ज़ाफ़रान By Chandan Tahasildar

ज़ाफ़रान
हे नाव मी गेले 3 वर्षे ऐकत होतो. पण जाण्याचा योग मात्र येत नव्हता. पण गेल्या आठवड्यात हा योग जुळून आला. निमित्त होते.... जाउदे, जातीच्या खावैय्यांना निमित्त लागते का ??
माझ्या मित्रांचा गोतावळा आधीच पोहोचला होता आणि मी पोहचेपर्यन्त एक वाईट प्रसंग सुद्धा घडून गेला. त्यानंतर प्रत्येक मिनिटागणिक आणि मागवणाऱ्या प्रत्येक पदार्थानंतर आमची निराशा होत गेली. अर्थात यातही काही अपवाद होतेच. पनीर टिक्का मसाला माझ्या आवडीच्या पदार्थांपैकी एक. तो मस्त होता. बटर कुलचा सुद्धा छान जमुन आला होता. चिकन मसाला ग्रेवी आणि चिकन अफ़गाणी हे आम्हाला आवडलेले पदार्थ. पण..
थोड़े मागे जातो आणि सुरवातीपासून सुरवात करतो..
माझ्या एका मैत्रिणीने स्टार्टर म्हणून चिकन टिक्का मागवले होते. दुर्दैवाने म्हणे किंवा नजरचुकीने, त्यात कोंबडीचे पीस सापडले. ही बाब व्यवस्थापनाच्या लक्षात आणून दिली गेली पण तोवर जो व्हायचा होता तो परिणाम झाला होता. 
मी माझ्यासाठी जी जी शीतपेये सांगत होतो ती उपलब्ध नव्हती. अखेर काय उपलब्ध आहे असे विचारल्यावर "फ्रूट पंच" आणि "लेमोनेड" असे उत्तर मिळाले. मग जर दोनच पेये आहेत तर मेनू का आणून दिला असे विचारले तर उत्तर नाही मिळाले.
मी फ्रूट पंच मागवले आणि वेलेंसियाने लेमोनेड. लेमोनेड लेमोनेड सारखेच होते मात्र फ्रूट पंच माझा कॅलरी काउंट वाढवण्यासाठीच बनवल्यासारखे बनवले होते. कष्टाची फळे सुद्धा इतकी गोड नसावीत. खूपच गोडम गोड होते ते. मात्र प्रत्येक घोटागणिक वजन वाढत असल्याचा भास होऊन माझे तोंड मात्र कडू झाले होते.
चिकनचे अजून एक स्टार्टर मागवले होते पण त्याचे नावसुद्धा लक्षात राहु नये अशी त्याची चव होती. एखाद्या मारवाड़ी व्यावसाईकाला शोभावा असा चिवटपणा होता त्याच्या अंगी.
स्टार्टर पैकी चांगला एक पदार्थ होता पनीर टिक्का मसाला. तो मात्र छान होता.
स्टार्टर इतकी निराशा मुख्य मेनूने केली नाही. मी चिकन अफ़गाणी मागवले होते. मेनूवर ज्या आकर्षक प्रकारे लिहिले होते, तितकेच आकर्षक दिसतही होते. बोनलेस चिकन, पिवळ्या रंगाच्या मध्यम तिखट घट्ट ग्रेवी मधे छान लागत होते. त्यावर ऑमलेट सुद्धा घातले होते आणि त्यांची एकत्रित चव मस्तच वाटत होती. माझ्या एका मित्राने चिकन मसाला मागवले होते. ही लाल रंगाची मसालेदार ग्रेवी सुद्धा खूपच चवदार होती.
चैत्रा नावाची माझी मैत्रीण आहे जिला जेवणाइतकेच किंवा जेवणापेक्षाही जेवणानंतरच्या डेजर्टस् जास्त महत्वाच्या वाटतात, ती मात्र ज़ाफ़रानला त्या रात्रीसाठी कधीच माफ करणार नाही.
दिलेल्या मेनू मधून चॉकलेटचे २ आणि सिताफळाचे २ आणि माझ्यासाठी रसगुल्ला असे नक्की केल्यावर आम्हाला कळाले की रसगुल्ला वगळता काहीच उपलब्ध नाही. यानंतर मात्र अधिक काही खाण्याची आमची इच्छा उरली नाही आणि तसेही त्यांच्याकडेही आमच्यासाठी काही नव्हतेच.
बिल झाले होते 4500. अगदी चांगल्या रेस्तराँच्या मानानेही (तसा अनुभव आला नाही तरीही) हे थोड़े जास्तच वाटले. कारण 10 रूपयांना मिळणारे 7up जर कुणी 75 रूपयांना देत असेल तर तशीच उत्तम सेवा सुद्धा मिळायला हवी ना ??

- चंदन तहसीलदार.

Nuggets?? ...simply no no............By Kirti Pataskar

Hi friends,today I happened to visit a famous burger chain outlet...(need not disclose the name as such!) and happened to taste chicken nuggets.Initially,I was very excited and happy to taste this dish for two reasons..mainly because of my fondness of chicken and secondly,when I had made nuggets myself  at home with some ready to make frozen packets ,they were just excellent ,crispy,tasty and complete value-for-money snack..! almost with same notion,i was all set to drop the morsel in my mouth.But honestly,nothing like that  happened as I threw a glance at this dish..

These nuggets were more looking like "Bhajiyas"(Indian fritters made of gram flour) than an american fried snacks..there was no crispy quoting of breadcrumbs or cornflakes or alike..secondly,one had to search for its crispiness.Though they were hot,they were soggy and not crunchy..The taste too was not over-the -top ..Overall,It turned out to be a mediocre dish that had got hyped due to its world famous company name.I realize one thing that people come to these outlets not because they are hungry but because they want to kill their time and put something into their open mouths that can fill their stomach for little time.Also going to such outlets has become a part of fashion and status in today's teenagers.

No doubt,there are some good things about these pizza and burger chains.Especially,burger chains are not too expensive and in approximately 50-100 rupees one can stuff his stomach to a satisfactory extent.But standing in a queue,placing an order ,waiting for your order number and going and fetching your tray on your own is highly arduous and clumsy for Indian hands.! Such type of discipline is heavy for us...I personally prefer burger over pizzas though I love pizzas more.But like any other middle-class  budget customer,I too see price list first.And burger along with its cost fills my stomach and doesn't empty monthly budget  at the same time.I generally keep pizzas for celebrations.i..e if anyone wants to treat me out and asks my choice then I certainly opt for pizza.On the same hand,If I want to treat my friends out for a brunch on my preferences,I would jump for pizzas again.

Well,this inspires me to think that why these american fast food chains have become soo  popular and integral part of Indian life? These foods have occupied so much space in our heart and right upto kitchens that they have left no ball unturned.Ok.Firstly,these restaurants provide enough space to sit and relax even though you don't order anything.They will mind only during weekends when their rush is over -spilling.Secondly,they are pocket friendly.Thirdly,You need not wait for long to get your order.Unlike any other Indian restaurants you need not wait too long to receive your menu .Only if your order is long and of time consuming dish,you have  to stand for pretty longer time for your order to get ready.Fourthly,these chains have excellent marketing and advertising strategies.They are excellent at pitching their target customers.Hold on,even though I have stated  few above advantages we should also look at their downsides.The most important thing  about this food is you can't eat them everyday unlike our Indian breakfasts like dosas,upma or poha.for a simple reason that they are not good for your health.Even dieticians these days are warning to stay away from such foods as it contains bad cholesterol in pretty lager quantity.On medical and fitness ground too,our Indian snacks have stood the test of time and have been proved "healthy".I personally would appreciate Indian way of hotelling where a waiter or a captain or a manager takes care of every single customer walking in his restaurant and serving him.Finally,you are "Valued"there.! whatever it may be,but udupi or any regional Indian restaurants are unbeatable despite these firangi food.and this desi food gets ten on ten on my report card..!

Hotel Kokan.........by Chandan Tahasildar

Hotel Kokan

I am going to tell you today the biggest weakness of mine. You all can blackmail me.. and I shall do any thing for that one dish.. It is fish fry.
I was following some dietary instructions given by someone who really takes care of me.. (no ahem ahem pls... I am talking bout my family doctor). Well jokes apart, but Sunil, one of my dearest friend reminded me today of fishes and then we couldn't control but to visit a very special place where you get super hit and super hot fish fry.

Hotel Kokan is located in a quiet lane near Kandarpada in Dahisar. but that's what is  the best thing about wefoodians. We  always find out such locations for you all. Ok I took a little chance to promote my blog but coming back to topic again, Hotel Kokan is a small hut with 5 tables and a small kitchen inside.Unlike other restaurants,this one is not posh,upscale and opulent outlet but small,cozy and value for money one.

Appa, the waiter, server, assistant, cashier, manager and of course the owner of the hotel manages everything solely  with a never ending smile on his face.His wife and mother will be in kitchen cooking everything in order to serve you fast and fresh.Here is the picture of the menu.

Believe me guys, close your eyes and put your finger on menu, that will be the best dish you will have.I have been there twice and I had my best timesevery single time.
This time we started with Bombil (Bombay duck) fry and Bangada (mackerel) fry. Before the order was served, we were engrossed talking about one of our  friend's engagement party and trust me guys,the moment our menu reached our tables we were almost unknown to each oather with only our mouths watering,salivating and chewing our bese food on the table!!.Bombil were fresh and yummy. Bangada was good too.Last time I had ordered kolambee (prawns) fry and chicken masala so this time I decided to taste the mutton.
The mutton masala as you can see in the pic was super amazing. I can bet that this is one of the best mutton dish you can have in Mumbai. We had bhaakaree and chapatee with it. Both were hot and fresh from kitchen. This mutton masala is unbeatable and must-try for foodies. We repeated the Bombil fry and also ordered kaleji (lever). Appa the clever man noticed that we liked the masala dish. He asked proactively if we want kaleji masala or gravy or fry. We who by now had turned out to be fans of the masala dish ordered for Kaleji masala with bhakri and chapatti.

I am not a great lover of Kaleji but it was so tempting that I couldn't resist eating it. Sunil by now had decided to bring his brother and Pravin, my other friend decided to take parcel from here for weekend.Well the stomach was full but the mind was wanting more..! So we decided to visit again in next month to try few more dishes.Meanwhile if you listen to the bill amount you will say I am faking. For all this hard work of making and serving it hot and fresh as per every customers requirements, he charged us ₹550. 

When we were leaving I heard a conversation between Appa and one of his customers.
Appa - "We will be closed from 15 to 22 September because of Ganapati festival."
Customer - "where will I have my dinner for so many days?"

Well that's the impact this place has on you.I am sure you must have decided your date to visit this place. Don't forget to invite me.Till then.. celebrate food! celebrate eating!

Chandan Tahasildar

Family Diwali lunch @ Suruchi..............By Kirti Pataskar

Its been already a week of Diwali celebrations and sumptuous Diwali snacks.Being  maharashtrian,I believe in making home made Diwali snacks and enjoy preparing them at home.Eventually,It has also remained a practice since last few years in our house,that we treat our close and extended relatives on one the four days of Diwali.We take them in some nearby vegetarian restaurants and have our gastronomic experience fulfilled there.This time we decided to take them to Suruchi,in Thakur complex,Kandivali east(it is where I stay) for two reasons..One  for being one of the closest  venue from our residence and secondly,this tiny restaurant has a not-so-common advantage i.e. u get excellent gehu ki roti (wheat flour Chapati).Ghee laden ,thick,hot wheat flat breads come to your plate and melts in your mouth.It also makes easy for small children in the family to enjoy their meals which otherwise is an arduous task.This restaurant is near from Thakur complex main circle.It has a mediocre space and there two sections air-conditioned and non air conditioned.In non AC section there is also a platform of pavbhaji center where you can watch pav bhaji taking shape live.This is one of the oldest restaurants in thakur complex.They have recently renovated the place with some nice wall papers and other interiors.

We decided  to reserve a table for 15 in advance with the restaurant manager a day earlier but he assured us that he will easily accomodate 15 guests in his AC section and that we need not reserve a day before.The meals were undoubtedly three course meals.so it bagan with tomato soup,mushroom soup and sweet corn soup.All three soups were extra ordinarily good and left no scope for complaints.

Mushroom soup

Tomato soup unlike others had no artificial smell or colour.Mushroon soup was spicy,hot and indian chinese taste wd chopped ginger-garlic in it.It tickled our tongue as well as it triggered our hunger a bit more.Then we ordered chapati,paneer chatpata and veg handi.None of the veg dishes were spicy or oily.Waiters kept juggling between orders and serving us their hot chapatis.Relatives' faces were looking quite happy and contented with food..especially my mom..at this age too,she is a great cook and great foodie.She also belongs to a family of food lovers and all my maasis are terrific cooks.Then came plain rice and day fry.We relished on that too.The rice grain was basmati,properly cooked and longg.Dal was mix lentils with garlic n dry red chillies tadka on it.

ghee laden chapati

Paneer chatpata

Plain rice

lip smacking dal

We all ate so much that our stomachs left no space for any desserts.Even then I made a courtesy and asked everyone along with my dad(who is a terrible sweet  tooth) whether they would like to have any sweet dish but all of them declined.We finally left the restaurant with stuffed stomach and filled hearts..Thanx Suruchi..!

chaat @ shanti fast food..............By Kirti Pataskar

The other day I was watching some lifestyle english channel wherein i came across a Uk citizen selling "jhalmuri" (a Bengali version of Bhel) on the streets of London.Undoubtedly,that made me proud to see that our Indian Chaat has reached the corners of the world.there can be no such person on this earth who doesnt like chaat.Sweet-Sour chutney (Khajur imli ki chutney),chilli chutney,some fried lentils,puris,coriander,finely chopped onion,tomatoes,coriander are all that go into it and makes a wonder.As one cant resist chaat,one cant resist Shanti fast food chaat too.Its run by a man who migrated to mumbai some decade ago from jaipur.There also he would do the same business.After coming to the city of dreams,for few months he worked at wankhede stadium's food outlet.then he shifted to kandivali,thakur complex,hired a place and started his own chaat corner in the name of shanti fast food.

