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Grenada Chocolate Festival – Festive Giveaway

December 12, 2022 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Hello and welcome back to my happy space in the virtual world. I am so excited to share some festive excitement with all of you with a fabulous new festive Giveaway and a delicious chocolate-themed cocktail recipe too! Woohooo! But first, lets take a deep dive into all things Grenada and Chocolate!

Grenada Chocolate Festival 10th anniversary festive Giveaway

What is the Grenada Chocolate Festival all about?

The sunny Caribbean island of Grenada is home to cocoa plantations and many other spices. For years now the island has been supplying cocoa to chocolate factories across Europe and North America. It was back in 1999 that the first ever local modern tree-to-bar fine chocolate factory was founded in Grenada by the late Mott Green and partners.

During the Christmas of 2013 Magdalena Fielden, a local resort owner and the founder of the Grenada Chocolate festival invited Mott over to share his wealth of knowldege about all things chocolate with her guest and tourists. Mott had never before been invited to talk about his work and share his passion but the response shown by the guests to Mott’s story was very encouraging. After Mott’s passing later that year, Magdalena created the first ever chocolate festival to honour his extraordinary journey and to highlight the contribution and hardwork of the local farmers and producers .

The festival is now litreally a movement of social change and has only gone from strength to strength. Now a very well-attended event that attracts global attention , this has also given birth to a whole host enterpreneurs and businesses revolving around locally grown cocoa.

When is the Grenada Chocolate festival happening next?

Grenada Chocolate Fest will celebrate it’s 10th Anniversary next year from the 17th to the 21st of May 2023. The highlight of the 10th anniversary is a twin celebration of local chocolate and local rum.

In adddition to the annual events that include popular activities like being a cocoa farmer for a day and a chocolate medidation event, next years 10th anniversary special events include has exciting new activiries planned like the learning how to make ‘under the counter’ cocoa infused Grenadian rum and much more!

For details about the festival, the various events and more, check out their website here.

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort

Magdalena and her family own and manage the sustainability award-wining water-front True Blue Bay Boutique resort on the south coast of Grenada. The resort is the host hotel for the festival and guests will have free access to some of the exciting events happening next year. The festival is open to everyone and welcomes all tourists visiting Grenada.

The resort hosts some amazing local food and drink experiences including a True Blue Farm-to-fork experience, Chocolate and Rum experiences, Grenadian cultural experience and more.

To Book your stay at True Blue Boutique resort check out availability here

Festive Chocolate Goody Bag Instagram Giveaway

Now that you know the amazing story behind the wonderful Grenada Chocolate festival and how it was created, you are ready to truly appreciate and enjoy a whole host of fine tree to bar chocolates all the way from Grenada and some great quality cocoa products – all for free (for one lucky winner) in the comfort of your own home! How? Well read on for details of participating in my Instagram giveaway!

Festive Giveaway – Chocolate Goody Bag from Grenada Chocolate Festival – image courtesy Grenada Chocolate Fest

Win a fabulous cloth goody bag stuffed with chocolatey goodies courtesy Grenada Chocolate Festival

How to enter my festive Instagram Giveaway courtesy Grenada Chocolate Fest:

  • Head to my Instagram Account and check out my giveaway post.
  • To enter, follow my account on Instagram and follow Grenada Chocolate Fest on Instagram, then like my Instagram giveaway post and add a comment while tagging any two friends. Each Tag counts as an entry. This step is mandatory.
  • To increase your chances of winning, all participants can comment and share my post to their stories by tagging my Instagram account and Grenada Chocolate Fest, this can be done daily until the giveaway ends to increase your chances of winning. This daily step is optional. Sharing to story is a bonus entry
  • I retain the right to DISQUALIFY any entrant who does not complete all the mandatory steps mentioned above.
  • Accounts that follow me on Instagram just for the festive giveaway and unfollow me later will be banned from participating in any future giveaways – it is simply bad form to do this – kindly avoid, please? 🙂
  • One lucky winner will be picked at random at the end of the giveaway period.
  • The winner will be announced by me, the day after the giveaway ends – I will share the name and tag the winner on my Instagram story.
  • The winner has to ensure they check their messages on Instagram for a message from me congratulating them on winning.
  • The winner agrees to share their email with me so that it can be shared with Grenada Chocolate Fest who will arrange for the Goody Bag to be sent to the winner.
Chocolate treats come with this beautiful cotton Bag courtesy Grenada Chocolate Festival – – image courtesy Grenada Chocolate Fest

Please have a read through the Terms and Conditions below:

  • One lucky reader who enters my Instagram Festive Giveaway and follows all the rules will win a goody bag with Chocolate courtesy of the Grenada Chocolate Festival. (This festive giveaway is hosted by me on my Instagram account and Instagram is in no way associated with this giveaway. I have made no monetary or other gains in kind by way of associating with this giveaway whatsoever)
  • One lucky winner will be picked at random at the end of the giveaway period.
  • My Instagram festive giveaway will run from 12th Dec 2022 Monday until midnight GMT on 25th of Dec’2022 Sunday.
  • Entry is open only to residents of the U.K, except Scotland and Ireland.
  • All entrants must be 18 years old and above.
  • The winner agrees to share their email id with me and allows me to share it with the Grenada Chocolate festival who will then send them the goody bag directly. This means they will have to share their address with the festival.
  • The giveaway prize comes packed in a complimentary beautiful sturdy re-usable eco-friendly cloth bag.
  • The contents of the goody bag include Two Crayfish Bay Organic Chocolate 75%, Two Crayfish Bay Organic Coconut Cream, a Selection of individual squares of Crayfish Bay Organic Chocolate 75%, two traditional Grenadian cocoa balls, a Pack of roasted cocoa beans and a Pack of cocoa nibs.
  • The prize is as stated: it is non-transferable, and cash alternatives or any other alternatives are NOT available.
  • The winner will be notified on the 23rd Dec 2022 Friday via my Instagram account and here on my blog post too.
  • If the winner fails to respond within 7 days after their name has been announced, then another winner will be chosen at Random. Please allow for 15 days after this process for the goody bag to reach you.

This is what one lucky winner will WIN!

Grenada Chocolate Festival 10th anniversary festive Giveaway – image courtesy Grenada Chocolate Fest

Tips to enjoy your treats from Grenada Chocolate Festival like a Pro!

  • The selection of individual squares of Crayfish Bay Organic Chocolate 75% are the perfect after-dinner treat.
  • Grenadian cocoa balls are made from cocoa beans that have been pot-roasted, ground with a pestle and mortar, blended with various locally grown spices, and hand-rolled into balls.  They are perfect for making traditional Grenadian cocoa tea, hot chocolate, or grated over a cappuccino.
  • The roasted cocoa beans will have a bitter taste and are a healthy snack as they are said to benefit heart health.  The beans have been hand-harvested, sweated, sun-dried, and pot-roasted on the sunny Caribbean island of Grenada. To use remove the shell and eat or add to breakfast cereal or yoghurt.  
  •  Cocoa nibs are broken pieces of cocoa beans and are perfect as a snack or added to cakes or other dishes for added crunch and a chocolatey flavour.  

You are welcome to add your own creative touch and enjoy your treats in any way you like!

Chocolate Martini Recipe

As promised earlier in my post, here is some bonus festive content.

No celebration is complete without an element of chocolate. And what better way to celebrate the spirit of the festive season and the Caribbean than with a Caribbean-themed cocktail?

This Chocolate Martini recipe is very easy to put together and a real celebration of all the things that the island is famous for – fresh spices, delicious chocolate made using local cocoa beans, and all things fun.

Decorate with grated nutmeg and ginger on top and as you sip on this fab cocktail, imagine how much fun it would be to enjoy this cocktail and so much more on the island of Grenada while sitting on a lovely soft sand beach with the warm sea breeze for company and the soft lapping of waves in the background …..sighhh…sounds positively heavenly to me!

Grenada – Chocolate Martini – image courtesy Grenada Chocolate Fest

Chocolate Martini

Fun chocolatey recipe with fresh spices from Grenada
Print Recipe
Course Drinks
Cuisine Caribbean

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Cocoa powder
  • 5 tsp Ground cardamom
  • 175 ml AMAZ-IN chocolate liqueur plus extra for decorating
  • 100 ml Blue Light vodka
  • 75 ml Single cream
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Decorate the glass, first. Mix the cocoa powder and ground cardamom on a plate then por in a little AMAZ-IN in to a separate saucer.Gently dip the rim of each Martini glass in the liqueur and then into the cocoaand spice mix to coat. Set aside.
  • Add AMAZ-IN, Blue Light vodka and single cream to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds. Pour into the decorated glasses andraise a toast to the Caribbean!

*Feel free to swap up the ingredients with what you have on hand.

Dreaming of all things Chocolate? Why not browse through my chocolate-themed recipes below?

  • Festive hot chocolate Vodka Martini with chilli-chocolate
  • Chocolate coconut cake with coconut flavoured icing
  • Basic chocolate cake with frosting
  • Choco-chip cookies

*With thanks to Grenada Chocolate festival for providing such a fabulous Goody bag for my Instagram giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own. Image Copyright: all images with my watermark are styled and clicked by me, any other images in the post are courtesy the Grenada Chocolate Festival.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Miscellaneous

Flora Indica, London – Botanical Themed Modern Indian

March 4, 2020 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Modern Indian dining with a botanical themed menu

I am always intrigued by the concept of modern Indian and was drawn to this restaurant because of its unique menu. The restaurant is named after and their theme derived from a book titled Flora Indica by two botanists Joseph Hooker and Thomas Thomson. Located a short walk from Earls court station on Old Brompton Road, this stylish venue is fitting of its splendid surroundings.

I graduated with a degree in Lifesciences and have a natural interest in Botany and thanks to my Indian roots, I have a keen interest in Indian cuisine particularly the regional diversity. This is why I am always interested to see how traditional Indian food is interpreted either based on a theme such as this – Botanical and using British ingredients or fusion.

At first glance, the bold blue at the entrance and the prominently placed nameplate tend to draw people into this airy space. The huge lifesize blue telephone box immediately reminded me of The Tardis in Doctor Who and I think I was probably as excited as young Billy Piper was whooshing away into galaxies unknown!

Time travel to the Victorian era

The heavy metalwork and a large collection of objects ranging from botanicals stored in pretty glass jars to gas masks and an intricate network of copper and zinc pipes are a creative nod to the Victorian period. Imagine the excitement of the Scottish botanists as they journeyed through India all those years ago discovering exotic flora and fauna. Probably not in The Tardis though but just as exciting am sure.

Creative interiors at Flora Indica
Creative interiors at Flora Indica

The restaurant is very spacious with a seating of 30 on the ground floor and 70 in the plush downstairs area which is equally quirky in terms of decor.

As I made a wild dash to meet my friend, I had worked up a proper appetite by then, I found her seated sipping on an interesting herbal mocktail called Flavours of Indica. She described this mixture of pomegranate juice with coconut water, citrus and a homemade spice rub , as very refreshing. I picked a gin cocktail from their very unique cocktail menu. They have an extensive gin menu keeping in line with the botanical theme. Why not have a browse through her interesting blog post about her visit to a fine dining restaurant at Mayfair.

We decided to share some of the modern Indian small plates from the A la carte menu. The yellowfin tuna and baby leek dish were dressed in black and white sesame and chilli caviar – we both agreed that it was delicious.

The next dish, however, was our favourite – a soft shell crab coated in batter, Amritsari fish style and served with tadka mayo on a bed of mash made with King Edward potatoes.

The chef surprised us with an off-menu delight – crab cakes. Curried crab meat coated in a crunchy batter served with a tasty chilli tadka mayo.

For mains we shared a lovely selection of dishes, each one picking one curry dish. The rogan josh was perfectly cooked soft meat from a suffolk lamb shoulder, slowly braised to release all it’s juices into the flavourful gravy sauce.

The corn-fed bergamot lemon chicken tikka was a very well-made dish. The creamy and makhani sauce demanded not to be left behind in the dish so we had to order some chilli garlic naan to mop it all up.

The beautifully presented basmati rice topped with pistachio and flavoured with fragrant kaffir lime leaf was very comforting, a great accompaniment to the curry dishes.

The sauteed curly kale and shredded Hispi cabbage side was a fabulous mix of flavours. Crunchy with strong undertones of ginger, enough to convert even the most determined kale sceptics.

Surprising how small plates tend to fill you up though, I do like this concept especially because it helps you monitor portion size.

Who can resist an offer for dessert and some much-needed dose of caffeine, especially in the later afternoon period? We succumbed to the tempting offer of kulfi semi-freddo and shahi tudka. The shahi tudka looked and was as regal as it’s name sounds

The crunch of the brioche smothered in a saffron sauce made with heavy cream, is balanced by the citrusy grilled pineapple. A very indulgent dessert this – I would always pick this one over a cold dessert, probably just how my palate has been trained over the years.

The kulfi semi Fredo is a nod to the popular Indian falooda, this version is basically a falooda deconstructed. The malai kulfi was fabulous and I could have poured a gallon more of the clove spiced chocolate sauce on top, given a choice!

We sipped on some lovely herbal infusion teas and then were given a tour of the downstairs area. Prepare to be dazzled by the bright interiors.

Massive floral shaped light fixtures adorn the walls and Harris tweed lined upholstery softens the tone.

This spacious downstairs area too is available for private hire, events, gin tastings, cookery demos and more.

An average spend of £60 to £65 per person will include one cocktail, two starters, a main curry dish and one rice or naan and a side and one dessert. Though the menu leans towards the higher price bracket, the food is well worth it.

Visiting London soon? Check out my detailed guide to London bridge area here. Get an insiders guide to the best local food, bars and hidden gems in the area.

*With thanks to my friend Le Binh and Flora Indica for the invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Cinnamon Lounge, Isleworth, London – A review

December 11, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Isleworth’s local Indian restaurant

Travelling in from Twickenham station on a chilly November evening, I arrive at Cinnamon Lounge just before evening opening time.

Chef- Patron Shameem Ahmed shares his journey from training at India’s famed Oberoi Hotel Group to owning and heading Cinnamon Lounge. Multi-award winning Chef Shameem is well known in the industry and is professionally trained with a degree in Hotel Management. Before venturing out on his own he has successfully headed at popular restaurants in Richmond and Brentford.

The whole restaurant has a very festive vibe going with the Christmas decorations up. As I settle in, being greeted by a very cheery member of their team, I decided to sample the Virgin Pinacolada. Creamy coconut goodness bursting with citrusy tropical flavours, sunshine in a glass this drink.

Virgin Pinacolada at Cinnamon Lounge

New Menu launch to celebrate a milestone

Chef-Patron Shameem has recently introduced a new menu which continues to offer authentic Indian dishes well-loved by their regulars but with some exciting Indo-Chinese offerings.

Delicious Starters

The best part of enjoying a meal with my fellow bloggers is the opportunity to sample varied dishes which really gives me a better understanding of the various dishes offered at the restaurant.

For meat and seafood starters, Heidi and I sampled a really mouth-watering selection. The Cinnamon Fish is one of their signature dishes, the white fish is lightly battered and fried with garlic and onions and garnished with nuts and mint

Cinnamon Fish starter

The crispy fried prawns are made with fresh prawns coated in a mix of spices and a thick batter. Though the prawns tasted fresh and had taken up the flavour of spices, I personally found the batter a bit thick.

Crispy fried prawns starter

Another signature non-veg starter we relished was the Chicken Mongolian, this Indo-Chinese dish is a favourite with the regulars and a dish that one must try. The chicken is marinated in a unique blend of spices with fenugreek and peanut. But for me, the Dry Vegetrain Manchurian dish was way more tempting than the chicken starter! Vegetable dumplings tossed ina soy-based sauce definitely hit the spot – they have just the right kind mix of spicy, tangy, crunchy notes that I love and enjoy and have grown to expect from any good Indo- Chinese Veg Manchurian. This starter definitely took me back to my days in Bombay

Dry Veg Manchurian starter
Chicken Mongolian starter

The start from the non-veg starters was, without doubt, the fabulous Kalmi Kebab – delicious whole legs of chicken marinated in a rich mix of spices and yoghurt ad chargrilled to give the perfect balance of smoky, juicy, tender meat which fell of the bone very easily. Best enjoyed with a generous drizzle of lime juice and a large dollop of green coriander chutney with scooped up for every mouthful 😉

Kalmi Kebab starter

We also sampled the some vegetarian starters, chosen by Nayna, which included the fabulous Dry Veg Manchurian along with the Punjabi samosas, Chilly Garlic Cauliflower ( which can be ordered as chilly garlic mushrooms or even mogo – which I think is brilliant!), Palak chat – which is nice twist to the traditional street food Bhel and last but definitely not the least – Bhindi Karari

Punjabi Samosas
Palak Chaat

The Bhindi karari should be awarded as the best dish of the evening, this is a great accompaniment to drinks or fabulous just sprinkled over plain rice and daal tadka.

Bhindi Karari starter
Chilly Garlic Cauliflower florets starter

Though the Jhinga Kalonji (Hindi- English – Jhinga – Prawn, Kalonji – Nigella), is part of the mains menu we enjoyed this dish as part of our starter spread. These delicately spiced, chargrilled prawns are juicy and impossible to resist.

Jhinga Kalonji

It would be unfair not to mention the fried papad (popaddums) platter that was served with a selection of dips and chutneys – always a welcome crunchy snack to navigate the waiting period before starters arrive or after the mains to wash down with drinks.

Main course and sides

This was a real feast as we ate our way around a huge selection of amazing meat and vegetarian dishes all mopped up with beautifully fresh Naans from the breadbasket and a variety of rice dishes including a fragrant Pulav rice and fluffy perfectly cooked plain rice.

For our meaty mains, we relished -Dum ka Murgh – another signature dish this Hyderabadi speciality is cooked in a rich sauce of almonds and cashews inside a sealed pot giving the dish a fabulous texture and making the chicken almost disapper as it hits the palate. Gosht Kalimirchi, yet another signature dish which the chef recommends pairing with a buttery naan. Succulent pieces of soft-cooked lamb are flavoured in a rich pepper sauce. Butter chicken was done well and is a very popular dish which ranks high in my list of flavourful comfort foods, highly recommended for those who love Indian food but cannot handle the heat from strong spices. The Saag Gosht was a beautiful dish, perfectly cooked chunks of lamb cooked in a thick spinach gravy – great with a garlic naan and plain rice.

Saag Gosht

The lamb biryani had a generous amount of delicious lamb pieces and was served in a beautiful earthen pot, which of course all us instantly fell in love with.

A rich Daal Makhani, a smoky Baingan Bharta (Baingan – Aubergine) and a fresh off the tandoor Peshawari naan side completed the main course spread.

Garlic Naan

Indulging my sweet tooth

Desserts at Cinnamon Lounge

Dessert to share included warm gajar halwa – a popular Indian dessert made from grated carrot, delicious warm gulab-jamuns served with vanilla ice-cream (but served separately for our table as I cannot stand to mix the fabulously syrupy gulab-jamuns with a frozen scoop of ice-cream), thick kheer – which was very homely and came sprinkled with pistachios and we also tasted a portion of pista kulfi.

Gulab-Jamun

The food at Cinnamon Lounge is prepared by a skilled team which reflects in the consistent delivery of authentic Indian cuisine that boasts of refinement going hand in hand with traditional dishes.

Excellent neighbourhood Indian restaurant with great service and good food. The menu has a good variety and covers most of the popular North Indian dishes and Indo-Chinese specials.

Bar area

Average bill size for two adults with drinks, starters, mains and dessert would be approximately £55 – assuming beer is the drink of choice and there are 2 starters, 2 mains, sides and a dessert each.

Spacious Seating

With its delicious menu and festive specials, this makes for the ideal choice of place for celebrations with plenty of space for large groups. They also have separate areas for lounge, bar and dining.

Lounge

Cinnamon Lounge is ideally located for Twickenham rail station and the bustling high-street. Twickenham Road has several buses plying from a stop right outside the restaurant towards Twickenham, also there is ample parking space available. And for those days when you simply don’t want to move a muscle, then there is always the option of ordering food online 😉

*With thanks to Cinnamon Lounge for the invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark Hotel

November 22, 2019 by manjirichitnis 4 Comments

Afternoon Tea – it is all about the experience and not just about perfectly made sandwiches or warm scones. It is all about the setting, the atmosphere – don’t you think?

I love sampling the afternoon tea at various places around London and I couldn’t turn down an invite from Fiona to accompany her to The Landmark.

Winter Garden at The Landmark, Marylebone

Through a grand stone arch up a flight of stairs, when one enters into the soaring Winter Garden, it is quite a breathtaking experience.

The massive central courtyard is a beautiful space flooded with natural light. The glass roof that covers the atrium sits at a massive height, creating a huge dome surrounded by the rooms on all sides. Tall palm trees add to the grandeur of the Winter Garden.

Rich Victorian Heritage of The Landmark Hotel, London

The Landmark Hotel at Marylebone is built around a huge central courtyard. When it was first opened in 1899 it was called the Great Central Hotel. Sir Edward Watkin has envisioned the creation of the Great Central Railway, Marylebone Station and a Grand Hotel for its elite passengers.

When his health failed him, the project was taken over by Edward Montagu, the Earl of Wharncliffe. At this time the site was bought by the famous furniture store chain of the times Maples. To match the grandeur of luxury hotels of the time, the hotel was designed around a vast courtyard that delivered guests directly into the courtyard by horse and carriage offering them privacy. The glass roof and airy interior made for a very dramatic entrance and ensured all rooms got adequate light and air.

The hotel changed hands once again in 1988 when the new roof to the atrium was raised and the winter garden was designed. Windsor Hotel was the name proposed at this time, but it reopened as the Regent in 1993 under new management. Two years later it was renamed The Landmark Hotel.

Award-winning Afternoon Tea

Our welcome glass of bubbly was the Champagne de Castelnau Brut Reserve. Then we picked our teas and picked a theme for our pastries. I choose to have the chocolate afternoon tea while my companion picked the classic afternoon tea.

Picking a tea to pair with my chocolate tea was quite easy as the Smooth Caramel sounded like it was made to pair with the chocolatey delights on my afternoon tea menu.

Our afternoon tea came laid out on elegant trays on shiny silver trays. The steaming hot teas came in beautiful silver teapots.

We thoroughly enjoyed our sandwich selection which consisted of deliciously fresh cucumber sandwiches (which I loved and couldn’t get enough of), coronation chicken on walnut bread, Lapsang Souchong tea-smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches which were a hit with my companion, and organic egg mayonnaise with mustard and cress. The sandwiches were so fresh and delicious that we asked for more.

My chocolate-themed pastries included a decadent blood orange and white chocolate mousse which was also my absolute favourite. The other chocolatey delights were a milk chocolate dacquoise sponge with hazelnut Chantilly cream, a beautiful banana, pecan nut, and milk chocolate cake and a perfectly formed large coconut and chocolate macaroon topped with a tiny dollop of delicate edible gold foil.

My companion picked the Earl Grey tea which was a bit too strong for her liking. She loved her pastry selection from the classic afternoon tea though. It included a rhubarb and lemon meringue tartlet which looked very tempting, a pretty looking simnel cake with dried fruits spices and marzipan, a delicious dark and white chocolate sphere which was my companion’s favourite pick from the lot and last but not the least a salted caramel macaroon. 

The scones we were served also offered a selection depending on our choice of afternoon tea. So while I enjoyed a selection of plain and chocolate scones, Fiona was served plain and fruit scones. I loved that we could pick two jams from a really good selection of jams. This was for me was a big plus point in favour of this whole afternoon tea experience. The other positives, of course, include the fabulously fresh sandwiches, the lovely selection of premium teas and the exquisite selection of chocolate pastries.

I picked a gooseberry and elderflower jam to go with my scones and clotted cream which I thought went really well with the warm scones, especially the chocolate scones. An unexpected but very pleasant combination of flavours. My companion picked apricot jam which she thought paired really well with the fruity scones, as expected. We had plenty of clotted cream to smother our scones with and am sure we would have managed to eat a few more scones if we hadn’t done round two of the sandwiches.

I would rate this experience amongst my Top 5 afternoon teas in London and I have tried quite a few. I love the location for this hotel too and that definitely adds to the score. With Marylebone station right around the corner, this grand venue has loads of offer. So you not only enjoy a delicious afternoon tea served in pretty silver wear by very attentive and polite staff but you always experience being inside a larger than life Winter Garden, sitting in a quiet seating area surrounded by tall Palm trees looking up at glass roof atrium and enjoy the soft music thanks to a harpist playing in the background.

To book this luxurious afternoon tea experience at The Landmark Hotel check out their menu and other details on their website here: The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone, London.

Curious to explore more options for Afternoon Tea in London? Why not browse through my blog and read about my experiences in various places:

  • Boyds Brasserie, Charing Cross
  • The Wallace Collection – Afternoon Tea amidst Art, Westminster
  • Honey Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s, Westminster
  • Moroccan Afternoon Tea at Leila, Ealing

Looking for more options for places to eat at while in Marylebone, why not read Fiona’s review about Twist Kitchen, an independent local restaurant in the area.

* With thanks to Fiona who blogs at London Unattached and The Landmark Hotel for the invite. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No monetary compensation was offered.

Filed Under: Events, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Blackhorse, Kingston upon Thames, London – Review

August 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Blackhorse – Cosy pub with a garden in Kingston Upon Thames

Newly refurbished Blackhorse Pub is the new contemporary hub for locals in the Norbiton and Kingston area. Conveniently located only minutes from Norbiton station and a very short walk from major bus routes from Kingston Station going via the hub towards Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Richmond, etc, not to mention its proximity to Richmond Park.

Stunning new interiors

The very attentive Pub manager suggested some we try some of the crowd favourites and even shared his most loved dishes from the menu. We tried some amazing crispy squid and the very knowledgeable bartender helped me pair it with some really good wine.

For mains, I picked the cod fillet served with crushed new potatoes, artichokes. Sitting on a bed of buttery goodness, garnished with capers and topped with delicate micro-herbs, the cod was cooked to perfection – succulent flaky white flesh and deliciously crispy skin – it would have been an absolute crime to not eat the crispy skin, best enjoyed with a scoop of buttery carby crushed new potatoes.

The mister chose a man-sized main ( of course! ) – a hearty cheeseburger with the most gorgeous pickles, juicy meat middle sandwiched between soft buns. Every bite oozing with melted cheese and bursting with flavour. The side of chips was very moreish too.

The new Chef Giovanni Lezzi has done wonders for the menu by including some fabulous new dishes. The focus is on sustainability and the use of locally sourced ingredients. The menu also evolves with the seasons, ensuring there is always something new to sample, while also serving the good old pub classics.

We were so stuffed with our generous starters and mains that we decided to share one dish for dessert – a very indulgent chocolate cheese with perfectly poached pears and vanilla ice cream.

The interiors are very warm and welcoming. I would have loved to lounge by the fireplace but it is very popular especially with the regulars – Can’t blame them really! The Blackhorse is also incredibly dog-friendly, they have the cutest mini barrel which stores water and there are plenty of doggie bowls to ensure your four-legged friend doesn’t go thirsty while you enjoy a chilled beer. There is also a big jar of tasty treats for your furry friend – Paw-tastic I say!

The Blackhorse Inn has ample outdoor seating and is perfect for lounging around in the summer while enjoying their BBQ menu. Also, perfect for hosting functions.

This erstwhile country pub has been updated and is now a very stylish pub with a well thought of menu. Spacious and cosy with plenty of comfortable seating, it is frequented by many locals who are regulars. A well-stocked bar with an extensive wine list, menus to cater to brunch, Sunday roast and even a special BBQ, they also host wine tastings.

*With thanks to Blackhorse, Kingston upon Thames for an invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Review: Copper Leaf, Hampton Wick, London

July 23, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

An exciting new restaurant and gin bar has opened shop at Hampton Wick. The location is brilliant, it is nestled next to a local pub, just off the circle going towards Kingston Bridge. Boasting a 60 gin strong menu sourced from around the world, there is probably a gin cocktail to suit every mood.

I was invited to review Copper Leaf along with Nayna and Heidi. It was a bright summer evening and a gin and tonic seemed like a great idea. I decided to go with the Gin of the week called Gabriel Boudier Saffron. The cocktail was mixed with Fever tree tonic, refreshing orange zest and chocolate bitters, was garnished with a generous pinch of delicate strands of saffron and a block of massive hand-carved ice.

The bartender and expert mixologist Hannah showed us her impressive collection of botanicals many of which she forages herself and a lovely collection of dark and mysterious potions – bitters which she concocts herself. This creative mixologist even uses ice cubes that she hand carves, they are massive and help you enjoy your drink longer without diluting it quickly. The second I saw the giant ice-cube, I exclaimed saying that it was the Rock of Gibraltar which then Heidi christened as the Ice cube of Gibraltar.

Heidi too chose the Saffron gin cocktail while Nayna enjoyed a blush pink Lychee rose cocktail infused with rose water, lychee and rose syrups and gulkand.

We opted for the Tapas menu and the chef sent us over a mixed selection of some amazing small plates.

My favourite tapas were from the seafood collection. Juicy Atlantic prawns floating in garlic and chilli oil were perfectly done. Lyme bay salted cod fritters which sat on a bed of saffron aioli were so good they reminded me of my trip to Lisbon where I enjoyed more cod fritters than I can possibly remember.

And the cured salmon served with tiny bite sizes cubes of beetroot and cucumber and transparent salt and vinegar gel tasted better than it looked.

From the meat collection, we tried the sauteed Spanish chorizo in red wine jus, spiced Hampshire lamb served with a curry emulsion and mint yoghurt, Albondigas – juicy beef meatballs smothered in a delicious tomato and basil sauce. I loved the Serrano ham croquettes the most, they are served with moreish smoked paprika aioli.

I also really liked all the tapas which we sampled from the vegetarian and vegan selection. We had patas bravas in a spicy tomato sauce, Tempura asparagus with lime aioli, pan-fried green beans sprinkled with crunchy pinenuts, garlic and sundried tomatoes, fabulous manchego cheese croquettes with pickled walnuts and caramelised onions. The chana masala was okay, the basmati rice it was paired with was perfect for scooping the juicy tomato sauce from the other tapas. It was hard to pick a favourite but the manchego cheese croquettes and tempura asparagus were our top two.

Nayna washed down the veg tapas with this summery mocktail called the Tropical Crush. A fruity explosion with a mix of passion fruit, mango,pineapple and coconut syrup.

I decided to explore the Negroni gin menu and chose the Teagroni. It is infused with Chinese blue flower tea and is really a taste sensation. Presented beautifully cocktail was a great accompaniment to my tapas.

Luckily, it is possible to try all the versions of negroni by opting for the Negroni collection from the Gin tasting menu. Apart from the Negroni collection, they have the two World Gin collections, Dry, exotic floral and even herb and spice gin collections. Each is served with matching garnishes and is perfect for sharing with friends.

For dessert, we sampled the Peanut Butter Cheese Cake garnished with candied peanuts and served with Miso Caramel Ice Cream, Grilled pineapple with rum-infused cherries served with a side of coconut sorbet, also the lavender and white chocolate Panacotta, which had the perfect wobble and was topped with macerated Strawberries and ginger crumble.

With its delicious modern European cuisine and beautifully presented Tapas made by their talented chef, excellent service, fabulous gin cocktails made by their very talented mixologist – Copper Leaf ticks all the boxes. Importantly, the experience they provide and the high quality of the food and drinks, excellent presentation – put them on par with some of the leading restaurants in the city – all this without burning a massive hole in the pocket. Definitely, a place to consider when looking for a restaurant in Kingston, Hampton Wick, Teddington and surrounding areas.

Heidi enjoyed a masterclass at Busaba Eathai, which is just across the Kingston bridge, along the riverside.

*With thanks to Copper Leaf for an invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Review – Indian Fine dining restaurant – Chakra at Kingston, London

June 21, 2019 by manjirichitnis 2 Comments

Kingston Upon Thames, is a beautiful part of southwest London which has many things to offer. Apart from the expected stunning views of Thames along the Riverside walk, there is a buzzing high street and an amazing Ancient Market. Home to Kingston University, this Royal borough is also home to some great educational institutions and also has its own arts venue – Rose Theatre.

Naturally, with so much happening in and around Kingston, the food scene is very exciting. From a very busy food market and most popular chains, there is also a fair spattering of local cafes and restaurants.

Food Scene at Kingston

The Riverside Walk though has fabulous views of the Thames and great outdoor seating. Chakra in Kingston occupies one of the best spots along the river, where you can spend hours enjoying an indulgent Indian meal, while watching ducks and swans bobbing around on the water, seemingly undisturbed by the occasional riverboat or enthusiastic university students practicing their rowing skills.

I have in the past written about a grand five-course meal that I enjoyed at Chakra at Kensington which you can read here. So naturally, when I was invited to review their brand new menu at Kingston, I was excited and expected a feast 🙂

The interiors are very stylish with large mirrors, lanterns and loads of plants all around giving the place a very fresh and welcoming vibe.

Am glad to report that I was not disappointed. On a beautiful sunny afternoon a few months ago, Heidi and I enjoyed a delicious spread at Chakra in Kingston.

We picked the crowd favourite – Mango Lassi, the sweet and thick lassi does hit the spot and sets the mood for all the flavours to follow.

Amuse Bouche

The assorted papads which come with a selection of three very delicious chutneys and dips. I absolutely loved the spicy kick, crunch and texture of the sago popaddum.

Next came the Lucknowi samosa chaat was tangy and sweet with hints of chilli, everything you would expect in a good chaat dish.

For starters, we enjoyed the fabulous Tandoor selection of meat and veg. Succulent and smoky Hariyali Chikka Tikka, melt-in-the-mouth delicious Peshawari Lamb chops, extremely moreish Golden king prawn, a really soft Paneer Tikka, gorgeous Tandoori Gobi ( aka the humble cauliflower – so good – I would choose it over the meat – yes honestly!) and perfectly done stuffed peppers aka Bharwa Mirchi ( made me wonder what the secret spice mix that was used to stuff the juicy peppers)

The mains arrived on a huge tray heaving under the weight of all the food. The Good ole butter chicken is just that – a buttery smooth gravywith yummy soft chicken. To complete the meal we were served a selection of Naans fresh from the tandoor, Chakra House Daal, Saag Aloo, Saffron Rice, and pomegranate raita.

Chakra’s Gourmand Journey

To enjoy a similar spread, simply pick the sharing menu at Chakra, Kingston. Some dishes will vary based on seasonality like the fresh berry cheesecake which is their sweet sensation in the sharing menu (wow!)

Dessert was a grand affair

Dessert was as visually appealing as it was a feast for the palate. The prettiest malai kulfi I have ever had – topped with crushed nuts, dried rose petals, edible flowers and syrup – ummm.

Chakra has a menu that offers everything from the most popular North Indian dishes to tangy street food style dishes, all presented beautifully. An ideal choice to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with fabulous views of the Thames and Kingston bridge all year round.

*With thanks to Humayun Hussain and Chakra on Kingston for an invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Moroccan Afternoon Tea in London at Leila, Ealing

February 12, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Afternoon Tea with a Moroccan Twist

Afternoon Tea to me somehow always means dainty sandwiches and delicious pastries and an of course lots of tea and bubbly, ideally in a bottomless glass.

But a neighbourhood favourite restaurant in a leafy suburb of London has gone ahead and created a brilliant fusion version that will leave you coming back for more.

Situated literally minutes away from Ealing Common station, Leila restaurant sits pretty on a buzzing high street. Leila is just one of the many popular gems in this very gentrified part of London, otherwise known for its massive 47–acre green urban breathing space.

Now local pubs, a Japanese grocery store and an Iranian sweet shop all huddle next to each other, competing for attention, on this rather cosy suburb.

Beautiful fresh flower arrangements and a lovely enclosed seating area with huge decorative Moroccan lamps greet hungry patrons at the entrance to Leila.

I usually prefer to do afternoon tea with a group of friends and having Nayna and Heidi, my friends and fellow bloggers at the table was a great opportunity to catch up after what seemed like ages!

A rather luxurious mezze spread greeted me when I arrived. Smoky Baba Ganoush and crisp freshly made falafel and bowls of hummus with warm flatbread.

But the star at the table was a pastry stuffed with chicken studded with golden raisins. Popularly served during Lebanese weddings, this is traditionally a large pastry which is shared by 4 to 6 people. This mini version can still easily serve two people atleast. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this dish looks elegant and tastes fabulous.

We also really loved the phyllo pastry parcels served with feta cheese, very crunchy texture on the outside and soft melting cheese on the inside.

For our afternoon tea we move to a larger table inside and are greeted with bright done up interiors.
Rainbow coloured upholstery and brightly painted walls create a vibrant atmosphere. Strategically placed velvet Fez Hats and belly dancer hip scarves adorn the walls.

Hot Moroccan tea arrived in traditional kettles with slender snouts and colourfull glasses to pour the tea into. Fresh Mint leaves add a fragrant and visually pleasing appeal to the tea.

The 3 tiered cake stand literally heaving with a large selection of sweet and savoury treats arrives soon after. The mini chicken Pastilla Djaj is served with Zaalouk, a smoky aubergine and tomato dip. A mini chicken shawarma roll and a falafel wrap complete the savoury offering. Very filling and very fresh and delicious. The chicken is delicious and flavourful and the shawarma wrap flatbread is fresh and soft. Best enjoyed with several cups of refreshing Moroccan tea the savoury treats hit the spot.

We were informed that the desserts are all prepared fresh on-site and stay true to the theme of creating fusion flavours. The argan delice slice with pistachios and date is gorgeously moreish with crunchy praline for as a base. A very traditional Middle Eastern dessert the Mahalabia is a light milk pudding with delicate rose flavours and very similar in texture and consistency to a pannacotta. For some reason, this dessert reminded me of a childhood favourite – China Grass. One of the ways my mother would get us to eat our greens was by bribing us later with pistachio flavoured china grass, a jelly with local flavouring and a flavour profile similar that to kheer made in condensed milk. The pistachio cupcake was superb and I could literally have eaten six in one go if given an opportunity. The delightfully yum chocolate mousse had a nice hint of date and looked perfectly dainty on the platter. No afternoon tea is complete without a mini Victoria sponge, this one had notes of pomegranate.

The scones had warming notes of cinnamon and were served with fresh clotted cream and jam. But the pistachio Madeleine’s beat the scones hands down.

For a truly Moroccan finish to this divine fusion afternoon tea, a platter of nutty, crunchy and sweet Baklava was served. A far cry from the sticky mounds available at Christmas markets, these are the real deal.

By the time we are done, the light outside has faded and the yellow-orange bulbs throw delicate shadows from inside the intricate filigree design of the Moroccan lamps placed everywhere. Hungry locals are coming in and the place begins to get busy. Our cue to say our goodbyes and leave but not before we get a doggy bag each to take home.

Priced at £18.99 for 2 or £27.99 for 2 with a glass of bubbly each or a Leila special Moroccan cocktail each, this is a real steal deal. They have also launched cookery classes and I would love to go back for more of their food and to pick up some neat Middle Eastern cooking tips.

Curious to explore more options for Afternoon Tea in London? Why not browse through my blog and read about my experiences in various places:  

  • Boyds Brasserie, Charing Cross
  • The Wallace Collection – Afternoon Tea amidst Art, Westminster
  • Honey Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin’s, Westminster
  • Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone

For more afternoon tea options have a browse through Nayna’s post about masala chai here and Heidi’s review of the W Hotel here.

