Food Review

Staycations

High5 Cafe & Bar, Hauz Khas Village

June 21, 2016

For Delhiites, the ultimate Saturday evening destination is usually the the crowded streets of Hauz Khas Village. Amidst the hustle bustle of music and food lovers, their stand an array of restaurants/lounges/cafes and bars offering discounts and unique themes to attract the crowd. All like minded people look out for places that offer affordable food, complimentary or heavily discounted drinks for the ladies and offer leisure seating arrangements for a comfortable round of F&B over a course of 2-3 hours.

Staycations

Niche Lounge & Bistro – Delhi {Menu Review}

May 16, 2016

Now for those who have been following my blog, will definitely be aware about my experience dining at Niche Bar & Lounge for its ‘Pre-Launch’ Blogger’s table. If you haven’t, then go ahead and check it out! Having been reviewed some of their best preparations, we were more keen on exploring what their regular menu has to offer too. And before going for the review, we definitely scrolled through the zomato reviews and what people highly recommended to try on. To my surprise, it wasn’t non-vegetarian nor was it a gourmet amalgamation. Known as the ‘Pulled Katahal Tacos’ on the menu, this Mexican mix with a vegetable not generally loved (and experimented with) much in the country was nothing less of a surprise. For a slider to go with their array of alcoholic concoctions, Pulled Katahal Tacos definitely faired well on the taste and nibbling metre. So for vegetarians who always end up ordering regular veggie kebabs and paneer tikkas to go with their drinks, this one can be called a gourmet substitute for your vegan requirements. The Tacos are filled with Katahal well cooked which is drenched in a juicy tangy sauce with a zing of sweetness and a sour curd dip and salsa to go on the side. Of course, we did order a portion of chicken and a prawns starter from their seafood menu. In chicken, we ordered the Lal Mirch Ka Chicken Tikka, which although sounds spicy; wasn’t spicy at all. In fact, the flavours of the marination combined with the smokiness of the grill and tenderness of the chicken pieces turned out to be one of the finest Chicken Tikka preparations I’ve had in a long while. The tikka was presented with some freshly grounded mint cloud and nitro cooked onion yoghurt chutney on the side. Being a …

Staycations

#WhyVisit Mosaic Hotels Thai Promotion

February 8, 2016

The winter this year has been quite a disappointment but has cheered up all the summer loving Delhi-wallahs. The to-do list again includes spending more time outdoors in the Sun, going shopping, hanging out with friends and family and much more.In the midst of all this confusion whether it is Summer or Winter time I got an invitation to review the Flluid restaurant cum bar of the luxurious Mosaic Hotels. You might have already seen our feature on Mosaic Hotel‘s regular menu in our food listings.To remind us of the golden summer time, they are celebrating the Thai cuisine all of this February.

Uncategorized

#WhyVisit Cafe Dalal Street?

January 19, 2016

Gone are the days when dining out only meant going out to a nice restaurant, finding a cosy spot for the family, ordering the traditional menu that we habitually used to abide by on every outing, eat with some chit chat, conclude the meal with a glass of soda or saunf and come back happily ever after. With the globalisation being on a fast track, it is just not the meal but a summary of a few elements that decide for us if a restaurant stands as a one-time experience or goes a longer way on becoming a regular dining hotspot. Can’t say much about other countries of India, but Delhi definitely is on a fast pace, with customers demanding ‘out of the box’ dining experiences. People are not only open to the idea of trying out a new dish, but are also expanding their taste versatility with various traditional and experimental cuisines becoming a thing! So what is it that makes Cafe Dalal Street one such dining abode that is a must visit experience for the residents and tourists of Delhi? Find out! #1 The Dalal Concept Cafe Dalal Street is inspired by the stock exchange norms of India and derives its name from the ‘Dalal Street’ of Mumbai where all stock market traditions take place. A genius concept of Himanshu Gupta and Vidit Gupta, the theme of a stock market platform has been designated to the bar of Cafe Dalal Street as well. The concept comprises of fluctuation in the prices of in-house cocktails & mocktails, with respect to its supply and demand. #2 The Dalal Decor The interiors play a crucial role in bringing the theme to life. Decor has been customised keeping in mind the old style setup of Indian stock exchange office. Benches spread across the main …

