(Almost) alcoholic mixed berries...

Finding a dessert which would satisfy not only your taste buds but give you no guilty feelings about wanting seconds has always been a challenge for me. That was until I started reading the 'Pregnancy' magazine in the doctor's waiting room.

I learned about a fabulous sorbet on the market made by a company called 'Ciao Bella'. Now I was familiar with CB because I once purchased a variety ice-cream pack and it was simply divine. This upscale company does not compromise on the quality of its ingredients, and produces Italian-gelateria style ice-cream.

This particular flavor is called 'Blackberry Cabernet' and is touted as being a real wine substitute for those long and hard nine months. Or perhaps you don't even drink, and are simply looking for a refined and non-fat dessert option.

I'm not much of a sorbet person, but this I liked! The magnificent wine-colored concoction tastes sweet and tart at the same time, and is extremely grown-up. I believe it contains some wine but not nearly enough to affect your pregnancy. However, pregnant or not, try this out. It is perfect for the approaching summer, served with a selection of mixed berries (making it even healthier!). I bought this a week ago at Whole Foods at $2.79, a special offer. Normal retail is around $4.

Ciao Bella's Blackberry Cabernet, Whole Foods, $4 approximately.

Cute Italian in Sausalito

(Picture courtesy of sfeater.com)

Just returned from this cute and elegant little restaurant in Sausalito, Marin County.  Sausalito itself was a discovery.  I didn't expect to have such a good view of the San Francisco skyline from its quaint little downtown promenade called Bridgeway.  Amidst tourist shops, jewelry stores and fine art galleries, one can find the Piccolo Teatro di Sausalito.

The interior is very enticing: a mahogany bar, hardwood floors, a fireplace, and soft recessed lighting. Smartly-uniformed waiters greet you graciously.  The food is very flavorful and the selections are refreshingly different from those found in a standard Italian restaurant.  The portions are not huge, however, and bread costs $2.5.  In spite of that, the delicious and finely cooked food is definitely worth it.  For two people, my recommendation would be to order three of the 'Small Bites' priced at $2.5, and three selections from the 'Primi' and 'Secondi'.  This was enough for the both of us.  With wine and a soft drink, the bill came to about $70.

Piccolo Teatro is located on 739 Bridgeway, Sausalito.  

 

Eight Wineries in One?

Photo courtesy of the Press Club website


At the bottom of the Four Seasons in San Francisco lies an unique concept. As we settled down for drinks at the lounge bar of the nearby Amber India restaurant (I'll blog about this later), friends told us about the Press Club.

Apparently this trendy venue, which opened on Sept 10 this year, has eight Californian vineyards rolled into one. You walk into a spacious and stylish tasting room which allows you to acquaint yourself with several wines. This seems like a wonderful alternative for both connoisseurs and amateurs to have the 'Napa experience' minus the long drive out there.

I think I'll pay a visit, but I like long drives and basking in the authentic milieu of wine country. Have you been to the Press Club? What did you think? Drop me a line here if you have or perhaps somewhere similar elsewhere.

The Press Club

Raving about truffles...

Chocolate truffles aren't as rare a treat as they used to be. Available in all shapes, sizes, colors and flavors these days, the likes of Godiva or Lindt continue to tempt us with their imaginative and delicious creations. The most popular alcohol or liquor-laced truffles appear to be of the champagne or Grand-Marnier variety. However, on my last visit to the Harrods chocolate/candy section in London this June, I became totally hooked on a special kind of 'Port and Cranberry' truffles.

These devilishly creamy dark chocolate truffles are created by none other than one of London's legendary chocolatiers, Charbonnel et Walker. Packed in a ruby red box of 6, this will cost you around $20, but if you're lucky, you may be there during sale time and get it for $10 as I did. These are pricey pieces of candy, but taste one, and you'll know why. Bat your eyelids, or smile that smile at the serving attendant, and you might even get a free taste!

There is a Charbonnel et Walker store in Bond Street in London, but visit the Harrods Food Hall if you can, and find your way to the candy section. It is mesmerizing and tantalizing. Apart from C et W, you will be introduced to some of the world's finest brands of candy, amidst excited cacophony, luring aromas, and luxurious ambiance.

I just went to their website, and it turns out that you can get C et W candy in San Francisco and Palo Alto. How cool is that! They even have a Cafe Charbonnel in NYC! As evident from the picture, I am down to my last one. Where is that Palo Alto store again?

Charbonnel et Walker

La Porte des Indes, London

This is a charming and upscale Indian restaurant in the heart of central London. Seconds away from bustling Oxford St, but you would never have guessed it. La Porte des Indes specializes in Indian food with a French twist. The cuisine in the former French colonies of Pondicherry in the south, Chandannagore in Bengal etc, is heavily French-influenced. So this figures prominently in the menu. However, other popular dishes are also available. Entrees from the a la carte menu are a tad on the pricey side. A three course set menu is around 34 pounds. But you pay for the exquisite colonial ambiance, the immaculate service, and the chance to eat on tables with pristine white and starched tablecloths, laden with silver plated cutlery.

Aah, but there is a more affordable option, without having to sacrifice your exposure to any of the above. Sundays is buffet lunch day, when La Porte puts on a lavish 'all you can eat' extravaganza for only 25 pounds per person. You start downstairs where there is a delectable range of mouthwatering appetizers, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. You then walk up the strategically-positioned spiral staircase, allowing you to spy on the other customers, before you begin to sample the entrees. Don't forget to try the fresh coconut juice, which you drink from the coconut directly. It is unbelievably refreshing!

The place is usually full on Sundays with families celebrating birthdays, friends celebrating an engagement, or simply the single diner who wants to have well prepared Indian food. There is also a live jazz band to entertain you while you enjoy the food. The band was excellent the last time I went. However, my family have been entertained by an Indian Elvis on one occasion, who was reported to have been pretty good too.

There you have it - if you're in London on a Sunday, and would like to try different and delicious Indian food in a lovely setting, make a date with La Porte Des Indes. It is best to make a reservation beforehand. Click here for more details.

A fine wine bar in Chicago

Most of Saturday was taken up with chores, so I really wanted to relax and unwind somewhere in Chicago. My husband had been here with friends a good few years ago, and he was impressed. So we decided to check it out.

Webster's is located on a street which lends its name to this cozy and stylish nightspot. It is not pretentious at all. The clientele seem to mainly in the late 20s to 30s bracket. Most of the revelers appear to be close buddies, but this wine bar is romantic enough and couple-friendly.

Get there late (I mean late; we arrived at 11:30) and you might just save yourself the $10 by parking yourself further down the street. There is some construction work going on around the bar right now, but you forget that once you're in.

I just love ambient lighting, and Webster's scores big points for me in this area. The whole places buzzes with intense conversation and Brazilian music in the foreground. It is packed. As there is a (delectable) food menu, there are regular tables, but you can opt to sit at the bar (which we did) and check out the competition.

This bar is serious about its wines. And so it should be, for being Chicago's oldest wine bar. The wine list as extensive as it is distinctive. The Lebanese Red and the Argentinian Chardonnay are some of the current highlights that I really enjoyed. Go for a glass, share a bottle, or select the tasting option. A glass is roughly $7, a tasting portion $3.

The food is exquisite and certainly complement the fine wines on offer. Our selection of olive and fig tapenade on crispy and thinly sliced baguettes, almonds enclosed within succulent dates wrapped in bacon hit the spot. Each of these appetizers was a very reasonable $5. We then proceeded to sample one of their famous cheese plates (of which there are many). By then we had ordered a glass of 20 year-old port which was excellent, and what could go better with port than mature and creamy English Stilton, served with red seedless grapes and a warm mini-baguette? Simply delightful.

Webster's hold one or more tasting sessions every month, and you can get more information form their website. I plan to visit one soon and tell you all about it. In the meantime, if you have been to Webster's or any other wine bar which made an impression on you, why not tell me about it here? I am glad I made this little Chicago discovery, and would love to hear about some other hidden gems from anywhere in the world.

Webster's Wine Bar

Fine dining in the Old Mission Peninsula

We just went in to grab a quick bite, but came out very impressed and satisfied.

The Peninsula Grill can be found on M-37 northbound from downtown TC towards the Chateau Chantal or the Old Mission Lighthouse. There are several other eateries and a little market place adjacent to the restaurant, making it easily visible from the main road.

The environment is casual and full of well-heeled locals. Their satiated faces was an indication of what we could expect. Our server was extremely gracious and recommended we try a Michigan brew called Bell's Winter White ale. Amber colored and slightly sweet, the delicious ale got us going. My entree was fresh mussels seeping in garlic and wine, fresh herbs and other such spicy juices. It was splendid! Freshly baked bread came with a butter which had a hint of maple, but I wasn't sure and didn't care as it was so tasty! My husband opted for a hearty fried whitefish sandwich which was devoured in seconds.

The bill came to $35. Definitely worth repeat visits.

The Peninsula Grill: 14091 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686


Since Chateau Chantal's restaurant is closed on Sunday, a complimentary brunch is provided at the intimate Boathouse Restaurant just minutes away from the Peninsula Grill. The environment is very family-oriented, but quietly elegant. The white and shell color scheme is complemented by fine furniture and fittings. Jazz piano plays on the CD and the waitress pours wine for other guests at the well-stocked bar.

As the name suggests, the views are of the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay and surrounding scenery. The multicolored foliage looked very inviting as we gazed out.

Our server again was very well-spoken, and brought out fruit, coffee and juice. My Egg Benedict was perfectly done. The eggs must have been organic because the yolk was so creamy and flavorful. My husband's Belgian Waffles melted in the mouth. Complemented by danish pastry and broiled potatoes with fresh mixed herbs, we were ready to tackle the 6 hour journey back home. Truly remarkable food to sign off our memorable stay at the Chateau. Visit their website for more details.

The Boathouse Restaurant

Vienna's sweet treat

Who would have thought that a 19th century recipe for a cake would still be causing such a stir on the streets of Vienna?

This August, I tasted the magic that so many people had been telling me about. "Oh so you'll be in Vienna? You have to try the Sacher Torte." I found that while this delectable treat was served at many of Vienna's restaurants and cafes, the 'original' and the version that was recommended by most was the torte served at the Hotel Sacher itself, who own the trademarked recipe (the son of the recipe's creator built this exquisite luxury hotel).

This cake is more than just a chocolate cake. What is heavenly in each mouthful is the happy marriage of apricot jam and moist rich spongy chocolate. And a spoonful of sinfully creamy whipped cream helps too. If you want to taste the Sacher Torte in Vienna, I recommend you do it nowhere but the Hotel Sacher itself. When you enter the cafe, you do not see the hotel in all its grandeur, but you certainly get a sense of it. Service is fairly swift. There is most certainly going to be a long line of tourists outside the entrance of the cafe, but it moves along nicely. The lively atmosphere surrounding the cafe also helps to while away the waiting time.

A menu is posted at the entrance, tempting and confusing you at the same time, with its array of sacher tortes. Go only for the original version and team it up with a coffee. While the accommodation and a full scale meal might be obscenely expensive at the Sacher, it is worth paying a few dollars to savor the experience of having one of Vienna's much loved creations in a five-star setting. To whet your appetite, here's a picture taken during our recent visit. Notice the chocolate seal, which signifies it is the original we were about to devour.

A jazzy night in Chicago

I know I have posted about the Peninsula before, but I had to post this, taken last week on a Friday night, and what a night it was. To appreciate such music in such divine surroundings, and to think that there's no music cover charge. All you need to order is a coffee or two, and you're set. Luxury needn't be expensive. My gourmet alcoholic coffee cost $10 and my dreamy dessert of ginger creme brulee $11. Check out the web page below for details, particularly about when the live music is. Enjoy.

The Lobby at the Pen

Carnivale in Chicago's West Loop

Drove down to downtown Chicago last night to try this much talked-about restaurant and bar. The west loop of Chicago is slowly gentrifying and apartments are being built and occupied, but given that it is primarily a business area, it was eerily quiet when we were driving through around 8 pm.

As soon as we approached 'Carnivale' , that sense was quashed immediately. And this was a Wednesday night! A mini-crowd of diners and valets were scurrying around a lot of cars. Valet parking is only $5 by the way. Strains of latin music could be heard while we were outside. Carnivale has live music on Wednesdays, and when you enter, you pass through the bar and the music area before being ushered into the main dining room. We ordered a rasberry mojito and a martini.

The dining room is the highlight of Carnivale. A high ceiling with humongous red and yellow lamp shades and a multicolored tile accent dominate. Walls are painted with similar warm colors, and the place absolutely buzzes. The live music from across the bar was hopping. We even had two carnival-style dancers jiggle their firmly toned bits all over the room at one point.

I strongly recommend you to come here with a group of friends or co-workers who love to have a good time. The food is pretty and tasty. My entree of the exotic barramundi fish which you see above (from Australia) was firm and nicely flavored. I loved my dessert of the goat's cheese ice-cream.

What was slightly disappointing, however, were the drinks. My raspberry mojito seemed overpowered with the fruit. The simple mojito also lacked the personality that one would expect from a well-made mojito. It was too dilute and uninteresting.

All in all, a superb place for celebrations. Its proximity to the highway (I90/94) makes it very accessible from the suburbs. Great for latin dancing and dining, but don't expect to be bowled over by the drinks. Here's Abhijit enjoying his Arctic Char.



