'Thulp' it all down!

A soft, juicy one centimeter thick chicken slice placed on a fresh and soft burger bread base ...topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, lettuce and just the right amount of onion that does not make your taste buds cringe. Then comes the burger bun on the top - not too hard, not too soggy with a tinge of butter to complete the oh so heavenly taste. I pick up this giant with my 2 hands (coz one is not enough) and take a bite - all the ingredients coming together in a beautiful harmony to create that one magical taste - and i think to myself "could this mouthful just stay there for a few seconds more? just a lil more...?"

'Thulp!' - what a perfect name for this chic cafe situated in Koramangala. It signifies energy, joy, youth and, of course, a sumptuous meal.

I happened to visit Cafe Thulp one lazy afternoon with friends. There were 7 of us gluttons hoping to have a good meal, since most had not taken breakfast. The cafe, or 'fast food restaurant' as some may refer to it, is designed to look as if it is built in a garage. The entrance is open (no concept of a door) which immediately brings in an informal atmosphere to the place. On your left are a few racks containing a mixture of good books and all time favorite comics. On one shelf you'll find a set of board games, which you can play while you wait for your food.

The cafe serves sandwiches, salads, milk shakes and burgers. I must warn the vegetarians here - this is not really the place you are likely to enjoy. We did have 2 veggies in our gang but they were far from satisfied with the food. The real meat is for the non-vegetarians. The beef eaters will have a field day coz a significant section of the menu is dedicated to Hamburgers. I went in for Bow Wow Wow (Chicken Hot Dog) which incidentally happens to be one of the lightest items in the array, despite having oodles of melted cheese. I added

Cafe Thulp's specialty mustard

- a must try which was like a cherry on the delicious cake. Pigs on the Wing - a playful dish with pork pieces mixed with a tangy barbecue sauce wrapped by a sandwich (white or brown bread) and served with some really good mildly fried masala potato - a dish that I have nicknamed - after my good friend - 'Calden'.

The Grilled Chicken Burger is the best of the lot that I have tasted so far and which I have hopefully done justice to in my opening escapade. For the vegetarians, there is not too much of an option except for salads and a simple Pasta in white sauce. A friend ordered Zorba the Great (veg sandwich) and it turned out terrible.

You might also want to try out a daily special which is displayed on the blackboard. Also do not miss a milk - shake (if you have the stomach space that is) from a variety of flavours - all worth a try, especially the 'Snicker Blizzard'. I am yet to try the desserts but they looked delicious on paper.

All in all, a positive experience with the food. For the not so good thing about this cafe, I would have to say a slightly sluggish service and not too comfortable seating - they could have done with a few couches here and there. Although there is no A/C the place stays cool enough with fans and I guess they would probably insert some coolers during the summer.

I would definitely recommend a visit with friends on a pleasant breezy evening that Bangalore is known for. Dish rates are on a average Rs. 150 - 200 while the shakes are around Rs. 80-100. Its a one dish one person kind of a thing unless you hardly have an appetite.

Café Thulp
998, 1st Main
1st Block
Koramangala
Bangalore 560 034

Phone: 40933344/55

NJOY!!!

Pune Extravaganza Part 2: Spice Island

Ok the grave mistake that I have made is not to write this post immediately after I had been to Spice Island. My sincere apologies to the readers as well as the restaurant. The taste still lingers in my mind, however, so I shall attempt a short overview and I hope to visit the restaurant sometime again and write in with further details.

So Spice Island finds its place in the lavish Le Meridien, Pune. As with most Starwood Hotels, the ambiance is the hallmark of this Chinese & Thai cuisine restaurant. Quite, pleasant lighting, a decent decor (although it does not give you too much of an oriental feeling) and comfortable seating - its a perfect setting for a romantic evening or special family celebration. There is a live band as well which also plays songs at your request.

The service, I'm sorry to say was a disappointment considering the standard that is expected of Le Meridien. Either we were unlucky to get a handful of trainees to attend to us or the hotel management has unfortunately overlooked this point.

The incompetent and slow service was compensated in part by the impressive quality of food served. We had decided to have drinks and snacks at home and, therefore, concentrated on the main course. Majority of dishes ordered were Chinese with a Thai Green Curry and rice added to the list.

I usually judge the authenticity of Thai food by the taste of Green Curry

and almost every decent joint I've been to till now has disappointed me. I should mention here that it was my Aunt who introduced me to Thai cuisine, having lived in Bangkok for a long time and I regard her as an expert in the same. More often than not, I compare all dishes to the taste of her home cooked Thai food.

So the Thai Green Curry DID turn out to be pretty good, vouched also by my Aunt whose Silver Jubilee Anniversary we happened to be celebrating that day. In Chinese, we ordered some simple Chicken noodles, a chicken and a fish side dish (apologies again for forgetting the names!). The taste was satisfactory and I can safely vouch for the general quality of other dishes as well. I have heard that the Crackling Spinach appetizer and the Pla Rad Prik (Fish) are popular dishes.

A definite try on a special occasion. The cost would come out to be about Rs. 1500 for 2 with drinks. The place is known to be packed on weekends so it is advisable to book a table in advance. I do hope the service was a one time glitch and your experience is pleasant and hassle free :)
As Samir Kochhar (of Set Max Extra Innings mis-fame) would say - enjoy food!

Spice Island
Le Méridien
Raja Bahadur Mill Rd, Sangamvadi
Pune
Ph: 020 26050505

The Pune Extravaganza part 1 - Post 91

Being from an economics background, I was a wee bit embarrassed when it did not strike me (at first) what Post 91 meant. But then again, who would expect a buffet restaurant to be named with so much thought and meaning, especially when the decor doesn't really point to anything of the sort.

So it was on a pleasant Sunday evening that we set out towards the 'swanky' Koregaon Park for a big fat family celebration and landed at the steps of Post 91 located on Lane #7. The place is no doubt a little small at first glance but quite cozy and vibrant for a family outing. We were greeted by some pleasant attendants, one of whom took us to our booked table (Yes, the place does get packed at times and it would be a good idea to book a table in advance). The decor is subtle, with nothing too flashy on the walls and just the right mix of lighting.

Post 91 serves as the perfect example for one of the key principles that I adhere to when it comes to restaurants -

Do not EVER let your first impression of the place affect your opinion of the food.

I followed it on this occasion, and I was definitely not disappointed. The joint has a fixed menu, with some specials thrown in on specific days, Sunday being a Karaoke night. Let me inform you all, that I had been to Barbecue Nation the day before and, therefore, got a back to back comparison opportunity. The verdict - Post 91 has surpassed the former when it comes to snacks and appetizers. There was a healthy mix of chicken, mutton and fish. Even the vegetarian collection (especially the veg collection) was very good and I would definitely recommend veggies to try it out. BN, of course, scores in terms of the variety, but then again, you Are paying extra for that.

Post 91 also has a well stocked bar. The buffet included unlimited food and wine, the wine personally tasted and chosen by you(and a good choice of mock tails and soft drinks for teetotalers like me). Being a large group, we ordered one white and one red wine chosen by my sommelier brothers.

How you find the main course buffet depends more on your luck. The menu is different on different days with a veg pasta counter on one evening and Chettinad Chicken and Malabari Paratha on another. I was unlucky to get the pasta! The food is decent with your usual Chicken curries, Dal, a couple of vegetables..but I would recommend you concentrate on the snacks, drinks, the lovely Chat counter and show off your bathroom singing skills at the Karaoke station(they have a really great collection of songs you can chose from!).
Top it off with some all time favorite Gulab Jamun (or whatever else they serve, its always good I hear) and Ice - cream. The service is really efficient and waiters are very sweet. My grandmum asked for her fav butterscotch ice-cream, which was not on the menu, but our waiter obliged and got her 3 scoops!

It was a perfect place for a perfect evening out with my family. A must - go for anyone staying in Pune. The rates are as follows:

Lunch - Sunday Brunch
12 noon to 4.30 p.m.
@ Rs.599/- Unlimited Food, Wine and Kingfisher Beer.
@ Rs.499/- Unlimited Food, a pint of Kingfisher Beer or a Soft Drink or a Mocktail.

Lunch – Monday to Saturday
12.00 noon to 4.30 p.m.
@ Rs.275/- Express Buffet - Unlimited Soup, Salad, Maincourse & Dessert (not including Starters, Complimentary Drink, Ice cream & Kulfi).
@ Rs.485/- Lunch Buffet - Unlimited Food, Kingfisher Beer or Soft Drinks or Mocktails.
@ Rs.750/- Lunch Buffet - Unlimited Food and wine
@ Rs.1,000/- Lunch Buffet - Unlimited Food and Liquor
Dinner - Monday to Sunday
7.00 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
@ Rs.599/- Dinner Buffet - Unlimited food, Kingfisher Beer or Soft Drinks or Mocktails.
@ Rs.750/- Dinner Buffet - Unlimited Food and Wine ( What we went in for)
@ Rs.1,000/- Dinner Buffet - Unlimited Food and Liquor

So go ahead and celebrate India's economic liberalization! (yeah yeah that's what Post 91 means!)

Post 91
Lane #7, North Main Road
Koregaon Park, Pune
Ph. : 020-26109191 / 40179196