San Churro - Chocolate Fantasy..maybe

Image via WikipediaLocated bang opposite Red Box this place is known to be very very chocolaty and after enjoying last day of Kala Ghoda we pushed towards San Churro just for Chocolate as we were not hungry.

As you enter there it feels like a small place with big chocolate counter and few seats which was already taken but later we came to know that a stair leads up to a big space where seats are placed far enough from each other.

We had ordered for famous Churro mini where we get hot Churros with one sauce of our choice (White, milk or dark), 7 layered Chocolate Pastry and Paneer sandwich as my friend suddenly got hungry. You can place the order at the counter or go up have a seat and give the order to the waiter.

The churros came in and the pastry too, as it was our first experience of what churro is, it was pretty good except I wanted the chocolate to be hot too. So we finished off the Churros and the cake with 7 layer was quite heavy for one person and luckily we were four still it was too much. Sandwich was pretty OK.

Total cost was Rs. 400 which was OK for a one time visit, we still have to enjoy the hot chocolate and also few other things. The menu was not that extensive, that is what my friends felt.

Sula Wine Festival - Amazing Marketing Product

And this year after last minute decision finally decided to go for Sula Fest which is a verrry big event for every mumbaite after Goa new year party.

Generally happening 1st weekend of February Sula Vineyard owners decide to throw open the gates and throw a huge party for 1 full day under burning sun and then later almost chilled night.

When I entered the gates showing the passes, saw hot chics, some wannabe, chics in salwar and I go wow this is going to be good.then the sun hits me which would have being good 35 degrees around 1 pm, I go searching for the wine bar which was at 2 places in the open air. There was everything which Sula Vineyard produce, when I ask for one they put out a plastic glass and pour the wine in it. I mean some of the wine creators must have turned in their graves looking at people enjoying wine in plastic glasses but I became part of the crowd and I was here to drink wine, also what I conclude here is that Sula does touch is year end sales figure during the festival. The wine was served at Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per half a plastic glass.

There was food which were good Pav Bhaji, Kheema Pav, Burgers, Pastas (which were on fire for most of the day), Chinese, Indian, Shwarma and Amore Gelatos all priced from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 which again I think it is OK.

They had grape stomping which they charged Rs. 450 per person and you had to stand under the sun and just stomp the grapes, I mean what fun! duh!

Finally some good soul decided we sit in an enclosed area where we can sit and talk and not be afraid to get burned by the sun. And then we are at the wine tasting lounge which serves you wine and dishes which compliment it. We had Sula Brut a sparling wine and Rose Blush Zinfandal (i hope i spelled it right) where plastic glass was provided.

They had a chocolate and wine tasting for Rs. 75 where one gets 2 glasses (small quantity) of wine with Cadbury Bournville which was melting away. Yes the experience was good but it did not achieve anything what Sula/Cadbury wanted the customer to say as the person behind the counter did not know the significance of drinking wine with chocolate. Ohh here we also found that people have just come to drink and do not know how to pronounce wine Chenin Blanc was pronounced as Sanin....Sanin what the fuck is Sanin.

Ohh yes, there were flea market where people bought hats, wigs, shirts, etc etc

Then, Pentagram gave it super energy performance and Midival Punditz gave super performance, by 10:30 pm people started to leave to avoid traffic and we did avoid traffic.

It was an good experience but I found it to be a bit too much where they are not promoting the wine here.

Cheelizza - Cheelisious

Located near Red Box on Link Road Andheri this small joint packs a punch in serving you some kickass sandwiches.

Friday is my lunch outside with colleagues and this place is one of them which I had to go to but first we decided going to Venkys Express and then decided on Cheelizza. This is a small place which can sit mostly 25 people inside and outside and serves on Veg stuff.

There are lots of options such Freshwich which is just plain sandwich, Just Grill our own Mumbai Grill sandwich but with twist, Toastatos the typical toast sandwich which we get on road and Munchers these are the small bites kinda thing, also they have dessert sandwiches like toasted hot lave, banana crush etc and you are garlic bread fan they too have that.

As it was our first visit we had Cheeli Milli and Yummy Corny both were well toasted in Brown bread and very satisfying to the palate. They also have icers, colas and blast and we had the Choco Cafe Latte which was amazing and refreshing.

I guess, if they promote it well Subway will be well forgotten.

They have locations at Andheri West Link Road, Borivali West Kora Kendra, Shivaji Park, Lamington Road, Thakur Complex Kandivali East, and Ghatokopar Tilak Road.

Or you can dial on their hotline 42225222 they give you home delivery

China1 - mmm OK!!!

Located just next to Grillopolis, I think they share the same wall, is a new Chinese place called China1 which opened up recently ie in Jan 2011 and lot were written on the billboard and banners on the Link Road. It was republic day and was meeting up with a friend who loves Chinese not the Indian Chinese though, well after reading all the billboards I said why not try this.

First of all they have a big waiting area outside which can hold a mini party of 15 people and inside it is all white and black. The ceiling is huge and place is well spread out. So it has a good feel, but I still did not understand why were they playing Titanic OST. If they say that it kinda brings you near China we should be hearing Chinese flute and other Chinese music. Well just my thought.

In afternoon they have buffet and in the evening it is a la carte. We were escorted to our seats and were asked what would we prefer for drinks which was Iced Tea and Juice.

We were first served some hot steamed veg dumplings and then chicken dumplings, this was the first time I saw through the dumpling skin they were super thin and we said "mmmm...not a bad start" then came another super starter (forgot the name) it was again dumpling skin with minced chicken cooked in soya sauce. It was the really really tasty.

Then we had to get up and get some main course, they had separated the veg and non-veg section and I actually did not see veg section at all. Non - veg had 5 starters Chicken, Fish, Prawns, lobster and Crab out of which Lobster in black bean sauce was great and fish was amazing other were just OK fair.

Then for main course was Lamb in black sauce and shredded chicken with the regular fare of rice and noodles. Everything was basic nothing to talk about.

Deserts was a big let down nothing was right.......not the best blueberry cheese cake, tiramisu was OK, souffle was just fine.

The overall cost for 2 was Rs. 1200 which is pretty OK in what they serve, Mainland China will serve more and maybe better at same cost.