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Sunday 31 May 2015

TAB 01 Kitchen & Lounge - DLF Cyber City - 2.5/5


This place is one of those place you would generally give a miss if you are looking at spending a special occasion with friends or family, however if you are planning to throw a party to a large number of people and are running on a tight budget, then my friend this is the place you would go to. Pricing wise Tab 01 will not disappoint you at all.

We were looking at a cheap buffet lunch options for my team at work so we found Tab 01 Kitchen and Lounge in Cyber Greens Food court offering a great deal of Rs 250++ per head for a buffet lunch veg or non veg and would also include one glass of beer / soft drink. Not bad, isn't it?

I would recommend the place only if you are planning a corporate get together in the evenings because they would also offer one of the cheapest IMFL buffet dinner deals at a throw away price in Gurgaon. The food is pretty average and actually quite a steal at the price. 

Ambiance is pretty ok, nothing great and if you are planning a party they may even play some foot tapping bollywood numbers and you can have a pretty decent time shaking a leg or two.

The only minus is the service, service is average and the service staff lack polish, they have to be told to replenish the buffet when the chaffing dishes are empty and need replenishing. 

We were at Tab 01 for a team lunch and they had prepared 3 salads, raita, Dal makhani, Mix veg, Shahi paneer, butter Chicken and Chicken korma for the mains and Gulab Jamun for dessert.

Food was pretty average or may be even above average but nothing worth remembering. But for the price it sure is quite a steal. So if you are looking at treating your colleagues for a decent meal at a throw away price, this is the place for you.

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Thursday 28 May 2015

Pablo - The Art of Food - 4/5

I have dined at Pablo twice and since it is your BYOB kind of a place, liquor is not your only incentive to come and eat here. You can actually enjoy some real good food too with your glass of beer. I was introduced to Pablo by my favorite food Group #TDFc when the place was hosting a Kashmiri food Festival during the winter months. And if and when there is Kashmiri Khana cooking anywhere I have to surely visit and give my so called expert comments. 

I heard that the passionate owner Rajeev who loves to to travel is fond of kashmiri food himself so had got Kashmiri Cooks or Waza's from Kashmir and experimented hosting a Kashmiri meal at the restaurant. When I arrived at Pablo, I loved the court yard style Al-fresco sitting in the sun. One can sit out enjoy the sun sip beer and enjoy some great food at Pablo. 


Since this was a a set menu it had some amazing options like Kakur Yakhni (Chicken Yakhni), Roganjosh, Masch (meat Balls), haaq Saag, Ledir Chaman (Paneer), dum aaloo and Mooli ki Chatni. As we all sat and filled our plates seating in the sun, and I took my first bite of each dish, I was transported in time to jammu and fondly remembered my mom and the awesome food she makes. I must admit the food was authentic to the core from the gravy's to the use of all traditional masalas in the gravies, the taste, the look and everything in each dish - Absolutely authentic Kashmiri. 


I was with my in-laws and my husband and they have tasted some real authentic Kashmiri food and they were all full of praises for the food. Too bad the cooks had left post making the food, I would have loved to meet them and thank them in person. 


The next time I visited Pablo was with a group of friends and we went one evening to have some real food. When I saw the menu I was startled to see a 10 plus page menu with so many options. Menu is very very impressive and food is more interesting than what the menu shows. We decided on ordering some cheese Nacho's, Chicken Tandoori momos and some Garlic cheese corn balls along with some Peanut Masala.


I absolutely adored the Garlic cheese corn balls and the Chicken Tandoori momos, so much so that we ended up ordering 3 portions each of these. The service is great and so is the food. I am definitely coming back time and again. But it makes me sad to hear the place is going to be shut soon.


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Quizno's - Definitely better than Subway - 4/5

In an era filled with tasty junk food items, it’s quite intriguing how a vast number of people are still diet conscious and watch what they eat. I know of a large number of people who even count the calories they eat and are very particular that they avoid junk food and eat as healthy as possible. So this percentage of people, if they were to eat out often usually refrain from indulging in a high calorie binge and would prefer a Subway or a salad chef or a Pita pit.

Subway is quite frustrating and one neither has the time nor the patience to argue with them to make you a sub where you feel you’ve got your money’s full worth. They are stingy in filling the sub with veggies as though they are making the sub with vegetables which are an extinct species or something. Most of the time Subway’s staff will tell you that their . And Salad chef is an ok option which doesn’t have a “wow” factor attached to it. So it had to be Quiznos, which me and my calorie conscious friend tried sometime last week.

Located at the ground floor in DLF cyber hub just behind Angels in my Kitchen this place is quite a treat for sub lovers. Not only do they generously put the veggies and meats in the subs the staff is very courteous and very very prompt in making whatever you order. The menu has loads of options ranging from subs, soups, salads, sammies, pizza’s, sides and beverages. The quality of the sub is fabulous. Subway in India cannot compete and cannot come close to what Quiznoz offers. Great fresh veggies, in sufficient quantity and service with a smile, what more can you ask for? And the best part is that the staff is polite, and very warm, something that is a rare emotion in the subway staff

So this is what I had –

Ø  Classic Italian – Loved the combo of Chicken ham, Chicken Salami and chicken pepperoni in the sub. A superb Sub. – My rating 4/5

Ø  Mesquite Chicken – A simple no frills attached Chicken Sub – My rating 4/5

Ø  Veggie Soya Chipotle – My friend had it and loved it. Loved the touch of the chipotle sauce. Rating 4/5

Ø  Veg Hawaiian Salad – Super salad, only wish that the portion size could be increased. My rating 3/5

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Monday 18 May 2015

SelectED Events and Dining - A bespoke Event at Heritage Village Resort & Spa Manesar


About the Company 

SelectED Events and Dining - a Trusted name in Luxury Catering and bespoke events. SelectED is one of India’s leading Luxury Events Catering companies. Passion for food, fresh ingredients and dedicated teams striving to push the boundaries of event catering makes them deliver what they pride themselves on – brilliantly architectured menu tailor made to every customers taste, exceptional presentation and impeccable service. 

When SelectED Events & Dining(SelectED) was conceptualized, the ethos and vision of what SelectED would stand for were very clear in the minds of its founders. By pushing boundaries with innovative food & stylised presentation, SelectED aims to be the architect of a perfect tailor-made experience. “Part of the passion is having the persistence and resilience to change both your art and the way you deliver it.” Putting it simply, SelectED events are Quality over Quantity. 

Their Services : 

> Weddings
> Corporate Events
> Celebrations at home
> Destination Events across Geographics

SelectED is one of India’s finest niche outdoor luxury catering and event companies. Whether its a Corporate event, a wedding, your fine dine Sit down Anniversary Dinner, a Diplomatic function, a Book launch, you name it and they will plan it for you and exceed your expectations. 

The team :

Gaurav Mathur - director culinaire 

With over a decade of experience with ITC, Chef Mathur has unparalleled culinary expertise and can conjure up the most innovative delectables in Indian, Oriental, American and European cuisines. He doesn't believe in taking the menu to the client but the actual samples of food for tasting.

Ishaan Sarkar - CEO 

A chef by profession and a foodie by passion, Ishaan’s extensive experience in some of the most reputed names in the hospitality industry has given him the edge required to execute events as grandiose as the Commonwealth Games or a royal destination wedding. Ishaan has worked with likes of Taj Group of Hotels, Graviss Hospitality and Sodexo to name a few.

Ideology : 

They offer a completely personalized and unique experience and live up to the meaning that their tagline implies, ‘Create magic through food’. They take full accountability of each aspect of your event. SelectED has a team of hard core dedicated professionals working hard behind the scenes deliver impeccable experiences. 

Their drive for perfection in each event is such that the company CEO, Marketing head and Chef insist on doing just One Event Per Day, irrespective of the scale making them perfectionists with no room for compromise. They strive for their clients to have a fine dining restaurant experience par excellence that they would not have experienced any time before. They design tailor made packages suited to each individual occasion including carefully curated and hand crafted menu's by the Chef making sure your event is a culinary delight that is memorable for all times to come. 

Tradition Vs Modernity

SelectED believes in making food innovative from simple basic ingrediemts so that they live their brand promise - Creating Magic with Food. Their highly experienced chefs will deliver traditionally cooked classics with a creative twist. They will Jazz up simple Indian Favourites and create Chicken Tikka Pies or Pav Bhaji Sliders or Something quite simple like Makki di Roti is presented in the form of Sarson ka Saag Mousse with Makki Biscotti. They really do their food differently and believe in the use of interesting props and intricately designed counters coupled with premium cutlery and glassware. 

My Experience

We were there at Heritage Village Resort and Spa Manesar where the SelectED team had curated a one night two day event for us. An event that was tailor made for a selected few to experience Luxury at the resort first hand. 

Arrival 

When we arrived, we were given a warm traditional Indian welcome and the CEO himself escorted each of us to our rooms. The rooms were done up beautifully. I was floored and really touched by the fact that they had made me personalized cupcakes which even had my picture on them. Rooms were crisp with a lovely bottle of Red wine. The Room's were so comfortable and perfectly stacked with all amenities nothing short of a 5 star resort. 

Post Lunch I took a tour of the property and was enchanted by the massiveness and the beauty of the resort. The place is green. Green as far as one can see. Well maintained lawns, Swimming pools, restaurants serving great food, comfortable rooms, the place is a complete package. 

High Tea 

At 4.30pm we met for the high Tea. And I cannot begin to tell you, how mesmerized I was by the beautiful display of Cup cakes, loads of Bakery items, mini calzones, Pizza's, Empanada's, Pop's Pie's and Danish's. Dozens of beautifully baked cookies and famous Mumbaiya and Delhi Street food was also on display besides some Organix Food favourites. 

I was so enchanted to see that they has even done a version of Kala Khatta Gola which was a stunner. Tea / Coffee with some stunning looking was on display which gave me a natural high. I was impressed to see a unique combination of various knick knack tea time food on display at the high tea. Truly Unique, commendable, and again Tailor made. 

Cocktail and Formal Sit Down Dinner

The Cocktails followed by a Formal Sit down dinner was nothing less than perfection of a ritual. There was a unique array of finger food both on display and was being served during the cocktails. The Bartender was sweet to take everyone's order for a bespoke drink or a cocktail and each drink emerged perfect just as one would like. I loved the Trio Nacho's, Parma HamMelon pops, Squid Peri Peri and bi Fing Prawn. The Jalapeneo and cheese Stuffed Gucchi was a rock-star. 

The Dining room was decorated in white. Loved the fact that there was a perfectly planned seating arrangement for each of us with personalised name Tent Cards and personalised Menu's with our names written on them for each of us. The wine pairing with the food was stunning. The menu was so detailed with options that one would want to have every single item, because their descriptions sounded so mesmerizing. 

As the meal arrived course by course, I fell in love with every single dish and I must complement Chef Mathur for painstakingly planning such a beautiful menu. The meal started with the beautiful sight of Sarson Mousse with Biscotti and I chose the Tandoori Atlantic Salmon with Basil pesto. Both the dishes were such a beautiful sight. Salmon cooked to perfection and Sarson mousse what a gala beginning to a great meal. I also indulged in the Gucchi Khichdi and the pickled Salan. The mild subtle flavour of the Salan's gravy complemented the Khichdi really well. 

The dish of the day for me was the Newzealand Lamb Chops with aam Papad and Cocum Jus. Lamb cooked to perfection really went well with the Khichdi.

The dessert Sampler arrived like a beautifully painted picture in front of us with lovely flowers and chocolate strips in the middle. What a sweet end to a Gala Meal. 

Sunday Brunch.

What a Gala end to this unique weekend with an innumerable array of beautifully displayed dishes in the arms of nature. The buffet setting was beautiful with an exhaustive Breakfast station with rolls and breads, Cold cuts and eggs to order. Very interestingly I also saw Bheja Fry, Gurda Masala and Liver Fry along with some perfectly cooked Tala Gosht. I felt as though I had died and I went straight to heaven. Each of these dishes or should I say unique meat items were different than the usual and certainly not the mundane Butter Chicken and Rogan josh items. What interested me even more was the Baobunwrap with some unique fillings like pork, shrimp and yummy lamb. The pasta station was way too tempting and I was instantly drawn to the Haleem and the Biryani's. Would you believe it, there even was Japanese and some north Indian comfort food on display. 

The display of desserts was nothing less than spectacular. With wasabi Ice cream, and baileys Crem brulee I was converted. I absolutely adored the beautiful Mango Basil Entremet 

Service

I must complement the service staff for their coordination and perfect plating and timing of each course. They ensured our Wine glasses never went empty and goblets were always full. Full marks. 

Departure

Our departure was with a sweet note and we were presented witha beautiful parting Gift if a Belgian Chocolate cake decorated like a Maharaja's Kundan Necklace. It was what I would call Food Art. It felt like Royalty at the end of this Royal Experience. 

The weekend has to be one of my most memorable weekends ever and the SelectED team ensured they make this experience as unique and as special for us as possible. So people if you are hosting your parents anniversary, or that corporate event or even planning your wedding reception, you now know who to call. 

For more information, contact :

m :+91 95607 86491 | t +91 11 46162644
email : infoselected@selectgroup.in


#selectEDeventsanddining #Catering           
#AllChefEDup #StaySelectED #selectEDeventsanddining #chefEDUp #selectED

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Ishaan Sarkar - CEO 

Gaurav Mathur - director culinaire 

The High Tea Event 

















































The Cocktail and Formal Sit Down Dinner





















































The Sunday Brunch


















































The Departure at a sweet note