A DHABA EXPERIENCE | CHULHA CHAUKI KA DHABA

My mother, she is this small little baby of mine whom I should baby-sit every weekend after my sister got married, apparently she hates sitting being alone. Sometimes it gets annoying but most of times its cute. So my usual routine for every weekend goes something like this: one day with friends/movies/treks and another day reserved for my mom, I take her out for shopping and then we dine out, this keeps her happy and it is also a change from her regular mundane life of home maker.

This past weekend we found ourselves at Chulha Chauki Ka Dhaba. I have been here a couple of times with friends for lunch and it seems to be a good place to enjoy a north meal.  I googled’map this place and ZOOM, in a couple of minutes I was parking my bike at their parking lot. Since we walked in pretty early around 12.30ish the place was empty and I could go in atleast once without being seated in there waiting room. 

They seemed to have done a pretty decent job on the décor front. Parasol with wooden chairs and tables arranged in a courtyard filled with white stones trying to create a dhaba atmosphere!

Once we were seated comfortably, I jogged through the menu. I ordered Malai Paneer to begin with, followed by Kulcha’s and rotis along with Paneer Kofta. On the drinks front I ordered for a thanda lassi which is one of their specialties. They serve chilled Lassi in aluminium tumbler that retains its chillness.

Malai Paneer:  6 pieces of paneer fried, topped with capsicums, onions and tomatoes and sided with green chutney. Uncontrollably oozing malai over the sides of the paneer like hot lava and sitting in the middle is a giant pot of green chutney, if there was ever an ad for clogged arteries this may be it. And while any self-respecting human being can’t eat like this on a daily basis, sometimes it just feels good to be bad. Don’t you agree?

Kulcha/Roti & Paneer Kofta: Since I had asked the staff to recommend something on the spicier side, he took it a little too seriously and made sure my kulcha and Kofta had tones and tones of sliced green chilli added to it. Did it work? Nah! I was picking out each chilli and throwing it away and it turned out to be a hassel to me. Kulcha’s and roti’s were good minus the chillis but I was disappointed with the Paneer Kofta and to be frank I am always disappointed with any koftas I order; no one seems to get it right. But the problem with the curry was not only the kofta’s, even the gravy was too strong of garlic paste and cloves which further spoilt its taste.

Lassi: To be frank I am not a lassi person. But I still love to try it from here. I will elaborate my first experience on lassi experience something like this:  

Well, ummm, yeah, this is what arrived shortly after placing our order. I’ll admit, I stared at it for about 60 seconds before picking it up. I didn’t really know what to think. Interesting presentation? It is chilled? Looks nice! After a few sip, there was a lot of forehead scratching and confused gazes. I started saying things like “I think I like it.” “Yeah, I mean I don’t hate it.” “I think I just drank lassi.” The whole thing was a bit of a mind f*ck to say the least. The flavors were kind of good, the texture was kind of milky white, and I still can’t decide if I liked it or not. But I did feel strangely captivated by it? I, I just don’t know. I think I like it, maybe!

CHULHA CHAUKI KA DHABA:

Address: 13, 7th Cross, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar

Contact no: 080 3232 7799

NOMMING MY WAY THROUGH THAI CURRY | HUNAN

So far 2014 has been bringing me a lot of fun and food, with some sporadic travel mixed in. With huge plans for the New Year ’s Eve which I cannot wait to arrive; I write these blogs to bring in some food porn into my life which is otherwise quite filled with impatience and anxiety. While I wait impatiently for these everlasting days to pass by as quickly as possible so that I could welcome my new year with a wide smile and with a slight hope that it would bring in a lot of happiness, a lot more adventures and lots and lots of food porn’s in the coming year.

So, on a Friday afternoon, after an exhaust full morning, I make my way to Hunan for some food noms. As I strolled alone on the streets of the food heaven of Bangalore, weighing my options in a 2km radius which I can make it on my foot. Although there are many places I haven’t been yet, I still choose Hunan, 1. I have been here a couple of times and I did like this place, 2. They serve good food and 3. They serve my favorite Thai food unlike popsies and chung wah.

It’s been a while I haven’t tasted Thai curry as most of my frequent food folks are not a fan of this one. So this time when I got a chance to enjoy a meal of Thai curry I took it. **wide smile**  What was the outcome? Check it out yourself.

 As if there were words that could do this mini montage justice, these in-your-face, over-indulgent, coconut milk-drenched dish come courtesy of the Hunan. In the meantime, here’s a little taste. Only after looking at the photos from that meal did I realize that Hunan was subconsciously trying to seduce me with it’s excessive use of amazing vegetables soaked in a gravy of coconut milk. I may have been having a great meal, but apparently my taste buds was having an even better one — bubbling over the top of my jasmine rice, rounding out the flavors and textures of my uber-rich veggies.

The sauce is creamy with coconut milk, and gently spicy with the curry paste, is flavorful yet soothing. The vegetables, which are simply dropped into the sauce, and gently simmered for few minutes, was  tender, not soggy. The vegetables blended slightly, but when you bite into the mushrooms, or the sweet red pepper, the vegetable — and its identity — are intact. 

To wash it all this I have ordered a lychee shake which was supposed to be a blend of vanilla ice cream and lychee. It was a terrible choice and one think I realized is, anything ordered with a vanilla shake turns out to taste like milk, lesson learnt - I would avoid this combination always.

Hunan

Address: 123, 1st Floor, KHB Colony, Opposite California Pizza Kitchen, 5th Block, Koramangala

Phone no: 080 2552 0154, 080 2341 3337, +91 97391 20000

LUNCH DATE | CAFE NOIR

Café Noir has been on my list from the very beginning, although I don’t know how I haven’t given up on it yet. You’d think I would have learned my lesson by now; I don’t even have enough fingers and toes to count how many times my master plan to devour this place on a Saturday afternoon has blown up in my face. But finally fate had its way and I ended up at Café Noir on a Saturday afternoon for a lunch date.

What a cute little French restaurant! Dark, intimate medieval tavern feel. Curly cue silverware pewter. We went for an early lunch so there was plenty of seating. I asked to be seated in their far end corner at the back, to enjoy the comfort of the couch, which was nice and cool! I love the avant garde style decor. Kind of old 1920's Paris meets new Louis Vuitton. The interior is very quaint and intimate. It's not by any means a large space but what space it has is utilized very well.  The decor, like the cuisine, is French with a modern twist. Benches and chairs are set against wood floors and blackboards with chalk drawings providing a quirky yet romantic ambiance. The menu is simple, but delectable. From breakfast items such as crepes and waffles; to lunch items including pastas and lasagnas and the amazing spread of deserts.

We ordered for a Mushroom Veloute Soup followed by A Mushroom deep fried with cheese. For entrée we ordered Pesto Cream and Prawns. To wash it all down we ended up ordering the Blue Fizz passion and Four Season.

Blue Fizz Passion: Frankly speaking I would have gone for a glass of red wine or a sangaria. But the last time I had one of those and tried riding my bike the outcome was scary. So this made me opt for a mocktail. Coming back to blue fizz passion, I think I have started growing a thing for this particular mocktail and now that I actually think about it, this is my safe drink I place at every eatery joint if I am not in mood for trying something new. As usual an amazing drink! 

Four Season: A blend of mango, pineapple, kiwi and strawberry crush, this drink seemed nice and my date seems to be enjoying it thoroughly.

Mushroom Veloute Soup: It was delicious and creamy. Apt thickness and this soup really bring out the taste of the mushroom. Loved it!

Mushroom deep fried with cheese: Although I don’t remember the exact name of this dish, this is somewhat similar. It’s supposed to be mushroom deep fried with cheese as the stuffing. I like mushrooms baked but here they boiled the mushrooms and then coated it with batter and deep fried. Avoid!

Prawns: Prawns with penne pasta in a creamy tarragon and tomato sauce. I dint taste this dish but my date seemed to be very happy with his prawns and if I was supposed to quote “the best prawns I had after fresska” which look to me as a compliment.

Pesto Cream: Penne pasta with pesto basil sauce. This dish tasted quite good althought I was disappointed by the amount of olive oil this dish contained. I do understand that olive oils are good for heart but anything consumed in excess is bad. By the time I was done eating, making sure all that excess of oil is left on my platter; in the end I actually discovered a 1cm layer of olive oil as left over.

This was one of those nights I really didn’t have room for dessert. I know it’s rare, but it happens on occasion. I took a peak at the menu and found myself eyeing the tart, the ganache, the sundaes, and the éclairs. Even the crepes and waffles were calling my name, mhmmmm. But alas, my stomach would have never forgiven me and so I had to pass. At least now I have more than a few reasons to return, and this time just for the desserts **wink wink**

Cafe Noir:

Address: Food Court, Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Near Yeshwantpur, Malleshwaram

Phone no: 080 22682140, +91 9620347095

TOWNTRENDZ FOOD MEET (5th) | 100 FT

Somehow, amidst all the cold, sad and grey that is November, something amazing happened to me last Sunday. Well not just me, me and 30 odd, other food obsessed individuals to be exact. And when I say amazing I mean out-of-this-world-super-awesome-AMAZING! I was invited to experience a food meet at 100 ft, Indirnagar; foodie Heaven to be more specific. Raspberry Cheese Cake, canapé bars, fruit parfaits, mud cake, dark mousse tarts, choco walnut brownie, fruit gateau… and that’s barely making it past the first table. On any normal day it will cost you 1099/- plus tax to get into this infamous brunch, but if you’re invited by the TownTrendz it’ll cost you $free.

When I first heard the announcement that TT would be hosting their November event at the 100ft I was uber-excited. Although I am not a fan of brunches and buffet, after looking at their menu for the first time, it literally rendered me speechless. Over a whole page of delicious offerings covering breakfast, lunch and dinner items; you could easily spend an entire day there, storing up for the rest of winter. Winter is coming! LOL. I just got GOT-excited if you know what i mean. 

I myself took to eating the equivalent of 5 meals in a little over 3 hours. And because I’m still slightly brain dead from the heavily induced food coma, I’ll spare you my ramblings and show you why words really can’t do this fine meal justice.

But before I begin, my verdict: 3/5. Reason? Well i just loved there cocktails and there dessert menu. And offcourse part of there entree. But the rest was all meh!

Although i hear they do serve an amazing ala-carte.

                                                             

                                                                Brunch Menu

Red wine Sangria: Mmmm, Sangria. Nothing says unwinding with friends quite like a pitcher of this delicious and beautiful beverage. The quintessential summer drink, it traditionally consists of just wine, chopped fruit, a spirit or liqueur, and a sweetener. The end result was  fun, fruity, and, when done right, wonderfully complex.                             
               

  













Cosmopolitan: A perfect blend of Vodka, Triplesec and Cranberry juice, another must try!

                                                    

Blue Lagoon: Curacao drink, as usual nice!
























Fruit Punch: Epic Failure!

Watermelon Juice: Seemed nice!

                                                                  

                                                                  Beef Loin  
                            

                                                    Non-Veg Platter: Chicken, Prawns, Lamb

 Veg Platter: Panner, Mushroom, Babycorn,        vegetable Shaslik. 
Paneer and Vegetable Shashlik quite alright.   Babycorn and Mushroom: Charred and disaster.

Few other starters. Nothing worthwhile to mention.                                               

                                                         STARTERS

Pasta: Three cheese ravioli with basil pesto sauce along with broccoli and sun dried tomatoes. Although i couldnt find the sun dried tomatoes, this was by far the best dish i had at 100 FT. An instant hit among we folks, i just resent on not ordering more.

                                                   POLENTA RATATOUILLE 

                                              SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE WITH BROCCOLI 

                                                         PENNE NAPOLITANO 

                                                        VEG PIZZA: A total disaster!

SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT, BROWNIE,  SEASONAL FRUIT GATEAU, RASPBERRY CHEESE CAKE (clockwise direction)

                                                            HONEY FIG ICE-CREAM 

       FRIED DRY FRUIT CIGAR, DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TART, MUD CAKE 

                                         RASPBERRY CHEESE CAKE, BROWNIES

                                                                     YOGURTS 


P.S. A huge thanks to TownTrendz for inviting me. 


