Hoppiness!

Review: Hoppipola

It’s been some time since I wrote. 6 months more like it! In between I got married, shifted to another town, got back to work and I am now dealing with the pl/reasures of marital bliss.

I have to admit, I had my apprehensions. Managing a chaos called the wedding, leaving my home, more importantly my bed, moving to a place called ‘khopat’ from a place called ‘colaba’, living in a different house and most of all living with a boy!  A boy I had no doubts about loving but nevertheless a boy. I didn't think this would survive without any of us getting hurt. But I was wrong. Completely, thoroughly, perfectly, fully wrong!

This boy and his mom take care of me like no one else. From waking me up in the morning, to redefining their living as per my notions, to eating mushrooms (Mushrooms never entered the Vaidya household, they were thought to be by products of dog pee. Ridiculous I know.)

Marriage isn’t a nightmare after all, or am I making this statement too early? Nevertheless, am willing to take a chance. Learning to share your life with someone is the greatest gift or curse, depends on what you work towards making it.

So today, I officially get back to my promise of bringing to you the yummy, the delicious and the most extra-ordinary food experiences.

My latest discovery is Hoppipola - Icelandic: jumping in puddles. With outlets in Mumbai & Pune, Hoppipola is this quirky place that has slate boards as tables and games to keep your brain occupied.

Blaring loud music greets you on entering and you can’t help but notice the ‘Greek’ feel to this place with white washed walls and blue rims

The menu too, is pretty quirky with dishes named like ‘Lambada, Fishful thinking’. A lot of thought seems to have gone into designing the idea behind this place.

Watermelon & Basil Mojito

We begin with the Watermelon & Basil Mojito – quite a refreshing drink, but I would vote the one at Mamagoto is better any day

Aila Aioli Chicken Skewers

The Aila Aioli – Chicken skewers topped with aioli was brilliant & succulent

Harissian

Next was Harissian – I personally don’t prefer Basa, find it quite tasteless but the this dish of fish skewers generously rubbed with spices tasted beautiful

Fishful Thinking – the regular fish fingers

Chiseled Prawns

Chiseled Prawns – now this was a show stopper! Prawns cooked in garlic and spices with beautiful tangy flavour. A must try

Lambada

Lambada – soft lamb kebabs on pita. Again a must try

On the whole, I really liked the place & its vibe

Muse Tip: Go there on the weekend with a group of friends, enjoy the music and play some board games while you enjoy your drinks and starters

Co-ordinates

Hoppipola

Address: 136 & 138 A, Galleria Shopping Centre, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai

Phone: 022 40150436

Cuisine: Snacks, Finger food, Continental

Credit Cards: Accepted

Tasting the Stars

Wine Tasting @ The Renaissance Hotel

The famous monk and wine connoisseur (now you know why Martin Luther said Beer is made by man but wine is made by God) Dom Perignon, on having a sip of champagne said “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars”. Seriously, can anything be more alluring than the taste of this good ol’ nectar?

Last weekend, CM and her fiancé, let’s call him Big (yes he is a big fan of Sex and the City) spent their time tasting (not just that) and savouring some of India’s wine produce.

It was ‘Global Day of Discoveries’ at The Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre and they decided to put together a wine tasting soiree. Four of India’s wine producers were present – Fratelli; Sula; Grover & Turning Point each displaying their produce.

Sula Rose Brut

I decided to start with the Sula Rose Brut – sophisticated salmon coloured wine packed with a million bubbles. Beautifully mild on the palate it is a mixture of Chenin Blanc & Zifandel grapes. To all the newbies who are looking to start drinking wine; I would suggest you opt for this one. Goes perfectly well with brie.

Fratelli Chardonnay

The next one was the Fratelli Chardonnay – tart (acidic), this wine is a little high on the alcohol content

Fratelli Shiraz Rose

The Fratelli Shiraz Rose – rose gold color with fruity tones. Light and easy on the palate

Sula Dindori Shiraz Reserve

The Sula Dindori Shiraz Reserve - extremely strong; smelt like burnt lego (yes the game); full bodied wine. Not for the faint hearted

By now, I was swinging in my own world. Rumi’s words described me the best - “Either give me more wine or leave me alone.”

The next was Turning Points’ Chenin Blanc – crisp, light, floral and easy on the palate.

Turning Point’s Sauvignon Blanc was spicy, hint of green pepper

 

Grover’s Viogner

Grover’s Viogner was the winner for me. With hints of tropical fruit like peach, it grows on you. The taste is not as intense as the smell.

 

Grovers’ La Reserve

Grovers’ La Reserve, a nice violet purple in colour with a distinct oak flavour

Quick Tip: Do me a favour and go with your partner for at least one wine tasting session. Trust me the bubbly will make both of you really happy!

PS: If you are prone to acidity, be careful not to drink or mix too much wine. The morning aftermath could be bad

MAMA MIA!

Here I go again! My My... How can I resist you?

