Prawn Biriyani - 19 floors high
Traditional Bengali Biriyani, served on the backdrop of Dhaka skyline...
here at Westin Dhaka. Sometimes food is more than the taste, I agree.
Here you can also almost feel the softness of the rice grains, closely
cuddling the deep-fried onion flavouring (the scattered orange stripes).
A Fishy Meal at the airport
What could be a better way to serve seafood than in a plate that looks like a fish? These pictures are from my breakfast at Amsterdam's Schipol Airport. I forget the name of the place, but it's right at the center of the terminal. Not to mention, the fresh variety (though the prawns could be better) in the morning with the tarter sauce and wine was great after a long arduous and sleepless 8 hour flight. Bon voyage!
Sent from my iPad
Delightful seafood in Florence, Italy
I had been to Florence very recently, and my visit to this seafood place (Firenze Nova in Novoli) is very much worth remembering. For example, the black rice with octopus and catfish chunks was very unique in it's look (not the most inviting I must admit). The taste however was very unlike the black colour... it was quite earthen to taste, much like seaweed soup, with a slightly salty sea smell. Pretty good to try if you get a chance. The other snap is of a large roasted oyster, and the presentation was delightful. One of the best I must admit in both taste and looks. The quantity was less, but as they say, a little less would make you want it even more.
If you are in Florence, you must try the local Morellino variety of red wine (vino rossi). It's sweet, fruity and very liquid... a great compliment for the satisfying local menu.
Bono apetito!
Sent from my iPad
Chillis at Powai, not so Chilli's
I expect Chilli's to serve quick, budget snacks and meals... the joint at Powai did really turn out to be an exception. Very pricey menu (2 times Subway... a sandwich for 371 rupees or equivalent 28 dollars!), very average taste and interestingly, the bread was unauthentic (sourced from a local market, as I found out from the attendant). They said they are going to revise prices next month, till then... my advice, Stay Away!ITC Sheraton, Mumbai
We went to the ITC Grand Maurya Sheraton near the Mumbai International Airport for a family party last Sunday. I have no idea how much the buffet cost, though I guess it would be around 1000 bucks a person, but I can surely say that the desserts were awesome, starters were great and the main course was just about good... except for the exceptional (and very chappati-like) chicken pizza that was served on the table. Must try this place for the wide variety of dishes, eclectic service and the enthralling high-ceiling high-society ambience... but always better to have a company whos willing to pickup your tab. A wish unfulfilled... din't try their drinks, which I guess should be fabulous. Share a comment if you have been here... adieu!
Pan-asian delight
Last week, I was in a mood for some good southeast asian food, and I did not miss the chance to catch up with some great food at the pan-asian joint at Rodas, Powai... bang on the Hiranandani Galleria circle in Mumbai. An upscale ambience coupled with attentive service and good tasting food and decent prices, this place is slowly becoming me sweet spot for asian cusine. I tried their clay pot roasted duck and basil steamed rice... and duck was well cooked and succulent with its own juices. The basil steamed rice was perfectto accentuate the rich duck meat aroma, which is what I wanted sice I was having duck meat after ages. Gonna try their lunch buffet very soon... a steal at 275 bucks!
Yellow chilli, powai
Sanjeev Kapoor is one of the most revered chefs in India, and Yellow Chilli is his line of restaurants. We tried the one on Central Road, Powai, Mumbai ... close to Hiranandani Galleria. There was a on table buffet option and we could try out a wide array of dishes. The shorba in a clay cup was spicy and authentic, so were most of the other starters and main courses. Subtle, well mixed and rich taste was the essence, and prob that came from slow cooking with Indian spices. The desert wasn't the best, too sweet and not fresh. But no complains for a great buffet range at 600 rupees per person. Worth a try if you are in Mumbai and near Powai.
Bengali Mustard Hilsa
Anything made out of the Hilsa fish is a delicacy in eastern India, plus its very expensive and seasonal. So everytime its cooked in the house, like this hilsa in bengal mustard sauce (eelish macher soorshe bata), its la la feast time! Today was extra special as the dish came out super authentic to taste. And obviously my priorities are set right, eat first, blog second.
Ready-to-roast chicken & squid rings
Our neighbourhood meat store has just got this roast-ready chicken legs,
(which is again a rarity in this part of the country) and after 10 mins
of microwave, it tasted pretty good. I threw in some pepper squid-rings
and mixed rice as sides.
