Goregaon Social, Mumbai

Goregaon Social, Goregaon

I was happy to be here, as always. It's been a while since I have visited a social and my experience in all of them have always been on a positive note. My favorite by far is the Khar Social. I was super excited to bring my friend here who had never been to these place before, but unfortunately the experience ended on a sour note.

The place is designed to imitate a cathedral and is pretty mesmerizing. The service here is as always good. We actually had luggage with us as my friend had just arrived from out of the city and the staff was kind enough to find place and help us with the seating and everything. 

I have always found their breakfast to be of great value for money and the combinations offered. My friend ordered the Big Apple Breakfast and I ordered the Punjabi Dhingra Breakfast. One thing that irked us here was that the food took more than 30 minutes to arrive and we were the only customers at this point so we were really hoping the wait was shorter. This could be because the day had just started as it was 11 am in the morning. But my experience in the other Socials have not been this way so I can't really say. However, all was hunky dory and finally after a long wait our food made it's way to our eagerly awaiting table. 

The Big Apple Breakfast comes with french fries, sausages, toasted bread, jam-butter, blue berry pancakes with a side of maple syrup and eggs however, you want it. I have always loved this platter except for the blue berry pancakes which some how they never get it right. Some times it's undercooked, some times it's bland, some times it's rubbery. This time around it was almost okay except for the parts where the blue berry was where the batter seemed to be not cooked properly. Yet, as far as pancakes go, I would not recommend Social. Everything else? Wonderful! I even love the freshness of their bread which seems to be right out of the over or something. The french fries are always on point, and seems like they are air fried as you can't detect the oiliness anywhere, which is the best part for me. The eggs were sunny side up and perfectly done. For the Punjabi Breakfast I had chosen Paneer Paratha which comes with chhole, achar, curd on the side. Some lassi, chai and a piece of Samosa too. The Paneer Paratha is heavenly and I was trasnported to Amritsar where I had first had a Paneer Paratha with dollops of butter on the side. I appreciated the fact that they used the kala chana for the chhole which added authenticity to the punjabi breakfast combo. The masala chai was a pleasant surprise as I always find in most non-Indian specialty restaurants that the tea is almost bland. Here, it was exactly like the ones you would find in small tea stalls. I had it with the samosa and I was overjoyed. But as always there has to be a down side, what I looked forward to most was the Lassi. However, the lassi was unsweetened and infact looked and felt exactly like the curd they had given on the side, only instead of in the bowl, they had put it in the tumbler. Too thick and set to be called a Lassi. Disappointed there. 

Now comes the part which questions whether I will ever return to this place. I was 75% through my breakfast that I spotted a very very very tiny little cockroach on the table, on the side of the wooden tray they had served breakfast to us on. Upon closer look, it seemed there wasn't just one but two more. They were extremely tiny ones, almost liked they had just hatched but gave me a nightmare and made me lose my appetite there and then because God alone knows where all they were and I don't even want to talk about it because like I said, where all were they. And this a big NO. We even told this to our attendant, and he seemed to have spoken to the manager and I could see them discussing it but as soon as we called for our bill, they seemed to have forgotten about it and let us leave without asking anything on it. We were just eager to pay and leave at this point and seemed like as long as we were ready to pay the bill and leave quietly, didn't bother them either. From this point on, I don't know if I would want to revisit a social, I am always going to be wondering how many more of these roaches are there. 

WHAT WE HAD - Big Apple Breakfast

                           Punjabi Dhingra Breakfast
  

DAMAGES - Rs 900/- (Approx)

WHERE - Goregaon Social. Third Floor, The Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East, Mumbai

Mumbai Vibe, Mumbai

Mumbai Vibe, Bandra

Another tick off the list. I had wanted to visit this place mainly because of it's name, Mumbai Vibe. Like any other Mumbaikar would tell you, Once a Mumbaikar, always a Mumbaikar. If you have made this city your home, no place is good enough. Hence, when a cafe bar opens up and calls itself Mumbai Vibe, you definitely want to check out how much of the Mumbai Vibe does the place make you feel. I was finally here to find out.

One of the things that I find very interesting is the way photographs can manipulate with what you see. No, no bad vibes. But I had assumed the place to be much bigger having a look at the photos than it actually is. It is spread over 2 floors - ground and upper, so it does have space, but vertically so. Also, they have a garden area outside which looks very beautiful. But the start of the rainy season and the heat doesn't make it ideal for the weather and we decided to sit inside as well. If  you like me, enjoy conversation as part of your meal be wise enough to sit down stairs, as here the volume of the music is comparatively low. If you go upstairs, it's more a bar and if that's your scene then your well set. Overall, they can cater to different moods. You will see the walls painted with things that define Mumbai including the the red BEST bus. They even have board games if you want to play. 

