Month: March 2015

15 Must-Try Desserts in Mumbai

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Mumbai has a variety of bakeries, dessert stores, restaurants that serve delicious sweet treats that not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also cheer you up on a  gloomy day. Being a foodie in the city is no easy task. There are so many options to choose from that it gets really hard to stick to diet plans. But like they say, a balanced diet is a cupcake in each hand 🙂

If you have a sweet tooth, here’s a list of desserts you cannot miss!

Chocolate Overload Brownie at Theobroma
Theobroma stays true to its tagline – ‘Food for the Gods’ with its wide range of scrumptious desserts. Words cannot describe how sinfully delightful the Chocolate Overload brownies are. Each bite of it transports you to heaven.

Chocolate Overload Brownie at Theobroma

Macaroons at Le 15 Patisserie by Pooja Dhingra
These bite-sized macaroons have the power to make you smile when all you want to do is punch someone in the face. Packed in boxes of 6 each, these mini treats come in different colors and flavors. My favorite ones are the Dark chocolate & Sea salt Macaroons.

Macaroons at Le 15 Patisserie

Gooey Chocolate Cake at Cafe Moshes
This has been an all time favorite at Cafe Moshes ever since its inception and is undoubtedly pure decadence. If you want to experience magic, bite into this plate full of deliciousness served with Vanilla ice-cream on the side.

Gooey Chocolate Cake at Cafe Moshes

Philadelphia Cheesecake at Flamboyante
If you’re craving delicious cheesecake, head to Flamboyante. This Philadelphia Cheesecake is literally happiness in a plate. Every bite will leave you craving for more.

Philadelphia Cheesecake at Flamboyante

Chocolate Chip Cookies at Indigo Deli
Freshly baked and warm, these cookies take satisfaction to a whole new level. They are crunchy, chocolatey and yummy beyond words. The next time you visit Indigo Deli, forget the food and order for a portion of cookies. Trust me, you will never want it to end.

Freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies at Indigo Deli

Red Velvet Jar at Country of Origin
A mouth-wateringly attractive glass jar full of moist, melt-in-the-mouth crumbed red velvet, white frosting and cream cheese. What more can you ask for?

Red Velvet Jar at Country of Origin

Royal Falooda at Badshah
This age-old, legendary joint located at Mumbai’s crowded Crawford Market is sure to satisfy those sweet cravings. Known for its Royal Falooda, you are sure to see people from all walks of life indulging here. Swanky cars are parked outside this place at any given point in time. Did I hear someone say – Money cant buy happiness?

Royal Falooda at Badshah

Classic Chocolate Milkshake at Bachelor’s
A speciality of this roadside joint located diagonally opposite Chowpatty Beach is a treat for chocolate lovers. Once you have the Chocolate Milkshake here, this is sure to become a regular halt on your drives to South Mumbai.

Chocolate Milkshake at Bachelors

K.Rustom ice-cream
Mumbai’s iconic, hole-in-the-wall ice-cream parlor located at Marine Drive, serves the simplest yet the best flavors of ice-cream. Sandwiched between two thin wafer slices, the ice-cream is really cold at first but soon begins to melt. My favourites here are the Mint and Walnut Crunch Biscuits. However, if you’re a fan of fruity flavors, don’t give Raspberry a miss!

Walnut Crunch at K.Rustom Ice-cream

Sizzling Brownie at Cream Centre
Cream Centre is an all time favorite pure vegetarian restaurant. Their Sizzling Brownie is a slice of chocolate walnut brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce served on a sizzling platter. Ideally, you’re supposed to wait for a few minutes for it to cool down but that never really happens. Prepare yourself to burn your tongue as this dessert is uncontrollable. Once you enter this place, you won’t want to leave for two reasons – their irresistible Cheese Nachos and the Sizzling Brownie.

