A decade ago, a young guy landed in the city of Pune from Varanasi, North India to complete his
you-know-what MBA studies. Fell in love with the city, the freedom it offered and pace it lived by- faster than a town, catchable as compared to Big Mumbai.
As a student of IMDR, and staying in FC Hostel, it presented a problem never faced before by him- to eat, and that too, by his own choice. ! You see, having lived off "ghar ka khana" for 22 years and when eating out used to be a memorable/special occassion, or better still, rare occasions, it was a singulary unique issue.So, it began.. the adventure of experimenting with foods, restaurants, cuisines..and of course, with a limited student budget, I was not in a position to be too frisky with my wallet.
You have to remember a few things here :
1. I am talking about Pune that it was 10 years ago.
2. I was a student and a bachelor
Let me give you some prime examples of this scenario, to give an idea of the era I am talking
about.
1. Manmeet, Chaitanya, CCD, Barista did not exist on FC Road
2. There was no road dividers on FC Road
3. Mobiles were stictly no-no for students, unaffordable.
4. Rahul was one of the best movie halls around
5. Alka and Vijay Talkies tickets costed Rs. 20.
6. Lucky was a place where you could have chicken at 2:00 am in the morning.
7. Rs. 50 was sufficient a decent non veg meal, for a student.
8. The monthly tiffin costed Rs. 350.
9. Jaws used to have Rock bands performing live.
10. Aundh was a far-off village, no one had heard about Wakad, Baner could not be located, Pashan was secluded, Chandni Chowk was noiseless place, KalyaniNagar was outskirts and Magarpatta did not exist.
So, if you find yourself smiling and shaking your head in agreement, while going through the above list, you belong to the dinosaur age of Pune. !
And, if you find yourself shaking you head in disbelief, you dont know what Pune was and what it has become. Now, someone can point out something which is older than what I have mentioned and how better it was then. Of course, he can. But then, this is my blog and this is what I can talk about.
I guess this gets repeated with each generation, although the cycle of "those-were-the-days" are becoming shorter, the pace at which Pune is crumbling.
Anyway, enough rambling. This is a foodie blog. So will talk about food and eating out, although in a time-warp manner, a flash-back to student days, 10 years ago.
More to follow.. keep checking..
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Pune- Times Food Guide 2007
Just purchased 2007 Pune Times Food Guide. Their claim of 'over 600' reviews does not mean anything. I can tell about the area I live in. There is no mention of Baner, Pashan, Bavdhan, Chandani Chowk or even Pune Banglore Highway. As if, Pune does not exist beyond boundaries of Aundh in Pune, at least on this side.
So, Sadanand Resorts, Rajwada and Mahabaleshwar in Baner which are major crowd pulling eating joints do not find a place and neither does Club CPR- Grand Maratha on Pashan Rd. The whole bunch of Chandni Chowk area is missing like Banjara Hills, Up and Above and more. Not sure of Wakad and Hinjewadi area but good eating joints must exist there as well.
They mentioned Imperial China but conveniently forgot Rajwada, although former is a branch of latter.
This guide just concentrates on the usual suspects :- Koregaon Park, MG Road -Camp,FC and JM Road. Although, I do believe the density of eating places is higher in these areas, but there are many places out there, beyond these areas.
I am sure if we consider the other corners of Pune, similar cases would be there. And if we go by the foodie blogs of punekars, especially Mr. Vikram Karve, its a disappointment as well.
And, surprisingly, seedy joints like Chandrama in Aundh find a mention and purely bachelor joints like Delhi Kitchen( food is ok, of course), too.
In all, for Rs. 100, a good reference material for addresses and location and gives a general idea of dent on the wallet. E.g. it confirms pricing for Flavors in Aundh( Rs 800 for 2)and Galaxy Grill( Rs 1000 for 2 !!). Although, there are some mistakes in pricing area as well. They mention, the buffet at Bombay Brassiere at Rs. 140 per person, although its closer to Rs. 300 per person.
BTW, it has some discount coupons for some restaurants. Probably I will use it while sampling some of these restaurants.
My suggestion : dont just rely on this guide alone. There are many more nice joints out there, not mentioned over here. Keep searching the net, and if not, create a blog of your own, just like me. Word of mouth from actual users is any day better than any commerical venture. And, I think a new joint opens every week in Pune. So, gotta keep running harder to stay at the same place.
So, Sadanand Resorts, Rajwada and Mahabaleshwar in Baner which are major crowd pulling eating joints do not find a place and neither does Club CPR- Grand Maratha on Pashan Rd. The whole bunch of Chandni Chowk area is missing like Banjara Hills, Up and Above and more. Not sure of Wakad and Hinjewadi area but good eating joints must exist there as well.
They mentioned Imperial China but conveniently forgot Rajwada, although former is a branch of latter.
This guide just concentrates on the usual suspects :- Koregaon Park, MG Road -Camp,FC and JM Road. Although, I do believe the density of eating places is higher in these areas, but there are many places out there, beyond these areas.
I am sure if we consider the other corners of Pune, similar cases would be there. And if we go by the foodie blogs of punekars, especially Mr. Vikram Karve, its a disappointment as well.
And, surprisingly, seedy joints like Chandrama in Aundh find a mention and purely bachelor joints like Delhi Kitchen( food is ok, of course), too.
In all, for Rs. 100, a good reference material for addresses and location and gives a general idea of dent on the wallet. E.g. it confirms pricing for Flavors in Aundh( Rs 800 for 2)and Galaxy Grill( Rs 1000 for 2 !!). Although, there are some mistakes in pricing area as well. They mention, the buffet at Bombay Brassiere at Rs. 140 per person, although its closer to Rs. 300 per person.
BTW, it has some discount coupons for some restaurants. Probably I will use it while sampling some of these restaurants.
My suggestion : dont just rely on this guide alone. There are many more nice joints out there, not mentioned over here. Keep searching the net, and if not, create a blog of your own, just like me. Word of mouth from actual users is any day better than any commerical venture. And, I think a new joint opens every week in Pune. So, gotta keep running harder to stay at the same place.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Pune Times- Good food, good news!
