La Shaakahari

Late in the evening me and my friend wanted to have dinner outside, i was suggesting that we head to Pizza Republic only to find out that its not opened yet. As we were riding around Shashtri bhavan i remembered someone mentioning about  a food joint and i took the Pycrofts Garden street and ended up at La Shaakahari, vegetarian restaurant.

It was a medium sized restaurant that could accommodate atleast 50 people, we were quickly seated at a table and then asked to move to another table as  a bigger group turned up. The ambience isnt that great very noisy place and infact one of the noisiest that i had been too. 

Menu card was simple they had Continental and indiam cuisine, we decided to try the baked stuff for the main course. For starters, we ordered cheese bombs and roasted tomato soup followed by Roasted Lasagna Verdu and Vegetable Moussaka.

Starters came in no time at all, soup was an excuse for starch water with tomato flavoring. It lacked flavor and wasnt good.Cheese bombs was alright, wasn't gooey with cheese rather one gets hint of cheese in it and the batter is like the bajji batter.

Next was the roasted lasagna verdu which was served in a very hot plate, with the cutleries in it and though the waiter did mention that the plate was hot. I think they had put the cutleries also along in the oven. Almost burnt my fingers. Lasagna was just sheets of pasta with veggies in white sauce and some tomato sauce. First couple of bites were good however more you have it, gets tough to eat. Vegetable moussaka was totally unlike a mousakka, hardly any aubergines, looks they picked up the baby brinjals and sliced them up.  Though it looked alright with a rich tomato gravy, as one digs in its again diced veggies in cream sauce and just the top layer has aubergines. It tasted so-so and was definetly not a moussaka very pretentious stuff.

Vegetable Moussakka

Lasagna

 

We decided to leave and not try the desserts, the total bill came to 718 Rs. I have no clue about the Indian cuisine at this place, however unsure whether to check them out sometime later.

La Shaakahari is located on 20 Pycrofts Garden road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006

 

Food 5/10
Ambience 5/10
Service 6/10
Price 6/10

Would I Recommend?  Hmm may be not.

Sandy's Chocolate Laboratory

It was time for our quarterly team lunch and the big decision of finding a good place within the budget was at mind. Decided to try Sandy's at Wallace Garden  Rd, Nungambakkam, since they didnt have their menu online called them up and was told that avg price is around 600 Rs. This was on the high side however, we decided to go anyway and if it was too much on the high side will walk out to either Jakobs Kitchen, Equinox or Mash Grill House.

We booked the table and i was the first to arrive, flipped through the menu and found that well within our budget. Decor was very simplistic, more like a cafe atmosphere, with interesting receptacles for serving such as conical flask, beaker etc. Ambience was quite good and the tables are spaced apart as well. Beneath this cafe type place was hidden a restaurant that dishes out amazing food. Soon my colleagues joined in and were ready to order.

For starters, we ordered Jalapeno potato fritters and potato wedges, we wanted to order Spanakopita but they were not having it that day. Spanakopita was a dish with Spinach, Feta and other stuff sounded yumm but alas not to be had; probably next time. Jalapeno potato fritters was served with salsa and it was crumb coated with a gooey centre made of creamy potato, jalapenos and cheese, simply irrestible. Potato wedges was served with ketchup, i would have love to have it some creamy dip. Nothing wrong with ketchup its just me.

Jalapeno Potato Fritters

Potato Wedges

For the main course, we ordered couple of tenderloin burgers, couple of ravioli with spinace and mushroom in white sauce and grilled fish with lemon sauce. First to arrive were the burgers and they looked just like burgers- meaty and yummy served with potato wedges, ketchup and pickled veggies. I had ordered mine medium and the other was welldone. The buns were not thick crumbly ones and held well until we chowed down the last morsel of it. Patty was flavorsome, well seasoned and stacked amongst bacon rashes, tomato, lettuce etc. By far the best burger i have had in town and with each and every bite, it was just too good and fanfare for the tastebuds.

Tenderloin Burger with Bacon and Cheese

Grilled fish with butter lemon sauce was served with mashed potatoes and was grilled close to perfection, not dry and the sauce had a zing to it. Combination of the sauce, fish and mash was pure bliss.

Grilled Fish on Lemon Sauce

Raviolli with Spinach n Mushroom on white sauce was in no way inferior to the previous dishes and was quite rich and the pasta was brilliant to say the least. Only sore thing being the portion could have had a bit more of ravioli since it didn't quite feel filling as the other dishes.

Raviolli with Mushroom n Spinach

Next, we ordered desserts chocolate ice cream, nutella chocolate bar, funky monkey and  that little tiny cake. No complaints there as the taste was just orgasmic, only oohs and aahs as we dug into them. All in all a lunch well spent and worth every penny of it.

Tiny Chocolate Cake

Nutella Chocolate Bar

 

Funky Monkey

Chocolate Icecream

The only not so good comment is the fact that one had to wait for a long time to get our glasses filled with water, waiters were oblivious to the presence of customers and one had to holler out to get their attention. An improvement would be much appreciated. Another thing that caught my attention was that they do no have any lamb dishes on their menu.

