Mamagoto Winter Menu, Mumbai, Delhi

 

Asian flavours are usually an amalgamation of warm and spicy palates, which taste best during winters. Keeping with the Indian winters, pan-Asian fun dining chain Mamagoto has introduced their winter menu with delicious meal bowls and spicy starters, for both the chilly Delhi and the pleasant Bombay winters.

Where to go- Mamagoto chains across Delhi and Mumbai

What we reviewed- The warm and zesty winter menu with a range of soupy meal bowl inclusions

What to wear-  Be completely casual, if you are coming with friends. Obviously dress as your parents ask you to, if you are coming with family

Whom to go with- Anyone! Mamagoto serves alcohol, but is an extremely fun,  

family diner

What to order – From the winter menu, we loved the vegetarian and non-vegetarian version of the Spicy Bangkok Bowl, (Rs 399)—a rice dish with Thai spices and herbs (I am not a fan of Thai cuisine, but if I loved it, everybody will! ); Shinjuku Miso (Rs 549)—a Japanese miso soup with an overload of shitake mushrooms, tofu, sea weed and soba noodles and the spicy and warm Hot China bowl (499)—a glass noodle preparation with a broth of red chillies, schezwan pepper, green beans, sesame seeds and sliced chicken/veg with street momos. Though we were apprehensive about eating an all-beans starter, we were floored by the Straight up beans ( Rs 199, Long beans stir fried with Chinese garlic, red chillies and yellow bean paste) which were tastefully marinated, with the right play of spices.

What’s for dessert- We ordered their signature Caramel Sponge Cake toffee sauce and Mud Cake with ice-cream from their regular menu

Why Mamagoto- Since the chain is owned by two Punjabis, Kabir Suri and Rahul Khanna, you get Oriental cuisine infused with Amritsari spices, the rendition of Asian cuisine Indians usually love. While food director Jaiywanti Dugal has strived to maintain authenticity, ingredients like beef, pork, and fish oil in vegetarian dishes are traditional Asian ingredients which can’t be used in India and hence have been replaced with chicken and other vegetarian oils. At times like these Mamagoto may have tweaked the authentic scale, but the USP of a casual, Asian eatery has been maintained. Quirky interiors, a well informed staff, and an explanatory menu ensure the vision of the founders is intact by keeping Asian dining approachable for Indians. For drinks, we loved the Passion fruit Rum/Lime mix, (Es 299) which came beautifully presented from the bar. The entire winter menu gives you a warm and cozy feel with a lot of meal bowls with warm and well flavoured soups, which are ideal for winters. 

Cost for two – Rs 1500 (excluding alcohol and taxes)

Review: Oyster Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott Mumbai

Tales of the Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott Mumbai had reached me even as I was in Delhi; and how it is constantly pegged as one of Bombay’s finest brunches. Adding a sea food delicacy to their regular Sunday soiree, JW Marriott has introduced The Oyster Sunday Brunch at Lotus Café, housing freshly imported oysters from Burma, along with a range of regular live stations.

Priced at Rs 3986, including taxes and selection of liqueur; and Rs 2727 including taxes and soft beverages, the brunch flaunts an array of live counters, including a cold meat spread and gourmet hand-tossed pizza stations, along with a melodious live band for company. The cuisines are fewer, but the options within each are varied. 

Though the brunch is largely non-veg oriented, being a pure vegetarian, I was still spoilt for choices when it came to their delectable pasta station and the selection of gourmet cheeses from around globe. The weekend we went, the Oriental section had the made-to-order Wonton & Noodle Soup, which commenced our food marathon, followed by a portion of garden salad, grilled prawns and tempura fried oysters. 

While my non-vegetarian friend ordered for herself a Chicken, Basil and Parmesan Pasta, I was caught drooling over their Farfalle Arrabbiata, along with a hand tossed stuffed pizza. There's something for everyone—right from an egg station to a waffle and churros counter and a fine collection of wines from across the globe. 

Too stuffed with all the Continental varieties and in a bid to save room for desserts, we sadly had to skip their North Indian section and jump straight to their acclaimed waffles and range of eggless, sugar-free and fresh fruit desserts.

In conclusion, I can only say that when you are sitting next to (supposedly) Lucky Ali; Raj Kundra passes by with some friends and you find Mahesh Bhatt nonchalantly sitting at the coffee shop, you know you are at a Brunch which Bombay’s finest call their Sunday recluse.

Where: Lotus Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai

Date: Ongoing

Time: 12:30 pm onwards

Pricing: Non-alcoholic – 2300 + taxes

Alcoholic – 3300 + taxes

Kids Buffet – 1475 all inclusive (only for kids above 10 years)

Rating- 4/5

For inquiries call, 022-66933344.

P.S. Thank you Afsha Khalfay for clicking all the pictures!

Review: East, Sahara Star, Mumbai

Call it stereotypically girly, but Asian is my favourite cuisine, ever since I was a 3 year old child who had first Punjabi Chinese noodles from a food van at Defence Colony, Delhi.

I know the debate over Chinese authenticity in India never ends, but c’mon, even butter chicken in Mumbai doesn’t taste like the one in Chandigarh, so how can we eat the ‘authentic’ version of a cuisine, which isn’t even ours?

At junctures like these enter restaurants like East, Sahara Star, Andheri which prepare Asian cuisine as it should taste like for the expats and touring Asians, yet add a dash of extra spice here and there, to keep the masala loving Indians happy.

The ambiance is that of a typically dim-lit, golden hued five-star restaurant, beautifully flanked by an al fresco entrance and a live kitchen for company. While the prices are obviously steep since it’s a luxury property, they are competitive, and in the case of some dishes, economical, compared to some stand-alone Oriental chains.

We weren’t served alcohol, so wouldn’t say anything about their selection of wines or pairing with food. But between the vegetarian me and my non-vegetarian partner, we liked their Hot ‘n’ Sour vegetarian soup and Chicken Lemon Coriander soup, respectively. Since there is a live kitchen and a teppanyaki station, we hope to see a lot more action happening at that counter, when we visit next. What bowled us over were their Wok Crisp Mixed Vegetables in Sichuan Sauce and Tempura Fried prawns. For those who love to experiment, the basil chilli ice-cream is definitely worth a try!

Why EAST- The menu is self explanatory, the staff knows what they are serving and the live kitchen lets you see what is being dished up for your plate. You won’t be confused about what to order and you can always ask for your well-informed server’s help. Since the scales tip more towards the authentic side, I am not too sure how many Punjabi Chinese loving people would enjoy it. But it’s worth a visit, for those who like a lighter play of spices on their palate.

Where- Ground level, Hotel Sahara Star, Domestic Airport, Santacruz East, Mumbai

Rating- 3.5

Cost for two- Rs 2500 (excluding alcohol)

Would we go back- When someone from Korea or Japan visits, yes

Flourless Chocolate cake

#MyHungerFix: Roti Pizza

 http://www.smokywok.com/2012/07/thin-and-crispy-roti-pizza-recipe.html

Who said men don’t step in the kitchen! Writer and Graphic designer, Yashovardhan Bhatia shares his 10 minute recipe of Healthy Roti Pizza, when he has absolutely nothing in the kitchen!

Healthy Roti Pizza: 

Ingredients:

- Any kind of base like roti/paratha/dosa 

- Onion/Capsicum/Tomato/Corn/Mushroom (Any vegetable available) 

- Pizza Sauce/Chilli Sauce/Ketchup

- Cheese

- 1tbs Butter/oil

Method: 

- Add a 1tbsp oil/butter to the tava

- Keep the roti to crispen over it (layer two rotis if they're thin) 

- Once semi-crisp take it out

- Spread your choice of sauce over it

- Add chopped vegetables

- Layer it with excess cheese (Not for the health conscious) 

- Bake it in the oven/microwave (oven mode) for 2 mins (If the oven is not an option, keep it back on the tava on low heat and cover it with some utensil for approx 2 mins till the cheese melts.

*Tip: Add some oregano/chilli flakes from your Dominos leftovers.


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Brunch Review: Westin Mumbai Garden City

New Yorkers recently confessed that brunches were one of the primary reasons they were robbed off their salaries every month. But admit it—anyone who has been to a brunch yearns to go back the next Sunday.

Albeit a luxury which couples, parents or families indulge in, the trend of a relaxed brunch is not far-fetched by the younger generation, which deserves this gastro-pampering every now and then.

I have a soft spot for Westin, Mumbai and Delhi, but I detest the idea of travelling, only in Mumbai. Fellow Mumbaikars, I know you agree with me. But if your father decides to drive you all the way to Goregaon, for a culinary extravaganza at Seasonal Tastes, Westin Mumbai, then things are different.

The view- Offering a beautiful view of the Sanjay Gandhi National park and the Western Express Highway, Westin is one of the select places in Mumbai which lets you dine with a view. Plus the location on the 18^th floor makes for a brightly-lit brunch. Make sure you book a window table.

