gauravjain

You ever have favorite’s restaurants that you thought were always a safe bet until one day they just weren’t. Well it seems to be happening to me quite often and has led to me basically deciding to lay off these places.

Five Spice
i started going to Five Spice when a friend of mine told me about (this was around the time they first opened up) the food was pretty decent, it was the perfect Indian Chinese place, lots of options and lots of taste and it was good value for money. It became a fav for me and the boys but then it kind of died a slow death. Don’t get me wrong - they have plenty of people queuing outside. The food and service have gone downhill greatly, the place itself was quite rundown with peeling walls and dirty floors. Just seemed like a really used and abused place.Especially damaging because they always forgot to bill us for beer.

All Stir Fry
Wow. This one was real damaging. ASF was such a huge favorite’s and we used to go there quite often. Do the wok or order of the menu but of late it completely lost all its charm and taste. The food wasn’t up to the mark, especially since they extended into tided, it seemed to have hit the crap meter pretty quickly.
Noodle Bar

whats your list?

gauravjain

Its the burbs man?

Bandra? and do what, share my table with em Bollywood types?

These are some of the things i used to say when someone asked me to go to Bandra for a bite or go there in general.

In fact, i never stepped inside Bandra for a social night out until last year (and i have lived in Bombay here for 21 out of my 27 years) It all started when i beagn dating a Bandra hottie although initially we used to meet in town.

As things go we started spending time in Bandra and it was a completely new experience. I knew it was a part of Bombay and i had known people who lived there but i had never known it myself.

The streets, the joints the quaint houses, the nearness to the sea was so familiar yet different from my part of town.

First thing i realized was that It wasn’t as far as i thought it was (between 30-50 mins depending on what time of day i went) and when id get there Id usually lose my waydiscovering new routes and things.

Then China White happened. A friend of my then girlfriend took us to this place a few meters from crossroad. What wonderful food, it was amazing, it was like eating in a foreign land where everything was familiar yet different. We would be there often, i took my other town friends there and even they had to admit it was superior. Our visits increased as did our appreciation for the ‘ burb (it wasn’t all bad, they even had a Crossword)

From then on i plunged in to make up for lost time of sorts. Breakfasts at Crepe Station (good stuff), gelato at Casa Amore (terrible). For some big celebrations we headed to Olive (pretentious, overpriced but good) a few times and when in the mood for a good burger it was Vista at the Taj Lands End (Bombay extends to where the Taj goes) Thai at Lemon grass (terrible) and Italian at Potpourri (good stuff) sometimes it would be Thai Ban (acceptable) Chinese at China Gate (good) For Indian we used to hit the once great Papa Pancho and when we got nostalgic for Colaba we would head out to Cafe Basilico (minimalist decor, great!)

Sometimes you would run into the Bollywood types but you just stuck up your nose at these ‘filmi’ people with no style and just carried on being.

Then one day it all came to an end. China White became Royal China (a place i detest) and then my Bandra belle and i ceased to be boy and girl and became man and wife.

We ceased to sip Cappuccinos at the Bandstand & so ended the frequent jaunts into this suburb by the sea.

Oh, how i miss China White.

blackbubblegum

1.Join some classes: Interested in music? …join guitar classes…..not your thing? Piano maybe or the drums? …..maybe painting classes….salsa, hip-hop, ball-room dancing…..and absolutely anything that interests you.
My Tip: You can always look out for talking yellow pages….dial 022-28888888…… they have classes like these listed in their directories…or you can check out newspapers like Mumbai Mirror You Connect or On Track Suburbs.

2.Learn how to cook or make stuff: Cooking can be fun, and I mean it! Though I ain’t such a great cook myself…I always love to get in the kitchen once in while. Pay you dear Mumma a visit, in her shrine of mouth-watering homemade food and learn some of the basic stuff…you know just incase you would have to live alone for sometime or make a special meal for your significant other!
My Tip: Start with basics, tea, maggi, dal, chawal, macaroni and cheese pasta and then try your hand in chocolates, cakes, dishes, etc. You can also learn how to make candles and perfumes…!

3.Pamper yourself at home: Drench your feet and hands in warm water with some vinegar or rock salt in it, then file your nails (rounded short nails are the thing this season), moisturize and paint them anything you like! Or fill a bowl with hot water; add some marbles and sea salt. Drench your hands in it and play with the marbles for about 5 minutes with each hand. It works wonders for tired hands!
My Tip: For cracked feet apply a thick paste of haldi and castor oil on them….do this 15 minutes before bath and end up with gorgeous healthy feet or you can mix a cup of bottle lauki juice, with half cup ginger oil and heat it…..and then massage it over your feet!

4.Watch all episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S with your pals: Enough said? …F.R.I.E.N.D.S. has been an integral part of our lives since we saw the first initial episodes and cracked up in front of the TV without even knowing what its all about…there’s no plot…..there are only these amazingly great set of six people who are just to perfect together…..they make you wana be them trust me on that! Please if you have missed out…you have a lot of catching up to do…you can never get enough of Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, Phoebe and Rachel!
My Tip: Catch FRIENDS Monday-Friday 7pm IST on Star World! Or order in complete seasons from your DVD wala!

5.Learn how to drive: It can be a car….it can be a two-wheeler …it can be a bicycle…a e-bike or just something that you have not had your hands on! It’s always good to learn early….and never too late to learn…I hope you get my point!
My Tip: Join Motor Driving School’s just incase your siblings or parents aren’t ready to help!

6.Rent Movies: It all depends on your mood……..! Go to a movie rental place…look through all the DVD’s…see something appealing….just grab on to it!
My Tip: For teens try American Pie, Mean Girls, and John Tucker Must Die. In action check out the MI series or something adventurous then go for Jurassic park series or the classic Jumanji! On a more serious note try Philadelphia and romantics can see Kate and Leopold…….I just know you won’t regret it!

7.Get yourself some retail therapy: Get out of the house! Go to malls and markets. Literally shop till you drop i.e. until your Mum says the money she had has exhausted! New summer collections are out in various malls and stores…go get yourself something that is in fashion this season!
My Tip: Mango, Westside, Levis, Shopper’s Shop, Lifestyle, etc.

8.Call your friends who you lost contact with: When they start yelling at you that where have you been, blame it on the exams!:P
My Tip: Meet up with them and relive the good old memories!

9.Answer Nature’s Call: Get up in the morning, go for a stroll in the park, go cycling on the cool and quiet roads, play frizbee on the beach or just go for a swim in the club’s pool!
My Tip: If you’re alone, do not forget your Ipod! Or radio or whatever!

10.Log on to: http://blah.burrp.com/author/blackbubblegum and read my articles!
My Tip: Don’t only love me….check out articles written by others as well!

Liked that? I have something really special for everyone…I am coming up with articles where I am giving people I know….Style Makeovers…doesn’t it sound just fab? I am already so excited……keep coming back…….You’ll surely love it….I promise!

Glad to have helped……….Suggestions, queries, comments, anything! Are always welcome…….you guys already know what to do, don’t you’ll

BlackBubblegum

meenakshi

Here is a neat recipe for scones. Traditionally served with English tea, this triangular or circular shaped treat is eaten with a plumb mound of butter, clotted cream and strawberry jam. Enjoy!

Ingredients: (for 12 scones)

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons butter

2 well-beaten eggs

½ cup cream

Preheat oven to 220 C. Lightly butter a cookie sheet or an aluminium foil. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Then, add the butter and slowly with your fingers, work in the butter to make a coarse mixture. Add the eggs and cream and stir until blended. Put the mixture into a lightly floured board or your granite counter and knead for about a minute. Roll the dough with a rolling pin to about ¾ inch thick. Cut into triangles or circles. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

gauravjain

I am an extra ordinarily lazy person when it comes to fixing myself a meal.

My laziness hits the peak usually between 12am - 6am on Friday and Saturday nights.

When hunger strikes every man is for himself. I have been to a bunch of these joints, unfortunately most of them are in 5 star or boutique hotel properties so they are all bound to be expensive (1200-1800 for two)

Here is a list of a few

Shamiana Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Apollo Bunder
The old school, coffee shop, has changed in decor but the same great service. However service does not a meal make, it has an extremely weak menu with very little to choose from.The ambiance is upper end and comfortable, its an easy choice if you are leaving any of the clubs on the Colaba side of town. However it does leave one wanting to be patronized regularly. I am surprised why the Taj doesn’t ramp up the menu. For the record even the day time menu is pretty limited.

Trattoria - Taj President, Cuffe Parade -
‘Trats’ is a very popular Italian joint by day and the same by night. The menu is quite expansive, you have soups, salads, dips (must try some of these) pizzas, pastas and calzones. The selection of wines is also pretty decent with some low end and some high end wines, not a great selection but an adequate one and it allows one to continue drinking as soon as they get out of Wink the bar next door. Now the one thing i dislike about the place is its too popular, therefore even at around 3am its loud like a fish market or a lunch hall in school.

Bayview - Marine Plaza, Marine Drive
Terribly generic selection of food, quality is inconsistent and the service is quite patchy as well. Not a place i patronize anymore! Though they have a great bar in the Geoffreys and a great restaurant in Oriental Blossom. The Coffee shop is best avoided.

Lotus Cafe - JW Marriott, Juhu
This is a massive coffee shop at the JWM and it offers a decent midnight buffet (1200 not inclusive of any beverages) the food on offer is mostly Indian with some salads, some tempura and pizza. its not great by any standards but it is still one of the better options available in the suburbs at that time of night.

Hornbys Pavilion - ITC, Grand Central, Parel
Probably one of the best coffee shops in the city. Expansive menu which gives you a great deal of options on food and style. Beverages here suck and service can be quite amateurish. Also being located in a crappy neighbourhood which is out of the way dosent make it a must do. which is terrible because it does have potential.

Vista - Taj Lands End.
Generic coffee shop, serves a bunch of things. nothing of note in taste, good service. Weakest Taj Coffee shop so to speak

Bade Miya - Colaba
A Bombay instituiton for those nocturnal hunger pangs. Now with a sit down to enjoy the food outside of your car. Paneer, Mushrooms, Chicken, all the good stuff all night.

Pav Bhaji at Hindi Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty, the place is open late, serves rocking fast food and is perennially crowded.

Thats all for now. Keep adding to the list please!!!

meenakshi

Growing up on a steady diet on Enid Blyton books like many other kids in 1980s India, my first insight into non-Indian food was through the eyes of Noddy, Secret Seven and the Five Find-outers. You have to remember how things were at that time - international cuisine consisted of a handful of Chinese restaurants and occasional English breakfasts. But Blyton’s characters opened a door to exotic foods such as potted meat sandwiches, kippers and blancmange!!

My initiation into this world began with Noddy and his favourite goggleberry muffins, and then moved on to the Wishing Chair series with treacle, marzipan and raspberry tarts. On summer days, at my grandparents’ house in steamy Chennai, I could imagine the warmth from a cup of hot cocoa in the Secret Sevens meeting place while they nibbled on chocolate biscuits. Not cream biscuits – but real chocolate coated cookies! Next was an obsession with circus stories like Mr.Galliano’s Circus – of cooking around a campfire, juicy sausages, peaches and cream.

Then, the Famous Five with their wonderful picnics in Kirrin Island amongst primroses with baskets filled with thick ham sandwiches, strawberries and ginger beer took over for a while with close competition from Fatty and Bets and the other Five Findouters who snacked on hot, buttery scones and clotted cream in the village tea shop owned by the kind, matronly lady.

As I became older, it was boarding school girl series time – Malory Towers and St. Clare’s – Darrell Rivers, lacrosse, midnight feasts with tinned pineapples and sardines. My cousins and I tried to imitate them and stocked food, crawled out of bed in the night and pretended we were nibbling kippers while eating krackjack. Other favourites include the farm series, like Six Cousins at Mistletoe Farm – where spoilt city children have to go stay in a relative’s farm and where they learn to appreciate all things wholesome, including ripe blackberries, homemade meatloaf and fresh milk.

I am reasonably sure that my interest in food, on some level at least, originates from Blyton’s wonderful stories. I now know what kippers (it is a kind of fish that is salted and smoked) and blancmange (a pudding made with milk and cornflour and flavored with almond) are, but I am pretty sure that if I start reading her books now, I will be as mesmerized as I was when I was eight.

desh

After the horrendous loss of India on Friday, the weekend was surely going to be a dud. Morning I woke up thinking that whatever I saw on friday night was a dream. But my message box full of Stupid SMSes suggesting that I was wrong spoilt it up. So I thought better roll out for a movie Namastey London, well was waiting for that one for long time I thought.

Thankfully I was also accompanied by my idli-hating, but foodiprising nonetheless friend Vaibhav. We along with couple of more pals checked into MTR. Ok now I have been to Urvashi-Lalbagh area like umpteen times but still it took me so much time to trace MTR. One of my friends suggested the place long back but you see something are destined to happen when it should.

We checked-in and as per the legend we were in a waiting queue, lucky enough though as the uncleji cleared us off in 5 mins. I have heard about people sticking like 20-30 mins to catch a glimpse of the idlis.

So after getting in walking on a historically pictographed staircase, we entered into a superbly cool place on the first floor. Well first I thought that it was the place which made it so cool, but later realied that the AC’s were playing their part well. Actually the place looked like one of my native homes in the village which was quite cool, so maybe the confusion. even the Wash Basin was the unique one with a pedal instead of a Tap.

Well some food now, we had Badam Halwa, Rava Idli with Sagu and Masala Dosa. Needless to say everything was quite draped in Ghee, as the waiters were in their loongis. It was followed by a Coffee which was something like I have never tasted before, too strong but refreshing. the cost is a little high but MTR makes it up by the quality of food they serve.
For me Masala Dosa was the standout dish and for people who like Ghee this place is awesome. The place gives that 20’s-30’s bit of feel. Feels like you part of a British Contingent in 20’s or discussing a the Indian National movement in the 30’s. One of my pals told me that earlier they served food in Silver Ware. That should have added to that feel.

