Tag: Food Blog

LT Foods Organises a Special Event with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

Posted on by Sunil Malhotra

Friday January 20 ,2017 saw a special event held at Taj Mansingh by LT Foods with their wide range of rice brands like Daawat, Heritage and Royal. LT foods is one of the leaders in several countries including India and the US.
LT Foods brought together one of top ten rising chefs of the world; Chef “JJ” Johnson and world Reknowned Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor from India.


Chef JJ, a highly awarded chef in New York was taken across various basmati growing farms in India to experience the culinary n cultural heritage of India.
On this unique event chef was symbolically handed over the secrets of making Biryani by Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor who beside being a brand ambassador for Daawat Rice has had a long association with LT Foods. The association as per Chef Sanjeev Kappor is based on the fact that LT Foods apart from delivering quality products also strives to provide solutions relevant to the chef community.


LT Foods is working similarly in the US and across the Globe to spread awareness about basmati rice .
Chef JJ was equally excited about this unique event and his trip to India. Verbatim “I am in love with India. I just can’t get enough of its vibrant Flavours, Spices and Culture and to be around and see where authentic basmati rice is grown and to meet the farmers has been a game changer for me. Thanks to Royal Basmati and LTF, I have a whole new respect for the rice and the way it os grown and I can’t wait to get back and share some of my journey in new dishes that I will create using Basmati rice and all that I have learned about Indian food and Culture”


Mr Vijay Kumar Arora, CMD, LT Foods Ltd also emphasised on the company’s endeavor to take Daawat rice across the world and making it a part of American Households successfully so much so that it has attained the No.1 position in North America.

The event saw a live session of Biryani cooked by our very own Chef Sanjeev Kapoor as he actively interacted with the audience. It was great fun meeting Sanjeev Kapoor and learn his amazing dishes.


The event was followed by a sumptuous spread of dishes all created mainly using Basmati rice.
Specially the different types of Biryani’s made from Basmati rice, unique in itself. I enjoyed being a part of this event and learn so much about Basmati Rice, hope LT food continues to share their expertise and knowledge with us.

Sunday Brunch at Zerruco- Simply One of the Best..!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Sunday Brunches are luxury for me, the comfort of having so many dishes to choose from, an elaborate dessert spread and array of drinks is always attractive isnt it and when a Sunday Brunch is organised at a place one loves otherwise also, its a win win situation. Zerruco, a Lebanese Speciality Restaurant, has been my favourite ever since I went there for the first time. It has a great ambience and I truly haven’t eaten a better Lebanese food anywhere else. Its housed in the Ashoka Hotel, Chanakyapuri and is a fine dining place with spacious seating both indoors and outdoors.

This Sunday afternoon, I headed to Zerruco, as it was the first Brunch of the season for them. It was bright and sunny, but not in a hot way, but a warm way just the way a cold winter afternoon should be. The outdoor ambience where the spread was laid out looked immensely attractive. The spread had a mix of Lebanese and other Mediterranean dishes, including soups, salads, mains and desserts. Sangrias, and Margritas were available in lots of flavours to give high to this brunch.

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There was Pumpkin and Green Apple Soup and Asian Chicken Soup, the Pumpkin soup some how lacked authentic taste, the pumpkin flavour overpowered everything else, green apple could not be tasted at all. The Asian Chicken soup was perfectly done, I really loved sipping this warm soup.

The Salads selection was great, it was a delight to see so many colourful vegetables, and meats tossed in different sauces. Middle Eastern Tabbuleh with Red Quinoa, Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad, Mexican Corn and Pepper Salad made the vegetarian part, whereas Ceasar Salad with Bacon and Anchovie, Smoked Chicken Salad with Pears and Endive and Coronation Chicken Salad was what the non veg selection comprised of.

Tabbuleh, Mexican Corn Salad were amazing, I loved both of these from the vegetarian ones. Caesar salad was good too but the best for me was the Smoked Chicken Salad with Pears and Endive. This one was the sure shot winner and is highly recommended. The spread of different sauces to binge on with Pita Bread was mouth watering.

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Chef’s Special Wood Fired Oven Cheese Pizza was awesome. It had a thin crispy crust and oodles of cheese.

There was a live grill section, from where I picked up a mixed non-veg platter and it had me completely bowled over. It was amazing. It had Chicken, Fish, Prawns and Mutton Seekh and each of the items was delectable.

