Lucia, Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.0/5]

Lucia lounge bar with spacious and electrifying interiors with color changing ceiling is the new pub in town. The modern décor, good music and lounge setting immediately give a comfy feeling. But that’s it!

The menu that has been inspired (Read: Copied) from the various pubs in the city. Pricing which is at par with its counterparts, but not worth the stuff. Lucia Masala (295) inspired from another leading pub in Gurgaon is nowhere near the original. Frozen Margarita (295) comes with a kinky hair in the glass, LIIT (295) isn’t bad but not great either, and Veg platter (375) which was served with Raw Stuffed Aloo. Amongst all the confusion, aromatic Thai Spring Roll (275) and well-cooked Fried Chicken favored with herbs (325) came as a refreshing change.

Cafe Jiji, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

“Jiji means happiness in Italian,” says young chef Anup looking quite cheerful himself. Well, I have not been able to find the word “jiji” or its cheerful meaning in any of the European languages. But if Café Jiji has decided to create its own brand of joy, who are we to quibble? The interiors certainly do justice to the mood. Large, open, airy spaces, colourful murals, sleek furniture, and a well executed décor all add to the energy of this restaurant.

L'Angoor, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.0/5]

The name L’Angoor can be intriguing, especially if it is the name of an upscale restaurant. “We serve modern American cuisine,” says Chef Hitesh Gupta. I query him on the thinking behind the name, and their crest of two primates with a bunch of grapes. He does explain the significance of grapes in fine dining that their wine restaurant promises but the langur connection to their food or service continues to remain a mystery. 

Latitude, Mosaic Hotel, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 4/5]

PUNJAB is synonymous to brave people with heart full of love & hospitality, dhol & bhangra, vast fields, hard work & prosperity and delicious cuisine.

Punjabi cuisine is reminiscent of Makki Di Roti te Sarson Da Saag served with Gud (Jaggery). However Punjabi food is a lot more than this scrumptious delicacy, and in an endeavour to introduce authentic Punjabi delights, Latitude an otherwise world cuisine restaurant at Mosaic Hotel is celebrating the richness of Punjabi dishes under the fortnight long event named “Zaika Punjab Da” from 18 Nov till 3 Dec'11.

The Tea Room Company, Star Mall, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Tea is known as nature’s ‘Wonder Drug’ with revitalizing and soothing properties. No wonder it is the second most consumed liquid in the world, after water. Still, we see hordes of coffee shop mushrooming around the city, but there aren’t many who focus on tea.

Lunch with Masterchef Kunal Kapoor at Diya, The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon

I was happy and excited to have received an invite to meet the celebrity Chef, Kunal Kapoor. It was not only an opportunity to meet a Masterchef but also to savour the dishes he had churned out especially for us.

Diya, is a fine dine Indian cuisine restaurant at Leela Kimpinski and offers a soul soothing ambience. The décor was stylish in an understated tone. Natural lights from wall-to-wall high windows complimented the lights from beautiful hanging lamps. The relaxing sound of water from fountain at the center of restaurant had a calming effect.

Eggriculture, Super Mart-1, Gurgaon - Eggciting Times

[Rated: 3.0/5]

“An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different,” said Oscar Wilde. And the next one at Eggriculture, a very small, almost minute café at the Supermart 1, is certainly an adventure. This one-month-old eatery is geared to serve eggs in 43 different forms.

“My inspiration behind this café came while I was enjoying a late night anda paratha under the Moolchand flyover,” says Harsh Mehra who runs this place, ably assisted by his two young daughters. A consequence of the nocturnal nibble is a menu that is varied and tempting enough (at egg dish prices ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 110) for me to want to order the full monty. I curb my enthusiasm and ask the owner for his recommendations.

