Stand-up Comedy has changed the way India laughs in these 3 years. New talent, new jokes, new ENTERTAINMENT. We thought why should we be left behind. What does it really take for a Stand-up comedian to perform and make tons of people roll with chuckles with his jokes and how does FOOD play such a great part in it… Puzzled? Gotcha!

Presenting Ladies and Gentleman, Neville Shah. He is half Parsi-half Gujju. If that wasn’t good enough, he is from a boarding school, majored in Physics and works in advertising. It’s his experiences with life that make you laugh. His wit, conversational delivery and honest angst, makes his humour relatable and sometimes oddly poignant. Often deprecating he’d like you to know that he is from Mumbai, but works in Delhi. Why? Exactly. Lets find out with a peppy conversation with the man himself

1. From what age did the weird and funny side of life strike and inspire you?

Well, I think as early as an infant. My mom tells me my granddad once tried to change my diaper and as soon as he opened it, I peed in his direction. Slapstick, but funny.

2. Stand up Comedy. Define it for us. 

There isn’t really a definition. It’s more like a guideline. I think the only mandate has got to be being funny. Everything else comes after. It doesn’t matter what you say or how you say it. You have to make them laugh. That’s why you have an audience. That’s why they’re paying you more than dinner (sometimes). Make the audience feel like they know. Make them understand your story. Don’t try to be esoteric. Don’t TRY. Tell them about life. Your life. Their life. Life around us. Anything.

3. Lets compare your most loved food items to one liners. Shall we? 

Mutton, Dhansak and Kebab – The ultimate threesome. But really mostly anything that lived, is yummy. Past tense is key.

4. Your best dining places in India.

There’s a lot of places to name. Top of my head – so I may miss out the older ones.

In Mumbai almost everything is super. From the vada pav at Dadar station to Bade’s (now too crowded). I love the Crab Bisque at the Hyatt. The brunch at the Westin. The sandwich outside Jai Hind (when I studied there) and the steak at The Tasting Room (Good Earth). Rolls at Hangla and Biryani from Calcutta Club. There’s Sneha at Mahim for Mallu Food. But anything is awesome in Mumbai.

Bangalore – Nagarjuna. Grasshopper.

Hyderabad – Paradise.

Chennai – Sorry, we’re talking about good food.

5. Diet is a fad. Your views.

Of course, it’s a fad. My dream is to rest an ice-cream tub on my belly and watch TV.

6. Do you do House parties. If yes, then what are the do’s and don’ts of it? 

I have done a few house parties. The pressure at a house party is immense, since, you’re in someone’s living room or at a bar that’s rented out and everyone knows everyone. They’ll laugh together or boo together. You must be careful of your heckler take-downs because you’re in their house. You can’t offend anyone to that point. And don’t overdo the booze, before you go up – they have to drunk, not you.

7. Your next shows.

Well, am at The Comedy Store in November. A few private gigs around then too. But till then mostly open-mics in Delhi. But follow me on twitter, I keep plugging there along with some other random sporadic bursts @craziebawa

8. How does an idea to joke about something germinate? Is it spontaneous or years of practice ; )

Seriously, there is no real method to it. A joke comes from anywhere. Anything can  be made funny. It’s how you do it that’s important. It’s about how much into no man’s land can you go, before you’re shot (Read: Booed). Practice just makes you better and quicker on your feet.

9. Your best Daaru brands.

I do occasionally enjoy a good single malt. Except for the times I crave beer. But yeah, I’ve quit drinking.

10. A few words to our foodees.

Don’t dismiss vegetarians, embrace them. They’re leave more food for us.

Need we say more. Waiting for your upcoming shows Neville. Three cheers!

Happy eating folks!

Nitin PR | twitter.com/nitinpr

Bandra has got just another reason to smile… actually LAUGH ; )

With over 10 Comedy Artists tickling your funny bone this weekend along with cool stalls and food/drinks,  it just can’t any better.

The real deal is as follows :

As a food blogger and food lover, very rarely I find a fine dine having so many food festivals running at the same time. I thought its high time I share this with my readers. The Wedding Cafe & Lounge has come up some really yumm offers. Check them out and on clicking on any of them, you shall get additional information.

Happy Eating!

