Whats new on the Bandra Foodie Jaunt ? Its the latest baby from the China Gate Stable on Waterfield Road, 30th. Rd. Junction in Bandra(West). The Caravan Serai (Wonder what made them choose this un-connected name ? )
A North West Frontier Cuisine speciality restaurant from a Person who folks swear by for his delicious Chinese Cuisine (the largely successful and always crowded to capacity China Gate)
I was invited to a preview or call it a soft launch and came back sadly disapointed. I am sorry, my dear friend KRISHNA TAMANG .. you should stick to what you know best .. Chinese .. and you just cannot go wrong. But knowing your tenacity, I know you will only learn and get better if somebody points out to you where you go wrong. I won’t sing praises just cause you are my friend. You may have got the best talent in the business ( I heard you have a Five Star Chef from The ITC Grand Group of hotels) but that is not the only ingredient to a successful restaurateur. I loved your Fish (Pomfret Tandoori) and the Dal Peshavari (Just too good) but every where else you scored low.
Your kebabs were too rubbery for my liking and were not the melt in your mouth types that I expected. The Panner (Cottage Cheese) were large chunks with very little marination .. wheres the unique whiff of skewered paneer smouldering on hot coals ?
The main course was just rich thick gravy with some meat in it .. wonder what ! The vegetarians were a disapointed lot too .. not much to offer and the lesser said the better.
The service was wanting in all the departments. Classy places need to make their staff look un-obtrusive but he same time attentive to the minor whims and fancies of the Customer. Maybe these are just some teething problems of a newly opened restaurant, but then first impressions are always the only impression one comes back with and these impressions take long to change.
Your Fruit punch was to sweet and not chilled as it should be. Lighting is a wee bit dark..you can hardly see what you are eating. Candle Light dinners are always welcome and lend a romantic feel to the atmosphere..but I need to know what I am digging my fork into.
Thankfully you have enclosed your kitchen in see through glass .. I love that bit .. it eliminates all the smoke and shares the mystery of fine culinary art. You have a wonderful location and perfect ambience..just don’t let all these positive vibes go wrong where it really matters .. my stomach.
This place provides Valet Parking (and sleepless nights to neighbours)
They accept credit cards and prior reservations on weekends and holidays is highly reccomended.
All the best to you and hope you only do better as the years progress.
Regards Raja
P.S. Coming up : A review on Purple Haze (a resto pub in where else - good ole Bandra again !)