No Indian restaurant has impressed me: Gaggan Anand

His eponymous restaurant has recently been awarded the best restaurant in Asia, but chef Gaggan Anand doesn’t seem to rest. While some may consider his flair too arrogant, with the laurels the man has been awarded with, his affability seems too delightful. Unabashed, yet logical about the state of Indian food around the world, Gaggan Anand gives his purview of the cuisine he guards close to his heart.

The question which is on everyone’s mind? When and where are you coming to India?

I am planning to come to India for sure, mostly by the end of this year, or early next year. I want to come to India to enjoy India- not to teach Indians Indian food. And I know that the Indian food I prepare will taste better in India. I will be able to use heeng and kesar, as much I want to, and can source it whenever I want to. We are already in talks with people; scouting for a location is the next step. The restaurant in India will have a new chef, a new identity. I will just be the coach. Just like people come to Gaggan to eat Gaggan cuisine, the chef will create his own cuisine, which people will come to his restaurant for.

Where do you think Indian chefs lack?

Indian chefs are domestically very happy, with domestic fame, especially this young crop of chefs who lack enthusiasm and treat restaurants as corporate jobs. They switch restaurants for the brand name and are hardly researching, innovating or learning anything about food. Everyone has their dreams, for some chefs the point is to attend parties and cut ribbons on launches or be a TV star, and several good Indian chefs are doing that. I think chefs in India should first learn how to cook a perfect omelet. The amount of time chefs in India spend on acquiring fame, they should spend on cooking and learning. I have seen chefs who say they haven’t cooked in 20 days, how exactly can they call themselves chefs? And especially explore and learn your own cuisine before thinking of mastering Italian, Oriental and international cuisines

Any restaurant which has impressed you in India?

I haven’t got anyone who has impressed me in India, barring Manish Mehrotra, from Indian Accent, New Delhi. I think Manish is our only hope. Perhaps chefs should come out of that TV and stardom mode and research more on the food. Chefs have to evolve and improve constantly. Be known for one dish, but that one dish should be out of this world. And focus on being known for the food, instead of creating a personal brand name.

Indian food is still dominated by curry based restaurants and rubbery naans, which you see abroad? Why is that quality of food not changing?

We all like the dal makhani and curry based dishes served at restaurants as that is our comfort food, and also, it is quite tasty. Even I prefer eating hawker style street side food. I may play with food all I want, but I want my food to be comfortable. But that is not the food we prepare or eat at home. No one makes kebabs or samosas or dhaba food at home daily. How many Indians actually prepare kadai paneer, like the one served at restaurants at their places? I have seen Indian food being projected very badly abroad. It is such an exciting and varied cuisine, with diversity in taste, and it is so underrated, so badly represented. The problem is the commericalisation of food. Restaurants abroad are opened by NRIs who are looking to mint money and serve ‘Indian’ food the way the locals want to eat it, not the way it should be made. It’s business, and in the order to sell as many covers as possible, the quality is badly getting affected.

What are the places you like dining at in India?

I recently loved this place called SodaBottleOpenerWala, Delhi. It’s a brave concept to take a cuisine to a place where no one knows it, and do well there. But I am all for comfortable street side, hawker Indian food. Some of my favourites are Gajalee, Swati Snacks and Britannia in Mumbai.

How far are Indians from appreciating molecular gastronomy and other eccentric styles of presentation on their table, on a regular basis?

Molecular gastronomy is not gimmicky- there has to be logic behind the preparation and usage of ingredients together. We are far from appreciating this magic on the plate on a daily basis, but with restaurants in India bringing in these presentation flairs to the table, people are increasingly enjoying the them. Also, there are always different audiences, one which wants to go to an udipi every Sunday and likes and appreciates the food there, while one that is well-travelled and well-versed with authentic tastes from abroad. Just like how someone would buy a Manish Malhotra and someone would pick up a sari from Karol Bagh, in food, there are different people who would appreciate different things. Chefs should remember that their food has to make sense. There has to be a 5S philosophy when you prepare something- Salty, sweet, spicy, sour and the 5^th element is surprise. But ultimately, the hero in any restaurant is the food, not the chef.

What’s next?

I am working on my lab in my restaurant, with the comfort food restaurant in Bangkok- for the curry based Indian food that people want. Also, the restaurant in India is where the focus is.

Having held this benchmark, how do you take people who ape you?

I don’t believe people ape or copy anyone, but rather take inspiration from others. If once someone starts a trend, everyone would want to do it. I take it as the best flattery when people replicate or take inspiration from something I have done.

What is the thought process or inspiration behind a Gaggan dish?

My philosophy is to constantly innovate and create- there shouldn’t be a time barrier. Something can take two years to be created while something may take two days. My inspiration comes from the memories of food from the humble street vendors, which I grew up eating. They have been creating fantasies and serving lovely Indian food since ages, even since we didn’t have any restaurants.

Here's why it takes days to get a reservation at Farzi Cafe, Gurgaon

Having dined at Masala library in Mumbai, (review here) it was natural for me to  try Farzi Café, Gurgaon, on my visit to Delhi. Trying hard not to compare the two distinctly different brainchildren of Zorawar Kalra, here are the recommended must-haves two vegetarians loved at Farzi Café, Gurgaon

Mishti doi spheres- The amuse bouche, gulp these mishit doi shots in one go as they come all flanked by smoke, setting the perfect tone for what's to follow

Mini raj kachori, crisp okra salad- A single shot of Raj Kachori, where the tamarind chutney is presented in the form of foam. Have you ever seen the street speciality presented ths way?

Bombay bhel – version 2.0- This combines the Bhel and Sev Puri, as the tasty Bombay bhel comes on top of a papri.

Vada pav Farzified- Yes, the Bombay staple, which tastes street-like, but the pao is stuffed inside the vada! Why could no Mumbai street vendor think of this innovation?

Karela calamari, sweet and sour mango chutney- We were urged by Mr Kalra to try this, as we were both sincere karela haters, but for those who swear by their karela, nothing can get better than this tangy twist!

Sarson ki gilawat, corn and cheese tostada- Punjab on a plate, there are miniature makai rotis and the saag is made in the form of gilawati kebab. Sprinkled with pop corn, you would want to celebrate Lohri, right after eating this

Palak Paneer Quesadillas-Some delicious palak paneer is stuffed inside quesadillas, to make for the perfect Mexican Indian fusion.

Palate Cleansers

Even these come with a twist, with the likes of Hajmola flavoured lollipos!

Desserts

Parle G cheesecake, milk custard, chocolate gems- This is the most widely photographed dish, and tastes exactly how it looks. Cheesecake, stuffed inside Parle G and topped with some Gems.

Phirni oxide- The dish which attracts all the attention to your table, phirni oxide is a twisted take on the humble phirni, laced with some liquid nitrogen

It may seem impossible to get a reservation there, but Farzi café is worth the wait! Just like Masala library, Farzi café takes typically Indian dishes, which are never put on a fine dining menu and presents them in a swanky avatar! Each dish flaunts something farzi (fake), be it added dramatics in the form of smoke, or dishes served in London style telephone booths. Food theatrics is a phrase and Farzi Café defines it. Since every dish has a history and story to tell, this restaurant narrates the history behind typical Indian dishes and twists them with a contemporary spin, just like how Indians are!

Fact File

Cost for two- Rs 2000

Where-7-8, Ground Floor, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon

Dress-code- Casual 

How Japanese is a vegetarian friendly cuisine- Umame, Mumbai

For those who walk into this restaurant without knowing the cuisine, Umame is from the word umami, which translates into deliciousness in Japanese. Try naming five tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, sour—umami, is the fifth taste which is commonly found in tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and soy sauce.

(Spicy Samurai Sushi)

“People immediately associate Japanese food with sushi and raw meat, and for them caviar is just fish eggs, that’s the perception I wish they change and try the right dishes,” urges 21-year old Marzban Amroliwalla, the chef who is heading the dessert kitchen and has conceptualized the Robatayaki menu, at pan-Asian fine dining restaurant Umame. A brain child of Farrokh Khambatta, I went in with the notion that drinks and desserts are all that I will have, but with a meal that lasted 3 hours, between two vegetarians, I was forced to change my belief that Japanese cuisine is not meant for vegetarians. “Owing to the area (Churchate), it is impossible for us to not have vegetarian inclusions, since most of our clientele is vegetarian” reasons Marzaban.

Quite convincing since on a Tuesday evening, the restaurant ran a full cover, with most of the guests having the choicest of vegetarian dishes

                         (Robata Grill Asparagus and Shitake Mushrooms, Spicy Yuzu Miso)

Note- They are hosting the Robatayaki ("fireside cooking" in Japanese) Food Fest at Umame and Joss till 31st March 2015. This review is based on the regular menu and the Robatayaki menu

What to eat- The chef urges us to move beyond Khaw Suey which is their highest selling dish, but not the only thing they would want you to try. We liked with the Robata Grill Asparagus and Shitake Mushrooms, Spicy Yuzu Miso from Robatayaki menu and moved on to the excellently flavoured Burnt Chilli and tamarind Soup from the soup selection. Breaking our notion that vegetarian sushi can’t be tasty, we were floored by their Crunchy Rolls and Spicy Samurai, along with the creatively prepared Vegetarian Mock Duck. The Crystal Jade vegetables with sprouts Bibimbap is another must try.

  (Vegan Mock Duck)

What’s for desserts- We tried the Chocolate Cigar but what really stole the thunder was The Big Bang Theory. Made with edible planets, asteroids and sun, the dessert which looked like the solar system and attracted all the attention to our table, looked like this- 

Why Umame- Because it’s time Indians tried Japanese food and explored pan-Asian cuisine beyond Oriental and Thai varieties. While Asian cuisine faces a daunting challenge of getting restricted to only 'Chinese' food, Umame restricts their Oriental menu and successfully makes people try dishes from other cuisines which suit our palate.

                                             (Crystal Jade vegetables with sprouts Bibimbap )

Whom to go with- A completely family dining experience, Umame is a place where you go to host a private party with your select set of family friends. Of course, couples can enjoy a cozy dinner too, but when (and if) I get a salary hike, I am talking my parents here.

What to wear- I think they only accepted me in chappals, since I was writing about them, so, note to self- smart casuals or formals should be donned next time.

Cost for 2- Rs 3000

The vegetarian verdict of Smoke House Deli, Mumbai

Head here for: All day breakfasts and comfortable European food

We put to task chef Chef Glyston Gracias and ask him to please three pure vegetarians with inclusions from the new menu at Smoke Hose Deli, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Having visited Smoke House Deli once previously (review here), with a pure carnivore, I was convinced about how the restaurant is loved by non-vegetarians, but doesn’t exactly  have lip-smacking options for vegetarians! But with several vegetarian inclusions from the new menu, here are vegetarian dishes—right from starters to desserts—which we loved at SHD, Mumbai

Bruschetta (Rs 390)- A classic Italian starter of garlic bread with toppings, we tried three variations. Those who wish to stick to the classics can try the Tomato with Feta cheese while to experiment, the Spinach plus Artichoke is a must-try.

Coal smoked eggplant with Miso plus tabbouleh (Rs 240)- Don’t judge it by the ingredients as this comfortable sour soup won’t disappoint the ones who wish to experiment

                                                                                                                                 

Slow roast plum tomato with basil (Rs 240)- The SHD take on the classic tomato soup, this one’s a must have for those who like to keep it simple

Flat bread of the day (Rs 370)- A recommended appetizer which comes in varied toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, bocconcini cheese and artichoke

Farfalle spicy arrabbiata (Rs 450)- The classic pasta in a fiery tomato based arrabbiata sauce; we loved ours with some extra spice!

Drinks

The underage guests I took with me stuck to the classic Oreo Cookie Smoothie, Blueberry Smoothie and the Kiwi, Melon and Jasmine Lemonade while I enjoyed my Apple soaked Mojito and Strawberry Margarita

Desserts

Raspberry Oreo cheesecake (Rs 220)- The SHD signature, there’s an Oreo biscuit base with a smooth raspberry cheesecake, this one shouldn’t be missed

Flourless chocolate fudge (Rs 270)- We won’t be surprised if you come to Smoke House Deli, especially to eat this as this gooey chocolate indulgence doesn’t need much convincing.

What we reviewed- While the vegetarian options still aren’t something that Smoke House Deli will be known for, the varieties have increased. Of course, with classic non vegetarian favourites and the beautiful interiors that the restaurant boasts of, SHD will draw regulars and newcomers by its pre-established stature. While the restaurant may not be a pure vegetarian’s paradise yet, those who love their meat, eggs and all day breakfasts, are likely to join the deli’s continuing line of devoted patrons.

Events: St Patrick's Day Celebrations and more in Mumbai and Delhi

Kaboom goes cricket crazy!  

Kaboom, South Mumbai’s most unique quick service eatery, located at Ballard Estate, is all set to cheer India on for the World Cup!

The eatery has installed a big-screen television set and has crafted a special menu for your World Cup viewing pleasure.

The Kaboom World Cup Menu is burger heavy, with ‘daily specials’ based on the teams that are playing. The owners and chef have incorporated local flavours for each qualifying team into their respective burger. As teams are eliminated, their corresponding burgers are eliminated from the menu as well.

The menu includes:

       Srilankan NV/V burger with coconut relish
       New Zealand NV/V burger with avocado basil mayo
       Aussie NV/V burger with pineapple chutney
       English NV/V burger with red pepper and cheddar with mayo
       Caribean NV/V burger with mayonnaise
       South African NV/V burger with peri-peri sauce
       Indian NV/V Tikka burger with yogurt mint dressing
       Pakistani NV/V Pahadi tikka with yogurt mint dressing

The burgers will be served all day, in addition to the morning-evening and regular lunch menus.

The price will be similar to the rest of Kaboom’s offerings with the veg burger at Rs. 270 and the non-veg burger for Rs. 300.

 To get there: Kaboom @ Café Model, 3A Spott Road, Near Grand Hotel, Ballard Estate.

St. Patrick's Day at Irish House, Phoenix Mills

Celebrating the popular Irish festival St. Patrick's Day, Irish House is hosting a two day St. Patrick's Day Carnival on the 14th and 15th of March, 2015 at the Courtyard of High Street Phoenix, 12 noon onwards.

The two day carnival will give you the chance to enjoy a chilled beer out in the open in the mall's courtyard, amidst Irish dancers, acoustic music, Irish short films, live bands, stickwalkers and street POI. There will be Irish food and pop up shops, with green Candy Floss, Hot dog Cart, Fish N’ Chips, Burger Shop, and other Irish delicacies along with a variety of domestic and imported beers

The highlight of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will most definitely be the Irish parade slated for 15th March at 6pm where your favorite characters will come to life, dressed in green, singing and dancing away to traditional Irish music! 

Yogurtbay introduces the Wafflebay 

Having reached newer cities, Yogurtbay has also introduced the Wafflebay for Indian dessert lovers. Wafflebay by Yogurtbay a new line of a waffle sticks will change the way you savour your desserts!

 Price: Waffle Sticks are served in pairs at the price of Rs. 150

  

Robatayaki Food Fest at Umame & Joss

In Japanese cuisine, Robatayaki, often shortened to just Robata, refers to a method of cooking, similar to barbecue, in which items of food on skewers are slow-grilled over hot charcoal. Farrokh Khambata known for constantly reinventing himself presents a spectacular Robatayaki Food Fest at his signature restaurants Umame( Churchgate) & Joss ( Santacruz)

Traditionally, the Robata food consists of a combination of morsels of seafood and vegetables, but other kinds of food that are suitable for grilling may also be offered. Farrokh has created a special menu inspired by its tradition yet adding modern techniques.

From- 1st -31^st March, 2015 

Joss

Savoy Chambers, Linking Road Extension, Santacruz West, Mumbai (Landmark: Mini Cooper Showroom)

Timings: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm /7.30 pm -1.30am

 Reservation:  022-26617772

Umame

Cambata Building, Eros Theatre Building, Churchgate, Mumbai

Contact +912261110303

World Cup Fever @ MARKET CAFE

Biggest Cricket fever is back! If you are looking for a perfect place to cheer up India, head to market café. Market Café invites all cricket freaks to enjoy the World cup matches at larger screen with New breakfast menu. Menu includes Morning glory (Veg/ Non- veg), Toasties, Breakfast Waffles and other scrumptious dishes.  

Cricket enthusiasts can now sit back and enjoy the every ball of the match. While you will be hooked to the projector screen,market café will make sure that the supply of refreshing beverages and delicious food won’t stop on your table as you can enjoy attractive offers on liquor and food.