A news article in Pune Times caught my eye. Found the on-line link for the same.
If any one is having any further information, please let me know more on the same.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Good_food_good_news/articleshow/1937337.cms
If you're on the lookout for some fine food and wine, the city has an unusual option.
Are you a connoisseur in terested in savouring some splendid food and good wine? Well, there is an exclusive club for food and wine lovers in the city.
This is an informal group devoted to the pursuit of good food, wine and single malts, and their sole purpose is to introduce members to the art of fine wine and dining. Presently, the club has 38 members from all over Pune.
This endeavour, spearheaded by Shankar B Shankaranarayan, a businessman, has turned out to be a great success. Shankar says, "I was just the catalyst and, gradually, everything fell into the place. My friends were bored of eating the same kind of food at restaurants, and other outdoor joints. We were keen to savour better quality food. So, my friends and I took the initiative to launch this club, where we could get good cooks and foodies together."
Interestingly, this gourmet club has discovered young winemakers from the city, who have trained in France, USA and Australia.
"They have been most helpful by attending our meetings and demonstrating to us how to taste and enjoy wines,"says Shankaranarayan. Rohan Mankani, a member of the club, says, "I have learnt so much here, now I don't have to worry about someone having to cook for me."He also adds, "Today, we have members of all ages, from 18 to 78."
The carte for the first meeting was Tapas and Cabernet Shiraz, the second had fish and chicken BBQ with Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, and the third was authentic Greek with Cabernet Sauvignon. "Everything is cooked by the members. No one orders from outside,"claims another member Subha Nafrey. Members are also encouraged to post reviews of fine dining and 'spirited' experiences.
Each meet of the club is devoted to a particular cuisine and specialised dishes are created to match the wines on the carte. This is definitely turning out to be a very unique club. So, if you need a break from your usual platter, don your chef's outfit and head the culinary way.
If any one is having any further information, please let me know more on the same.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Good_food_good_news/articleshow/1937337.cms
If you're on the lookout for some fine food and wine, the city has an unusual option.
Are you a connoisseur in terested in savouring some splendid food and good wine? Well, there is an exclusive club for food and wine lovers in the city.
This is an informal group devoted to the pursuit of good food, wine and single malts, and their sole purpose is to introduce members to the art of fine wine and dining. Presently, the club has 38 members from all over Pune.
This endeavour, spearheaded by Shankar B Shankaranarayan, a businessman, has turned out to be a great success. Shankar says, "I was just the catalyst and, gradually, everything fell into the place. My friends were bored of eating the same kind of food at restaurants, and other outdoor joints. We were keen to savour better quality food. So, my friends and I took the initiative to launch this club, where we could get good cooks and foodies together."
Interestingly, this gourmet club has discovered young winemakers from the city, who have trained in France, USA and Australia.
"They have been most helpful by attending our meetings and demonstrating to us how to taste and enjoy wines,"says Shankaranarayan. Rohan Mankani, a member of the club, says, "I have learnt so much here, now I don't have to worry about someone having to cook for me."He also adds, "Today, we have members of all ages, from 18 to 78."
The carte for the first meeting was Tapas and Cabernet Shiraz, the second had fish and chicken BBQ with Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, and the third was authentic Greek with Cabernet Sauvignon. "Everything is cooked by the members. No one orders from outside,"claims another member Subha Nafrey. Members are also encouraged to post reviews of fine dining and 'spirited' experiences.
Each meet of the club is devoted to a particular cuisine and specialised dishes are created to match the wines on the carte. This is definitely turning out to be a very unique club. So, if you need a break from your usual platter, don your chef's outfit and head the culinary way.
Rajwada - Imperial China, Baner
ph: 25881881, 25885885
As mentioned already, I did go to Rajwada last weekend..but even at 10 PM, it was packed with a waiting for 20-25 minutes. Now, who waites for 25 minutes for having dinner ? Also, I noticed, it would take them about 25-30 minutes to bring food after ordering. So, in all, 1 hour after you arrive at the place. This again reinforces my Golden Rule- In Pune, do not go out for dinner, especially on a weekend, that too, a Saturday.
Anyway, instead of waiting, we opted for their Chinese counter-part, called Imperial China, which was comparatively less crowded. Once inside, it was better, although I had to find a place myself, since there was no one to be found to guide us. Saw a few people having indian food, but the waiter said it would take "a very long time to serve it since it is very rush". So, anyway, went ahead with chinese. Since, I am very sceptical at ordering Chinese at new places, but was also bored eating the same Schezwan-Manchurian, decided to try something new.
The menu certainly did offer a lot of varities and option, Starters, Soups, Veg, Chicken, Lamb. ( I even saw Squid mentioned somewhere !) Many varities of Rice and Noodles. And not the regular Schezwan-Manchurian-Singapore-HongKong types. Did not feel like experiementing too much so ordered Orange Chicken with Broccoli (Rs. 150) and Thai Chicken Friend Rice(Rs. 120)and a couple of cold drinks.
And, while we were waiting, the A/C above our place started leaking water..!!! So, they switched off the A/C. Now, that does call for maintainence, doesn't it ?
The place inside was pretty much filled up, but not sure how many of them were actually having chinese.
The food arrived pretty much in time. The Orange chicken was plateful of glazed chicken pieces in orange sauce, and thankfully, more chicken than brocolli. It was a different dish than usual and I liked it. As expected, it was sweet and tangy to taste and you could see orange pulp in the gravy. Thai Fried Rice, on the other hand, was a bit disappointing. It was more like Fried Rice I have tasted everywhere, but less spicy. But, went well with Orange Chicken, once you added a bit of Schezwan Sauce and Chilli Vinegar.
In all, it was good experience, though I found some shredded lime peel in the chicken dish,which added to the aroma but tasted bitter. Hope, it was a part of the dish, but I dont know if we were suppose to eat it.!!