The service is something that will bring a smile to your face. Even though the sofas are reserved for groups of 4 or more, and we were 3, upon requesting, they let us sprawl ourselves over them instead of resorting to sitting on high stools on the upper floor or the garden area which was relatively empty. They know their menu well and are ready to customize it to your preferences if required and also recommend dishes which is a big plus from me. I always say this many a times, you don't know what will work for you from the menu and what not. Not everything that looks good may be and every Kitchen has their highly recommended and some not so much. Knowing that and letting your customer be informed can do wonders for your business.

We ordered for the Chicken 65 tarts and butter Garlic Mushroom with Crostini to begin with. We also ordered mock-tails and a green tea for one of the friend (Never, ever order Green Tea at a Restaurant, unless and until they are brewing it themselves. My middle class upbringing shows up in things like these. Why would I pay 200 Rs for a teabag, when I can buy the entire  20 for the same??!! I may be wrong, but I really want restaurants serving tea to brew it rather than provide a tea bag. It is not at all value for money). But my friend never the less went for it. The chicken 65 tarts come in mini tarts and is served on top of a toy truck. Fancy. They are good to look at and are good to eat. The chicken 65 is rather authentic and that's a rarity I have found, because this delicacy is my mommy's special as well. The butter garlic mushroom is creamy and is almost like a thick soup served with crostini or let's just say a version of garlic bread and makes your stomach feel warm and fuzzy. The mock-tails we ordered were had some fancy names paying ode to Mumbai - I think one had a Bandra in it's name and another Mumbai. I can't seem to ever remember mock-tails names. Both of them were refreshing and tangy. Though the second one which I had ordered was a little different from the mock-tails I have had till now. It had a strong flavor of cinnamon in it and drinking it almost felt like you were eating a cinnamon roll. It really grows on you and I almost want it now. For the mains we ordered the Spaghetti Bella Roma and Chicken Makhani Plate with Oven Baked Naan. The Spaghetti was devoid of any sauces, a little like Aglio Olio, and initially I would never like Pasta without sauce it it seems to have grown on me and I almost find the subtle flavors of spaghetti preferable. they are many a times lighter on the stomach and yet flavorful. The Chicken Makhni came with naan and some dal makhni on the side as well. All the 3 are technically my favorite things and even though over all it seemed good, it was too sweet for my palette. Almost like someone had accidentally put a cup of sugar in it. 

Over all my experience was a little above average at the place. Though it's named Mumbai Vibe, I couldn't find myself completely jibing to it. A good place to hang out with your friends but if food is your focal point, then it's nothing extraordinary.

WHAT WE HAD - Butter Garlic Mushroom with Crostini (Yumness)

                           Chicken 65 Tarts (Yumness)

                           Spaghetti Bella Roma (Yumness)

                           Chicken Makhni (Yumness)

                           Mocktail

                           Mocktail

                       Green Tea (Avoid ordering Green Tea unless and until it's freshly brewed)

DAMAGES - Rs 2400/- (Approx)

WHERE - Mumbai Vibe., Ganga Jamuna Block, 14th Road, Linking Road, Bandra West

Chili's Grill & Bar

Chili's Grill & Bar, Powai

This place shall forever hold a special place in my heart. Though I am not going to divulge the reason for this let's just say I have fallen in love with this place. Now a days, I don't seem to get what I want but you will not find me complaining because what I do get instead is infinitely more beautiful, making me one very happy girl. 

I have never been to Chili's before. Well, I have but the one in Bahrain and I am quite proud to say for a change that I don't have to say "but the one in Bahrain does it better" like most international restaurant chains. Even though I have made Mumbai my home and I refuse to go back to my home land, up till now, I keep talking about the food non-stop. But this place retains that charm. I don't know what my companion for the evening would have said but who cares, as long as you are happy!

I was too busy enjoying the evening to even bother with taking a few pictures of the place, so apologies for that. But this is almost like any standard American Diner with a few customizations here and there.

