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. :) 

#HappinessInABox At The Bento Cafe...

On a recent shopping spree at the DLF Mall Of India, I tried exploring a cuisine that I hadn't relished in a long time. I came across The Bento Cafe and decided to treat myself to some nicely done Japanese fare in the heart of Noida.

The Bento Cafe is situated in the EAT Food Lounge at the fourth floor of the mall. It is a vibrantly done space, with yellows and whites dominating the decor.

One of their USPs I believe, apart from the fact the fact that they are catering to a Pan Asian palate, is that they exploit the concept of keeping freshly prepared dishes on display to aid sales.

The Bento Cafe is essentially a QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) that offers the authentic Japanese Bento Box and all other things Japanese i.e. Sushi, Dimsums, Street Snacks, and Rice 'n' Noodle Boxes.

Here's what all I tried when at The Bento Cafe.

Sushi, both of which were on a bed of fuming nitrogen, borrowing from the Molecular Gastronomy concept, served along with Wasabi and pickled Gari (ginger), authentically sushi ginger.

Salmon Philadelphia Roll

Sweet & Spicy Shitake Mushroom

Dimsums, one portion of which comprises five pieces. Tried the chicken variant in this one.

Japanese Pizza is a dish which I found to be a novel preparation was crafted out of a Tempura Flour base, stuffed with cabbage and corn. It was layered with delicious sauce and is a must-have when at The Bento Cafe, apart from their signature Bento Box, that is. You could discover this gem under their Street Snacks section on the Menu.

I was also told that their Sizzlers were the newest kid on the block and decided to try the Fish and Prawn preparations, which were served alongside two spring rolls, Thai Som Tum Salad, and french fries.

To accompany the fantastic food, I also had their Blue Mountain Slush.

Coming to their highly anticipated and popular item on the Menu, The Bento Box.

The Bento Box itself has been categorized into three on the basis of the variety of Mains:

• Veg Bento 
• Chicken Bento 
• Gourmet Bento

#ItsBentoClock I was told when I was led through the three-step-guide to acquiring my own Gourmet Bento Box, those being...

Step 1: Choose Your Rice/Noodle - Asian Fried Rice (Veg)

Step 2: Choose Your Mains - Prawn Thai Sriracha

Step 3: Complimentary Portion of Thai Som Tum Salad which is all about julienned green papaya imparting a zing. :)

A notable gesture in their presentation of the Bento Box is the presence of a slip of the upper left-hand corner proclaiming 'Freshly Prepared For' and 'In Minutes' lending a certain customization. :)

I wrapped up my meal with their Melting Choco Dumplings which is prepared by melting white and brown chocolate on potato starch and then steaming the dumpling, thereafter topping it with shredded coconut. It is a dessert lover's delight, to put it in simple words.

The Bento Cafe is thus my newly discovered one-stop-shop for authentic Japanese fare and I must applaud them for their on-the-toes service and impeccable knowledge regarding the cuisine they serve. :)

Feng Shuii - The Art Of Oriental Dining

Feng Shuii - The Art Of Oriental Dining is situated in the premises of Gallery On MG, near Sultanpur Metro Station (on Yellow Line of Delhi Metro), and I visited the newly opened outlet on 17 July, for lunch. Must I admit in the beginning itself that Feng Shuii knows their art impeccably well.

What caught my fancy is the simplicity of Feng Shuii's premise and its aesthetically done interiors. The touch of the Chinese system of Feng Shui, which is an ancient practice of Chinese scholars resonates with the theme of the franchise, and teleport oneself to Ancient China, so to say.

From the iconic Laughing Buddha to the Chinese coins symbolizing good luck to the Chinese Money Frog to wall decals that have Chinese Scholars, Dragons and Chopsticks painted on them to the Yin Yang Balance Chart of Element-Aspect-Color placed on each table to the Yin Yang symbol that identifies with the outlet on its entrance, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Feng Shuii is mini-China in its entirety.

It is not just the tastefully done interiors that catch the eye at once, but also the courteousness of the staff and the impressively presented and delectably done food, both in terms of quality and quantity. Another feather to add to their cap is that their dishes are reasonably priced and worth for money.

Here's a low-down on their dishes:

Their Non-Veg starters, especially the Fish preparations, are a must-order on any said visit. Out of the two, namely Garlic Fish and Siamese Fish, it was difficult for me to choose over the other, had I to take a second helping.

Both the Chicken starters, namely Chicken Salt & Pepper and Chilli Chicken are well prepared and strike a balance between their core ingredients.

The Veg starters, Chilli Paneer and Assorted Asian Veggies scored equally well on my palate, so to say.

If one is to go by common notion, Dimsums are characteristic of a Chinese Meal, and so it was important that Feng Shuii got them right. Must I admit that they met my expectations. I liked the Chicken Dimsum half - a - point better than the Mushroom & Cheese Dimsum, though I shall say their fillings were quite up to the mark and not just for namesake. An interesting fact is that though the other items are voluntarily served by the stewards, they prompt the patron themselves to take the Dimsum on their plate out of the Steam Basket by using Chopsticks. Quite an experience, using those by oneself.

Another point to note is that they utilize Potato Starch and Rice Flour at Feng Shuii to prepare Dimsums, which lends the dish, a unique taste.

The entire Main Course was quite elaborate and it is difficult for me to choose a favorite, though the Fish, yet again, scored nicely, while Noodles and Rice were prepared in minimal amounts of oil. Nasi Goreng, which is an Indonesian Street Food made using Shrimp paste and Prawn was cited as a specialty and I did not shy away from trying it. Again, a unique dish and a new taste for me.

The curries, namely Assorted Veg in Schezwan Sauce, Fish in Black Bean Sauce, Red Thai Curry and Chicken in Massaman Curry were all nicely done.

Interestingly, theirs is a concept of 'Buffet on Wheels' - quite literally, as the dishes are made to walk over to your tables by the stewards. The containers are designed in a unique way.

The thirst quenchers, namely the Smoothie, Yogurt Shake and Mocha Express were nicely done too, personal favorite being the Mocha Express, for imparting its Coffee and Chocolate punch.

Topped the satiating meal with an awesome Chocolate Brownie, and I couldn't have asked for more.

What I loved about Feng Shuii is the fact that they are a 'Keep It Simple Yet Effective' kind of franchise, which leaves a lasting impression on a patron - be it by their food, ambiance, or service howsoever.

All in all, a fantastic first visit, making me crave for a second one, soon.