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Review: Paratha Mantra

Love parathas? Want to taste some really succulent ones, with some strange combinations of ingredients? This paratha outlet’s for you.
by Ravi Shet

If you are one of those people trawling the length and breadth of Mumbai for some really awesome parathas, then Paratha Mantra is the right place to satiate your cravings. This vegetarian outlet situated near Kala Ghoda has unusual parathas on offer, such as Pizza Paratha, Pav Bhaji Paratha, Vada Pav Paratha, etc., along with some DIY options like Make Your Own Parathas and Diet Parathas. They’re trying to cater to various palates and needs, and that’s great.

Paratha_Paratha MantraAfter mulling over the menu for a while, I decided to order the Bhavnagari Paratha (Rs 191) which is served with raita and pickle. It was yummy, to say the least; the fusion of bhavnagari chivda with paratha was balanced flawlessly. All the parathas made in this outlet use wheat – no maida is used. Their Dal Makhani (Rs 262) was perfectly spiced, rich in taste and flavour, really worth trying out.

On the desserts front, their Chocolate Paratha (Rs 262) is a show-stealer, perfectly filled with chocolate stuffing and topped with chocolate sauce in circular rings. I thought it was worth every rupee spent. I highly recommend this dessert if you’re visiting this outlet.

The place has a good vibe and décor, with vivid lighting to catch the eye and friendly service to match the food. I’ve already decided what my next meal at this place will be: their famous Pizza Paratha (Rs 191). With Chocolate Paratha for dessert, of course.

Head to Navbharat House, 6/8 Burjorji Bharuch Marg, Military Square Lane, Fort. The Metrognome reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for its meals.

(Pictures courtesy Ravi Shet and Paratha Mantra)

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Review: Kaboom

Menus and cuisines that change daily, a quirky ambience and very tasty food are staple features of this Ballard Estate-based eatery.
by Ravi Shet

If you are tired of eating the same old restaurant food for years, you can try something different at Ballard Estate. For me, Kaboom has always been a place that helps me experience an explosion of taste, freshness, fun and innovation all under one roof.

The moment you step into this quirky space, you will see a canister at the right hand side beautifully converted into a trash bin, while on the left you can see the menu written on a blackboard. An old shipping container has been cleverly converted into an open kitchen. The red side table near the kitchen is made using a scrapped sewing machine with a sheet of glass over it. Also, scrapped milk canisters are converted to tables in a similar fashion. There is also a wall clock here with its hands stuck at 6 pm and the words ‘Today is Friday’ written below it.

Changing menus

If you visit on Monday, you will get South East Asian food, and European style cheese toasts on Tuesdays, Italian on Wednesday, Middle Eastern on Thursday and American on Friday. This daily rotation of the menu offers customers more options with different cuisines to try on a daily basis.

Lemon Cake_KaboomIt was Wednesday when I visited, so Italian cuisine (Pazzo Pomodoro) was on the menu along with Italian music playing in the background. I started off with the Caprese Salad (Rs 170) served in a biodegradable container along with a biodegradable fork. Fresh buffalo mozzarella, baby tomatoes and basil used in the salad were fresh and refreshing in the hot weather. Their Panini Grilled Sandwich (Rs 230) consisting of mozzarella, tomatoes, Italian basil along with portions of chicken was really tasty and grilled to perfection.

The Pasta Pesto (Rs 250) consisting of penne pasta served with chunky sauce made with Italian basil, roasted almonds along with chunks of chicken was awesome. Finally to end to meal, I ordered a dessert – Lemon Cake (Rs 80) which has a lemon and semolina base and is seriously delicious and fresh.

Organic ingredients

All the ingredients used in the preparations here are sourced through organic farming practices – this reflects in the quality of the food. I was enchanted by the quirkiness of the space, as also the idea of a different menu every day. The use of biodegradable containers is a great idea, too. All in all, a very good eating-out experience.

Head to Kaboom, 3A Spott Road, Near Grand Hotel, Ballard Estate. The Metrognome reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for its meals.

(Pictures courtesy Ravi Shet and Kaboom)

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Review: Apple A Day

A perfect day starts with this Khar eatery, where fresh fruit juices will gladden your senses and fill your tummy.
by Ravi Shet

Do you want to start your day with fresh vegetable or fruit juice or a combination of both? Just walk down the road from Amjad Khan chowk and enter Apple A Day, a little joint situated next to Olive Bar & Kitchen, Khar. The place has two red-coloured bar stools and caters to the health- conscious.

Founded by the Sakpal brothers – Kiran and Sanket – this place has completed two years this month and is famous in the area for its fresh juices, shots, smoothies and salads. They also serve customised preparations as per the patrons’ requirements.

Wheatgrass Shot_Apple A DayThrough their open kitchen, I got to witness the preparation of their Wheatgrass Shot (Rs 69, in pic on left) served in a shot glass – this was a good way to start the rest of the tasting. I next tried their Carrot-Beet-Ginger-Mint (Rs 69) and Apple-Pineapple-Spinach (Rs 150), which are excellent. The chopping and blending of fruits and veggies are done once the order is placed by patron. What I really liked is that if you ask for sugar or any sweetening agent, you get an instant ‘No’ in answer.

They offer free home delivery and juices are delivered in thermostat bottles – they ask consumers to return the empty bottles. Monthly plans for Fresh Wheatgrass Juice (Rs 1818) and Fresh Fruit Juices/Blends (Rs 2828) are available for the patrons who wish to start their day with healthy juices on a daily basis. In a span of two years, they have built a base of a good number of regular customers; be it doctors, models and fitness buffs.

I will be heading there again soon, to try out their Orange-Beet-Carrot (Rs 100) and Pomegranate-Watermelon (Rs 150) which are best sellers, from what I hear. Cleanliness, good service and a wide range of juices (without added sugar and preservatives) makes this place rank high on my list.

The Metrognome reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for its meals.

(Pictures courtesy Ravi Shet)

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5 must-visit Maharashtrian eateries in Mumbai

Maharashtrian cuisine is beyond awesome but not very well represented. Here’s presenting five eateries serving authentic Maharashtrian fare in Mumbai.
by Ravi Shet

Maharashtrian food is not restricted just to vada pav; there are lots of delicious foods which are gastronomical delights and won’t burn a hole in your pockets, either. Sadly, there are very few restaurants serving authentic Maharashtrian food in our city. Of these, we’ve picked the best ones. Read on…

Aram, Fort

Zunka Bhakari_Aram FortLocated opposite the GPO, this small place is one of the branches of Aram owned by Kaustubh Tambe, where patrons can come and have their food in the standing area. This branch has been open for past six years and it is operational from 9 am to 8 pm, except for Sundays when the outlet is closed.

The thalipeeth (Rs 40) and kothimbir vadi (Rs 40) served with green chutney are definitely worth your money. Also, you can go for zunka bhakari (Rs 50) in which bhakari is made from rice flour and zunka is spicy and tasty. Kokam sharbat (Rs 20) and piyush (Rs 35) are equally good. The kothimbir vadi and piyush are hot selling items throughout the day.

Must try: Thalipeeth and piyush.

 

Girgaon Katta, Borivali West

At walkable distance from Borivali railway station, this place is really a paradise for food lovers who are looking for authentic Maharashtrian dishes. If you Kokam, Panna, Piyush_Girgaon Kattahappen to visit, then do try their kothimbir vadi (Rs 45), zunka bhakari (Rs 85) and thalipeeth (Rs 55) served with green chutney and dollop of butter (prepared at the outlet) on it are really delicious! Do try their aam panha (Rs 25) available during summer season.

Pradeep Malankar, owner of the eatery, says that Girgaon Katta was established in 2007 and was in the same vicinity; however they had to shift from that location. After a lot of struggle, they set up the new outlet in the current place last year. He adds, “I never gave up because I wanted to serve authentic Maharashtrian food which is not easily available in this part of the city.” He says that once the outlet’s airconditioned section is up and running, he will keep it open every day of the year from 7 am to 11 pm.

Must try: Thalipeeth and zunka bhakar.

Kolhapuri Chivda, Girgaon

Green Peas Pattice_Kolhapuri ChivdaThis place has been serving authentic Maharashtrian foods for more than nine decades and still continues to do so. It is easily walkable from Charni Road railway station. Kaju usal (Rs 125), made from fresh and wet cashews and green peas patties (Rs 55) served with creamy white coconut chutney along with tomato sauce are my best picks here. Also, you can try thalipeeth (Rs 50) served with yoghurt and creamy white coconut chutney along with piyush (Rs 30) will definitely make your day. Pradeep Velankar, co-owner of the place says, “We have been running this place from 1922 and it is open to customers from 8 am to 10 pm, except for Friday which is a weekly-off. Today’s generation is happy with burgers and pizzas rather than our traditional foods, which affects our business. But our old clients still come to us, even if they’ve shifted far away.”

Must try: Kaju usal and thalipeeth.

Prakash Shakahari Upahaar Kendra, Dadar West

Looking for authentic Maharashtrian food with no frills? This is the place to visit. Situated near Shiv Sena Bhavan, it has been serving people from the year 1971. Their sabudana wada (Rs 50) served here is crispy and yummy along with the delicious chutney made from peanuts and thalipeeth (Rs 45) served with green chutney and yoghurt along with piyush (Rs 38) are really worth the money. Also try their awesome misal (Rs 45) loaded with pulses and chivda (made at the outlet), not like the typical one where there’s a lot of liquid gravy.

Co-owner Ashutosh Joglekar says that he has been managing the show for past 10 years. “You won’t find aerated drinks or ice creams or other food here; we just serve authentic Maharashtrian dishes. My grandfather Shivram Govind Joglekar started the restaurant in 1946 at Girgaon and later we shifted to Dadar in 1971.” Manager Rahul Paranjape says that all their masalas are prepared in-house.

Must try: Sabudana wada and missal.

Tambe Arogya Bhuvan, Dadar West

Opposite Roop Sangam Sari Centre, this place really gives you home-like feel in each and every food you eat here. Established in 1944 by Sadashiv Shankar Piyush_Tambe Arogya BhuvanTambe, it serves yummy kothimbir vadi (Rs 40) which just melts inside your mouth. It is served with a fantastic garlic chutney. Also try their kande pohe (Rs 30) and zunka bhakari (Rs 60) where the bhakari is worth every penny.

Don’t miss the piyush (Rs 36) here; it really soothes you on a hot summer day. Hemamalini V Tambe, manager and daughter-in-law of Sadashiv Shankar Tambe is a graceful Maharashtrian lady who can be seen actively involved in all the work related to this place with a sweet smile on her face. She says, “I have been managing the business for the past 25 years and people call me Tambe Bhabhi.”

Must try: Kothimbir vadi and piyush.

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5 early morning meal places in Mumbai

Want a good breakfast but tired of your usual neighbourhood haunt? Try these five city-based places for your day’s first meal.
by Ravi Shet

Anybody will tell you that breakfast forms the most important part of one’s daily diet. Skip breakfast and you end up feeling lethargic and tired for the rest of the day.

But where should you go to have your day’s first fulfilling meal? We picked out five places for you to try out.

1. Bele’s Ashok Dugdhalaya, Byculla West

Jalebi Papdi_Bele's Ashok DugdhalayaCraving hot jalebis with fafda, papdi and dhokla? Visit Bele’s Ashok Dugdhalaya, situated near Byculla station. This place has been serving Mumbaikars from the year 1950 and has been serving piping hot jalebis (Rs 20 per plate), papdi (Rs 20 per plate), and dhokla (Rs 20 per plate). They also serve masala milk (Rs 30) which is a definitely worth a try. Their sweet samosa (Rs 12 per piece) has a coconut, mawa and nut stuffing and is really good!

Chaitanya Bele, owner of the establishment, says that they are open for public from 6 am to 10.30 pm on all days and most patrons ask for hot jalebis with papdi or fafda. He also says that earlier people who were working in nearby mills and markets use to frequent the place for their jalebis along with hot milk, however these customers have disappeared after the mills closed down and the market shifted to Vashi.

Must try: Masala milk with jalebis and sweet samosa.

2. City Bakery, Worli

If you are passing by Worli naka in the early morning hours, your nose will immediately pick out the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked food in the area. Jam Danish Pastry_City Bakery WorliEstablished in 1953, City Bakery opens at 5 am and instantly overwhelms the surrounding Worli naka with the aroma of baked goodies. Co-owned by the Dashti brothers – Mehdi Dashti and Jafer Ali Dashti – this bakery is a haven for people looking for good baked food for breakfast – right from kadak pav to croissants to pastries. Mehdi Dashti says, “Our place opens sharp at 5 am on all days irrespective of the weather. Our prices are also not heavy on the pockets, so that we can cater to all people.” Their mint chutney croissants (Rs 23), jam Danish pastry (Rs 23), pizza sandwich (Rs 36) and chocolate éclair (Rs 39) are awesome gastronomical delights!

Must try: Jam Danish pastry and chocolate éclair.

3. Hotel Ram Ashraya, Matunga

Located near Matunga railway station, this place is a hub for people craving South Indian breakfasts. Founded in 1939 by the late Shyam Shetty, this place is open as the clock ticks 5 am, except for Mondays when it is closed. Pudi upma (Rs 38), idli (Rs 32), sabudana wada (Rs 37) and tea (Rs 20) are the stuffs worth trying out here in the early hours of the day. Also try their yummy kesari sheera (Rs 35) loaded with ghee, nuts and raisins. Amarjeeth Shetty and Akshay Shetty, the family’s third generation, are maintaining their legacy today.

Must try: Pudi upma and kesari sheera.

4. Madina Hotel, Mahim

Vegetable Stew_Madina HotelLocated opposite Paradise Cinema, this hotel with yellow benches and tables is worth visiting for its awesome food at unbelievable prices. Running from 1975, this hotel has been serving its customers right from 5.30 a to 11.30 pm. Be it Special Tea (Rs 20), or appam (Rs 8) along with vegetable stew (Rs 25) are super-hits (also on your pocket!) You can also try their chana masala (Rs 25) if you like spicy food. Mr. Krishnan who has been running this place for the past 33 years, says that there used to be a crowd waiting to rush in the moment the place was opened; however, for the past five years, people are coming in good numbers mostly after 7 am. This is a good destination for authentic Kerala style food.

Must try: Appam with vegetable stew and special tea.

5. Neo Welcome, Ghatkopar West

Looking for creamy white chutney and thick delicious sambhar along with soft and hot idli? Head to this place which is opposite Ghatkopar railway station. Founded by the late Muddanna Shetty in 1956, this place has been rolling up its shutters from 6.15 am on all days, except for Tuesdays when it is closed. Sheera upma mix (Rs 50), idli (Rs 45), bread butter (Rs 30) and tea (Rs 20) are their hit items in the early morning hours. Sagar Shetty, co-owner, says that his grandfather never compromised on the quality of food. “Treating customers well and giving them home-like feeling was his mantra and the second and third generation Shettys are also continuing the same tradition,” he says, adding that their food uses their own masalas.

Must try: Idli and sheera upma mix.

(All pictures courtesy Ravi Shet)

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5 must-visit eateries to beat the heat

We pick five of Mumbai’s best juice and falooda centres that whip up awesome concoctions to cool you off this summer.
by Ravi Shet

The mercury is rising by the day and making us more tired, thirsty and craving for cool food. This summer, beat the heat by consuming fresh fruit juices, ice creams, faloodas, and kulfis.

In our endeavour to keep the citizens of this great city well hydrated and healthy this summer,we present a handy list of places to help beat the heat with their mind-blowing concoctions and versatile variations! Read on…

Watermelon Juice n Mango Milkshake, GunjalGunjal Juice Center, Dadar TT

Established in 1960, this place has been a haven for riders passing from Tilak Bridge towards Khodadad Circle, Dadar TT. The centre is open between 10.30 am and 11.00 pm. All juices are made as per order; they don’t stock any of their juices and they never use stale fruit. The ever-smiling manager Swapnil Karale says that their lemon juice (Rs 15), watermelon juice (Rs 40) and mango milkshake (Rs 100, in pic on left) are hot selling items in this season.

Must try – Watermelon juice and Mango milkshake.

Apple A Day, Khar West

Looking for healthy, fresh vegetable and fruit juices with no sugar or additives? This little place in Khar is worth a visit. Founded by the Sakpal brothers – Kiran and Sanket– in May 2013, this place is a boon to the people who believe that they should consume their juices in a fresh and natural form.Chopping and blending of vegetables and fruits are done only once you place the order. Their Carrot-Beet-Ginger-Mint (Rs 69), Carrot-Cucumber-Celery (Rs 69) and Wheatgrass Shot (Rs 69) are really worth trying. Kiran Sakpal, co-founder of this establishment says that even though they have a menu, they offer customised preparations as per customer’s requirements. For instance, if you don’t want ginger in your Carrot-Beet-Ginger-Mint juice, they will do it for you, as also whip up a juice with the ingredients of your choice.

Must try – Carrot-Beet-Ginger-Mint and Carrot-Cucumber-Celery juices to combat the heat.

Baba Falooda, Mahim

Look no further for cool and quick service than Baba Falooda (see their kulfi falooda in pic above). Irfanbhai, the son of owner Abdullah Bilakhia, says that they have been in the business for the past 34 years and believe that all the 20-odd items on the menu are quite popular among the people who throng to their place. Hence, they do not believe in adding 100 more recipes to the menu, focussing instead on delivering what the public loves. The Baba Special Falooda (Rs 100), the Dry Rabdi Kulfi Falooda (Rs 100) and Baba Double Special Falooda (Rs 130) are my personal favourites from this place.

Must try – Baba Special Falooda and Dry Rabdi Kulfi Falooda for sinful gluttony.

Prabhu Ice Cream, Mulund West

Situated diagonally opposite Mulund railway station, this place has been a hit among Mulund residents for years now. Established Kulfi Falooda Rabdi, Prabhu Ice Cream24 years ago, they have been serving people from 9.30 am to 1.00 am from the time of their inception. Sunil Karle, manager, says that their customers demand their kulfis and mango milkshake more during the summer season. I love their Kulfi Falooda Rabdi (Rs 60) served in a flat dish and their Mango Thick Shake (Rs 50) in the summer. Also, their Mango Sandwich Ice Cream (Rs 30) which consists of a slab of mango ice cream in between two wafer biscuits, is really good.

Must try – Mango Sandwich Ice Cream and Kulfi Falooda Rabdi.

Sukh Sagar Juice Centre, Girgaon Chowpatty

This place has been a wonderful source of refreshment for people staying near Girgaon Chowpatty for their fresh fruit juices and faloodas. In operation for the past 50 years, they have been catering to their customers with good quality and service. Their Mix Fruit Sundae (Rs 175), Special Dry Fruit Falooda (Rs 170) and Mango Milkshake (Rs 170) are the best picks for summer.They are really busy after 7 pm every day as they take orders for faloodas and milk shakes, so you might want to visit or place your order earlier.

Must try – Mango Milkshake and Special Dry Fruit Falooda.

(All pictures courtesy Ravi Shet)

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