Christmas Special at EATC

So if you're puzzled like every other year on what to be picked for Christmas, Look no further than EATC / Eat Around The Corner (Bandra West). This limited menu features traditional sweets from colorful marzipan box to rich plum cakes and rum balls to assorted chocolates. Everything on this menu is worth a share on Christmas with your folks and neighbors. Cakes for occasions are also up for orders too. Mars Cheesecake, Gateau, Red Velvet and more. Prices start from 900/- per kg.

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While you're here to pick these Christmas treats, Do try their new limited ‪#‎ChefRecommends‬ menu which features dishes like Burmese Khaosuey, Jambalaya, Grilled Basa, Spaghetti in Cream Sauce and more. Having been an ardent admirer of their Penne in Alfredo Sauce with Chicken Fillet, It was disappointing to see it go off the menu. Though the Creamy Sauce Spaghetti made up for it without a single hitch.

The menu is on for a limited time, Hurry up !!

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'Nice' little corner at S.V Road

This little corner stall on S.V Road, Santacruz is truly underrated and one of the neatest hidden gem of the burbs serving typical ramadan snacks all year long. 

It's located right opposite to the Chinese restaurant Fatkong and one block away from Yoko Sizzlers. The menu is short and uncomplicated with reliable snacks like Baida Roti, Kathi Rolls, Seekh Kebabs, Kheeri, Tikka and also Biryani. For the vegetarian souls, There is th all time saviour - 'Paneer' in the form of Tikka cubes and Kathi rolls.

Chicken Baida Roti

I'm amazed by the prices of the dishes. Compare them with the road side stalls at Bhendi Bazar or Bohri Mohalla and you will see a stark contrast in terms of cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen which is leap years ahead of them. Taste wise, no lingering after-taste of the oil that these snacks usually leave in the mouth and not to forget our fingers. It's light and not too heavy plus the runny chutney seems better here. 

All in all, a very neat find of this week, Thanks to my Bandraite folks.

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Kauskswe at Busago - A treasured meal in a bowl

My first interaction with this Burmese hot-pot dish was at friend's place for a potluck lunch around 8 years back. The fact that i gobbled bowl after bowl of this curry and rice combination didn't go down well with my girlfriend cause of the fact that i was relishing a dish that her friend had bought to the lunch ! Guys, Never ever do that ! There are some serious repercussion (no pun but it's your buns that are going to get the spanking). I could not stop myself from digging into spoonful of that rich creamy golden curry with rice and a garnish of barista (caramelized onions). Many years later i was reunited with that dish in 2012, Chef Nikhil Chib who opened Busaba in the 2000's now opened a full blown outlet 'Busago' that was dedicated to just Burmese cuisine. It had to battle the trends of Pastas & Dim Sums and it did quite graciously that they now have 3 outlets in the city.

Talking about meal in a bowl, i can compare it to another wholesome affair - Khichda. This rather dense paste is made from lentils, pulses & lamb and garnished with barista, chopped coriander and mint leaves. Both are equally filling and sustaining plus the garnish / accompaniments work exactly the same way and cut through the rich texture and bring a zest into your bite. 

Kaukswe at Busago, BKC.

Busago's version spelled 'Kaukswe' is the closest you can get to the original Burmese flavours. Mildly spiced coconut curry with Chicken / Veggies has to be combined with Rice Noodles and an array of accompaniments. As you can see in the picture below, I've combined my portion of noodles with curry and made a heap by adding caramelized garlic & onions, loads of chopped celery, chopped spring onions, slices of boiled eggs, chilli flakes and coarsely crushed peanuts. The base curry itself is so creamy and mellow on the palate that one can enjoy it as a rich creamy soup. It boost of flavours from cumin, turmeric, poppy seeds and more. As you take a spoonful of it, You'll start to experience the different textures and layers of the accompaniments trying to make it's way through the cream curry base. Especially the caramelized garlic that leaves a sticky sensation between the teeth and the celery which shines as the freshest and greenest element. Usually i do not prefer adding any crunchy elements as a garnish in any curry or rice, especially nuts. But every time i'm here i make an exception by garnishing my kaukswe bowl with a teaspoon of the crushed peanuts.

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While you're here do try their signature Bahn Mi sandwiches (especially the Strong man's) and their curries with either Jasmine or Sticky Rice.

Outlet Locations : 
- 11, Gasper Enclave, Opp Golds Gym, Pali Hill, Bandra.
- FIFC Building, Ground Floor, BKC 
- Opp. Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel.

Mojo of Banana Sandwich

My first question over the phone while speaking to a sandwich specialty eatery in close vicinity to my office (Sandwizzaa) was "Yeh Banana Crush sandwich mein kya filling hai?"

The first thought even before he answered my question was a sandwich filled with sliced banana, crushed walnut, peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. I even imagined a hint of Nutella to be honest. Rather what I got to hear from the guy was a sandwich filled with Spiced & Boiled Banana. I reverted back to him saying "Ek Grill Sandwich without cheese dena"

This conversation stayed with me through the week and on weekend I dropped by Sandwizzaa in the evening to test out this Boiled Banana Sandwich. If you're not aware about Sandwizza then they are a sandwich only humble joint spread across the city with multiple outlets. Thankfully no run-of-the-mill filling like cheese club, masala cheese & paneer mayo which every other roadside stall offers. Instead, They offer options like Banana Crush, Carro Bite, Basil Bite, Activity Toast and few more which sets them apart. 

Banana Crush Bite

So ordered my Banana Crush. This sandwich is available in two sizes - Toast version & Bite version, The difference being that the toast is regular loaf sandwich and the filling does not have all the elements which the Bite (bigger) version has in it. Having tried both the options, i would recommend going for the Bite simply because it has everything in it. The filling is made of up Boiled & Mashed Kaccha Kela mixed with three types of Bell-peppers, Chopped Lettuce and Boiled Sweet Corn.  The Green Banana is boiled, mashed and spiced with subtle grounded masala thus giving a very potato like starchy texture in taste and appearance to make believe that it is indeed potato. This mixture when spread between bread and grilled with a slap of butter, tastes divine. When dipped in their unique Red Chutney (made up of Pomegranate, Raisin & Kashmiri Dry Chili), The sandwich tastes a notch better.

Mind you, Having a full portion of this sandwich did leave a typical after-taste like that of an unsweetened starchy green banana.