The main course had a few selected European dishes especially curated by the executive chef Mukherjee. Aubergine Parmigiana, Florentine and Corn Cannolini, Mushroom Risotto, Roast Chicken Breast, Lamb Harrira and Fish Majboos were the dishes that not only looked beautiful but tasted good too. Special mention for the Roast Chicken Breast, Mushroom Risotto and Corn Cannolini, they were delicious.

I also tried some Chicken Linguine with mixed sauce from the live pasta station and it was yumm. The taste is still lingering on, it was so nice.

Apple Crumble Pie with Custard Sauce, Chocolate Brownie and Banofie Pie made for the dessert spread and each one of the tasted awesome. I have a weakness for desserts and this was a true sinful indulgence for me, but then who cares?

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I highly recommend not just the Sunday Brunch at Zerruco, but a visit to Zerruco for any meal, its totally worth it. But yes weekend is approaching and this Sunday Brunch should not be missed. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and here is a glimpse

Dockyard- Restaurant Review

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Naval life has always held my keen interest but somehow I have never been able to experience the same closely. As a child also the big ships, the coal engines, the big metal pipes and propellers have intrigued me a lot and even now when I watch such movies I wish I could for once see a ship closely enough, not just for traveling and luxury, but the working of a ship.

That may or may not happen, but visiting a restaurant which is based on the naval theme is something that I could achieve and hence Dockyard was on my list since long. Recently I got a chance of visiting this amazing place, that not only has interesting ambience and interiors but also serves lip smacking food and some amazing variety of cocktails and mocktails. It also houses a microbrewery and hence serves fresh beers as well.

The ambience is bold and has a very rustic appeal to it. Big dockyard type lights, the raw looking furniture and a huge screen behind the bar that stands out completely.

For drinks I tried Melon Vs Ginger and then Wild Herb Guava, both of them were nice and refreshing. I personally loved the Guava one more, Nashila Nariyal which a friend of mine ordered attracted me because of its sheer presentation and a sip of same ensured its great taste as well. When it comes to mocktails I judge a place lot of times by its ability to pull of a great Mojito because sometimes simple things aren’t done perfectly, but at Dockyard the Mojito was awesome. Calling Hey You and Pan Bahar were some other cocktails that were amazing. Though I found the Pan Bahar a bit strong, it was appreciated by a lot of people.

 

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Chakhna Sampler to go with drinks is a must have.

Lebanese Delight, a two way humus served with Pita Bread, this was a good beginning into the food world.

Veg Bruschetta, Afgani Paneer Tikka and Vada Pav Sliders were amazing. The Bruschetta had different toppings and I loved the corn topping the most. Paneer Tikka was soft and a mouth melting experience. The Vada Pav Sliders looked so drool worthy that I could not ignore them, they tasted equally well.

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Next I tried Methi Malai Murg Tikka, presented on a skewer, it looked awesome and the taste was delectable. Korean Barbecued Chicken and Wasabi Prawns are a must try, they were both each better than the other.

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Mandarin Chicken Pizza was really nice, crispy thin crust with amazing chicken topping. Chicken Satay and Naram Garam were also served, the Chicken Satay was tender and juicy, normally I find the satays to be quite dry, thankfully this was different. Naram Garam was a deep fried sphere with soft and creamy filling inside. It was really yummy.

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Coming to desserts I tried Crispy Fried Ice-Cream and Tiramisu. The Fried Ice Cream was a pure delight and I loved it, Tiramisu has always been my favourite and indulging in this one was as amazing.

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My overall experience at Dockyard was very fulfilling and I highly recommend it. You must visit it soon.

Dockyard Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Lohri Lunch at Zodiac, Fortune Select Hotel, Gurgaon

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Zodiac at the Fortune Select Hotel, Gurgaon hosted a grand Lohri Lunch with a lavish buffet spread out for us to indulge in.
A word about the property, it a small but elegant and beautiful hotel exuding great ambience. As one enters the Hotel Lobby, the Zodiac is situated just across the lobby. Zodiac is billed as a fine dining restaurant and it fully justifies the same.
It is very elegantly furnished and the decor is simple but very appealing.
They had laid out a lavish spread of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes from across cuisines and a wide range of desserts and mocktails.
The veg Margarita Pizza was perfectly done, the thin crisply done crust and delicious topping.
A really appeasing preparation was the Gol Gappas which were really very crisp with two varities of water to accompany regular n the other sweet. Absolutely mouthwatering.
To go alongside was the Dahi Tikki Chat again very thin and crisply made tikkis.

