Happy 60, Gaylord.

In 1956, Kwality group opened an eatery in Churchgate which grew on to become a legend in the passage of time. November has been a bittersweet month for Indians following the chaos caused by the overnight demonetization. However, there are still some things which brighten up the darkest night. Gaylord's sixtieth anniversary party was one of them.

This be the season of weddings and Gaylord looked prettier than most marriage venues. Its sixtieth birthday party had a lot of big names on the invite list. Celebrities, journalists, Social luminaries and even some bloggers like yours truly.

Ask anyone who has lived or has even been to this part of Mumbai and everyone shall agree that Gaylord is an icon among eateries. Its ever evolving menu has attracted people from all walks of life to it. Whether one is a struggling actor, a big film producer, a decorated army man, a celebrated adventurer, a renowned journalist, a tired office goer or even a humble blogger - everyone loves good food. Gaylord's rich Indian food and its famous bakery are two highlights of our fair city. Started by the Lambas in the 1940s, The Kwality group has been nurtured by three generations of the Lamba family. And Gaylord Mumbai is one of their finest crafts.

Like good wine, Gaylord has only grown better with time.

This restaurant introduced fine dining to old Bombayites and new Mumbaikars alike. From fine food to snacks and ice creams - Kwality group has been a pioneer in the Indian restaurant industry. Though the parent group is headquartered in Delhi, its Mumbai's establishment is arguably its most popular outlet. And it can charm even the most travelled of people as was seen in this very party with invitees going gaga over the lavish cheese and biscuit spread.

Several kinds of cheese and biscuit platters adorned the fancy spread in the centre. One could pick a drink of their choice and grab the exotica on the platters. Live music provided the perfect backdrop as a singer dished out popular pop and rock numbers from the 80s Billboard.

What Birthday party is complete without a cake? This regal delight was undoubtedly the centrepiece of the party. This classy cake embodied the spirit of "Yeh hai Bombay meri Jaan" with a print of Marine drive on it.

And here is a picture of the Lamba family. Dhruv Lamba, a third generation member of the family uncorks the ceremonial champagne and brightens the scene with festive cheer.

This fabled restaurant finds mention in many global guidebooks including the Lonely Planet. No trip to Mumbai can be complete without a visit to Gaylord. Be a part of History, savor classy North Indian dishes and have a grand time at Gaylord. Sixty gone and the restaurant is still in its prime.

First Anniversary and Grubzone Expansion

It was just another afternoon on September the 25th,2014 that Grubzone came into existence. The choice to make this blog was on a strong whim and it was a great decision. For the past year, The Captain and his crew went all over Mumbai to discover some of the finest food places in Maximum city. I am extremely happy to announce that Grubzone has successfully sailed the seas of adventure for a year now. But visiting a new place is an adventure on its own so tis' Captain has decided that he shall chronicle his travels too in his journal.

Grubzone will now be a Food and Travel Blog. Expect some posts regarding my trip to Sri Lanka to appear really soon.

A little Teaser for ya mateys - This is a Sri Lankan Beach at sunset.

I would like to thank everyone who has read my blog till now. I have got a huge number of views from The US, India, Brunei, France, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Ukraine and Ireland.(in that order)
So I would like to add a special extra bit of Thanks to readers from these places :)

Your views, occasional comments, criticisms, praises and mails have kept me going. From my first post to my last post, each article has been new experience for me. I hope you keep reading and sailing on board SS Grubzone. This ship will keep sailing.

Here is to many more restaurants and places around the world.

Captain : Bow you dim lads.

Crewmate 1 : To whom Cappy?

First Mate : I see no one mate?

Quartermaster : Are you feeling all right Captain?

Crewmate : Just do it or he will make us sweep the decks again.

Engineer : This is so very strange.

Captain : Just do it fellas, no questions asked - its for good luck.

First Mate : Oh its a lucky ritual then? Why didn't ya say so in the first place mate.

(Captain and Crew bows to you the reader)