This
review comes in a tad late as my computer suddenly flat-lined. It took the
doctor (comp tech) a while to pick up the defibrillator paddles to revive it. You
get my drift, right? 😉
I
had heard of The Urban Foundry but because of the 'distance-factor' I found no opportunity to
visit it. When ‘The Urban Foundry’ extended a pre-launch invite to Team
@FoodProwl, for a tasting at their new, ritzy Kalyani Nagar branch, I
graciously accepted the invite.
The
interiors of TUF are hip. The swanky bar takes up most of the front section of
the restaurant and they have incorporated ‘foundry’ specifics in the cutest of
ways. There are chocolate nuts and bolts in desserts, certain drinks are served
in bulb shaped glasses, heavy iron doors lead to their washrooms and the overall rustic
décor evoke a 'foundry feel'. Every detail has been well thought of and perfectly
assimilated. I also loved the witty writings on the glass coasters.
We
began our tasting with various cocktails, none of which I tasted as I’m a teetotaler.
The rest of the team did try the cocktails and the common consensus at the table
was that they were very well made. I chose a citrus based Virgin Margarita
(frozen) and loved the sweet-tangy flavour.
We
began with ‘Chote Gear’ (their name for appetizers): Edmame Ki Bhel, Tilwala
Paneer, Mushroom Tundey Kebab, Asian Patrani Murgh, TUF Nawabi Seekh Kebab,
Prawn Gold Coin, Tangdi Kebab, Bacon Cheese Poppers and Baconnaise.
Of
all ‘chota gears’ we tried, there were quite a many that were ