Strange title to a post – isn’t it! Well, I have been changing homes since the past 7 years, since in the city of Mumbai you will not be allowed to have a lease agreement for more than 11 months, so its quite an insignificant activity for me to make announcements about it on my blog. But what IS significant is that I have been calling the city of Delft and the tiny country of Netherlands my home since the past two months now and THAT deserves an announcement!
I am a small town girl now and things are very different – they 
will be – I live below sea level! My hometown Delft is a cute little town, which is so small that if I am not lazy enough, I can actually just walk from one end to the other and it will be done within a few hours. It has brick laid streets, beautiful buildings and a lovely town square. The town square is my favourite part of the town. It is lively, there is always something happening there and its good fun! It is in the true sense of the expression – a cute, cosy European town and its nice or leuk! (as the dutch would say!)
So, you can see that I am quite enjoying myself in my new hometown and what makes my heart leap out with joy is that Delft has tons of restaurants serving up cuisines from across the globe. You know where this post is going by now, I am getting back to writing about – the love of my life – you guessed it right – FOOD (Kedar, if you were reading this and thinking it was you – Sorrrry!).
People who have been reading my blog will know that I am a chocolate monster and the first place I am going to write about is a chocolaterie. Since the time
I saw the movie Chocolat, I have been dreaming of visiting a shop like the one owned by the protagonist in the movie and wondering if such shops do exist in the world. Well, my dream came true when I visited this shop at Voorstraat. Its temptation galore as you enter this shop with all sorts of chocolates lined up to feast your eyes on. It has a beautiful warmth about it. They sort of specialize in chocolates made from or filled with liquers and their collection does seem unique. Try their dark chocolate bar with nuts and the apple and cinnamon truffles. I can still taste them, so good were they!! They also give you a pretty paper bag to carry your exquisite purchases and you can order online from www.chocolaterie.nl and enroll for a chocolate making workshop! Pretty cool I think!
If all this shopping is making you thirsty then its time to go to De Ruif Eetcafe. Order a glass of white wine and alongwith it what they call He Bolle. He Bolle is typical finger food freshly baked bread – slightly crusty on the outside, topped with sesame seeds and nice and soft on the inside alongwith tapenade (a sort of paste of olives with olive oil and sundried tomatoes or capers - the recipe could vary) and aioli (a sauce of garlic and olive oil). Grab a table outside on the barge if the weather is nice (notice the dutch influence) and you are sure to have a great time.
Dinner time! The options are a charming eaterie in the town centre or a surprise at Kromstraat. Take your pick.
The charming eaterie being referenced to is the Boterhuis. I like it so much that I have already dined there twice. Boterhuis means a butterhouse and it seems like it was one centuries ago and the decor has been kept intact to retain the old 
world charm. Reserve a table on the lower level and you can enjoy a great meal with the canal by your side. The ambience is minimalistic with wrought iron candle stands adorning the slightly dilapidated walls. The lower level also has a huge wrought iron gate as a reminder of the bygone eras. Their herbed risotto with shallots and mushrooms is an absolute must-have. It is a simple yet delicately flavoured, creamy risotto with just the right level of cheese to suit my palette. Also try the portobello mushroom with goat cheese or the goat cheese strudel. They keep changing menus like most restaurants in Delft so don’t be disappointed if you don’t find these dishes. I am pretty sure whatever else is on their menu is equally great.
The surprise at Kromstraat is De Kurk. Kromstraat is a typical student hangout street and to find such a restaurant there was quite a pleasant surprise. De Kurk looks like any regular bar when you enter. But once inside, what awaits you is a beautiful restaurant inside a glasshouse. So even when its raining you can still get your fill of eating outside. The menu for vegetarians is quite limited. Two starters and one maincourse, but the food is great. The vegetarian salad is simple yet scrumptious. My colleague was nice enough to let me dig in when he had this. The highpoint of the meal for sure is the maincourse, consisting of spinach quiche with a gorgeous, slightly creamy sauce on the side and those amazing potato cakes these dutch make.
Try some of these places and let me know what you think. I shall keep updating you all on my stint in the Netherlands. Until then, as I always say – Happy Eating!
Technorati Tags: Netherlands, Delft, www.boterhuis.nl, www.ruif.nl, www.chocolaterie.nl,
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Sunday, July 06, 2008
I have changed homes!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Ratatouille anyone!!
I recently had the pleasure of viewing this utterly delectable movie, which completely blew me away with its simplicity and obviously its food. The fantastic combination of a rat, who, has the gift of sensing flavors and a gawky garbage boy, who, has been a loser all his life is endearing, hilarious and delicious.
The movie inspired me so much that I actually googled for the recipe of ratatouille online and may think of making it someday for my unsuspecting friends. Ratatouille is a peasant dish made with a combination of zucchinis, tomatoes, eggpl
ants and green and red peppers flavored with onions and garlic. Apparently, an American chef was hired as a consultant for this movie and he gave a new twist to the way ratatouille is made and that’s how it was shown in the movie. The most charming scene of this movie was the time when the food critic Anton Ego tastes the ratatouille made by Remy and dreams of his mom. The scene, although hilarious, makes us realize how all of us humans think alike. For any individual in any part of the world, mom-made food is the benchmark for comparing any tastes.
The director has been very careful in making every food scene look scrum
ptious and yummy enough to tickle your senses. Whether it’s the scene where Remy tries to cook mushroom, 
cheese and a twig of rosemary on a chimney or when he tries to correct the disastrous soup made by Linguini. The scenes featuring the explosion of flavors experienced by Remy when he first eats a piece of cheese and strawberry together almost made me taste a strawberry cheese
cake in my mouth.
French cuisine is amongst the few western cuisines, which has some great vegetarian options. We do not have enough options for French cuisine in Mumbai, actually none that I know of, but I do believe, that this movie should generate interest of many a food enthusiasts in experiencing what seems to be an assortment of culinary delights.
A must watch for all foodies like me. Do not miss this movie for anything in this world!!
Technorati Tags: Ratatouille, Remy, Linguini, French cuisine
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Food & Nature
Its pouring outside my window. The much awaited monsoon just arrived in Mumbai and brought with it the intoxicating smell of the earth and the tastes of the various foods associated with it.
Foods are magical, combine them with the right atmosphere and they can lift any gloomy spirit.
The scorching summer, the fresh monsoon and the pleasant winter - food plays a significant role in defining the character of these moods of nature.
Gorge on the innumerable mango preparations in summer. Cut mangoes, aamras, Mango icecream, fresh mangoes with vanilla icecream, mango mousse, mango barfi – you name it and we have it. Another favourite is lime juice or nimbu paani as we call it. Ice cold nimbu paani can drive away all fatigue and give you much needed respite from heat.
Come monsoon, and with it comes the roasted corn or bhutta as it is popularly known, cutting chai – half cup of tea and onion pakoras or kanda bhajjis as they are locally known as.
Bhutta, chai, kanda bhajji – now, don’t you just want to dig into these right now?? The chai vendor outside my lane is doing brisk business these days, even in the evenings. One bhutta vendor has already set up shop in the area and by next week, I am bound to see atleast two more in the same vicinity.
I just enjoyed a juicy bhutta, while nicely getting wet in the soft drizzle.
Foods are magical, combine them with the right atmosphere and they can lift any gloomy spirit.
The scorching summer, the fresh monsoon and the pleasant winter - food plays a significant role in defining the character of these moods of nature.
Gorge on the innumerable mango preparations in summer. Cut mangoes, aamras, Mango icecream, fresh mangoes with vanilla icecream, mango mousse, mango barfi – you name it and we have it. Another favourite is lime juice or nimbu paani as we call it. Ice cold nimbu paani can drive away all fatigue and give you much needed respite from heat.
Come monsoon, and with it comes the roasted corn or bhutta as it is popularly known, cutting chai – half cup of tea and onion pakoras or kanda bhajjis as they are locally known as.
Bhutta, chai, kanda bhajji – now, don’t you just want to dig into these right now?? The chai vendor outside my lane is doing brisk business these days, even in the evenings. One bhutta vendor has already set up shop in the area and by next week, I am bound to see atleast two more in the same vicinity.
I just enjoyed a juicy bhutta, while nicely getting wet in the soft drizzle.
Nothing can beat the joy of having a piping hot, tender bhutta roasted on a traditional coal sigri and top it with rain!!
And what do I say about kanda bhajji!! Mouth watering kanda bhajji combined with rain can be the best snack ever. For chai lovers, wash it down with a cup of hot tea and aren’t you in heaven already??.
And what do I say about kanda bhajji!! Mouth watering kanda bhajji combined with rain can be the best snack ever. For chai lovers, wash it down with a cup of hot tea and aren’t you in heaven already??.So what are you doing reading this, rush to the nearest shop and have your fill. While you do that, I will continue enjoying nature at its very best.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
Technorati Tags: Rain, Monsoon, Roasted Corn, Kanda Bhajji
Sunday, April 15, 2007
A Hole in Your Pocket
For the finale – the Dinner, my recommendations range from a live tandoori counter to dining only on different kinds of kebabs.
In Mumbai, the options to try out are Peshawari at Grand Maratha Sheraton. Masaledar Mughlai cuisine awaits you here. The place has a live tandoor counter where you can see the chefs cooking up your favourite tandoori. The paneer kulchas are mind numbing and apparently the grilled pomfret is to die for.
If this is too spicy for you, head to Frangipani at Oberoi in Mumbai. The fresh pizzas, made right in front of your eyes are simply irresistable. It has a great selection of salads for the calorie conscious and an equally interesting buffet spread. Although you will be completely full by the time you finish your meal, the strategically placed desserts can get better of any saint.
In Goa, Goa Marriot it is once again. It’s a dinner buffet which has one of my favourite dishes everyday - Hummus and Pita bread. The hummus is perfect and is ideal for a basic, light meal. A made-to-order pasta counter will serve up delicacies as you like it. There is a special everyday which is written on the board at the entrance. I ate there for three consecutive days and had nothing to complain about.
Park Plaza in Gurgaon has a restaurant called “ The Kebab Factory”. A unique concept, it consists of a meal of succulent kebabs of varied meats and vegetables. The server will come over and keep serving you the different varieties while explaining what the dish is all about. Check out the place for an interesting dining experience.
In Mumbai, the options to try out are Peshawari at Grand Maratha Sheraton. Masaledar Mughlai cuisine awaits you here. The place has a live tandoor counter where you can see the chefs cooking up your favourite tandoori. The paneer kulchas are mind numbing and apparently the grilled pomfret is to die for.
If this is too spicy for you, head to Frangipani at Oberoi in Mumbai. The fresh pizzas, made right in front of your eyes are simply irresistable. It has a great selection of salads for the calorie conscious and an equally interesting buffet spread. Although you will be completely full by the time you finish your meal, the strategically placed desserts can get better of any saint.
In Goa, Goa Marriot it is once again. It’s a dinner buffet which has one of my favourite dishes everyday - Hummus and Pita bread. The hummus is perfect and is ideal for a basic, light meal. A made-to-order pasta counter will serve up delicacies as you like it. There is a special everyday which is written on the board at the entrance. I ate there for three consecutive days and had nothing to complain about.
Park Plaza in Gurgaon has a restaurant called “ The Kebab Factory”. A unique concept, it consists of a meal of succulent kebabs of varied meats and vegetables. The server will come over and keep serving you the different varieties while explaining what the dish is all about. Check out the place for an interesting dining experience.
The in-room dining at Park Plaza is also quite a good fare. You call the room service and the chef will readily make something for you or alter a dish on the menu the way you like it. The chef will personally check on you after you are through with your meal to enquire about the food. Quite an experience I must say.
Another place on my recommendation list came as a sort of a pleasant surprise for me. I had the opportunity to stay at the Hotel Country Inn & Suites at Haridwar. A newly opened hotel by the Radisson group, considering the industrial activity in and around this holy place. The continental food served up by this place is quite something. Satisfy your pasta urges only at this hotel when in Haridwar.
Another place on my recommendation list came as a sort of a pleasant surprise for me. I had the opportunity to stay at the Hotel Country Inn & Suites at Haridwar. A newly opened hotel by the Radisson group, considering the industrial activity in and around this holy place. The continental food served up by this place is quite something. Satisfy your pasta urges only at this hotel when in Haridwar.
So what are you waiting for, try out these places and let me know what you think. Meanwhile, I shall try some more gastronomic delights and post my experiences for you.
Happy Eating!!
Technorati Tags: dinner, Grand Maratha Sheraton, Oberoi, Park Plaza
Sunday, April 08, 2007
A Hole in Your Pocket
My recommendations for the second meal of the day – the Lunch, begin with the Konkan cafe at Taj President Cuffe Parade in Mumbai.
Try the haryali vegetable with hot appams or for the non-vegetarians, manglorean chicken with appams is quite a delight. The ambience, the décor and the food – all contribute to an amazing gourmet experience.
Another place to indulge your taste buds is the lunch buffet at the newly opened, Grand Central Sheraton. Amazing spread and equally exciting food. A live pasta counter, interesting north Indian cuisine without just the regular paneer dish in red gravy and sometimes a good fusion of the Indian and continental cuisines makes this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Don’t miss sampling the desserts in this buffet. I was stunned by the variety of desserts on offer.
The Goa Marriot buffet again takes the cake for an appetizing and enjoyable elitist luncheon in Goa. The chefs here cook up a different recipe for mushroom starters everyday for lunch. I have never seen so many different flavours for a mushroom starter ever. I simply freaked out on that one. The spread isn’t essentially extensive, but the food, the view and Goa make it a meal to remember.
Fill up your rumbling tummies and watch this space for the exciting finale of this series!!!
Try the haryali vegetable with hot appams or for the non-vegetarians, manglorean chicken with appams is quite a delight. The ambience, the décor and the food – all contribute to an amazing gourmet experience.
Another place to indulge your taste buds is the lunch buffet at the newly opened, Grand Central Sheraton. Amazing spread and equally exciting food. A live pasta counter, interesting north Indian cuisine without just the regular paneer dish in red gravy and sometimes a good fusion of the Indian and continental cuisines makes this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Don’t miss sampling the desserts in this buffet. I was stunned by the variety of desserts on offer.
The Goa Marriot buffet again takes the cake for an appetizing and enjoyable elitist luncheon in Goa. The chefs here cook up a different recipe for mushroom starters everyday for lunch. I have never seen so many different flavours for a mushroom starter ever. I simply freaked out on that one. The spread isn’t essentially extensive, but the food, the view and Goa make it a meal to remember.
Fill up your rumbling tummies and watch this space for the exciting finale of this series!!!
Technorati Tags: lunch, Taj President, Grand Central Sheraton, Goa Marriot
Monday, April 02, 2007
A Hole in Your Pocket
Disclaimer: The following series of 3 posts is not meant for people with a weak heart or for those who can develop suicidal tendencies on going bankrupt.
