Hey Potpourriers!
Hope you guys are doing well. Back with yet another post, this one’s all about the grand weekend I had. With an apt hashtag –> #GoGrand, Grand Hyatt Mumbai sure knows how to live up to it.
I love how the team is constantly brewing with innovative ideas to showcase their expertise in their respective kitchens – in this case, Celini and China House.
The latest is their Express Lunch experience… Also known as the Business Lunch. With both signature restaurants creating exclusive menus that promise a hearty and quick meal at a very reasonable price over weekdays. Yes, you read that right. These menus are only available during weekdays, during lunch time and so it is ideal for those who are looking at making their business lunch experiences a wholesome one.
PS. A bit shoutout to all the offices in and around BKC… this is so up your alley.
Whether you’re looking at having authentic Italian food – Pranzo Veloce or a traditional Chinese meal in the form of Bento Box meals, I can confidently vouch for the fact that both these menus are crafted to perfection and definitely worth a shot. If I had to personally pick one, I’d say the Italian meal did it for me.
Talk about going grand this weekend…
BENTO BOX AT CHINA HOUSE
With a choice of appetiser/dimsums, main course, soup, rice or noodles and seasonal fresh fruits, the concept of this bento box works perfectly well for those who want it all but in doable portions. If you like customising your own meal, then there’s an array of choices. But if you are someone who wants to go with chef recommended combos (the pre-designed ones), then you can go for that. The flexibility within this menu is noteworthy.
Amongst the few things I tried, my favourite appetisers were the Steamed Pork Slice with Cucumber & Sichuan Garlic Sauce, Water Chestnut Dumplings and Chicken Prawns and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings.
From the main course, the Broccoli and Cauliflower in Garlic Sauce, Wok-tossed Sea Bass with Chilli, Sweet Bean Sauce and the Clay Pot Chicken with Smoked Bamboo Shoot in Chilli Sauce caught my attention for all the right reasons. Each preparation has a exceptional flavour of its own and I’d love to respect that.
My Bento Box had the Sweet Corn and Chicken Soup with Egg White and I think I have found my most favourite version till date… Probably something I’d make an entire meal out of. For those wondering, the food is no where close to Indian Chinese, so if you’re a fan of the real deal, this meal will not disappoint you.
Vegetarian Bento Box – Rs. 1149 all inclusive
Non-Vegetarian Bento Box – Rs. 1299 all inclusive
Although it’s not a part of this menu, the Jasmine Tea-ramisu with Orange Ice cream is a revelation in itself. I suggest you don’t leave until you’ve savoured it to the fullest.
PRANZO VELOCE AT CELINI
A wonderful 3 course meal that deserves all the attention I can give… I haven’t enjoyed an Italian meal as much in a very long time. For someone who has eaten and is an absolute fan girl of Chef Alessandro Persico’s culinary delights, I can assure you it is going to be an unforgettable meal. With his signature recipes coming to life in this Express Lunch menu, it’s definitely a treat for those who swear by authentic Italian food. One can pick and choose 1 option from each course – Antipasti/Appetiser (this could either be a soup or salad), Portata Principale/Main Course & Dolce/Dessert. But since I was here for a tasting, here’s a lodown on the food that got me going gaga…
From the Antipasti section the Pizza Calabrese, Tomato Mozzarella Nduja, the Organic Mixed Greens with Poached Pear, Walnut and Gorgonzola Vinaigrette and the Rustic Onion and Sausage Soup made for a great start to our meal. Especially the salad… It actually got me thinking about eating healthy if this preparation is an integral part of it. So good that I am craving it right about now as I write this… sigh
Moving on to the main course, I gave 3 of them a shot. In order of preference, the Char Grilled Chicken with Herbs, Olive Tapenade, Caramelised Onion Mash with Barolo Jus tops the list and was an outstanding preparation. You would think you’ve eaten something like this before, but when you take the first bite is when you know it’s a fresh and amazing take on an existing winner of a dish.
Next, the Red Snapper Ligure with Potato Thyme, Fresh Tomatoes and Olives is perfect for those who love their seafood for all its original flavours. The red snapper is cooked to perfection and has that ideal ‘melt in the mouth’ experience.
Last but not the least, the Pan Seared Basa Fillet with Almond Cream is probably the most unusual basa dish I’ve ever eaten and although it’s not my most favourite fish, this one takes the cake for the almond cream touch that gives it this slightly sweetish taste. Topped with a drizzle of pomegranate, the dish exudes fab textures and flavours. A dish that may not appeal to all taste buds, I would recommend it to those who aren’t afraid to experiment.
For dessert, it was an easy pick. Chef Alessandro is known for the magic in his signature Tiramisu and so we dug into a sinful slice that made for the perfect end to our meal.
Vegetarian Pranzo INR 1149 all-inclusive
Non-vegetarian Pranzo INR 1299 all-inclusive
If you’re looking at a business lunch option (or actually just a really good lunch) and Grand Hyatt seems like the place it should be, hop onto the express lunch bandwagon with its lucrative pricing and make merry of it with a fantastic meal that leaves you wanting to go back for more.
Note: The blogger was invited to try out both the menus and views shared are and will always be personal.
The Good Life Potpourri 