Love in Tokyo

No, I am not in Tokyo, nor have I ever been there. But I was lucky enough to have a Tokyo-esque experience recently right here in Mumbai.

Crepes have always been French and of course stylish and snobbish. Meant to be eaten in the proper way.

Tokyo Creperie the newest entrant on busy and bustling Carter Road, Bandra has redefined crepes and made them more accessible and yes, flavourful.

From sweet to savory, from the classic to adventurous, this place is perfect for a crepe indulgence. Started by two friends Saagar Panchal and Uzair Ansari, this Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) concept serves Harajuku-styled sweet and savory crepes, as a stuffed ‘on-the-go’ cone.

Chef Anees Khan has created original Japanese crepes by infusing them with a wide selection of Indian flavors, combinations and toppings and that is what makes them stand apart from others.

I began with a Chicken Cafreal crepe as it sounded intriguing. Oh! delicious it was. The crepe was soft and yet, well-done on the outside and the spicy and falvourful cafreal chicken a la Goa was generously filled inside the cone with lettuce, veggies, mayo et al. It was a light but satiating meal.

Next came my chipotle chicken crepe which surpassed my expectations. Well-roasted chicken chunks, combined with veggies and a delectable sauce. The good quality ingredients ooze out of every bite and the presentation, entices you immediately.

Butter Chicken, Chicken chicken peri peri popcorn, Fish Amritsari ,are some of the other options on the menu that struck me as interesting.

What do I even say about my sweet crepe with Mango crème brulee custard ? It was pure sin. Creamy, sweet and luscious flavours enveloped my taste buds upon the first bite and rendered me speechless. Quite literally.

Apart from these, Oreo biscuits along with other classic cookies, chocolates and ice cream have been turned into fritters, which make for crunchy desserts. There are fruity sodas too to quench your thirst.

Saagar Panchal the co-founder was actually taking orders and explaining the concept painstakingly to consumers. “Crepes are traditionally a guilty pleasure or indulgent treat. We’re redefining the way people think about and enjoy crepes by using fresh, unique ingredients you can feel good about eating,” he said.

There is something for every palate here. The crepes are affordably priced and perfect for a grab and go tasty treat as these are non-messy.

Rating : 4/5

 

 

 

 

 

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Celebrating the flavours of Maharashtra

Regional flavours always excite me and although I live in Mumbai, authentic Maharashtrian food is hard to find in the city save a few places, else one needs to dine at a friend’s place. Naturally then, an invitation  from Executive Chef Suresh Thampy, to experience the varied and diverse flavours of Maharashtra at the food festival at Saptami, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, was hard to resist.

The air was redolent with a festive spirit and the buffet spread beautifully laid out with floral decorations et al on each table. There were enough vegetarian dishes to choose from ranging from the bhareli vangi to the ambat thikat suran and lasana che fodni cha bhaat to laal channe che usal but the piece de resistance were the non-vegetarian fare which would entice any carnivore. Saoji mutton curry, mutton kalimiri masala, shimpe kolambi masale bhaat, Malvani mutton rassa and more.

A live counter had a chef dishing out fresh seafood – surmai, rawas, mandeli a la minute. Soon a platter arrived on my table with these fried delicacies and of course the kanda bhajji. Piping hot and served with chutney, this perked up my taste buds. The kombdi cha saar, my soup for the evening was spicy and flavoursome.

I could not help notice the detailing done at the buffet. Bhakarwadi, besan laddu, murmurche ladu, were on offer to give it the perfect homely touch.

The puran poli with toop and rai kadi patta chi amti arrived and the aroma was unmistakable. The well-stuffed, warm puran poli simply melt in my mouth and was deeply comforting and the balance of the flavours with the tangy and sour dal was outstanding.

The vade with chicken rassa were an absolute treat. The gravy of the chicken curry replete with the quintessential Maharashtrian goda masala was tantalising for the taste buds.

A bhakri with mutton curry came next and was home style all the way. The food here struck me as home made with no restaurant-like flavours. The masalas were authentic, freshly ground and the resultant curries and gravies were lip-smacking. From the mildly spiced to the fiery hot, there was something for every palate. The refreshing sol kadi helped me to wash down many a spicy dish.

For dessert, there could be nothing better than savouring the king of fruits, hapus or alphonso, freshly cut and sliced and served with a dollop of ice cream.

Having savoured some iconic dishes from across Maharashtra, there was an explosion of flavours in my palate, but all pleasing of course.

I could not help laud the efforts of Chef Sagar Satam who spearheaded this festival with an able team under the aegis of Chef Thampy. The touch of authenticity to these Maharashtrian flavours from home is what set this food apart.

On for dinner only till May 14, do not miss the opportunity to relish the flavours of Maharashtra at this Festival. And with cyclic menus on offer, trust me there is no question of monotony even if you land up here every other day.

Rating : 4/5