Sunday 28 December 2014

Bay Leaf Completes 100 Days!!


Bay Leaf Completes 100 Days.

Bay Leaf, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal


Hello all the chatora people! 

It’s been a long time! Well, to start off, I take criticisms positively. Obviously one loves to be appreciated for their work, but an honest learner is the one who accepts all the criticism and works upon his/her weakness. By now you must be thinking Mudra has turned her food blog into a philosophy blog. Right?

Well No, not really. Recently, I came across a friend of mine who gave an honest feedback. You guys must be remembering my Birthday Dinner Post, which was a massive hit. That person wrote that new restaurants are not worth being trusted in their starting days, it’s the 100th day you actually get to know if they are really good. I guess, the person was right in a way. But frankly, that comment was really pinching me every now and then and I actually gave due thought over it. Just because of the fact that I finally trusted a restaurant for scrumptious cuisines, reading that feedback was a lil hard for me. I was in Mumbai last month and I finally planned out that I would review that place again when it completes 100 days. Also, I used to take feedback from my friends who consulted me before visiting this place. As soon as I came back to my hometown and was done with my MBA final term exams, I got to know that BAY LEAF has started with Lunch on Sundays. More awesome news came when I was asked by the Co-Founder of Food Bloggers Association of India Mr. Sameer Malkani, to do a Video Reviewing of any place of Bhopal. Such great news! 2nd December 2014 Bay leaf completed 100 days. I couldn't wait anymore and finally I landed up at Bay Leaf, Courtyard by Marriott on a Sunday. 6 hours of shooting and 2 days of hardcore editing. The video was finally up and it is the best Video review on FBAI Channel. The first day itself it crossed 200 views. It’s still getting a great response. I always wanted to do something of this sort and it finally happened. :) Just because of the time limit I could review only few dishes. Here is a description of the Food & Beverages that I had and would recommend everyone to try whenever you visit Bay Leaf.

Bay Leaf is the First and only fine dining restaurant in Bhopal and serves the Best and exotic Indian cuisines.

Bay Leaf Restaurant

Since I was shooting and was thirsty enough so I called in for Strawberry float and Mojito. I have tried out Mojito many a times and is at its best always.

Mojito


STRAWBERRY FLOAT

Strawberry float was something new that I tried. It’s a pink colour drink sweet drink with 7up, strawberry syrup and vanilla ice cream. It was so brilliant that now whenever I visit Bay Leaf, this would be ordered first. :D 

Strawberry Float


It’s Soup Time!

I am not a soup fan whenever I eat out just because of the fact that I feel half of the stomach gets full due to soup for which I might not be able to consume my meals properly! :P
But, Chef Ajay was very kind letting me taste the soup.

SHORBA TIMATER

Normally, restaurants serve instant packed soups. I was highly impressed that Bay Leaf believes in serving fresh food. It was an actual Tomato soup with green coriander and was served with crispy wheat. I was also happy to see the size of the soup bowl. Really apt, so that you don’t fill your stomach with soup only. :) 

Shorba Timater




PROGRESSIVE INDIAN (STARTERS)


COCONUT STUFFED ROLLS

Tried this for the very first time and absolutely loved it. The presentation was Terrific. The outer layer of the Rolls is made of Dosa Batter. Stuffing is of fresh grated coconut, green chillies, coriander seeds and Mustard Seeds. Served with Chutney. I never thought Dosa can be like this, probably a totally new version of dosa. :D Superb in taste. Outer layer was piping hot & crisp while inside stuffing was delicious. 

Coconut Stuffed Rolls




POTATO CHEESE N CHILLY GALETTE

Tried this last time and I just could not ignore this. My favourite starter. The presentation is highly innovative and extremely eye catching. Especially, the droppers on the top filled with sauces make you just keep looking at the dish and just think ‘hats off to whoever thought of this’. :D  It is a sensational ceviche with finely chopped potato slices and cheese. The layers are so fine and smooth that as soon as you put it in your mouth it starts melting and one can feel each and every layer of it.

Potato Cheese N Chilly Galette


BBQ!

SHAHI KHUMB GALOUTI & PANEER TIKKA

This was specially presented by Chef for me to try out and I’m a chatori. How can I say a no to it? :D
Khumb is Mushrooms. So Shahi Khumb Galoutti is basically a gallete made of Mushrooms. Tasted absolutely brilliant. So soft and tantalizing to taste buds. Loved it‼
Paneer Tikka. OMG‼ Such a brilliant paneer tikka I ever had. I remember, I used to visit BBQ nation and Grillopolis for good Barbeque food whenever in Mumbai. But then this thing just blew my mind away. Never tasted this brilliant Paneer Tikka ever. Paneer was so soft and fresh. Grilled perfectly. Normally, in other restaurants, it’s either over cooked or under cooked. This was just made to perfection.  

Shahi Khumb Galouti & Paneer Tikka

MAIN COURSE

CHICKPEA RAVIOLI

So, tried their Chickpea Ravioli for the very first time as suggested by the Chef. It was such ambrosial and divine Ravioli. Brilliantly made! It had beans, olives, coconut and was so creamy! I absolutely fell in love with it! Goes up straight on top of the list to be ordered again on my next visit. 

Chickpea Ravioli


PANEER CANNELLONI WITH KADAI RATATOUILLE

The first thought when you hear this name comes is Kadai- Indian; Ratatouille- French. Tandoori French? :D Well Yes! That is something called as brilliance! It’s a Paneer role with loads of stuffing inside, served with tomato gravy. Absolutely mouth-watering cuisine. The best part was that I could feel the flavours and spices of it.  Make sure you try this!

Paneer Cannelloni With Kadai Ratatouille



DAL MAKHANI

This is again one of my favourite. Dal makhani, absolutely out of this world. Now, what makes it so different is that the addition of the coal smoke. How small things make a big change! The Dal was again made to perfection. Such a heavenly delight! 


Dal Makhani and Sheermaal Roti



INDIAN BREADS

If you’ve ordered dal makhani, make sure you try their Sheermaal roti. It’s saffron flavoured and yellow in colour. Superbly made. Also, try their Garlic naan. For a person like me who eats a lot, butter on the roti is mandatory. That’s when you actually feel you’re eating something. If you are health conscious you can order plain garlic naan. :)



Khush hai zamana aaj pehli tarikh hai! Meetha hai khana aaj JO BHI Tarikh hai!

Yes, you guys must have witnessed this line by me using it on every social media on 1st of every month. Well, to me it doesn’t really matter if it’s 1st of the month or whatever the date is. A sweet is a sweet, that it mandatory for people like me who love eating. So, it was time to be happy again! Oh, I mean kuch meetha hojaye! :)


SERRADURA

So, next came the Serradura. A goan sweet, made with thick condensed milk, Marie biscuits crumbles and roasted almonds. Presentation was again superb and I was relishing every bit of it. Loved it!

Serradura


Serradura


I loved my King size lunch at Bay leaf. If you like dabbling in new cuisines and love fine dining, this is the place to be!

So, Bay Leaf passes the 100 day test?? After writing so much do I need to even say this? Yes, Yes and a BIG YES!

I am highly impressed that they maintained their standards. Not everyone can do that. For a place like Bhopal where people love eating but restaurants are not that amazing this place has taken the stride to change the culinary landscape of the city, for which I am happy about. :)

The Décor absolutely superb. Service is prompt and the Staff is very friendly and co-operative.

The person whom I call Master Magician, Chef Ajay Chaudhary.


New Introductions on my Blog: :D


What’s so hot?
Coconut Stuffed Rolls!

What’s chilled?
Strawberry Float!

What’s Yummy for my Tummy?
Chickpea Ravioli and Dal Makhani!

What’s the Happy Factor?
Serradura!

Will I visit this place again?
YES! Very Soon! :)

THE CHATORI METER: 5/5
Well Deserved! 

Coming to an end of my review of Bay Leaf I would like to thank some people.
Thank You to Mr. Elton Hurtis, G.M. Courtyard Marriott, Bhopal.
Chef Ajay Chaudhary, Executive Chef, Courtyard Marriott, Bhopal
Team F&B, Courtyard Marriott, Bhopal

Also, big thanks to the people who give honest feedback. Without your feedback I wouldn’t have been able to do something of this sort. :)

As mentioned above about my Video Review, I am Glad it became a massive hit on the YouTube Channel. This wouldn’t have been possible with the love and support of some people. Big Thanks to all those who liked it, shared it and Commented on it. As a token of thanks I am mentioning the names of few via this collage. :)

Apologies if I am missing some.







Also showcasing my Video Review of this place which has crossed 500 views in just one Week! :)




I hope you all liked my post. Do drop in your feedbacks in the comment box.

Thank You in anticipation.

Happy Hogging and See you Next year!

New Year wishes in advance! :)

Connect with me:

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Thursday 6 November 2014

#IFBAatJW 2014

Hello Lovely People,

It’s been really Loooonnng time. How you doing? Well, you guys must be thinking that I am going to review some restaurant today. But, nooooo‼ Time for a change. Let me keep this post a lil more simple and friendly. Recently, I got to know how many people actually read my blog, how many just have a look at the mouth watering food pictures and how many point out my grammar! >.<

Well I was in Mumbai recently. Many might know due to social media. Those who don’t know, let me take the opportunity to tell you, I was at #IFBAatJW, an event organised by Food bloggers association of India.

I was very excited to be there from quiet a long time. Since it was planned a month back, I quickly planned out my trip to Mumbai. Also, if some could notice many food bloggers changed their name and used Hash tags regarding the event on Twitter. #IFBA2014 & #IFBAatJW.

Some questions that were annoying me every now and then,

1. Why am I going there?
Ans. Dude, its food bloggers awards. How can I miss this opportunity to be a part of it and meet people who possess the same interest as mine?! I am going there! (Evil grin)

2. There are going to be so many food bloggers. Some might be the Big daddies of food and beverages industry, how would all react? How am I going to connect with the
Ans.  FOOD. Connecting people. :D

3.What to wear??
Ans. OMG! I am not a celebrity. Nor do I have some designers to get me a dress.
Well, then there is my Mom, Sister, My best friend and her elder sis (Designer by profession) and am all sorted! :D
4.What’s gonna be on the menu? :D
Ans.  Something definitely mouth-watering for which I had to wait for 2 Nov.

Okay after all that Gyan about me and my inquisitive nature finally writing about the #IFBA2014



Finally the day came, 2nd November 2k14, arriving at JW Marriott, Meeting up with the people in real after being virtual friends. 

Mr. Sameer Malkani (Co. Founder, FBAI)


 It all started at 12’ Noon. The #IFBA Dialogues.



First session: “Social Media v/s Traditional Media
Some of the renowned people in the speaker’s panel.  Now, it would be unfair to write about the discussion in a few words and I might just miss out many things. So I am just giving a glance of what was it all about.
      Best highlights that I jotted down worth sharing were:


  1. “Food bloggers becoming journalist and Journalist becoming food bloggers” – Kalyan Karmakar (Finelychopped)   


                                                    


2.“It takes 8 secs for a human to grab their attention towards something, less than a goldfish” – Nikhila Palat (PR, Taj Mahal Palace)
3. “Power of a PAN rather than the power of a PEN” – Nikhila Palat


4. “Same potato Different names
5. Everyone is a FOODIE, Critic, and Master in their field
6. “When the waiter comes & dumps the chaas on the table - WE REALLY LIKE THAT YAAR‼” :D :D - Annagh Desai (Do I even need to introduce him :O??)  

(It started with, that even the waiters and hoteliers can have a bad day and how bloggers give a critic on that. The dirty plates, messed up tables and when the waiter comes & dumps the chaas on the table - we like it yaar‼ :P How simple is that!)

(LOL :D Annagh Desai: You were the Jaan of the session! :P ) 





After a Brilliant First session and cake mixing ceremony came my favorite time “LUNCHING SESSION”. Lunch at Mezzo Mezzo, under the leadership of chef Davide Cananzi. OMG, I swear I loved it. Some piquant Italian cuisines were served to us that brought a smile on my face! :)


Second Session, started with “How restaurants and hotels are inventing new and interesting ways to engage diners.” Some of the renowned chefs of F&B industry and restaurateurs started the discussion.

The Brilliant Host: Chef Saransh Goila






Best Highlights:
1. People are more aware and know a lot these days.
2. Create value for money
3.”Do simple things right”
4. Innovation
5. “People don’t know what they want”
6. “Everybody is a chef today”
7. “Fusion is confusion” (For some)

The Selfie Ritual


After a High tea break came the third session of Home chef entrepreneur.
Some emerging and famous home chefs were the speakers.

Rushina M Ghildiyal, Amrita Kaur Ramsinghani and Sneha caught my eye!

Home Chefs

Presentation by Rushina


Then came a session hosted by Aditi Raghuwanshi who handles YouTube India.
A quick session how food bloggers are using YouTube and some famous youtube channels.


Last but not the least one of my other favourite session on Mobile Food photography hosted by none other than “THE BIG BHOOKAD” Adarsh Munjal. :D
What an amazing time spent with people who belong to food industry.

Later the day was the Awards night.
Finally, the time came. :D

The Awards Night

So, the awards night was hosted by the youngest Chef “Saransh Goila” This guy needs a big pat on his back, for the work well done. Keeping all the audience entertained is a big task. To be honest, Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan have got some serious competition now! ;)

The Awards Selfie (Ritual)

I myself was nominated in the Restaurant Review Category. But, to be honest I had low hopes to win because I am still a fresher and being nominated with the person, who inspired me to start up blogging, was a BIG ACHIEVEMENT for me. If you could go in flashback, in my first post I wrote that I got inspired by one of my twitter friend to write blogs. Yes, finally I got a chance to meet him. He needs no introduction because his name is enough to describe him! :P

Meet THE BIG BHOOKAD, Adarsh Munjal. :D

The Big Bhookad and The Super Chatori! :P 


Meeting and greeting with some distinguished personalities of the food industry was Bliss! :)
Here are some pictures.

The Chief Guest, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor


The Jury Members

Selfie Selfie Everywhere. Chef Ranveer Brar



Awards night was followed by a scrumptious dinner. I swear, food connects so well that you make friends with everyone so easily! :P

A day well spent at #IFBAatJW. Totally different experience. Incredible Evening and such lovely people.

A Big Thanks to Sameer Malkani, Co. Founder of Food Bloggers Association of India and Saloni M. Malkani for inviting me. 

J.W.Marriott Hotel, Mumbai, for such brilliant hospitality and divine food. Since I myself was associated with Marriott Bhopal family I know how much they work hard for their guests. :)

The team of FBAI who were working on the event from a long time:
Jahan Bloch (toxic baker), Mohit Chotrani (Hungry Bawarchi) and Agnishwar Banerjee (Aye bee). Kudos for the good work‼

P.S. The video showcased at awards night was extremely hilarious. Please upload it on YouTube. I am sure you guys would get a good response! Hahah :D

So, here it comes an end to a wonderful evening and my post as well.
Do let me know how it was!

Connect with me:
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Blogs:
thesuperchatori.wordpress.com

culinarychronical.blogspot.in 

Sunday 24 August 2014

BIRTHDAY at BAY LEAF (Courtyard by Marriott)


BIRTHDAY at BAY LEAF
(Courtyard by Marriott)


Hello Folks,
Lazy Sunday and a late post. Well firstly, you guys should wish me a Happy Birthday! :D
Still in the birthday hangover and the Mouth watering food I had. People asked me what gift you want on your Birthday and my answer was “Food!!” Nothing makes me happier than having some scrumptious food at a good restaurant. Well, this was such a ‘Foodie Birthday’ for me. I had some 5 cakes and mouth watering meals past two days.
Who can imagine your mom & dad coming to you at 12 midnight with a small cake from Indore?
I think by now you guys would ask me out for a treat. Well, yes I believe in Birth week rather Birth Month! :D
I would say I am such a Lucky person that, Courtyard by Marriott had their opening of their new restaurant “Bay Leaf” on the same day. I didn't really know that my dad had arranged a surprise dinner for me at this place. :D
Luckier to be at this place on the very first day, amongst  first few customers.
So here is the review of BAY LEAF.


A whole new restaurant that Courtyard by Marriott has come up with.  The ambiance is pretty awesome. It’s a small place but they would extent it very soon. Initially, they have started up with dinner and some executive and innovative cuisines that you might not have even heard of.
Looking at the menu, I was pretty much confused how to start up, but then Chef Ajay helped me out and he was very kind enough to help us decide the whole dinner.
Here’s what I had and would recommend all the foodie people out there to come for a dinner at this place.

Bay Leaf offers Indian Cuisines and difference is that they use international techniques for this. :D

BREADS AND DIP


We were at first served with some breads and dip to start off since we were starving. The Dip was absolutely yummy. It was sweet, salty and white colored.


CHILLY CRUMPLES WITH AAMCHUR SAUCE

This was served to us as soon as we were done with our breads and dip. Chilly Crumples were one of the yummiest things you should start with. It was filled with cheese stuffing and fried which made it Ping Pong hot and crispy from outside and smooth from inside. Also, the Aamchur Sauce was brilliant.


PINEAPPLE RASAM

This was the appetizer drink that we were served. It had that typical Indian touch and was basically small shots of Pineapple which was salty and a little spicy. Tasted like a louki and tomato soup. But I loved it. 


PROGRESSIVE INDIAN (STARTERS)



So, the first starters that was recommended by chef was “Potato cheese n chilly galette”


POTATO CHEESE N CHILLY GALETTE

It was a sensational ceviche with finely chopped potatoes slices with cheese. The presentation was extremely innovative. Very Eye catchy dish and was brilliant in taste. I still cannot forget this divine thing. The potato slices were so fine with cheese filling that I could feel each and every layer of it in my mouth. They had added a dropper on the top filled with sauce which looked amazing.



KEBABS

Yes, I am a Bhopali and I love kebabs a lot. So, next came the "Kandhari palak tikki" 

KANDHARI PALAK TIKKI
It was a spinach patty with pomegranate and fresh garlic cooked on a griddle with garlic yogurt. To be frank, my mom and I could not make out what was the binding element they used. It was so yummy! The spinach was so fresh and tasted brilliant. I absolutely loved this.



MAIN COURSE


PANEER CANNELLONI WITH KADAI RATATOUILLE


The menu described it as Missi roti crisp and saffron tomato fondue. The presentation again was terrific. It was a paneer role with stuffing’s and tomato gravy. It was exquisite and palatable.


DUM KA KHUMBH

Dum ka kumbh basically is a mushroom dish with gravy. Slow oven cooked mushrooms with yogurt cashew and onion gravy. The mushrooms were very soft and superb. It’s a must try for all.


DAL MAKHANI

This was one of the best dal makhani I ever had in my life. The taste was out of this world. The coal smoke added more brilliance to it. I swear I was too much full but, I was just not in a mood to leave dal unfinished. It had such a tempting taste. A flavorsome dish. A MUST TRY!




INDIAN BREADS
One can go in for Tandoori Roti, Laccha partha. But I would suggest Try Shirmal roti at least once. You would love it.



By this time we were extremely full. First time ever I said a no to desserts. But, I had my Birthday Cake which was just the perfect thing I could have. :D



Such a King Size Dinner I had. You should visit Bay Leaf for some exotic Indian cuisines.
You might find the prices a little high but IT’S WORTH IT.


I am still not able to forget the awesome dinner I had last night at this place. Best Dinner of my life. The best birthday gift I could ever have. One thing that my dad and I said after the dinner, “Pet to bhar gaya, par dil nahi bhara!” Also, now there is no need to travel Indore or Delhi for good food, because BAY LEAF is here! :D

I will definitely visit this place again very soon.
Just make sure you book your table in advance. Call them up for reservation at: +91 755 3096236

In the end I want to thank a few people who made this dinner heavenly.
Mr. Elton Hurtis, GM, Courtyard by Marriott
Chef Ajay Chaudhary for the Brilliant food. The staff for being really cooperative and prompt service.
Thank You team Courtyard by Marriott. 
Good Luck for the new venture. I am sure it’s going to be successful. 

With Chef Ajay Chaudhary

So, this was my review on Bay Leaf. Normally I rate places out of 5 points but, for the first time I am rating a place out of 10.

Bay Leaf: 10/10. Well deserved.

I wish Zomato comes to Bhopal officially and this place stands on the top of the list. :D
So, I hope you all liked my post. Do drop in your feedback in the comment box.

Thank You in anticipation.

Happy Eating Fellas.

Connect with me on Twitter: @Mudrakeswani

My Blogs:
culinarychronical.blogspot.in
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