Sunday, 12 May 2013
lunch hour : Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga
lunch hour : Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga: Among the few holding Irani cafes in the city, is Koolar&Co. Situated near the matunga circle is this small cafe. As you enter you see p...
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga
Among the few holding Irani cafes in the city, is Koolar&Co. Situated near the matunga circle is this small cafe. As you enter you see pictures of newspaper clippings of New York times informing about the sinking of the Titanic Ship. Then there is a big poster of Samantha Fox and the lead pair of the film Titanic, Leonardo and Kate. It seems the owner is a big fan of the film.
The typical irani cafe rules---don't sit for too long, order will be served in 15 minutes, once order is placed will not be cancelled and a TABLE RESERVED FOR LADIES AND FAMILY are all up there. The now short staff cafe serves dishes like Irani Wrestler Sandwich, Keema Pav, Irani Honey Bun muska. The best is kheema pav and bhurji, if the hunger pangs are not bursting then there is the 2-minute Maggi noodles which is one of the USP and great runner among college students, who often are the only customers at Koolar.
After meals for tea totlers there is strong Istanbul Tea or the pani cum chai. But how can you not have the caramel custard in a parsi resto it would be cruel on the parsi community, which feels they discovered the dish. Here the custard is small in size but good, go for it. My friend Dilnaz who introduced the place to me said "Nallu custard chee". Finally here the bill is given at the table but payments to be made only at the cash counter.
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| Kheema Paav |
The typical irani cafe rules---don't sit for too long, order will be served in 15 minutes, once order is placed will not be cancelled and a TABLE RESERVED FOR LADIES AND FAMILY are all up there. The now short staff cafe serves dishes like Irani Wrestler Sandwich, Keema Pav, Irani Honey Bun muska. The best is kheema pav and bhurji, if the hunger pangs are not bursting then there is the 2-minute Maggi noodles which is one of the USP and great runner among college students, who often are the only customers at Koolar.
After meals for tea totlers there is strong Istanbul Tea or the pani cum chai. But how can you not have the caramel custard in a parsi resto it would be cruel on the parsi community, which feels they discovered the dish. Here the custard is small in size but good, go for it. My friend Dilnaz who introduced the place to me said "Nallu custard chee". Finally here the bill is given at the table but payments to be made only at the cash counter.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
The Pantry, By Woodside Inn
This review is written by a friend, Sunanda
As you enter the small side walk cafe at Kala Ghoda in south Mumbai you are greeted by over courteous waiters welcoming you to The Pantry. The lazy ambience lulls you to put your feet up and relax. The menu is attached to a wooden writing board taking you back to childhood memories of appearing for examinations.
While the cafe does not offer much variety for the vegetarians the non vegetarians have a better option at food variety. The cafe offers soups, pastas, salads, lasagna, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. Your offered water in a jug with a cucumber slice in it to retain the freshness.
While the cafe looses points for over pricing and less quantity of food the taste of the dish is the only respite.Although the desserts look mouth watering in the display fridge the Cinnamon Roll was stale and not as soft as one would expect it to be.
The lasagna (veg) was tasty but could have been enjoyd better if served in a covered dish plate instead of a flat plate. The Champion sandwich (non-veg) was good except for quantity. The size of the bread could have been bigger considering it is priced at Rs 235 (approx). The saving grace is that the bread is multi-grain. The eatery which promotes the 'go local' idea of bringing food from its source is a sure shot hit with the patrons who seek local taste at a place closer to them.
As for the ambience the resto has a retro look, with its walls painted white and bar stools at corner tables, or sitting areas in windows, gives a cozy feeling.As for the patrons its mostly the professsionals who attend the resto including Foreigners.
PS: If you have a lot of time then do visit the place for its free wi-fi or just spend some chillax time with friends.
As you enter the small side walk cafe at Kala Ghoda in south Mumbai you are greeted by over courteous waiters welcoming you to The Pantry. The lazy ambience lulls you to put your feet up and relax. The menu is attached to a wooden writing board taking you back to childhood memories of appearing for examinations.
While the cafe does not offer much variety for the vegetarians the non vegetarians have a better option at food variety. The cafe offers soups, pastas, salads, lasagna, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. Your offered water in a jug with a cucumber slice in it to retain the freshness.
While the cafe looses points for over pricing and less quantity of food the taste of the dish is the only respite.Although the desserts look mouth watering in the display fridge the Cinnamon Roll was stale and not as soft as one would expect it to be.
The lasagna (veg) was tasty but could have been enjoyd better if served in a covered dish plate instead of a flat plate. The Champion sandwich (non-veg) was good except for quantity. The size of the bread could have been bigger considering it is priced at Rs 235 (approx). The saving grace is that the bread is multi-grain. The eatery which promotes the 'go local' idea of bringing food from its source is a sure shot hit with the patrons who seek local taste at a place closer to them.
As for the ambience the resto has a retro look, with its walls painted white and bar stools at corner tables, or sitting areas in windows, gives a cozy feeling.As for the patrons its mostly the professsionals who attend the resto including Foreigners.
PS: If you have a lot of time then do visit the place for its free wi-fi or just spend some chillax time with friends.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Dada Kondkes restaurant
It was a trip not planned on my way to Mumbai from Pune via the Old Highway, i took a stop at a restaurant named "Dada Kondke's" Bhagyashree restaurant. It like any other highway restaurant but the name intrigued me to take a closer look plus it had a ac section and i was feeling too hot ridding my Papu (Motorcycle).
As i tried to enter the non-ac section the attendant said ''Boss yahan aajaon', reason i was with my wife and he wanted us to sit in the family section which had AC. On being presented the big menu card, i enquired whether it was the marathi film actor who charmed his audience with his double meaning dialogues in movies who owned it. The attendant who was not from Maharashtra replied, yes it is of Late Dada Kondke, it was started 25 years ago and just 10 years back we have got liquor license. Only last year we started this ac section. Earlier all the private buses used to stop here but after the the construction of the Mumbai-Pune expressway business is low. Our guest are mostly locals or you people who by chance drop in but we mostly cater to large parties now. Just yesterday we had a group of 25 people enjoying a birthday party he said.
The resto is run by the actors sister now. It serves mainly cuisines, like Moghlai, Chinese, snacks. Since we were not in a mood to have a three course meal we ordered batata vada and to our surprise it was lovely. Stuffed with a lot of meethi and well cooked the vada melted in the mouth. Tea was too sweet but very milky the kind i like and the one my partner hates. Overall the place has good ambiance has kept ducks in the courtyard, small play area for children and ample parking space. But on a highway near Khopoli, this is a restaurant not going to be visited by outsiders only for food. It will only cater to locals.
PS: The expressway gave and took away employment for many.
As i tried to enter the non-ac section the attendant said ''Boss yahan aajaon', reason i was with my wife and he wanted us to sit in the family section which had AC. On being presented the big menu card, i enquired whether it was the marathi film actor who charmed his audience with his double meaning dialogues in movies who owned it. The attendant who was not from Maharashtra replied, yes it is of Late Dada Kondke, it was started 25 years ago and just 10 years back we have got liquor license. Only last year we started this ac section. Earlier all the private buses used to stop here but after the the construction of the Mumbai-Pune expressway business is low. Our guest are mostly locals or you people who by chance drop in but we mostly cater to large parties now. Just yesterday we had a group of 25 people enjoying a birthday party he said.
The resto is run by the actors sister now. It serves mainly cuisines, like Moghlai, Chinese, snacks. Since we were not in a mood to have a three course meal we ordered batata vada and to our surprise it was lovely. Stuffed with a lot of meethi and well cooked the vada melted in the mouth. Tea was too sweet but very milky the kind i like and the one my partner hates. Overall the place has good ambiance has kept ducks in the courtyard, small play area for children and ample parking space. But on a highway near Khopoli, this is a restaurant not going to be visited by outsiders only for food. It will only cater to locals.
PS: The expressway gave and took away employment for many.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Great experience at the Kumarakom lake resort
On trip advisor among the top 5 resorts at Kumarakom in Kerala is the Kumarakom lake resort. The New York times and other international publications have reviewed the resort in detail. The property is a five star and next to the Taj Vivanta but still it manages to make a brisk business.
The resort spread over acres of land is architecturally well made. With small bridges over the backwaters, houses well built around the back waters allowed inside the property. The resort has a dense plantation which keeps the temperature pleasant even when its 36 degrees in Cochin. The resort is Managed by Paul Hotels which has a boutique hotel in Bangalore also.
On arrival your greeted with the coconut water. Resort has three categories of room, standard, heritage villas and deluxe rooms with a pool. We had booked the Heritage villa with a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. The room no 1234 is the last room facing the infinity pool and the backwaters. The rooms are well built and spacious and the management ensures that a importance is given on cleanliness and hygiene. They clean the room twice a day.
The resort has few indoor activities, like fishing in the backwaters, pottery and mat weaving. All were a fun thing and especially when your with a loved one the experience just heightens. My wife was also able to catch a fish in the hook.
The resort is managed by very hospitable attendants who keep giving you instructions on many things and everything that can be done in and around the area. The major attraction among Indian's is the sunset cruise but among the foreigners its the lunch or over-nigth cruise rides. The price may be a bit high but it worth every penny.
The two restaurants vembanad (Sea food restaurant on the lake) and the multi cuisine restaurant serve good food. Their in-house wine Big Banyan a premium international wine is superb. The chef rolls out lovely cuisines but avoid Indian ones as they are not well made. The complimentary breakfast a treat to see and have. Variety the word might prove to be small seeing the spread. Must have is the quail egg omelet. The overall experience at Kumarakom lake resort is awesome. Wife and me went there with the only agenda of relaxing and we did achieve it.
The resort spread over acres of land is architecturally well made. With small bridges over the backwaters, houses well built around the back waters allowed inside the property. The resort has a dense plantation which keeps the temperature pleasant even when its 36 degrees in Cochin. The resort is Managed by Paul Hotels which has a boutique hotel in Bangalore also.
On arrival your greeted with the coconut water. Resort has three categories of room, standard, heritage villas and deluxe rooms with a pool. We had booked the Heritage villa with a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. The room no 1234 is the last room facing the infinity pool and the backwaters. The rooms are well built and spacious and the management ensures that a importance is given on cleanliness and hygiene. They clean the room twice a day.
The resort has few indoor activities, like fishing in the backwaters, pottery and mat weaving. All were a fun thing and especially when your with a loved one the experience just heightens. My wife was also able to catch a fish in the hook.
