The Rolling Pin, Mumbai

The Rolling Pin, Lower Parel

Ahhh. Dessert Heaven and High Teas. Me and my sister had been on a witch hunt for High Teas around town and even though it's not like they are non-existent, it is however like Super Expensive! Both of us being stingy and broke, didn't want to spend 2000 bucks just for tea, no matter how fancy it sounds. Till we discovered that The Rolling pin does high teas themselves! Hip Hip Hurrah and at less than half the rate. So we decided to fulfill our grand desire of having tea like high society ladies at this wonderful place.

I am going to combine my two visits to the place in the past month and a half, one a a post shopping spree sit down with my friend and one the high tea with my sister. I have been often enough at their Ghatkopar Outlet till it closed down almost a year ago and then never went to Lower Parel because well, it is far but now that I work in the vicinity, I can't help but stop-by.

This place reminds me of Europe! In a city as crowded as this is, it is hard to come by a place that is not scared of using every little space available. Spacious is what this place is, High ceilings, wooden walls and ceiling and an open kitchen makes me feel for the short span that I am here, that I am not in Mumbai at all. That is hard to come by. This is why I love restaurants as much as I probably do. Their power to transport you to beautiful places without Visas. Exaggeration, you say? No, not really. Restaurants hold the same magic that books do. I happen to love both. 

The High Tea 

I have always wanted to have food from this plate holder like thing. Looks so classy and I did. Little joys. Cutlets, Chocolate Muffin, Cheese Cigars and rolls, 3 types of cookies, mini vegetable puffs, mini veg burger, mini fruit tart, and another un-named pastry made is what made the high tea's food offerings. They also give you an unlimited option for tea/coffee -cappuccino or espresso. I went for the Espresso. Yes, no tea in the high tea. They should think of introducing Hot Chocolate as another option. I am not a coffee person and this was re affirmed after I poured 3 packets of sugar and yet failed to like the coffee. My sister loved it. Between me and my sister, I was a fan of the savory items and she a fan of the sweeter items. She loved the cookies, cakes, fruit tarts. I loved the mini burger, croissants and vegetable cutlet logs. The food was't out of this world, but it is an experience in itself. Some times it is about the experience.

DAMAGES - Rs 850/- (Approx)

Pit Stop after Shopping Spree

Exhausted after a shopping spree, I swear I wasn't the one shopping. I was the one holding the bags. My dearest friend wanted to shop and I was more than happy to accompany under the pretense of spending some time only because I work near by. :P 

This was pre-dinner and post-luch so we decided to order just enough to keep us happy. We ordered for the Bombay Spice Pizza Pie which is basically Pav Bhaji Pizza. Do not underestimate this Pizza Pie. It might look smaller than you might have expected but it is very very heavy on the stomach. Topped with Cheese (Melt in the mouth, oozing) and the pie is filled with Pav Bhaji and cheese, it makes it delectable till a certain point. Yes, a certain point. After a while you get tired of having so much Masala, because Bhaji of the Pav Bhaji is just gravy and just having gravy after a while gets tiring. So this is where the flaw in the Pav Bhaji pizza lies. After one slice and a little more, I wanted to just eat remove the Bhaji and have the pizza sans it, which would just be cheese and bread I guess, then. But then again these are my preferences, I don't know of the vast majority out there. For dessert, we went for the brownie cheese cake and cookie and cream roll. Cheese cake is well cheese cake and there is nothing quite like it. Dense, cheesy, chunks of brownie, what else does one need. I could have had one more on my own is all I can say on the matter. The cookie and cream roll. Cream Cheese sandwiched between two cookies and smeared with chocolate. Yum. However, I was left a little confused. Was I dreaming the last time I had ordered this?!! or is there a variant of this. I can remember having the same thing with cheesecake stuffed instead of cream. So, there I was left just a wee bit disappointed though maybe no fault of theirs. Even if they don't do it, maybe they should. 

This place is amazing with everything but the prices. I have started to hate paying taxes, well not taxes, but exorbitant amount of taxes. 

If nothing, then come here for the desserts. There are very few places that do justice do desserts quite the way this place does. 

WHAT WE HAD - Bombay Spice Pizza (Yum)

                           Brownie Cheese Cake (Heaven) 

                           Cookie and Cream Roll (Yum)

DAMAGES - Rs 1100/- Approx (30-35% as Taxes)

WHERE - 12, Janta Industrial Estate, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Opa Bar & Cafe, Mumbai

OPA BAR & CAFE, Santacruz

For a change, this was a discovery by a friend and not me. Also, I have to grudgingly admit that she did a darn well job of it, even more so than me.(I wish it was me who had suggested this place!) The only doubt, I had in my mind?? Will this group even like this cuisine. I love this cuisine. It's probably my favorite after what my mom whips up. You have got to be partial to "Maa ke Haath ka Khana", ask any kid who stays away from home and my "murder" (that's how I refer to her, murder and baap, there is more love in those than ever would be in Ammi Jaan and Abbu Jaan) is incredible when it comes to cooking. She could take part in Masterchef India (I am realistic enough and wouldn't say Masterchef Australia :P). I was talking about cuisine. The Cuisine here comprises of delicacies from the Gulf/ the Arab World. Now you know why I said second favorite - Food From the Homeland. Also, this place has sheesha (Bless the Govt for uplifting the ban on at least something instead of placing bans, for a change)

Arrive here early, as post 8 pm, it will be difficult to find a place and since it is a sheesha lounge, you will not find people moving out for hours so it would be a long-long wait! The ambience? You should ask for from my sister, as when I had tried describing it to her, her exact words "I asked you in general how the place and you haven't shut up for 15 minutes straight!" One of those places that impressed me in the first look, and I was already looking forward after glancing through online. The place borrows from the whole Arabian Nights look and feel, the date palm trees, the couches, even the fabric covering the couches, the curtained seating areas. It was as if, only for a night, I was in an Arabian City. (I really need to go home :( )

The only slight issue we faced, was getting attention from the attending staff, there was shortage of staff from what I felt, because from what I could see there was one guy who was managing half the place (and this place is huge!). I have gotten so used to this at so many places now, that I have adjusted to it and that's bad. Service is of essence and there cannot be a compromise in it. Yet, the more places I visit, the more I realize there is a huge gap in this particular area. 

The most important of it all - the food. We started off with a cold mezze platter, and this is one particular item to which I had my doubts. Not towards whether or not, it would be made well but rather would it be accepted well on the table. You either like it or you don't, since the mezze platter comes with dips which is very different from the chutneys etc the indian taste buds are accustomed to it. Though, I wouldn't say it was a huge success, I would say that I in particular did enjoy it and the rest were more lenient towards the Baba Ghanoush and Labneh Dip then the others. Served with Pita Bread, pickled veggies (I have a soft corner for pickled veggies, and was disappointed that they didn't give the pickled cucumbers which is customary) and some types of chips (for lack of a better word). I would recommend for you to try it, but if not you could do what the others on our table did - make Pita Pockets. One of my friends is even better than me in fusion (fusion food), and we had ordered a salad - chargrilled zucchini, puy lentils and spiced Halloumi Salad. Pita pockets were made with putting spoonfuls of this salad, adding the various dips and then gobbling it up. The salad on its own, simply put was not my cup of tea. I avoid salads, not really my thing. This had lentils, boiled lentils, all the more not my thing, but it blended extremely well with the Pita Bread and dip, and is a falafel on its own. Well, not falafel, but you get an idea. Next what we had ordered from the menu was the Moroccan Filo Cups and the Pita Sliders. The Moroccan Filo Cups were an instant hit - cups made of thin puff pastry (the kind that is used in Bakhlava, if you know bakhlava, if you don't, you need to have it!) and filled with vegetables/cheese. We took the veg variant as always we had more vegetarians on the table than the other way round (It's a conspiracy I feel like. We need more non-vegetarians!). I couldn't live without ordering at least something in the non veg, so we had ordered one veg and one non-veg pita sliders. Served with Tahina Sauce, I am in love with these. Giving a twist to the Western Burger sliders, served with Pita bread. These really were my favorite, or a close second favorite. The vegetarian one was a type of falafel and that is all i can tell you as I didn't bother try it. :P Next we had ordered was the Kabsa, we had ordered two and both in Veg, :'(. I wish I had the non-veg one. However, I have to say that I was in love with this and that is why I had actually ordered a second one. The taste was as authentic as it gets and the Raita type dip served along with it just increased the taste by a notch. We had also ordered for a Pink Pasta in Non-Veg and I wish this one I had ordered in Veg, but not all my decisions are wise. No, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the Pasta, infact the sauce was a perfect blend of white and Red, and would again be a recommendation, if you want to have something that is not well an Arab type food. The only reason I wish I had ordered in veg was so, I could have ordered a non-veg in the Kabsa! :D I think I am little obsessed with the Kabsa, well, more than little.

