Newbie in malad, Zapata

So Malad gives birth to a Mexican newbie!
Goregaon-Malad was never rich with restaurants so this is clearly a boon to the suburbs.
So, Mom and I decided to go and try out their food.Not bad, not bad at all.
We started with some Zapata nachos that was spoken about all the social sites.It was good.Nothing too extraordinary but worth a try.Crisp nachos with salsa,sour cream,guacamole on a bed of beans.I like my beans to be semi-solid so I can bite into the beans but it was too smashed for my taste and the salsa was a little bland for me,but when all came together it was a good mix.
Next we tried,were their sliders.Full marks to it.Little patty enclosed by little burger buns with well dressed salad on the side.What I loved about this was their options of fish,chicken and vegetarian.Well,the glutton that I am,I tried them all and loved them all,the best being the fish slider.
 We then ordered some hard shell chicken tacos which was really good and crisp from outside and the portion size was not too much to handle either.Two tacos with great filling.
We also ordered some Las Tostadas in vegetarian which I wasn't too impressed with,I will definitely giving this a skip next time and trying something else.
But,must say the service and the ambiance and the food did leave me smiling and craving for more.All you Mexican lovers in the suburbs please try this place and give it a thumbs up!

RATING-3.5/5
HOLE IN THE POCKET-Not much.Pretty reasonable.
VISIT AGAIN-Definitely!

Iftaari 'Meat' at 2am

Yes! The iftaar walk was made. It was a big disappointment.
It is now come under the tag of over rated which happens to most of the places that receives recognition over the years.
We went to the usual Bara Handi to try the roti and bheja fry but it is now shut and shifted elsewhere with new management. So didn't get inclined to try the new one. Yes, Loyalist!
So we went to Marhabba Snacks to feast on since delicacies.We tried the chicken tandoori, mutton bhuna-pav, and the mutton baida roll. The chicken was deep fried and loaded with chat masala . Contradictory to what it should be, Disappointment began.. The bhuna pav was good and the mutton baida roll was okayish, chutney was borrowed from another stall, thanks to the girl writing this post. Next was gorging on some kebabs and nan. The seekh was absolutely bland and yes the highlight was I tried UDDER for the first time, it was too much fat and milky for my taste, but full judgements to the recipe and not the taste. I shall try this outrageous food again. For those who aren't aware of the organ Udder-It is the organ of the cow where it is milked.Yes! I can imagine all your expressions, haha.. Go try it!
Next was dessert time. The Malpua from shalimar was a must, followed by their 'special' falooda-It was such a put off! Nothing special, low on milk and the kulfi was soaked in water.
Statuary warning- Please don't try this at shalimar!
The only saviour throughout this experience was the Phirni and the Masala Milk.

The walk to glorious food coming soon!!
Keep reading and keep Burrping!

Take a bow oh bao!

So after a long sabbatical, I am back with more tastes and experiments.New trials and errors and new experiences and pleasures. So I was traveling, eating and designing.Hope you burrpers missed me.
So, recently one day after skipping Fatty Bao for lunch opened a few days ago, (It serves post 7pm..baah!)our taste buds still craving for Asian cuisine we headed to eat at Lemon Leaf, Bandra. My friend being a regular there suggested it since i was virgin to this place.
Since it was just two of us, we decided to begin our meal with a starter followed by their star dish Khaosuey.
And after biting into it all I had to say was,
Take a bow, Grill chicken Bao!
It was really really good, succulent pieces of chicken well cooked in the soy barbeque sauce with veggies wrapped with fresh bao, the bread. The bread just melted as I bit into it.Its definitely a must have. I am a fan of Khaosuey and its one of my comfort foods. That reminds me I should write a post on my top comfort foods.
Anyway, Khaosuey being served at so many restaurants these days makes it difficult to pick the best. So after trying out here its not topped my list but yes its in my top 3.
The curry was rich with coconut milk and wasn't too runny just the way I like it. The rice noodles were well cooked n soaked in the curry with the vegetables in good proportions.The best part about this place is that it comes with the option of wheat noodles too.
As for the drinks we went for usual peach ice tea and green apple lemonade that went very well with the food. I will definitely go again for more. Do try their dishes and leave your feedback here.

Rating-3.5/5

Hole in the pocket-Not much considering other restaurants serve at similar rates. 

Visit Again-Sure for more!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries!

Introduced to me by a friend,I wish I could put life into food like he does!
Ohh daayam! I cant!
Enjoy watching!Let me know what you guys think? ;-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGkHRa64sDY

Yauatcha,BKC,Bandra east....Finallllyyy..

Hey foodies,
For people who haven't heard of this place,No.It is not what Shakti Kapoor would use in a chinese movie replacing Lolitaaa..:P
It is one of the finest restaurants Mumbai could ask for and has received a Michelin star rating in 2005 and has managed to retain it very efficiently.It is rightly located in the huge premise of bandra kurla complex and easy to locate.
So, It was on my wish list since the time it opened but never got the opportunity to visit,so one fine beautiful Saturday afternoon a friend and I decided to burn a hole in our pockets and bite on some gorgeous food.Generally when I build up too many expectations about a place,I am welcomed by disappointment,but here I was a happy girl who entered with a smile and left with content in my heart.
As you enter the restaurant you are welcomed with an enormous wall with huge jars and a dessert counter,your tastebuds are already set in action.Then an attendant with great blue uniform ushers you to your table.The shiny black stone flooring with reflections of the ceiling hung lights and prestine white open kitchen on one side and the perfect dreamy view of the lush greenery on the other sets the perfect ambience to the restaurant.I was already falling in love.The seating arrangement were okay,oak wood tables with white seating.I liked the floral filigree work on the back of the seats though.Also, the kids are kept engaged with the fish tank forming one of the important facades of the restaurant.








Yes.Now for the main part.Food!Food!Food!(Sorry you cannot take the Architect out of the foodie!)
So,we started our gastronomic journey with some dim sums,steamed and fried!Yauatcha,BKC is known for its dim sums.
-Pork and Prawn Shui Ma-
Very mildly spiced but full of flavor.The pork is a little chewier meat than the rest but when well cooked its what your mouth is in a surprise for!And when dipped in their chilly oil you would want to kiss the sous chef who unfortunately wasn't present as he takes a weekly off on a saturday! :(
Next on our menu was -Chicken Char Sui Bun-
My friend and I are a huge fan of the Chinese steamed buns and we were craving for one since a long time.So we both decided we must try it here as well.The attendant suggested we have the chicken filled bun.We rightly accepted his suggestion.And we weren't disappointed.The buns were soft, moist with melt in the mouth texture.The chicken filling was in proportion to the covering.Rightly spiced and balanced the sweetness of the bun.Please try it with the amazing chilly oil.(YES.The chilly oil is my new BFF.Just brings out the best in everything.. :D )

Now,It was time for some Fried Dim sums -Crispy Duck Roll-
Since it was my first time,my friend warned me about duck having a strong odor.But I was in a mood to experiment.The Dish came in the matte finished black plate adding a nice backdrop to the brown colored rolls and was served with a dark colored brown sauce that resembled chocolate sauce.But after tasting I realised it wasn't ,though a little sweet and thick in texture.Now for the roll,I give it a all stars for the brilliantly flavored duck filling and crispy rice covering.It was by far the best I have ever tasted.The duck is not like other meat,its own flavor is very distinct and not a lean meat.You cannot hog on it but are left satisfied.I simply loved loved it!The quantity seemed little with just four pieces but when quality is class apart you cannot complain.Guys,Definitely a must must try!

Oh!It just slipped from my head to mention the drinks we had.Even that was fresh and a great accompaniment with our food.The Kiwi and Lime cooler and Strawberry and Vanilla Smoothie(No milk).
For the main course,there aren't too many options with rice,so we decided to stick to the basic.
-Egg Fried Rice with Long Bean-
It was okay.Very ordinary like any other you had.The long bean part is deceptive.I expected some stir fried Green Beans,but nah!It was some chopped beans mixed with rice,like mom makes at home.So not too impressive,but no other fascinating option either.

-Steamed Rawas in Spicy Blackbean Sauce-
We decided to have fish with our rice,since that was the only non-veg left to be tried.. :P
This is my second favorite.Completely loved it! The Rawas was very fresh and cut like butter and was tender in the mouth packed with flavors.This place knows how to play with flavors.Kudos to this dish!!I just feel the gravy could have a little more, being a true indian,I love my rice to be soaked in gravy when the rice is not as flavorsome as it should be.But again who am I to complain to a Michelin star restaurant chef!Must try dish again!! :D


Since this post is being a non vegetarian's delight,I would try not to disappoint my vegetarians by mentioning about The most awaited part- The last course.Yes,the Dessert!
So,there are pics of a pinkish rose floating around the internet and instagram,I had to try it even though I was stuffed!(I had to take a walk around the restaurant to have my dessert.)
-Raspberry Delice-
The aesthetically divine piece of art that goes into your mouth is worth giving it a try!
I had to take a while to cut it because I was only admiring it and was very reluctant to cut through it.It is a chocolate mousse with a covering of Raspberry mousse laid on a chocolate base.Very very moist and it dissolves as soon as you keep it on your tongue.The ice cream that comes along is nothing less than best.I could eat a whole bowl of it.Not to forget the chocolate ribbon with YAUATCHA printed on it.Super detailing!This is one dish that is pleasing to the eye and the stomach!
Like the surf excel ad,imagine a smiley on my tummy! :D

So,to dim-sum it up.Go grab a friend,pick a date,please your mom or just indulge on your own.This place is a true star!

RATING-4/5 (Just a tad bit more was needed in terms of quantity)
HOLE IN POCKET-A big one-Misers like me,save up and go..All the above was for Rs.3850/-
VISIT AGAIN-hell yeah! Once I get my pay! :P

                                     

BETWEEN BREADS,BANDRA-Tasty on the lips,guilty on your hips!-

Hello my food lovers..
Though I have written before I have never written about something I truly love and live for.Yes,Food!Just the thought of it makes me swallow my drool back.
So It made me think,what post should I begin this blog with.Something that everyone likes and something that everyone craves for once a while.However easy it sounds it needs the right ingredients to make the best BURGER.
Recently a friend(who is a foodie herself) suggested we go this place Between Breads,Bandra.It was a warm,quaint place on the 16th road where I usually have a blurr image of the streets since it is opposite to Hawaiian shack..;-) The interiors are simple and lives to the name of the place..yes,literally.The walls have burger cut outs which I found a little disproportionate and seats are bar stools,because of the space challenge.All this nevertheless did not compromise on my taste buds.The American food left me fully satisfied.We ordered the jalapeno popper burger and grilled pepper chicken sandwich.Both were served with classic accompaniments of fries and chips.They were a put off since they were soggy and the wafers were not crisp.
Even tough I am a pure non vegetarian,I loved the burger-Juicy,right sauces and fresh salad.Same goes for the sandwich-Well cooked and seasoned chicken and the melting in the mouth cheese.I have also come to the realization of the fact that no sandwich fails if the bread and the bun is fresh and rightly chosen.So Between Breads,Bandra got that bang on.We could smell the freshness of the bread.All in all one of the best burgers I have had so far.
The portions are very filling, guys!Make sure you take a friend along or carry a doggy back for the left overs (but not recommended)The disappointment was their beverage-little in quantity but full marks taste wise.
So guys, a must visit.It will leave you wanting for more.I am definitely going back to try more,and you?
RATING-3.5/5
HOLE IN POCKET-nah!all this in less than Rs.500. :-)
VISIT AGAIN-hell yeah!

P.S-Post on best burgers in town coming soon.