WITCHES AND DOGS

If a place has passion for food, it reflects in its ambience. In this new place, the concept of sandwiches and hot dogs have been illustrated very well. There are informative wall frames which describe the origin of sandwiches and the terms associated with it from the sauces to the condiments used. Wi c h e s and Dogs is a compact eatout place, with a section and menu exclusively for tea-cakes, muffins and an assortment of cookies. Among them, the carrot muffin was very tasty. The main menu is influenced by American food. Vegetarian options are very few. We tried out the Roasted Pepper and Cottage Cheese Sandwich, Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich, Chicken Burger, Fish and Pesto Sandwich and a Hot Dog. The vegetable variants were slightly bland for my Indian palette. I felt the flavour of basil in the tomato mozzarella was underplayed. The burger was lacking in flavour — I guess all readymade burger patties are like that. Fish and Pesto was quite tasty. The taste of the pesto was distinct and blended really well with the fish. When I asked about the hot dog preparation (I found it bland too) — the reply was, “It is just like they do it in the West. Sausage, gherkins, mustard and mayo.” I feel the base sauces make all the difference. Apart from the regular mayonnaise, mustard sauce, tomato ketchup, they didn’t have anything unique. But if you want it customised, that wish will be fulfilled! Also on the menu are freshly squeezed juices and smoothies. It felt great to see Wheat Germ in there too. Overall we found the preparation could have been tastier. Portions are great when compared to the prices. If you love the way the Americans eat their hot dogs, this is surely the place for you.

MY OVERALL RATING: 6/10

Wiches and Dogs, Princeton Flair,

Lane No 8, Koregaon Park, Pune- 411001

SHAHJI PARATHA

The quality of food need not necessarily be dished out from extraordinary and expensive ingredients, posh kitchens or air-conditioned lounges. This time, we decided to turn the tables and look for some old places in busy areas of the city which are famous for their food and only food. Shahji’s Paratha House on Laxmi Road (on left side of the next signal from Alpana Talkies, towards Deccan) is an old, well-known place for parathas. We immediately knew it was a no-nonsense place. Seating is cramped, like it is in a typical city eating joint. Service is swift. Menu is to the point, with 12-15 types of stuffed parathas. Aloo, Gobi, Methi, Mooli, Onion, Mix-Veg, Green Peas, Paneer, Cheese and some different, innovative ones, such as Papad, Rice and even a special sweet Mava-Malai stuffed paratha (Rs 40). Among options other than parathas, is the Paratha Thali which consists of a bowl each of boondi raita, dal makhani, mix vegetable, salad and the paratha (Rs 65). They also serve a proper thali and even north Indian Punjabi delicacies. A few chaat items are also on the menu, along with desserts, and yes, the lassi and masala chaach. The reason for my reciting the menu here is the taste which is exceptionally well. The Dal Makhani deserves a special mention, the best I’ve had till now.I strongly recommend this place for all paratha lovers to try out at least once. Though the place is far off inside city and the ambience, perhaps, not suiting your requirement, as you may have to cross elbows to share the table with an unknown person. But you can always take home a parcel. One thing is for sure, this place would put the star restaurants to shame. Still, this place will not find a mention in newspapers or on the internet. They also have a challenge for you — if you are able to eat four stuffed parathas, they not only waive off your bill, but also pay your to and fro transport charges. When asked if anyone had won the challenge, we were pointed towards photographs of the proud winners!

MY OVERALL RATING: 8/10

Shahji’s Paratha House,

1037, Raviwar Peth, Laxmi Road,

Pune – 02

NORTHERN FRONTIER

Almost half the food listed in a typical menu of most restaurants has items from north India. So, this cuisine is very popular and easily available, but at the same time, is altered too. It’s tough to recognise the authenticity of the ingredients, as there are slight differences, but these play a major role in the outcome. Northern Frontier is famous in the area, (Yerwada), for its food and my taste buds got ready for a journey to the north. A glance at their menu made a positive impression — there seemed to be much thought that went into the compilation of preparations. But in reality only a few items managed to impress me. Paneer Birbaly (stuffed paneer) with soft mild tasty gravy was one. The Gushtaba (boiled meat balls in yogurt based gravy) had nice meatballs and would have been perfect if the gravy wasn’t curdled. Jhinga Mehrunisa (marinated with cream) was also good. But the marination failed to infuse in the chunks of Achari Paneer Tikka and Fish Tikka, making them rather tasteless. The service though needs much attention. I found no co-ordination among the order-takers. They were not updated with available lists for the evening, resulting in a delay of service. The place has a bar, but again, it’s the person who takes the order that makes the drink! That didn’t work for me. It showed in the quality of the cocktails that were served! The only person I found attentive and with a watchful eye was the doorman, who in turn was directing the staff when they were called for. The quantity of starters was less compared to their price. The main course was comparatively okay. Seating on weekends may be difficult as options for couples are few. Also, if you are looking for privacy, ignore this place. Families though may easily like the place. But do go with a bit of patience, as the service may kill the pleasure of the nice food.

Northern Frontier

My Overall Rating: 5/10