Showing posts with label cocktails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cocktails. Show all posts

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Tigers Experience at PUNJAB GRILL - Chakhna Menu



Look listen up If You are PUNJABI , OR YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE BEING A PUNJABI  then read below , and if you don't understand what i have written take me along to Punjab Grill it will be my pleasure of take you through a pure Punjabi experience , and this happens once in a while only , grab it til you can . 


The Chakhna menu is amazingly Inventive  , The Chefs have Experimented, Visualized, Conceptualized dishes from the Roots of Punjab which are Simple and yet too good to relish . The Presentation is impeccable . And this could only be done at Punjab Grill with the support of the entire team of Lite Bites.


The Chakhna and Chakko menu in beautiful Spanish bottles 


(check out the Salaad)

What was the concept or the funda of this crazy menu - all Punjabi's like to keep nibbling along with their drinks and every household has different finger snacks made for the evening after sundown - they have captured most of them in this menu - must compliment them for the compilation of these amazing snacks from different Punjabi households and some from the street where Punjabis do their regular Car o Bar with lookahs or chada's hahahahahah call me to know that this means, hahahahha .  Well a secret unfolds here and why not - most or rather every married Punjabi married man Loves to run away from wife every month meet up with his buddies - abuse teri bhen dee teri maa dee , buy a bottle of scotch  (in my case old monk ) go to the local kebab joint - sit in the car with full AC on , loud music and do car o bar ,,, and yes they want the restaurants mundu in attendance al the time -  or shouting out Oye chotu aithe aa , ja kukkad la , te break na lagan dee.. (chotu keep the snacks coming ) . So Chef Gurpreet , Deepak Bhatia pure Punjabi's at heart  could conceptualize the menu well and the Chef Bharat from Mumbai took two days to understand what the shit was going on as he had to replicate the same in the Punjab Grill branch in juhu hahahahaha poor chef  stuck amongst Punjabi's in Punjabi land .  Wish you luck Bharat.

Superb Lively menu - full compliments to you guys for putting this together - with or without a twist .





How much we Punjabi's love finger snacks and specially with our booze .... the hand to mouth exercise has to keep on going throughout and then you have to have a sumptuous dinner after this LOL.  chattar pattar punjabis and proud to be one . This four some was Channa Jor Garam - dunno how many know about this - street food chat pata spicy grams with nimboo and dry grams ; Makhane and dry fruit just simply salted , Channa ambrasar style and pyazz kee tikki .. dipped in hari chutney , Yummmmm . 


Jheenga 'Chowk" Ki Tikki, Masala Mattra




Aloo tikki stuffed with prawns and theeka masala  rested on a bed of pateele wale chole .. Let me start with the pateele wale channe - a common street food of Delhi , simple boiled peas with onions , chilies imli panni coriander and lime normally served with kulchas ... earlier only found outside schools but now almost every comer of delhi . The Aloo Tikki with small prawns and coriander masala was a great fusion .. a normal aloo tikki has gram and other masalas ... crisp from inside soft inside .. this one was stuffed with baby prawns just the right flavor of prawns . Innovative for sure and a great merger of taste from the street . 

Tandoori Kukkad wings, Imli Dee Chutney



Chicken Wings glazed with  Impli sauce (Tarmind) our version of the Bbq sauce , actually much better .. All time favorite is tandoori chicken so whether it is the wings legs or breast Punjabi no cares he wants his tandoori item with his drinks, thats it  .... trust me the imli marination or the glaze was fabulous - and listen to me you people please don't be formal and use fork knife to eat this bird - just go all fours to enjoy the robust flavors . Just tear it apart and bite in  .

Mutton Ki Boti in Istri



Mutton Boti kebabs in a Istree - now this word istree is a dangerous one to use infront of punjabi hahahahaha Istree means a woman in Punjabi toba toba - bad boys . The mutton boti cooked soooooo well melted in the mouth trust me when i say melted means melted ..... the khada masala was outstanding and well cooked- the concept of serving in the old traditional press was fantastic - wish the coal was also present to keep it pipping hot . This press is still used by the corner press wala found in every locality of delhi .

Sunny Side Up Tuk Tuk , Khameeri Roti





Khameere roti stuffed with a poached egg on a bed of khada masala tpped with sirke wale pyazz- what a riot of flavors .. bun tikki . Eggs in any form are a punjabis delight - specially a egg bhurjee with onions  and eaten with tandoori roti at most dhababs or drinking holes .... this is the deconstructed version of the same - beautifully cooked poached egg on a bed of tomato with some  tomato masala inserted in the khameri roti and then baked in the oven with sirke wale pyaaz.  A desi Burger patti hahahahaha take a bite and have the egg squirt all over and  followed by oh no ai kee kitha yaar .. be careful while u greedily take the first bite . I loved this stuffed roti .

Ambrasari Machhi  Te Desi Aloo Chips 



Ambrasari Machhi with the sadak wale aloo mirchi chips - Pure Punjabi Dish and from the heart of the land of punjabis ... Punjus can die for talli hui machhi - what do they love in this dish ask me an ask me .... the crisp , deep fried spicy fish is a treat .. goes perfect with a nice glass or whishky hahahahaha sound so alcoholic hahahaha . But honestly amritsar has the best fried fish on the streets and Punjab Grill team nailed it to the core, have they been walking the streets of Amritsar , need to figure this out. Superb , The combo of the sckool wali allo mirchi chips was a great think - after which u r on FIRE for sure and need t gulp down whatever poison you are on . 

Classic Mathri with Cheese n Old Monk Fondue




Now this was the most inventive dish of the evening - Mathri with cheese fondue - Home made mathi sticks , twisted cheese sticks fresh carrot and cucumber sticks with Mango ginger heeng chutney and the cheese fondue with old monk on the side ....  A dish to actually go back for .. beautiful amalgamation of the ghar kee mathi with the swiss fondue .. chef u r going to give the goras a run for their money if u keep discovering such unusual combinations . Mathri is a common snack in Punjabi household - there are several versions and combinations of the same, The Punjabi style Mathri is flaky and is spiced with Kasuri Methi,Jeera, Black Pepper and Ajwain.

Anda Tawa Rice



Tawe wale chawal with Bhujia and topped with an egg - Fly Lice oops sorry Fried Rice with Bhujia topped with a Sunny side up egg .. OMG my dream to burst the yellow and see it flow down slowly slowly ... im drooling . Mixed with imli ka paani, what a combo - was very reluctant to mix the same and spoil the eggs taste so tried it in one corner to verify the same and yes it did work .... good combo . A filler for sure . The crunchyness , the eggy flavor was delicious.



A total Chak do Phate Menu .... Punjabi ishstyle .






Rasbhari Margarita

Punjabis say this is the healthy option to drinking sharab hahahahahahahah.. fresh raspberry crushed mixed with crushed ice soaked in tequila - glass rimmed with amchoor .... killer idea . The punju women will love this ... Me too actually . Good thinking Chef . Specially the linning of amchoor on the rim , gave the drink a perfect kick .


Band Baja Te Whisky

Hahahahahaha Bhopooo , Poaa Poaaa  dont see this classic any more - good old days all rickshaw wala. all tange wala's and redi wala used to use this loud bhoppooo to make people clear the way .. i remember i too had put this on my bicycle for style lol .....  the concept behind this drink was that  Punjabi love their drinks with a lot of noise and specially at Punjabi wedding when all shout out chakho after the second drink then they dont care whether its a single malt all they want is Skatchhhh  hahahahahaha  Chak do phate .






Mele Di Chuski


Traditional skool wali chuski with vodka - haven't we all had this at India Gate and added Vodka on it ... Kala Khatta with Vodka was the combo of our college days .... The difference was that the chuski was diped in Vodka so athe end of it you actually had a fab flavored vodka . Gol Guppe ka pani , Tang wala Orange , Ambi Panna , Anar juice chuski, Nimboo Paani chuski.... crazy riot of colors and flavors . Loved sucking the chuski's after a long time ... small child like feeling with the energy of youth a total revival . Traditionally at melas in Punjab you have this man on a cycle with a slab of ice covered with a gunny bag resting on a crusher , he pushes the ice in to glasses inserts a stick into it , pours whichever flavor you want . People still go mad about it . 



Old Monk Rimzim

Ai te mera phela pyaar hai .... Old Monk with good ol Rimzim - wonder where these guys sourced the Decade old rim zim from - man gaye ustaad ...  The drink was old monk , rim zim and chaat masala and a slice of lime - man what a crazy mix of flavor , sweet sour chat pata ... a drink to get deliciously high .  Going back for more.


Ganne Ka Juice Margarita

Fresh Gaane Ke Ras kee Margarita - Oye Bale Bale .. Punjabiyan dee Shaan .... Im sure after this most popular cocktail all Punjabi's must have said Yaar Ai te dasso margarita kaun Hai ? hahahahahaha  real refreshing cocktail blended superbly with tequila with a squirt of fresh lime on top . Just the way you would have ganne ka ras in the market . good Job.



Besides these killer cocktails there were Tarbooj and banta ;Niki Te Teekhi;Pineapple Thandai ;Sufi Singh ; and im sure you have guessed why Tiger couldn take pics of the same hic hic hic ...... hahahahahaha 


The Inventor - Chef Gurpreet 
What to say to Chef  Gurpreet , Chef Satinder - you guys are total animals in the disguise of chefs how could you come up with  such amazing  combinations of dishes , riot of flavors , im totally impressed with your upbringing hahahahaha Pure Punjabi's . Joke aside - i can only say you have ticked the Punjabi's the right way by bringing the HOMEY dishes to the table  and getting them drunk . Excellent . 
The Visionary - Sharad

And you master creator - i guess you are also a part of this mercenary gang of Punjabi's to conceptualize this chakhna Menu .... Sharad another hard core Punjabi , the  incredible CEO of Lite Bites , I am  totally impressed by the independence you have given your team to experiment  with different things in terms of dishes and presentation . Not to mention another man behind this horrendous act of debauchery Deepak Bhatia - apparently he is the master curator of the play of Punjabi . Perfect Dream Team .

No Ambiance , No Food , No Service Just go CHAKHO the Chakhna Menu . hahahahahahahaha. mama im coming back to you soon . 

Ambiance : The perfect Punjabi beats behind , one drink tow drinks and you are loving daler mehndi remix blaring out . 
Service : Always Awesome 
Food : Havent i said enuf above 
Value for money : Who cares , You are Punjabi. 

Chakh Do Phatte at Punjab Grill before it gets over at Select City Walk, Saket!!!!!!
















Monday, July 29, 2013

Tigers Experience - Dimsum Bros Chefs Table


The honor of being at the Chefs Table is an experience never to be missed . The Chefs table is a great opportunity for the man who sweats it out behind the scene to please guest in all shapes and sizes , he handles more rejections than appreciation from the guest , its human nature to find faults but to show gratitude or even recognize the talent of the man and his team behind the scene - Seldom . We need to change this and start appreciating ALSO . Each chef has a different hand , food taste different from every hand , all chefs are masters of their skills hence know as chefs - they not only cook but they show their aptitude and passion in whatt hey do through their skills . Tiger was witness to the same at Dimsum Bros in Gurgaon Ambi Mall . Dim Lighting , Candles , host to greet you and guide you to your table , center kitchen divided horizontally one side kitchen the other side is the well stocked bar . The bar side is mre like a  hangout lounge for a perfect Saturday evening .



I love their name Dimsum Bros ...  it says Chinese Fine Dinning and now i know why - they have some of the best wines in stock , they make amazing cocktails and have a well stocked bar . Each dinsum is handcrafted  LOL obiviously  hahahahahaha. Well being a pukka punjabi always thot Dimsums were only ment for starters - nah nah  They Make a Full Complete Meal -lesson learnt . Shared a few moments with the chef who explained to me how to judge a good dimsum - Wrapper , Filling , Steam  which brings out the flavors of the ingredients and presentation .

Well here is the Menu of the Special chefs Table :


Menu- For Chefs Table  night

 Dimsums & Appetizers
 Almond Prawns With Wasabi Mayo * 
(always  a favorite - jumbo Prawns soaked in wasabi mayo layered with almonds)
Chicken Marinated With Chinese wine
Scallop Sui Mei *
(Perfect flavor of Scallops - guess scapops taste god only steamed )
Crispy Duck Pancake
Laska Crab Dumpling *
(This was inventive  - Crab and laksa combination- had the tinge in it and the flavor of the famous Laksa)
Steam Black Bean Fish
(Black Bean Flavor is always a hit with me - well steamed fish covered with the sauce is yum)
Japanese Seafood Roll
BBQ Pork Pastry *
(Yummy perfect pastry filled with delicious pork in a tangy sauce )
Pork seiw Long Pao *
(To me the best dumsums and the best meat is always Pork , so juicy )
Chicken Sui Cot
Beijing Chicken Dumpling *
(Mild Flavored )
Mango chicken Dumpling *
(Sorry dont have a pic of this , wil try and lift it off from somehwere - but was made very interstingly never seen such a thing before - super flavor )
Steamed baby BBQ pork spare ribs
Duck dumplings *
(My favoiruite juicy packets of ducky )
Vegetable Vietnamese  Roll*
(cabbage roll with mushrooms - nice and peppery )
Tofu Black Bean
(I did try this one Tofu to me is bland - and u had to eat this with an overdose of black bean sauce to enjoy the silky tofu)
Chives N Water Chestnut *
Spicy Thai Asparagus Dumpling *
(Beautifully presented - perfect spice and super tinge)
Chinese Pickle Vegetable Dumpling *
Veg Sui mai with Anoki Mushroom
Malaysian Veg rolls
Veg tempura with Hot yaki sauce
Pack man dimsums
 In between we had some duck wraps which the host Ajay insisted on making and servng pyar se - leaving aside the fact that you cant match the shredded duck to the traditional wood fired duck - the rolls were excellent flavored the plum sauce bang on )
Soups
Duck With Pickled Vegetable soup *
 Did not try but smelt fab

Large Plates
(Served with choice of Sticky Rice, Steamed Rice, Udon Noodles Fried rice or Stir fry Noodles)
Steamed basa ginger scallion and wine
 Prawn XO sauce
I love Xo sauce - did not pay too much attention tot he prawn - thanks to all the above 
Duck dry red chilli wine
Chicken kung pao
Black pepper tenderloin with red wine
(This reminded me of beef Bulgogi  -super)
Stir fried morning glory
French bean burnt garlic *  
(Just had this one new dish with steam rice - really good fresh crunchy beans with garlic )
Stewed eggplant in sweet bean sauce
Stir fried miso vegetables Tofu in home made chili sauce

Desserts
 Red Velvet Cake*
(Just a wow - made by them inhouse which made it even better  see pics below)
Tiramisu * too sweet
Chocolate Mousse

The basic concept of Dimsum Dinning is to serve small portions so that you can try a wider variety of meats ,flavors , sauces in Dimsums.  And Dimsum Bros did that well they kept my mouth on the toes LOL

Let me tel u a secret - started with one full dimsum , then half , then quarter  then just smelt and then just saw the filling and assumed the flavor LOL .


Four type of sauces to go with the Dimsums - Didn really need them - the dimsum had their unique flavors to relish.


I loved this picture I took - the baskets being steamed .



The Kitchen 




The Good looking Dimsum Bros LOL - Ashish and Ajay 

The Well Stocked Bar 


The Making of Dimsums








Random Food Shots - Me and my silly photography skills







Super collection of Greens 


close up of a Prawn Dish 






The Killer Red Velvet Cake 

The Foodies - All ace Bloggers , Top Gourmands and great friends 













one of the handsome Dimsum Bros - Ajay Saini Lol 


Serious discussion on my table .

Overall a great experience of flavors , inventions , Attentive  friendly team who know their stuff , super concept - and a beautiful display of talent by the chefs , Dimsum Bros is definitely a place to sit back relax enjoy your drinks , cocktails and the chain of fresh Dimsums - No Hurry food . 

Trust me we need to get away from the Momo school of thought and get into understanding DIMSUMS - they are quite different from the Tibetan momo's.   from Wiki : While dim sum (literally meaning: touch the heart) was originally not a main meal, only a snack, and therefore only meant to touch the heart, it is now a staple of Cantonese dining culture, especially in Hong Kong. Superbly brought to India by Dimsum Bros and managed by Ashish and and Ajay .