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Restaurant

The Biryani Company – Review

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On my usual daily route to my place, I usually cross this place where now stands the newly opened The Biryani Company. I know there has been a lot of curosity about what this place would be the moment the previous place was being broken down for something new to come. And Ah! was I happy to know it was a restaurant. Recently on a lazy Sunday afternoon I decided it is about time I check out this place for lunch!

The Space: The location is fantastic, right on the t-point corner of 45 Bus stand in Baisnabghata. If you are crossing by you cannot miss the place and the bright hoarding. The place inside is not too big, but is not stuufed with tables, there is enough place to move around. Simplistic in white and orange, it was pretty clean with the air conditioning working pretty good.

The space

Food & Drinks: Now about the food. I started off with ordering Tandoori Chicken, Fish Fry, Fish chop followed by Special Mutton Biryani ofcourse, chicken tikka masala and lassi. The menu is very limited and I would guess that since the place is pretty new, a few things on the menu like the combos were not available. The portioning of the biryani is generous and the taste is pretty on spot and moist. Tandoori chicken as usual never disappoints. The star though was the Fish Fry and the Fish chop. It is very difficult to find a Bhetki fish fry these days made to the spot, this one was delicious, the size and taste, on spot. Lassi though was a disappointment.

Medium fish fry
Menu

Watch out for: A few things on the menu might be missing sometimes, so it is always better to ask. The washroom needs maintenance and lacks cleanliness.

Whats Unique: The Special Mutton biryani is a winner, moist, great taste and quantity

Pocket Pinch: Given the quantity and quality this is a real deal, friendly to the pocket and satisfying for the stomach. A wholesome meal would cost around Rs 1500.

Restaurant

Corner Courtyard – Review

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India has a rich and long standing colonial past, and there are some gem of places where one can dine & wine in the company of such old world charms. One such place is the colonial looking pretty place perfectly named ‘Corner Courtyard‘ and conveniently tucked into a corner in Hazra, Kolkata. This place is often hailed for being one of the most romantic places in the city and I might as well agree!

The Space: If you are a fan of cozy, bright and white colored interiors, if colonial old world charms appeals to you, and if you are looking for a quiet romantic meal, this is your place. The place has a striking interior with white walls with mirrors and frames hanging on them, huge dangling lights, big windows and a shelf full of travel books of India and Kolkata, the most unique look of the place is the wall with a 100+ door knobs of all shapes and sizes, pretty chairs all in shades of pastel; all this put together, it works out to be a perfect place for a cozy family dinner or a romantic one with that someone special.

A wall full of mirrors
a quaint corner with a window
The interesting wall of Door Knobs
a fitting menu

Food & Drinks: The place specializes in continental cuisine, in fact one of the places in the city serving Italian and French cuisine pretty close to authentic. My favorites!core they serve really loaded and well done bruchettas, the pizzas and pastas can be ordered without second thoughts. Watch out for the Grilled chicken ‘The Californian’, it sure tasted as well as it sounds.

What’s unique: Definitely the huge wall full of colorful door knobs of all shapes and sizes, such a stunner!

Watch out for: It is best to ask the waiters for the best options available. I have tried to not listen to them and order as per my liking but I was kind of disappointed, so it is always to best to ask!

Pocket Pinch: The quantity is typically European in nature, by which I mean very measured and this left me with a feeling that the hit on my pocket was on a harder side. A dinner with drinks for a couple could be anywhere around Rs 3000+. Quite expensive with a rather not so full stomach!

Restaurant

Asia Kitchen – Review

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Lovely Asian food on a lazy Sunday afternoon

Kolkata has the best Chinese in India, hands down, there is no doubt in that. So how does a new join in town surpass that? Well in my opinion Asia Kitchen just did. It is a fresh take on Asian cuisine by the same chain as Mainland China but at the same time with its own uniqueness. I have been there quite a few times since it opened, a few other times I did go but the long queue drove me elsewhere. But finally when I did manage to find a place in the restaurant, I knew what the huge queue was all about!

The Space: The first thing that struck me the moment I walked in is the fresh look of the place. It is spacious, with a mix of dark shades and green. It has a brilliant open kitchen, something which is a new concept in Kolkata, not many places have such a fabulous open kitchen.

Food & Drinks: Let’s go back to the long waiting queues I was talking about, it is precisely the awesome food they serve that is responsible for the long waiting time. The place has an extensive food and drinks menu, with a fresh and self take on the Asian cuisines, the food really plays around with your taste buds. Thoroughly impressed!  Some of my favorites: Lotus stem with black pepper, Dynamite prawns – must have, Khao Suey – probably the best served in the city, Thai red curry – couldn’t find one flaw with this dish. Apart from this in general the food quality and quantity is really impressive!

Khao Suey
Dynamite Prawns

Whats unique:  I am in love with their dessert innovation, apart from the taste the way the desserts are presented is an absolute delight. Do try the ‘Baileys Irish cream stones’ just for the presentation, super unique.

Baileys Irish Cream stones

Watch-out: Be prepared for long waiting queues, especially on weekends. One major downside is that the waiters need serious insight and info of the menu, although the food is so good but because the waiters are unable to explain a certain food item and what it is all about, it is an utter disappointment.

Pocket pinch: I must admit the rate is reasonable, since although a dinner for 2 with drinks would be any where more than Rs 2500, but since the food is so good and so is the quantity, it kind of compensates for the money one is shelling out!

Restaurant

Chili’s Grill & Bar – Review

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Chilling at Chili’s Bar & Grill

After a couple of outlets in town, the 3rd in line opened Kasba, Kolkata.  By now I have been to this outlet a dozen times, but finally decided to write about my experiences today. So we all know Acropolis Mall is the newest hangout in town and it was just natural for this chain to open here. I have always been a fan of Chili’s Bar & Grill long before it opened in Kolkata, during my days in other cities it used to be my obvious hangout and I was just surprised how it took so long for it to open in Kolkata.

The Space: I think I visited Chili’s, the Kasba outlet right after it opened, and I was so happy that this one is so spacious with an upper deck too. I must say the upper deck is a bit warmer but it is beautiful with a long bar and comfy sofas. The lower deck has the usual signature Chili’s red sofa. It is pretty obvious the upper section is my favorite place to sit with lovely bubble shaped dangling lights all in symmetry.

Food & Drinks: Well, it goes without saying that Chili’s serves one of the best food and drinks in town, and trust me the quantity being served is really impressive, totally worth the money. I am a great fan of the ‘Corono-Rita’, a mind blowing cocktail served with a Corona pouring into the drink, this drink is quite a star, i am also a fan of the LIIT and mojito’s, the quatity is superb, so one drink down and I was kind of tipsy.

The tempting Corona-Rita

Now about the food, the food portioning is massive, like I remember ordering for fish and chips, trust me I had to do a take away for half of the dish. My all time favorite is the loaded Nachos (a must try, they are not the usual Nachos served elsewhere), Triple Dipper, Blackened Salmon, Tortilla crusted chicken, their steaks are out of the world delicious, They have also started a range of Burgers called Burger Craft which I am hoping to try soon.

Tortilla crusted chicken

 

Tacos and Margaritas

Whats unique: If you have a birthday coming up of a friend of loved ones, this place is where you should celebrate it, they have the best Birthday celebrations ever, loud, musical, with a unique take on the Birthday song and so warm it will definitely make your day.

Watch-out: Well sometimes the upper deck really gets hot and humid, so if you are looking for a chilled time out, lower deck is our place to be.

Pocket pinch: With drinks and food it should cost anywhere above Rs 2500+, but I must mention it is totally worth it.

I must add if you are looking for a good time, Chili’s is the place to be!!!

Email: wheelsinpink@gmail.com for collab!

Restaurant

The GRID – Review

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Modern and trippy – The GRID

Recently I had been hearing a lot about this new place in town, The GRID. So inevitably I had to be there on a weekend evening. I must admit I had a really tough time locating the place, but with a little bit of help from Google maps I was finally there. First impression! I felt as if the whole of Kolkata was there. There was a waiting for a minimum 30 mins, so we requested a place at the bar, without a stool that too.

The Space: After I entered, the place kind of messes up with your eyes, it is huge, has a big brewery indoors separated from the main space though, there is an upper and a lower deck, there are these intersecting grids, so altogether at one go it is a lot to take in but in a ‘good way’. The look is very modern and urban, even the washroom is simple yet modern. They even have a section for the DJ on a upper deck which makes it way cooler. The music is super a mix of old 80’s classics, EDM and pop, trippy and absolutely what is required with some hookah and tipsy drinks.

They have this cool bin full of all beer bottles, super cool
They got Lego on the grid!
At the Bar

Food and Drinks: As I mentioned we found a corner spot at the bar and after 10 mins could manage to find a high chair to sit, we ordered at the bar itself, we started with shisha (hookah) and cocktails, I ordered for Long Island Ice tea, Beer from the brewery was definitely a must try. For food we started off with loaded Nachos. Th drinks were pretty cool, so was the shisha and nachos, it was plate full of loaded chicken nachos. After almost 30 mins we finally found a table for ourselves. Next we ordered pork and prawns and a non-veg platter, I must admit their take on the continental food is way better than the chinese, we all know there is enough yummy chinese food in Kolkata, so maybe this is not where you should have it, so for the other cuisines. Although I have not tried yet, but they offer buffets too.

Something yummy, but cant remember the name
Shisha and LIIT
More Shisha.

Watch-out for:  I must add, watchout for the fact that they when we ordered at the bar either you pay then and there or you need to deposit your card at the counter. Now this is something I did not like. I have been to a lot of places but parting away with my card did not seem too cool to me. But I guess rules are rules!

Be early or expect a waiting time on weekends.

Pocket Pinch: Well we all know drinking outside is an expensive affair. Be ready to shell out anything above Rs 2500 for a couple having food and drinks.

I must add though that I am super happy that such a chic place is finally here in town!

Email: wheelsinpink@gmail.com for collab!

Restaurant

Monkey Bar – Review

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Monkeying around in Monkey Bar – Kolkata

On a lazy Sunday afternoon me and my friend were walking around Camac street when we happened to see a board for Monkey Bar near the Fort Knox building. I instantly knew Monkey Bar is finally in Kolkata. I had been a great fan of Monkey Bar during my days in Delhi and couldn’t wait to get in there.

The restaurant is located on the 9th Floor of the Fort Knox building, The building has a very tiny lift that took me to the 9th floor and a big entry door to the Bar awaited us there. The moment I entered it was such a relief to see high ceilings and a huge sitting area unlike the tiny lift that took us up to the building.

The Space: The place is divided into 3 sections as such, one with high tables with a stunning view of the Victoria Memorial on a clear day. The other side is the normal table of 4s and 2s. And the more beautiful section is the outdoor seating section, it ought to be the best place to sit on a lovely winter afternoon. I loved how high the ceiling and the space is and how airy the entire place felt so high above.

Food and Drinks: Now coming to the main part the food and drinks, I was pretty impressed by the Kolkata touch in the menu, drinks like ‘Toast to Kolkata’ & the very hilariously named ‘Trump card’ really got me amused. Although I tried Mama’s Girl and Curry Martini,  I must say both were equally refreshing with the right amount of alcohol. They of course have the usual beer, rum, whisky as well but I was too tempted to try the new cocktails.

A lot of RED! Mama’s Girl along with other things red, pun intended!
A refreshing watermelon and cucumber cocktail!
Martini along with – Love what is says – Lime is the new Mustard
The must have – Med Platter

About the food now, just like the drinks, the food menu is very tempting too. I was so happy to see the variety of cuisines like Mediterranean, continental, of course Indian served with their own take added to it. I opted for the Med platter, a lip-smacking wholesome meal, their signature Futterfly, mushroom bruschetta and liver on toast. Does not just the sound of it water your mouth!

Watch-out for: I know that I have already said a lot of good things about the place (which they deserve), although a couple of things that did not please me much were, as the evening grew and more and more people started dropping by, the music decibel started going higher and higher, to the point where I was almost screaming to be able to chat with my friend. I should add though that when requested the staff did turn down the volume a tad bit, so that helps.

Pocket Pinch: I have to admit the hit on the pocket is on an expensive side. A meal for a couple with drinks would cost something around Rs 2000 plus.

All in all I think this place is one of those that the city had been waiting for a long time. And what more could we want than a lovely evening over looking the Victoria with amazing drinks and delicious food.

Email: wheelsinpink@gmail.com for collab!

Travel

Durga Puja in Kolkata: A photo journal

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Christmas in New York, the Rio Carnival in Brazil and La Tomatino festival in Spain all put together cannot beat the madness and magnitude of Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, India. It is almost impossible to pen down the experience in words, and if I do it would be a never ending post I am sure. To save all the trouble, here is my photo and video journal of my experience of visiting the stunning pandal in Kolkata during Durga Puja 2016 made with immense artistic work and manual intricate labour, it is an art kingdom on its own and would be any art lovers ticket to paradise:

Pandal in the shape of huge Manipuri dancers of India in Bosepukur Talbagan:

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Tribal themed Durga Puja pandal in Tridhara Sammilani Sarbojanin:

The very famous and popularized World’s 1st Durga goddess with 1000 hands in Deshapriya Park:

Bhutan themed Durga idol and pandal in New Alipore Suruchi Sangha:

I do not remember the name of the place but the decor was made out of plastic dusting brushes, pretty unique and colorful:

Amusing figure of Ravana from the sky in Kendua Shanti Sangha club:

The Bengali wedding themed pandal in Bosepukur Sitala Mandir:

Themed on a famous Bengali poem showcasing cartoon figure like village theme in Jodhpur Park:

Mesmerizing serene and calm idol of Durga in  Naktala Udayan Sangha depecting peace within chaos:

The outside pandal decor was that of chaos while the inside was calm

Old Kolkata city themed Durga Puja idol and pandal in 66 Pally Sarbojanin Durga Puja:

A divine pandal with decor of stone pebbles dropping fromt the sky in Badamtala Ashar Sangha Durga Puja pandal:

Intricate work and detailing on the pandal with dry fruit shells, wood shavings and betel nuts in Jatra Suru Sangha Durga Puja Pandal:

So next Durga Puja book your tickets to Kolkata to indulge in art of the most beautiful kind and admire the hard work and labor that goes behind these stunning pandals.