Kochi Restaurant Guide at a glance

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Kochi Restaurant Guide at a glance

Pai Dosa

No trip to Kochi is complete without stepping into the Pai Dosa. On MG Road, just next to Sankar's book store, in a narrow lane is a little place called Pi Dosa, known for its 61 types of dosas and is mostly open beyond 12 midnight. From lahsoon dosa, egg dosa or bull's-eye dosa, it's amazing how one can be so creative with dosa. After a late night movie at Sridhar, this is where all the youngsters head to. If you're not too bothered about the ambiance, help yourself to a plastic chair and relish mammoth size dosa with mouth watering chutneys.

Upstairs 

Kochi is an amalgamation of cuisines from all over India and the world. If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine, then go to Upstairs in Fort Kochi, run by an Indian and Italian couple who take pride in serving authentic Italian cuisines. 

Kasi Art Cafe

Kasi Art Cafe is a hang out place for most of the art lovers, artists and film makers. Not so much for the night life, but one must visit Kasi Art Cafe. 

Fort Kochi area

Fort Kochi is also a popular place for dinners. There are plenty of ‘You buy we cook’ shacks were you can buy up fresh fish and give it to one of these shacks who will cook it for you for an extra charge.

Almost every corner of Fort Kochi has a delightful restaurant or shack. From Chariot, Salt-n-Pepper, Tea Pot, Dal Roti and of course the 'You buy we cook' shacks you will not run out of options. 

Pure Vegetarian Food

For pure vegetarian food, head to Bharat Tourist Home (BTH at Wellington Island) and Dwarka(MG Road) are absolutely amazing. 

North Indian Cuisines

For North Indian cuisines - head to Tandoor and Kebab House on MG Road. Tandoor is famous for its lip-smacking tava chicken and garlic naan, while Kebab House has a lovely assortment of kebabs. 

Biryani 

For authentic biryani, visit Kayee's opposite Exhibition Grounds for vegetarian and non-vegetarian briyani served with accompaniments. 

Chinese 

For Chinese, head to Chinese Dragon and The Wok on MG road. 

Continental

If you're looking for burgers, sizzlers or steaks head to the Attic opposite Bay Pride Mall. 

Top end restaurants and hotels

Top end restaurants and hotels that one must visit are - Hotel Casino, Taj Malabar, Avenue Regent and Avenue Centre. The buffets here are total value for money, especially if you're looking for a complete south Indian fare and want to taste a bit of everything. 

Shawarmas

Visit GCDA where you can try out Shawarmas from a couple of fast food joints. 

Food Court

There's an Abaad Food Court in Bay Pride Mall, which is also pretty good and has - north Indian, south Indian and Chinese cuisines on the offer. Bay Pride Mall also has a Barista and on MG Road, you can stop by for a cuppa at Cafe Coffee Day.

Coffee Shop & Lounge bars

Cocoa Tree is a popular teen hangout which is open till 12 midnight. Don’t miss out Loungevity – the pub at Avenue Regent, on MG. Both Cocoa Tree and Loungevity are owned by Avenue Regent. These are frequented mostly youngsters, tourists and naval officers and families. 

Published in Yatra.com

Link: http://www.raahi.com/travel-guides/kochi/where-to-eat.html#pixbody

Food> Say it with Chocolates

Image: Sweet Dreams!
Artwork by: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi

Image: Candy Shop!
Artwork by: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Christmas is round the coirner bringing along with it the New Year. Greet a loved one this holiday season with some mouth-melting chocolates. Cocoa Tree, Avenue Regent on MG Road, which is predominantly known for its coffee, patisserie and drinks, is now stepping into a unique collection of gourmet chocolates. "These chocolates are made from the finest ingredients obtained from India and abroad, essential in preparing special gourmet chocolates," says Diwia Thomas, Director, Cocoa Tree.

Variety
There are in all 14 basic gourmet chocolate flavours to choose from, all of them prepared and designed exclusively at Cocoa Tree. So try out from the goodies basket `Rum and Raisin', `Crunchy Butterscotch', `Chocolate Regal', and the list goes on.

Each chocolate has a unique design, flavour and shape that is cosily packed in a box of nine (Rs.400) or 24 assorted ones (Rs.750) in gift packs. These chocolates are placed in small brown paper cups, so when you open you get to see the chocolate treasure awaiting you in these boxes. "We've ensured our packaging has a contemporary look to be in conformity with the young at heart atmosphere at Cocoa Tree," adds Diwia. There's information about each chocolate inside the box. . Hence, while you're relishing a delicious morsel you know exactly what you're eating!
In fact, the boxes come with pretty ribbons, gift tags and a carry bag that completes the picture of a classy ready-to-gift item.

To add to the tinge of youth, the sides of these boxes have famous quotes beginning with Lucy Van Pelt, the cartoon character from famous cartoon strip, Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.
During a brainstorming session for a brand name for these chocolates, it was unanimously decided by the Cocoa Tree team, to not have any.

"We decided instead, to stick with this line which says it all: Love, peace and chocolate", completes Diwia. Dinner Mints and Liqueur chocolates are to be introduced in January.
In conformity with the pulse of the youth and their love for coffee and chocolates Cocoa Tree is out to make gifting chocolates for every occasion a new trend in the city.

Published in The Hindu, Metroplus, Kochi edition on December 14, 2006
Link: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/12/14/stories/2006121400640300.htm