Picante (10 C, Upper Ground Level, DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase 2, Gurgaon)

In a nutshell:

Mexican food in Gurgaon – value for money, the taste will most probably appeal to those who have not tasted the ‘real thing’ but unlikely to be liked by those who have tasted the ‘real thing’.

The logo of Picante that says ‘Home to the Legendary Burrito’

Address & other details: Picante

Cuisine Type: Vegetarian & Nonvegetarian

Meal for 2:Rs. 300 onwards

Short Description – In case u r in a Hurry:

I am still amazed why this place is called a ‘Grill’. Coz they don’t seem to b serving anything that needs a grill. Infact they have a lone burger in the menu card & that also is a vegetarian burger. That’s as strange as it can get.

The board outside says – Picante ‘Home to the Legendary Burritos’. We ordered it & came the reply – Sorry Sir, Burritos not in stock. Whattttt???? Its like u go to an ‘Apple’ showroom & they say ‘Sorry sir, we do not have ipod’.

Very good staff – cooperative, knowledgeable, polite.

Location is a disaster for ordinary citizens of Gurgaon. I guess generally office goers in that huge office complex visit this eatery more often than others. For aam aadmi like us, even getting a parking in & around the building is a big thing……………let alone searching for the eatery by using Indian GPS (bhaisahib, Picante kaha hai?) in absence of any directions to reach the restaurant – from the entrance to the complex.

Food was overall ok. It cost Rs. 400 for 2 & was filling beyond imagination – I felt like we had eaten a 5 course meal. But end of the day, inspite of the ‘quantity’, the tastebuds were not smiling. The taste was quite average – almost nothing stood out & left a mark.

Good effort & thought on part of the Owners – However, the eatery is yet to bank in on the huge potential of good tasty Mexican food that is not too expensive.

Detailed Description – In case u have the time to njoy reading:

Continue reading “Picante (10 C, Upper Ground Level, DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase 2, Gurgaon)”

yummrajMay 25, 2012May 25, 20122 Comments

Continental Cuisine, For the Chef in u……, Guest Blogger, Mediterranean

Chicken Shawarma Homemade

This is a part of the series ……. For the Chef in u

Contributed by YUMMRAJ’s favourite Chef ANONYMOUS

Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

Shawarma is nowadays available in every other eatery in Delhi. Shawarma meat grilling machines are seen in loads of places as well. It seems to have become quite popular in a short span of time.

I wanted to make it at home for quite some time – without buying the machine of course. So started my research on the same & as expected, came across many versions of shawarma. My experiments began & I came up with this version that is of course Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

Lets start with Grilled chicken –

Marinate 4 boneless chicken thighs in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (or to taste), 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoon plain curd (yoghurt), 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger & garlic paste, salt to taste. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 180 degree Celsius. Grill the marinated chicken for 10 minutes on each side. In case u do not have an oven, worry not. Cook the marinated chicken on a nonstick pan till the chicken is done within & slightly brown on the outside.

Shred the chicken after it cools down as shown in the picture above.

Chop 1 medium sized cucumber (deseeded), 1 medium sized onion & 1 tomato into ½ cm sized cubes (as shown in the picture). Also cut 8 – 10 kalamata olives into 8 pieces each.

Continue reading “Chicken Shawarma Homemade”

yummrajMay 23, 2012May 25, 20121 Comment

Indian, Odisha

Dalma (Odisa Niwas, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi)

In a nutshell:

Good simple interiors, good service & a very enjoyable, subtle, authentic Oriya cuisine in the land of strong tastes – Delhi

Address & other details: Odisa Niwas

Meal for 2: Rs. 160 onwards

beautiful paintings on the walls & also on the ceilings

Cuisine Type: Vegetarian & Nonvegetarian

Short Description – In case u r in a hurry:

Simple non fussy interiors with lots of beautiful Odisa paintings all around & above. The stained glass that surrounds the Dining hall is covered with nice colorful glass painting. Much better visually than the more popular Andhra Bhawan few kilometers away.

Previously was run by the Odisa Government but is now run by a chain of Restaurants that serve odisa food – Dalma. They claim to be the first ever Odisa food Restaurant.

The staff wears uniform given by the restaurant – they are good. Some of them speak hindi with a heavy Odisa accent. A little patience bears good fruit as the guys are nice.

Menu card is colorful wit photographs in the same manner that one sees a lot in China & hongkong. What is however interesting is that the pics are all downloaded from net & do not necessarily represent the actual food that is being served. Example – We looked at the picture of fried fish & said ‘We want this fish’. Pat came the reply ‘Sorry sir, that’s just a picture. What we have is ****’.

Peep into the prices (in the picture below) & u will be stunned. Is this Delhi price or Odisa price? Is this 2012 price or 1992 price? Side dishes starting as low as Rs. 15!!!! For inmates of Odisa Niwas, any meal costs only Rs. 10.

About the food – We were lucky to have two of our friends from Odisa with us at Lunch. One of them said twice – this is just like it is at home. The other friend was a bit disappointed & said ‘ I wud give 6 / 10 to this lunch’. I said ‘why’. He said ‘ I did not feel that I ate out today – I felt that I am eating at home. What’s the point?’. Interesting conflict of perspectives – It is this point that I found most interesting – I am getting to eat authentic almost home cooked Odisa food sitting in Delhi at prices if 1992 – wow.

Detailed Description – in case u have the time to njoy reading:

Continue reading “Dalma (Odisa Niwas, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi)”

yummrajMay 20, 201210 Comments

Continental Cuisine, Continental Grilled, European, Italian

Sen5es (Pullman Hotel, Gurgaon)

In a nutshell:

Good Ambience, warm service & an awesome buffet spread that exude the passion of the chefs.

Address & other details: Pullman Hotel

Meal for 2: Rs. 1000 onwards

outstanding pizza at italian section, Sen5es

Cuisine Type: Vegetarian & Nonvegetarian

Short Description – In case u r in a hurry:

I am not a big fan of Buffets coz in most places buffets aim at ‘eating a large variety at less than collective alacarte price’ & also ‘popular version that shud be liked by all’ kind of mindset. Among the buffets that have left a mark on my mind are – the brunch at 19 Oriental Avenue, Shangrila Hotel Delhi……………. & now Sen5es got added to that list.

The buffet here is of 5 kinds: Continental & Desserts, Oriental & Desserts, Italian & Desserts, Indian & Desserts – all for Rs. 900 per person (including taxes). The fifth option is all of the above sections – Rs 1700 per person (including taxes). Let me tell u that unless u have the appetite of Bhima (Mahabharata), u shud stick to any of the first four.

We chose the Italian option & at the end of 2 hrs we just managed to roll out of the restaurant – smiling.

As mentioned above, the setting is visually very nice – the three sections have their own visual merchandizing. The people are very warm, informed, helpful & nice. I just hope they continue to be the same in future once the crowds increase.

The food was excellent – what made a difference was the attention to detail & the passion to be perfect in each & every dish of that large spread.

Detailed description – In case u have the time to njoy reading:

Continue reading “Sen5es (Pullman Hotel, Gurgaon)”

yummrajMay 19, 2012January 26, 20139 Comments

Indian, miscellaneous, Rolls, snack

Streetfood – Amar Colony Market (New Delhi)

In a nutshell:

Tiny food shops lined up at one corner of the market serving YUMM snacky food

Address & other details: Amar Colony Market

Meal for 2: Rs. 70 onwards

Cuisine Type: Vegetarian & Nonvegetarian

Short Description – In case u r in a hurry:

I have been hearing about this from a friend of mine who has been going here from his college days. So, we decided to venture out with him on a weekend.

After reaching here, we saw a line of small food shops in the dark. It remined me of Chatori Gali Bhopal, but surely a smaller version of the same. Shop sizes started from a ‘hole in the wall’ to normal shops to an airconditioned small shop. Most of the shops were offering kababs, rolls, momos, shawarmas & other snacky items. The airconditioned shop in the corner offered chicken & mutton curries, fish tikkas & of course huge variety of kababs. One shop in another corner was struggling to serve chaat & pani puri to endless customers. A fruit juice stall was selling banta in addition to fruit juice. Another tiny shop was serving as the dessert point for everyone else – He was selling ice creams & softies.

The posh crowds of South Delhi were pouring in to grab a bite – young, old, families, couples, single people, stag groups, the rich & the striving & so on ……..U cud see all kinds of cars in the parking from Marutis to Mercs. Quite a leveller of a place, I must say.

Almost nothing that we ate here wud classify as ‘the best I have ever had’ but some wud end up maybe among the top 5 in their respective categories. Loved the food here & look forward to getting here more often.

Detailed Description – In case u have time to enjoy reading:

Continue reading “Streetfood – Amar Colony Market (New Delhi)”

yummrajMay 17, 2012May 17, 20129 Comments

Indian, Rolls, snack

Streetfood Gurgaon – Undaz (Branded cart selling food made from ‘anda’ / egg)

In a nutshell:
Neat & clean,freshly made tasty food that is good for a small meal.

Undaz – food cart at udyog vihar, gurgaon

Address: Undaz – Hand carts in Udyog Vihar Gurgaon (behind India Bulls Office that u can see from NH8) from 5pm to 9 pm in the evening & other locations (see link)

Meal for 2: Rs. 50 onwards

Cuisine Type: Nonvegetarian (if u consider eggs to be that) & Vegetarian

Short Description – In case u r in a hurry:

The first day I saw this cart, I was driving past. I was impressed by the look & feel, the concept & of course the name ‘Undaz’ – plural of the hindi word ‘unda’ that means egg.

The brightly colored tiny cart is almost the size of an ice cream cart with the difference that it has a rounded shape in the front as compared to the ‘boxy’ ice cream carts. There are two stoves on the cart on which every food u order is freshly made (of course not from scratch).

I was told that currently there are only 8 carts that have fixed spots in different places in Udyog Vihar & one is in JMD Tower. I was also told that this is just the beginning & there will b 100 carts in Gurgaon shortly………… Looking forward to……

The items on the tiny menu are omelette bread, egg roll, aloo roll & paneer roll. I am yet to understand the connection between paneer & egg though.

Detailed Description – In case u have the time to njoy reading:

Continue reading “Streetfood Gurgaon – Undaz (Branded cart selling food made from ‘anda’ / egg)”

yummrajMay 15, 2012May 17, 20123 Comments

Continental Cuisine, European, For the Chef in u……, Guest Blogger, Italian

Pasta with homemade basil pesto

This is a part of the series ……. For the Chef in u

Contributed by YUMMRAJ’s favourite Chef ANONYMOUS

Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

It was one of those days where I was struggling to think of a good ‘different’ dish for my vegetarian friend…………………… Search happened & I came across a very cool recipe.

Ever since then, my friends who have tasted this so far, talk about it & keep asking me to make this again & again.

Boil water in a large vessel. Add 1 teaspoon salt & 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Add 200 grams of pasta (we chose the ones seen in the pic above just bcoz it looked good – u can choose any pasta) after the water comes to a boil.

Keep boiling pasta till just cooked – not overcooked. Drain, refresh the pasta with cold water & keep aside.

In a blender jar take 3 tablespoons of chilgoza (pine nuts), 4 large cloves of garlic, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese,

1 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil & salt to taste.

Continue reading “Pasta with homemade basil pesto”

yummrajMay 14, 2012May 15, 20122 Comments

Continental Cuisine, For the Chef in u……, Guest Blogger, Mediterranean, snack

Hummus & Pita Bread

This is a part of the series ……. For the Chef in u

Contributed by YUMMRAJ’s favourite Chef ANONYMOUS

Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

I had Middle Eastern food – Hummus for the first time in Varanasi – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest city in India. I liked it instantly.

Since then I had been tasting this at different places in Delhi NCR & liked it.

In one of my net browsing sessions I stumbled upon a recipe to make Hummus & that made me think – Is that really so easy?

So I started my experiments in the kitchen & here is my version. Let me tell u that on every occasion I have served this, our friends have been seen finger-licking.

Interestingly, this homemde hummus actually comes out to be much better than what is served at most Restaurants in Delhi NCR.

Continue reading “Hummus & Pita Bread”

yummrajMay 13, 20122 Comments

Continental Cuisine, Eating outside India, Mexican

Mi Amigo’s Mexican Grill (455 N 3rd Street, Arizona Center, Phoenix, Arizona , USA)

In a nutshell:

Loved the food here – hope something similar to this opens up in India.

Address & other details: Mi Amigos

Cuisine Type: Vegetarian & Nonvegetarian

Meal for 2: US$30 onwards

Short Description – In case u r in a hurry:

This post is an Indian Foodie’s perspective on Mexican food in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. He has never been to Mexico though. The comments are purely based on the taste & not on authenticity / proximity to the traditional Mexican taste.

The Restaurant is in a building that has many eateries. I cud not figure out why but this place attracted me & we just walked in.

The ambience was good – predominantly dimlighting with lamps on each table. Njoyable peppy (I guess) Mexican Music was being played in the backdrop.

After reading the menu card twice we figured that we had not figured anything at all. So time to seek help. We asked the lady serving us. She patiently explained the names, the meanings & at times the ingredients as well. She suggested some dishes & drinks as well. Full marks to her patience , product knowledge & role as a hostess.

The food was good & we loved it so much that we revisited the place in just 3-4 days.

Detailed Description – In case u have the time to njoy reading:

As we sat waiting for the food, we were served inhouse made super crispy super thin & very tasty nachos with unimpressive looking but outstanding salsa. The salsa looked a bit watery (not thick) but its taste was too good. Once we started eating this, the hands were just going to the mouth & back to the plate inspite of repeated signals from the brain to stop doin that!!!! We finished a full load of nachos & salsa.

As suggested by the lady serving us, we went for Mi Amigo’s signature Margarita served ‘frozen’ with a splash of citrus tinged Blue curacao……….I added a bit of sweet & salt. Too good. Refreshing longggggggggggggggggg drink.

Continue reading “Mi Amigo’s Mexican Grill (455 N 3rd Street, Arizona Center, Phoenix, Arizona , USA)”

yummrajMay 9, 2012May 10, 20124 Comments

Asian Cuisine, For the Chef in u……, Guest Blogger, Thai

Homemade Thai Green Curry

This is a part of the series ……. For the Chef in u

Contributed by YUMMRAJ’s favourite Chef ANONYMOUS

Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

Thai Green curry had always been a mystery to me. I wud have eaten this dish in at least 10 different Restaurants in the last two years. Infact, I have at times tend to rate restaurants in my mind on the basis of Thai Green curry!!!!

This eating around of Thai Green Curry continued till I accidentally stumbled upon a Cookery Show on TLC. I found that making this curry from scratch was less complicated than it seems. So recipe hunting started & so did my experiments in the kitchen.

Here is my version of the Thai Green curry with ingredients that r easily available in Delhi.

For the Green curry all that is needed is a paste. The following ingredients are needed to make the paste.

Take 3 lemon grass stock. Clean, remove outer layers & cut them into small pieces.

Add thumb size Thai Ginger(Galangal).

Two Kaffir lime leaves

Take 1 cup coriander leaves & ¼ cup fresh Basil leaves.

2 teaspoon dhania (coriander) powder, 1 teaspoon jeera (cumin) powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar (use normal sugar as substitute), 2 tablespoon fish sauce & 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 5 fresh green chillies, 2 large cloves of garlic, 1 small onion.

Rest of the ingredients – garlic, cumin, corainder, brown sugar, green chillies, fish sauce, soy sauce

Continue reading “Homemade Thai Green Curry”

yummrajMay 7, 2012May 10, 20122 Comments

yummraj

Foodies world – If u love ur tastebuds, this is the place to be

Picante (10 C, Upper Ground Level, DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase 2, Gurgaon)

Like this:

Chicken Shawarma Homemade

Like this:

Dalma (Odisa Niwas, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi)

Like this:

Sen5es (Pullman Hotel, Gurgaon)

Like this:

Streetfood – Amar Colony Market (New Delhi)

Like this:

Streetfood Gurgaon – Undaz (Branded cart selling food made from ‘anda’ / egg)

Like this:

Pasta with homemade basil pesto

Like this:

Hummus & Pita Bread

Like this:

Mi Amigo’s Mexican Grill (455 N 3rd Street, Arizona Center, Phoenix, Arizona , USA)

Like this:

Homemade Thai Green Curry

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: