Punjab Grill, Mumbai

Punjab Grill, Phoenix Market City

This wasn't our first option on the day, I was in the mood for some continental, but it being a Saturday, there was a waiting time every where of almost 40 minutes and I wasn't really in the mood for that. Punjab Grill were kind enough to accommodate us within 10 minutes and how glad we were.

One of the reasons why I don't always prefer having Indian outside is because for some peculiar reason I find myself full too soon. However, if the same food is provided to me in the comforts of my own home, I can eat quite a lot. Told you, peculiar. 

This place is a classic fine dine, the one thing I did like a little more about the place were the chandeliers placed. I for some reason have always been in awe of chandeliers. It just adds grandeur to the place, don't you think so?! 

The service here I have mixed feelings for. There seemed to be shortage of staff so this could be one reason why it may have taken time to grab attention from the attendants. But one particular incident which was not to our liking was that we had kept trying for almost 10 minutes to call for service from one of the attendants who was a girl and it almost seemed like she was ignoring us on purpose, then when we did finally manage to make her look our way, she signed saying I will be right back and then she didn't. Might seem like a small incident, but when you are sitting there and trying to make some one pay attention to you and you are met with such odd behavior, you wonder what kind of training has been departed. My friend actually brought this to the attention of the manager because we almost felt insulted after a point as she seemed to be very highhanded. And that we cannot take. I can only hope that the Manager did something about it as we didn't intend to raise a complaint but rather just let some training be given.

The food, I must say I enjoyed and I wouldn't mind going back for. We started off with some Bharwan Khumb Peshwari and Veg Kurkuri. My favorite among the two would be the Kurkuri, which is like spring rolls, only wanton skin is used instead which adds extra crispiness. Stuffed with generous amount of cheese and minced mushrooms, olives etc. Served piping hot and I actually have to give points to presentation here. Little vodka type glassed with sweet chili sauce at the bottom and then the roll. Appealing to the eyes. The Mushrooms were big in size and was stuffed with minced paneer and some more minced mushrooms. If you are a mushrooms fan or have difficulty choosing between mushroom and paneer. Then well, this is the dish you were waiting for. 

For the mains I ordered a mutton dish and my two friends who are pure vegetarians (Alas!) ordered a mixed vegetable dish named Sabziyan di Milniyan. I couldn't even bring myself to  pronounce it. I ordered the Raarhya meat with butter naan and I was completely taken by it. This is one dish, I wouldn't mind ordering and eating at home as well, like it's delicacy and comfort food all at the same time. The mutton pieces were just done right. They hadn't been stingy in the pieces either and it was cooked in a minced mutton gravy. So it was beautiful in a way that I can't put in words. BEAUTIFUL! I would actually want to meet the chef and tell him you have won my heart with this creation. My friends enjoyed their vegetarian gravy equally. It had a distinct taste which I have never had before, I would say Jaipuri but not exactly. Even though I had tried it, I felt I couldn't be the right person to judge it as I was too preoccupied in enjoying my mutton curry. The Naan that we had however, was kind of average and I would have expected to it to be a little more soft. Also, after my recent trip to Jaipur I have realized that mutton pairs better with rice in comparison.

Would I be back here? YES! or I would just order in. At least the mutton Raarhya.

WHAT WE HAD - Veg Kurkuri (Yumness Personified)
                           Bharwan Khumb Peshwari(Yumness)

                           Sabziya di Milniyan (Yumness)

                           Mutton Raarhya (Heaven)

                           Butter Naan (Yum)

                           Mix Raita (Yumness)

                           7-Up

                           Lemon Soda (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 3400/- (Approx)

WHERE - Punjab Grill.,  Shop 81/82, 1st Floor, Kamai Junction, Kurla, Mumbai      

                    

Cafe Zoe, Mumbai

Cafe Zoe, Lower Parel

 

A place that has been raved about by most of my friends and colleagues, yet I never made it till I absolutely had to. When there is somebody like you who doesn't mind going to places not in the vicinity for meals is a blessing and I happen to have at least one such like minded friend. The others, they want the good meal but not at the cost of seeking them out. So I finally made it to Cafe Zoe when my friend was back from her vacation. On a side note, I wish I could take month long vacations too. Kahan gaye woh din??!! 

Getting to here was a task though, the place is almost hidden between narrow lanes. Ironic as once you step it's completely spacious and you wouldn't really believe that it is placed in such a location. I almost felt like I am in Europe or some equally beautiful destination and not my much loved Bombay. As much as I love Bombay, we do stay in matchboxes fighting for space everywhere we go. This place on the other hand is humongous. Also, plenty of natural light seeping through. It has an upper and a ground level as well, and we took to the upstairs. I think if nothing else, the ambiance of this place is what is going to be pulling me back here. 

The service is very mechanical and there is no personalized touch to it as such. Why I say this is because I regretted ordering a certain dish and though the error was on our end, it would have been nice if they had educated us on it as is the case whenever there is some thing off beat or not much heard of on the menu. So you should either google what you are planning to order if it sounds very new to you or ask them for it. Moreover, it was just limited to placing your orders and the same being brought to you. I didn't spot much of a smile either.

The food, I  will start with what we shouldn't have ordered  - Tenderloin Carpaccio. It sounded and looked very fancy but I wish I hadn't ordered this. I for one don't have a stomach for meat that looks almost raw and tastes a little too. This was indeed like that (See the fanciest one from the photos). To top it looked almost like a  Salad and you know how much I love salads. Not! So over all, this wasn't my cup of tea and I wish I knew that before I had ordered it. I was expecting some juicy tenderloin patties or something and this was just some thing else entirely! Moreover, it didn't seem value for money to me if you see the serving size as well. We decided to play safe for our next order the mini lamb burgers it was! This was high on flavor. I enjoyed it every bit, the patties was one of the best I have had and the bread seemed equally fresh. Though I do wish the serving size again was a little better. This was 2 mini burgers further broken down into half. Not so fair. So it's 2 mini burgers only, priced at 350 + Taxes, kind of brings the mood down. Next we went for the mains. I went for the Chicken Ravioli and my girl decided to go for Tiger Prawns Risotto. Now this was worth every penny. Well, as much as it can be in a place like this. The ravioli stuffed chicken came with a cream sauce with thyme was comforting like having something hot on a rainy day. Coincidence as it was actually raining. I can safely say they weren't stingy and the ravioli pieces were big rather than what I have come across till now which has always been smaller in size. The quantity is good for one. For the risotto, they were out of Tiger Prawns but they more than made up for it with the portion size of the prawns. I automatically hold a place in high regard if they serve good portion size when it comes to this sea food delight. Most places, even when it's priced steeply some times don't and that just leaves you disappointed. Here, I was more than happy. The risotto in my friend's word is the best she has had in this city and that's something. I agree with her. It's light, not too heavy as such but doesn't compromise on flavor. 

I would proably want to come back here in special circumstance where I am absolutely okay to splurge. This place after all doesn't exactly come cheap but if you know to order right it's value for money. The ambiance is actually the key here.

WHAT WE HAD - Tenderloin Carpaccio (Avoid)

                           Mini Lam Burgers (Yumness)

                           Chicken Ravioli (Yumness)

                           Tiger Prawns Risotto (Yumness Personified)

                           Iced Tea (Refeshing)
                           

 DAMAGES - Rs 3000/- (Approx) inclusive of wine 

WHERE - Café Zoe., Mathuradas Mills Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai