Bombay Salad Co...Will visit again

Bombay Salad Company...the idea of a salad bar is not new. Just Around the Corner, in Bandra was one of the first few joints by MARS Hospitality to bring in this concept into Bandra, soon many followed, in the burbs. I left to my good friends Marisha and Shobha, to decide on where we should meet for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. A place which does not serve us the regular Indian food, nor the Italian, Conti type cuisines.

Marisha and husband Shrikant (we did not want him to join us. It was strictly a friends meet, no spouses), who have been there often suggested this as our to meet place. Even shobha who had not been here had heard great reviews of the place. Next to Hawain Shack, this a small maximum 35 people outdoor and indoor seating place. A live food counter dishes out fresh salad bowls, sandwich and wraps.
Shrikant who has been here many times, did not even see the menu card. He promptly suggested the 'Hipster Salad'. It was Saturday and i was in no mood to be veg, i ordered the 'Pehlwan' bowl. This is lot of chicken tikka and fresh veggies. My first question was would a small bowl be enough. Marie and Shobha both looked at me and said 'Hojayenga'. I had a doubt though but still went with them. When the food arrived it was plentiful. Along with the two portions of wraps which i shared, my view of salad being the side dish was crushed.

Desserts, four which are available, are pure experiments, by the owners, it can be safely avoided. Instead off having them, go an have a malai kulfi served at the next door Mini Punjab. Coming to the pricing, i felt that its reasonable, considering the location. But it surely can be a bit less.
The plus point and USP of this salad bar is the staff, young boys and girls are pleasing in their manners. Their faces look fresh like the fresh salad they serve. It said and i believe through experience, that 70 percent is staff etiquette/hospitality and 30 percent food, a combo of which makes you visit the resto, more often. The overall place is small and cozy but good for small groups.   

Door no 1...Retro bring it on

When  i pinged them on their #twitter handle, inquiring about what would be the party mood, on Saturday evening, the reply was 'We are a retro pub.' Going through their handle i found Retro Hindi nights was a big hit among the footfall. So July 8, me &wifey, along with a newly hooked up couple friend, drop into 'Door No 1', opp Lilavati Hospital, @bandra reclamation.
As, the door was pushed, a woman was talking on the phone, telling the person on the other side to come over its nice here. So we pushed open the door to the 'Door' inside. Yeah too much of #%&%@ happened in two para's.
The place could have been a garage earlier, it has a mezzanine floor (mind your head ppl), and a step down section. Walls are colourfully painted, with nice prints of old music albums. The seating is comfortable for a group or couples. The USP of the R &B is even if you are not there for partying partying, you can play indoor games it even has 'Play station', (beat that).
Four of us sat drinking and munching on starters--VEG kebab, Lucknowi paneer, Tikka, Bombay Duck. The place has few signature drinks--must try. Of course, after one round you have to fall back on your regular poison--rum or whisky.
Pubs, mostly limit themselves to serving continental or italian food, For a change, this hole, offers biryani. One serving is sufficient for four. We ordered Egg biryani, the flavour of the Biryani was really good. The owners have invested in their CHEF.
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Now comes the Music. RETRO all the way it is. Numbers like---Sisilia, alice who the Fuck is alice and those songs with which we grew up in Bandra. They bring back childhood. Dancing at September garden, during Mount Mary fair, or in school at Christmas party, it all came back. A Big Big thank you, GUYS. The crowd is a big THUMBSUP. Tried a bit of Jive with wife and we both had a wonderful evening. My friend and his to be also loved the party.

Food from the North West frontier Province

I have been very curious to know and eat the cuisines from the North West Province, places like Afghanistan, Iran, Baluchistan, Pakistan, traditionally these are Moghlai food but rely heavily on spices and orginal foods, rather than in India, where we make gravy out of everything.
My old friend and Chef Rehman who is from Lucknow, recently traveled to these areas and is holding a food festival, showcasing the food. I was fortunate to be invited and taste the delicious food. From the shami kebab, Dum fish, Nihari and many more. He discusses the food with me on video...Posting them below.