Nitin PR

Quite stunned with my tagline for the post, aren’t you? Well, It was quite a magical sight. Rough cut diamonds, Sultry melted gold with detailed color notching. Ahh…. Wish I was carrying my bag of big bucks to buy them all. All in good time I guess. Moving on… Nisha JamVwal yet again hosted this wonderful Champagne Cocktail evening at Zoya by Tanishq (Warden Road, Mumbai) to launch the new egypt themed jewellery collection. Read on…

Zoya, the exquisite diamond boutique, a Tata product, recreates the pristine mystique and heritage of Egypt with a very exclusive line of jewelry that  takes you to the world of ancient Egypt. This collection of  jewelry  takes  inspiration from the  Egyptian Pharaohs, Gods & Goddesses, the pyramids of Giza & the River Nile amongst others.

It seemed the whole of Kemps Corner was rejoicing the advent of the Egyptian collection launch. The Exterior of the store was like a magic door way to the land of vintage jewels and gems. As i walked in the store, the pristine floor marble, white washed walls and the fragrance of cheese and wine filled me up. I did not see many souls around, after walking in further, I was informed that the Belly Dance was in session on floor one. I walked up the glass filled stair case and there I see everyone. Drinks flowing in, finger foods served and the blissful belly dancer enticing the crowd with her moves. Nisha looked lovely in the Red Egyptian Gown she wore and her style of hosting and warmth is what makes every guest at her party extremely comfortable.

Nisha Jamwval with  Zoya hosted an Egyptian evening on Friday 12th August to introduce the Egypt collection to Mumbai’s glitterati with belly dancers and Egyptian cuisine  such as spinach & cheese fatayar,  humus tartlets, stuff potatoes with crushed pine nuts,  egyptian  spiced lamb balls, chicken stuff with olive & pine nuts, greek salad, fruit tarts, couscous cake etc.

I was off Non veg and alcohol that evening. The vegetarian options and mocktails did keep me company for the evening. The cream of Mumbai was oozing in at regular intervals in the store. Do see all the pictures for the celeb presence.

My eyes were dazzling with Hammered gold, inlayed & rendered into iconic shapes  gets embellished with rare stones like Lapis lazuli, emeralds, rubies, corals and diamonds. This is a limited edition line consisting of 86 distinct products, the Egypt Collection gets inspired by the numerous, beautiful imagery one associates with this the Land of the Gods: the calm River Nile, symbolic of fertility and resurrection, the famous pyramids of Giza, the eye of Horus etc.

From dramatic hoops to ornate pendants, from intricate necklaces to exquisite studs and hand cuffs, the Egypt line of jewelry from Zoya is truly distinct and wowed all guests present at the preview.

There were 2 more rounds of the super sizzling belly dance. While the crowd was grooving to the moves of the dancer, the media cam shutters were constantly doing what they do best, get the best shots.

After  a brief meeting with the PR agency and a couple of old friends. It was time for me to go. Wait! Did I tell you who came for the launch. NO? Hmmm… Read on…

Click to view slideshow.

Seen admiring the bauble’s on view and basking in Nisha Jamwval’s warm hospitality were lawyers Mrinalini Deshmukh , Mridula Kadam, Producers Renu Madhur Bhandarkar, Sunita Ashutosh Gowarikar, artists Sunil Padwal with wife Tanuja; Brinda Miller; Deveki Singh,  Businesswomen Gauri Pohoomull, Meena Raheja, Suzie Mirchandani, Roopa Fabiani, Bindu Rana Kapoor, Deepika Gehani, actrors Shama Sikander, Tulip Joshi,   Amrita Raichand, Poonam Dhillon, Rucha Gujrati , Mamta Raja, Chetan Hansraj, Madhoo ShahLuke Kenny ; Penaz Mesani, Designer Nishiki Lulla, Businessmen Raju Daswani with wife Esther, Arun Hitkari with wife Debbie Also ,  Mona Narang,Geetu Hinduja, Jaya Bhavnani, Nitin PR, Kadambari Lakhani, Ami Patel, Sabeera Merchant, Dolly Thakore, Ms Sri Lanka -model Yureni, amongst many more of Mumbai’s whos who. Nisha JamVwal dressed in an Egyptian gown created specially by Shantanu & Nikhil looked like an egyptian princess of yore in her make up.

Playing gracious hosts with Nisha Jamwval were Arif Saleem Padiath and Jim Vimadalal of Zoya.

Do go and take a look at their collection. Who knows, this festive season, you get home something from the far away land.

Zoya, 106, Dhan-Abad, Warden Road, Opposite Stephen Church, Cumbala Hill, Mumbai. Tel : +91 65259605 & 66349606

Till next time, Happy Eating.

Nitin PR

 

Will you Marry me?……………………. Long Pause. Why? Are we not ready for it? We are ready for the wedding but may be not ready for “THE WEDDING”. Yepp, pretty much a question swaying in the bride, groom and their respective families heads. The preparation thinking takes up more space in their heads than the joy of the wedding itself. Kudos to Zuzer & Rachana Lucknowala, who in time understood the pain and waved their years of experience wand and Voila, we get The Wedding Cafe & Lounge (TWCL). India’s first Wedding theme based eatery providing wedding related services such as Clothes, make up, trousseau, catering, locations, honeymoon packages and much more all under one Lounge

A tiny chit-chat with Zuzer will open the doors to this simply fantastic idea.

1. Zuzer, everyone is talking about The Wedding Cafe & Lounge. Please give us some dope on what is it all about.

The Wedding Café & Lounge is a wedding theme based fine wine dine restaurant and lounge. It’s a first of its kind in India with over 1200 registered vendors, divided into 55 categories; comprising right from Mehendi Artists to Trousseau Packing to Event Planners and is spread over 9 areas of the city. Set in a European Styled sophisticated ambiance with soothing white and peach which adorns the walls. The Wedding Café & Lounge is the perfect platform for you to plan your wedding.

2. Any inspiration that drove you to start such a fantastic venture?

During one of my trips to Europe I came across the concept of Wedding Cafes where people could come in and shop for all things wedding and enjoy a cuppa as well. I thought of introducing the concept in Mumbai as I felt that weddings are larger than life in our country and that it will be a run away success.

3. The entire wedding arrangement is very comprehensive. How do you guys make it’s a piece of cake?

he Wedding Café & Lounge is a platform for various wedding industry related vendors to connect to the right audience. It is an attempt on our part to provide a structure to the industry. We work on various revenue sharing models with these companies which are mutually beneficial to both the parties.

4. Coming to the Cafe and Lounge. What kind of food does The Wedding Cafe & Lounge offer?

Global Fusion Cuisine – our menu is designed to include elaborate dishes from across the globe and mould it to suit the Indian Cuisine. Some dishes of our menu are listed below:

Afghani Paneer Tikka – Cottage Cheese Marinated in Yogurt, Cheese & Powered Garam Masala & Cooked on Open Faced Tandoor Accompanied with Peas Pilaf & Sauce Makhani

Stuffed Cottage Cheese with Cajun Spice Accompanied With Lady Finger Ratatouille – Cottage Cheese Stuffed & Served with Lady Finger Ratatouille & Accompanied With Sauce Makhani

Chicken Ala Romana – Chicken Breast Rolled with Sliced Cheese, Asparagus, Breaded & Shallow Fried & Served with Alfredo Sauce & Beet Root Mash

Kebab e Joojeh – Lebanese Style barbecued Chicken Served with Saffron Flavoured Mayonnaise & Accompanied With Cous Cous

5. Any special Food Festivals we invited to ?

Sure. The Art of Chilling Brunch which happens each Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. For more information on that, please click here.

6. Your other favorite dining places in Mumbai

Hmm… Well lets see. Indigo Cafe, Wasabi, Hakkasan, China Garden, Peshawari and The Wedding Cafe & Lounge.

7. Anything exciting up your sleeve?

I plan to make a chain of The Wedding & Lounge in the next 3 years.

8. A few words for our foodees.

Well. I can only say that it’s an honest effort we have made as a team. Do visit us at The Wedding Cafe & Lounge and experience magic like never before. Good luck & Cheers.

All of the reading and writing has made me want to go to The Wedding Cafe & Lounge and say those magic 2 words ” I do” to… well if I am asked if I would like to order the ever famous Chicken Ala Romana

So foodees, know more about this cool wine and dine and join their facebook page for more dope on the eatery on http://www.facebook.com/TWCLindia or you can also follow them on www.twitter.com/twclindia

For a more comprehensive list of their services and offerings, please visit their blog to know more.

Until next time. Happy Eating!

Nitin PR

The Wedding Cafe & Lounge

B 104-106, Kotia Nirman, Above Mercedes Showroom,
New Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053.

To make reservations, call on +91 2261558999

Over 150+ commercials, countless movies, a memorable performance as s child artist in Raju Chacha and the famous Pears commercial. Sakshi Sem also adorns another hat on her head, of a Photographer. Little did we know that her art is so intelligent and sharp that the well-known veterans in the industry are amazed with her marvels. She is possibly the world’s youngest photographer having an exhibition at the tender age of 8 at the NCPA honored by Smita Thakeray. This girl is now 16 and is about to open the box of wonders. Grab all you can! You can view her work in the slide show below and then read the rest of the interview. Enjoy!

1. Pictures speak volumes? What do you think about that?

Yes they do but more than that, they speak expressions and emotions which I love capturing all the time.

Bombay Times Article

2. From Raju Chacha to Pears to now. How cool was the journey?

The journey was super cool. It included hard work and a lot of fun as well. It has been a very smooth and has taught me a lot with its experiences. I believe “we are what we are by how we see life and treat it”.

3. Life Photography and that too by such a young photographer. Feel proud of yourself?

I am very proud of myself but not over-confident about it. I have a lot more to learn and the future will make me more proud of myself. I am more proud of my parents as they have supported me all through. Also, Passion drives the world, it drives me and my work too

NCPA Exhibition when I was 8

4. Where do you like to dine?

I like to dine at The Wedding Cafe and Lounge, Barbeque Nation, Jugheads and many more places.

5. You love monochrome pictures? No color pictures?

Yes I do love monochrome pictures but it’s not that I don’t like color pictures, they are equally good too. Monochrome pictures just give more depth and intensity to expressions.

6. Your parents play an important part in your life and career. Any special words about them.

Yes they do. I just want to thank them for everything. The fact is that they have taken more efforts than me to make me what I am today. As I said before I am proud of them.

7.  What are you currently working on ?

Acting : Ram Milaye Jodi (Zee TV, 9.30 pm on weekdays) and also I keep clicking pictures in my spare time.

8. Are you in Love?

Yepp……. With Photography currently ; )

9. Any new exhibitions we can follow you to?

Yes sooner this year I will surely have an exhibitions and you are invited in advance

10. A few words for our foodees.

Eat well and try everything different. After all ain’t we all here to eat as well ( not so much that we gain weight)

Full on gyaan from a 16-year-old. Well, we agree. Her work is cool. Her act is cool. She is cool. We are cool. LOL

We wish Sakshi, the best of luck and yepp, will keep you foodees posted for any exhibition updates there may be.

You can view her work on her Flickr Page

Don’t forget to follow her tweets on her new work and updates on @sakshisem and like her FB Page.

 

Happy Eating!

Cheers, Nitin PR.

Don’t be amazed with the post title. With such beautiful and classy glasses and houseware products, who would not feel like the supreme. I am not saying because I designed their website but I love their collection. Man & Wife, Mr. & Mrs. Sethi saw the Drinks market, filled it up with what it needed most and now are famous for their wares. Lets chat with them to know more… Shall we?

Jaya & Viresh Sethi

1. Drinks served in a good looking glass. How much do you support this trend?
A persons drinks to enjoy it. For any drink to taste good, you need to use the appropriate glass for it. And to top it all a classy glass completes
your meal. “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” So to take pleasure in a drink u need to have it in a stylish glass…don’t u?

2. How did you start SmartServe?
Noticing the trend in west, the basic Drink ware is a Crystalline glass. The Crystal Clarity, beautiful Stems, lead free glass and last but not the least the Smooth Rims were the reason that completely enhanced the taste of a drink which made our dinner quite special. Being a foodie couple we both would often go out for dinner to the newest of joints possible in town. Dinner was always teamed up with a drink for the evening. Comparing the experience of  drinking in the west with the glasses used to serve drinks in our country,  were not that stylish and classy. Thereby the experience was incomplete. From here the name of  our company was born “SmartServe”. We thought of sharing this experience with you by making these Crystal glasses available in our country and here we are.

3. What different types of glasses does it have in store?
There is a wide range of glasses starting from liqueur, shots, sherry, wine and moving on to champagne, beer, brandy and whiskey. Each drink has its special shape and size of glass. Thereby it very essential to have the complete range.

4. Why do you think its just apt to launch a luxury series of house ware now?
People in India have started to adapt the culture of the west. They have also become  very quality conscious, as they want the right thing. Thereby seeing the trend we also want to serve them with what they want.

5. Do you sell online?
We have an E-store which sells luxury crystal glasses, www.smartserveretail.com

In a store

6. Which stores do you supply to?
Home Stop , Accessories, Tresorie ,The Bombay Store, Kamdhenu, Premsons, Alpha.

7. What collection is your most favorite?
The Angela series is the most elegant series in my collection.

8. Any special offers for our foodees?
Launch offers of 15% flat discount along with free shipping on our website.
Promo Code “LAUNCH”

Lets just cut to the chase. You like what you see, you buy what you see, only on www.smartserveretail.com and let us know how you love them.

So long foodees!

Until nest time, Happy Eating! and Now… Happy Drinking!

“Click Flash, Click Flash”. Lord Buddha sure did get his share of Mumbai’s super elegant evening at the Jehangir Art Gallery at Kala Ghoda. Nisha JamVwal had organized and hosted this Champagne Cocktail evening and invited the elite of the town. Go on foodees, take a bite of this exclusive.

Nisha JamVwal once again presents to the discerning connoisseur of art a grand show entitled ‘The Awakening’ a homage to Buddha with an engaging oeuvre of Paintings and Sculpture about the Buddha over a grand champagne cocktail accompanied by flamboyant canapés & Hors d’oeuvres at the mecca of the arts, Jehangir Art gallery.

Ritika Chopra, Naaz & Remu Zaveri

As I walked in,  the faces of society’s best, the sweet smell of champagne and the constant murmur of “Aww, I am so happy to see you”, “The work is brilliant, where is the artist” and “This wine is superb” filled the air. Nisha’s charm had always flattered me but this evening, she floored almost everyone with her excellent style of

dressing and her impeccable art of talk. Punam, I am sure would have not found a better and charismatic host and presenter for her Art Show also keeping in mind Nisha’slove for Art and her friends.

Punam Sulecha

Punam has created sculpture using shards of metal overlapping with each other, echoing the metaphor of layered thoughts, complex lives and the simplicity & harmony that exist within to be delved into and unfurled.

Punam reiterates the metaphor “despite our apparent differences, we have emerged from the same roots. a part of all that is cheerful and enchanting in the recollection of our

lives is associated with trees.” “The mighty Banyan tree with its long ‘flowing tresses’ each  with an individual identity growing out of one” is a recurring idiom. Free and ind

Vinod Dua & Dolly Thakore

ependent in itself but only limitless together.”

Every sculpture had a story, an emotion and a sense of perfection. The paintings depicted character and

they would look good just about anywhere. I am sure the pictures will justify my words.

Sanjeev Vatsa, Punam Sulecha, Nisha JamVwal, Brahmanand Singh, Nitin PR, Devaki Singh & Delphine Lemaire

Punamhas long wondered if Buddha chose to meditate under the Bodhi tree because it symbolized co-existence.

Lata Patel

Lets get to the glitterati now. The show was attended by Princess Asha Kumari Gaekwad, Lata Patel, Shekhar Bajaj, Penaz Mesani, Vinod Dua, Dolly Thakore, Cyrus Brocha, Ayesha Brocha, Kunal Vijayakar, Sheriff Indu Shahni, Niranjan Hiranandani, Parvez Damania, Dilsher Atwal & Dipanita Sharma, Priyanka Batra, Remu Zaveri, Sameer & Palak Sheth, Bindu Mittal and Sharon Prabhakar.

Priyanka Batra & Sherry Rane

Avers Nisha “This show, homage to Shakyamuni Buddha, or “The Awakened One” in a time of religious and social discord is necessary to remind us of the supreme liberation which forms the heart of Buddhist teaching. It would indeed be timely to invoke that inner peace of mind, free from ignorance, greed, hatred and afflictive states that in our troubled times create riots, war and terrorism.”

Penaz Mesani

Finger foods and the best wine and Rose Champagne ruled the taste buds. I could see Penaz simply relishing the food and wine and loving the art and company that surrounded her. I met up with an old friend who is an actor and has done some excellent work in TV, Theater and Cinema. He is Sanjeev Vasta. The intelligent conversations with Brahmanand Singh (Film-maker) made me gulp down 3 glasses of the wonderful Champagne.

Dilshad & Farokh Khambatta

A couple of paintings already had a red dot on them on the first day of the exhibit. Way to go Punam.

Alas, it was time to leave and I took back the colors that flashed the walls of the Art gallery that evening. No matter how busy the city seems during the day, it does live it up after sunset.

Passion drives the world and passion drives the human. Punam has proved that she is a fine artist, Nisha has proved yet again there is no compassionate art lover and a lovely host as she is and Finally we have also proved that we love our foodees that we keep getting them the dope on India’s finest Food and Entertainment content. Until the next post. Happy Eating!

Click to view slideshow.

Pizzas, Sandwiches, Pastas & Salads… these four words covered the super cleaned glasses that had in it one of the world’s yummiest Pizza Joints. California Pizza Kitchen. The name itself suggests a lavishly priced ultra talked about Global eating joint that specializes in Pizza as its served in California.  The actual place inside and the food suggested something different… it was actually yum and not at all heavy on the pockets. Foodees, after a long sabbatical, the ifoodee blog is back with a bang but this time, its got some global food seasoning to it

Situated at the Maker Maxity Corporate Park in Bandra Kurla Complex, this eatery has attracted many food lovers from around the city. I too love food and when I walked in CPK, I saw this board displaying in Bold ” liquor is now served here”. I said to myself, WOW… just incase the food is not good, at least one will not leave this eatery low and dry. Guess, I was wrong again… We ordered for Chicken supreme as starters which was served with a side salad and a dip and it was yumm. Also, the Kingfisher Premium Beer went in super well with it. While we pondered on what salad to try among Original chopped salad, Grilled Vegetable Salad, Thai Cracker Salad, Classic Caesar Salad and a whole lot more. We zeroed on the Original chopped salad (Chopped lettuce, basil, salami, chilled roast turkey breast, diced tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese tossed in herb-mustard Parmesan vinaigrette and topped with green onions. Chopped garbanzos added upon request).

The Greek Pizza

We also ordered the The Greek Pizza (Mediterranean spiced grilled chicken and Mozzarella cheese topped with a chilled Greek salad of cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes, Greek olives, Feta cheese and a lemon-herb vinaigrette. Served with homemade Tzatziki sauce and chopped Italian parsley. Vegetarian Option – Substitute avocado for grilled chicken) thin crusted for which CPK is well-known. The food ordered was super. The Beer was super. Our conversations lasted even more . A very friendly staff who helped us choose just the right dinner.

The seating is what I loved, like A Diner. The Sofa seats and tables in between were the scene stealers. The decor was very well done. And yepp, you wanna spend your Birthday evening with close friends and family, come here. They provide 3 dimensional Happy Birthday Music See for yourself.

They have a seating area placed outside the Restaurant as well. If you ever feel like lazing around on Patio Furniture with a nice cocktail and nice Pizzas, choose to sit outside. We sat inside as we would have more guests (Mosquitos) to munch on us while we munch on CPK

Overall, it was a pleasant experience with just one small glitch… The Tomatoes on The Greek Pizza kinda gave me a Masala Papad taste

Rest Rocked.

So, go here, eat here, drink here, make merry here, My dear !

Until next time, Happy Eating !

California Pizza Kitchen

3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai

Make Reservations : +91 22 65588888, 65606560

Been away for quite some time. I don’t know about you guys but I missed it. Well the show must go and YEPP it went on nice and smooth. Read up.

Its a very busy day. I am planning the ifoodee seminar, putting things up in place. Hopping from my office to the event manager’s office. Finalizing Presentations. Reasoning out with Sponsors. As busy as I could be. Rushina meets me online (Oh, you will know her better by the end of this post ) and invites me to cover the New Fifty Five East (Restaurant & Bar) at the Grand Hyatt and I willingly said Yeahh… Well, remember ifoodee’s first Video Interview with Nisha JamVwal at the Celini… yepp since then The Hotel and me share this bond. Yepp, and Fifty Five East? Confused? Well, its named after the area code and area direction, i.e… Grand Hyatt is in Santacruz East and its Pincode is 400055

Its a Friday evening, I hustle fast, trying to reach on time. Drive like a maniac. Arrive at the Hotel and enter the Restaurant.

The Stairs.

The picture says it all. The interiors grasped my attention as I walked down the stairs. I just cannot explain how spectacular and warm a place this is. I turn to my left and I see a my fellow bloggers seated with Rushina who i greet as I made my way towards the Table. We hugged, I thanked her for this great evening and she looked excited trying to tell me “its just getting started Nitin, why don’t you rest till you meet some of the most interesting food bloggers and writers this Country has produced.”

Rushina is a well known Gourmet Chef and runs her own blog : www.a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com

I grabbed a seat, Rushina helped me order a fine Yellow Tail Shiraz (Red Wine). I moved my eye balls around. Its better you check the pictures below… They shout AWESOME…

A round of introductions commenced. I met :

Harini (tumyumtreats.blogpsot.com)

Shaheen (purplefoodie.com)

Jyotika (followmyrecipe.blogspot.com)

Atish (Animation Artist & Social Media Expert)

Javed (Well known Food Writer)

Vikram (blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/onmyplate)

Snigdha (nowcooking.blogspot.com)

Nikhil (nonchalantgourmand.blogspot.com)

The list is long… Lets Eat…

Oh yes, forgot, also tried some Hummus with Pita Bread. It had a bland top base with a very tangy middle and lower base. A passable appetizer for a fine place like this. Kept on munching on this while I introduced myself to everyone on the table.

Tempura & Shitake Rolls (sushis too)

We started by taking a tour around the place, visited Sushi Station. The chefs were on their feet crafting the most tempting looking (and tasting) sushis, handrolls, tempura rolls, salmon and tuna slices.

We moved on, insisted the Sous-chef to blow the fire up a flame while he worked on authentic thai fish appetizer (as you can see below)

Fire up baby.

Moving on, we reached the Indian section with a well laid Buffet of what this country feeds best. Guess, Harini shall put more light on this on her blog

Got back to the table and started with the sushis. I was sampling the Tuna & Salmon Sushi, The Tempura and The Sweet Shitakan. The Salmon and Tuna seemed bland than regular Sushis but the Tempura and the Shitakan were good.

Ladyfinger, Salmon & Tuna (sushis)

Moving on, I sampled the Thai Red Curry with Thai Sticky Rice and some Thai Potato Chips. I also sampled some authentic fish starter which was simply HEAVEN.

More conversations followed. Had a very nice chat with Vikram Doctor (Economic Times – Food Editor) and also persuaded him to write for us for which he replied that he is in a contract and can’t do that. But still, guess WORTH A SHOT

I must thank Rushina for the excellent selection of wine. It moved on well with the food and also the desert, which I must tell you was the highlight of the evening. It was a decent mix of Gulaab Jaamuns, Barfis, Pancakes and my favorite – Creme Brule. I always kept wondering, how is that the crust is formed on the top of the Brule. I even asked this silly question to the Dessert Chef, to which I was expecting a weird frown saying “You run a food portal and you don’t know?“. Well, kind enough of the chef to actually demonstrate it for me. Voila… I learnt. Got the PHD I wanted for the Brule

Chef firing the bad boy (the Creme Brule)

Came back to my seat and had a very long discussion with Atish Tripathi and Nikhil Merchant.

It was time to go… Rushina gifted each of us a very cute Cell phone accessory. Believe me, I was thrilled to have got that. Felt like a kiddo who just got a return gift in a small shiny box

Time to say Good Bye. I know this post showed more than it spoke and am glad that I was invited by Rushina to have come and check this place out. On behalf of ifoodee.com, I totally recommend this place. Its a mix of worlds. Be it Cuisine, Ambiance but also the decor.

All the best Anupam (Marketing, Grand Hyatt). Thank you again Rushina. And a very big hug to all my fellow bloggers who all happen to be excellent cooks. Way to GO…

And yepp, Please don’t complain of less pictures, the slideshow below shall make you happy

So, foodees. Must be wondering about the seminar i spoke about when i began the post. Yepp, it will happen soon and the update shall be posted. Invitations and Registrations are on its way, you shall be notified.

One more thing. Fifty Five East is the place to be this weekend. Call up Hyatt on 022 6676 1234 and book a table now !

Until then, Ciao Ciao.

Happy Eating !

Created by : Nitin PR

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