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The Grilled Fish in Lemon Butter Sauce was another delightful creation. The fish was perfectly done in the lemon butter sauce a very subtle taste indeed.
The Hyderadi Gosht Biryani was a perfect blend of tender mutton cooked in some wonderful spices which lent it a great aroma and superb flavour. A real wholesome meal in itself.
The Paneer Tikka had the right marination and was tender and delicious.
Paneer lababdar was very well made with a real creamy and sumptuous gravy.
Dal Tadke Wali and Dal Fortune need a special mention as each was simply delicious. The Soups and Mocktails served were simply awesome.

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To accompany there was very wide spread of superb salads and they were super awesome. Fresh, crunchy and very refreshing.

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Last but not the least there was a lavish spread of mouth watering desserts, each a winner on its own, to name a few Ras Malai, Kulfi Falooda, Mississippi Brownie and the Mud Cake which was amazing.

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All in all a wonderful spread of delicious food easy on the palate. Zodiac truly is wonderful place to visit.
The staff is extremely polite and provide a very efficient service. The place is really worth a visit over n over again.

Zodiac - Fortune Select Excalibur Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Savoured Authentic Indian Food at Chawla’s 2

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Enjoying authentic Indian/Mughlai food is always a delight, and recently we had one such enjoyable evening at Chawla’s 2 savouring some Indian delicacies from their menu.

Chawla’s 2 is an extremely popular chain of restaurants having about 8 outlets in Delhi NCR and is expanding its presence with more outlets in the pipeline.

The ambience is like a mix of fine dining and casual dining restaurant, perfect for cosy family outings or even a chilled out evening with friends.

To begin with we ordered Murg Lehsuni Tikka, and Murg Malai Tikka, though they looked identical, but thankfully tasted evidently different. The Lehsuni Tikka had a very prominent garlic flavour which I loved, the Malai Tikka on the other hand was very soft and tender with a creamy texture.

For the main course we relished Bhuna Meat and Dal Makhani. The Bhuna Meat was exceptionally tasty, very well prepared and perfectly spiced. This should definitely be a must try. Dal Makhani is a favourite for my son, and he has become an expert in recommending best Dal Makhani across Delhi NCR. He rated this Dal Makhani a generous 8/10. It was creamy and flavoursome.

We really enjoyed our awesome dinner at Chawla’s 2 and I am sure if you have not tried yet, you should. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Chawla's 2 Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Zizo- Best Mediterranean Cuisine Comes to Noida Now..!

Posted on by Ikreate Passions

ZIZO, Its as classic as it sounds! Just a brief about Zizo , its an award winning Lebanese restaurant (2015 and 2016) Delhi and Gurgaon, and now they have extended their venture to DLF Mall of India, Noida. The ambience is superb and they have an amazingly hospitable staff.

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Chef Danny was on the floor himself, explaining the dishes and how he has added the Indian taste to the them making it more comfortable for the TG, which in a way is funny, but definitely yummy at the same time 🙂

We tried a variety of food from Zizo and I can say the food at this place is really nice and should definitely be tried.

Batata Hara to begin with is one of the dish that I strongly recommend, crispy potatoes with perfect spices, not too hot, but mildly spiced.

Falafel Basket which had crispy cutlets served with pickled veggies, salad and tahini sauce is also something I vouch for. It was delectable.


Next were the Cheesy Cigars, and though I found it to be too cheesy for my liking, those who drool on cheese, this one if surely for them. Oodles of cheese rolled in crispy cigars this is one dish for cheese lovers.

The Veg Mezze Platter consisted of 3 different types of dips served with pita bread, and all the dips were great to taste. The one called Lebaneh Beltoum was in particular the best, it had a tangy flavour with garlic in it and tasted really well. The Trio-Hummus was also totally worth it and one must try it for sure.


Zaatar Man’oushe, a flat bread pizza topped with herbs mixed with olive oil and cucumber on its top was crispy and different. It looked like a pizza for sure, but tasted quite different.

Fattoush Salad, was another dish that one can try, nothing too elaborate about this one, it was a simple salad but tasted quite good.

Coming to desserts, they truly were the highlight of the day. Lady’s Arm was a very different kind of dessert, crispy rolled pastry with custard filling, I really loved it, it was delicious.

Baked Cheese Cake was another dessert that one cant afford to miss, 3 layers of cheese topped with crushed pistachios, served with sugar syrup made it a visual and a tasty delight to relish.

Here is a big thank you to the Zizo team for serving us such delectable food, really look forward to visit them soon, and you too must visit ZiZo for a lovely Mediterranean cuisine.

Review Credit: Shikhar Arora

Zizo Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Tiranga Burfi- Recipe by Rohit Tokhi, Exec Chef, Leela Ambience Convention Hotel

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

We Indians need just an excuse to indulge in sweets and when there is a special occasion, we go all the way for it. So why not even celebrate Republic Day with a traditional Indian sweet, but of course with the Republic Day twist of making it in a try-colour, the colours that represent India, the colours of our flag. Here is a very interesting recipe shared by Rohit Tokhi, the executive chef for The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, I am sure you will love to try this out as I am gonna do it too. Do share your feedback on the recipe with us, and tell us how it was.. enjoy and have a great Republic Day!

INGREDIENTS & QUANTITY

 

PREPARATION:-

THE BASIC MAWA MIXTURE:-

Take a pan put in grated Khoya and heat over a slow flame for 5 minutes. Add sugar and stir well over a low heat. Cook till mixture leave the pan. Now add ghee along with cardamom powder and rose water, stir well. Now take three bowls and pour the prepared mixture equally into the bowls. Use the first bowl of prepared basic mawa mixture as white mixture.

THE GREEN MAWA MIXTURE:-

Take a pan fry pistachio in desi ghee. Add milk, cook till dry and make a fine paste. Keep aside. Now add the prepared green pistachio mixture and the second bowl of prepared mawa mixture and mix thoroughly.

THE KESARIYA MAWA MIXTURE:-

Take a pan fry diced carrot in desi ghee. Add milk, cook till dry and make a fine paste. Keep aside. Now add the prepared kesariya carrot mixture and the third bowl of prepared mawa mixture and mix thoroughly.

TO ASSEMBLE THE BURFI:-

Take a greased tray. Spread the green pistachio mixture first. Evenly spread the second layer of basic mawa mixture on the first layer and press well. Now evenly spread the third layer of kesariya carrot mawa mixture and press well.

TO SERVE:-

Cut the burfi as per you size and serve cold or at room temperature.

About the Chef:

Award-winning Executive Chef Rohit Tokhi brings a special magic to the hotel, with over 19 years of experience crafting mouthwatering food. Chef Rohit was voted the championship winner of a student chef’s competition conducted by the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) in 1996. Ever since then he has continued to demonstrate and develop his culinary skill set. Recipient of the coveted Hotelier India’s Chef of the Year award in 2011, Chef Tokhi was also the winner of the Bacardi Cruise Industry Chef of The Year 2006. At The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences (formerly The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon), his restaurants Spectra, Rubicon, Diya and Zanotta won the Times Food Guide Awards consecutively in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2007 and 2008, under his culinary guidance, restaurant 360 at The Oberoi New Delhi won the Times Food Award as well.

 

A Launch that was Tailor Made… Darzi Bar & Kitchen!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Normally restaurant launches are all about hundred of people rumbling and tumbling against each other, having drinks, hunting for food like scavengers and dancing to a loud music till wee hours and forgetting all about it the next day! But as the name suggests the launch at Darzi Bar & Kitchen was as tailor made as they claim their theme to be. Very well managed, controlled and with right dose of entertainment, endless supply of food and drinks and a very warm and personalised hospitality were the key highlights of the launch.

The ambience is cosy, comfortable and just like a place where you would want to spend long hours enjoying some lip smacking food and drinks with your family and friends.

The Darzi Bar and Kitchen, located in the heart of New Delhi, Connaught Place, was launched on Saturday, 14th of January, bringing in a completely fresh view to the whole dining experience. The restaurant offers a lavish selection of Indian Fusion, Progressive Indian and European Cuisine, making the whole “love for food” journey turn into a classic with Master Chef Shipra Khanna. Meeting her once again has been my pleasure and loved the feeling that she remembered me too. Shipra’s journey as a master chef has been an inspiration for many and her strength is commendable.

The whole idea of The Darzi Bar and Kitchen was born to provide a new and improved way to set a mood for an all round tailored experience. Mr. Manuj M Gupta, the Founder and Partner of The Darzi Bar and Kitchen says, “The words tailor-made summarize my entire vision for The Darzi Bar and Kitchen as it is a unique concept, catering to everyone with options made especially for them, highlighted in overall interiors, food and drinks. Everything has been set keeping this vision at power, with options that have been invented to suit the customer’s fits and misfits so that when they leave they are a lot happier than when they entered.” Mr. Abhishek Trehan, Partner of The Darzi Bar and Kitchen mentions, “6 months ago, I had a dream to bring a warm and cozy place to New Delhi which explores tailor made cocktails and handcrafted gourmet food. A place, which was idle for having conversations while enjoying some of the best concoctions and bites, this city has to offer. Hence, The Darzi Bar and Kitchen came into being.”

It was this dream for The Darzi Bar and Kitchen, which led to a new and improved way to provide a made to measure experience, making sure that the whole idea catered to an exclusive tailor-made selection for each customer by measuring their likes and dislikes. Master Chef Shipra Khanna says, “Tailor-made food and beverages are for your belly as clothes are tailor-made for the body. This is the essence of The Darzi Bar and Kitchen. Of course not to miss out on the whole ambience which too is tailor made!!”

The Launch was one of its kind, I mean I haven’t seen a launch where everything is so perfect. Everything had a personal touch, with Shipra, Abhishek and Manuj interacting with each guests, and being so warm and hospitable, it almost felt like a personal house party.

The food served was delectable and the cocktails and drinks were amazing.

The entertainment was top class, with some live singing and dances thrown in and then a master stroke performance by none other than Jasbir Jassi himself.

He brought the house on fire as audience started dancing on his high energy numbers. Watch a glimpse here..Shipra too sing and dance along with him and that added a lot more fun to the whole performance.

Bollywood actor Chandrachur Singh also made his way to the stage and enthralled the audience by singing ‘Rang Barse’ in his deep sensuous voice.

A special mention for the DJ, he really knew the pulse of the people and totally rocked the music scene, commendable!

Many known personalities also witnessed the launch and enjoyed the food and ambience including Raja Randhir Singh, Anupama Verma, Shikha Swaroop and a few others.

The Darzi Bar and Kitchen team comprises of Chef Umesh Kapoor who is the concept & hospitality consultant, Saniya Sharad Sahai who has tailor-made all the artifacts and wall arts and Mr. Prantap Trikha, the interior and architecture consultant. The Darzi Bar and Kitchen inspires a tailor made experience whether it’s in food or interiors, to create and complement individual tastes, focusing on the exclusivity provided to everyone.

I am now looking forward to have a nice evening spent there just enjoying their Tailor Made Food & Drinks.. hope I am able to make it soon..! Here is wishing Shipra and the team all the very best for their new venture and hope it reaches new heights of success!

Cafe Gatherings-Restaurant Review

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Cafe Gatherings is a cosy little join tucked away in the Super Mart 1 of DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon. Space is a constrain at this place, but for a small group or a cosy couple outing, its just perfect. I recently visited this place and found it really amusing.

For me its a small intimate Dine-in Eatery.
Though short on seating capacity the place exudes great warmth and cosy ambience giving you a very comfortable feel and the food too is great.
We started with the Peri Peri Chicken which was really done to perfection with the right blend of spices.


The Fish Fingers was another delicacy well done, crisp on the out and really soft inside, really a mouthwatering dish.

The Chicken Morsels as the name suggests were just that very lovingly done by the chef. Real juicy morsels of chicken with a very distinctive taste.

Pasta Arabiatta and Spanish Cannelloni were the pick of the dishes. Truly Delectable!!!!! I mean the taste of the Spanish Cannelloni still lingers in my mouth, it was so good.

For the mains we tried the Thai Curry & Rice, another delicious preparation perfectly done.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly at Cafe Gatherings and you must give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Truly a great gastronomic experience.

Cafe Gatherings Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Hudson Chopsticks- Food Delivery Review

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Often in winters you don’t want to step out late at night for a dinner and on such occasions home deliveries are the best option. Hudson chopsticks – As we call the name, it’s a well known in university area and recently we ordered a hearty meal from them on a cold winter night.

The cuisine is Chinese with a few Thai dishes as well and is definitely going to leave an impression. Currently it’s a takeaway /doorstep delivery restaurant.

We ordered a Soup, Chicken Momos, Hakka Noodles, Veg Spring Rolls and Red Thai Curry. The quantity was good and sufficient enough for 3 people.

One of the must try here is Chicken WHEAT Dimsums, one if its kinds. By giving our desi momos in wheat it leaves you with less guilt.

The other mouth-watering dish was the Thai Red Curry served with Sticky Rice. I simply loved it. Good portion for more than 2 people.

Hakka Noodles too were delectable and the best part of ordering noodles is they provide chopsticks with it, which gives you the feel of enjoying an authentic Chinese food that too at the comfort of your home

Overall, loved the food and suggest you must give this place a try, its totally worth it!

 

Hudson Chopsticks Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato