The Sizzling Sizzler Festival at KAVA, by Fairfield Marriot

Bonjour people! Hope y'all have been enjoying the bright sunny days all this while. But I'm quite afraid about the gloomy days which are going to be back soon as weather reports suggest! Well, I'm all set for that too, with all my winter essentials and mainly some hot, sizzling food to keep myself warm enough from inside. And, today's post is just about one of my favorite hot meals - the sizzlers.

I recently attended the on-going Sizzler Festival at KAVA restaurant situated at Fairfield, by Marriott which opened recently in Lucknow to serve the Nawabs of town some exclusive delicacies from the Chinese, North Indian and Continental cuisines to soothe their hearts.

Talking of the restaurant, I've been there quite a number of times and I personally love the interiors, decorated in bright orange and yellow walls with some black geometric lines on it. It feels so energetic and full of life with the LIVE kitchen and the buffet counter being operated, that I love visiting and re-visiting the restaurant often. The ambience feels strong and positive with a courteous set of staff to welcome you warmly inside the tall building of Fairfield, a brand new stylish hotel by Marriott, standing opposite IGP in Vibhuti Khand area to provide everything you require for a distinctive experience!

STARTERS

While on my recent visit to the KAVA restaurant, Mr. Vishal, the manager and Chef Prashant welcomed me and my friend Azman with some crispy Dahi Batashas decorated fancily with all the yummy filling and sev to top. Now, batashas are something I absolutely enjoy consuming without fail and these were some super ones! Apart from that we were also served Aloo Bharwan Tikki (made of mashed potatoes and cashews, roasted beautifully in golden) and Dahi Kebabs (made of hung curd blended with toothsome spices), both being the succulent and delightful! The dahi kebabs won that round though because it looked pretty luscious and irresistibly impressible.   

Dahi Batasha

Aloo Bharwan Tikki

Dahi Kebabs

MAIN COURSE

Since I was at Kava to attend the sizzler festival, Chef Prashant very sweetly came to me to discuss my preferences from their lavish sizzler menu. A bunch of things caught my eye and it was very difficult to choose a single sizzler platter all for myself, but he helped me with the choices and I finally decided upon the Paneer Shashlik in Sweet n Sour Sauce with Spicy French Fries and Vegetable Noodles. 

The origin of the sizzler probably goes back the teppanyaki-sizzled dishes of Japan where the steaks are generally prepared using high-heat to sear the outside and leaving the inside moist. Once plated, the steak lets off a dramatic hiss of steam, which is its great appeal. Well, while I was researching about the origin of sizzlers, the Indian history of the same, however, seemed to have begun in Bombay in 1963, when Firoz Irani started a restaurant named 'The Sizzler' near Excelsior Cinema, to showcase this novelty, and as he put it, "the secret of the perfect sizzler, apparently depends on the precise temperature of the metal platter."

Apparently, everything said about the sizzler now made sense and just for all those who still don't know what it looks like, a vegetarian sizzler is an open-roasted, grilled or shallow fried pieces of paneer (cottage cheese) with vegetable patty, served with french fries, noodles, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, french beans etc., served on a metal or stone hot plate, kept on a wooden base. And, the word "sizzler" comes from the sizzle that one hears when, after heating the dish under a grill, the sauce based gravy is poured on, which dribbles on the hot plate and heats up,  keeping with the modern preferences of people.

Having said that, my sizzler platter looked nothing less than a beautiful decoration in itself, with the sizzling paneer dipped in sweet and sour sauce, clubbed with french fries and noodles and some boiled veggies (carrots, broccoli, mushrooms) to balance the entire meal. Hot, fresh and divine! These three words describe my entire experience of a sizzler at Kava.

DESSERTS

Marriott food is amazing and that's just no secret, but their desserts are beyond heavenly and I can totally vouch for it. The wonderful sweet dishes at the buffet counter laid at the KAVA restaurant looked so mouthwatering and amazingly appetising! Though Azman and I just tried the Phirni, Rasgullas, Banana Cake and Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and needless to say there were soft, juicy and very scrumptious! 

An Array of Desserts

Banana Cake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Rasgullas

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Over All Rating :

Food - 4.5/5

(beautiful presentation, palatable, super yummy in taste)

Service - 5/5

(quick services & courteous staff)

Ambience - 5/5

(vibrant, positive feels and so appealing)

 

I hope this post made you drool like never before. The sizzlers at the KAVA restaurant are a must try and if you're in Lucknow till 29th January, 2016 then you just have to attend this on-going food festival and do let me know about your experience! PS : You can make your bookings for the same at Kava by clicking HERE.

Photographed by : Azman Khan

~xoxo~

My First Facial and Waxing Experience at Juice Salon Lucknow

Hello pretty ladies, hope you are all doing fine! Its been a while since I've updated the beauty category on this blog, and your messages kept on piling about the same in my mail box. So, to clear them all at once I thought of sharing my recent facial and waxing experience done at this newly launched JUICE SALON located at Shahnazaf Road, Hazratganj, in Lucknow. Not so new as to say, this salon has been into existence for about one and half years now but I came across it only a month back when the owner called me over for a trial!

