JAGAT BHARI KOLHAPURI

Ihave always in reviews, cribbed about two things - the authenticity of preparations and the value for money. Also, I believe in the thumb rule that taste is inversely proportional to the food items listed in the menu. The less the number of food items means a higher assurance of taste. This time, everything mentioned above was fulfilled. Jagat Bhari Kolhapuri (loosely translated to Kolhapur is the best in whole world) is actually the name of the restaurant. Its menu is probably the only one in Pune with just nine items on it. And imagine it to be a thela, or a roadside eatery. This is an 80-seater, a full fledged restaurant! The other thing that you get only here and not at any other Kolhapuri joint is masoor (whole red lentils). Jagat Bhari Kolhapuri is a masoor specialist with new preparation methods from this cuisine, that was not commercially showcased before, is served here. Other than this, you will find Khuskya Rice (translated to crisp rice, which is actually plain rice temperd with pure ghee, and topped with golden fried onions and coriander), Sol Kadhi, Tandoori Roti, Bhakari, Thecha, Dahi, mineral water and aerated water. The taste is exceptionally good and preparation is done in almost a household style because there are no trained chefs employed, apart from the tandoor chef. The kitchen is taken care by the owner and his family members. They have shown us a new face of Kolhapuri cuisine. That is what I like about the place, they have something new to offer and that too, something original and authentic. The gravy is far from the cliched Dal Makhani (which I thought initially being similar to this preparation). The service is good. They serve you a small portion to taste so that you know exactly what they have to offer. It’s been less than a month since it opened and there was wait to get in for dinner. I guess that says it all. A fulfilling meal for two will cost Rs 170. That makes me able to recommend the place to everyone. And no, unlike the Kolhapuri food cliche, you don’t need to carry handkerchiefs. The preparation here is authentic - not spicy, but very tasty!

MY OVERALL RATING: 7/10

Jagat Bhari Kolhapuri

47/1 Taware Colony, opp City Pride,

Next to Bhapkar Petrol Pump,

Pune-Satara Road

Cell no: 8087231218

CREAM CENTRE - FERN HOTEL

Many of us believe that options in vegetarian cuisine are few. This happens when we take a look at the menu and find it difficult to choose a particular preparation. It is even more tedious when half of the items on the list are tried and tested. When you visit Cream Centre, the tables are turned. For the menu is vast, varied, completely vegetarian and most importantly they have all sorts of global preparations under one roof. Cream Centre, they say, is a 50-year-old eatery that began on Mumbai’s Chowpatty. Having traveled sucha culinary journey, they now have found a place in Pune - a restaurant outlet at the Fern Hotel. Plush interiors, well-lit ambience and ample seating capacity makes this place suitable for family outings. Two things in particular will make me always remember this place. Firstly, for its menu card. I haven’t seen such immaculately presented content before. Clear, high definition photographic illustrations make your mouth water. The first few sheets present their all-time hit preparations, things for which this place is famous. So, I tried those. Among them are the Original Chana Bhatura, the World’s Best Nachos, Onion Rings, Lime Ice Soda and Sizzling Brownie. Except for the Lime Ice Soda and Onion Rings, the rest were true to their word. Lime Ice Soda had ice-cream blended with lime and soda, which I, personally, thought to too sweet. I had thought it would be like an iced tea. As for the Onion Rings, the batter was more puffy and less crispy. I make it the other way around. However, with Onion Rings, there’s an abundant variety of preparation methods, so I’m not rejecting their version. The other unique thing about this place is its dedicated management. The huge success of any restaurant lies in this. I had ordered a Lebanese Original Falafel after seeing a photograph in the menu. The picture showed iceberg lettuce in it, but when it was served it had more of cabbage shreds. I brought this to the notice of the manager and he promptly requested me to note it down in the feedback form. As usual I filled it up thinking no one would bother to read it (it happens in most cases), but to my surprise I got a call from a concerned general manager the very next morning! This is the first time such an event has taken place since I started reviewing. Cream Centre is recommended for families with children (they will love pouring chocolate over the Sizzling Brownie). Not recommended for diet conscious people. Why? The name itself should be a clue. It would be pity if you discuss diet plan while dining here!

MY OVERALL RATING: 8/10

Cream Centre

Fern Hotel, Lane no 10, Opp Solaris Gymnasium,

Kalyani Nagar, 0204018000

IBIS - SPICE IT!

My relationship with Ibis Hotels is not new. I had been to one before, at one of their properties in Europe. I remember that it is a European budget hotel, which does not encourage valet parking or a bell boy service. If you wondered why I am talking about these things in a food review, it’s because as part of their ‘budget’ status, I remembered you have to prepare your own coffee, if having the breakfast buffet. It’s the same at this one. Even while entering the restaurant, you are welcomed by a sign board which says “take yourself a seat”. That, precisely says all. They serve an ala carte menu as well as a buffet spread. The latter is done only when the house count is more. On Sunday evening, the only option was the ala carte menu. The preparations are very few, comprising of appetizers, main course international, main course Indian and side orders. Both the non-veg and veg spread has the same pattern. We started off with the soup of the day, which was Tomato Soup. After tasting that, I thought it should have rather been served as chutney with any Indian snack. It was tangy and coarsely textured. The Five Spice Chicken with hot basil leaves and Insalata Mediterranean was pretty delightful with crispy iceberg lettuce topped with marinated mix vegetables. They also serve a combination meal comprising one vegetable, rice, dal, Indian bread and salad for Rs 249 which turned out to be worth ordering. The succulent paneer gets full marks. Macher Jhol was another individual order served for Rs 289 along with two rotis. It was bang on target for originality and preparation. However, just a small bowl with a few bite-sized pieces of fish concerned me for amount they charged. Chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream ended on a rightful sweet note. The service is not the most sophisticated and would normally have distressed me. That day, however, they tackled my table well enough. The thing which I liked the most is that you get the servings specifically fulfilled according to an individual’s need. Instead of paying for an entire dish, you get to choose from their preparations. It turns out to be pocket friendly for individual diners, I recommend this place to them. And if you’re not satisfied with the ala carte preparations, they are happy to cook for you according to your demands!

MY OVERALL RATING: 7/10

Spice It

IBIS,Viman Nagar,Nagar Road Pune - 14

(020) 65106200

Virgin

METROMIX

Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all! That’s not originally by me, but has been quoted by legends. While digging into the menu at Metro Mix, you’ll find many more such gems. Seating is not much, still it’s neatly put up with a casual ambience and abundance in varieties of world cuisines served under one roof. More of a dining place, it’s a semilounge. The typical vegetables, roti and stuff is not all that is served here. Their passion for cooking reflects in the menu, for there is nothing fancy in it, it’s to the point and less confusing. All preparations have three options, vegetarian, chicken and fish. Starters are tempting, as was the Frosty Chicken in honey mustard marinade. The chicken was succulent while the crust was crispy. Thus, it made a very interesting preparation. The mustard and honey went well together. The main courses are also very good with additions from almost every country. Salads are also equally tempting. The caesar salad was crunchy and original. Pasta basics hits a bulls eye for its authenticity. Chicken Stroganoff, Thai Curries, Au Gratin, all find place in the menu. There is even a sizzler zone in which there are Mexican, Teriyaki, Italian and even Indian sizzlers (where your choice is served with Indian curry, jeera rice, French fries and vegetables served on a sizzler plate). For those looking for a sweet encounter, there’s Tiramisu, puddings, Banana split and Darsaan (thai delicacy of nest of honey noodles with vanilla ice cream) Such a type of restaurant was very much needed in this vicinity where cliched, monotonous eateries are in abundance. Though this place is nearing its first anniversary, we found only a few tables occupied on Sunday, but Metro Mix isn’t complaining. The simple reason being, it maintains a unique place and most importantly the taste justifies everything. A meal for two would cost around Rs 800. And considering the spread they offer, it is worthy enough. Recommended for all those who always wished to know how a meal in a five-star hotel tastes. Here, it’s not just the ambience, but the taste that matters!

MY OVERALL RATING: 8/10

Metro Mix, A Culinary Cruise

25/26 E Building, Kumar Parisar,

Near Mahesh Vdyalaya, Kothrud,

020-65004030

CITRUS

This is first time I stepped outside Pune, to visit the twin cities of Pimpri-Chinchwad. It’s also a coincidence that this hotel is also first of its kind in PCMC. Citrus Hotel is situated exactly opposite the municipal building. The main buffet at Beso is laid right in the centre. The high roof gives the ambience a vibrant and classy look. The buffet has plenty of food preparations on display — 12 salads, four starters, two oriental, two continental preparations, three veg main courses, three non-veg main courses, two types of rice, two noodles and 10 different desserts. This is the largest spread I have gone through for a while. They have inserted few small things that make you remember it for. For example there are banana wafers and potato chips kept on the table. This is very unique, for I started nibbling those while browsing through the spread. The taste is right on the mark. From all the items, Mustard Fish Salad, Peanut Sheek Debab, Paneer Tikka Masala, Pepper Pulao, Fish Steaks in Oriental Sauce, Mushroom Curry and Fruit Trifle Pudding are what I remember the best. However, the continental preparations needed a more experienced touch. It is quite easy to prepare pasta, but if the sauce is not perfect, it can be difficult to settle with the way it tastes and the appearance. The Indian and Oriental preparations are undoubtedly true to its origins. The service is polite, smiling and attentive. On Monday evening, the buffet was filled with diners. And why wouldn’t they be? This huge spread costs just Rs 299 + tax. Though there aren’t any live stations, it is still worth it! After all, not many like to wait at a counter while food is being prepared, they just shoot off and dig into the spread, and I did the same!

MY OVERALL RATING: 8/10

Beso, Citrus Hotel

Opposite PCMC building, Mumbai-Pune highway

The Great Kebab Factory

Kebabs are becoming more than just a starter. Ordering them is now a trend. After all, they fulfill the need for variety, taste and fill you up — everything you look forward to in a meal and The Great Kebab Factory is a place where the kebab rules. There is a fixed menu which comprises six kebabs, one vegetable, one biryani, dal makhani and desserts. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Once you are seated, waiters dressed in jumpsuits (to fit in with the theme of a factory) start off right away, serving you one piece of each starter at a time. That way once you’re served each starter, you can decide which ones you want refills of. However, the vegetarian options are very few. There was Veg Galouti Kebab, Adraki Kebab, Paneer Tikka, Creamed Broccoli, Aloo Tikki and Tandoori Fruit. However, none of them were memorable. As for the non-veg, the house specialty Lamb Galouti Kebab was the one to remember. Along with that were Grilled Fish Steak, Lamb Sheek Kebab, two types of Murg Tikka, and a Tangdi Kebab. The vegetable served that day was mushroom — tangy and tasty. The Dal Makhani was perfectly done. The biryani was not the way I had expected, the rice wasn’t soft enough for a Mughlai Biryani. Another house specialty — Sheermal (sweet naan) — was served along with the mains. In dessert there were options of Kulfi, Gulkand Gulab Jamun and Gajar Halwa. The kulfi on a stick was also one of the best I’ve eaten. All of this is available for Rs 699 + taxes per person. The style of service is different. The taste is good. The quality of meat used is also good, but the vegetarian options disappointed us that day as most of the kebabs were cooked in one particular way — minced and shallow fried. But if you’re a kebab lovers, the meal here is a steal, especially if you’ve arrived on an empty stomach!

MY OVERALL RATING: 5.5/10

The Great Kebab Factory
Radisson Hotel
Nagar Bypass Road,
Kharadi Pune 14.
Contact: 27060606

PREGO ITALIANO!!

A new day of a new year and a very new restaurant’s review to start it off with! What more could we ask for? The place reviewed today has definitely raised the bar, when it comes to Italian cuisine in Pune. Whenever I think of Italian cuisine, select ingredients, preparations and serving techniques come to mind. Where those thoughts stop; this particular menu kicks off! I was astounded after going through the menu available in both Italian and English. Apart from the wood-fired pizzas, the homemade pastas rule here. There is a wide variety of homemade pastas which I consider imperative to an Italian kitchen. Of them, the Cannelloni was what I tried. And it was the best I’ve ever eaten! I was unlucky that day because I couldn’t try the pizza. For some technical reasons with the oven, the pizza was not available, but I’m sure that a pizza will also be the right choice here, as they have a wide variety of sauces to choose from. For the main course, the Mix Seafood Risotto also turned out to be a good option. It had generous servings of prawns, clams and shell fish. The ambience is spectacular, spacious and lively. The service is classy and polite. The only reason to avoid this place would be if you have a particularly Indianised palate. For those who have one, will not agree with me, that it’s an experience to dine at such a place. Most of the food served here — olive oil, fresh herbs, lots of cheeses, truffle oil, homemade pastas, wine sauces and al dente ingredients — could be acquired tastes. However, don’t expect such a classy experience — with the use of these ingredients — to be light on the pocket. There is a price to pay! With the food and ambience of this place, a visit is an experience in itself. With the opening of Prego, Italians have surely arrived and in style!

MY OVERALL RATING: 7/10

The Westin Pune

36/3-B Koregaon Park Annexe

Mundhawa Road, Pune 1.

Contact: 67210000