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

Loaded, Mumbai

LOADED - The Dessert Bistro, Bandra

My week days are full of cravings for food (not that I don't eat!) and my weekends are so full of finger licking food, Friday through Sunday, that all I can think of is khichdi, dal-chawal on a Monday. Note, I said Monday because by Tuesday I am back craving for some Chicken Tikka, some Cheese cake, some Chinese and some Italian. Basically Everything! But even that Dal Chawal on a Monday is devoured so lovingly by me that my colleagues generally tell me, it looks like you are having Chicken Tikka Biryani Instead (Current Craving - Chicken Tikka Biryani, if you were wondering!). So last week's major cravings were for some red velvet crepes. There is so much red-velvet everywhere now that it isn't all that difficult finding a place that fulfills this particular desire of mine.

The Dessert Bistro is so small and hidden away, that unless and until you did indeed know of this place and had done some search in advance, you would probably not see it as you pass by. Or, you get lost an wound up here. Or maybe both. The place is as tiny as small bedroom in 1BHK flat. Four tables with a seating capacity of 12 people at one time. They have tried to make the place more welcoming, but the bright mango yellow is just a little too bright for my taste. Otherwise there is nothing much to write about, minimal and simple is what it is. The place is clean, tidy and hygienic is what pops to my mind. It is not a cafe and not a restaurant. It truly does look like a pop-up restaurant, where one part of your home has been reinvented into a restaurant.

The service is prompt, there is no going out of the way and all of that. Also, I guess it is not needed. It functions like a fast food restaurant where in you place your order, it is delivered in 5-10 minutes, eat and leave. That's how the place works from and if that is the case then they are doing well. However, if they are looking to really be a "dessert bistro" then there is a lot of catching up to do, but then for that to happen, they will need to rework their entire set up from what it is currently. I don't see that happening but I would love to be proved wrong. I would definitely not mind being proved wrong, especially since there are restaurants which are as small as this one and yet their hospitality is at another level (Read Twistie's in Thane, Imbiss in Bandra & Villa Vandre).

Now here, where it truly matters I would give them high points. The desserts which you come here for. Their menu is one of the most extensive and the wonderful combinations leave you boggled. You want to have this and you also want to have that and then what about that! I was intent on having the red velvet crepes since that was why I had stepped in here, but even then reading it all, I almost changed my order. Almost. I decided to stick with the red velvet, else, I know I would go home and want them again. A good thing too. I love crepes and I love red velvet and the combination is just made for each other. It would be difficult to go back to other sweet crepes after this one. Also, it might not look filling, but it definitely is. The red velvet crepes is filled with chocolate brownie and topped with condensed milk and white chocolate shaving, also served with ice cream. If it wern't for the brownie it would not have been that heavy. A fun idea - I would like some one to serve cheese cake instead of brownie, I believe it would make a wonderful combination and also raise the flavors by a notch. My sister, who accompanied me to this place because sweet is to her what honey is to bee went for their White Chocolate & Brownie Sandwich. Another heavenly treat. Butter, Brownie, white chocolate ganache and frankly after the first bite you are so lost - All you keep repeating is - "Hmmm...Yumm.." and other noises which would make strangers look to you with a raised eyebrow wondering what the hell is happening here. But then You and I know, if a food is able to stir those feelings in you, you don't need anything or anyone else ;) :P

Will I be back here? Yeh bhi koi poochne ki baat hai. MOST DEFINITELY. Pick it up on your way home, get it home delivered or just grab a bite here while passing through, you will want to come back!!

WHAT WE HAD - Red Velvet Crepe (OH-MY-GOD-YUM!)

                        White Chocolate & Brownie Sandwich (OH-MY-GOODNESS YUM)

DAMAGES - Rs 350/- (Approx) Tax Free!!

WHERE -  Loaded - The Dessert Bistro., Shop 2, Ground Floor, Pankaj CHS Ltd, Plot 21/D, Nr. Ambedkar Statue, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Khar (W), MUMBAI

Hungry Head, Mumbai

HUNGRY HEAD, Powai

Is there anyone who can say that they do not in fact like Maggi??!! I am going to assume a No. You would have to be out of your mind to say so. Especially if you are an Indian. We Indians love our Maggi and HOW! Half the nation was in mourning on the ban of Maggi. They took away our life line. I am going into overdrive here but I am driving the point home. :D Well, let me tell you something, I am not crazy about Maggi. Well, at least not the brand Maggi. I love instant noodles, but I wouldn't mind a sunfeast Yippee. Infact, many a times I prefer it over Maggi. So you might not like Maggi but you have to like Instant Noodles. It is after all our savior from hunger. This place right here specializes in Maggi and my love for instant noodles made me enter it into my bucket list. 