Juice as a brand is quite known for its exemplary services offered to both men and women by extremely talented professionals to maintain the quality and class! As for me, I'm not a regular visitor to salons and I don't even prefer splurging on my beauty and skin regimes but Juice seemed a mid-ranged affordable salon to try when I enquired about their service charges. You can read all details about my facial and waxing experience below!

FACIAL

Many girls of my age (as 23 years now) go in for frequent facials and spas, etc. but I prefer taking care of it at home in natural ways. To be honest, facials and I have never got along well. Every time I am back after getting one, I end up getting a nasty pimple the very next day or often by the evening itself. Having tried several brands, I can say none of them have shown that glow or skin lightening effect that one gets after a good facial for a good long time!

But, to my recent visit at Juice Salon, the consultants tested my skin and recommended me the MINRO VEGETAL FACIAL with BLACK MASK DE-TAN. I was particularly impressed with the name itself, and the beauty therapist guided me to a quiet and dimly lit room much like a spa setting and we went ahead with the process!

All the products that were set to use

Step 1 : Casual Cleaning

Step 2 : Cleansing

Step 3 : Toning

Step 4 : Scrubbing

(removes dead cells from your skin and also removes white-heads)

Step 5 : Ozone Steaming

(opens the skin pores which is essential for the skin to breathe easy)

Step 6 : Black & White Head Removal

(ensures removal of blockage in skin pores)

Step 7 : Massage (with Body Balm & Cream)

Step 8 : Application of Black Mask

(essential for making the face skin bright, firm and soft)

'Le Moor Black Mask by Remy Laure' claims has therapeutic properties. It is chemical and perfume free. It is rich in Vitamin A or Retinol and has natural antibiotics, trace elements and phyto hormones. It works great for de-tanning as it is full of ions, absorbs toxins and refines the epidermis to stimulate the skin. The much renowned black mask or 'Le Moor' had a wonderful cooling effect on my skin and felt gooey yet non-sticky, something like algae. It felt nice! The mask was allowed to stay for a good 25 minutes, not letting it dry at all.

Step 9 : Removal of Black Mask

The procedure was the same like all other facials. However, the techniques were so different than what I have ever experienced. Churning and grinding motion and acupressure techniques were used several times during the massage that I didn’t even realise when I went into deep slumber and believe me this has never happened before. Kudos to the beauty therapist Mitali Mishra who very sweetly managed to put me to sleep and wake me up all relaxed and rejuvenated! 

The entire facial costs Rs. 3000 in total and since its a little expensive one, I'd recommend it to each one who likes to pamper themselves once in a while for a lighter, brighter and radiant looking skin with no signs of pimples.

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WAXING

Let me just break it to you that this was my first waxing experience ever. Yes, I'd been a waxing virgin till now. Always under the impression that I have the tiniest hair so they need not be removed, but while in conversation with this beauty therapist at Juice, she managed to convince me to bravely get my arms and under arms waxed.

Picture taken before the waxing session

I'm sure many girls like me are sceptical about getting their skin waxed because of the innumerous discomforting stories narrated to them by friends and cousins, saying its painful and not suitable for sensitive skin, etc. Well, I had similar thoughts once upon a time too, and then this consultant at the Juice Salon busted all the myths, and gave me a lovely waxing session using the best products available.

Step 1 : Application of Pre-Lotion

Step 2 : Application of Hot Wax

The therapist used 'RICA' brand wax with white chocolate flavor, on my skin. This Italian-based wax uses a vegetable oil base combined with glyceryl rosinate (the sticky substance) for quality hair removal with less pain. The advantages of using Rica wax are superior hair removal with gentle and nourishing anti-inflammatory care.

Step 3 : Application of Wax Strips over the Hot Wax and Rubbing

Step 4 : Pulling of Wax Strips in Patches

I'm sure you can see the difference in my skin in the picture above. The waxed part looks super clean and de-tanned. Tanning is a major issue for all of us girls and wearing cut sleeved clothes with tanned and patchy skin makes it difficult to put our best side forward, because we tend to feel not-so-confident. Waxing helps reduce tan and you can experience that yourself in no time!

 

Step 5 : Application of After Lotion

Picture taken after the waxing session

Waxing body hair can be done at home too, but it definitely won't satisfy you like the way you're treated by a professional at the salon. Well, waxing pulls hair out by the root, leaving skin hairless and smooth for two to six weeks. For me, its been two and a half weeks already and I haven't seen any re-growth of hair on my skin yet!

The entire set of RICA professional products were used during the entire waxing process, and true to their claim, the superior grip on the hair allowed removal in just one pull. No more re-applying and pulling and tugging. Both arms were done in a matter of minutes and didn't pain at all. I think that was the best part because I hate experiencing pain of any kind, and with that, I just have to mention that both my arms felt so smooth, pretty and light that I couldn't control touching myself from shoulders to my finger tips. Its was purely magical! ----------- Cost for full arms and under-arms waxing is Rs. 600 in total.

PS : I haven't attached any pictures from the process of getting my under-ams waxed for the sole reason that it looked explicit. But, I'd like to share that beauty is not the only reason people remove hair from their underarms; waxing also helps address body odour and other hygiene problems. However, the delicate skin in the underarm area can make waxing more painful than some other areas of the body, but may be lessened if the procedure is done properly. Well, it was definitely a less painful experience for me and my skin there felt soft and brighter like never before, so it was a total win! #MustTry

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Check out Juice Salon on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE

Photographed by : Saumya Kumar

~xoxo~

Lunch Done at The Spice Factory, City Mall Lucknow

Hellooooo everyone! Imagine me addressing each one of you with lots and lots of excitement because this be the first post for the new year 2017 and I cannot calm down. So welcome back to my blog guys!!! I am so glad that you returned.

Since I've been a away from posting a restaurant review past a few weeks, I thought of introducing to you this newly re-opened THE SPICE FACTORY restaurant situated at 4th floor in SRS CITY MALL, in Vipul Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. There have been a lot of speculations and so much confusion about this restaurant since it opened in 2013 and then got shut for renovation and re-opened last year on 21st of November, with newly designed interiors! Meanwhile the TSF brand opened their second outlet in another mall in the town and this one got overshadowed by it. 

As for me, I've visited both the restaurants more than once but have always loved the one at City Mall because of its unmatched taste in food and the exemplary interiors. Hence I thought of sharing with you my recent experience to this fine-dine restaurant, The Spice Factory at City Mall in detail. Watch out more below..

Apparently, the time Spice Factory has re-opened with its newly designed interiors, it has won many hearts, because of the bright green and yellow combo chairs hitched with dark wood and white walls. The lighting in the main restaurant hall is dim but the seating arrangement makes it look graceful AF! Though I liked the private dining area more (where I exactly sat) because 1. There's a bit more lighting than the outer dining area, and 2. It feels cozy and bit more classified when you come with smaller families for exclusive gatherings or maybe a date!

Outer Dining Hall (view 1)

Outer Dining Hall (view 2)

Private Dining Area

With that, the restaurant also has a LIVE bar station where you can order your favorite cocktails and mocktails, or just any drink you'd want to try. There's a little television set on the bar wall facing towards the main dining area with some soft music playing to keep the ambience subtle and lively! Another eye-catching view is of the see through kitchen of the restaurant where you can exactly peek from the clear glass walls how your food is being prepared. So for all those who feel the need to check it up, can just stand around the buffet counter and take a look inside the kitchen, and the good news is that the chefs are going to smile at you lovingly!

Bar Station

Buffet Counter & Kitchen Area

STARTERS

While I visited TSF recently, the head chef at the restaurant, Mr. Gopal Bohra along with the manager, Mr. Sunit Kumar very sweetly attended me and my friend Azman, and suggested us some of their must try dishes. So, I ditched the buffet and ordered an A-La Carte including starters that sounded extremely delicious, and when arrived looked even more!

My two picks were Sunehri Dahi Kebabs and Ambica Paneer Tikkas. The kebabs were golden crisp on the outside and very soft on the inside because of the filling of hung curd that just melted in my mouth. A bit pale in taste though but quite delectable! Whereas the paneer tikkas were super tangy with the blend of pickles and other spices, marinated and roasted well with tender veggie cubes. Out of the two, I enjoyed the tikkas more!

PS : They even served us a jar filled their signature mocktail called the Santra Ka Mantra, a chilled orange drink topped with lemon and mint!

Sunehri Dahi Ke Kebabs

Ambica Paneer Tikka

Santra Ka Mantra

MAIN COURSE

Even after filling my tummy with second and third helpings of the starters, I digged into the main course like a hogger. I had ordered one gravy and one dry dish and two types of breads to keep variety! The course included Methi  Malai Paneer and Sabzi Haandi with Gilaafi Naan and Chilly Cheese Naan.

The paneer dish tasted slightly sweet and seasoned creamy Mughlai dish, and the sabzi haandi was a mix of assorted vegetables including peas, corn, mushrooms, potatoes, etc. Amongst the two breads I tasted, I liked the Chilly Cheese Naan more as it was soft to break, easy to chew and filled with spiced cottage cheese.

Methi Malai Paneer

Sabzi Haandi

Breads : Gilaafi Naan, Chilly Cheese Naan

DESSERT

In the desserts, we opted for Beet Root Halwa being the healthy pick of the season, and to be honest I liked it so much even though I avoid eating the same at home because of over sweetened beetroot. But trust me, this was one beautiful dish I'd tasted and the crunchiness of the beetroot with the right amount of sweetness felt like a bliss in my mouth. Its a must try this winter!

Over All Rating : 

Food - 4.5/5

(Scrumptious delicacies and I already mentioned my favorites above)

Service - 4/5

(The staff is new, and takes care of the customers well but a little more polishing would make it perfect, the chefs and the manager seemed friendly) 

Ambience - 5/5

(Serene and composed ambience, Classy interiors)


 

To end, it was a great lunch experience at The Spice Factory at City Mall, Lucknow. Highly recommended lunch and dinner scenes for family gatherings and corporate officials! ----------- If you liked this post, do share it across and spread the message that TSF at SRS City Mall is a place worth checking out!

Photographed by : Azman Khan

~xoxo~