You know another weird thing that has happened to me in the recent past is that I don't feel as hungry as I used to. I have always defined my appetite as a deep well, because I am eating through out the day, but now? I eat a little and I feel like I have eaten so much. And that doesn't make me happy even a wee bit. My relationship with food is the most important one to me. Though, I think that wouldn't make my near and dear ones to be too happy, to put food above them.  So even here, my intake was limited to sharing a Burger meal and an appetizer with my friend and mock-tails on the side. The main item that I had my eyes locked on? I was too full to even try. It was my what the bloody hell moment! Though that makes sure that I will be paying visit again. Especially since, I had fallen in love with the Burger. When my friend had actually placed the order for it, I had made faces, like seriously avocado? That doesn't sound so interesting or appetizing and he had promised me that it ain't so and that that is probably their favorite kind of sauce there is. More faces. AVOCADO??!! Though I guess I had to eat my words because I kept stealing it from him and almost finished half of it. Probably, why I wasn't so hungry after that. One of the best meat I have had and somebody please just get me one now!! Oh, the burger's name? The Guacamole Burger. For dessert we had their special Molten Chocolate Cake which is probably available in all the countries they are present in. Warm gooey chocolate cake topped with cold ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce and when you cut open this mountain of chocolate, more warm chocolate sauce. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings just remembering it.

I am in dire need of some charity in the form of a burger and if you happen to feel charitable, then I wouldn't mind your generosity. You could always try it out for yourself as well, if that's what works for you. You will walk out happy.

WHAT WE HAD - Texas Cheese Fries (Yumness)

                           Guacamole Tenderloin Burger (I WANT ONE NOW!)

                           Molten Chocolate Cake (Warm Fuzzy Feelings)

                             

Note - We also had two mock-tails which I don't remember the name of but to be honest, all mock -tails feel more or less the same to me now.

DAMAGES  - Rs 2500/- Approx

WHERE - Chili's West & South India., 13, Ventura Building, Hiranandani Business Park, Central Avenue Road, Powai, Mumbai

212 - All Day, Mumbai

212 - All Day, Phoenix Market City

There is always a pro and a con to everything. When there is a movie theater so close to your place that you can just leave home 15 minutes prior show time but when you want to eat out post the movie session, everything is so far away and you are left with not many options but to look for places in the mall and frankly, I have never really felt that pull to any of the places here. But 212 has always intrigued me, so I finally was like let's give it a chance, mainly due to the very mixed reviews I have seen on the place. 

One attraction to this place would be the boards games they have on option and which you can opt whilst either enjoying your drink or meal, whichever would be your preference. Mine is food, if you hadn't guessed already and conversations which are like food for the heart. The service is the usual meet, greet and friendly smile, so pretty standard which is good enough.

Since, it was end of the month (Well, as per my company's salary cycle), I decided we should forego the appetizer options and just jump to the mains. I was more than a little confused if I wanted to have a burger or something from the mains.But in the end I decided to go for mains, because if it's a burger, I wanted beef and you can be fined upto Rs 5 Lac Now for having beef (I just had to say it because well, it's kind of ridiculous and has started to make me question, do I really want to stay here??!! Just so you know I LOVE this place but still you know what I mean) and a chicken burger wasn't holding my interest on the day My friend and me, we were both confused over the same thing. However, she chose to have the club sandwich then and I went for the Chicken Zurichoise. I had literally kept my fingers crossed, because I would be so disappointed if it didn't satisfy me. I was looking for some comfort food, something that warms the heart and the soul. Yes, a meal can do that. And you know what? This actually did that. I am completely in love with this dish. The balance of the flavors, the right amount of creamy and cheesy. Almost, like sitting in your blanket while it rains heavily outside. That it the kind of emotions it brought out and I frankly couldn't have enough of it. The Club Sandwich? another story. A club sandwich may seem like one of the easiest things around, layers of just vegetables and whatever you fancy. Yet it can be one of the plainest things if not done right. And if I wanted plain, I could have done it at home? Yes, I could have. (The one things I am good with is breakfast, and I always experiment with my sandwiches on the weekends). So, this was just plain Jane. Also, the fries felt a little stale. They lacked the crispiness of fresh fries and fries are meant to be consumed immediately. It never really is the same. 

If I had to I would give a 4 or the dish I had and a 2 probably for the sandwich and hence, I am actually left a little confused. Maybe you can try your luck. We also ordered for a lemon soda (for me) and a Sangira (Happy Hours) for my friend. 

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Julienne (Heaven)

                           NV Club Sandwich with Bacon (Average)

                           Sangria, Red Wine 

                           Lemon Soda (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500/- Approx

WHERE -  212 All Day., F-97, First Floor,Phoenix Market City, LBS Road, Kurla, Mumbai

N Bar & Grill, Mumbai

N Bar & Grill, Chembur

I had heard so much about this place from my friend, that I had over exaggerated it in my head and hence, I just had to be here. I generally don't go to Chembur much, or rather I never go there. Although, I have heard Chembur is slowly picking up and developing on the hang-outs, eateries and bar scene. Though, it still has miles to go.