This place had been more or less overlooked by me. I do that a lot, I realize but now I have started doing my research. This little place is hidden in the bylanes of powai and shares space with few other outlets, which I have been to before, for a quick bite. The only place I missed was this. It's in the Hakone Centre where Go-Karting etc takes place. (It Still does, right??!!). I don't think there is much to say on interiors, ambiance as it does not really fall into that category and is more of a Food-Court kind of an area.

I have to however say kudos to the owner, who sits and takes down the orders himself as is a humble being. I actually asked him "How good is your Cold Coffee?" I had clearly stated that you might say that it is good, as you own the place, but I don't want to regret ordering it. He laughed and honestly said that I wouldn't compare it to other outlets but we do a good job on the cold coffee and you would enjoy it. Now, that kind of candidness is rare and he was indeed right, By far, one of the best I have had. The balance between the sweetness and the slight bitterness that coffee holds was spot on! It was coffee served cold but there was magic in there. I have had cold coffee after a really long time and this one made me want to have one more (If only I wasn't already full as this was ordered after we finished up with our food!)

We ordered for a Barbecue Maggi, Paneer Makhani Bloom Bread and Salsa Mayo French Fries with Peach and Lemon Iced Tea. Even though I was the one who had ordered the Lemon one, I have a fondness for Peach flavor and stole it from my friend. :D Let's dissecting with the Paneer Makhana Bloom Bread. This looks more appetizing by it's looks than when you actually take a bite. I had for some reason assumed it would have some filling of maggi infused, since everything in this place does. Even if it didn't, the bread didn't really soak the flavors of the Paneer Makhani and simply felt like fancy bread served with Gravy, only the gravy itself didn't really have the essence of Paneer Makhani. Average, is what I would say and also wish I had rather ordered the Magburgs, which my friend wanted to. The Barbecue Maggi? Well, I can say now, I understand why it has such a high rating on Zomato. It is Maggi but it's just not Maggi!! It's spicy, it's saucy, it has gravy, it has all these fancy veggies. It is how I always wished I could make Maggi, and how it looks in those maggi ads (They can't be made in Two Minutes!!), only it is much better. I am most definitely waiting to try out more from their Maggi range! French Fries, I think I am past that stage where I can comment on fries, it's like a default order whenever I step out, something seems incomplete without it. The Salsa Mayo was Yum and I wish I could pack and take it home and use it as a dip with everything I can find. The Iced Tea? Perfectly brewed! Thirst Quencher. Barring the blooming bread, I am waiting to go back.

WHAT WE HAD - Barbecue Maggi (Yumness!)

                           Paneer Makhani Blooming Bread (Okay!)

                           Salsa Mayo Fries (Yum!)

                           Lemon Iced Tea (Refreshing!)

                           Peach Iced Tea (Refreshing!)

                           Cold Coffee With Ice Cream (Yumness)

DAMAGES - Rs 600/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Hungry Head,1, Hakone, Behind Powai Plaza, Powai, Mumbai

Howra, Mumbai

HOWRA, Worli

Have you watched the movie called, "Ek Chaalis ki Last Local" starring Abhay Deol. Do you remember the dialogue from it, "Woh kehte hain na jo hota hai acche ke liye hota hai, sahi kehte hain" Well, the dialogue was fairly famous even before the movie's release, passed down from generations. The dialogue delivery and the context in this movie, had given it much more leverage and you could hear every one around trying to imitate it. Why am I making reference to this dialogue? I would like to change it just slightly - "Woh kehte hain na, kuch bhi deep fry kar lo, accha hi lagta hai, sahi kehte hain". Actually, sirf accha nahi lagta hai, bahut accha lagta hai, bahut bahut accha lagta hai." Still don't get it? Read on!

This was a place that has been on my list for a long time, for their epic burgers, at least it claims so and vouched by the many reviewers. Always in the look out for burger places, I couldn't help but visit this place. The only problem being, the location which is in Breach Candy and this is one area I have never really set foot in as it is far-far from where I stay, even if I hire a cab. I should give a special mention to my friends who have their vehicles and handle my tantrum by driving me to such places, I shall always be obliged to you even though I don't say it. :D 

The place reminded me of a barn in a certain way, and looks interesting. But there was one small disappointment, that the place has 3-4 outlets jammed in together with a common seating area giving it the feel of a mini-food court. I had expected it to be a place dedicated only to burgers. My friend, seeing the other options went you have the burger, I will try some thing else, which left me in a dilemma. It defeats the purpose. After all, how do you expect me to judge a place by just trying out 1 little burger. So after much cajoling, I convinced him to have the burger (I do get my way :P) 

So from their wide range of burgers, we ordered for the Sheesh Taouk and Surf-N-Turf. I know, I know we should have ordered their legendary Burgers under the Titan Selection, but it was something I knew that at least on this day, I will not be able to finish, as I had had a heavy lunch, even though I knew better. Where as I had opted for the cheesy fries, my friend went for the regular. This might have been the first time in history, that I have to say, I wish I had gone without the cheese. I liked them, but some where I felt the flavors of cheese has over taken the fries, and I couldn't enjoy the fries completely. I could cheese on its own, but if I am ordering fries, the fries should also have a distinct taste, which was lost here. For the burgers, I did enjoy the burgers, but not as much as I had hoped. This could be owing to the fact that I had had a heavy lunch or it could be because there is this small place called Between Breads in Bandra which has left such a lasting impression on me that I by default make comparison. (Check out the review in this same album!). What I have said is true more for the Sheesh Taouk than the surf-n-turf. The surf n turn consisting of a lamb and fish patty, were almost on point and didn't disappoint. (Maybe I had just opted wrong?!). We had also ordered for a BBQ Chicken Craver, which is a small sandwich consisting of well BBQ Chicken, here I think I felt satisfied the most, but I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that this is only for Rs 80!! So a quick fix and great on the taste buds (I believe how you price your items also has a role to play when some one orders from your place, because the expectations change with it). 

I still haven't made reference to the small dialogue that I had mentioned in the beginning of this post. You know what had really pulled me to this place?? Like really really? Oreos. Deep Fried Oreos. I am obsessed with Oreos. So Imagine when I read Deep Fried Oreos. Do you see the big heaves coming from my chest, I need deep fried oreos! I need deep fried Oreos. DEEP FRICKIN' FRIED OREOS!! And what had I said before? "Anything deep fried is by the rule, always good". So Imagine, when you are presented with Oreos, the deep fried way??!! Beyond Bliss. I almost, or maybe actually did forget cheese-cake for a minute. I never forget cheese-cake, never. like literally NEVER. Have I made that clear enough??!! I guess, I have. :P 

The point is they have a wide range of burgers, all you need to do is choose well. If you happen to have an appetite, go for their Titans. But by default, without putting any thought to it, order the deep fried oreos and come back and tell me Thank You and to express your gratitude, send some my way! :P

WHAT WE HAD - BBQ Chicken Craver (Yum)

                           Sheesh Taouk Burger (Okay!)

                           Surf 'N' Turf Burger (Yum and yum!)

                           Deep Fried Oreos (Taking Foodgasm to another level!)

DAMAGES - Rs 1000/- (Approx)

WHERE - Howra. Mafco Warden Road, Next to IOC Petrol Pump, Breach Candy, Mumbai

Twistie's wraps, Mumbai

TWISTIE'S WRAPS, Thane

Some places literally just take your breath away. Well, not the place per se but the food. This is one of those rare places, probably so because the prices are very very nominal. I had been meaning to head here for a while, since I work in close vicnity, but never got around to it. The sad part? I finally headed here but just about when I was quitting my job. (I am on a staycation at the moment and loving every bit of it! What's a staycation? Stay at Home Vacation!) My biggest regret? I wish I had come here sooner. I say so because, in less than 10 days, I have been here twice. Now, that is as rare as it gets. Being a reviewer-of-sorts, and at the same time wanting to go back to places becomes quite a task. Should I go back to a particular place? or try out a new place and the never ending list that I have. 

The place is very small with a seating capacity of around 12 people at a time, which is quite less, and I hope they expand in the near future. I think it could become the next hang-out place for large group of college kids who are always short on money, yet looking out for lip-smacking yumminess. (Been There! Done That! :P) What creates a warmth in your hearts for this place is the owner, who needs a special mention who takes extra care to ask each customer if there is any comments, reviews they would like to give. Even though this has become quite common today, you either improvise or you shut shop. There are very few places that you see taking this up seriously. It could be because this is yet a small joint, but I hope it doesn't lose this touch in the future when I hope they will be having several outlets around Mumbai (Target Kurla or Lower Parel next? So that I can pay visit. :P) 