Anyway Mavalli Tiffin Rooms is surely the place to go in Bangalore, especially for the not so Weight Conscious guys and who have got the bit for taking the feel of a old Bangalore. By the way the movie also wasn’t too bad after that, but still MTR was all on my mind for the weekend.

gauravjain

Bon Giorno, Chymera

I just got back in town from a European sojourn, most of which was spent in search of authentic eating and drinking experiences.

Amongst the places i visited were in Italy (Milan,Desenzano,Venice & Brescia) Greece - (Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes) Turkey (Kusadasi, Ephesus)

Lets begin in Italy
I went around Venice, Milan and small towns like Desenzano, Brescia trying to hook up some fine cuisine hoping to hog on things that would make my toes curl.

Experience local flavors and favorites different from the tomato and other sauce intensive Italian fare from Bombay!

What i got was this - Nada, zip, nothing, bubkus, zero (say it with a German accent)

Here is the thing. When it comes to pasta Italian food in Italy is limited and is essentially bland. You have a choice of garlic, tomato, pesto thats it. In pizzas and calzones no consistency in crust or cooking and absolutely soul less sauce and cheese.

Local dishes like saffron rice are so lame its incredible.

Khichadi at home without the expense of the saffron tastes a whole lot better and they look nearly identical.

I am not a snob nor am i a greenhorn. I didn’t go in with high expectations nor did i go into any random eatery, i went to the hole in the wall, family run place, acclaimed restaurants. Made sure i walked into places where there were Italians eating rather than tourists.

I expect some effort from the country on keeping the cuisine if not great at least interesting. All i got was a bunch of lazy people doling out even lazier efforts. Truth is i have had some seriously creative, gum numbingly good Italian food in New York and Bombay.

To add insult to injury they charge you for the bread, they charge you for sitting down, they even charge you for entering a place.

Next time you want to get a good Italian meal head downto Corleone at the Intercontinental, Monza at Phoenix, or even Trattoria at President, chances are you wont come into something bland with tomato sauce on top.

Chances are they might make an effort in creating something different and it will taste bloody good. In the realm of Italian cuisine there will be originality, experimentation and a desire to please right here in Amchi Mumbai!

I would also like the residents of Milan and Lombardy to have a walk down to the Indigo deli (its in Colaba in case the Italians want to know) and get some of their spaghetti and understand how a simple dish of tomato,cheese and garlic can cause an explosion of taste in the confines of your jaw. Watch how quickly their loyalties change.

A parting shot - Alitalia and its crew is ruder, uglier and more inefficient than anything Air India can dish out.

beat that with a stick !

meenakshi

Purists may tut-tut, shrug their shoulders and long for authenticity, but personally, I love fresh innovations that are a result of mixtures and amalgamations. Which brings us to chaat in Bangalore – and how it has evolved and adjusted to reflect the Bengalooru culture. No, no – I am not talking about badly-made, wannabe North-Indian chaat that you get in some places. I am talking about those street vendors who have innovated and adapted the chaat, taken tips from the local Karnataka version churmuri, come up with versions that marry the basic North Indian techniques with innovative and sweet and spicy local add-ons. Come on, don’t snigger, how do you think fusion cuisine evolves?

For instance, in many of the street stalls, you get something called the nippattu bhel. The nippattu is a flat fried snack made with rice flour, maida and besan spiced with hing, peanuts and curry leaves. The nippatu bhel substitutes the puri with nippattu. Some versions also have kodbale, a spiral fried salty treat, much like the murukku or chakli.

Or try the ompudi masala. Ompudi is also a fried snack made from besan and rice flour and is different from sev since it contains a dash of the herb oma (ajwain) or thyme (and you thought thyme was restricted to Simon & Garfunkel lyrics!).

Some local versions of bhel puri also have kadlebele or Bengal gram dal. The dal is soaked in water and then roasted to get a crispy flavour. Sometimes, special bhels also have what is locally called congress (!!!) or kadlekai – which is basically a spiced variety of peanuts.

So go on, be adventurous and enjoy some fusion food at the local street corners. My recommendation is New Sagar Customer Stall, run by the cheerful Elumalai who has been doing this for the last sixteen years in Jayanagar 4^th Block. The enterprising guy even takes catering orders!

meenakshi

Its World Cup time – and if you are the kind that wants to head out with a bunch of friends and watch the matches (or at least part of it – Cinderella must have lived in Bangalore!) over some beer and appetizers, here is a list of places you could go to:

*Until closing – i.e. not after 11:30 pm!