OFFERS: 
 HAPPY HOUR ON IMFL DRINKS
BEER BUCKETS @ RS.895
SANGRIA & COCKTAIL PITCHERS @ RS.995
UNLIMITED SNACKS & DRINKS @ RS.1495 ONLY AT GK-2

Reservations: 41757703/ 41682937​R

Duration: On till March 15th, 2015

VENUE
*MARKET CAFE, M-40
GREATER KAILASH PART-II
NEW DELHI- 110048
RESERVE NOW +911141682937/ +918800134477

* 8 MIDDLE LANE
KHAN MARKET
NEW DELHI 110003
RESERVE NOW +919810501951/ +911141757703/04

                              

ICC World Cup 2015 Carousing @ Rodeo

As the great sporting carnival, the much awaited ICC World cup is about to commence,Rodeo welcomes you to rejoice the cricket fever with special offers. Engage yourself in the cricket mania with live screening of the matches and savour the special menu designed especially for the occasion.

The eclectic cricket-themed menu features quirky appetizers ranging from Hat Trick Fish Finger, Clean Bold Wings Molletes Leg Slip, Sixer Tandoori Murg Nawabi to name a few. Down it with exotic mocktails and cocktails like Gully, Silly Point, First Slip, Dhoni’s Slammer, Dilshan’s Scoop, Virat Se Takkar, Malinga’s Yorker, and all rounder’s margarita for the drinks. Live screening and surround sound system add up to the thrill of the game. Cheer your favorite team and celebrate every shot.

Enjoy extra-ordinary "Cricket Extravaganza" with special deals for drinks and snacks. Head to Rodeo for the upcoming ICC World Cup and watch the matches with family and friends.  

Highlights of the occasion:

   Exciting special cricket-themed food & drinks menu

   Live screening of the matches

   Cricket themed décor and the staff will be in blue

   Play exciting games and win prizes

Cricket Extravaganza menu:  Starts at Rs. 350 + taxes

Date: February 15, 2015 - March 29, 2015

Timing: 12 noon to 1 am

Venue: Rodeo, A-12 Inner Circle, Connaught Place

For Reservations call: 011- 23713780/81, 8588815454

Sbarro Pizzas: Delhi

The main purpose of this review was to reacquaint a friend who had recently visited New York and brought back with him, not an accent, but an undying love for the NYC style pizza. So when Sbarro invited us for the review of their Connaught place, New Delhi outlet, all my high-browed NYC return friend wanted was a taste of Brooklyn in CP.

Well, he and 5 more people (who tasted the leftovers) drooling over the pizzas, had us convinced, so here we decode 5 pizzas which we tasted at Sbarro

Note- they have 3 crusts to choose from—New York Style, Pan Pizza and Stuffed Pizza

 

White Pizza- Clearly their signature, this Pizza has melted Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, oodles of it, and that’s it.

Price per slice- Rs 119 

Cheese Pizza- Distinct from the white pizza, this the pizza you usually see Joey munching away in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Mozzarella, with a dash of San Marzano tomato sauce.

Price per slice - Rs 69

Stromboli- Honestly, I had never eaten this before, but it’s pretty much a roll of bread with oodles of cheese in between. We tried the broccoli and mushroom one

Price per piece-Rs 129

Paneer Makhni- Of course, you can’t be in Delhi and not have this dish. Fused perfectly with Pizza, Sbarro stuffs the paneer makhni inside the pizza base, rather than putting stale, rubbery paneer slices on top. You break in to discover your favourite paneer dish inside a pizza base. Since everything is prepared on the spot, the entire dish is piping hot and fresh- the perfect blend of Italy and India!

Non vegetarians must try their stuffed sausage and pepperoni too.

 

Desserts- Carrot cake and New York Cheesecake

Drinks- Non alcoholic, regular drinks like lemonades, ice teas and coffees

What we reviewed- Obviously, just as butter chicken tastes like tomato ketchup in UK, the pizzas aren’t exactly authentic, but as close as they get to New York. At the price they come for, they are way better than the commercial international pizzas India has been used to. With 3 major crusts to choose from and a huge live kitchen, you can catch the chefs in action, kneading the dough, tossing up the base and preparing fresh and customized pizzas- all in front of your eyes!

Facts

Cost for 2- Rs 400; pizzas priced per slice

Priced at Rs 399/- plus tax, the special World Cup meal comprises two pizza slices, one drink, one dessert and one portion garlic stick. Plus, you get to take home a miniature bat and ball inscribed with the Sbarro logo as well!

Where- N Block, Near LIC Building, Connaught Place, New Delhi