17 October, 2013

Barking Deer Brewpub

Wanted to go out drinking with boys and we were too bored with the regulars - Irish House (Too Loud), Mondy's (Been there a 100 times) so we decided to try something new and landed up at Barking Deer. 
Sunday night, the place was practically empty ... even the bar just had 2 tables occupied at 9:30PM. We intended to drink so got seated in the bar area. The chairs are terrible. Long, heavy and rather uncomfortable. After about 3 hours we just wanted to get off them. Even though it was empty the aircon didn't cool so well. I can't imagine what happens on busy nights. 
They don't have a brewing license yet but said would be activated by December (so let's keep a watch on that one). While there try some of the international beers. We settled for the Indus range, called for all the 4 variants. Not my liking and I don't intend to have it again. 


The BITES can get a bit boring if you are going to be sitting there for long and keep munching with your drinks. They don't have pizzas which was disappointing.

After having exhausted the BITES we called for some Sandwiches - which I must say was really GOOD and satisfying. Ate the Goat Cheese and Roasted Veggies. 

I am going back here only if I want to dine and maybe to check on the brewery. This is not a place for a boys night drinking session.

03 October, 2013

Cheval - European cuisine in South Mumbai

The wonderful part of coming back to the city after 2 years is that there a lot many new places to visit and enjoy some good food. 

After evaluating a couple of new places in town, Cheval seemed to be a good choice for a nice outing with nothing special to celebrate. 

Tuesday evening at 9pm the place was quiet and I guess because LIV (the pub next door) had not yet kick started it was rather pleasant. Because the place claimed to have a European cuisine we were keen to see what the waiter recommends. And boy, he did an excellent job. 


Started off with a Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella Salad, Potato Risotto and some Red Pepper gazpacho (a cold soup served with a nice dash of pepper). All 3 were good. 
After much discussions with the waiter (we were trying to avoid the heavy use of almonds & pine nuts, which I was told is very European) we finally picked the Braised Lamb and the Cauliflower ...something ..Can't remember the name. 



Braised Lamb

Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad


The lamb was excellent. Well cooked and there was a nice beet sauce to make it juicy. Much recommended I say. The cauliflower dish was something we've never had before ... Don't think I could describe it right or as good as the waiter - Go try it instead. 


The portion servings are small. I don't see more than 2 people sharing the starters and the main courses - Sharing wont really satisfy you. From what I saw around and the aromas, I think the pizzas looked good too. Try them. 


We paid Rs.2400 (inclusive of taxes) - No alcohol.

18 September, 2013

Punjab Sind Shrikand

Good ready-made Shrikand is difficult to find. This evening we picked up the Punjab Sind Shrikand - Kesar and Mango flavours. Good stuff - Must try.

Not sure of the availability in retail stores but you can find it at the Punjab Sind store at Breach Candy. 


07 September, 2013

Di Bella Coffee

When you've spent 2 years away from your city, a lot of things are new and you want to try them as time allows. 

A few weekends back the wife and I decided to try the Di Bella Coffee shop at Shivaji Park. 

The mocha was a bit too chocolaty and killed the coffee flavour. 

What I thought was interesting is the attempt to keep the coffee warm till the last flame. Why I say attempt is because the flame was too weak and barely lasted for 5 mins after coming to the table. 




Kullad waali chai

If you haven't already tried this. Next time you get a chance DO it.


Best place - Nathdwara in the state of Rajasthan. 

Next best option - Tea Centre at Churchgate, Mumbai. But caution - I am told they are washed and reused rather than being recycled after every use. Not very hygienic if you ask me.