Saturday, October 29, 2016

Delicious Indian Regional Cuisine and Yummy Asian Food at Your Doorstep This Diwali



The Fatty Bao has partnered with Zomato & Swiggy for Diwali delivery service

Lights, festivities, card parties and never ending get togethers! Yes, it’s Diwali!! The festival of lights, the occasion of ditching that diet plan and the perfect time to have your friends over for a great time is here. The Fatty Baodoesn’t want you to miss out on the flavourful Asian food when you are partying indoors for Diwali. Your favourite Asian gastro bar has tied up with Zomato and Swiggy to deliver meal from its menu to make the celebrations complete. Simply log into Zomato and Swiggy and get all that savoury food at your door step and it doesn’t end here as any order above INR 500 is entitled for a 15% off on the total bill. All of this and much more at The Fatty Bao from October 28th, 2016 – October 31st, 2016.

The humble baos and the tasty sushis are never to be missed from The Fatty Bao. The soft pillowy baos come in a plethora of fillings – from the signature Char Siu Bao, to the Mushroom and Bell Pepper Bao, or the Chilli Crab and Prawn Bao andRoast Duck Bao. Choose from the innovative small plates section like the Pok Pok Chicken WingsThai Smoked Corn Cake or The Fatty Bao PB&J or just go for the subtle flavours of the even Seven Spice Seared Salmon. Order the amazing ramens or the signature Duck Rendang Curry or Lotus Root in Thai Red Curry from the main. The Fatty Bao signature desserts are the most popular ones so do save some space for Deconstructed Apple PieJapanese Cheese CakeCocoa Caramel or everyone’s favourite, The Fatty Hill.

Celebrate a happy and memorable Diwali with the delights from The Fatty Bao.

Quick Facts
The Fatty Bao
Wallet Factor:
Meal for two without alcohol, excluding taxes Rs.1, 600 ++
Meal for two including alcohol, excluding taxes Rs. 2,500++
Twitter: @thefattybaodel
Instagram:thefattybaodel

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Tryst with Twist


What -  Twist -Cyber Hub's latest edition, Twist, has opened its doors recently.

Where - 17-18, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon 
About: Twist - True to its name, the restaurant offers international and European wines, pan Asian and modern Chinese to its guests and patrons. Twist proves its uniqueness by selling temperature controlled wines and sommelier to serve as an expert.




Chinese cuisine has been one of the most popular cuisines in India for ages. But it is also a cuisine that has been done to death and mutated into strange versions. My memories of having the best Chinese food was in the iconic restaurants Tea House of the August Moon and House of Ming, having trained in both the kitchens during my stint with Taj years ago. Just entering those kitchens, donning your chef uniform was a heady experience. The aromas, the energy, the methodical, laborious misc-en-place and the final deft stir fry in the Chinese wok, for which the chefs needed to have rather strong forearms. I always noticed the forearms, rippling with muscles, sturdy and agile at the same time, as the Chinese wok has to be maneuvered with one hand. If you wanted to try, the chef would look at your arms often condescendingly and say ‘You can try but you’re not ready yet.’ The gas burners in the Chinese kitchen too are a lot stronger than other kitchens and the slightest delay, can overcook or burn the food. So one tried to excel at misc-en-place, cutting perfect carrot flowers, spring onion blooms and shelling prawns for hours.
Thus creating great Chinese food involved meticulous and detailed misc-en-place or pre-preparation and then a swift and expert assembly of just the right tastes and textures in the hand of a genius, balancing the umami perfectly, without any delay in cooking or serving. Umami is the pleasant meaty taste with a long-lasting, mouthwatering and coating sensation over the tongue that comes from glutamates, a term derived from Japanese but common to many pan-Asian cuisines. The meal that we all shared in the kitchen at the end of a strenuous shift used to taste heavenly and for years nothing else matched up. 
Cut to soggy, over cornfloured, over-monosodiumglutamated deviant versions of Chinese over the years. The Gobhi Manchurians at weddings, the chowmein at Chinese vans, the soggy take away with a kilo of cabbage was the death knell. I almost went off Chinese food for a while. It did not seem crunchy enough, healthy enough, Chinese enough.
Which is why Twist caught my attention. The introductory paragraph amended on top promised a refreshingly new interpretation of Chinese. Add pan Asian to the mix, and it is all the more fun. Throw in some wines and you have a heady cocktail.

The look of the restaurant clicked with me at first sight. No reds, no dragons, no paper lanterns, no Chinese sounding music, no relics of the past. This is Chinese 2.0. The interiors of the restaurant are grey with  and blue accents, subdued lighting, interesting lamps, mirrors, a very stylish bar area with white furniture and happy, cheerful upholstery. It is all about whites, clean lines, decluttered lay-out and an impressive display of wines. The restaurant also has a lovely al fresco area with garden umbrellas and high chairs, very chic.  I compliment the décor and the Director, Randeep Dhingra tells me that the concept of Twist is to stick to authentic food but serve in a modern setting. They actually are into a furniture business and all the exquisite furniture in the restaurant is there own manufacturing. They earlier ran a restaurant called Snob in Delhi's GK area and finally thought of venturing into DLF Cyber Hub in Gurgaon with this unique concept. The portions are suited for one person.
Traditionally if you went to a Chinese restaurant, one had to share a meal with at least four persons as portions were always family size. But what if everyone had a different taste or preference? Remember the one into two and two into four sweet corn soups?Twist gives every person the freedom to order their favourite dish in one portion. I think I love the place already as I am a small eater but like to try bites of many things.
My drink is perfect and the music is lively.The Manager James Hsiao is all professionalism personified. He instantly instills confidence in me to leave the selection of my drink to him. I have always preferred citrus, lemony drinks so he recommends me a drink called Pot. Hsiao is someone who instantly builds a rapport with all the guests and I am sure a great asset to the organization. He is the kind of manager one would visit a place just to meet and talk to.
I notice that the menu is not overly expansive but has limited dishes that are made well and taste good. For starters we had the Shanghai Style Prawns, Pork Ribs and Prawn Crystal Dumpling. The pork cooked in Ghochujang Sauce and caramelized to brown perfection.
Pork Ribs
Pan Fried Noodles
Prawn Shanghai Style

For the main course again I rely on James for recommendations. We have Kimchi Fried Rice, Pan Fried Noodles, Ma Cheena Fish with Asparagus(Can't go wrong with Sole fish and Asparagus) and Singapore Prawns. The Kimchi rice is a unique dish. I personally loved the pan-fried noodles as they are topped with so many veggies that it is almost like having a side dish of vegetables. Part of the reason I love Chinese is the wonderful synchronisation of crunchy vegetables with meats that they do. So my 12 yr old was happy with the noodles and meats while I gobbled all the vegetables, without which my meal is still incomplete. Ma Cheena Fish is a lovely dish, something I would go back for.

The ambience is so nice that we ended up ordering the 'not required' dessert just because we wanted to sit a little longer and relax. The Snicker Bar Dessert is highly recommended by the chef and the manager so we go for it. But the creme brûlée with lemon grass and coconut milk flavour definitely grabs my attention. The presentation of the chocolate dessert is fantastic, like a fire place of snicker bars replete with a smouldering vanilla ice-cream fire but is a bit heavy for me. But the classic creme brûlée with the Asian twist gets my vote.
Some peaceful moments sipping green tea served in a beautiful teapot and I am ready to call it a day. I am sure the memories of this calm and delicious meal will linger for long. All in all a great place to add to Gurgaon culinary scene.

Tangy Sorbet Rating: 4/5



Friday, October 21, 2016

EatTreat launches Online Gourmet Market Place for Desserts and Cakes

EatTreat, a pan-India community of food lovers, has launched EatTreat Shoppe, an online marketplace for high quality desserts at a glittering event at Lodhi restaurant, Delhi. Through EatTreat, some of the best bakers in Delhi have come together to provide their patrons with the best gourmet cakes, cookies and everything sweet. 
 

  
 
 
EatTreat serves as a platform for small businesses and home-sellers, who aren’t traditionally available online, and a space where one can get the gooiest and most scrumptious desserts. Customers can place online orders for customisable treats with a press of a button.
 
EatTreat believes in exploring the new in food, fun things to eat in the city and delivering the best experience when it comes to gorging. The EatTeam comes with expertise and knowledge of the F&B industry. The website will constantly bring you recommendations from the community and influencers, and focus entirely on quality experiences and desserts that you will a have hard time sharing with anyone. 

Kasturi Roy (Editor at EatTreat in the middle) with Saundarya Srinivasan(R) and a guest
Tanya & Sana of Blingalicious

EatTreat has associated with 30 unique home bakers so far, each showcasing a flurry of their products - bringing you delights from the likes of the renowned Georgia DakotaBaked Loved by VatsalaSinful Bites and a lot of modest bakeries and confectioners, who make unique cakes, alcoholic goodies and gluten-free treats. The e-commerce platform right now is available in Delhi and further plans to expand to the entire NCR region, soon followed by other cities. 
 
By the end of 2016, EatTreat is targeting 100 home bakers to associate with EatTreat.
 
Additionally, EatTreat’s aim is to bring something that you haven't sampled before - recommendations from a community delivered to your doorstep. EatTreat offers its readers and customers with information on lost recipes, best places to eat in the city, tips and tricks with fun and interactive quizzes to keep you engaged.
 
The editor of EatTreat, Ms. Kasturi Roy says “EatTreat is a place where you will find your favourite home-baker or seller, who's currently only operating through word of mouth, text messages or email. We at EatTreat, ensure that your gluten-free, sugarless, eggless or any other requirement is passed on to the seller, and you get exactly the experience you want.”

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Spread the Joy of Diwali with Delectable Indulgences from Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund

 
~Bespoke Diwali Hampers at TADO~
 
TADO, The Artisan and Deli Oven at Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund is back with delectable, dazzling and delightful Diwali hampers that will add sparkle to the festive season.
 
To add a dash of cheer to the festivities indulge in the art of gifting through the various hampers that can be customized to one’s liking. Patrons can delight their loved ones with an array of thoughtfully designed Diwali hampers like Diwali Aura Exclusive Plus, Diwali Aura Exclusive, Diwali Affluence, Diwali Celebration and an option to design your own hamper.
 
 
 
 
 
These hampers include from scrumptious confectioneries to special edition liquors, rare consumables, precious festive durables like Signature Banana Loaf Cake, TADO Cookies, Box of Chocolate Brownies, Finest Single Malt Bottle, Festive White Jasmine Candles, Handcrafted Diyas, Bottle of Festive Gulukand, Handpicked Dark Chocolate, Festive Mithais, Ganesh Idols etc.
 
Price Range: INR 2,499 – 11,999 (inclusive of taxes)
Dates: 5th to 30th of October 2016
Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM
Venue: TADO, Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund
 

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Vivanta by Taj - Gurgaon presents ‘The Music Fest’ at Tease


~ Enjoy an eclectic two-day weekend fest with live music barbecue ~

Finally Delhi has the perfect weather for some outdoor fun. This October, Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon, the stylishly-spirited, 100th hotel of the Taj Group, gives you a chance to celebrate a two-day music and barbecue fiesta at its award-winning high energy bar – Tease.


The two-day weekend music festival will kick-start with a mega opening night - Harley Rock Riders on 14thOctober that will showcase a power-packed performance by eminent musician Valentine Shipley. 

Valentine Shipley’s style of music ranges from Rock & Roll, Jazz, Funk, Blues, and Live remixes Jazz-Rock and contemporary Indian music. He has composed music and background scores for numerous radio and television productions, played live concerts as a Solo Artist & with his band and scored music for various documentaries and films for TV too.

The second night (15th October) will feature a live performance by popular vocalist Rupin Pahwa known for his soft rock and pop renditions and winner of the World Karaoke Championship 2013-2014.

To complement the music, feast on an array of delectable grills and live Indian and western barbecue delights meticulously prepared by Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon’s team of expert chefs. 

The Music Fest at Tease offers the perfect opportunity to unwind over the weekend with soulful live music and the best of food and beverage.

·         Venue: Tease Terrace, First Floor, Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon
·         Date: October 14th & 15th 2016 (Friday & Saturday)
·         Timings: 19:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs
·         Pricing: INR 1200/- per person per evening (includes entry and one beverage of choice from a select menu)

For reservations call 0124 6673000 or write to tease.gurgaon@tajhotels.com