Carnivale, Chicago.

Late night Chicago sweets!

We were still living downtown just off Michigan Avenue, Chicago at the time. It was a Saturday night, and we had opted for a quiet night in, tucking into a nice home-cooked meal. By the time it was 10:30, we were both feeling restless. Looking out of our 30th floor apartment, we could not resist the bright lights of State Street.

"Do you have room for dessert?" asked Abhijit, looking expectantly, privately hoping I would say yes. "Always", I replied cheekily. Minutes later, Abhijit remarked that the Peninsula Hotel, a fine five class hotel was just around the corner from us, and they probably did desserts. It was nearly 11, and we decided to check it out.

We walked up to the reception, very quiet and elegant, subtle and sumptuous at the same time. The manager nodded and smiled, assuming we were guests I suppose. We reveled in that illusion as we looked around and figured out that all accommodation and other facilities had to be accessed by the elevator. We took it to the floor marked 'The Lobby'.

Seconds later, we found ourselves in a decadent showroom, with muted chandeliers, and amazing finery. There were quite a few people, couples, groups of businessmen, etcetera, helping themselves to what looked like a buffet of chocolate. To our right, a chanteuse was belting out smooth jazz numbers, while a cellist and pianist kept her company. It was wonderful. A waitress ushered us to a table not far from the musical trio.

While there was a dessert buffet for serious chocaholics, there was also a a la carte menu, and we opted for the latter. Abhijit's choice of dark chocolate and espresso ice cream, and my ginger creme brulee was certainly a feast for the senses. Our Saturday evening had turned out to be quite a sweet treat.

I believe they cost around $12 each, so dining at a five star hotel need not cost an arm and a leg. Check the website out for details and times. This is indeed one of the finest hotels in Chicago.


website: Dining at the Peninsula in Chicago

Frida's in Beverly Hills

We went to San Diego and LA for our first wedding anniversary in 2006. Abhijit and I drove out to LA, and decided to try this place after reading a rave review in a guide book. It has a wonderful location - right in the heart of snazzy Beverly Hills, and people-watching in this fashionable area is a treat if you manage to get a window-facing table. Parking was relatively easy to find - there is a public parking lot practically next to the restaurant, which is free for the first hour, then a dollar per additional hour. A bargain!

Even though it was a Friday afternoon, we didn't need a reservation. But the place was becoming progressively busier with time. Now for the food. The menu is a far cry from your average mexican fare of burritos and enchiladas. Think more exotic and authentic instead. We had a wonderful starter of shrimp tacos smeared in a tangy orange sauce, and my entree of sesame-encrusted chicken with Chilean chocolate sauce was simply divine. Service was snappy and courteous, and the portions very generous. If you're after more authentic mexican cuisine in smart surroundings and the chance of a celebrity sighting, then this is a must. Our total bill, including superb margaritas, came to approximately $70. Well worth every cent.

Frida: 236 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
www.fridarestaurant.com

On the 95th floor....

Abhijit took me to the Signature Room for dinner on my birthday last year. Rarely has an evening been so well spent. They do the most sublime green apple martini ever concocted, and I have had a few of them before, believe me. We had Lobster bisque for starters, and it was simply a creamy dream in a bowl. Abhijit had got us a table near the window, and you can imagine how stunning the views from the 95th floor must have been. Chicago looked absolutely glorious. Expensive, but totally worth the food, the views, and the romance it creates. Great for big groups too.

The Signature Room is located in the John Hancock building: www.signatureroom.com

Jin Ju, a Korean pearl in Chicago

5203 N. Clark. 773 334 6377

'Jin ju' means a pearl in Korean. We had never tried Korean food or heard of Jin ju when my hair stylist (who is Korean) recommended this place. Located at Clark and Foster in the trendy neighborhood of Andersonville, we were wowed from the start. I have a thing for moody restaurants and clubs/lounges with their low lighting and ambient music, and Jin Ju fulfilled on both counts. Every table was full, and pretty boy waiters completed the place.

We had no idea what to order. The menu was manageable however, with English explanations for all dishes. We started off with plum wine, which was delicious. It helped us to drink in the atmosphere as well. Looking at the starters, barbecued pork or Daeji Galbi sounded great. It was mouthwateringly good!!! It seemed that it had been marinated in the richest of spices for days and smoked for hours. Hot and sweet exploded on the tongue!!

Pleased with such a success, we felt confident to move on to our entree orders. Dak Bulgogi (spicy marinated chicken) for me and Dak Dori Tang (spicy chicken stew with potatoes) for him. Oh my god!!! Perfection on a plate (or a stone bowl in his case!). Let's start with Abhijit's Dak Dori Tang. Chicken stew sounds mild, but this was the spiciest and most wholesome broth we had tasted in a restaurant. Dark red and inviting, the ginger, jalapenos, red pepper, sesame oil and the vegetables would clear blocked nasal passages in a jiffy! I was in love with my dish too. The chicken seemed exquisitely marinated in sugar, soy sauce, garlic, pepper, to name but a few recognizable ingredients. It had a mean kick to it and was utterly divine. Ummmmmm.

Ginger and green tea ice cream were just the things to calm down our excited taste buds. Wow.

We had no idea that Korean food could be so spicy and exciting. The ambience and the quality of food here has delivered every time we have been since (we have been seven times already), and this is undoubtedly our favorite hotspot in Chicago.

Bombay Brasserie, Indian dining in London

Location: Courtfield Close, Courtfield Road (opp Gloucester road tube station), London, SW74UH. Ph: +44(0)207 370 4040 www.bombaybrasserie.co.uk

Sandwiched between two premier hotels of the 'Millenium' group, and opposite Gloucester road station, this fine treasure's prime location is just one of 'the good things going for this restaurant. Given the plethora of eateries in this magnificent city, not to mention the 'authentic' Indian joints which are either called 'Raj Tandoori' or 'Raj Mahal', it can be very confusing as to what Indian food actually is, and whether that on offer is any good. The age old adage 'you get what you pay for' does seem to hold true when it comes to excellent Indian food in this city.

Bombay Brasserie is expensive. But it is worth every penny you pay. The environment changes dramatically from the doorstep into the main foyer. You find yourself in a bar furnished in old colonial style. The sights and sounds of the outside are already a distant memory. I recommend that you enjoy the bar before dining, its plush seating and the regal black and white photos of a bygone era.

It is surprisingly big inside, once you step into the dining room. An electronic and automatic piano plays popular tunes softly, as we are led to our table for ten. The service is impeccable.

My husband chose an entree of Goan halibut, which was not hot, but wildly aromatic. Creamy coconut and chillis made this a superb dish. My choice of Prawn Balchao was equally delicious, but hot. If you like your food nice and hot, this is the classic to go for at the Brasserie. Succulent and juicy, I could also taste the undertones of mustard and ginger which were married so successfully with the heat.

The wine list is extensive, and even has a wonderfully crisp Indian sparkling wine by the name of Omar Khayyam. It complemented our choices beautifully.

We spent about three and a half hours enjoying our meal, and never felt rushed. The friday evening had the place buzzing, but attentive waiters always checked in with us periodically. The only criticism I would have is the portion size, which is on the smaller side. However, somehow, the flavorful dishes seemed to distract me from this. Who needs large portions when the food is this exquisite? The bill including service, wine, starters and dessert came to about 60 pounds per person. As I said before, it was worth every penny. Definitely an establishment worth revisiting.

Kittichai, a Thai gem in NYC

Location: 60 Thompson St, NYC 10012

As I delved deeper into the recommended restaurant list in the Lonely Planet guide, it became increasingly impossible to find a restaurant which would satisfy my impulse: sharp & sexy ambiance, food to wow, cocktails to enthrall. After all, I was treating my husband and brother, and I wanted it to be super-special. Suddenly, I read the review. This was it! I proceeded to make my reservation for the night.

It was a late summer Friday evening, around 9 pm. Kittichai was as I had envisioned it. A magnificent Thai restaurant and bar, which was something out of 'Sex and the City' with ethereally beautiful people in Gucci floating around, but was at the same time, completely accessible and friendly. Soft romantic lighting and modern jazz set the tone. Populated mainly by well-heeled locals, there were a couple of tourists like ourselves, and the waiters were very warm and welcoming. The bar was lively and my lychee martini was to die for. Abhijit and Bobby took an immediate liking to the place, much to my relief. Their martini and mojito was equally mouthwatering.

We were seated soon enough. Spicy fishcakes with onion chutney, Chilean sea bass, and barramundi (A delicious Australian fish) with chilli -tamarind sauce tantalized the senses. Music and conversation was excellent, and the evening got dreamier with every bite. Or was it with every sip?

Sure, the bill was far from average, but such a dining experience in the heart of Manhattan is one to be cherished for a long long time. It's all about the experience, and the company. I would do it all again, and again. Once I saved up of course :). Go check it out. It's worth every penny.