Category: Hotels and Restaurants

IndiJoe:Foodie dream come true

Behold!Here comes IndiJoe !Another page int he foodie diaries is about to be filled!A true foodie heaven(figuratively)has been uncovered from under folds and folds places and cities.Situated at the Ambiance mall,Gurgaon,this food joint comes across as an actual foodie dream with an ‘all you can ‘eat buffet.You name it and they have it.Indian,Chinese,Thai,Continental,Italian,American,Mediterranean,Mongolian ,and so on and so forth.The list goes on and on.Where some other restaurants may claim to provide similar variety,they cannot maintain a very consistent quality in every dish that they serve.Yet at IndiJoe ,the persistence and consistency is near perfect.From the most simple to the most complex of dishes,they tend to create each dish with equivalent finesse.As you enter,you would see elegant and private looking tables and cubicles that are set to provide for a one to one experience between you and your food. The walls speaking volumes of the craziness with Bollywood and Hollywood stars adorning it,Marilyn Monroe in her much loved smile and grace,urban art and figures surround you.

And from between the sections provided for the tables lies your path to the foodie salvation.At the end of the dining section lies a humongous array of food ,arranged in a buffet.Each pan,each casserole,each vessel brimming with hot ,mouth watering food that is ready to be served.All you have to do is pay for one plate and then you may please your appetite and taste buds as much as you can.The only labor being that of self service.

It is but obvious that as you come to the position of deciding ‘where to star’t and ‘what to eat’,you shall be confronted with a dilemma.The only sure shot way out of it being that you must quickly shortlist a few dishes according to your personal preference and take small portions of each of those shortlisted dishes.Take your own sweet time,indulge in the flavors,relish the aroma and tingle your taste buds with each savory bite,though keeping in mind the awesome taste of each dish I cannot fully assure you that you will be able to zero down on a dish or two,though you will surely learn the skill of rotating the dishes in turn to eat.Confronted by the same dilemma,I found myself stuck between the Mongolian chicken,Garlic noodles,cheese,mushroom and capsicum pizza and prawn curry with rice.Yes that is some variety on a single plate!The Mongolian chicken harbored a soft oriental tinge balanced with the flavor of spices,indeed a much relished form of chicken,the garlic noodles were absolutely remarkable for having maintained a subtle tinge of the strong flavor of garlic without overdoing it,the noodles being non greasy and well seasoned with the requisite ingredients added to the pleasant experience.

An all time favorite pizza,it was hard to resist this temptation,a thin crust well layered with cheese ,capsicum and mushroom chopped finely,a scrumptious treat indeed.

Coming to the prawn curry,maintaining the spicey tag with a tangy taste of tomatoes,the beautiful pinkish brown shade of prawns made it one hell of a delectable dish.An honorary mention to the regular Indian dishes such as Arahar ki daal and aloo ki sabzi that were totally worth eating and paying for.The crispy Kachoris and the burgers with juicy patties were also much enjoyed.Their menu is subject to rotation each day,though each dish is worth eating,absolutely delicious and unforgettable.

There is more out here!For those with a major sweet tooth,here lies more to your ultimate frenzy !They have a fountain that is brimming with molten chocolate,and its really hard not to go and dip one of these soft spongy plain vanilla or chocolate chip cakes in it!

A beatific blueberry cake,so light on the tongue that each bite melts in your mouth leaving the most delectable of all tastes on your palate.The lemon tart with an amazing balance between the sweet and sour taste was indeed well made.Hot walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream,the ‘melt in your mouth’ mal- pua and gulab jamun,and the list goes on and on.You shall definitely end up eating more than the usual.Getting up and serving rounds after rounds,to get some more of their scrumptious food.Every possible way of satiating one’s hunger lies in your plate! Simple or complex,Indian to international,sweet and sour,spicey to subtle,crazy yet gracious,that is how IndiJoe is.Keeping their consistency and quality intact in each dish that they serve,a friendly staff,delectable food,amazing urban yet cozy decor and ambiance,this place is sure to add to some really good memories.You might as well have a full stomach yet you just cannot help eating a few servings more than your actual capacity,and seeing the menu for the desert ,well the stomach itself shall crave for more!The entire world’s cuisines are in your plate,served at a single place,none other than at IndiJoe,what more could you ask for!Foodie dream come true!!Indulge as much as you wish to,a total Paisa Vasool food. BON APPETITE!!

June 11, 2014
CHICKEN CHOP SUEY TO THE RESCUE!

Ever had days when you desperately wanted to have something really tasty but was out of your budget?Or got scolded over the phone by your mother for not having something healthy?We all have had those days,and at such times its often noticed that we somehow come across memorable solutions.The ‘jugaad’ tech,the hunt for healthy or inexpensive food that would not bloat us into absolute wobbly humans as our mother warns us,memories of food arranged under such constraints is unforgettable.One such foodie experience is what I wish to share. Hungry,with not much in our pockets to pay, hearts that were reluctant to eat even a single morsel of street food,my friend and I,longed to have something proper,filling and within the budget of say around Rs.200,we racked our brains to work and come up with some decent place to eat.And each time,either the quantity seemed insufficient ,or the costs seemed too high.

With sheer dejection we de- boarded the metro at Green Park metro station,making a starved exit ,devoid of any ideas whatsoever,and there was the answer to our “no street ka khana” problem,a tiny air conditioned eatery stating to serve Chinese ,Thai and continental food,The Flaming Wok.From where we stood we could make out that it was a decent place,but what worried us was again the cost.Desperate to take the chance we walked in feeling the cool gust of air on our faces,we asked for the menu.At first our eyes lingered ,scanning for something that would fit our requirements,section after section we felt like penny less customers who were too hungry to leave and would eventually have to wash dishes to eat the scrumptious looking food they offered.But at the very end of it all we found our section,that of Chinese platter and combos.Having contemplated what would be better we zeroed down to the all time famous Chicken Chop Suey,keeping in mind that we must not regret what we ordered,after all being that hungry makes you no less cranky than an ancient quack.
Waiting in the neat space,seated on the beige coloured chair and table we had not much to look around ,except for an article of Hindustan Times praising the food served here and a certificate for the same.Convinced that though the place is not as huge as other restaurants are,it was well acclaimed for it’s food and service.As some time passed, about fifteen minutes or so ,having drank numerous glasses of water and a Minute Maid Pulpy Orange,we eagerly waited,controlling our pangs of hunger that wrecked havoc in our stomach ,there came a simmering bowl of chicken chopsuey,the oriental aroma tickled our nostrils,mouth watered at the thought of finally eating .

The manager cum waiter politely served us with our portions of the dish.And here I must mention,the quantity even after being served a plate full of the dish was still enough to be served to two more people.The chop suey,in corn coloured gravy ,loaded with vegetables and soft and long slices of chicken would have made any mother proud for seeing their child consume that good a quantity of broccoli,capsicum,cauliflower, lettuce,celery,baby corn ,beans and bell pepper.Colourful and extremely healthy from the variety of vegetables and the chicken soft and tender made the most spell binding harmony to the palate.The brown shaded noodles,crisp and non sticky, fried perfectly made the combination of the two even better.

With each bite ,a savory mix of crispy noodles,tender chicken pieces and well flavored vegetables that retained a slightly raw tinge to their crispiness in a perfectly simmered gravy,made us thankful for having discovered this place and selected this dish.A complete paisa vasool,the quantity was so good that we actually had to get the remaining chop suey packed.The best part about the taste of the chop suey was its balance between the typical Indian version of Chinese and that of the oriental Chinese.This subtle balance,and the evident play of spices and flavor,putting forth the right kind of bland an the right kind of taste adds to the beauty of the dish.

As students we have days of running low on budget,chidings on call for not having enough vegetables,of eating out,precautionary warnings of eating any street food etc though not many college kids can avoid eating out,they can definitely do something about the above mentioned constraints .Flaming Wok seems to be providing a good way to tackle such problems.Easy on the pocket,great to taste and filling for the tummy.A perfect buster of hunger pangs,this Chicken Chop Suey is without a doubt a healthy and delectable treat available at a very pocket friendly price.With other scumptious dishes available as well,The Flaming Wok provides genuine Chinese,Thai and continental dishes .Their prawn based dishes are also a common favorite .Their crispy lamb is yet another addition to the oriental express ,though the price may not be as easy on the pocket.The actual variety of dishes based on chicken,mutton,fish and prawn is really praiseworthy.

Though sadly enough the Flaming Wok is no longer functioning at the green park branch,another branch has been inaugurated at the C.R Park,Delhi.There are many other outlets around the city,though the fond memories of this particular branch is unforgettable.A happy addition to the available eateries,though the address is different,yet the tantalizing taste remains just the same.BON APPETTITE!

June 9, 2014
For the love of sea-side food (Alibaug beach)

Having lived 30 km from Alibaug, the glorious Arabian sea became like a second home. A feeling shared by many of the co-habitat of the region, I became fiercely possessive and proud of MY beach. With passing time the focus shifted from building sand castles to the serenity of the place . Lately i realized the serenity has as much to do with the food there as it is with the mildly threatening and soothing sound of the sea. The fact is I have lived away from my house for past 6 years and thinking of the beach is not about the lullaby of the waves, it is more about the heavenly food one has there.

It starts from the journey. We are travelling in direction of Alibaug from Mumbai. we start some 30 odd km before Alibaug. Now every one who has that curious bend of mind ( for food ) and does his research for the journey will know that there is a small shamble of a shack on the route to beach. Its halfway through our journey and what you get here is amazing drink called a s Ice cream soda. The soda -pub ( they do not like this tag) have much more to offer, the ice cream soda is widely popular. The place is legacy, with 3 generation of families enjoying same ambiance and surprisingly same server. the Pineapple juice is exquisite and is a part of the journey. the soda is sure to put a kick in your step and energize you fr the tour. The shack has been steady business through the recession period and is highly popular.

Next we travel to the beach itself and here is the mighty sea which calls you out for a dip You can walk and play . Wade through the sea and go explore the beach which is right into the beach. All this will work up a mighty appetite and the highly unhealthy and highly delicious food right outside is like a soldiers welcome back feast.

Here is the list of all the food one can have. Please appreciate the fact that you are soaking wet at this point and have that happy and hungry look. Now dig in.

Pani-Puri.

Those who live around a beach will know and agree that the beach is the one place where pani-puri tastes just right. It may be the air or the ‘feel’ but when the crisp puris mix with the spicy and sweet-sour juice and the added mixture of chick-pea meet the salty air of ocean the amazement of it is unbeatable. he hands of the maker works magic for they serve faster that you can eat and thus begins the race which ends with you giving up. But the end is surely delicious. Entire family crowds around the server to wait their chance for the delicious treat. The sukhi-puri in the end is a sigh of the expert of the preparation.

Other Chaat.

From ragda pattice to bhel to sev puri the whole scene is one which literally defines the beach. One has to enjoy all this when one gets a chance to visit the place. The spice mixes with sweet to create a different experience.

Dosa

It may seem weird but the beaches of Alibaug are known for their delicious dosa preparation. the line for this particular dish is long and tedious but the treat at the end of it is surely worth it. the tangy taste and the pipping hot dosas mix with the cold feet, courtesy of the wet water, makes for a smiling effect.

Coconut Water.

A must have for the beach goers. Period.

Maggie.

This seems like a stroke of genius for when one has a dip in the sea the tummy demands comfort food and what else other than a pipping bowl of Maggie right on the beach. Alibaug gives you this chance. Go nuts.

Chinese Shanty

For chicken lovers, the food list has to have something and beach seems to be a beautiful place to dig into that tandoori. Here you have delicious little hotel which gets you what you want and lot more. the taste has a distinct Konkani touch and the taste is apt for the place.

Gola (snow cones)

The Kala Khatta is the trade mark of Alibaug beach and is a perfect way to end your beach experience. The sweet and savory taste will baffle your taste buds and leave you asking for a lot lot more. It is no compulsion to have this version alone for the choices are abundant. Play with it and create a tradition your kids would love you for.

Alibaug has much more to offer form the famous mayur bakery to many hotels like Flora, foodies sure get their delight here . the sea foods baskets are a special treat.

June 9, 2014
Moreish Wanderings Part-I: Bengaluru
If you really wish to get-away from the stereotypical venturing of ‘popular’ places and join me in my gastronomic peregrination through an array of exotic spaces hid within the heart of one of the most popular urban destinations, your very own B’lore and discover for the ultimate “experience of the unknown”, then here’s your chance!

Bengaluru, commonly known as Bangalore or B’lore, which is ‘usually’ adorned with various titles of-the Silicon Valley of India, the Garden city, the most sought Cosmopolitan city, and so on, is where we are about to head to, but with a savoury twist! I take you to this journey with a promise of showing you the most enchanting incarnation of Bangolorean cuisine, hid within the pompous razzmatazz of its urban life!

Embroidered over the Deccan plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, it is its capital and already enjoys being exalted at the height of 3,000 feet above the sea-level, the fair weather (only if you can ignore the result of urbanization-Pollution) is thus explained!

Now, too much of talking done, to keep things simple and compact, here’s my awesome list of things you HAVE to visit and eat, to wholly experience Bangolorean essence!
- If you’re the ‘Dessert-Daisy’, your life finds meaning here! The Corner House Ice Cream, Residency Road, with an illustrious past of over 25 years, provides you with a haven of delectable delights starting from the simple Hot Chocolate Fudge, Hot Butterscotch and Chocolate Mint to the supremo Rum N Raisins, Death By Chocolate, Rocky Road, Brown Bomb and many more! Promising 100% dairy products since 1982, once a fun food café transformed to an enchanting ice-cream and sundae parlour now, is where the true illumination of indulgence unravels itself while you’re cascading with enthusiasm at their heavenly delights.
- Levitating through the allée of nostalgia, find yourself at Pecos, near Brigade Road, which seems but somehow stuck in the 1974s,with its classic, dark interiors encased within quaint walls with posters and framed music icons and an impressive collection of retro music playing in the background. A refreshing mithridate to the swathe of pubs in Bangalore, Pecos is a charming classic pub, where you can relax in sweet reveries of the past while ,with pitcher of Kingfisher and a bunch of friends to keep you company, you’re let afloat on an bevvied mist hearkening and humming to Dylan, The Stones, Leonard Cohen and so on. The food, here, is just eruptively delicious, especially the chilli beef and pork sausages, and the tamer chicken wings.
- And now, a legendary place near Lalbagh Botanical gardens, where you simply HAVE to go, once in Bangalore-The Mavalli Tiffin Room(MTR),which is indeed synonymous to Bangalore since 1924. Although you’d have to bear bucket loads of patience to get your seat and then your serving, once the food arrives, you would know, all that exercise was worth it! From filter coffees, early morning breakfasts, lunch thalis, masala dosas, rawa idlis, bisi bele bhaat, kesri bhaat, sweet boondis to honey halwas, badam burfis, chandrahara and what not, you can find here an entire assortment of dishes epitomizing the magnificent Karnataka cuisine.
Also, once done with the scrumptious and unctuous indulgence, do take a healthy stroll around the bushes of the garden to explore the bewitching glass house, a replicated version of the lovely Crystal Palace in London.
- If your urge to experience some more of Karnataka’s traditional moreish decadence is not yet over, hop in to another exalted food destination at Gandhi Bazar Circle, Basavanagudi-The Vidyarthi Bhavan, which is famed to serve Bangalore’s most plump, fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, ghee-lustred Masala dosas. A very pocket-friendly venture (approx. Rs. 150 for two),this place gives you an extra delightful performance of ‘food-circus’ by their super-waiters in dhotis who can be seen juggling with 10-20 plates and serving them with electrifying speed and precision! However, its remains closed at lunch-time, as they staunching regard that their offerings are merely for tiffins and not meals!
- Get ready for a trip to the inception of liquor industry of B’lore, at Dewar’s bar, which is famed to be one of the earliest bars of Bengaluru. This 1920s bar posted on an attenuated lane of Cockburn Road near Benson town, Bangalore, and appears more like a heritage building(than a bar),wooden roofed, with cane furniture and framed pictures of Hindu as well as Christian deities on the walls. The food, here is a special surprise by Richard who is the Kitchen king of this place. A mechanic cum cooking-enthusiasts, he is sure to unleash you senses with his incendiary fried met and offals. Known to be the favourite hang-out spot for Tamil superstar Sivaji Ganesan and the city’s richest and renowned theatre owners, this place with its olde worlde charm, is surely to add another feather to your cap of toothsome adventures!
- An abode of luscious vegetarian food, Halli Mane is one of the most talked about authentic vegetarian restaurants of Bangalore, located in Malleshwaram .Literally the name means “Village Home” (Halli: village; Mane: home) and so does its exteriors and interiors suggest with rangolis and flower decorations at the entrance, tiled roofs, natural brick walls, lofty ceilings and bounteous greenery, everyday seems festive here! It is a MUST-experience for the bona fide Kannadiga cuisine, (such as ragi mudde, akki roti, soppu saaru, malnadu kadabu, obbattuand payasam etc.) born out of the recipes from agrarian Karnataka that are made using traditional cooking methods, from the staples of the state, and served in the most exquisite Karnataka style, on banana leaf which is laid out in an elongated row.
As mentioned before, this place is usually always alighted with the festive mode, as it regularly hosts fests for organic food, festival delicacies and niche community food. However, if you wish for an extra jingle to your trip to Halli Mane, try visiting this place during occasions like Ugadi, Dasara, Ganesha and Deepavali, as your arrival here would be made more special with traditional pujas and serving of delicacies synonymous to the occasion. Established with an intention of bringing together the much fading tradition of elaborate joint family meals, in the generation of nuclear families, through the rich journey of flavoursome delicacies, is an apt place to come with your entire family to bring back the much loved simplistic reveries of the past!
- Weary of all the dosas and idlis and hankering to set your eyes and bite through succulent pieces of meat? Welcome to the Shivaji Military Hotel! Though lingering into any military hotel would’ve done the needful, but an elitist would want the best, and so the BEST it is! Located at the opposite of Banashankari bus stand, Jayanagar, this is a hotspot for all ‘non-veg Romeos’ and ‘biryani-bonkers’. Other finger-licking items include the chicken-legs,chilli chicken,lamb chops and mutton dry. Though this place dons the back-to-school ambience, wooden seats stowed out neatly in an otherwise empty room,where being ‘empty’ and neat is indeed paradoxical, due it the swarming crowd during the peak hours, so do beware! The Chicken Biryani and Chicken starters get served from 8am till 11am, while from 11 till 3pm, Mutton Biryani and Mutton chops rule their world. So on your next trip to Bangalore, do step in to delve into the sapid extravagance of charcoal cooked biryani and smoky meat served traditionally on banana leaf that enhances its flavour furthermore.
- Now, another dwelling awaits you in this ‘Time-travel endeavour’ on St Mark’s Road, that would apparate you to the good old days of Bangalore in the 70s,at Koshy’s. Experience a time wrap once you set afoot within its chambers and forget about pollution, traffic jams, and other products of advancement that followed the IT boom. Mostly crowded, this place brings together all Bangaloreans, from students, theatrewalas, egalitarian assemblage of journalists, to the retired denizens,Lonely Planet tourists and so on, all cramped up within its bustling expanse, where waiters in bandgala coats cruise through the room to the beats of the whirring fans and the clatter of old cutlery!Prem Koshy, the present owner of this three-generation food joint boasts about this place for having fed almost everybody from Pandit Nehru to Queen Elizabeth. This food junction is extremely lively and is the best place to bump in with friends and spend hours over they’re amazing coffee, special appams-and-stew, while chatting away or snooping over conversations.
- Ho, I have something different up my sleeve! Unleash the Pirate within you (if you’re a Pirates of the Caribbean enthusiast) and come aboard to The Bierre Republic, while meandering through the alleyways of the Church Street. From the gigantic antique mirrors at the entrance along with antique wooden beer barrels heaped at the corner to welcome you, the faint lighting, the archaic wall hangings, to the muffled whiff of an old ship, the wooden staircase ushering to what seemed like an open wooden deck of the ship, everything is simply enthralling! And blimey, The unexpected whisk of the open and enclosed interiors of the restaurant cum bar whilst providing an alluring view of the outside, is what defines this place. For special events and parties, they also have a stage-like area and a DJ console. Get settled down with your tankard of grog, I mean beer, while the menu comes to your table in parts. If you love gooey, cheesy and luscious debauchery then the Chicken pizza is your sinfully mate ‘round here. Apart from that, the flavoursome BBQ chicken is a delight. Served with a candle burning underneath its presentation traps the flavour and adds on the smoky edge to it. Frankly, this place, its liquor and food miscellany, along with the extra edge of pirate theme makes it a very attractive endeavour!
- Ok, this one’s the last but not the least, the best way, in my opinion, to have end this odyssey. Not authentically Bangolorean for its food, but the ambience so deserves a thumbs up, of The Rogue Elephant Café. Though (sadly) you might not find, live elephants loitering around your tables, this restaurant, built in a lovely colonial bungalow, opposite Krishna Rao Park in Basavanagudi, provides you a visual treat with its vintage setting-marble top or heavy wood tables coupled with diverse chairs, and colourful net hammocks overlooking a magnificent garden that the house is attached to. With an extremely romantic setting- jackfruit and mango trees sharing the expanse with delightful rainbow-hued flowering bushes and of course the coconut trees, this place epitomizes tranquillity, where you can relax while reading a book, or breathe in the fresh air while watching the world pass by, and experience unperturbed nature, whilst digging into the bowl of ecstatic white chocolate pudding, steaming chicken lasagne, cinnamon roll or mezze platter. They even have little shop ‘round the corner called Ambara that sells all kinds of vintage artifacts, clothes, gardening items, etc. Come here to literally breathe in the laid-back attitude of B’lore, afloating in recollections of your otherwise electrifying trip, or maybe take your time to write a journal!
Though the list of abodes of Bangalorean delectable delights can hardly be abridged within these few names, a larger part of the gastronomic blueprint of Bangalore, stays unperturbed. These top ten places are worth adding to one’s itinerary, however, personal discoveries are always unparalled. So, get on your boots, and Get, Set, Gulp!
June 7, 2014
Street Foods: India’s Epicurean Delight

India is rightfully the hub of multiple cuisines for diverse variety of food that it offers. Apart from the respective local cuisine of every area, the street food here is omnipresent and is the connecting link between northern and southern parts along with eastern and western parts of India.

In almost every part of India, you come across a food shack after every five minutes. Every state has a different signature street food item, but all types of street foods are available and appreciated everywhere. And if metropolitan cities are considered, they truly are mini-India, as you get chole bhature, idli, dhokla, and gol gappe all at the same place. These foods are cheap and tasty and have a unique blend of Indian spices in all food items. Although they may not be as hygienic as 5-star restaurant meals, a good quality street food shack is always a treat to our tummies.

Following is a list of most well- known delicious street foods of India, which are the favorite of Indians and a must-visit for foreigners, especially if they have a taste for chatpata food.

Chole bhature:

Chole bhature is a Punjabi dish but it is very popular in urban cities of India, specially Delhi, where they are commonly eaten in the form of a hearty breakfast. It is one of the most popular street foods in Delhi, and area combination of chole which are the spicy chick peas along with fried fermented bread known as a bhatoora, and it is generally served with buttermilk or lassi.

Vada pao:

It is considered as the domestic version of burger and is the most popular street food of the state of Maharashtra. It consists of deep fried mashed potato patty, sandwiched between two pieces of bread called pav served along with condiments like red or green chutneys and fried green chilies. This is the staple and most loved street food of Maharashtra.

Aloo tikki:

It is a popular chat which originates in North India with variants found throughout the country. It consists of deep fried patty made of boiled potatoes and served with curd, tamarind chutney and spices. It is the most common street food in India and staple street food of Uttar Pradesh, specially Lucknow.