I had initially thought that I would pay visit to the place once more to try out a full range of the items served, so that I have better perspective. However, I just couldn't resist. The first time I had been here was o with my colleague cum friend for an in-between meal after office but before dinner kind of thing. Hence, we ordered just 1 wrap and a Pasta. Now, I wish I had ordered more. The second time was a repeat order for the Pasta, but to-go for my younger sibling because I had been raving about it to her, and well it comes at a nominal price, so she wanted to try it out. The wrap we had ordered the first time was the Teriyaki Chicken Wrap. I am not a huge fan of wraps, nor of frankies, and other rolls, except for the legendary Shawarma (Why do second best when you can have a Shawarma!) but here, I have got to say, I really, enjoyed the wrap, it was not over-loaded with sauces as is generally found in most places in this city, even Shawarma has an Indian touch at most places and I like my roll/wrap to be a little dry where in you can actually brings out the flavors of the rest of the ingredients in the wrap, otherwise wouldn't I just have a sauce laden bread?!!. I have got to say, these guys nailed it! Maybe this was because we had ordered the Teriyaki, which is pan-fried, japanese style but then all the more reason to applaud them for keeping the authenticity intact. Now, lets talk about the Pasta. I love Pasta, I have had pasta from so many different places in so many flavors, but my top favorite remains from the middle-east, my home-land, Vanelli's Pasta. (*sigh* How I miss you!), close second comes from Red Box in Mumbai, and the other very close second, an almost tie would be the Chicken Alfredo from Twistie's. I had forgotten that Alfredo was my favorite sauce which was never really done right in this city that I have grown to love. I had quite literally forgotten that, till this place reminded me of how I could probably write love duets on Alfredo Sauce, you can give me the entire bucket of this sauce minus the pasta and other vegetables, and I would consider life fulfilled. All, I could think of was Thank you, thank you for rekindling the love that I felt towards Alfredo. Thank you for making it the way it is supposed to be and not almost Alfredo, some thing seems to be missing kind. 

My sister, who is even more choosier in the food category, and still says that nothing is as good as the places back home, also was floored by the Pasta. My cousin, who loves the traditional chicken curry and pulav and does not understand the craze behind burgers and pizzas, couldn't have enough of it either. You won't too. So drop in to Thane, you must, for their amazing range of wraps, pastas and more, else, you will regret the day you actually do! Listen to your growling stomachs already! :D :D

WHAT WE HAD - Teriyaki Chicken Wrap (Perfection)

                           Alfredo Chicken Pasta (Beyond Perfection)

DAMAGES - Rs 200/- (Approx) (Do you need more reason??!!)

WHERE - Twistie's Wraps 2, Gagangiri, Panch Pakhadi, Thane (w), MUMBAI

Kyani & Co, Mumbai

KYANI & CO., Fort

Where was this place when I lived just 15 minutes walking from the restaurant?!! Well, the restaurant was right there, has been right there since time immemorial. No, seriously, it has been there for 100 years or more I believe. So the real question is, where was I??? Sleeping apparently. The foodie in me was very restricted and didn't really know where to go, so my options were limited, access to internet has changed that. So Thank you Internet and Google. So now that I finally made it here, all I can say is why did it take me so many years to find this place? Especially since the place is nothing short of a legend and a legacy. Are the two the same thing? I will have to google. 

The place is located in between CST and Crawford Market, and is easy to find because who hasn't heard of Kyani and Co. Except for me, obviously. The minute you step in, you will be a transported to a different era. you can literally feel the pre-independence vibes in the place. Pre-independence does not mean the patriotism or the "Go-back Simon" phase. It reeks of nostalgia, like visiting your grandparents in the summer and hearing them tell you stories of the their younger days. I am sure my nana-ji must have been here on several occasions himself. He has traveled the world from GCC to Japan to many other places. The place also has a no-nonsense vibe where in you won't find waiters going out of their way to create comfort, this is there on the menu, this is not- you like it, you order, you don't, move on. You will also literally see some of the cooks in their dhotis on a break which was such a LOL to me, where else can you see that??! 

We started off by ordering Chicken Farcha Meal which included Chicken Farcha + Chicken Sausage + French Fries + Baked Beans. Everything on the plate was good except for the Chicken Farcha. I know it is an authentic Parsi dish, but I just couldn't eat it. Infact I didn't, the flavor just didn't sit with me. Neither did it, with my friend. We didn't end up eating it infact. I don't know if it was just here, or I don't have the stomach for the cuisine. I am guessing though, it is just for the chicken Farcha. Next time, I would do a proper research on the cuisine and then give it a try. Besides this we had ordered Kheema Bhurjee and 1 of this needs 8 pieces of Pav to finish it. The Kheema was good, really good and completely worth it for just 60 bucks! Its beyond paisa vasool. Well, this place is known for its bun-maska and chai, and hence, I had to have it. I was actually wondering how Good can bun-maska be? I mean its bun and maska. How very wrong I was. The minute I had the first bite, I knew that no matter how many times I would have had this particular Bun-Maska, there will not come a day when I would be bored of it, I don't know how and what they do with it, but it is worth dying for! Yes, very much so. Have you seen the Five Star - Kho jao Ad? Their Bun- Maska can replace the Five Star in the Ad. Dipped in their Chai, it takes it another level altogether. I also had their Bread Pudding, which again is something I have been craving ever since. I mean it is the not just the cheapest pudding I have had (15 Rs!!!) but also the best. No seriously, it makes me question how do they even afford it. If they had made me may 100 rs for it, I would still have gladly done so, and in this price I can have 6 pieces of it. Its like reverse-rip off, as in we are ripping them off!! :P

Most of you must have already paid a visit to this place and may even be a regular here, even if it is to pick something along the way. This is one of those places that you should bring your friends along on when they are here to sight-see and explore Bombay. In short - SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! 

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Farcha Meal ( Excellent without the Farcha!)

                           Kheema Bhurjee (Yum!)

                           Bun Maska with Chai (Where have you been all my life?!!)

                           Bread Pudding (Yumminess)

                           Chocolate Milkshake (Yum!)

DAMAGES - Rs 250/- Approx

WHERE - JSS Road, Jer Mahal Estate, Opp. Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai

Hunger Pangs, Mumbai

HUNGER PANGS

Did you know Breach Candy is in Worli? I didn't and I claim to resident of Bombay for the last five years, it was only on a saturday evening when I checked out the location of a restairant we were headed to that I realized Breach Candy is in Worli and not Bandra as I had assumed. Thank God, though I did a location search before leaving home or else my sister would have had a quite a fit. She is particular like that. I am too but not as much as her. As it was already 9.30 PM, didn't make sense to go all the way to Worli and the Cab Cost, that we decided lets just head somewhere in Bandra itself. Why is it exactly when you are looking for something, you do-not find it. In general, I can think of many places to go, many places to try out, but at the nth hour, I am just not able to find anything. 

Hunger Pangs though not in my bucket list, was a place I did intend to visit at some point as the reviews of the place on an average are good and they are well-known for their burgers. There are quite a no. of places that have sprung up in the neighborhood claiming to serve good burgers. This is one of them. Since, the initial place we were to visit were for the burgers, the mood was for burgers, and Hunger Pangs being the nearest, was locked as the destination for the evening. Located at Hill Road, the place is easy to locate. The ambiance is of a local restaurant and nothing fancy as such. Since the Counter is located right in front of you, the one thing that can be appreciated is the cleanliness in the places. Places that use a lot of white on its wall and decor have a risk of looking not-so-tidy after a while. This place however can win sponsorship from Tide (White ho Toh Tide Ho..!!) and other such paints, and cleansing agents which boast of looking chakachak (spick and span).

The one thing that I can say about the service is that the manager/owner who ever is handling the restaurant, seem very very confused. It took us 15 minutes to order, once we were seated, not just because we were deciding upon what should we be ordering. Also, because they made us even more confused. My sister was the only one who had decided right at the beginning that she is taking the Beef Burger (Lift the Beef Ban already! I don't eat pork, but that does not mean I will stop everyone around me to not eat as well. So much for democracy! :/). I was confused between having a pasta, burger or the or the Stroganoff. In the end, I ordered the Burger, because well, I would regret it if I tried something else. So one Big Cheese Burger in Beef and one in Chicken Patty for me and my sister, and the only guy on the table went for Pasta - Spicy Sausage Pasta. Starting off with the Burgers, the patties had on its own is amazing. No, seriously. It is grilled or fired (whatever method they choose!) to perfection, and you can tell that it was cooked just about right, not a little less, nor a little more. The Bread used? In my friend's words, the one amazing thing about the buns is that it does not break-down. In many of the best places, you find that the bun is the type that starts breaking down after the first bite itself, and it becomes very messy as a result. That did not happen here. These were the positive points. The negative? There was something missing. The cheese was there, the burger was there, but still it felt amiss. It was not event he fact that they initially forgot to add extra-extra cheese as they have claimed in the description and even the fried egg (We had to send it back for that glitch!). It was just the fact that if I had the patty and the bun, I could make it at home. There has to be some extra sauces or spices added which gives any burger flavor. They should work upon this. I don't know if I have too much Pasta on a regular basis (I don't!) or my expectations have now gone up, but the pasta again didn't meet the expectations I had. It was easily what I could whip up at home, or rather my sister could ( I am too lazy to cook! :P). So though I enjoyed it, I was expecting more. All in all, a very average experience. If I was shopping in the vicinity, which I do quite often, and wanted to grab a quick bite, or just relax for a while after my feet have turned sore, I would opt for the place. I wouldn't go here because I was particularly craving something off their menu which would summarize it best. Also, I had ordered an Iced Tea which they forgot about, and for the first time, I didn't bother reminding the staff as I had done enough of it on the day. The best part about this place is the fact that every table has games laid down, ranging from scrabble, uno etc. We had uno, and well when you have uno in front of you, you just have to pick the cards and play your best game! :D

WHAT WE HAD - Big Cheese Burger, Chicken 

Big Cheese Burger, Beef

Spicy Sausage Pasta

DAMAGES - Rs 700/- (Approx) 

WHERE - 53, Opp. Nature's Basket, Hill Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai

R Steam Hot, Mumbai

R STEAM HOT

Are you addicted to cheese? Have you been looking for a place that serves unlimited cheese. Though you might have come across several places that serve cheese in pizzas, pastas, french fries, dumplings, pav bhaji, dosas and even rice (Yes, I have once had cheese on pulav and well, not bad ;) ) I think there is no food item that has not been experimented with cheese and cheese makes everything, better! :D I might be a huge fan of Pizza Outlets like Domino's who are not stingy in their use of cheese, but its never enough is it ?!! Then I was introduced to a place that serves cheese in all its food items almost and you can see the cheese oozing and flowing on top. I have found heaven. Cheesy Heaven.

Steam "R" Us is not a new outlet, it has been there for a while, but only in the past few months did I get introduced to the place, through my friend. Since she lives near by, we decided to catch-up and she suggested this place, her exact words were, they have great sandwiches but don't look for ambiance, just sit and enjoy your meal. I was disappointed thinking that this might be one of those several typical sandwiches that are present every galli-nukkad pe. And again, when I first had a good look at the place, it seemed like one of the many local restaurants that serve idli-dosa and vegetable sandwiches, and I thought to myself, this? really, this??!! How very wrong I was and I admit to that with great joy because I have finally come across a place that comes close to all the cheesy food fantasies I have had.

The place has a wide menu consisting of so many different types of sandwiches, open ones even, pizzas, rolls etc. Their Specialty lies in the cheese, you order almost anything and you will be sure to find it soaked in cheese. The menu looked good to me by then, still a little hesitant though, but my friend being a regular ordered for all 3 of us. We began with a 2 in 1, which is 2 varieties of open sandwiches in one. I have to tell you, it was love at first bite. The bread that they used in the sandwiches was so soft, that it can give tough competition to Fast Food chains which claims the same. If I had to be honest, I don't remember which were the toppings on the Open Sandwiches, one was corn and the other one was Chili Flakes. But except for this I don't remember anything. There are certain types of food in which you remember every little detail, every little ingredient, because the taste remains with you long after the meal. The there is the other type, in which you forget everything, I call it the Ramesh-Suresh Type. If you have seen and you must have, the Five Star Chocolate Ads, that the chocolate in question is so good, that you don't remember anything, in a good way, in a really good way. This is the category that the food at this place falls in. We ordered garlic breads, which is simply the best Garlic Bread I have had so far, this is how you should be making garlic breads. ( Pizzerias around - Take Note). We experimented with the next item, taking a risk, ordering a pasta-pizza, which is pasta on a pizza base. I wouldn't say it was altogether bad, but again, I would rather have had the pasta without the pizza. This makes me question as to why do they not have pasta on their menu? Because the pasta on the pizza did taste good, only it didn't go well with the Pizza Base combo. I can imagine how good the pastas would be if they included it as well, how cheesy the pasta would be for starters and it would make a change from all the Bread combinations. Another point that I would want to bring upon is that they should probably introduce some hot beverages on their menu. I had a sore throat on the day I visited the place, and more than that I was craving some hot chocolate or masala chai, but all they had was shakes and faloodas. Though I love milk-shakes and wouldn't have minded on any other day, my voice-box which was already on strike on the day would have died an unfortunate death if I had had anything cold and I was really craving hot chocolate. Yes, I know, I have already mentioned it. But then that is how much I had been craving it. :P 

If cheese is equivalent to true love to you, then this is not a place you should be missing!! and I love my friend for taking me here, I would have been living in ignorance otherwise. And that my dear friends, is the worst way of living, isn't it??!! ;)

WHAT WE HAD - Toast with Melted Cheese, 2 in 1 ( 7th Heaven!!)

                           Melted Garlic Bread ( 7th Heaven, or even above that)

                           Pasta Pizza ( I wish they did pasta without the pizza)

DAMAGES - Rs 650/- (Approx)

WHERE - R Steam Hot (Rasna Juice and Snacks), 1, Reva Estate, MG Road, Paanch Raasta, Mulund (W), MUMBAI

SPIRIT, MUMBAI

SPIRIT

You know what I absolutely hate? Having to rewrite. Its been a long time since I put up a post, partly because work has been a little demanding. Mostly because I hate having to to rewrite and that is what has happened. I wrote and just when I was on the verge of completion, magically the entire post disappeared from my saved drafts. I hate having to re-do things. So now I had to push myself to re-write. 

I had seen this place on a no. of times while passing through the L.B.S. Road on Ghatkopar as it is located in close proximity to R-City Mall and even though I had always been curious of what the place would be like, it never really made to my to-visit list. Not that the place looked unattractive, on the other hand, it screams for attention. The place even for the exteriors is done up in red walls and high windows, the french kind and will arouse your interest. But it walks on a very thing road between being loud but attractive and shady-dingy types. So, when my friend told me we are headed to this place which is some-where near to R-City, all alarms inside me went off and all I could think of is please, don't be the place I think it is. 

But alas! It was indeed and though I voiced my fear stating that I don't think this is a friendly enough place and looks more likely to be visited by the local-bar crowd, in came the valet/waiter to the rescue saying the place is divided into two parts. One is the lounge and one is the bar and we should head to the lounge. That calmed me down a little but not enough to give me the confidence to walk in. But a little push from my friend and I was like okay, how bad could it be and plus my page here is for the purpose of exploring what is out there. So if nothing, it will be an experience of a kind.

I have to say, that the place actually is not all that bad. Okay, it is in fact interesting and also has a decent crowd. More than just decent actually, which according to most of my guy-friends is at times missing in a lot of high-profile places. So surprised I was and my friend had a smirk on his face which translated to - "See! I told you so and you never trust me. Tsk Tsk." 

The place is complete retro, inspired from the 60s & 70s with a lot of Marilyn Monroe type quotes and Posters hanging from the walls. I actually wished I had worn up a black dress and red-heels, and red lips, I would have gelled in perfectly.The only downer was that there was no music playing, probably because of the IPL which was being screened. I however wished they had put it on mute like most other places and played the music. The music plays a crucial role in a lounge (or a place which tries to be a lounge), it can make or break a place. But I had company and the conversation was free-flowing so I complained a little less I could say. :

The Menu is strictly Indian & Chinese and that made me give the look to my friend which translates to "If I wanted to eat Tandoori Roti and Butter Chicken, I would have gone to one of the many mughlai cuisine restaurants (Read my review of Delhi Zaika") which is located in the Kurla - Ghatkopar belt. There was not even french fries on the menu! What are you supposed to have with your beer? (Note - I am a teetotaller) Yet, it was me who was more concerned with the Chakhna as to how we like to call it. I have become accustomed to a mock tail and some sides to go with it while the rest of my friends down their drinks. Fortunately, upon asking the waiter he told us french- fries is in fact available and I was like whew! You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover?! Sahi kehte hain. Because the fries might not have been presented like you were seated in Five Star Hotel, but they did taste like one of the best I have had. It is actually the kind of fries that are made at home but then they are the best kind I believe, crispy but the right amount of soft as is needed. Served with no fancy dip but Green Pudina Chutney ( Mint Sauce). If you have not had fries with pudina chutney, you are missing out. So, again grudgingly I had to admit I was indeed wrong and that I actually like the place and also the food looks promising. We ordered for this Kabab whose name I do-not remember but it was garnished with melted cheese ( the only one on the menu, so when you get there you would know which one). It was spicy but the chicken was tender and was grilled to perfection I believed and the spices rubbed on it along with the hint of cheese tickles the taste buds and you are more than just satisfied. We were not looking to have a full dinner-meal types, so we did not really order for any main course, but we did order for a chinese style fries - The Chinese Green Stir Fries, though I had wondered how is anyone going to retain the crispiness and the tenderness of the fries if it is stir fried with vegetables, I have to say, it was the best of the three we had had. I would definitely be ordering again, if I visited this place. The flavor was subtle and not spicy, which I had thought it would be as having Chinese in India generally means that there is certain amount of Indian-ness put into it. ( and I for one do not complain, I like to call it fusion!)

My final words??!! This place is must visit if you do not want to spend 25% as taxes on the food and alcohol you consume without having to compromise on the quality and a place where you can down your drinks. 

WHAT WE HAD - French Fries (Yum!)

                           Murg Noorani Kabab (Yum!)

                           Chinese Green Stir Fries ( Yummness!!)

                           Mojito (Flavored!) (Tangy!)

DAMAGES - Rs 1100/- ( Approx & inclusive of 2 beers)

WHERE- Spirit, Ashok Mill, Nr. Damodhar Park, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West, MUMBAI

5 SPICE, MUMBAI

FIVE SPICE 

I think it has been exactly a year since my last visit here. The last time too I had been here with my Sister and a friend, This time it was just the younger cousins, not so young anymore but we are still the generation today and we came here at ten in the night. Be sure of one thing when you step foot in Bandra on a Sunday Eve looking for a decent enough place to beat the hunger - You have got to have made a reservation or be prepared to wait! That is what we did, we gave our names, parked the car and put our feet up till they ringed us up. Then we ran for our lives before they gave away our spot to the next in line. My cousin Brother in particular was like I have never seen girls being so excited and eager for food. Well, the one thing I like about my family or rather how I like to refer to it - Chidiya Ghar (out of affection only! Well, most of the time at least! :P) is that we don't shy away from food. We love our Biryani and Kebabs and are not scared of taking a second or third serving even! 

