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      

                    

212 - All Day, Mumbai

212 - All Day, Phoenix Market City

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

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

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

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

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Julienne (Heaven)

                           NV Club Sandwich with Bacon (Average)

                           Sangria, Red Wine 

                           Lemon Soda (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500/- Approx

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

Coffee by Di Bella, Mumbai

Coffee By Di Bella

I think Di Bella is synonym for waffles. They are known for their waffles and probably the first to introduce the trend. You will find them everywhere now, but a few years back Di Bella was the only chain or rather the only place that was affordable. Hence, college kids and everybody else would flock alike to this place. Point being? Let's just name them Di Bella Waffles. It's fine either ways. Also, they are still my favorite. Though I have tried from quite a few places by now including the savory kind. 

Di Bella also is one of those places where I frequently visit. Even on broke days, which is I think more than half the time. However, the experience I am going to mention today is sort of bitter sweet, one is from when I paid visit to the Bandra outlet which was very welcoming and the other is almost next to my place in Equinox, BKC where I vouch never to return. 

Bandra

You will Find this place quite crowded and a waiting time almost always, because, well it's Bandra and this is where the action is. Whatever that means.

Even though we had to wait for almost 30 minutes to get a place here, we were more than happy to do so. Our names were taken down, the service staff ensured that we didn't feel uncomfortable and genuinely seemed like they cared about creating a place for us. Apologized, even though it was no fault of theirs, that we had to wait for an extra 15 minutes. Initially, we were told 15 minutes only. Quite courteous, in general. This is one reason why I keep going back to Di Bella, the warmth that you feel. 

Since freak shakes are the craze everywhere now. Di Bella has done their own version of it, which I had been dying to have and I finally did on this blessed day. We ordered for the Gold Coast Shake and the Melbourne Shake. One had a more caramel texture to it and the other was chocolate divine. My preference leans towards everything caramel so my obvious choice was the gold coast. They topped this one with caramel sauce, whipped cream, pretzels, twix and WAFFLES! What more do you need in life? The outside of the glass was lined with nuts and drizzled with caramel sauce. Now here, I actually wonder, is one supposed to have this or waste it? I am a strong believer that you shouldn't waste food but you can't even try to scrape this off and eat. So I am guessing it's more for show. Though i wish, it wasn't. The Melbourne is almost dark chocolate and my sister and friends preferred this more. So if you worship chocolate, this one's for you.

Over All, I would say you go back more than just with a happy and satisfied tummy. You go back with a fat one. I wonder how many days you will have to run to burn this off??!! Not even 3 hours in the gym could fix this.

DAMAGES - Rs 1000/- Approx

WHERE - Title Waves, Ground Floor, St Pauls Media Complex, 24th Road TPS III, Pali Hill, Bandra West

Equinox Center, Kurla

I have been here once before and almost had  a similar experience. I put it down to a one time off thing but unfortunately, this time I don't think it's a one time off thing. I almost wonder how can one outlet be so welcoming and the other put you so off. 

I had come here so happy because Hey! Waffle time. I happily even placed my order for blue berry waffles and a Junglee Chicken Sandwich because as much as I love waffles, I need to balance the sweetness with something savory. Everything seemed to be going well till this point. It was downhill from here. It took more than 30 minutes for the waffles to be served, and when inquired after about 20 minutes, we were met with a very cool "it will take time" and back to work. I tried spotting a smile but it wasn't found to be found for miles. We went back to pur place and patiently waited. I told her at least serve the sandwich, since all you need to to is heat it up. But I think she had forgotten that we had ordered that even. Never the less after the reminder, the sandwich arrived. And in another 5 minutes the waffles came piping hot. Half my mood had improved, only to be crushed again. The waffles had the side of whipped cream and ice cream missing. Once again, I was like but what about the whipped cream and the ice cream? I was met with a blank stare. Almost, like I am asking for something that is no where on the menu. At this point I was a little pissed. It is only when I clearly stated that you are supposed to serve whipped cream and ice cream on the side, she acknowledged. It was kind of like if you didn't know this piece of information, she wouldn't serve it to you. There after I was very curtly informed that the whipped cream was not available, she would instead give me 2 cups of ice cream. (Why does this store never have whipped cream? It didn't the last time I was here which was almost 1 and a half years back!) The ice cream finally came to us and it was not even in the china ware that they generally use, it was in those take away ice cream cups? Shortage of utensils even? Who ever is managing this store needs to seriously pull up their socks. If you think that these little things don't matter, THEY DO! Dining out is an experience. 

If this was not enough, I just want to add on to something me and my friend overheard happening at the table next to us. The girl had placed order for one type of waffles. Let's even assume that the girl ordered the wrong kind. Why I say this is because when the girl asked for her order and repeated that this is what she wants, she was met with a "No, you ordered this!" It seemed more like she was ordering the guest rather than the other way round (Guests are not supposed to be rude either, just to clarify. Ever heard of guest courtesy? Even if she hadn't ordered the particular waffles, you could have politely explained the situation to her. The girl (guest here) almost seemed startled and with a very meek "okay" said fine bring the ones that was ordered or something along those lines. Also, please note that the waffles were not even made at this point. Because, we could see her pouring the waffle batter from where we were sitting. 

I normally don't do this. I let it slide. Attending staff are not exactly in the high income bracket area. I am not even saying that this girl should be dealt with seriously or something. But please, please teach your staff, a little about guest interaction. Give them training on it. If they lack confidence, it's one thing. Being rude and blatant is another. 

Even though I would come back to Di Bella. Definitely not stepping into this place.

DAMAGES - Rs 800/- Approx

WHERE -  Coffee By Di Bella., Equinox Commerce Centre, Tower 3, Lal Bahadur Shastri Road, Kurla West, Kurla, Mumbai

Coffee By Di Bella

COFFEE BY DI BELLA, BKC

This one was like finally!! I had wanted to try waffles from here for pretty long time, and every time I made a plan, some way or the other it ended up getting cancelled! Blame goes to my sister, because we were to go here together. Only, she did, I didn't. When ever I go to restaurants, I always tell myself, I am going to have dessert, but I am so full by the end of the meal that now-a-days there is no room for it. As much as I love eating, I do not believe in over eating. Courtesy my Fat days. I still am, but not all that much. Factoring all of this in, I realized it better to go here some where between late and early evening, and not having a very heavy lunch (Waffles, can be heavy!) and dragging my two girls along, because these are two people, who more than follow my orders. This was also the start of a very special weekend, because it was re-union with my best girls, who are all scattered in different parts, and by luck some-how we all managed to get together for this weekend. So before everyone arrived, me, my cousin and my best friend who had come down from Poona decided to head here, for an early snack.

This place is right in front of my house, oblivious though to me. I knew its some where near by, but didn't exactly know how near, so we decided to hail a rick and let google maps rescue us. (Word of Caution - Don't ever completely depend on Google Maps!). My Cousin and me were both accessing navigation and where as mine was pointing straight, hers was pointing at the back, so we had a great time arguing which way to head (Not!), finally we used mine, and we were standing right in front of probably the next building as we step out of my colony. This can't be it. It can't be here, where exactly is it, back and forth we went, till one of us finally had the good sense to just go and ask, and Voila! It is indeed located just in the Business Park. Hindi mein kahavat hai, "Bagal mein chhora, sheher mein dhindora". :P The rickshaw wala must have thought we are crazy and rich girls, I mean who else is that rich that they would take a rick to go from one building to the next?! Apparently Us! (Disclaimer: We are not rich! I am still waiting for my dad to announce that I have never needed to work, and he just wanted to show me what being humble means! :P.) The line might be borrowed, but it stands true to a fault. 

I had forced both my friends to have light lunch, because we were to have waffles, and we won't be having them, if they are full, which happens almost all the time whenever someone says lets have dessert. They were more keen on ordering more Main Course or at-least meals, which would give them the satisfaction of having eaten real food, but cruel old me, told them no, waffles, waffles, waffles! The place is quite small as per my expectations, and hardly has place for seating 15 people at one time. I guess this one is especially for the people working in the Business Park as they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Seriously, who closes on Saturdays and Sundays! The place is really simple in decor and you can see that it is pretty standard, nothing extra-ordinary. The service, if not good, is not bad either, and it sticks to taking of orders and bringing it to your table, nothing more to it. Again, nothing to write home about.

The Food. Well, since every one on the table was craving food and not just dessert or breakfast as such, we ordered for one multi-grain chicken Baguette, 2 waffles - Chocolate Explosion and The Rocky Road, a red velvet shake and a chocolate one. The Multi grain chicken Baguette,well, was ordinary, not that it was bad, but I have come to understand that when you go to cafe's especially, most of the times sandwiches, puffs and other items such as these are not their specialty. In Di Bella's for example, their specialty is Waffles. The Chocolate Shake, was good enough, but again, I would prefer the one at Cafe Coffee Day any time of the week. The Red Velvet Shake, again, I liked quite a bit, if it was not named Red Velvet Shake, because the quantity of red velvet in it is almost negligible, you get just a hint in the taste, but it nearly ain't enough. When I think Red Velvet Shake, I see the shake to be complete red and generally it is. This is another reason why I was excited to be here, because I had really wanted to have an actual red-velvet shake. Probably, if you remove my expectation factor, it was good and I would give it a good rating even. Before talking about the waffles which were also the highlight of the evening, Why would you not have whipped cream in stock, Cafes are place where Whipped Cream just has to be there, it is used in almost everything, and because of that more than anything else, I felt a tad bit disappointed. :( Because my red velvet shake was supposed to have whipped cream, but it was given with ice-cream and ice-cream is good, I agree but it is not whipped cream is it???!!! Even the waffles were to have whipped cream but they gave extra ice-cream instead. The Waffles???!! Let me just tell you, I have been looking for reasons to go back, in fact I did, only it was a Sunday and upon reaching there I was informed that the place remains shut on Sundays! *sigh* So yes, if you head here, do it for the waffles, do it for the utterly butterly melt-in-your mouth Waffles, the softness of it mixed with chocolate sauce takes you to heaven and makes you wish that you stay there. Probably, why such food is called comfort food because it is like staying in bed, wrapped in the comfort of your blanket while it is raining heavily outside. 

WHAT WE HAD - Multi-grain Chicken Baguette (Ordinary)

                           Red Velvet Shake - (Needs more Red Velvet)

                           Chocolate Shake (If you like Chocolate!)

                           Chocolate Explosion Waffle (Heaven!)

                           Rocky Road Waffle (Heaven!)

DAMAGES - Rs 900/- (We were 3)

WHERE - Coffee By Di Bella, Equinox Commerce Centre, Tower 3, LBS Road, Kurla (w), MUMBAI

DELHI ZAIKA, MUMBAI

One late night, on my journey back from office and wanting to not have burgers but some real food and that too cheap, is what brought me here the first time round around a month or so ago. Situated in Kurla, where there are so many similar looking restaurants serving the same mughlai cuisine, I don't know why it was this particular restaurant that we stopped by. Even then the restaurant was swamped and there were quite a few people queuing up outside. Some for take-aways and some waiting for a reservation to open up. We had to wait for a good 10 minutes and we finally got ourselves a seat in there. We placed our orders in a very hurried manner owing to the time limit that we had in hands. However, the service though not slow, I can't bring myself to blame them as it was we who were in a hurry. So after a 15 minute wait, we told them to make it a take away as I needed to get home on time. But the first part of our order was already done, so we asked to be served. As soon as we took the first bite, it was like magic taking place inside my mouth. Its been such a long time, since I have had some thing that has blown me over and this totally did! What we had ordered was dahi wale seekh kabab. And I have never had some thing like it. Mughlai cuisine is the best that is out there and I don't say that just because I am a mughal ( But I am a mughal, and I did just boast about it a little. On purpose :P). Maybe it was that we did not have our complete meal, like watching a beautiful movie till half time and being interrupted, you just can-not wait for watching the rest of it. We were left in between in such a way. So maybe it was that, but since that night I have been just waiting to get back here and try the full course meal. 

My mother is back in town and as is customary, me and my younger sister wanted to take her out some where, some where that suits her taste buds and she doesn't exclaim at the prices. So I suggested this one. After all a family restaurant is the best place I have learnt over time to take you family to. No uncomfortable scenes unfold in front of you making your one and only loving mother's eyes jump from the sockets and jumping to conclusions and repeatedly going "Astagfirullah!" So on a Friday Night instead of making dinner at home, we decided to head here with the entire crew - cousins, nieces and nephews, all in tow. 

The wait this time though was roughly 5 minutes, it was crowded as usual. That speaks volumes of the place. The place is a little tiny in comparison and has cramped up seating. Though I wish it was a little more spacious, I did not really mind. Probably because it was purely the love for the food that had made me reach here a second time and that too in such a short span. Revisiting a restaurant within a month is not generally how i roll. Only and only due to lack of time. Since my family does not believe in the whole lets start off with ordering starters and enjoy and make conversation or eat slowly. We are a loud bunch and our starters comprises of Biryani and Tandoori Chicken on the side. So we directly began with ordering for the main course. I am very good with ordering off the menu, I think its a knack that I have developed. Its not full proof, but I get it right more than I get it wrong. But when with my family, I have to bite my nails because if it is not right they will not be soft about it. It can have damaging effects on your ego.

Okay, getting down to actually the ordering, with my heart in mouth, I placed order for Dahi Seekh Kabab, Amul Dahi Chicken & Butter Tawa Chicken. The Dahi Seekh Kabab, I had had before and as mentioned is serious heaven! It is seekh kababa with mint n dahi ka tadka, which is going to be my staple order form here. The Amul Dahi Chicken recommended by the server is again outstanding. The Butter Tawa Chicken, though not boneless is a gravy to devour. It is after a very long time that I have had such good and different in taste meal. I love Mughali & Punjabi Food. But you might be aware how all the gravies are similar in taste, only the main ingredients changing from Paneer to Mix Vegetable to Chicken to Fish. The gravy almost always has the same flavor and taste. Here, it was a refreshing change which is why as they say, woh zaika zubaan pe reh gaya ( The taste of the food still lingers on the tongue long after). Next we ordered for the Mutton Biryani. Now, here unfortunately I was a little disappointed.The biryani was good in flavour. However, the serving I was disappointed in. Even though we ordered a full, it seemed to be half. The mutton pieces were soft as tender as they should be but the serving size is very small. Its not even ample for one! The portions served of gravy and chicken were generous, but the rice portions not so much. Their naan is what we actually call Kamachi back in Bahrain. So, that was one another plus for them. I should be disappointed that they didn't serve naans but how I have missed Kamachi! Kamachi is a type of flat bread/Tandoori roti. Only it is not. I hope that makes sense. :P 

My personal recommendation would be skip the rice menu and the desserts as the serving sizes are really tiny and I felt a little cheated wit the money I was paying and stick to the gravies and naans around here. You will go home more than happy and not bloated. I stress on this point because even though I love eating outside, I feel bloated up way too soon (unfortunately!). Here, I didn't. 

I might have been a little late in discovering this place. You shouldn't be! Hence, Head here if you are looking for some real zaika in your meals! They happen to have other branches as well, just in case you wish to know. :D

WHAT WE HAD - Dahi Wale Seekh Kabab (Out of This World)

                         Amul Dahi Chicken (Today's Special, Yum quotient raised to 10

                           Tawa Butter Chicken ( I am Floored!)

                           Rumali Roti

                           Naan ( Good Old Kamachi, and Yum)

                           Mutton Biryani ( Yum but Quantity Disappointing)

                           Rabdi ( ordered 5, Yum, Quantity wise not worth it)

                           Caramel Custard (As Custard Always is! )

DAMAGES- Rs 1300/- Approx ( 3 main dishes, lots of rotis, 1 & 1/2 plate mutton Biryani, 1/2 Zeera Rice, 4 Rabdi & 2 Custard)

WHERE - Delhi Zaika Kurla Branch, 5/6, Next to Kamran Kalpana Theater, LBS Marg, Kurla West, MUMBAI

RAJDHANI, PHOENIX MARKET CITY

I think the concept of such places was brought forward especially for people like me, who want to have EVERYTHING!! :P :P 

This place is already quite famous and is well know for its Traditional Thalis. There are way too many items put on your plate and if you are a true blue bhukkad like me, you wouldn't know where to start, what to eat first. And trust me, I don't even remember half the dishes name that were served, thats how many varieties they serve, that even I couldn't keep track, just keep saying yes, to everything they serve, because everything is bursting with flavours of all kind. 

The thing that impressed me most was that when you sit down, they automatically bring this traditional copper kind of jar and let your wash your hands on the spot ( wish i had got a capture of that) giving you that maharaja feel. ( I am in awe of the Jodha- Akbar Times ).

I am very confused about what do I mention about the food but here is my attempt to recall it all. The starters are like dal-bati-churma, the dhokla and a kind of kachori. There were 4-5 different types of rotis, and I dont even remember the names except for the bajra one. All I know is it all tastes good. Then the gujarati dal, the kadi both of which had a sweet tinge to it. chane ki sabzi, aloo, palak - all yum. Special mention to the paneer - because well its PANEER:D. Also, I loved the khichadi and the amount if ghee they serve you with it. I am not a khichadi fan, but I would be licking my fingers if it was not a sophisticated restaurant. Did I mention the Aamras??? Mango nectar in a bowl, what could be bad about it and my first mango of the season. The star of the meal was however the doodhi ka halwa. I have never had this before unfortunately, and for some reason doodhi and halwa seemed like a very odd combination to me, though I have heard about it. But I would very happily tell you how very wrong I was. Because I had 3 servings of this, even though by now I was so full. Finally, to wash it all down, the Butter milk aka Chhas! 

So if like me, you like to have a little or a lot of everything, this is the place to GO!! 

WHERE - Rajdhani, Level 2, Pheonix Market City, Kurla (W), MUMBAI (There are others in different part of the city)

DAMAGES - Rs 800 Approx ( we were 2)