Side Wok, Connaught Place, New Delhi

[Rated: 4/5]

In our quest to find the hidden and new treasures (Read: Restaurants), Sumeet & I tried the new East Asian restaurant, Side Wok, at Connaught Place. I must admit this is one of our decent finds in the recent time.

The interiors are nicely done in oriental style with deep red and deep blue chairs on the first floor. Though the large Buddha statues are reminiscent of Shiros at Samrat Hotel, but Side Wok has its own unique charm. The second floor is even better and has both covered seating done in resto-pub style and open area offering an excellent view of central Delhi. Side Wok which looked modest-sized from outside has seating capacity of almost 100 guests including a private dining room. They have researched their food and drinks well and offers one of the largest collections of wine for a restaurant in its class.

Dining Room

Resto Pub Setting

Private Dining Room

I can be a big snob when it comes to food and service. But I didn’t find much to complain other than the complementary served Kimchi, which was under-fermented, and the service delivery time which was a tad longer. Since I was sitting on the terrace floor and Kitchen is on the first floor, I can understand the slow delivery. Service otherwise was friendly and non-intrusive.

The excellent prepared dim sum were as authentic as it could get, and included Pakchoy rice flour dumpling (255; stuffed with Pakchoy, water chestnut & black mushroom), and Harkao (295; steamed prawn rice flour dumpling). Our starters, The Crispy fish Piquant sauce (375) and the Stir fried mint lamb (275) were soft, juicy & flavorful.  In the main course slow fried prawns (475) and Mix Veg in black bean sauce (235) were a delight. The flavors from spices helped us appreciate the taste of main ingredient rather than camouflaging them. Another point going in restaurant’s favor was they did not mellow down the hotness of original recipe to suit the taste of tourists. The Veg Hakka Noodles (155) could be eaten on its own without any main dish. After a great meal, the desserts, Blue Berry Cheese Cake (145) and the Caramel Custard (125) acted like an icing on the cake. 

Pakchoy Dumpling

Caramel Custard

Blue Berry Cheese Cake

We friends met after a long time, and the ambiance, food and service all came along to create moments that we shall long remember. We are definitely going back and suggest you try it too.

Meal for Two: Rs1800 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes|
Address: 21/90, Outer Circle Connaught Place (Near McDonald), New Delhi | Phone: 011-43509122/ 33

- Pawan Soni

Side Wok, CP, New Delhi

Side Wok, CP, New Delhi: "[Rated: 4/5] A great blend of Ambiance, service and food. Do check this out..."

Earthen Oven, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon

Earthen Oven, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 2/5] The food doesn't match the Fortune hotel standards at Earthern oven. Pawan Soni finds out..."

Earthen Oven, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]
After reading review on another website about the awadhi food festival buffet, I was waiting for an opportunity to visit Earthen Oven. Except the pricing (Rs499 for a buffet) nothing seems to be going their way.

Service was shabby. After serving the first helping of starters nobody came to ask for repeat. Finally after reminder the waiter did come, but all the appetizers in his plate were cold (Left over portions after 15 minutes were still being served)

The food was no better except the biryani, which was the only saving grace. Though the menu was regular awadhi but the preparation was poor. We just couldn't taste the Shorba. This one will make the soup served at the hospitals proud. In the main course, Mutton was hard and the fish was over salty. The Shahi Tukra in dessert was absolutely soggy and had already mixed like a pudding.

My earlier experience at this hotel wasn't pleasant either. Looks like apart from the above average interiors nothing else is going in favor of Earthen Oven.

Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon

Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 5/5] Pawan Soni feels no one should miss this spectacular marvel in India..."

Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon

[Rated: 5/5] for complete family experience
Spectacular! Probably the closest word that can truly describe the grandeur and detailing that has gone into bringing out this beautiful kingdom which so far which could only be dreamt of. The Kingdom of Dreams is not a restaurant but a union of wholesome family entertainment including shopping and cuisines from all over India.

As I entered the Kingdom of Dreams with my wife and kids, I felt an all pervading sense of peace. My little chatterboxes were spellbound, keenly observing the magnificent structure that towered above us. The huge, blue artificial skyroof and the spotlights were particularly attention-catching. I find most of us fail to experience the moment, busy as we are capturing memories. By design or default, our handycam was not charged, so we had no choice but to enjoy the present.

Every state pavilion has a distinct style and character which were delightful to observe. The different folk performances were far better orchestrated than what we have so far experienced on Doordarshan. People have compared KoD with Delhi Haat but I disagree. The basic concept of Pan Indian food and shopping may seem familiar but the differences are many like; KoD is completely air-conditioned, prices are fixed and the demographic of audience is different.

We tried Missal Pao (Rs 150) from Mumbai, Ada Prathaman (Rs 100) and Meen Moilee (Rs 300) from Kerala, Dhakai Parantha with Cholar Dal from Bengal (Rs 150). Parantha was flaky, dal was tangy, Missal tasted lovely with a sprinkling of fresh and crisp namkeens and the Paos were soft just the way they should be. Ada Prathaman was a rich coconut sweet and the serving size was enough for a family of four, while the Meen Moilee comprised soft and tender promfret simmered in rich coconut gravy and was served with fluffy Appams.


This was one of the best family outings we’ve had in recent times and all of us had something to look forward to, including shopping, which my wife cannot resist. I am looking forward to our next visit to watch ‘Zangoora’ for which I have already booked tickets in advance. Going by the heartening experience at Kingdom of Dreams, I am sure Zangoora, the musical play, also deserves all the accolades I have heard about it. I wish my kids could join us, but then it is a good reason to tell them to drink milk and gain height before they are allowed to watch Zangoora.

Rs 500 per head (Tuesday-Friday) entry from 1pm-6pm

Rs 750 per head (Tuesday-Friday) entry after 6pm and any time during weekends (Saturday-Sunday)

The breakup of charges is as follows; Rs 100: Entry, Rs 50: Refundable security on return of smart card, Rs350 / Rs600: To be used for eating, shopping. No amount apart from Rs50 will be refunded even if the usage is less. The smart card can later be charged for any amount for further usage.
Kids below 4 feet in height are allowed free entry.

Please note: The pictures are from Kingdom of Dreams facebook page.

- Pawan Soni

Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Saravana Bhawan, Connaught ...: "Dhiraj Ahuja shares his experience at much known South Indian joint, Saravana Bhavan"

A trip down China lane at Kamla Nagar

A trip down China lane at Kamla Nagar: "Dhiraj Ahuja explores Kamla Nagar for budget chinese meal. Did he like it? Read on..."

A trip down memory lane in China Town

[Rated : 4/5] for a quick chinese bite with friends and spouse. Kamla Nagar ( popularly known as Knags) is known as one of the hottest shopping destinations in north Delhi. What many people do not know is the mushrooming of Chinese outlets in the back alleys of this market, serving hot, spicy and tasty food at reasonable price. With student population from outside Delhi increasing each year, such joints offer value for money Chinese cuisines. I went into a back lane running parallel behind famous bunglow road which is lined up with big food chains like McDonalds, Bercos etc. I decided to visit Ban Sai which offers better seating environs than others. A small place but nicely done up. One look at their menu and you are sure to get spoilt for choice. We ordered for Hot & Sour soup (Rs 35) and Devil’s Momos (Rs 50). Even though the ambience was on low on light but the atmosphere was pleasant with young crowd from the colleges having a good time.

The soup came in super quick time and tasted nice with shredded vegetables of all colors nicely ingrained. Our Devil’s momos took time to come as the kitchen was preparing hot garlic sauce to pour over the momos. Yes, that’s the devil, deep orange and spicy to the core. The momos were soft and filled with finely chopped cauliflower, cabbage and onions. We loved our short outing at this place and came out after pouring cold Pepsi over our burning taste buds. With Rs.35 for the soup and Rs.50 for 8 large size momos pieces, such joints are a steal to have a short trip to china.

Idlis & Tiffin meal at Saravana Bhawan, Connaught Place

[Rated : 3.5/5]

Our hunger pangs were at its peak post the fun outing on Saturday at the Nehru Planetarium. Among various food joints that were at our disposal in CP area, it was my son who made the final selection. “Papa…Idli is what I want”. And lo…we landed up at Saravana Bhawan at Janpath. I am aware of the popularity this chain enjoys and hence, was little apprehensive about the wait time. My fears came true as we waited patiently for 20-minutes outside the entrance, ignoring all my better senses to try out the new McSpicy burger at McDonald just 10 steps away. Finally we got our place and immediately ordered few plates of Idli (Rs 60) and a mini Tiffin (Rs 85) which had combo of mini Dosa, mini Idlis, Rava Khichdi & Kesari Bath. The restaurant was clean but the replays of Michael Jackson song “remember the time” at near loud volume was very irritating. One would normally expect some Carnatic music to enjoy the soulful South-Indian meal.

Our order looked nice and inviting. The Idlis were soft, Chutneys were tangy, Dosa was crisp and light, and Kesari Bath was fresh and tasted as good. What really let the whole experience fall dramatically was their Sambhar, which resembled a thick yellow Dal dish. It wasn’t anything closer to actual Sambhar that I have been so used to in all my visits to Tamil Nadu and other similar places. The floor manager couldn’t help as he wasn’t comfortable speaking in English or Hindi. I expressed my displeasure on handing out such quality of Sambhar to the outlet manager. He relented immediately that they were experimenting with some new spices and recipe and that they shall go back to original one shortly. Hungry souls…what to do… we ended our meals on chutneys. Well, at least we ate the authentic way as many in south eat idlis with chutneys and no sambhar. Our meal ended on a happy note with their famous Milk Mysore Pak which just melted in the mouth leaving milky, buttery sweet taste in our mouth. I am hoping that next visit to Saravana treats me with it’s original Sambhar along with southern delicacies.

Nostradamus, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon

Nostradamus, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 2.5/5] Pawan Soni feels that Nostradamus has a long way to go before it catches public fancy..."

Nostradamus, Fortune Hotel, Sohna Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.5/5]
The recession seems to be long over, at least in the hospitality sector. The plethora of new hotels, restaurants and bars seems to imply as much. We visited the Nostradamus bar in the newly opened Fortune hotel on Sohna road, Gurgaon.

This modest 40-seater bar seems to be a Vodka specialist, with 15 variants of Absolut and 42 overall options to choose from. Apart from this, they seem to have fallen into the Millers Trap what with nearly everything seeming quite run of the mill. The bar stocks average options in wine and whisky and offers commonly available cocktails lacking innovations in this area. Nostradamus’ snacks menu is still to be published and so is the promised iPod in the smoking room. In the interim snacks may be ordered from their 24-hour coffee shop, Zodiac and nicotine inhaled as normal. I felt premium beers like Hoegaarden, Peroni, Amstel lite should be available at this prestigious hotel chain but alas and woe, they aren’t.

The drinks, LIIT (Rum, vodka and gin on a coke base), Mojito, Caiprinha (Cachaca, demerara sugar and lime), Kir Royale (crème de cassis and dry white wine), each for Rs 299, were nice though the Kir Royale was served at nearly room temperature whereas it should be chilled. The food and service has a long way to go before it can match the expectations of the well-travelled denizens of Gurgaon. Apart from Makai Paneer ke Kebab (Rs 349) which was exceptional; soft, tender, and nice, and Mutton Kareli Kebab (Rs 349) which was cooked to perfection, nothing else could hold our attention. Nachos with premix Salsa (Rs 199) lacked sufficient salsa to go with the Nachos, Mutton Seekh Kebab (Rs 349) and Chicken Nuggets both were chewy and hard; even the frozen varieties taste better, Lasooni Jheenga (Rs 699) was cooked-well but had packets of salt within. The dips that go with starters - Tartar sauce with Fish Fingers (Rs 349), Mint Chutney with Murgh Afghani (Rs 399), Ketchup and Mustard sauce with Chicken Nuggets (Rs 299) were not served. We were told that accompaniments are served only if asked for. We couldn’t understand that line of reasoning.

Veg Kebab

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Tikka

Fish Amritsari

Fish Finger

Lamb Kareli Kebab

Lahsooni Jheenga

Nachos

 Nostradamus has a long way to travel before it can be opened up to public scrutiny. It would be an apt expression to call it a body without a soul. Since the hotel is new, we understand the empty bar on a Saturday evening, but unless the hotel pulls up it socks big time it will be difficult to change that pattern in times to come.

Infusion Kitchen & Lounge, Gurgaon

Infusion Kitchen & Lounge, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 2.5/5] The beautifully done up place could have been a great success if food matched. Pawan Soni finds out..."

Infusion Kitchen & Lounge, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.5/5]


Difficult to locate through the maze of offices one can find the relatively new Infusion Kitchen and Bar at Cybercity in Gurgaon. It is based on the fairly overused concept of Indian Western fusion food.

We were politely ushered towards our table by the server in the comforting and luxurious ambience of the restaurant. Starters were good and we enjoyed the Pommery Mustard ke Scampi with a distinct mustard flavour, Mushroom Florentine Tikka (Rs295), and Vegetarian Cheese Mousse Stuffed Seekh (Rs325); a well-made dish with cheese filled within the Veg Seekh Kebab.

Veg Cheese Mousse Stuffed Seekh

Trio of Mushroom

It did look like we were set out for an interesting evening but things only looked down thereafter. French Herb ka Murgh Seena (Rs395) was hard and chewy. We tried the Norwegian Salmon and John Dory ki Jugalbandi (Rs.795) and Trio of Mushroom with Hara Pyaaz with 3 types of mushrooms (Rs395) were well presented and looked appetizing. The taste though was a different story. Makhaniwala Butter Paneer (Rs325) was average and the Chicken Breast Roulade (Rs525) was quite chewy, not helped by the presence of blue cheese. The dessert, Chilly Chocolate Pudding (Rs.225) served with red chilly and caramelized rum banana was an interesting try, but I don’t think I’ll ever want it again.

The dishes seemed highly priced for the small portions and the average flavours. No wonder then that me and my companion were the sole occupants of the 70 cover Infusion Bar and Kitchen. If you aren’t too bothered about your food and looking for a cosy, secluded place, do try Infusion Bar and Kitchen.

Address: Building 10A, Cybercity, Gurgaon

Virundu, Gurgaon

Virundu, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 4/5] Pawan Soni revisited Virundu to find out much improved offering"

Virundu, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5] 

There are times when the restaurant fails to impress upon their guests, and the owners are not happy with the results. This is especially true when one is invited for a review with the belief that it will spread a positive word for their restaurant. My last visit at Virundu wasn't too great in terms of ambiance and service. The owner who became a friend by the time I finished my work, was obviously not happy with the review which was published else where. Unlike many others, he remained polite and never mentioned it in our conversation, speaking highly of him.

In an anonymous visit, I again visited Virundu yesterday with my family. The owner wasn't present and the staff, that didn't recognize me, courteously welcomed us. I am happy to report the ambiance was much nicer and they have expanded to accommodate over 50 guests. The wash-basin and the towels were clean and the new menu was printed to rectify the errors reported in the last menu. I was certainly pleased as I was honest in giving a frank opinion and the outlet made an attempt to improve their offering. Wish everyone can take the criticism in their stride.

During Navratras I try to be a vegetarian but still couldn't resist the Egg Appam (Rs 100) and the layered super-soft Malabar Parantha (Rs 80) both of which were served with well-made vegetarian Korma. The food was never an issue at Virundu and we immensely liked the items. The Appam’s at Virundu is like a benchmark for me on which I gauge the same at other restaurants. My 3 year old immensely enjoyed the Appam and wanted another piece and the staff obliged by serving a single piece and charging for the half plate.

Kesari

Appam

Accompaniments

I didn't like the runny coconut chutney which otherwise has always been of a better consistency at Virundu. But the Kesari (Rs 25) completed our meal on a happy note. The accompaniments on the table included Gunpowder, crushed sugar, Garlic Chutney, and Til ka Tel (sesame oil).

In Gurgaon, there are few choices for authentic South Indian food served at modest prices, in a clean air-conditioned environment served with efficient service. The rates are inclusive of government taxes and they do not include extra service charge in the bill, against the normal practice these days. Do not miss Virundu for an authentic budget meal.


Meal for Two: Rs200| Alcohol: No| Credit Card: No| Parking: Free
Address: 1185, Golf Course Road, Near Technopolis Building, Sector-54, Gurgaon
Phone: 9650130583/84/ 0124-2578175


-Pawan Soni

Deez Biryani, Gurgaon

Deez Biryani, Gurgaon: "[Rated: 4/5] Pawan Soni tried this delicious Biryani at home but still would never order it in office. Check out why..."

Deez Biryani, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]
Tired of ordering Pizzas and Subway sandwiches in office, we are always on the lookout for convenient finger foods that can be ordered for a working lunch. We tried Deez Biryani at home before using it as an option in office.
We ordered one serving each of Mutton and Vegetarian Biryani. Both these dishes had a special tag and also were the costliest in their categories. We were told that the order will  be delivered within 30-40minutes, but after an hour when we called to check the status, a non-apologetic voice informed us that the order had already left. If Deez was running any offer like Dominos 30 min or free, they wouldn’t be making any profits. Exactly 90 minutes after placing the order, we heard the door bell ring. Two beautiful haandis were handed over to us in exchange for Rs403.

The haandis were nice, but opening them wasn’t so. Though a small iron wire was placed inside the now hardened flour seal to open the haandi, we still had to use a knife to cut it open. We were quite hungry by this time. The black carbon from the charred exterior not only dirtied our hands but also the table on which the haandis were placed. Finally, the lid was prised open, and we could smell the aromatic biryani, which was neatly packed inside. The Biryani came with with generous quantities of raita and onions, which were great accompaniments. Despite of the delay and equally hard work in opening the haandi, the biryani was hot and tasted exceptional. The mutton and rice both were tender and cooked to perfection. In fact, the quantity of mutton was more than our expectations, though the overall quantity of each biryani was inadequate for 1 person.

If I am okay with a waiting time of one and a half hours I would order it again at home, but the packing made it inconvenient for a working meal in office.

- Pawan Soni

Food Mill, Gurgaon

Food Mill, Gurgaon: "Food Mill is an interesting concept, though Pawan Soni wished food could match."

Food Mill, Cyber City, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]

The sun never sets in Gurgaon. Numerous 24-hour call centers ensure life goes on 24x7. Realizing the potential here, Food Mill has come up with the first 24x7 restaurant in the city. The concept is brilliant, though I wish the food matched.

The name ‘Mill’ gives one an impression of a huge place, but it turned out to be a modest 20-seater restaurant with an in-house bakery. Uncomfortable seating, tardy service and food that didn’t meet expectations spoilt the experience despite my liking the concept and the innovative menu.

The Fattoush salad served along with the Shawarma wasn’t a Fattoush (No pita bread) and the chicken in the Shawarma (Rs225) had hardened due to over cooking. The Passion Fruit, Mint & Honey Juice (Rs135) was overdosed with honey and the glass was sticky too. I was overjoyed to see the All American Tenderloin Hamburger (Rs 255) on the menu, which is otherwise difficult to find in Gurgaon. My joy was short-lived as the patty was dry and lacked seasoning. The dominant flavor was of the omelet present within the burger. The Doughnut (Rs 45) was chewy enough to make a bagel proud. The Grilled Chicken topped with Peri Peri sauce (Rs 110) was just as tangy and hot as I would have liked it to be but the chicken left much to be desired as it was a little raw

We enjoyed the thin crust Greek Pizza (Rs 195) which was perfectly cooked in a wood fired oven. The Bean Sprout Salad (Rs 155) served with sweet chili dressing and The Broken Brownie shake (Rs135) were also nice, but the Junk Food Platter (Rs 125) was our discovery of the day. It consisted of an Ice-cream Shake, Ice-cream Sandwiches, Rice Crispies, White Chocolate Muffins, Jam Sandwich and a Chocolate Muffin. Even if one ignored the ordinary muffins it was a steal at the price. I particularly liked the well-made shake and Ice-cream sandwiches served in the platter.

By the time the post went to print, I am told Food Mill has discontinued the Junk Food platter, the only saving grace at the restaurant.

To conclude I love the concept but Food Mill has a fair distance to travel before it is able to deliver on its promises.

Meal for Two: Rs600 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes|
Address: Building no 9B, Ground Floor, DLF Phase III, Gurgaon | Phone: 0124-4811800

-Pawan Soni