Portico

Visit Day Date and Time:-  Sunday 18-February-2018, 1.30 p.m.

"Portico" a newly opened pool side restaurant located in the Hiranandani Estate, Thane serves delicacy's from various parts of the world along with some creative Mocktails.

Ambience:- It's quite spacious outlet with simple but creative decor i.e. wall frames, rustic wooden tables, wall designs and pool side view. 

Menu:- The menu of this place has been designed by the popular Chef and Consultant Mr. Saif, who is well known for his  creative and delicious food creation in many restaurants in Mumbai and Pune namely Flip Bar and Kitchen, Fusion Kitchen, Oozo, The Little Door, Asanjo (Pune), Geo Bistro (Pune). 

We started off our review with the mocktails Blackberry Caipiroshka and Strawberry Colada. The Caipiroshka glass was stuffed with black berry, mint leaves, lime and topped with crushed ice, sprite and further garnished with black berry, mint leaves and slice of lime. Just loved this refreshing combination and would recommend it. The Strawberry Colada is coconut milk based mocktail with pineapple juice, strawberry and pineapple.

Starters 

Cuban Nachos (Veg), spinach flavoured crispy tortilla chips layered with beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo (Mexican salad), further topped with cheese sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream and avocado which is served with tomato salsa on the side. Columbian Chicken Nachos, crispy beetroot flavoured tortilla chips topped with minced chicken and topped with cheese sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, guacamole (avocado based) cherry tomato which is served with tomato salsa on the side. Both nachos were really crispy, cheesy and flavourful.

Peruvian Pesto Paneer, here in the soft cottage cheese cubes are tossed to perfection in spicy Peruvian pesto sauce which is made up of basil, spinach, walnut, Parmesan cheese, green chili, garlic and olive oil. Overall it's tasty and medium spicy.

Fungi Repieni consisted of button mushroom, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeno, green onion, oregano made in to small balls, battered and coated with crumbs and fried to perfection. While serving its cut into two pieces and served along with herbed mayo. Must try for the mushroom lovers.

Crispy Sriracha Mini Spring Rolls, it's nothing but our regular spring rolls but stuffed with cheese and assorted veggies tossed with soya chili sauce, sriracha sauce, ginger garlic and cheese which is served with sweet chili sauce. It's nice and crispy.

Pan Seared Fish with Pineapple Salsa, here in juicy rawas fish (Indian Salmon) chunks are marinated with white wine, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, black pepper and further pan seared. It is served with pineapple salsa which is made up of pineapple chunks mixed with chopped onions,bell peppers, jalapeno, green chili, lemon juice, cumin powder and coriander.

Cheesy Chicken Croquettes, consisted of minced chicken mixed with sambal, green onions, coriander, onions, garlic, mozzarella cheese made into small rolls, battered and fried to perfection. It is served with spicy sambal mayo. 

Irish Potato Bites, here in baby potatoes are stuffed with minced chicken, mozzarella, cheddar cheese further baked and topped with garlic mayo and served with Spicy Garlic Mayo. Simply loved it. Bunuelos Columbines, it's a Colombian cheese balls, consisted of mozzarella and feta cheese,oregano,thyme. It's basically treat for cheese lovers.

Main Course

We tried out Hearty Vegetable Lasagna and Chicken Lasagna which are served with Garlic Bread. The Chicken Lasagna was loaded with chicken and cheese. Both the dishes were well cooked and must try one if your love cheese.

New Orleans Creole Shrimp Gumbo, spicy juicy shrimp gumbo (stew) cooked with onion, garlic, chicken sausages, capsicum, tomato sauce, thyme, rosemary, cajun spice, cayenne pepper, paprika, tabasco, red wine which is served with parsley rice and sauteed veggies.

Grilled Chicken Romesco Sauce, succulent chicken is grilled to perfection and cooked in flavourful romesco sauce which is served with parsley rice and sauteed veggies. It's basically Spanish sauce made of red pepper, almond, tomato, smoked paprika, garlic, olive oil and black pepper.

Desserts

After eating such a delicious food it was time to try out something in desserts. The Chocolate Biscuit & Nut Cake; balanced sweetness and flawless presentation.

                                                         

Recommendations:- Blackberry Caipiroshka, Cuban Nacho, Columbian Chicken Nachos, Pan Seared Fish with Pineapple Salsa, Irish Potato Bites, Peruvian Pesto Paneer, Hearty Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Lasagna, New Orleans Creole Shrimp Gumbo, Grilled Chicken Romesco Sauce, The Chocolate Biscuit & Nut Cake.

Service:- Excellent service and the staff are well aware of the menu.

Experience:- Overall an awesome experience and one of the best place to visit in thane to enjoy  some delicious and lip-smacking food along with amazing mocktails. Special thanks to Chef Saif for the invitation and hosting us. Kudos to the team.

Taste :- 5/5

Ambience:- 4.5/5

Service:- 5/5

Value for Money 5/5

Note:- Visit to this place was on invitation but the review is based on my personal experience.