Rs. 36 and satisfaction priceless

The final product photograph were not taken as we were very very hungry and ate it. 
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Thursday, October 7, 2010

Food Deals - www.snapdeal.com

This is my first website review which actually has some awesome deals on restaurants with 50% to 90% discount so here it goes.

With food inflation at almost 17% going out for dinner is an expensive option at good places or wanted to gift my girlfriend a good massage or spa but one time visit is super expensive or want to beat stress join a gym but do not know which one is good try out for a month at throwaway price.
These are the things which I always think about before going out or gifting someone. And after surfing on the net (which is practically I do 10+ hours a day) I stumbled upon a website called SnapDeal

The funda is very simple and very clear, they give away discount coupons for eatery places, watering holes, spas, haircut saloons or gyms.

All you have to do is:
  • Buy the coupon in the city which you stay in (currently they have 11 I think they are adding more)
  • The deal is on for mostly 48 hours+  and offer period is mostly for a month.
  • If you like the deal then click on the big red Buy button and pay via Internet/Credit card etc
  • Make sure you look further down where you will see how much you have to pay to the merchant. How this helps is the initial amount is low and even if you do not go to the merchant your money is not wasted.
  • When the deal is live take a printout of deal before time runs out.
  • One important thing I have learned is you should read all the details before buying.
  • The good part is the call center is always there to help you or you can chat to the customer service that is always ready to help you.
I have checked out few other website similar to snapdeal but the interface is very user friendly and no learning curve.
Ohh! Ya and they do give your first deal free with their code which you receive once you sign up with them. So when you buy something you get the deal as free for the first time but you should be entering your name and details after entering the Promo code.

Currently bought my sister a Swedish Massage deal @Tress Talk.
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