The resort is managed by very hospitable attendants who keep giving you instructions on many things and everything that can be done in and around the area. The major attraction among Indian's is the sunset cruise but among the foreigners its the lunch or over-nigth cruise rides. The price may be a bit high but it worth every penny.
The two restaurants vembanad (Sea food restaurant on the lake) and the multi cuisine restaurant serve good food. Their in-house wine Big Banyan a premium international wine is superb. The chef rolls out lovely cuisines but avoid Indian ones as they are not well made. The complimentary breakfast a treat to see and have. Variety the word might prove to be small seeing the spread. Must have is the quail egg omelet. The overall experience at Kumarakom lake resort is awesome. Wife and me went there with the only agenda of relaxing and we did achieve it.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Old harbour in Fort Kochi
FORT Kochi all throughout i kept thinking there would be some fort but to my surprise there was none. It is just a place filled with heritage house and huge properties bought by people from other parts of India and who have set up uber cool restaurants to please mostly foreign tourist.
Among the various properties that stand there the OLD Harbour stands out ---reason there is an old Mercedes car (Impala) parked outside the main entrance which raised quiet a bit of curiosity. As you enter into the huge porch your greeted with happy looking attendants. Either you can sit in the open veranda without fans or in the rooms. The place also has 14 rooms for lodging.
Mr Shafi the master chef is not the person to monitor his beauties being dolled out from inside the kitchen. He takes rounds of each table connecting with his guest on whether they are comfortable with the food they are eating. To a sardar he speaks in punjabi, to foreigners in English and to Mumbaikar's like us he says kaise ho.
As we sit outside to enjoy our candle night dinner a friend of ours who is a regular visitor to the place and who introduced us to Old Harbour said you must have tiger prawns. An averse to sea food, with a lot of hesitation i eat one and it simply melted, more important no smell. It goes well with red wine (call for rose` wine, its chilled). The bruscheta which is only three pieces of bread has a filling topping. As we move to the main course we as the chef to prepare for us the most authentic kerala mutton curry with appams and there it is lovely lovely curry. The mutton is juicy and soft as it has to be and the appams just slip down your throat with the curry. Add to it a bit of mint chutney and you have stomach full. For desserts don't miss the carrot cake with ice cream it will the one you have not had elsewhere.
The old harbour hotel is owned by Edgar Pinto an original of Kochi who studied in Fr Agnel school in Mumbai and has a passion for art is also a Salman Khan fan which immediately served as an ice-breaker between us.
PS: As is with all heritage hotels this place may be on the higher side but its surely better than its neighbouring competitors.
Among the various properties that stand there the OLD Harbour stands out ---reason there is an old Mercedes car (Impala) parked outside the main entrance which raised quiet a bit of curiosity. As you enter into the huge porch your greeted with happy looking attendants. Either you can sit in the open veranda without fans or in the rooms. The place also has 14 rooms for lodging.
Mr Shafi the master chef is not the person to monitor his beauties being dolled out from inside the kitchen. He takes rounds of each table connecting with his guest on whether they are comfortable with the food they are eating. To a sardar he speaks in punjabi, to foreigners in English and to Mumbaikar's like us he says kaise ho.
As we sit outside to enjoy our candle night dinner a friend of ours who is a regular visitor to the place and who introduced us to Old Harbour said you must have tiger prawns. An averse to sea food, with a lot of hesitation i eat one and it simply melted, more important no smell. It goes well with red wine (call for rose` wine, its chilled). The bruscheta which is only three pieces of bread has a filling topping. As we move to the main course we as the chef to prepare for us the most authentic kerala mutton curry with appams and there it is lovely lovely curry. The mutton is juicy and soft as it has to be and the appams just slip down your throat with the curry. Add to it a bit of mint chutney and you have stomach full. For desserts don't miss the carrot cake with ice cream it will the one you have not had elsewhere.
The old harbour hotel is owned by Edgar Pinto an original of Kochi who studied in Fr Agnel school in Mumbai and has a passion for art is also a Salman Khan fan which immediately served as an ice-breaker between us.
PS: As is with all heritage hotels this place may be on the higher side but its surely better than its neighbouring competitors.
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Indigo Deli
IT has not been a long time for the SOBO joint Indigo Deli to open its branch in Bandra at the premise which earlier housed Da-Vinci. The interiors of the place are quiet like the Big boss house, with round tables and to reach a table you might have to go around a few but its a good design. Comfortable seating and spacious and complete privacy is offered at the resto.
When it comes to food my friend Arun with whom we had been for a Christmas dinner said the food is expensive but insanely delicious an it was proved right. The food portions are lovely and well marinated. The coolers are heavy, like the banana shake or the kiwi drink is too heavy it may deter you from min course. For starters its a compulsion to order their bread its superbly crispy.
At my table there was a mixed of eaters non veg, only veg, those who were veg that day and those who wanted to eat non veg that day. So we ordered one veg sandwich, roasted chicken, plain veg pasta, beef and pizza. Everyone enjoyed the food and for desserts which we normally have at least three among four ordered one chocolate burst pastry.
The one negative thing that i have to mention about the place is that it does have all the alcohol and food but there is one thing missing in the service? hospitality is not personal and is more run as a corporate food joint. Hope this changes.
When it comes to food my friend Arun with whom we had been for a Christmas dinner said the food is expensive but insanely delicious an it was proved right. The food portions are lovely and well marinated. The coolers are heavy, like the banana shake or the kiwi drink is too heavy it may deter you from min course. For starters its a compulsion to order their bread its superbly crispy.
At my table there was a mixed of eaters non veg, only veg, those who were veg that day and those who wanted to eat non veg that day. So we ordered one veg sandwich, roasted chicken, plain veg pasta, beef and pizza. Everyone enjoyed the food and for desserts which we normally have at least three among four ordered one chocolate burst pastry.
The one negative thing that i have to mention about the place is that it does have all the alcohol and food but there is one thing missing in the service? hospitality is not personal and is more run as a corporate food joint. Hope this changes.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
It Evaded me for long finally i eat at Britannia Cafe
FOR long it has served people and now i understand completely why people keep going to Britannia Cafe in Balard Pier for the Parsi food that is simply superb. I craved to go there several times but did not make it. It was for my parsi friend Dilnaz who finally took me there on lunch. The cafe tucked in one of the roads near the New Customs house is in bad condition with crumbling ceilings and wooden tables with glass pieces on it, hiding the menu card below them. So that the waiter does not have to serve the menu card, first, for you to order and thus you sit less and eat lot.
Looking around the eatery you find a big poster of Prince Charles and his wife hanging on the mezzanine floor. Attendants wait for you to call them for placing orders while the owners sits on the counter speaking loudly to his relatives in farsi. Many signs only to be found in Parsi joints throng the place 'Dont sit for too long', etc.
When it comes to food the running item is Chicken and Mutton Dhansak and Salli Boti, but we ordered Khema Berry pulao. I was initially going to order some egg dish, my friend said this is not what i come here for, eggs i can eat at home also. So we settle for pulao. One dish for two is sufficient as food here comes in large quantities. Then comes the time for deserts, i order Rum ball and Dilnaz calls for custard and as children we warn each other before the order comes that either of us will not share our respective desserts. The food is over and we are greeted out with a thank you by the parsi owner who till sometime back was talking or shouting to his relative cant guess that.
PS: Good food comes for a price. No credit or debit cards accepted.
Looking around the eatery you find a big poster of Prince Charles and his wife hanging on the mezzanine floor. Attendants wait for you to call them for placing orders while the owners sits on the counter speaking loudly to his relatives in farsi. Many signs only to be found in Parsi joints throng the place 'Dont sit for too long', etc.
When it comes to food the running item is Chicken and Mutton Dhansak and Salli Boti, but we ordered Khema Berry pulao. I was initially going to order some egg dish, my friend said this is not what i come here for, eggs i can eat at home also. So we settle for pulao. One dish for two is sufficient as food here comes in large quantities. Then comes the time for deserts, i order Rum ball and Dilnaz calls for custard and as children we warn each other before the order comes that either of us will not share our respective desserts. The food is over and we are greeted out with a thank you by the parsi owner who till sometime back was talking or shouting to his relative cant guess that.
PS: Good food comes for a price. No credit or debit cards accepted.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Quan a lovely experience
IT was pending for months and we were ignoring not purposely but due to some reasons. Quan the spa inside J W Marriott where we were gifted a treatment by our friend. The Indoceane Spa ritual is a treatment for couple. However, since their couple room was under renovation we (me and wifey) decided to go solo.
My masseur was Dina, she welcomed me with a namasten and guided me inside the treatment room.
It comprised of three things. First was the scrub, second the massage and third body wrap. The entire treatment is for two and half hours and the time is too much but it flies away. Dina started the treatment by scrubbing the entire body with a scrub comprising of sea minerals and aroma oil. Then was told to take a shower. After which i was given a lovely body massage. I had asked for high pressure on my lower back and shoulders which proved to be very soothing. Then came the super cold body wrap...I started shivering because of it. But the felling was lovely. Then a shower and off i am like a fresh flower. Sitting outside my wifey was all red due to the cleansing. We both agreed to coming back again for a new treatment the spa will soon be starting. As we left the Marriot the tired couple (due to daily work) was beaming with smiles. Then a play at the nearby prithhvi theatre made the day more worthwhile.
PS: Quan is expensive but Worth it.
My masseur was Dina, she welcomed me with a namasten and guided me inside the treatment room.
It comprised of three things. First was the scrub, second the massage and third body wrap. The entire treatment is for two and half hours and the time is too much but it flies away. Dina started the treatment by scrubbing the entire body with a scrub comprising of sea minerals and aroma oil. Then was told to take a shower. After which i was given a lovely body massage. I had asked for high pressure on my lower back and shoulders which proved to be very soothing. Then came the super cold body wrap...I started shivering because of it. But the felling was lovely. Then a shower and off i am like a fresh flower. Sitting outside my wifey was all red due to the cleansing. We both agreed to coming back again for a new treatment the spa will soon be starting. As we left the Marriot the tired couple (due to daily work) was beaming with smiles. Then a play at the nearby prithhvi theatre made the day more worthwhile.
PS: Quan is expensive but Worth it.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Has diwali lost its charm
Political parties holding food fares offering subsidised faral, famous marathi food stores running out of faral as soon as it is kept on the stands. Locals taking orders to make faral. Where are we heading to in Mumbai. The entire Diwali being outsourced it will be soon that people will even outsource lighting of lamps outside their houses and bringing torans for their doors. The Diwali that i have grown up seeing has changed, then it was a family or building function but now it is more about showing or making it show that you care about your extended family. The advertorials also preach about meeting those whom you haven't meet or called even once a year.
