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