Earth Cafe Powai Mumbai | Food Review | Healthy Delicious Vegetarian Food Fiesta | Pet Friendly Foodie Destination

Summer Garden reinvents itself into Earth Cafe, so the basic idea remains the same (focus on healthy,natural,eco friendly) with comfort dishes (such as pasta, samosas) added to the menu but even they are healthy and guilt free indulgences for the most part. In a nutshell, reasons to visit-

1- Ambiance + Eco-Friendly + Pet friendly = Rustic, elegant, simple decor comprising of fairy lights, trees,bamboo shoots and jute, reminding of Goa or Hawaiian shacks,

Bamboo straws used for drinks instead of plastic straws,

PLUS there is a stillness and sense of calm here even in the midst of a bustling urban jungle, 

It is also happy place for pets, their menu has a special little pet section too.

2- Food & Drinks = Honestly good ingredients, 

Mostly organic, gluten free, super-foods sourced locally and made fresh,

Using minimal processed ingredients,

Using healthy replacements such as Jaggery instead of sugar, 

Global menu made with healthy ingredients,served in a comforting way.

Prices are on the higher side and especially for main course items, feels expensive, though quality is very premium too, so can't complain much.

Started off with bevy of drinks, 

YOGI- Dates, Banana, Hazelnut, Almonds, Coconut Water, Cinnamon = Wholesome mix of some tasty ingredients, refreshing, would love to have it every day, want little bit more dates and coconut water flavor in there,

PINK LEMONADE - Lemonade and Cranberry came together to solve our sultry summer woes, looked beautiful, ultra refreshing,

MINT CUCUMBER ICED TEA - No explanation needed, refreshing, cooling, instantly transporting to heaven,

They customize the beverages as per YOUR taste profile, so do not forget to let them know how you like it, more/less sweet, more/less tangy and so on. 

Also, in food, we wanted to try more things so asked for smaller portions, AND whatever is described in the menu is exactly what is presented on the plate so read and decide (and ask the staff to suggest)

In salad, NUTTY FETA - Mixed Fresh Leaves, Walnuts, Feta, Pomegranate, Popped Amaranth, Olives in healthy Balsamic dressing, beautiful flavors, sweet + tangy deliciousness and popped amaranth was the boss :) A bit less leaves and more walnuts + feta would make it great,

In nibbles, we had AVO TOAST - Chunky fresh avocado, sauteed spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese on toasted bread, MUST-HAVE for me, I am still salivating thinking about it! Delicious mix of some really healthy and strong flavors ♥

GUNPOWDER FRITTER - Lentil fritters tossed in gunpowder served with spicy tomato chutney, comforting south Indian touch to our meal, got exactly what was described in menu, 

BEAN TACOS - Crispy Tortilla Shells stuffed with beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and yellow cheddar, another comforting dish, cooling and refreshing, will definitely re-order ♥

In main course, AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA - Stacked aubergine disk, layered with an Italian style tomato sauce topped with parmesan cheese, served with garlic bread and house salad, absolutely delicious and MUST-HAVE for aubergine/eggplant lovers, portion must be increased though, I wanted more and this is main course item so that has to be looked into,

PANEER STEAK -Coconut Chilli paneer steak on a bed of spicy rice topped with house salad and popped amaranth, again beautiful flavors popping on palate, LOVED the paneer marination, but portion must be increased, 

Finally, for dessert, we had STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING - Baked Toffee Pudding, Sticky Toffee Sauce & Toasted Almond Ice Cream = Heaven! A boatload of caramel to drown into, it had dark flavors and enough quantity for 2 people to share (and this is coming from a dessert fanatic like me!). This is unlike any other dessert I have ever had and will be the one dish I will cross 7 seas for ♥♥♥

Since the whole concept is based around natural flavors, healthy ingredients, fresh food, obviously it tastes different at first but at the same time, there is a comforting touch and Indian twist. The best part is that the Chef herself takes feedback on every dish and was very gracious in taking all our tips. I am sure next time our experience will be even better. Love the place and no hesitation in recommending it to every foodie out there :) 

Wok Express R City Ghatkopar Mumbai | Food Review | Delicious Indian-Chinese | Asian Delicacies

Situated in R City Mall food court, I had seen Wok Express but this was the first time I tried food from here. Had a large parcel for take away and since this was a review session, we tried almost everything available for vegetarians :D Special shout-out to the staff who were all extremely quick on their feet,very helpful and suggested dishes that went well with each other. Quite value for money considering hearty portions. 1 starter and 1 Wok is more than enough for a really heavy Hulk level eater like me! Packaging was very secure too and food was made piping hot.

In drinks, I personally liked the refreshing MINTY MOJITO while my sister thought STRAWBERRY MOJITO was decent, too much ice in both but flavor wise good. Star however was SALTED CARAMEL that we couldn't have enough of, such beautiful coffee/caramel flavor profile. Also, they have boba balls in these bubble drinks but you can ask them not to put that in. I do not like those (they are chewy like gummy bears,not something I like) so I got Salted Caramel and Minty Mojito without them :) 

I have to say that their Sushi, Dumplings, Appetizers section is near perfect for me and I actually prefer it to woks. Tried VEG CRYSTAL DUMPLING and it was really good, actually not expected it to be this good, flavorful, exterior was decently thin, enjoyed it. 

Same with CRISPY TEMPURA ROLL Sushi, I actually finished the whole box myself, not the best Sushi ever had but really delicious and value for money, despite that irritating mayo strip on top :P Gourmet Sushi costs a bomb but this one is amazing at less than half the price,so binge on.

From appetizers, everything is as expected and described in the menu. 

KUNG PAO POTATO was flavorful, sweet-spicy,

CRISPY WATER CHESTNUT was crunchy, more on spicy side,

SCHEZWAN PANEER had nice wholesome paneer chunks in mildly spicy medley,

PEPPER GARLIC PANEER was fiery hot, both pepper and garlic coming through in every spoonful, follow this one with a bubble drink I say :D

In main course, staff suggested ASSORTED VEGETABLES & PANEER IN BURNT CHILLI SAUCE along with HONG KONG HAKKA NOODLES and we are glad we went with them. Easily the best main course combo for me, the veg-paneer combo was lipsmacking while hakka noodles were loaded with veggies thus making it crunchy. Enough portion for 2 hungry hulks!

In Woks, we chose 3-

GREEN THAI CURRY WITH STEAMED RICE - this was not good at all, rice was not properly cooked, thai curry flavor was very weak, 

RED CHILLI PEPPER WITH RAMEN NOODLES - hot, spicy, a bit too oily, but overall gave that typical Indian-chinese feel that we want from our noodles, loaded with veggies like carrots, broccoli, onions,

KUNG PAO WITH RAMEN NOODLES -sweet and spicy, looked a lot like the red chilli pepper combo, again loaded with veggies, lipsmacking in the traditional Indian-chinese way,

When it comes to Woks, I had tried wok from other outlets of Wok Express earlier but did not like them, I think they have improved a lot now, the woks here give that ultimate satisfaction that an Indian-chinese lover in India wants-noodles and sauces dripping with spice, sweetness et al. There should be no thought of how much oil has been used or how many calories are being consumed :P Obviously,not a place for health freaks. The Green Thai Curry wok fiasco might have been a one off thing.

For dessert, go with ALMOND BRITTLE and in layman terms, it is just like Chikki, so obviously really tasty :)  

Punjab Grill Fort Mumbai | Food Review | Rustic Royal Punjabi Food Fiesta | Food Photography | Restaurant Review

Foodie Royalty- Thy name is Punjab Grill :)

Upscale casual ambiance in beautiful Kala Ghoda area, extremely attentive and helpful staff, rustic Punjabi folk music in the background and a vaaaaaaast menu replete with something for everyone be it food or drinks, this in a nutshell is Punjab Grill. 

Was here for a review session couple of days ago and am still in foodie heaven, special thanks to the unbelievably humble Chef who helped us out by suggesting the best dishes and also ensuring smaller portions for us (even then, we reached food coma by end of starters round only!). Frankly, Punjab Grill needs no introduction, suffice to say that this outlet too is ensuring the flag of hearty Punjabi hospitality and taste keeps flying high.

Started off with some choicest drinks, they have an excellent bar selection and you can try out their offerings before placing final order, staff is very helpful in suggesting the best options too. 

I don't prefer alcohol but their WHITE WINE SANGRIA was extremely refreshing, especially considering how hot the afternoon was and what a long distance we had traveled,

My sister finished PUNJABI KRANTT in a jiffy with Vodka, Orange and Lime making it another light, refreshing choice for a sultry afternoon,

For those who like beer on their palate, do try their FRUZZANTE CIDER, light, fruity (chikoo fruit), balance between beer and wine,

I also loved their ROLA COLA MOJITO, sharp cola fizz felt like just the thing I needed at the end of a royal meal, and then we followed it with SHIKANJI which is age-old Punjabi respite for summers, loved it too :)

For soup, KHUMB PUDINA SHORBA is excellent for anyone who loves wild mushrooms, it is light yet flavorful and served with a kulcha alongside,

For starters, if you like broccoli, do not miss TANDOORI BROCCOLI Malai Maar ke, the biggest broccoli bunches possible marinated in cheese+cream+curd combo, very slightly on sweet side, absolute LOVE,

ALOO DI TUK i.e. Fried Potatoes with chaat masala sprinkled all over will bring back memories of monsoon pakode with families,

MULTANI PANEER TIKKA is just what every paneer lover dreams of, huge juicy well marinated chunks of paneer, grilled to perfection, the ultimate Tandoori delicacy,

DAHI DE KEBAB i.e. golden crusted curd + cardamom + mild spices combo is on sweeter side, good for those who possess an affinity for sweeter things (like I do),

BHUTTEYAN DE KEBAB i.e. sweetcorn +fennel + chillies + lime combo was my sister's fav,she is a sweetcorn fanatic :P (Very mildly on sweeter side this one too,it is sweetcorn afterall!)

The surprise package for us was TANDOORI SHAKARKANDI i.e. roasted sweet potatoes with mild spices and chaat masala sprinkled, we all know sweet potato is not a versatile ingredient, but here it is presented with an outstanding sweet curd based dip with pomegranates and it is just smashing, MUST-HAVE dish :) ♥

SPECIAL NOTE of appreciation for the chutneys, achaars and fryums they serve complimentary, made our meal better, especially loved their mango lachhedar sweet chutney, my favorite of the lot :)

For main course, we started with PANEER LABABDAR with really delicious tomato-cream-cashew gravy, it was silky and paneer was really soft too, we just thought that paneer felt a little bland, but this is actually a very minor thing and actually the only thing we felt was a little lacking in the face of everything else that was amazing, we conveyed it to the Chef who very graciously took it in his stride, so I am sure next time this will be amazing too :)

Up next all the dishes that we had possessed the asli ghar wala swaad! I have had many punjabi friends and have tried many dishes at their home and literally everything here tasted like it was made in their kitchen, there was NO OVER-USE OF OIL, GHEE OR BUTTER in anything except their famous daal which we all know is made that way. So have to say this, it was a very homely main course for us and we loved it even more for that :)

BAINGAN KA BHARTA-no explanation needed, just how our moms make it,

TORI DI SUBZI- Anyone who knows what a 'rasdar' subzi is will love this medley of ridge guard, tomato, onions in light homestyle curry,

ALOO PALAK- For those who do not want to forego health for taste, blindly ORDER THIS! Homestyle spinach, potatoes, onions etc. it has a slightly bitter edge (that IS how it is supposed to be) and goes well with any Indian bread :)

DAL PUNJAB GRILL- Not ordering this would be a crime, this slow-cooked-for-hours delicacy of kaali daal + rajma + tomato + cream + butter, yes it is loaded with calories but please do not count calories and just have this ♥

Alongside, we had TANDOORI LACHCHA PARATHA, MISSI ROTI and GARLIC NAAN, each bread baked to perfection and so fragrant, went well with all the main course sabjis and daal,

Even though we were nearly bursting by now, there is always some space for dessert :P 

We tried KALAKAND, KESARI PHIRNI and GULAB JAMUNS and each one was perfect. If you like lighter dessert, go with Phirni, otherwise go with Kalakand or eternal favorite hot piping gulab jamuns.

And FINALLY, a lovely PAAN SHOT for the most refreshing end to a royal meal!

A must-visit place for every foodie family ♥