Dine Like Royalty At Majlis-e-Mughal...

Majlis is an indicative term for a council or special gathering. At Majlis-e-Mughal, they celebrate food served in a royal manner. Majlis-e-Mughal is located in Vasant Kunj, right opposite Fortis Hospital and is essentially a fine-dine restaurant that specializes in Mughlai Cuisine.

The outlet has been designed in line with the theme with mirrors, modern art, and upholstery done in pastel shades. It would be an understatement to say that Majlis-e-Mughal is a hidden gem because it is one of the rare places in Delhi that caters to Mughlai nowadays, and aces it with elegance.

Majlis-e-Mughal is the brainchild of Mr. Sohail Khatri who had an urge to revive the dying legacy of an exquisite cuisine in the capital city. It is like bringing the flavors of authentic Lucknowi Mughlai preparations to the table here in the heart of Delhi, thanks to Executive Chef Raj Aryan who has the backing of more than a decade of presenting authentic Mughlai preparations to his credit.

Majlis-e-Mughal is a name that wins it on the basis of its food solely. None of the factors like decor, vibe, and service are needed to even lend it a helping hand to procure cent per cent. The fact that the ingredients for dishes are procured from Lucknow testify the fact that there is zero compromise when it comes to what is being served on the plate.

Each preparation is a winner in itself, be it on the basis of its aesthetics or taste, and there is not one flaw that I was able to point out in any them. I was all praises for the entire spread presented at a recent visit to Majlis-e-Mughal.

Here's what all was relished when I dined like royalty at Majlis-e-Mughal...

Appetizers, along with which crispy Poppadoms were served.

Paneer Majlis Kebab was stuffed with soft cottage cheese on the inside.

Lucknowi Dahi Ke Kebab had the characteristic crispy outlook yet the perfect flavor burst on the palate.

Tandoori Khumb had an unconventional element in its presentation in the form of an onion bulb on the side.

Lucknowi Veg Seekh was prepared well but had green chili chunks on the inside.

Murgh Majlis Kebab was a sibling of Paneer Majlis and had Chicken Keema stuffed into it.

Nizami Kebab is the most unusual (rare) kebab preparation I have come across in Delhi. The succulent kebab had a Chapati wrapped around it, garnished with onion rings.

Kalmi Kebab was such that I can say that it's one of the best I've had in recent times.

Galouti Kebab was the epitome of fragile so to say. It is one of the most melt-in-mouth I've ever had, and was presented in the classic form, atop an Ulte Tawe Ki Roti, garnished with onion rings.

Kakori Kebab had a rose on its side to enhance aesthetics.

Beverages: 

Seb Sherbet and Virgin Mojito

Main Course, served along with Khameeri Roti, Lachcha Parantha, and Tandoori Naan. 

• Dal Makhni
• Paneer Dhaniya Adraki
• Lazeez Mutton Nihari
• Murgh Korma
• Murgh Changezi
• Murgh Mumtaz Biryani
• Dilnaz Biryani

Dessert: 

Shahi Phirni was so good that I decided to opt for a second helping.

The good, old Saunf was also presented upon completion of the meal.

All in all, Majlis-e-Mughal makes a fantastic attempt to revive the presence of Mughlai cuisine on the F&B scenario in Delhi and does an excellent job. It would be my recommendation for anyone looking to savor authentic Mughlai delicacies in a fine-dine setting. 

Unwinding At AMPM Cafe & Bar...

AMPM Cafe & Bar is the youth-centric hotspot in the sprawling B.K. Dutt Market in Rajouri Garden and is perfect for that weekend plan with friends amidst a chilled-out vibe.

As I had mentioned in elucidating my experience at The California Boulevard, AMPM Cafe is situated right above TCB, spanning the third floor in the same premises. It also comes under the aegis of Bright Hospitality. 

While TCB is more of a luxury fine-dine place for evenings made perfect with family and excellent food, AMPM comes across as a place to unwind with friends over say, a get-together, reunion or treat especially with their Lickable (Freak Shake or I would rename it Likeable) being their USP in the beverage section. 

TCB draws its theme from all things Hollywood, while AMPM is quite upbeat and has a theme centred around English music - rock, pop, jazz, blues - are all that reflect in their ambiance, decor, and even the way the menu has been designed, with every second page citing a quote from a popular youth icon of the likes of John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Freddie Mercury to name a few.

As for the decor, you would spot electric guitars on the walls, retro mics for lamps hanging from the ceiling and vinyl records painted on the corner wall.

There is also a life-size tic-tac-toe board on each table, for patrons to pass time while delicious food arrives on the table.

AMPM has its premises designed as a part open part closed seating which also allows for Hookahs to be served in a separate section.

With both outlets being housed in the same premises, Bright Hospitality is thus tapping into two demarcated target audiences - families as well as youth.

With a variety of dishes being plated in the American, Continental, and Italian cuisines, I was yet again spoilt for choice and instead chose to go by Chef's recommendations. 

Here's what all appetizing Food was relished at AMPM Cafe & Bar, with a menu curated by Chef Vinod... 

Dilli Ki Chaat, that is essentially Palak Patta Chaat.

Chili Chicken was served alongside chili dip.

River Sole Fillet was served alongside potato wedges and grilled veggies.

Fish & Chips was the quintessential English preparation with flavorful tartar sauce on the side.

Chili Prawn was cooked in a brilliant manner.

Fish Tikka was the classic Indian dish with mint dip and onion by the side.

AMPM Veggie Pizza was a flavorful thin crust pizza, with broccoli, corn, and mushroom as its generous toppings.

Coming to Beverages wherein their Lickable was the highlight, each one being overwhelming in its presentation, yet keeping the flavor of the key elements of each beverage intact.

Belgian Affair was a chocolate haven with marshmallows, Belgian chocolate, and tidbits of biscuits blended with ice-cream.

Benaras Belle was a fantastic concoction of Gulkand, Paan Syrup and Kulfi that had a life-size Paan leaf and Gulkand bits stuck on the outside of the archaic pickle jar that it was served in. Also, it came with a Meetha Paan on the side.

Mango Alphonso came across as a delightful respite from the summer heat, with the king of fruits as the eye of the storm of a burst of flavors on the palate.

Magnum Upside Down was the most awesome of all, with its upside-down cone and delicious Magnum paired with a generous topping of finely chopped almonds.

To counter all those calories, some coffee and tea were required and the following served the purpose well.

Double Shot Cold Coffee

Both teas were presented alongside honey and lime, in a French Press kettle.

Chamomile Tea

Jasmine Tea

All in all, AMPM comes across as a lively place where the party never dies, because they have great dishes to serve, all with a smile, and patrons have great banter and some classic English melodies to tune to while they unwind on a weekend with friends. :)