Swad Kesariya - Winter Food Festival at Khandani Rajdhani

The #SwadKesariya aka The Winter Food Festival has begun today at Rajdhani Thali in Phoenix Market City, Chennai. 

The pre-opening day saw the patrons from various walks of life. The restaurant was house-full by 1:30pm.

We were given their traditional welcome with a bindi followed by hot water hand wash and then the items started arriving. They were way too many to even remember. Hence, to be on the safer side, I clicked the pic of the menu (which is attached herewith for your kind perusal).

About the service:

Rajdhani is top notch when it comes to attending their customers. They keep coming over asking for your requirement. They ensure that your plate is not empty at any cost.

About the ambiance:

The restaurant has a pleasant ambiance - be it with the music or the lighting or the aroma. You will never feel like you’re in a restaurant as it offers the fine-dine experience.

About the food:

Each and every dish that was served right from the beginning till the end - be it Dhokla, Thepla, Khichdi or Laddoos , all of them were top notch. All the dishes that were served during this festival were Winter Special which means you get to eat the healthy & tasty food that is suitable for this prevailing climate.

My recommendations:

Do not miss the laddoos (4 types) apart from Kadhi, Kesar dry fruit pulav & dhokla/thepla. Doesn’t mean other dishes are any lesser but I preferred these compared to others and your preferences may vary 😊

Festival Date - 5th to 31st December,2019

Cost - ₹575+Taxes

Place - Khandani Rajdhani,Phoenix Market City,Velachery,Chennai

The Ministry Of Chutneys Masterclass at Radisson Blu GRT

It was a real mesmerising evening yesterday where I attended #TheMinistryOfChutneys by Anglo Indian Chef Bridget White Kumar who had come all the way from Bengaluru to conduct the class which went for a good 2 hours. The event was held at Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai

Initially, we were given a Hi-Tea on arrival which in itself was nothing less than the actual highlights of the day.

It was followed by the Masterclass. There was a good numbers who came all the way to attend the class which showed how much of importance is given to the Anglo Indian Cooking. This was in fact the first ever event, as far as I know, that was conducted in the city.

It was a two way conversational Masterclass which made it even more interesting since Chef gave lot of interesting anecdotes about the dishes she prepared. More about the dishes coming up in an exclusive post.

Post the event, we were provided with Dinner which featured the exclusive dishes prepared by the Chef along with a wide array of desserts & Mocktails. There was also a LIVE Bad organised based on the theme which saw few of them dancing to the numbers.

I must say that the evening was well spent which was informative, lively, interactive, fun-filled coupled with great delicacies.

The #MinistryOfChutneys food festival which officially began yesterday will go on until the 15th of December. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss this cuisine.

These were the items which were prepared by Chef Bridget White Kumar which was no less than a dream cuisine. These were prepared by the Chef on her #TheMinistryOfChutneys Masterclass which was held yesterday at Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai

What were made/prepared?

1) Chicken Ding Ding (Non -Veg Starter)

2) Yam Ding Ding (Veg Starter)

3) Nana’s Bono Pepper Fry

4) Anglo Indian Prawn Vindaloo

5) Anglo Indian Mutton Mince Ball Curry aka Bad Word Curry ( all 3 - from 3 to 5 were from Non-Veg dishes - Main)

6) Brinjal Vindaloo

7) Butter Fried Cauliflower

8 Okra & Potato Pepper Fry(all 3 - from 6 to 8 were from Veg dishes - Main)

9) Anglo Indian Saffron Coconut Rice aka Yellow Rice

10) Devil Chutney aka Hell’s Flame Chutney

11) Grandma’s Milk Pudding

Trust me, each and every dish tasted divine. The difference in the cuisine was very well evident - be it with the appearance, taste & aroma.

These were light on your stomach as well since the Anglo-Indians are known to create dishes/recipes which are light on spices.

If you’re looking to taste the authentic Anglo-Indian cuisines, all in one place, you know where you need to head to 

A day out at Super Munch

Super Munch is a theme based restaurant. If you haven’t guessed it, this is based on super power characters created by various creators.

What is special about this?

Firstly, the interiors. They are done in such a way that it would be a paradise for kids. It features various popular characters as wall painting and hanging. Secondly, the lighting is done well to enhance this.

Lastly, they have also kept lot of comics which means, the kids can relish their food while reading their favourite comics. It doesn’t end here. Even the menu card is based on this theme. Hence it is a perfect themed restaurant which would delight your kids for sure and also the kid in you.

Coming to the food.

We ordered few starters/appetisers and milkshakes before going in to the main course. The items included:

1) Pepe Le Pew

2) Sabu’s Rings

3) Michael Angelo’s cups

4) Antman’s Sushi - all appetisers

1) Kitty Kat Woman - Milkshake

1) Hail Hydra

2) Spicy Mrs Potato Head

3) Birbal’s Temptation - all burgers

1) Nick Fury’s Peri Peri - French Fries

1) Gamora’s Game - Mojito

Coming to the taste, I have tasted almost all since we 4 of us shared them except the burgers which we had it as per our order. So yes, in burger, I ordered Hail Hydra. It was a different level burger which is laced with cheese, cabbage & mushrooms. The taste was so good that I wanted to order come more but since I was full, I stopped with one.

In milkshake, I had the Kitty Kat Woman. It wasn’t too sweet but at the same time was appealing to the taste buds. Do not miss it.

In appetisers, almost all of them were finished by us in no time as it tasted real good & different. The blend of spices were too good to resist. Each of them were accompanied by various sauces which added more taste to them. The cup pizzas were unique and one could finish it in a single go. Antman’s Sushi saved us since Nick Fury’s Peri Peri was real hot but yes, it has perfectly complemented the other dishes. Hence,no complaints.

They also have offers running. Check as to how you can avail discounts between 2 to 5%. Products are reasonably priced. If you want to give a unique experience to your kids, this is the right place to go :)

Food Review - Indus Kitchens

About The Restaurant:

A neat & cozy restaurant in the Heart of the City. Indus Kitchens is located bang on the main road. It is easily accessible by road. They have parking space for 2 wheeler & valet parking for 4 wheeler by certified drivers.

What’s the specialty of this restaurant?

As you could see, the interiors are done neatly with no glitzy/expensive interiors but a simple and appealing ones.

They use no additives.

RO water is used for cooking.

Jain/Satvik food is cooked on request.

Pahadi specialty.

Certified “Very Good” for Food Hygiene Rating by Zomato India through an independent agency - Equinox Labs

About The Food:

It was a royal lunch this afternoon at Indus Kitchens.

Sidharth, the restaurant manager was kind enough to explain us all about their specialty.

We came to know what “Pahadi” is all about. For those who are not aware, it is the way of preparation by the people who live in the hill stations in the North especially in UP, Uttarakhand etc.,

What did we have?

We started with Pahadi Mushroom soup. This was followed by some starters which included:

1. Pahadi Mix Vegetable Pakode Platter

2. Crispy Veg Corn

3. Seasonal Rohini Special Platter (Sizzler) &

4. Corn Cheese Balls

This was followed by main course with side dishes which included:

1. Tandoori Roti Combo(Tandoori Roti, Naan, Missi Roti, Paratha, Kulcha)

2. Paneer Methi Malai

3. Mix Vegetable Handi

4. Pahadi Dal ka Chainse

This was followed by Desserts which included:

1. Rice Kheer

2. Special Rabdi

3. Gajar Halwa &

4. Sizzling Brownie

Coming to the food. Each and every dish took us to a different world. We experienced the one of its kind taste which was made possible with some amazing preparation coupled with expertise.

I loved the Tandoori Roti Combo. If you’re going as a family of 3 or 4, just this coupled with side dishes mentioned above would be sufficient enough.

Kids would fall in love with Sizzling brownie for sure.

Elders would like the Rice Kheer for sure as it was crushed so soft & you never fell like eating the rice.

The restaurant is usually busy between 3 to 7pm. Prior appointment/reservation would be good, though not mandatory.

During weekdays (Mon-Fri), they also have combos. Ask for it. If you’re not sure as to what to select from their wide menu, seek their help/suggestion. You won’t be disappointed.

Last but not the least, try their cold pressed juices which is free from ice, water, sugar & additives. This place is certainly worth your time & money. The taste will linger in your mouth for a while 😍

Apunka Maharashtra Food Festival at The Square in Novotel,Chennai Sipcot

"Apunka Maharashtra"

Take your palate on a gastronomical journey as you experience Maharashtra on a plate. Come try out the authentic dishes prepared by our Executive chef and a fellow Maratha himself, Chef Rahul Bhale.

Delicacies such as Tambda Rassa from Kohlapur, Shevga Fry from Aurangabad to ukdiche modak of Pune & Vada pav, Keema Pav & Bombay sandwiches tickle your tastebuds with its fresh grounded spices.

What did we have?

We had a wide range of starters before getting into main dish. These includes:

1. Ragi Vadam.

2. Wheat papad (usually this is made with rice but here, they did it with wheat which is the specialty).

3. Prawn Soup(In Maharashtra Style - with Coconut Oil).

4. Bangda Fish gravy(with Pepper).

5. Butter Naan.

6. Butter Garlic Naan.

7. Prawn Biryani(Maharashtra Style).

8. Chicken Gravy.

9. Mutton Gravy(Highly recommended as they were real tender and the masala was mixed well with the flesh).

10. Keema Pav.

11. Desserts which includes Besan Laddoos, Chirotti etc.,

There were other dishes as well in order to cater to the needs of foreigners and others who would prefer a general cuisine.

We had the opportunity to listen to Executive Chef Rahul Bhale, who hails from Maharashtra to talk about the "Apunka Maharashtra" food festival.Take a look at the video below:

You can also take a look at the preparation of Pav Bhaji at this food festival.

Price: Buffet @1250++ on lunch only.
Date: From 18th to 29th November every Monday to Friday
Timing: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Venue: The Square, Novotel Chennai Sipcot

For reservations call +9189398 08123/33