Wednesday, December 19, 2018

In this festive season, visit Punjab Bistro's new outlet at Phoenix Market City at Whitefield for a delightful fine dining experience!





It is believed that we eat with our eyes first and traditional Indian khaana is difficult to plate or style for that visual appeal. Thanks to the Bistros which takes modern Indian cuisine to another level. One of my favorite restaurants, Punjab Bistro has opened their new outlet in Level 2, Phoenix Market City and I was here recently for a mid-week indulgence. This Bistro serves some amazing North West Frontier food which you would crave for more. The most important part of the lunch was a group of us got a chance to dine with Bangalore’s Gourmet king Mr. Suresh Hinduja. You ask anything about food, Suresh ji will have an answer for that. Thanks a bunch, dear Rupa, Suresh Ji and Sajjal for having me over. The dining experience even got better when Sakhi and Dr.Hema joined us for lunch.

My drink - Aam panna :)



Our conversations on food started with an amuse bouche which was Papdi Chaat. That was totally a burst of flavors which can make you patiently wait for the appetizers. As we were a group of vegetarians and non-vegetarians, we ordered Paneer Tikka Multani, Beetroot peanut Tikki, Amritsari Mutton Champa (served with radish chutney), Chicken Kalmi Kebab, Sikandari Raan, Palak Corn Quesadilla, Mutton Seekh Kebab, and Tikki Chole.







Other than Sikandari Raan which was a tad too dry, I loved all the other appetizers. A perfect 5/5 for such amazing appetizers and that colorful, brilliantly done radish chutney.





They served us Sorbet Chuski as a palate cleanser before the main course. As this is the perfect time for indulging in winter special dishes, we started with Sarson ka Saag and Makkai de roti (served with jaggery and white butter), along with their classic dishes – Laal maas, Murgh Makhani, Dal Moradabad, Nalli Nihari, and Paneer Makhani. These heavenly dishes with intense flavors were enjoyed with a basket full of assorted Indian bread.






For desserts, we had layered Malpua pudding and Moong Dal Halwa. I loved the Malpua pudding which was more like a traditional bread pudding. This was followed by a yummy Paan shot.




Punjab Bistro also does ‘Bespoke catering’ for events. Please contact the outlet for more information. I have always enjoyed spending time at Punjab Bistro and surely this is the fine-dining restaurant you would like to visit with friends or loved ones on those special days or after a tiring shopping day Phoenix Market City. A meal for two would be ₹1500/- (approximately).
Address:
Punjab Bistro
Level 2, Phoenix Market City
Mahadevpura, Bengaluru
For table reservation, contact - +91 8067266610


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Monday, December 10, 2018

This December, check out the Hunan Festival at Mainland China, Bengaluru!





Hunan province in China is famous for its spicy cuisine. In India most of the ‘Chinese restaurants’ serve Chindian food which is adapted for Indian palate. Let’s not talk about the authenticity or taste when it comes to Chinese flavors. Whatever it is, the fact is that we enjoy visiting our neighborhood Chinese restaurants. I happened to visit Mainland China at Church Street, Bengaluru recently for their ongoing ‘Hunan Festival’. The well-curated menu has interesting dishes for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The starters are so addictive.





My friend and I ordered Chongqing Mushroom, Shredded Chicken with fresh pepper and celery, and Chongqing Prawns. Though Mushroom and Prawns had the same flavors, the latter one didn’t match up to the flavors of Mushrooms they served us first. When we gave the feedback, a polite staff named Mr.Pradeep immediately replaced the Prawns starter and the second batch was really good. The shredded Chicken had mild flavors and fresh chilies made it taste better.




We also ordered a Chicken Dim sum which is not from the festive menu. At Mainland China, one should never miss their delectable dim sums. Sadly they don’t have included any dim sums or soups as part of this festive menu.




For the Main course, we ordered ‘Water Chestnuts, Broccoli, and Baby corn in mild Chilli vinegar’, Hunan Sichuan Chicken and Yangzhou Fried rice. The Hunan Sichuan Chicken name sounded so weird and out of curiosity I asked the staff about this dish and came to know that they use Sichuan chili in it. Anyhow this dish was not that great compared to the veg one. After having the main course we came to know that upon request they cater egg/chicken fried rice which was not mentioned on the menu.




I ordered two mocktails - ‘Ginger and Pineapple Frappe’ and ‘Mandarin Swirl’ and the second one was better. Throughout the lunch, they kept serving us Jasmine tea which we enjoyed very much.




There was no room for desserts by the end of the meal and while taking the pictures of their regular buffet, I spotted Caramel custard and I couldn’t resist having the same. It was soooo good. They have buffet starting from ₹445 + taxes. Please contact the restaurant for their Happy hour deals.




Overall I enjoyed a hearty meal at Mainland China. The staffs are very polite and attentive. I liked how they positively took each feedback we gave them and immediately rectified it, making sure that we left the restaurant with a happy face and tummy. This festive menu is on ‘a la carte’ and it’s on till 20th December 2018. So don’t miss it.

Address:
Mainland China
1st Floor, 14
Church Street, Bangalore
For reservations, contact - 080 49652124

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