Start Preparing Your Favorite Indian Dishes

Veg Platter

Do you live in a household full of Indian food fanatics? If you do, you’ve probably noticed that Indian food can get a little pricy, when you eat out at Indian restaurants all the time. That’s why you should cook your family delicious Indian dinners at home! Doing so may seem a little intimidating at first. You may be afraid that you could never cook dishes that tasted as authentic as the ones you can order in your favorite Indian restaurant. But with the right easy dinner recipes and mindset, you can definitely cook your family the delicious Indian grub they long for. Here are five easy steps that will help you start cooking authentic tasting Indian meals for yourself and your loved ones:

Leons, Sector 56, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Gurgaon, once an under-developed suburb of Delhi is now known for its swanky office buildings and luxurious malls. Gurgaon has come a long way but one thing that has remained unchanged are the hordes of people from Delhi and nearby areas who still flock to the many road side drinking joints to get tipsy post the normal closing hours in neighbouring cities. These roadside drinking joints, commonly known as Aahatas, have come a long way from serving not-so-rich people who could not afford expensive restaurants, to becoming a preferred drinking and meeting place for the corporate crowd. These outlets work on the simple concept— ‘BYOB' meaning that people can get booze (bottles) from retail outlets and food is served from the restaurant menu. This concept greatly reduces the cost of an outing, as drinks comprise a major portion of the total bill in a good restaurant in Gurgaon where VAT itself adds 25% to the liquor bill. Importantly, all these aahatas are legal with valid permits and allows guests to bring their own booze.

Bahi, South Point Mall, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 5/5]

Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake ~ Henry David Thoreau

There are few who dare to dream, fewer who take a plunge to realize their dreams, and even fewer who are able to dream, dare and realize their dreams.

Leon Baker, is one such rare individual who quit his well-paid ‘Vice President’ job to follow his passion. Making a modest beginning by starting an Ahata (BYOB concept) under his own name – Leon’s in a popular and overcrowded category in Gurgaon; Leon’s immediately got popular with ardent fan followers. Following his heart, live rock music was introduced at Leon’s (as per him he wanted to relive his childhood experiences of music from Guwahati). Despite a rocking success, Leon’s was sold since he realised that girls in North India do not want to be seen in a roadside Ahata and his aim was to get people of both gender together for a good time.

   

This gave birth to Bahi (Assamese word for bamboo flute) in a new swanky pub in Gurgaon where he combined his love for music and Assamese food. Outlet’s motto - “Bahi is the place where people come to relive the life they have forgotten, and there are no strangers at Bahi but just friends who haven’t met” may sound may sound cliché but the honesty in Leon’s words not only reflect clearly in his eyes but in his efforts and actions.

Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

[Rated: 4.5/5]

The evolved Indian health freaks, who either watch Yoga programs early morning or pay for the health club subscriptions without utilizing the facilities, can now achieve their health objectives through a much better option. Underdoggs Sports Bar is the place where one can enjoy both sports and food. Despite having a well stocked bar, the restaurant rightfully claims to be a place for families and friends to come together and have a good time.

This 120 pack restaurant spread over 9,000 square feet, welcomes the guest with a vibrant and charged up environment.  From pool tables to board games to Xbox/Wii and play station to shuffle board and beer Pong, the restaurant offers a huge variety of games that guests can play (Games rate list is given at the bottom of the story). With 40 TV screens displaying variety of sports events, from Cricket to UFC add to the buoyancy of place. Underdoggs also has two private party rooms (good for 25–30 pax) with facilities like Karaoke, large screen, pool table etc.

Kishan Bhature Wala, Gaffar Market, Karol Bagh, Delhi

[Rating: 3.5/5]

Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh is known for all sorts of electronic items available. However, it has some vintage food outlets and I do mean decent VINTAGE running over a few decades.

Today I am sharing my visit to a 50 year old shop famous for it's chole bhature. Street food lovers would love this place. Tucked in the corner as one enters Gaffar Market, 'Kishan Bhature Wala' hits you in your face. You can't miss this shop opened in 1960 and has been serving delectable chole bhature since then.

Oriental Bloom, Sector 29, Gurgaon

 

[Rated: 2.5/5]

The Oriental Bloom serves variety of Dimsum and other Oriental cuisine, in a newly opened and modestly sized restaurant accommodating over 50 guests. The chick-modern setting done in hues of red and dark teak food finish gives it a rich feel.

Though on weekends it offers lunch buffet consisting of soup, unlimited dimsum, and a dessert, but we decided to order ala-carte. The first look at the menu, and we couldn’t help but notice that like many novice, restaurant also refers Dimsum as ‘Dimsums’; they better know like ‘hair’ one can not use an ‘s’ to make it a plural.

Bernardo's, Gurgaon - Goan Restaurant

 


[Rated: 4.5/5]

What does it take to be a restaurant which, in its eight-year-long existence, changes location six times across south Delhi and Gurgaon and is still followed by its loyalists? Well, here is what seems to be Bernardo’s simple recipe – take a small space, decorate it simply, serve up authentic and fresh Goan food… and add the personal touch. Like some old black and white photographs from the family album, lovely goan music, cane furniture with brightly coloured table cloth. 

Eest, The Westin Hotel, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]

There was a time when going to a good restaurant would pull people towards starred hotels. Not anymore! The reasons was simple; Service trainings and food consistency where these starred hotel chains could spent upon. Ambience was anyway assured as they were inside a well maintained property. As mall culture took over, restaureurs do not have to struggle anymore to maintain the outside surroundings. Also, the local chains that have mushroomed, spend well on trainings as guests do not mind paying extra for the complete dining experience.

After one of my colleagues unsatisfactory visit to Seasonal Tastes at Westin hotel, I was in no mood to visit the hotel again, but one of my friend wanted to try out their new restaurant, Eest so I succumbed to her temptation. This hotel is run by Vatika, which otherwise has highly ranked restaurant by us like - Coriander Leaf, 56 Italiano etc. As we entered the restaurant located on the first level in the hotel, we found it to be abnormally empty for a Saturday lunch. Wondering if we were at the right place, someone guided us to the table. Ambience was nice, but nothing exceptional for a five star property. 

Cafe Delhi Heights, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Food business is continuously re-inventing the proposition to its customers. I feel excited to see many people from non-industry joining the foray to complete their restaurant dream and bring with them new insights, new values, and new benchmarks. What they miss is the experience and details which only an insider would have.

Café Delhi Heights is opened by next-gen, Vikrant Batra (same chain that owns Batra banquet and ‘Delhi Heights’ restaurant in Delhi) bringing with him the ability to think new, and the experience gained from his parents. We were personally pleased to see the casual seating and the menu which caters to the changing times. I have been longing for an Egg Benedict and a good non-veg burger (Chicken isn’t in my list of non-veg burgers), which I could find in any non 5-star property in Gurgaon. The void was filled by Café Delhi Heights, and this is where I say research and experience come into play in a city which has hordes of other specialty restaurant but lacked a decent café. Picking up the best of world cuisine and showing the evolving taste of Delhi over the last century, café has picked up its theme well.

Slice of italy, Pitampura, Delhi

[Rating: 2.5/5]

I love my Pizza and Pasta. On my last visit to KFC at Netaji Subhash Place metro station, I had noticed this new outlet of Slice of italy next to it. We decided to try it out. Having heard very little about Slice of italy, I was looking forward to it.

We reached the joint around dusk and could see glowing mosaic of colors on it’s signboard. This was a small restaurant with approximate seating capacity for 20 – 25 people. Interiors were nicely lit and well decorated. There were only two more tables occupied besides ours.

Kyoto, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

In the Gurgaon Sector 15 market, known for its Fab India mega-store, lies a quaint little restaurant called Kyoto. It is known for its authentic, homely Japanese food. As I enter, I see a restaurant with modest oriental décor bursting at its seams with hungry gents of Japanese origin.

“Ninety nine percent of our clientele is Japanese,” says Nepal-born Chef Suryanarayan, somewhat distracted, and understandably so, given the teaming crowds eagerly waiting for their afternoon repast. As he hurries back to the kitchen, the chef who started his career as a sous chef in Tokyo does recommend that I try the daily special bento box (Platters) as well as a few other dishes.

My Way Or The Highway, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 4/5]

I just couldn't stop smiling when one of my friends jokingly remarked on hearing the name - My Way or The Highway, “ Is the place owned by a female”. The arrogant sounding name “My Way Or The Highway” is contrary to its name and brings interesting twist to the normal recipes in its menu and offers personalised and courteous service. 

Located on the fourth floor of Centre Stage Mall, vibrant interiors of this 85 plus seater restaurant are spread over two levels with a well equipped bar at first level and a hookah lounge on the upper level. Relaxed seating, pleasant interiors and the not-so-loud setting makes it an apt venue for not-so young who avoids a volume screeching pub, but still are young enough to enjoy their drinks and food in a group or otherwise.

Coriander Leaf, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Coriander Leaf needs no introduction. Located at the heart of Gurgaon city, behind DT City centre mall on the MG Road, Coriander Leaf restaurant has always been a preferred destination for Indian and Pakistani cuisines in a fine dining format. I have personally been to the restaurant several times, and I was happy to be invited to review their independence week special food festival. In the Phillipines and few other countries, the Independence day food festival is celebrated with much fanfare through out the country, and I was glad to note that standalone restaurants in India are making efforts to celebrate the day. However, this day still remains a big untapped opportunity for all in the food business which is a mandatory off for most of the working class.

56 Ristorante Italiano, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

“I serve traditional Italian food,” says Chef Tiziano Ranieri of Ristorante 56, “simple basic food that my mother taught me to cook.” And then this 57-year-old unassuming Neapolitan goes on to wow the palate with delightful flavours, textures and tastes. The high-ceiling, open spaces and the elegant simplicity of the restaurant complement the experience.

Deez Biryani, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Tired of ordering Pizzas and Subway sandwiches in office, we are always on the lookout for convenient finger foods that can be ordered for a working lunch. We tried Deez Biryani at home before using it as an option in office.

We ordered one serving each of Mutton and Vegetarian Biryani. Both these dishes had a special tag and also were the costliest in their categories. We were told that the order will  be delivered within 30-40minutes, but after an hour when we called to check the status, a non-apologetic voice informed us that the order had already left. If Deez was running any offer like Dominos 30 min or free, they wouldn’t be making any profits. Exactly 90 minutes after placing the order, we heard the door bell ring. Two beautiful haandis were handed over to us in exchange for Rs403.

Chaubara, Galleria Market, Gurgaon - Rajasthani and Punjabi Restaurant

[Rated: 4/5]

The Aapno Rajasthan theme is conveyed through its décor done tastefully through the wall hangings, sceneries, glasses, jugs, server dresses, and the charpoy style chairs. The feel is further accentuated by the server attire and the live folk music in the background. In such a traditional setting, we just didn’t feel like ordering anything from the Punjabi menu and settled for a Rajasthani Thaali (Rs 289), Jaipuri Mewa Pulao (195), Undhiyu ki sabji served with four Thepla (195), and Santre ki Kheer (95).  Fortunately we were in time. Shortly we could see all seats of this 100-seater restaurant getting occupied in spite of the fast turnaround time which is a norm in such places. Though I found the general ambience to be good, but at times restaurant was much noisier as seats were closely placed.

Tab01, Cyber Greens, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

A man is known by the company he keeps and a Pub by its poison. Tab01 (pronounced Tab-O-One) is the newest pub in Gurgaon, and I am happy to report it has researched its poisons well.

The 55-seater bar extends into a 65-seater restaurant, and can easily accommodate 300 party animals with some standing, sitting, and a few shaking their legs. The snow white leather interiors look good and complement the deep, rich wooden furniture. I liked their selection of music too.

Tibetan Kitchen, Sector 53, Gurgaon - Tibetan and Ladhaki Restaurant

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Gurgaon-ites are experimental with their food, and it isn’t surprising to note several specialty restaurants mushrooming in the city to cater to the growing demand. Among the list is ‘Tibetan Kitchen’ offering some authentic Ladhaki and Tibetan cuisine along with ubiquitous Indo-Chinese.

Though the restaurant has been there for a while, but we recently got an opportunity to visit the place. Ignore the ambience, and don’t be too excited of the service standards if you want to enjoy the food, which undoubtedly will ensure a revisit. The small restaurant has covered and open space available, though I noticed most guests preferred to sit outside for the cool breeze and the poor air-conditioning.

Soya Express, Gurgaon - Soyabean Delight for Vegetarians

[Rated: 3/5]

Soya Bean is not only one of the cheapest, but also the best source of Protein available for vegetarians. Soya Express which has established itself as a chain in Delhi-NCR, uses this basic ingredient in 80% of its dishes.

Wondering, if the visit would be worth, we stepped in the small take-away joint which had three chairs inside and two tables outside for the hungry souls. As kitchen shared the inside small dining space making the air-conditioning ineffective, we preferred to sit outside. The serving staff was attentive and immediately helped us understanding the concept and placing the order. I was impressed. Such trained manpower sometimes misses even at the high end restaurant, and here in a primarily a take-away or delivery outlet we were being spoiled.

Bawarchi Restaurant, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.5/5]

When I was told that Bangkok based Bawarchi restaurant had opened another outlet in Gurgaon, I thought of checking it out, even though I didn’t think much of the food at their Bangkok outlet. It’s quite difficult to find a good buffet with starters, featuring a decent ambiance for Rs290 all inclusive in Gurgaon. Bawarchi therefore held great promise.

On a Monday afternoon, six of us colleagues ventured out for lunch. Thank God for small mercies, the roads were clear, and we settled into my colleague’s spacious 6-seater Innova for the ride ahead. The parking outside Bawarchi was in a mess due to road construction in front of the restaurant. Surprisingly, Bawarchi was deserted at 1.30pm with only 2 tables occupied; one by a couple and another one by some office workers. The cooling in Bawarchi was acceptable, ambiance was good, but the buffet looked ordinary. A value for money proposition nonetheless.

Vaango, Sector 18, Noida - Must try!

[Rated: 4/5]

South Indian cuisine is the only cuisine that has acceptance and popularity in all parts of India and is equally liked by all segments of customers. It probably is also the only cuisine that could satisfy palate from breakfast to dinner. For a larger population while south Indian may just mean Dosa, Idli or Wada, the fact is that there are joints that are serving a much larger variety both vegetarian and non vegetarian food from south.

The other day while I was at Sector 18, Noida, my attention was drawn towards this Green and Yellow glow sign “Vaango” the south Indian food joint. Motivated by my experimental instinct, I decided to try out this new joint. 

I was welcomed by the poster at the door stating meaning of Vaango and claiming that one will be extended with legendry hospitality along with authentic south Indian cuisine.

Dana Choga Kebabri, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

The 12 year old family-run restaurant has three outlets- all named Dana Choga. The chain also has a fourth outlet, the Dana Choga Kebabri specialises in Kebabs. Among the hordes of North Indian restaurants and eateries in Gurgaon, the Dana Choga turned out to be good value for money.

There was nothing special about the small 22-seater restaurant, but it was comfortable for an informal family meal. The air-conditioning was nice and the pastel colors on the walls were soothing. This small chain is a welcome breather in Gurgaon which is spoilt for choices for expensive fine dine, food court in the malls, or road side ‘Aahatas’ but not many in its category.

Café Mozart, South Point Mall, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. The newly opened Mozart Café at the DLF South Point Mall bears no resemblance to the great maestro. With a dimly lit lower ground floor (euphemism for basement) location, a kitschy confused interior, and a clichéd Indian-Chinese-Continental menu, the restaurant is neither a café nor has any howsoever remote connection to Mozart.

Coming to the food in this diverse and seemingly discordant ensemble, there is a wide choice presented in its encyclopedic 18-page menu offering drinks, starters, mains and desserts in Oriental, Indian and Western style dishes.

Zinos, Cyber City, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.0/5]

It’s been sometime since I promised myself not to judge a restaurant basis its buffet. Some of the items in buffet will always be mediocre, however good a restaurant might try. It’s not easy to prepare 100’s of dishes in quantities, and still bring out the best in each. Moreover, the food is prepared will never be able to satify individual taste buds. But what do you do when the restaurant like Zinos, is a buffet serving restaurant only. Probably one of its kind in Gurgaon, not including Rajdhaani, which I feel is in another league.

