Bangalore restaurants- Food and Travel: Buffet

Taste of Arabia - The Market at the Ritz Carlton

Friday, May 15, 2015Me! In words

I have always loved Arabic food... perhaps because I happen to be one of those "Gulfie" kids, born and brought up in Kuwait with memories of large community platters at the neighbouring Palestinian family's home or my Palestinian babysitter who on a down day would come up with her version of a simple meal of Taboulleh, Hummus and home baked kubbus and Dolmas.

So when the invitation to partake of the Taste of Arabia festival at Ritz Carlton came along, I was more than happy to relive those delicious childhood memories. The festival, sponsored by Air Arabia will be on at the Market at the Ritz Carlton, for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will have Chef Rami Almaket from the Ritz Carlton Dubai at the helm of culinary affairs.

The personalized menu for the bloggers table was a nice touch and promised an interesting meal.

It was interesting to see the level of planning that went into this festival, with the menu featuring representation from different parts of the Arab world. By the time we were done with the meal, we had tasted a bit of Syria, Morocco, the Levant Countries and Egypt. Not bad for a single meal. We started off with the Syrian Spiced Tea with Walnuts. Primarily served in the winter season, Chef Rami explained that in Dubai he doesn't really have the opportunity to serve the drink and was happy to do so considering how Bangalore's climate has been playing confused soul these days.

The modern day Samovar for the tea

Members of the staff were dressed in the traditional Thwab and a version of the Agal, which was fun to see. The buffet tables too were set up to display an Arabic touch.

The tea was followed by a selection of starters and a gorgeous Lamb Harira Soup - This soup can be a meal in itself, so fair warning to all ye who venture. The soup has a heavy tomato base and is loaded with shreds of lamb, vermicelli, vegetables and chickpeas. The delicate spices from cinnamon and turmeric bring in the long distance connection with Indian spices and makes this Maghreb delicacy a great one. The vegetarians have a Lentil Soup option to choose from.

One of the joys of eating Arabic food is the emphasis on community eating. While I would have loved the experience here as well, the more delicately plated platters enabled a part of it. Served with pita bread (I missed the Khubbus), we had flawless hummus, the babaghanoush and the beetroot dip enhanced with toasted black and white sesame and nuts. My pick of the platter were seedless green olives tossed with zattar. I even ended my meal on them.

The Shawarma and the Falafel. Do make it a point to ask for the zesty garlic dip to go with this.

Though not on the menu, the Chef brought out the Arabic version of the Dal Makhni, which is dry, had caramelized onions and can be that bowl of happiness you need at the end of long day.

Also among the starters was the Fatta Chicken, which chunks of chicken and croutons all doused in a yogurt dip that has garlic in it and topped off with what I think is Ras el Hanout seasoning.

The Vegetarians have a Chickpea version of the same

Among the main courses was a Samak (Fish) main course which the Chef created from locally sourced white flaky fish. I know its not basa, but shame on the coastal girl I am, I am not able to recognize the fish.

An assortment of grills and skewered meat, hot off the grills was also on the cards.

And to end the meal, in Chef's words, the Umm Ali or the Arabic Bread Pudding dish with just about "40,000 calories", not much. This was a decadent dessert made of croissant pastry, soaked in sugared milk and rose essence, layered with whipped cream and baked.

The Taste of Arabia is a great way to sample the variety that the Arab region has to offer. I definitely missed dolmas on the menu, but perhaps I could nudge the Chef if he comes back again. The festival is on till the 17th of May. Breakfast is Rs 1000 + taxes, Lunch, Rs 1500 + taxes, Dinner Rs 1600 + taxes per person.

Address: #99, Residency Road

Phone: 080-4914 8000

Cuisine: Buffet
Cards Accepted: Yes

Parking: Valet

Buffet Expensive kid friendly

Global Flavors at the Raj Pavilion - ITC Windsor

Wednesday, October 01, 2014Me! In words

There is something about the ITC Windsor that tends to transport you back to pre-Independent India. Not that I was around to know what that was like, but there is something about the place that speaks of the good, old days. Of elegance, charm and all things sophisticed. From the circular lobby, to the grand staircase, to the accordion playing gentleman, Windsor Manor as it is still largely called, strikes a chord with everyone.

Raj Pavilion is the all day dining restaurant of the hotel and has a great buffet and a la carte menu going. I was lucky to be invited to a special promotion that was on only for a short time of 5 days or so done by Chef Manisha Bhasin, Senior Executive Chef of the ITC Maurya. The idea was to bring Global Flavors to the dinner buffet at the Raj Pavilion - with a special focus on appetizers and grills, Though this was a buffet, we were seated through the meal and Chef Manisha sent out to us the best of what was on offer.

I began with a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, don't remember the name, but it was not too dry and that is the way I like my wine. Nursed it through the whole meal and it paired really well with all that came to us. We got some freshly baked focaccia and a bread and cheese platter to begin with. Pickled olive, toasted bread circles, a delicious pineapple pepper confiture (marmalade) and a corn and blue cheese pannacotta. The focaccia is something you want to cuddle up with... all warm and soft. In order of my preference - the marmalade, the pickled olive and the cheese pannacotta. The marmalade, I would love a bottle of! And that olive too!

A cold cuts platter of fresh salmon, Serrano ham and chicken. Always a pleaser for someone like me who loves cold meat platters. The salmon! very fresh and nice.

Tomato Soup - this was a cream laden soup which had the right amount of tartness to actually hit a note with - for one I don't like soups, they fill me up too much and two I don't particularly like tomato soups. But this one, did work.

ITC Windsor is all about responsible luxury - from organic ingredients to daylight saving, rainwater harvesting and more. It goes a long way in ensuring that you are doing your bit as well, even though you may be indulging.

Chef Manisha will be showcasing a range of grills. You may walk up to the station, take your pick and have it brought to the table. Veal chops, prawn skewers, crumbed aubergines with a range of interesting marinades and sauces

I couldn't resist taking a shot of the passionfruit marinated veal chops before it went on the grill!

Veal chops with passionfruit dressing, prawn skewers with dill and wine sauce, uchepos with guacomole and a fresh salad. The chop was done a beautiful medium and surrended to my butter knife without a fight. Perfectly frenched to allow you to get to every tasty morsel. The uchepos grilled in corn husk is an interesting vegetarian innovation and must be completed peeled out of its cover and had with the guacamole, The prawn was not overcooked as can often happen on a grill. The salad completed the meal that left us all happily satiated and not overly stuffed.

Desserts were an elaborate affair and off the regular buffet - R to L - Lemon curd tart, Ricotta cheesecake with berry compote and a double chocolate ganache. The ricotta cheesecake has that crumbly texture to it, The lemon curd tart was nice but me being me, I would have like the slight heavy hand on the lemon and not on the sweetness (I know, I know its not supposed to be that way!) The chocolate is chocolate and cannot go wrong, just one look at the glaze on that ganache and you know it.

I hope this showcase comes back soon, as must Chef Manisha.

Address: #25, Golf Course Road, Windsor Square, Bangalore - 560052

Phone: 22269898

Cuisine: South Indian

Cards Accepted: Yes
Parking: Valet

Bangalore restaurant reviews Buffet kid friendly

JW Mariott - Weekday Buffet Lunch

Thursday, March 13, 2014Me! In words

It was Valentine's Day - and though we have been a couple that almost always worked on Valentine's and were never really into mushy celebrations, we did try to do a token something always, to at least spend some time together. With both of us now in freelance careers we literally work 10ft from each other and speak more to our clients on the phone than we do to each other.

This Valentine's day Anoushka had an unexpected holiday (and right now I have no recollection why). In the midst of work, activities to keep her busy and the housework screaming unreasonably for attention, Sudhakar just walked up and told us to get ready, that he was taking us out for lunch. He had a meeting early afternoon and so he warned it would be a quick but a good one.

And soon... there we were handing the car over for valet parking at the JW Marriott and walking over to the JW Kitchen for their weekday lunch buffet. We were immediately settled into our seats and from the looks of it, the place was pretty much packed.

As I do with most buffets (which I rarely go to), I took a walk around first to check out all that was on offer. It helps me decide how to segment the tummy space. Let me walk your through. The first is a salad counter, where you have a section dedicated to salads already tossed up and another that allows you to put together a salad of your choice.

Next came the soups, breads and cheese - two soups, a range of breads, and a good sampling of cheese.

The Pan-Asian counter

Next came the pan-Asian counter, where you could ask for your noodles or rice to be tossed together with your choice of vegetables. Khowseuy was also on the menu and I found the first thing that was coming to my table. There were non-vegetarian side dishes on burners beside the live station, allowing you to put together a whole meal of any cuisine you prefer.

Next came the pasta counter - Mac n Cheese and a non-vegetarian lasagne were already dished up. Pasta - spaghetti, tagliatelle and spiral pasta. Your choice of tomato, white or aglio olio and veggies. Here is where Anoushka found what she wanted.

The North Indian section had the entire gamut of kormas, curries and biryani. Rotis and naans are brought to the table.

And soon after that is the south Indian counter with a typical spread, right down to perfectly tempered curd rice. There was also a section dedicated to savory bakes which I would love to go back to. And then came the dessert counters. Two sets of them.

The two tables of desserts

A look at some of what we brought to the table

Anoushka's corn and broccoli pasta aglio olio

A deliciously rich Khowseuy

My spaghetti in tomato sauce with broccoli and cheese. The tomato sauce was distinctly piquant and just the way I like it.

Do not and I repeat, do not miss the apple crumble with anglaise sauce from among the desserts. Its seriously to kill for

Despite being close to a full house, the service was very efficient. Each of the live counters has a person manning it to take down orders and ensure that it reaches tables. The runners are efficient and bring you what you need in a few minutes of asking. The weekday buffet is Rs 999 + taxes. Absolute VFM as far as I see it. I will definitely be there soon enough and am now waiting to check out the breakfast buffet as well. The one meal of the day I really look forward to.

Address: JW Marriot, 24/1 Vittal Mallya Road, Ashok Nagar, Bangalore

Parking: Valet

Phone: 67189999

Cuisine: Buffet

Cards Accepted: Yes

Breakfast Buffet Residency Road

Breakfast in Bangalore: Chancery Pavilion

Monday, June 17, 2013Me! In words

We love to try out different places for breakfast. Its perhaps the only meal where I don't mind going to a buffet. Top favorites have been the ITC Gardenia (who BTW have hiked their rates up bringing it close Rs 975 and thereabouts per head, but I still think its worth it), Monkey Bar and Isys in Jayanagar which is Anoushka's favorite. There are so many other places I want to try, but all in good time.

So one Sunday we decided to head to the Chancery Pavilion, having read vaguely somewhere that it was a good deal. Off we went, down the spiral staircase and to a few vacant seats. The buffet is served at Ithaca and starts with an option of cereals and milk, and yogurt and fruit cups.

From there to a selection of soups, breads, raw salads that you could throw together. There was a baked goods section with the usual suspects of croissants, muffins and danishes. Then onto the more heavier breakfast items. All the classic south Indian options of idli, vada, sambar, chutney, dosas on order were there. This was followed by a continental spread of hash browns, baked beans, roasted tomatoes, sausages, diced and fried liver (not bad!) and finally the live egg station. That pretty much sums up the buffet.

Now as a spread it was pretty decent and covered most of what you would look for in a buffet. But somehow it seemed so staid. For one the floor was in serious need of some staff. Just a handful of guys running between what was pretty much a full house. There was toasted bread but no butter on the table till three requests brought it there. There was no jam either and I noticed that had to be asked for and none of these were made in house. Milk for the cereals was tepid at best and a very personal peeve - there was no bacon.

Didn't see any juices around too and I not sure if it was available since no one thought of mentioning it to us. What we ate is what I can make at home and much better. The breakfast came to approximately Rs 350 a head and Anoushka was not charged. I would have preferred Isys over this any day.

A view from the top

Cereals, dosas and yogurt-fruit mixes

Salads and breads

The baked section

Sudhakar's choice with sausages, liver hash browns, cheese and toast

My choice of french toast (which needed as steak knife to cut through. Ended up leaving it), baked beans, sausages, roasted tomatoes and hash browns

Anoushka's breakfast of croissant and chocos

Double bullseye which was a bit too runny for my liking

A sausage and cheese omelet for Sudhakar

We ended breakfast with a round of coffee and green tea. Can't really go wrong here. A breakfast that did the job of filling tummy but nothing to much to recall.

Address: FM Cariappa road Residency road, Bangalore

Phone: 41414141

Cuisine: Buffet Breakfast
Wallet factor: Rs 750 for 2

Parking: Valet Parking

Bangalore restaurant reviews Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast in Bangalore: ITC Gardenia

Monday, July 23, 2012Me! In words

Who doesn't love a good breakfast? We definitely do and have been meaning to get to ITC Gardenia for breakfast for ages now. We have been through all of their restos so far and it just didn't seem right that we didn't do this as well. And so one Sunday morning, we landed at the reception of the Cubbon Pavilion, where breakfast is served.

The entire buffet has an underlying theme of promoting good health and makes use of a lot of healthy grains in the preparation. Once you settle down, I suggest you take a walk around the buffet and see everything that is on offer. I made the mistake of not doing it the first time we went there and ended up filling up much before I had a chance to get through a bigger portion of the buffet. Picto review here on...

Start with something drink first - both the times there were a few variations to what was on offer. Mango Smoothie, Berry smoothie, Salted Lassi instead of sweet, plain yogurt in matkas, grape juice and
oatmeal with fruits.

Opposite this is where you can make a start - roasted herbed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, croissants in multigrain, ham, bacon and sausages (generally a mix)

Going forward, fruit lovers will love the spread of poached fruits to start with - kiwi, muskmelon, figs, lychees. It then goes on to a range of other fruits like figs, guavas, lychee, watermelon, papaya

This is a corner that's pretty easy to miss, but it does have some nice goodies on it like chocolate and cappacino muffins, walnut danishes, chocolate donuts, linseed bread rolls and more. The second time we came I picked up a custard filled donut-like treat - the name is at the tip of my tongue but I can't get it. It was really yummy, smooth custard, not overly sweet and the sugar dusted top made it perfect.

And now is when the actual buffet begins. Nothing to beat the typical south Indian breakfast to start with and so you have your idlis, vadas and sambar and coconut chutney beginning things. There is also pongal for those who love it. Dosas for the day are made to order at the counter in the center as well as specialty eggs and those made any which way you like.

If you would rather go the cereals way, then there are quite a few to choose from, along with a range of dried fruits. You have everything from museli to Honey Loops to Chocos. There are also a variety of milks - soy, skimmed, full cream etc to choose from.

Sprouts and dressings - Alfalfa sprouts, Green peas, Iceberg lettuce the first time we went there - the dressings to choose from were the likes of raspberry vinaigrette, mustard dressing and a balsamic dressing. To further spice up the salad were various compotes of dry fruits. Personally loved the raspberry vinaigrette with alfalfa sprouts and lettuce.

The concept of good health is carried across cuisines and there was a Japanese addition to the spread as well - miso soup, Hiya Yakko, Nanbakzuke and more items that I could not pronounce. Was rather stuffed at this point so gave this a skip. The second time round those, there was an Arabic platter with pita bread served with tzatziki, hummus, pea hummus, falafel, muttabel and more. All of these were brilliant.

A very cute thing is the guy who wheels around this cart with fresh croissants straight from the oven and to your table. Make sure you pick one just to sample it... its flaky and with a slathering of butter really

hits the spot.

This is the central cooking up station where eggs and dosas are whipped up. For the eggs, there are two exotic versions that you can choose from and the same with the dosas as well. You can just order them and they will be brought to your table along with a side of bread or chutnies as applicable. Also, the second time we went there we were told that a range of stuffed parathas and puris too can be ordered. Fresh fruit juices in a couple of varieties too can be had. Below are a couple of plates of what we had.

Classic poached egg on muffin with bacon, roasted tomatoes and bread. Oh yes! the range of breads on offer are plenty and you can end up spending a few minutes there on choosing what you want.

Scrambled eggs with tuna and a kind of cheese with grilled potatoes and tomatoes on the side.

Pita bread with Mutabbal, Pea Hummus, poached fruits and a fig shake.

This buffet is priced at Rs 750 a head plus taxes. Anoushka so far has not been charged even though we were told that children were charged nominally. Reservations are not needed as walk-ins are taken. For us personally, this is definitely worth a twice a month visit. The buffet is on from 7AM in the morning to around 10.30AM. Two visits now and there has been a variety to look forward to in each of the sections of the buffet. Its ITC, so service is brilliant as is the ambiance.

Address: #1, Residency Road, Bangalore - 560025

Phone: 22119898

Cards Accepted: Yes
Parking: Valet

Taste of Arabia - The Market at the Ritz Carlton

Global Flavors at the Raj Pavilion - ITC Windsor

JW Mariott - Weekday Buffet Lunch

Breakfast in Bangalore: Chancery Pavilion

Breakfast in Bangalore: ITC Gardenia

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Bangalore restaurants- Food and Travel

Taste of Arabia - The Market at the Ritz Carlton

Global Flavors at the Raj Pavilion - ITC Windsor

JW Mariott - Weekday Buffet Lunch

Breakfast in Bangalore: Chancery Pavilion

Breakfast in Bangalore: ITC Gardenia

Find by Location

Hello!

Get easier updates through Facebook!

Instagram

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Bangalore restaurants- Food and Travel