Morselo, Mumbai

Morselo, Powai

Powai is considered to be one of the most posh location of the city, what with it being designed by seeking inspiration from Venice. Glamorous as it is, I some how don't always find myself very keen to pay visit here. I like Colaba for it'd old alleys and Bandra for it's shopping and night life, it's always buzzing with life. So is Andheri for that matter. Powai? A cross over between a Corporate Jungle and a Residential town doesn't have much to offer to some one like me. Maybe I find myself out of place here. And still, I find myself coming back here at least once in a month. 

Mostly, when I am in the vicinity, I drop by Theobroma, but this time I decided to skip it and I try something new. Morselo, is what caught my eye upon browsing through Zomato, seemed economical as well. 

It's a small joint and you might almost miss it since it's situated in Galleria's Food Court. But Thank God that it isn't actually situated in the Food Court. (Here is where the parallel dies between the likes of Italy, everything in the Food Court Area is unkempt and unhygienic, I would much rather go to a Dhaba than have food here). Morselo, however, is a smal outlet with it's own dining area and hence you can manage to have a meal here. Though, I would still recommend getting a take away as it's pretty tiny and can seat maybe 4 people. 

The service is quick and warm, as should be the case of fast food joints and you can see they are eager to please. The concept they have is of serving baked bread with fillings inside. You can make an entire meal out of it and they seem to have quite a few options from Indian to Continental. They have ranges from light to full meal and you can decide as per you appetite, what would you want to go for. We went for one Full Meal which comprises of Brownie, Potato Wedges, Chicken Nuggets (for lack of another name), a micro salad and the Baked Fill of your choice. The other one we ordered was the light meal which had hasselback potatoes, baked fill and a micro salad. The two also comes with a refreshing drink called the Lemon Twist. I had ordered the Chicken Florentine and my friend ordered the Exotic Italian Veg. The Chicken Florentine had a mix of spinach, corn and Chicken with creamy sauce. The Exotic Italian Veg had assorted veggies topped with cheese and had more tomato tangy type sauce. Even though both were equally good, I personally can't have too much of sauce, I like it being balanced with bread, but here since it was the filling, there was more filing than bread and it becomes a little too much for me. Hence, it is a good thing that I had other stuff to change taste in between. The wedges seemed a little dry in flavor and even though I prefer wedges always, this is one time I didn't find it up to the mark. The hasselback potatoes which came with the other meal was what I attacked. To anyone it would seem like these are just boiled and sprinkled with some spices on top. But in it's simplicity lied it's magic. I wish I could recreate them at home. The chicken nuggets were good too and the brownie was exactly how I like it, not over sweetened, topped with chocolate sprinkles (the kind that look like Hershey). 

If you are in the neighborhood or if you are simply looking for something different for your office lunch (After all Corporate Hub), then you should give this place a shot and give the Burger-Fries Combo a miss.

WHAT WE HAD - Exotic Italian Veg Combo (Yumness)                

                           Chicken Florentine Full Meal (Yumness)

DAMAGES - Rs 800/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Morselo., 164, First Floor, Galleria Shopping Mall, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai

IHOP, DUBAI

IHOP, Dubai

So to my imaginary audience, this is the second time I am writing this. In all my school years I have never rechecked my paper before submission, that's how lazy I have been. So Imagine my frustration when I ended up erasing half of what I had written (Well, typed. But at this very moment, I think writing is a better option, at least it doesn't get erased with no fault of yours. Good Old Days -1, Technology & blah di blah - 0 ). 

This wasn't planned and you know how much I enjoy doing that. It is a journey after all. From searching for places, browsing through menu cards and reviews, day dreaming of what I would want to have and the anticipation of it all till you get there. Okay, I have got to say this wouldn't be possible without the Internet and Technology. So, maybe it's not so bad ). Back to IHOP, I didn't even know there was an IHOP in Dubai, so imagine my delight when while taking a stroll in JBR, what do I see? IHOP!! 

I have come to realize that most International food chains look well very standard, there is no x factor to it when it comes to ambiance. It almost looks the same. Hence, there is nothing much to write about the interiors and ambiance except for that it is a cross over between a fine dine and a Fast Food Chain.  

I can't have too much sweet, I prefer savory items over sweet. Though I need my sweet intake as well, I just can't over do it. Hence, ordering a whole stack of pancakes which is what most people would order when they visit an IHOP is never a good idea for me. Though I did want pancakes and hence, the best option turned out for me to combine my love of English breakfasts with Pancakes on the side. I went for the Breakfast sampler minus the veal sausages. Also, Spinach Mushroom and tomato omelette. Don't ask me why we ordered the Vegetarian Omelette. Clearly not my choice seeing that the only thing I liked about it was the mushroom. Moreover who orders a side of hash brown? Whatever happened to the regular Toast? Clearly, I wasn't happy about the choice made by my friend but I kept quiet. But I loved everything on my plate especially the beef bacon. I like my eggs to be sunny side up, I love the squishy yellow part, and turkey ham. I am a turkey fan. So it was all things I love in one plate plus the pancakes. Though they are known for their pancakes, I have got to say that it wasn't exactly the best pancakes I have had. It's good but not great and I imagined it to be great. The Omelette? If only it had meat. I think that's something my friend will have to be taught over time. Not that I mind vegetarian food but I like my food to be cooked. So it was a good fluffy omelette. No complaints there.

Over time I have come to realize that I like the local- not so local restaurants more than the international chains. Not that I don't like the international chains, I like what more they bring to the table in terms of different interiors, ambiance and their own innovation in the little things.

But yeah, I will definitely want more breakfasts at IHOP! 

WHAT WE HAD - Breakfast Sampler (Yumness)

                           Spinach Mushroom & Tomato Omelette (Yum)

DAMAGES - AED 120-150

WHERE -  IHOP, Next to Movenpick Hotel, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai

Chili Flakes, Mumbai

Chili Flakes, Lower Parel

A little celebration in the office and well, Pizza Time!! I like the fact that we now have started to have more options than just Dominos and Pizza Hut. This was a place in our locality, and the prices seemed reasonable, and so we decided to order in from here this time. 

The service is a little slow, where in it took more than an hour for the Pizza to be delivered, which is a long long wait. Also, this is one thing that is very very dangerous for them because I don't know how many vegetarians would prefer to order from them, at least the ones in my office won't. Not because they don't have veg options but rather that they weren't careful enough. One of the Pizzas we ordered was for BBQ Paneer and it turned out to be BBQ Chicken. The guy who first had it, didn't realize it because the pieces were small and the BBQ sauce was over powering and well, he has never had chicken before and he was not aware if it was paneer or tofu or what, as we had just kept the veg and non veg different. It was when one from the Non Veg Clam had it that they were like OMG! So Yeah. You need to check with them that do they keep their veg and non-veg separately. Else, you could be in trouble. To me, it's fine. I actually liked the BBQ chicken pizza.

Talking about the food we ordered - 2 Bombay Masala Chicken, 1 American Pepperoni, 1 BBQ Paneer (or rather chicken), 1 Margarita Pizza, 1 Exotica Pizza. My favorite of the lot? The Margarita. Ahh. Bliss. I was very tempted to try out the Pepperoni and the pork eaters in my office, kept raving about it. Apparently, it was the best of the lot. So, if you indeed eat pork, then you defintely need to order this one. The BBQ chicken was good as well, if only the moment had not been spoilt by the mishap that happened. (The only nice thing was that we got a full refund on it or rather a free pizza the next time we order. However, that still doesn't make up for the blunder and the dharm bhrasht of the poor guy). The Bombay Masala Pizza topped with chicken keema was good but I would have actually preferred some other on it. Too much masala. The exotic I hadn't tried but the Vegetarians gave a thumbs up. So there you have it. 

The pizzas here have a thin base, like the wood fired ones, and the large Pizzas are LARGE! So it could easily make a really good meal for two without any add-ons. 

WHAT WE HAD - Bombay Masala Chicken (Yum!)

                           American Pepperoni (Yumness Personified)

                           BBQ Chicken (Yumness)

                           Margherita Pizza (Yum Yum Yum)

                           Exotica (Yum)

DAMAGES - Rs 450-600 per Pizza 

WHERE - Opp. Kamala City, Lower Parel, Mumbai (Only Delivery)

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

KRISPY KREME, MUMBAI

I was unaware for a long time that Krispy Kreme had arrived in India. Quite the sin on my side. But when I did. There was no stopping especially when I found out that they actually have my favorite donut in the whole wide world - The Custard Filled Donut. One of the things I can never have enough of and one of the major reasons why I was a really fat kid. I can never in a billion years forget how it tastes and the effect it has on me every time. 

Unfortunately my sister made it there before me even though it was me who wanted to pay visit to the place and had kept asking her if she wanted to come along as it is one of those rare things that we both understand and love. You do not get the donut taste in India. Not Yet. Not till Krispy Kreme. But I chose to forgive her because she brought me one too and that too Custard Filling. I savored it would be an understatement. The smell, the smell of a freshly baked donut was there. So it had a chance, a real chance that maybe, just maybe, this was it. Then came the first bite. If this isn't foodgasm I don't what is. I was taken back into time, the many times that I have savored this, devouring each bite, never wanting to the taste to leave. But, there has to be a but, always. I always find a but, but then that is why I am here, the filling was a little too less I believe. The filling had the exact same taste but it was hardly there. I might have finished half the donut before the filling could be seen. That is not how it should be. It should come oozing right after the first bite. The fact that Krispy Kreme got stingy with the filling just does not sit well and is hard to believe.

Since then I have picked up donuts from here many a times but never really sat down at the place and so I chose to one day, just to take in the real-feel of the place. One thing I have got to say is that the aroma is all around the place. You step foot in the lane where Dominos, Theobroma, Hagen Daaz and the likes are located, the one that is the most distinct is the one from Krispy Kreme, pulling you towards it and you are helpless and like many a times it happens with me, lets just pick up 1 piece. The place is designed in between a fast-food chain and a cafe. Though mostly you will find people picking up boxes rather than sitting down, hence, you will find plenty of place to be seated and no body in a hurry to get you out, which is a delight because in most fast food chains, you hardly get half hour to sit and eat. 

We had ordered for my favorite Custard Filling Donut, the chocolate glazed and along with it the Espresso Oreo Shake Delight & Kremey Chiller (Red Berry). I have got to say that anything that has oreo in it can not fail, but here, it was even better. I have mentioned this umpteen times but I am still going to do it again, it transported me back to my obese teen years at home and though I do not want to go back to being that again, I don't regret a single thing I ever ate. I still eat all of it. I have always said I just can-not go on a diet, never, ever. But I guess I over-ate then, something that I have changed now. I did not really have Kremey Chiller but my friend finished the entire thing by himself and did not even ask if I wanted to take a sip, so from that I am guessing it might have been GOOD! I am going to make it a point to try the other flavors too on my next visit. I am a food connoisseur, if these is such a thing. :P But there are certain things that I stick to and they have become weakness, Praline n Cream from Baskin Ribbons, I will regret the minute I step out if I have had anything but that. Same is for Roasted Almonds from Naturals and yes custard filled donuts. I like other stuff, but these are tried and tested and I have a strong connection with them. :P But, I will be trying the rest that they have to offer, though I have got to say that the variety they have is a little on the lesser side when I compare it to other well renowned donut places where I actually some times get confused if I should order something else. But, custard wins hands down every time.

So, if you have been kind of enough to read all that I have been writing since the start of this page, you might know of my obsession with donuts and how in all my time in Mumbai, I have not found that flavor, and if you know what the craze was all about, Head to your nearest Krispy Kreme Outlet! There are a quite a few. 

WHAT WE HAD - Chocolate Glazed Donut (Ahh! Bliss!)

                         Chocolate Glazed with Custard Filling ( There is nothing quite like this in the world Yet!)

                           Oreo Shake Delight (Filling & Yum!)

                           Kremey Chiller ( Yum! and Filling)

DAMAGES - Rs 800/- (Approx)

WHERE - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, G3, City Park Building, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai

BURGER KING, MUMBAI

So we have 1 more International Fast food chain that has arrived in India - Burger King and like always I had been keeping a tab as to when would it open up in good old Mumbai and counting days to the opening even, though I never actually go on the day it actually opens up due to one commitment or the other but I do make it a point to visit as soon as I possibly can. I love fast-food as unhealthy as it is, I have grown up on it and was the primary reason why I was an extremely over weight teen. I have learnt to balance it out but my love for it remains. Bad habits die hard. :) So my joy had no limits when I received news from a friend that Burger King is opening up in India. Names like these remind me of home and there are quite a few others that I am waiting with bated breath for. But for now, I will celebrate with Burger King and yes, I will be doing a comparison with Mc Donalds and also with the place that I have grown up in.

I visited the second outlet that they opened up just yesterday in Andheri, Infinity Mall. I expected to get no seat at all and a waiting outside the mall. Well, Thank God there was no such line as waiting is really not my thing especially on a hungry stomach. Have you seen the Snickers Ad for Hunger? I am that Drama Queen. I am anyways a drama queen and so when I am hungry you do not want to mess with me. :P Though the place was entirely full and not an empty seat could be seen for more than 2 minutes. The moment somebody got up, the seat was taken. Fortunately, some one was leaving just as I was arriving and I just rushed before somebody else got there first.

Their outlet is pretty small, and hopefully the next one will be bigger as most other Int'l fast food chain including MC Donalds, KFC and Dunkin Donuts have ample seating which is always a bonus point if you are looking for a good foot fall, because more than take-aways, I at least prefer dining in. The place is done up like most fast food chains, so the interiors arn't exceptional or something but they are attractive. It has my stamp of Approval with one side having sofa seats ( reminded me of Dairy Queen, if you are aware and happen to belong from the middle east) and the other has normal chairs and tables. I guess, for lack of space. The place is done up in red and white mostly with wooden interiors here and there, and I have a thing for the color red. They say, my mom was extremely fond of it in her younger days and once upon a time I thought it to be a color that was hurtful to the eyes, but it has grown on me and how, that I love everything in red now. I guess, like mother like daughter. Okay, back on track. I seem to drift off a lot. Bad Habit. :D

We scrutinized the menu for at least a full 10-15 minutes not because we couldn't understand what to order but rather because we couldn't decided what not to order. Probably because you finally have another option than Mc D, but I wanted to have a hand at everything. After much discussion, we went for Chicken Tandoori Grill, The Mutton Whopper (Because what is Burger King without the Whopper), Chicken Chili Cheezos and the orange and the raspberry blues. Can I just tell you I am going back again? I don't know if it is because of having a change from Mc D or the taste being actually good, but 1 day later and I am already craving some more. The only downer was the size of the chicken tandoori grill, I expected it to be a little bigger in size where as it was not really medium sized even. But when it comes to flavor, you can-not go wrong with Chicken Tandoori, if nothing, the crowds would be making a bee-line for this one and on that I should also say that, now that is what marketing is all about. I have always complained about Indianizing these fast food meals and how I wish they had stuck to the original, but they proved me wrong. It is about selecting the right product and that is what they have done. Chicken Tandoori will go well with anything, you can wake me up at the middle of the night from my deep slumber and I would happily have it. ( The second most loved thing by me is my sleep, you do not wake me up when I am sleeping) So they have won me over and though I want to complain for the size I can't because I will be having more of these no matter what the price. But it is still a recommendation. The mutton whopper is not such a bad replacement for the original whopper and that too in beef. Though, I was slightly hoping they would serve beef because what is a burger if it does not have beef, but I understand. Its like me having beef bacon because I can't have the original one. So I am going to have a second round of this as well. The chicken chili cheese cheezos are basically chicken nuggets with cheese but very frankly I liked them much more than the nuggets served at MC D. I somewhere, they have been able to retrieve some of the originality of the actual Int'l fast food chain and for that I say kudos! Thank you for not disappointing me. The raspberry blues reminded me of my childhood days, drinking all that ice. We also tried the 180 degrees from the dessert section which is basically blizzard of Dairy Queen fame, at least I call it a blizzard. Again, if you are familiar with the blizzard you will know what I am talking about, it is basically ice cream and brownies( because I opted for brownies), mixed up and made into heaven. :P and the USP of this is that when you turn it 180 degree, it does not FALL!! whatever happened to gravity and I am as amazed by this as I was as a little kid and they will show off by showing this little shin dig and I will always look up with eyes open. *MAGIC* *eeeeeeeeeee.....* :D :D

