While we shopped at the Causeway and other gullies of Colaba, I made bookings for the Bar-be-que Nation at Bandra.
A group of 8 were looking forward to meeting Edwina and I had been entrusted with the responsibility of making reservations.
Now, for the un–initiated, Bar-be-que is one place which can house only about 100 people. So if you can't make for the time reserved, you shall have to contend with waiting queues which can extend for more than 2 hours.
I was told by a lady attendant that the latest we would be expected to reach would be 7.45 ! After that, they would give away our table !
No amount of cajoling made her budge. She seemed pretty forthright and un-apologetic !
Now, you better serve as rocking a meal as the attitude you have thrown at me Lady, I mumbled to myself !
Boy ! The scene looked pretty different on our arrival !
Bar-be-que Nation is situated at Pali Hill, Khar. The place was bustling with families and couples when we arrived.
A very placed, well lit place it is ! The seating too was very comfortable with cushions for our support.
We were greeted by courteous and energetic staff who were always quick to respond. The place has AC & Non-AC seating arrangements. Going by the constant clatter of the crockery and the staff who kept from running into each other – the place was definitely busier than I had been warned.
Bar-be-que Nation serves Buffet worth Rs.500/- per person.
The starters include 5 Veg and Non–Veg items each accompanied with sizzlers.
You can also select drinks from a wide variety of mocktails, cocktails and Indian traditional drinks.
You are offered unlimited starters followed by a sumptuous buffet and mouth watering sweets.
Every table has arrangements for mini pits and the starters served are placed on a grill over the pits.
The vegetarian Menu had items like Sindh Mushrooms, Veg Falafal served with Hummus, Boiled Potatoes, Tandoori Paneer and Mixed Vegetables followed by sizzlers. I absolutely loved the Saucy Mushrooms and Falafals have always been a hot favourite too.
I was sooo engrossed with our side of the table that I hardly paid any attention to what was being munched by our Non-Vegetarian friends !
Yet, I did notice them having the famous Kebabs which is quite a rage with the Bar-Be-Que regulars.
We ordered for Drinks like Cran Coolers (Cranberry Juice mixed with Lemonade), Virgin Mary, Coke, Chocolate Crunchy Shake.
As the drinks started pouring in and the constant banter and jokes continued, we hardly realised how our platees kept getting filled without us so much as batting our eye-lids !
As said earlier, the staff was pretty enthusiastic and the vibes seemed to spread all around.
Another important stuff all restaurant staff should be aware of is knowledge, knowledge of what they serve. The attendants here were completely at ease with all dishes being served, replete with correct pronunciations and always accompanied by warm and eager smiles.
The Buffet was any Foodie's delight – to say the least.
The menu included 4 types of Salads, 3 Non–Veggie dishes, Mutton Biryani. The vegetarian platter included Dal, Steamed Rice, Veg. Biryani, Paneer Sufiyani, Mix Vegetable, Hakka Noodles, a vegetable made in Hong Kong style stew, Creamy Macaroni, Mushrooms, Buns, Papad and a Mixed Roti basket.
All of us had a blast while relishing the meals. Yes, some of us did lick our fingers too !
As if this wasn't enough, we were treated with some of the best deserts!
A chocolate cake, cheese cake, pine-apple cake, gulab Jamun, Phirni, Vanilla (accompanied with Chocolate and strawberry syrup), fruit plate and chocolate mousse.
Ummmm….Yummmyyy !
I had an absolutely delicious treat at the paisa vasool BN and am definitely going back with my family !
Ratings :
- Food and presentation - 4/5
- Ambience and Décor - 4.5/5
- Customer Service - 4/5
- Value for Money - 4/5
While Edwina was in Mumbai, Shweta and I got a chance to treat her at Delhi Darbar.
It was my first time at the restaurant and I would like to comment on what I liked about the place.
Delhi Darbar is Opposite the Regal Cinema and is very well placed amidst bustling tourists and food enthusiasts.
Since we had a late lunch (at about 3 pm), I expected some respite in terms of crowd. Man, I was wrong !
Delhi Darbar, I am told, is often swamped by regular office goers, Parsi and North Indian people for the mouth watering Muglai food. On Sunday too the place was swathed with families enjoying a lazy brunch
Somehow Shweta managed to make reservations and we all settled down with growling stomachs !
The interiors are done tastefully but have dim lights which gives the place a dark appearance. The walls are decorated with trivia about Indian and Mughlai food.
The seating arrangement was fine yet some more space and comfy seating would be good.
The staff was courteous, ever helpful and dressed in Arabic attire.
All of this set our expectations high and we settled down with growling stomachs.
Over our continued chatter about Edwina's India trip to current Economic Crisis we were kept company by some amazing delicacies.
Though I should warn you to think twice about DD if you are a vegetarian.
The menu has limited yet mouth watering choices for vegetarians.
If you are a non-veggie then you couldn't ask for a better gift on a Sunday !
My companions ordered Tangdi Kebabs with Garlic-Onion Chutney for starters while I downed a Salted Lassi.
We later ordered for Veg. Kolhapuri (Edwina is fond of spicy Indian food), Mutton Biryani, Chikken Tikka, Roti basket, Boondi Raita and Roasted Papad.
The quantity was more than sufficient for the 3 of us.
The rich aromas and delicious meal was very well made and it made us ask for more !
The menu had a vast variety of Mughlai, Chinese and North Indian starters and main course.
Most being Non-Vegetarian dishes, I wouldn't be able to comment much. Yet, from what Shweta and Edwina told me – the meal was more than they could have asked for.
The staff though knowledgeable and courteous, could be a little quick with service.
Though the rich meal had made our stomachs full, we couldn't shake off the temptation for a sweet dish and ended up gobbling hot Gulab Jamuns too.
The bill came to 1000 including taxes.
I would suggest Delhi Darbar to all Non Vegetarians. It's an amazing place to go with family and friends. Though you might want to make reservations since the place often has long waiting lists.
Also, as a vegetarian I would definitely want some more items to be added to the Mughlai and North Indian cuisine.
Ratings :
- Food and presentation - 3.5/5
- Ambience and Décor - 3/5
- Customer Service - 3.5/5
- Value for Money - 3.5/5