The place, itself is pretty well done up. The place is divided in two sections - the bar area with high stools and dim lights. The other a proper dining area with proper dining tables, and soft lights. I had initially wanted to take the dining area, but unfortunately, this was fully occupied. However, the blessing for us was that the bar area was almost empty, which meant less noise. Generally, it's the other way round with loud music playing over your head and screaming over each other to be heard over the music. This was not the case here. The entire place has wooden elements made use of and soft dim yellow lights, which gives the place a pleasing look.

Now here is where my sort of disappointment began. The last my friend had visited, there was a continental menu which had no sign of now. Only Indian & Chinese. I had come here for the Continental cuisine, my friend had raved about their continental fare. The photos looked oh-so-beautiful too and I had been dreaming it up in my head. Also, I really didn't want Indian food. I love Indian food but I had been having too much Indian for some days and I really wanted that change. Alas! I almost thought should we go somewhere else? But it was already late in the night and seeking out another place??!! Plus, we were in Chembur, very few options at this hour. So we made the best of what we could and decided to stick around.

To begin with we ordered some classic french fries, because you can never go wrong with them especially when they are freshly made and the Golden Fried Camembert. The French Fries were crisp and the potato was just the right amount of soft, sprinkled with some spices on top. The problem I had was with the sauce served along side it. It seemed to be a mix of cranberry and imli ki chutney. I honestly, can't say I even understood what it was made of. All I can say is it didn't go well with the fries. This also seems to be their favorite sauce, because it was served along with the camembert as well. At least with the fries, it was served on the side, so you can choose to ignore it, but when sprinkled on top of the Camembert, you just can' ignore it. Now, the other slight issue I had was with the Camembert itself. Though, I don't particularly blame anyone for the dish. It is a type of cheese that is fried and served to you. Sounds delicious right? However, it was just about average. You need to have a developed taste bud for this because it's not like your regular cheese. I have realized I like teh regular cheese much better over all the fancy cheese out there. So that's what happened here, I had it but I would have preferred to not have it. Now here is where the service matters. I would have preferred if the Waiting staff educated us on this little fact. It might not have been recommended by them, but some times if you just share what you know of it, goes a long way. People who work day in and out in the restaurant know best after all! For the main course we had an Andhra Style mutton gravy served with laccha paratha on the side. This dish is more than sufficient for two and was the saving grace. The mutton pieces in abundance and just the right amount of soft and succulent. They give you types of curries, one is mixed with the mutton, is heavy and spicy, the other is more of a curry, light enough and as flavorful as it gets (and would have gone wonderful with rice, I was more in love with this). We had ordered Naans on the side as the laccha paratha wouldn't have been enough and it would have been wiser to order some steamed rice. 

I wouldn't mind going here again, but only if they bring back the continental menu. 

WHAT WE HAD - French Fries (Classic)

                           Golden Fried Camembert (Okay!)

                           Andhra Style Mutton Curry (Yumness)

                           Margarita 

                           Peach Iced Tea (Yum)

DAMAGES - Rs 1600/- (Approx)

WHERE -  N Bar & Grill Near R.K. Studio, Sion-Trombay Road, Chembur, Mumbai

Farzi Cafe, Mumbai

Farzi Cafe, Lower Parel

I have been meaning to pay visit to this place since my trip to Delhi. I had dropped in here "galti se" when in Delhi. In one of expeditions around the city, we were looking for a real cafe where you can have cold coffee and some dessert and not being aware of Farzi back then, we forayed here only to return because turned out it wasn't that cafe. But it had intrigued me even then. It looked pretty happening and when I came back to Mumbai fortunately for me, it opened up here as well. Hip Hip Hurrah. Only the right occasion was the need of the hour and that occasion turned out to be a small Bachelorette and send-away for a dearest friend. Can I also tell you it was one epic girls night??!! 

This is another place where you need to pre-book weeks in advance or it's doubtful if you will get a place. I have learnt my lesson with 145, Kalaghoda and hence I made sure that I atleast inquire 2 weeks prior and even then had to compromise at a table of 7.30 pm. 

The day finally arrived. The ambiance of this place is spectacular, especially where we were seated, almost like you are in the clouds. To clarify, they have a projector playing scenic places on the wall and when we were there, most of the times, there were clouds being projected like you are in the skies which is a nice touch, I wouldn't mind just staying there. 

The service? Par excellence. The only place I have been to where the staff (I don't even want to refer to them as waiting staff which I actually did there. Quite an embarassment :P) are in one word - Charming. I don't even know how to put it in any other words. 

We started off our eating affair with some stuffed cheese kulchas, matar paneer with dosa, Tempura Prawns with nimbu mirch foam and chicken tangdi changezi style. The Kulchas were great but I am forces to compare them to the ones we had at 145. The ones over here are over stuffed with Masala and cheese which makes you after one point feel like you are having just masala cheese. Also, the quantity could have been improved but I have felt that is the case in most of their starters. The tempura prawns were my favorite of the lot and I was if a little besotted with the nimbu mirchi foam (Yes, it makes my instagram look good and I don't understand why so many people now a day have started to take offence to it like that it's just for show. What makes me happy, makes me happy) The chicken changezi tangdi was so good that my recently adopting to non-vegetarain food friend, also was like YUM!! The Matar paneer & dosa? Not much of a match made in heaven. All in all the Veg appetizers didn't live up to our expectations. For the main course, we went for the mutton pepper roast or something like that (really dont remember the name) which comes with malabar parota, Chicken Tikka Masala & Paneer Makhani. In order of preference, even though 2 of my friends are not much mutton savvy, they raved about the gravy, I did too. Class Apart. The Chicken Tikka also gives quite a competition (Also, it is brought to you in a London phone booth and a small presentation, did I say charming??!!) served with naan and the Paneer Makhani though yum pales in comparison to others. One point I would make here again is that the serving of the mains are good enough. However, do increase the serving of the bread along with it. Even though, we were full at this point, we had been again "charmed" into ordering the Bailey's lollipops. I loved these. It's fine molecular gastronomy, if anything.

Also, a small mention to the shot's ordered around the table - Bailey's shots. Never have I ever had alcohol before as my tongue repels it, I could get used to these if they are as good as these bailey's shots! I had also ordered a mock-tail of their Farzi's Special or something and then my friends ordered a second because well it was that GOOD! 

Farzi, nothing but a delight. Eating is an experience in itself. Food in itself is more than satisfying but this place understand the importance of this experience and how it all binds together with the right ambiance, service, presentation and the food itself! 

WHAT WE HAD  - Margarita stuffed Kulchas (Yum)

                            Matar Paneer with Dosa (Alright)

                            Tempura Prawns (Delight)  

                            Chicken Changezi Tangdi (Delighted) 

                            Chicken Tikka Masala (AH-MAZING)

                            Mutton Pepper Roast (Show Stopper!)

                            Paneer Makhani (Yum)

                            Bailey's Lollipop (Yumness Personified)

                            Farzi Special Mocktail (Delight)

DAMAGES - Rs 5500 - 6000 (Approx, for food only, we were 6)

                   Rs 10000/- (incl. of 2 rounds of shots 3-4 beers) 

WHERE -  Farzi Café, Kamala Mills., Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office, Lower Parel, MUMBAI

Salt Water Cafe, Mumbai

SALT WATER CAFE, Churchgate

A friend staying in the vicinity who was paying visit to the city was the reason we stepped in here. Fortunately, I had a meeting on the same day in the area and hence traveling was no trouble. Otherwise on a working day, I feel just too lazy taking that extra effort to travel from one corner of the city to another.

This would have been his last night in the city in his also otherwise short stay and he wanted to ensure that he well can end it on a high note (high on Alcohol ;) ) and I as always look to be high on food, so this was what we zeroed in on. 

I have always admired this place from afar for the times I would have to drop in for meetings but could never pay visit because of the same meetings and well, I like enjoying my meals and this is not a place for a quick bite. So finally the auspicious day when I made it here.

Wood makes up the theme of the place and in that it is classy. It would befall in the fine-dine category. A place where you can have long meaningful conversations. There is music playing in the background but it's not blaring as such, that if you are in the right company and are talking your heart out, you wouldn't even notice it. I didn't. The service is at par with fine dine qualities with the staff asking you how was the food, providing their recommendations and even telling you to try the apple salad which was served along with one of the dishes, which I definitely didn't have. (Not a huge fan of salad, not their fault much)

For the appetizers we had called for the Grilled chicken with Singh's chutney (An Indian Tinge to it) and Prawns calamari (Did I mention I have a thing for prawns?? :P). The grilled chicken came in skewers along with chutney as we like to call it. The chicken in itself was amazing, the sauce served didn't really do it for me at least. Didn't feel like the green pudina chutney, if that was what they were going for. The prawns were huge pieces, which I appreciate (at the price they charge :P). It had subtle flavors, almost like it was grilled, came with a dressing of coriander, lime and ajilo. Beautiful is what it was. They also serve complimentary bread before getting into the appetizers which consists of all types of bread along with butter on the side. Have it only if you will have room for the real food, else this will feel you half up and yes it sort of goes well with most dishes your order. For the main course we had ordered only pan seared salmon, mainly because I was the only one eating (70% of the food including the bread was consumed by moi). My friend believes in having late late lunch. This is my first time having salmon, had always heard a lot on it, but I have never wanted to spend the money on it (priced at 1000 rs for one filet piece in a restaurant is over priced for and also a little not so affordable) I have also been a little wary as I am very picky with seafood except for prawns. However, since my friend said he would finish it off in case I didn't take liking to it, we ordered for it. We had asked for medium rare, however we felt it was well done. The fish tasted good, but your taste buds need to be developed for it. I almost liked it, only for the part where in the end there is a certain bitterness to it. My friend tells me that generally isn't the case which is why I think it was well done. They had given an apple and barley salad on the side, not a fan of either barley or apple, was not my cup of tea. 

