Cinnabon, Mumbai

Cinnabon, R City Mall

Though I am not a huge fan of sweet dishes and stuff, I had had very strong cravings for something sweet for almost 2 weeks. I was first thinking of having some freak shakes from some where and they are everywhere now. Then, decided let's give a shot to something different. Well, not completely different, because I have had Cinnabon before. Not just in India. I think Cinnabon outlets keep opening and closing. My vague memory tells me there was one in Bandra a few years ago, though I am not too sure. Even the one in R City had been closed in between. So whenever I thought of actually visiting (Bandra and then R City), the place would be shut? Does that mean the crowd of Mumbai hasn't really taken to Cinnabon? Well, they should i.e. if they haven't.

I had given a break to the foodie in me after Dubai, rest period, but now I am full fledged back in action. I have eaten 5 times out already in the last 9-10 days, which is every alternate day.

This outlet based in situated in the midst of R City Mall. I love places, like these placed in the middle of Malls, from where you can see everyone rush past, while you stay still. I have mentioned this before. But it had to be said again. It's not exactly a proper outlet or a restaurant but a little take away cum sit-down type place with no defined walls marking territory, a kiosk, if you please. (I really didn't know how else to describe it. ) 

I like my dessert warm, from gulab jamuns to cake that has just been taken out of the over, they taste infinitely better than after being kept in the freezer, except cheese cakes. Cheesecake is Life! So when you order a cinnamon roll from cinnabon, it's presented hot, so it automatically warms you up. I went for the Caramel one while my friend opted for chocolate. I will take caramel over chocolate any day. Even though I don't like things to be overtly sweetened, I strangely love caramel and nothing gets more sweeter than that. The Caramel one had nuts drizzled, with a little cream and generously slathered with caramel. Sweet Heaven. That first bite, even thinking of it now takes me back to that moment. You can't have enough of it. The chocolate one was drizzled with chocolate sauce and was equally lovingly made. Only, like I mentioned, I like my chocolate i bits, and not too much at one time. Very rarely will I go all out with chocolate.

Well, I for one really hope, this outlet doesn't close down any type soon, because whether or not I sit down for it, I will definitely be picking some up time and again.

WHAT WE HAD - Caramel & Nuts (Sweet Heaven)

                          Chocolate (Heaven)

DAMAGES - Rs 300/- 

WHERE -  Cinnabon India,Ground Floor, R City Maill, LBS Marg, Phase 2, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai

Urban Tadka, Mumbai

URBAN TADKA, Ghatkopar

You know what is the USP of places like PopTates and Urban Tadka? (They come from the same chain) Their pricing. They are not as cheap as the dhabas and the local restaurants but the ambiance, service and food they offer, it is as reasonable as reasonable can be. Paisa Vasool in short. 

I was initially vary of going here, because family and even though my family is not traditional by its definitions, they are a little guarded and I still remember my mom's reactions, the last time I had taken her to a place where you see young couples and crowd, her reactions were to laugh at. But, I know she didn't approve or enjoy the experience which makes you realize this city has a shortage of real family type fine dines. Since then I have always avoided stepping in such places with family. Urban Tadka though serves Indian Food, it is supposed to be a place which attracts the young crowd and their music, ambiance, serving alcohol, all might make my family wince. However, I took the risk as my mom or dad were not accompanying us and it was a comparatively younger crowd. (The double life of this Bombay girl might make for an interesting read! :P)

Music improves everything and I am desi at heart, and I would always find myself swaying to Bollywood more than the Hollywood Pop. Listening to the music as we stepped in I knew that the rest of them were okay with it too. Hurrah! The place has an urban Dhaba feel. My fascination for lights makes me admire the chandelier made of bangles placed overhead. If only one could do this in our homes. We can, but imagine the electricity bills if we places so much fancy lights. The bar which is inspired and set like the road side Gola stalls was my nephew's favorite and also mine. Bravo to the interior decorator as restaurants around the city are now even pressurized to offer hatke ambiances, which this place does, yet keeping the Indianess alive. 

You know another thing I have learnt today? It matters how you treat and speak to the waiting staff as well. Courtesy My brother In Law. The waiting staff here were attentive but not intrusive or extra friendly. However, my brother in law made conversation with them, speaking to them in their lingo, pulling their leg even, all in friendly banter. The learning I got here was if you pay a little attention and are a little friendly they will give it 10 folds back.

I love it when I don't have to pay and then I don't even look at prices and I was specifically asked to not look at prices. So Yayy!! We ordered 4 starters - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka, because Paneer Tikka's are a mandatory order as my sister loves Paneer, Tandoori Chicken Lollipop - Tandoori Chicken on a lollipop, like is there anything more perfect??!!, Butter Garlic Prawns ( because Prawns is life), and Butter Chicken Kebab, the name itself triggers emotions. How was it all in reality? Stuff of your dreams. except for the Prawns. A long time ago, I had been to this small restaurant in Goa which served butter garlic fish and four years later, I still have not been able to find that taste anywhere and it still lingers on my tongue, so every time I read butter garlic, I give it a shot. But no, this was not it either. The Lollipop required more meat but otherwise was my favorite on the table. The Paneer Tikka was succulent, not spicy just as my sister prefers it to be. Butter Chicken made into Kebab is what real fusion is all about. For the main course we had Delhiwala Butter Chicken, Punjabi Tadka Murgh with assortment of bread - Roomali Rotis, Naans & Tandoor Roti and some super awesome Zeera Rice ( I tell you Zeera Rice makes everything better!!). The Butter Chicken was on the sweeter side and one of the most authentic versions I have had. The Punjabi Chicken was also standard fare. This place does not do some thing different for each dish. It is serving what it says, Butter Chicken is what Butter Chicken is supposed to be. Naans are soft. Paneer Tikka is well how you would want Paneer Tikka to taste like. This is what their USP lies in, they are not serving you Original things, they did't create anything extra ordinary. They serve you authentic stuff.

You want to down a drink or two with punjabi fare, because even though I have not tried it myself, its been said chicken tikka works best as chakhna when downing a peg or two! Well, you have found your place. Your teetotaler friends wouldn't mind either :D

WHAT WE HAD - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka (Yumness)

                           Tandoori Chicken Lollipop (YUM!)

                           Butter Garlic Prawns (Stick to Indian Fare)

                           Butter Chicken Kebab ( Yumnessss)

                           Punjabi Tadka Murgh (Blissfully Yum)

                           Delhi wala Butter Chicken (Yum!)

                           Butter Roti ( Dil Garden garden ho gaya)

                           Zeera Rice (Yum!)

                           Iced teas & other assorted mocktails (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 3500/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Urban Tadka., 3rd Floor, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W), MUMBAI

TGI FRIDAYS, MUMBAI

Nostalgia is what I feel about this place. During my Post Graduation Days, I think I used to drop in here at least once a month. It had become my "Adda" as they call it. One would think why I would fancy the place when I am a teetotaler. The Food! One of the rare places that serves a mean steak or should I say used to before the unpopular ban of Beef in this wonderful state of ours. But never the less, this is one place that lives up to my expectations when it comes to their food counter as well. 

Our first option for the day was actually Cafe Mocha, which has altogether stopped serving Alcoholic Drinks and even though it did not matter to me, my companion on the day wanted to down a beer or two and TGI's being in the same place, I could not turn it down. It is still the same and has the same vibes as it did then, even more livelier probably because it was still Happy Hours. Its been forever since I have entered a place during Happy Hours. By the time I leave office and reach anywhere, the good hours come to an end and have to pay full price. Actually, it does not matter much because I anyways pay full price as happy hours are mostly designed for those who like to drink. But never the less, Its always nice getting in at the time because of all the buzz you feel around you.

Designed like a Sports Bar in the 70's probably. At least I for one feel like it pays an ode to the 70's. It is done up in hues of red, I am charmed by the color red I guess, it adds an edge I have always felt and most places that are high on my rating list are done up in red including Red Box, The Unites Sports and even TGI's. 

Though you keep having to bring to the attention of the servers that you indeed require service, I would not put down their service. Its quite the contrary, I would say they manage well because there is not a single table that is not already occupied on the weekend and even in these circumstances, as soon as you call out for some one, they ensure that your are attended to without any delay, and if no one is available, the manager himself comes down to your table. So all in all, I have always believed service here to be above par. This is the only place that I have come across where the servers take a round at all the tables just as happy hour is to end, if they would want something else off the offers before the clock strikes 8.30! 

Since it was happy hours, we ordered almost everything off the Happy Hours Menu because hey! who does not like discounts :P So a mocktail for myself at Rs 77 only (cheapest I have had!) and King Fisher Premium for my friend and some starters, all of the happy hours menu which includes 2 plates of chicken pyramid, 1 chicken skewers and 1 Potato canapes. I think we ordered so many starters only because they mostly came at half price. The chicken pyramids are actually what we plainly called chicken samosas, at first when they serves samosas, I was disappointed, I mean you said chicken pyramids, this is cheating but then 1 bite and I was more than happy. So much that another plate was ordered for. The Potato canapes I was not a big fan of, it seemed liked baked spicy potatoes and I would have preferred wedges to it. I have a soft corner for potato wedges. The chicken skewers however were my favorite of them all and a winner, served on sticks, it was mildly spiced and was simply wow! A cross over between Indian and Continental is how I would put it (Also at Rs 77! such a steal, I tell you!) Since we had had a lot of starters, we ordered just one main course, because the one thing that makes me respect the place is that they are not stingy in their servings, probable because its an American outlet and the difference I find between Europe and America is that Americans are generous with their portions, the Europeans not so much ( Please don't beat me up if you think I am wrong :P I just say what I have observed in my experience). Since the menu had not been updated and The Steaks were still on the menu, I for a nano second felt maybe they are one of those rare places that is still serving Beef (as I think they should!) but when we asked, we were told that they don't which led to long faces on our end because if you are a beef-eater, you would know that this places whips up some of the best steaks and burgers in town. But alas! we make did with Sizzling Chicken Mexicali which was not bad but could have been better. I don't know if it was because I had come in with the expectation of steak, but though I enjoyed it, I would not repeat the same the next time I stepped in here. The sizzling cheese and the rice with mexican flavors were like a match made in heaven but the chicken breasts were just a little bit dry. They need to work on that.

The only thing that I really hope they change is their Taxes. Our Billing came upto 1600 Rs originally and all the taxes were around 400 Rs, 25% as taxes??!!You have got to be kinder to your customer.

All in All, chill, take it easy and for the next IPL match, land here simply because it is a good place to do so. The awesome offers on the Happy Hours help quite a lot. 

WHAT WE HAD - 1. Chicken Pyramids (Yum!)

2. Mini Potato Canapes (Not something to write home about!)

3. Spicy Chicken Skewers (Leaves you wanting for more!)

4. Sizzling Chicken Mexicali (Good!) 

5. November Breeze (Mocktail, Okay!)

TIP - Don't order Pastas and Pizzas when you step here, eat what the Americans would and you will not regret it. 

DAMAGES - Rs 2000/- Approx (Including drinks & Vat)

WHERE - Ground Floor, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W) - MUMBAI

SBARRO, MUMBAI

There is not much of a background story to the place except for tired from a shopping spree and stomach's growling with the hunger and the food courts having no place to stand, forget sit, this place looked inviting enough from its on-display menu and mostly because anything would work for us at this point. That's how hungry we were. I have been here just once before, when they had first started up. But I guess since this time I was also going to be writing up about it, I guess I was paying attention.

The place falls somewhere between a fast-food chain and the semi-classic dining according to me. I say so because, even though they serve the food in plastic containers like most fast-food chains, the quality of their food is a notch higher. In fact I would say its much higher on the scale. I know I constantly compare pizzas served to the likes of Pizza Hut, Dominoes, but I guess that's more or less because that's where my addiction for eating out began. 

Since, its a fast-food chain type restaurants are also designed in a similar fashion. I liked the colorful orange-green chairs. I However, didn't really like the lack of privacy where even a 4 table has to be shared with somebody else if the place is crowded and no seats are otherwise available. But I guess that's how the fast-food chain networks run. So I can't really complain about it but it would never the less be appreciated if this was taken care of.

Well, by default, I should tell you about the food, because that is the primary criteria. I should tell you, be prepared to be amazed. Because the pizzas are well, heavenly is to say the least. The pizzas are more New York Style with bi sliced offered as combo meals. So what we ordered was a Pasta+Pizza Meal and a Pizza meal. The dough let me tell you was the highlight because the right pizza? will have the lightest and softest of dough's which is very hard to find. And even the crust had its own flavor so you don't feel like you are eating a plain bread. The Pasta is made right in front of you so its piping hot, and they get the sauces just right. The balance of flavors is what impressed me here. That at the end of it all, you don't feel overwhelmed and you don't feel you have had too much but sets just about right. The highlight is their stuffed pizza which we had obviously ordered and it truly is heavenly. I have had a stuffed pizza for the first time so maybe I am a little but biased towards it but I would like to tell you that you should absolutely try it. Again I would mention balance of the cheese, chicken and pepperoni chicken is impressive. They have desserts included in their combo meals and we had gotten a brownie and a chocolate mousse. I am not a big fan of chocolate and a little bit of it is generally more than enough for me. But, I wiped clean the mousse here. Because it didn't feel overly sweetened but had just the right amount of sweetness to it that I like and hence one of those rare times when I was actually left wanting more.

Well, all-in-all hop in here next time you feel like having some better tasting as well as what real pizzas should be like. 

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Delight Pizza ( Yum's the Word)

                         Pasta (Arabiatta Sauce) ( Yumminess)

                         Chicken Stuffed Pizza ( More is Less)

                         Chocolate Mousse (More is Less)

                         Chocolate Brownie ( Yum's the word)

                         Mirinda (Tastes like Mirinda :P)

                         Pepsi (I love Bebsi!)

DAMAGES - Rs 700 (Approx, we were 2)

WHERE - Sbarro - Maharashtra, next to Food Court, R-City Mall, Ghatkopar, Mumbai

THE UNITED SPORTS BAR & GRILL, MUMBAI

I was a little apprehensive of entering into a sports bar, since, I am not much into watching sports and with the entire FIFA WORLD CUP going on, I was sure the people I was going with would be glued to the screens and I simply can't stand that. If you had to watch tv, sit in your homes, for God sake. Sounds rude but from a non-football fan, what else do you expect. Yes, I am such a girl. :)

But to my relief, we didn't sit anywhere near the screens and since it was noon time, no LIVE matches. whoopeee!! 

I will be honest and say that the main attraction to me was that this place would be a little more economical than anywhere else.On an orindinary day, it will come in the slightly more expensive range, but if you go for the brunch menu, it doesn't burn a hole in you pocket and seemed good enough to me. The reason was I had always wanted to visit the place but sports bar on the expensive side would always make me drop going to the place. But I finally made it.

The place is done up in red and black, which I have got to say complimented my dress well which I was hoping for (:P)! But honestly, I actually quite liked the place, ample and spacious seating, I loved the various clocks displaying timings of differerent countries around the world. They also have a pool table which I had my eyes on but was almost all the time occupied by others, so well, better luck next time.

Talking about the food, whenever I generally hear the word buffet, I think sub-standard quality because of past experiences. When they serve you the a la carte meal, the quality would be fine but the minute they serve the same thing in the buffet something goes amiss. But to my relief and much joy, this place actually has a quality meal. I don't quite remember all the names and plus, they do probably change the buffet items , so would be pointless me telling you about what I had. But I have got to tell you that me, who is a no-greens eating girl, loved even the salads they had put up. Everything was fresh and I could definitely go back here for their buffet menu because it was so so worth it! A live Past counter is also put up with varieties of bread for you to enjoy. The end was just perfect too. even though my friends had got a cheesecake for the celebration, the dessert these people served gave it tough competition. And that is something! Because nothing rates higher to me than cheesecake. Don't ask me what it was but it was heaven - brownies, whipped cream, ice cream and soemthing else and that something else was what brought out the flavors to just another level which I couldn't figure out to what it was.

So on a weekday or a weekend, you want to just chill, enjoy some good company,then head for the brunch menu at this place. I declare myself a FAN! 

WHERE - The United Sports Bar and Grill, Ghatkopar (W)

DAMAGES - Rs 461/- per person (incl. of taxes)

P.S. - Didn't take too many pics this time. so probably couldn't do that much justice to the place as I always want to show the viewer what the place is like a little bit.

THE ROLLING PIN, MUMBAI

After the most lavish and filling meals, its amazing how we still have room for dessert! That is how we reached here, too full from our dinner, but obviously we had to have dessert and this place had always been on my list of places to try out. So here we were. The moment you enter, you feel like you are transported to some sugar factory. The smell in the air is simply AMAZING, owing to the fact that they have an open kitchen behind big glass walls where you can see the chefs at work. If you dint have room for dessert, you will definitely have it now. Look around you, and the sheer variety will simply confuse you because everything looks just so lip-smacking good! I think it took me close to 20 mins to decide what I wanted to have and it made me think, I wish I hadn't had dinner. Because I wouldn't mind making dessert the main course of my dinner.:P

If you are an Oreo fan, you should definitely give a try to their Oreo mousse. I would rate it the star in the things we tried. I love Oreo and I was a little apprehensive of how Oreo can be turned into a mousse. But one bite, and I was floored. Unluckily, my doubtfulness, was a loss to me, as this was ordered by my friend and not me. Hence, I could have only 2-3 spoons for it. Yes, the rest of the stuff was equally good too, but, I am a little biased because of my Oreo Love. The only thing, you should probably avoid is the macaroons. Actually, not probably. You definitely should give it a miss. It didn't feel anything like macaroons to me and I was very excited to have them as I had ordered caramel and I looouve caramels. You can't go wrong with caramel.

The bonus points to this place is that everything served here is pure vegetarian. Egg-less. The people who do eat eggs, will not miss the taste, as you wouldn't find any difference and the vegetarians can enter here and not be choosy with what they should go for.

WHERE - The Rolling Pin, Ground Floor, Court Yard Area, R - City Mall

What We Had - Gianduja Mousse ( aah! Heaven! )

                       Oreo Mousse ( 7th Level of Heaven !)

                       Strawberry Mousse ( Heavenly! )

                       Caramel Macaroon ( Avoid! )

Damages - Around 500 Rs.

 — with The Rolling Pin.

FIVE FAT MONKS, MUMBAI

Well , the first thing that had attracted me was the Name. Different, isn't it? and quite quriky at that. The name and then the concept of eating out of the take out boxes was what brought me to this place. I had always seen in a lot of hollywood movies since childhood, where every one would eat out of these boxes, and for some reason I always wanted to experience it. It always looked so cool, twisting your chopsticks in position and taking noodles out of the box and savoring it in your mouth. So other worldly. Even though I grew up and now I dont generally opt for take outs, I love the dining in experience. But I guess, eating out of a box idea stayed with me and hence the minute I saw this place, I just couldn't contain my excitement (Yayyy! I finally get to eat out of the box types!!!)

One of the things that I liked most about this place is how the server as soon as you enter and are seated, presents you with this sheet where the menu is printed, and all you need to do is to tick your choices. This adds to the experience as I believe that offering the customer something novel even if it is simple, always win brownie points and this place does it exactly for me. They also have " a make your own" option available where you can customize your order into exactly how you like your meal ( which sauce? which vegtable? what garnishes? etc) I think most who come in here, opt for this as once again, you can have it exactly how you like it. Brownie Points Again. 

The food was yum! and exactly how each of us liked it. What can be better than that?!! The only down side was the dumplings, which seemed sort of plain in comparison to the ones we have had before. 

Overall, the experience left us feeling fat but satisfied. If only, they had more outlets so that one could order in. Because as my friend put it "eating out of a box in your PJs is the ultimate experience" (I probably still havn't gotten over it :P)

What We Had - Chicken Momos
                       Rice (Sapo Sauce)
                       Noodles (sweet & Sour)
                       Noodles (Hunan)

Where - Court Yard Area, R- City Mall, Ghatkopar

Damages - Our bill came Rs 1275 ( For 3)

 — at Five Fat Monks