Italy Via Punjab Review

I love my food a bit Indianised, masala marke.. be it any cuisine I love a bit of Indian taste to it (now don't we all do). I have forgotten how many number of times I have told the server please make it extra spicy or added condiments like no ones business ( completely guilty but hey I am being honest now ). 

Dil se Desi forever.... 

I love Chindian crazy and I add Indian spices to my pastas 🙈 

So when I heard about this place Italy Via Punjab i was surprised... now all Indians love Punjabi food ... so just imagine coupling two of my loves together. 

I was dreaming about two rich cuisines and imagined dollops of Makkhan and cheese as their amalgamation ❤❤❤

Excited to try this place and wanted to see whether it matched my expectations. 

I embarked on this journey... 

So you are coming with me right 🤔 ? 

Then let's go 🚗

It has a lovely rustic ambience with hand carts for tables and drums for seats... The place has dhaba type setting and seating. And not only that it is completely VFM on your pocket just like a dhaba and that too serving huge portions.

The chef and owner Ninad Joshi is the man behind it all. He has curated the entire menu and believe you me the menu is huge with vast variety. He has come up with genius fusion dishes as well as has ample variety of Punjabi and Italian Classics. Kudos !

Coming to the main part... 

Gimme food. 

Here it comes ... 

To chill that Summer heat... 

Brownie shake ànd KitKat shake... 

Rs 130 and Rs 120 each. 

They were really yummy and completely filling and at that price. 

I would have really enjoyed them Had they been chilled or cold. They were served luke warm and honestly I don't like the smell of luke warm milk and saying that still I finished half of it ... that means they were really yummy. 

Peppered tomato Bruschetta 

Tomato, basil and Mozarella over a garlic naan. 

It's like masala papad meets Bruscetta. 

I really liked it... only thing they drizzled tad too much olive oil on it. Which was actually dripping on the plate as we ate. 

Must try but please let them know to go a bit light on the olive oil. 

Chicken Olive rolls

Loved these... 

Olive wrapped in chicken marinated in pesto sauce and grilled to perfection. They are served with pickled mayo ( had this foŕ the first time) 

The mayo has distinct taste of kairi ka achar.. 

The chicken was succulent and tender with Italian flavours of olive and pesto perfectly grilled in tandoor and served with achar mayo... what perfection ... what fusion ... 

Highly Recommended 

Rosemary Murg Kebab.

Tandoori grilled chicken with a subtle hint of Rosemary. 

For those who like their meat with subtle taste.

Kheema Bolognese... 

The kheema was nice and masaledaar. However I found the spaghetti too dry. 

Paneer Tikka Canelloni 

Rolled pasta with paneer tikka served in that delish sauce with baby garlic naan. This was an amazing amalgamation of true Italy meets Punjab.  The fusion was superb and blended so well ... each bite was #chakdefatteitalianpathe

Morney 

Classic Italian Pasta. 

Using their finest cheese sauce made with mozzarella. 

For the cheese lovers... 

Chicken Cossentra 

Chicken roulade stuffed with mushrooms, olives and parmesan, served with mango salsa and butter garlic tomato sauce. 

I fell in love with this dish as soon as it arrived and couldn't wait to have it... 

Looks are deceptive and this sure was the case... I don't know whether I was having a bad day or this dish... but I didn't like anything about it. The chicken was drizzled with mango syrup which made it sweet along with the tomato sauce which was too tangy and this combination just didn't work for me. The rice was undercooked and I didn't fancy the bread ... I will give this a miss... or may be another try to be just... but this time It sure wasn't a success... 

Baby Corn Saag Chilly 

Loved this one. 

Sweet baby corn in a creamy spinach gravy.

Just wish it had more baby corn. 

Dhania aur Chaaswala Gosht 

Tender meat on the khatta side with buttermilk and green spices. 

Masala Chai Pannacotta 

Imagine your favourite masala chai in a nice wobbly Panacotta with mango sauce. 

I honestly didn't like the bitter flavours of the drink in a sweetdish. 

Btw I almost forgot to tell you how much in love I was with their plates which were super pretty. Check in all the food pictures and observe the plates. I am sure you will agree with me. 

I went Desi for this one ...i wanted to feel part of the character... so dil se Desi 😜

So that was it... there were too many things to have but we were so full. 

It's a very interesting concept with some amazing dishes. Do give it a try if you are in that area.

Italy Via Punjab 

Address: Shop no 4, Nine Hills, Near RIMS International School, NIBM, Pune.
Timings: 11:30 to 11:30
Contact: 02065207477/9011512076

Until then it's me signing off. 

xoxo

Bhakti 

P.s the review was on invitation however the views expressed are solely mine based on my experience. 