In my childhood my neighbours all mahrashtrians (In my bandra building there are only two muslim families), pre-diwali days the air would be filled with aromas of faral being made in the neighbours houses. Then the women would do the entire household stuff and also be able to finish the faral cooking. Since my building has around 20 houses each houses used to make faral for at least 30 houses, as it is by tradition that first faral has to be distributed among neighbours.
When we were children the boys used to make kandeels for the entire building for a minimal cost add profit of Rs 5 or Rs 10 to it which was our diwali and money earned went into buying fire crackers. Now the kandeel making has gone but its more convenient to outsource it.
Old days on diwali day all friends would meet up at a common place and greet each other and discuss clothes, shoes and fire crackers and who would be bursting the big laddi. Now msgs on whats app and BBM rule the market. Have people lost connect with the festival or are people lazy to meet people living next door but want to connect with people staying in the US and UK by exporting them faral at double the cost which is a new emerging business.
In my childhood my neighbours all mahrashtrians (In my bandra building there are only two muslim families), pre-diwali days the air would be filled with aromas of faral being made in the neighbours houses. Then the women would do the entire household stuff and also be able to finish the faral cooking. Since my building has around 20 houses each houses used to make faral for at least 30 houses, as it is by tradition that first faral has to be distributed among neighbours.
When we were children the boys used to make kandeels for the entire building for a minimal cost add profit of Rs 5 or Rs 10 to it which was our diwali and money earned went into buying fire crackers. Now the kandeel making has gone but its more convenient to outsource it.
Old days on diwali day all friends would meet up at a common place and greet each other and discuss clothes, shoes and fire crackers and who would be bursting the big laddi. Now msgs on whats app and BBM rule the market. Have people lost connect with the festival or are people lazy to meet people living next door but want to connect with people staying in the US and UK by exporting them faral at double the cost which is a new emerging business.
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
have you eaten at cooper
ITS one of my favourite places not frequented by me but always been there to lift my spirits after a long inning at work. Cooper Chimney is the restaurant which i am talking about. It has been spread in the city at different locations my favourite is the one at Kala Ghoda. The place is small with good crowd and an ambiance which is inviting and soothing.
I visit there always when the Bombay high court is going to break for a long recess say like diwali vacation. The open kitchen is a full time pass while waiting for the order to come. The way the cook rolls the romali roti and throws it in the air is a sight then on the big tawa.
My favourite food there is the chicken seek kebab which comes in six small pieces and eating it with their chutney is like being in heaven. Then on the main course is enjoy the Butter chicken in their heavy menu they themselves have mentioned it to be their speciality and all time favourite of everyone. Seriously its very good the chicken is soft and the tomato gravy is smooth and as at other places butter is put on the gravy here while cooking it is mixed. Due to which the taste is awesome. Try the roomali roti and butter naan.
frankly i haven't had desserts as by the time i finish my main course am so full that i don't want to eat anything more but search for a bed to lie down but that is not available.
Cooper Chimney has several joints i have been to my like Kala Ghoda but there is one at Phoneix also and i don't like it much as people celebrate birthdays there. Its not that kind of a place.
I visit there always when the Bombay high court is going to break for a long recess say like diwali vacation. The open kitchen is a full time pass while waiting for the order to come. The way the cook rolls the romali roti and throws it in the air is a sight then on the big tawa.
My favourite food there is the chicken seek kebab which comes in six small pieces and eating it with their chutney is like being in heaven. Then on the main course is enjoy the Butter chicken in their heavy menu they themselves have mentioned it to be their speciality and all time favourite of everyone. Seriously its very good the chicken is soft and the tomato gravy is smooth and as at other places butter is put on the gravy here while cooking it is mixed. Due to which the taste is awesome. Try the roomali roti and butter naan.
frankly i haven't had desserts as by the time i finish my main course am so full that i don't want to eat anything more but search for a bed to lie down but that is not available.
Cooper Chimney has several joints i have been to my like Kala Ghoda but there is one at Phoneix also and i don't like it much as people celebrate birthdays there. Its not that kind of a place.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Avoid pali village cafe
OLD bungalows of bandra have been either brought down to bring up high rises or some have been made into restaurants and one such horrible place is Pali Village cafe. The run down place in the name of old world charm can be easily avoided. The food is in small portions and has a very firangi collection of beverages. The place is highly over prized for the decor and food you get.
I was forced to be there to meet a good friend by an acquaintance who did not want to leave the friend and is a wannabe teacher living in High society Union park area. The girl ordered weird food and the worst is the pizza are thin crust and only two pieces for 120 or 200. In times of domino's and pizza hut offering four pizzas for the same amount you feel cheated. The variety on the menu card is too less. In pizzas they have only two chicken pizzas.
The crowd is either firangi struggle rs whom you see in bollywood films or Indian's who discuss their stays in foreign countries and trust me none of them know the difference between tedso rupee and dhaisao rupaiya...The place doesn't offer any grace or old world charm with unpainted walls and chor bazaar lamps. A little girl who was with us for the dinner shouted as soon as we entered is this a restaurant it does not even have a food floor and also does not have proper rooms.
PS: Avoid if you are not forced to be there.
I was forced to be there to meet a good friend by an acquaintance who did not want to leave the friend and is a wannabe teacher living in High society Union park area. The girl ordered weird food and the worst is the pizza are thin crust and only two pieces for 120 or 200. In times of domino's and pizza hut offering four pizzas for the same amount you feel cheated. The variety on the menu card is too less. In pizzas they have only two chicken pizzas.
The crowd is either firangi struggle rs whom you see in bollywood films or Indian's who discuss their stays in foreign countries and trust me none of them know the difference between tedso rupee and dhaisao rupaiya...The place doesn't offer any grace or old world charm with unpainted walls and chor bazaar lamps. A little girl who was with us for the dinner shouted as soon as we entered is this a restaurant it does not even have a food floor and also does not have proper rooms.
PS: Avoid if you are not forced to be there.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Mexico in Khar
Sancho as friends at the party told me is a very famous place. Previously it was in a residential colony at Delhi, where it was doing brisk business later it shifted to Conaught Palace, that did not work out well for them. Leading them to shut shop and re-locate to Mumbai.
The place is divided into three sections, a lounge area, bar section and sit down eating place. On Sundays, since the place has a high foot fall the patrons are directed to the lounge area.If the choice of your table or the one accommodating the size of the guest is available then your shifted inside.
The menu card is one long book but made in small folds and looks like a compact one until you open it. To start of with appetizers don't miss the nachos. It's super large quantity and made fantastically. As for the drinks they have good collection of foreign beers and sangria wine...One of the members of the group was a school going kid and she asked the person drinking sangria, why was it having the toppings. To which she said to make it look like a kiddi drink, would you like to try it...
To start with try we ordered don't remember the name but the chicken was really cooked well in red sauce which was typically like a Mexican girl, hot and sweet. If your with friends then you might overeat the starters but do move on to the main course, they have very good combination stuff. I will admit i did not because my wife had an appointment at the beauty parlor.
Looking forward to few more visits here.
PS: It is a bit on the higher side when it comes to money. Go with credit cards you might need it. Friends said the place was reasonable in Delhi and they could hog but not here.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Banana Flambe
The attendant did recommend it to us the previous day also but we were conservative. However, left with only icecreams for desserts we did order it. The dish when served was on flames it had two bannana pieces, soaked in rum and hard sugar on it and the chef had put the bannanas on fire.
The site of the dish was awwww immediately me and my wife were like how do we eat this. The flame kept on burning and it did not seem it would douse. As we moved the bannana piece the flame spread in the plate as it does on the gas when lot of air is there. Thoughts passed our mind that is this the correct dish. Leaving it behind we somehow managed to douse the flame and slowly cut the bannana piece and soaked it in rum and wow the best dessert was in our mouth. The rum and the hard sugar did the trick for the bannana flambe and we were superbly thrill with the dish.
After finnishing the bannana we drank the rum in spoons quiet an unheard way of drinking but we managed it.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Funny things which South India has to offer
1: At Mahabalipuram beach visitors shower water on
themselves before entering the sea and then take water home in bottles.
2: Best way of bonding on the go. Motorist on two
wheelers are seen pulling their friend on bicycles and chatting along the way even
on highways.
3: Promenade, Rendezvous, Ajanta,Madame Shante’s, Le
Club, Le Dupleix, Asian these are hotel names in Puducherry originally known as
Pondicherry.
4: Ganpati’s immersion procession which had more
than 30 idols of different sizes are told to line up on the promenade and
paraded off by the police to the shore, where they are instead of immersing
thrown from a height.
5: Home Ganpati idols are brought for immersion in
plastic or cloth bags, small prayer is said and the idol is thrown in water
with all the flowers.
6: Danish people went bankrupt time and again trying
to set up their business bases in Tranquebar and thus had to sell their
properties including a fort to the British Raj. The locals still favour the Danes
over everyone else.
7: No Idli-Dossa or snack items served in
traditional south Indian hotels once it is lunch or dinner time because, ‘Meals
are ready’.
8: Locals walk bare foot during their visit to
monuments in Mahablipurram and god only saves them from cuts as glass pieces
scattered around the heritage structures after boozing.
9: Auroville which is soon going to be an
international city does not have electric poles on its pathways, thus all
activities have to compulsorily stop by sunset.
10: You know you are near a ‘Spiritual place’ if you
spot rows of stalls selling ultra-loose pyjama’s and kurtas with divine prints
on them.
11: The most telling sign of a place,
hotel/palace/heritage structure being from the glorious past is its super
heavy, unnecessarily large furniture, nonetheless with beautiful ornate work on
it.
12: Women wear heavy gold ornaments with gods
designs inscribed in them---they really take their god’s very seriously.
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Jai Hind for the mill workers no more
IT was started with an intent to cater the mill workers with a dose of their weekly fish and chicken supper. Located in the mill heartland of Parel area near the bus stand the oldest Jai Hind restaurant, specializing in sea food has undergone a sea change literally. The place which was divided into ac and non ac section has become only ac. The price of the thalis and sea food has reached new limits but the food quality remains the same.
Giving into the changing economic and social status of people in the area the place has refurbished interiors, cushion chairs (earlier it was only big tables and one piece sitting), the attendants now are more courteous and forthcoming in asking what the patron want to eat and with what kind of bread. Earlier it was you order and you will get but no add ons or suggestions by the attendants. The service too was slow but now it can serve on time and the attendants though have not been changed but given a refresher course in hospitality management.
Coming to the food, for the sea food lovers its is the place to be, not so high on price but quiet high (i am comparing it with days when the inflation had not hit India). My indulgence is Chicken Sukha Thali which comes with Malwani styled cooked chicken with vaade a small portion of rice and sol kadi. The thali is sumptuous and whenever i am on night shift at work i dedicate one dinner at Jai Hind.
This time i took along a friend and she liked the squid a lot though it should have been eaten with either neer dosa or roti she eat it without it but was gagag about the gravy and spices used. The mill area has developed or developing everyday, as it is always work in progress. Hope Jai Hind continues to remain there and willing to serve the upper middle class as well as the locals who surely have stopped coming there--reason being the increased prices and the crowd gathering.
Giving into the changing economic and social status of people in the area the place has refurbished interiors, cushion chairs (earlier it was only big tables and one piece sitting), the attendants now are more courteous and forthcoming in asking what the patron want to eat and with what kind of bread. Earlier it was you order and you will get but no add ons or suggestions by the attendants. The service too was slow but now it can serve on time and the attendants though have not been changed but given a refresher course in hospitality management.
Coming to the food, for the sea food lovers its is the place to be, not so high on price but quiet high (i am comparing it with days when the inflation had not hit India). My indulgence is Chicken Sukha Thali which comes with Malwani styled cooked chicken with vaade a small portion of rice and sol kadi. The thali is sumptuous and whenever i am on night shift at work i dedicate one dinner at Jai Hind.
This time i took along a friend and she liked the squid a lot though it should have been eaten with either neer dosa or roti she eat it without it but was gagag about the gravy and spices used. The mill area has developed or developing everyday, as it is always work in progress. Hope Jai Hind continues to remain there and willing to serve the upper middle class as well as the locals who surely have stopped coming there--reason being the increased prices and the crowd gathering.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Byculla's persian darbar
Under the Byculla bridge where traffic doesn't stop and people keep pushing each other either to reach the station or make way for people carrying good on their head or carts. The areas is highly populated as on one side is the mustafa bazaar, second it the byculla municipal market and the railway station. Between the two is Persian Darbar. A highly specialised mughali resto which serves authentic full of great taste food.
The ground plus mezzanine floor resto has several compartments for large groups and families, they even have a sitting section for people who prefer to sit and eat.
For food if you happen to visit it is a must must to eat Chicken crispy, its with shezwan sauce and then move on to their tandoori..If you have the time and space in your stomach and more important people with a good appetite then try their Ran Biryani it comes in one big plate with a lot of lamb and biryani rice. Its a feast the attendants understand if you call for it. The number of people visiting with you at Persian is more important the more the better you feel after leaving the place. As you would have eaten a lot and tried almost all their special dishes. In main course again a must is to have their daal ghosh or dabba ghosh, the place confirms that mutton is a royal dish and only few places can cook it well. After eating the sumptuous and fantastic food served at Persian, in case you have space in your tummy or want to test your limits then visit the Gupta Ice cream centre near the Sales tax office to enjoy the best malai kulfi and butter scotch candy.
PS: It feels that mutton is not not unhealthy after eating at Persian Darbar.
The ground plus mezzanine floor resto has several compartments for large groups and families, they even have a sitting section for people who prefer to sit and eat.
For food if you happen to visit it is a must must to eat Chicken crispy, its with shezwan sauce and then move on to their tandoori..If you have the time and space in your stomach and more important people with a good appetite then try their Ran Biryani it comes in one big plate with a lot of lamb and biryani rice. Its a feast the attendants understand if you call for it. The number of people visiting with you at Persian is more important the more the better you feel after leaving the place. As you would have eaten a lot and tried almost all their special dishes. In main course again a must is to have their daal ghosh or dabba ghosh, the place confirms that mutton is a royal dish and only few places can cook it well. After eating the sumptuous and fantastic food served at Persian, in case you have space in your tummy or want to test your limits then visit the Gupta Ice cream centre near the Sales tax office to enjoy the best malai kulfi and butter scotch candy.
PS: It feels that mutton is not not unhealthy after eating at Persian Darbar.
Friday, 31 August 2012
One of the oldest Chinese place
EK Chicken Allaphus le aana aur dekho, Peter ko bolon jara chicken acchi tarah se banayen...This is Amol Palekar's dialogue in the film Choti Si Baat, when he is trying to impress his to be and playing with his opponent Asrani. The trio are sitting in the hotel called FLORA, located at Worli Sea face.
The place know for its Chinese for years, flora was in town even before the China's from mainland landed into mumbai from the china gate's.. the charm of the place lies in its attendants who are way past retirement age and walls having big dragons and Chinese lanterns on the ceiling, give the place an old world ambience's which is seldom to find now days, reason being the road side Chinese culture flourishing in Mumbai.
Yesterday me and my college friend visited Flora after almost a year and nothing has changed still it is the same--people, decor chairs, tables and even the table cloth color, no drinks served outside but only in the permit room its a place stuck in time.
But the food is awesome not spicy like the road side not high on artificial flavors and huge huge quantity...We ordered for a man chow soup one by two and each got one bowl full of soup. After that we did not dare to order for starters directly moved to main course and one triple rice was more than sufficient for the two. If we hadn't been hungry it would have to be left. The price is a bit high for the food we got a bill of Rs 900 for that much of food.
however, if you want good Chinese food and lot of breathing space while eating go early as they shut by 11.30 and stuff yourself.
The place know for its Chinese for years, flora was in town even before the China's from mainland landed into mumbai from the china gate's.. the charm of the place lies in its attendants who are way past retirement age and walls having big dragons and Chinese lanterns on the ceiling, give the place an old world ambience's which is seldom to find now days, reason being the road side Chinese culture flourishing in Mumbai.
Yesterday me and my college friend visited Flora after almost a year and nothing has changed still it is the same--people, decor chairs, tables and even the table cloth color, no drinks served outside but only in the permit room its a place stuck in time.
But the food is awesome not spicy like the road side not high on artificial flavors and huge huge quantity...We ordered for a man chow soup one by two and each got one bowl full of soup. After that we did not dare to order for starters directly moved to main course and one triple rice was more than sufficient for the two. If we hadn't been hungry it would have to be left. The price is a bit high for the food we got a bill of Rs 900 for that much of food.
however, if you want good Chinese food and lot of breathing space while eating go early as they shut by 11.30 and stuff yourself.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
The Cafe which calls itself Yellow tree
IF you want to enjoy a quiet tic tac with the special one or its a gathering of old friends and want to see all are seated comfortably and the attendant is not over enthu or keen on hushing you out then this Pali Hill joint which has a great ambience's always welcoming with the correct amount of lights is the place to visit.
The Yellow Tree cafe is opp the zig zag hill in Bandra. The small but two storey cafe is divided into one the bar and outdoor section on the ground with a fine dinning area on the first and lounge on the second floor. I have been to the first floor always and sitting by the window seeing the super luxury cars pass by is always a good feeling. The food served is Italian and continental but the portions are good and so is the quality. I will recommend the entire menu as most of the things i have eaten were superb my group birthdays and get together mostly happen here so we are very comfortable going to Yellow tree.
The Ambience is good recently i recommended the place to my friend who visited with his wife on a birthday occasion and he completely liked the place. No regrets and he has promised me that he will also post his experience in the comment collum. Regarding the price it is slightly expensive but all the hotels in pali area are like that. Be it MIA cucino, 5 spice or soul fry.
The Yellow Tree cafe is opp the zig zag hill in Bandra. The small but two storey cafe is divided into one the bar and outdoor section on the ground with a fine dinning area on the first and lounge on the second floor. I have been to the first floor always and sitting by the window seeing the super luxury cars pass by is always a good feeling. The food served is Italian and continental but the portions are good and so is the quality. I will recommend the entire menu as most of the things i have eaten were superb my group birthdays and get together mostly happen here so we are very comfortable going to Yellow tree.
The Ambience is good recently i recommended the place to my friend who visited with his wife on a birthday occasion and he completely liked the place. No regrets and he has promised me that he will also post his experience in the comment collum. Regarding the price it is slightly expensive but all the hotels in pali area are like that. Be it MIA cucino, 5 spice or soul fry.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Lunch under the tree
IT a hot sunny day its the state cabinet meeting on at the Vidhan Bhavan and people are rushing to and from it the atmosphere around is of tension and work work work. In between all this sits Mrs Sawant aka Mausi under a tree on the road leading to Vidhan Bhavan opposite the main Mantralay gate spreading his bag containing home made food.
I was introduced to it by an acquaintance who is a regular for non veg food. I generally avoid non veg food at first time places i visit and from local eateries. So i ordered for veg food and i got one bowl of sprout, meethi bhaji, some chana masala (not spicy) and to go with it Nachni (millet) Bhakri (bread). The food is simple to the stomach yet filling, i eat only one and a half piece of the bhakri and was full did not take rice. The food is not spicy or doesn't smell of bad oil its purely home made good food. Served through mother type looking Mrs Sawant who is happy to serve and also earn her livelihood.
This concept of kutubh sakhi, which is self impowerement of women is a concept prevalent in Indian mostly in Maharashtra where women cook at their homes and supply outside. This has worked well and many women have put up stalls during lunch hours to serve people visiting government offices, missing their home dabbas in office. The food is cheap starts with rs 30 a plate and maximum would be Rs 50 per person.
PS: No place to sit either eat standing or sit on the footpath.
I was introduced to it by an acquaintance who is a regular for non veg food. I generally avoid non veg food at first time places i visit and from local eateries. So i ordered for veg food and i got one bowl of sprout, meethi bhaji, some chana masala (not spicy) and to go with it Nachni (millet) Bhakri (bread). The food is simple to the stomach yet filling, i eat only one and a half piece of the bhakri and was full did not take rice. The food is not spicy or doesn't smell of bad oil its purely home made good food. Served through mother type looking Mrs Sawant who is happy to serve and also earn her livelihood.
This concept of kutubh sakhi, which is self impowerement of women is a concept prevalent in Indian mostly in Maharashtra where women cook at their homes and supply outside. This has worked well and many women have put up stalls during lunch hours to serve people visiting government offices, missing their home dabbas in office. The food is cheap starts with rs 30 a plate and maximum would be Rs 50 per person.
PS: No place to sit either eat standing or sit on the footpath.
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