Had been meaning to visit the place, more so since, had recommended it to friends but could not manage to join them.

Last week, after a heavy lunch, was feeling a bit peckish and so decided to try it out. Called up and they said no reservations taken, but since it was already 9 pm, they said come by and we’ll find you a place.

With the humidity, we opted to sit inside, which was pretty full. Ordered a drink and they kindly made a mocktail off the menu for my wife, who is a teetotaller and vegetarian.

We ordered french fries - just perfect, far superior to McD and the ilk. This was followed by onion rings - which were nice, but New Yorker has better. And then asked for a vegetable club sandwich - but had mushrooms - so changed it to Veg Burger (ya ya I know, there is no such thing) which was pretty good in itself, but the accompaniments - wedges and salad were outstanding.

A visit to try out the non vegetarian side of the menu is being planned soon, but overall it just proved why now we do not have to travel all the way to town.

I remember this place from the late 1980’s but somehow missed visiting her even when I was based out of Ahmedabad, and on subsequent regular visits.

A couple of months ago, on a visit for a friend’s daughter’s wedding committed myself to trying out the pizzas.

So one evening pushed my friends to visit the place. Hordes & hordes of Amdavadi’s were gorging away as if it was already 2012.

Keeping in mind there were 25+ people at home for which we had to pack, we decided to partake one on the spot, whilst the packing was happening.

Biscuit bhakri, soft with veggie toppings, cheese and in less time than Domino or Pizza Hut can roll out the dough, we were biting into it.

The Italians, and so called connoisseurs would never understand - the gravy/sauce; toppings; cheese but then Hey, what do they know about life!

A full value for money place and must visit, if you are in Ahmedabad.

Century Bazaar, Ambawadi,
Ahmedabad
Phone: 26407525

I have been hearing about this for a long time and had been wanting to give it a try, but BKC is not a place that I need to visit regularly.

However an opportunity arose last week. After enjoying Jagjit Singh mehfil in MMRDA decided to try out CPK (as California Pizza Kitchen is more popularly known).

Though located at the corner, signage is a problem, so much so that had to tweet/send BBM to get direction and finally reach there, passing thru security (maybe carrying pizza hut menu?).

Walking in, the first thing hit me was - Noise - sounded like a matunga shetty joint or definitely a McD. Being led to our table realized the noise level was due to yuppie parties going on - all youngsters with a candian-ireland-USA-gujju/panju/tamil (take your pick) accent.

Settled down, the water (after the usual mineral or regular) was quick. And then the patience was tested……

The servers floated around, not meeting eyes, gathered near the side table, rushed everywhere like wanting to catch the virar fast at 6.04 pm. Politely, said excuse me a couple of times (No response, maybe my accent less English could not be understood). On the verge of giving up, when my wife called in a stern tone (similar to when she uses with me, when I screw up) and boom, service began.

We ordered a Fresh Lime Soda (no liquor because that would take time) which was not too fizzy, Margherita Pizza (my test at every pizza place - because if they cannot make that then they should not be in business. This barely passed muster); Spaghetti in garlic sauce (nice, with actually taste of garlic flowing thru, not too runny) and Sandwich Salad (Ok, sandwich was not too good, salad better, but could have done with better dressing). Since this took a lot of time & we had to reach home before midnight (daughter’s birthday) we carried a chocolate banana cake (very good, but still not something I would travel all the way for)

They have a service charge for the ‘Service’ too.

To sum it up - Nothing out of the ordinary, since the area does not have anything similar, so will do well. Does not seem vegetarian friendly. Personally would not go all the way, would prefer visiting pizza hut.

3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity,
Old Drive in Theatre
Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai
Phone: 65588888, 65606560

I normally do not like to order pizzas from Pizza hut as home delivery, however the family has always ordered and last Friday, the urge to order in after an exhausting day was extremely strong.

So I was designated as the order giver, with specific instructions. Called up Pizza Hut.

PH: Thank you for calling…………
ME: Hello, my number is 26xxxxxx and I would like to place an order please.
PH: Sorry sir our systems are down, may I have your address please.
ME: Can you please take my order
PH: Sorry sir, our systems are down, may I have your address
ME: Sure, but can you first take my order
PH: May I have your address
ME: Of course, I’ll provide that since you would need to deliver, however take my order down.
PH: Your address
ME: (Sternly raising my voice) Young man, Please take the order and then ask for the address.
PH: OK, as you wish
ME: ABC pizza; xyz bread; what is the offer of the day etc…..& I have xxx coupon
PH: Ok sir, your address please
ME: *deeply sighing* 111, abcde, mmnop, opp. aaa,
PH: Sorry sir, our system shows that this address is in Goregaon on the link road.
ME: That must be the same building name, but I do not stay there
PH: No Sir, your address in our system is there only.
ME: (Beginning to lose my cool) Young man, on one hand your system is not working, so that you cannot accept my telephone number; on the other hand, when I am providing my address, you say it is listed in another suburb altogether.
Can I speak to your superior.
PH: Yes Sir, but can I have your correct address.

I disconnected and ordered from my neighborhood shetty - delivery time - 15 minutes.

And this is where the story ends, MNC, high expectations, let down and by the by did not even bother to call back, but I guess ‘Why bother with a person, who is not a regular, does not know his address?’ How about you? Have you had a similar experience? Do share it.

A place on my agenda particularly during the month of Shravan, but something or the other kept delaying the visit.

Rain decided to play spoil sport, so had to order in. The phone was picked up in just two rings and order taken down with recommendations thrown in.

Aloo methi was our choice and the voice on the phone suggested that we try out their speciality Pizza parantha and Pav Bhaji Parantha; accompanied by curd & pickle besides their famous chole.

It was delivered piping hot promptly within 20 minutes as committed.

The only comment after demolishing - Complete value - price, quality, service and definitely worth trying and repeating.

Address: Nandu’s Paratha House, 19 Sonawala Building, Green Street, Fort, Mumbai Tel: 22702265

Shop No. 16, Link Palace Building, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W), Mumbai

By the Slice

Extremely close by, meaning to try it out. So my daughter went to pick up the menu. Did not want to end up eating a full each, luckily they had Slices - quite a nice idea.

Ordered two slices of Margherita(classic pizza with mozzarella & basil) & Marinara (Tomato, garlic & fresh oregano) with a portion of cheesy garlic bread with dip.

Margherita - Crisp base with just the perfect cheese spread & basil tinge.

Marinara - Tomatoes were fine, better than pizza hut etc. but garlic pods! guess they have yet to discover garlic crusher & unfortunately the base was not crisp enough.

Cheesy bread was ok, whilst the dip was amazing, thick with taste buds exploding.

Expense - approx Rs. 200/- worth it. Definitely need to try their other pizzas & pastas

Shop No 1-2, Citizen, Lokhandwala Complex, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W), Mumbai

Lokhandwala Landmark

A Landmark of sorts in Lokhandwala Market. Covering South Indian, Fast Food of all Sorts, Punjabi Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, Beverages ( Fresh Fruit Juice and Milk Shakes ), Ice Creams and Kulfi (Pista is Yum). Personally , i enjoy their Hot Dog, Pav Bhaji , and Dahi Batata Puri. Have seen it constantly reinvent itself to meet the needs. The hot dog fight against subway, the pizza fight against Dominos & gang, ensure that its loyal clientèles returns!

Vishwageet Apartment, Near Satyam Sales, 4 Bungalows, Andheri (W), Mumbai

Indian Style Sandwiches & Pizza

A great cheese masala sandwich prepared in a jiffy. The pizza as long as they last are made as per your specification of sauces, toppings & what have you. Dominos, Pizza Hut you do not stand a chance

A couple of days ago, sunday to be precise, my daughter & I decided to order a Domino’s pizza for dinner at around 9 pm.

She called up, order taken promptly (we do order regularly:)) and delivered under 30 minutes. Whilst taking the box, she noticed that the coke & jalapeno dip ordered was not there. The young man said deduct the amount & pay.

By the time, hungry I had come out & asked my daughter to call up Domino’s which we did. The nice english speaking gentleman at the other end, said the same thing, when I insisted that I wanted the complete order asked to speak to his delivery person. After which he said that the coke would be got from downstairs & delivered. It was here I had to firmly ask him:

• Could I not have ordered it if that was the case (remember this is Lokhandwala where delivery is done till 12 midnight even for <50 Rs)
• We had spent 10 minutes arguing, the pizza was getting colder and how was one supposed to eat the bread without the dip.
• Why could the order not be replaced?

I think the message went through & he agreed after confirming that time is not the issue. Having had a variety of experiences with others earlier, I did not pay & kept the pizza till the new one was delivered; which it was within 20 minutes - the complete order this time.

After demolishing our dinner, I called up domino’s again with an intention of commending for the customer service, however to my surprise a lady picked up but had no clue about the problem faced, though she sounded happy to receive the compliment.

The next day, I lodged the compliment on the website also, receiving a vague templated reply.

It is indeed surprising that in spite of the software being used to identify customers, remember orders, it does not capture preferences, problems of customers or is it that the gentleman did not enter the problem. This is something Domino’s would have to look for internally.

As far as I go, yes I was satisfied with the service & shall definitely order again.

12 & 13, Kamdhenu Shopping Complex, Lokhandwala Complex, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W), Mumbai

America ab india mein

Contributed a lot to their gross, when had relatives over from the US; who claimed that they have never seen thin crust pizza, so practically all combo’s were tried out.

Service friendly & consistently good. Offers always informed, delivered on time & yes, a couple of time some freebie thrown in.

Way to go guys.