I would say that when you step out of Sandy's you would leave with satiated appetite and money spent on worthy dishes.

Average price of starters is 160 Rs, Main courses 300 Rs, Desserts 200 Rs. Our bill came to 2900 INR with the above dishes.

Thanks to Luke, Bharath, Deepa and Felita for the awesome company for the lunch.


Sandy's Chocolate Laboratory is located on 16, Wallace Garden, 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006

Food  9.5/10
Ambience 6.5/10
Service 7.5/10
Price 7/10


Would I Recommend?  Yes,totally without hesitation

Tawa Fish Fry

Ingredients

Pomfret or King Fish  8 pieces

Chilli Powder 3 tsp

Curry Chilli Powder 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp

Garam Masala 1/4 tsp

Lime 1 nos

Salt for taste

Water 

Butter for frying

Soy Sauce 1/2 tsp ( if one needs)

HP Sauce 1/2 tsp ( if one have)

Preparing the Marinade

Mix all the powders with juice of lime, salt and the sauces, add just a bit of water to make a thick paste.

Making

Coat the fish well into the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hrs. Now heat the tawa or skillet and drop a couple of dollops of butter. When the butter melts now place the fish on the tawa, cover and cook under med-high flame for about 2 minutes. Now flip the fish on the other side and cook for another  minute or two. Ensure you don't overcook the fish and making it too dry. Serve it hot with onions or any creamy dips.

 Made this on a rainy day and had it with onions, tastes like heaven.

If you like it  and tried it, do leave a comment. Don't forget to  share it

Burmese Food Park

UPDATE: this  place is closed

Riding through Greams road on a Sunday evening, we spotted a new food joint called Burmese Food Park and hence decided to have our dinner in that place. Its a small place that could barely seat 15 or more, when we reached the spot, all we could spot was 2 ladies at the billing counter. Initially we were skeptical to enter as there were no one around at 9 pm. But something went across our mind and decided to try it, which turned out to be one of the best things for the day.

We got ourselves seated and were provided  the menu card,  not a elaborate one. You find the usual suspects such as Moinga, Atho that I know off and the rest  like Ono  Khowsuey, Tami Jhow, Pay Biyo-tami etc. We ordered a Ono Khowsuey and  Veg Athow. They served Heinga- a veg soup on the house, it was a clear veg soup with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, coriander and other spices. It had a definitive after taste that makes you want to have more. 

Main courses arrived  and didnt take long. First was my Ono Khowsuey,  served in a bowl. Its Chicken egg noodles in a rich broth made of coconut milk and chicken stock and other aromatics. It also had some fried crispy stuff, man did it taste good. 

Veg Athow followed suit, definitely not the one you get in Parrys corner, it was the thick round noodles and had browned onions and mix of other ingredients. To say it tasted good would be an understatement, it tasted divine and heavenly. I usually don't go over board in praises, but there are always exceptions and this place definitely deserve it. Atleast for the food I had.

Heinga                                       Veg Atho                               Ono Khowsuey

We asked for the dessert, it was not available.  We  took a Veg Tami Jhow ( Fried rice), it was good and tasted different. But leagues apart from the above two dishes, had a tinge of bitterness to it from some ingredient.

Overall a very good meal that is tasty filling and doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. Chatted with the owners and found out that they were from Burma and used to cook regularly at home and the idea sprung from there. The joint was opened less than a month ago.

Menu Card

I would definitely recommend this place if you are into Burmese food or basically you love good food. This place dishes out quality food that would leave your taste-buds wanting for more. It certainly did for me and hope it does the same for you. (Note: I am not aware of Burmese cusisine, only that of the stuff from parrys corner)

Total bill came to 265 Rs, the Ono Khowsuey was 100, Athow was 85 and Tami Jhow 80. They accept only cash.

 

Burmese Food Park is located on Greams Road opposite to IDBI Bank, before Sea Shells when you enter from Anna Salai. They do home deliveries as well for 5km radius.  Contact no: 99620 92332

Food  9/10

Ambience 4/10

Service 9/10

Price 9.5/10

Would I Recommend?  Yes, definitely

Aattu Ratham Poriyal (Mutton Blood Fry)

Ok, this goes out for all the hardcore non-vegetarians only. Pretty sure most of the readers might squirm at the name of it that could very well go into the list of Andrew Zimmermans Bizarre Foods. Dish is a specialty mostly on the rural front but damn it tastes good if its cooked well. 

 

Ingredients

Aattu Ratham (mutton blood) 250 grams

Onions 5 nos (chopped)

Tomato 2 nos (chopped)

Garlic 2 cloves (chopped)

Green Chilly 6 nos (chopped)

Ginger Paste 1 tsp

Garlic Paste 1.5 tsp

Chilli Powder 1 tsp

Pepper Powder 1.5 tsp

Coriander Powder 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp

Garam Masala 1 tsp

Bay leaf 1 piece

Cloves 4-5 nos

Star Anise 1 nos

Water 1 cup

Curry leaves handful

Coriander 1/2 cup chopped

Oil 2-3 tbsp

Salt for taste

Preparing the Ratham (Blood)

When you buy its usually coagulated and resembles like a large sized marble cake. Its VERY IMPORTANT to clean it thoroughly. First, place the blood in boiling water with a tsp of turmeric for about 5-8 minutes, drain the water away. Again place the blood in boiling water for about 15 mins with turmeric, turn off and drain the water. You will find the texture is similar to that of boiled liver pieces. Now cut into slices and check for hair, remove and then chop them into small cubes.

Making the Poriyal

Heat oil in a pan, add garam masala followed by bay leaf, cloves, star anise and curry leaves. Temper them then add chopped onions, as it turns translucent add tomatoes, green chillies and garlic. Cook for about a minute then add the blood pieces; now add ginger garlic paste and other powders in the ingredients list followed by coriander leaves. Pour water, cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes under medium flame. Remove cover add more oil and keep mixing well so that it doesnt get burnt and stuck to the bottom of the pan.  It tastes well as a dry dish not like a mutton sukka but like a mutton fry.  Check the consistency it would taste similar to that of  liver fry. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it hot with Idly, Dosa or as side for rice, sambar and any other curry. This dish has to be spicy else the taste is lost.

Mutton Blood Fry

If you like my blog hit like/ share it with others.

Kobe Sizzlers

I love steaks and IMO Kobe's serves really good ones. I have been visiting Kobe's for quite sometime now and have tried the different steaks in the menu. Not once i have found something to complain about, i always go for Beef . My friends have had the chicken and the paneer steaks and always managed to scrape the plate clean to the last morsel. The only complaint i have is that they have reduced the number of sauce bottles, earlier there used to be a tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, mustard sauce and a brown vinaigrette (i think). Then they took out mustard sauce and this time around only ketchup and chilli sauce.

Vegetarian sizzlers are served on bed of rice, boiled vegetables and French fries/ Mashed potatoes. Non vegetarian sizzlers are served sans the bed of rice but with the rest. You can get your steak rare, medium or well done. I prefer it medium done - succulent and juicy. 

Apart from the sizzlers they also offer soups,starters,fried rice, noodles, pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches and desserts.

I have always stuck to the steaks and we never order any starters or sides for fear of not being able to finish the sizzler. By the time we are through with it, no space for desserts. I do not have any comments on the rest of the menu except that there are burgers aren't good, buns are two big when compared to the patty. Would advice people to stay away from it.

We ordered a Chicken satellite steak with Mushroom sauce, Beef steak on Szechuan sauce and Vegetarian sizzler with mushroom.  Beef steak was cooked as requested and the rest of food was good too. No complaints and am actually at loss of words to describe it. All i can say is money well spent. The total bill came  to around 1200 rs. This place is absolute value for money.

Vegetarian Sizzler

Chicken Satellite With Mushroom Sauce

Beef Steak with Szechuan Sauce

Kobe sizzlers is located on Khadar Nawaz Khan Road,  inside a compounded area next to cafe coffee day lounge. They are also located in EA.

Food  9/10
Ambience 9/10
Service 9/10
Price 8/10


Would I Recommend?  Yes, definitely

Prawn and Potato in Rich Tomato Gravy (Vegetarian options too)

Ingredients

Prawn (shelled and deveined) 1 cup

Potato 2-3 nos

Tomato 3 nos

Onion 2 nos

Green Chilli 1 no

Garlic Cloves 6-7 nos

Butter 3-4 tbsp

Cloves 3-4 nos

Cinnamon stick 1 small piece

Dried bay leaf 1 small piece

Star Anise 1/4 a piece

Cardamom 2-3 nos

Ginger Paste 1/2 tsp

Red Chilli Powder 1/2 tsp

Curry Chilli Powder 1/2 tsp

Garam Masala 1/2 tsp

Dried Fenugreek Leave Powder 1/2 tsp

Fresh Cream 1-2 tbsp (optional)

Water 1 cup

Curd 2-3 tbsp

Sugar 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Preparation

In a pan melt butter add the whole spices ( cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom) saute till the flavors start to release. Now add chopped garlic cloves, roughly chopped tomato and onions, deseeded green chilli. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, blend them in a mixer and pass the resulting mixture through a sieve and set aside. Now melt more butter in a pan, add ginger paste and garam masala, cook  until the raw flavors go away. Add the filtered puree into the pan and cook for 2 mins, now add red chilli powder,curry chilli  powder, water and salt. Cover and cook for 3-4 mins under low heat. When the oil starts to separate add beaten curd and cook further.

Peel the potatoes, wrap them in wet kitchen cloth and microwave for about 4 mins. Remove and dice them into cubes and add to the pan, cover and cook for another minute. Now add the prawns, cover and cook for 2-3 mins. Remove cover, add fenugreek leaf powder and mix well. Cook for further 2 mins by sprinkling some garam masal powder.  Turn the heat off and add fresh cream if you have. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it with phulka, roti, chappathi, dosa, aapam etc.

Prawn and Potato in Rich Tomato Gravy

When i made this gravy today, it was too spicy as i added 1 tsp of chillipowder, hence for the recipe its 1/2tsp. 

Variations: You could add shredded tandoori chicken, mutton tikka, paneer, other vegetables too. Onion can be avoided too.