Vapour-ised Evening

How do you feel after a very tiring day at work? Well, I just feel to go explore some new place, good food and chill with my friends. That’s when I get to recharge myself for the next day.

Recently, I got an Invite from FBAI and VIP Tables for a fun filled evening at Vapour. I couldn’t say a no just because of the fact that this place was on my To Do List in Bangalore.

Located on 100 Ft road in Indiranagar, this place catches all the attention of the people. Just as I entered the place the Cozy Interiors and vast expanse of Pub just took me away. Staff was very helpful and escorted me to the VIP Table.

Sooner, we were escorted by Prashant who showed us how the Beer is made and it’s not really as simple as you think. A very slow process of how you actually get the perfect taste and fine beer is what was explained to us by making a visit to this brewery.

Honestly, I’m not a Beer person at all but yes I love to gain knowledge about Food & Drinks and this was something I always wanted to know. Getting to learn and explore allot more than just those bottle drinks was something worth it. Little did we know that this place is the second Brewery of Namma Bengaluru! Four levels of Brewery offering different spaces to chill out. Ranging from a typical pub offering good Music by DJ’s, a lounge with a big screen to watch out for match, a place to chill at rooftop terrace or a cozy little space for you and your friends. This place has it all.

Finally we got seated in the Kebab room. It was Tuesday which was celebrated as a Cluesday at vapour, wherein every Tuesday a quiz-master hosts a quiz for the public and the winner gets a chance to be the next quiz-master.

We were starving really hard and very soon we got the food on our table.

CORN & CHEESE BITES

We couldn’t wait anymore and started with Corn and Cheese Bits. To be very honest, I wasn’t amazed by this dish and it was nothing new and out of this world. But a good try to start your meal. The combination of Cheese and Corn Blends really well so one can give it s try.

PLATTER TO FLATTER

We ordered Veg Platter, consisting of Veg Seekh, Paneer Tikka, Cheese filled Potato Rings and some vegetables.

Paneer Tikka: One of my all time favourite! Went really well with Green coriander chutney and grilled to perfection. A must at Vapour!

Veg Seekh: Tasted really well and very soft and soomth as and when you chew them but could have been much better.

Cheese filled potato Rings: I really didn’t enjoy the stuffing of cheese. Could have been cooked well.

VIRGIN MOJITO

For a few people like me who don’t drink beer we had options for mocktails. I ordered virgin Mojito to accompany with my food. Tasted really well and was really refreshing. A must try drink! 

FARMER’s FAVORITE VEGGIE

Since two veg platter were not enough for people like us, we ordered Farmer’s Favorite Veg Pizza.

Looked absolutely tempting and went really well with our Virgin Mojito. It had back olives, mushrooms, jalapeño, onions, and green capsicum with topping of sweet corn.

It was getting late and we had to leave since it was a weekday otherwise would have sat and hogged more! :D

Blogger's Selfie

But overall a very nice and chilled evening with people who share the same passion as mine of being a food lover. Thank you FBAI – Sameer & Saloni for the invite and VIP Tables – Jishan. Jasmine and Pranav for being the lovely host for the evening.

Happy Hogging

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

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Instagram: @thesuperchatori

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

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YE DELHI HAI MERE YAAR…!

Hello Folks,

So many random thoughts in my mind. So many cravings every now and then. You guys won’t believe I changed my whole post last night. Just because of sudden cravings.

So, today I am gonna take you to Delhi ki sawari!

Ye Delhi hai mere yaar….

No! No! No! I wasn’t in Delhi. But when you have good restaurants in your city itself, which serve good cuisines, why go to Delhi? :P

So, I am gonna give a review on PIND BALLUCHI and DELHI DARBAR.

I have been to these places many a times so I am gonna give a combined review.

PIND BALLUCHI

Pind balluchi restaurant at DB City Mall is one of the awesome restaurants serving north Indian cuisines. I absolutely loved there interiors. A totally different world. They have tried to give it a village look. They have a Tree inside! Imagine (Tree on the 3^rd Floor DB City Mall) :D

This is not the Actual Bhopal's Pind Balluchi

Basically it’s there to give that apt look of a village and people having food under the tree. Plates were of heavy steel and they play some Punjabi songs which are quite good.

So, I had heard a lot about the kebabs over here and I ordered DAHI KEBABS.

DAHI KE KEBAB

Dahi ke kebabs were one of the most delicious dishes I could have over here. It’s way too yummy. It’s made up of hung curd and bread. It’s the best starter you should have over here.

This is how it actually looked like

PANEER TIKKA

Next, must try starter is Paneer tikka. It’s Punjabi restaurant, how can one not have paneer over here? :D  I am not a panner tikka lover, but Pind Balluchi has one of the most finely cooked paneer tikka that you should not miss.

Main course

PANNER MAKHNI

Next, I ordered paneer makhni. It’s a lil sweet and spicy paneer. Paneer was soft and served well. I could easily smell the spices. It was really good and it becomes all the more yummier when served with Tandori butter roti.

DAL MAKHNI AND RICE

Yes, this is all time favourite dish of almost everyone. Who doesn’t love dal rice?! :D

Specially, when you are at a north Indian restaurant, this is A MUST!

Dal was freshly cooked and when it is garnished with butter on it, I swear it becomes so damn tempting! :D

GULAB JAMUN

I was full by that time. But, there’s always a room for dessert. :D So, Gulab jamun was next.

It was an instant gulab jamun which they might have purchased from some other place. The issue was they heated it slightly more than the limit. It lost all it’s worth just because of this and I ended up with having a pastry at a coffee shop!

PIND BALLUCHI: I would rate it 4/5.

Loved having lunch over here. On my next visit, I would like to try Parathas and Cholle khulche.

DELHI DARBAR

Day before yesterday only I visited this place with my buddies. It’s situated at E-4 Arera colony.

The interiors of this place are really good. But when we visited, there were hardly 2-3 people who came here for lunch. Most of the tables were empty.

We were starving like anything. So we quickly ordered the starters.

Worst issue we faced was that, we had to wait 45 mins. Forget about hunger, it made us angry! :P

We were extremely hungry and waiting for this long especially when the restaurant was empty. It was such a pain!!

CRISPY VEGETABLES

Before ordering I rechecked with the waiter that is it like Veg Kothey? He said yes and they are a lil crispy. But as soon as they were served, I was pretty shocked. No sauce?!! Tasted it, even more shocked. It tasted as if I am having bhajiyas. :/  Why would one order bhajiyas?!! It was extremely oily , we just gulped it just because we were starving. Terrible experience!

A Big NO to crispy vegetable.

PANEER LABABDAR

I have had this dish many a times, but over here it was the first try. We were just praying that the main course is fine just because our starters experience was bad.  Finally, it came. Seemed Yummy and Mind it, it was actually yummy. :D It was spicy. One could actually spot green chilly in the dish. But the taste was just unforgettable.  Absolutely brilliant it was.

Butter Naan and Tandoori Butter roti added more brilliance to it. Just loved it!

And yet again I ended up eating sweet dish at Bake ‘n’ Shake just because I had a bad experience with starters and had to wait for so long.

DELHI DARBAR: I would rate it 3/5

Suggestions: Please work upon your kitchen. It’s annoying to wait for so long. Also, the starters are not that good.

So, this was short Delhi Food visit in Bhopal itself.

Hope you enjoyed reading it.

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

Thank You in anticipation.

You can connect with me on twitter: @Mudrakeswani

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