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

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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

http://culinarychronical.blogspot.in/
http://gourmetdiaryblog.wordpress.com/

Cowboy Resto Lounge

Hello Folks,

I know I am posting really late but, like every other human being I would like to specify some dumb reasons for being late. I have been really busy since past 3 weeks. Family Business, Mom Dad’s Wedding Anniversary, events, friends’ birthdays, office work, and month end pressure. :/

One of the main reasons for being this late was that the restaurant I visited, I asked the owner to send me the pictures of the food they serve. I mailed them and even texted them on facebook but I guess they were that darn busy to not even check mails. :/

So, I visited this new restaurant called “Cowboy Resto Lounge”

I liked this place; it’s been like my 3 visits over here. So I am going to give a combined review.

Cowboy Resto Lounge

The first time I visited this place was with my friend during our work breaks. I quiet heard a lot good things about this place. As soon as we entered, it was an absolutely different world. Wooden interiors, American flags, Cowboy statue etc. A typical Mexican look. 

I just loved the way they have come up with this restaurant. The waiters were very co-operative enough. Mind it; you can click loads and loads of pictures over here. They will give you hats, guns and even click it for you. :D

The first thing everyone does over here is a PHOTO SHOOT. (Truth)

After getting loads of clicks and starving like anything I had a quick look at the menu.

Mexican Potatoes:

Mexican Potatoes

The first thing that caught my eye was Mexican Potatoes.The Mexican potatoes were the most brilliant dish I had over here. It was absolutely yummy.The potatoes were crispy and were cooked in schezwan sauce and garnished with sesame seeds. It looked just mouth watering and was a fabulous dish.

We order two mocktails that were: The Valentine and Orange Strawberry Twister.

The Valentine:

The Valentine

The name says something in red and lovable. Expectations were too high from this mocktail. As soon as it was served, it was a tiny glass with pink colour drink. Not able to recover from the shock that why was it such a tiny thing?! We tasted it. It was good. It was a blend of Rose and Cranberry juice with vanilla ice cream. It costs Rs.225 per mocktail.

Orange Strawberry Twister:

Orange Strawberry Twister

This looked absolutely yummy. The way it was decorated and the blend of red and orange color were just awesome. But I didn't like it. It wasn't that good. The Valentine was way better than this.

The moment I saw the main course I was pretty shocked. Most of the dishes they had were Indian.

Mexican restaurant serving Indian food! :D

I asked the chef why so? He said, Bhopali’s are not that aware of the international food. Very few actually know about it and they have just started up. With time they would try and add up more Mexican food. So, then we ordered Indian.

Vegetable Kothey:

Veg. Kothey

This was the other starters that were ordered by us. The presentation was nice. The quantity was huge enough for us, but I personally didn't like it. There was only capsicum and cabbage in it. What about other vegetables? :/

Paneer Butter Masala:

Yes, I agree paneer is my favorite dish and I just can’t ignore it. In my first post I said, there are very few places that serve good paneer dishes. One more added to this number. :D

The paneer was absolutely brilliant. Soft and fresh. Finely cooked and garnished very well.

Mexican Rice:

Mexican Rice

To be very frank I never had Mexican rice. So, I asked the waiter what it is like. What he said was that it is sweet yellow rice with dry fruits. :/ What sweet?!!

I had a talk with the chef and he told me it was brown rice which is spicy. Two opposite reviews. ?? Confused Much!

Finally I ordered it. It was good in taste. It was spicy and was finely cooked. It was my first try so I liked it.

In my next visit I would like to try are Tacos, Mexican Penne and Bean Burrito. :)

So here comes an end of my review for Cowboy Resto Lounge.

Suggestions:

1.       The waiters need to be trained a lot.

2.       The staff was unaware of the dishes. The management needs to work on that.

3.       They need to check feedback from the customers and work upon that. Like I mentioned earlier I mailed them so many times. But, No response. They need proper management for that.

4.       Also, they should add more Mexican dishes.

I would rate Cowboy Resto Lounge 3.5/5

Hope you all enjoyed reading my post and feedback is appreciated. :)

Please drop in a comment about the post.

Thank You in anticipation.

You can follow me on my twitter account and let me know more about food. @MudraKeswani

http://culinarychronical.blogspot.in

http://gourmetdiaryblog.wordpress.com

POWER LUNCH!

Hello Folks!

Well this is my first attempt in writing a blog so please spare me for my writing which is not that great, but I assure you that, it shall improve in the future. It was like since 3 years I got inspired by one of my twitter friend and then thought that I should also start up my food blog but due to some other priorities I couldn't. Also there are very few good places to eat out in Bhopal. But then two of my friends recently motivated me to write because it’s never too late so here I am with my Blog. Before starting let me tell you all that I EAT A LOT. I am tiny and thin but I am a big time foodie. Uncle and Aunties at family gatherings ask me “Beta tum kuch khati nahi ho kya?/ Kitni dieting karte hai aaj kal ke bacche!” My friends at times have a gala time by calling me with funny names such as “Piddi, Tilli, and Fuuu kardunga to udd jayegi” P.S.  Does that happen in real? :P Worst of all “You’re a vegetarian how can you even eat?”  Vegetarians do not eat? I am a vegetarian and I eat like a hippy. :P Well by god’s grace, It’s the great metabolism that I posses keeps me fit and fine. Being terribly pissed off hearing such stuff I guess now this blog is an answer to all.

Okay so here is my First review on TEN DOWNING STREET, Bhopal.

Ten Downing Street located in DB City Mall, Bhopal is a Pub and Family Restaurant. I have visited this place quiet a lot of times. This time it was with one of my best friend that we head out to lunch over here. Firstly, let me tell you the ambiance is nice, interiors are of pure western style. The walls have pictures of best Hollywood movies so you can actually have a great feel as soon as you enter there. Also the staff is very cooperative and helpful.

TDS or Ten Downing Street has one of its all time Hit POWER PACK LUNCH. It’s one of a great idea that TDS has come up with.  They offer you a Complimentary Drink (soft drink/ soup/ cocktail) as per your choice, one main course and one complimentary sweet dish (vanilla ice cream).

This all just for rupees 230 only (Excluding Taxes). Isn't that great?

As soon as we entered we were damn hungry so at first we ordered Crispy Vegetable as starters. TDS have a variety of main courses such as Chinese, Italian, and Indian.Next we ordered Italian, Chinese and Indian for main course.

The Crispy Vegetable is somewhat like the kothe  but it’s more crispy and Yummy in taste. I really loved having them.

Next came the Lasagna. It comes up with a choice of vegetables and stuffing you want, so we ordered corn, spinach and mushroom stuffing. We also ordered soft drink with our power lunch because we felt it was too hot in summers to go in for soup. :P As soon as our Italian food came it looked just mouth watering with an eye glancing cheese covering and garlic bread with it. We couldn't wait to start eating it. 

Just by merely tasting it we got it very clear that it’s not that great. It tasted somewhat like the Arabiata Pasta with red sauce. But I guess even that’s better. We had to actually eat it up just for the sake of finishing it and not leaving the food wasted. 

Then came the Chinese which is my favorite but this time it was ordered by one of my other friend. Let me also tell you I have visited TDS many a times and it has never disappointed me with the Chinese food.  They give you a choice in your order. Choose between Noodle or Rice with one gravy dish. So my friend ordered Baby Corn with Fried Rice. The Baby corns were yummy and the gravy was same as that of Manchurian. The fried Rice was absolutely brilliant and I loved them.

Next came the Indian Food. We ordered Butter Paneer and Choice of bread. The paneer was soft, tasty and just fabulous. The gravy was brilliant one could actually get the fragrance of the spices from it.

Let me tell this was one of the best paneer that you can get in Bhopal. There are very few places that excel in making the paneer dishes. TDS is one of them.

By then we were pretty full but who says we cannot go in for a sweet dish? Our power lunch offers us a complimentary ice cream. The ice cream they serve with power lunch is vanilla flavor with chocolate sauce. So it didn't really matter because we had something sweet. Since there were three power lunch orders by us we got three ice creams.  So the ice creams were there and mine was awful just because it got freeze more than its limit and I could actually taste ice in my mouth. It was the chocolate sauce that kept me quiet. Then my friend offered me her ice-cream as she was full and couldn't take more, to my shock it was absolutely fine. So one must check and ask the waiters to change it for you.

So with this it comes to an end of my food review on Ten Downing Street, Bhopal. I would conclude that it was a brilliant experience having the power lunch for just Rs. 230/- (Taxes Excluded) which is really affordable to many and I would like to visit TDS for power Lunch again.

I would rate Ten Downing Street for its Power Lunch as 4/5.

Suggestion to TDS: Work on your Italian Food. All other items were great.

The Power Lunch is on every week day from 12 pm-4 pm. Also the place was about to get full since it was peek lunch time and they also conduct private parties. So to avoid waiting one can book there table before. Call them on 7747067400 for queries and 7415013100/ 8109643000 reservations.

Hope you all enjoyed reading my post and feedback is appreciated.  :)

Thank You in anticipation.