Foodgasm, Mumbai

Foodgasm, Bandra

I have come to half realize that maybe small places are better at making your taste buds dance than their heavy counterparts. I was almost hesitant to try this place out because of this factor. It's a small, how would the food be? What if it's not worth it. But after the meal, all I can say is after quite some time, my stomach has felt as happy as it did. The real sign for being blown away by a meal is when the hunger has died in your stomach but stays alive in your eyes. (Aankhon ki bhook). This was that place.

Small place tucked away in Reclamation, Bandra. Mostly residential area as I couldn't really spot any other outlets or shops around. A serene feeling at that because no crowd. The place is pretty small, with two indoor sections, one has around 4-5 tables and the other 2. The inside was already full and hence, we were made to sit on the outside wala inside.

The service is at par. the waiting staff know the menu, and have the ability to recommend what would suit your taste buds well, a quality I appreciate because most of the time (even if I don't admit to it) I am confused with all the stuff on the menu. They welcome you with a red color drink with basil seeds (I think! the one we use in Falooda? If you know what I am talking about) served in shot glasses. It tasted like a version of hajmola in your glass and was actually kind of nice , after my initIal hesitation and almost wished I could have a few more of these to down. Then came the appetizers and mock tails - Foodgasm wings with Iced Tea and Fruity Mojito. The wings were Ah-mazing. I don't remember the last time I had such good chicken wings. Most places them seem to either not have the correct sauce, is bland  and etc. This was covered in sauce and you could feel the juiciness and the bbq sauce in every bite of the chicken. I would probably go back for these alone. The iced tea was again one of the best I have and I have had too many from too many places. The mojito was almost avoidable as it didn't really click with any of us. For the mains we ordered the Chicken Shawarma  and Basil Infused Chicken with soft butter noodles. I have been cursed here as my quest to find the perfect Shawarma just doesn't seem to end. No, even though everything else was on point, the shawarma left me disappointed once again. If you called it a wrap, I would say it did well for itself but not as a Shawarma. Just because you are using pita bread and adding tahini and grilled chicken to it, doesn't make it a shawarma. (The only place that made shawarma as it was supposed to be but since their management change, nothing is the same). They had served this with a side of sweet potato fries which was something new to me and even though I hadn't been completely on board with it, it did make for a good change. The basil infused chicken with butter spaghetti, was a class apart. There seemed to be two types of spaghetti mixed in this and the spaghetti on it's own would make for a great meal, so with the basil infused grilled/roast chicken it was just something else. I don't know how else to describe it. Generally, I am so full by this point that I skip the dessert, not today. The Bugs Bunny cake was what we ordered. You should know I am not a fan of carrots, no where close to it i.e. when they are row. Cook it up and I am their biggest fan. Whether they are used in Sambhar, gajar ka halwa and the carrot cake. I have grown up on carrot cake. My mom used to bake a lot of cakes and carrot was my favorite. But put it in a salad, and I won't touch the salad. I know, I am weird.  This was one of the softest cake and topped with vanilla ice cream, is like a match made in heaven. I almost wanted to order a second one but that would have been too much. So, foregone for the day.

To anyone who prefers to eat healthy or are very diet conscious, they have a range of healthy meals as well. So it's a place for everyone. 

WHAT WE HAD - Foodgasm Wings (Ah-mazing)

                          Chicken Shawarma (Average)

                          Basil Infused Chicken with Soft Butter Noodles (Yumness Personified)

                          Bugs Bunny Cake (Yumness)

                          Fruity Mojito (Avoid)

                          Iced Tea (Yumness)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Foodgasm., Shop 4, Ankleshwar Building, ONGC Colony, Near IES College, Reclamation, Bandra West

                           

D CREPES CAFE, MUMBAI

D Crepes Cafe, Thane

I had discovered this little gem of a place more than 2 years back. It features in one of those places that I can't help but keep coming back to. Food that is truly delightful and the reasonably priced is a rarity in this city. I generally don't mind as Food is my guilty pleasure and is not about to change any time soon, but, it's always nice dropping by places like these that are the very meaning of value for money!

They have a new branch opened up at Hiranandani Estate I believe, though, I always end up at Meadows. Infact I think I could be the unoffical ambassador of this place with the way I have promoted and made sure people from my friends and family pay visit to this place. They always come back with rave reviews! 

The service here is something that has been well maintained over the years, recommending dishes to your liking. They know their menu, something that I actually find in a lot of places that the attending staff may lack knowledge of the items on their menu. It always adds a nice touch when the person serving understands your taste palette and can recommend what would best suit you, making it a good expeience on both sides and strategically avoiding bad reviews!

It is obligatory to order a crepe when you step in here. After  all, the place is names "D'Crepes". So we began with a generous serving of the Barbeque crepe. I should also mention here that the serving size of the crepe has increased or so I felt. Previously the filling inside the crepes wasn't as generous as it was this time. Where most other places you will find it decreasing, here it is the opposite. Kudos.  Chicken and veggies mixed well with BBQ sauce stuffed in the crepe is the stuff of your dreams and it can get down and dirty, so forget your table manners at home to enjoy it the way it should be! Next on the item was some Pasta. The pasta range is under Do It Your Way with giving you selections on how you want it to be prepared. We went for Fusilli Pasta in Portugese sauce as recommended by our attendant. This is supposed to be a very spicy sauce and we had asked him to turn down the spiciness a little and we are glad we did that. Even after the spiciness being reduced, it still ended up being spicy, so eat if your heart, stomach, ears and nose are prepared for. (You know running noses, heart bun, smoke from your ears ) The sauce is a tangy sauce and takes a little after the Arabiatta, though not an arabiatta sauce. I would order it again. However, the one thing that I would want to change about it is the serving bowl. Previously, the pastas were surved in a wooden bowl which has been changed to plates. I always felt it gave a unique touch to the plating with the wooden bowls. We had also ordered some garlic bread on the side and let me just say this is one of the best cheese garlic breads I have ever had the honour to have. Cheesy, soft breads, retaining the garlic flavors. Life couldn't get better. 

I am going to take a paragraph break here. I am a very lazy writer but once I start typing, I think I over write. But it's food!  For drinks I had called for the Iced tea, because nothing like it and truly, over here, I can most definitely say - NOTHING LIKE IT! I order iced teas because it is the safest bet on the menu and I don't spot a lot of creativity in this section in most places. However, the iced ea here is one of the best I have had. Refreshing, tangy, sweet and the perfect balance of flavors. I could order one more. My friend had ordered the Red Velvet Shake and even though I was a little wary of this, because most places screw up the red velvet shake and it feels more of a chocolate shake itself (Arey bhaiyya chocolate shake order kana hota toh chocolate shake order karte na - is something that some people don't get!). Here? You can feel the red velvet taste in every sip you take and I was just in another kind of heaven. A must if you enjoy red velvet as much as I do. The only disappointment - we had ordered for chocolate cheese cake to end our order and this is the first time that I have been let down. The cheese was too heavy, dry and wasn't even exactly sweet. Something I hope they look into. Their dessert range has never disappointed me before so I was a little surprised. 

Go for D Crepes! Go for D' Crepes and in case you still haven't gotten the message - Go for D'Crepes! or well, live to regret. Perfect place for meeting a friend, or for your work from home or rather cafe days and even for a date where you want to impress the said date! 

What We Had - Barbecue Crepe (Yumness Personified)

                         Pasta in Portugaise Sauce (Yumness)

                         Cheese Garlic Bread (More is Less)

                         Iced Tea (Very very refreshing!)

                         Red Velvet Shake (Fantabulous, yumness personified)

                         Chocolate Cheese cake (Let Down)

Damages - Rs 1100/- (Approx)

Where - D'Crêpes Café., Shop 2, Avila Building, Near Godrej Nature's Basket, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West

Villa Vandra, Mumbai

Villa Vandre, Pali Hill

Instead of trying new places, I have been on a refresher course of sorts, where in I am paying my visit to a lot of old ones. It serves as a refresher of why I first fell in love with these places! Villa Vandre is one of these magnificent places. Food for the soul is what I like to refer to it as. 

