Thursday, December 29, 2005
5 Spice
5 Spice started as a small plainly furnished outlet behind Old Reserve Bank, Fort. Its quick service, large servings and reasonable prices, quickly made it a favourite for the office goers and college students alike (both being in large numbers in this part of town). Then, something happened, the quality of food deteriorated, the prices shot up and worse still, the quantity reduced. The quick service, turned to udipi style express, where the food was placed in front of you, as soon as you placed the order. The steady and loyal clientele that 5 spice had boasted of, started to dwindle.
But, they are back. And they are back with a bang. Suprisingly, this time with their new outlet in Bandra (Pali market). Its a two-level elegantly furnished large restaurant with a bright ambiance. The management is more than courteous and helpful.
The crowd is a complete mixed bag. You can find college teenagers backbiting about their friends, couples getting romantic, families having a good laugh and your next door neighbour entertaining some couple from Scandinavia. The place has got a good vibe to it.
The food is extremely agreeable to the palate. There is a wide variety of soups. Really neat and perfectly balanced. Stick to the regulars like Hot n Sour and Manchow. The starters are definitely something to have. Try their Fu Chi Chicken, Crispy Potatoes and Chilli Chicken on a Hot Plate. They are all delicious. The quantity is mind boggling. You will definitely take a doggy bag home. The main course is decent. Avoid the 5 spice chicken. The Chicken Chilly in Burnt Sauce is something really nice. The Kung Pao Prawns are equally good. The rice and noodles are excellent accompaniments and do not disappoint.
Now, you simply cannot, and I repeat cannot, come to 5 spice and not have their desserts. They are really out of this world. Mission Impossible and Rocky Road are the best sellers. Make sure you reserve your dessert before hand, don't wait till the end of the meal to place your dessert order, for it may be over by then!
Overall, 5 spice serves some great food, even greater desserts and really large servings. A no brainer for your next dinner.
Ratings:
Food : 4 /5
Quantity : 5 /5
Ambiance : 4 / 5
Service : 4 /5
Overall : 4.5 /5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 200 - Rs. 350
But, they are back. And they are back with a bang. Suprisingly, this time with their new outlet in Bandra (Pali market). Its a two-level elegantly furnished large restaurant with a bright ambiance. The management is more than courteous and helpful.
The crowd is a complete mixed bag. You can find college teenagers backbiting about their friends, couples getting romantic, families having a good laugh and your next door neighbour entertaining some couple from Scandinavia. The place has got a good vibe to it.
The food is extremely agreeable to the palate. There is a wide variety of soups. Really neat and perfectly balanced. Stick to the regulars like Hot n Sour and Manchow. The starters are definitely something to have. Try their Fu Chi Chicken, Crispy Potatoes and Chilli Chicken on a Hot Plate. They are all delicious. The quantity is mind boggling. You will definitely take a doggy bag home. The main course is decent. Avoid the 5 spice chicken. The Chicken Chilly in Burnt Sauce is something really nice. The Kung Pao Prawns are equally good. The rice and noodles are excellent accompaniments and do not disappoint.
Now, you simply cannot, and I repeat cannot, come to 5 spice and not have their desserts. They are really out of this world. Mission Impossible and Rocky Road are the best sellers. Make sure you reserve your dessert before hand, don't wait till the end of the meal to place your dessert order, for it may be over by then!
Overall, 5 spice serves some great food, even greater desserts and really large servings. A no brainer for your next dinner.
Ratings:
Food : 4 /5
Quantity : 5 /5
Ambiance : 4 / 5
Service : 4 /5
Overall : 4.5 /5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 200 - Rs. 350
Thursday, December 08, 2005
China Garden
You are not a Mumbaite, if you haven't heard of China Garden. And you aren't a foodie, if you haven't eaten here. The name says it all. When news of China Garden closing down hit Mumbai, there was panic in every foodie's heart. In fact, China Garden did close down at Om Chambers, only to reopen at Crossroads.
We miss the old look, its vibrance and its energy. But, you have to hand it to Nelson Wang, for coming up with something elegant and classy. A waterfall glass, exquiste bar and most of all plenty of space between tables, all adds to the China Garden experience.
Coming to the food. The good part about China Garden, order anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed. In the soups, Hot & Sour, Sweet Corn and Wanton are a treat to your taste buds. You can get vegetarian, chicken or prawn in almost any soup or dish you order. In the starters, the Pepper Chicken, Gin Chicken, Steamed Wantons and Garlic Prawns are all excellent choices. Coming to the main course, you have your variety of authentic chinese sauces such as hot garlic, schezuan, chilli, black bean and kung pao.
The Steamed Bread is an excellent accompaniment with the main course. Also, remember to ask for Kimchi, if it hasn't already been placed on your table. It is complimentary and a great appetizer. The other great complimentary thing at China Garden is the Chinese Tea. It is extremely refreshing and a great digestive after your meal.
In my usual style of summarizing, I would definitely recommend China Garden, even though it torn away from its old grand look to a modest restaurant with offerings in a mall.
Ratings:
Food : 4.5 /5
Quantity : 4 /5
Ambiance : 3 / 5
Service : 4 /5
Overall : 4 /5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 350 - Rs. 500
Friday, December 02, 2005
Jafferbhai's Delhi Darbar
The name 'Jafferbhais' simply compels you to fantasize your next meal. If Kababs is your thing, there is absolutely no better place than 'Jafferbhais' to order in from. Delhi Darbar started as a small restaurant in Grant Road. But, the delicious meals that it dished out simply had to be shared with other parts of the city. It soon opened outlets at Colaba, Dongri, Seven Bungalows and more recently, a take away outlet at our very own mahim.
A bit of Trivia: The recent separation of the Jafferbhai and his brother has split the chain. Now Colaba is with the other brother and the remaining now belong to Jafferbhai.
Lets talk about the food. Chicken Tikka, Shammi Kabab and Tandoori Chicken are the favourites here. If you are adventurous you must try the Khichda (made of chicken and wheat) as well. In the gravy dishes, you can try the Butter Chicken, Dabha Ghosh and Murg Musullam. The Bheja Masala is also one their best selling items. But, what Jafferbhais is most known for is his Biryani. The Mutton Biryani is one of the best and most authentic in town. There isn't much for the vegetarian here.
A word of advice though, Delhi Darbar is about rich authentic mughlai food. If the sight of oil is unacceptable by you, then DD, as it is lovingly called, is not the place for you. The great quantity and reasonable prices simply adds to the whole package.
Ratings:
Food : 4.5 /5
Quantity : 4.5 /5
Ambiance : 3 / 5
Service : 3 /5
Overall : 4 /5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 150 - Rs. 250
A bit of Trivia: The recent separation of the Jafferbhai and his brother has split the chain. Now Colaba is with the other brother and the remaining now belong to Jafferbhai.
Lets talk about the food. Chicken Tikka, Shammi Kabab and Tandoori Chicken are the favourites here. If you are adventurous you must try the Khichda (made of chicken and wheat) as well. In the gravy dishes, you can try the Butter Chicken, Dabha Ghosh and Murg Musullam. The Bheja Masala is also one their best selling items. But, what Jafferbhais is most known for is his Biryani. The Mutton Biryani is one of the best and most authentic in town. There isn't much for the vegetarian here.
A word of advice though, Delhi Darbar is about rich authentic mughlai food. If the sight of oil is unacceptable by you, then DD, as it is lovingly called, is not the place for you. The great quantity and reasonable prices simply adds to the whole package.
Ratings:
Food : 4.5 /5
Quantity : 4.5 /5
Ambiance : 3 / 5
Service : 3 /5
Overall : 4 /5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 150 - Rs. 250