Yup Culinary Muse has been singing this famous Abba anthem ever since she made a trip to God forsaken Powai (it is really far from SOBO!) for the Grand Italian Supper at The Renaissance Powai.

First let me warn you... it is a lot of travel from anywhere in Mumbai except for if you staying in Powai! Second is it worth it? Hell yeah & you’ll see why!

The Italians have a little saying about khaana – peena ‘Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italian’ which literally means 'Who eats well, lives well'  & the buffet at Fratelli Fresh (the Italian Restorante at Renaissance) truly serves you just that!

Let me first take you through the ambience of this place - The decor is minimalistic with Glass, Glass & some more Glass. –‘ Jin Ke ghar Seeshe ke Hote hain, woh dusro pe pathar nahi phekte’ pardon me am a big fan of 2 ‘F’s – Food & Films (what were you thinking? You pervert!). The place had wooden domes & ceilings coupled with tall glass panes which give you a breath taking view of the Powai Lake makes for a beautiful semblance.

On one hand you have a peaceful view while on the other hand you have the hustle & bustle of an open kitchen, where you can see little Italian Chef, Tony who reminds me of  Danny DeVito (the stripper Roy from Friends) dishing out some really fresh dishes! He says that Italian Food is the easiest, it doesn’t take much time & hence it can be easily prepared, right in front of you, fresh! Thank God for that I could wait to get my hands on those lovely aromatic dishes. Let me take one by one through my quest of devouring what Fratelli Fresh had to offer –

Soups – The Mushroom Soup was brilliant: a thick almost cappuccino like broth with a nice flavour of mushrooms made for a tasty delight. Add to it the bread croutons and count your blessings! The Chicken Soup was a clear chicken broth, almost a stock but again very flavourful.

Salads - The salad counter boasted of many exotic salads Pollo e  Patate (chicken,potato,parsley,vinegar), Insalata Rriviera (cauliflower,broccoli,green beans,zuchinni,baby potato,fish grouper) & Insalata Caprese. Personally I didn’t like any! All of it was very bland and dry. But then again I am not a salad person!

Sangria

Drinks – They had a bar that seemed to have really good variety of drinks. I had the Sangria, which was good while my accomplice had a Mojito - the citrusy flavour of which got us high!

The Grill – Now this is the 1^st most yummiest part of the buffet. Right in front of on a bed of ice lie – Cuts of Salmon & Red Snapper, Jumbo sized King Prawns, Lobsters. There is also an option for Lamb Chops! The Red Snapper – seasoned with the right amount of salt, the fish just melts in your mouth. No added spices just the natural flavour of the fish, yum! Same was for the King Prawns & Lobster – no added flavour just grilled to perfection, the natural juices just do the trick. The Lamb Chop however felt like a piece of tire in my mouth – chewy & hard.

The Pasta & Risotto: We ordered for Spaghetti Arabiatta & Fussilli Aglio Olio. The Arabitata was served to us with penne rather spaghetti, and tasted very okaish. The Aglio Olio was too dry and lacked substantial slavour. However the Raviolli in Chicken & Cream Cheese was delicate, beautifully wrapped and delicious. What was great to see that the pasta was made at the hotel which gave them an uneven rustic look, like home cooked food. The Mushroom Risotto was  - sticky, dolloped with lots of butter & cheese, just as it should be! However I would have preferred if they served it with Porcini instead of normal mushrooms. Nevertheless it was yummy!

Raviolli in Chicken & Cream

Pizza: The thin crisp, wafer thin Pizza tasted like heaven. The second yummiest part of the buffet. The earthy taste of the freshly baked pizza topped with slivers of melted cheese was delectable!

Shots & Chocolates – Now thats a novel concept! Beautiful shaped imported chocolates were displayed with Bubblegum flavoured & blue curcao shots! Now that swat I call getting high on Chocolate!

Desserts – This was the 3^rd yummiest part of the buffet. Authentic Italian desserts like Crostata di frutta i.e. fruit and custard tart, Crostata di fitchi e pere i.e. fig and pear tart were justmaking my mouth water! The best part of these desserts was the fact that they are not perfectly shaped and didn’t look like show pieced. They had the home cooked uneven look and even tasted yummy. The Budino cremoso i.e. Italian cream caramel was ‘Oh so yum’. The thick Chocolate Mousse served in a Wine Glass was ambrosial.  

Budino cremoso i.e. Italian cream caramel

 Crostata di fitchi e pere i.e. fig and pear tart

Additionally there were fresh baked breads with dips, imported cheese & cold cut meats

All in all the buffet had a humongous variety of more than 100 dishes. Yup more than 100! For the lack of choice is not an excuse here! All of this is priced at Rs 1500 plus taxes. Pretty much worth it for the kind of variety.

Verdict:

Food: Fresh, Delectable & Great Variety

Ambience: Beautiful

Service: Helpful

Quicktip: Skip your breakfast, and head straight for this brunch and eat your heart out! A great place for expats who are looking for a  taste of their home here! Warning: Do not by any means go on your weighing scale after this!