Top 5 Restaurants To Make A Reservation At This Valentine's Day In Pune

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time we started making those calls and reserving a table for two at the city's most romantic and fun places to be at. Check out this list, and don't forget to like, comment and share!

5. Copa Cabana, Wakad

Choose from the outdoor or indoor seating and really just enjoy the ambience. The quality of food may have gone down in recently, but the ambience is perfect for a lovely date. My pick: Khow Suey.



4. Paasha, Senapati Bapat Road (J W Marriott)

This rooftop restaurant is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Pune. The restaurant is a part of the Marriott Group so you can imagine the quality of service and food you'll receive here. Make sure to make a reservation. My pick: Reshmi Sheekh Kebab and Biryani



3. Toscana, Kalyani Nagar

They've been around for a while and are most famous for their yummy oven cooked pizzas.



2. Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park

If you're looking for Asian food, this is the place to be. I'm sure they'll have a deal or two so definitely check them out this Valentine's Day! My pick: Murtabaks, Chicken Satay, Thai Green Curry, Chicken in Pandanu.



1. Terttulia, Koregaon Park 

Located in the plush Koregaon Park, this restaurant has everything for you to woo your special one. Check out their exquisite list of wines, or enjoy a beer while you eat their gastronomical food! My pick? Glazed Lamn Ragout hands down!

The French Connection

Arthur's Theme, Pune

The Basics - French and Continental, good food, quantities enough for one, good for lunch and dinner, date friendly, reservation recommended, bar, 11:30am-3:00pm; 7:00am-11:00pm.

The Address - 2, Vrindavan Apartment, Lane 6, Koregaon Park. Or call 020-26152710 if you're lost. 

The Verdict - If you're craving Continental/French, give it a try.

Arthur's Theme is a stylish restaurant offering decent French food catering to Pune's swish crowd. It's tucked away in a small lane, almost hidden from the common man's eye. It's small and cosy, reminding me of a den, and the waiters are friendly and well trained. Although they got my order wrong once, the owner, a lovely man, willingly agreed to replace it.

The dishes are creatively (or some might argue, not-so creatively) named after célèbre de française - famous French people. You have Don Quixote, Queen Marchell and Antoinette.

Queen Marchell - Broiled mushrooms stuffed with cottage cheese and herbs, cooked in an oven and served with Santa Monica salsa. It might sound boring, but simplicity is a good thing here. If you like mushrooms and cottage cheese, you can't go wrong with this. If not, Don Quixote might suite you better - it's a pure cheesy delight.

Alfredo - If you like your meat, this kalamiri starter will be your thing. It's marinated in tempura batter and is presented with grated cheese sprinkled on top. It comes with a chili garlic dip and that some of you might find too garlicy, but honestly, it was perfect for moi.     

Zola - Basa fish grilled to perfection and accompanied with Indonesian curry sauce and potato croquettes. While some of you may find the fish bland, the mustard flavoured Indonesian sauce makes up for it. The fish was crisp yet soft and melts in your mouth. Regardless, the dish would perhaps be better with a different selection of fish, especially for those of you who like a more flavourful dish. If not for this, I would suggest Konrad I, a lovely fish dish served with a deadly lemon butter sauce. 

Abel, Henry the VIII - If you generally like chicken, you can't go wrong with these two. The former is chicken cordon bleu and it's just as you would expect it to be. The latter might not sound very appetizing and the chicken-baby corn combination is rather schizophrenic, but the chef gets it right with the red wine sauce.

For dessert I stuck to the classic Crepe that came with chocolate sauce and honey. Sadly I was disappointed. This French pancake was slightly thick and chewy. I'm not sure if I'm ready to give it another try just as yet.

Overall, I was pleased with the courteous waiters and liked the fact that owner would walk around interacting with his customers, taking suggestions and hopefully, implementing them. In typical French style, each dish is made for one and sharing isn't recommended, unless you want to go home hungry. Top off your meal with red or white wine or some beer.

Would I come back next time? I would, just for the food.

What's hot - Alfredo
What's not - Crepe

Your Foodista

The Spicy Lure of Southeast Asia

Malaka Spice, Pune

The Basics - Quick service, helpful waiters, good food, expensive, known for cocktails, Southeast Asian cuisine, lovely ambiance. Rs. 1500-2000 for two.
The Address - Lane # 5, Koregaon Park, Pune.
The Verdict - Must go for Asian food.

If you want top-notch Asian food any time of the day, visiting the hugely popular Malaka Spice is probably a good start. It is a chic restaurant located in the happening Koregaon Park and sometimes doubles as an art gallery. Upon entering you are greeted by Southeast Asian spices and their aroma that fills the space. There is a lovely outdoor seating with trendy paintings, lamps, lanterns and plants surrounding you. The atmosphere is romantic with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. 

We were promptly seated, but the later into the night you stroll in, the harder it is to get a table. We were quick to order our food and were happy that the service was good. A let down was the price of the food and drinks, but hey, it is an upmarket restaurant, seducing expats and Pune's high society. 

Prawn tempura with mango sauce

For starters we ordered the Prawn tempura, which was so light on the batter that the wonderful smell of fresh seafood reaped through it. The cold, orange-ish mango sauce that accompanied it was tangy, spicy yet sweet but tasted heavenly with the prawns. If you love seafood and especially prawns, I would highly recommend this dish for you. 

Next came the Steamed Basa fish in basil lemon sauce perfect if you're on a diet. All the way from the rivers of Vietnam, the fish was light, and the distinct lemongrass taste lingered on in my mouth. While most people might find this dish bland and the flavours too subtle, I personally liked it this way. 

If you don't like your meat from the sea, their mutton and chicken concoctions might suit you better. The Mutton pepesan, ground mutton parcels steamed in banana leaves, are a must have. The presentation is so beautiful it felt like Christmas on my plate with the nicely wrapped mutton in banana leaves. 

For those of you who like momos there's an interesting array of them here. Chose from vegetable, tofu, duck, prawn and chicken. While I'm not the biggest fan of their momos - I find them expensive and the sauce bland - they are usually on travelers' wish lists. If this is still not your thing, their pork and lamb chops are succulent and cooked to perfection. Chicken satay and vegetable tempura also score high on the "must have" list here. 

As for their rice, I dig their Pad Thai which was well made and the omelette on top was wonderful and craftily placed. Top this off with their lamb curries, Mutton and pok choy and chili or the red or green Thai curry, perfectly cooked with the right amount of natural coconut milk. 

I would skip deserts and concentrate on starters and main course. While the rest of the food ranked high on creativity, the deserts lacked originality and generally disappointed. 

While a lot of their food may not be absolutely "authentic" they try to keep it real, and generally do. I love the fact that their menu is well designed and provides you with "Goes well with" drink options for every dish you order. They are known for their cocktails and they live up to the hype surrounding them. Finally, there's no better way to sum up my experience here - If I was in Pune for a day, I wouldn't miss Malaka Spice for a thing!

What's hot - Mutton pepesan
What's not - Desserts in general

Your Foodista

  

Typically Mangalorean

Olent, Pune

The Basics - Indoor and outdoor seating, decent service, pricey, great food, good quantities, 11am-11pm. 900-1000 for two.
The Address - Next to Apache Nxt, off F.C Road, by Ghole Road.
The Verdict - If you're in the area and love seafood, I don't know why you're not here!

Located on a by lane of F.C Road, Olent offers both outdoor and indoor seating.  It looks something like a shack or a temporary establishment upon entering and serves some great seafood. Typically Mangalorean, the food is spicy. 

The waiters greeted us and we had the privilege of choosing our table as we were the first customers that night. We sat outside and the pleasant weather added to our overall, good experience here. It's a place you can to go to with your friends or family and stuff the delicious food down your throat. You're safe ordering almost any of the seafood dishes on their extensive menu. 

Their fish is fresh and usually cooked with a lot of spice, but this is like a universal truth about almost anything on their menu. They are, after all, South Indian. The fish tawa, Mangalorean curry with apams or neer dosa, and prawns koliwada are a must try. Perfectly cooked, the fish was soft and melted in my mouth. The prawns were exceptional and soaked in the spices. The Mangalorean curry was flavourful, the smells filling the room. The apams were well made. They were neither thick now too thin, but had the perfect consistency of an authentic apam. The dosas were soft yet crispy on the surface. 

Surprisingly, the kebabs here were piquant and we throughly enjoyed every bite of it. The Tangdi kebab, Rawas chatpata tikka, and chicken malai kebab were unbelievably soft with the right amount of spices and lime and were charred to perfection. Finally, wash down all the spices and authentic Indian food with some beer or liquor of your choice!

Had Olent been cheaper, it would be the perfect place to go to. Despite the quantities being average in size, and the waiters being attentive, though sometimes grabbing their attention can be problematic, Olent is expensive. Or maybe I just feel this way since it doesn't exactly offer you the five-star treatment or ambiance that you would expect for the prices that you're paying. But then again, it's a seafood restaurant, and seafood, come what may, is an expensive affair. 

What's hot - Honestly, all of their seafood. If I had to pick one - Prawns in Mangalorean curry

What's not - Veg shashlik kebab

Your Foodista

Peter's Pan, Pune

The Basics - Small, open from 8:00am-11:00pm, quick service, non-vegetarian available, no bar, cheap. Rs. 400 for two.
The Address - Near Subway, F.C Road
The Verdict - Good only for waffles and pancakes

If you're the kind of person that loves a typical American breakfast of waffles and pancakes and can have it any time of the day, this is the place for you. Brightly lit up with a central theme of yellow and purple, Peter's Pan opens early (8:00 am). It follows a self-service concept and has an open kitchen. The seating in their F.C Road outlet is limited, but that isn't a problem here. 

While their menu is extensive covering dishes from across the globe, such as nachos from Mexico or hot dogs from Germany or USA, whichever you prefer, they have it all. Yet, they haven't mastered the art of making hot dogs or nachos or even a simple fried egg. Nevertheless, Peters Pan's secret waffle and pancake recipe is something of great value. 

