The Koli / Kori are a caste of traditional weavers of North India who are Hindu. The Koli, numbering around two and a half million, are distributed throughout the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and the union territory of Chandigarh.
Here are my favourites from the entire spread :
Sukat – Sukat is a type of dried fish which is prepared in different ways. This one which I had was a dry version, i.e. sukat sautéed with onions and cooked until brown. I think the chef has nailed it here because the crunchiness says it all.
Bangda Fry – The bangda fry was excellent and the magic here is all about the masala that goes in. The masala isn’t very spicy but is extremely flavourful.
Kanda Bhat – Kanda bhat has a very homely touch to it. I would say, “Maa ke khane ki yaad dila denewala bhat”.
Prawns with Tandalachi Bhaakri – I remember eating tandalachi bhaakri when I visited the coastal area the last time and I also remember telling my mom to try her hands on making these bhaakris. So eating this bhaakri was like a ride down the memory lane. And talking about the prawns, they were spicy for my liking but then these were extremely flavourful. The prawns had soaked in the flavours of the spices. This is a great option for people who fancy sea food and love spicy food at the same time.
Tambdicha Kalwan ( Fish) – So don’t go by the looks of the curry. It looks red hot and most of the times is assumed that it is going to be super spicy but it isn’t spicy at all but is rather flavourful and the texture of the fish is also good. Even though the fish is in the curry it is not overcooked.
Bombay Duck – Bombay duck is also known as bombil. Rava crusted fish shallow fried until golden-brown is the star of the show. It clearly is a no non-sense dish, simple yet it has something extra ordinary in itself.
Laapsi – Laapsi is basically made from bits of whole wheat, coconut and ghee. It is melt in mouth but the only condition here is that eat it while it is hot.
Overall, the Valhav re Nakhwa festival is a big hit. A treat for sea food lovers and a lot of varieties to choose from. The festival is very special because Chef Jitendra Nakhwa is from a Koli background and as an add on to this, his mother has been taking care of all the preparations in the kitchen for the entire festival. They have sourced everything from chef Jitendra’s home town. Right from the masalas to the props to the decoration, everything has been brought from his home town. And I think this festival is amazing for people like me who travel very rarely. So for me it was like experiencing Koliwada in Pune. If you haven’t been or seen the Koli tribe then I think this is your chance to experience Koliwada In Pune at Hyatt Place, Hinjawadi, and trust me the vibe is infectious. You just cannot stop grooving to those Koli numbers that are played in the background!
A big shoutout to Binu and Jitendra for inviting me and being such lovely hosts. Looking forward to attending more such festivals and experiencing entire India...
Read moreA thoroughly disgruntling experience.
When the hotel I had in mind for the birthday dinner date - something I had been imagining about during the past few weeks- turned out to be closed for the monsoons (best rooftop resto in town), I frantically started searching for alternatives and that's when 24/7 Gallery Cafe, Hyatt Place popped up in my suggestions, to come to my rescue - or so I had thought. It was a truly memorable experience, in a rather wretchedly traumatic way. The outlook and ambience was so plain that it could barely be reasoned off as being classy. Situated in the mezzanine floor of the building, it boasts an absolute zero in terms of a good view out of the windows. The seats are very open and connected, with no place for just two - offering yet another zero, in terms of privacy; with random people taking up places right next to you : this place is a no-no if you're out on a date. The staff however, were a gentle lot - immediately attending to every one of our needs, and being very considerate. And finally coming to the evaluation of the food : I was truly baffled when, after "experiencing" the dinner buffet, I read in the advertising brochures of the hotel, that the world-class chain that they claim to be, offers " A World of Taste" - that serving delectable, appetizing treats was their forte, for my overall experience of the food I had, was, if anything, proof of qualities quite opposing to the above claim. There was ONE item in the buffet that I could find up to the mark - I would go as far as saying it was one of the best dessert dishes I've ever had - a Walnut brownie. But apart from that one instance, the remainder of the items were really disppointing. Unpeeled bitter potatoes, uncooked cold fish, dry undercooked rice and a hint of stale cottage cheese - and presently I'm unsure which of the above caused my stomach to get so upset the following day. Plus, during payment, due to some technical snags in their connectivity, card transaction failed four times and since they do not accept anything but card or cash, I was made to walk out to the ATM, in the rain, withdraw cash, return and settle the bill. It's with tumultuous dilatations in my stomach owing to food poisoning, that I am writing this review of the Cafe experience I had two days ago. Hopefully the health of my stomach and atleast the quality of food at the hotel can improve in the...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Hyatt Place Pune Hinjewadi, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff, setting the tone for a fantastic evening. As I was celebrating my birthday along with my family.
The buffet spread at 24 Galaxy Cafe is a culinary masterpiece. Each dish is a work of art, carefully crafted with the finest ingredients and bursting with flavor. It was a true gastronomic journey.
But what truly sets the hotel apart is the impeccable service. The staff went above and beyond to make sure all of us felt valued and well taken care of especially Rohit, Shreyash and Akshay. They were attentive without being intrusive, and their knowledge of the menu was impressive. They provided excellent recommendations and were genuinely passionate about the food they served.
The ambiance of the restaurant is also worth mentioning. It strikes the perfect balance between elegant and cozy, making it an ideal place for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. It's an experience you won't forget!
Special Thanks to the manager of the Hotel Mr. Swapnil. Who came to meet us during the celebration also arranged for a cake and welcome drink. This made our evening so special. Thank...
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