In all, a filling experience. The above was sufficient for 2 people. Next time, which I would visit definetly, I would like to try Nasi Goreng. The service was prompt, only disappointed with the A/C incident. Of course, nothing would beat Mainland China, its way too ahead, but Imperial China, this is a reasonably good option, at a reasonable price, at a reasonable location, if you want to try something different than you usual chinese stuff.
Meal for 2 : Rs 300+ (Main Course only).
As mentioned already, I did go to Rajwada last weekend..but even at 10 PM, it was packed with a waiting for 20-25 minutes. Now, who waites for 25 minutes for having dinner ? Also, I noticed, it would take them about 25-30 minutes to bring food after ordering. So, in all, 1 hour after you arrive at the place. This again reinforces my Golden Rule- In Pune, do not go out for dinner, especially on a weekend, that too, a Saturday.
Anyway, instead of waiting, we opted for their Chinese counter-part, called Imperial China, which was comparatively less crowded. Once inside, it was better, although I had to find a place myself, since there was no one to be found to guide us. Saw a few people having indian food, but the waiter said it would take "a very long time to serve it since it is very rush". So, anyway, went ahead with chinese. Since, I am very sceptical at ordering Chinese at new places, but was also bored eating the same Schezwan-Manchurian, decided to try something new.
The menu certainly did offer a lot of varities and option, Starters, Soups, Veg, Chicken, Lamb. ( I even saw Squid mentioned somewhere !) Many varities of Rice and Noodles. And not the regular Schezwan-Manchurian-Singapore-HongKong types. Did not feel like experiementing too much so ordered Orange Chicken with Broccoli (Rs. 150) and Thai Chicken Friend Rice(Rs. 120)and a couple of cold drinks.
And, while we were waiting, the A/C above our place started leaking water..!!! So, they switched off the A/C. Now, that does call for maintainence, doesn't it ?
The place inside was pretty much filled up, but not sure how many of them were actually having chinese.
The food arrived pretty much in time. The Orange chicken was plateful of glazed chicken pieces in orange sauce, and thankfully, more chicken than brocolli. It was a different dish than usual and I liked it. As expected, it was sweet and tangy to taste and you could see orange pulp in the gravy. Thai Fried Rice, on the other hand, was a bit disappointing. It was more like Fried Rice I have tasted everywhere, but less spicy. But, went well with Orange Chicken, once you added a bit of Schezwan Sauce and Chilli Vinegar.
In all, it was good experience, though I found some shredded lime peel in the chicken dish,which added to the aroma but tasted bitter. Hope, it was a part of the dish, but I dont know if we were suppose to eat it.!!
In all, a filling experience. The above was sufficient for 2 people. Next time, which I would visit definetly, I would like to try Nasi Goreng. The service was prompt, only disappointed with the A/C incident. Of course, nothing would beat Mainland China, its way too ahead, but Imperial China, this is a reasonably good option, at a reasonable price, at a reasonable location, if you want to try something different than you usual chinese stuff.
Meal for 2 : Rs 300+ (Main Course only).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Baner, Pashan Restaurants
There are very few decent eating joints at Baner Rd, and those which are there, you dont feel like going again. Mostly, had the food home delivered. That is the best way for most of these restaurants but some of them can act as dine-ins for bachelors.! Starting from the Expressway end of Baner Rd.
Sadanand Resorts
Location : On Pune-Banglore Highway - Baner Rd Junction
Short Review : Serves Veg and Non-veg and Alcohol. Food quality is good, ambience is good, price reasonable. In short, one of the better eating places on Baner Rd. Its been quite sometime since I have been there, so will update again when I go there again. Mr. Vikram Karve has appreciated the Dabba Gosht served at this place( See list of sites), but I have just tried Veg over here. Its a resort so there may be other facilities, e.g. boarding/lodging which i am not aware of.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 300+
Shiv Sagar
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : Yup, there is one on Baner Rd as well. Serves Veg. Food quality is good, price reasonable. Regular South Indian, Punjabi, Chines and Pav Bhaji Stuff, Fuit Juice and Shakes. There is family room also but will rather have it home delivered. Prompt Service, but sometimes takes longer time than usual. Decent quantity as well.
(Update 07 May :- Avoid paneer dishes. Last two times I have ordered, it was like leather. Hard, thin, tasteless.)
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
Burger Bouchee
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : Dont go any where near it. The burger looked as if it were dying. The home cooked burger would look better if you were to try one. The fries, if you can called them, were as brown crisp and shatterd in in the mouth. tastless, wrinkled.
Price is irrelevant. Order at your own risk.
Pavitra
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : This guy keeps changing its name. A strictly take out place though they have a family arrangement, never saw any ladies go in there. A bachelor drinking pad, probably thats why. Looks cheap from outside, but price wise, it isnt. The dishes are priced higher than its peers, if you compare Veg dishes to Shiv Sagar. But, the only place which can home deliever a decent non veg in the vicinty. Also, has non veg thali and fish, though never tried them. Chicken biryani was good and quantity more than enough.
simple veg meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
non veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
Fasso
Location : Opp Pavitra
Short Review : A roll and frankie joint. strictly roadside, (plastic plates and all) also at Aundh, opp Medipoint Hospital. Veg frankie betteen Rs. 15-35 and Non Veg between Rs 25-50. Tastes nice, quick service and home delivery. Besides, they have different combos of kebabs and biryani, thali combos, parathas.. In all, a decent place, again for take out and home delivery. 1 frankie should be enough for a person. Can also try Tandoori kababs.
A decent meal for 2: abt Rs. 100- 150.
Mahabalershwar Resorts /Hotel
Location : A landmark in itself. Autos coming to Baner charge differently if location is before or beyond Mahabaleswar Hotel.!! Nr. Symantec.
Short Review : Been there just once. Parking on opposite side of road as wel as in their area as well. Huge place for both family and bachelors. Garden restaurant with lot of trees. So be prepared for mosquitoes. Stay only if you can stand the smell of mosquito coils. I believe its a hit joint especially with the booze gang. Veg, Non Veg, Alcohol. But, have to be patient with the long queues, especially on weeknds. has a children play area, fishes, aquariums, water bridge, so probably thats why a hit with children as well.
