The Sunday Brunch at The Earth Plate in Hotel Sahar Star - Vile Parle, Mumbai.

The Earth Plate is a massive multi cuisine restaurant within the Sahara Star property. A meal here will always be an experience to remember. But when Sahara Star goes out of the way to take the meal experience to the next level -  sparks fly, flavors explode and one experiences a culinary journey like none other.

The Sunday Brunch Buffet at "The Earth Plate" is a very special affair. Unlimited food, beverages, desserts, Live music and live food counters await the patron. As opposed to the other days of the week, this brunch is far more massive and has live counters which cannot be found on other days. And if this isn't impressive enough then how about a dip in the pool after your meal? As part of the package, Sahara Star allows the patrons to have a dip in the pool post Brunch.

Sahara Star's unique closed dome structure makes it a completely different biosphere isolated from the pollution, noise and chaos of the outside world. And within this Biosphere, each of its restaurants inspire unique feelings. For me, The Earth Plate felt like a resort restaurant in the midst of a popular tourist destination. The restaurant was classy, yet embraced simplicity in design. I completely forgot that I was still in Mumbai.

There were seven live food counters each managed by a resident chef. Pictured here is the Bombay Street food live counter.

These appetizers caught my eye, it was almost as if I was in a designer Jewellery store. These edible beauties were extremely pleasing to the eye.

Both these pictures sent my Instagram following into a frenzy. I received numerous messages about these two pictures. Take it from me, the food tasted as wonderful as it appeared.

After quickly framing the food on my phone, I went on my tasting spree. Each of the appetizer was extremely well made. I have to admit that the Kitchen team takes their job very seriously. These were some of the best starters that I have had anywhere in the world. Each morsel was an unique experience.

I am not a salad person but these Prawn salad cups made me go absolutely bonkers. These were quite scrumptious. I found myself picking up seconds after my initial tasting. Something one would rarely see me do with salads.

The mains rotate every brunch so its unlikely that one would find the same as those pictured in this article. There were far too many mains to taste. I managed to sample a few and below are some highlights of my experience.

The Beans Pie was extremely pleasing on the palate. T'was subtle in flavoring and made for a Global crowd. The Sweet bacon pork tarts were quite addictive and I found myself chomping down a few of these.  The Panchporan Murg Tikka was Chicken Tikka with a twist. It was sprinkled with the Panchporan spice mix which is an East Indian specialty.

The Chicken Burrito and Shawarma were delicious wraps made at the live counters. One need not wait at the counter for their serving. Give the line cook your table number and a server will bring your food to the table. It was quite convenient and something not often seen in most five star hotels. The restaurant experience would surely spoil me ha.

The dessert platter felt like a wonderland where one could unleash their inner kid. You think you have grown up into a serious, mature and a professional man till you see these desserts and the world feels young again. There is always room for dessert but there were too many desserts in the room. I sampled quite a few and I found the Black Forest cake to be my favorite.

The service was exemplary despite the Sunday rush.  It displayed the professional calibre expected off the staff of Sahara Star.

Priced at INR 3450 PAX, the brunch feels a bit steep initially but consider the fact that it includes unlimited premium liquor, wines and cocktails on top of unlimited food and desserts. This is a meal fit for a King and if you drink and eat to your heart's content then its worth every rupee spent. Lets not forget, this includes a dip in the pool which is far better than your average community pool.

The Brunch is here to stay for the time being. If you are near the Airport or planning a memorable Sunday Brunch, Sahara Star makes one of the best choices in the city. As far the buffet experience goes, its one of the best that I have had. Captain Says Onward, Ho.

The Captain's Score : 9/10


Map Co-Ordinates
The Earth Plate,
Hotel Sahara Star,
Opposite Domestic Airport,
Vile Parle, Mumbai.


-I was invited by the restaurant to sample the Brunch. My review however remains neutral.-


 

Sunday Brunch at Square - Novotel at Imagica, Khopoli.

The most dangerous place on the seas - The last island in this sea of ship wrecks lied ahead of us. It could be the compass' final resting space. But it wasn't going to be easy, was it? As our ship sailed towards the Farway Island, a large reptilian leviathan emerged from the waters. This thing was massive, at-least four times the size of a Kraken. The monster lunged at us intending to swallow the ship whole. There was no way we could dodge something so big. "Brace yourselves mateys..."

I remember going to Adlabs Imagica last year. I also remember seeing Novotel Imagica sitting near the entrance looking grand as ever. Now, its not a new thing to have star hotels in or around big theme parks. One often cannot cover the entire park in a single day and might require an overnight stay or two. Disneyland has a big hotel, Universal Studios has one too and so does Adlabs Imagica. The theme park is the principal attraction but the hotel is a top place in its own right.

Now to avoid confusion here, I am going to split this piece into two. One shall chronicle the food experience I encountered at Novotel's restaurant Square and the other would discuss the Hotel stay-in experience. Since you see the brown script at the top, you know this one will be about food ha.

I have been to many places - Star resorts and more. And, I can positively say that Novotel's Square emphasizes on food as an essential part of the Hotel experience. The food here was amazing with a very large spread that changes every day. There is proper diversity with many different options under many different cuisines being available. Comparing this with my stay at Ramada in Goa, I would say that Novotel at Imagica is a far more superior Hotel when it comes to the food they serve.

The resident restaurant Square and a bistro like restaurant near the lobby serve as the eating joints in the property. While the is fit for a quick snack or something, Square is the classy centerpiece of the Hotel.  The platter is huge, one of the largest that I have seen in India. In fact, I'd say a brunch experience here is something worth individually coming for. Square at Novotel has recently launched its Sunday Brunch which is to food lovers what Oxygen is to mammals.

The Brunch serves a lot of things that would suit a breakfast platter and a lot that would suit as lunch. The choices are huge and to top it, the platter changes every week. Above are some of the things that I tried. PS : The green triangle thingies would be Matcha cakes. I'd be making an understatement here if I say that one is spoilt for choice here. The choices were beyond what I could count.

The Brunch also combines some other elements like Live music (We had a nice young band playing numbers from the 80s and 90s) and cake mixing(More on that later).

So here are some of the things that I really loved. Do note that they may or may not be available later on as the menu rotates. The Sunday brunch has an extra large platter bundled with other activities.

Cheese Bread - This bread was predominantly made from cheese. Yep, you heard it right. There was crumbly flour bread somewhere inside but the cheese with a bit of capsicum dominated the plate. This looked good and tasted amazing. It made a great part of the breakfast bit of the brunch.

First Mate : We cannot dodge it, we cannot outmanoeuvre it and its shitty skin is too hard for cannons to make an impact.

Captain : The best way out is always through. Sails at full. Head towards the beast at full speed.

Quartermaster : Are ya out of your mind? The creature will eat us.

Captain : Our ship is but a marble to it in comparison. And we really don't have a choice.

First Mate : I'd too say that you are out of yer mind but your face suggests you have a plan.

Chicken Ham Terrine was an absolute delight. Made to resemble a layered cake, this delightful treat used chicken terrine slices and cheese slices in an alternating fashion giving it a multiple layered appearance. The flavor was amazing as the salty savory chicken's flavor fused perfectly with the cheddar slices. This was probably the best fusion of cheese and chicken that I have ever had - Definitely a star in the breakfast and salad station.

Gulabra Chicken Tikka was creamy and smooth. The meat was medium rare and there was a hint of Gulkhand or rose petal jam in the kebabs giving it a fragrant and a sweet undertone. My first time with such a kebab variation.

Chicken Roulade with cinnamon jus - This left me quite surprised. I have had roulade all over Mumbai and yet I haven't found one that I can like. And strangely miles away in the country side, Square's Roulade was perfect with juicy flavor packed in every bit. The cinnamon jus felt much like a balsamic drizzle though its well known that those are close as far as flavor goes.

(The ship enters the creature's colossal mouth.)
Captain : This monster's mouth is large enough for our ship to sail inside unscratched. 

First Mate : Enlighten me why are we allowing our ship and ourselves to be eaten like this?

Quartermaster : Ok we are inside the beast's mouth. Now what?

(Ship starts rocking uncontrollably as the creature begins moving)

Andhra style Fish Curry was a mixture of many flavors, and sensations. Its initial appearance was that of a rough textured coastal curry, and sure enough the coastal flavors were right at the front. Then there was a minor resemblance to sambhar in one of the tasting sensations. In totality it was a humble and a good dish, the stuff you would like to savour after a long tiring day.

Mexican Lamb Stew was one of the best things in the Brunch. I have never had this dish before so its flavors invoked a sense of romance. The romance of trying something new. This slow cooked stew was salty, a bit spicy and even a bit tangy. The aroma was quite appetizing too. Even as I write about this, I smack my lips reminiscing its flavor and wondering when will I get the opportunity to eat it again.

Murg Angarey Ke sholay - Loosely meaning Chicken embers of sparks - this was a spicy tikka kebab with a dry and addicting flavor within. Its spice felt like a hot desert with a firestorm raging in the middle.

Steamed Fish in Plum sauce was a mildly savory fish tossed in a subtly sweet plum sauce. The flavor was quite unique as a mix of savory, sweet with a bit of umame. If the fiery kebab above represented fire then this was certainly was the ocean incarnate. The dish was easy on the tongue and would certainly please most palates.

There was a rather huge selection of desserts so just let me list the two that I enjoyed the most. Red Velvet Cake was creamy and tasty. Square's dessert department was certainly of top calibre. Not only was the dessert platter large, each of its delights were quite heavenly. This cake was quite a party in my mouth, not to mention it was a bit of a hit on my Instagram too. So both a visual and gustatory treat.

Captain : (To Gunner) The outside skin is impervious to cannon fire. The inside however can get ripped even with a sling shot. Blow the bastard from the inside.

Gunner : Ooh, you are the clever one.

Captain : Hope this guy has dental insurance.

Wild Berry Baked Cheesecake was a genuine baked cheesecake with cream cheese and egg. The berry mixture seemed to be made of blueberry, strawberry and raspberry. It imparted a sweet tarty flavor to the delectable cheesecake. The cream on the side had been flavored with the berry concentrate as well.

For people who wished to have a healthy dessert, here is a pretty looking Fruit Bowl.

While the food was top notch, the only thing that seemed to be lacking was the presence of a good mixer in the house. Even basic cocktails like a Mojito seemed to be made incorrectly. However, I felt that this was too minor for coming in the way of an otherwise great meal experience.

There was once a time when crushing grapes with feet was considered a social achievement, well that's old news. Cake Mixing is the new in thing. Post Brunch, Novotel offers patrons the choice of participating in a community activity where people mix Christmas cake ingredients together. Though they won't be able to make their own cake and eat it too, it is possible to eat cake which was mixed by past participants. This activity should last till Christmas so visiting Novotel Imagica before Christmas would be a fun idea.

I cannot comment on the service since most of the Brunch buffet was self service but the staff did display etiquette and discipline expected in a star hotel.

Novotel is a four star property so do expect the prices to be on par with a typical four star property. The place however does full justice with its excellent rooms, service, amenities and most importantly the food. Novotel easily beats several five stars across India in the matters of food.

Adlabs Imagica is India's only international theme park. And Novotel Imagica is the perfect base camp before fun seekers try to ascend the summit of the Imagica excitement. The place is perfect on its own and its Sunday Brunch was one of my best experiences as a blogger to date.

As a blogger, as a food person and as an adventurer - I would highly recommend the reader go to Adlabs Imagica, Stay at Novotel overnight, make sure its a weekend so that you can grab the Brunch.

The Captain's Score : 9/10

"

(Cannons destroy the creature's mouth from the inside. The creature rises in the air and opens its mouth)

Captain :  All right fellas, full sails up - we are ditching this joint.

First mate : The sea monster seems to be quite high above the water. Our ship will fall to the seas the moment we emerge from this monsters mouth.

Captain : Brace yerself everybody. This will feel like a roller coaster. 

Engineer : (Sigh) More like free fall. Lets hope the ship doesn't split.

"

Map Co-Ordinates
The Square at Novotel Imagica,
30/31, Sangdewadi,
Off Mumbai Pune Express Way,
Khopoli


-I was invited to a weekend stay at the hotel to experience the place. My review however remains objective.-

Boveda - Andheri West, Mumbai

And the next mark on the map read "Boveda". I wondered what it meant till the quartermaster declared that it meant "Vault" in Spanish. Almost instantly the crew's linguist shrugged and corrected the quartermaster. "Its Galician, a language spoken by a small group near the Spanish Iberia." 

The quartermaster not being the one to be slighted responded with a dull "Same thing." And the two lads got into an argument. I walked away in deep thoughts ignoring the two blokes who were quacking like geriatric sea gulls as I wondered what this vault could contain. Then suddenly I stopped and said, "Wait, we have a linguist in me crew?"

Boveda is a nice little ever-twilight pub located in the food district of Andheri. It has had a reputation for a while of being a night eatery but hey I dropped in at 2:30 in the noon and had quite a nice meal. The place has a very energetic yet comforting pub like feel to it.

Whether it is the bar which happens to be the most illuminated part of the place or the mixtures of tables, armchairs and couches. Boveda appears like one of those biker bars that I am used to seeing on movies and American shows. It appeals to the traveling epicure such as myself. The decor seemed like a mixture of Bavarian woodwork pubs, modern industrial architecture and a bit of Bohemian artwork(thrown in for good measure). All in all I think the visual elements work greatly for this place. I could imagine it being full of starry eyed revelers at night time.

Chef Saqib works both as the executive chef, occasional mixer and the manager for this place. He is a man who truly invests a lot to put this place on the map. Boveda already had an extensive grub menu but they have also introduced a healthy menu which was what I was here for.

Cranberry Zuppa was a strange soup which was served cold and in a Martini glass. This is thought to be a well known staple in Italy and Spain but I think its quite a delicacy in India. The taste initially felt like the sweet tang of cranberries, which was immediately followed by a salty flavor with shades of garlic and onion. Then a mildly spicy undertone of red peppers appeared at the end. This drink was quite delicious for vegan health food. I would probably have it again if I go to Boveda again. My taste buds do miss this flavor.

Captain : Sweet, salty and spicy. 

Crewmate : This one sure be a mystery. 

Captain : A tasty tasty mystery.

I am not sure what this was actually called. It was a Cranberry drink whose name sounded like Ronella to me. It had Cranberry, pineapple, a bit of lime, mandarin bits and red bull. The taste was refreshing, mostly tangy with a bit of a zingy sweet twist from the Red bull.

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus and Pita was a humble but a good way to open the grub show. The Pita was made of wholewheat flour hence the atypical color. I am used to having regular Hummus. I never realized that it can be flavored too. The hummus had a distinct flavor of Pumpkin puree. It was quite savory and playful on my tongue. Wholewheat Pita can be a bit coarse as opposed to regular Pita but it was absolutely amazing with this hummus.

Egg Whites stuffed with mince Lamb is taking health food to the next level. Apart from the small amount of cheese used, the ingredients on this are quite healthy. The egg whites tasted like a soft jelly shell which gave way to a delectable minced meat within. The meat is salty and the cheese lends some flavor to it as well. Though it's usually supposed to be served with Mint chutney, I was served the same with Mint Mayo. Mint mayo is one of my favorites so I won't complain but Mayo should ideally be avoided in an all health menu.

Captain : This is quite full of proteins eh?

Crewmate : It be such a simple affair Cappy, why didn't we think of this before? 

Captain : Because we eat too much lad and we have no time to think about cooking.

Chilli Cheese potato was perhaps the only low light of the day. This item was a regular fixture and not a part of Boveda's health menu. The potato tasted a bit raw and the cheese and spices could not lend their flavor to the unruly tuber. The flavors instead of blending into one entity were all running into different directions making this dish a passable affair.

Grilled Chicken breast is a preparation that is strangely present on both their regular and healthy menu. Upon asking the difference, I was told that potato mashing in the regular fixture is replaced with brown rice. The grilled meat seemed to have skin and was loaded with pepper sauce. The sauce supplied most of the flavor to the preparation as it tasted salty and savory. The fragrant rice provided the fiber, the chicken proteins and the soft wok tossed greens everything else.
I enjoyed this dish since it is one of my favorites though I did feel that the meat could have been a wee little bit rarer.

The pricing seems to be at par with pub outlets like BBC, Harrys and the like. Thus its well within the reach of most. The healthy menu for its part is well worth the buck spent.

The service is a bit "relaxed" if I could put it correctly but its still professional and the servers know their  dishes.

I don't carry a calorimeter when I go out for food so I cannot tell how healthy was the food but what I can attest is that the food was quite tasty. The menu was interesting and my afternoon brunch was quite fun. Relaxing brunch in the day, Party at night. Boveda seems to have something for all kinds of folks.

The Captain's Score : 8/10

"Methinks that this was quite the vault of plenty eh. And you lads are not looking sluggish from yer binge either. Good, Good no excuses and onto your positions now."

Map Co-Ordinates
Boveda

G04, Morya Landmark One,
Oshiwara Village, Andheri Lokhandwala,
Andheri West, Mumbai


-I was invited to try the special health menu by the restaurant's PR. Thus food was on the house-