On A Gastronomic Sojourn At AMPM...

The Galleria Market at Gurugram is one of the popular shop-and-dine hubs in the millennium city, and rightfully so, given the fact that patrons are spoilt for choice when it comes to an eventful outing with friends or family alike.

A recent shopping spree thus culminated in a visit to AMPM Cafe, located on the second floor, and providing a bird's eye view of the vicinity.

As the name suggests, AMPM has been modeled around the concept of all-day-dining that reflects in the variety showcased on the menu, and the vibe of the place that becomes peppier as sundown approaches.

Largely known as 'The Birthplace of Lickables', AMPM always impresses with what is presented on the plate, and this time also, my visit was no different.

Featuring a live kitchen, AMPM scores given the fact that you're able to see how your food comes to the plate the way it does.

Here's what would be my recommendation when visiting AMPM for a meal...

Appetizers: 

Chaat At AMPM was a tangy combination of chickpeas, yogurt, and tamarind with a garnish of pomegranate seeds and crispy spinach fritters on the side.

Kadhai Paneer Sliders are one of the best quick bites on offer, perfect for an Indianized palate, complete with baby garlic flatbread, chargrilled cottage cheese topped with coriander seeds, and a salad and gravy on the side.

Asparagus and Broccoli Dimsums is the best bet coming to the Oriental side of the meal. Steamed nicely, the pockets are a burst of fresh greens on the palate.

Pulled Cheese Garlic Bread is baked aesthetically, with a portion of crispy potato fries and mayonnaise on the side.

Soups: 

Minestrone Rosso is AMPM's take on Italy in a bowl. The warm broth of veggies and pasta is served alongside a breadstick and a garnish of cheese.

Spinach and Coconut is a thick soup borrowing from Thai flavors.

Japanese Ramen Bowl is Japan on a plate, a wholesome one-bowl-meal comprising of noodles and veggies.

Main Course: 

Fish 'n' Chips is the quintessential panko-crusted fish, served with a portion of French Fries and mayonnaise. At AMPM, the fish was crispy, lightly breaded and simply melt-in-mouth on the inside.

Ratatouille, native to Europe, formed for a delicious meal - classic rice and veggies - with a feel-good-factor accompanying.

Beverages: 

Fresh Watermelon Juice was the fix of the day with vitamins and that enviable baby pink hue.

Scottish Obsession is an alias for one of the prime Lickables at AMPM - a thick shake prepared using Butterscotch Ice-cream and candied fruit.

Kulf-e-Chic is the 'Kulfi Gajak' desert from the house of AMPM rendered in liquid form, with morsels of Chikki on the outside, and a Kulfi to relish alongside the Lickable.

Nutella Hot Chocolate is one of warm, sweet beverages on the menu, served with a smile, and a rather generous utilization of choco chips.

Dessert:

Rasmalai Cheesecake is one of the fusion desserts at AMPM, blending Indian and American flavors effortlessly.

All in all, a visit to AMPM ensures good times with great company, given the delicious preparation coupled with light-hearted banter. :) 

Deliciousness In Abundance At AMPM...

AMPM Cafe & Bar from the house of Bright Hospitality is one of the chirpiest places in town where there's always space for some banter coupled with appetizing creations from across the globe.

Needless to say, the feel-good-factor kicks in, the moment you step into the premises, and the newest of the three AMPM outlets across NCR i.e. the one at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, is no exception.

A well-lit premises is accentuated by musically inclined memorabilia and anecdotes, which present an overall lively picture.

Apart from taking Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters on board, AMPM also prompts patrons to #refuelyourphones where power banks are available on demand as life is always on the go.

Music and gastronomy are often the best of pals, and AMPM is a testimony to the fact. While the interiors are bright and inviting, the seating arrangements are versatile and comfy. There are also potted plants and some merchandise to take home if you please.

The variety on the Menu stands by the theme - from AM to PM - with their signature Lickable 'Freak Shakes' complementing the delicious preparations.

There is also a live singing session on Friday evenings. Add to a nice meal, the promptness of service, and just like me, you would also love to visit AMPM quite often.

Here's what I would suggest trying at AMPM...

Lickable 'Freak Shakes' / Beverages:

Valentino is perfect if red velvet is your flavor of the season, topped with a moist cake slice and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

On the other hand, Rosy Baby might be one of the simplest shakes on the menu but the rose and berry flavors pack a power punch.

If you'd like something classic, their Virgin Mojito prepared with a dash of rock salt is a refreshing beverage.

A serving of AMPM's Chamomile Tea is the best alternative to survive the sugar rush afterward. 

Appetizers:

Palak Patta Chaat is the ultimate signature dish at AMPM and is a must-have for the enviable crisp.

Patatas Bravas blends Spanish and Indian taste by bringing to the fore, the classic Dilli-6 potato pops yet keeping the aesthetic global.

Chili Paneer at AMPM is the crispiest take on this Oriental preparation that I have had so far. Served with bell peppers and onions, it sure was delicious.

Veggie Salt 'n' Pepper was an assortment of exotic veggies tossed in spices.

Main Course:

Kadhai Paneer NaanCos are AMPM's Indian touch to a Mexican staple, substituting taco crust with garlic naan and a stuffing of homemade cottage cheese to ace the flavor.

Quesadillas had refried beans paired with peppers and melted cheese in a nifty tortilla paired with salsa and sour cream.

River Sole Fillet is one of the aesthetic preparations from Europe done right at AMPM. Served on a bed of potato mash paired with broccoli, it is a soft fish fillet.

Dessert:

Kulfi Gazzak is a cracker of a dessert with scoops of ice cream encased in chocolate cups and sprinkled with crisps.

On the whole, I had a pleasant meal at AMPM and would visit again soon for a memorable experience. :)

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. :)