100 FT
Address: 777/ I, 100 Feet Road, Opposite New Horizon School, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar
Contact no: 080 4965 2632

AN OK-OK LUNCH | BOONDOCK BISTRO

Arrrgggggggg…..I hate being sick. This stupid throat infection along with the other tag along diseases has cost me 3 days of my life and still counting. I had to somehow get rid of this so that I could dive into my awesome life again **TOUCHWOOD** and get along into the routine stuff of work, family, friends, foooooood & food blogging. Also I have this huge TownTrendz food meet to attend tomorrow which I have been waiting for like a month and damn when the time arrives I am sick. On the positive note though, I am recovering quite fast on an exponential rate **TOUCHWOOD** and that seems worthwhile, nevertheless I missed quite a lot of fun that was planned for today. BUMMER!

Alright so back to topic! The place that I reside in Bangalore, well it’s a little far from some of the major food hubs like Koramangala and Indiranagar, but this place by itself plays host to many food holes in Bangalore and that my friends is called Whitefield. Offcourse we don’t play host to places like High Ultra or Hard Rock café or Chianti, but we do have Herbs and Spices, Toscano, Windmills, Vivanta by Taj and many more. 

So there was this one place called Boondock Bistro which apparently opened like a year back, and I wanted to try this place like for a long long time. So finally when an opportunity thrived on my door I took it and tadaaaa here I am blogging about the same.

Last week I and my mom had plans to lunch out and we ended up at Boondock Bistro just because they had an offering of Lasagna on their menu and my mom is like a crazy fan of this dish. So after browsing through the menu I ordered for a Cindrella and Orange Jwliwis from the drinks menu, French Corn clear soup, Mushroom caps with BBQ sauce as the starters and for the entrée Veg Lasagna and Boondock Mixed Veg Grill.

Cindrella: In a total gay style “Loved it”. A perfect blend of orange, pineapple, lemon with a hint of ginger ale finely decorated with a cherry sandwiched between a slice of orange and pineapple topped on with this tiny little wooden turquoise with pink patches umbrella. A perfect drink to try on.

Orange Jwliwis: A blend of Orange along with vanilla and ice-cream, this drink was so-so. It was more sort of like a milkshake than a mocktail and something felt odd about it. So a big NO!

French Corn clear soup: A disaster! Boil a cup of water with fried onions, throw in a huge slice of cheese bread and BAM the soup is ready. Couple of thinks I dint like about this drink, instead of tossing the bread slice into the soup which made it was too squishy and soggy, the traditional crispy bread would have done a better job and secondly the soup tasted quite watery. I understand this is a clear soup but it shouldn’t be like dilute watery.

Mushroom caps with BBQ sauce: BLAH! Again a total disaster! I was expecting the same mushroom stuffed starter I ate from happy brew or atleast something similar. But this one was completely different. It was similar to eating hara bara kabab which is not my fav starter and wont be for a really long time. Loved the salad serving though.

Veg Lasagna: Definitely a YES! Even though I felt this dish was quite runny it did taste amazingly fantastic. 3 words for this dish : CREAMY and CREAMY and CREAMY ! Yummmm!

Boondock Mixed Veg Grill: To be frank I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out from this dish and it was a chance I took that day to try on something new. Was I succeeded, may be, I would say 50-50. This dish turned out to be a sizzler. On a bed of rice, a medley of grilled vegetables: capsicums, bell peppers, onions, panner, tomatoes, mushrooms, then a couple of Veg Steaks which tasted quite fine and by fine I mean classy fine, cottage steak and corn steak sided with boiled beans, carrots, a slice of baby corn and broccoli topped with tangy sauce. It was a very fine dish and the funniest part was, only after you start digging into this dish will you be able to unravel its ingredients, it’s like playing hide and seek, you go around the dish to find what’s in it. Sad part was I couldn’t enjoy the dish like I expected I would. If you have to enjoy a platter of this, then make sure not to order anything else. I tried to eat what I could and had to throw away the rest. SIGH! So next time I order a sizzler I would just order a sizzler. Also the sauce added a lot of sweetness on the dish, which should be a little milder so that I could enjoy some spiciness too.

Overall an ok-ok experience. Except for the entrée and one of the mocktails, the rest was a disaster, and since the entrée are available at many other places I would take a rain check on Boondock.

BOONDOCK BISTRO

Address: 33, Sundari Armadale, 3rd Floor, Above Ritu Kumar,Whitefield.

Phone no: 080 41159207