Sizzling Brownie with Vanilla Ice-cream at Cream Centre

Nutella with Sea Salt Cookies at Sweetish House Mafia
Crisp, buttery and chocolatey, these cookies are sure to cast a spell on you. Bite into oozing Nutella with a pinch of sea salt and understand the true meaning of indulgence. After all, its a known fact, life is better with freshly baked cookies…and if they’re as delicious as these ones, who can ever complain?

Nutella with Sea salt at Sweetish House Mafia

Chocolate Flowerpot at JamJar Diner
Do not judge this dessert by its appearance. It is a completely edible muddy dessert filled with marshmallows, brownies, oreo crumbs, vanilla ice-cream and chocolate.  Prepare yourself to dig deep into the pot as you won’t be able to stop yourself at one bite.

Chocolate Flowerpot at JamJar Diner

Jalebi Caviar at Masala Library
Masala Library is known for its impressive variety of unusual desserts like the Ghevar Cheesecake, Jalebi Caviar, Gulab Jamun Carpaccio and more. Enjoy an unforgettable food experience with their innovative take on regular Indian food. It surely is a treat for the senses.

Jalebi Caviar at Masala Library

Chic Choc at Right Place, Breach Candy
This old school ice-cream sundae is an iconic dessert in South Mumbai. It consists of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream with chocolate dip and nuts. Sometimes, even simple things in life can be so pleasurable.

Chic Choc at Right Place

Gulab Jamun at Jhama Sweets
This place has been around for over 50 years and is famous for its wide range of Indian mithais and chaat. Indulge in the city’s best gulab jamun served in three different varieties. It is unmissable and is surely worth the calories.

Gulab Jamun at Jhama Sweets

All photographs have been sourced from Google & Pinterest.

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Foodie Reviews: The Rolling Pin

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For several years, Mumbai has been home to various vegetarian restaurants serving a variety of cuisines like Gujarati, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Burmese and more. The Rolling Pin is a recently opened patisserie-cafe in Lower Parel, opposite High Street Phoenix, that serves pure vegetarian desserts, bakery products and multi-cuisine light meals. As you enter, you will see a display of over 60 desserts that include pastries, customized cakes, chocolate pops, cupcakes, macaroons, chocolates, all of which have been presented beautifully.

What I tried:
– Dynabites
– Hummus and Pita
– Chilli Cheese Toast
– Szechuan Bullets
– Slider Platter
– Paneer Tikka Wrap
– Mac & Cheese
– Jain Delite Sizzler
– Nutella brie grill
– Classic waffles with Nutella
– Rocky Road

Dynabites

Hummus & Pita

Chilli Cheese Toast

Slider Platter

Paneer Tikka Wrap

Jain Delite Sizzler

What impressed me:
– The decor is very simple yet attractive
– Quirky quotes are written on boards that are hung onto the wall
– Among the savouries, I liked the Dynabites (similar to Jalapeno & Cheese Poppers), Chilli Cheese Toast and Paneer Tikka Wrap the most
– The Nutella brie grill and Classic Waffles were finger-licking delicious and were topped with sufficient amount of Nutella. The Rocky Road was heavenly and was undoubtedly a treat for chocolate lovers
– The desserts displayed at the entrance are sure to make your mouth water. Each one looked yummier than the other and I was tempted to try all of them
– All the dishes on the menu can be made Jain on request

What disappointed me:
– Our first few dishes came instantly while the next few dishes took over 20 minutes each
– The food in general is average, nothing extraordinary

Nutella brie grill

Classic Waffles with Nutella

Rating:
3/5

Address:
12, Janta Industrial Estate, Senapat Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Opposite High Street Phoenix, Mumbai 400013.

The Rolling Pin Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
 

The power of Prayer

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Surrender to what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be

Beads of Faith

To one who has Faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible

Prayer is not asking. It is putting oneself in the hands of God

God is everywhere. So pray anywhere

If the only prayer you said was Thank You, that would be enough

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one

Silence is the language of Om. We need silence to be able to reach our Self

All photos belong to Desha Gehi Photography

Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi, India

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When you think about Kochi, the first image that conjures up in the mind is that of the Chinese fishing nets. Also known as ‘Cheenavala’ in Malayalam, these nets are over 500 years old and were first introduced by Chinese emperor Zheng He. Located at Fort Kochi, these cantilevered fishing accessories have over the years become a popular tourist attraction. Just like any other visitor, I was most excited about seeing this unique process of fishing with these Chinese fishing nets.

Listed below are a few facts about the Chinese fishing nets I discovered during my trip to Fort Kochi –

– These fishing nets are permanently fixed on-shore installations that are set up on bamboo and teak poles and work on the principle of balance

– They droop towards the water like over-sized hammocks and are counterbalanced by stones

– The fishermen open the nets at a particular time keeping in mind the state of the tides

– A team of six or more fishermen operates each installation at a time. Two people walk on the beam so that the net descends into the water while one person opens the net and leaves it in the water for about four to five minutes. The remaining three pull the ropes thereafter so that the net comes back up and they can finally see how much fish they have managed to catch

– Once they are done fishing, they carefully tie the net to the pole and head out to sell their fresh catch of the day.

It was amazing to see these fishermen complete their task so effortlessly. They not only enjoyed the entire process but also made it super fun for people who were watching them. Their positive attitude towards their work and life definitely taught me a few things that I would like to share with you –

– Patience:
When they release the net into the water, they patiently wait for some time until they start pulling the ropes to see how much fish they have caught. Likewise, you can achieve everything you want. All you have to do is be patient. Everything happens at the right time

– Team Work:
All six of them had one goal – to catch fish. Each one knew what role he had to play, gave his 100% to it and as a team they successfully reached their goal. The same applies for us in our day-to-day lives. Always focus on the goal and respect your team members. It is important to concentrate on your role and give your 100% to the task

– Trust:
Each one trusted the other’s timing and had faith in them. Similarly in life, play your part and trust the process

– Have fun:
Pulling those ropes is no easy task. But while they were at it, they decided to have fun. They sang songs until the nets were back up and enjoyed the process. Just like that, don’t take life too seriously. Even if you’re going through hard times, don’t forget to smile and have some fun.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Opening the net

The net is in the water

Pulling of ropes

Getting it back up to see how much fish they have caught

Foodie Reviews – 212 All Day Cafe & Bar

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212 All Day Cafe & Bar recently opened its doors to Phoenix Market City, Kurla. Located on the first floor, this all-day diner has taken a spot right next to Irish House. As you enter, 212 transports you to a chic European bistro with its elegant ambiance and songs like Avril Lavigne’s Complicated and Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows playing in the background. The decor is simple yet sophisticated. The seating is a mix of cozy wooden tables, chairs and sofas which also extends into an al-fresco section at the backside. A display of cheeses and desserts are available right at the entrance from where people can order in or takeaway. The food menu is an eclectic mix of salads, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads and a selection of gourmet entrees prepared by Chef Paul Kinny and his team.

212 All Day Cafe & Bar

Chef Paul Kinny, Director – Culinary, 212 All Day Cafe & Bar

I tried:
Small Plates & Salads:
– Watermelon & Goat Cheese Stack
– Crumbling Crostini
– Buffalo Chicken Wings
– Toasted Grilled Prawns
Stone Hearth Thin Crust Flatbread Pizzas:
–  Spicy House Special
– Barbeque Chicken
Hand Made Burgers:
– Shroom Burger
– BBQ Chicken Burger
Desserts:
– Crème Brûlée
– Chocolate Cheesecake

Food Menu

What impressed me:
– The vegetarian dishes served to us were outstanding. Though I am extremely fond of non-vegetarian, I relished the vegetarian dishes a tad bit more than the non-vegetarian ones.
– The Watermelon & Goat Cheese Stack was refreshing, light and delicious
– The Crumbling Crostini had a hint of feta and basil which added to its flavor
– The Buffalo Chicken Wings were well cooked and melted in the mouth
– The flatbreads were irresistible. They were oozing with cheese and we just couldn’t stop ourselves at a slice
– The Shroom Burger had crumb-fried portobello and garden mushrooms with melted gruyère while the BBQ Chicken Burger had grilled chicken with barbeque sauce. Both the dishes, served with a cart full of fries and salad on the side, were sufficiently cheesy and flavorsome.
– The Crème Brûlée was soft, not too sweet and was double the size served at any other restaurant while the Chocolate Cheesecake was perfectly balanced in its crumbly texture and had the perfect amount of sweetness
– Apart from the food, the servers were extremely polite, helpful and courteous

What disappointed me:
– The Toasted Grilled Prawns were a bit sour for my liking

Rating:
4.5/5

Watermelon & Goat Cheese Stack

Crumbling Crostini

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Spicy House Special Flat Bread

Barbeque Chicken Flatbread

Shroom Burger

BBQ Chicken Burger

Crème Brûlée

Chocolate Cheesecake

Address:
212 All Day Cafe & Bar,
Level 1,
Phoenix Marketcity Kurla,
LBS Marg Kurla  W.

Timings :
11.30 am till 11.30 pm

212 All Day Cafe & Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Holi Hai!

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If you happen to see a bunch of people joyfully throwing colored water at each other in India, join in – because they’re surely playing Holi! It is that time of the year again when the city is all set to celebrate the festival of colors.

Though Holi is traditionally all about colors, it is also an excuse to indulge in lip-smacking foods that make this festival even more special. Spice up this Holi with traditional food and drinks from some of the yummiest places in Mumbai. If you don’t know where to go this Friday, here’s a rundown of places –

Made in Punjab –
Made in Punjab, the smart casual dining concept from Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., situated in Inorbit Mall, Malad, invites you to celebrate the festival of colors with traditional Punjabi delicacies. Indulge in delicious Olive almond lassi, Paneer tikka, Murgh dum biryani, Shrimp curry, Moong dal halwa, Crispy jalebi with lachcha rabdi and more this Holi.
Date: 6th March, 2015
Timing: 7pm to 11.30pm
Price: INR 650 plus taxes

Nawabi Tarkari Biryani at Made In Punjab

Häagen-Dazs –
Enjoy a mélange of flavors in the Häagen-Dazs Falooda – an exceptional combination of ice cream paired Falooda accompanied with Raspbery and Mango coulis & topped with dried nuts. This exclusive dessert is also available in a vegetarian sorbet option. You can also customize your falooda by choosing any of the ice creams or sorbet flavors available at all their outlets.
Date: 1st to 8th March, 2015
Timing: 11am to 1am
Price: INR 395 plus taxes

Mango Sorbet Falooda at Haagen Dazs

Nordic Kandie –
Nordic Kandie, known for its Gourmet Marzipan introduces 17 delectable flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds this Holi. Chilli mango, Peanut butter, Anjeer almond, Rose cardamom are some of the exciting flavors on their menu.
Date: Ongoing
Timing: 11am to 8.30pm
Price: INR 205 per candy

Nordic Kandie’s irresistible flavors

TiffinBOX etc –
TiffinBOX etc. celebrates the colors of five Indian regions this Holi. Indulge in a week long celebratory buffet with dishes from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Sindh, Delhi, Rajasthan and more. Puran Poli, Undhiuya, Dal Pakwan and other specialty dishes are on the menu.
Date: 2nd to 6th March, 2015
Timing: 12pm to 4pm
Price: INR 495

Holi Celebrations at TiffinBox etc

Lotus Cafe:
Lotus Cafe at JW Marriott Mumbai will be hosting an exquisite brunch this Holi. Relish traditional delicacies like Puran Poli, Sweet Kachoris, Namak Paare and more along with a live Chaat counter and Gujiya Bar. You can also sample a range of cocktails such as Rang Rasia, Colors of Joy, Lotus Thandai from a specially crafted bar menu.
Date: 6th March, 2015
Timing: 12.30pm onwards
Price: INR 2300 plus taxes without alcohol &  INR 3300 plus taxes with alcohol