A Sizzling Meal At Gola Sizzlers...

Gola Sizzlers is one of the most iconic F&B chains across the capital city with one of their oldest outlets situated in the heart of the city at Connaught Place attracting considerable footfall even today.

Perhaps, it is the legacy of such legendary brands that holds a certain charm till date. Moreover, as the name suggests, their specialty is that of sizzlers, a dish that was the talk of the town, earlier this decade.

In Connaught Place, Gola Sizzlers finds a strategic location right opposite PVR Plaza in K Block and is spread across two floors. The menu features Indian, Continental, and Oriental fare and the preparation has a touch of the olden times too.

Coming to what would be best to relish when dining at Gola Sizzlers...

Beverages:

Fruit Punch is one of the classic mocktails done just right at Gola Sizzlers.

Fruit Beer is a spinoff that substitutes cola for beer and has sliced fruit chunks to impart flavor.

Appetizers:

Pudina Paneer Tikka had soft cottage cheese chunks chargrilled finely, served with bell peppers, onions, and mint dip on the side.

Tandoori Momos are these jumbo momos similar to the ones at Cafe Hawkers,  though with a flavorful filling on the inside.

Soups:

Burnt Garlic Soup is one of the in-house specialties at Gola Sizzlers wherein the subtle flavor sets the broth apart from the mainstream.

Talumein Soup is one of the classic warm broths with noodles and veggies, and it does not disappoint at Gola Sizzlers too.

Main Course:

All sizzlers are served with a portion of focaccia bread and pasta on the side at Gola Sizzlers.

Baby Corn, Broccoli, Mushroom Sizzler with Fried Rice is one of the Chinese sizzlers offered by Gola and has a tempting sizzle as well as flavors to its credit.

Seekh Kebab Sizzler comes with two skewered treats - Cheese and Cashew Seekh and Vegetable Seekh - paired with veggies - legumes, corn, broccoli, mushroom, peas etc. - and Lachcha Parantha.

Desserts:

Undoubtedly, Ice-cream Sizzler is the signature sweet conclusion at Gola Sizzlers, complete with soft brownie chunks on a bed of chocolate syrup, paired with melting vanilla scoops.

The garnishing of roasted nuts on the top is the perfect cherry on the cake to end the meal on a sweet note.

On the other hand, the Kulfi is also quite good.

All in all, I would suggest a meal at Gola Sizzlers to relish some of the best sizzlers in town, coupled with an at-ease vibe. :)

Delizioso At Spezia Bistro...

Spezia Bistro is a slice of Italy tucked away at Hudson Lane, which is the hub of college going youngsters, thanks to its vicinity to North Campus. I was here on a weekday for lunch, having heard quite a good number of compliments from my colleagues who reside in the adjoining areas, and thus decided to pay Spezia a visit.

Imagine being greeted by the Manager, on a weekday that is witnessing a full house during lunch hours. There must be a certain X Factor to the place you might think. I thought the same too.

Spezia is one of the places where you would be delighted to be told to wait because they have a tree log mimicking a swing, held up by chains on the sides, bound to the ceiling, which makes for a good way to while away time.

It was not much of a wait before we got to try what Spezia had to offer with its culinary stroke though. However, the place is done up with miniature knick-knacks, some frames for English bands on the walls, a bookshelf, an aquarium in a corner, high-rise seating at the edges of the layout, and leveled chairs throughout the outlet.

Here's what would be the must-have items at Spezia.

Beverages:

Watermelon Mojito was presented in a half scooped watermelon and topped with a cutesy umbrella on the side.

Litchi Mojito was one of the new beverages on the menu and had the flavor on point.

Brownie Shake is an aesthetic delight and is presented as a potted plant, thus putting a picture to the thought that looks can be deceiving.

White Chocolate and Raspberry Shake had a commendable balance of flavors with raspberry chunks and chocolate sauce.

Appetizers:

Corn and Mushroom Melts were one of the new additions to the menu and were presented as bite-sized portions complete with mushrooms, melted cheese, sweet corn, and an olive on the top.

Chicken Wings In Lemon Pepper Sauce were well-prepared and the tangy lime flavor was quite prominent.

Chili Fish Dry had the right amount of crunch outside and was melt-in-mouth on the inside.

Crystal Dumplings are a popular item at Spezia and we decided to go for no-fuss chicken ones accompanied by appropriate sauces.

Soups:

Baked Broccoli Toasted Almonds was a creamy soup to the core.

Smoked Chicken and Basil is one my personal favorites owing to the classic flavors and appreciable quantity of chicken chunks.

Main Course:

Sizzlers have gradually lost their charm, though these were quite popular with F&B spaces at the beginning of the decade, it is not so at Spezia.

We tried two of their sizzlers, Momos Chicken Sizzler and Fish Parmigiana Sizzler, both of which were well prepared. While the former was served with fried rice and French fries, the latter was more on a cheesy and saucy side, with herb rice and grilled veggies.

Pink Panther Pasta was a mixed sauce, Penne Pasta, that was served with an accompaniment of garlic bread and a garnish of olives.

Peri Peri Pizza had an assortment of veggies laid out on a thin crust. At Spezia, there is an option of Hand Tossed Pan or Thin Crust base and we opted for the latter.

Desserts:

Chocolate Bomb was a sweet spectacle, though only second to the one savored at The California Boulevard.

Brownie Sundae appeared to be a distant cousin of the Brownie Shake, being garnished with plenty of almonds and concealing Vanilla ice-cream within its plating.

All in all, Spezia Bistro comes across as a delicious treat that is economically priced. A special mention to Mr. Armaan, for being a gracious host that afternoon. :)

#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. :)