I guess when it comes to pricing, MC Donalds is on the cheaper end, so it is to see if they will be able to capture that segment but when it comes to taste and quality - I would have to say - "why eat with the joker, when you can dine with the king???!!" 

Well, after reading all this, you are still waiting?? Go and enjoy and ask for the free King Hat like I did, which as soon as I arrived home was taken away not by my niece and nephew but by my younger sister. So very grown up we are!!! :P

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Tandoori Gril (Going back for more)

                         Mutton Whopper (Going back for more)

                         Chicken Chili Cheezos ( Definitely Going back for more)

                         Mango Orange slush ( I forgot the name, but going back for more)

                         Raspberry blues ( Going back for more)

                         180 degrees- brownies ( Def going back for more)

DAMAGES - Rs 700/- Approx ( Please note that we hadn't ordered the meals but rather individual burgers which could also be another reason why the billing was a little on the higher end)

WHERE - Burger King.

THE APPETITE MOMOS, MUMBAI

This is my favorite place for momos or dumplings, whatever you want to call it in the city. This does not have a fancy set up, and isn't some fin-dine either. It just a small take out place that is located in Thane. The main attraction is that they come cheap, really really cheap and serves the need for after office/college snacks for public of Thane. Me among those. This place was introduced to me by my colleagues almost 8 months back and there has been no stopping me since then. Since it is so closely located near the station, it tends to get crowded, because where else will you find some yummy dumplings at such prices? The answer is almost no where. 

Even though the place is more or less a take-away or stand and eat, it attracts crowd like honey attracts bees and you will be lucky if you get to the front of the crowd to place your order and after that a place to stand and eat. All the momos are served piping hot. So be ready to get your tongues burnt, but then what are momos if they are not served hot. They lose flavor otherwise I believe. One end of the wall has a comic strip telling you of the story of how Appetite came into existence. I have never been able to actually read it, well, again, too many people surrounding the entire place to get a look even. Some Lucky Day, I will. I love stories you see.

The place serves both steamed and fried variants. The menu is made up of the simple classic versions and adding some twists by Indianizing the momos with the likes of Paneer & Chicken Achari. They also have Cheese variants, which without a doubt is my favorite. - Koi doubt mat rakhna! (Ref: Geet, Jab We Met). That strong feelings for the cheese one! :D However, even though I like them all, I prefer the Steamed Ones more as compared to the Fried ones. Only the cheese one,always, always , always have it fried! The cheese melts in such a spectacular way then and the cheese bursts in your mouth, which is how cheese is supposed to be. Half plate consists of 4 pieces which is ample for 1 person as a in-between heavy snack. Yes, they tend to be heavy as well. Atleast, I find so. If your appetite is bigger, then a light snack.

The momos are priced between 50 - 70 Rs per plate depending on what you order. Told ya its Cheap! 65 rs for 8 pieces of chili cheese fried momos. What else do you want????!!!!

WHAT WE HAD - On the specific day

1. Chili Cheese Fried Momos- Veg (1/2 Plate) 

2. Simply chicken - Steamed (1/2 Plate)

3. Paneer Achari - Steamed (1/2 Plate)

DAMAGES - Around 110/- Rs (Approx)

WHERE - The Appetite Momos ,Opp. Thane Railway Station, Vaman Hari Pethe Road, Dada Patil Wadi, Naupada, Thane (W)

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

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