The best place for breakfast in my books is this place. This is probably my 4th visit to the place in the past year, and that is quite a lot considering I visit new places only most of the time (I need to be a little rational about the money I spend after all, unfortunately ) This time it was for a dinner with a dear friend after a really long time and I thought to myself, let us introduce him to the beauty that this little hidden gem is) 

A few months back they had renovated the place, expanding the guest seating area and their menu as well. Its Hurrah on both fronts. This is still a tiny little place which could possibly accommodate around 20 people at one time. So on a lot of occasions you will find yourself on the waiting list. Though I believe they don't take reservations, so it might be a long wait at times but it is oh-so-worth-it! This place is beautiful as beautiful can be, tres chic, the colors soothing on the eyes, their wall decor simple but tasteful, almost like how I envision my dining room to be some day. 

They don't really have appetizers/ starters on their menu, so you directly sort of dig into the main course which isn't half bad a thing as you will give your 100% love towards this and no half full stomachs. And no, salads don't count.  Its almost like jumping on the food and as they say the first bite is always the tastiest!  Also, leaves ample place for dessert! We ordered for the Chicken Roulade and Sri Lankan Buffalo Chilli. Let's start with the Chicken Roulade, I happened to quite like it but maybe the Buffalo Chili overshadowed it. Boneless chicken stuffed with spinach and pan fried served with noodles and exotic veggies. The plating itself makes your eyes pop out. One of the specialties of the place. The Srilankan Buffalo Chili however takes the crown home. I remember the taste after all this while. In simple words it feels like what you need on a rainy day, what makes the heart feel warm and gives you fuzzy feelings? Has any food ever given rise to such feelings? This is that kind of a meal. Reminded me why I am Villa Vandre fan. Also, the Pav served with it ? I am really interested to know the secret behind this gem. The softest and the most melt-in-the mouth variety of pav I have ever had. It beat even Brun Muska from Kyani, and this didn't even have maska, at least not any visible butter. Though it did feel buttery. Highly recommended to everyone who steps in here. Another thing that deserves a mention is, in all my previous visits, I had always complained about their concoctions from the drinks menu. The only thing that would heavily disappoint me. It is gratifying to know that they have worked on this and how!! IIt was a complete different picture this time. I was in love with the mocktail we ordered and it complimented our meal well. We had both chosen the Blueberry Lemonade, it has tinge and flavor of Kala Khatta and prepared in the form of slush with blueberries. This is something I enjoyed till the end of my meal. They looked beautiful as well and yes, cocktails and mock tails are meant to be easy on the eyes. Since we didn't have an option for appetizers, we had enough room for Dessert and we called in for the Gulab Jamun Tart & Dark Chocolate Mousse. The Dark Chocolate Mousse is really heavy and is recommended only, if you are a die hard chocolate fan. I am not which is why I preferred the Tart. This is actually a very innovative and commendable fusion of food. The Tart is filled with a rabdi kind of mousse. I don't even know if this was actually mousse because it was so soft and as if floating in the tart and  miniature gulab Jamuns in the middle. If I had room for one more and if we hadn't ordered the chocolate mousse, I would have ordered for another one of these.

Villa Vandre because they add that extra punch to your every day meals as well, making it a soulful affair.

What We Had - Chicken Roulade (Yumness Personified)

                         Srilankan Buffalo Chili (Heaven in a pan)

                         Chocolate Mousse (Yum)

                         Gulab Jamun Tart (Heavenly)

                         Blueberry Lemonade (Perfection!)

DAMAGES - Rs 1500/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Villa Vandre.,Shop 1, May Flower, New Kantwadi Road, Off Perry Cross Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West

Roasted Beans Cafe, Mumbai

Roasted Beans Cafe, CBD - Belapur

Tell me to get up at 6 am to have breakfast at a restaurant, I will happily do so but tell me to get up at even 9 am for some essential work like collecting your certificates from college and it will take me Two and a Half years to get it done. No kidding here.  So after 2 and a half years when I finally got around to collecting my certificates, it also meant an opportunity to hunt out a new place in a new locality and this seemed reasonably priced and presented an over all good picture for a foodie like me.

A small little cafe which would almost be missed if you were not looking for it or maybe so because I have never been to this locality before. The interiors inspiration seems to be a cross over between a summer in Greece and a modern day cafe in a big city, borrowing a little from both. Though to me it felt, if it had stuck to one one mode of design, would have looked classier. But over all it's pretty decent. 

As far as the service is concerned, it's good in the way they will make sure you are attended to. One amusing thing which my friend had brought to notice was the attendant in our case either understood our taste preferences too well or just didn't like the menu altogether. The first few items that we wished to order, he very directly told us that you probably wouldn't like this that much and he gave his reasoning but we were pretty amused by it. Having said that, I guess, it was because of this guy that we really liked what we ordered. Upon requesting to make a take away of one of the half eaten plates, he even asked if there is something we didn't like about it and hence, were making a take away. How many other restaurants do you know who do that? Sit up and take notice. 

We first ordered for the  Spicy Chicken Sausage smorrebrod, which is in simple language a piece of bread topped with diced sausages stir fried with dry spices and topped with mayo. Can be messy to eat but who is complaining?! Only concern, it was mention that the options were of rye bread/french bread or brown bread. However, it was served on your regular white bread and we weren't even asked for our preference for bread. Why mention it in the menu?! Next we ordered for M'Batten Chicken. This is something that in the truest sense made my heart burst with happiness. It was like meeting the love of your life and asking them where had you been all this time??!! Ground chicken mixed with spices and filled in a potato shell and fried to perfection. Also, they give you a heavy portion of this and unless and until you are more in number you will end up taking a few back home, like I did. This is something I liked so much that I wanted to take it home for my mommy dearest, to share the awesomeness with her. She agreed. (On a side note, my mom could probably participate in Master Chef India and win it even, where I get my foodiness from. I have been exposed to such deliciousness since a very young age and hence I want nothing but the best!) The final order for the day was for Dawood Basha Chicken. This was something I had actually looked forward to but was just slightly disappointed. The gravy had excess of salt, or so both me and my friend felt and the meatballs had none. In fact the meatballs lacked any flavor. Even though the serving size again was good, but when the food itself is not satisfactory, you don't really feel like eating all that much! Work on that please? 

We had also ordered for a chocolate strawberry shake and an apple iced tea. My friend seems to be braver than me, because even though I hadn't stopped him, in my head I was like strawberry and chocolate mixed together??!!  However, he once again, turned out to be right and this was actually pretty good. Different but good. You don't feel like you are having just a strawberry milkshake but you can feel the flavors mixing up well together. Add some whipped cream and you in are you are floating on clouds made up of whipped cream in a strawberry colored sky.The apple iced tea felt more apple lemonade and if it was named apple lemonade, it would have been on point.

Give way for the foodie inside you to get out and indulge in new places like these, rater than sticking around to the same old. If not now, then when??!! Roasted beans cafe should definitely make it to your to visit list. 

WHAT WE HAD - Spicy Chicken Sausage Smorrebrod (Yumness!)

                           M' Batten Chicken (Yumness Personified in heaven)

                           Dawood Basha Chicken (Average)

                           Strawberry chocolate milshake (Yumness)

                           Apple Iced Tea (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 1300/- Approx (incl. of taxes) 

WHERE -  Roasted Bean Cafe., Shop 26/27, Belle Vista, CHS Plot 46,47,48, Sector 15, Next to DY Patil College, CBD-Belapur, Navi Mumbai

Loaded, Mumbai

LOADED - The Dessert Bistro, Bandra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Villa Vandre, Mumbai

VILLA VANDRE

I honestly did not know how to pronounce the Vandre bit, I thought it was some fancy Spanish or French word maybe, when I was informed by my local friend that some of the Goans who have settled in the area, choose to call Bandra as Vandre, though I don't know if that is what it actually is, I decided to call it as she suggested. I am good with words, hence, some times when I pronounce some thing incorrectly, it deflates my ego just a little bit. This does not mean that I am over-confident or over-smart, I just like being right but when I am not, I am open and honest about it. 

This was for my pre-b'day weekend where my best friend was coming to town and one of the things that I had always wanted to do with her was to have a good breakfast which did not comprise of idli-sambhar or Mc Donalds, and very luckily on a quick search I landed here. 

As always I did not know the exact location and had to hence call up the place, asking for how can we get there and it is here that I have to say they were really really helpful, so much that I was asked where exactly am I standing (Candies, on my right) and they then told me how exactly to reach with such precision that, me who is directionless did not find any difficulty what so ever in finding it. So points for that.

