Snacking At Noida Bar Exchange...

Noida Bar Exchange is one of the new entrants on the F&B scene in Noida. As the name suggests, it is Noida's first Bar Exchange located within the premises of Smaaash, right opposite to the cricketing net.

Also, being a Bar Exchange means that you get to be a 'Stockstar' in NBE's terms as you place your bets on drinks that are on the gaining side, on the basis of their popularity among the crowd present at any given point in the restaurant, similar to Vapor Bar Exchange.

The restaurant is moderately lit and the delicious food is complemented by quick and attentive service. Popular English hits keep playing in the background to up the ambiance. The menu offers a variety spread through Indian, Oriental, and Italian cuisines.

Here's a quick look through what would be the must-try items when at Noida Bar Exchange.

Salad: 

Smaash Caesar Salad is a classic and NBE got this right. Topped it with olives and baby tomatoes for the hue.

Soups:

Tomato Basil Soup was a simple warm broth garnished with greens. Missed the croutons on the side in this one though.

Sweet Corn Soup was done well, with an ample portion size and sweet corn kernels and veggies.

Appetizers: 

Tangra Chili Paneer is one of the well-selling appetizers at NBE, given its Indian touch.

Thandai Ke Kebab is the classic Dahi Ke Kebab with a twist of Thandai spices to impart that pleasant aroma and lingering flavor on the palate.

Tempura Stuffed Mushrooms with Thyme and Basil is easily one of the best appetizers at NBE, given its fantastic flavors and unique preparation i.e. by scooping the mushroom caps and stuffing them with greens.

Main Course: 

Paneer Kathi Wrap earns points for its aesthetic value, being presented in a truck of sorts, accompanied by salad and mint dip.

Vilayati Tarkari was a mixed bag of Indian vegetables done in mild spices as the name suggests.

Veg Pulao went well on the side and had ample veggies in it as well.

Desserts: 

Red Velvet Cheese Cake had layers of red velvet pastry and cheesecake on top of one another, topped with chocolate discs and a sweet strawberry frosting. It had a nice balance of flavors.

Darsaan was somehow the perfect conclusion to the meal, given its pleasant resemblance in taste to गुड़ पारे. The noodles were glazed perfectly and had the right crunch too.

On the whole, Noida Bar Exchange comes with a unique concept in tow for Noida residents and is gradually becoming popular among the masses thanks to the same. 

Oriental Meals At Berco's...

Berco's is an iconic name when it comes to Oriental Cuisine in the heart of Delhi. It is one such chain that has sustained its quality and innovated constantly to keep patrons coming back for their preparations over the past many decades.

On a recent occasion, I decided to pay Berco's Connaught Place a visit, as I heard of the introduction of their Oriental Meal Bowls from a colleague.

The outlet holds on to the look and feel of a Chinese house with the decor and trinkets (read Buddha engraving and Bamboo shoots) reflecting the same. The service is as courteous and dishes as delicious as they have constantly been over the years.

Coming to our meal, here's what all appealed to me from their Special Oriental Meals Menu and what all must not be missed when you visit Berco's while this Menu is on offer.

Singapore Laksa was a flavorful coconut and yellow curry broth served with noodles.

Teriyaki Udon brought Japanese flavors to the plate with Udon noodles tossed in Teriyaki sauce.

Bun Ga Xao was served with Vietnamese Chicken atop steamed noodles.

Thai Soggy Rice was all about the edible fungus i.e. Mushrooms.

Nasi Goreng has been a favorite ever since and had to be presented on the plate here at Berco's.

As a wrap up to the flavorful meal, Darsan was served.

And, to gulp all those calories, I had their quintessential Chinese Tea.

I recall Berco's as being a part and parcel of family dinner plans since long.

I must applaud the persistence in their endeavor and hope that their Oriental Meal Bowl Menu impresses regular patrons like myself. :)

Exclusivity Beckons At Ministry Of Beer...

Ministry Of Beer is the newest entrant on the food scene in Connaught Place. Having heard a lot about the outlet, a few days after its launch, I decided to pay these folks a visit to reckon what all the buzz was about.

MOB Brewpub is located in M Block, Outer Circle, and is in the same line of outlets as 38 Barracks and House of Commons. The outlet has been divided into three sections from within, with their brewery on the ground floor and a small seating area on the first floor in the first section, from where patrons enter. An exit from the first section leads to the second - an open air seating space which is essentially a smoking zone of sorts. A staircase from this open area leads to the third - a three-floor seating space wherein the first floor houses their kitchen (that has a host of welding helmets all over its wall, to hint at Work in Progress) and boasts of two private dining areas.

Much thought has been put into the design and decor of the space by Sandeep to reflect chic elements that burst with the quirky resemblance to artistic perspective. Take for instance the chairs made of cog wheels on either side of a mask that has clocks for its eyes, or the process of fermentation being depicted in front of the bar on the ground floor, or the metal anthuriums on the wall in the first section.

The seating inspired by Eiffel Tower, or a full blown dragon spring in the open area, or the lady with cogs for its hair painted at the staircase, or the cogs, wheels, number plates and a wall model of the Wright Brothers' airplane in the private dining area.

All such interior designing innovation resonates with the fact that MOB is a youth oriented hospitality destination. Needless to say, the aesthetic value impresses. 

The style reflects not just in the interiors but also the food. With a host of cuisines being served at MOB, there's a lot of variety to be chosen from and as always, I took the easy way out by means of a menu curated by the Chef at MOB.

Here's what all was relished on my visit to Ministry of Beer...

Appetizers: 

Hot Basil Sole Fish was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Old Monk Tandoori Raan is the signature dish being served at MOB.

Chili Prawn had the right amount of spice in them.

Paneer Tacos were served in an aesthetic manner atop an automobile of sorts.

Palak Patta Kalamata Olive Chaat was the quintessential crispy spinach leaves topped with a host of dips and Sev.

Achari Paneer Tikka was a delight from the Tandoor, chargrilled in a fine manner.

EBI Tempura Maki was essentially Sushi and I found this one to be in close contention with the one served at The Bento Box. In a similar manner, it was presented with wasabi and ginger.

Mascarpone Dahi Kebab was served with a glaze of orange dip along with mint chutney.

Chicken Hargaw was essentially Dimsums that came in a steam basket accompanied by complementing dips.

Mocktails: 

A range of the best-selling mocktails was presented for tasting.

Main Course, which was served along with Steamed Rice, an assortment of Indian Breads, and Salad:

Dal Makhni

Paneer Khatta Pyaaz

Desserts: 

Darsan was the classic honey dipped flat noodles topped with sesame seeds and served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Biramisu was MOB's take on the classic Italian Tiramisu

Beer Mississippi Cake

All in all, I feel that the buzz around Ministry of Beer is justified as these folks are acing it with their ambiance, food, and service.

Again, MOB Brewpub is one of the breweries in the city that can stand in the sector for long, basis its food and not just liquor, as the name suggests. It is a unique experience indeed, to be at, and spend time relaxing either with family (opt for the private dining space, if you would) or friends, over great food and banter. :)