A Mediterranean Affair- Casero, Pune

Before I start, here's the link to the published article (DNA,Pune Edition):

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=61505&boxid=35622&ed_date=2014-3-20&ed_code=820040&ed_page=2

With a whole lot of Italian, Indian, Oriental and Continental restaurants springing up all over the city, this one comes as a pleasant change. With absolutely no hint of an Indian touch, Casero takes you on a delectable trip across Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Greece. 

White stone walls, green doors, a strong breeze, a white fence lined with potted palms, little lamp shades at every table, and soft jazz music playing softly  in the background- this place will definitely remind you of a sea-side bistro in Greece or Italy. The staff is polite, courteous, and makes sure every need of yours is attended to.

The journey across the Mediterranean coast starts as soon as you are handed over the menu card. Hand-made paper clipped on a heavy wooden slate, the menu card provides a detailed description of all the food items. Casero means “home-made” in Spanish, and this is exactly what works for them. There is something about the place that will make you feel at home, and this is what makes the culinary experience all the more exciting.

Warm, buttery, lightly toasted bread served with some light and refreshing hummus, and a couple of fresh fruit mocktails were brought to our table while we browsed through the menu. Mr. Mahesh Kini, the owner of Casero, came over to us and suggested we try out a few of their specials. “We use authentic Mediterranean style of cooking, which is why you will not find even a little hint of any Indian flavors in the food. “

                    

Starters:

Green Tomato and Goat Cheese

This is a fried patty, soft and cheesy with a thin slice of green tomato in the center, with a little hint of sweetness. This is served with a yogurt based dip, and if you are in the mood for a new (cheese) flavor, I recommend you try it.

Spanakopita

A thin, soft, buttery pastry stuffed with spinach, this is a must try for all you vegetarians. The flavor of the spinach is refreshing, and mixes well with the buttery pastry.

Moroccan Style Lamb Balls

Oven baked, sautéed in the home-made tomato sauce, this one is a little tangy. The meatballs are soft, and the flavors are overwhelming. 

Souvlakia

This is a grilled chicken preparation served on skewers, and has a fresh flavor of lime, olive oil and herbs. Very light on the stomach, do try it out.

Kalamar Tava

This one’s been highly recommended by many, and is a Turkish preparation of squids stuffed with shrimps. Fresh, soft, and full of flavor, this extravagant preparation is fit for a king. 

Main Course

Artichoke and Phyllo Parcel

This one is an oven-baked phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and pan- sautéed leek. Buttery, cheesy, soft and light, this dish melts in your mouth.

Root Veg Saganaki

This is a deep-fried patty made our of root vegetables (carrot, beetroot and radish), served with some home-made tomato sauce. Tangy and sweet at the same time, this is served with feta cheese. If you like your cheese, do try it out.

Casero Signature Paella

This involves prawns, chicken, crab and pork sausages served in lemon rice. A good mixture of flavors, this too has been highly recommended by many.

Harissa Chgicken

This one was my personal favorite. It’s  chicken cooked in chilly paste and bell peppers in a foil. If you are looking out for something spicy, try this. The moment you open the foil, the aroma of the chilly engulfs you, and the flavor of the bell peppers and chilly seeped right into the chicken makes this quite a refreshing chicken preparation.

Lamb Shank Tagine

This is mutton served in thick gravy. A little sweet, with a strong flavor of all the right garam masalas, the mutton is cooked with caramelized onions and dates. The aroma will take you back to your history books, and remind you of the Turkish Sultans and their trade of spices, and their rich foods.

The advantage of  this cuisine is that it’s very light on the stomach, and even after all those dishes we had appetite for some desserts (tee hee)

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Rum Torte

This  one has been highly recommended by many, and there was no way we were going to be left behind. 70% dark chocolate, with a strong flavor of rum- If you love dark chocolate, genuine dark bitter chocolate, there is no way you can be missing out on this.

Arabian Nights

This is a much lighter option compared to the chocolate torte. This is a platter containing a rich, creamy milk based dessert, a walnut filled baklava, and a refrigerated preparation of saffron milk.

                          

A must-try for those looking out for a completely new culinary experience. I’m definitely going back for more. 

Arthur's Theme, Pune

A hot and lazy Sunday afternoon saw us walking into Arthur's Theme.The place was empty, and I had my doubts about entering. But I've never heard a bad review about Arthur's Theme, which is why I decided to go ahead with this.

