My Top Ten for 2015

It is next to impossible to pick my Top Ten favourite dishes  in Mumbai for 2015. Most dishes that I have sampled this year, were delectable, some I tasted for the first time, others, my all time favourites. But these ten dishes took my taste buds by storm and struck me as unusual and unique, in texture, flavours, presentation and creativity. Hence, these find a place here………

1.The sliced chicken with stone ground mustard at Ming Yang, Taj Lands End, Mumbai was a memorable dish. The subtle yet, distinct flavours of this dish haunt my taste buds even now. An absolute winner!

2.The authentic Andhra thali at Gongurra, Juhu, with a variety of fiery and flavourful dishes, all cooked home style wowed me instantly.

3.The Jackfruit Biryani at Monkey Bar, Bandra, is one of the best I have ever had.  The texture and unique flavours, of this well made biryani, struck me as outstanding. Sadly it is currently off the menu as Jackfruit is not in season, but I hope it is back.

4. The Murg Musallam biryani at Times of Biryani, Andheri West, is the best thing to happen to the gourmand in me this year. Fragrant, nouvelle, value for money, delicious. Irresistible, the biryanis at this place are. Difficult to choose one fav, but this one scores a wee bit over others.

5.Sambal Bajak, a red fragrant curry at 38 Bangkok Street, a vegetarian, Pan Asian cuisine restaurant, was one of the nicest curries I tasted this year. And that too vegetarian!

6.Being a dessert person, I enjoy most desserts, but this one was the piece de resistance. Chocolate and sour cherry dome at Shiro, Worli was mastery at its best. Rich, sinful and decadent, it was beautifully presented and an amalgamation of a myriad textures and flavours.

7.Kasundi Mustard Basa with red rice risotto at Le Pain Quotidien was a fine example of Indian flavours, meshed perfectly in global cuisine. The artisanal flavours of this fish, rendered me speechless.

8.Baked Parmesan polenta with chipotle fig relish at Asado, The Cocktail street, Bandra was a unique discovery my taste buds made in 2015.

9.Litti Chokha, a winter favourite from Bihar  at the newly opened 29, a regional Indian cuisine restaurant, was a gastronomic delight. The stuffed bread made from pulses and cereals, with the crunchy baigan bharta, with a distinct tangy and smoky flavour, was a memorable experience.

10.What can I say about the aromatic Mushroom Hot pot rice at Ruka, Juhu, the newest entrant in Juhu? A dish, one can never tire of. Perhaps I saved the best for the last?

So let us see what 2016 has in store for my gourmet escapades. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous 2016. Eat well, enjoy, stay healthy and fit.

 

A Glitzy Array of Food n Fun!

My Sunday turned out be just what the Doctor ordered. Yes, I experienced the ‘Dr. Feel Good’ event at Flamboyante, Sobo’s much loved neighbourhood restaurant housed in the cultural precinct of the World Trade Centre. The place was buzzing with frenetic activity as I stepped in.

There was shopping, food and lots of fun. The exhibitors were in keeping with the good health theme. At least most of them. Raw Pressery (Healthy, delicious detox cold pressed vegetable and fruit juices), Samskara (multi brand all-organic products. Ranging from health food and groceries to body care and wellness products), Green Tokri (Jams, salad dressings, spreads and sauces all made from fresh farm grown ingredients), ), O!(cookies, fudge, chocolates, sushi and snacks all made healthy and with organic ingredients) Danz Bread (healthy multi-grain bread. free from preservatives),Gouri’s (Artisanal cakes, granola, energy bars that are pure and natural. Free from additives. Healthy ingredients),Nutkraft (Caramelised almonds, cashews, walnuts An exciting array to choose from. I indulged myself and felt good about it too!

Above all there was a delicious brunch spread by Flamboyante. Something to appease all taste buds- thai curry rice, pastas, salads, soyabean dosas, Indian curries and pulaos, pizzas. Whew! I thoroughly enjoyed the salads and pastas as I did the soya bean dosa. Unique I must say.

What’s more, after a sumptuous brunch, one could head to the myriad workshops. Healthy Cooking workshop by Flamboyante Inhouse Chefs, Talk by nutritionist Khushboo Thadani, or a Live Mixology Class.

The all new look Flamboyante looks cool. The white & blue Grecian look and a skylight that has an atrium effect makes it stand apart. Amrish Arora has reason enough to be proud.

 

A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday and lots of health food to look forward to the coming week as I had picked up some exciting stuff.