This place has 2 levels to it and even then has a long-waiting list, so you can imagine the popularity of the place. Families, friends, couples, you will find them all here. Though I generally don't do fine-dines unless I am with family or else it will lead to uncomfortable situations where my parents or some elder will be gawking and making faces at a couple who might be cozy and not ashamed of some PDA. I have made the mistake of that and since then have sworn off those places when with family. Better be safe than sorry. Point? My cousin Bro though the youngest us of all, is a little like that. Which is probably why I suggested this place. That with craving some chineeese! 

Five Spice is generally crowded even on Week day lunches, so you can imagine what Sunday evenings would be like. But no complaints, once you are seated inside it is all so so worth it. Moreover, since we had like a half an hour wait, we had already utilized the time to decide on our menu before hand instead of being seated and then taking half an hour to decide (The wonders of Zomato!). Yes, we are that people. Plus the menu has so much in it that it can get so very confusing, should I order this or that? or maybe that? and it never ends. So with pre-decided order, it took us hardly 5 minutes to give our order. One more thing, as tempting as it is don't order more than you can have especially since this place is known for the quantity they serve as well. Lets just say 1 fried rice would be more than enough for 3 people or 2 and a half. Depends on your appetite. So keeping this in view we ordered for 1 rice based dish, 1 noodle based and 1 gravy on the side. Yes, I know 2 for 4 and as a result we had to take what was left over as take away. Though that's not a bad thing either. I have always said, food cooked today, always tastes better when reheated tomorrow. :P

Initially, when we got the seat in the secluded corner, our hearts screamed with joy. But it did not last so long. The place might have been ideally the best on the floor, no over-hearing of conversations, you can do your own thing, seated next to the glass overlooking the huge chandelier. The only problem? All the attendant on the floor? Pay no heed to you and it will be quite the task asking them to even re-fill your empty glasses of water. But our excitement was not to die down or so we had decided and so we put up with it. After all our stomachs were growling. 

Our Order for the day was Spicy Pot Chicken, Crispy Chicken Rice and Prawns Hakka Noodles. Though I was tempted to order a starter too, my sister gave me the eye which translated to you are not going to be able to eat all of that. So with a sad face, I kept to the three and my sister indeed was right, when the food did come, I was like Are we going to finish all that?!! As soon as the food was served, we dug in like we had not had anything to eat for days probably. The Crispy Chicken Rice was topped with a sumptuous quantity of what do you know? Crispy Chicken! :P In General, I am not a fan of Hakka Noodles as I like my food to have a little spice to it, and Hakka Noodles is plain bland, I generally say, if it is actual Chinese, if it is road side, then its another thing. But here I actually savor the Noodles. It might be devoid of traditional spices but it is not devoid of flavor. It is subtle but it hits the right spots on your flavor palette, I mean the tongue. Generally, I do like the gravies that are served here. But this day, very honestly I did not. I felt like it was something that is served to the sick who are bed ridden and even though it is a source nourishment then, I was not bed ridden or sick. I would just say that I ordered wrong and should have stuck to the Wok. Another thing, that you have to have at 5 spice is their dessert. Well, you will be tempted to as the first thing you see when you enter is the dessert counter. Nice strategy I would say. Just reading it off the menu is not as effective as seeing it all there, calling out to you, waiting to be had. Hence, it was decided that we would have dessert. Being a cheese cake loyalist and well, nothing tastes better than cheese cake, I did indeed stick to cheese cake. The question was, which one? Since they had 4 different flavors in those itself. My cousin being a chocolate addict, stuck to chocolate. So 1 death by Chocolate and 1 strawberry cheese cake it was. To be split among 4. As much as it killed me. I hate sharing cheese cake. If you asked me cheese cake was the winner, if you asked my sister, chocolate. So you can pick.

Most of you have probably already been here. Because who hasn't? The food here is simply delish! Add to it the generous quantities. You have got a clear winner.

WHAT WE HAD - Crispy Chicken Rice ( Double the Yum!)

                           Prawns Hakka Noodles ( Double the Yum!)

                           Spicy Pot Chicken ( Avoid)

                           Strawberry Cheese Cake ( Marry it!)

                           Death By Chocolate (If you are a chocolate addict!)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500/- (Approx)

WHERE - 5 Spice, 3/4, Dheeraj Pali Arcade, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pali Naka, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), MUMBAI