Sunday is the day of rest, the day to spend with family and relax and what better way to do this than at a hearty brunch? Tiara All Day Dining at Meluha The Fern brings a fantastic reason to head here, in the heart of Powai, with a delicious Monsoon Brunch on Sunday, for foodies and discernible gourmet lovers alike :)
It was pouring cats and dogs while I headed to Tiara with my family for monsoon brunch and the warm ambiance made us forget the long drive through potholes ridden lanes instantly. Beautiful, eco-friendly and environmentally sensitive property this, Tiara is located on the ground floor, classy and classic architecture + earthy colors (with splashes of bright artworks) create THE perfect environment for any occasion be it corporate dining, family meal or even celebrating a post-engagement party (there was one in progression when we entered!)
Absolutely loved the different sections for large groups that also ensure plenty of privacy (and free space for kids to run around, why should adults have all the fun :D) Beautiful bar area and ofcourse a huge buffet spread with soups, salads, main course, live counters and desserts. Everything so fresh that it was impossible to stop salivating as we clicked pictures. Service is exemplary with every guest being looked after with impeccable warmth and genuine smiles, 5 stars for every staff member here, including the Chef himself who loves taking feedback from guests on every aspect of food :)
We started off with a round of Lime Soda and Watermelon Juice, adding Masala Chaas to the mix later on. Refreshing, not unnecessarily sweetened, delectable. Starters were served on the table and included-
>>Mumbaikar essential of Batata Vada, one of the better ones around,
>>Veg Hara Bhara Kebab, almost melt in mouth, felt like velvet, spiced well,
>> Tandoori Paneer, nicely marinated and smokey-flavored,
>> Kothimbir Vadi, a Maharashtrian specialty, perfect for monsoons, this one is actually the best I have ever had. Most of the places make it toooooo oily and tooooo spicy, but here this one was soft and delicious while staying subtle flavored.
In fact, my parents also pointed out that the food here is amazing without over-use of oil or spices, each dish was delicately flavored with nice aroma but no overwhelming use of chillies or garam masalas, that really impressed my mom too who is not that easy to impress otherwise. We are also a family that likes mildly spiced food most of the time and so the spread here is perfect in that sense.
Off to soups and salads section, my dad loved Veg French Onion Soup, while the salads looked so tantalizing that my mom and I dug into it with wild abandon, and almost filled up on it, having to take a 10 minutes break before we even went for the main course :D Apart from fresh carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers and an entire make-your-own-salad-section, they had some delicious pre-made ones, my favorite being Chickpeas & Sprouts in Garlic Mayonnaise as well as Kale & Walnuts in a Citrusy avatar, both of them outstanding. A spread of breads, croissants and donuts + cheese also beckoned us and my mom loved donut the most :)
Then we spotted Dahi Vadas and Curd Rice, live counters of Kebabs, Cholley Bhature, Pasta and ofcourse had to try some from each,again with just the right proportion of spices, fresh veggies, delicate yet memorable flavors. My dad doesn't usually like anything with curd as it often turns sour or too tangy, especially when left out too long, but he had 2 rounds of Dahi Vadas here, so that speaks volumes of how good they were. I like how they are presenting new counters every week-this time it was Cholley Bhature, next week it might be Dosa or Pav Bhaaji, basically something to bring about the beauty of monsoon binge Indian way :)
From the main course section, we loved and recommend-
>>Subz Pulao (simple, fragrant),
>>Dal Tadka (my dad refilled THRICE!),
>>Dal Khichdi (ULTIMATE comfort food and perfect for monsoon especially,If I could just have this EVERYDAY!),
>>Paneer Tikka Masala (quite good spicy gravy, went splendidly with Garlic Naan and Tandoori Roti),
>>Kaju Gravy (just a little tinge of sweetness, rich, loved it, my FAVORITE along with Khichdi),
>>Kadi Pakoda (sour and satisfying, authentic Rajasthani),
>>Noodles ( I had noodles after ages and these were grrreat, not soggy or dripping in oil) with Burnt Garlic Stir Fried Vegetables (nicely paired with noodles)
Quite a lot of options and it is impossible to try everything but that is the beauty of the wide spread, pick and choose, there is something for everyone.
I have no idea how I still had any space in my stomach for desserts after this but maybe that is what makes Hulk stand out from the crowd :P The dessert spread here will warm the heart of every kid and come on,we all are kids at heart, aren't we! I loved how they have more than enough options for vegetarians via eggless desserts too. Love and Recommend -
>>Rasmalai,
>>Rasgulla,
>>Melt in mouth Creme Brulee,
>>Extremely rich and calorific Jalebi + Baked Yogurt + Baby Gulab Jamun trio,
>>Luscious Moong Dal Halwa,
>>Dense molten Chocolate Pudding,
>> Light on palate yet memorable Strawberry Pastry,
>> Delicious chocolate-y Hazelnut Soil served in a little pot, like the one little Groot lives in :D
>> Seasonal Fruits Tart
>> White Chocolate Cheesecake adorned with white chocolate flakes and bars was out of this world....and so was basically anything & everything! This dessert section is fantabulous and I would come back exclusively for this *yumm yumm*
A perfect brunch, that is what Tiara offers us, and completely value for money for the fresh, huge spread + impeccable service + serene ambiance. As I said, Sunday is for relaxing with family and my parents have given their verdict by telling me thrice that this place deserves nothing less than 5 stars, and so it is :)
