Tag Archives: Desserts

05.16.17
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Desi Desserts with a Difference

 

“Dessert is like a feel-good song and the best ones make you dance.” – chef Edward Lee

Well, the dessert brand I am going to talk about in the blog post today, for sure made me do a happy dance each time I binged on their offerings. If you have been a fan (or even not) of Indian desserts, you would be amazed by the unique and interesting range of items which they let you relish. I quite second the fact which the brand urges that Khoya is the essence of true Indian sweets wherein they use fresh and organic ingredients.
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Before we share more on our first-hand experience trying the desserts by Khoya Mithai, we thought that we would let you learn more from the one who has worked rather hard on this brand.

In Conversation with Siddharth Mathur, Director, Head – Food & Beverage, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd…

Q: In times when the non-Indian desserts are such a rage and every now and then we get spoilt with even more choices- how did such a concept occur or did you feel that this was the need of the hour?
A: Need of the hour for sure! Indian desserts have such great heritage and a special place in our culture, we wanted to bring that back. I also enjoy non-Indian desserts, but felt that mithai was underrepresented at the higher end of the spectrum, hence Khoya was born.Khoya_27895

Q: Sweets in general are facing this constant challenge of pleasing the increasing number of diet conscious consumers, what is the most appropriate offering from your brand for them?
A: We have a delicious Date & Nut Barfi as well as the Fig Barfi both of which have no added sugar and contain ingredients that are good for you!

Q: Tell us about that one creation of yours which is a must try or the one that has been the hot-seller? Also, talk us through if any new additions are in the pipeline?
A: The Walnut Peda is not only my favourite, but has had resounding appreciation. It is made of roasted khoya filled with a slightly crunchy walnut praline filling. We have just launched 12 flavours but one of the exciting works in progress is our Orange Barfi. It is smooth, well-balanced and has a wonderful marmalade finish.
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Q: Following are few occasions, we want you to recommend one offering of yours against each which would make for the most appropriate giveaway for that occasion…
A: Okay then for,

  • Baby Shower – Walnut Peda
  • Mehendi – Pink Motichoor Ladoo
  • House Warming – Besan Ladoo
  • Christmas – Date & Nut Barfi

And of course, it’s even better is to order a mixed variety box, so that there is something for everyone!

So, now that you have heard from the man himself, I just want to say that I couldn’t stopping binging on their Walnut Peda, I have always been a Peda fan but this is something else! Also, I feel with Khoya, you get the opportunity to gift your favourite Indian desserts but in such a classy fashion. And what’s even better is the twist with which it comes, I mean I had never heard of Walnut Peda or Brown Sugar Besan Ladoo for that matter!

And lastly, even mom is a big fan of theirs now, I asked her quickly and honestly tell me, “Would you consider them for my wedding gifts?” And she replied, “Of course, YES!”
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This is one brand which you must try if you are a true desi-dessert lover!

Much Love,
Sonali

Pictures Courtesy: Khoya Mithai

12.22.16
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CAFE CRUSH: TREW ERA CAFE,LONDON

Hey, so it is truly the season to be jolly! We hope that you are making the most of this time of the year 🙂 With the World being our stage and a global outlook, we thought it is best to further expand our horizons and without any delay- we should virtually visit some of our favourite places and unravel them well.

This desire took us to London to talk about a fun and buzzing café called the Trew Era Café which has also led us to start a brand new series called the Café Crush where we shall together discover some of the worthwhile cafes from around the World. We are excited, already!!!

We got lucky as despite being such a busy time of the year we got some great deets from their star chef- Michele Kirsch who also confesses to be a general chatterbox. Quite a combination, isn’t it? A pair of magical hands and someone to have hearty conversations with, Michele- we are your fans! She has been with the café since its inception in 2015. Now, let us get taking about this café and its offerings…

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Q: It truly does sound like a great and fun place with much meaning and purpose. Now, let us get talking about what we love the most i.e. food. So, for all sandwich-lovers, please be extra kind and help us add a dash of creativity to our breakfast menus…

A: One popular lunch dish is a sandwich of whole meal bread (or white or gluten free) with hummus and char grilled peppers flavoured with sumac-a lovely, slightly smoky but slightly fruity seasoning. Some people add a bit of feta cheese for more protein. Our toasties are very popular too, particularly one made with pesto, tomato and mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella melts really well. We also have a new vegan “cheese” based on coconut. It sounds strange but it actually does taste like cheese.

Q: Here is a quick one, tell us about one popular smoothie of yours, one egg dish and one absolute favourite dessert…

A: One of our most popular smoothies is the creation of one of our team members- Gary. It is called- Caribbean Green. It has pineapple juice, ginger, honey, banana, spinach and coconut milk (or an alternative milk or real milk can be used). The recipe is flexible but it’s very popular.

I can’t really say which egg dish is the most popular but we do get lots of requests for egg (scrambled) and avocado. It’s a very nice and nutrient dense meal. We also do eggs with spinach and tomato which is also really healthy. Most dishes come with a generous side salad on request.

We get lots of sweet dishes which are gluten free and/or dairy free but one staple is Kizzy’s cookies which are vegan and brought in by one of our friend’s Kizzy. They are generously sized and go really well with tea or coffee and are a good snack to take away. The most popular flavour is chocolate chip.

Q: Tell us please on what we should and what we should not expect especially when visiting Trew Era Café for the first time…

A: Expect a very warm welcome and a very home like atmosphere. The coffee is excellent and very good value compared to other places nearby and we have just about every alternative milk type drink under the sun. We often have music playing and have a little dance. Expect lots of people who have just met to be chatting away to each other like old friends, and delicious soups and stews chock-full of colourful vegetables.

Do not expect to see Russell Brand. He has many commitments and is a very busy man.

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With this café giving you a home like feeling, next time around don’t feel lost in London, okay?

Pictures Courtesy: Trew Era Cafe

10.19.11
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Sin Well Committed!

Well, everyone tries his/her best to avoid committing sins. However, this is one of those rare places that’ll happily make you commit the second sin over and over again. The sinners that we are, both of us headed to one of our most sought after places, Second Sin in MGF Mall, Saket to enjoy a lazy and laidback Sunday brunch.

If sophistication and modish designing is your kind of pick, then you would surely love this place for its white and beige drapes, upholstery and lacquered furniture. All this complimented with shimmering chandeliers and candles. If like us, you love alfresco dining, then their terrace options are beautiful. But right now let’s talk about what we are supposed to, the brunch.

Well, their brunch buffet is nothing but an elaborate spread of luscious delicacies, a live band performing, loads of sangria flowing and a lot of fun. Trust me; you’ll land up putting a mountain of food with every turn you take to explore the offerings.

We’ll both take you to explore the same in our own ways separately.Vegetarians should strictly listen to Shagun and non-vegetarians should no way listen to her and definitely listen to Sonali.

Shagun- For vegetarians to start with, there was yummy carrot soup and loads of bread options. You should also not miss the mezze counter and specially the green tomato salsa. And before I forget, as we enjoyed our soup, a magician walked by and entertained or rather amazed us with his amazing tricks.

Post the soup, it was the salad station that lured us with the myriad colours and nutrients. Yeah, we really do consider health while we eat!

My pick would be the marinated mushroom and corn salad. The mushrooms were soft, juicy and well flavoured. The chef was sweet enough to serve us hot starters like shallow fried cottage cheese which even went well with the sangria. The live pasta counter was something I could not resist and got my kind of white creamy pasta made fresh with loads of broccoli and bell peppers. For the main course, I treated my taste buds to a mix of Thai and Indian dishes but my favourite remains the Red Thai curry. I won’t mind confessing that I was too stuffed to head to the desserts but I did take a scoop or so from Sonali’s platter and it was gratifying as well.

Sonali- The non-vegetarian lovers would be overwhelmed to see justice being done to their favourites right from the start. Cold cuts, salads and soups- you can’t ask for a healthier start to your lazy Sunday afternoon. The salad bar lets you dig into a variety of dressings and ingredients. What’s more is that you’ll see enough seafood being used in preparing the delectable dishes. For all those who have a soft corner for prawns, you shall sure be spoilt for choices.

Their Indian tawa offerings are absolutely worth binging into! So, do keep some room for all the heavy duty stuff as that is surely going to win your heart. And, don’t hesitate in asking the chef to toss some fresh pasta and pizza for you!

I  have to repeat again and again but yes, I do have a sweet tooth and yes, I did go overboard while satisfying my tingling taste buds. The gulab jamun, bread pudding and the like are extremely well-prepared.

A visit here is worth the money for the simple reason that good food, live entertainment and alluring ambience- are all made available under the same roof! And for those who’s outing isn’t complete without sipping some fine wine-let the Sangria keep pouring into your glasses!

Had a good time and we are definitely craving for another Sunday well spent...