Review: Chez Moi

Everyone's talking about this little cosy eatery, and we say, the buzz is all worth it! Chez Moi, a mushy and romantic restaurant recently opened up at Reclamation, right next to Candies and Quench. As soon as we stepped inside, the charming traditional French decor casted a spell on us and we were already in love!

  

One of the servers promptly guided us to a table and presented us with the menu, which was unusually placed inside a magazine cover. Going through the menu we noticed the y had limited options for soups, salads, starters, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, mains and mocktails.

To start with, we called for the Lemon Grass Mojito and the BBQ Chicken Supreme. The mojito was an impeccable blend of sweet and sour. The BBQ Chicken Supreme was a platter of tender chicken pieces marinated in barbeque sauce, delicious and perfectly cooked.

For the mains, we opted for the Pepper Chilly Mushroom Pizza with Chicken (extra topping). It was slightly bland and could have been a little more flavourful, but nevertheless, it was crisp and cheesy!

We must say that this place is a must try for all foodies and we noticed that it wasn’t as expensive as it’s perceived to be. A special shout out to the outstanding service that went a step ahead in making sure their customers were enjoying their meal.

Venue: Chez Moi

House No. 13, Candies Lane, Opp. Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W)

Landmark: Next to Candies/ Quench

Phone: 77383824007 

Lemon Grass Mojito: Rs 125

BBQ Chicken Supreme: Rs 190

Pepper Chilly Mushroom Pizza: Rs 190

Review: California Pizza Kitchen

Guest blogger Diti Shah shares her review of the newly opened CPK @ Phoenix Mills.

CPK’s second outpost in Mumbai flagged off at Phoenix Mills two days ago. Strategically located in the corporate hub of the city, this outlet replaced the popular post-work hangout, Sports Bar. As the first outlet in Bandra-Kurla Complex got lukewarm reviews, I had my doubts about the newcomer. But as always, I was more curious than dubious :-)

The entrance, with sunny yellow awnings reading “pizza, pasta, appetizers” would lure any Phoenix shopper to step in. I sure fell for it!

The restaurant is spacious and bright, with neat brown tables, a swanky bar area and a tall wine rack to complete the look. Although it is only two days old, CPK is already pulling crowds, the reason being its brand name... or perhaps the aroma of fresh bakes.

To Eat

CPK’s menu is more or less the same across all outlets; it includes appetizers, pizzas, pastas, soups, focaccia sandwiches, salads and desserts (a complete medley of Middle-Eastern, Mexican and Italian cuisines). Well, as long as it’s yummy! Try Hummus with Pita Bread; or Lettuce Wraps, or the Baja Chicken - a famous appetizer of grilled chicken breast loaded with cheese, corn, black beans, red onions and cilantro and served with fresh guacamole. But if you’re not a big eater, skip the appetizers and jump straight to the mains. The “Specialities” menu has a dish called Chicken Milanese, which MasterChef lovers would not want to miss! Anyway, I was craving for pizza. Unfortunately you can’t make-your-own pizza so I had to pick one from the menu. The Goat Cheese pizza sounded tempting, yet too cheesy. The Thai pizza sounded bizarre, thai curry and pizza? No way! The Greek Pizza has awesome toppings but they’re served cold. Okay, next! The Pesto Pizza with kalamata olives sounded awesome but I finally called for a Veggie Aubergine thin-crust pizza. Topped with fresh broccoli, mushroom slivers, sweet corn, red onions, sundried tomatoes and aubergine, it was flavourful but not divine. (Priced at Rs.380+taxes, add chicken at an extra cost). The Chocolate Brownie with ice-cream and hot chocolate sauce was a much sweeter deal.

To Drink

CPK has a wine selection (mostly domestic) starting at Rs.300+taxes for a glass, beers including Corona and Kingfisher, cocktails (although the menu is still WIP) and soft beverages. I called for something called Freshly Brewed Ice Tea (Rs.130). What’s so fresh about it, you ask? First, they brew it like any hot tea and then chill and serve it in a tall glass. Does it enhance the flavour? I’d say yes...

My Verdict

CPK is more than just a 'pizza kitchen'. The menu is extensive and delish. So if you're looking for a fresh new fine-dine option in Southern Mumbai, check into CPK; you might just spot me with a glass of wine in one hand and a credit card in the other ;)

Meal for Two (without alchohol): Rs.1200

Address: Level 1, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel

Phone: 65558888 (Home delivery in Lower Parel only)

Car Free Day at Carter Road

Imagine strolling down the promenade at Carter Road with no cars honking, no teenagers blasting music, no bikers stunting and no wannabes screeching their vehicles!

Yes, that unimaginable day was Sunday, Feb 20, No Car Day or the Car Free Day at Carter Road, an initiative by the KBS (Khar-Bandra-Santacruz) foundation. There were stalls with food, arts and handicrafts, etc displayed. The amphitheater flaunted performances by several popular artists including Sajid-Wajid and Kunal Ganjawala, there were kite flying events, cyclothons, free style dance performances and painting competitions, we felt like we've landed in a Mini New York. So lively, so entertaining and so eco-friendly, an effort that deserves an applause, undoubtedly! 

Still don't believe me? Then here are some candid pictures that will make your head spin !

 

Venue: Carter Road Promenade, Bandra (W), Mumbai
Date: Feb 20, 2011

Review: San Churro

"In 1528 Hernan Cortes brought the decadent Aztec tradition of chocolate to Spain. So precious was this gift that only the monks were allowed to manufacture chocolate strictly for the Spanish aristocracy. The head monk, San Churro, witnessed many miracles of chocolate including the healing of the Queen of Spain and made it his life's work to spread the 'secret' of chocolate across Europe.

And so began the legend of San Churro..." This is where San Churro, the international dessert chain, originated from. And now, it is in Aamchi Mumbai, after the popular chocolaterie A Chocolate Affair. After hearing so many people talk about it, my sweet tooth was whining till I finally visited it. One advice to everyone looking forward to this place is that, walk in without too many expectations.

The place is divided into two levels, ground and first. The ground level flaunts a big counter with a display of chocolates, desserts, limited snacks and more. The extensive menu has everything chocolate starting from Churros, Hot Chocolate, Shakes, Cakes, Desserts, Sundaes, etc. There is a small seating are on the ground level with about four to five tables and a couple of high stools.

The stairs lead you to the first level which is relatively spacious, brightly lit with huge french windows, comfortable couches and chairs. The decor is pretty impressive, not too loud, subtle and classy. The service could have been better, considering the fact that there were very few people behind the counter and they took close to ten minutes to take down our order. However, they were extremely helpful and well informed about each and every item on the menu; we appreciate!

Coming to our order, the good part is that with every dessert you choose, an option of Dark, Milk or White Chocolate is given to you. Since, Churros was their specialty, I took it for granted that it would be perfectly prepared and decided to skip it for the Double Chocolate Sundae and the Hot Chocolate both with dark chocolate! 

The contents of the Sundae were, Brownie, Chocolate Sauce, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Ice-cream and Rich Cream. A poor imitation of the Chocolate Avalanche served at Mocha's, this one was a complete let down. The Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate, however, was absolutely sinful. With every sip that I gulped, I made a trip to heaven and back! Super amazing, pure chocolate melted into a beverage, this was the best I have had so far!

Children would love this place and adults who have a soft corner for chocolates are gonna drool as well! If you are planning to have some inexpensive desserts after a budget lunch, skip this place at it's priced on the higher end!

Venue: San Churro

Shop No. 11, Silver Pearl, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W)

Landmark: Opposite Red Box

Double Chocolate Sundae: Rs 180

Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate: Rs 120

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2011

The 9- day long fest at Kala Ghoda, is known to be a hub for art lovers to share their interests, work, talents and ideas. I visited the festival on the 12th of February and was taken aback with the beautifully set up stalls with paintings, handicrafts, best out of waste, photographs and the likes. From food stalls to a complete overdose of artworks, the Kala Ghoda festival was absolutely overwhelming. I feel proud to live in a country that is brimming with so much talent and inspiration. Here are some pictures that could give you a gist of this magnificent festival.

Caricatures of some popular and well known icons were displayed at the entrance. From Elvis Presley to Asha Bhonsle and from Manmohan Singh to Mona Lisa, the who's who of the world were sketched out amazingly!

Colours, colours and colours, everywhere! All the possible forms of art were showcased at the small stalls spread across the street. Level of appreciation and admiration was extremely high!

Get transported into rural India, right here in Mumbai. This stall sold ethnic Indian wear and was set up to give a feel of the traditional huts with thatched roofs and pottery.

With every step I took, I was amazed to see some phenomenal works of art that had something completely exclusive to flaunt. Be it the the robot, best out of waste entrance or the bike with wings, my eyes were popping out wherever I looked :)

The crowd surrounded this group of Rajasthani dancers, who were performing right in the centre of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

The top view of the amphi theatre, yes, there were hundreds of people there to admire and get inspired from the rich talent that this festival boasted! 

I must say that this is one festival that makes Mumbai a great place to visit, especially for art lovers! If you're getting tempted after seeing these pictures, make sure you visit it the next time! And you certainly won't hold any regrets! :)

Venue: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Fort, Mumbai