Review: Deliciae Patisserie

Bandra's popular dessert shop, Deliciae has recently opened it's second outlet in Powai. Just like the Bandra outlet, this one is also sited right next to Out Of The Blue and is known for its sinful desserts and yummy shakes. 

The display is fancy with cupcakes, cheesecakes, mango desserts and lots of chocolate desserts all over the place. More of a take away outlet; on insisting, we were directed to the Cafe Bean Garu section since we wanted to sit and indulge in some of the best desserts we have had so far. 

First, we ordered for the Blueberry Cheesecake Shake and the Hazelnut Cold Coffee. The Blueberry Cheesecake shake came across as a pleasant surprise and it actually felt like having a cheesecake. The Cold Coffee however, was a let down. We couldn't taste much of the Hazelnut flavour. 

After a short while, we decided to call for the desserts. The season's special Mango Meringue and one dessert that not many can get right, Banoffee Pie. 

The Mango Meringue came first, with fresh mango pieces on the top and centre, sandwiched between fresh cream and a crispy layer of biscuit. Perfect dessert for the summer, refreshing and what better way to enjoy the king of fruits than this! 

We saved the best for the last, the Banoffee Pie. Lots of chocolate with a layer of banana pieces in the middle topped with whipped cream. The dessert was not too sweet and very close to perfection. We are sure we will come back for this. 

We were also informed that Deliciae prepares wedding and birthday cakes on order. They have a huge variety from character cakes, 3d cakes to photo cakes and tier cakes. They also customize cupcakes on order. And Pune folks, they are soon coming up with an outlet in Pune (again, alongwith Out Of The Blue).

Overall, Deliciae scores high on the scale of taste and quality. Not to forget, we give them full marks for their presentation. Afterall, the first impression counts! 

Venue: Deliciae Patisserie

1st Floor, Haiko Place, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai

Landmark: Above Costa Coffee

Phone: 25717000

Review: Bianca

Khar has a brand new bakery that serves desserts, dips and more. Bianca,located in the same lane as Costa Coffee, Khar, is a tiny, cute little place where you can satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. They have two tables inside where you can park yourself although take away is recommended.

The display at Bianca is colourful, with cheesecakes, cupcakes, pastries, dips and more. We decided to try the Red Velvet Cupcake to see if it beats our all time favourite at Candies, and the Oreo Cheesecake which looked very tempting.

The Red Velvet Cupcake was dry and not something that we would have on our second visit to Bianca but the Oreo Cheesecake was splendid. The cheesecake layer was delicious with a crusty layer at the bottom. Very different from the ones we have tried before, this one totally scores. 

Our take, opt for the take away, skip the cupcakes and go for the cakes and dips which seem to be quite promising.

Venue: Bianca

Crystal Blue Premises, In the lane of Costa Coffee, 16th road, Khar (W)

Landmark: Next to Curio Cottage

Phone: 26000403, 26000404

Review - Di Bella Coffee

Named after its founder, Phillip Di Bella, Di Bella Coffee is an Australian coffee chain that has opened multiple outlets in the city. We dropped in at the outlet at Bandra Kurla Complex and were surprised to see all the tables occupied even at 3 PM.

After waiting for a couple of minutes, we got a table for ourselves. With Samsung Galaxy Tabs on each tables, Di Bella has taken customer experience to another level. You can go through the menu on it and place your order by selecting and confirming it on the tab itself. Quite similar to an online shopping experience. The servers are always around incase you need assistance. 

The menu comprised of Coffees, Teas, Cold Coffees, Light Bites and Desserts. Even though we were tempted to try the American Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, we thought of sticking to the Traditional Hot Chocolate since you can't really go wrong with it. However, the beverage was watery, not thick enough and lacked flavour. We wished there was more chocolate in it. The Cappucino on the other hand was well presented and seemed fine. We also tried the Baby Corn and Spinach Sandwich which was passable. 

Overall, Di Bella scores on the service and presentation front but there's room for improvement when it comes to the quality of food and drinks.

Venue: Di Bella Coffee

Ground Floor, Platina Building, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra

Landmark: Next to Range Rover Showroom

Phone: 65214222

Aagey Se Right!

If you've stayed for over a month in Mumbai, you must've realized how hard it is to manage with or without the rickshaws! You can't survive without them cause they are supposed to be one of the most convenient modes of transport and you can't survive with them cause the most annoying lot of people have been given the responsibility of riding it.


I have come across some of the worst and hence I'm compelled to share this post with our readers. Here are some categories that I have divided them into; they could fall into one or more of these categories.

Richie Rich: Have you ever been a victim of 'Madam chuttha nahi hai, sirf 500 ka note hai' scenario? This one will never have change and will ask you for exact Rs 128.50! How do you get it is your headache, cause I'm not getting off my seat

Tees Maar Khan: If without seeing the Tariff Card, the rickshaw wala tells you, the meter reading interprets to Rs 67, something is fishy. Make sure you pay only after re-checking the card, cause in most cases the guy is trying to con you.

Mr.Google Maps: He will insist that he knows a shorter way to get to your destination, no matter how much you argue. What you should do is, be more persistent!

Racer Pacer: He will cut lanes, speed up on roadblocks, pace into one-ways and disobey all kinds of traffic rules. He would rather believe in the phrase 'Time is money' over 'Better Late than Never'.

The Newspaper: He will make conversations, give you gossip and will know everything that's happening in the world. From Bigg Boss to Kapil Sibal, he knows it all. Dear traveller, you're in for some good entertainment.

Pichkaari: He slows down every few minutes to spit out his paan, supari, gutka and the likes. Sick and disgusting as he maybe, don't forget to remind him of social responsibility before you get off!


Cow, Cow, Holy Cow: Especially when you're late, you will get this one. You would probably reach faster if you rode on a cow. As soon as you realize that, 30kmph is the fastest he can go, run for your life. Stop wherever you are and shift into a faster vehicle or you will actually have to witness bicycles overtaking you.


The Lecher: He is the one with the multi-purpose rear-view mirror. He will occasionally adjust it, not to see the vehicles coming in from behind, but to get a better view of the passenger seat. Creeps, deserve a kick, where it hurts!

Refusal King: Last, and clearly the worst. The number of times he would say no for your destinations would probably be more than the number of times a bollywood actress would, when confronted about her relationships. From excuses like, 'Gas nahi hai' to 'Rickshaw wapas dena hai', he would do anything to get away.

To conclude with, here's a message that I just received. To register a complaint about rickshawwalas:
Sms 98690 89898

Code:
1) Refusal - REF
2) Overcharge - EXC
3) No meter - NOM
4) Fast meter - FAST
5) Rudeness - RUD
Code(space) Vehicle no.(Space) Nearest station
E.g. - RUD MH02AB1234 BAND
Also, you can report your complaint on www.sitibajao.com

Review: Woodside All Day Bar & Eatery

After winning the hearts of thousands with its Colaba outlet, Woodside opens an all day dining outlet in the burbs! Andheri welcomes this beauty with open arms and pints of beers!

Known for its burgers and beers, we decided to drop in here for a full-fledged lunch. With a warm ambience adorned with wooden furniture and a well stocked bar, the inside section of Woodside is the perfect option on a sunny day. However, if you’re visiting this place post noon, opt for their alfresco dining area which is more relaxed, vibrant and full on energy.

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The menu of Woodside is quite similar to one in Colaba, with a couple of additions. There are burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pastas and mains. Also, they have quite a tempting selection of desserts! Besides the luscious burgers, we would recommend the ‘Chicken Caesar Salad’, the ‘Fish Fingers with Tartar dip’, the ‘Pesto Grilled Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella Pizza’ and the ‘Grilled Rawas with Lemon Caper Sauce’.

The service at Woodside is pleasing and prompt; they don’t keep you waiting for too long for your meal and are willing to alter the dishes according to your preferences. Overall, Woodside is a charming option for a romantic meal, a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner with your friends. If you haven’t been here yet, you’re definitely missing out on something! 

Venue: Woodside All Day Bar & Eatery

New Link Plaza, Next to Oshiwara Police Station, Oshiwara Link Road, Andheri (W)

Landmark: Next to Yoko's

Phone: 26328963, 26336549