My office is in cyber city, and whenever we want to go out for lunch as a team, we look forward for a buffet serving restaurant for two reasons – a) We are short on time, and buffet enables a quick retreat back to our work stations, b) No one feels guilty of ordering an item which may be more expensive than what others would have ordered since the cost is equally shared. Zinos offers a lavish buffet (much more than required for a working lunch) consisting of appetizers which are served on the table and main course. The huge over 100-seater restaurant offers pan asian cuisine ranging from momos, chilli chicken, thin crust pizzas, seekh kebabs, paneer tikkas among others in appetizers, and similar assortments of dishes including fish, and prawns, chicken & mutton dishes in main course.

Ummami, Global Foyer, Gurgaon

Mille-feuille of dark Hazelnut Chocolate

[Rated: 4/5]

Gurgaon has had an explosion of multi-cuisine eateries, especially at the DLF Cyber city and the Golf Course Road. What is common to most of them is their tendency to clone each other. So there is the regulation mezze platter with minor variations, chicken tikka with minor variations, and chilly chicken-hakka noodles with no variation. In this multitude of mediocrity, a gem of excellence has finally landed in Gurgaon.

Umami is a Japanese word meaning "pleasant savory taste". Add some ‘mmmm’ to it, and it would quite sum up the eating experience at the recently opened Ummami, situated above the Mercedes Benz showroom at the Golf Course Road. The restaurant serves some fine Japanese food, along with wood fired Pizzas, Pasta, Asian, Mediterranean, and of course, Indian dishes – all at reasonable prices. And a fine selection of wines and cocktails.

21 Gun Salute, Sector 29, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

When people ask my favorite North Indian restaurant in Gurgaon, I would be in a tight spot. There are few restaurants I like but none that I could call my favorite. My visit to 21 Gun Salute luckily filled the void.

 

A place that awes you by the sheer subdued luxury in the pastel shades as you enter. A rare kitchen that uses desi chicken in its preparations and not the boiler chicken. A restaurant with ethnic royal look without using the ubiquitous Jaipuri paintings which has become a norm. Old pictures of Royal families and vintage cars and bikes displayed in the dining area complete the royal touch. All this and more awaits you at 21 Gun Salute where the name itself spells opulent.

Striker Pub & Brewery, Global Foyer, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3/5]

Is Striker a joy to the beer guzzlers’ world?. This micro-brewery tries to bring all the good things in life together…..good beer in nice ambience, foot tapping music and great food. Does it succeed? 

Barely over a month old, and nesting over the Mercedes Benz showroom on the Golf Course Road, Striker Pub and Brewery has a distinct industrial décor, a stage for the bands to perform (Parikrama was here some time ago), a smoking room, and enough cozy nooks to have a nice evening.

Jain Shikanji (Lemonade), Modinagar, Ghaziabad

[Rated : 4/5]

High temperature during summers can be taxing. One needs a cooler to overcome the heat and loss of fluids in body due to sweating. Many drinks does the trick like aerated drinks, juices etc. But a cooler that offers the benefits of health, taste and cold retreat all in one is a Shikanji - a Lemonade !!!

During this summer on my way to Meerut, while approaching Modinagar (appx 20 Kms before Meerut), I saw many boards promoting “Jain Shikanji”. Had heard a lot about it and decided to try one at it. This shop is located on main road, just after the Modinagar Police Station. The first thing I noticed was the crowd in front of the shop. As I waded through it, I heard POP… POP… POP… Yes, you guessed it right… the sound of soda bottle caps being opened in quick succession by the Shikanji makers.

Best Restaurants in North Delhi and West Delhi

I have been a resident of North Delhi since birth. As I can recall during my school and college days (am talking mid to late 90s…am not that old!), there were few good restaurants one could go to. Many would remember good old 'Nirulas' on Bunglow street in Kamla Nagar or 'Invitation' in Ashok Vihar or 'Richie Rich' near Shalimar Bagh maybe. As the economic prosperity set in over decade of 2000, and Pitam Pura and Rohini took shape, a whole lot of good eating joints have mushroomed and made name for themselves in the North and West Delhi. 

Lassi and more

Lassi is one of the favourite coolers in summers in northern part of the country. I happen to have visited at three famous places serving Lassi as one of their specialty. Two of these are in Meerut, a small but fast growing city in UP and one in north Delhi. Here is my account of Lassi scouting good Lassi.

1. Lassi Corner Shop, Sadar Bazaar, Meerut :

This shop is located in old Sadar bazaar near the entrance gate to the market. It serves Lassi by the dozen in one go. I found lots of orders hitting from customers standing as well as from neighbouring shops. I saw the Lassi being made in front of me in an big vessel having the mixer. The Lassi was garnished with a thick layers of malai and almonds. For the first time I saw Malai coming out of a handheld machine churning out strips of Malai. The presentation looked good and inviting. However, as I took my bite into the Malai I found it to be synthetic although the Lassi tasted nice. The combination of almonds with Lassi didn’t work for me. Priced at Rs.15, I found this to be an average experience.

2. Hariya Ki Lassi, Teen Kurti Bazaar, Meerut :

Fresco, Airport Terminal, New Delhi

[Rated: 3.5/5]

I remember the old times, when the only lounge available at the New Delhi Airport was run by ITC. Every time I flew I would get the same menu, poor quality and the same waiters who always seemed to be in a hurry for reasons unknown. Inspite of the ITC brand name, I could only despair at the quality of everything that was on offer at the lounge. Apparently even established brands do not escape the effects of monopoly.

Route 69, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

Aahata is a simple concept, where you buy the booze from the next wine shop, and it provides you with water, ice, soda and snacks. It started as a low end option for people who couldn’t afford anything better. With times, even these have evolved.

Route 69 is one such high end Aahata catering to the senior corporate segment who though can afford high end restaurants, but would still like to come here to get more value of their money. Route 69 works on the Aahata concept, but it has a league of its own with no current competition in sight. It is one of those places which serve only continental food,

Chin Chin, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Whenever one hears about Chinese food (think noodles, fried rice, chilly chicken and spring rolls) delicious flavor memories immediately pop into our heads. Kids can live on it, adults love it and elders can’t ignore it. After hearing some great feedback and seeing one of the best home delivery Chinese menus I’ve ever encountered, I was really keen on experiencing the food at Chin Chin.

Culture Gully, Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon

[Rated: 5/5] for complete family experience
Spectacular! Probably the closest word that can truly describe the grandeur and detailing that has gone into bringing out this beautiful kingdom which so far which could only be dreamt of. The Kingdom of Dreams is not a restaurant but a union of wholesome family entertainment including shopping and cuisines from all over India.

As I entered the Kingdom of Dreams with my wife and kids, I felt an all pervading sense of peace.

La Cabana - A new restobar in Gurgaon launched

Village style Hookah Lounge

We were invited to the launch of a new restobar, 'La Cabana' in sector 29 Gurgaon. With four main sections - a complete open sitting for over 200 guests, 2 small covered seating for love-birds or small group in the lawn, Hookah section done in a Village Nautanki style in a semi-covered place, followed by a normal lounge experience, this place has something to offer to all tastes.

Top Breads, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 3.5/5]

The city of Delhi historically has been exposed to cultures and cuisines from various parts of the world. Not only has the city embraced each and every culture, but has with a lot of warm embraced cuisines and food as well that came its way. I feel blessed to have been born and brought up in Delhi since I get to experience almost all types of cuisines here.

We went for a warm Sunday lunch to Top Breads which is famous for its luscious variety of cakes also has a cafe style seating for about 30. At least 30 – 40 variety of ready to eat breads, sandwiches, pizza slices, pastas, croissants, baguettes welcome the diners. The self help to chose and pick up from this displayed variety adds to this excitement.

The Beer Cafe, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

[Rated: 4/5]

Asking someone for a coffee is now a passé. The Beer Café is now open with an innovative concept, and it is only matter of time when asking someone for a quick beer would be the in-thing among the socialites.

It would come as no surprise to anyone to learn that Beer is the third most popular drink in the world. First two being, water and tea (Are we missing cola's?). In India, we have mostly grown up on Lager beer dominated by Kingfisher and only now are we experiencing new beers like Stout, Farmhouse Ale, Weisse amongst

Chail Palace, Chail, (Near Simla) Himachal Pradesh

[Rated: 4/5]

Having more interest in food than just to satisfy palate, I have always been very keen to try new recipe/cuisine whenever possible. 

On recent visit to Himachal, we stopped at Chail Palace for lunch, and here we got introduced to Himachali dishes. The restaurant also serves popular cuisines like Indian, Chinese & Continental. 

We went with server’s suggestion and ordered Chaah Meat & Chicken Anardana listed as Himachali specialities. Apart from this we ordered regular Dal Makhani, Kadai Paneer and Aloo Subji.

LebMex, Forum Value Mall, Whitefield, Bangalore

[Rated: 3/5]

When we heard that LebMex; a Lebanese–Mexican fast food restaurant serves only vegetarian food, we were surprised. To us a good Lebanese meal is not complete without non-vegetarian food forming a substantial portion of the meal. Still we decided to check it out.

The 25-seater LebMex restaurant done in bright green and orange décor sets the tone for a good dining experience, not withstanding the plastic cutlery.

The menu selection has all the must haves in Lebanese and Mexican food; with a special section on Fusion food, which is a must try. In Lebanese one has options to chose from Falafel, Lebanese Rice

Burros Burritos, Airport Terminal 1, Mumbai

Burrito

[Rated: 3/5]

On my way to Delhi from Mumbai Airport, I stopped at Burro’s Burritos for a quick bite of an English Burrito (Rs 79). The Burrito was overloaded with Mayonnaise but the filling of a freshly fried egg, chicken sausage and sprinkling of cheese, topped up with mustard makes it a quick and tasty option. The mustard truly complements the cheesy-sweet taste of inside fillings of the Burrito.

The small shop outside the terminal 1 has many options in vegetarians and non-veg including options of Arabic, Chettinad, Thai, Lahori among others, but sadly many of them weren’t available.

NE7, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi - Authentic meal with honest price

[Rated: 3/5]

North East cuisine restaurants in Delhi seem to be much in demand. Many new restaurants have opened up, and recently NE-7 reopened in Lajpat Nagar. Gautam and I visited the restaurant to check the offerings.

The ambienceat NE7  is nothing much to speak about. Décor is minimal and with no air-conditioning, some may feel uneasy but the food soon made us enjoy our lunch. We ordered for Maasor Tenga (Fish Curry, Rs 120) which came with four big pieces, Khaar (Rs 25), Steamed Rice (Rs 40),

Best Restaurants in Gurgaon

Much has changed since I shifted to Gurgaon over five years ago. The high rises have multiplied, Offices are much swankier, Roads are much crowded and there is no dearth of good eating out places. Earlier, a good restaurant would have taken us on the roads to Delhi. Not anymore. Nor does anyone want to travel great distance for a routine meal, but that shouldn't be the reason to deprive us of a good outing.

Since on an average I receive couple of queries daily on the places to go for a particular cuisine, I have compiled my suggestions which should come handy for the readers.

Dosa Plaza, Pacific Mall, Sahibabad

[Rated: 4/5]
“Variety adds to spice in Life”.  The saying will be taken literally and more so implemented with so much of zeal is what I discovered on my recent visit to Pacific Mall in Sahibabad with my family.

We were attracted to Dosa Plaza by sheer exuberance of the colourful glow sign that displays its name. On scrutiny of menu, I was amazed to see the variety of Dosas, Idlies and Vadas being offered by the outlet.  Dosa for me has always been that traditional fermented crepe made from rice, served with a filling of patatos and side dish of Sambhar and Chutneys

Route04, Cyber Greens, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5] 

Unpretentious in its décor and honest for its price, Route04 immediately strikes a chord with its guests. The prototype of cars hanging from the roof, huge airplane and car stickers of Mustang and Hummer, beside some old hip music gives it a retro effect. Music is loud enough to give it a pub feel still it does not disturbs the conversation at the table. 

We enjoyed the Hawaiian Cottage Cheese Stick (Rs 225) which is a great option for vegetarians. With bell pepper, green and black olives, pineapple, and topped up with cilantro and grated cheese, we found it to be amongst our favorite at the restaurant. The Buffalo Chicken (Rs280; variation of chicken wings) served with Thousand Island dressing and American Grilled Chicken Skewers (Rs 280) are other good picks