The signature waffles may make you go "yumm" and don't be surprised if you find yourself licking every morsel off the plate. The Blueberry, Chocolate and Baked apple waffles are light on the stomach, golden brown and ooze chocolate, blueberry or apples. The whipped cream is just the icing on top! If this is not your thing, the Savory waffles might be of some interest to you. Choose from spinach, cheesy chicken or cheese and corn. However, if you like your waffles crisp, make sure to let the chef know!    

The smell of freshly made pancakes is a delight and if you like yours classic with maple syrup, you're at the right place. For Rs. 80 fill your stomach with these fluffy pancakes, fresh out of the kitchen drooling with sticky maple syrup. Still not your thing? Try their rich and sinful Choco-chip pancake that is sure to have any chocoholic hooked. It's almost like a chocolate overdose, and I love it. 

Come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The service is quick and the quantities just right. While the other food on the menu may be just average or even below average, do yourself a favour and get what's already experimented with. You can't go wrong.

What's hot - Waffles and pancakes

What's not - Everything else.

Your Foodista

Best Pasta in Pune

Pune as a city is a great place to be if you're a foodie. From small, inexpensive joints and cafes to fancier restaurants, Pune has something for everyone. Pasta, traditionally being a cheap dish to order, is perfect for college kids and a college city like Pune. Today, on the occasion of National Pasta Day, The Foodista gives you some of Pune's best pasta places. 

Greens and Olives

New DP Road, Opposite Tangent Furniture, Aundh

Rs 290-330

It might be vegetarian and you might find the menu slightly annoying and expensive. Yet, this little place,known primarily for it's Mediterranean and Italian food has a wonder pasta recipe. The ravioli and risotto here are exquisite. Well cooked and steaming, it is perfect. Add Tabasco, chili flakes and pepper if you like yours spicy. 

Dario's

Sunderban Hotel, Lane 1, Koregaon Park

Rs. 380-420

Freshly made, the pastas are soft yet firm. If you like yours al dente let your waiter know, the pastas here are almost always well-cooked. The menu is extensive with risotto, ravioli and spaghetti. Never have they disappointed, the decorated bowl of pasta is flavourful. The Italians dining here is reassuring. If you're on a date or want to enjoy an overall great dining experience, with a fantastic ambiance, head here. P.S - it's strictly vegetarian. 

Tien

1 Rajas Garden, near J W Marriott, Model Colony 

Rs. 120-220

If you're into health food and you cannot give up on pasta, no matter how hard you may have tried, Tien is where you should be. The pasta is fresh, the sauce tangy and the meat tender. Ask for extra spice or make it bland - the choice is yours. The food reeked of freshness and health! Add some cheese, if you prefer. 

Il Fungo Magico

Lane 7, Koregaon Park

Rs. 100-200

Dull and dilapidated from the outside, this tiny restaurants offers cheap and simple pasta. Do not expect much from it, but if you like your pasta in the simplest way with chili flakes, oregano and loads of cheese sprinkled on top, this is where you should be. Extremely cheesy, the pasta is crazily filling!

Incognito

Phoenix Market City Mall, Viman Nagar

Rs. 380-450

Brightly lit, it is known more for it's beer than for it's food. Yet, the lasagna here melts in your mouth with every bite you take. Bar food like, surprisingly the quantities are large. Cheesy, soft and meaty it is the best I've had. Try the vegetarian one if you prefer. 

Cafe Rolla Costa

FC Road, near Subway and Chaitanya 

Rs. 95-130

Unbelievably small and shockingly cheap, Cafe Rolla Costa, surprisingly has some good pasta. It came cheesy and service was quick. The only downside is they don't have much to offer apart from the mainstream penne, red or white sauce? 

That's my list of six best pasta places in Pune. Watch out for more next week!

Until then, happy National Pasta Day and bon appetit! 

Your Foodista

Bombastic, German Bakery

German Bakery, Pune

The Basics - Small and swanky, light and mostly healthy food, young and old both fine here. nothing great about the food, it's more about the experience.

The Address - North Main Road, Koregaon Park, near O Hotel. 

The Verdict - A must for a backpacker on the Koregaon Park backpacking trail. 

German Bakery has a long history, starting from 1987 when this humble place was called Chit Chat, and is one that is etched in a lot of Poonaites hearts. The bakery re-opened its doors to its patrons early this year and has no signs of the Pune blasts, unlike other cafes like Leopolds' in Mumbai. 

German Bakery is no longer the cheap, communal eating place it used to be. It's swanky now, and the self-service counter has disappeared. It's painted green and white with cute pictures painted across the wall. The waiters are well trained now but slow and disorganized. You feel like you're in a restaurant that is still a café. 

Although they did their best to erase the horrible blasts we are still reminded of it with the security checks at the entrance and the no-laptops policy. German Bakery was and still is a hangout spot for all the Osho guys and college kids. It was known for its open smoking culture and welcoming nature. 

Story goes that a young German lad, craving for some of his home food, introduced an array of German dishes and breads, causing the managers to officially change Chit Chat to German Bakery. Ever since, this little place has been drawing in the crowds and is today synonymous to the city's lifestyle. 

As it was pouring cats and dogs the day I went, we ate inside. We ordered the bacon and cheese burg with extra bacon on the side and mushroom risotto. While the quantities were small, the buns were soft, the bacon crispy and the risotto fluffy. The extra bacon was hardly "extra" and was a waste of the Rs. 70. Finally we picked up a dozen of cookies and finished off our meal in sweet dessert style. The cookies were soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, melting in our mouths. The food was just about average and overpriced. If you're one to head out solely for the food, this isn't the place for you. 

Yet, I'd go to say that German Bakery is a must visit if you're in Pune. It has a history of its own and it is known for its light and healthy snacks. It's breakfast menu is popular among its patrons. It is a must for every Pune backpackers trail and it is common to see Osho Ashram followers and visitors here. I go here more for the chatty atmosphere than for the food itself. 

Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy my meal here. I did, but it still had an eerie feel about it. Or maybe it was just me. I did after all, follow the news of the bombings very closely. 

What's hot - Bacon and cheese burger

What's not - Lamb and jalapeno burger.

Your Foodista

Dessert Galore

Forennte, Pune

The Basics - Small, probably the best desserts in Pune. 9:30am-9pm. Shut on Thursdays. 

The Address - Lane 8, Koregaon Park. Near Naughty Angel's Cafe. 

The Verdict - Do not miss. 

It's so small that despite passing it a million times, chances of you missing it are really high. Located on Lane 8, Koregaon Park, the owner, a young, sweet chap greets you. There's only a counter and barely enough space for four. You can see the kitchen and some baking equipment at the back of the room. 

Forennte is one of those places that were always on my wish list every since I came to Pune. Having heard so much about it, I was afraid my high expectations would dampen my whole experience here. I was wrong.

The Belgian 

On display are various cakes, pastries, muffins, cupcakes, mouse and other common items found in a patisserie. But what's not so regular about Forennte is the quality of their baking. Rich, sinful and filling are the three words that come to my mind when I think of this place. 

Their cupcakes are soft, moist and heavy on the icing. They have the usual chocolate, vanilla and the best of the lot - red velvet. To spice things up, they've introduced the Angry Birds cupcakes which are cute, fun and taste the same as the regular ones. Neither will disappoint, but will keep you longing for more with every bite. So make sure you're not any diet plan this weekend. 

Their whoppie pies are also moist, but small and light on the frosting. The cake was fluffy but not as soft as I expected it to be. The Belgian chocolate cake melted in my mouth and the two layers of the Belgian chocolate was absolutely heavenly. The cake itself was moist and rich, much like all of their other desserts on offer. 

The colourful whoopie pie. Notice the vanilla cupcake too.

I can vouch for any of their desserts be it cheesecakes, brownies, red velvet pastry or tortes. They are bold with their flavours and love to experiment. While it may seem that what they serve is what you will and can get in another patisserie for a cheaper price, Forennte does not compromise with their ingredients, giving their desserts a unique and superior taste.

If Forennte had a seating area, it would be the place I would frequent most often. Despite being slightly high on their pricing, it is totally worth every penny! After all, everyone needs the "heaven in my mouth" feeling!

I would suggest going early as they usually start running out of their stock as they progress through the day. It is after all, probably Pune's best dessert place!

Keep eating, and chuck that diet if you plan on coming here!

What's hot - Cupcakes
What's not - Some of their breads are slightly hard.

Your Foodista.

Rooftop Garage

Sky Garage, Pune

The Basics - Spacious, quick service, very easy to get tables, dingy and dark, average food, LCD screen to watch cricket matches, 700-800 for two without alcohol.

The Address - Nanasaheb Gaikwad IT Park, above Chroma, ITI Road, Aundh, Pune. 

The Verdict - Go only for the biryani and milkshakes 

One would think that Sky Garage has everything going for it. It is in a beautiful location and has a splendid view. But look carefully and you realize that the swanky building it's located in is just a farce. 

Sky Garage is dingy and can come across as cheap. A hookah bar-cafe, it is dimly lit and empty. Car number plates from around India and some parts of the world decorate the walls and various car parts jut out from different corners of the spacious, rooftop room. A large screen hangs to a corner where only cricket matches are screened. It is over-staffed and doesn't attract the crowds during the day or early night. It comes alive when the rest of the city shuts. 

It is perhaps safest to order their Chicken tikka biryani (Rs. 200) and nothing else. The biryani is made of basmati rice, and comes with a chicken tikka curry in the center of the bowl, surrounded by rice. Mix well, and dig into it. It is medium spicy and the quantity is large. It comes with a small bowl of raita. 

If you're really craving a starter the Chicken Kalimiri won't disappoint. It is peppery and the meat soft and juicy. Yet Sky Garage is best known for its milkshakes. Their chikku chocolate milkshake and chocolate milkshake are both thick, creamy and overall, rich. 

