Showing posts with label good food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good food. Show all posts

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Baba Ramdev Dhaba - a culinary trip to Rajasthan, sitting in Pune!



A bit tough to find, we reached the place in a group of 12 on a Sat evening. To our surprise the place was choc-a-block with people and vehicles! With around 60-70 people already in waiting, we were a bit dissapointed to have travelled more than 30km from our homes and see such a long queue. However, after a wait of 35-40 mins, we got a table, much to our relief. 






They have tables placed very close to each other, with hardly any space to move around. Lots of waiters  scurrying across serving aromatic yummy food. A very basic seating arrangement, a bit too messy to be frank. However, my expectations on this front were very high either.

The menu is a very elaborate one, complete with a huge variety of authentic Rajasthani fare to choose from. 





We went for a thali which included Rajwadi dal baati churma, chaas, lassi, baigan bharta, sev, gatte ki kadi and khicha papad. We also ordered masala khicha papad, gulab jamun and rabdi. What a treat! The baatis were served in a clay pot, brimming with desi ghee. The 'baatis' were half dipped in ghee and were served steaming hot. 

The dal itself was very flavorful and served in a little bucket. Churma was yummy and was perfectly sweetened. The air was filled with the aroma of desi ghee and it made us hungrier. The quantity was sufficient enough to be shared by two people. The pot had 4 large baatis. The gatte ki kadi was also very yummy. Lassi was way too thick in texture and sweetened over the top - a let down. Overall it was a very satisfying authentic meal, which made my taste buds very happy! 

Service is very quick and efficient.

Going by my experience of similar food until now in Pune, I can say this is the most authentic dal baati in town. Go there for the love of authentic dal baati! Don't expect too much from the ambiance point of view. It's a dhaba, which is always brimming with hungry people, dining and in waiting :)

Saturday, December 12, 2015

212 - Cafe and Bar

Chocotini
Another addition to the list of awesome joints in Pune. Once you enter the cafe, you hardly realize that you're in a mall. The staff is well trained and very courteous. I loved the place so much that I visited it twice in one single week, the first time on 5th Dec and then again on 8th Dec. 
Espressotini
They have an indoor as well as an outdoor seating area. The alfresco area opens into the central courtyard area of the Phoenix mall. Last Sat there was a Jazz music fest on and we're lucky to have chosen to dine there. Live music simply added to the overall experience.

I tried a Chocotini - Dark chocolate laden martini. Loved it!




Chicken skewers
We ordered a portion of Seared Chicken Skewers - It was a version of chicken satay served with a tangy tomato based sauce. The chicken pieces were very succulent and the flavorful sauce went very well with the chicken. 
Masala Omlette

For mains we went for a Masala Omlette with toast and a Chicken Caesar's Salad. Very basic items and very well done! Thumbs up to the salad!

Chicken Caesar's salad
Cajun spiced baby potatoes

Penne with Sundried tomatoes and Creme












The other day my vegetarian friend and I ordered Cajun Spiced Baby Potato and Penne with Sundried tomatoes and Creme. We loved the crispy jacketed flattened baby potatoes. Absolutely crunchy on the exterior and very flavorful.






Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting


Dessert - Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. This is the best carrot cake I've had till date. Well plated and taste equally well.








Ambience - 4/5
Food- 4/5
Service - 4.5/5
Value for money - 4/5
Verdict - Must try if you haven't.