Showing posts with label Food Critic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food Critic. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 June 2015

Back with a Bang!

Back with a Bang!

Hello All Chatora People!
It’s Been a Looooooong time! Apologies for not being active with my posts. There were some major changes in my life. Many might know, those who don’t lemme just update you, I recently shifted to Bangalore for moving on with my career apart from blogging about food. It’s been like three to four months already and I just didn't realize that the time went by so fast.
Been exploring this super cool place with uber classy restaurants and have discovered a bit so far. There is more yet to be explored because this city is massive when it comes to food and party apart from those IT hubs!
Well, one thing I noticed here in past few months is that there are very few places that serve North Indian food. Since Bangalore being a cosmopolitan city and people coming from all parts of the world you’ll find a more of International Cuisines. But, for people like me who are born to eat can enjoy this place no matter what. Indulging in the some flavorsome cuisines over here is what I do almost on every weekend! :P
So here are some Kick-ass places that I have visited so far and I wish to dine again!

The Black Rabbit

The Black Rabbit (Picture From Zomato)


I still remember it was like my first weekend in Bangalore since I shifted and I visited this place with one of my friend. The name itself was so catchy that I couldn’t say a no! This whimsical place is holed up at 100ft Road on Indiranagar.  The moment I entered this place, I was drawn away by its Swanky Interiors. The most eye catching part was the giant bowls hanging upside down on the ceiling.
But, what I loved about this place was there Burgers! This place excels in some kick-ass burgers!

Spicy Crispy Vegetable burger


Spicy Crispy Vegetable burger


The moment it arrived on the table I was excited and couldn't wait to eat it. I was highly impressed by the stuffing which consisted of Mayonnaise, Jalapeño, Grilled Zucchini, Gherkins, Grilled Onions, Grilled Tomatoes and Loads of Cheese.  The vegetables stuffed inside the patty were juicy.  The size was really apt that you cannot think of consuming anything else after having this! Absolutely fell in love with this Burger and the Mustard sauce they served with the Pickle was the show stealer!


Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar

I bumped into this place on a Sunday for Easter brunch celebration. Honestly, we were searching for a good place to dine and almost every place in Indiranagar had an hour waiting. We were lucky enough to find a table at this place. As soon as we entered this place seemed to be really small and we doubted if we could actually dine there. But the best part was that they have arranged the seating in such a way that the place won’t look cranky. The Interiors are Funky and Stylish with Pop music adding some extra points to it!


Veg Kebabs with Fresh Cottage Cheese

Veg Kebabs with Fresh Cottage Cheese

Well seeing this name on the menu I quickly made a perception in mind that this is going to be a typical North Indian Dish. I was almost jumping that finally I found something from the place I belong. As soon as the Dish was served, I was Amazed. It seemed like something really different to what we ordered. But, to be frank the Chef was a Master Mind to convert an Indian Dish into an International one. The Kebabs were served with 4 Pavs, which had an altogether different taste and were truly complementing with the Kebabs.


They were light smoked plantain and Moong dal kebabs which were stuffed with cottage cheese and herbs. They seemed to be really light but when you actually start eating them you can feel each and every flavour of the herbs and spices. The cottage cheese was absolutely fresh and grabbed all the attention! A total lip smacking dish!

Go Veg!

Go Veg!


Oh yes! A Burger again! All these months I have been eating loads of Burgers! Go veg was something I wanted to try from the Menu. After the Scrumptious kebabs, I was almost full but there was something more waiting for me. The best part about the food over here is there classy presentation. Even if you are full the presentation will make you hungry all over again. Go Veg Burger was something very giant to me after my heavy starters. The patty was absolutely brilliant in taste. It consisted of some Diced Carrots, Potatoes, Kidney Beans and Green Peas added to it my favourite Extra Cheese to make it more heavenly. A stunning Burger on Easter just made my Day!


  
Truffles

If you ever say me a place where I wish to dine every day. I would say Truffles Ice and Spice.
A place very near to my new home in Bangalore and where I can bump in anytime for some Kickass burgers and mouth-watering pastries. The interiors itself are very inviting. Though the place is really small and compact but the vibrant loud music and good food will definitely catch your attention.
Crunchy Veggies Burger

Crunchy Veggies Burger

Well, all those who love kothey or I should say crispy vegetable…What If I told you to serve them in a Burger??  I’m sure by now you might have started craving! The Crunchy Veggies Burger at Truffles is something to die for and I can eat it almost every day. It has some deep fried vegetable covered with tangy sauce and tastes exactly like Vegetable Kothey or Crispy Vegetables found in the Northern region of India. It tastes heavenly and absolutely very crispy! That’s a must try for whoever visits Truffles!


Italian Pasta Alfredo

Pasta Alfredo

I have tried their pasta in pesto sauce but that has never amazed me so much.  But, if you wish to try something Italian make sure to check out their Italian Pasta Alfredo. Ask them for some extra Cheese on it to make it more divine. Since it’s made in White mushroom sauce it’s a must try for all the people who love pasta.
One can accompany some chilled drinks with it. My Favorite is Hazelnut Frappe!




The Biere Club


Landed up to this place with no prior plans and out of the blue since it was a weekend and all the places had waiting for an hour while it was raining really heavily in Bangalore. We two girls were lucky enough to grab seats at this place even though it was jam packed. The best part about this place is its Location. Standing at the junction of Vittal Mallya and Lavelle road just opposite the UB City is a major plus point to grab the attention of many people. Even though being in high competition with other places surrounded on the same road this place makes its way being at the corner of the road.
The interiors are of solid woodwork making it a cozy place. The place looks really compact and small from the outside but is huge from inside with really good seating arrangements.


Mediterranean Kebabs


Cheese Sheek Kebab

Cheese Sheek Kebabs

At first the menu seemed to be quiet confusing to me as to what should be ordered since we were starving.  We thought of experimenting so we called in for Cheese Sheek Kebabs.  The presentation was not that appealing to me but the taste was something that changed my mind totally. Extremely delicate soft and smooth in taste the kebabs were the stars of the evening. Made in Pesto marinated char grilled cottage cheese and served with romesco and harrisa. The sauces totally complemented the kebabs along with the flat breads. This was something I shall order the next time I visit this place.

The Biere Club’s Plank Pizzas

Tomato Mozzarella Pizza

Tomato Mozzarella Pizza

Wanted to try their Four Cheese Pizza but unfortunately that wasn't available. So, decided to call in for Tomato Mozzarella Pizza. The size was huge for two girls to finish up. The crust was extremely thin and a lil crisp making it more tempting but I won’t say it was something new. Probably, a regular one that could be found in any other restaurants as well.



Tossed Pasta Fettuccine

Tossed Pasta Fettuccine

The actual problem occurred when we called in for the pasta and they forgot to place our order in their kitchen. Waiting for a while after our complain and found that the steward mistakenly brought spaghetti while we ordered for Penne. He was kind enough to get that changed but we thought to give it a try. The Pasta was light creamy with thin chopped mushrooms, parmesan and basil oil. It was a lil sweet and wasn’t really of my liking.  I won’t say it was bad but something that I won’t wish to try out again. Maybe because I can find better options on the menu next time.




What’s so hot?
Veg Kebabs with Fresh Cottage Cheese at Monkey Bar.

What’s chilled?
Hazelnut Frappe at Truffles.

What’s Yummy for my Tummy?
Crunchy Veggies Burger at Truffles and Cheese Sheek Kebab at The Biere Club.

THE CHATORI METER:
The Black Rabbit: 4/5
Truffles Ice & Spice: 4.5/5
Monkey Bar: 4.5/5
The Biere Club: 3.5/5

Here comes an end of my post of some places which I have visited in Bangalore couple of times.  Many more new and amazing places yet to be explored.

Also, apologies for low resolution pictures. My DSLR Cameras are in hometown.

Hope you enjoyed reading my post.

Make sure to drop in a comment. I love reading your feedback.

Till then Happy Hogging! :D

Connect with me:
Twitter: @Mudrakeswani
Zomato: @Mudra
My Blogs:

Micro Blogs:

Instagram: @thesuperchatori







Sunday, 22 March 2015

A Royal Journey‼ (La Kuchina, Jehan Numa Palace)


A Royal Journey‼

Well, First of all heartfelt apologies for being away from my blog! It’s been a really long time with some Major changes in my life. Also, there were some technical issues with the YouTube channel for which the video review was published late. Now that the things are sorted, I couldn’t stop myself from writing. :)

It was a sunny day when I decided to review this royal place which is known by almost all the Bhopali’s and I am pretty much sure that most of you must have visited this place or must have seen it in Mr. Prakash Jha’s movies. :D

I am talking about our very own La Kuchina, Jehan Numa Palace. A rare fusion of contemporary comfort and care.

Set on the slope of Shamla Hill the Palace presents a charming medley of colonial style, princely Indian culture and unexpected modern trendiness.

La Kuchina with its open kitchen concept, rough white walls, warm burnt sienna flooring and traditional Sicilian style décor evokes the warmth and hospitality of coastal Italy.
I got a really warm welcome by the staff and Chef Vincent Marques who is the Executive Chef of Jehan Numa Palace had a special Menu for me. Though I have visited this place so many times with my friends but tasting Chef’s Special menu is incredible.

So, I started my lunching session with my First Course.

BROCCOLI CAPPUCCINO WITH ALMOND FLAKES

As I have mentioned earlier that I am not a soup fan when dinning out. Just because of the fact that half of the stomach gets filled with soup only. But when I heard the name Cappuccino I just couldn't say a no to it. It was Piping hot, light green in color with thick white colored foam and garnished with Almonds. It was creamy with fine textures of broccoli. Tasted absolutely brilliant.




SALAD OF HOME GROWN LETTUCE

Next came the Salad! The very amazing thing that I got to know that they have their own Chef’s garden. The Lettuce was from there in house garden which was fresh and organic. The salad was really colourful and very appealing to the eyes. It had beetroot, pear, candied walnuts, lettuce and Danish Blue Cheese. Blue cheese is loved by very few people and goes with very rear cuisines. The salad was super healthy and yummy.




WAFER THIN CAPRESE PIZZA

Then came the Pizza‼ Mamamiyaaa….. I just start drooling when I hear Pizza! :D
The thin caprese pizza was absolutely thin and crunchy! The little red tomatoes with mozzarella di buffalo cheese added more charm to it.



LASAGNA

Next was my favourite one. Mushroom and Spinach lasagna with bell pepper coulis made in basil oil.
OMG! The presentation was terrific. Taste even more terrific. This ambrosial dish is to be loved and enjoyed whenever you visit this place.







DESSERT
My lunch would be incomplete without the dessert. So next came the Molten Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream. Chocolate brownie s my favorite and I was absolutely lost in a different world having it. Vanilla Ice Cream goes really well with brownie. It was a Super Yummy ending of my lunching session!








Not to forget I also had Orange Daiquiri Mocktail which was absolutely chilled and tangy‼

With Chef Vincent Marques


I just cannot forget this incredible place and the food I had over here. This place is one of the only places in Bhopal which serves authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. If you still haven’t visited this place…..what are you waiting for? People living outside Bhopal, make sure you check out this place. You’ll love it. :)

What’s so hot?
Brocolli Cappuccino With Almond Flakes

What’s chilled?
             Salad Of Home Grown Lettuce
             What’s Yummy for my Tummy?
             Mushroom and Spinach lasagne
             What’s the Happy Factor?
             Molten Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream.

 Will I visit this place again?
YES! :)

THE CHATORI METER: 4.5/5
Well Deserved!



Coming to an end of my review of La Kuchina, Jehan Numa Palace, I would like to thank some people.

Mr. Saleem Quraishi
Manager Sales & Marketing, Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

Chef Vincent Marques
Executive Chef, Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

F & B Departement , Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

I am glad that my Video review is still a hit on YouTube channel and this is because of the love and support of the people you encourage and motivate me t do even better.

Also showcasing my Video Review of this place‼




I hope you all liked my post. Do drop in your feedback in the comment box.
Thank You in anticipation.

Happy Hogging‼

Connect with me:

Twitter: @Mudrakeswani
Zomato: @Mudra

My Blogs:

Micro Blogs:

Instagram: @thesuperchatori










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:

Twitter: @Mudrakeswani
Zomato: @Mudra

My Blogs:

Micro Blogs:

Instagram: @thesuperchatori