Staycations

Quirky Menu of Flluid, Mosaic Hotels

December 22, 2015

Everytime we plan on dining out, the most prominent perspective that comes to our mind is – sitting in a cosy environment and getting served some hot delicacies right on our table. While hanging out with friends is an easy peasy thing, it is always a deed judging on a dine-in place which is family friendly. And we are least expectant of the fact that our eat-out experience can be engaging and challenging (in a fun way) as well. This is what I expected when I was invited over at Mosaic Hotels, Noida; to try out their new menu. Just like any other restaurant experience, I too was under an impression that my platter will be all about tandoori munchies and dollops of curry-naan combos. Knowing the area like Noida, I was pretty sure about the desi style of a restaurant, although Sector 18 – Noida is now getting experimental and more artistic as well, but Mosaic Hotels is a prominent name in this part of Delhi-NCR; so I was expecting the Indianised menu only. As I entered the corridors of Mosaic Hotel, a staff member humbly invited me over to the Flluid Restaurant, which has been constructed with very pleasing contemporary decor; comfortable seating space and overlooking a beautifully designed swimming pool. I was quite surprised to find such a relaxing ambiance, given the fact that it is constructed amidst the hustle bustle of Sector – 18 Noida market and right opposite the Metro Station. Nevertheless, a bigger surprise awaited me. When I greeted my fellow bloggers and sat on my sofa, anticipating over the menu; I was offered a flask (which is only associated with hard drinks) along with some ‘amuse-bouche’. And this was when I realised that the presentation was going to be quite engaging throughout our …

Staycations

Barbeque Nation Worli, Mumbai – Food Review

August 3, 2015

Barbeque Nation is the place for all the tandoori fans who love there smoked succulent meat with a glass of wine or beer. This place offers an array of flavours on a single palette. The buffet only restaurant is family oriented and is an equally happening hangout place for youngsters too! As the name suggests, the restaurant offers some engaging BBQ items, right on your table. With their specially designed tables to hold up a BBQ grill right in the middle, it becomes fun to hold up your favourite skewers of chunky meat/vegetables, laced with wholesome marination and grill it just the way you like it; on the red hot charcoal pit. The BBQ also comes with some extra marination flavours like black pepper, lemon and Japanese dip. For the starters, barbeque nation serves a variety of Indian kebabs (Veg and Non-veg) and sea food. Chicken Kalmi Raan was our personal favourite along with Gulabi Mutton seekh kebab. The meat was well cooked and succulent and a bit tangy and spicy which satiated our taste buds. Fish Jhangri and Coastal BBQ prawns were quite tempting too! We also recommend vegetarians to miss the traditional Paneer Tikkas and try out their grilled vegetables and Cajun Spiced baby Potato skews. Most of the Barbeque Nation outlets in India offer cocktails and heavy alcoholic drinks. The bar serves refreshing cocktail and mocktail recipes that balance perfectly with their buffet offering. To curb our rich platter, we opted for their signature Jal Jeera Mojito, which is a must try for its digestive goodness. Post a delectable start with BBQ on the table, The Barbeque Nation offered a wide variety of the main course items, which were self-served. While some of the their signature dishes remain the same throughout the week ,there are few add-ons and menu changes …

Awadh Food Festival – Indyaki Food Review

July 28, 2015

Food is the identity of each region that landmarks this globe. Be it a small mud-abode accumulation of villagers or a full blown metro city; their are certain flavours of that particular land that differentiates from the other imported delicacies that are prepared. Derived from the local produce of particular regions, these delicacies are a kind of trophy that the residents proudly boost about. India too is defined by such cuisines, that are locals of a particular region. Be it the ingredients used, the preparation technique or even the moisture in the air; achieving the exact flavours is a delicate affair, when prepared in a foreign land. In this modern world where import-export has become a daily wager, it is no biggie to find cuisines of far of lands being prepared and served with utmost excellence, almost anywhere and everywhere. But like I said earlier, it is very hard to brush up the exact flavours that are authentic of that particular dish or cuisine. And given the immense amount of spices that we are now able to purchase effortlessly, the actual taste of a dish can be altered with and prepared in the easiest way we like. One such celebrated cuisines of India comes from the land of the Nawabs – Awadh (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh). Not to be mistaken as a ‘Mughal cuisine’, Awadhi food is largely influenced by the Kashmir, Punjab, Hyderabad and Central Asian cooking techniques. Quoted as the food for the royals, Awadhi food is rich in spices and specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. From Kebabs, Biryanis, Sheermal or the Indian breads like Roomali rotis and Warqi Parathas; Awadhi food is a paradise for non-vegetarian (lamb & chicken meat) lovers. Also, Awadhi Bawarchis (chef) and Rakabdars (Gourmet Cooks) were the ones who introduced ‘dum style of cooking’ …

Food & Beyond

Mamagoto : Food Review

March 13, 2015

If you are craving for some authentic East Asian cuisines, then say out loud ‘Mamagoto’. While Delhi streets are crowded with vendors selling ‘chowmein’ and ‘momos’, the true taste of China/Japan/Korea cannot be achieved if not for the right wok and ingredients. Taking the food seriously and impregnating it with some contemporary quirkiness, Mamagoto is one dine-in restaurant that is much more than just the authentic cuisines. Called the ‘Fun Asian Eating Restaurant’, from the decor to the palette they serve, everything is worth experiencing! Kalapalette’s team tried out a portion of their extravagant menu at their Promenade, Vasant Kunj (Delhi) outlet a few days back. With the confused Delhi weather still keeping the temperatures low, this was the best time to treat ourselves to some hot soup bowls and steamed delicacies that are signature of Mamagoto! About Mamagoto Literally translated, it means ‘to play with food’. A Japanese social experiment of sorts, involving infants to use their senses to understand the textures and shape of food. Born out of this idea came our concept – to make Asian eating fun. To make it experiential and social, to create a relaxed casual atmosphere where affordable and authentic food plus drinks combine with quirky décor. The Drinks Having the same drink for long can be boring. How about tasting different cocktails flavours with your friends? Mamagoto’s offer : Choose any 4 shakers for Rs. 799/- Signature Shaker Range : Red Currant Whiskey Sour, Vojito, Original Blue Kamikaze, Dark Rum Winter Mojito, Passion Fruit Rum & Green Apple Vodka. Twist : The drinks are served in shakers that you can shake, strain and shot! The Starters Honey Chicken with bell peppers + mild schezwan pepper Shrimps with dry Red Chilli + burnt Garlic Makati City Discovery – Cooked vegetables wrapped in a …

Staycations

Ssence, The Suryaa Hotel Delhi {Food Review}

June 27, 2014

Normally showcases are those that are only meant for display. Look but don’t touch. However, if you happen to be dropping by the Ssence at the very lush The Suryaa hotel you are surely not to be disappointed. Located in one of the best areas in Delhi, Ssence a Culinary Showcase is truly an extravagant experience offering a wide variety of cuisines which you can not only feast your eyes on but also pick and savor. I-Menu They have a variety of coolers, mocktails and cocktails to offer. Even the ‘normal water’ gets a refreshing twist here. An expected dilemma we faced in the beginning was where to start from. The Sunday Brunch celebrating Father’s Day had a horde of desserts to offer from tarts and donuts to blueberry cakes but later on that. I realized it is improper to start from the desserts so I rushed to the starters. Kids Corner Mini treats for the kids Candies, Popcorns, Muffins and Cookies. While usually vegetarians are made to be disappointed, here it was not so with Vegetable Lasagna exuding with a crusty cheese layer on top and stuffed with mushrooms and veggies.. Next to it rested the pickle-like Mushroom Goulash and tossed colourful vegetables in Olive Oil. Going in the oven South Indian Dosa Platter Chaat Counter Vegetarian Galouti Kababs From herbs to homemade mustard sauces, nothing was left out from the menu. Sizzlers Counter Other notable dishes included the divinely soft Mango Crusted Fish with Avocado & Olive Salsa apart from Se Salt and Lemon Rubbed Chicken freshly prepared and exposed in the pan.I made it a point to try the sizzlers that ranged from shrimps to chicken, fish and pork. The Salad Counter Maneuvering towards the cool salads in sync with a choice of seasoning like Hummus among others, I stopped to try the four …

Staycations

Monkey Bar (Go Bananas!) {Restaurant/Food Review}

February 5, 2014

Food and restaurant reviews are a common thing for any blogger. But it becomes quirky and overwhelming when a venue like Monkey Bar comes in the spotlight. It wasn’t their special menu, nor the concept but the architecture of Monkey Bar that got me interested in checking them out. The outdoor design is quiet artistic and calm, whereas what lies within is exactly the opposite. About Monkey Bar Monkey Bar, India’s first Gastropub brand now joins New Delhi’s skyline with its promise to offer you anything but the usual! Located in the heart of south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, Monkey Bar, the Indian avatar of the Gastropub, puts its own unique spin on the internationally popular concept. It has the essence of a pub and is backed by excellent food and service, at accessible prices. Isn’t it cool? A foosball and snooker table to pump up the fun quotient. Their ‘ORGANIC’ menu. The Drinks at MOBAR So Gastropub has to have a brilliant cocktail menu + food. I am being very honest here, but all the time I spent there trying their menu out, I was not disappointed even once! Their drinks are not the ordinary Mojitos/Martinis and Beer Pints, but much more than that, infused with the desi elements of India. To give it a more quirkiness, the drinks have been named differently, eg. Maanga, Red Riding Wood,etc. MAANGA Vodka, Aam Panna, Sweet Lime & Jeera salt. COPPER MONKEY Whiskey, Mandrin, Passion Fruit, Mint & Bitters. CAIPIROSKA Cherry Tomato N Chilly RUM RITA Rum, Red Wine & Wild Berry Compote VODKATINI – Chocolate The Starters I have never seen so much variety in starters to go with the drinks. It in itself is a main-course buffet. The menu is an intense amalgamation of the traditional Indian snacks, like a Maharashtrian …