Shanti Fast food @ kandivali  east

The most popular chaat dishes of shanti are Amul Dabeli,Papdi Chaat,Sev puri,Ragada Pattice,Bhelpuri and the list continues.The eatery is flooded after 5 pm.Its working hours are from 3.00pm to 10pm.The best part of this food stall is this man makes his chutnyes everyday and no stale items are kept in his stall.So one can relax without fear of stomach problems and hog onto his dishes.To be very frank when I went to him for my blog,my stomach was royally upset.Even then I had to eat though in small portions.the man himself is very smilling and greets people with smiles and pampers them with sukha masala puri as a complimentary goodies after they finish their eating.He learnt his culinary skills in Jaipur itself from his boss where he was working.This man realized his passion for chaat and chaat making and thereafter decided to turn his passion into business.This is how Shanti fast food came into being.

both busy serving the flooding orders

its an mazing view to see this man making a dish...!

Sunptuous Dabeli 

This is schezwan chtuney

I tasted Amul dabeli.It was very crispy,perfectly spiced with dabeli vegeables,fried peanuts,sev and pomogrnate kernels.Second was Papdi chaat.this dish turned abit more spicy for me.But it was good.Then we ordered my all time favorite with him -Sevpuri.you take pani puri or sevpuri,Puris are always fresh and crispy.Overall all the dishes were value for money and quite tasty.If you are a chaat lover then Shaanti fast food is must-visit for you.

(photo courtsey:Ganesh Dabholkar)Thank You GD .Your pictures speak more than my article.

chicken sukha.........By Kirti Pataskar

Chicken sukha: Chicken sukha is a dry chicken dish and goes well with rice bhakri or chapati.It is one of the most staple dish in Konkan's homes and restaurants.Though cooking method differs we are here giving you the simple,easy to make and tasty version of the same.Hope you love it.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Kg Chicken
• 10 Red Chillies
• 2 tbsp Coriander
• 10-12 Pepper Corn
• 1/2 tsp Jeera
• 1/2 tsp Methi
• 2 inches Cinnamon
• 6 Cloves
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 5-6 cloves of garlic
• 2 Onions
• 2-3 Tomatoes
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• 1 cup Grated coconut
• 1 Lime(small)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ghee + 1 tbsp Coconut oil

Cooking Method:

Masala Powder: Dry roast red chillies, coriander, methi, jeera, cinnamon and cloves and powder them.

Masala Paste: Grind 1 onion and garlic into a paste. Add grated coconut and grind for a while.
Cut chicken into small pieces. Wash, drain and marinate with turmeric, salt, and lime juice and keep aside.

Heat ghee and oil and fry the chopped onion till golden brown, add chopped tomatoes and saute till oil separates.
Add curry leaves and fry for a while.

Now add marinated chicken. Mix well and allow to cook for a while.

Now add ground masala paste and masala powder, mix well and allow to dry.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

occassion cake shop,kandivali east

As a kid,I was never attracted towards chocolates but all I liked was ice-creams n cakes.That passion  remains with me till today.But as I grew up  the cream cakes and its freshness kept worrying me since my kids n me are being allergic to it.I have experienced renowned cake shops selling a day old cakes guiltfree.But only when I came across Occassion cake shop in Thakur Complex,kandivali east,my notion about stale cakes relieved.Occassion cake shop is owned by maharashtrian young guy,Virendra Sawant.He opened this shop 5 years back and the responsnse is just over-spilling.You can see customers coming to the shop till 10 o'clock at night for buying cakes,pastries,decoration material etc.What makes "Occassion" special and different from other chain of cake shops is their freshness of the cakes and creams.Also,they have customised varieities in cakes and self-invented cakes by Virendra.

various cakes at "occassion"

some best selling cakes-rainbow,chocolate truffle,swiss truffle and black forest

Virendra has opened a second cake shop in Goregaon.When asked Mr.Indrajjit ,the handling person at kandivali shop said,they return their day old cakes and make new ones everyday.One can have their cream cakes with no fear of falling ill...!The shop is open all 07 days a week and its working hours are from 08.00 am to 10.00 pm.This is one of the must-visit cake shop in suburbs.