Review: The Tasty Tangles

 

Jumeirah Restaurants in collaboration with Dish Hospitality has launched a brand new oriental restaurant, The Tasty Tangles in Khar. The restaurant has two successful outlets in Bangalore and Delhi and I was hoping that this one is equally good in terms of food, service and ambience.

Located right above the Mexican newbie Sanchos, a broad staircase led us to the entrance of The Tasty Tangles. As we entered, the polite staff directed us to a table where the menu cards were placed in a wooden holder along with distinctive spiral pens. The server informed us that to place the order all we had to do is tick the items we would like to have. Interesting huh?

The restaurant is spread across 2,900 sq feet and can accommodate around 80-90 people. There are tables for two, four and six and a live kitchen where you can see your food being prepared right in front of your eyes. There is a glass wall facing the road but incase you don't wish to admire the traffic of Mumbai, you can opt for the tables on the inside.

Coming to the menu, there were limited items on the menu with barely anything for vegetarians which was quite disappointing. The menu was squeezed into one page with starters, noodles/rice, specialities, mains and desserts. There was a seperate liquor menu as well. The staff gave us our space and time to decide and wasn't standing on our head all the while. After a lot of discussion we decided to call for the Kung Pao Chicken with Egg Noodles. The server informed us that the noodles didn't require an accompaniment and they were willing to alter the dish according to our requirement. The food took approximately ten minutes to arrive. The staff expected us to serve the food to our plates ourselves which was really unexpected. The noodles had a strange aftertaste which we didn't quite enjoy. There were big pieces of chicken, however we would've preferred them to be a little more cooked. Also, the portion sizes could have been much better.

Overall, the ambience and service were impeccable but the quality of food and portion sizes have scope for improvement.

Venue: The Tasty Tangles

Pinnacle House, Level 1, 15th Road, Khar (W)

Landmark: Above Sanchos

Phone: 67094444

Kung Pao Chicken With Egg Noodles: Rs 360

Review: Vero Moda

Vero Moda, the European fashion brand opens its largest store in Mumbai at Linking Road. The store is huge and shares space with two other brands, Jack & Jones and Only. The ground level is entirely occupied by Vero Moda whereas the second and third levels by Only and Jack & Jones respectively.

When I saw this new store from outside, I was more than excited to enter and shop! Hoping that the stuff is not very pricey, I saw a bunch of socialites already filling up their shopping bags. For girls, there were dresses, tops, tunics, leggings, skirts, shirts, jackets and shades. The dresses ranged from Rs 1,100 upto 3,500. The tops were also in the same range. The jackets were quite stylish as well and started at Rs 2,000.
Overall, I think that the collection at this store is decently priced. It's not like one of those stores where you can just watch and drool but the idea of buying anything would by default create a hole in your pocket.
Go check it out before all the good stuff is sold out!


Venue: Vero Moda
Opp. Elite Studios, Linking Road
Santacruz (W)

Review: Moshe's, Bandra

Time to rejoice for us Bandraites, as Moshe's opens its brand new branch at Hill Road. Right above Nature's Basket, the entry to Moshe's is through a small, easily missable entrance on the main road. You can choose from the elevator or the dingy staircase and the huge, spacious restaurant will greet you flamboyantly!

As you step in, you'll notice the variety of bakes on display to your left. Different kinds of breads, jams and sauces, absolutely tempting. The restaurant is more on the lines of a fine-dine, with tables for four and couches for six. There is an entire display of desserts in one corner of the restaurant. 

I visited the place in the evening, assuming that it's more like a cafe, but to my surprise, it was a proper sit down restaurant with a comparatively formal ambience. Without wasting much time, I ordered for a Spiced Harissa Chicken Sandwich (Grilled) and a Moshe's Penne Signature Pasta in Paprika sauce.

The sandwich was served with two sauces as well as fries and salad. It was yummy but undoubtedly overpriced. Rs 350 for a sandwich exclusive of tax is a rip off! The pasta, similarly, was well cooked, cheesy and was served with garlic bread. This was also quite expensive, Rs 350, again.

A fail for a day visit, this branch of Moshe's is only recommended if you are planning to have a high budget meal. However, the service is prompt and food is delectable and if you're a Moshe fan, you must visit it atleast once!

Venue: Moshe's

Above Nature's Basket, Hill Road, Bandra (W)

Landmark: Next To Ray's Cafe

Phone: 26425555

Spiced Harissa Chicken Sandwich: Rs 350

Moshe's Penne Signature Pasta in Paprika Sauce: Rs 350

Review: A Chocolate Affair

Who doesn't love chocolates! And for all the chocoholics, Bandra welcomes the Austrailian dessert chain, A Chocolate Affair, which replaces Open Bake and China Lounge.

The perfect way to end your meal, A Chocolate Affair absolutely amazed us as we entered. Like little children, we started questioning the staff about the fancy pipes that were around the place. The staff informed us that they churn out pure chocolate, which is then passed into out drinks and desserts from those pipes. Wow! 

We started to check out the menu which had options like Chocolate Pizzas, Hot Chocolate, Cakes and a lot more. The owner informed us that everything they serve contains pure melted chocolate without any kind of adulteration, no cocoa, no syrups. Fascinated, we started ordering. We called for the Decadent Belgian Waffles and Spanish Churros. They gave us an option of choosing between milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

The waffle was served with banana pieces and vanilla ice-cream. It was absolutely amazing and perfectly sinful! Big enough for two people to share, it was topped with melted chocolate.

The Spanish Churros, were like long fried sticks served with melted chocolate dip. They claimed that the Churros was their speciality and every visitor must try them. Undeniably, they were super yummy! One suggestion, opt for the dark chocolate instead of the milk chocolate if you are not too fond of sweet. 

Overall, we were more than pleased to visit this amazing chocolaty place and can't wait to go back there!

Venue: A Chocolate Affair

Shop 13, Dheeraj Arcade, Pali Naka, Bandra (W)

Landmark: Next to 5 Spice Restaurant.

Phone: 26425287

Decadent Belgian Waffles: Rs 225

Spanish Churros: Rs 225

They also sell special mugs for shakes and hot chocolate for Rs 350 each.

Happy Feet - Review: Metta Spa

One fine evening, after an exhausting day at work, we decided to go spoil ourselves to a foot spa. We picked up the phone and started calling up places that offer the same. Fortunately, all of them were out of our budget, and started at Rs 600 for 10-15 minutes.

Finally, we got to know about Metta Reflexology spa at Bandra, where a half an hour foot reflexology was priced at Rs 200. So, without much ado, we booked an for the three of us.

As we entered, we saw three massage chairs lying adjacent to each other and another section with two chairs for a couple massage. What was astonishing is that visually impaired people were incharge of the massages. And we can vouch for their services and proudly guarantee that their disabilities are nowhere in the way of a memorable and tranquil experience.

To start with, our feet were wiped clean with hot towels. It was then followed by an oil massage, from your feet, to your calves and up to the knee. Reflexology is somewhat like acupressure, the only difference being, it doesn’t hurt and is relatively soothing. During the massage, they keep asking if the pressure they are applying is fine and whether you’re comfortable. Full marks for the pleasing experience. A good 15 minute massage for each foot makes you feel recharged and revitalized. And with the extremely honest service that they offer, you leave the spa with an ear to ear smile on your face.

Venue: Metta Foot Spa

53 Suravi House, Above Toddlers PlaySchool, Pali Village, Bandra (W)

Phone: 9870719923

Foot Massage - Rs 200 for 30 minutes

Body Massage - Rs 300 for 60 minutes

You can also buy gift vouchers for your loved ones.

Restaurant Review: The Jail Restaurant & Lounge

When I got to know that I was going to visit The Jail Restaurant and Lounge for a shoot, I was more than excited. This theme restaurant opened a few months back, towards the start of 2010 and is a huge place, around 3800 sq feet. The interiors appear to be an outcome of a lot of efforts. The restaurant is divided into three segments, the fine dining which is called 'The Courtyard', the lounge area and five different cells named and themed after the baddies of Bollywood. There's Mogambo, Don, Bandit Queen, Gabbar Singh and Shakaal, one cell dedicated to each of these baddies who have never been behind bars in their respective movies!

And the interesting part is that next to each of their photo, you'll find a souvenir, like Don's glares, Gabbar's belt and Mogambo's entire costume! Check it out.

If that's not all, you can actually sit inside a police van and dine! Wow. Kids would love this place but unfortunately they allow adults only, as they claim that the Jail theme wouldn't go well with children. So with due respects, this place is really fascinating and worth a experience.

Coming to the food, they serve Continental and Indian. Taste and quality wise the food was average and priced on the higher end. Go here for the ambience and keep your expectations low when it comes to the food, so that you don't step out disappointed.

Venue: The Jail Restaurant & Lounge, 3rd Floor, Sindhudurga Bhawan, Above Grande Imperial Banquets, RTO Road, 4 Bungalows, 

Landmark: Near Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

• Phone:   26316100, 26316101
  
• Meal For Two: Rs 1000

Review: Top 'N Town

An ice-cream parlour with a dedicated section of Sundaes, that's what was impressive about Top 'N Town. This place is located close to Mega Mall and is hard to miss as it's quite big. As you enter, the pleasant ambience and enthusiastic service will delight you.

As we moved to the counter, the staff convinced us to try some of the interesting ice-cream flavours like the Fruit Cocktail and the Black Currant. However, we were won over by the gorgeous looking Sundaes and opted for the American Chocolate Sundae. Hot chocolate, Vanilla ice-cream, whipped cream and walnuts, that’s how this irresistible dessert was prepared. It was sinful, delicious and we completely digged into it. 

With exciting flavours and balloons all over the place, this one is a treat for children. They also have a lot of other options on the menu like shakes, shooters, sodas, frappes, softies and cold coffees. Ice creams and sundaes range from Rs 30 - Rs 100. 

Venue: Top 'N Town, Shop No 11, Mira Tower, Off New Link Road, Oshiwara, Andheri (W)

Phone: 26332298

American Chocolate Sundae: Rs 75

Store Review - Zara, Mumbai

Yes, finally the prayers of us, Mumbaikars, have been answered. The brand Zara opens it's first fashion outlet at Palladium Mall in Phoenix Mills. A little birdie had informed me that this new outlet in Mumbai is going to be one of the most expensive outlet in the world. And as I stepped into the store I expected it to be crowded with window shoppers. But surprisingly, there were women, men and children, stocking up their shopping carts like there's no tomorrow. A glance at the fitting rooms and the cash counter actually got me worried, cause the queue seemed never ending.



And these shoes, are certainly on my wishlist! Don't you dare eye 'em!

What you should look out for: Ladies, the shoes are going to make you go bonkers! They start at about 2k and go higher. You'd love the stilletos and wedges. The tops start at Rs 700 and go upto 3k and higher. Dresses start at Rs 1.5k. 

Men, you should totally check the blazers and fedoras out. They are absolutely stunning!

Lastly, the adorable swim suits and frilly skirts will totally make your children look like angels!

Overall, Zara is not overpriced for sure but if you plan to go there, make sure your pockets are full :)

Zara, welcome to Mumbai!

Venue: Zara, Palladium Mall, Ground Floor, 

            Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel

Hide. Aim. Shoot.

After watching the T.V. series How I Met Your Mother and claiming to be a hardcore Barney fan, I couldn't not suit up and go play lazer tag! So after a long tiring day at work, me along with a couple of friends decided to go shoot each other and welcome the weekend with some fun.
All geared up, we headed to Chitrakoot Grounds and were amazed to find some other fun activities like Bungee Soccer and Sumo Wrestling there as well. But we had set our minds on lazer tag and so we did.

The set up was in an open ground with some barriers thrown around for the participants to hide. We suited up and got our lazer guns triggered. Once we were in, we forgot everything that was on our mind and went crazy running, hiding, aiming and shooting. The game went on for ten minutes. Even though before entering we thought, it would be less, by the eight minute we were sweaty and tired. This was one hell of an experience and you get no points for guessing who won! ;)

The bottom line is, if you are stressed and need to get rid of all the frustration, spare the people around you and opt for lazer tag! And you might just surprise yourself by discovering your shooting capabilities.

Venue: Chitrakoot Grounds, Next to Fun Republic, Andheri (W)
Lazertag: Rs 180 per person
Sumo Wrestling: Rs 120 per person

Bungee Soccer: Rs 120 per person

P.S: I'm soon gonna go back there for the Sumo Wrestling bit ;) Watch out opponent!

Restaurant Review: Pronto

I'm not a very big fan of Italian food, but yeah, once in a while, I really don't mind it. Scouting around the city is a part of my job, and on one such aimless roaming day, I came across this little cozy eatery at Hill Road called Pronto. I kept my expectations low when I first stepped in cause the place was empty, unless I count the waiters.

Yeah, so I called for the Pasta Arrabiata with Penne. Honestly, I'm a cheese person and not quite fond of the red sauce pasta, but for some absurd reason, I decided to try this one. And trust me, I've gone there three times till date, and only ordered for the Arrabiata! It's just perfect! Spicy, tangy and well-cooked. You already have a fan, Pronto!

Venue: Pronto, Hill Road, Next to Falafels
Pasta Arrabiata: Rs 140

Superheroes - From Reel to Real!

Venue: Carter Road, Bandra
The spirit of Mumbai without doubt deserves a huge applause. I was lucky enough to bump into a bunch of superheroes enjoying a smoke free ride on their cycles!



The sweet smiley witch was more than willing to pose for a picture when I asked her to! And don't miss her magical broom on top of the back wheel.

I don't know what he's dressed as, a mob or a thief-hero ;) Nevertheless, he looked adorable!

There's Sapna Bhavnani along with the Green Woman and a ghost buster? Erm, I'm not too sure!

There he was, posing with his red mask and compact bicycle! 

That's our superheroes, enjoying a much deserved serving of Matka Kulfi after a superb ride!

And the spirit of these guys has certainly tempted me to gift myself a bicycle, really soon fellas!

P.S: Apologies for the picture quality, all clicked from my blackberry since I wasn't quite prepared for this one!

Behind Every Dead End, There's Politics!

Venue: A Carter Road By-lane
Read between the lines, Dead Ends are always courtesy some political party or another. And this one just proves our point!