Skola Toys| Bloggers Meet | Vivanta by Taj | Bangalore |

“Play is the highest form of research”- Albert Einstein

Standing by that very protocol, “Skola Toys” has integrated learning through playing in their toys. I was, privileged to be a part of the bloggers meet, that was held in “Vivanta by Taj” for all of us to understand the depth of thinking that was incorporated in the toys.

About Skola Toys :

Skola Toys is India’s first range of toys designed with learning at its core. Made for children between 2 years & 7 years, Skola Toys’ design principles have been scientifically backed by child psychologists, child experts & educationists including Montessori teachers. Founded by Mridula Shridhar, VK Manikandan & Nitish Agrawal, Skola Toys was set up to fill the void that existed in the Early Learning & Learning Toy category for intelligently designed toys. Skola Toys help children pick up crucial skills in areas like Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, Social Science, Science, Cognition & Creativity.

What Material are the Skola Toys Made Up Of?

Skola Toys, are pure wooden toys which encourage children to play more. Children very easily differentiate between low quality & high quality material. They are also very attuned to accepting natural materials, like Jute, Wood, Stone, Clay,etc. Therefore, Skola Toys are natural and much appreciated by kids.

About Skola Toys Bloggers Meet :

We were seated in our respective places, with anticipation of what innovative strategies would be unfolding for us as parents to experience. The Meet had Parent Bloggers, Toy shop owners & School teachers congregate for the interactive session.

The topic of discussion was ” Touch vs. Touch & Feel” As we all know, technology has us in the deep throes of its clutches. We are in one way or the other reliant on it, for our lives to function. In this reliance, we also expose our young ones to it, thereby creating a generation of “techno geeks” and take for granted the cognitive functions of seeing, feeling & deciding for granted.

So, we were given little tasks, which had us engaged for sometime. Something as simple as “feeling the alphabets blindfolded and deciding which one it was”, “putting up a puzzle”, etc and boy! was it fun. The exercises that we did were a way, for us to realise how much more fun a physical activity is as compared to a “tap tap tap” activity.

Verdict : All in all, a very informative meet, by which it’s clear to me that, children don’t only need technology to help them grow and bloom their innate skills, but also the need of smart toys which help their skill set.

Cafe Mangii | Restaurant Review | Orion Mall| Bangalore |

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”-Leonardo Da Vinci

This is what we experienced during the “Pizza & Sangria Festival”, hosted by Cafe Mangii at Orion Mall. The sight of piping hot pizzas is bound to get anyone salivating and hungry for one. It’s nothing less than a wonder to see a flatbread with toppings and something that had a humble beginning in Naples, conquer the shores of every country. Pizza is what defines comfort food & there was no way, I wouldn’t be a part of it.

About Cafe Mangii :

Cafe Mangii is one of the those places, which redefines the Italian dining experience. With, just about everything on the menu infused with simplicity, it truly is a pleasure to imbibe yourself here. So let’s “mangiamo”

Decor & Ambiance :

It’s a beautiful rooftop restaurant, which overlooks a serene artificial lake. The whole ambiance is very cheery, yet sophisticated and relaxing. The trattoria kind of a feeling is prevalent here. The chairs and tables are just the perfect backdrop for an Instagram worthy picture.

Hospitality:

Again, doesn’t fail to impress me with their courteous and well groomed staff. The service is unhurried and works well for me, because I love lounging around the place.

The Grub Story :

I, had the opportunity to experience the ongoing “Pizza & Sangria Festival”, which is going to wow you up till the 15th December 2017. Here’s what I savoured.

• Quattro Stagnioni Pizza (₹595/-) : A medley of the 4 Italian season veggies, artichokes, Mushroom, courgettes, pimentos, bocconcini & Parmesan Aioli. This hands down, was one of my favourites. The buttery smoothness of those toppings, just melt in your mouth.

• Moroccan Pesto Pizza (₹635/-) : Extremely evident in this pizza was the flavour of quinoa chickpea tabouleh with tomato koftas with the labneh. Delectable! The complexity of the flavours, lay in its simplicity. Sprinklings of zaatar & sumac made this even more irresistible!

• The Local (₹525/-) : Pizza baad topped with Makhani sauce, tempered paneer, Amul Cheese Tandoori Mayo & kanda kachumbar. A very desi twist to it, has the flavours of pickled onions, cut through very subtly, against the masaledaar Paneer. I’m not someone who loves Masala Paneer in her pizza, so this one was a so-so one.

• Que Pasa (₹515/-): Crisp tortilla, refried beans, queso cream cheese, pico de gallo, smoky BBQ squirt & corn kernels. This pizza is really heavy on you, one of the most satisfying & filling pizzas, if you have a thing for tacos & mole sauces.

• French Connection (₹515/-): What an ambrosial treat, with the artfully clever use of harmonious ingredients. Everything about this pizza made me go “Mamma Mia”. The lyonnaise potatoes, thyme cream porcini ragout, baby spinach, caramelised onions, mozzarella and truffle mayo, yes! They were just a match made in.. well kitchen.

• Dark Gems (₹515/-): A delight for all those sweet tooths out there. Pizza with all the gooey goodness. Hear this out.. Peanut butter Glaze, Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie, Nutella fritters & Gems! I know, it’s just jaw dropping and yup, it’s delish for sure!

• Virgin Mojito : If, you’ve noticed my trend of drinking, I’m a huge virgin Mojito fan. So, it wasn’t surprising that I’d ask for one. The flavours are spot on.

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Verdict : The Pizza Festival, was a total success. There are quite a lot of vegetarian options, trust me a vegetarian wouldn’t feel left out. It’s on till 15 December, so don’t forget to go and savour some and you will thank me later.

Well deserved 4 star

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Location : 3rd Floor, Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway.26,1, Dr. Rajkumar Road Ph No : 080-22682213

Monsoon | The Park Hotels | Restaurant Review | MG Road | Bangalore |

” Cooking well, doesn’t mean cooking fancy”- Julia Child 

While I am, perambulating my surroundings, a breeze perfumed with the scent of blooms of jasmine, pirouettes by and the weather is a perfect brew of romance and warmth. The light trickle of water, leaves imprints on the facade and what a better way, to imbibe the feel of this monsoon, whilst flumping yourself comfortably in your chairs and indulging in some banqueting with your loved one, at “Monsoon- The Park” 

About Monsoon- The Park Hotels : 

The Park Hotels, are well known for their fine quality standards while entertaining their guests with the very best. “Monsoon” encompasses that very trait, it is a fine dine 24 hour restaurant that is proffering a spread of ” Italian & Pan-Indian” fare. Located at a prime location, stones throw away from a premium mall, Monsoon, is a perfect getaway if you are in the vicinity. 

Ambiance : 

The ambiance is an amalgamation of laid back & relaxing. The colour scheme, is a beautiful deep toned brown with specks of green, which instantly give you a cozy feel. The slow tempo of the music in the background, also helps you shrug off the cacophonous chatter in your mind. 

Hospitality: 

The service is extremely exemplary & that is not an exaggeration in any sense. The wait staff are groomed in impeccable fashion with pleasing demeanours. Special mention to our maitre d’s , ” Mr. Satish” & “Mr. Jyoti” for being ever so attentive & ever ready to please. The Chef “Mr. Pal”, was more than happy to come, when I personally wanted to meet him & thank him for whipping up one of the most delicious & true to roots ” Penne Alfredo”

The Grub Story: 

I, was here for their dinner buffet. I, will be therefore showcasing my favourites. Here was how it went:

Soup : 

Being a vegetarian, I went for the “warm creamy mushroom soup”. I, kid you not.. it was by far, the most delish mushroom soup I’ve had.

Salads : 

They had quite a few salads, but my favourite was the “Japanese Salad”, which was foamy soft with sour cream as the dressing. It had tangerines, lettuce & veggies. Mind blowing yum.

Drinks : 

The had the option of unlimited iced coffee or pineapple juice. I, chose the coffee of course. 

Starters: 

• Paneer Tikka : Beautifully marinated squares of Paneer coated with the Masala & tandoored. 

• Honey Chilli Potato: The slender Potato fries were tossed in a sweet spicy sauce. Delectable much.

Mains : 

They had a toothsome selection of parmigiana, Wok tossed noodles, Dum gosht biryani, pulao, mirchi ka salan, yam yeruval,etc

Desserts : 

• Walnut tart with whipped cream: Trust me, the pastry was melt in the mouth. Crumbled into the mouth & was overtly delish. 

• Apple Strudel : Done ever so lightly with the flaky phyllo pastry and with the slightest hints of cinnamon. This made my day. 

• Apple cream Yoghurt: Another masterpiece, with light flavours but powerful punches. 

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Verdict : The dinner buffet at Monsoon, was a total heartwarming feast, with not one dish being below average. The emphasis is more on heroing elements and there isn’t a purge of too many flavours. Food stands tall & is absolutely worth the spot on pricing. Rates absolutely reasonable on the VFM meter. 

Priced at ₹1700/- for two (dinner buffet) that’s about ₹850/- per head. 

A well deserved 4.5/5 rating 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5 

Clicktable Meet | Xu-Fashion Bar & Kitchen| Leela Palace | Old Airport Road | Bangalore|

“ My Motto is : more good times”- Jack Nicholson

Please tell Jack, somebody, that I’m echoing his sentiments. Unaware, of the fact that this evening would unfold something more than just food & professional conversations, i put on my best mascara, just so that people would see me wide awake. 

Spoiler Alert : One of the best evenings, filled with memories. 

About Clicktable: 

Clicktable, is a “Restaurant Booking” app designed to make your dine in experiences, much more easier & benefitting to you. While, we are stuck in our realms of reality, finding time for the simplest things in life becomes cumbersome. 

Clicktable, makes your life much easier, with the tap of a few buttons. You can book your table at your favourite restaurant & avail great discounts as well. So, it’s time to say goodbye to long queues & unnecessary calls to restaurants asking them to reserve a table for you. 

All you need to do is, just click. ______________________________________

Xu – Fashion Bar & Kitchen

About Xu : 

It’s a fairly new entrant, which tries to capture the essence of being a fashion bar. The restaurant, is nothing short of special because of their offerings. The cuisine is Spanish, European, Indian & Fusion. You can expect flecks of molecular gastronomy as well. 

Ambiance : 

I, really enjoy a relaxing ambiance yet mellowed down ambiance. Though Xu, has a peppy and well thought eclectic ambiance, it didn’t fail to keep me entertained. It also rates high on comfort factors. 

Hospitality: 

The staff, is highly well versed with the menu and they do give you good suggestions on what must be ordered. The service is a little slow, but there is lots of room for improvement because it’s just launched. 

The Grub Story : 

We were here for the Clicktable app meet, were we had an interactive session with the members about the inception & workings of the app. 

Here is what we sampled : 

Soups: 

• Deoxidised Gazapacho (₹230/-) : A light yet hearty soup made out of Roma tomatoes, scallions & Smooth Brie. I, enjoyed the refreshing taste immensely. 

• Creme di Bisibele bath (₹170/-) : Dal Tadka savarin with phulkas. Definitely a must try. 

Salads: 

• Quenching Catalian (₹285/-): Watermelon triangles served with feta quenelles & mint raspberry coulis. I, kid you not, it was one of the best salads ever. Period. 

Appetisers:

• Magnificent Malai (₹260/-): Deiciius and melt in the mouth, these Labneh Kebab were my favourite. Flavoured with rose powder & cilantro oil. Very unique in composition.

• Indian Sushi :  A beautiful fusion of cultures. Curd rice sushi, with wasabi and befitting in taste. It could do with some more wasabi, but no complaints. 

• Nitro verduras (₹435/-): One of their signature pizza dishes, made out of sautéed veggies, jalapeños and nitro cheese foam. Extremely toothsome and filled with flavour. 

• Bombay Bhajji Rolls (₹445/-): One of the best dishes of the day. The delish  quotient was high on this one. The Bhajji was filled with mascarpone. Oh my Gawwwwd!! This was just genius. Worth every penny! Must must must try.

Desserts : 

• Nitrosiana tart (₹200/-): Mysore Pak Tart with Shrikhand cheesecake. I’m in love with the concept & it’s something that titillates your taste buds. 
• Petterossian Gavaroche (₹260/-) : Hazelnut mousse, aero sponge & creme anglaise. Another lipsmacking one. 

​​___________________________

Verdict : The Restaurant is a pleasure to dine at. The food is ambrosial and unique. Rates high on VFM meter as well. 

Well deserved 4 star 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Whooppeezz Pizza | QSR Review |Koramangala| Bangalore |

“Those pizzas I ate, were for medicinal purpose”- Amy Neftzger 

Guess what, I ate a few slices of the pizza pretty much in the same vein. From its time in Naples, to it having reached every shore in the world (well pretty much every) Pizza, has come a long way. We have 100’s of versions, but the love for Pizza binds us all. It is as universal as it gets. 

I’ve seen the Pizza revolution happen in Bangalore from the late 90’s, when we used to come back to India for our vacations and we would literally have no other option, but to go to the one place “P****H** to satiate our cravings. From then to today, when there are so many options and you’re spoiled for choice, you can’t help but think wisely about choosing which pizzeria to patronise. 

About Whooppeezz : 

Whooppeezz, this QSR believes in giving you delectable pizzas at affordable prices. They believe in generosity and that is clearly seen, in their toppings & dousing of cheese. The take extreme care, making sure that you just had a lip smacking meal. Their brand mascot “Forgetful Franco”, is just someone you instantly can connect with. 

Ambiance : 

The ambiance, is pretty quirky and the catch phrases, catch your attention as well. Done with yellow and white tones, the ambiance is very cheery as well. 

Hospitality : 

Being a QSR, you really can’t expect much but they still try to be as involved as they can be with your dine in experience.

The Grub Story : 

Here are few of the things me and the girls tried when we were here: 

Drinks : 

• Virgin Mojito (₹79/-): Their mojito, was very refreshing and the punch of lemon & mint is pretty good. The best part is, it comes with your own takeaway bottle. ❤️ Affordable much.
• Crunch Choco Blast (₹130/-): Yum and a mouthful. The delectable shake, was ever so rich and had all the elements of a freak shake at quarter the price. 

Appetisers : 

• Garlic Bread With Cheese & Mushrooms (₹120/-): Quite surprisingly, this was really enjoyable. With a crunchy bruschetta, warm mushrooms & drippy cheese, I’d order this any day. 

This is with the chicken topping

• BBQ Chicken Wings : All of the non vegetarians, loved this. It has a distinct gooey and soft texture to it. 

Pizzas : 

• Silli Chilli (₹515/- for large) : A spicy combination of cajun Paneer, yellow & red capsicum, pickled onions & chilli flakes. The tang of pickled onions is something welcomed.

• Veg Exotica (₹515/- for large) : If, you are vegetarian or not, this is one pizza that you shouldn’t miss for anything. The flavours of all those toppings, is just something so delicious. The thin crust, just elevated the flavours. 

• Popeye Spinachy : Made with a multigrain base and topped with spinach and cheese. This was my favourite. Loved it, must try! 

• Mamas pizza (₹515/- for large): Sundried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms and basil, this combination gets all the points for being sinfully yum. 

The non vegetarian version

• Whooppeezz Double Decker (₹550/- for veg): The mother of all pizzas, the monster munch and double the bliss. This pizza has a double of everything. Cajun spiced Paneer, tandoori Paneer, black & green olives, sundried tomatoes & jalapeños. 

Desserts : 

• Whooppeezz Chocolate Pizza With Almond Flakes and Gems (₹190/-) : Omg!! This totally has to be heaven. One of the innovative desserts I’ve had this month, the chocolate pizza is crunchy in the middle and spongy & soft near the crust and oozes of gooey chocolate. Must must have. 

• Choco Cheesecake Shot (₹60/-) : Smooth and silky, with a taste that envelopes you. It’s a highly yum shot, which the kids would love. 

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Verdict : The pizzas and the offerings here are really a pleasure to devour. The pricing is good and rates high on VFM meter, there’s nothing that i didn’t like here. 

Here’s a 4 star for them. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Coyla- Cababs & Curries| Four points by Sheraton | Whitefield | Bangalore |

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces- just good food from fresh ingredients”- Julia Child

And, as i flopped down in my seat and helped my self to some second servings, Julia’s words rung true. It really isn’t always about being positively baroque all the time, sometimes you just crave for something analogous to your roots. 

About Coyla : 

Coyla- Four Points By Sheraton, is a relatively new venture, by Sheraton. As we all know, Sheraton, is no newbie when it comes to exemplary hospitality and calibre. Coyla, is a beautiful rooftop restaurant which tries to caress your cares away, with its ambiance. Coyla (Charcoal in Hindi), is synonymous with Indian cuisine and even more so with North Indian, Punjabi Cuisine. The Head Chef, “Mr. Rajesh” is a true blue Punjabi, so you can expect a hearty dose of Punjabi spices. The menu, has been curated by none other than the celebrity chef, “Sweety Baluja”, himself.

Ambiance : 

The ambiance is a perfect mix of rustic and calm. The open kitchen, let’s you gawk in awe at your food being tossed around. The atmosphere sets the perfect mood for a nice laid back evening and if you have that special someone- it’s romantic. 

Hospitality :

I, personally loved being pampered by the staff, who are ever so attentive yet do not interfere with your dine in experience. Special mention to “Mr. Animesh”, who was a perfect host. 

The Grub Story : 

Appetisers : 

• Baans aur Singhade ke Cabab (₹449/-) : A delicately in house spiced pan seared bamboo shoot and water chestnut gallette. The delectable crunch and the textural play, made this one of my favourites. Unique, yet very true to Punjabi flavours. 

• Paneer Tikka Angare (₹449/-): A fiery, spicy cottage cheese sandwich with golden garlic and caramelised onions and finished into charcoal spit. The spice level was quite high on this one. True to it’s name, it was angare alright. 

• Sarson wali Broccoli (₹449/-) : Broccoli which was doused generously in a spicy and tangy kasundi or mustard paste and tandoored. Loved the firm bite of the Broccoli, which wasn’t lost during its time in the tandoor.

• Murgh Tangdi Peshawari (₹549/-): This was a unanimous favourite amongst the non vegetarians. The drumsticks were sliced opened and filled with cheese and green chillies and allowed to be roasted in tandoor. What a magnificent sight to see the cheese, melt and slowly drip. 

Main Course :

• Makhanwala Ghar Ka Paneer (₹399/-) : The juicy cubes of Paneer were tossed and doused in the silky butter laden tomato based gravy. What a delight, those clean flavours were. A little tang and a lot of desi ghee love paired with a delicious warqui paratha made your day. 

• Amritsari Pindi Chole (₹399/-) : The Pindi Chole, were good & basically the run of the mill kinds. Nothing extraordinary but yes, very homely and warm. Went great with the Taftaan. 

• Maa Rajma Makhanwali Daal (₹349/-): Oh my goodness! I’m living for this. I, would love to visit “Coyla”, just for this. What clean & ambrosial flavours. When things are made in desi ghee, it just goes up by notches. Must must must try. 

Drinks : 

• Virgin Mojito : Something I need to cleanse palate, love it. 

• Signature Chocolate & Grape Mocktail: What a great blend of flavours, the sourness of grapes coupled with the sweetness of chocolate & Demerara sugar! Unique & worth a try. 

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Verdict : The 3 main factors were ticked during my visit- Service, Ambiance & Food. I, enjoyed the demure evening with flavourful food. 

Coyla gets a 4.5/5 rating. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

Go Native | Restaurant / Boutique Review| Jayanagar | Bangalore |

“ Going back to a simpler life, is not a step backward” – yvon chouinard

And how true does that message of empowerment sound? We all vow, to go eco, go green, blah blah..blah! But, how many times do we really take a small step towards doing something for the environmental betterment and make eco-friendly lifestyle changes, which stay put not for a month or two but for a lifetime? Not many.. 

Umm.. no! Buying an eco friendly deodorant doesn’t count as “Going Green”. So, this other day, my luck gave way and I had an experience which will sit with me, for quite sometime. I, chanced upon this gem named “Go Native”. 

About Go Native : 

Go Native, stand by their motto “Eat, Play & Live Sustainably”. That very motto, resonates with each and every element of “Go Native”. You are welcomed by refurbished furniture, displays of organic food, organic cosmetics, handloom weaves, handicrafts and books. It really is a sanctuary within itself. It’s the concept that bowled me over. The ground floor, is dedicated to the theme of Play & Live sustainably and the first floor is dedicated to eating sustainably (there is some retail therapy here as well) . It’s a perfect souvenir shop, to pick up your curios, mementos or to really redesign your living with their upcycled goodies. 

The food is sourced from organic sources and they follow the simpleton module “Farm to Table”, where they directly procure and quality check each and every element which goes into their food. Even the menu, is made out of recycled paper. The menu is extensively Karnataka with a few influences from neighbouring states. 

Ambiance : 

I’m guilty of being superfluous with my language to describe how much, I love this place. It’s quirky, a haven, a sanctuary, a treasury for all good things. The ambiance is unmistakably rustic and peaceful and if you’re with the right person, very romantic as well. 

Hospitality: 

My review, would be of no use if I miss out on our hostess of humble disposition- Miss. Anvita, who is a charming young lady with very strong and dedicated ideals. The staff is well groomed and are nimble on their feet. 

The Grub Story : 

Now, we are talking.. Aren’t we? 

Drinks : They have a splendid selection of Teas, Coffees, Cold Pressed Juices and smoothies. The teas are from the well known organic brand “Teabox”. 

• Vitamin Booster (₹150/-) : A medley of carrot, lime, parsley, chia seeds, orange & tender coconut. Super healthy and if you’re in the healthy living sphere, you will love it. 

Soups : 

• Pumpkin & Orange Soup (₹95/-) : Goodness Me!! I loved it. Nothing could be better than this for a start. If you like your soups creamed, look no further. The silky almost playful texture of the pumpkin, along with the subtle acidity of orange made this the highlight for me. The spices are perfect for me, I like them bland 👍🏻

• Carrot, Coconut & Ginger Soup (₹95/-): Perfect for a beautiful rainy day, with the heat of spices warming you up. 

Starters: 

• Mangalore Buns (₹95/-) : For people who haven’t had a chance to try this, you’ve no idea, how much you’re missing out on life. They were just perfect, the slightest touch breaks them up, the most spongiest bite.. Ahh!! Delicious 😋 

• Aloo Patha Bhindi Chaat (₹125/-) : A Melange of flavours, bursting with harmony. This is a true Indian street food, definition but with a healthy twist. It has potato cubes, delectable thick yogurt, mint and tamarind chutney and crispy spinach leaves with crispy okra. Each flavour stood out as it enveloped your senses in a happy mood. 

• Banana Flower Baked Skewers (₹145/-): Quite a nice textural play over there, with a mushy as well as grainy texture to titillate your taste buds. Went really well, with the chutney it came with. 

Mains : 

• Palak Khichdi (₹160/-) : A delectable dish made out of red rice, puréed spinach and raw papaya salad. The red rice was soaked so well with the spinach purée, it seemed like the match was made in heaven with perfect balance of flavours. The dish heroed “Spinach” & that’s exactly what I wanted. 

• Masala Jolada Roti Yangai (₹160/-): The soft sorghum flatbread flavoured with masalas and served with a delectable Aubergine curry & sprouts salad, was yet another feather in the cap. Who said healthy isn’t delicious? 

• Soppu Neer Dosa (₹160/-) : A paper thin crepe (Dosa) made out of spinach and served with coconut gassi, made quite a mark. A little more thinner would’ve been taken this up by a notch, but I’m not complaining. 

• Ragi Pizza (₹180/-): Yes, the Finger Millet Pizza, was just as good as any other thin crust pizza. It had more texture and the toppings were so generous. Just this, on its own is filling. 

• Go Native special Thali (₹200/-): An assortment of roti, pappad, rice, veg curry, salad and palya. 

Desserts : 

• Matka Vanilla Pudding with Gulab Jamun (₹175/-): Oh yes!! This was one of those delish desserts you must try. A subtle vanilla pudding when dugout, revealed a subtle Gulab Jamun full of flavour. You must be thinking, it must be sugary sweet, but it’s quite the opposite. The sweet content is very muted and they manage to keep it low key 👍🏻

• Millet Pancakes (₹150/-) : Ragi pancakes, served with banana, vanilla ice cream and muesli. This one, again was one of my favourites. Do make sure that you consume it as soon as it arrives. The softness retains or else, you will have to prepare yourself, for a war along with your artillery against the pancake. As the nachni/ragi/ Finger millet in the pancake, will harden it up the longer you leave it untouched. 

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Verdict : This place, is just an amazing little wonderland, I love the fact that it’s one of those “guilt free” institutions that advocate and promote “The 3R’s” , “Reduce,Reuse &Recycle”. 

You feel good, for whatever choices you made for visiting this store. Do check their organic food section. I’m in love with the “HUDA Vegan Bars” over here. The food as well, is rustic and has a keen eye for “Nutritional value”.

Go Native gets a 4.5 star 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5 

Mood for food | Food Review | Delivery only |Bengaluru |

“Customers don’t measure you on how hard you tried. They measure you on what you deliver”- Steve Jobs 

Pleasantly surprised at the package that stood hot and steamy on my table, I decided to give this place a go, after having heard quite a few things about the place. The aroma wafting across, had my mouth water and had me put on my “toque blanche” so that, I could start dissecting each and every aspect. 

I, had a few friends come over impromptu and that’s what friends do, don’t they? They just drop in. *ting tong* 

About Mood For Food : 

This is a delivery only restaurant, which has a wide variety of dishes on offer. They have a decent amount of starters, main courses and drinks. The cuisine is primarily North Indian & is a mixture of all the North Indian favourites. The whole catch is, this restaurant is operational till midnight on weekdays and is up till 5 a.m, during the weekends. Like.. Bazooka, wow!!  

Service : 

They usually have a 45 minutes slot, to get your order going & they very well, do try to get it done within that time span. The packaging can definitely get better, they could incorporate plastic containers for deliveries, instead of the normal bags. Their delivery personnel also, are courteous and they know, how to execute their job well. So, a yes to the service. 

The Grub Story : 

Here, are the things that I ordered. Read on to know, how my experience was. 

• Tandoori Chicken Full (Rs. 400/-) : A gorgeously well marinated and tandoor’d chicken with subtle hints of spices. The chicken was cooked to perfection, it wasn’t dry nor was it too juicy. Looked perfect for a meal, which everyone was looking forward to. 

• Paneer Tikka (Rs. 190/-) : I, loved the fact that the paneer was so juicy and actually had a nice softness which enveloped your palate for some happy time. It was done pretty well, with the bursts of the celery seeds aroma. Grilled to nothing but short of perfection. I would’ve liked more charring on it, but, hey! no complaints. 

• Chicken Malai Tikka (Rs.220/-) : Ok! Allow me the privilege to tell you, that, I loved this. For me, this is what Malai Tikka is. The chicken cooked well and firm & the beautiful dressing coated generously on those boneless pieces of happiness. Being a vegetarian, I did only try the sauce, but I could easily understand how good the whole morsel would’ve been. The sauce is a creamy white one with the smoothness of blended cashews. Must must must try. 

• Paneer Paranthas (Rs. 80/-) : The Paneer Paranthas were good as well, but I’ve had better ones. The punch of celery seeds was a welcomed affair. These babies fared good enough on my delicious-o-meter 👍🏻

• Chicken Biryani (Rs. 240/-) : The Biryani is done, in a very typical Hyderabadi style. The spices are done right, the grains are long and separated and the portions are hearty as well. The flavour was intensified by the sprinkling of fried onions on it. The Biryani was light yet flavourful and instantly reminds you of your Hyderabadi friend’s Eid Biryani. 

• Mango Lassi (Rs.120/-) : I, love Lassis of all kinds. Meetha, khara, chocolate, strawberry or mango. I’ve had quite a few lassis from different places and I have to give it to “MoodforFood” for being quite a stiff competition to the others. I totally loved their mango Lassi. The acidity was just right and so was the sweetness of the mango pulp. Must try! 

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Verdict : When you really are bugged to cook, have people come over, hungry all the time or are just like me- a hopeless bag of lazybones in the kitchen, call these people and take my word for it, they wouldn’t disappoint you. 

Recommends : Chicken Malai Tikka, Biryani, Mango Lassi & Tandoori Chicken. 

Rating : A well deserved 4 star 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 

Kempegowda International Airport | Airport Walk | Restaurant Review | Bengaluru

“The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get” – Gary Player

 And, lucky was i, to have been covered with an avalanche of the four- leaf clover right at my doorstep, when an invitation to cover the restaurants in “Kempegowda International Airport”, came my way. 

Hailed, as one of the most prestigious events to be held, in respect to a Food Blogger’s repertoire, the event was nothing but sheer success. 

What is the KIA FoodWalk all about?

The KIA FoodWalk, is a 2-3 hours of hands on experience about the execution of the showcased restaurants. We were enlightened about how, they source ingredients and invest time into catering to people’s needs. The minutest of elements are given a stringent eye and looked into with sedulous care. The reason why these restaurants are different from out in the city restaurants, is due to the kind of customers they need to cater to. 

What restaurants were showcased on the KIA FoodWalk? 

We had the privilege to cover 4 different restaurants from a varied genre of cuisine and technique. The restaurants we covered are :

1) La Tapenade 

2) Tiffin Centre

3) La Alta Vita

4) Puro Gusto

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Restaurants in Detail : 

1) La Tapenade : 

This restaurant cum Cafe, provides you with a nice selection of Mediterranean eats. They try to create and mimic a “Mata’am” where you would ideally relax and shu-shu about things in a day. The beautiful blue imported Moroccan tiles, just add to the feel.  

What did we try? 

• Ice Tea
• Mezzeh Platter
• Falafel with Buttered Veggies
• Shish Tawook with Pitas 

. Ice tea : A refreshing gulp of this strawberry flavoured ice tea, will help you stay nimble on your feet during your travels. 

. Mezzeh Platter : It consisted of the usual “Baba Ghanoush, Tahini, Hummus and pitas”. This is comfort food for me and I loved it. The whole idea, is to not stuff you while you are travelling and this Platter keeps you filled and light. 

. Falafel with buttered veggies : Simply marvellous, with the delectable harmony of the ground chickpeas with subtle spices. Make it into a wrap by stuffing it into the pita with tahini and olives or eat it on its own. 

. Shish Tawook : I’m a vegetarian, so I’m not the one to comment on this, but it looked every bit of magnificent.

Rating : 4.5/5

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2) Tiffin Centre : 

This restaurant will hit you home and emboss into you the familiarity of South Indian Culture. For the locals travelling from Bengaluru and not wanting to experiment, this is the safest best. The restaurant is done, in the most tasteful way by staying true to a typical South Indian restaurant. Immediately, you are propelled into the 90’s of the thatched roofs, iron bars, distemper colour and decorative chandelier fans. 

What did we try? 

• Buttermilk 
• Assorted Veg snack Platter
• Koli Bhartade 

. Buttermilk : Let me tell you, that this was by far one of the most authentic and delicious buttermilks i’ve ever had in my life. The subtle thickness & those just here spices made this par excellence. 

. Assorted Veg Snack Platter : Quite a large number of vegetarian snacks were given like the “Raw banana bajji, Chilli Bajji, Sagu bonda & masala vada”. All of which, were quite good. They paired well with their chutneys. 

. Koli Bhartade : A beautiful chicken fry with red coloured masala. People loved it. 

And for people, who would like to taste a full meal. They have a Thali. 

Rating : 4/5

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3) La Alta Vita : 

This is a restaurant which specialises in Italian cuisine, with extreme emphasis on the quality of ingredients and freshness of your meal. Everything is made to order and nothing is pre made. The dough is made everyday, the ingredients are sourced from local places and some are imported. The whole ambiance is very calming with woodwork giving it a classic feel. 

What did we try?

• Minestrone Soup
• Pizza vegetariano 
• Pesto Chicken and roasted peppers Pizza
• Seafood Pizza 

. Minestrone Soup : The soup was an immaculate balance of flavours, but being someone who loves her minestrone to be tad more acidic, I found it lacking in that little punch of extra. The warmth of the soup with al dente pipette rigate was just right. That dollop of cheese melting was another feat. 

. Pizza Vegetariano : I, love my thin crust pizzas and love it when they are crunchy and not too soft. The base was done beautifully with the light charring on the side due to the hearth’s temperature. The toppings were delicious with bell peppers, onions, olives, capers and basil. The cheese was generously sprinkled around and this pizza just had everything. Please do ask for some extra capers in your Pizza, takes it to another level altogether. 

. Chicken Pesto Pizza : 

Rating : 4.5/5

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4) Puro Gusto :

A “grab me quick” kind of a place with short eats. Puro Gusto is great for your on the move snacking. It has a selective range of “salads, croissants, desserts, coffees & juices”. 

What did we try ?

• Greek Feta Salad
• Roasted Aubergine, Courgette & Wild Mushroom Salad 
• Apple pie 

. Greek Feta Salad : It is one of those salads, that are no nonsense ones. They aren’t blowing their horns and nor are they subdued by competition. The Salad was spot on and beautifully tossed in the vinaigrette. 

. Roasted Aubergine, Courgette & Wild Mushroom Salad : My heart skipped a beat, when i saw this Salad. I, mean it’s just everything that a veggie loves. The blush of roasting on the Aubergine was prevalent and imparted a very deep smoky flavour to the Salad and buffalo mozzarella to take it a notch up. The best thing ever. 

. Apple Pie : Loved the melt in the mouth texture of the crust. The filling was delicious but could’ve done with a tad more syrup like maybe cider or juice in it. Loved the cinnamon-y hint, which wasn’t overwhelming. A lot of places get that cinnamon measurement wrong and Puro Gusto did a good job at getting it right. 

Rating : 4.5/5

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Verdict : Our Culinarian guide, “Chef Murali” was a pleasure to be with. He kept on sharing information about each of the restaurant, which is under his supervision. He spoke immensely of the importance of the quality of ingredients and giving us tidbits on the way.

I, was enriched profoundly by the experience and my favourites were the “Mezzeh Platter, Buttermilk, Pizza Vegetariano & Roasted Aubergine Salad” in no chronological order, whatsoever 😅 

Note of Thanks : 

Thank you to all the people who made this possible for me.