Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Goan Bhindi (Okra) Curry Recipe | #FoodieDancebee
During the ongoing monsoon season, when fresh fish is not readily available, the locals in #Goa don’t mind swapping the Fish in their Goan Curry with Okra (Bhindi). During our recent trip, we had the opportunity to interact with Chef George, while staying at the Acron Waterfront Resort. On our second day of stay, the staff at AWR organised a special cooking workshop, where we got the chance to learn how a Vegetarian Goan Curry can be made. So, take your cooking books and notepads out! It's time to take notes.
Ingredients
Sliced Onions
Sliced Green Chillies
Home Made Goan Curry Paste (Made using assorted spices & coconut milk)
Water
Thick Coconut Milk
Chopped Okra (Bhindi)
Chopped Tomatoes
Kokam
Watch the Full Video to know how you can make the Vegetarian Goan Curry at home!
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Rocky Star Cocktail Bar | Mumbai
What's not to love at ace designer Rocky Star's latest venture - a cocktail bar, with a stylish twist. With the perfect classy ambience, tastefully done up decor and an array of scrumptious dishes, drinks on the menu, this is certainly the place to unwind and chill after a long day out. Right from the moment we walked in, the beautiful amalgamation of vintage wood, leather and velvet decor brought about a luxe vibe, which kept our spirits high throughout the evening (and no, we don't even drink).
Who? - Rocky Star Cocktail Bar
Where? - Lower Parel (Kamala Mills)
Situated at the ever so bustling Kamala Mills, the Rocky Star Cocktail Bar specialises in signature cocktail mixes. With the sultry summer upon us, RSCB launched a special menu with special concoctions apt for the season. They were recently in the news for becoming the first ever bar to introduce the most expensive cocktail in India - named no 32, priced at 14,000 INR. Beat that!!
The luxurious ambience, perfect decor and calming chandelier lights will welcome you, and be rest assured, you shall be transported to a different, new world! During our visit earlier this month, we sampled some of the starters on their menu.
The Dijon (Price: Rs 390) - Finger bites, packed with oodles of cheese and an interesting mix of spices, was definitely one of our favourites! Highly recommended.
The Cannes (Price: Rs 390) - Packed with spiced mushrooms and pepper jack cheese; even those who hate mushrooms will fall in love with this variety of cheesy tarts!
The Dubai (Price: Rs 420) - An interesting platter of hummus, pita and garlic sticks, packed with kalamata olives. Yum!!
The Santorini (Price - Rs 440) - Delicious spicy zucchini fritters, which went really well with the feta and lemon dip that accompanied the dish. Another favourite!
Right from the vibe to the food and perfect hospitality; everything at the Rocky Star Cocktail Bar was top notch. We absolutely loved our first experience, and would look forward to visiting the place yet again.
Foodie Dancebee Score
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cocktails | Mocktails: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hospitality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Until next time, bon appétit!
For more reviews, follow our brand new page dedicated to the best of Food and Beverages on Instagram @foodiedancebee
Have you visited Rocky Star Cocktail Bar? What's your favourite on the menu?
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Dancebee Travels | The Macao Food Trail
Most of you following us on our social media platforms already know that I had a great time in Macao last fortnight. From delightful activities to gorging on dainty dishes and exploring the stunning properties owned by Sands Resorts at the Cotai Strip; we did all this and so much more! This fortnight, I am super excited to share stories and exciting features from my Macao travel diaries. We kick off our #DancebeeInMacau series with some culinary feast.
During our stay, we got an opportunity to visit different restaurants, located within the connected properties (more information about the property to follow in upcoming posts). With a variety of restaurants dedicated to multiple cuisines from across the globe, there was something for everyone. We were spoilt for choice, as we explored some of the most popular restaurants, mainly at The Venetian and The Parisian Macao. There was a lot to like and love at each of these restaurants. While some stood out for its ambience, some others for its gorgeous decor. But, all of them had one thing in common - delicious food. Here's a round up of our favourite restaurants, that you must visit on your next trip to Macao.
Brasserie (The Parisian Macao)
After a long day of travel, we reached a few hours late, which resulted in a late lunch. However, the delicious French fare at the Brasserie ensured we leave the place with a smile on our face. This all day dining place is a favourite with those who enjoy signature French dishes. Brasserie's kitchen team is led by the experienced French chef Daniel Brolese, who ensures the dishes bring out authentic flavours. Featuring classic café favourites, straight from the streets of Paris, one must try some delectable crepes filled with cheese, shallot and cream sauce with french fries, soups with a basket full of fresh bread on the side or just some good ol' plate full of french fries (one of the best I have tried). Special mention of the amazing service at the restaurant, warm ambience and eye-catching decor.
Golden Peacock (The Venetian Macao)
You know that wonderful feeling when you find an Indian restaurant, miles away from home, serving lip smackingly good desi food? Say hello to Golden Peacock - a fine dining Indian cuisine restaurant at The Venetian Macao, that had has bowled over with it's supremely divine desi fare. The only Indian restaurant in Asia starred by Michelin for three consecutive years, Golden Peacock is known to have a comprehensive desi menu, with popular dishes from Northern and Southern India (Jain dishes are served too). Not only Indians, but you will also find other international tourists enjoying the scrumptious food at this restaurant. Our curated menu (separate for guests depending on Veg & Non-Veg preference) included Veg Starters, Tomato Shorba, mains including Egg Plant (Baingan) curry and more. We absolutely loved the dessert, which consisted of Mango Rasmalai and hot Gulab Jamuns. Right from the presentation to hospitality, choice of dishes on the menu to the wonderful ambience, Golden Peacock scores full points on our list and was definitely our favourite pick at the Sands Resorts, Macao.
La Chine (The Parisian Macao)
Always dreamt of enjoying a wonderful meal, while adoring the breathtaking view from Eiffel Tower? Well, The Parisian Macao fulfils your wish with La Chine - a Chinese cuisine restaurant situated on level 6 of the Eiffel Tower. Vibrant ambience, tastefully done up decor and the aroma of good authentic Chinese food; La Chine is an elegant fine dining restaurant in every way. What we love about this place is the fact that it creates a wonderful melange of two completely different cultures - Chinese and French, not only in the ambience, but also with its appetising fare. Where else would you find the delicious blend of red bean crepes with green tea ice cream? We loved our curated four course vegetarian fare. However, what won our heart has to be a summery fresh non-alcoholic drink called 'Eiffel Love' - packed with strawberries, coconut milk, mint and more (those following us on Instagram have seen a glimpse of this delicious drink). What's better than enjoying some Eiffel Love, while gazing at the stunning view from the famed tower?
Portofino (The Venetian Macao)
A slice of Italy in Macau. One of Venetian Macao's popular restaurants, Portofino serves delicious Italian dishes. Classic setting, beautiful ambience and stylish decor; Portofino is the kind of place where you would love to relax and chat with your friends over some really good food. If indoor dining is not your thing, you can also choose to dine at the patio, while enjoying the beautiful weather and overlooking the stunning pool. On Day 3, after an amazing tour of important tourist spots in the Macau region, we visited Portofino for lunch. And boy, it was so good! We loved every bit of the Caprese Salad (mozzarella with tomatoes, pesto and pine nuts) and vegetarian pasta specially curated for us. If you love classic Italian dishes and some good ambience, this place is a must visit!
From earlier today, delicious Italian lunch at Portofino @VenetianMacao Loved the presentation and hospitality 💕 #DancebeeInMacau pic.twitter.com/NsHZ15hqd3— Priya Adivarekar (@priyaadivarekar) April 12, 2017
Le Buffet (The Parisian Macao)
Everybody needs a solid brekkie to start their day. What better than a scrumptious buffet, with tons to breakfast options to choose from? Le Buffet at The Parisian Macao, located just 5 mins away from my room at the same property, offers all day buffet. The delightful breakfast spread includes salads, soups, fresh cut fruits, juice and a variety of different food items. Live counters at the buffet served eggs (prepared according to requirement), rice bowls and many more options, mostly non-vegetarian. We also spotted parathas, chole (reads as chickpea curry), egg fried rice, noodles and more. One could also take a pick from the wide variety of breads, croissants and cheese available at the restaurant. Some of our favourite picks during the stay (since being a vegetarian, I had limited options) were the crispy hash browns (my favourite), DIY salads, fresh breads and fruit juices.
We've got tons of updates coming up from the Dancebee Travel Diaries in Macau. Stay tuned!
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Vegetable Risotto - DIY Recipe Box | Faasos & Cheflery
Our super busy lifestyle leaves us with hardly any time to experiment with food items in the kitchen (on our own). Hence, most of us either prefer to eat out, depend on packaged or ready to eat dishes or best, stick to good ol' Maa ke haath ka khana. But, what about days when Mama dearest is busy with urgent commitments? Or for those who stay alone? I personally don't prefer ready to eat, packaged food items, and eating out is a strict no-no on most days (and I have just come out of a horrible week long sick leave, thanks to a bad case of food poisoning). Recently, Faasos introduced me to a super cool DIY Recipe Box by Cheflery, where I could prepare various cuisines using fresh ingredients, right at the comfort of my own kitchen. I was given the option to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes (Since I am a vegetarian, I opted for the former) and voila! The DIY recipe box was home and I was 40 minutes away from a bowl full of Vegetarian Risotto. Read on to know the full recipe and my thoughts on Faasos and Cheflery's latest offering.
What's it about? - Faasos and Cheflery's DIY Recipe Box comes packed with all the ingredients required to make a particular dish, giving you the chance to cook a healthy, home made meal, without stepping out to stock up on grocery / vegetables.
Price: Recipe kits start at Rs 269 onwards
What we got? - Vegetable Risotto with Parmesan & Mascarpone Cheese
In the Box - Arborio Rice, Garlic, Olive Oil, Butter, Fresh Cream, Onion, Thyme, Parmesan Cheese, Green Peas, Zucchini, Parsley and Mascarpone Cheese
What you need from the kitchen? - A saucepan, Salt (to taste) and Pepper (to taste)
Cooking time: 35 - 40 Minutes Serves: 2 people
What to keep in mind before cooking?
Read the full recipe
Consume / cook the ingredients within 12 hours of receiving the box
Adjust salt & pepper according to your taste
Preparation
1. Finely chop onion, garlic and parsley. Pluck the thyme. Split butter in 2 equal parts.
2. In a hot non-stick pan over medium heat, add oil and then, chopped garlic. Saute the garlic till it turns golden brown and then add chopped onion. Saute the onions till they turn slightly brown. Add butter (1/2) and stir for a minute.
3. Continuing on medium heat, add arborio rice to the mixture and stir for a minute. Add 100ml water and stir for a minute. Then, add peas and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir for a minute. Add 100ml water again, followed by 2 pinches of pepper and stir for 4 minutes. Add 100 ml water again and stir for 4 minutes. Add 100 ml water again and keep stirring for 8 minutes.
Preparation (contd..)
4. Add diced green and yellow zucchini to the rice and stir for 4 minutes. Add 40ml water and stir for 3 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and stir again for 3 minutes. Add the remaining portion of butter, followed by fresh cream and keep stirring continuously for 3 minutes.
5. Add parmesan cheese (3/4) and mix well. Finally, stir for 3 minutes.
6. Place the risotto in a plate / bowl, sprinkle the remaining portion of parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Experience: What we loved about the DIY recipe box was the fact that each ingredient was well packed, especially items like oil and butter, which can get messy if not packed properly. The vegetables were fresh and packed separately too. All the main ingredients were packed inside, except salt and pepper, which of course, a staple in every house. So, that's the only requirement from your end. The box came with an instruction sheet, which had the entire recipe and other details mentioned neatly. While the cooking time was exactly 40 minutes, the entire process of unpacking, chopping among other things, took the total time to an hour. So, on the time front, it's the number of hours spent for your trip to the market that gets saved. While the pros top the list, there is a tiny con too. The cook needs to have a proper idea of the timings and portions. For e.g: Adding water. If you end up messing this part, your entire dish goes for a toss. If you are new at cooking, try making this with your mom or an expert first. Getting an idea of the right mix of ingredients, spices, water and time spent on stirring is very important. Taste wise, the risotto was lip smacking. It had the right mix of flavours, cheese and a lovely aroma of thyme. The rice wasn't too sticky, and tasted yum. Unlike the terrible taste of frozen peas, the green peas used here was fresh and perfect to chew. We finished the portion with a huge smile on our face.
Verdict: A value for money meal, with fresh, healthy ingredients. Saves time, stops you from going out to gorge on unhealthy street side food. The portions are huge and fit for two individuals (or one person who is super hungry). They have got some interesting recipe kits available currently, which includes Mexican Bean Casserole, Pan Seared Chicken among others. All you have to do is download the Faasos app and order your kit (or like the Cheflery page on Facebook and pre-book your kits). Try it out and you won't be disappointed!
Have you tried the DIY Recipe Kits by Faasos and Cheflery? Let us know your feedback on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar
Love,
The Dancebee
5 dieting and fitness myths busted | Health
Since childhood, we have all been taught that health is our greatest wealth. To swear by this golden rule in life, people opt for various methods, which include hitting the gym, signing up for various fitness classes, and of course, dieting. The fact that several hundred diet courses are available in the market, only shows its great demand. However, along with such fads come several myths that often lead to confusion. What is a boon in one plan, may turn out to be a bane in the other. So what should one do? Well, just act sensible and find out the right combination of exercise and food plan that works for you. And no, crash dieting doesn't work. We list down 5 myths related to good health.
☻“I run on the treadmill every day, which means I am fit” - Erm, no! Spending 15 random minutes on the treadmill is not everything. While at the gym, shut off the world (the gym is not a place to gossip) and divert all your attention to the workout. Follow the instructor’s advice and focus on different parts of your body each day. Work on your stamina, track your progress regularly, and make note of your strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, include brisk walking, yoga or a fun activity for added benefits. Don’t treat it as a formal drill, make healthy living your lifestyle.
☻“I am losing weight, because I am on a juice diet” - Juice diet may work as good detox for a day or two, but skipping meals entirely and starving yourself by only drinking fruit juices for days and weeks is insane. During the course, you may end up feeling weak & exhausted, or even worse, falling sick. Your body needs healthy solid foodstuff too. Balanced meals are the way to go.
☻“I had a heavy breakfast, so I can skip my lunch” - Not really! A heavy breakfast helps you stay on your toes all day, but the lunch will help you cope with the later (more exhaustive) part of the day. A wholesome, nutritious lunch is extremely important. Don’t eat till you stuff your face and feel like throwing up. Divide the day’s food plan into 5–6 small meals.
☻“The plan worked for my friend, who is the same age, so it will work on me too” - Kidding, right? No two individuals are the same, and everybody has different requirements. A lot of factors, including your BMI (Body Mass Index), internal and external health issues, family health history among other things, have to be kept in mind before you go ahead with a fitness or food routine. Plus, the key areas that need to be worked upon differ too. So, think twice before you blindly follow a family member, peer, or favourite celebrity’s fitness/food plan.
☻“I had a bowl full of fresh fruits in the morning. Having a plate of French fries now causes no harm.” - If you have committed to following a particular routine, stick to it. Don’t cause disruptions that can ruin your health during the course. A few cheats once a week are fine, but otherwise, junk food items that do no good to your body are best avoided.
While there are several myths, the best you can do for yourself is to take control of your life at the right time. And if you still dread the consequences of all the time that you have wasted earlier, opting for a health insurance plan may be a good choice. We recently came across Royal Sundaram’s Health Insurance Plan, and after learning how they have been at the forefront of innovative insurance solutions since several years, we definitely thought of giving it a serious thought. After all, precaution is always better than cure, and your health is definitely more precious than anything else under the sun. You may act lazy, make excuses, and try convincing yourself that you don’t need to make that extra effort, but remember, in the end, it is YOU who will reap the benefit.
-- This post is written in collaboration with Royal Sundaram --
Love,
The Dancebee
Food-tastic | Pineapple salad
This week, in our aim to present some lip smacking yet simple and quick healthy food items, we have got a pineapple salad for you. The scrumptious salad is a good mix of veggies, with some chicken/tofu (we have got an option for fellow vegetarians) and the yummy, tangy taste of pineapple. This salad is rich in Vitamin C, with some proteins and can help those who are looking at adding a few kilos (in a good way) to balance their weight.
Ingredients
1 small onion
3 slices of pineapple
3 leaves of iceberg lettuce
250gm Chicken breast/fish/tofu
(any one, depending on your choice)
Dressing:
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp oregano
1 tbsp mayonnaise
(you can choose the egg-less variety, if you are a vegetarian)
Method:
- If you choose chicken or fish, first boil and grind it in a mixer for a few minutes (please refrain from grinding it too much) / or / if you choose tofu, mash it lightly with your hands.
- Cut the onion into rings
- Cut the pineapple into thin pieces
- Finely chop the iceburg lettuce
- Take a big bowl and add the minced chicken/fish/tofu, onion rings, lettuce and pineapple pieces.
- Now, take a small bowl and mix the dressing ingredients together (mayonnaise, salt and pepper)
- Add the dressing in the big bowl and mix all the ingredients well.
- For the plating, put the salad with some pineapple pieces next to it. Finally, sprinkle a little bit of oregano before serving.
Your Pineapple salad is ready to eat!
By Humera M A Shaikh
(Photographs courtesy: Author)
(Photographs courtesy: Author)
Food-tastic | Quick Egg Salad
Good food and fitness go hand in hand, and we personally don't believe in diet fads. Starting today, Diary of a Dancebee will bring you healthy recipes, which are quick, easy to make and good for health too. This week, we have got a fun breakfast recipe - a Quick Egg salad, which is not only filling, but also quite high on the health meter (and let us add, the Dancebee can't eat this. She swears by vegetarianism. So, she whipped up the same dish by replacing Egg with Tofu).
To make this delicious salad, you will need:
2 boiled eggs
4-5 cabbage leaves (cut in square pieces)
1 onion (finely chopped)
Some freshly chopped coriander
For the dressing you will need:
1 tbsp tamarind plup
4 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin powder
Method
1. Boil water in a pan with 3-4 glasses of water.
Put the two eggs in the water and let it boil for 10-12 minutes
2. Peel and cut the egg into long pieces
3. Take a big bowl and add the cabbage, chopped onion, green chilli and coriander
4. Take another bowl and mix all the ingredients required for the dressing
5. Once the dressing is ready, pour it into the bowl of vegetables (leave a little bit of the dressing for the eggs).
Make sure the veggies are mixed well with the dressing.
6. On the serving plate, arrange the eggs and place the salad next to it.
Take the remaining dressing and pour it on each egg.
Your Egg Salad is now ready to serve!
By Humera M A Shaikh
(Photographs courtesy: Author)
(Photographs courtesy: Author)