Food was nothing to write about. just average, heard that fish is good over here but never got an oppurtunity to try the same. Quantity more than sufficent though tastewise did not find anything particulary interesting. may be I will sample a little more next time. There has to be reason why its overflowing most of the times.
A decent meal for 2: abt Rs. 250+
Capsicum
Location : Nr Baner Petrol Pump
Short Review : Been here more than a few times. decent veg and non veg selection. has a cosy family room uptairs although with a low ceiling and a bit cramped. regular punjabi, chinese, maharashtrian food. they do home delivery as well. decent service. good quality and quantity.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
Bhairavee
Location : below Indiana Spa, Nr. Green Park
Short Review : Been here more than a few times. decent veg food. some intersting dishes as well though dont remeber the names now. regular punjabi, maharashtrian food. decent service. Though, once they bought butter naan instead of plain naan. good quality and quantity. Nice ambience. was undergoing some renovation in April 2nd week 2007. Hope its completed by now.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
The above 2 restaurants, you can hop in on weekends if you get tired of the queues at various places in Aundh. They serve decent food in nice ambience and you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace along with your family with no one to rush you.
Chat Ghar
Location : Opp Bhairavi
Short Review : Pure Veg. A smallish joint, they also have a branch near Wakad, before Hinjewadi Flyover. Strictly, a place for bachelors. plastic sopons, dishes and glasses. a decent chaat and paratha selection, with paratha combos. served with dal, raita and achaar. A combo of 2 parathas should suffice 1 person. cost abt 30-50, depending on the order. But, the parthas are tasty. like home made. They also have a lunch menu on weekends and dinner menu every night. Rs. 35, if I remember. They dont do home delivery, I dont know if they do take-out. They have the monthly dining scheme as well.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 100+
Green Park
Location : Nr. Rajawada Hotel. Big Fluoroscent sign board, cant miss it.
Short review : Been there just once. It was raining, so the attendants were courteos enough to accompany us with an umbrella since its a bit of walk between parking and entrance. Huge seating arrangement although was disappointed that there were no sofa seats. Wanted to try Thai food. (My first time, ever). Dont rember the names, but ordered some soups, some flat chicken noodles and Chicken in Green Thai Saucea and some paneer dish with rotis. Later, the waiter came back saying they dont have the Green Sauce. Will the Red Sauce do ?!!!. I said ok, lets try. The soup was a bit spicy, the noodles and chicken ok. Good for a cold rainy night. But, since I did not have a prior experience with Thai food, can not comment on quality. The Veg selection was good and quantity sufficient.
A meal for 3: abt Rs. 600+ ( veg and non-veg, no desserts)
Grand Maratha- Club CPR
Location :Pashan Rd , Nr. St. Joseph, Loyola school
Short Review : Now, this does not come strictly in baner area. But its one of the decent joints in the vicinity. This is actually recreation club for the police but they have it open for general public as well. They call it Club CPR. It has got an old British feel to it, be it cutlery, table covers, waiters and huge broad spacious dinner tables.!! Ample parking space, in the open, of course. the food selection is limited for veggies but great for non-veggies. have always been there in a group so cannot remember the price of dishes but they are reasonable. They dont do home delivery, I dont know if they do take-out. decent service. good quality and quantity. Will try and visit again, this time on my own.
A meal for 2: abt Rs. 300+ ( veg and non-veg, )
That is all I can update right now. There are a few more, which i have not visited as yet.
Rajwada Hotel, a decent place, so i have heard.
(Found something about credit card fraud at Rajwada..so use cash !!)
http://upreti.blogspot.com/
There is one called Wazwan near Balewadi Phata
(Reviwed at Ketaki's Blog...see link)
Gajalee or something (I think its a fish speciality) near Sadanand
Baner Rendezvous which opened recently, near Dominos
May 29 Update : (A restaurant called Food Court, opposite Domino's recently opened)
These are still pending. So, as and when they happen, will update the post accordingly. Any new ones, or anything I have missed, will be updated.
Then, there is of course, Domino's Pizza, opp Food Bazaar, but then..why review it. Everyone knows how they taste like, although its one with decent dine-in arrangement. Very few Dominos outlets have them.
Sadanand Resorts
Location : On Pune-Banglore Highway - Baner Rd Junction
Short Review : Serves Veg and Non-veg and Alcohol. Food quality is good, ambience is good, price reasonable. In short, one of the better eating places on Baner Rd. Its been quite sometime since I have been there, so will update again when I go there again. Mr. Vikram Karve has appreciated the Dabba Gosht served at this place( See list of sites), but I have just tried Veg over here. Its a resort so there may be other facilities, e.g. boarding/lodging which i am not aware of.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 300+
Shiv Sagar
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : Yup, there is one on Baner Rd as well. Serves Veg. Food quality is good, price reasonable. Regular South Indian, Punjabi, Chines and Pav Bhaji Stuff, Fuit Juice and Shakes. There is family room also but will rather have it home delivered. Prompt Service, but sometimes takes longer time than usual. Decent quantity as well.
(Update 07 May :- Avoid paneer dishes. Last two times I have ordered, it was like leather. Hard, thin, tasteless.)
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
Burger Bouchee
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : Dont go any where near it. The burger looked as if it were dying. The home cooked burger would look better if you were to try one. The fries, if you can called them, were as brown crisp and shatterd in in the mouth. tastless, wrinkled.
Price is irrelevant. Order at your own risk.
