Brunch Buffet at Khidmat- Kalkaji

Khidmat -- Literal meaning - "At your Service" - Khidmat has been serving foodies in Kalkaji for over 5-6 years, atleast that's what I have been able to keep track of for sometime now -- They are one of the earlier restaurants in Kalkaji, serving Alcohol as well. In fact the ambience is just right for a "Resto Bar" -- They have off late ventured into the Buffet Offerings - which they Proudly promote as "Brunches" - Looking for a Brunch filling myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I set out to explore the eateries in Kalkaji --- Being a Foodie & a Marketer, an Interestingly done "Point of Sale material" - a banner announcing the Price , caught my attention & I decided to venture inside - wife & kid in toe

This one is a big 100 seat restaurant, with an dark ambient setting - Perfect for a Day time drinking session with friends or colleagues...We ordered for 2 Buffets -- The Buffet line up was reasonably well done & especially for the Price Tag - 599 /= - No reasons to complain - 3 starters in Veg & Non Veg Both & Soups

The Tandoori stuff in starters was what I enjoyed the most - especially Chicken Tikka & Paneer Tikka - The Chinese version of the starters was not that great - Both Chicken & Cheese Chilly ---- The Mutton Seekhs , were well balanced in spices --

In the Main Course, the spread was -
Indian :
2 Non Veg dishes : Butter Chicken & Mutton Shahi
Paneer Kadai, Dal Makhani, Aloo Gobhi,
Breads
Chinese : Noodles, Manchurian
Live Pasta counter

The world may keep raving about "Dal Bukhara" at ITC & their so called Legendary fan filled tales & continue fleecing us for a dish, that is at best average ....I feel, a Good Punjabi Chef, can cook the Dal Makhani, just as well ---- All you need is lots of love & great butter !!! The Dal Makhani at Khidmat
is just outstanding & is any day better than your "Dal Bukhara"

The Mutton Shahi - was simply scintillating & tantalising for the taste buds ----- Mutton was yummy, really soft & despite being immersed in the delicious gravy, I could clearly feel the taste of the Mutton dish --- that's what really sets mutton apart from Chicken --- Chicken is too bland - Mutton has its distinct flavour

 

Chicken Today

Chicken Today - is part of the Alcheimest group - The promoters of "Republic of Chicken" - They seem to have taken their Chicken Concept -( from offering, Frozen, pre packed & ready to eat Chicken) to the next level in form of the "Chicken QSR" & seem to have done a decent job .. strangely the manager didn't allow us to click pics of the store from inside - some strange understanding which people seem to be having these days

The Outlets are pretty nicely done -- spacious seating area ---- The outlet at New Friends Colony is located on 2 floors, with seating for about 35-40 people in the restaurant ------
The Highlights :
The Bengal Mustard Tangri & the Bengal Mustard Chicken Burger ---- These were the 2 best items of the evening for me --- Bengalis mustard burger, something really refreshing & different, tried in a really long long time The mustard flavour was subtle without being too overpowering or killing the other flavours...

The Bengal Mustard Tangri was also quite decent --- Pretty different from the usual coal char grilled flavours of the tandoori chicken -- this was quite a treat to the taste buds .......

Their Green Dip is something to die for - absolutely "lick a licious" sweet tangy cold & refreshing - The Chicken Ajwain roll was average - Their meal combos are pretty decent too ---- served with Roomali rotis & Dal Makhani ---quite decent

Are you in the mood for "Chicken Today"

Namche Bazaar

http://www.zomato.com/ncr/striker-namche-bazaar-kitchen-bar-golf-course-road-gurgaon

My Office is Located next to the Global Foyer building on the Golf Course road in Gurgaon -- Have heard a lot about the various plush eateries & pubs in the Global Foyer , Namche bazaar is one such Restaurant located here ... Being Touted as the Corporate Lunch destination - This place offers customised "eating solutions" - "Since this is Corporate, hence the Corporatised Jargons " - basically Lunch packages & value meals

The seating is a mix of A la Care - Table , Chair set as well as one of a set laid out low height sit down sofa sets -- Ambience is quite relaxing, especially if one walks in from a full on heat & Light blast - reasonably dim lights add to the relaxation -
The buffet spread is reasonable & not too lavish, which works just fine , as Lunch Buffet should be lighter than the standard Dinner Buffets ---

Salads
There is a spread of 3-4 Salads -- My personal favourite was the roasted Chicken Salad mixed with Pineapple -The Russian salad, another of my all time favourite -was quite nice

Sides
They also served Gol Gappas with 2 varieties of the spiced water, which we so lovingly relish & shamelessly cant stop asking for more at the roadside Gol gappe waala

Main Course
They had a very decent mix of the Main Course - with 3 Non Vegetarian & 3 Vegetarian dishes +1 Daal +1 Noodles -- My personal favourite was the "Oriental Fish Curry" --- soft, fresh, succulent & retaining the perfect flavour of fish

The Mutton gravy, was the Other dish worth trying in the menu -- Normally I hate restaurants, who try & put you off their mutton dish by cooking it in too much oil - so people try & avoid mutton dishes --- But this one was just the right taste -- not too oily, neither too greasy ---not too heavy on the palate

For The Dessert, they serve Shahi Tukdaa, & Ice creams

Price - I don't know, as I did not pay the bill -- and as they say " There are no Free Lunches" - This time I managed to have one

Bikers Cafe

 

Having heard & read tons of raving reviews about this cool & happening, through various mediums & forums, especially my latest association with the Zomato team, which have had huge reviews mentioned about this cool little joint located in Vasant Vihar, I decided it was time to have my first hand experience of this Outlet

 

 

Located in the tiny, almost derelict Vasant Vihar market, this outlet has a fantastic approach from the main road - The striking, almost inviting sign board (done on a wooden frame)a cool and nicely done, liittle patio just outside the restaurant- inviting you inside the waiting arms of the little café - add to it, Bikers, Harley davidons, Royal Enfileds, have a certain machismo built as a halo around them - so may be this outlet invites you to unleash the machismo within

 

Inside, the outlet is pretty neatly done, and pics of Legendary Bikers adventures, the next biking destinations & journeys - it immediately sets you off to a cool & casual setting - The staff, suits the mood & ambience of the café - relaxed & casual  - They also have interesting concept of renting out games on an hourly basis - Like Ludo, Scrabbles etc - to keep the chit chat & discussion going forward

 

The food is more of Continental & Italian - Understandably, the Breakfast options are what are the best sellers in the Café -- Their all time hit , is the Bun Maska & cutting chai - reminiscent of the Streets of Mumbai - We ordered for , what turned out to be the signature sandwich of the Café (Bikers Café Special sandwich) --- A triple decker sandwich loaded., with Chicken ham, shredded chicken, generous spread of ,Mayonaise , stuffed with Fried Eggs & served with Coleslaw & French fries -- Looking at the Portion, you will be convinced , that its good enough for a BBB-BIG BIKER BOYS

 

The Other breakfast dish we ordered was the Chilly Garlic Cheese toast - The Garlic flavour was subtle & not overpowering - with just the right amount of melted cheese -- we washed this down with Cups of Masala Chai & Cappucino

 

A heavy breakfast, which saw me through pretty late in the day -- a satisfying breakfast -- going there for more ... On my Car, if not the  Bike

 

 

 

 

 

Sagar Ratna Kalkaji

Being the 1st one writing the review for Sagar Ratna, Kalkaji

for Zomato---- At the Onset, I must say that with the Change in the ownership at Sagar ratna, while there seems to be a rapid expansion in the number of Sagar ratna outlets, the important piece to watch out for, how the quality is being maintained --- "Quality & Service" being the 2 hallmarks on which Sagar Ratna has built its envious brand presence in Delhi --- Quality South Indian food was synonymous with Sagar ratna, for the Delhi wallahs

The Outlet in Kalkaji, by most Sagar outlets standards, is by far the most spacious , well laid out & very brightly lit --- The interesting twists being brought about in the menu, is also something to watch out for -- While the Sagar Ratna team, has introduced varieties in the north Indian fare - namely - Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhanni Combos - Their Rs 39 - starter pricing is pretty attractive as well & is being very well received in the restaurants

Rs 39 - 2 piece Paneer tikka , 1 Piece Dahi Wada / Dahi Idli, Spring Rolls
Dahi Idlis - I am the biggest fan of Dahi idlis outside the whole of south india --- Soft Idlis, served in a bed of Ice Cold , sweet dahi, flavoured with fried rai seeds - just the perfect snack -- Even the Paneer Tikkas is superb --- served with an Ice Cold Mint Chutney - The tikkas are roasted to Perfection in the Tandoor - Soft, succulent cubes of cottage cheese, roasted in a perfect tandoori marinate --- Perfect for a south Indian speciality restaurant

I did find a bit of difference in the taste of the Masala dosas - The ones served earlier, under the previous management, were a bit oily & a soft masala stuffing - the current ones, were a bit crisper, & stuffing was tad bit dry -- The Chutneys - Coconut, Green Chutney & the Tomato Chutney - were just perfect

Great going Sagar Ratna -- Keep expanding the Outlets ----- & keep delivering the taste

Fidahh - Epicurea Food Court, Nehru Place

Vow !!! I will be the 2nd Person to write a review on Zomato about this new kid on the block, Fidahh - & the 1st reviewer being the Zomato Delhi Connoisseur, Desmond john & I agree , its a pity that no one has either explored it so far, or written about it

Located in the Now ever becoming popular, Nehru place Metro station Food Court, Fidahh, is a Lebanese food joint, that sticks to its basics & is doing a good job out of it .. The Outlet has a decent range of Lebanese food dishes - I am sure people have heard about the ever so popular Shawarmas -- There is a decent range of Hummus, Falafels, as well - The Babbaganoush, The tzaatki dips, which are ever so popular - We ordered the Chelo Kebabs, which seemed an all time hit at the restaurant, along with the Grilled Chicken (Rosemerire herbs ) The Chelo kebabs & the grilled chicken were served on the fresh & warm, pita breads ---- I loved the Pita breads, they were thinner than the usual fat dough one gets fed in most restaurants

The Dips were ok --didn't set my taste buds rolling - I have had better tzaatki dips in other shawarma outlets - actually most Lebanese outlets I have eaten at seem to have a great variation in the taste of this particular dip

The Grilled chicken was quite nice - although it was very mildly spices - but I could enjoy the real flavour of the soft & succulent chicken - induced by grilling along with the skin --- The Chelo kebabs were better spiced & did pack a punch & was refreshing to eat, inspite of being right spiced

The staff courtesy was exemplary & the service as expected to be in a food court, pretty fast .All in all , a good experience in Fidaah - I am going there again, for a bigger fill of the Grilled Chicken

 

Zomatos foodie meet- Smoke House Delhi, Hauz Khas

Having been Invited for a Zomatos foodie meet, is probably one of the baby steps in the direction of creating a name in the Foodie circle of Delhi - Critics, Bloggers, Restaurant reviewers & critics, Chefs, Bakers & the ever growing community of Zomans , as they call them -- Zomans refers to the Zomatian community - employees, customers, reviewers - Not wanting to miss this opportunity to interact with the foodie community, I was well set to go , the venue helped seal the decision faster

The Venue - Smoke House Delhi, Hauz Khas Village - An Upmarket, Restaurant specialising in the Grills & Continental fare, Oh so European - The location, adding greatly to the overall experience - Situated opposite the Hauz Khas, Lake - yes there is a lake, which runs across Hauz Khas - many of us in delhi, may not even have heard about it, not to mention seeing & experiencing it at all --- Our Hostess, Prerita Chugh, a bright, young lady, who later it turned out, was quite an impressive foodie, herself - tackling the meats, & cuts, quite much like pro --- With the formal introduction & meeting up with the other foodies, we took our seats, in a specially reserved enclosure, for us, the Zoman foodies

The Start off with a Bread Basket, with Butter & Pepper Cheese - dashed with Mustard oil- was a good start for the conversations to begin --- Breads, Butter, some conversation & more ---We had the youngest foodie & reviewer, I have known in a long time, Ulhas- all of 20 years old, and a forcibly converted vegetarian (for reasons bets known to him)

Then we had the First course of Appetisers, comprised of the following :
"Balsamic Beetroot + Feta Salad with Guava Emulsions" -
 Not a great Veggie salad lover, this was all lettuce, plain cheese & the guava, added to sweetness - which didn't go too well with me -- an extra dash of sauces,  would have added the zing to this sweety of a salad - Not my personal favourite

Chicken Satay+ Green Bean Salad --- A better upgrade of the Veggie salad, with one satay - I always believe, that Non Vegetarian Salads, should have bite sized chunks of the meat thrown in evenly, rather than having single pieces - which need to be torn, broken or shared - as once the Satay is over, all you are left with is lots of Lettuce, again with mild spices - The Satay, however was quite nicely done, tender, nicely smoked & chewy

Smoked Chicken + Goat Cheese Tart - This one took the Cake for me - The best starters for the evening ..  Perfectly, thin, crisp & crusted tarts, loaded with a nice filling of smoked chicken, melted cheese & infused with Herbs, spices & baked to glory --- The perfect starter for me--- & Like Lays, No One can have Just One


We then headed to the Bar for a drinks session - Basically this, helped couple up as a smoke break as well -- The Conversations were in full flow by this time, with another Zoman reviewer, Vigya, mentioning about her foodie experiences - She seemed, quite a foodie, of a different genre, than yours truly --- more of High end & fine dining restaurant reviews, while yours truly is more of a street food, QSRs, light on your wallet , food exploration - I ordered the Green Apple, Martini, which was too sweet for my tastes & having recovered from the sweet punch, I ordered for the Orange Capriojka, which turned out to be a better Cocktail ---- fresh chunks of Orange, placed in the base

There was another dish - which was Chicken steaks, dipped & loaded with Green sauces -- The Satays, were soft, juicy, tender, perfectly spiced & chewy - Great appetiser

Now was time for a Main Course ---- While we had a variety of options to chose from in both Veg & Non Veg --- I ordered for the "PeriPeri rubbed smoked chicken + Smoked Pimento Redux with Saffron Potatoes" - For Godsake don't ask me, what a Pimento Redux means, as I was a bit high to ask the waiter myself for that --- However, the PeriPeri chicken, was just right for me ---- I like my meat to be a bit chewy - too soft is quite a put off for me - The Chicken bites, had the perfect juice, spice & moisture, in each of the bites --- The Potato served as a good condiment for the spicy boneless chicken


I also tried, the Marinated Roast chicken with Sour cream potatoes -- While the Chicken again scored in terms of being tender & juicy - The sauces , added somewhat of a fusion taste -- the sauce tasted more like a strong Garam masala flavour

Overall, a great experience at Smoke House Delhi. To sum it up, a motley group of strangers, from different walks of life, different paths, different destinies, but one Common passion - Love of Food & taking the pain to write about that food ---

Thanks team Zomato for this Opportunity --- Let the Zomans rock