Masala Bar

Visit Day Date n Time:- Saturday 11-March-2017, 5.15 p.m.

"Masala Bar" a sea facing bar with luxury touch is one of the popular watering hole located at Carter Road, Bandra. This masterpiece is owned by Massive Restaurants Pvt.Ltd. under leadership of the innovative Zorawar Kalra.

Recently was invited to Masala Bar for the food review.

Ambience:-

Ambience of this place is quite soothing with good music. It's the only fully candle-lit culinary concept in the world. But the main highlights of its interiors are the kaleidoscopic windows which play perfect role in providing amazing view of the sunset at the Arabian Sea and echoing the candle lights.

Tried out following food and cocktails from the tasting menu. We started off with few cocktails

Bandstand Songkran:- Its a vodka based cocktail with mixture of lemongrass, ginger and thyme flavour which is served in spherical glass. The name has been inspired from festival in Thailand called as "Songkran" and place in Mumbai called as "Bandstand".

The Great Hornby's Cloud:- It's a whisky based cocktail concocted with in-house spices which is poured in glass and covered with bell shape glass having spice flavour smoke. Just love the spicy version of the cocktail. Its one of my favourite on the menu.

Figs and Honey, Carpaccio of Watermelon and Feta:- The Best salad option for the vegetarians which contained Arugula leaves dressed in balsamic vinegar, slightly roasted Figs and Cherry Tomatoes, Watermelon Carpaccio and Feta. Tasty plus beautiful presentation.

Thai Chicken Salad, Pounded Coriander and Chillies, Glass Noodles:- Salad option for the non-vegetarian on the menu which included Grilled Chicken, Bird eye Chilli (Thai Chilli), Coriander, Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Glass Noodles dressed in Thai flavours. Chillies added spiciness to the salad. Overall decent option on the menu.

Tomato and Lemongrass Rassa:- Its a vegetarian soup with spicy tomato base infused with lemongrass with a lot of vegetables complimenting it. Overall it is tangy and spicy in taste and worth a try.

Albondigas:- Its a spicy tomato based soup accompanied by Meatballs, Leeks and Coriander. It was perfect as expected. Must try one from the menu.

Tofu and Paneer Khurchan, Khari Naan, Smoked Sour Cream (veg):- Tofu and Paneer marinated in Indian spices which is cooked and topped on bed of Khari and garnished with sour cream. Similar option is available for non-vegetarians too.

Hauled Lamb Barra Khurchan, Khari Naan, Smoked Sour Cream (Non-Veg):- Shredded Lamb which is topped on khari and garnished with mint chutney and smoked sour cream. Well cooked  and perfectly spiced. Its my favourite starter option.

Bollywood Bhang:- A vodka based cocktail in which Thandai is mixed with basil-infused vodka and basil smoke and served in a skull-shaped mug which is accompanied by a jar containing vodka and basil flavour smoke from which we have to take drag before taking first sip of the drink. Overall its bit on sweeter side but one of the popular drink on the menu.

Mumbai Matinee:- A Gin based cocktail which includes grapes and orange skin oil and Homemade Sattu Fizz. The Sattu is basically Chickpeas in powder form which help to keep our body cool. Perfectly made and credit to the bartender.

Kakrar Aam Kasundi Paturi:- Crab meat stuffed in dumpling and topped with tangy Kasundi (Mustard sauce) which is served on bed of soft and tiny Neer Dosa and accompanied by mango reduction. The Combination of Crab meat, Kasundi and Neer Dosa perfectly complimented each other. It was yum and definitely worth a try.

Baked Potatoes, Sweet and Spicy Beetroot & Apple, Sweet Fennel Yogurt:- Baked Potatoes skin stuffed with beetroot and apple was top with mint cheese and drizzled with sweet fennel yogurt and garnished with pomegranate seeds. The stuffing is bit on sweeter side. Good option for vegetarians.

It was time for the main course.

Yellow Curry Risotto, Banana Blossom Patty, Porcini Oil:- Its fusion of Italian and Thai cuisine were Arborio Rice (Risotto) is cooked in Yellow Thai Curry and accompanied by crispy Banana Flower patty with drizzle of chilli oil. Taste was bland and need some extra flavour to it.

Tori katsu Kari, Tagliatelle, Hajikame:- Japanese style preparation in which Chicken Breast is diced and panko crusted and shallow fried giving it light and flaky texture and further tossed in Japanese style secret sauce which is served with Tagliatelle pasta in Aglio Olio style on the side which perfectly complimented the chicken. My personal favourite on the menu and definitely worth a try.

I follow the rule never say no to desserts and it was time to taste some.

Chocolate Cappuccino, Peanut Butter Pie:- Two layered Pie with layer of cappuccino and layer of Peanut Butter mousse accompanied with mini waffles and served with berry coulie. 

Recommendation:- The Great Hornby's Cloud, Albondigas, Tofu and Paneer Khurchan Khari Naan Smoked Sour Cream, Hauled Lamb Barra Khurchan  Khari Naan Smoked Sour Cream, Kakrar Aam Kasundi Paturi, Baked Potatoes Sweet and Spicy Beetroot & Apple Sweet Fennel Yogurt, Tori katsu Kari, Tagliatelle, Hajikame.

Service was at top notch as expected and servers had in depth knowledge about each and every cocktails and food items.

Overall stunning experience and perfect place to unwind with amazing cocktail and delicious food. 

Taste:- 4/5
Value for money:- 4/5
Service:- 4/5
Ambience:- 4/5

Meals 4 U

Day Date n Time:-  Saturday 3-March-2017 1.00 p.m.

"Meals 4 U" a newly opened food delivery outlet located in Mindspace area of Malad (West) is an add on to the list of food hubs of Mumbai City. Being located in Mindspace area it will definitely be  a good option for nearby office crowd.

Reach of Meals 4 U :- Borivali to Juhu.

The menu of this place has variety of options in Chinese as well as North Indian Cuisine for both the vegetarians and non-vegetarians foodies.

Recently received and invite from Meals 4 U to try out few items from the menu. Accordingly the food was delivered to my place in Ghatkopar.

Food was packed and sealed extremely well in good quality containers which was accompanied by tiny containers of pickle and chutney along with knife, fork, spoon and tissue.

Tried out following from the menu:-

Chicken Tikka Sandwich:- Sandwich was loaded with diced Chicken Tikka and the sauce but was bit  on salty side. Actually could feel extra salt in each bite.

Panner Tikka:- Good starter option for the vegetarians. The Cottage cheese cubes were well marinated in tikka masala and grilled which was accompanied by well cooked capsicum and onions. It was really tasty.

Butter Chicken and Roti:- My favourite from the menu. The Butter Chicken was cooked to perfection. Frankly speaking was not expecting the roti to be soft but it proved me wrong. The roti was actually soft and went well with the gravy. The quantity of gravy was sufficient enough for two people.

Recommendation:- Butter Chicken and Roti.

Overall a descent experience and kudos to team Meals 4 U.

Taste:- 3.5/5

Value for money:- 3.5/5
Packing 4/5

Pa Pa Ya

Visit Day Date & Time :- Saturday 11-February- 2017,  01.00 p.m.

"Pa Pa Ya" a modern Asian Bistro & Tapas Bar, which is owned and managed by renowned Zorawar Kalra under his banner Massive Restaurant Pvt. Ltd. The main highlight of this place is re-invention of Asian Cuisine through molecular gastronomy and presenting the same in innovative style.

Recently received an invitation from "Pa Pa Ya" for food tasting and was super excited to visit the place.

Ambience of this place is quit lively and vibrant with dim lights and good music complimenting it. In addition to that you can find design of molecules on the walls representing molecular gastronomy.

We tried out following from the food set for food tasting:-

Amuse - bouche:- A palate cleanser which is served in open oyster shell which contains basil compressed watermelon topped with lemongrass and chilli foam.

Crowned Head:- A whiskey based cocktail with Banana and Chamomile Foam and Cardamom Flavour Fumes. The presentation of this cocktail is appealing to the eyes and its taste will surely tickle your taste buds.

Crispy Lotus Stem:- Dehydrated Japanese Lotus Stems fried and tossed up with honey and chilli sauce and garnished with sesame seeds. This Crispy Lotus stems are served on stone with freshly made avocado cream as dip. Lotus stems are imported from Japan. The regular portion of this dish contains 10 to 12 pieces. Its one of the popular vegetarian dish on the menu due to its crispiness and taste. Definitely must try one.

Pla Samrot:- Prawns tossed in three flavoured sauce served on bed of mandarin infused cream and topped with slice of dehydrated pineapple. Prawns were juicy and well cooked. The regular portion of this dish contains 3 prawns pieces. Its also one of the popular amongst the non-vegetarians.

Layered Sushi Pizza (Veg):- Jasmine Rice, Zucchini Carpaccio, Steamed Edamame topped over the grilled Corn Tortilla base and garnished with Spicy Mayo and on side Togarashi Powder. It can be enjoyed without Soya Sauce. Its good option for sushi lovers. This dish is available in non-veg version too where Salmon Carpaccio is used instead of Zucchini Carpaccio. The regular portion of this dish contains 4 to 8 pieces depending on the customers requirement.

Salmon Uzukuri:- Salmon dressed in Soya Sauce, Burnt Garlic, Jalapeno and sashimi in addition  to that chef has given it cinnamon flavour. Its really soft that it actually melts in the mouth.

Crispy Vegetable Maki Roll:- One more form of sushi which contains dehydrated assorted vegetable in the roll and topped with dehydrated Corn and Spinach. Its served with Soya Sauce dip.

Asparagus, Corn and Burnt Spring Onion Dimsum:- Multi coloured flower shaped Dimsum filled with corn and burnt spring onions and garlic which is served on bed of black bean sauce. You can actually notice red and green colour on the dimsum, The red colour is made through infused beetroot and green with the Spinach.The regular portion of this dish contains 4 pieces. Loved the taste.

Lamb and Mandarian Been Hun:- Its non-veg dimsums made in flower shape stuffed with Lamb and served on the bed of Rice Paper Noddles and Sweet and Black Bean Sauce. It was  delicious and definitely worth a try.

Chilli Hoison Duck Dogs:- Its basically hot dog with innovative touch from Pa Pa Ya which has duck meat (fried and tossed in Chilli Hoison Sauce) garnished with Mayo Sauce, Bubu arare and served with Onion Rings Tampura and chilli flakes. It was too yummy and my favourite from the menu.

Tofu Hot Dogs:- Hot Dogs version for the vegetarians,where Bun is stuffed with fried tofu and garnished with Mayo Sauce, Bubu arare and served with french fries and chilli flakes. Good option for the vegetarians.

Jin Gin:- Gin based cocktail with Capsicum and Spices. Its bit on spicy side but just loved it. Its my favourite on the menu 

Tox Detox:- Its basically Rum based cocktail with Watermelon, Coriander etc. Descent option on the drinks menu.

Shinsei:- Vodka based cocktail with mixture of Thyme herbs, Rose Water and Rose Petals. Descent option on the drinks menu.

Now it was time for Main Course

Rambutan Sorbet:- Another palate cleanser which is served before the main course.

Lamb Rendang Curry:- The best on the menu and the gravy is to die for. The lamb meat is slowly cooked in Coconut Milk, Indian Spices and Malaysian Thai Basil and served with Malabari Paratha which totally compliments the gravy. Its cooked to perfection and too tender that it doesn't need any knife to cut it down. Overall it takes around 6 to 8 hours to cook this dish. The regular portion comes with 2 big pieces of lamb in it.

Khao Pad Kar Pao (Veg):- Its basically traditional Jasmine Thai Basil Rice. You can either have it without gravy or can order one to accompany it. One of the descent option on the menu and available in both veg and non-veg version.

After so much of food it was Desserts time.

Aerated Chocolare Matcha, Creme Anglaise:- The Cocoa Cream with Oreo base and Jack Daniels Mousse on the side sprinkled with Matcha which was topped with Berries. Taste was simply awesome. 

Chocolate Ball on Fire:- The Best dessert on the menu and my personal favourite. Huge Chocolate Globe is stuffed with Brownie and Vanilla Ice-cream and served with Chocolates Sauce, Dry Fruits, Berry, Brownie and Strawberries etc. Yes the Chocolate Globe is put on fire by pouring flaming liquor over the same eventually melting the chocolate and revealing the treasure. You cannot miss to have this dessert.

Recommendation:- Crispy Lotus Stem, Layered Sushi Pizza, Pla Samrot, Lamb and Mandarian Been Hun, Chilli Hoison Duck Dogs, Lamb Rendang Curry, Chocolate Ball on Fire.

Service was excellent and staff was too courteous. Special Thanks to Chef Sagar Patil for designing the special menu for tasting and Gaurav for his excellent services and providing detail of each and every dish which was served.

Pricing is moderate and justifies the food and presentation.

Overall was fascinating and life time experience and good place to enjoy palatable food with family or friends.

Taste:- 4/5
Value for money:- 4/5
Service:- 5/5
Ambience:- 4/5