Sunday, February 22, 2009

February Moments

Desserts at Hornby's Pavillion, MumbaiIt already seems like summer in Pune, but the evenings are cool and very pleasant. I remember how it used to be in Delhi. One day it is winter, and the next day it is summer - there just isn't anything in between. That city never cools down during the summer months, not even during the nights - and all that before we knew about global warming!

Lunch Buffet at Hornby's Pavillion
Lunch Buffet at Hornby's PavillionThis was one of those super busy weeks, and yet I had to find time for a day-trip to Mumbai. I drove down to Mumbai and was surprised how quickly I got to Parel. I couldn't resist sinking my teeth into a freshly made vada-pav with the fiery red dry chutney at one of the food courts on the Expressway.

In between meetings at the ITC Grand Central hotel, we got ourselves a quick lunch at Hornby's Pavillion. The buffet was an impressive spread that even included sushi, a live appam counter - rarities both - and a mix of South and North Indian curries along with a mix of Oriental and Continental food. My Spanish colleague was particularly delighted with the food. Annoyingly (for me), the desserts were mostly western ones with only a plate of mixed Indian barfis and jamuns.

Lunch Buffet at Hornby's Pavillion
Lunch Buffet at Hornby's PavillionNow that Hard Rock Cafe is finally open in Pune (after all the initial glitches and delays), early feedback on the food is good. The items on the menu may seem a little expensive, but the portions are HUGE by Indian standards. Also, they apparently have great fajitas. With no restaurant serving Mexican (or Tex-Mex) in the city yet, this the only place for decent fajitas. Incidentally, Taco Bell is entering India soon; I understand they are opening in Bangalore first.

I must reiterate how good Tareef is: try it if you are a kabab lover located the Aundh area. Do try their Sikandari Raan, Tandoori Chicken, and Garlic Naan. And if you have some space left, the Phirnee. Amazingly good! I also tried Kareem's in East Street for the first time. I had them pack some Sheek Kababs, Murg Kali Mirch and Naan for me; they were excellent.

The pictures here are from the lunch buffet at Hornby's Pavillion at the ITC Grand Central in Mumbai.

14 comments:

Aathira Nair said...

And, I am going to have yet another sad office canteen lunch!

I want a travelling job, at least I can eat what I wish from where I want!

Sharninder said...

Kareem's is definitely one of the better places for Kababs and stuff in Pune. I absolutely love their rolls too :-)

Will give Tareef a try the next time I'm in Pune.

Lakshmi said...

Summer is everywhere...sigh !

Anonymous said...

Woooh I love the buffet spread! seems delicious!

It's hot here in the noons, but turn rainy days at night.

Anonymous said...

@Aathira: Wish for anything strongly enough, and you will get it!

@Sharninder: Do that! You will like it.

@Lakshmi: Hope it's not gotten too hot in Delhi yet; have to be there tomorrow.

@kyh: No rains this time of the year in India.

Vijayendra Darode said...

Thanks for the information Shantanu. Where is Tareef exactly located in Aundh? Any landmarks around?

Unknown said...

There goes my resolve to stick to my much needed diet :-(
:-)

Anil P said...

Aha, Vada Pav. I rarely miss out on Diwadker's at Karjat on my train journeys.

Vamsee Modugula said...

Beautiful pictures. I wish there were more good restaurants in New Bombay. I am loosing interest in eating out here at the same old Indian and Chinese restaurants.

BTW, I have no idea how my link gets added as "Links to this post". If you know, let me know and I will get rid of it.

Anonymous said...

Nice buffet! Do you eat the same kind of food when the weather is really hot?

Anonymous said...

@Vijayendra: Taareef is located in a society right beside the Pulse supermarket in Aundh; if you are facing Pulse, it is to your right. Ph: 25883232, 25883322

@Random Magus: Good to see you back again in the blog world.

@Anil: For some reason, these seem to taste awesome on the road. Maybe because they are always fresh, hot and crisp given how quickly they sell.

Anonymous said...

@Vamsee: New Bombay, hmm. I haven't tried restaurants here. Re: Links, not sure what you mean...

@Zhu: Actually in places where it gets really hot (like North India), there are indeed different summer foods made to keep the body cool.

Anonymous said...

@Vijayendra: Correction! Actually, if you are facing Pulse, it is to your LEFT...

HAREKRISHNAJI said...

Thanx Shantanu,

I was planning to take my wife to BBQ Nation tomorrow for women's day, but the plans are changed now. Guest are coming from Mumbai. My niece got married last sunday at Shruti Managal Karyalaya. I was thinking of inviting you for the maharashtrian food, to taste Ukadiche Mokak in particular.

BTY Which part of the city you stay ?

Regards,

Priyadarshan