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.

Foodie Blogger Meet 2011 - Four Seasons and Olive

This was the first Foodie Blogger Meet of 2011 organised by Rushina (http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/) with help of UB Group who helped us in giving answers about Wine and other interesting facts. It was organised in Olive at Turf Club and it truly was a fun and interesting setting as so many of them were there who knew how to cook and that too very well while I on the other side a mini disaster when in Kitchen. 

We were told to reach at 8 pm but I reached around 8:30 PM and as previous blogger meet at Indian Harvest I was almost the last one to reach. Settled down with fellow bloggers and then we were first given a menu which had a four course Salad, Starters, Main Course and Dessert (tea and coffee at the end but who is interested in that when one has wine)

Salad: We had 2 options Smoked Salmon Salad and Wine Cured Grape and Goat cheese Salad. I was on a pure non-veg diet so ordered Smoked Salmon which was served with Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc which was chilled white wine perfect for a soft and creamy kind of food which does not lot of spices. 

Starters: Then we had option of Baked Filo - Wrapped Brie and Char Roasted Prawn again non-veg was my choice which was served with Four Seasons Viognier again a white wine. 

Main Course: There were too many options in Main course Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Cous Couss or Chicken Shish Touk or Braised Lamb or Roasted Fillet of Beef, I went with Braised lamb which was served with Four Seasons Merlot and Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon which were red bodied wine good in their own unique way.

Dessert: Here we did not have an option but were given Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee and a Wild Berry again which was served with a cocktail with Four Seasons Blush, Cointreau, Strawberries, and sugar syrup.
. 
The night ended with UB giving us a great bottle of wine and a smile on our face. There were lot of things we learned and few things came to know about a place which I was very interested to go to but not anymore. 

Also thanks to Pranav (http://foodiegeek.blogspot.com/) and Vinda (http://www.lettuce-eat.info/) for remembering the names of the dishes. Also the photos have on this have being taken from their post.  

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
 

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.

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.

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

Mainland China (Andheri) - Lunch Buffet

After ages decided to go for a Buffet on Sunday which friends said is quite good but as it turned out one friend had some work on Sunday and we decided to go on Saturday for which she could not come. Finally 2 of us decided lets go and reached Mainland China in Andheri Link Road behind Hyundai Showroom at around 2 pm. We were told to wait for few minutes just so that we can get a seat and soon we entered seeing the buffet for Saturday I was pleasantly surprised and rubbed my hands in anticipation.

Buffet Details:
Cost: Rs. 699 (inclusive of taxes)
Soup: One Veg and One Non Veg
Starters: 5 Veg and 5 Non Veg
Main Course: 5 Veg and 5 Non Veg (excluding Rice and Noodle)
Desserts: 14 Varieties
Also as complimentary you do get a Kingfisher Beer/Iced Tea/Fresh Lime Soda

The good thing is the waiters serve you the soup and the starters so that you can relax on your table, talk and eat no need to get up again and again. As we were pure non-veggies decided to go for Chicken Dumplings, Chicken Satay, Prawns Satay and one black chicken which looked like manchurian but Chicken was too hard. For veg there was Veg Dumplings, Spinach Wanton and Veg Chrispy which we tried. Sometimes the food used to come out cold and later we saw to keep them warm they kept it under a bulb (yes! brilliant idea! not)
We got ourselves a Sea Food Delight Soup which had, I think, around 5 varieties of fish in it tasted average but no complains.
After chatting a bit as we both were stuffed with the starters, walked out to get the main course which was super considering it had Fish, Shrimps, Crabs, Lobsters and Lamb with dash of Rice and Noodles everything tasted quite good and was worth it.
Dessert section was amazing which now I regret of not having it before the main course it had different kind of fruits, lots of pastries and one Chinese specialty (starts with a D) name which I currently don't remember.
So if you want to have value for money meal this place is good enough, bit noisy as the place was full but nice place.

Kareems Vashi - Can be avoided

Kareems is one of my favorite places to eat in Mumbai for their awesome Chicken Tandoori and other things. The best ones are in Malad and Bandra Carter Road but in this post I am not writing about either of these place but writing about one in Vashi which is in InOrbit Mall next to KFC.

Met up with a friend after a long time and had already decided to try out Kareems which was told by my colleagues which could be avoided but as we were hell bent on having Chicken Tandoori we reached there. It was Friday and around 9 PM we reached there and got ourselves a seat.

First thing we noticed was the place was dark as if we are sitting in a lounge, and the decor was similar to all Mumbai Kareems. Also the place was so short staffed that there was only one cleaning guy and 3 waiters. Dunno it has to do with recession or no one wants to work there at all.

We sat and the waiter came around to take our order after we had to call him and we ordered Chicken Tandoori and Mutton Kheema as other dishes which we wanted was not there in the kitchen (i mean pathetic!)

We had our not so succulent  Chicken Tandoori and Mutton Kheema was just Masala cooked and mutton put over it, we could taste the Elaichi, Black Pepper and some ginger but no mutton. Totally DISAPPOINTED! and the guys sitting next to us were also pissed with their butter chicken which the waiter tried to say it is cooked the way it should be....by that time we were out.

So if you want to take someone to Kareems in Vashi better avoid it and take them to food court upstairs in Inorbit you will be much happier.

EL AL Airlines - Dinner Review

And my first visit outside India and what other place than Tel Aviv, well I am right now typing from the apartment which we have hired for 2 weeks.

All personal details later, I am here to write about the food we got in EL AL Airlines in Flight number LY072 and to say the least I was pretty much surprised by the food which was served awesome.

The plate consisted of Chick Peas Masala, Chicken Gravy with Rice, Bread and Apple Pie (I Guess), and I would have finished another one.

So all in all I rate the quality of El Al LY072 on 6th March from Mumbai to Tel Aviv as 4 star.

Jay Jawan - Go Get It!

The most famous roadside stall in Bandra right opposite Nationals college in the heart of Linking Road market lies Jai Jawan stall which sell some kickass Tandoori Chickens, Sheek Kabab, Liver, Prawns, Chicken Tikka and few other tandoor.

Small stall which might not be bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet makes kebabs on regular basis and by regular I mean every 10 minutes you will get fresh pieces cooked from the tandoor.

You will always find hoards of people lining up to eat on the roadside and cost is also nominal, Rs. 80 for Chicken Tikka per plate and Rs 600 for Prawns per kilo.

So what you waiting for go get it!

Goan Food - The name says it all

Hidden away on the right hand side in the lane which has Uncle's Kitchen and Prems in Orlem, Malad West, name of the place is Goan Food...yes yes Goan Food.

It has place for only 6 people to sit and that too sit in one line and eat, seriously but who cares about the ambiance when the food is good, straight from the goan kitchen. We reached around 10 pm where it was empty but we noticed that it does have lots of home delivery orders.

The menu is not that big, it has burgers, Frankie and other stuff but the main things are chicken cafreal, chicken xacuti, Pork Sausages, pork sorpotel and so forth and so on. We ordered 3 gravies which were Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel and Chicken Xacuti where quantity was decent enough for Rs. 80 each.

It was suggested that their Chicken Steak burger and Beef Steak Burger is awesome, well it was not awesome but the sauce left a very good after taste behind.

The food is not oily neither too spicy it is just right. You can also order by the kilo. Sorry guys don't have the phone number but if you stay near Malad and love non-veg try this place out or else just come over and take home delivery.

Purepur Kolhapur - Non - Veg Heaven

Meeting up with people at Wagh Bakri tea place at around 8 pm we decide to go to Purepur Kolhapur and to be honest I have never heard of this place before. Just near the famous Parleshwar Temple in Vile Parle East there is a big Milestone made with Kolhapur written over it and 0 KM which says you are at the right place.

After 6 of us enter and look at the menu we see only one veg item on it which is Veg Thali so to all the veggies around please you can avoid this place and for the meat eaters do enter without thinking twice just make sure you handle the spicy food.

Getting down we ordered Chicken Rassa Thali, Chicken Fry Thali, Egg Thali which comes with Egg Curry,
Pandhara Rassa [white curry] (unlimited), Tambada Rassa [red curry] (unlimited), Pulav / 2 Chapatis and yes the spiciest of the food is Egg Curry. No, they will not customize the thali for you, take if you want it attitude.

If a thali is too big for you try out a-la-carte which is a better option as in the end you tend to waste the Tambada Rassa and Pandhara Rassa.

Check out the menu here

Note: You don't get fish item here...

Britannia and Company Restaurant - Ol' School Restaurant

One of the few Iranians/Parsi restaurants in Mumbai and Cafe Britannia is amongst the top. Opened since 1923 this place was as expensive than as it is today. Reason, well the place it was open was an eminent business road where the CEO's of big shipping company used to come and eat and why would rich people eat in a restaurant which cost less.

The place is famous for its Berry Pulao [Berry is an Iranian fruit which is served is used for garnishing the pulao]. So a friend decided to meet up and what better place to meet than Cafe Britannia on a lazy saturday afternoon. So we reached at 2 pm and to our surprise there was a waiting of 45 mins which included some foreigners and Indians also.

We first order the all famous Rosy Rasberry Soda but the owner wanted us to taste the lemon soda *with the swing of the arm* "to beat the Mumbai heat".

Then a group of 7 ordered 3 patra nu machi and berry pulao with Kheema, chicken and mutton. Patra Nu Machi has a huge portion which should be considering it cost Rs. 350 with awesome green chutney on top of it. The pulao never disappoints me and they were good though a bit steep cost wise a different taste altogether.Finally we topped it off with caramel custard and misti dohi.

Total cost around Rs. 2800 for 7 people and again satisfied as for few it was the first visit.

Address: 
Wakefield House,
11 Sprott Road,
16 Ballard Estate,
Colaba, Mumbai
Phone: 22615264

Masalacraft Bar & Kitchen – A Good Place to Chill

del.icio.us Tags: Biryani,Masala Craft,Bandra,Reclamation,Candies,Tasty

Was there on my b’day with friends and wanted to try out this place since it was open. To all the drinkers and pub hopers this place was previously known as Harmony.

Next door to the famous Candies in Bandra Reclamation, it has 2 sitting areas inside and outside though we went inside due to the November weather which was Hot (now chilled a bit)

Quite a big sitting area and colorful expect some walls which were grey (dont know why?). So as we were all hungry we started digging the menu and looked impressive in terms of cost and names. First thing we ordered was Chicken Pakora yes Chicken Pakora! well it is a simple dish with soft boneless chicken with Besan Barter and fried, quantity was good and it was yum.

Then we had meat called Pathar Ke Maans which was beaten up lamb roasted…quite delicious.
In main course, we decided for the best and simple of all Butter Chicken and Naan. (Do i need to describe how it was!!!) it was tasty and nice...

Finally finally finishing it off with Chicken Biryani whose quantity was nice and taste also top notch.
Did not try out any of the sweets as stomach was full.

Except the music which was House/Trance, i dunno what this kind of music is doing in a Punjabi Restaurant all the other things were nice

Total cost: Rs. 800 for 3 person with Stomach full

Chicken Pulao - Recipe from Poland

My friend from Poland is helping me in updating the blog..please welcome Renu..soon she will start updating blogs from her own.

So please check out her first food recipe for my blog...thanks Renu

Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins

I use pressure cooker for this recipe because it takes less time to cook.

Ingredients:

Chicken 800 gms – skinned, washed, and cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces
Basmati rice 1 ½ cup – washed and strained
Big onions 3 - sliced
Green cardamom - 6
Black cardamom - 3
Cloves - 6
Cinnamon - 2 inch stick
Bay leaf - 2
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Red chilly powder to taste
Oil - 2 tablespoons
A handful of cashew nuts / raisins
Salt to taste
Saffron 5 strands soaked in 2 teaspoons milk (optional)

Preparation:
Chicken:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in pressure cook.
2. Add one sliced onion and fry until golden brown.
3. Add half of the spices to this and fry for about 5 to 10 seconds.
4. Add chicken and sauté for five minutes or until it turns slightly golden brown in color.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chilly powder, and salt to taste.
6. Add 3 cups of boiling water.  Keep in mind the quantity of rice and add water in 1:2 ratio for rice and water.
7. And bring to pressure two times. 

Rice:
1. In the meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
2. Add the remaining spices and cook for about 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Add remaining sliced onions and sauté till golden brown.
4. Throw in the cashew nuts and raisins and fry until the color changes to slightly golden brown.
5. Now add rice and fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until all the water evaporates.  Add a bit of salt as well.

Add the rice mixture to the chicken mixture. 
Give it a good stir.  
Add the saffron soaked in milk (optional).  
Bring to boil and put the cooker’s lid on and bring to pressure two more times.  
Remove the pressure cooker off the flame and let it cool.   
Open after 5 minutes and mix lightly.  
Serve with raita.
Enjoyyy the pulao!!!

Let me know how this chicken pulao recipe turns out for you at renss80@gmail.com

10 Barbecuing Commandments

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BE ORGANIZED:


Have everything you need for grilling -- the food, marinade, basting sauce, seasonings, and equipment -- on hand and at grill side before you start grilling.


GAUGE YOUR FUEL:

There's nothing worse than running out of charcoal or gas in the middle of grilling. When using charcoal, light enough to form a bed of glowing coals 3 inches larger on all sides than the surface area of the food you're planning to cook. (A 22 1/2-inch grill needs one chimney's worth of coals.) When cooking on a gas grill, make sure the tank is at least one-third full.


PREHEAT THE GRILL TO THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE:

Remember: Grilling is a high-heat cooking method. In order to achieve the seared crust, charcoal flavor, and handsome grill marks associated with masterpiece grillmanship, you must cook over a high heat. How high? At least 500°F. Although I detail this elsewhere, it is worth repeating: When using charcoal, let it burn until it is covered with a thin coat of gray ash. Hold your hand about 6 inches above the grate. After 3 seconds, the force of the heat should force you to snatch your hand away. When using a gas grill, preheat to high (at least 500°F); this takes 10 to 15 minutes. When indirect grilling, preheat the grill to 350°F.


KEEP IT CLEAN:

There's nothing less appetizing than grilling on dirty old burnt bits of food stuck to the grate. Besides, the food will stick to a dirty grate. Clean the grate twice: once after you've preheated the grill and again when you've finished cooking. The first cleaning will remove any bits of food you may have missed after your last grilling session. Use the edge of a metal spatula to scrape off large bits of food, a stiff wire brush to finish scrubbing the grate.


KEEP IT LUBRICATED:

Oil the grate just before placing the food on top, if necessary (some foods don't require that the grates be oiled). Spray it with oil (away from the flames), use a folded paper towel soaked in oil, or rub it with a piece of fatty bacon, beef fat, or chicken skin.


TURN, DON'T STAB:

The proper way to turn meat on a grill is with tongs or a spatula. Never stab the meat with a carving fork -- unless you want to drain the flavor-rich juices onto the coals.


KNOW WHEN TO BASTE:

Oil-and-vinegar-, citrus-, and yogurt-based bastes and marinades can be brushed on the meat throughout the cooking time. (If you baste with a marinade that you used for raw meat or seafood, do not apply it during the last 3 minutes of cooking.) When using a sugar-based barbecue sauce, apply it toward the end of the cooking time. The sugar in these sauces burns easily and should not be exposed to prolonged heat.

KEEP IT COVERED:

When cooking larger cuts of meat and poultry, such as a whole chicken, leg of lamb, or prime rib, use the indirect method of grilling or barbecuing. Keep the grill tightly covered and resist the temptation to peek. Every time you lift the lid, you add 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.

GIVE IT A REST:

Beef, steak, chicken -- almost anything you grill-will taste better if you let it stand on the cutting board for a few minutes before serving. This allows the meat juices, which have been driven to the center of a roast or steak by the searing heat, to return to the surface. The result is a juicier, tastier piece of meat.


NEVER DESERT YOUR POST:

Grilling is an easy cooking method, but it demands constant attention. Once you put something on the grill (especially when using the direct method), stay with it until it's cooked. This is not the time to answer the phone, make the salad dressing, or mix up a batch of your famous mojitos. Above all, have fun. Remember that grilling isn't brain surgery. And that's the gospel!


Excerpted from 'The Barbecue Bible'

KongPoush - Food on a Shikara

The only place in proper Mumbai to serve authentic Kashmiri food with Shikaras (real wooden boats in which you sit and dine) as the USP with the well known Kashmiri hospitality to match.

This is what they claim and it is true to a point, finally after deciding so many times me and my sister ended up going to KongPoush as no one was home to serve us food as we enter. I used to pass this place often but in the morning so always used to miss it and in the evening you can never miss this place all tress nearby are lighted and so is the entry.

The restaurant is on the first floor and the place was super well done. They have created Shikara (a Kashmiri boat ) and big photos everywhere displaying Kashmiri Beauty.

Time for food now, we were thinking of going for a'la Carte but the steward suggested to go for Kokur Thaal and Gaad Batta which we did and we were surprised.

Kokur Thaal, this dish started with Chicken Tikka with a different flavor and 3 different chicken curries and 1 veg curry (Lotus Stem with Spinach). The food was delicious and tasted totally different from the actual fares what you get in other hotel.

Same thing with Gaad Batta, which was a fish plate again Lotus Stem and 3 fish curries.

The good part is unlimited roti and unlimited rice with the plate and firni to top it off.

Kokur Thaal: Rs. 349.00
Gaad Batta: Rs. 379.00

A bit steep but good for having once in a while.

Aroma Of China - Aromatic Experience

One of those fine dining Chinese place where you would want to go once just for the experience. I went to the one in Oberoi Mall in Goregaon East. Located at top floor and once you are inside the restaurant you don't really feel like you are in a mall.

Big open space and good distance between 2 tables gives you enough privacy. High Ceiling and good wooden design makes it a chill place to be.

We ordered for a  SeaFood Lemon Soup which was a clear soup with few pieces of fishes and good tinch of lemon in it.

Our next started was Steamed Chicken Wonton which was well garnished with spices just to keep the flavoring well and not too bland.

Final main course was Beijing Veg Clay Pot Rice and Spinach Clivers with Almonds, both came in with good quantity and complimented each other coz Clay Pot rice was nice and soggy while spinach was Crispy (i mixed them both).

Ambiance, again said before all chilled out and waiters know the food. (ohh you can gulp down on Hot Tea - unlimited)

Cost, expensive enough but worth every penny as food is good.

Address:
3rd Floor, Oberoi Garden City, International Business Park, Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon (E), Mumbai 
Phone: 28405581, 28405582, 28405583, 28405584

Pot Pourri - Does Pot a Punch

So being there 2 times before I write this one and both the times I was supremely amazed with their food. I would say this is one of the best Italian joint around in terms of cost, quantity, quality ratio.

Being there in the evening both the time where you would have to enjoy the horns from the traffic as it is located right next to the junction of Turner Road. Not a place to have a quite dinner and I mean literally coz of the traffic.

So we had Cheese Fettuccine, which was just proper and what fills my heart was it had a good quantity which one can enjoy one full plate and not be hungry for more.

The other thing we ordered was Chargrilled Olive Prawns with Herb Garlic Sauce, with Risotto with it. Risotto was pink in colour and it was tasty again enough for one person

Suggested food item to have here is chicken stroganoff which is tasty and I think the chef never goes wrong with it.

Ambiance is all cool where the waiters are not standing over your head but at times I do feel they are short staffed. 

Cost, I would say not too expensive for the quantity of the food they give you. So as said before and shall repeat again, they do maintain a good ratio between cost, quantity and quality

Address:
4, Carlton Court, Junction of Turner Road, Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai 
Phone: 26429193, 26406010

Out of The Blue - Nothing Blue about it

Met up with friends at CCD Carter Road and then decided to have dinner as we all know about the options we have on that road after deciding for hours we all confirmed for Out of the Blue....as it was Friday night the place was bit packed and we had to wait for 45 mins. The best part of waiting there you can drool on their pastries which they put up on the display just at the entry.

A group of 8  were given space to sit in Air Conditioned section as it was too hot...everyone says this place is romantic and good for couples well, I guess, I missed that part cause we were all shouting as place was packed Friday would not be a place for Couples in Out of the Blue.

We ordered Cottage Cheese Jalapeno which was just ok, regular Cottage Cheese in green colour and a piece of Jalapeno on the top.

Next in round was Pastas and Sizzlers, Out of the Blue has a Regular and Large section, you could order according to your appetite. We ordered 2 Make your own Sizzlers one with Chicken Breast and other Chicken Shaslik, you do have an option to decide your own sauce, veggies and side dish like rice, spaghetti or mash potatoes (hash).

The best part was at the end, we ordered chocolate fondue which was super yumm which comes with Fruits and Chocolate Brownie.

As it is a fine dining don't expect the place to be cheap...but sizzlers are worth the cost.

It is a must try place for good Italian Food.

Address:

Hotel Pali Hills, 14 Union Park, Off Carter Rd, Khar (W), Mumbai

Phone 26058227, 26003000, 26003001, 9324839393