While they do have a bar, I never tried their cocktails to give my opinion here. A pint of beer costs Rs 170, which is slightly on the more expensive side. 

Don't expect much from here. The service may be quick and the waiters attentive but that is usually not the only thing that counts towards a successful restaurant. It used to be popular in its heyday but it has lost its charm and sits quiet now. 

What's hot - Chicken tikka biryani and chikku chocolate milkshake

What's not - Veg crispy

Your Foodista

Roar Like a Lion

I'm Lion, Pune

The Basics - Home cooked food, very small restaurant, decent quantity for the price, reasonable, try what's been tested. 500-600 for two. Closed on Thursdays. 12:00-3:00pm, 7:00-11:00pm

The Address - U10, Navkar Avenue, NDA Pashan Road (road next to Axis Bank), Bavdhan

The Verdict - If you're a college kid craving some home food, you should check this out. 

I came across I'm Lion by chance during one of my routine trips to Bavdhan. Nothing glamorous about it, I in fact, wanted to walk away and come back again another day, until I saw in fine print... "Strictly non-veg". This place has to have something.

Unsurprisingly, sea food, Magalorean and Goan dishes dominate the menu with a few more additions like biryani. I gleamed with joy and sat down on the white tables and uncomfortable plastic chairs. I'm Lion is small - very small - with two tables on the ground floor and two-three upstairs. While the customers downstairs will have to make do with table fans hung to the corner of the wall, the ones upstairs can enjoy the airconditioner. 

Having been to I'm Lion over a twenty times already, I like to think of myself as an expert. Neer dosa with mutton keema is the best thing they have on offer. Yet, their keema can be a tad bit too oily, so make sure to let the owner, a happy and friendly chap, know that you want yours with less oil. He will gladly oblige. The dosas are soft and the chefs have perfected them. The food reminds you of home and the restaurant being so small gives you that homely feel.

Chicken sagoti, Mangalorean chicken and mutton/chicken biryani are all worth having. The biryani is enough for one if you have worked up a good enough appetite and the chicken sagoti goes well with the neer dosas. The raita was freshly made but so sweet that it did not blend with the biryani. The chicken wings were good with just the right amount of spice and gravy, making for a perfect starter. It comes in a plate of six. You can try almost anything on their menu and you won't be disappointed. 

Although I did enjoy their prawns fry I was rather disappointed with the quantity and noticed it varied each time. Same goes with the Prawn masala which was too spicy, losing the flavours of the curry itself and the spice overpowering the dish. The keema roll was also a disappointment. The owner on the other hand, is forever helpful and personally takes the orders. He's willing to listen to suggestions and instructs the chefs to cook to suit your palette. 

Reasonably priced, I'm Lion is popular with college students in and around Bavdhan. The owner is usually seen discussing a football game or helping perfect his customer's order. Typically, you shouldn't go wrong with seafood here, but if you really want to be safe the keema and neer dosa is just the thing for you. For its price, I can vouch for I'm Lion, but make sure to ask for less oil! Regardless, if you're in this area, you cannot miss having a meal here.

The food comes hot and the dosas steaming. Dig in right away and enjoy this home cooked meal!

What's hot - Mutton keema with neer dosa, Basa fish dishes are also great and go better with neer dosas than with rice

What's not - Prawn masala

Your Foodista.

Where Uncle Is Boss.

Uncle's Kitchen, Pune

The Basics - Cheap, hole-in-the-wall, friendly staff but unpredictable service, chatty owner, medium-sized quantities, centrally located, no bathrooms, home delivery, 11:30am-11:00pm Chinese and Thai. Rs. 500-600 for two

The Address - Meera Garden Society, Lane 7, Koregaon Park. Or call 020-41538515 if you're lost.

The Verdict - It's cheap and it's fast. If you like Indian Chinese and Thai food, you must visit at least once.

If you want the best cheap Thai food in Pune and you couldn't care less about eating off cheap cutlery and tables and unintentionally eavesdropping on your neighbour's conversation, this is where you should be. The folks here won't give you top-notch service either, but once that delicious Phek soup, Thai curry and Veg/Chicken Pad Thai hit the table, nothing else matters.  

The owner, fondly called Uncle, is popular among his regular customers and greets them personally. He's trained his staff well but the occasional new comers do disappoint. While I've personally never had a bad experience at Uncle's Kitchen, I've heard that the quality does vary sometimes. It is however unfair of customers coming here to compare it to a classy Thai restaurant. This is after all, no-frills. 

Uncle's Kitchen serves both Chinese and Thai food. With other cuisines it could be a slightly schizophrenic experience, but the Thai-Chinese combination works: you can pair a Burnt garlic rice or a Schezwan rice with Thai curry or Kiang Kuree with Chicken Chowmien and the flavours are mostly complementary. 

Source: http://khilaaopilaao.com/2543-Baner-Uncle's%20Kitchen

If you walk in with Rs. 500 you will walk out feeling like a King. Uncle's Kitchen is unbelievably cheap considering it's location. The Chinese food on the menu can disappoint as it seems to be a trend to overdo the oil. Yet, the food comes quick but not necessarily in order - starters, main course and dessert. I once remember being served my starter after the main course, leaving me amused! Nevertheless, I've made a mental note to dictate my order of preference the next time I'm here. 

Some soups like the mundane Chicken corn soup are thick and may not gel well with the everyday customer. You can ask Uncle to play with the consistency of the soup for you or skip it altogether - you won't be missing out on much. As for starters, Chilly sesame chicken and Crispy corn garlic are satisfactory. While the momo's were soft and steaming when they arrived at the table, the momo sauce was diluted and bland, leaving me disappointed. Uncle has mastered his Burnt garlic rice and it is to no surprise that it is among their best selling dishes. The Thai curries (red, green and yellow) are coconutty, the flavours bursting in your mouth. If none of this sounds exciting enough for you, Uncle's Kitchen's combo meals might suit you better. Wash your food down with a fresh lime soda for Rs. 49. 

For it's price, Uncle's Kitchen is worth every dime. Although the food may not be absolutely authentic, Uncle and his team do not disappoint with their Thai curry. They mean business here. Although it is cramped and may make the weak feel claustrophobic, the red walls splattered with Chinese words may be comforting. Do not expect too much in terms of service or cleanliness but the food comes hot and tasty and the bill doesn't pinch. 

What's hot - Thai curry - red, green or yellow

What's not - Crispy honey chilly potato

Your Foodista. 

The College Burger

Burger House, Pune

The Basics - Cheap, juicy, hole-in-the-wall. No alcohol. Service is sometimes slow, which can disappoint. Prices range from Rs.30-150 for a burger

The Address - Lane number 7, opposite Uncle's Kitchen, Koregaon Park

The Verdict - For a cheap, meaty burger, you must go! 

A small joint, on lane number 7, Koregaon Park, Burger House's theme of red and white stands out. Customers stream in and out casually, most of whom look like regulars. Squared tables and cheap chairs with their cloth tearing off makes up Burger House. Each table has sun umbrellas of red and white, protecting the UV radiation conscious customer from the harmful rays of the sun.

Walk inside this small burger joint, you'll see two more tables, a vending machine and the billing counter. The friendly owner sit here and takes your order. Understaffed, expect your order to take at least ten minutes to get to your table. Make sure to tell the owner and the waiter to bring each item on the bill as an when they are ready rather than brining the order as a whole. You might have to remind him once seated, just to make sure. 

Burger House looks cheap from the outside but it's food is tasty, meaty and filling. The buffalo style burger, the chicken crunchy burger in jumbo style (it comes with extra cheese and chicken mayo), chicken egg and cheese are all worth having more than once. They are cheesy, well cooked and the buns are soft. 

They use their sauces generously for the buffalo style burger (Rs. 70 for large, and 50 for small) giving the already spicy burger a unique taste and making it a messy to eat. The tissue paper kept neatly on the table is not sufficient for this burger! However, the last time I was at Burger House they weren't as generous with their sauces - ask for extra and they will willingly oblige. 

Buffalo style burger

The house burger (Rs. 120) is the best burger they have on their menu. It's filled with every meat you would want in your burger - sautéed fired onions, sausages, two chicken patties, a crumb fried chicken breast patty along with cheese, veggies and a fried egg with fries on the side. Don't order if you haven't built up an appetite for it. 

The House Burger

Apart from their burgers they have hotdogs, sandwiches, milkshakes and sides like fries and onion rings to chose from. The hotdogs are nothing to rave about and are not filling. The milkshakes are not thick, but if you like it thin, you'll enjoy this. As for their vegetarian burger the only one I ordered was the house vegetarian burger which got a little soggy and didn't taste as good anymore. 

Buffalo style hotdog

Burger House is bold with their flavors and meats, offering you something exciting to look forward to. Luckily, they've got most or their burgers right leaving you longing for more. It's cheap, it's a hole-in-the-wall Burger House with sometimes slow service but the wait is worth the burger. 

For the price, you'll keep going back. I do. 

Until next time, Burger House, you're my place of salvation. Build up an appetite, everyone!

Your Foodista.

Sizzling Sizzlers

Bounty Sizzlers, Pune

• The Basics - Non-vegetarian. Beer available. Large quantity. Value for money. Skip Chinese, stick to sizzlers - it's what they're good at. Quick service. Indoor seating by day and both indoor/outdoor by night. 
• The Address - Landmark Garden, 14 & 15, ground floor (same lane as Marrakesh and Arctic), Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Or call 020-26613360 or 020-26611758 if lost. 
• The Verdict - So worth your money!

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/santoshwadghule/7758158996/

The smell of sizzlers burning and the sound of sizzlers sizzling hit you as you walk past Bounty Sizzlers, a small, two-floored restaurant in Kalyani Nagar. A friend and I while wandering across Kalyani Nagar, walked in as the smells unwillingly seduced us. 

Simple wooden tables and chairs filled the room and bottles of wine and other liquor decked the walls. The kitchen door which is right at the entrance, hits you will the smells of the all meats and vegetables being cooked. While the decor is nothing to rave about, and the chairs slightly uncomfortable, the food keeps bringing me back to Bounty Sizzlers. 

The name can be a little misleading as one would expect only sizzlers. The menu however, offers even Indian Chinese food and Parsi food. Personally, I did not enjoy the Chinese food and perhaps, that's because Bounty Sizzlers was never meant to serve Chinese. Regardless, I crave their sizzlers and love to top it off with a mug of beer. 

The waiters seated us promptly and are friendly, but they seemed a little disorganized. Although they took our order quickly, they were in a rush to move on to serve other customers. No doubt Bounty Sizzlers is doing very well and is always packed especially over the weekends, but I am one to study the menu in detail and take advice from waiters on what to order. 

Nevertheless, the food makes up for this. While starters are limited (excluding the Chinese section), I would recommend ordering the Mushroom and cheese tartlets or Garlic chicken/beef. You may even skip the starters are their portion sizes are large and the sizzlers are filling enough. The menu offers vegetarian, sea food, chicken and beef sizzlers. While I did not try the vegetarian sizzlers I was told that their paneer is exceptionally soft and well cooked. What I did try on the many occasions that I ate here were the 'Sizzling chicken with garlic, pepper and mushrooms', 'Chicken sausage', 'Chicken satellite', and 'Chicken special sizzler'. 

Sizzling chicken with garlic, pepper and mushrooms was too peppery but had the right quantity of mushrooms and garlic and blended well together. Ask for cheese on the top to add and enhance the flavour of the dish. Personally, I prefer cheese slices on top, but you can opt for grated cheese. The sizzler did not come with mashed potatoes but potato wedges but the chefs are kind enough to give you mashed potatoes instead. 

As for the Chicken sausage, it was juicy but did not meet my expectations as the dish was too bland. It needed some spicing up and probably a sauce such as barbecue on the side. Although I was little disappointed, also because I prefer pork sausages or chicken sausages with stuffing such as cheese or garlic, I am sure that this is a sizzler that many foodies will enjoy. It is after all, one of their bestselling dishes on the menu!

The Chicken satellite and Chicken special sizzler are especially special for me. Well cooked, both the sizzlers come with cheese. Chicken satellite is just like how I expected it to be with mushroom and fresh cream cheese. The Chicken special sizzler did not disappoint and was grilled to perfection. Beware, if you do not like chicken breast, this is not the sizzler for you.

As for the beef, the chef cooks to it your liking but ensure you instruct the waiter properly as they may mix your order and you do not want your beef going wrong. Medium-rare is my choice,  but pick your own. The Bounty special steak, Steak Cordon bleu and Mix girll special are all worth a try. 

If you're not here for either their sizzlers or their Chinese food, then try their Sunday special Parsi food. Their Mutton dhansak is to die for. It sometimes make me realize why I love Parsi food so much!

Bounty Sizzlers offers kids meals, mini meals, and a few dishes for breakfast. Their vegetarian menu is extensive offering some incentive for vegans. Kingfisher beer is always available and tastes good with the sizzlers. Although I was disappointed that they do not offer outdoor seating in the afternoons, the fact that old Poona families come to dine here is reassuring - you know their food, quantity and quality has been and will be good. 

Your Foodista. 

Coffee Anyone?

Starbucks, Pune

• The Basics – Expensive for a coffee shop. Non-veg. Mostly coffee and a few snacks. WiFi. Self-service
• The Address – Koregaon Park, before lane 1 (right by the entrance, in a tiny lane). Hard to miss
• The Verdict – Only if you’re a part of the Starbucks culture. If not, you’re not missing out on much

I’m sitting, in my opinion, in the heart of Pune city and I feel the vibrations all around me. My flight landed an hour ago, and I’m sitting here at Starbucks, Koregaon Park, to pass time, waiting for a friend, who’s flight should land in an hour from now.

Sitting upstairs, in a room to the corner of the house-turned-coffee-shop, I soak in everything around me. I do not feel as if I am in India. Everything around me, including the security checks at the entrance, the self-service, western dress – shorts, mini-skirts and dresses on girls and mostly blue jeans and tees on guys, all take me back to the States. The only thing that keeps bringing me back to reality are the long lines and the occasional Hindi and Marathi that I hear from the people surrounding me. Yet, they stand in line ordering their favourite drinks with full gusto and complete awareness and confidence. Have they been to Starbucks before? They know the difference between “tall” and “mild”, and understand that their names will be scribbled across the prominent Starbucks cheap, plastic glasses. They are a part of the Starbucks culture. I am a part of the Starbucks culture.

The décor is nothing short of what you will find in any other Starbucks across the globe. The menu is almost the same, with a few Indian additions. Interestingly, their coffee is sourced from TATA’s coffee plantations in Chikmagalur and Coorg and other parts of Karnataka. The boast that they use the best Arabica beans, something that will bring a smile to coffee tasters, or cuppers. They boast to be the best and everyone seems to fall for it. Sadly, the Café Coffee Day down the lane seems empty, longing for some customers. Despite their unfriendly prices, they are drawing in the crowds.

Well lit, there is soft music playing in the background allowing for a decent conversation. However, the noisy crowd will not let you do so. Excited young college students and NRI aunties are nothing short of loud. Wasn't Starbucks a coffee shop for to-go and to sit and do your work? Another disappointing aspect is the fact that the WiFi was not working and the staff could not guide me on how to get it working. Nevertheless, they were friendly and are the only saving grace for this coffee shop.

I order a frappuccino and it came strong. I also ordered a chicken and mozzarella turnover. While the coffee disappointed me, the turnover was good. Everything, I felt was just about average and not worth the price. For a coffee and a little snack, I paid Rs. 350. Not surprising because it’s Starbucks. Yet, I know I can do much better and I will feel more satisfied if I was at the Coffee Day down the lane. So unless you’re buying into the Starbucks culture, this is perhaps not the place for you.

I’m not. I’d much rather give my counterpart Indian coffee brand a chance to succeed, and this is coming from someone who is pro-FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).

Nevertheless I can say that Starbucks is a good addition to the Indian coffee market and as always, their coffees are innovative and you either like it or you don't. It does not grow onto you.

See you next time, Starbucks! I preferred your bagels and hot chocolate in America. 

Steak Out!

Zamu's Place, Pune

• The Basics - Bar. Non-veg. 800-1000 for two. Friendly staff and quick service. Outdoor seating. 11am-3pm; 7pm-11pm. Continental, sizzlers and steaks, Parsi food. 
• The Address - Dhole Patil Road, opposite Chutney's and next to Kareem's. Or call 020-26163610 if you're lost.
• The Verdict - Do not miss. 

It's old school and it's brilliant. Tucked away on Dhole Patil Road, Zamu's Place may be a little difficult to find as most auto-rickshaw drivers have never heard of it. Your closest landmark would be Ruby Hall. The staff at Zamu's are friendly and are always willing to make suggestions and help you chose your best meal with them. 

Probably among my favorite restaurants in Pune, I could never do enough justice to it with this review. Owned by a Parsi family, Zamu's is one of Pune's oldest restaurants. Perhaps best known for it's steaks, sizzlers and typical Parsi delicacies, it is hard to go wrong here. However, if you're a vegetarian, I would strongly suggest not going here - unless of course, mashed potatoes are good enough for you! 

Speaking of their mashed potatoes, they are in fact, perfectly made, with lots of butter to fill your heart's artillery(s). Having said this, when ordering your steak/sizzler, make sure to order mashed potatoes on the side.   

For starters, their bacon wrapped prawns are undoubtedly the best I've ever had. In America, I remember having bacon wrapped chicken, and if you thought those were good, you have no idea what you're missing out on! The prawns are not mushy and the bacon is crisp and the BBQ sauce that comes with it is the cherry on top. Their lamb chops are not bad and their garlic mushrooms are crispy on the outside, soft and steaming on the steaming - just perfect for your insatiable appetite. The rest are alright, but it wouldn't hurt not to try them out. Yet, I would go to say that Zamu's Balls of Fury can be given a try. I usually however do not come here for their starters as much as I do for their steaks and sizzlers. On Sunday afternoons, I like to spoil myself silly with their Parsi food. 

Coming to the steaks/sizzlers, Zamu's is pretty friendly and flexible in the sense that it gives you a choice to make your own or pick from one that they already have and amend/modify it to your liking. Pick from their Classic Sizzler's or make your own. If you're picking, I would suggest the Special Mix Grill for all you meat lovers. It comes with sausages, grilled beef, chicken and succulent pork chops. If this still does not sound exciting enough for you, their pork and chicken shashlik's are good too. The down side is that their steaks are usually always rare, which is not always a good thing. If you tell the chef you would prefer it medium-rare or anything else for that matter, chances of getting what you requested for are very slim. Nevertheless, if you're topping off your steak with some red wine or a mug of beer, you're good to go!

If you're opting to make your own sizzler, enjoy the 3-step process. It's pretty simple - you choose your meat, choose your sides and then pick a sauce! Drunken, Gregory, masala and chops of your favourite meats are good options to chose. All sauces come on the side, and you can pour as much of it as you want and on whatever you want! I love it.  

If you're at Zamu's for their Parsi food then you're at the right place! Although, their menu is quite limited, sali boti and mutton dhansak are probably their best. Having tried biryani from the "home of biryani", Hyderabad, Zamu's is not entirely bad, but I've had better. 

Alors, Zamu's offers great outdoor and indoor seating with good music soft enough for you to have a conversation. The outdoor seating is simple with squared tables and chairs, umbrellas covering them. The indoor seating is booth-like, and takes me back to diners in America. Zamu's is reasonably priced and their quantity decent and makes for a perfect visit both in the afternoon for lunch and evening for dinner. If you've chosen to go for lunch, remember their sandwiches aren't so bad! 

Finally, top off your meal with beer pitchers either on tap or order a pint or quart or a glass of wine. Good for a date or with a bunch of friends and reasonable on the pocket too! If you like, beware, because you'll keep coming back.

Your Foodista.