Since this place has Sheesha/Hookah, we obviously had to have a round of that, and we went for the grape mint. I would rather not speak on this, but to each his own. ;) Also, if you are looking for a nice refreshing mock tail,instead of ordering from their menu, create a concoction of your own, or take inspiration from what my friend had ordered - mixture of lemonade with soda, no extra sugar with mint and ginger. Sugarless, and Ah-mazing! I think that is the reason why he probably ordered it, go sugar-free, but I really didn't even realize it till I asked him later on what was it that "we" ordered. We because, after having a sip, I immediately went - I will have what he is having. :D

I have been doing unpaid advertising among my circle since my visit to this place. So that should tell you how highly I think of the place, and though I don't know when I will be back again, I am going to keep telling you to pay a visit and then go - Didn't I tell You??!!. 

WHAT WE HAD - Cold Mezze Platter (Yum!)

                           Moroccan Filo Cups (Yum!Yum!)

                           Non-Veg Pita Slider (Yum!Yum!)

                           Veg Pita Slider (Yum!)

                           Veg Kabsa*2 (Delightful)

                           Pink Pasta - Non Veg (Yum*Yum)

                           Lemon Soda Mocktail (Refreshing)

                           Breezer - Assorted (I don't even drink Redbull!! :P)

                           Grape-mint Sheesha (Me likes!)

DAMAGES - Rs 6000/- Approx ( We Were 5, it would be 5k without the sheesha!)

WHERE - Opa Bar & Café., 7th Floor, Hotel Peninsula Grand, Opp. Sakinaka Metro Station, Sakinaka, 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

IMBISS - MEATING JOINT, MUMBAI

This place stands true and loyal to its name, it truly is a sole and sole, a meat lover's place. So its heaven if you love meat, but you cannot think of stepping if you are a vegetarian, it will prove to be a night mare otherwise. For me, well, it is Heaven. Through and through. 

Even though I have been here before, well, previously I had been to the colaba joint which is a tad bit different from this one. This one has a more homely atmosphere and has less of a restaurant feel. It atleast made me feel like I am in some Goan Aunty's place. The place has that feel to it, like the backside of an old house has been converted into a makeshift restaurant and I have to say its a pretty good feeling. I mean I love Goa, and the people and their foood!! Though, the food here was not goan, just saying.

The place is pretty small and can seat around 20 people at once, but this place is in demand. The minute the restaurant opened up for dinner, within 30-45 mins the place was full. So caution, be here early or be ready to wait but I should tell you the wait will be worth it, not that I had to wait. I belong to the reach first category! :P 

I don't think I have had so much different variety of meat ever at one time. We had chicken, salami, beef and even rabbit! This is the first, that I have ever had rabbit, but I should say these people make it pretty mean and good. We began with chicken wings and a chicken fillet. The wings were the best, I have had yet. The sauce was the right amount and the chicken was so soft and so succulent that it takes you to an all together another place. The chicken fillet though was house special for the day, was a little dry for my taste. It was good but nothing special or so I felt. We ordered another special as was recommended - which was the rabbit fillet cum mince. Since it was the first time, I was giving this try, I was not-so-sure and even though I don't have anything to compare it to, they were pretty yum. Atleast, in this place. Melt in the mouth again! The garlic breads served on the side were again, something I would want to go back for and even though I am not a big fan of mashed potatoes, I found myself having spoonfuls from here. After eating all this, we were almost full but still wanted to have more. Woh kehte hain na pet bhar gaya but mann nahi bhara ( Translation - the stomach's full but the heart wants more). So we ordered one last dis which was the cold meat platter which had different types of salami served up. Each distinct in taste.

I have to give a special mention to the servers here, I had a feeling like they were the ones who even owned the place with the hospitality displayed. So warm and welcoming like you are at a house party and the hosts are intend on satisfying you and feeding you more and more. So that to me is a huge plus to the place. Because anywhere else it would probably seem intrusive. I hate it even when a sales person in a departmental store comes up to me to ask me my requirement, It makes my highly uncomfortable. But here it feels warm. The small line between welcoming and intruding, they know how to keep that in check.

So all you meat lovers! This is not a place you would want to miss! 

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Escalopes with Fries (Good)

                           Buffalo Wings (Y.U.M.)

                           Cold Meat Platter ( Y.U.M.)

                     Rabbit mince ( This is not the real name, but this is a house special and not really on the menu, so I dint really catch the name, but it is OH-SO-WORTH-IT!)

                           2 Flavored Fruit Beers

DAMAGES - Rs 1150 (Approx)

WHERE - IMBISS, 14, Ben O Lil Heaven, Waroda Road, Off Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai

THE UNITED SPORTS BAR & GRILL, MUMBAI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE TEA CENTRE, MUMBAI

Let me begin by telling you I am a lucky lucky girl! (Touch-wood!). This meet was with a friend who I hadn't seen in some time and he was treating me for a belated birthday of sorts. I have been here before but on my insistence, since I had never really tried the food here, he fulfilled the wishes of the b'day girl. And I am glad for not listening to him for the suggestions he kept giving. Because yes, the teas here are good. Bu I hadn't expected the food to be good to.

On arrival I found my friend waiting for me with a present in tow ( That I didnot expect and overwhelming it always is :) ). I should mention that this place was first introduced to me by this very same person. Coming down to business, which is me talking about this place. This place is very seriously, one of the gems that Churchgate or I should say Mumbai has to offer. They have managed to maintain their standards over the years. This place always reminds me of the Victorian era. I imagine many a times that maybe years ago this place might have been a dance hall for the British where they held their oh-so-sophisticated parties or whatever they were called back then. The high ceilings, the walls, the seating arrangements, the colors, everything reeks of it. Even the servers are dressed so. And the little bell that is kept on each table for when you want to bring attention to the server towards you. (I didn't know this factor, till I picked up the little bell and starter ringing it and my friend made these huge eyes and laughed :P).

The food? Lets talk about the tea first. We tried new teas which is the Irish tea and apple butter-tea. Yes, there is such a thing! The Irish tea feels more like a dessert drink which is warm, milky and creeeammyy. Perfection. The apple butter tea on the other side is good to keep you warm and fuzzy. Reminded me of soup in certain ways, which is not a bad thing let me tell you. We didn't order much because we wanted to go out and have some other stuff too. So we ordered a pasta which was down right delectable and also mushroom toast. Special mention to the mushroom toast. Why you ask. I had seen this photo on zomato of this but didnot know what's the name. So I actually carried a photo and showed it to the server and asked him please tell me what this ( Beware! That's the kind of diner I am. So be prepared to be embarassed! :P)

Visit this place when you want to just spend some relaxed time. Because this place is better than a lot of coffee shops you would have ever been to. But remember to not carry your laptops because this place is to talk and make conversation and strictly not work. I am mentioning this because the first time I had been here was work related and I just hated that I had to discuss work. :P

WHAT WE HAD - Irish Tea (Dessert in a tea, Yum)

                         Apple Butter-cup tea (Warm 'n' Fuzzy, Feel-good)

                         Pasta (Full of cheese, Yum's the word)

                         Mushroom Toast ( cheese n mushroom - Yum yum yum!)

DAMAGES - I seriously have no idea, since I was not allowed to see the bill but my guess would be Rs 800 (Approx)

WHERE- Tea Centre,Resham Bhavan, 78, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate ( Its very near to churchgate Station)

JUGHEADS, MUMBAI

I cringe at the thought of saying anything remotely bad about anyone and if by chance I do, I regret it the next minute and think, I might be too quick to judge or maybe there is more to the story and I might have made a mistake somewhere. but some times you just can't do anything about it and you have got to say what you have got to say, which here is, if you are a foodie like me, then this place is not for you especially when you don't exactly booze. 

I have been told time and again that the place is for people who like to drink and just get the evening pass by. I don't belong to that category. I am there solely for the food and the best of pubs, lounges etc do serve good food and to me there is no excuse for well, not-good food. (See, there also I can't say that well, they are bad)

I don't know if they were trying to reinvent the food in their own style or not, but it did indeed fail. Everything just felt a little off. I was so looking forward to the chicken wings bu was disappointed as it felt more like chicken wings masala than the way chicken wings are supposed to be. The same goes for the pan fried steak. Pan fried means Pan fried, not Beef steak Masala and that is what it tasted like. Also, the masala seemed very much similar in the bbq wings and the steak. I still let go and was like no one could go wrong with pizza, there again wrong I was. It felt like the same masala had become the base for the pizza. If that wern't enough, I couldn't understand what flavor where they trying to give to the pasta. All I know was it tasted weird. Even the bread served with the pasta felt stale, dry and devoid of taste. I actually hardly touch the pasta and asked for a take-away thinking I might want to have it later. Big mistake. Withing 2 hours when I reached home, a stale smell started leeking out of the plastic. So it actually gives me doubts if any of the food was remotely fresh.

I would bring this to the management's notice but the management seemed hardly interested in even serving us as he seemed totally engrossed in serving a bunch of college going girls besides us ( Makes me wonder have i grown old or maybe because I had company :P ). Interesting point was that the girl and me both were there to celebrate our b'days ;) . 

The most important part, the management should change the name from JUGHEAD's. Why? Do you Know Jughead? If you are familiar with the comics Archies, you would know the one and only die-hard foodie in it, JUGHEAD. To name a place after him is practically an insult to him because Jughead would never approve of this place. I know it is named after him only, because all the character's from the comics can be found on their menu.

The only lesson learned here was I should always listen to my instinct and when I don't, I regret it. So many good places around and for some reason i chose this. I didn't complain (much atleast. Atleast I think so :P) was because I was there more for the company and it was my b'day.

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Wings 

                           Pan Fried Steak

                           Chicken Meat lover's Pizza

                           Pasta 

                           Margarita

WHERE - Jughead's, Viviana.2nd Floor, Viviana Mall, Thane (W), Mumbai

DAMAGES - Rs 1700 (inclusive of 2 beers)

EDDIE'S BISTRO, MUMBAI

1 more down on my to-visit list. I like giving a little background information as to how I stumble across places. I believe it adds a little interest to the story. Ok, well not story, but you know what I mean. I don't know how true that is but here it goes. 

I was destined to visit this place today. Because I happen to stay in BKC, and this place is in Bandra west, which makes travel easier, yet me and my friend went all the way to goregaon, wasted 200 rs approx on a rick ( I had no energy for train travelling :P ) and once we landed there, the place that we were going to go had a waiting list of atleast an hour. Hence, somehow we thought lets go to bandra and waste another 200 rs on going back. I am a master at such acts of stupidity. To top it, we didn't know where exactly this is and so we called them up for directions and the manager ( I am guessing :P) had to actually come out of the restaurant because we couldn't locate the restaurant ( though we were standing on the opp side of it, did I mention I am totally blind and don't see things that are right in front of me? My eyesight is just perfect, thank you very much :P ). Let me tell you, it was also highly embarrassing when the guy brought us in, who else takes such extreme steps just for 1 restaurant? I do! :D

The question is, whether at the end of the day was all of it worth it. Because, if the place manages to impress you then the you rejoice in the experience or you end up cursing yourself for going to such lengths. The answer to the question is yes, It was indeed 100% worth it.

They have a wooden decor in placed, lends a very cosy atmosphere to the restaurant, happen to believe and honestly, have a little thing for. The kind of place, where you can kill time, make merry and kind of perfect to catch up on all the gossip when you are meeting a friend after a while. This place provided all of that and hence, was perfect for the occasion.

Let's talk about the food. I had no complaints at all with any of the items served. The bread basket ( small portion), itself was not exactly small and each bread was buttery soft and upto the mark even after 4-5 hrs ( Packed up and taken home, as we couldn't finish it off and my sister benefited from it). Then the risotto, I am not a big fan of risottos, but I couldn't keep my hands away from this one and was stealing it from my friend's plate quite often( :P). The mini lamb burger, which I have heard is a specialty here, is full of flavor and at the end you just feel like wish there was more of it, as they are pretty mini in size and portion. Though we didn't experiment too much with the mocktails, as the concoctions here were a little different from the ones I am used to. I do want to give it a try next time. 

I for one, came away happy and satisfied with the meal. Too full for desserts, but would want to give it a try next time as they looked yum!

WHAT WE HAD -Miniature lamb burger ( yum. yum.)

                          Chicken paprika stronganoff ( YUM. YUM.)

                          Grilled Chicken ( YUM. YUM.)

                          Bread Basket ( Yummyyy, special mention for the dip)

                          Build- up ( Mocktail, berrylicious :D)

                          Mint Tangerine ( I prefered the build-up)

DAMAGES - RS 1850 ( We were two)

WHERE -at Eddies. 6, Silver Croft building, 16th and 33rd Road Junction, Bandra(W), Mumbai. ( Walk past KFC in link road (left), keep walking till a slope comes, its just before the slope begins ) This is so that, you don't have to call the manager like I had to. :P

RED BOX CAFE, MUMBAI

Sometimes the best experiences come out of expecting nothing. This was my 2nd visit here, and each time it was not planned. But also each time, I have enjoyed this place to the fullest. I have always said that for me the food that a place serves is the most important factor but I have always judges places on more than just that. My reason is simple, I am blessed with a family whose culinary skills can give tough competition to the best chefs around town. So if I am going out for a meal, it has to offer me much more than just good food even though thats the primary factor. And I have got to say, this places impresses me in all those fronts.

I love the glass walls, which has little bubbles trapped in it, as if. I love the seating arrangement which is not too congested and yet ample place for accommodating a good number of people. I love the way they have used the color red in their theme. The one thing that I have found in many other places is that you can either enjoy the music or make conversation. Here, one of those rare places where you can enjoy both equally. The music is not soft, its on the louder level yet it doesnt interrupt the flow of conversation, rather you feel your it creating a mood for the same and the music is not the soft kind as such. In addition to this, since it was the IPL Finals, the matches were screened everywhere and you can just as equally enjoy that. I have got to say, I want to know how they do that. Infuse so many things and you can enjoy all 3 at the same time.

Coming to the food, the last time I had come in, I had thought, because I had no expectations, probably I was mighty impressed, but this time too I was equally bowled over with the quality and the taste of the food served. Its just perfect, if I wasn't too exaggerate . The chicken that we had ordered as starters was the star of the meal, the right amount of juiciness and well, just how chicken should. This is also one place where the drinks menu for both hard drinks and teetotalers ( like moi) will enjoy their drinks.

I would highly recommend this place for anybody who is looking to have a good time, be it with your friends, partners etc. Also, this place is pure value for money.

WHAT WE HAD - Involtini ( Chicken starters) - Extreme delightfulness

                        Java Java Chicken Salad ( Delightful)

                        Grilled Fish wrapped Coriander ( Double the delight)

                        Chicken Burger with cheese ( Ordinary)

                        Mojito - ( Cocktail) - The friend gives it a thumbs up!

                        Black Passion ( Mocktail) - ( Delight)

DAMAGES - Rs 1600 ( Approx) - We were Two

WHERE - at Red Box Cafe. Akruti Building, MIDC Pipeline, Andheri East, Mumbai

DUNKIN DONUTS, MUMBAI

Dunkin Donuts arrived in Mumbai with much hype and hoopla and I was one among the many who had signed up to be there on the first day. Unfortunately, due to work commitments I couldn't be a part of it. But I made it a point to be there in the first week itself. How couldn't I? I have been waiting forever for a good donut place, not that MOD is bad, but well, if you have had the privilege of growing up in the west or Middle East, you will understand the difference.

The big question is whether it matched up to the expectations built up partly by them and partly by me with the name they carry in other parts of the world. The answer to that is No. Trust me, it pains to say it. But it is the truth. Is it good? Definitely yes. But growing up in Bahrain, I can't help but compare it to the ones I have had there, and I always end up making the comparison. Yes, I know everybody says its catering to a different segment, the market is different. All I know is when ever I have made my mom smuggle donuts from me across the 7 seas, and my extended family/ friends who have had the luck of trying them out have the same thing to say - Where have these been all my life. And when I say, something is good, it means it is good. Similarly, when I say its not the same, It is definitely not the same. 

Well, yes, It doesn't mean I won't be dropping by the place. I most definitely will. It just means I will still miss the donuts I have had from home. Now, for the real thing. Well, I did love the place, the white walls, the colorful sofas and seating arrangement. Its class meeting Funk. ( I didn't know how else to put it :P). So one could hold a business meeting with a client here, and maybe in another corner a couple could be romancing away, while you might find a group of friends laughing their time away. What it means, its a place for everybody which is what I liked most about it. That anybody and everybody can feel at home here. ( Well, not literally home. :P )

Coming to the food, we ordered a lot of different stuff. And if I had to say overall, the food hits the right note. I loved their Bagel burger ( I will come here more for this, I think ;) ). They have a lot of options in burgers, which is points to them because even MC Donalds fails in variety. However, stay away from the Jalepeno chicken Sandwich. I didn't like it or rather it was just strictly okay and it was a recommendation from the server, so I think their servers need to know what to recommend. The rest of the stuff was good and well applauded by me as well as my companions including the spiked iced tea which I have had for the first time ( An iced tea, that I have not had before? That's a first :P ). It has a spicy tinge to it. 

Finally, the one thing I would want to mention is they need to really really increase the fillings in their donuts. I was let down in this department, as after finishing of more than half the donut I could see signs of any filling and I was waiting impatiently for the custard filling one as MOD doesn't offer this and it is my ALL TIME FAVORITE. at Dunkin Donuts, Phoenix Market City, Kurla.

WHAT WE HAD - Tough Guy Chicken Bagel Burger ( Star of the Day)

                         Pepper Chicken Burger ( Applause)

                         Chicken Jalapeno Sandwich ( Just Pass)

                         Hash Browns ( Hittum Hit!)

                         Caramel Butter Scotch Shake ( Praiseworthy!_

                         Spiked Ice Tea ( Surprise Hit!)

                         Fruit Berry Smoothie ( Hit! )

                         Cinnamon Flavored Classic Donut ( The Best of the Lot)

                         Classic Donut ( Appreciated)

                         Custard Filling Donut ( More on the filling Please, and softer 

dough needed)

                         Alive By chocolate ( Again, Same as before)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500 Approx ( Only, because we had a lot to eat)

WHERE - Pheonix Market City, L.B.S Marg, Kurla (W), Mumbai

CANDIES, MUMBAI

Well, who hasn't been here, and if you really havn't, then what were you waiting for??!! :P This place is what I would call PAISAL-VASOOL. Why? Where else would you get to eat such finger-licking food at such economic values. It is frequented by students, the elderly, couples and even the celebrities!! I can vouch for it, because I myself have witnessed this. In walks in this small time Bollywood actor as if its an everyday thing and casually placing his order and no one making a big deal out of it and all I could think of was OMG! Did I just see who I think I saw???!!! All, this while maintaining my cool on the outside but screaming on the inside. No, he wasn't a big-shot celebrity, a small tme actor, but I happen to love bollywood and for someone who has come down from the GCC, it is a BIG DEAL, especially if that some one is me, who is BOLLYWOOD OBSSESSED!! :P :P

Did I deviate from the topic? I have a feeling I did. :P But the point was this place is THAT GOOD and its huge. I sometime wonder how do they afford it, such a big place in a city like Mumbai where people live in matchboxes, here there are huge spaces and that too in bandtra. Mostly the somebodys you will find in this area and since its Bandra, you will always find a good crowd in the place. Sometimes this aspect is a downer even in other really good restaurants. The crowd that goes to a restaurant tells a lot about the place too.

I love this place for its white walls in the outside seating areas, feels like I am in Greece and I love Greece. You have got to love Greece and the way the whole place is structured, flights of stairs leading the way to the other parts of the restaurant, reminds one all the more of Greece. The inside seating is equally good where lamps adorn the ceilings giving it a very relaxed yet warm feel which is what for in the summer days.

They have a lot to offer on the menu and everything is displayed right in front of you, all they do is get it from their kitchens display it on the counter and upon ordering heat it up and serve it to you. You should definitely try their cold pasta salad, and if you are ordering a complete meal, it comes as a side in it. This is my personal favorite and I always, always, always have it. I have dreams about their cold pasta salad like its calling out to me. I have tried a variety of stuff from their kitchen and I have never been disappointed. But there is always a but. And the but here is that, I am not a big fan of their desserts. I can't comment on the rest, because my sister loves it. From the drinks, my personal favorite is the pink lemonada where you will find real berried at the end which gives it a lovely taste and adds to the drink.

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Schnitzel (Yum! YUM! Y.U.M.)

                            Veg Spaghetti Bolognese (Yum!YUM! Y.U.M.)

                            Pink Lemonade ( Only place, where I opt for this and not Iced

                                                    Tea, that itself speaks a lot)

                            Vanilla Milkshake ( yum & YUM)

                            Mini Carrot Cupcake ( Yum)

                            Jelly Slices

                            Mini chocolate

DAMAGES - Approx Rs 800. (we were 2)

WHERE - Candies, Mac Ronells, Pali Hill, Near Gold's Gym, Bandra (W)