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Little Punjab

Little Punjab – SDA Market

        Ayushi Mathur

I recently moved back to Delhi, after completing my graduation and started working at the Indian Institute of Technology. Being new to this college and area, I did not know anyone and ate my home packed lunch alone. It had become monotonous for a foodie like me. A few days had gone by when I ran into a friend from school in IIT itself. He took me to SDA market to show me around and the first place he suggested we ate at was Little Punjab. SDA market has a variety of restaurants with a wide range of cuisines yet he took me to this small shop in a little corner, which did not even have chairs to sit. To my surprise, this little food joint was bustling with students and workers enjoying their meal and a hearty conversation with their friends. All those people were there for one simple reason, to eat delicious yet inexpensive homemade food.

Little Punjab was started by Mr. Gurmeet Singh in 2008, when he thought that making good homemade food available to students living away from their families was the right thing to do. He bought a small shop behind all the big restaurants in an alleyway at the market. Instead of following the traditional way of advertising like pamphlets and brochures, he chose to distribute handwritten coupons to students in that area. In exchange for these coupons at the store, the students received free lunch for the first two days. This attracted a lot of people in just two days who eventually became his regular customers.

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The menu consists of merely five dishes but it is the only joint in SDA that always sells all its two hundred and fifty plates in a span of just 3-4 hours. The food is not cooked at the shop, but is brought pre-cooked from a base kitchen. The shop has a stove that keeps the food warm and fresh.  This makes the food served by them taste delectable and after trying all the five dishes in the span of one week, I can say my personal favourite would be the good old Rajma Chawal. It is utterly delicious as it is always cooked well and has a balanced taste with no one spice overpowering the other. It looks colourful, tempting and smells heavenly. Even though, I was never a fan of rice, this dish is something that I could gobble up every day.  IMG_2489

It has been 8 years since this food joint has been running and the price has risen by just 25 rupees after all this time. Even now, the customers from 8 years ago visit the store each time they are in Delhi to get their share of the heart warming and delightful food served by Little Punjab.

Cost for two- Rs. 150 approx 

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CHIZZA

CHIZZA

By Prakriti Bhat

KFC recently launched its latest foodie product, Chizza, amidst much fanfare. Heavily promoted by mass media, Chizza was everywhere. Your daily newspaper, TV commercials, radio commercials, social networking sites; Chizza made its present felt on every possible platform. And it was hard to resist the charm of this new dish, especially after watching the advertisements and posters. 4 pieces of KFC’s classic Hot and Crispy chicken topped with oodles of cheese and a few veggies. Pull one piece out and threads of cheese stretch all over your plate. Who can resist the heavenly combo of chicken and cheese?

Recently I got a chance to sample this new dish, thanks to a gift voucher. A box of Chizza costs Rs. 169. I paired it up with a glass of Vanilla blue Mojito and Chicken Popcorn. My friend and I were highly anticipating to be swept off our feet by the aroma of cheese and seasonings. However, we were a tad bit disappointed. Both of us being cheese lovers were let down by the scanty amount of cheese. The seasonings and veggies were all good but the dish is called ‘Chizza’ so one does expect a lot of cheese.

The concept is quite innovative. Crispy chicken and smooth cheese create the perfect binary, but only in theory. The final product that you get is actually quite soggy because of the cheese. The crunchy chicken base becomes all doughy because of this and the imagined crispy-creamy combo is not realized. However, it is quite flavourful in its own way. It may not be as beauteous as the poster but it sure is a treat to your taste buds.

Our add-ons to the meal, Chicken Popcorn and Vanilla Blue Mojito were perfect. Nothing can whet your appetite like their Popcorn. This is a personal favourite and I just HAVE to order this every time I visit KFC. The Vanilla Blue Mojito is another breezy drink that goes with your finger lickin’ good food. However, I would recommend a Masala Lemonade to go with your Chizza.

KFC continues to re-innovate its menu with regular additions. Their Chizza is the latest one, catching up with the masses. I am eagerly waiting for their Nashville Chicken to enter the Indian market. This spicy treat is sure to suit the Indian Palate.

Cost of Chizza- Rs. 169

Available at all KFC outlets

 

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LOCALE

LOCALE

By Prakriti Bhat

PVR Saket has a new entrant which gives the nearby food outlets stiff competition. With all the qualities of a chic HKV (Hauz Khas Village) café, Locale lies at the heart of PVR Anupam complex in Saket. In a Community center such as this, restaurants are expected to be cramped and mainstream. Locale comes as a breath of fresh air with its vibrant décor, graffiti walls and a lively ambience. About a month old, the rustic and wooden theme interiors are the highlight of this place. The owners Gurvinder and Nainjyot Dham have left no stone unturned to ensure that the place pleases your senses. The restaurant hosted a Bloggers’ Meet recently and I was glad to have tasted their delicacies.

The place is a multi-cuisine and a ‘multi-purpose’ restaurant. It’s a café, a library, a bar all packed into one. The library section provides a serene ambience where you can enjoy a book or a conversation with your friends over a simple cup of coffee. What I like about the place is that is not cluttered with artifacts. One often comes across cafes where beautiful antiques clutter the corners. Locale is beautiful and funky but in an orderly fashion. They serve a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Chinese, North Indian and Thai.

Kiwi Mountain Mocktail (1)Amongst the mocktails, I tried a Green mountain which was a Kiwi based drink. Kiwi flavoured crushed ice was piled in a mountainous heap in an elegant Margarita glass. It tasted good but the only downside was that this mountain of ice began to spill out with each sip and therefore it became quite messy. The other bloggers raved about the Tomato Basil soup so I am guessing that should be another thing that you could try, if interested in a hot beverage. The Ferrero Rocher Shake, Mars Bar Shake and Oreo Shake were all good but I prefer thick milkshakes whereas the ones served here were quite diluted.

Fish VepuduAmongst salads I tried a Fruit Mojito Salad and a Thai Chicken Water Chestnut Salad. My favourite was the Thai Chicken Water Chestnut Salad which was quite an innovative blend of ingredients. Basil, lemongrass, water chestnuts and chicken come together to soothe your senses in this wonderful salad. Soya Chaap being the second most popular vegetarian starter (after Paneer Tikka!) is given a Punjabi tadka in their Soya Chaap Tikka. It is spicy and has a distinctive smoky flavor. The Mushroom corn Cigar was my favourite vegetarian starter here. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside. It is gooey and just melts in your mouth. Loaded nachos were good, nothing exceptional. The Dahi ke Kebabs here were different as the exterior was not crunchy and hence was white in colour. It was made of hung curd in and out!

The non vegetarian starters scored high on concept and flavor. Bread Roll Prawn in chilli sauce was definitely the winner in this category. Soft and succulent prawns were wrapped in a bread roll which was then deep fried. The prawns remained soft and thankfully, were free of the ‘seafood’ taste. Mutton Koobideh was basically a satay. The meat was seasoned well and grilled on wooden skewers. Fish Vepudu was a South Indian snack riding high on the flavor of curry leaves. For a lover of South Indian Cuisine like me, this is a must try!

The main course included an array of Indian and continental dishes that spoil you for choice. Cheesy Mushroom Ragout with Jalapeno Corn Rice is a culinary ride that you oughtn’t to miss. The Ragout is extremely creamy and served with aromatic rice. Chicken Tikka masala with Rice and Lachha Paratha is a combo that is a universal favourite. The Chicken Tikka masala is perfectly spiced and a simple salad of chopped cucumbers, onions and tomatoes is presented in a tiny crown made of Papad. However, it’s their Smoked Steak of Chicken with Creamy Corn and Pilaf that steals your heart and triumphs over your taste buds with its creamy texture and a fantastic intermingling of spices.

Tiramisu DessertFor Desserts we tried a Sizzling Walnut Brownie with Ice cream. Bringing a twist to the classic brownie-ice cream combo, the makers pour caramel sauce over the dessert that sets it apart. But the BEST was their Tiramisu! It was definitely the best Tiramisu I have had till date. With Kahlua at the bottom and an airy texture this dessert leaves you asking for more even after a tummylicious meal! It’s a must try.

For those of you who are tired of visiting Hauz Khas for your dose of culinary treats, this is the right place to be.

Address- 17, Community Centre, Near PVR Anupam, Saket

Cost for two- Rs. 1200

Contact no.- 01133107908

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Rangla Punjab food festival at Punjab Grill

Rangla Punjab food festival at Punjab Grill

By Anubhav Sapra 

Punjab Grill is hosting a special food festival called ‘Rangla Punjab’ to celebrate ‘Punjab’ at its Select Citywalk outlet, from 10th February to 24th February. I was recently invited to taste the delicacies on offer and was amazed to see the efforts put in by the Head Chef Gurpreet Singh to take you to the journey of Punjabi food beyond butter chicken and dal makhni.

image1We were greeted with a popular Punjabi drink Kanji which is also a regular feat at my home, during winters. ‘Kaali gajar’ mixed with mustard seeds and heeng, along with the water is kept in a glass martaban under the sun and allowed to ferment for a couple of days. The result is a tangy and richly flavoured drink.

At Punjab Grill, the Kaanji was served in a clay cup garnished with carrots. I relished every sip of it, intermittently eating the kaali gajar.

In the starters, I had ‘Macchi de Pakode’, river sole coated with ajwain mixed gram flour batter and later, deep fried. The accompaniments with the starters were Gobhi Shalgam da achaar, meat da achaar – both lamb and chicken. The meat pickles were rightfully chewy, that helped us juice out the real flavors of the meat and the spices that coat them. Oh, I wish I could bottle up some of that pickle and savour it day and night!

The highlight of the Rangla Punjab food fest is ‘Kotkapure da atta chicken’, a dish inspired from a small city in Punjab. First, the chicken is marinated in almonds, black pepper and other light flavoured spices. Second, the marinated chicken is put inside a tightly knotted muslin cloth. Third, the chicken is sealed with the wheat dough and placed in tandoor for a couple of hours.

Instagram Video Link- Kotkapure da Atta Chicken

I pine to find the same treat on the streets of Delhi. Aromas simply bust into the rook as the muslin cloth was unknotted. The flavor of the spices, apparently, was compact in the chicken thus making the dish richly delightful. It was interesting to watch the chef, adorning hand gloves, holding a fork and knife, artfully slicing the wheat dough.

image2Another outstanding dish, though in the vegetarian menu, is makke di roti and sarson da saag. It was simply exotic! It was served in a clay container, giving it an earthy aroma, with ghee floating gleefully on top, and garnished with coriander seeds, whole red chillies, thus adding to the flavour. The saag was accompanied white butter,  for that divine touch. Being a Punjabi, I enjoyed the dish immensely. Another significant dish, in the vegetarian menu is dal. Laden with ghee, the dish looked tempting and was purely delectable.

The feast ended on a sweet note with gud wale chawal, cooked in ghee with dry fruits, and makhane ke kheer. If you wish to spice up your life with some authentic Punjabi tadka, I’d recommend you visit this festival and savour the mouthwatering delicacies at the earliest!

 

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Kids Culinaire 2016

Kids Culinaire

“After an overwhelming response last year, the festival of Healthy and Happy food – Kids Culinaire, is back with lots more to offer.

An initiative of Pilcrow Communication, Kids Culinaire is India’s first and only fun food festival for children. The idea was born out of a need felt by the founders of Pilcrow, Ratika van Noord Bhatnagar and Rohini Mathur, to revive the days when malls, mobile games, internet devices didn’t exist and families enjoyed quality time together, picnics and the outdoors.

Kids Culinaire has therefore been planned keeping parents, caregivers and little ones in mind and is full of fun workshops, interesting information, exciting activities and cool contests. The idea is not to say  “don’t eat fast food” or “don’t eat cookies”, the focus is on balance and to get the children interact with food in a fun way so they are able to make healthier choices. Through this festival, the hope is to raise awareness about some relevant concerns around food today such as lifestyle diseases, food allergies, proper hygiene, recycling, etc..

AdvertisementThe 1st edition of Kids Culinaire in February 2015 saw families come together as a wonderful bonding experience. The several happy photographs of parents taking their children through the food tours and showing them the various wonderful elements that make up the food groups. Watching chef Ranveer Brar milk the cow at the dairy section was a special treat. Leafing through pictures of parents and grandparents cheering on children during contests, or listening to a story together under a tree, or just sitting and eating together as a family, made us very proud to have brought this event to life, adds the founders of Kids Culinaire.

This year, the organisers have introduced some interesting new activities while retaining the most popular zones from last year.  At the Demo and Contest area, they welcome back Chef Saransh Goila, India’s youngest celebrity chef,  Food Blogger Smita Srivastava, author of Fun Foods for Fussy Eaters, and introduce Amrita Raichand, model and chef of popular TV show “Mummy ka Magic”. The story telling gets more interactive with Kathashaala, a storytelling institute which specializes in the use of performing arts. Food tours and the Fun Zone get bigger and better, and an engaging and relevant activity called “from Garbage to Garden” has been introduced with fun workshops on creating composte from kitchen waste and growing your own vegetable garden, conducted by Edible Routes. Entry to the event is ticketed to ensure a safer environment for families with children, but participation in these fun activities is free once inside.

The 2nd edition of Kids Culinaire is planned on 20th and 21st February at PSOI gardens, Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri. 

Partners- Delhi Times, Mcvities, Nutella, Philips, Tropicana 100%, Quaker, Aquafina, Creambell, Fortis, NDTV Foods, Event Faqs, Delhi Events, Delhi Food Walks, Kathashala, Wordswork and the Altitude Store.

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FINESSE AT L’ADRESSE

FINESSE AT L’ADRESSE

By Prakriti Bhat

Rajouri Garden is home to several restaurants, pubs and cafes. L’Adresse Kitchen and bar is the latest addition to this list. With plush upholstery and an elegant décor, it is the perfect restaurant you would want to visit for a lazy Sunday brunch or a date. The restaurant recently hosted a Bloggers Meet and it was a wonderful experience.

From the entry to the interiors, aqua blue is the main theme. I, personally, love this colour so the mood was set just right. The seating is comfortable and the restaurant gives off a very Victorian feel. Aqua blue and white drapes adorn the place and the walls have small compartments to hold candles. The chairs reminded me of those at Potbelly Rooftop Café in Shahpur Jaat. The music is energetic yet soothing and does not go beyond a certain decibel. The tables are made of unfinished wood which exudes a very raw and rustic vibe.

We began with Soups and Mocktails. The Manchow soup was served in a hefty bowl and was the perfect answer to the chill outside. Their mocktail menu hasn’t been finalized yet but you can ask the staff for one as per your choice and their availability. I went for a Blueberry Mocktail which was served with thin slices of apple floating on the surface. Another mocktail was served in a watermelon with several colourful straws. It was a visual as well as gustatory treat.

Drinks were followed by starters. The Cheese nachos were ok. Paneer Tikka Multani was a blessing to the taste buds. It was soft and well marinated. Dahi ke Kabab was a huge disappointment and the only dish I did not like. The consistency of the hung curd was not as it should be. Vietnamese Spring Rolls were very appetizing. They were perfectly crunchy and not very hard at the edges as is the case with many restaurants. Khandani Veg Platter was truly delectable with an array of starters amongst which Cheesy Mushrooms were the best. However, it’s the Goat Cheese and Grape canapés that won the best starters award for their creamy texture and a delightful citrus explosion caused by the grapes! It’s a must try for cheese lovers.

Dahi ke KebabAmong the non veg starters I tried Chilli Chicken with crispy noodles. This was one of the best Chilli Chicken I have had. The poor crispy noodles went unnoticed! The Stir Fried Prawns were not very great. I felt it lacked flavor and could have been much better. Murgh ke Parchey was a dish of chicken char grilled with cheese and cardamom. The smoky flavor was an added delight. Thai Fish Tikka was excellent with the perfect blend of spices.

PrawnsThe main course started with a Butter Chicken Woodfired pizza. For me, a true pizza is one with loads of cheese on it. And that’s precisely my complaint with the pizza here. It lacked cheese and merely tasted like butter chicken spread on a pizza base. Even though the butter chicken was palatable, I wouldn’t recommend this pizza. On the other hand, the Thai Red Curry and Steamed Rice were brilliant. Though I am not an expert on Thai food, this combo will definitely tingle your taste buds. Grilled Fish with mashed potatoes was a befitting end to the main course.

For desserts we experimented with a Fruit Pizza which was not very much to my liking. Slices of fruit and chocolate sauce were spread on the base before being baked. Chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream was the table favourite for this Bloggers’ meet. I, for one, loved their Tiramisu. The strong flavor of coffee at the bottom was pure bliss! Presentation of all the desserts was alluring and one couldn’t stop taking pictures to drool over them later.

Overall, the food was quite impressive but the prices are a bit on the higher side. In an age where restaurants with minimalistic décor and comfort food are in vogue,  L’Adresse Kitchen and Bar attempts to make a space for itself with mesmerizing interiors and a taste of the Mediterranean. It is definitely worth a try.

Address- F-84, Industrial pocket, District Canter West, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi

Cost for two- Rs. 1200

Contact No.- 9999400061

 

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IVY AND BEAN

IVY AND BEAN

By Prakriti Bhat

We all dream of a getaway place. That place which allows you to get lost in your own world. That place which gives you solace. That place which is a heaven in the middle of nowhere. Shahpur Jaat, well known as the boutique hub is mushrooming with cafes. Ivy and Bean is one of these cafes. What makes it different from others is its buoyant atmosphere and aesthetic décor. This is the perfect place to get snug as a bug (without a rug).

Finding it is a bit hard and you will need a GPS on your first visit. But it is very close to Potbelly Rooftop Café which is quite popular in the area. Hidden in one of the numerous bylanes it is truly a place worth all the effort. You can sit indoors or in the balcony area. I would suggest going for the balcony since it is quite airy and one section has a bookshelf packed to the edge with different genres. So for a book lover like me, this is paradise. In the evening, the place is given a cheery glow by the fairy lights. From this section you can also see the desserts on display and rejoice in the aroma of fresh coffee being brewed. The chairs are vibrant, simply beautiful. Each of the tables has a copy of Ivy and Bean, a series of children’s books.

The café specializes in British and Italian cuisine. Since we were hungry we wanted something that would be quick and wholesome. Therefore, we went for Fettuccine with button mushrooms in a creamy white sauce. Reading the menu further made us even hungrier and we decided to order French Fries with Mustard Mayo which would arrive even quicker. And it sure did. The Mayo was quite different though it may not be likeable to many since it leaves a strong flavor of mustard at the end. The Fettuccine was delicious. No cheating on the mushroom unlike other cafes. The pasta was al dente, just perfect.

IMG-20151220-WA0038Next we tried a Chicken Shepherds Pie. Though I was disappointed by the quantity, it was appetizing. Oodles of chicken and cheese. One can’t ask for more! Every spoonful had cheese oozing out from between the chicken chunks and each bite was divine. To wind up the meal, we ordered a Cappuccino and a hot chocolate. Both were accompanied by a small homemade cookie. The hot chocolate was nothing extraordinary. In fact I felt it was too much milk and less of chocolate. The Cappuccino was average but one bite of the cookie and the sweet taste robs the coffee of its own flavor. Also, it wasn’t as strong as a Cappuccino should be.

Ivy and Bean’s USP is its dreamy and tranquil ambience. It is truly a hidden gem. In terms of food there is still a little scope for improvement. What they really need to work on is service. Slow service has never been a harbinger of success.

Be it a date, family outing or hanging out with friends, the ambience is conducive for all purposes. Get set for a leisurely experience!

Address- 119, Sishan House, Shahpur Jaat

Cost for two- Rs.1200

Contact no.- 01141090119

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Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian

By Prakriti Bhat

When a celebrated name like Jamie Oliver is associated to a brand, we expect something different, something unique. And Jamie’s Italian does just that. It welcomes you to the world of Italian cuisine which goes beyond Pizzas and the usual Penne pasta. Some might find it a bit “too Italian”, but single cuisine restaurants are catching up fast in today’s times and this is one such place which serves an authentic Italian fare without being corrupted by Indian flavours. It really is ‘authentic’ in the true sense of the word. Unlike Jamie’s Pizzeria, none of the dishes are influenced by Indian cuisine.

The place stands among stalwarts like Kylin and faces stiff competition but I am pretty sure it’s going to make a place for itself. The ambience is quite impressive with colourful chandeliers and well-lit interiors. Small blackboards display the daily specials and Jamie’s cookbooks are up for sale. With a seating capacity of almost 100 people, it is more spacious than the Pizzeria. Right at the entrance is a pasta station where you can watch the chefs at work, preparing fresh pasta. A large bar counter churns a bevy of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages with impeccable presentation. Cans of Pomodoro sauce were used to set up a wooden blank on which the dishes were placed. I was quite fascinated with this innovative arrangement.

Penne ArrabiataSuperfood Salad was a healthy start to the meal with avocadoes and beets. The crunchy veggies bore testimony to the freshness of the ingredients. Grilled Chicken Puttanesca was simply grilled chicken cooked in tomato and chilli sauce. Though it was well cooked and succulent, it failed to make a mark. Rigatoni Pomodorro came as a pleasant surprise. I am not a big fan of tangy red sauce pastas but this one had me asking for more. Perhaps the mascarpone and mozzarella balanced the tangy flavor making it truly delicious. And the best part was the crunchy herby breadcrumbs which were not just used to garnish but actually mixed with the sauce and permeated into every inch of the dish. Every bite was a crunchy and scrumptious ride.

The next dish to arrive was Tagliatelle Bolognese. The meat based Bolognese is, without any doubt, one of the most famous sauces for pastas. I was greatly amused by the pasta which was ribbon shaped like fettuccine but frilled at the edges. The meat and pasta, both were well cooked. Both, the Rigatoni and Tagliatelle were al dente, meaning that the pasta was firm to bite. The Honeycomb Cannelloni trio had three varieties of fillings- spinach and ricotta, pumpkin, and mashed aubergine. For dessert, we were presented with a classic, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and vanilla ice cream which was a part of their daily special menu. This totally got us into a christmasy mood!

Jamie’s Italian will not disappoint you with its Cocktails and Mocktails. Each drink is presented with finesse and complements your meal. Rossini Spritz came in a champagne flute with a slice of strawberry on the rim while the Rosemary and Lychee Sophia was served in a cocktail glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary. As mentioned before, the presentation was flawless.

This place works well for family get-togethers as well as a hangout spot for the young. The USP of Jamie’s Italian is its authentic Italian flavours and seafood. This place cannot be missed!

Address- 3rd floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

Cost for two- Rs. 1500

Contact No.- 01133107718