Bar Hopping: Vinoteca by Sula

This one time, my friend Nidhi and I walked for 45 minutes in search of a bar where we could hang, talk and bitch out the boys. We had to resort to a popular bar in a 5 star hotel by the beach. Almost a year later, I heard of Vinoteca by Sula opening at Worli. I was jumping with joy. Not only are the Sula Vineyards quickly becoming my favourite weekend getaway but also we single girls in the city now have a bar to go to.

Vinoteca by Sula at Worli

Vinoteca by Sula at Worli

I’m not really into alcohol. When I make drinking plans, it is understood that I will be sipping on wine (white or rosé) and those accompanying me will be washing down whiskey, rum or vodka as they please. And that’s another reason Vinoteca is the perfect option for me. A selection of wines I’m way too familiar with and a variety of Spanish food. Couldn’t get better.

Vegetarian fare at Vinoteca

Vegetarian fare at Vinoteca

We sampled practically all the vegetarian food on the menu. Of course, we began our meal with the famous patatas bravas. You might remember me telling you about my friend’s love for potato wedges. A tapa of patatas bravas brought a huge smile to her face. The portion size was quite good too. We were munching on it right till the end.

Vegetarian section of the Vinoteca menu

Vegetarian section of the Vinoteca menu

Continue reading

Food tasting at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai | New additions to the menu

Saag paneer at Hard Rock Cafe

Saag paneer pocket at Hard Rock Cafe

Photographs: Salonee Gadgil

Now for some fun reading. As you already know, this Hard Rock Cafe tasting was going to involve the company of a person who shot my HRC glassware collection. As a matter of happy co-incidence, it was Salonee Gadgil of bellyfirst.

Given the number of ‘new’ items on the menu and the large portions of the dishes, it was a tough decision to make. For starters, the chef recommended saag paneer and we went with it. Now, as a vegetarian, I love paneer! Saag, not so much. So I was pleasantly surprised at the preparation and presentation of this dish. Served on a fajita plate, the paneer cooked in a Tunisian sauce is accompanied by a generous quantity of spinach. The idea is to let the spinach keep cooking as it rests on the table. This rich paneer is to be coated in a yoghurt dip, stuffed in pita like bread and had as a pocket. Quite the bite!

Saag paneer on a fajita plate

Saag paneer on a fajita plate

Needless to say, you have to try it on your next visit.

Continue reading