The place is very small, and is basically just one big room, with just 4 tables, but I have to say that even though it is a small place, it is done up beautifully. The walls done up in blue and the little curtain deco hung up on the wall, this and much more gives you a very pleasant and home like feeling, and one hundred percent gives one the sense that you are sitting in some Bed n Breakfast in some far-away english island and I happen to have an obsession with those. Some day, I will visit one of these real sites. 

Luckily, we got a place and I could understand that people did come here often, some maybe regulars even. If you happen to be residing in Bandra, you are one helluva lucky person. Since we were there for the break-fast, we obviously had to order the traditional english breakfast which comprised of sausages, bacon, Eggs (How-ever you like), beans and some toast. This is another thing I have an obsession for. I had been craving pan-cakes for a while, really good fluffy pancakes, and hence, I by-default ordered them. To ensure that the 3 of us didn't repeat our orders, because we wanted to try it all. We order a sanndwich - Coronation Chicken, which I have to say is one of the best I have had in a while - the ingredient being fresh and not too sagged up with so many sauces as is is the case is generally in Subway. This seemed perfect in every bite. Though my favorite off the three had to be the pan-cakes, which were simply foodgasmic, and if I weren't full, I would probably have ordered for 1 more, in fact for the next 2 days that is all that I craved.I still do. To go with the breakfast, we all ordered our separate fixes, or wake-up calls, the masala chai (strictly okay!), the hot chocolate (yumness) and a cappuccino (heaven, as per my friend). I wish I had ordered for anything else instead of the chai. I need my fix of chai in the morning, but I wish I had rather ordered the hot-chocolate here. 

Another thing that I have, I am guessing they are the staff is the way they are so courteous and the way they give attention to some thing probably, even I would not have minded. For example, after our break-fast, we were clicking a few photos outside, as it made for a pretty back-ground, and the lady who was serving us switched on the table fan for us, even though we were just lingering around. But says something of the hospitality of the staff. I am guessing she is the staff, she could very well be from the family that owns the place. But for once, I am impressed and grateful because its kindness in that sweltering heat.

I am going to be back for their pan-cakes, and the lunch menu soon! You should too, and I can bet you would be going back for more too then.

WHAT WE HAD - The English Breakfast (Yumness!)

                           Pan-cakes with maple syrup (Heaven)

                           Coronation Chicken Sandwich ( Heaven Again!)

                           Masala Chai (strictly okay!)

                           Hot Chocolate (Yum!)

                           Cappuccino ( Yum!)

DAMAGES - Rs 900/- (Approx)

WHERE - Villa Vandre, Shop 3, May Flower, New Kantwadi Road, Off Perry Cross Road, Bandra (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

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)

LE 15 PATISSERIE, MUMBAI

I had come across this place through Facebook where it was mentioned in a link for the best cup-cakes in Mumbai. And I was looking for cupcakes as my sister's b'day was around the corner and she has a sweet tooth the size of an elephant's. She eats desserts like its main course would not be an understatement, so being an awesome sister that I am (Nobody else says it, so I might as well :P), I was hatching plans as to what can be done and the author of the review gave it a thumbs-up and there was a mention of peanut butter filling and I was like Bingo! This is what I was looking for. So that's how I zeroed on in this place. 

Even though the original plan was to get assorted cupcakes, we went with 4 peanut butter cupcakes and half a dozen of macaroons with different flavors. I can't say much about the decor and ambiance of the place as I haven't visited it personally. But from my friend who had and who got all the stuff, the place smells of cupcakes and divine at that.

Coming to the much hyped peanut butter cupcake. It is actually worth every dime spend on it. The exterior oozes of chocolate and as the peanut butter filling mixes up with it, it is simply divine! Next the macaroons, the different flavors we had had were - Orange, Orange- Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Pistachio, Rose & Lavender. My favorite among them all was the Pistachio and the Orange was kinda alright but nothing to write home about. The rest? everything is worth the bite. Though honestly, I sometimes wonder why one has to spend 65 Rs per, wish they came a little bit cheaper. :P

WHAT WE HAD - Peanut Butter Cupcakes (Oozing of Yumminess)

                           Assorted Macaroons (I am going to go back for more)

DAMAGES - Rs 55/- per Cupcake 

                  Rs 65/- Per Macaroon

WHERE - Le 15 Patisserie, Ground Floor, Siffin Apartments, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra(W)