Copper Chimney and The Endless Charcoal Grill

The timeless Copper Chimney operating since 1972 amongst the major cities in India has been serving the Indian cuisine with panache, food oozing with flavour and a warm ambience to make the experience perfect. This National favourite chain has gone international and have now opened its second outlet in Pune. What better place to come up than the most elite Hub of the city, you guessed it right - Phoenix market city.
Copper Chimney means traditional food, wholesome, delicious with no compromises on any aspect whatsoever.
Be it ambience, service or food, this place dishes it all out in perfection.

The restaurant is designed with the Hallmark open show kitchen, so that the customers can view the freshly made kababs and breads. Handcrafted copper bells adorn the ceiling, and an artistic blend of rustic brick and natural wood, help create a distinct dining space.

Their trademark bells which are there in all outlets

Love the Plain rustic décor with simple and clean elements.

So inviting and warm.

The place is synonymous with succulent kebabs, delicious aromatic biryanis, well spiced and flavoured curries, buttered rotis - a wholesome meal that's what it is.
Signature items like the Burrah Chops, Chelo Kababs, Chicken Bharta and the Biryani are part of the menu. Our Muzzafar and Kulfis are a decadent way to end the meal.
But how much can one order honestly at one go and I have always been left wanting for more.
However now you can gorge on a variety of dishes all at one go without worrying of having ordered too much thanks to their new concept of "The Endless Charcoal Grill". Here guests can enjoy a continuous service of Copper Chimney signature kebabs with aloo naan and their fragrant biryanis to complete this experience.
Pune is indeed special, since it’s the first time they are launching ‘The Endless Charcoal Grill’ over here. So this concept is only available in this outlet and no where else.

So when Khushbu from Kush PR and Copper Chimney invited us to taste this awesome Endless Charcoal Grill we just pounced on the opportunity.

The grill includes a soup, soft beverage, chicken, fish and mutton kebabs (unlimited), Masala Aloo Kulcha, Biryan.

The prices are reasonable for the plethora of food on offer.

The Menu keeps changing weekly.

Their bar license hasn't arrived as yet, its under process. Yet worry not their mocktails are also killer.

We had Shikanjeen - must for soda and jaljeera lovers so good and strong flavours and the other one was with a fruity base of Mango - sweet and tangy from the citrusy fruits too. It was a definite Ras Leela as per the name in my mouth. Loved them went so well with the cuisine and kebabs.

Recommend both of them.

We started with the soup Ab -e- hayat.

This soup just was a glimpse of the food coming our way.

A sensational opening to the night.

This was perfection, a veg soup and simple flavours yet it was amazingly delicious and hit all the right notes. One of the best dishes of the night.

Must must try.

P.S This recipe is of their founder himself and spectacular indeed.

The kebabs were melt in the mouth soft and delicious. They boast of marinating their kebabs for 7 hours (not bad at all).

First time I tried the Gilafi Malai seekh and they were good, rich, heavy on the palette, on the sweeter side, only thing they missed was some moistness or being juicy. They were a bit dry.

Lal Mirchi Jhinga

Tandoori grilled prawns in a roasted red chilli, garlic and light butter marinade with a hint of ajwain.

This wasn't on the charcoal grill but we ordered this ala carte and thank God we did. This was so good. The prawns were cooked just right, spicy full of flavour and rich on texture.

Highly Recommended. Must try.

Masala Aloo Kulcha

It was nice and soft however I need some accompaniment with my kulchas.

Chicken Biryani

Aromatic perfectly cooked rice balance and well flavoured with spices with tender chicken.

And though we were stuffed and really fed with the yummy kebabs and all there was this small pocket still there for DESERT ;p

A la carte

We ordered this extra.

The Rasmalai was really fresh and melt in the mouth. Not overtly sweet but rich with dry fruits and soft.

It was so good.

We ordered this too extra.

Gulab Jamun

This was the perfect end to the amazing meal.

This was another super star of the night.

The best gulab jamuns I have had in the longest time.

Perfectly fried, soft yet firm. Every bite was heaven and nothing less. Sweet and sinful especially with the dry fruits I wish we had ordered their malai kulfi to go with this.

This guys is superb and you really need to have it. So must try.

Highly Recommended.

We had an amazing time and loved their food, the service was warm and efficient even though the place was packed with people.

Thanks a lot to Kush PR and Copper Chimney for inviting and hosting us. A special shout out to the warm hospitality of the Management of Copper Chimney Mr Mridul.

Copper Chimney has always strived to make the experience of eating Indian cuisine an unforgettable one. We sure are returning back for more. Do drop in for your gastronomy escapade especially to make your holidays more merry and delicious.

Average meal for two: Rs 1200

Timings: Lunch and Dinner hours

Address: 3rd floor, Phoenix market city mall, viman nagar, Pune

Phone: 020 -66890901

Email – ccv@copperchimney.in

Let me know your experience.

Until next time Stay cheerful.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Bhakti

CLASSE` by THE COOKING CULTURE

From the vegetarian capital of the world ‘Gujarat’, comes the first vegetarian fine

dine, ‘Classe’ by The Cooking Culture’, serving course wise sit down meals. Aromen

Group along with partners SRK ventures brings this brand to Pune after the success

of two popular restaurants in Ahmedabad and one on the cards in Hyderabad.

Great meals and a unique experience is what defines this gorgeous place.

The concept being - to create a beautiful and

memorable dining experience showcasing cuisines from across the globe.

Western fine dine combined with warm Indian Hospitality in gorgeous sophisticated ambience.

The décor echoes this concept with dark wood panelled walls, low lighting, scalloped

lattice screens and some innovative mesh curtains that can be drawn to give each

table privacy.

The minimal cement flooring and touch of greenery lend an earthy impact to this plush place.

A plated course wise meal with

each course being a discovery of colours, flavours, textures and cuisines.

They have kept the portions small to keep the meal exciting, satisfying and yet constantly

piquing guests’ curiosity.

Formal dinners are in 10, 15 and 21 courses with a short 7

course option for business luncheons.

This is the only restaurant across the globe to

serve a 21 course vegetarian meal. (wow,,, trumpets)

The 10 course meal plan has a prescribed set

menu format comprising of the most loved dishes and also has an option of selecting

the menu from Ala carte offering whereas the 15 course meal is a chef’s tasting

menu and the 21 course meal is a grand tour menu. Meals are served on prior

booking in dining areas designed for privacy (do remember to book)

They also boast of a hygienic , glass walled show kitchen so you can have a peek and see your food being cooked.

Exclusive experience with

luxury of conversation, interaction and a relaxed meal in a luxurious ambience

without the hassle of choice, ordering, serving and decision making- Classe culture in a nutshell.

That's so true, cause all we had to do was get an appetite and just relax, sit back enjoy the ambience service and amazing food.

We were served a 10 course meal, so why don't you guys have a look at what I ate and dine with your eyes with me.

Nibbles while you wait for your food.

I loved it and couldn't stop having the hummus.

Course 1 -

Blood Orange

I really loved it, great to sip on throughout.

Lots of lime and lemon - perfect tangy and sweet.

Course 2

Smoked Cheese and Paprika soup.

I loved the soup- cheesy with a smoky effect and undertone of paprika.

Course 3

Chana Masala Wonton

Deep fried wontons on a bed of chana masala with mint and sonth.

Nice crispy wontons went so well with the spicy chana masala with a hint of sweet from the pomegranates.

Favourite chaat dish has to be their in any veg meal.

Course 4

Cottage Cheese Pinwheels

Cottage cheese stuffed with mash of cheese and tomato concussed.

I loved it, it was so rich and heavy. the rich texture of cottage cheese as well as cheese went perfectly well with the tomato flavours.

Course 5

Taro's Nest

Fresh vegetables cooked in holy sauce on crunchy noodle nest.

Course 6

Parmagiani Ravioli

Homemade tomato, ricotta and wild marjoram ravioli cooked in saffron cream sauce.

Utterly delectable - such delicate flavours and fine texture of the Raviolli- melt in the mouth with an after taste of saffron lingering on your senses.

Palate Cleaner

Course 7 and 8

                                          two Indian rotis with an international twist with two

vegetables

Clay pot roasted cottage cheese cooked tomato and bell peppers.

Mausam ki khaas tarkari - seasonal fresh vegetable sabzi.

Everything was  really delicious and well prepared.

Course 9

Hyderabadi Biryani  with boorani raita

This was one of the show stoppers.

One of the best veg biryanis I have had.

The taste was superb, the rice was filled with aroma, masalas and balance of vegetables.

I completely loved it.

Course 10

Saffron Almond Soil

It was one delightful treat made from the crumble

of saffron and almond biscuits.

Soft on every bite oozing with flavour especially when paired with the crumble and soil.

With these delicacies and huge spread we concluded the night with happy hearts and over filled stomach.

It was indeed a beautiful experience.

Definitely will make one great date night ;p

Thanks a lot for having me over Classe and Carpe Diem team.

So whenever the taste pangs crave for some utterly delicious veg fine dining with an unique ambience, warm hospitality - I know where to head to and the best thing its easy on the pocket too with fuss free dining without having to decide who is gonna order and what...- life saver :)

Cuisines : European, Asian, North Indian, Mexican and many more

Fine Dine and Vegetarian Only

Timings : Lunch: 12:00 to 15:00 & Dinner: 19:00 to 23:30

Other Detail:

 Prior Booking Mandatory

 Proper casual or formal attire

 Valet parking available

Hope you had fun reading.

Until we meet again you go and experience Classe and its awesome food.

xoxo

Bhakti