I had actually not ordered a heavier main course for two reasons - I had a lot of the complementary bread and I wanted to have cheesecake!! The cheesecake didn't just look pretty, but tasted extremely well too. This one again was on the lighter side. Not as light as the Japanese ones, though I haven't had the privilege to have that yet. Their cheesecake is served warm, with cookie crumbles on the side. 

This place is date night material. Also, if you feel like living it up, order their Manhattan from the cock-tail section. My friend who has gone back to the Gulf, is still missing it. 

WHAT WE HAD - Grilled Chicken (Yumness)

                           Prawns Calamari (Yumness Personifiied)

                           Pan Seared Salmon (First Time and Yum!)

                           Warm Cheese Cake (Heaven on a plate)

                           Iced Tea

                           Manhattan X3 (My friends raves of this)

                           + Complimentary Bread Basked or sack (Yum)

DAMAGES - Rs 6600/- (With Taxes)/ Rs 5400 (Without Taxes)/ Rs 3000- 3500 (Without alcohol)

WHERE -Salt Water Cafe., 82, Nagin Mahal, Veer Nariman Road, Opp. Gaylords, Churchgate, MUMBAI

145 Kalaghoda, Mumbai

145 Kalaghoda, Mumbai

Visit long overdue. This place is always overbooked and it is a task to even do reservations. I have tried twice and finally got lucky when we booked literally 18 days in advance. Yes, you can step in here anytime, they are not going to shun you but it will be a long long wait, something that I am not a big fan of especially when the wait will extend to an hour or even longer. Impromptu plans might not work here as such.

The ambiance of the place is like most other bars/cafes around the city, dimly lit. Only here, tables have singular lights placed above, in case you don't like things to be too dark. Smart thinking there. It especially helps in taking photos. :P I find this a problem in many other lounges/pubs/bars where you really want to take beautiful photos of the food but you just aren't able to because of the lighting. Well, it's technically not their fault. But still you know what I mean.

My first impression of the service was that it was great. The waiting staff is eager to help you with any food suggestions/ queries but as the night progresses and the crowd begins to increase, it gets to be a little difficult to draw their attention towards you. But once you do, they will make sure to help you out and even be a step ahead. An example of it would be of the dessert we had ordered, which was not available but then was made available or he cross checked and got it done. This particular dessert was also a game changer. You will know what I mean. (I talk like there is some big secret reveal. jaanne ke liye dekhiye...!! :P :P)

We ordered stuffed cheese naan, pavbhaji cones and chhota shawarmas. The stuffed cheese naan ranks the highest. melted butter on top, soft and melt in the mouth naan and stuffed melted cheese. It takes you to another level of heaven. The pav bhaji cones had a mixed reaction. We did like it, but the bhaji to bread ratio was higher, so you end up feeling that you are eating more of bhaji and I and the other girls prefer it the other way round. I scooped out the bhaji with spoon and had it first, so when I had finally the cone, it ain't so bad. Also, something feels missing without the lemon being squeezed on the bhaji. The shawarmas come not in a roll but rather with the chicken pieces in a skewer hanging down and min sized pita bread placed at the bottom. The concept as such seems appetizing but you really don't get the true flavors of a shawarma in there. For the main course we called for the Goan Prawn Curry & Noodles with Honey Tofu. The Goan Prawns Curry in taste was good, the serving size in terms of the prawns was hardly! A little stingy there. Also, I wished it had been accompanied with some condiments like raita/papad/pickle/fryums etc. Not all, maybe just one. I mean it's goan prawn curry, it is meant to be served with that way. The Noodles with Honey Tofu is great on the taste buds. We had requested to not make it sweet as such and they had obliged, which is another brownie point on them. The serving size of this is also good. 

The Dessert - Oreo Milkshake. The mighty Oreo milkshake, which I had been looking forward to from quite some time after going through so many pics of this particular item on social networking sites. Imagine my disappointment when they told me this was not available at the moment. My heart broke and it felt like such a waste coming till here. Yes, I had come here to enjoy this one thing specifically. I had wanted to try out other stuff as well, but this was a non-negotiable. But kudos to the waiting staff, who realized our disappointment and came back 10 minutes later with the news that they will make it. Our hearts leapt with joy! Is it everything I imagined it to be? OH YEAH! I think we went ballistic once it was served. A tall glass filled with Oreo shake and with a biscuit placed on top and the magic of whipped cream topped with marshmallows, kitkats, gems, oreos and also Oreos stuck on 4 sides of the glass (one wonders if they use super glue in this part as we just couldn't scrape it off and eat it up :P). This is something that made all our days and we still keep talking about how very awesome this was! 

Reasons to head here? Their menu is inclusive of VAT charges, which makes you very very happy because you know you are not going to be ripped off. Great Ambiance. Cheap Alcohol. There are very few such places left. That answered my question on why this place is always booked. 

WHAT WE HAD - Stuffed cheese naan (Heaven)

                           Pav Bhaji Cones (Yum)

                           Chhota Shawarmas (Yum)

                           Goan prawn Curry (Increase the serving of Prawns, Yum)

                           Noodles with Honey Tofu (Yumness) 

                           145 Mighty Oreo Shake (H.E.A.V.E.N)

                           Peach Iced Tea (Okay)

DAMAGES - Rs 2700/- (Approx, incl of Alcohol) (We were 4)

WHERE -  145 Kala Ghoda., 145, Kalaghoda, Fort, Mumbai

Grandmama's cafe, Mumbai

Grandmama's Cafe, Lower Parel

Another ticked off the wish-list. Happily so. Date with the best friend for the birthday. We had originally decided upon dinner in vicinity (My home) which had to be replaced to a late lunch. Hence, then nearby to the work place and hence, Grandmama's cafe. Not that I was complaining. On the contrary, leaping with joy on the inside because now it would be on my terms. Bua-hahaha

The ambiance of this place is amazing. I will tell you a little secret, I have a soft corner for such places. Like your grandmother's house. Well, at-least if your grand mother was English. :P It reminds you of the kitchen of Julia Child, from what I have seen of the movie, Julie & Julia (You should if you have a thing for food). I would rate them a five on five on this front. Hues of Pastel colors all over, a book shelf. It's all in the details.

The service is above average, below good. You see the waiting staff attempting to be more courteous, interacting and asking after you (feedback on the food), but I would put it down to lacking confidence. Again, I don't blame them for this. I have realized it is tough for them to even do this, having worked closely with one or two restaurants. 

For a long time, my craving for a good meal has not been satisfied. You know that feeling after a meal where your taste buds, your cravings, your stomach are all in sync and agree that this is Bliss. Well, let's just say this desire was fulfilled here. We started off with two starters - Grandmama's meatballs and Gambas Al Ajillo. One word. Foodgasm. The chicken meatballs are exactly how your angrezi grandma would make it and I just could have ordered one more, but we wanted to try other things as well. The Gambas is Prawns fried and floating in garlic, olive oil and a few other condiments.It is good. I am a little obsessed with prawns, it's rarely ever made at home due to my sister's not preferring it much (She does all the cooking, so I can't really complain :P) and hence almost all the time I step out, I have it. For the main course we ordered Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Home Style Grilled Chicken with a side of fries. I am completely in love with the Aglio Olio. A Pasta dish devoid of gravy and me still liking it is a little rare. The flavors are so subtly infused but the moment it touches your tongue, there is a dance happening on it. *sigh*. The Grilled Chicken was a hit with the friend and as it is said. Home style with BBQ sauce on the side, it makes for heavenly combination. I am generally a fan of the crisp on the out, soft on the inside and thickly cut fries. Here, they had thin cut crisp fries. But you know what? I loved it. It's like where were you all my life???!! Also ordered Passion Fruit Iced Tea and Mint Lemonde. The Iced Tea was nice, the mint lemonade had way too much mint, and didn't feel much of a lemonade. Ended the meal with Red Velvet Pastry which was par excellence as well. I was in the mood for cheese cake, I am always in the mood for cheese cake, but this didn't disappoint either. 

Grandmama's cafe for food for the soul. Feed your soul already. That's about it. 

WHAT WE HAD - Grandmama'a meatballs (Heaven on a plate)

                           Gambas Al Ajillo (Yumness Personified)

                           Spaghetti Aglio Olio (Beautiful!)

                           Homestyle Grilled Chicken (Yumness!!)

                           Masala fries (Where have you been all the time??!!)

                           Passion Fruit Iced tea (Yum!)

                           Mint Lemonade (Too much mint)

                           Red Velvet Pastry (Yumness!)

DAMAGES - Rs 2000/- (With Taxes), Rs 1500 (Without Taxes)

WHERE -  Grandmama's Cafe., Next to Gate 4, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Gallops, Mumbai

Well, in one of my friend's words - I now know where I will be giving my retirement party". This place has long been on my list. We have also made plans to head here many a times but they have always had to be reworked. It is the kind of place however I would head for very very special occasions as it tends to burn a hole in your pocket.

The one word that defines this place is royal. We have all seen Titanic, I would assume. Remember the dining halls and ball rooms on the Titanic. This place is well designed along those lines. I even felt a little like "I have come to the wrong place". Well, not wrong place but rather a misfit or an impostor. A little too classy. Not that there is anything wrong with it. It is just I don't generally head to places like these. A suggestion for anyone coming here would be to actually make it here for lunch rather than dinner to really take in the scenic beauty that this place is. I would have, only it is the month of Ramadan and it translates to eating only after sunset.

The service here is par excellence, very attentive. It is funny that way as just for water 3 from the wait staff including the manager (I think!) came asking us if we wish to have regular or mineral. I had at one point dropped the white napkin that they had provided. I didn't even realize that I had dropped it but I was immediately presented with a new one. Something to write about right. The servers were efficient and every time you picked the spoon to serve yourself were immediately by your side (Downside - I couldn't take pictures of the dishes served as well, it just didn't seem I could :( )

The zomato research told us that we just had to, had to order the dori kabab and we indeed did, and with that we also ordered Italian Grilled Chicken. The dori kabab has a thread fit on the outer area of the kebab which you need to remove or else you will be eating the thread as well (I have tried researching why a thread is used and didn't find the answer :/). The kebab is one of the softest juiciest piece of meat I have ever had and by itself is probably the best dish on their menu, they claim it themselves. The one appreciative thing here about the service is they tell you the name of the sauce they serve along side, otherwise I generally never know and always wonder what was that wonderful sauce I had. They had served pesto sauce with the italian grilled chicken. I don't know about Italian, but it was grilled to perfection. For the main course we all ordered different things, I guess the way to go would have been to order the Indian Main Course and not the Continental counterpart. I ordered chicken mexicana, one ordered the Ocean fried fish, the third ordered the Ham & Bacon Lasagna. In order for rating, the Lasagna comes first though I had not tried it for obvious reasons. My friend had rave reviews. The Ocean Fried fish was nothing spectacular, it is your general fish & chips and was good just not extraordinaire. They had served french fries to go with it. Here, I was a little disappointed as the french fries though not bad, it somewhere felt more home-made than the quality it should have been. The Chicken Mexicana was a rather disappointment. I guess it was more to do with the fact that I expected more in terms of taste and quality. This could easily be found in other comparatively cheaper restaurants as well. We had also ordered for garlic and herb rolls and they were FANTASTIC. I think I have a thing for bread, just smear it with butter, herbs, garlic and anything else for that matter and you are good to go. Now, I have kept the best for the last. One of my friends, ordered Keema-Pav. Who orders Keema Pav right? More like why do you want to spend 600 bucks on Keema Pav and I am still indecisive on whether it was worth the money, but it indeed was the best thing on the table. He had then ordered buttered naans to go with it as well 2 pieces of pav is not well, especially with the quantity they give of the keema (Easily serve 3!). The butter naans were heaven. It just melts in your mouth, is that soft.

Also, how can we forget dessert. The dessert that has been written about so many times in so many reviews, the very famous Jalebi Cheesecake. Sounds delicious right?! But it was a tad disappointing to me. The fusion of cheesecake and jalebi is good, I am not saying it isn't. However, the issue I found is that the cheesecake isn't exactly sweet. The reasoning for this is that they give you saffaron syrup to pour on top, which is to add the sweetness factor. Unfortunately, it doesn't do it's job. Just a little of this syrup and it is way too sweet for anyone's tastebuds. Also, the cheese cake on itself would have rated higher if it was just the right amount of sweet.

A classy place. If you have got a special day coming in, this could be your destination, you will not regret. Be prepared to splurge though.

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Dori Kebab (Heaven)

                           Italian Grilled Chiken (Heaven)

                           Ham & Bacon Lasagna (Yumness Personified)

                           Ocean Fried Fish (Yum!)

                           Chicken Mexicana (Okayish!)

                           Keema Pav (Heavenly!)

                           Garlic & Herb Roll (Yumness)

                           Jalebi Cheesecake (Mixed Feelings)

DAMAGES - Rs 6300/- (Approx) (Inclusive of Alcoholic Drinks)

WHERE -  Gallops., Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai