Coastal Delicacies At Sanadige...

True-blue Coastal Cuisine in the heart of Delhi? Seems too good to be true?

Not anymore, because Sanadige is in the house. Sana-di-ge signifies a brass lamp in Tulu language, which is lit on all auspicious occasions. Sanadige is Goldfinch's brainchild which has come to Delhi straight from Bangalore, to present to us, the choicest delicacies of the coastal belt.

The restaurant is located in the commercial center at Chanakyapuri just blocks away from iconic brand names in the F&B space as Fujiya, which is a pioneer in Oriental cuisine.

Spread across three floors, a picturesque rooftop, and a basement area set aside for get-togethers, all accessible by means of a one-of-its-kind hydraulic lift, Sanadige glorifies expeditions of adventurers, and fresh catch of fisherfolk by means of wall murals and figurines.

Tables are laid out in the classic manner with even the table napkins shaped in the form of boats.

There are wood carvings at one end of the second floor where I was seated for my meal.

Seasoned Kokum Kadi is served as a welcome drink and crisp Appalams are served in a medieval wagon, accompanied by six dips - Tamarind, Mint, Coconut Chutney, Hot Garlic Sauce, Mint Mayonnaise, and Pickled Mix.

Meals are served on a fresh banana leaf, as is the custom in southern states. Each day's fresh catch is sourced directly from Mangalore.

The attendants also sport a suit that has a South Indian touch to it too. :)

Here's what would form for a delectable meal when visiting Sanadige...

Soup: 

Yummy Prawn Soup had flavorful prawn chunks with greens in a steaming broth.

Appetizers: 

Paneer Ghee Roast is one of the popular dishes at Sanadige and had the prominent taste of cottage cheese grilled in Ghee complemented by spices, served along with Neer Dosa.

Mutton Sukka was cooked in dry coconut spice mix.

Prawns Butter Pepper Garlic are easily the best appetizer on the menu at Sanadige. The prawns are well-done and the flavor lingers on the palate.

Anjal Rawa Fry had the same spices utilized in its making as Paneer Ghee Roast and was remarkable.

Beverages: 

Ping Pong had fresh pomegranate, raspberry, and cranberry in its making garnished with a pomegranate chunk.

Summery Melon had a watermelon slice as garnish and mint in its making.

Tender Coconut Water

Mango Berry as the name suggests, was a concoction of mango juice and strawberry.

Raspberry & Cream was a flavorful blend of berries and fresh cream.

Main Course:

Kori Kundapuri is one of Sanadige's signature chicken curries.

Malabar Fish Fry had a whole bony Pomfret at its core, mildly spiced.

Gola Kadi was about chickpeas, mustard seeds, and curry leaves cooked nicely.

Accompanying the curries were Malabar Paranthas and Sanadige's Basket.

Chicken Biryani was served in a tiffin, accompanied by Salan and Raita. The rice were aromatic and the chicken pieces, succulent.

Dessert: 

Elaneer Payasam had the most aesthetic presentation and came in a coconut itself, which concealed in it a sweet concoction of coconut cream, pulp, and an assortment of nuts.

On the whole, Sanadige is one of the handful of places that aim at presenting authentic coastal cuisine to its patrons in Delhi. :)

19 Flavours Of Biryani Love...

Rice is a staple here in India. And, Biryani is love. On a recent visit to Gurgaon for the I Say Organic store launch, I discovered this takeaway/delivery outlet situated in the Global Foyer Mall going by the name of 19 Flavours Biryani. It had been quite some time that we had relished Biryani and I decided that we should give it a try.

I decided to do a takeaway from this place on our way back home, and the staff was gracious enough to meet us right outside the mall with our order in place, fresh and hot, finely packaged, nicely delivered.

I had received a call from Mr. Deepak inquiring about what all we'd like to order and the stipulated time by which we could arrive to collect it since I am not a resident of Gurgaon.

Coming to the order itself, there was a certain professionalism reflecting in their packaging and handling, and it was meticulous in a manner to avoid spillage of gravy and retain the flavor of the respective dishes.

Here's what all we tried from the house of 19 Flavours...

Dum Biryani, both of whose packaging was spot on, with demarcated slots for the Biryani, Salan, and Raita each, with cutlery and paper napkins in place. The spice was a bit higher in the vegetarian variant than in the non-vegetarian one, though, but the Raita helped counter it to a considerable extent.

Udham Chicken Biryani

Delightful Vegetable Dum Biryani

Kebabs, both of which were succulent and served along with onion slices and a dash of lime.

Chicken Seekh

Mutton Galouti

Kathi Rolls, here at 19 Flavours, are the best I've had in a really long time. I could as well compare it to Nizam's Kathi, I feel.

Nargisi Kebab Roll

Awadh Style Paneer Roll

Gravies, both of which had proportionate amounts of curry and chunks of cottage cheese and pieces of chicken, respectively.

Mashoor Paneer Mughlai

Korma-e-Chicken

Tukra:

Multigrain Ajwain Paratha is a hidden gem. I regretted ordering just one of this.

Desserts:

Kulhad Phirni is a slice of seventh heaven with crushed Elaichi imparting it both, a pleasant green hue, and a lingering taste on the palate.

Hokey Pokey Ice - Cream came in a cutesy triangular cup.

I tried the Knight in Armor flavor which had a quite creamy after-taste. 

What I quite liked about 19 Flavours, apart from their food is the service quotient, for I received a call from Mr. Deepak again, a day or two after I had ordered from them, to receive bouquets and brickbats. And, of course, constructive feedback was taken in its stride.

All in all, 19 Flavours presents love for Biryani (and many other Awadhi preparations) with panache and I would recommend this place for people who wish to rediscover their liking for the same. :) 

Of Extraordinaire At House Of Commons...

House Of Commons is situated in M Block, Connaught Place and is a Gastro Pub which draws inspiration from United Kingdom's Parliamentary House. The ambiance and decor elucidates the look and feel of modern-day as well as archaic London, though the interiors are dimly lit.

From Victorian Era to Manchester United to Charlie Chaplin to London Bridge to the guards of Buckingham appearing on their Menu, HoC has London written all over its premises.

We begun the foodie stint with thick shakes - Strawberry Melody - which is essentially strawberry flavored - and Hide and Seek - which is Vanilla topped with Choco Chips and biscuit crumbs. The shakes were creamy and of the right consistency.

There were also on spread, Sangria and Smoked Apple Mojito as cocktails. Towards the end, also tried a Fresh Lime Soda, presented in a glass which spoke of 'Fashion'.

For starters, went ahead with Non Veg Platter consisting of an array of Kebabs and Tikkas, Paneer Tikka Pizza accompanied by caramelized onions as topping, Cheese Loaded Nachos, Fried Calamari (squid), Mutton Tacos and the must-order signature dish at HoC, Palak Patta Chaat - crispy spinach leaves topped with Sev and Tamarind Chutney. Leaves a tangy taste lingering on the palate. 

Their Platter, being a platter presented the best of starters at House Of Commons

Also tried their Caesar Salad, which was well presented and scored well on the palate. The portion-size was quite good.

Ordered the tried and tested classics - Dal Makhni, Paneer Lababdar, and Butter Chicken. All the curries were prepared fantastically and I found myself taking a second helping. 

Went offbeat with Goan Prawn Curry and Laal Maas with an assortment of breads. Also tried their authentic Chicken Biryani and it was most finely prepared. I cannot decide the front-runner between the one here and the one at Biryani Blues.

The Brownie Cheesecake served as a fitting conclusion to a sumptuous meal. It was plated quite aesthetically and tasted really well.