The places I am about to recommend are restaurants at five star hotels and can burn a serious hole in your pocket. I have been fortunate enough to experience these places due to a host of reasons, which I am not about to discuss here.
This series will also for the first time recommend places outside of Mumbai.
Lets start with the first and the most important meal of the day – The Breakfast. I personally find this meal much more enjoyable than any other meal of the day.
And one place which comes to my mind whenever I think of a HUGE breakfast is the coffee shop at J W Marriot at Juhu - Mumbai. J W Marriot boasts of an extensive breakfast buffet spanning North Indian, South Indian and Continental cuisines. Apart from the variety of choices on offer, the food is absolutely delicious. Be it Indian or Continental. They sometimes have a live pancake counter with interesting variations other than the regular banana and coconut pancakes. This place also serves up waffles with maple syrup or honey to satisfy your urge for a typical American breakfast.
If you are in Gurgaon and are looking for a healthy breakfast, which tastes as good, try the breakfast buffet at the coffee shop at Park Plaza. The cafe offers the most amazing selection of fruits when it comes to breakfast. And this is not just your regular watermelon, papaya routine. You can dig into seasonal exotic fruits like kiwis, different kinds of melons, strawberries, raspberries and the like here. Though the hotel is in Haryana – North India, it serves up the best tomato chutney with Idli and not to forget an absolute must have - the delectable aloo parathas.
When in Goa, The Goa Marriot is the place to be for your breakfast experience. They serve up fresh milkshakes of seasonal fruits as well as the regular vanilla, chocolate and coffee milkshakes. The spread – although similar to most five stars is excellent when it comes to the flavour. Settled on the banks of Mandovi, with a spectacular view, expect this hotel to crop up in many more of my recommendations.
So folks, savour your breakfast and watch out for my Lunch recommendations!!!!
The places I am about to recommend are restaurants at five star hotels and can burn a serious hole in your pocket. I have been fortunate enough to experience these places due to a host of reasons, which I am not about to discuss here.
This series will also for the first time recommend places outside of Mumbai.
Lets start with the first and the most important meal of the day – The Breakfast. I personally find this meal much more enjoyable than any other meal of the day.And one place which comes to my mind whenever I think of a HUGE breakfast is the coffee shop at J W Marriot at Juhu - Mumbai. J W Marriot boasts of an extensive breakfast buffet spanning North Indian, South Indian and Continental cuisines. Apart from the variety of choices on offer, the food is absolutely delicious. Be it Indian or Continental. They sometimes have a live pancake counter with interesting variations other than the regular banana and coconut pancakes. This place also serves up waffles with maple syrup or honey to satisfy your urge for a typical American breakfast.
If you are in Gurgaon and are looking for a healthy breakfast, which tastes as good, try the breakfast buffet at the coffee shop at Park Plaza. The cafe offers the most amazing selection of fruits when it comes to breakfast. And this is not just your regular watermelon, papaya routine. You can dig into seasonal exotic fruits like kiwis, different kinds of melons, strawberries, raspberries and the like here. Though the hotel is in Haryana – North India, it serves up the best tomato chutney with Idli and not to forget an absolute must have - the delectable aloo parathas.
When in Goa, The Goa Marriot is the place to be for your breakfast experience. They serve up fresh milkshakes of seasonal fruits as well as the regular vanilla, chocolate and coffee milkshakes. The spread – although similar to most five stars is excellent when it comes to the flavour. Settled on the banks of Mandovi, with a spectacular view, expect this hotel to crop up in many more of my recommendations.
So folks, savour your breakfast and watch out for my Lunch recommendations!!!!
Technorati Tags: breakfast, JWMarriot, Park Plaza, Goa Marriot
Monday, November 13, 2006
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….
The title of my post must say volumes about what this is about. I am talking about, you guessed it right – Desserts.
The most exquisite of sins, these delicacies manage to tingle the tastebuds of many a calorie conscious people.
I have here the most delectable delicacies you can find in Mumbai.
Are you a chocolate lover? Do you find anything with chocolate irrestible? If your answers to these questions are a big YES, then Chocolate Avalanche was made for you. What is this dish you ask, well, it has chocolate brownies, chocolate icecream, chocolate mousse, chocolate sauce and cocoa balls all put in a big bowl – all for you to gobble. Check out this chocolatier’s paradise at Mocha – Coffee and Conversations and let me know what you think.
If this was too chocolaty for you then go to a place called Theobrama. I went there only last week. Apart from a wonderfully friendly uncle serving you, try their latest pastry which currently has no name and is put on the display as no name. This is a chocolate cake with dried black grapes as little surprises everytime you bite. Try it and let us help the nice uncle there in naming the bombshell.
The opening of Baristas’s has done a lot of good for dessert lovers like me. They have a range of excellent desserts to dig in. From chocolate excess to cold coffees with brownies, these people know their desserts really well.
If chocolate is not your forte, try the fresh fruit cake available at Hypercity. This one comes with loads of exotic fresh fruits like kiwis, blackberries and the regular ones like bananas, apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges with a vanilla base. And the fruits are not just the garnish, you will find them in each scrumptious bite of this heavenly dessert.
For the calorie conscious there is the latest buzzword in desserts – Gelato. Now please, please do not eat at the Gelato Italiano outlets that are opening up everywhere in the city. The gelato is really bad. The reason this dessert finds place in my blog is an outlet called Amore. The gelatos are simply fantastic. These guys have made gelatos from ferraro rochers, dark chocolates, tiramisu, chocolate brownie, the works.
Sin on these and share your experiences with me.
Happy Eating ..ah ah.. Happy Sinning Guyz!!!!!!!
The most exquisite of sins, these delicacies manage to tingle the tastebuds of many a calorie conscious people.
I have here the most delectable delicacies you can find in Mumbai.
Are you a chocolate lover? Do you find anything with chocolate irrestible? If your answers to these questions are a big YES, then Chocolate Avalanche was made for you. What is this dish you ask, well, it has chocolate brownies, chocolate icecream, chocolate mousse, chocolate sauce and cocoa balls all put in a big bowl – all for you to gobble. Check out this chocolatier’s paradise at Mocha – Coffee and Conversations and let me know what you think.
If this was too chocolaty for you then go to a place called Theobrama. I went there only last week. Apart from a wonderfully friendly uncle serving you, try their latest pastry which currently has no name and is put on the display as no name. This is a chocolate cake with dried black grapes as little surprises everytime you bite. Try it and let us help the nice uncle there in naming the bombshell.
The opening of Baristas’s has done a lot of good for dessert lovers like me. They have a range of excellent desserts to dig in. From chocolate excess to cold coffees with brownies, these people know their desserts really well.
If chocolate is not your forte, try the fresh fruit cake available at Hypercity. This one comes with loads of exotic fresh fruits like kiwis, blackberries and the regular ones like bananas, apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges with a vanilla base. And the fruits are not just the garnish, you will find them in each scrumptious bite of this heavenly dessert.
For the calorie conscious there is the latest buzzword in desserts – Gelato. Now please, please do not eat at the Gelato Italiano outlets that are opening up everywhere in the city. The gelato is really bad. The reason this dessert finds place in my blog is an outlet called Amore. The gelatos are simply fantastic. These guys have made gelatos from ferraro rochers, dark chocolates, tiramisu, chocolate brownie, the works.
Sin on these and share your experiences with me.
Happy Eating ..ah ah.. Happy Sinning Guyz!!!!!!!
Technorati Tags: Desserts, Mocha, Hypercity, Amore
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Paani – puri anyone…
The next in series is a special on Paani-puri. The quintessential Mumbai treat. Now let me tell you, not all paani-puri is good. You really need to know the place to go to else you could end up with a bad taste in your mouth literally.
First let’s go to the popular chaat place called Juhu Beach. Juhu beach is very popular for its chaat and paav bhaji. However, my find was a paani-puri waala. The stall is among the many stalls at Juhu. It is called Radhakrishna and the paani-puri is so yummy you just can’t stop eating it unless you are worried about your bowel movements. You need not stand and eat your paani-puri. The puri, aloo and moong masala, meetha paani and teekha paani will be served to you on your table. You decide on the quantities of each ingredient and customize your paani-puri to your liking. Now that’s what I call customization. Enjoy the amazing sea-breeze and the chaos which is so typical of Mumbai.
Another paani-puri place is near Movie Time Cinema in Malad. For people who do not know, there are different types of paani-puris. The options are the mix that I described above or one with what is known as Ragda. Ragda is made of boiled dry peas with potato and spiced with salt and turmeric. The idea is to put hot ragda in the puri and add ice-cold teekha paani and meetha paani. Coming back to Movie Time. This guy stands with his wares outside the theatre and is, well, not very popular and so you will not encounter any queues and can eat as much as you want in peace. Believe me if you like the ragda paani-puri, this guy is the best. I am hoping he still stands there since I have not eaten his paani-puri since the time I left Malad.
Now let’s come back near to Juhu, in 7 bungalows. Please read the previous post to know where 7 bungalows is. The most famous landmark for 7 bungalows is Bon Bon shoe shop. Now coming straight inside the lane next to Bon Bon shoe shop and turning left will take you to another famous landmark known as Kds low price shop. Mind you, this landmark is famous only among 7 bunglowians. I do not know if there is a word like bunglowians, if there is not, I just coined it. Coming back to Kds, actually coming out of Kds is a chaatwaala. He is essentially a very good chaatwaala. Meaning, he makes amazing sev-puri, bhel and Paani – puri. This guy is popular so be ready for waiting a couple of minutes before indulging yourself in some lip-smacking paani – puri. The specialty of this place, well, you need not add meetha paani when eating here since the teekha paani is just rightly spiced.
Try these places and let me know if you liked my recommendations.
Technorati Tags: Paani-puri, Juhu, Movie Time Cinema
, Malad, chaat,
A Foodie’s Guide
Hello people, I am back after a long hiatus. The reasons for the hiatus are unimportant since what I am about to write about is way more interesting.
I figured, I love eating more than I knew. And it also helped me figure the reasons for my ever increasing figure.
Anyway, here goes my next installment on places to eat in Mumbai. Since in my last post I wrote about the up-market, elite places serving mainly continental food; I decided to dedicate this post to some economical yet amazing eating places serving particularly Indian food in Mumbai.
First stop, 7 bungalows - Andheri. The place is called Mista Paaji and happens to be mine and my friends’ weekend lunch place. This place is not exactly economical but it features in this post because I have not found any place of a similar stature as Mista Paaji, serving delicious jeera-aloo, daal makhni, curd and hot phulkas for 90 bucks. We are such religious patrons that one weekend when we came later than our scheduled lunch time, the manager actually asked us if we were not intending to come. The manager has a complaint with me and my roommate that we do not try out anything else other than the jeera-aloo platter – which is what the combination described by me is called. But the jeera- aloo platter is so scrumptious that we just don’t think of anything else. Other dishes to try are the aloo paratha, gobi paratha, Punjabi kadhi – chawal, kheema paratha, butter chicken (for the latter two, opinions are based on feedback from my omnivorous friends). The décor is that of a dhaba but it looks way more sophisticated than a dhaba, however, the multi-coloured zari pieces adorning the walls are quite chic. The food is served in metal plates which look like brass and water and masala chaas in large glasses the kinds of those which you get on roadside dhabas.
Now let’s go to Charni Road. If you really want to enjoy this experience, my suggestion will be to board a local train and reach Charni Road. A quaint restaurant awaits your taste buds very close to the station. The place is called “Crystal”. Kheer enthusiasts swear by the kheer you get here. According to patrons of kheer, which I am not, you apparently get world’s best kheer here maybe just next to what your mom might make for you. Again, my criterion of enjoying food has also a lot to do with the ambience. I have no idea how old this place is. But it is among the few places which are not jazzed up and you enter a non-descript place with plastic tables and chairs and ceiling fans on the ground floor while the “so-called” mezzanine floor has table fans to do the honours. The mezzanine floor is slightly difficult for people like Xi Shun to fit in, hence the “so-called mezzanine floor” in the statement before. The owner of the place or so I assume is this old gentleman sitting in a white kurta pajama at the entrance. One of the few places which does not play Kenny Gee and plays old hindi movie songs. And now the best the part – the food. My favourites are baingan bharta with roti or rajma chawal or gobi paratha. Simple, no-fuss, home – like food which is incredibly reasonable. A meal for two which includes 2 veggies, around 7-8 rotis, raita and dessert will cost you some 100 bucks. The place has many patrons in the elitist as well. The place is packed for dinner on weekends with people from all ranks of society. The place serves only vegetarian food and I am not complaining at all.
So, as I always say, Happy Eating!!!
Technorati Tags: Mista Paaji, 7 bungalows, Crystal
, Xi Shun, Charni Road,
I figured, I love eating more than I knew. And it also helped me figure the reasons for my ever increasing figure.
Anyway, here goes my next installment on places to eat in Mumbai. Since in my last post I wrote about the up-market, elite places serving mainly continental food; I decided to dedicate this post to some economical yet amazing eating places serving particularly Indian food in Mumbai.
First stop, 7 bungalows - Andheri. The place is called Mista Paaji and happens to be mine and my friends’ weekend lunch place. This place is not exactly economical but it features in this post because I have not found any place of a similar stature as Mista Paaji, serving delicious jeera-aloo, daal makhni, curd and hot phulkas for 90 bucks. We are such religious patrons that one weekend when we came later than our scheduled lunch time, the manager actually asked us if we were not intending to come. The manager has a complaint with me and my roommate that we do not try out anything else other than the jeera-aloo platter – which is what the combination described by me is called. But the jeera- aloo platter is so scrumptious that we just don’t think of anything else. Other dishes to try are the aloo paratha, gobi paratha, Punjabi kadhi – chawal, kheema paratha, butter chicken (for the latter two, opinions are based on feedback from my omnivorous friends). The décor is that of a dhaba but it looks way more sophisticated than a dhaba, however, the multi-coloured zari pieces adorning the walls are quite chic. The food is served in metal plates which look like brass and water and masala chaas in large glasses the kinds of those which you get on roadside dhabas.
Now let’s go to Charni Road. If you really want to enjoy this experience, my suggestion will be to board a local train and reach Charni Road. A quaint restaurant awaits your taste buds very close to the station. The place is called “Crystal”. Kheer enthusiasts swear by the kheer you get here. According to patrons of kheer, which I am not, you apparently get world’s best kheer here maybe just next to what your mom might make for you. Again, my criterion of enjoying food has also a lot to do with the ambience. I have no idea how old this place is. But it is among the few places which are not jazzed up and you enter a non-descript place with plastic tables and chairs and ceiling fans on the ground floor while the “so-called” mezzanine floor has table fans to do the honours. The mezzanine floor is slightly difficult for people like Xi Shun to fit in, hence the “so-called mezzanine floor” in the statement before. The owner of the place or so I assume is this old gentleman sitting in a white kurta pajama at the entrance. One of the few places which does not play Kenny Gee and plays old hindi movie songs. And now the best the part – the food. My favourites are baingan bharta with roti or rajma chawal or gobi paratha. Simple, no-fuss, home – like food which is incredibly reasonable. A meal for two which includes 2 veggies, around 7-8 rotis, raita and dessert will cost you some 100 bucks. The place has many patrons in the elitist as well. The place is packed for dinner on weekends with people from all ranks of society. The place serves only vegetarian food and I am not complaining at all.
So, as I always say, Happy Eating!!!
Technorati Tags: Mista Paaji, 7 bungalows, Crystal
, Xi Shun, Charni Road,
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I SCREAM for ICECREAM!!!!
Its quite evident from my previous post that I like eating. So its no surprise that my next post is also on a food item – Icecream!!!.
Its summers and what summers, I haven’t experienced this kind of heat in Mumbai ever in the past 4.5 years of my existence in this city. So, when it comes to food, anything cool is more than welcome. I am not an icecream freak so to say but offlate my intake of icecream has increased manifold. This got me thinking that by eating so much icecream how much extra fat am I asking my poor body to burn. I am among those millions of people who is desperately trying to loose weight and anything leading to a miniscule increase becomes a matter of concern. If not for very long but atleast for a few minutes.
I did my bit of research in order to figure out how guilty I should feel everytime I have a bowl of fresh mangoes with vanilla icecream or a huge scoop of chocolate icecream.
According to wikipedia, icecreams available today can have 0-16% fat.
Most fat in an icecream is from milk fat. A cup of whole milk is supposed to contain approximately 5g of saturated fat – aka Bad Fat. This 5 g constitutes 3.3% of the milk composition.
A gram of fat contains 9 calories while a gram of carbohydrate & protein contain 4 calories each. This goes on to prove that 1 cup milk contains 45 calories from fat. Fair enough.
Now if 118 ml of vanilla icecream i.e. half cup contains approximately 12gms of fat (as per an article on the net) – we are talking about 108 calories only from fat and then it also contains proteins and carbohydrates which contribute to the calorie count. According to an article on the internet, a half cup of vanilla icecream contains 178 calories in all.
And I don’t eat half cup so its definitely going to be much more than 178 for me.
Realisation dawns!!!! Guess this information should help me avoid this delicacy more often!!!
Technorati Tags: Icecream, %Fat , Calories
Its summers and what summers, I haven’t experienced this kind of heat in Mumbai ever in the past 4.5 years of my existence in this city. So, when it comes to food, anything cool is more than welcome. I am not an icecream freak so to say but offlate my intake of icecream has increased manifold. This got me thinking that by eating so much icecream how much extra fat am I asking my poor body to burn. I am among those millions of people who is desperately trying to loose weight and anything leading to a miniscule increase becomes a matter of concern. If not for very long but atleast for a few minutes.
I did my bit of research in order to figure out how guilty I should feel everytime I have a bowl of fresh mangoes with vanilla icecream or a huge scoop of chocolate icecream.
According to wikipedia, icecreams available today can have 0-16% fat.
Most fat in an icecream is from milk fat. A cup of whole milk is supposed to contain approximately 5g of saturated fat – aka Bad Fat. This 5 g constitutes 3.3% of the milk composition.
A gram of fat contains 9 calories while a gram of carbohydrate & protein contain 4 calories each. This goes on to prove that 1 cup milk contains 45 calories from fat. Fair enough.
Now if 118 ml of vanilla icecream i.e. half cup contains approximately 12gms of fat (as per an article on the net) – we are talking about 108 calories only from fat and then it also contains proteins and carbohydrates which contribute to the calorie count. According to an article on the internet, a half cup of vanilla icecream contains 178 calories in all.
And I don’t eat half cup so its definitely going to be much more than 178 for me.
Realisation dawns!!!! Guess this information should help me avoid this delicacy more often!!!
Technorati Tags: Icecream, %Fat , Calories
Sunday, May 07, 2006
The way to my heart is……
Through a delectable meal in an amazing restaurant!!!. Let me define what is amazing for me. Amazing is a warm ambience, good music, sufficient choices for a vegetarian and value for money. Basically, an experience in itself. I have been a foodie since childhood and love experimenting with food. This friend of mine – Kedar and me have quite similar choices when it comes to a food experience and also Mumbai as a city has quite a few options to offer to a food enthusiast.
I am typically very fond of continental cuisines and the ambience of the place is very important for me to enjoy the delicacies a place offers. Most times one may find that the food is really good but the experience is marred by the ambience. It could be garish or crowded or noisy and it can ruin my meal.
Of the many places where I have dined the first one that comes to my mind is Don Giovanni. This restaurant is at Juhu opposite Ramada Inn. According to the menu, it serves Italian preparations from the villages of Italy. The menu claims that these preparations may not be found in the most famous restaurants in the cities of Italy. I have never been to Italy but given a chance, I will run to these villages, if what they serve is what you get in the villages of Italy. Its amazing Italian food with an ambience to go along with it. From the road you can see the blazing red Ferrari flag. The entrance claims that children are allowed only if they do not disturb patrons. I really liked that one. Inside, it’s a dimly lit place which offers you maximum privacy even if the restaurant is completely full. Its better to reserve a table and go since the place is full even on weekdays. Its slightly heavy on the pocket but worth every penny spent because the food that is served is not available in any other restaurant claiming to serve Italian food.
As I said before, my weakness is continental food so the other place I would recommend is Vie Lounge. This is further away from Don Giovanni on the same road in Juhu. Now this one is an elite, up-market lounge cum restaurant and can prove quite expensive. They serve Mediterranean cuisine and according to Kedar, the best steak he has ever eaten, and he has eaten quite a few, so I believe him!!!. A very different food experience for sure and the ambience is breathtaking. It overlooks the Juhu beach but is quite far away from the populated beach section. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the cool breeze with the dinner. The best of all is the complimentary bread basket with some amazing butters. These are garlic butter and mushroom butter. I do not know where to get them from, or if they make them themselves but I would not mind going there to eat only that. Its the best thing I have ever eaten. They have some really unusual combinations for cocktails and an extensive range of liquers to choose from as well.
Another good place is Out of the Blue. This is in Bandra between Pali Naka and Carter road. This place has never let me down on its pastas. And the best part, it has a very long list of vegetarian dishes on offer. Most of these exotic places have very limited vegetarian choices and that is where I get into a fix. But Out of the Blue is a safe bet for any vegetarian. Try the pasta in garlic with extra virgin olive oil and it’s a refreshing delight from the regular cheesy versions of pastas available now a days. They also have a very good selection of wines. Though I am not much of an expert on that.
Last but not the least is Café Churchill in Colaba. I am sure most Mumbaiities will be aware of this place. It is a very small café but serves such amazing food that it’s a must go whenever I am in that part of the town. You can expect a waiting even at 7:30 in the evening since the place is very small. The same people have opened up Café Mocambo. I however, like Café Churchill better. Its this small little café tucked away in the colaba flea market. One might miss it if one does not know about it. Try the irish bailey pastry. Its worth sinning with that one!!!
So long and Happy Eating!!!!
Technorati Tags: Mumbai, mushroom butter , Juhu
I am typically very fond of continental cuisines and the ambience of the place is very important for me to enjoy the delicacies a place offers. Most times one may find that the food is really good but the experience is marred by the ambience. It could be garish or crowded or noisy and it can ruin my meal.
Of the many places where I have dined the first one that comes to my mind is Don Giovanni. This restaurant is at Juhu opposite Ramada Inn. According to the menu, it serves Italian preparations from the villages of Italy. The menu claims that these preparations may not be found in the most famous restaurants in the cities of Italy. I have never been to Italy but given a chance, I will run to these villages, if what they serve is what you get in the villages of Italy. Its amazing Italian food with an ambience to go along with it. From the road you can see the blazing red Ferrari flag. The entrance claims that children are allowed only if they do not disturb patrons. I really liked that one. Inside, it’s a dimly lit place which offers you maximum privacy even if the restaurant is completely full. Its better to reserve a table and go since the place is full even on weekdays. Its slightly heavy on the pocket but worth every penny spent because the food that is served is not available in any other restaurant claiming to serve Italian food.
As I said before, my weakness is continental food so the other place I would recommend is Vie Lounge. This is further away from Don Giovanni on the same road in Juhu. Now this one is an elite, up-market lounge cum restaurant and can prove quite expensive. They serve Mediterranean cuisine and according to Kedar, the best steak he has ever eaten, and he has eaten quite a few, so I believe him!!!. A very different food experience for sure and the ambience is breathtaking. It overlooks the Juhu beach but is quite far away from the populated beach section. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the cool breeze with the dinner. The best of all is the complimentary bread basket with some amazing butters. These are garlic butter and mushroom butter. I do not know where to get them from, or if they make them themselves but I would not mind going there to eat only that. Its the best thing I have ever eaten. They have some really unusual combinations for cocktails and an extensive range of liquers to choose from as well.
Another good place is Out of the Blue. This is in Bandra between Pali Naka and Carter road. This place has never let me down on its pastas. And the best part, it has a very long list of vegetarian dishes on offer. Most of these exotic places have very limited vegetarian choices and that is where I get into a fix. But Out of the Blue is a safe bet for any vegetarian. Try the pasta in garlic with extra virgin olive oil and it’s a refreshing delight from the regular cheesy versions of pastas available now a days. They also have a very good selection of wines. Though I am not much of an expert on that.
Last but not the least is Café Churchill in Colaba. I am sure most Mumbaiities will be aware of this place. It is a very small café but serves such amazing food that it’s a must go whenever I am in that part of the town. You can expect a waiting even at 7:30 in the evening since the place is very small. The same people have opened up Café Mocambo. I however, like Café Churchill better. Its this small little café tucked away in the colaba flea market. One might miss it if one does not know about it. Try the irish bailey pastry. Its worth sinning with that one!!!
So long and Happy Eating!!!!
Technorati Tags: Mumbai, mushroom butter , Juhu
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