The food- A spread larger than many wedding buffets, the cuisines ranged from simple Indian with varities like chaat, pindi chhole, dahi bhalla to the more elaborate tepinyaki and tempura stations. The mezze counters, cheese selections and Oriental stations were where I spent most of my time, while my father was happy at their Indian outpost, Kangan, which opens during the day, especially for the Sunday brunch.

The live stations at every cuisine cater to the bespoke choices of their discerning clientele, be it getting the al dante as per your preference or adding the extra dash of hari chutney to the humble sev puri.

I was equally bowled over by their dahi poori, as much as I loved their made-to-taste Oriental soup and the pasta topped with sauces and toppings of my choice.

The drinks- Select liqueur, ranging from some delectable house wines to international varieties and the choicest of spirits and malts, accompany the food, international cheeses or breads, as you prefer. I had my hands full with this lovely cheese platter and a finely paired Grover Zampa red wine while my father sipped his beer and binged on some kebabs.

The desserts- Do save room for desserts as there is an assorted counter dedicated strictly to some wonderful saccharine choices, right from eggless to gluten free and sugar free varieties. A dish receommended by our server, which especially stood out was the malpua with rabdi while I particularly loved their tiramisu and chocolate truffle.

Why Westin Mumbai Sunday Brunch- The best part about the brunch is that the food is varied, yet restricts to simple varieties which every cuisine is known for. You can possibly not have a North Indian counter without having the humble black dal, here, known as Dal Kangan, which is the USP of their Indian restaurant. You hear Mexican and you think tacos, or dahi bhalla the minute someone says Delhi. The cuisines are varied to entice you, but the dishes are restricted to not confuse you, something which no one needs to wrap up their week. Also, they have a large kid’s area, with games and toys to keep the little ones entertained.

For townies here’s a word of motivation—Instead of going out of Bombay for a day-long picnic, why not take a 45 minute drive to Goregaon? You will get some delicious food and wine, with excellent hospitality, 4 hours of pampering with a stunning view of the Western ghats. Sounds like a picnic to me!

Where- Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, Goregaon

Cost- Rs 2400 plus taxes with alcohol and Rs. 2000 plus taxes without alcohol

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The Beer Cafe, Mumbai

Chugging beer, the classy way!

It’s funny how one of Delhi’s most celebrated beer chains is barely known about in Bombay. C’mon, it’s beer that we are talking about a bar—a café, a restaurant or even a garden, if a place sells beer, it sells itself. But were we surprised to visitThe Beer Café- BKC and Thane outlets! The self descriptive name, The Beer Café is your casual beer ghetto which serves a range of beers- from the traditional German ones to the fancy flavoured Australian and Spanish varieties. You can choose your trusted Indian label or get experimental with their draught specialties, as per your beer palate.

Highlight- they have The Beer Café app, where you can collect Beer Miles and stay updated about contests, offers, discounts and promotions. Plus, the café has free wifi.

What to order- Since people are very subjective about their beer, we will abstain from giving must-have recommendations. But a complete non-beer drinker like me and a hardcore beer drinker like my friend, both loved their 1906 Special Reserve, the Spanish Beer and the Amigos Mexican Beer. Plus, they have beer-based cocktails! To eat, do have their chicken popcorn for chakna.

What we reviewed- My first memory of Beer café is when there first outlet in Connaught Place opened up and my best friend pleaded me to take her there for a review.  Just like Hansel and Gretal fell for the house made of candy, my friend fell for this café which serves over 40 varieties of beer. There is something about going in your car to a theka and loading it with desi beer, but there is something classy about coming to The Beer Café and sipping international beers, in a range of flowers, with well-paired food for company.

Why beer café- Because it’s a café dedicated just to beer! And if you are a true beer lover, this place will be your haven. There are so many varieties, for every taste preference, that a beer lover will be spoilt for choices. Plus they have regular offers like 2+1 free on their draught beers and 1+1 on cocktails and mocktails. So, your non beer-loving friend will be happy too!

Would we go back- Not so much if we are looking for cheap drinks, but the days we need a good bottle of chilled beer, definitely yes!

Our rating- 3.5/5

Cost for two- Rs 1500 for two (taxes extra, including food)

Where to go- The Beer Cafe, Ground Floor, Viviana Mall, Thane (W)

The Beer Cafe, 1st Floor, Phoenix Market City, BKC

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Home Baker Review: Jeanette's Cake Studio, Andheri

I am still wiping my plate clean with the last traces of carrot pecan loaf that Anthea Miranda from Jeanette’s Cake Studio, Mumbai sent over last week.  A home baker based out of Andheri, she sent some of the finest cupcakes and butter cookies I have sinned to in a really (read: a week) long time.

