Fall Favourites from Kolkata: 2016

I don’t know why, but its 24th of this month, and I sort of feel cold. There is a decided nip in the air, especially in the night, and the other day, I was thinking of the things I loved recently which were perfect for the Fall. I am not counting in cups of coffee or hot chocolate, because that’s my staple all through the year, but in the last month and half, I have had food which remained in my mind, and I went back for a second taste, and at times, a third or more. I don’t particularly have an order – its a compilation of my favourite things.

The Butterbeer from Woodstock 1969

Butterbeer
Butterbeer

This is a recipe devised by the owner and he calls it “hit or miss”. Which means, either you would LOVE it, or you just WON’T. Given the fact that I am going through a bit of a Rowling phrase now, thanks to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I loved the caramel accents, and the lightly bitter root beer in the tall mug, and drank it down happily. It is perhaps not what J. K. Rowling thought of, but its definitely a lovely, buttery drink to have if you want to have a nice drink which is cold but not chilled.

Lamb Kibbeh at Smoke House Deli

Lamb Kibbeh
Lamb Kibbeh

I have a horrible fetish for well-made lamb kibbeh, and a recent meet at Smoke House Deli had me reaching for the Lamb Kibbeh more than anything else – juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with a rather delicate Jalapeno Queso, these were the bomb – I had to have one more, even after they had served the main course.

Chilli Crab Claws at Kimli

Chilli Crab Claws
Chilli Crab Claws

I had these as part of an epic meal with my girls, B, C, and S, and we were all so satisfied with the thick, fleshy chunks of batter-fried crab claws, with the hot chillies lurking underneath. I admit I had more chillies than crab, since I am sort of allergic to them, but a couple of claws never hurt anyone, did they?

Chicken Fingers at Cafe Drifter

Chicken Fingers
Chicken Fingers

Easy to munch on with a cup of coffee or a bunch of friends, these crunchy chicken fingers are quick to arrive and very quick to disappear as well. The dip served with it is what I love too – soothing and mild and you can always return with a spoon or an errant finger to ensure the bowl is cleaned up.

Mushroom Quiche at 8th Day Cafe & Bakery

Mushroom Quiche
Mushroom Quiche

This one is one of their baked goodies they keep displayed – I was told by the manager this was really nice, and it was! The quiche was so moist and the crust was light and flaky – We had ordered two of these, and I think I ate most of it.

Lasagne at Alla Bella Mozzarella

Lasagne
Lasagne

The only word I can say here is “Yaaas!” This Lasagne is probably my favourite in town, especially because its so cheesy and comforting! Its also way too much for a single person, so I would suggest ordering some garlic bread on the side, and splitting it with someone you love.

Truffle Pork Ribs at Yauatcha

truffle pork ribs
truffle pork ribs

Belgian Pork.

Shimeji Mushrooms.

Black Truffle Paste.

The pig melted on my tongue.

Worth. Every. Cent.

Mutton Rogan Josh at Royal Restaurant, Park Circus

Mutton Rogan Josh
Mutton Rogan Josh

The Mutton Rogan Josh is Royal’s Sunday Special, and while its not exactly similar to the classic, its definitely tasty, and perfect with a few Tandoori Rotis on the side. The meat is slightly chewy, that’s to ensure you extract maximum flavours. The gravy has a lovely hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a gentle twang which can easily be accompanied with Royal’s signature Biryani.

Tenderloin Steak at Waterside Cafe, Hyatt Regency

Tenderloin Steak
Tenderloin Steak

I had asked for a medium rare tenderloin, and this was perfect! The chef at Waterside Cafe knows his steak, and served me one with a light drizzle of pan jus on top, the divine aroma of melted butter lacing its meatiness, yet not in-your-face, and I can live with that. The vegetables accompanying it were cooked yet retained crunch, all except the potato wedges, which were soft and lightly seasoned. I couldn’t move afterwards.

The Lemon Meringue Pie from Little Pleasures

Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie

Although I liked some of the other things from their menu, the Lemon Meringue Pie was what I would return here over and over again. Think light and fluffy meringue peaks hiding a pool of tangy lemon curd in a crumbly, mildly salty shell, which gives way at first bite. I recommend trying to eat this with a spoon, because there shall be spillage when you bite into one.

However, the spillage means you get to lick your fingers without being judged.

Irish Coffee Cupcakes at Mrs. Magpie

Irish Coffee Cupcakes
Irish Coffee Cupcakes

At Mrs. Magpie, the cupcake flavour of this month is Irish Coffee, and guess who loves the sweet and slightly bitter delight? Me. The cupcakes are tiny, so I suggest buying more than one if you are as bad at keeping your resolutions of staying off sugar as I am. Plus, Marzipan Bee!

Hawa Hawai at Gokul Shree

Hawa Hawai
Hawa Hawai

I had this limited edition dessert at Gokul Shree as part of their Diwali menu. A month later, I am still thinking about it. The bottom part consisted of a green slightly chewy jelly-like substance which they claimed to have flown in from the Middle East, topped with a layer of kheer and then orange jelly bites. I This wasn’t overly sweet, something I felt was a great thing, despite the way it looked.

Rose Sugar Free Ice Cream from Pabrai’s Fresh and Naturelle Ice Cream Parlour

Rose Sugar Free Ice Cream
Rose Sugar Free Ice Cream

Okay, so I have a long-standing love for this particular flavour, because a) this is rose flavoured, and b) this is sugar-free but just doesn’t taste like it is. The texture of the ice cream is exactly like their regular ice creams, and the rose flavour is heady, with bits of petals and pistachio for texture every now and then. I find this wonderful for satisfying desperate cravings for a rose kulfi, and good news is, they also have a South Indian Filter Coffee version which is wonderful too.

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About Me

Hi, I’m Panushwari

Welcome to my blog which is mostly about Food, Travel, Lifestyle and Beauty. I generally review restaurants and hotels in Kolkata and my work as a Restaurant Consultant and Food Critic in Kolkata allows me to maintain this blog as a showcase of my work. I am also a published author and have been a panelist at many events.

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