A small place with wood paneling and dim lights immediately takes you to a small café somewhere up in the Himalayas. Full marks for the presentations- lights, music, the wine bottle on the table; this is exactly what you want on a lazy weekend.

We took the table by the window, and proceeded to order. Because it was uncharacteristically hot (it’s only mid March!) I decided to go ahead with a non-alcoholic Sangria. The staff is polite, courteous, and extremely humble. My drink was served within 10 minutes. After having spent all of Sunday morning “café-hopping”, in search of that one drink that would make the heat bearable, I had finally found it. Sweet, cold,  and a strong flavor of apple-what more could one ask for? Once again, full marks for the presentation.

We ordered an Alfredo, which is batter-fried calamari, served with a garlic dip. This one arrived in 15 minutes, and just by the smell of it we knew we had ordered a winner. A rich buttery aroma filled the place while I tried to get a good shot. After a certain point I could not hold back any longer, so please forgive me for this poor quality image.

The squids were fresh, not too chewy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for beer and game nights. The dip compliments it perfectly, and I strongly recommend this dish for starters.

We then ordered a Mariana and a Duncan (I LOVE the names of the dishes here!) Here’s the verdict-

Mariana

I expected potato skins, and was a little disappointed to see them being served like this-

But the disappointment was short-lived. The potatoes are crispy, tasty, and go well with the yogurt dip. You can’t stop after one. The garlic and herbs blend well to give a distinct flavor to this dish. Highly recommend it, do try it out.

Duncan

Classic chicken wings in barbeque sauce. Even though it’s a standard preparation, no one has ever managed to do a good job. This one, however, is as close to perfect as you could get. It looked a little messy to eat, but once we started, we finished off 8 wings between the 2 of us within 15 minutes, I kid you not. The caramelized barbeque sauce does the magic. Try it, please do!

I’m glad Sunday ended on such a happy note. It’s good to see a few old places that have managed to keep up their standards. I am DEFNITELY coming back again, this time with the boyfriend. Good food, affordable prices, and an ambiance that gives you the experience of fine-dining somewhere in the mountains, Arthur’s Theme is highly recommended.

Cafe Yezdan, Pune

Another feature in DNA this morning...I think I can get used to seeing my name in the papers every weekend (kidding) This one is a feature on Cafe Yezdan, one of the oldest Irani Cafes in the city. Have a look-

DNA e-Paper Link:  http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-15

Here's the article-

For decades, Iranian cafes have been a popular haunt for youngsters looking out for their daily quota of bun-maska and chai.  Standing strong since 1964, Café Yezdan has seen modernization, contemporary problems, rising prices of real estate, youngsters unwillingness to carry on the family business, and a lot more.

Continuing the Iranian-Zorastrian trade of “chai-khanas” (tea-houses) in India, Café Yezdan was started by  Khodabanda Irani after having fled Iran. The Irani Cafes present in Pune are a mix of Muslim owned and Parsi owned cafes. The Muslim ones are much more in number, and Café Yezdan is one of the very few Parsi owned Irani cafes left in the city.

Situated at Sarbatwala chowk in Pune camp, this little café is always bustling with customers. From 6:00am till 8:00pm, there is not a single minute where you’d see the waiters idle. Before we met the manager, we decided to ask a few waiters about the place and business- “ Bun Maska chai aur Broon bahut famous hai. Broon bahut jaldi khatam ho jata hai, aur yahan ka bun-maska chai toh poore Pune mein famous hai” (the bun-maska chai and broons are very famous; broons get over quickly, and the bun-maska chai is the most popular item on the menu) The staff here is extremely jovial, helpful, and efficient.

Even with food prices going through the roof, Café Yezdan is still more competitively priced than several other eating places,and a good option for those who find it wasteful to spend much on a cup of tea. With the marble table tops, Irani chairs, tiled floors, and ceiling fans ambiance might not be their forte. But this has never stopped the customers from coming in for a plate (or more) of the special chai and bun-maska. It has developed it’s own style over the years, one very different compared to other restaurants -there is a distinct presence of the old-world style of the Iranis. This has, over the years, become an iconic feature in the locality.

“We recently renovated the place 10 months ago, and now we see men getting their families along. We have seen an increase in the number of women in the café. With the “No smoking” rule, women and children are feeling a lot better at our café” said Mr. Shapoor Irani, grandson of the late Khodabanda Irani. He continues,  “The buns are all out-sourced from Persian Bakery, and the broons from Imperial Bakery. We do not have an in-house bakery. Everything else is prepared right here. And majority of the sales are of the bun-maksa and chai.”

Majority of the customers are individuals with modest means, looking out for simple and wholesome meals and snacks. This café also sees a bunch of people meeting for interviews, or plain social gatherings. Like all the Iranian cafes, this one too has created a loyal following, irrespective of caste and class.

Bun-maska and chai for two cost us a total of Rs. 70. Unless you are not too particular about hygiene, there is no reason you should be missing out on the bun-maska chai they have to offer.

 Café Yezdan is a simple,homely abode to people from all walks of life, looking out for good and inexpensive food. The simplicity is what makes it unique. A musty try for all Punekars.

A lunch for one- Dario's

Tried the Onion Tart for lunch this Monday. A quick summary-

1.The service has improved since the last time I visited (back in June 2013) Or maybe it's the lack of customers on a Monday afternoon. Either way, I didn't have any complains as far as the service was concerned.

2. The Onion Tart was a tad bit too oily. Oily enough to put you off, you know what I mean? If you're paying a bomb for something, you don't want to be served something that LOOKS unappetizing.



3. The tart was served with mashed potatoes. Honestly, even the accompaniments ended up disappointing me. Mashed potatoes are best enjoyed when smooth, creamy and soft. The texture reminded me of thick rice pudding. And it wasn't even tasty. I could do a better job with mashed potatoes, and that's saying something.



It's heart-breaking, paying 450 bucks for something that doesn't satisfy your taste buds, and ends up clogging your arteries. Tch tch!

4. I also ordered a mocktail- the Pussy Cat. A distinct flavor of pineapple, this drink gave me the perfect sugar rush I had been craving for all day. Worth paying 200 for.



I'd love to come here again, it's beautiful, and extremely relaxing. I could come here alone and spend hours  writing, while sipping mocktails. I wish they would do a better job with the food though. 

Gimme some oven!

There are bad days only a chocolate cake can fix. Having one of those days, and your favorite cake shop is shut? Bake your own!

Flour  (maida) : 1 ½-2 bowls

Curd : 1 bowl

Butter : 3/4^th of a 100gm bar

Eggs:  2

Sugar: 2 bowls

Cocoa Powder : 4-5 tablespoons

Vanilla Essence : 1 tablespoon

Baking Soda: 1 tablespoon

It’s fairly simple- mix it all up, and beat it till there are no lumps in the batter. It’s a basic recipe, but very few seem to have got it right. Maybe there’s a secret to baking a simple chocolate cake too, you never know. Here’s what works for me-

1.       No measurements- 2 bowls might mean 1 and 3/4^th, or 2 and 1/3^rd or 2 and 1/4^th…you get the point.

2.       Brands- I experimented with a few, and saw the difference in the cakes.

3.       The butter- There are a few recipes that include salt as an ingredient. Amul butter does the job.

4.       The curd-  Mother Dairy. Nestle is a little too sour. Amul works too. (Curd is a better option compared to             milk, the cakes turn out richer)

5.       The sugar- Don't grind the sugar. This way the cakes turn out a little sticky and gooey.

6.       The baking powder- don’t use baking powder that’s more than a month old.

7.        The secret ingredient- add a little (1/3^rd bowl) of boiling water once the batter is ready, and mix it up once more. This was a tip I picked up from Nigella’s cooking show. It helps in making the cake fluffier (yes it does!)

Sometimes a simple chocolate cake can save the day.

First Feature Article- DNA Pune, Page 2

Waking up to congratulatory messages and mails can only mean one thing- I'm doing SOMETHING right. The confidence gives me a high, and even though it's a small step, it's worth the effort. Writing feels liberating, and it feels good to be acknowledged. It's just the beginning though...one small step at a time.



Here's what I wrote-

Red Velvet Cake at Fat Cat’s Café

A quaint little café situated opposite Salunke Vihar, Wanowarie, Fat Cat’s Café will remind you of a small bistro you might stumble upon somewhere in the English countryside. Melanie Andrade is the owner and chef at Fat Cat’s Café, while Sunil Kirpalani takes care of the business.

The moment you open the door, you are greeted with a delicious aroma which instantly makes you drool. The mint interiors provide a calming effect, and it’s quite refreshing to get away from the hustle bustle of the city life. The café also has a book shelf- perfect for some "me" time.Melanie and Sunil are very patient with the customers, and help them choose a dish that suits the mood. They are one of the most genuine people one can come across, and the love for baking is reflected in all the dishes.

Melanie has always been fond of baking, and catered from home before she decided to open the café. We were a little curious to know where she learnt her fabulous cooking skills from- “Oh I haven’t learnt anything. Just a whole lot of experimentation, that’s all. I’m lucky it turns out well.” This answer left us a little speechless, and we couldn't help asking – “You haven’t learnt any of this…?” She must be used to this reaction by now, because she smiled back politely and said “Touchwood”

We couldn’t help but agree.

The café serves pies, quiches, sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and also has a special menu every weekend. The concept is interesting, and ensures nothing is wasted. The meat served is fresh, and in generous quantities. We asked a few of the customers to recommend a few dishes. “Red velvet cake” was the prompt answer. Even Sunil and Melanie agree- “it’s flying off the shelves, but you need to try some of the other stuff too!”

Red velvet cakes have slowly gained popularity, but very few have managed to do a good job.The red velvet cakes here are by far one of the best you will have in Pune. A slice of red velvet cake is priced at Rs. 100; one bite and you’ll know it’s worth it. Warm and fresh, this cake melts in your mouth. The cream cheese on top gives the cake a distinguishing flavor, and you’ll know you’ve tasted something that could one day be one of the wonders of the city.

The best part about this place is you cannot stop after one pastry. We ended up eating a lot more than what we had planned, but since the food is fresh and well cooked (not to mention delicious) we are not complaining. In case you haven’t tried out the red velvet cake (or other cakes for that matter), we recommend you visit this café soon.

Check out the article at-

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-08

Deliciousness and Laughter- Fat Cat's Cafe

This weekend has been the best one that I’ve had this year. Catching up after months, re-visiting old memories, and a whole lot of bonding over good food- awesome weekend was awesome. Laughter and good food have been the highlights of the weekend, and why not? A place like Fat Cat’s Café can only guarantee deliciousness and laughter, duh! 

We planned to meet up for a coffee, and ended up spending the whole evening here. Similarly on Sunday we stopped by to eat a red velvet pastry (we all have our cravings) and ended up eating a lot more (as soon as you walk into the café, I think the aroma clouds your judgment, and you end up ordering all that’s on display. It’s not a bad thing) So here’s a summary of what you might have missed if you didn’t come over to Fat Cat’s this weekend ( :P)

Bacon Cheese Quiche

Crab Melts

Coffee Cake

Red Velvet Pastry

Apple Pie

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

Cold Coffee

Here’s what it went like (warning- pictures might make you drool)

Bacon Cheese Quiche

A soft creamy blend of bacon and cheese, complimented by a delicate flakey crust that enhances the flavor. Take a look at the inside of this-

The red bacon with the creamy cheese is sure to make one drool. And it tastes better than what it looks like. And I doubt you’d get any other place that would be so generous with their bacon servings.

Crab Melts

One word when you bite into it- “mmm” You don’t even want to take some time out to say “It’s awesome”. The name is self explanatory- the crab melts in your mouth.

Also, it’s one of those rare occasions where you’ll find such authentic and tasty and FRESH crab anywhere in this city. If you’ve missed this, I feel bad for you.

Coffee Cake

Melanie (the baker/owner) continues her magic with baking. I’ve had the red-velvet cake, the baked cheesecakes, and now the coffee cake. And I think I have found my favorite (yes, imagine something better than the red velvet cake. Imagine.)

The flavor of the coffee, the frosting, the chocolate- I’m drooling while writing about it. You get the point.

Red Velvet Pastry

Everyone’s heard of the red velvet pastry here. Everyone. I don’t need to say anything about this, it’s found it’s niche.

"It looks like Christmas!!" 

Apple Pie

Autumn at grandma’s place for a family re-union- this is what the apple pie will remind you of. Of laughter, memories, nostalgia, sweetness, and good food, this apple pie will remind you of a happy childhood.

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

I’ve had the blueberry cheesecake and absolutely loved it ( the red velvet cake was even ignored for a couple of minutes while I drooled over the cheesecake last weekend) Hence the decision to try out this new flavor. I personally prefer the Blueberry cheesecake, but I feel even if they come up with a plain cheesecake I’ll love it. Magic, that’s what it is.

Cold Coffee

Yes, even the cold coffee deserves a mention. And I love the way they are served chilled with ice, it’s like the stuff you see in ads. Reminded me of the days I used to come back home after my evening games, and mum used to have a glass of cold coffee waiting for me at the table. Good thought ^_^

So if you don’t know what to try out here, come along, have a cup of coffee, read a book, eat a red velvet cake, and experience magic.