Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Peter Cat

Image 1: Peter Cat

Image2: Peter Cat menu card

Image 3: 'The best cuisine in town'

Image 4: The Cream of Chicken and Asparagus Soup

Image 5: Grilled Bhetki with orange sauce and potatoes

Image 6: House Special Sizzler

Image 7: Chocolate Souffle - the best

Text by: Tanya Munshi

When we think of Calcutta (sorry, I prefer call it Calcutta and not Kolkata, the name Calcutta has more history, character and style), the first thing that comes to our mind is food -rasgullas, puchkas, momos, biryani, Park Street - the works!

I spent Chirstmas in Calcutta last year and boy did I love basking in the sunny winter mornings. We spent a day walking on Park Street soaking up the winter sun and working up an appetite for restaurants like Bar-be-Que, Peter Cat or Moulin Rouge. Being the Christmas week, most places were full, but people waited patiently outside.

After a shopping spree at Rajniklal - famous for their ceramic kitchen wear, we headed to Peter Cat for lunch. Since there was a queue, we were asked to come back within 20 minutes to be seated inside Peter Cat. This was my first visit to Peter Cat, as that day my husband decided to try something new. Else, I am a Bar-be-Que fan, love the Chinese there.

I think after visiting Peter Cat, I am now tempted to add a new category for my restaurant reviews - the Snoot Factor. As I was looking at the menu card, which is a huge cut-out of a cat, I placed it aside to discuss with my husband about the menu. One of the head waiters just came by and picked it up on his way somewhere else, without asking whether we were ready to order; when I told him, I am still looking at it.

When we asked for two Cream of Asparagus soup, followed by the main course, the head waiter's enthusiasm dropped as if he were disappointed we weren't ordering any more or not spending enough money. That changed their attitude completely and every time someone new came to serve our main course (which did not come together, mine came first, so I waited till my husband got his sizzler).

I don't think they take stress and heavy rush too well. They appeared to be under-staffed and there was some chaos in the far end of the restaurant, where the air conditioner was non-operational and as a result a client refused to pay money as it was hot and walked away without paying.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in Peter Cat and all the head waiters and stewards were running about trying to do some damage control. Ultimately, what I gathered from their discussions, the client paid the amount (maybe half) and left. The stewards were discussing loudly with the barman, the bar was very close to where we were sitting and I think, he realized that his colleagues where loud while talking about that client and he asked them to lower their voices.

A good restaurant will never make the other clients feel that there is something wrong. They will handle things so well that the others will never come to know about a chaos.

While the name says Peter Cat, I was wondering why the stewards are wearing Indian/ Pathani uniforms - with turbans, kurta, kamar band and pajyamas. Maybe they thought its best not to change the attire from the time they started.

Now coming to the food part - Cream of Chicken Asparagus - strictly okay, Grilled Bhetki Fish with Orange sauce, good, but not great, Special house Sizzler - the usual fare, nothing interesting. But what takes the cake - Chocolate Souffle. It was brilliant - dreamy, soft, fluffy and not very sweet and it saved the day.

I wish the staff were polite, and handled stress better. Peter Cat is a brand and I think they have reached a stage where the staff/ owners don't seem to bother about maintaining the image or the brand of Peter Cat as they know that their clients will still drop by no matter what.

Overall, my experience at Peter Cat was not all that great; it was rather disappointing. I was told their Chello kebabs are the best, maybe I will try that again the next time. Till then, I hope they buckle up their kamarbandhs and do something better.

*Pricing:
Cream of Chicken and Asparagus Soup - Rs. 89/-
Grilled Bhetki Fish with Orange Sauce - Rs. 205/-
House Special Sizzler - Rs. 205/-
Chocolate Souffle - Rs. 92/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - * * *
Quality of food - * * *
Price - * * * *
The Snoot Factor - Totally!

Location:
Peter Cat Restaurant
18 Park Street
Kolkata - 700 016
Phone - 033 - 2229-8841

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Koshy's Bar & Restaurant

Text by: Tanya Munshi

The best mutton curry rice, fish and chips and pork vindaloo rice combination can be found at the all time favourite Koshy's in Bangalore. My Dad still fondly remembers this place when he was posted in Bangalore in the late 1960s where he would visit Koshy's for beer and fish and chips for a Sunday brunch. At that time they had a portico outside, he says, where it was lovely to sit outdoors and watch the world go by; of course all that is gone today with cars buzzing around and with a fight (not literally) for parking.

Even now, whenever we make a trip to Bangalore, we make it a point to visit Koshy's - for the fish and chips, the ambience, the history and the institution of what Koshy's is today.

I know, a lot of my readers will beg to differ that it's not the same anymore or one can get better fish and chips somewhere else, but we are the old school, we like it that way.

No matter what time of the year we have visited Koshy's, it is always bustling with energy and I like the feel of sitting there enjoying a meal and observing the people dining there. The people who visit Koshy's are smart, classy, have style, well spoken. Thankfully, not much of the IT crowd buzzing there, so no cacophony of corporate lunches and loud ringtones. So if you haven't visited Koshy's yet, it's time you paid a visit and go with the flow.

Sit at the bar, enjoy a couple of beers and dig into some fish finger and chicken tikka, catch up with your old school friends from Bangalore - well, this is exactly what we do everytime we visit the 'not anymore' Garden City.

Bangalore has fond memories for my husband, he grew up there and loves Bangalore from his heart. He misses the old Bangalore, which he and his friends say used to be a 'non-fan' station and the weather was always pleasant and cool throughout the year that they never felt the need for fans. There were no traffic, people were polite and friendly and they walked and rode their bicycles to school. A visit to Koshy's resurfaces all these happy memories.


*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken Soup - Rs. 124/-
Fish Finger - Rs. 250/-
Chicken Tikka - Rs. 257/-
Pork Chops - Rs. 273/-
Chicken Florentine - Rs. 273/-
Roast Chicken - Rs. 257/-
Pork Vindaloo - Rs. 265/-
Mutton Curry and Rice - Rs. 265/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
POK Enterprises Jewel Box
Koshy's Bar and Restaurant
Jewel Box
39, St. Marks Road
Bangalore
Phone - 088 -222-13-793

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Recipe> Bhindi and Potato Sabzi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Daily cooking can be boring for many. I often hear many ladies complaining that cooking is such a boring task. I agree, but only from their point of view. Fortunately for me, I love cooking. I find it very relaxing especially after a busy schedule.

Image: Bhindi and Potato Sabzi

Image by: Tanya Munshi

As much as I love non-vegetarian food, I love my veggies. One of my favorites is ladies-finger or Okra or Bhindi. I am sharing a simple recipe to make that boring lunch or dinner a little more interesting. So here goes...

Ingredients

• Ladies Finger/ Okra/ Bhindi - 500 gms
• Medium to Large Potatoes - 1-2 nos. 
• Large Onion - 1 and 1/2
• Paanch Phoron - 2tsp approx. (Bengali five spice mix)
• Mustard Oil
• Salt - to taste
• Coriander powder - 1-2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1tsp
• Red chilli powder - 1 and half tsp

Method

1. Cut the ladies finger the way you like. You can cut it in circles or in long strips. 
2. Cut the potatoes in thin slices and slice the onions and keep aside.
3. Heat the mustard oil and add the Paanch Phoron. As soon as it splatters, add the onions and brown them. 
4. Now add the potato slices and brown them and finally add the ladies finger.
5. Once you saute them for a few mins, add the salt, coriander, turmeric and red chili powders and mix well.
6. Lower the flame and cover the work. Keep checking every few mins and mix it well.
7. Once done, serve hot with roti and daal.

Recipe> Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Text by: Tanya Munshi

When you host parties at home frequently, you are compelled to think of new things to serve your guests every now and then. Especially, if the guest list includes more of non-vegetarians, you have to keep their taste buds in mind. As usual, I started looking through several of my cook books to come up with something new and so I managed to create this starter which I can safely call Homemade Chicken Nuggets. It hardly takes any time. So here goes...

Image: Chicken nuggets frying in a wok

Image by: Tanya Munshi

Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken pieces - 500 gms
• Salt - to taste
• Vinegar - 1-2 capful
• Crushed dry red chillies - 5-6 nos.
• Ground Black Pepper - 1 tsp.
• Beaten Eggs - 2 nos.
• Bread Crumbs - 1 cup
• Refined Oil 

Method

1. Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, vinegar, crushed dry red chillies and black pepper powder for minimum 30 mins.
2. Dip each chicken piece in the egg first and coat with the bread crumbs.
3. Now deep fry them in a wok and keep on kitchen paper.
4. Serve hot with a dip or sauce.

Culture & Events> A new Kranti in Anondo Mela

Image: Colours and Scent by Devi

Image: Kranti's pamphlet

Image: As you like it by Maya

Photographs by: Tanya Munshi

Text By: Tanya Munshi

Every year, a day before the Durga Puja festival begins, most puja pandals host Anondo Mela, where Anondo means happiness and Mela means fair; so you can safely call it a 'Fun and Fair'.

This is one time where all the families bring goodies from home - Fish Chop, Ghugni (Bengali style Choley with kheema), Doi Bora, Pathishapta (sweet pancakes), homemade Sondesh and put up stalls to sell the fare. There are a few who come up with something more innovative like home made candles, cross stitched and embroidered handkerchiefs and the like.

Last year, in October 2010, I noticed that a single table had exhibits of beautiful paintings with vibrant colours and designs. I love to paint and I also like to pick up paintings from places where ever I visit on a holiday. So this table was no exception. I patiently waited for someone manning the table to appear while munching on some goodies.

There was no one at the table and so I made several rounds while relishing Doi Bora (Dahi Wada) and sharing some Ghoogni with my Dad. When I came back the third or the fourth time, I spotted a pamphlet which red Kranti in bold. Instantly, I picked up one and started reading. This has got to be the first time that someone had brought something new to Anondo Mela and I am glad.

This is what the brilliant pamphlet said:

What is Kranti?
Kranti is a women's rights NGO that seeks to educated and empower girls who have been trafficked, by providing them with a healing home, comprehensive education and leadership opportunities. We believe, that young women are an untapped source of collective strength who will become catalysts for social change and lead the movement for gender equality in India. Let the Revolution begin!

Revolutionary Art Work
Several Kranti girls are budding artists and you can support Kranti by purchasing their paintings and art work. Any income generated will go towards the artists saving and help Kranti become India's first financially sustainable NGO.

By that time, a young girl came up to the desk. I asked her how much did the paintings cost and I was taken by surprise when she said, "We haven't fixed any price on the paintings, whatever you feel like you pay. We just want to create an awareness about Kranti and these women." She gave me her visiting card which read - Trina Talukdar, Program Director.

That was refreshing to hear and Trina was absolutely down to earth and patiently explained what the NGO was all about. Instantly I picked up two paintings and asked her sheepishly if the amount was okay and she smiled, "Whatever you feel right, just pay, it's really okay". I couldn't help but pick up two vibrant paintings - Colours and Scent by Devi and As you Like it by Maya.

These paintings have something really refreshing about them and speak volumes of a tender heart that these girls are blessed with.

When I met Trina and spoke to her about Kranti and looked at the paintings, I decided to write about this and let my readers know. Truly, Trina with the help of Kranti have brought a new meaning to Anondo Mela. Anondo Mela is primarily meant to spread happiness and what better way to bring smiles across the faces of those who are bravely fighting the odds of life.

So, if you feel as strongly for a cause like this and would like to support Kranti, then do look them up at http://www.kranti-india.org/.

Restaurant & Pub Guide> Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore & Mumbai

Text by: Tanya Munshi

I like my Mojito and I get it best in Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai and Bangalore. I like this place, who doesn't? Usually on our trips to Bangalore or Mumbai, my husband and I make it a point to go to Hard Rock Cafe to listen to good, unadulterated music which will not abruptly break into bhangra/ hindi remix. I love bhangra/ hindi songs - but come on, its good to take a break from the routine.

On my last visit to Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai, I enjoyed my Mojito while listening to two live band performances - Tough on Tobacco and Bedouin Soundclash - two uber cool bands, very unique and very refreshing music.

Coming to the food part (how could I forget), the calamari or the squids deep fried in batter go chewy when cold, so it's best to avoid, otherwise it's a good snack to go with your drinks. In Bangalore, I haven't seen people coming over to eat, they usually come in groups after work for a drink, unlike in Mumbai, where people come in with their families for a meal.

We liked the Spicy Dragon Chicken Drumsticks in Bangalore's Hard Rock Cafe, it fills your tummy well. My husband likes his Legendary 10 oz. Burger in Hard Rock Cafe, its worth a try if you are fond of burgers.

Need I speak about the ambiance and decor at Hard Rock Cafe? I like it how as the time progresses, they gradually dim the lights creating a perfect setting to listen to good music. The staff have been trained really well to give you total attention and look after you well. But Hard Rock Cafe in Bangalore deserves a special mention especially since it's in an old building which adds to its charm and character.


*Pricing:
Spicy Calamari - Rs. 290/-
Spicy Chicken Drumstick - Rs. 395/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
Hard Rock Cafe Bengaluru
40 St. Marks Road
Bengaluru
Phone: +91-804-124-2222

Hard Rock Cafe Mumbai
Bombay Dyeing Mill Compound
Opposite Kamala City Mills Studio
Pandurang Budhkar Marg
Worli, Mumbai -400025
Phone: +91-22-6651-1209
Fax: +91-22-2438-6111

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Kannur Restaurant Guide> Bamboo Fresh - An Eco Friendly Restaurant

Text by: Tanya Munshi

This is not a place you will find easily, Bamboo Fresh is a popular family restaurant in Thaliparamba, around 45 minutes drive from Ezhimala. En route Pariyaram Medical College, Bamboo Fresh comes as a pleasant surprise as you drive through winding roads and traffic and it appears just in time when the hunger pangs start driving you crazy.

I have been told that Beef Ulliyathu, is best had at Bamboo Fresh, and when I see my friends drool with the very mention of this spicy Keralite beef preparation, I believe them. But otherwise, the food at Bamboo Fresh is nothing really that great. But yes, they make their Keralite cuisine quite well, but one shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to Chinese, Continental and to some extent Indian.

Most of the times that we have gone (i.e. twice out of three) - prawns, fish pollichathu (usually, a whole Red Snapper marinated with spices, wrapped in coconut leaf and steamed - I have tasted better in Fort Kochi) - are not available. If at all they serve you here, its one piece of Kingfish (enough for per person only), and the price does not do justice to the quantity.

We remember, on our first visit to Bamboo Fresh, we tried out Chinese! The Chilly Prawns had hardly 3-4 small prawns and the small bowl was only loaded with masalas. I know you must be thinking how silly of us to try Chinese at these places, but come on! Spending so much time in God's Own Country, makes you want to give your taste buds a break from the usual coconut and curry leaf flavoured dishes.

Even the Chinese seemed to have a Keralite touch to it, so we try and stay away from experimenting with Chinese (even when we pine for it once in a while.) In Kerala, beef and rice dishes are usually a little cheaper than other dishes. So a small portion of Beef Ulliyathu cost us Rs. 60/- only, yeah that cheap! So if you dig beef (buffalo) then go right ahead.

More so, they are usually understaffed and don't take peak times such as weekends too well. We had a waiter tick us off because we asked him to bring the main course after the starter and not together; because in all the rush, he got everything together - soup, starter and main course. He did come later to apologize though, but I guess, human nature is such we only tend to remember the negatives.

I don't blame them as lack of heavy duty competition does result in slack behaviour, not up to the mark quality and quantity of food and less professionalism. It hurts more when you drive so far only to get small portions of food. And since the people there don't seem to have much of a problem, Bamboo Fresh has clearly not made any efforts to improve the quality of food and match the quantity with the pricing. They have a swanky reception and seating area, an ample parking space - but that won't save me from my hunger pangs, would it?

I may like to add one thing however, they call themselves the 'Eco Friendly' Restaurant and I am yet to find out how. The decor is very well done, where they have recreated a huge Banyan tree with coir and it appears as though we are sitting under a Banyan tree enjoying our meal.

If its called 'Bamboo Fresh' - I wonder why they have a Banyan tree decor? Shouldn't it have Bamboos? Maybe they could have called it the 'Banyan Tree' Restaurant! The only thing that is 'Eco Friendly' about them is that they give you parceled food in cloth bags and not plastic bags, but food comes in plastic containers! There hasn't been the need for an air conditioner, especially since we have visited Bamboo Fresh in the evenings, so I can't say about the day time use of air conditioners.

While you eat, a small LCD TV will display the delicacies on offer at Bamboo Fresh with classical music playing as background music. While eating the small portions if you look at the TV, your stomach will fill up fast, as the quantity shown on the screen is more than it appears on the plate. It's good to try it out once, who knows, you may find something that suits your palate, taste and size of tummy.


*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken - Rs. 50/-
Beef Ulliyathu - Rs. 60/-
Chicken Fried Rice - Rs. 80/-
Chilli Prawns - 120/-
Dragon Chicken - Rs. 100/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - *
Quality of food - * * *
Price - * (expensive)

Location:
Bamboo Fresh Restaurant
Thaliparamba
Phone: 0460 - 2200755

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.