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
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Gallops
This is one place that you simply must visit. Gallops is by the Mahalaxmi Race Course. It is one of the finest restaurants in the city with a unique and exclusive view of the race course. There is a lawn outside as well, which is great for the cool winter dinners. The entire place has a very romantic touch to it.
Italian and Indian cuisines are served at Gallops. The Chicken Stagranoff is an extreme delight in the Italian section, whereas the Indian kababs such as Kali Mirch Kabab and Chicken Tikka are equally good. The main course of Italian as well as Indian is simply delicious. The quantity too is decent. A nice windowed corner facing the race course is ideal for a romantic dinner. The other surprise at Gallops is that of the morning Breakfast. You simply have to try it. A nice walk around the race course is sure to build up an appetite fit for a king's breakfast. The fresh juices along with eggs and toast, are simply heavenly.
The downside of Gallops is that, they don't take reservations, and weekends are always packed. You can however call and book, to have a 'preference' over other walk-in guests. My opinion of the place: you simply must come to Gallops. And if you are looking for company, just call me and I will be there!
Ratings :
Food : 4 / 5
Quantity : 4 / 5
Ambiance : 5 / 5
Service : 4 / 5
Overall : 4 / 5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 300 - Rs. 400
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tiffins
After reviewing a 5-star restaurant, followed by a happening family restaurant, I feel the urge to write about something different. And Tiffins is the first thing that comes to my mind, when I think of different. This small shack is in line with 3 others at Turner Road Junction, Bandra. Your first impression of the place is definitely not one of awe. It looks like 'just-another-local-chinese' joint. However, this innocent looking place springs up some real good suprises. The Board outside reads 'Authentic Chinese Cuisine'. This however is very far from true. If you want authentic, this place is just not cut for you. If good 'Indian chinese' is what you are loooking for, then Tiffins is Mecca.
Rule of thumb at Tiffins: Don't order your regular chinese food here. This has been closely guarded secret of mine... till now. I have taken many friends (actually anybody who has been a friend of mine for more than a month, has definitely visited this place one) to this place, but always refrain from telling the name of the dish that I order and they love.
The starters in Tiffins are simply delicious. There are too many good items to mention. But, some of his specialities are : Crunchy Chicken, Chicken Spindler, Chicken Shanghai and Prawn Salt n Pepper. Please feel free to replace any of the chicken or any other non-veg dish with paneer.
In the main course, you can try the Stewed Noodles or the Korean Rice along with a Udi Chicken or Salsa Lamb.
A warning though, the food is pretty hot for some to handle. Also, don't fall into the trap of ordering the same item elsewhere, or you will be in for a rude shock.
On the whole, this Chinese Dhaba is definitely the place to visit if you are in an adventerous mood for some hot chinese food.
Ratings :
Food : 5 / 5
Quantity : 5 / 5
Ambiance : 2 / 5
Service : 3 / 5
Overall : 4 / 5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 150 - Rs. 250
Rule of thumb at Tiffins: Don't order your regular chinese food here. This has been closely guarded secret of mine... till now. I have taken many friends (actually anybody who has been a friend of mine for more than a month, has definitely visited this place one) to this place, but always refrain from telling the name of the dish that I order and they love.
The starters in Tiffins are simply delicious. There are too many good items to mention. But, some of his specialities are : Crunchy Chicken, Chicken Spindler, Chicken Shanghai and Prawn Salt n Pepper. Please feel free to replace any of the chicken or any other non-veg dish with paneer.
In the main course, you can try the Stewed Noodles or the Korean Rice along with a Udi Chicken or Salsa Lamb.
A warning though, the food is pretty hot for some to handle. Also, don't fall into the trap of ordering the same item elsewhere, or you will be in for a rude shock.
On the whole, this Chinese Dhaba is definitely the place to visit if you are in an adventerous mood for some hot chinese food.
Ratings :
Food : 5 / 5
Quantity : 5 / 5
Ambiance : 2 / 5
Service : 3 / 5
Overall : 4 / 5
Average Meal (Per Head) : Rs. 150 - Rs. 250
