Monday, 4 July 2016

Review - Wok Express, Bandra

Food: 4.5/5
VFM: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5


Sudden cravings for bubble tea. Friend wanted Chinese.
What combines the two? Wok Express, that's who.
(I'm sorry. I had to make it rhyme.)




In all fairness, this was my first time at Wok so I didn't really know if the bubble tea would be any good or not. Plus I'm not a fan of Chinese food so I was really taking a risk here. It was not bad at all though!




I'm vegetarian, so I expected limited options but I was pleasantly wrong (that is not an oft-heard combination of words, mind you.) I chose the medium size wok box, and picked the flat wheat noodles with black bean sauce. Now, one of the adjectives written below black bean sauce on their board was 'spicy'. I do not like/eat food that is too spicy. But I do like black bean. I asked if they could tell me how spicy it would be, and they brought out a little of the sauce on a spoon for me to taste! I think that was good service. They didn't have to do that. Well, it wasn't too spicy, and I was more than happy to add that to my meal. As for the veggies, I got tofu, French bean, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. My add-on condiments were cilantro, fried onion, and burnt garlic.
 


My non-vegetarian friend got a medium size wok box too - with prawns and Udon noodles. She picked teriyaki sauce to go with it. She doesn't really like vegetables so she got just baby corn. He put in a very generous portion, maybe because he felt she needed atleast some veggie goodness. For add-ons, she picked Cilantro and crushed peanuts.

The box is deceptively small but oh so filling. And the portions are so very generous. One box is more than enough for one person. We had to take breaks from eating, I kid you not. All the flavors melded really well and I was glad that they didn't skimp on the portions of the veggies even though I got quite a few added. They even added a little extra if we requested them to.
 



Since we have to create our own by picking and choosing our ingredients, it could totally be a hit and miss. That's why at such places, in my opinion, it's important that you know what you would really like, even all thrown together. You could just add every single thing you like and hope for the best. It's really upto you. But they do make it better - just ask them for suggestions in that case. I did see them offering suggestions to people who seemed a little confused by the array of available options. Also, the veggie boxes are black and the non-veg boxes are red. That's a pretty nice touch.




Friend wanted crystal dumplings. They did sound interesting. I still don't know why 'crystal', but okay. To be honest, I thought they were missing something, but I couldn't really say what exactly. Now, Wok Express gives these little containers of sauces at each table to add to your meal, if you are so inclined. Since we thought it was missing something, she decided to dip the dumplings in the garlic sauce container. And then we just dunked the whole thing inside. She loved it. I thought it was a little sour now.. I think it's a matter of preference in this case. But try it if you feel it's lacking flavor. You may just like it.
 


And finally, what I came here for. French vanilla milk coffee. With boba pearls! The bubbles I wanted! I know it's not tea, okay. I know I ordered coffee. But come on - its French vanilla. Plus, it was more about the bubbles and not the tea. So, there.
 

And when I got the drink, guess what? There were no bubbles. They'd plain forgotten. This would absolutely not do.
 

I went up to them and said, 'excuse me, there's no bubbles in my bubble tea.'
And they say 'no ma'am, it must be there.'
I silently handed them my glass.
They opened it and checked.
They added the boba pearls in.
They apologized.
I came back.
I drank the bubble tea.
 


 It was every bit as good as I wanted it to be.
Yummy chewy boba pearls. And when can one ever go wrong with French vanilla?



 
Wok Express Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

3 Ways to Give Yourself Some Love in the Morning

morning happy girl love yourself the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl

It’s really not too hard. Why do we make it so hard? The pressure of everyday life gets to you and in all the rush you have no time for yourself. It is very easy to forget ourselves while running around trying to get everything done. We are caught up in a whirlwind of activity where we don’t even have any time to think anymore. It gets to us. And what’s even more surprising is that we CHOOSE this. This kind of life is actually a conscious decision. We choose to put ourselves through this strain.

It would be really nice to say ‘make radical changes in your life and lead a life of calm’. But that isn’t really possible. Changes cannot be made overnight. Here are a few ways to love yourself that you can squeeze into a hectic morning:

Wake up 10 Minutes Earlier than Usual

morning happy girl sunshine windows love yourself the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl

The sun activates your natural circadian rhythm, which in turn affects your endocrine system. Put an alarm for 10 minutes before the time you regularly wake up. Once the alarm rings, get out of bed, go to the window, and open the curtains wide. Stand there, and bask in the warmth of a new day. Breathe deeply and let it wash over you. Even 5 minutes of this is enough. It activates your body, waking you up and ensuring that your drowsiness disappears, keeping you upbeat for the day.

Pick Flavoured Water instead of Morning Coffee

morning happy girl love yourself the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl flavored water healthy fruits

Since you spent those 5 minutes in the lovely sunlight warming up your body, you can skip the coffee this morning. Caffeine won’t be required for the kickstart since you’ve already done that for yourself. Isn’t that neat? But...water is a necessity, everyone knows that. However, if you actually sit down and check how many people drink the requisite amount of water as per their body weight on a daily basis, you will find a comparatively much lower number. Flavored water is easy to make, just slice and add any fruits of your liking to the water! This adds flavour and makes it more palatable, while ensuring that you increase your intake.

Spend a Gadget - Free Hour

morning happy girl love yourself the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl music home happiness

This one might be a little hard to do for most of us, but trust me, if you can manage this, it will be totally worth it. Once you turn off your alarm, and spend your five minutes of sunshine time, you’ll be awake enough. Quickly check your phone to see if there are any changes in your schedule for the day. Either way, unless it’s an emergency, put it away. An emergency means something unavoidably important. Your manicure appointment slot being changed does NOT constitute an emergency. So, put away your phone, and do the rest of your morning activities. You will get done a lot faster too, without the continuous distraction of your smartphone or tablet – I can go on with the list, but I’m sure you get what I mean. You can have the radio on though. It would be a nice change.

Try these for atleast a week, and comment below when you see the changes!



Picture credits:
plus.google.com
hdwallpapersrocks.com
pinterest,com
popsugar.org

Monday, 27 June 2016

Why Go Green?




Nowadays we are seeing a lot of interest in ‘living green’ or ‘going green’. Apart from it being the latest fad, what do we really know about it? It isn’t just about getting into the latest trend or following the latest fashion. It is fashionable right now, yes. However, I do not advocate this as a trend, or something to do once and move on to the next thing. Do it if you believe this is a way of life, not a new hashtagged trend. What does it mean to go green?


It means living a sustainable lifestyle



Knowing that what you’re using is not going to harm the environment, is a really good feeling. Also, it will be good for your skin and health and your mind, too. Many of these sustainable products also help the farmers and growers who painstakingly ensure that the products are truly green and environment-friendly. That also adds to a sense of satisfaction. It gives a certain peace of mind, knowing that your actions help our planet and the generations to come. Knowing where the ingredients of your products come from or the fabric of your clothes, or the vegetables in your food; makes you more connected with the world, giving you a keen awareness of how our actions affect everyone else.


It means awareness and caring



Being aware to this extent – it stands to reason that you do care about the effect of every decision that is made. It means living in harmony with your surroundings. It means being aware of the effect of every purchase you make. It means living a more responsible life. Being in harmony with the world around you goes beyond healthcare or sustainable fashion. It touches you in ways you won’t imagine or understand till you try it. It is a good lifestyle, one we truly advocate. And I can’t stress this enough – do not treat this as a trend. A green lifestyle is above and beyond such fads. It is something that requires dedication and a will to really make a difference.


It means commitment



Going green is a gradual lifelong process for most of us. We really don’t just wake up one day and decide to make radical lifestyle changes – it requires a commitment and dedication that would be difficult but totally worth it in the long run. The fact that you are here, reading this, shows that you’re wondering about whether to make that commitment. Honestly, go for it.


I'm not saying it will be easy; it is a lot to take in at once. Go about it slowly, make small changes, and you’ll see that it is easier to do so when you do it little by little. 


Picture credits:
heartsandmindbooks.com
lovetoknow.com
pinterest.com
theecologist.org

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Review - Aromas Cafe, Powai

Food: 4.5/5
VFM: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5

 

I've been here ever so many times but never really got around to reviewing it. It's awesome how some places just evoke certain feelings in you, irrespective of how much time has passed after your last visit.


aromas cafe powai choco chunk brownie milkshake the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl



I adore Aromas; the ambience, and most definitely the teas. They come in this adorable plunger (I agree that adorable is not an appropriate adjective for something that is used to hold tea but look at the things! When you go, I mean. I don't have a picture.) that keeps your teas warm for quite a while. It comes with a little biscotti on the saucer, which is yum. I recommend the jasmine tea and the peppermint tea. Quite a few people love the chamomile too. 

aromas cafe powai spinach and feta phyllo rolls the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl

I had the spinach and feta cheese rolls, which are my absolute favorite thing there. Actually almost everything there is amazing and so it gets really difficult to pick just one. But this is definitely top of the list for me. It's served with pesto aioli which is super. I wish they gave a little more, because I could just eat it with a spoon! I'm not sure how sane that is though.
 

aromas cafe powai aglio olio pepperonccino pasta the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl

Then, the aglio olio pepperonccino. Now, this literally translates to garlic, oil, pepperonccino (hot peppers). Here, they add olives, chili flakes and Parmesan cheese to the mix. I don't think anyone is complaining! You definitely can't go wrong with adding olives to anything. And the garlic bread that accompanied it was just delightful. Although (and this is just my opinion), don't you think aglio oilo should be spaghetti and no other kind of pasta? Nevertheless, this was pretty good too.

aromas cafe powai choco chunk brownie milkshake the pretty simple life the pretty simple girl
  
And lastly, we ordered the triple choco chunk brownie - so delish! It was a super thick milkshake and quite filling. Yet with all the chocolate you could till taste a strong coffee flavor and that's really the best part. And all the whipped cream!
 

A special mention for the prompt and impeccable service. 


Aromas Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Review - Between Breads, Bandra

Food: 4/5
VFM: 3.5/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5


It's a little place and you might just miss it if you don't keep an eye out. We almost didn't find it! Though we walked a little bit along 16th Road and saw it tucked away.

 

It's a cozy little place - not too much space inside though. But with real estate prices being what they are, it's alright, I'm sure. And the lighting is such that it throws direct focus on the food.


There is just one menu in the joint - blown up huge and put up on the wall. Each offering is creatively named and the fixins' described below the name. You will want to order all of it.
 

There are way more non vegetarian options as compared to veg, so that's not very good in my books. But the drinks! Divine!



First we ordered the French Fries BB style. That was easily the best part of the meal, for me. They could have added a little more grilled onions, though. And just a suggestion, but why not add poutine to the menu? I would come there just for a well made poutine, and going by the quality of their fries I'm sure they could do a damn good poutine.
 


Next, I ordered the Farm Fresh. Not enough spinach, too much green bell peppers. Slightly dry, but it was alright. I like cheese and olives, I'm sold.

My friend got The Morning After and loved it. Bacon, ham, fries, fried egg, grilled tomatoes. But as you can tell from the menu, their main focus is on non vegetarian dishes, so it stands to reason that it would be their strong point. 


Ordered the Strawberry Cheesecake milkshake, which tasted exactly like a strawberry cheesecake. So that's awesome. We later ordered the French Vanilla milkshake, which was also good. I would prefer the cheesecake one any day.
Oh, and I almost forgot! They have comics that you can read while waiting for your order. Or even while eating. Whatever you like. I picked Archie's :D 


 
Between Breads Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Six Must-Try Street Foods in Bombay

The city of dreams also has the food of dreams. You’ve been told you will find in Bombay beyond what you’ve imagined in your wildest dreams. Could the food here be any less amazing, then? If you’re visiting Bombay and not eating street foods, you’re doing it wrong. And if you live here and haven’t been to these six places, it’s a shame. Go immediately and thank me later.

Anand Vada Pav



Right opposite Mithibai College in Vile Parle west, you will find the ‘cool crowd’ of one of the trendiest colleges in the city here. However fancy and brand conscious you are, you cannot resist Anand Vada Pav.They make more than a thousand per day, indeed, the entire lane is full of tantalizing options. You’ll find options like cheese vada pav, grilled vada pav, even Schezwan! Oh, and don’t forget to ask for the salted green chillies! It elevates the vada pav to a thing of beauty.

Open 7.30 am – 11 pm

Elco Pani Puri

 
If it’s pani puri, it must be Elco! A favourite with locals and foreigners alike, which is largely due to the fact that Elco is probably the only joint that makes their pani puris with mineral water. A tad more expensive than the regular street-side stalls, but the quality is quite apparent and worth the price. Located at Hill Road, Bandra west – drop by for grub after you’re tired of shopping all along Hill Road.

Open 10 am – 11.30 pm

Sardar Pav Bhaji


This is just a five minute walk from Bombay Central station, and it’s not immediately visible to the eye, as it’s a little tucked away. But say Sardar or even just say ‘Pav Bhaji’, and people will steer you there – it’s just that famous. So rich and buttery, be prepared for the onslaught of Amul. Sardar Pav Bhaji is surely what Amul anticipated when they came up with ‘utterly butterly delicious’.

Open 12 pm – 2 am

Gulati’s
This isn’t as well known as the rest on the list but they have awesome and affordable chhole bhature. Gulati’s is actually a catering business and they have loads of people calling up for home delivery too. You’ll have to hunt a little for it (or look up directions on Zomato!) You will find it at Sher-E-Punjab, Andheri east. Wash it down with lassi from the shop next door. You can find my review on Zomato here.

Open 8.30 am – 9.30 pm

Bademiya’s




Non-vegetarians swear by Bademiya for late night cravings. After an amazing ride along Marine Drive, hop over to Bademiya’s located right behind the Taj Mahal Hotel. It’s just an open air kitchen, but it’ll be easy to identify because it’s always crowded, irrespective of whether it’s a weekend or not. Best known for chicken tikka rolls, and mutton kebabs.

Open 5 pm – 4 am

Bachelorr’s


This is also at town, Charni Road to be specific. You’ll find a crowd well up till closing time – friends looking for a sweet snack, families out for late night treats; all sorts turn up at Bachelorr’s. It’s best known for its very fresh strawberry and cream milkshake, but it’s only when strawberries are inseason. But fret not, there are other amazing options available all year round – a popular favourite is the Classic Chocolate, along with a variety of fresh juices. You will not leave this place dissatisfied.

Open 3 pm – 11 pm

Have you visited any of these? Do let us know in the comment section below.


Photo Credits:
thehindu.com

grabhouse.com
blog.railyatri.in
brownpaperbag.in

Sunday, 1 May 2016

Review - Kala Ghoda Cafe

Food: 4.5/5
VFM: 4/5
Ambience: 5/5
Service: 5/5

 
This place is in a little lane, close to Jehangir Art Gallery. It's tucked away, and you might miss it if you don't know the area. Just follow google maps to get there, it's quite precise. Also, La Folie is right opposite, so pop in there too, if you've got some time. You'd love it.



The architecture here has an old-school feel to it and it's got such an open, bright layout that one could sit here for hours; and indeed, I have!







The tiny tables are self sufficient in terms of whatever add-ons you may require; tissues, ketchup, mustard, the works. I do appreciate a place that doesn't need me to ask for something like tissue paper.



But the best part was these dinky containers, of jaggery and brown sugar - healthy alternatives to white sugar or sweeteners. It's the little things that make a place worth coming back to, and KGC hits the nail on the head.


 
On to the food now! 

Without any doubts, the hot chocolate here is one of the best I've ever had. It's so rich and satisfying - it'll make your day instantly better, I guarantee it. They use Belgian chocolate and you can really tell the difference in taste from other generic hot chocolate mixes that many other places use. 



We also ordered a cappuccino which was also pretty good, but if you compare with the hot chocolate; you honestly aren't going to find anything better than that. 


We also got the superbly made egg sandwich. Now you'd wonder what's so special about an egg sandwich, you'd get that anywhere! But this one is amazing, with the eggs done perfectly, micro greens, multigrain bread, a hint of mustard - all perfectly balanced. It was filling and fabulously flavoured.




Just LOOK at it. How can you not want to eat it. I crave this at random times of the day. And night.



And to polish it off, we got the waffle with dark chocolate. There again, the chocolate was great, however, the waffle could have been better - case in point, the waffle at Mövenpick.



According to me, a good waffle is one that would taste wonderful even without any toppings or additions. The one here comes close, but isn't as good as the one Mövenpick offers. It's just a little more chewy that it should be. And a little more crisp on the outside as well.



It's just a little tweaking, and probably I'm being nitpicky about it, but they are definitely good in most aspects and so I can afford to be picky about the little things. The mark of a good place, I must say. All in all, Kala Ghoda Cafe is one of my favorite places to hang out at, and the ambience draws me in each time, and so each time I fall in love with this place a little more.


Kala Ghoda Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato