Oh! Calcutta..

Calcutta happens to be one of my favourite cities mainly because of the large variety of food this city has got to offer, which ranges from India's best street food like chicken/ egg rolls/ noodles/ mughlai-parathas to authentic Bengali delicacies like aloo poshto and macher jhol. 

The first time when I went to this restaurant called Oh! Calcutta, The Look and feel quite didn't match my imagination/ expectations; I immediately dropped the idea of going-in and went to another restaurant in the same building. 

This time it was my uncle and aunt's anniversary dinner. The first thing which I liked about the place was the designer plates with the drawing about Calcutta on it; later I got to know it was only for show, they give you normal plates to eat. 

When I glanced through the menu there was not even a single dish which you find in any other restaurants. A complete authentic Bengali food menu from starters to main course to the desserts. I Immediately checked with the waiter on soups and they say they don't serve soups. So remember guys soups/ shorbas are not the part of Bengali food.

Starters, we ordered all kind of chicken, mutton and fish cutlets. Preparation was very different from the any other food style. Veggies ordered for paneer cutlet and a special cutlet made up of graded banana flowers. I tasted both veg and non-veg starters and trust me guys everything was extremely delicious. I bet, no one can have just one. 

In the main course, we ordered authentic Bengali style fish curry cooked in mustered oil, chicken curry and railway mutton (it comes from famous age old railway canteen menu) and we also ordered for coconut prawns cocked and served with tender coconut. All the dishes were very well garnished, and the decorations made it mouth watering. We all had a blast. Vegetarians relished the famous Bengali delicacy 'aloo poshto' and 'begunies' chopped fried eggplants.  

In desserts, we ordered famous Bengali rasugula and mishtee dhoi; you guys must not forget to have yummy hot malpuas with rabdi and ice-cream and barfi made up of date-palm-jaggery. 

Although, I was not impressed with ambiance that much the feel of Calcutta was missing, but the food covered-up for everything. We all had a great time relishing such an amazing Bengali food. 

Only downside is that they were running short on few items which was not expected but other wise on food & taste I would give them 9/10. 

The Buffet

Phone conversation..
Friend: Hey we have to go out for a complimentary dinner, The buffet
Me: okay! When? And where?
Friend: In next 4 hours, The buffet
Me: Okay! but where?
Friend: Yaar the name of this restaurant is 'The Buffet'.... 

Me: oh ok ok..

(We also invited my gf to join us for the dinner and we three reached the place excited enough to have a free dinner) 

'The buffet', the new restaurant in town opened recently opposite to 'Khan Saab' at GVK ONE. 

My first impression, a big hall, completely see through walls, a huge layout, should accommodate almost 50 guests; interiors were good but nothing out standing. Manager at the main door was a 'Saadi Surat'; I highly recommend them to have a beautiful looking girl instead, to welcome the customers. No gender discrimination but I am sure it will work for them.

Buffet spread looked really nice; as usual, I went to non-veg section first and was amazed to see some mouth-watering dishes and then I proceeded to the vegetarian section, they had equal number of veg dishes but somehow I felt something wasn't right. May be the selection/ combination of dishes.

Both non-veg starters and the main course was good! I was relishing on Afghani-chicken with some parathas and lamb-pasta-salad, and then I looked at my friends faces and they both looked disappointed. For their sake I tasted vegetarian stuff and trust me guys it was pathetic. I asked them to try Chinese noodle and kung-pav curry, which was like a life saver for them. Be it Pulaow or Dal mahkani or the Paneer curry etc. everything tasted below average! 

And then comes the most interesting situation of the evening; once we were done with our food waiter got us the finger bowls and the water was damn hot, so we called the waiter again and asked him replace it with warm water. The waiter dipped his finger in that bowl on the table in-front of us and said 'this fine sir, its not that hot.. We were stunned! like really!! R U serious.. He dipped his finger in that bowl..!!

Thank god it was a complimentary dinner. Or else paying 400 per head for such an experience was not worth at all. 'The buffet' just 6 out of 10, they earn 6 because the non-veg food was good ;) Someone very rightly said there are no free lunches in this world; today we got to know neither there are free dinners :P

I am sure with the over-all experience I am not going back again. 

Fisherman's Cove

This is my first write-up on a restaurant outside Hyderabad. We went to this restaurant to celebrate Mum's birthday and we all had a perfect evening. Great food, good ambiance and perfect service. 

After a day long fun all over North Goa; in the evening we all wanted a place which is relaxing, good food, and nearby. Unanimous decision was Fisherman's Cove as it was at walk-able distance from our resort. 

Restaurant had a very pleasant ambiance, waiters and the manager treated us really well. This was one place in north Goa where you would find people of all age groups; At the end of the day, all we need is a relaxing dinner, and places like Fisherman's Cove turns out to be a perfect choice. There are days when they arrange for live music too; then everything seems really perfect. 

After a quick cake cutting and couple of pictures; we all jumped to the menu ordering food and drinks. I don't remember what drink others ordered but I had a great time starting with my regular Mojito followed by three to four pegs white-rum with some tonic-water and lime. Bro ordered for some grilled pomfrets which was just out of this world, the yummiest pomprets I would have had in long time. Then we ordered for a snacks platter which had assorted starters, a good mix of chicken, mutton and fish. Main course, first I joined everyone else on some amazing chicken-lababdar and mutton rogan-josh with hot garlic naans. But my brother was like eat Goan food when you are at Goa, so I later joined him too and had a great time eating fish curry and rice; mackerel fish is one of the top delicacy in Goa - a must try. There was no sign of any vegetarian food on the table except the salad :p

I would rate this restaurant as one of the good ones at Candolim beach. And Yes, my advice to all the people who are planning to visit Goa is near future; although Calangute and Baga is more happening and you may spend your entire day over there but make sure you stay at Candolim its more relaxing, quiet and pleasant. 

10 Downing Street

We call it 10D!

From the name to the furniture to the entire atmosphere is very English. One of the most happening places at Hyderabad.

Best thing about 10D is over the years it has earned a loyal crowd. It is cozy and feels like second home. They give you a very good customized experience.

I got introduced to 10D by one of my friends during college, 2005. I still remember my first reaction was its gonna be an expensive affair buddy. But, to my surprise they offer world's most inexpensive pub-lunch with Indian, European and Chinese options at unbelievable prices and which includes a complementary glass of beer and bowl of ice-cream; all this for just Rs. 110, 2005. Now after 7 years I guess it has moved to Rs. 175 only.

That was the first time, I fell in love with chicken lasagne and didn't know that for next all these years this will become a major reason for me to visit 10D again and again. Guys, they serve the most yummiest chicken lasagne along with 2 slice of garlic bread.

There Indian and Chinese menu is equally good, of-late I have discovered peace in Kung-Pao chicken-pasta, its very different from the usual other pastas. 10D will also surprise you with their awesome Indian dishes, I love the combi, zeera-fried-rice and dal-makhni. Crispy baby corn, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, veg and chicken manchurian goes very well with most of the drinks.

Once the dance floor is on the atmosphere is electrifying; they arrange for some of the best parties in the town and their karaoke nights are just out-of-this-world.

Their couches are very famous and when you don't get one it actually disappoints you. I think its high time they should move to a bigger place, may be double the size of the current place as its becoming difficult to hold the crowd and it is directly affecting their service.

Lastly, on 12-Feb-2010, this is where for the first and only time I got totally sloshed and friends had to carry me out.

A sweet 8 on 10 for our dear 10D.

Little Italy

Despite it's a vegetarian restaurant, Little Italy is my favorite hangout place when it comes to Italian food. The never ending menu, courteous service and relaxing ambiance and a great view of KBR park and Jubilee Hills gives you a perfect dining experience.

This place is also special to me for two reasons a) I was given my farewell over here while I was moving out of Google b) About an year back I had my first ever candlelight dinner over here; they have a small sit-out facing KBR park which can accommodate around 4 couples; trust me, the entire setting is very romantic.

Lets see what's on the menu: 

Starters: Spinach salsa (spinach leaves mixed with some special cheese sauce) served with think crispy toast, garlic bread, tacos and nachos with variety of cheese dips goes unsaid; recently I tried mushrooms topped with olive oil, lemon and some herbs - it was not like love at first sight but gradually I developed the taste and enjoyed it.

When it comes to pizzas I go with Mediterranean and Bombay pizza. Pastas I have my own simple recipe, which, the chef makes it with love. Penne or spaghetti, white sauce with lots of cheese, quick fried onions, usual salts and other herbs, and lots of sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli, a pinch of red sauce can also be added at times for look and feel; just make sure the gravy is really thick. During my last visit, I tried chef's special Mongolian rice and it was so yummy that I immediately asked for the second serving - yeah love at the first bite. 

Desserts: Without a second thought order for chocolate bomb, my favorite sweet-dish ever. I so wish if I can arrange for this in my wedding menu.

This review would not be complete if I don't mention that when the last time I went for their weekend buffet they gave me a complementary Mojitos, Cheers :)

A yummy 9 on 10 for Little Italy. 

Sadi Rasoi

Finally I have someone to cook for me other than my Mom. Thanks swthrt, the dinner was super tasty and as you say thoda pyar dal do food will automatically tastes good. Way to go! looking forward to many more such lovely dinners before you officially start cooking for me :) 

100 Degrees

Although its not 10 on 10 but it still remains one of my favourite restaurants. I don't even remember the number-of-time I would have visited this place in last 5 years. Lets see, what brings me back to this place time and again.

A) The layout: a lovely terrace sit-out facing Hussain sagar lake. Sit-out is called 'the beach' probably because of the set-up and shingled floor. They have other interesting seating options like indoor dome-shaped area for buffet and bar; cozy private dining rooms which are see-through facing the terrace.

B) The food: I am totally in love with the menu, specially the Sizzlers, by now I would have tried all the non-veg sizzlers in the menu. I am not a big fan of their buffet-spread its good but nothing out-standing about it.

My recommendations:
- You must try out Guava passion, one refreshing welcome drink.
- Veggies: go for tex-mex sizzler or 100 degree vegetable sizzler its a safe bet for the first timers. Mushroom lovers must try Mushroom delight. Grilled vegetables and pasta salad in starters - basket of breads served with the salad is just perfect.
- Non-veggies: the menu is Pandora's box but my top pick would be Cajun chicken sizzler and Lamb shashlik sizzler. My all time favorite was chicken-sausage-sizzler which is no more in the menu for about an year now.
- Before you close for the day do call for La Tiramisu.

Now, let me tell you why this place is not 10 on 10.

Like any other Ohri's restaurants it has great ambiance but yes unlike any other Ohri's restaurant it has great food. Where this restaurant fall flat is their service, which doesn't match up with the ambiance or food.

Couple of funny experiences:
- Once I had ordered for a sizzler and my friend went ahead with the buffet and while waiting for my sizzler I ended up tasting something from my friend's plate, and suddenly from nowhere this waiter popped out saying sir you can't do this we will charge you extra.. I was like 'Are you serious'!!
- Another time there was some terrace lunch party going on but we managed to get a side table on the terrace itself; till 15 mins no one attended us all were busy catering to the party.
- They had a practice of inviting people and give them discounts on their b'days; Even I received a call one day, but sadly it wasn't my day.
- Somehow the team fails to give you that 100% feel good factor.

Food, 9 on 10
Ambiance, 8 on 10
Service, 7 on 10

Chutneys

Since the beginning somehow I managed to eat Dosas but Idlis could never go down my throat. One fine day, I was introduced to this restaurant called Chutneys; sometime during my MBA days. I still remember 8 in the morning we 6 friends reached chutneys and to our surprise, it was already full and we were made to wait for 10 long minutes. But when I had those melt-in-the-mouth Plain Idilis followed by Babai Idli, I could immediately do the ROI that waiting for 10mins made all the sense in this world. Plus that was the first time I fell in love with 'Idlis'.

After that for couple of months Chutneys was a daily affair, we went there for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinners. I end-up trying almost everything in the menu, from South-Indian-Thali to North-Indian orange looking concoction of panner butter masala and from Chinese noodles, manchurian to cutting chai and all the fresh juices they served. My friends did find it strange whenever I ordered Chinese food at Chutneys, but guys trust me on this South Indian Chinese has it own unique yummy taste.

My recommendations: Ok this is a tough one, I may end-up writing everything in the menu but still let's see. MLA Pesarattu dosa, Chiranjeevi steamed dosa, Guntur Idli, value-for-money South-Indian and North-Indian-thali. A write-up/ review on chutneys would be incomplete if I don't mention about the world's most yummiest sambhar and the assortment of four chutneys including the new corn chutney they have recently added.

In last 5 years they have expanded and now have joints all over the town. I am sure today Chutneys figures on the list of must-visit-places of every new Hyderabadi in town. Thanks to their menu and consistent quality.

Without a second thought its 9 on 10. 

Subway

Subway, some say its nutritious and some its fat-free but I go to subway just for the taste. Its Yummy!

Since the beginning, I always loved this concept of customized sandwich; boon for the busy people - quick to make quicker to eat.

Initially, I was not regular to subways because somehow majority in my friend circle couldn't appreciate a sub. Last couple of years its been opposite, I have literally lived my weekdays life eating 'subs' - thanks to my 'swthrt'. They say best bonding happens over a cigarette, I say try out Subway.

My recommendation:
All time favourite RCB (Roasted Chicken Breast) with some chopped onions & capsicum, black pepper yogurt and barbecue sauce (barbecue sauce you will not find it in the menu, just ask for it).

My regular order, I prefer hearty Italian bread, chicken seekh, chopped onion & capsicum, lettuce, olives & pickles, sauces: lots of sweet-onion, south-west, ranch, black-pepper-yogurt, a pinch of barbecue, sometimes a pinch of mint-mayonnaise too. Buy your self a pack of chips, peach ice-tea and freshly baked cookies, the combination goes perfect. For veggies: Veg-shammi, veggie-delight and corn & peas is always a good pick. Somehow I am not a big fan of their salads, I find them hyped-up.

Its a great idea to try out sub-of-the-day for a week. As they say, its quick, its healthy, its easy on pocket and great taste. Its rocking 9 on 10.

45 Jubilee Hills

It is simply called 45 because its on Rd. No. 45 Jubilee Hills. Earlier it was called 36.

45 is like any other Multi cuisine restaurant in the city, serving North Indian, South Indian and Chinese. Then let's see what makes it special 1) Value for money buffets and 2) A great service. This place is perfect for Friday team lunch outs; you end up paying around Rs. 300 per head inclusive of taxes.

My recommendation, a lavish buffet spread which efficiently caters to both veggies and non-veggies. Non-veggies must try Chicken taipai, Garlic lamb and Murgh peshawari.

Make sure you manage to get a table at their extended terrace sit-out, it gives you a relaxing experience both during the lunch and dinner.

Before you leave this place do visit paan wale bhaiya near the valet counter, trust me he is really good at his job, must enjoy the maghai paan.

45 Jubilee Hills is a decent 7 on 10.