Kachori:

Kachori is one of the most famous street foods of India, especially in Rajasthan. Found in almost every street shop, kachori of Bikaner is the most favorite among the locals. It is a round flattened ball made of fine flour filled with a stuffing of baked mixture of yellow moong dal or urad dal(crushed and washed horse beans), besan(gram flour), black pepper, red chili powder, salt and other spices.

Jalebi/ imarti :

Street food without having a sweet component is incomplete. And for all those who have a sweet tooth, jalebi and imarti are a treat. They are not only one of the most famous. It is made by deep-frying a wheat flour batter in circular, spring like shapes and then soaking those fritters in sugar syrup. They are generally flavored with saffron and served with unsweetened curd. Imarti is closely related to jalebi, it just has a different lentil-flavor batter, and is served with a condensed milk dish called rabri.

Pav bhaji:

It is a spicy street food, again a staple food of Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has now popular inall metropolitan cities of India. Pav is the unflavored bread and bhaji is a Maharashtrian term for a vegetable dish, and is made by mixing and mashing all vegetables together and by adding various spicy spices. It contains vegetables like cauliflower, egg plant, green peas, beans, carrots etc. Blended in a thick potato based gravy. And the dish is served with raw onions and a sprinkle of lime juice. Coriander chutney is also served sometimes along with the dish.

Gol gappe:

The top spot at every street food shack is reserved for the most famous street food of the country, that is, gol gappe. These are round, hollow and crispy puris filled with a mixture of tamarind flavored water and mashed, dried peas, boiled potatoes and chickpeas. The typical and the most famous way of serving gol gappe is to hand them out one by one to the customer, who stuffs entire thing into his/her mouth at once, enjoying its composite flavor.

Samosa:

Samosa is the most ubiquitous fast food found on the streets of India, specially northern India. It is basically a triangle-shaped fritter with a savory filling which is generally a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes and other tangy condiments. The filling may vary from potatoes, lentils, onions and cottage cheese to minced mutton and chicken. It is accompanied with coriander chutney and tamarind chutney.

Although its probable you might end up with a bad stomach if you eat too much of this food, it is often difficult to resist the temptation, as they are found in every nook and corner of the country. So grab a piece of India’s pride and satisfy your taste buds with this sumptuous delight!

June 7, 2014
Chor Bizarre: A treasure house of taste

Sitting on one of the much sought after seats,after a tough fight through reservations made for it,you finally enter the secret coven of lost treasures and looted valuables.With each plate different from that of the other person sitting right next to you ,the cutlery unique,mismatched glasses,and a display case filled with all sorts of “stolen” goods,you have finally found a place at the Chor Bizarre restaurant,M.G Road ,Gurgaon.

This amusing,mismatched decor gives you the complete feel of standing in a chor bazaar .Even the lanterns,tables and chairs here are different from any other furniture in the entire room.Each separate dining area has a different theme to it.From regal looking chairs,to simple bamboo stools,be it a couch that looks like it has been smuggled,to a throne like furniture that seems to be secretly kept away from the “dark” forces of the underworld,yes it is THAT dramatic!

Your plates,cutlery and glasses would continue to give you the same effect,a bone china dish,or a silver platter,or crockery with different designs.What will amaze and amuse you even more is the well polished ,bright green vintage car parked in the middle of the big hall,with a buffet arranged inside it.

Having seen the unique decor that plays pretty much according to its name,now its time to see if the food is that impressive.Do not be astonished if the dishes in which the food arrives are also mismatched,and the food fulfills every expectation when it comes to doing justice to the effort put in to the decor.
Cuisines and dishes from around India,with a varied menu,presenting you with flavours and spices that tingle your tastebuds in the way of the Indian states.
From Punjab to Tamil Nadu,with a commendable variety,you can steal moments of pure savory pleasure.Be it variety ,be it maintaining the subtility of each flavour,light hints of coriander to tangy zing of tomato,the way spices play and mix over your tongue,you are bound to be taken aback with pleasant surprises in each bite.

Coming to the MUST TRY,there is just one dish I would,in fact even the waiters at Chor Bizarre would recommend for the people who prefer non vegetarian is the PALAK RISTA.Soft,tender,well marinated meat balls enveloped in a savory curry of spinach.The most consistent gravy with well cooked and simmered spinach that mingles well with the spices and the meat,is a delectable treat to the palate.
Another scrumptious treat is the Sharabi Kababi tikka masala.cooked in brandy,this dish s set to get you addicted,not because of the brandy but because of its sheer brilliant taste.It then becomes an indispensable part of your favorites.An amazing dish brainstormed by Chor Bizarre, Delhi.The Goshtaba is the rare delicacy straight from Kashmir’s kitchen,and you would not want to miss that out!Finely beaten lamb,flavored in cardamom in a yogurt based gravy ,patiently cooked and simmered on a slow flame.

Yes my vegetarian readers,I haven’t forgotten about you!At Chor Bizarre ,even the regular Dal and sabzi becomes a special treat.Their Dal Chor B’zar has an exceptionally good taste and flavor for our regular lentils.The richness of the cream and the subtle yet defining taste of the tomatoes makes each bite fueled with pleasure for the palate.
Hyderabadi Achari aloo brings you a unique version of potatoes like never before.Tangy,well seasoned aloo in yogurt based gravy plated beautifully contribute to a wow experience from the simplest of ingredients.An all time favorite Paneer also gets a makeover the Chor Bizarre style.Cooked with almonds and khoya ,enveloped in rich cashew nut gravy here is the king of all paneer (cottage cheese)based dishes,the Paneer Badam Pasanda,slices of cottage cheese that will transport you to the land of delectable treats.
The sheer simplicity of food being modified into a yummy dish,still holding its roots to the place from which it is said to belong,Chor Bizarre brings forth the versatile colours and flavors of Indian cuisines.
The ambiance is without a doubt a perfect five out of five,the entire effect of mismatched decor and furniture,art pieces and lamps,plus the vintage car is a show stealer.

The food a perfect mix and match from the various states of India live up to its name and fame of being one of the finest diners in NCR,it has four star on Zomato.
With another branch of Chor Bizarre set up in London,it completely levels up with it when it comes to perfection ,variation,consistency and quality.With various other branches in NCR serving with the same finesse as that of the one in Gurgaon,Chor Bizarre has definitely given very urban touch to all things Desi.
The appeal for food,decor and presentation is undoubtedly commendable and sets new standards for other diners and restaurants that cater n a similar fashion.So join the foodie band of Chor bizarre ,take a ride in the buffet serving vintage car,indulge in the savory and scrumptious food,steal moments of pure bliss for your taste buds.BON APPETITE!

June 5, 2014
Chokhi Dhani: An Experience Like Never Before

The sultry breeze,the golden sand,the earthly smell,the air resonating with warm cordial greetings of “RAAM RAAM SA!”,smiles on each face,the enthusiasm with which each person reflects the undiluted festivity of Jaipur.Each moment spent in CHOKHI DHANI becomes an experience that you shall never forget.A mere peephole to have a glimpse of the rich culture and ways of celebrations Rajasthan harbour s,it is as legendary as it gets!
Entering Chokhi Dhani would at the very first glance mesmerize you followed with an unputdownable sense of perplexity in the form of a question, “From where shall I start?”

Having eventually found a flow to your exploration,the thrill elevates at each step.
The beginning of my magical experience at Chokhi Dhani,in fact began with a magic show.With not even a penny charged,the flamboyant localite magician called out to people,gathering an audience with phrases and slogans matched up on the beats of the dholak.Having gathered a good number of people to witness his miracle he started the show.With each trick that he performed,with each dove that he chanted his Abracadabras upon,I could feel a similar thrill like that of a five year old looking at things in the most awestruck of all manners.The tricks are not of an “international level”,maybe even they can be explained easily by almost anyone,yet what actually is the causer of such childlike thrill is the energy and drama with which the magician,a “master” of “divine powers”,attempts to entertain you,leaving no chance to put an amused smile on that face.

Proceeding on-wards,you may spot a not so big ,hand driven Ferris wheel.Do not by any means underestimate the strength of these young men,they can actually push the Ferris wheel pretty effectively.At a height that enables you a view of the colourful surroundings that envelope you,having a pleasant ride that is fueled with laughter is insured.
For those of you who have never sat on a camel,here is a tip,do not let a panic heart sit behind you!They shall claw the hell out of your waist!And if you yourself tend to be a panic stricken person,then always sit in the front saddle of the camel,you do not want to hurt anyone.The way the desert’s ship topples fist front and then backwards give you the feeling of either toppling on its neck or falling backwards,but holding on to this bumpy ride is what makes it fun.

Cultural dances that compel you to rejoice in the foot tapping sounds of instruments,performers who invite you to join them in their celebration,their colourful ghaghras swinging in an uninterrupted momentum.Welcome to the Chokhi dhani way of living up to the paradigm “Dance as if nobody is looking”.The rhythm is so festive and lively that you just cannot help but dance along merrily.

A grand ride on the elephant gives you the feel of royal lineage,your Highness,the ruler of the kingdom of happiness and smiles galore,your ride through Chokhi Dhani will be unforgettable.
Puppet shows narrating stories of kings and queens,or of star crossed lovers is way of getting you face to face with folktales and theatre.

Your journey is incomplete without a meal at Chokhi Dhani.The sitting arrangement requires one to sit on mats with chowkis placed in front of them,With your shoes placed outside on a rack,you now sit bare feet and legs folded upon the mat.A cheerful waiter with an impressive mustache enters with a woman dressed up in the traditional attire.With plates set to be served upon,two other mustached waiters come with the serving vessels and huge spoons and spatulas.Be prepared because now you will be served with around twenty or more dishes with around three different kinds of chapatis.
Beginning energetically ,you may begin devouring the food,famished from an entire trip around the Chokhi Dhani village.Each ‘sabzi’ has an amazing amalgamation of flavor and spices.Just in case its too spicey for you,a waiter shall always be there to refill your “Kullhad” with water,another one with butter milk.The chapatis crisp and hot,though just the size of your palms are extremely filling.

The Marwadi Khichdi is my all time favorite.With two servings of khichdi,topped with two spoon fulls of desi ghee and four spoon fulls of sugar,this heavily loaded khichdi is the ultimate hunger buster .No amount of requesting and pleading can save you from the heart felt ‘atithi satkaar’ of these people.They shall see to it that you are well fed,so much that they might have to lift you up to help you stand once you are done!In the very middle of the entire meal,you shall find yourself absolutely full.These waiters,with a turban and mustache would further offer you hot and freshly prepared gulab jamuns.Their menu is subject to periodic rotation,yet each meal leaves you with a happy tummy.Simple,filling,rich and finger licking,the food is undoubtedly delectable.The undiluted essence of Rajasthan.
The colours,the live wire like energy coursing through the atmosphere,the undaunted display of cultural richness ,the warm hospitality,all of these are mere tokens of love ,a peephole into the heart of Rajasthan.With the last glimpse of all the shops selling craftwork and souvenirs,a fragile looking old man in a heavy turban,turning a cycle wheel,pretending to fix the spokes near a dim coal fire,smiling through his handful of teeth,mustering all his strength to shout out a final “raam raam sa” as you leave,etching a permanent memory of warmth ,cultural treasure and hospitality like none other in the entire world.This is Chokhi Dhani,a cultural village that lives in its own world ,inviting you with a “Padharo marey Des”,greeting you with a “raam raam sa”.BON VOYAGE,BON APPETTITE.

June 3, 2014
Barbecue the Indian hangout

The west has now twin meaning of Barbecue, it’s to barbecue and to be at one. The sheer tradition that this tiny (not literally!) thing packs in itself is awesome. From sports to backyard parties, Barbecue is a way of life there. The Wild West is set in its way and doesn’t seem to want to change, and rightly so. The untamed east has its versions of the game with the famous tandoor taking the spotlight. However why just confine ourselves to this and stay away from delicious wildness of the barbecue?

The idea seems good enough but is it really so easy? Where would one by a barbecue and top of that how would we convince anyone in our family for this, it seems a strange thing to be asked on our birthdays! But no worries my friend for there is a simpler option where you can just rush into a custom made barbecue just for the armatures like us. This may go to mild for the pros and the nitpicking foodies out there but for the enthusiasts and admirer of the craft this is the place to be. Its Barbecue nation.

The story of this restaurant began in Mumbai and later on spread out to 36 joints in all. It is one of the must try places of Asia, ranks in top 100 in the list. This place is among the 20 must try restaurants of the country. What is it about the lace that in mere 8 years it has loyal fan following who swear by the food and service and are all rearing to barbecue? The idea of over 600 per plate (with taxes) is sure to put off majority of people yet everyone from students to families to corporates swears by it.

To start with the place has unlimited option on the available food. The cooking is a fair mix of American, Mediterranean, Oriental and Indian style of cooking. This typically includes chicken, fish, prawns, crabs preparation for the meat lovers, cottage cheese, pineapple preparations, potatoes etc. prepared uniquely for the veggie lovers. One gets to keep ordering the starters till they wish to eat. The next step is buffet main course with equally diverse and delicious options. The last step is dessert with 5-6 desserts of unlimited count for you. First drink is one the house, this may be iced teas/ slushes or beer, choice is yours!

One of the most obvious attractions here is the live barbecue available for the customers on each table that gives you the opportunity to do the task yourself. The dishes are cooked and given to you with add on flavor to barbecue it with. This adds to the fun and experience of the place and makes it all the more unique.

Festivals:

If food and drinks weren’t enough to keep the crowd busy, Barbecue nation has all the more options to keep the customers loyal.

Grand Trunk road: the dishes complement the iconic path, offering food from the milestone places and it is no doubt a unique palette to experience.

Hakuna Matata: Here the African safari is celebrated with peri-peri chicken and coconut flan and lot more. With complementary hats being given to all. The African safari is a sure shot success.

Merry Madness: this is live troupe singing and dancing to classiest and funkiest music that will make you tap along for no good reason. Life at barbecue is never boring.

Personal input:

After a long day of shopping in heat of Mumbai in May (girls, you know!) we reached the worli Branch (Mumbai) for lunch with happy plans to leave in an hour and get back to the umm work! It was Hakuna Matata festival which meant some waiting. There was African jungle cardboard with pop-in-head for pictures which nicely occupied our time. After the entry and free drinks we were ready to dig in. And we did. I won’t go into all the mouthwatering details but 3 hours later we happily dropped the shopping plans and headed home to catch on some zzz.’s. The place convinced us against shopping and that is something else!

The service is impeccable. The server enquired about the dishes and taste. When a friend commented on the need for more spicy food, the cook was literally called out. The second round of the starters was made spicy for us and it was hot! The servers gave personal attention to the needs, the kind of food preferred and advice on what to try and even how! There were no raised eye brows on the fourth helping of the gateau or the ceaseless picture taking sessions.

Overall this place gives you space, is worth your penny and promises to give you a wonderful memory. The ambience and service separates it from other restaurants thus making it a place for friends or family to chill together with a live barbecue.

Have at it atleast once! The best part is as the bills are fixed on per plate cost, there will be no nasty surprises in the end to spoil your taste.

Cheers!

June 3, 2014
Lavish and Luxurious Hotels – Must visit!

Hotels are for foodies. Really? No! Luxury is also expected from Hotels now and there is no paucity in the lavishness of the grand hotels. Though, they are not afforded by common people, yes, but they do attract everyone and requires a must visit. Hotels are for travelers and tourists. But some people visit places just to experience the hospitality of these hotels. Luxury today has less to do with formality and more to do with customized and personalized service, according to brand executives. Hotel Industry has become huge now-a-days and has been divided into various dimensions. More students are opting for becoming chefs, many going for hotel management courses, culinary arts, patisserie and many more. This is because an inn is something that provides a feel of home even when away from home. Some businessman are so busy that they travel 3 or more countries in a day and which do require homelike comfort and with no doubt these luxury hotels doesn’t lack in it.
After all, Food is something everyone loves and luxury and comfort are a bonus to that. Hotels are located at exotic places, while some in the idle of city, while some are being converted from the palaces of ancient times. Some provide perfect scenic beauty, some are in lap of Himalayas, some are in deserts, some provide outstanding grandeur and there are others who are beside the seaside with all the beauty of nature. The idea of Luxury in hospitality is slowly but steadily evolving from a picture of glamour to an inspiration of comfortable class, and luxury hotel brands have taken notice, modifying their offerings to accommodate a wider group of travelers.
In the presence of so many fascinating and irresistible uber-luxurious hotels and restaurants, who don’t want to be a part of them and experience them atleast once in life. As of current status, gas prices are rising, home sales have sabotaged and stock prices are more uncertain than great adventure’s Kingda Ka roller coaster. The perfect escape? A visit to one of the globe’s most lavish hotels. Whether you are travelling within India or outside India and in search of an innovative inn or a posh place, one of these luxurious lodgings is sure to please.
Marriott International : JW Marriott Hotels & resorts, in the namesake of John Marriott, founder, chairman and CEO of Marriott International is a luxury hotel chain. It has more than 50,000 rooms worldwide in the luxury segment, which for Marriott consists of Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton reserve, JW Marriott, Bulgari and its newest brand, Edition Hotels. All the hotels under this brand have a perfect combination of personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience. it really demands a must visit.!
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. : It is an American hotel and leisure company. Being one of the world’s largest Hotel chains, it owns, operates, franchises and manages hotels, resorts, spas, residences and vacation ownership properties under its nine owned brands ranging from Westin, St. Regis, Sheraton, W, The Luxury Collection etc. It owned, managed or franchised 1,162 properties employing over 171,000 people.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts: The Oberoi Group is a hotel company with its headquarters in Delhi. Oberoi, founded in 1934, owns and operates 30 hotels and three cruisers in five countries under the brand Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Trident Hilton brands. The hotel is very lively, and its restaurants are deservedly popular. It also boasts spectacular view from its upper floors. It is surely a must visit.
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai: It has stunning architecture, making it one of the most photographed in the world. It is built in between the sea. All rooms are luxurious suites spanning two floors with incredible views. Beyond the unique over-the-top amenities like attached heliport and hovering tennis courts, there is a vast array of futuristic dining and nightlife options. Just so irresistible to visit !
The Plaza, New York City: Though the Big Apple has many legendary hotels, The Plaza is often a top choice for visiting VIPs, especially for its Royal Plaza Suite that boasts the best views of Manhattan. The three- bedroom/bathroom suite is styled in the most affluent of old world charm with a formal dining room, a library, a gymnasium, a grand piano, full kitchen (for personal chefs), butler’s pantry, and its serviced by its own private elevator. It is really a Fancy visit.
Taj Hotel, Mumbai: A landmark for every tourist visiting Mumbai, The Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel is also one of the city’s oldest hotels. And, surprisingly, it’s the least expensive. A superior room costs Rs.21,500 and Grande luxury suite costs an affordable 1.7 lakhs. A must-see!
Well- heeled travelers are increasingly faced with more choices than ever, as the hospitality industry continues to expand rapidly with top notch hotels in the world’s most popular destinations for leisure and fun. If you are someone who enjoys creature comforts and standout service when you travel, there are number of hotels to choose from. Some are the highlights are mentioned above.
Be sure to pack your designer luggage for this fun countdown of the world’s most expensive and luxurious hotels. Be Ready to pamper yourself with these fancy hotels.

Happy Travel, Happy Luxury

!

June 3, 2014
BISQUE:THE WIZARD OF DINING AND BAKING

The simmering sound of the sizzler arriving,oozing with a lingering trail of smoky scent and barbecue sauce ,a platter full of continental goodness reaches you loaded with oven fresh bread with butter melting on it,plenty of crispy sauteed vegetables decorated on its sides,pepper and mushroom dip,delectable potato wings and sitting in the center of it all,the maharaja,a thick,well done boneless chicken steak brimming with the choicest of sauces,crisp on the crust,soft and juicy at the core.This continental beauty can be ordered at the Bisque,DLF phase 2,Gurgaon.ATTENTION !ALL THE SIZZLER LOVERS,inhabitants of NCR ! Board the metro,or take a cab,but this sizzler here is worth going the distance!

I am not exaggerating at the sheer enormity of the serving size of this much loved continental cuisine.Your stomach may indicate that you are full,though the taste is so marvelous that you may just not be able to set your fork and knife down!
Not to forget ,there is a special vegetarian sizzler as well.You might be wondering that what possibly could they serve except cottage cheese to do justice to one’s appetite that is strictly anti meat.Well yes,they do serve a Paneer sizzler,but let me tell you,it is as tempting as the chicken version!A pure cuboid of paneer ,doused with sauces and butter,that threatens to melt right in front of your eyes as you cut off the first slice.And the wonders it does to your palate!I know the amount of butter and sauces mentioned here and served there are not a very healthy picture according to many,though here is its solution,the vegetables served alongside each of the sizzlers form a humongous portion and help cut out on the harmful effects of eating such a loaded meal.They effectively counterbalance the calories by adding up on the roughage.Mind you,they do not “ruin”the taste in any manner whatsoever!Unlike the childhood presumptions of regarding beans,brocoli and cauliflower as spoilers of good taste,they are prepared in such a manner that they accentuate the taste to a great deal.
Bisque also has a considerably good menu comprising of amazing varieties of Pastas and salads,giving you the full liberty to pamper yourself the low carb and calorie way.Their salad bar has every possible topping you may require to make your own salad if you wanted to.Refreshing and filling,these salads are served in really good amount to appease your palate without overdoing the taste of the sauces or the veggies.A must try if you look forward to healthy dining that also satisfies your pangs of hunger.

Coming to the pastas,well,the finnese with which each plate of pasta is prepared,bearing its own unique flavour ,completely justifying its name and origin,is absolutely remarkable.

What is really worth the mention,is its doughnuts.Fresh baked,straight out of the oven,beatific and mouthwatering in appearance and titillating to the taste buds.
The Bisque can accommodate at the most fifteen to twenty people at a time in its diner,not so grand,this humble diner has its own warmth and comfort that is much liked by its customers,the food itself a favorite of all those who have ever eaten at bisque.In its ever increasing band of patrons,a major chunk belongs to those people who take a special interest in the bakery items they prepare.Breads of all kinds,be it low fat low calorie,be it garlic and cheese,the Bisque has a vast variety.You name it and they have it.The mouth watering muffins,the ‘melt in your mouth’ bread rolls,soup sticks,cal zones,cookies and what not !They even have expertise in baking cakes on order!

Heavenly doughnuts that cater to all levels of sweet tooth and flavour preferences,this not so big diner never ceases to amaze with its quick service and variant types of edibles and cuisines it has to offer.Adding to its credibility is their ice cream.Rich ,creamy and loaded with flavour,maintaining a pitch perfect balance between the taste and the sweetness.Their sundaes and brownies are a must order after any meal.Tempting as they are,they possess the undiluted goodness of wholesome taste.Irrespective of its capacity for accommodation,it functions with a capability that is set to take you by surprise.With each visit,it has never escaped my eye,that the taste and the balance of flavours,the way each dish and preparation seems to be juggling so efficiently ,has never changed.Persistent and with an amazing consistency,the Bisque takes you on a savory ride. Adding to the society in their own small way,the Bisque gives away all it’s day’s produce to a stranger’s home.no matter how many loaves of bread go untouched and unsold on its shelves,they happily give it all away,charging absolutely nothing.Two men enter with empty bags and sacks,and move out with whatever is left unsold,thanking the manager,leaving with a smile.
Living up to its promise of quality food and great taste,the Bisque duly fulfills the greater humanitarian goal as well.Without a doubt,the prosperity and business is well deserved,the name upheld by the persistent quality of its food ,products and service.
A Must try if you ever happen to visit Gurgaon!BON APPETITE!

May 31, 2014