Her hottest selling items are, clearly, her chocolate cupcakes, which are all nice and moist, with a creamy rich chocolate icing. We asked 8 of our friends, and also my non-chocolate loving parents, to sample the cupcakes, and dare we say, our next order will be from Anthea. Her soft and melted-in-our-mouth pecan cookies are other strict recommendations which are ideal for corporate or festive gifting, or simply some lavish tea time indulgences.

So whenever people go all ‘treat treat treat’ on you, for salaries or resignations, you can bulk order cakes from her. She delivers to all suburbs at a minimum order of Rs 500 (delivery charges extra) and also does customized cakes, cupcakes and some sinful cookies.

Trust me, if you can get laddoo loving north Indian parents to love marzipan and cupcakes, they taste damn well fine.

Fact File

What to order- Cupcakes, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies and loaves

We recommend- Chocolate and Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcakes and Pecan Cookies

To call- Anthea Miranda at +91-8097308289

Minimum order Rs 500

Should be placed 48 hours prior to delivery

Delivery to all suburbs; delivery charges extra


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Hopping over Hoppipola, Khar, Mumbai

Bandra’s latest hangout- with friends, cousins, better-halves or all by yourself!

What’s the hype all about-  I love Bombay for casual cafes and bohemian bars like Hoppipola, where you can hop, skip, jump and play, with your buddies—who can either be people, a pint of beer or simply a book—depending all on your preference. I went in with a work colleague and we left as friends. The music, vibe, interactive games, and some really creative drinks ensure that you have a lot to do, even if you have nothing to talk about! Ideal for awkward first dates, action-packed reunions, or casual get-togethers.

What to do- Read a book or play Monopoly, UNO, a video game or a beer Chuggathon. I am guilty of forgetting that I was sitting in a restaurant, leave alone act professional at a review. Which restaurant gives you the option to do that?

Why Hoppipola- Interactive is the word that defines this place. Everyone has something to do here, even if you are all by yourself. A time when fine-dining is cluttering the eating out scenario, places like Hoppipola break the monotony and bring in the fun dining element to it!

What to order- We were two vegetarians who went and absolutely loved the Smokin Carlos, Cheesienos, OMG (only if you like mushrooms), and the Pasta Laziofaire. In drinks, the must-tries are the Whiskey Sour, Brain Damage and the Watermelon and Basil Mojito.

Who to go with- Friends, girlfriend, boyfriend, or even alone. Basically anyone who wants to hangout in a group should straightaway head to Hoppipola.

How to get there- Come to Khar Road station and take an exact 4 minute walk to the place. Use Google Maps.

What to wear- Come at your casual best, shorts, jeans or summer dresses. Unless of course you are coming back from work. The bar will welcome you as you are!

What didn’t work- No desserts! Also, the food was relatively higher on the salt scale.

Cost for two- Rs 1600 (excluding taxes)

Would we go again- Ask any blogger, if at a restaurant review, he/she can let it all loose and have an overall great time, they are sure to go back again. Just like banquets plan your entire wedding, and all they need is for you to be there, Hoppipola has tons of activities and great food to keep you engaged. I am hopping over there again this weekend. Say hi if you see me!

P. S. Hoppipola is all set to open 2 new outlets in Powai and Lower Parel. So whichever part of town you are in, there's an outlet near you!

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Theobroma opens in BKC, Mumbai

This review will be slightly candid, as I have a very emotional relationship with Theobroma, which according to me is Bombay’s best patisserie. The day my mom was discharged after a surgery, I treated her to Theobroma cupcakes. The day friends from Delhi visit Bombay, I take them here to get a slice of the city’s best red velvet cake. And of course, be it break-ups or first dates, Theobroma is the place I head to.

So when Kainaz (Messman) opened a new outlet, I couldn’t give it a miss. Targeted at corporate clients from BKC area, the Theobroma BKC outlet serves a range of soups and salads, along with signature Theobroma desserts, with buy one get one free offers, every Monday!

What to eat- I fell in love with the Tomato Coriander soup, which even the non-vegetarians agreed was one of the best they had tasted. The Carrot Cake, Vodka Green Chilli Mousse and Paneer Junglee Rolls are another must-tries. While the non vegetarians could be heard raving about the Roast Beef Finger Sandwiches, I couldn’t get enough of Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella flat bread. Obviously, you can close your eyes and choose any of the desserts, my personal favourites being the Red Velvet and the Chocoholic Mousse Pastry.

To order- Their made-to-order corporate lunches are priced at Rs 220, and comprise a sandwich, cupcake, drink and another savoury. Also, you can pre-order logo chocolates, customized cakes and gifting hampers for a corporate event.

Why Theobroma- What I love about the patisserie is how it constantly keeps experimenting with corporate gifting, bespoke hampers and now, soups and salads, yet keeping intact the French elegance with which it started its first outlet in Colaba. The prices are nominal, and the staff is earnestly delightful, urging you to come back again and again.

Cost for two- Rs 700-1000





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High on Chai @ Burma Burma, Fort, Mumbai

While Mumbai has no dearth of restaurants serving exotic cuisines, Burmese food has barely been touched upon at a handful of Pan-Asian eateries. Enter—Burma Burma, the birth child of Ankit Gupta and Chirag Chhaher, who have created this mystical, ‘spiritual’ Burmese recluse in a completely vegetarian fashion. With 4 years of research and revisiting Ankit’s Burmese roots, the restaurant serves authentic Burmese preparations ranging from the lauded Khao Suey to a delicious Burmese falooda, all prepared from ingredients sourced and imported from the country.

While restaurants serve drinks, Burma Burma- the Tea Room serves chai, ranging from simple to the extremely exotic varieties. Be it pre-meal post meal or during the meal, there are varieties of chais Burma Burma serves to maintain the spiritually refined atmosphere of the restaurant and not marring it by serving alcohol.

The ‘bar’ area in most restaurants has been replaced by a chai-bar, where guests can walk in, and enjoy refreshing vegetarian food, with a piping hot cup of chai. It may sound like a spiritual recluse, but the restaurant caters to all audiences and age groups and tells them how vegetarian can be wonderfully classy too.

The food is simple, light, and easy on the palate with extreme attention to authentic Burmese presentation, with sunflower seeds, prayer wheels and rustic tea pots to serve tea in. With Burmese influences in the interiors to little trivia about the country, Ankit Gupta has done his research and as he warmly serves some authentic vegetarian food from his homeland.

While it’s hard to fathom a vegetarian Burmese eatery given the coastal geography which Burma (Myanmar) flaunts, we challenge hard core carnivores to try this place and fall in love with it at once.

Where to go- Kothari House, Allana Centre Lane, MG Road, Behind Mumbai University, Fort, Mumbai

What to order- Tea Leaf Salad, Brown Onion and Roasted Chilly Steamed Buns, Nanji Kaukswe ( Dry Khow Suey ), Chilly Tangy Chick Pea Tohu, Burmese Falooda

Cost for two- Rs 1500 (including taxes)

Would we go back again- Already been there thrice in the last one month, so definitely, yes.

P.S. They strictly stick to reservations, so make sure you book a table a week in advance!

Ice-cream Review: Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

When a Wharton graduate (Rohan Mirchandani) opens an ice-cream chain, you expect innovation. So were we caught by a surprise, when we visited the 210, Churchgate outlet of Hokey Pokey Ice-cream. Totally Indian and completely vegetarian (or so they promise), Hokey Pokey has brought in tepinyaki to ice creams, making the entire ice-cream making process a very interactive one.

To read what tepinyaki is, click here.

While the process is typical to Japanese dishes, Hokey Pokey brings the same to ice cream. Basically, you take a cold stone slab, whose temperate is fixed at -18 degree Celsius and place an ice cream of your choice along with an assortment of ingredients. Some mixing and chopping later, you have created your own flavour (with quirky chocolate designs on top, if you ask for it!) Plus with so much action behind the counter, the entire experience was a delight to witness.

You can choose from a range of ingredients including chocolate chips, Ferrero Rocher, Oreo, Kit Kat and a plethora of exotic flavours like the gulkand and strawberry cheesecake.

They use natural ingredients and extracts are from fruits, and not flavoured (as they say), but being 100 percent eggless, the ice-creams tasted quite delicious.

  

While we got to go behind the counter and witness the magic for ourselves, patrons can see their trained men behind the counter create some awe-worthy designs. 

Where to go- Hokey Pokey ice creams, with over a dozen outlets in Mumbai and various others in Delhi, Pune, Indore and Aurangabad

What to order- We loved their Double Chocolate Therapy, Knight in Armour and Black Forest Blend, while the non chocolate lovers will love any creations with their French Vanilla and Strawberry Cheesecake flavours.

Cost for two- Rs 200 (excluding taxes)

Would we go back- Well, even if they didn’t have the tepinyaki, we would have still gone back, since it’s ice-cream. But with takeaway boxes and exotic flavours, we are set to plan a visit soon!