Pavitra
Location : Nr. Kapil Malhar
Short Review : This guy keeps changing its name. A strictly take out place though they have a family arrangement, never saw any ladies go in there. A bachelor drinking pad, probably thats why. Looks cheap from outside, but price wise, it isnt. The dishes are priced higher than its peers, if you compare Veg dishes to Shiv Sagar. But, the only place which can home deliever a decent non veg in the vicinty. Also, has non veg thali and fish, though never tried them. Chicken biryani was good and quantity more than enough.
simple veg meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
non veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
Fasso
Location : Opp Pavitra
Short Review : A roll and frankie joint. strictly roadside, (plastic plates and all) also at Aundh, opp Medipoint Hospital. Veg frankie betteen Rs. 15-35 and Non Veg between Rs 25-50. Tastes nice, quick service and home delivery. Besides, they have different combos of kebabs and biryani, thali combos, parathas.. In all, a decent place, again for take out and home delivery. 1 frankie should be enough for a person. Can also try Tandoori kababs.
A decent meal for 2: abt Rs. 100- 150.
Mahabalershwar Resorts /Hotel
Location : A landmark in itself. Autos coming to Baner charge differently if location is before or beyond Mahabaleswar Hotel.!! Nr. Symantec.
Short Review : Been there just once. Parking on opposite side of road as wel as in their area as well. Huge place for both family and bachelors. Garden restaurant with lot of trees. So be prepared for mosquitoes. Stay only if you can stand the smell of mosquito coils. I believe its a hit joint especially with the booze gang. Veg, Non Veg, Alcohol. But, have to be patient with the long queues, especially on weeknds. has a children play area, fishes, aquariums, water bridge, so probably thats why a hit with children as well.
Food was nothing to write about. just average, heard that fish is good over here but never got an oppurtunity to try the same. Quantity more than sufficent though tastewise did not find anything particulary interesting. may be I will sample a little more next time. There has to be reason why its overflowing most of the times.
A decent meal for 2: abt Rs. 250+
Capsicum
Location : Nr Baner Petrol Pump
Short Review : Been here more than a few times. decent veg and non veg selection. has a cosy family room uptairs although with a low ceiling and a bit cramped. regular punjabi, chinese, maharashtrian food. they do home delivery as well. decent service. good quality and quantity.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
Bhairavee
Location : below Indiana Spa, Nr. Green Park
Short Review : Been here more than a few times. decent veg food. some intersting dishes as well though dont remeber the names now. regular punjabi, maharashtrian food. decent service. Though, once they bought butter naan instead of plain naan. good quality and quantity. Nice ambience. was undergoing some renovation in April 2nd week 2007. Hope its completed by now.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 200+
The above 2 restaurants, you can hop in on weekends if you get tired of the queues at various places in Aundh. They serve decent food in nice ambience and you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace along with your family with no one to rush you.
Chat Ghar
Location : Opp Bhairavi
Short Review : Pure Veg. A smallish joint, they also have a branch near Wakad, before Hinjewadi Flyover. Strictly, a place for bachelors. plastic sopons, dishes and glasses. a decent chaat and paratha selection, with paratha combos. served with dal, raita and achaar. A combo of 2 parathas should suffice 1 person. cost abt 30-50, depending on the order. But, the parthas are tasty. like home made. They also have a lunch menu on weekends and dinner menu every night. Rs. 35, if I remember. They dont do home delivery, I dont know if they do take-out. They have the monthly dining scheme as well.
A decent veg meal for 2: abt Rs. 100+
Green Park
Location : Nr. Rajawada Hotel. Big Fluoroscent sign board, cant miss it.
Short review : Been there just once. It was raining, so the attendants were courteos enough to accompany us with an umbrella since its a bit of walk between parking and entrance. Huge seating arrangement although was disappointed that there were no sofa seats. Wanted to try Thai food. (My first time, ever). Dont rember the names, but ordered some soups, some flat chicken noodles and Chicken in Green Thai Saucea and some paneer dish with rotis. Later, the waiter came back saying they dont have the Green Sauce. Will the Red Sauce do ?!!!. I said ok, lets try. The soup was a bit spicy, the noodles and chicken ok. Good for a cold rainy night. But, since I did not have a prior experience with Thai food, can not comment on quality. The Veg selection was good and quantity sufficient.
A meal for 3: abt Rs. 600+ ( veg and non-veg, no desserts)
Grand Maratha- Club CPR
Location :Pashan Rd , Nr. St. Joseph, Loyola school
Short Review : Now, this does not come strictly in baner area. But its one of the decent joints in the vicinity. This is actually recreation club for the police but they have it open for general public as well. They call it Club CPR. It has got an old British feel to it, be it cutlery, table covers, waiters and huge broad spacious dinner tables.!! Ample parking space, in the open, of course. the food selection is limited for veggies but great for non-veggies. have always been there in a group so cannot remember the price of dishes but they are reasonable. They dont do home delivery, I dont know if they do take-out. decent service. good quality and quantity. Will try and visit again, this time on my own.
A meal for 2: abt Rs. 300+ ( veg and non-veg, )
That is all I can update right now. There are a few more, which i have not visited as yet.
Rajwada Hotel, a decent place, so i have heard.
(Found something about credit card fraud at Rajwada..so use cash !!)
http://upreti.blogspot.com/
There is one called Wazwan near Balewadi Phata
(Reviwed at Ketaki's Blog...see link)
Gajalee or something (I think its a fish speciality) near Sadanand
Baner Rendezvous which opened recently, near Dominos
May 29 Update : (A restaurant called Food Court, opposite Domino's recently opened)
These are still pending. So, as and when they happen, will update the post accordingly. Any new ones, or anything I have missed, will be updated.
Then, there is of course, Domino's Pizza, opp Food Bazaar, but then..why review it. Everyone knows how they taste like, although its one with decent dine-in arrangement. Very few Dominos outlets have them.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Aundh Restaurants
Some of these restaurants i have visited a long while back..so can not go on specifics on prices and dishes..just to give a general idea. Some of them are better off as take-away or home delivery but can act as dine-ins for bachelors.!
Drizzle
Location : nr. Medipoint Hospital, next to Sasken,New DP Road
Short Review : Pure Veg Family Restaurant, small joint, regular punjabi, south indian dishes, price higher than usual but quantity substantial. ordered 2 dishes for 2 of us and i remember having to get the 1/2 of 1 dish packed for home. Even the rotis were bigger than usual. One of my colleagues told me that Dahi Khichdi is good there.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 200+ (no starters, no desserts)
Shiv Sagar
Location : DP Road, its a landmark in itself.
Short Review : Pure veg. Its the best known eating establishment in the area. would be rare occassion to get a place without waiting. Substantial seating place, and still overcrowded. Serves punjabi, south indian, maharashtrian, indianized Mexican and Pizzas as well ! Fruit Juice and Shakes are well worth the money. Over all quality is good, but have stopped going to the place because of the waiting line and parking woes.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 200+ (no starters, no desserts)
Sarjaa
Location : ITI Road, Nr. Kobe's, Opp. Symphony Services
Short Review : Its claim to fame ? belongs to Lata Mangeshkar. Serves Veg and Non-veg and Alcohol. Substantial seating, nice and well lit ambience. been there recently so I can remember specifics. Tomato Soup was not upto the mark. Chicken Kali Mirch was good and so was the Dal Fry. When i visited them first time, i made it a point to mention to them that "nowhere, I have tasted Dal Fry this good." but, last time, it was strictly ok, nothing great. have not experimented much, but have heard good things about them on quality.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 300+ (no starters, no desserts)
The Klove
Location : 4th Floor, Ozone, ITI Road
Short Review : Since, it is on 4th floor, you have to know where to look for it. This is a Pure veg Rajasthani joint with dishes like Gatte ki Subzi, but sursprisingly, no Dal-baati ? How can anyone claim for Rajasthani joint without Dal-baati ?? Over all, the food quality is good. I make it a point to order the gatte ki sabzi, something unique to this place. But, service is atrocious. Once, I saw one of the waiters dropping the shakes over the table and the patrons. Usually over the weekednds, it is woefully under staffed during rush hour.
Dont try the starters. nothing unusual. Once, it ordered something which was a papad stuff rolled over gravy. by the time it came to us, papad were all soggy and nothing worthwhile.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 250+ (no starters, no desserts)
Delhi Kitchen & Rasoi Ghar
Location : Rasoi Ghar- Nr. Spencers,T junction DP Rd
Delhi Kitchen- before Spencers, Medhi Park lane -end
Short Review : These two are strictly dine-in for bachelors joints. better off with home delivery.
Serve both veg and Non Veg. The regular punjabi tandoor stuff. veg dishes between Rs. 40-60. Non- veg between, 70-100. very busy during weekends, afternoon as well as evenings so takes time for home delievery. very popular with north indian bachelors and students. Open till late night. Chicken Adraki, tandoori chicken was good at both places. Good quanity, value for money, but dont expect 5 star hygeine. Close your eyes and relish..!!
veg meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
(Update : Rasoi Ghar has closed down. Instead, I saw a Bajaj Service Station in its place)
The Bananas
Location : Nr. Sony World, DP Road
Short Review : This is a popular pizza-pasta joint. have not tried any pizza from them since I believe it cannot be better than Pizza hut. Tried veg alferedo Spaghetti and chicken lasagna. Alfredo was strictly ok, though tasted somewhat like Sunfeast pasta. Lasagna i wanted to know what it looks like, was good but then, i dont have any prior experience to compare it with. It has got Baskin Robbins in the same shop, so definetly try that as desserts.
Pizza definetly less expensive than Pizza Hut. Pasta ok, served with Garlic Bread.
Meal for 2: Should cost abt Rs. 200, though depends on the order.
Kobe Sizzlers
Location : ITI Road, Nr. ICICI bank
Short Review : Kobe's is well known for its sizzlers. Have tried various ones on various occasions. Some came good, some very difficult even to inhale. Substantial Seating arrangements, though would be better off with stronger exhaust since sizzlers to smoke a lot. My belief is Sizzlers are worth only for Non-veg so have not tried any veg sizzlers. And, the ones with rice are more filling than with just noodles or steaks. But, then, steaks have more meat. my mouth is watering just remebering it. Anyway, your call. And avoid ordering anything very pungent. Eating it becomes difficult with the smell.
Chicken Sizzlers cost Rs. 200-250 each, 2 should be sufficient for 3 people.
Tip: If ordering more than 1 and sharing, ask them bring 1 by 1. Keeps hot.
Flavors - Seasons Appt. Hotel
Location : Turn left from Spencers, cross Anandban Club
Short Review : been there just once when it had just opened. very limited options in the menu.
ordered veg penne bolognese and something else which i dont remember right now. The quantity was so miniscule for the price. After having it, was still feeling hungry, and trust me, i can make better tasting pasta at my home than those guys and am no professional chef.
Dinner for 2 costed Rs. 600. Exorbitantly priced. Probably, you can have better at The Bananas mentioned above.
Since its an appt hotel, so they can fleece the foreigners staying there for the stuff. I remember a Roti costing Rs. 65 !!. They have Greek Galaxy Grill also there. May be I will muster up courage to visit that once.
( April 27 update : - One helpful but anonymous soul has reviewed Galaxy Grill in the comments below. Help yourself.)
There are few more in the vicinity : Shukriya, Jerry's, Polka Dots, Fasso's( Fasso's I will include in my Baner Restaurants reviews). Since, I have not sampled those , so no reviews right now. Will update as and when it happens.
No point in reviewing Pizza Hut and Mcdonalds there.
Drizzle
Location : nr. Medipoint Hospital, next to Sasken,New DP Road
Short Review : Pure Veg Family Restaurant, small joint, regular punjabi, south indian dishes, price higher than usual but quantity substantial. ordered 2 dishes for 2 of us and i remember having to get the 1/2 of 1 dish packed for home. Even the rotis were bigger than usual. One of my colleagues told me that Dahi Khichdi is good there.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 200+ (no starters, no desserts)
Shiv Sagar
Location : DP Road, its a landmark in itself.
Short Review : Pure veg. Its the best known eating establishment in the area. would be rare occassion to get a place without waiting. Substantial seating place, and still overcrowded. Serves punjabi, south indian, maharashtrian, indianized Mexican and Pizzas as well ! Fruit Juice and Shakes are well worth the money. Over all quality is good, but have stopped going to the place because of the waiting line and parking woes.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 200+ (no starters, no desserts)
Sarjaa
Location : ITI Road, Nr. Kobe's, Opp. Symphony Services
Short Review : Its claim to fame ? belongs to Lata Mangeshkar. Serves Veg and Non-veg and Alcohol. Substantial seating, nice and well lit ambience. been there recently so I can remember specifics. Tomato Soup was not upto the mark. Chicken Kali Mirch was good and so was the Dal Fry. When i visited them first time, i made it a point to mention to them that "nowhere, I have tasted Dal Fry this good." but, last time, it was strictly ok, nothing great. have not experimented much, but have heard good things about them on quality.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 300+ (no starters, no desserts)
The Klove
Location : 4th Floor, Ozone, ITI Road
Short Review : Since, it is on 4th floor, you have to know where to look for it. This is a Pure veg Rajasthani joint with dishes like Gatte ki Subzi, but sursprisingly, no Dal-baati ? How can anyone claim for Rajasthani joint without Dal-baati ?? Over all, the food quality is good. I make it a point to order the gatte ki sabzi, something unique to this place. But, service is atrocious. Once, I saw one of the waiters dropping the shakes over the table and the patrons. Usually over the weekednds, it is woefully under staffed during rush hour.
Dont try the starters. nothing unusual. Once, it ordered something which was a papad stuff rolled over gravy. by the time it came to us, papad were all soggy and nothing worthwhile.
simple meal for 2 : abt Rs. 250+ (no starters, no desserts)
Delhi Kitchen & Rasoi Ghar
Location : Rasoi Ghar- Nr. Spencers,T junction DP Rd
Delhi Kitchen- before Spencers, Medhi Park lane -end
Short Review : These two are strictly dine-in for bachelors joints. better off with home delivery.
Serve both veg and Non Veg. The regular punjabi tandoor stuff. veg dishes between Rs. 40-60. Non- veg between, 70-100. very busy during weekends, afternoon as well as evenings so takes time for home delievery. very popular with north indian bachelors and students. Open till late night. Chicken Adraki, tandoori chicken was good at both places. Good quanity, value for money, but dont expect 5 star hygeine. Close your eyes and relish..!!
veg meal for 2 : abt Rs. 150+
(Update : Rasoi Ghar has closed down. Instead, I saw a Bajaj Service Station in its place)
The Bananas
Location : Nr. Sony World, DP Road
Short Review : This is a popular pizza-pasta joint. have not tried any pizza from them since I believe it cannot be better than Pizza hut. Tried veg alferedo Spaghetti and chicken lasagna. Alfredo was strictly ok, though tasted somewhat like Sunfeast pasta. Lasagna i wanted to know what it looks like, was good but then, i dont have any prior experience to compare it with. It has got Baskin Robbins in the same shop, so definetly try that as desserts.
Pizza definetly less expensive than Pizza Hut. Pasta ok, served with Garlic Bread.
Meal for 2: Should cost abt Rs. 200, though depends on the order.
Kobe Sizzlers
Location : ITI Road, Nr. ICICI bank
Short Review : Kobe's is well known for its sizzlers. Have tried various ones on various occasions. Some came good, some very difficult even to inhale. Substantial Seating arrangements, though would be better off with stronger exhaust since sizzlers to smoke a lot. My belief is Sizzlers are worth only for Non-veg so have not tried any veg sizzlers. And, the ones with rice are more filling than with just noodles or steaks. But, then, steaks have more meat. my mouth is watering just remebering it. Anyway, your call. And avoid ordering anything very pungent. Eating it becomes difficult with the smell.
Chicken Sizzlers cost Rs. 200-250 each, 2 should be sufficient for 3 people.
Tip: If ordering more than 1 and sharing, ask them bring 1 by 1. Keeps hot.
Flavors - Seasons Appt. Hotel
Location : Turn left from Spencers, cross Anandban Club
Short Review : been there just once when it had just opened. very limited options in the menu.
ordered veg penne bolognese and something else which i dont remember right now. The quantity was so miniscule for the price. After having it, was still feeling hungry, and trust me, i can make better tasting pasta at my home than those guys and am no professional chef.
Dinner for 2 costed Rs. 600. Exorbitantly priced. Probably, you can have better at The Bananas mentioned above.
Since its an appt hotel, so they can fleece the foreigners staying there for the stuff. I remember a Roti costing Rs. 65 !!. They have Greek Galaxy Grill also there. May be I will muster up courage to visit that once.
( April 27 update : - One helpful but anonymous soul has reviewed Galaxy Grill in the comments below. Help yourself.)
There are few more in the vicinity : Shukriya, Jerry's, Polka Dots, Fasso's( Fasso's I will include in my Baner Restaurants reviews). Since, I have not sampled those , so no reviews right now. Will update as and when it happens.
No point in reviewing Pizza Hut and Mcdonalds there.
ONLY PARATHAS, INOX
ph : 26051834-35
went to this place near Inox called Only Parathas last weekend. Nice ambience, and since there was lot of traffic on the roads, managed to find the place empty. by the time we finished, there was the regular waiting queue which is a regular stuff on weekends in pune.
ok, now for the food stuff.
the sheer variety of parathas or better still, the combinations are huge. but nothing outlandish.
Single filling for abt Rs 81 and Double filling abt 92. they also have a basket of mini parathas 4", 4 in number for Rs. 200-270. You can also have your own combination with upto 4 filings.(Rs. 104) and also Low Cal Tandoor paratha. But then, why will anyone go for an oil-free paratha ?
As, for starters, they have the regular chaat stuff and tandoor . So, we ordered a mini platter (Rs. 162) which had 2 pieces of 4 types, i.e. 8 in all (As it turns out, it was a wise decision). It was pretty ok, Paneer, Gobi, Potato, Paneer. Also, some Mocktails. (Rs. 99 each). Now, the one I ordered, Honey Bucnch was, simply to put, unpalatable. Too sweet. it was suppose to be with vanilla icecream, which i could never see or taste. i literally had to force it down with water since I dont like wasting food.
The Parathas arrived after sometime. I was kind of surprised at the size of them. They were smaller than the ones I had at similar joints.The parathas are served with dal, chana masala, raita, onions and achaar. We had ordered 3 parathas of mix combinations and managed to sample all 3. But, as I found out, nothing exquisite about them. The chana was too salty, the stuffings were less than filling. The parathas in themselves would have been insufficient if we had not had the tandoor platter earlier and the mocktails.
Did not order any sweets.
The ambience is nice, spacious and well lit. The service decent. Surprisingly, no finger bowls. Now, you are eating parathas, not pizzas. Got to use fingers, else it wont taste the same. So finger bowls should have been there.
Meal for 3 would cost in range of 600-800, including taxes.
Finally, as i said earlier, the size of the parathas was dis-appointing and so was the filling, (tastewise and quantitywise). So, what else is there in a paratha ? The tandoor platter, i believe, was highly priced and mocktails ( at least, mine) unpleasant.
In all, a below par experience.
Now, I am comparing this with one I had at Real Parathas, Nr. Vasant Vihar, Thane(W). That is what I would call a real north indian paratha experience. There would be very few people daring to beyond 1 paratha, and yet the taste so enchanting that it would tempt them to do so. Thats what keeps people bring them back there. The owner is from Agra, the foodie paradise of North, so he knows what paratha stuff is actually about.
went to this place near Inox called Only Parathas last weekend. Nice ambience, and since there was lot of traffic on the roads, managed to find the place empty. by the time we finished, there was the regular waiting queue which is a regular stuff on weekends in pune.
ok, now for the food stuff.
the sheer variety of parathas or better still, the combinations are huge. but nothing outlandish.
Single filling for abt Rs 81 and Double filling abt 92. they also have a basket of mini parathas 4", 4 in number for Rs. 200-270. You can also have your own combination with upto 4 filings.(Rs. 104) and also Low Cal Tandoor paratha. But then, why will anyone go for an oil-free paratha ?
As, for starters, they have the regular chaat stuff and tandoor . So, we ordered a mini platter (Rs. 162) which had 2 pieces of 4 types, i.e. 8 in all (As it turns out, it was a wise decision). It was pretty ok, Paneer, Gobi, Potato, Paneer. Also, some Mocktails. (Rs. 99 each). Now, the one I ordered, Honey Bucnch was, simply to put, unpalatable. Too sweet. it was suppose to be with vanilla icecream, which i could never see or taste. i literally had to force it down with water since I dont like wasting food.
The Parathas arrived after sometime. I was kind of surprised at the size of them. They were smaller than the ones I had at similar joints.The parathas are served with dal, chana masala, raita, onions and achaar. We had ordered 3 parathas of mix combinations and managed to sample all 3. But, as I found out, nothing exquisite about them. The chana was too salty, the stuffings were less than filling. The parathas in themselves would have been insufficient if we had not had the tandoor platter earlier and the mocktails.
Did not order any sweets.
The ambience is nice, spacious and well lit. The service decent. Surprisingly, no finger bowls. Now, you are eating parathas, not pizzas. Got to use fingers, else it wont taste the same. So finger bowls should have been there.
Meal for 3 would cost in range of 600-800, including taxes.
Finally, as i said earlier, the size of the parathas was dis-appointing and so was the filling, (tastewise and quantitywise). So, what else is there in a paratha ? The tandoor platter, i believe, was highly priced and mocktails ( at least, mine) unpleasant.
In all, a below par experience.
Now, I am comparing this with one I had at Real Parathas, Nr. Vasant Vihar, Thane(W). That is what I would call a real north indian paratha experience. There would be very few people daring to beyond 1 paratha, and yet the taste so enchanting that it would tempt them to do so. Thats what keeps people bring them back there. The owner is from Agra, the foodie paradise of North, so he knows what paratha stuff is actually about.
A brief history..about me..!
whenever i gave search on google for information on pune food, restaurant, the same set of reviews and restaurant comes up. so i decided to begin one of my own. to share my experiences with others.
so, what qualifies me as an expert on restaurants ? Nothing, actually. Just the fact that I relish eating out, enjoy experimenting with different cuisines and dishes and love cooking.
my experiences of eating out in pune would be divided in different phases actually. one as a student, another as working professional. so, the former set goes back almost a decade, with limited budgets and no girlfriends (not by choice, of course!). It was guys, hanging out, having fun..sometimes, eating out was a chore rather than fun..but any way it had to be done.
The second phase as a working professional would include some experiences in Thane (mostly bachelor, some as a married chap) and most in Pune( married, mostly).
So, here I go. Feel free to add your comments. There may not be a frequent update on this. just as i feel like..and would concentrate just on restaurants and experiences, nothing else.
And..Psssst..this is my first blog. so excuse me, if i dont seem to follow any blog Etiquettes..if there are some.
so, what qualifies me as an expert on restaurants ? Nothing, actually. Just the fact that I relish eating out, enjoy experimenting with different cuisines and dishes and love cooking.
my experiences of eating out in pune would be divided in different phases actually. one as a student, another as working professional. so, the former set goes back almost a decade, with limited budgets and no girlfriends (not by choice, of course!). It was guys, hanging out, having fun..sometimes, eating out was a chore rather than fun..but any way it had to be done.
The second phase as a working professional would include some experiences in Thane (mostly bachelor, some as a married chap) and most in Pune( married, mostly).
So, here I go. Feel free to add your comments. There may not be a frequent update on this. just as i feel like..and would concentrate just on restaurants and experiences, nothing else.
And..Psssst..this is my first blog. so excuse me, if i dont seem to follow any blog Etiquettes..if there are some.
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