*With thanks to the hosts – Food and Hospitality Consultant Humayun Hussain and Leila Moroccan restaurant for an invite. All opinions expressed are as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

Baluchi restaurant at The Lalit, London – a Review

June 29, 2018 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Baluchi at The Lalit, London – a Review

Nestled amongst modern glass structures sits the beautiful Grade II listed red brick building housing The Lalit, London. Acquired as part of an ambitious project by the Lalit Group, it is their first Hotel outside the Indian subcontinent.

I was invited to lunch at the Baluchi restaurant at The Lalit, London and so a few days ago, on a fabulously sunny Monday afternoon, my friend N and I, were welcomed by a warm Namaste at the grand front entrance.  From thereon, every staff member who walked past greeted us with an equally warm traditional Indian greeting – Namaste – best way to make me feel instantly at home.

This stunning building, former home to the renowned grammar school St Olaves, has been painstakingly restored to retain most of its period features. This period building housing The Lalit, London, is a tribute to the late Mr. Lalit Suri, whose love for London city had always drawn him here and he had envisioned setting up a hotel in the city.

The central theme of marrying Indian Opulence to the grand features of a former school extends to the names of the hotel rooms,aptly called classrooms,  the meeting rooms are ‘Laboratories’ and the bars have been named the ‘Teachers Room’ and the ‘Headmasters Room’. Many a former student, have been known to enjoy a drink or two in The Headmasters Room Bar, no doubt reminiscing about their school days.

Baluchi, the pan Indian restaurant, occupies the grand former assembly Great Hall. The spacious seating and larger than life blue chandeliers add a modern twist to old world charm. The delicate jaali woodwork around the beautiful bread bar called ‘The Naan’ery’ compliments the original parquet flooring.  The gallery offers a bird’s eye view of the ‘Great Hall’ and enjoying a themed afternoon tea at the gallery, is probably the best way to relax and admire the beautiful view and marvel at the stunning interiors.

The vivid blue ceiling and the exquisite chandeliers are reminiscent of the grandeur of Indian palaces, while the timber-panelled walls ooze Victorian charm.

After welcoming us, Chef de Cuisine atBaluchi, Chef Jomon took us on a tour of the grounds. Chef Jomon Kuriakose has over a decade of experience in the kitchen and before coming to Baluchi, has worked at the Cinnamon Kitchen under the guidance of Vivek Singh.

A beautiful and very artistic, milky white stone statue of Lord Ganesha, looking onto a great view of the Shard, seems to be keeping watch over the red brick hotel building, silently, from its place in the outside terrace. The elephant-headed god also makes his presence felt in the hotel room decor, in the form of rustic stone structures.

While the Chef excused himself to the kitchen we continued on a grand tour of the building. The Lalit houses 70 luxurious bedroom some even with 30 foot high ceilings making this a very unique boutique hotel. The Lalit legacy suite connects three rooms and offers all modern day amenities including a grand tub and a heated seat Japanese toilet – ah the luxury! The timber panelled walls, embroidered Indian tapestry and framed photos of former school building vye for attention against stunning views of the Shard and the Thames.

This room definitely has my heart but I cannot explain the feeling of being inside the Prestige Classroom, this room was flooded with light, thanks to its high ceiling and the skylights letting in the warm sunlight. I can only imagine waking up in one of these suites and enjoying my morning cuppa while looking onto the Thames and seeing the city come alive with its daily buzz of activity.

Next stop was to admire the state-of-art spa called ‘Rejuve’ offering traditional Indian therapies. I would love to be pampered with a warm Indian hot oil head massage and indulge myself with one of the relaxing therapies sighhhhh….

After this grand tour, my friend N and I got to pick a table to be seated at and enjoyed some very refreshing cocktails. A cucumber flavoured vodka cocktail helped cool me down several degrees on that very warm summer afternoon. A perfect accompaniment to our cocktails were the crunchy papads served with a selection of chutneys.

First to arrive at our table was a beautifully presented platter of starters. Even the menu follows the central theme, with the starts titled ‘Term1’ – reminding us that we were seated in the majestic Great Hall, a former school assembly hall.

The plating was so artistic, almost too beautiful to eat! Top L-R in the photo above: A Gluten-Free monkfish tikka called Panch Phoran Mahi Tikka which was so delicate it simply melted in my mouth – pure joy!  It was flavoured with Kasundi mustard and herbs and placed on a bed of tomato emulsion. Scattered around were some bits of a beetroot brittle – so moreish! Dotted along the side was a seabuckthorn gel – and because it sounded so exotic I just had to try it! I found that it had a very sharp, tart taste if consumed on its own and as a chutney used to mop the courgette fritter – yes that seemed to work unexpectedly!

In the centre of the plate was a stuffed courgette flower, coated in a light batter. The crisp fritter or Bharwan Zucchini was delicious and I would have loved a small platter of just these fritters with a tangy tamarind chutney – ummmm. The Kaafir lime chicken tikka was juicy, flavourful and tandoor-cooked to perfection and was topped with a lovely cashew crumble.

For our mains or ‘Mid Term’ we were served some of my favourites which also happen to be some of their most popular dishes, Tandoori Prawns, Butter chicken, Palak Paneer, Dal Baluchi and a mixed bread basket to mop it all up with. I love seafood and the prawns were brilliant, the spices were just right and they were not cooked to retain the plump and juicy texture – mouthwatering!

Black daal is cooked overnight giving it a thick, creamy and rich texture, making the Dal Baluchi a very comforting dish. Amongst the other breads, there was a very unusual mango flavoured bread stuffed with coconut – a fusion take on the regular Peshawari naan. It was delicious but probably not my favourite one amongst the selection, a very personal choice though because I much prefer a regular naan or chilli garlic naan to the Peshawari – a matter of personal choice, I guess. The palak paneer was very good, I love paneer and never pass up an opportunity to try a paneer dish. I am glad I opted for panner, I was not in the least bit disappointed and if I had to pick just one main with my naan it would probably be this humble spinach dish. The best part was the paneer was so soft and had a melt-in-your-mouth consistency – such a pleasure for my taste buds and the hint of kasoori methi and ginger flavour in the spinach base was very pleasing too. The butter chicken was delightful, the chicken had soaked up the marinade and spices and the buttery creamy sauce it was cooked in was very tasty.

And just when I thought that the start platter plating was so amazing that no other dish served that day could keep up, Chef Jomon decided to dial up the visual delight, a notch or two with two stunningly well-presented plates of dessert aptly titled ‘Term Break’.  A very exotic sounding Paan Kulfi sat on a bed of sevai, the paan infused kulfi flavour was spot on and a great tribute to both the traditional kulfi and the meetha paan that many people love to chew after a meal. The texture was perfect, creamy and the lovely berry compotes dotting the plate were delicious too – we scooped them up with the fresh strawberries on the plate. Paan lovers – add this dessert to your list of not to be missed dishes!

The cardamom ice cream was my favourite though and the saffron infused pineapple it sat on was beautifully juicy, sweet and the flavour pairing worked so well together. My very tropical and Indian palate was very satiated with this dessert.

All these amazing dishes are a testament to Chef Jomon’s passion for creative flavours and innovative dining.

We spent a happy few hours exploring the opulent suites, devouring fabulous Indian food and experiencing the very warm hospitality of the team at The Lalit in London. Chef Jomon spoilt us with some really great food and the bright sunshine just made it a perfect afternoon out in London.

*With thanks to The Lalit, London for an invite to a truly memorable afternoon at the Baluchi. All opinions expressed are as always my own. 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: a Review, Baluchi at The Lalit, london

Modern Indian Vegan Supperclub

March 26, 2018 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Eating out in today’s times, especially in London, leaves one spoilt for choice, not just with the plethora of amazing eateries offering so many popular cuisines but also, supper clubs and pop-ups. Especially for anyone looking for authentic regional cuisine or craving a more personal and homely dining experience, home run supper clubs are just the thing. And for all my vegetarian and vegan friends, I am happy to say that London has so much to offer!

Having hosted a few pop-ups myself, I am always excited and curious to explore this facet of the food culture in the capital.

Recently, I was invited to a modern Indian vegan supper club by Chef Saurav Nath, who has worked with some big names in India and London like the Taj Group and Gymkhana in Marylebone to name a few. I met him when he was heading up the kitchen at Inito – an Indian street food restaurant in London’s Spitalfields, which I had the pleasure of reviewing. (Interested to read my review of Intio? Go here)

Ever since, I have loved his style and creativity and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see what his interpretation of modern vegan food would be like in the context of Indian cuisine. Also, an opportunity to enjoy a meal with my fellow food blogger and friend Heidi is always welcome.

The venue was Chakra on Holland Street (read my review here), set in the swank Kensington area of London. After a fashionably late start to the evening, which Heidi and I, noticed was due to the late arrival of some of the guests, we were served a very refreshing aperitif called – Kheera Jhal Jeera a zesty and moreish Cucumber & cumin refresher which was followed soon by an excellent Amuse Bouche. Gajjar aur Suryamukhi ka Shorba or Jerusalem artichoke & Chantilly carrot soup infused with curry leaf, mustard, asafoetida & sunflower seed. This mini portion served with bite-sized crunchy kale pakoras was a great teaser for the palate.

So far I was delighted by everything, the taste, the creativity, presentation and the beautiful names of all the dishes on the menu.

The starter was a bold combination of tofu and kidney beans to create a vegan version of the famous Awadhi mincemeat galouti kebabs, which I personally found to be okay. Considering I love eating meat, I think it was more to do with what taste I am familiar with than the dish itself. The wasabi yoghurt was good but the edible coal chutney sounded very exciting but didn’t do much for my palate.

Another interesting part of this menu was a fabulous mid-course dish called Chukandari Tikka – Tandoori grilled sous vide, braised beetroot tikka flavoured with aromatic garam masala, coconut chutney & mushroom pickle. The beetroot tasted good and the complex mix of flavours from the garam masala really packed a punch. I really liked the mushroom pickle too and I think it was a good combination with the beetroot, unlike the coconut chutney. The coconut chutney though delicious on its own, seemed a bit out of place with the other two stars on the plate.

After what seemed like a long wait, the beautifully presented mains were served. I must say I wasn’t expecting to see Patra – or plates made from dried leaves used to serve the mains in – of course, supported by regular plates below.

This traditional Indian disposeable environment-friendly plate is made from dried leaves and is very popular during Hindu poojas and normally prasad is served in them. I love this kind of patra as it has very convenient litle ‘compartments’ or depressions to serve daal and vegetables seperately!

The edible flowers added a nice touch to the Khichadi. The wild garlic and purple sprouting broccoli khichadi was okay, but the rhubarb chutney it was served was beautiful in every sense of the word. The Shahi jeera or royal cumin flavoured soya dumplings were tasty but very filling and the sauce they were served it was very good. Not easy to pull off am sure, considering the total lack of dairy flavouring! The kiwi raita was a pleasant accompaniment too.

To share, we were served a generous portion of Turai Poriyal, Dal Palak and Roti. Hot off the tandoor the roti was comforting with the spinach daal and felt very homely and wholesome, although I would have loved a big blob of ghee on the roti 😉

The Turai poriyal or courgettes cooked in grated coconut were really tasty and another dish that I would love to eat again. My tummy had given me the full capacity signal loud and clear, so nibbling on the dessert was the best I could manage.

The pineapple & coconut halwa samosas sat on a bed of gooey and sticky sago pudding. These were garnished with a dusting of gram flour caviar – or crumbled motichoor ladoos and pomegranate soil. Now motichoor ladoos, I could never resist and sago pudding albeit in a different version, is something I have grown up eating – we make it for days when we fast for religious purposes and it is a very welcome texture for my palate and therefore a familiar and very welcome taste. Coconut – both fresh and grated feature heavily in both our masalas and in our coastal curries and I like pineapple too. So a combination of these two popular tropical flavours that remind me of my Maharashtrian coastal cuisine was obviously a winning combination but can’t say I was a fan of the vegan outer casing of the samosa in which these beautiful ingredients were packed. Again something I shall say is a very personal opinion and interpretation.

Though some of the dishes didn’t shine through as much as the others, it was only because some of the dishes like the vegan shorba, the beetroot tikka, wasabi yoghurt, mushroom pickle and turai poriyal totally dominated over others on the menu. I would give five stars to the menu for its sheer creativity and the deceptive ease with which these dishes seem to have been created. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to create vegan versions of many of these dishes and serve a packed restaurant all courses at the almost the same time – which in my humble opinion is one of the biggest challenges any supper club host faces and therefore, a measure of success. Apart from the delay between the mid-course and mains, I really cannot think of anything to complain about – except that I would have loved to gulp down several glasses of that gorgeous aperitif – Kheera Jhal Jeera!

Modern interpretations of classic recipes are always difficult to pull off and even more so for an audience as discerning as the one from London. But I think Chef Saurav Nath has really pushed the boundaries and created some truly beautiful vegan versions of popular Indian dishes. So would I recommend going to his supper club? Oh absolutely!

*With thanks to the host – Food and Hospitality Consultant Humayun Hussain, Chef Saurav Nath and Heidi for an invite. All opinions expressed are as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews

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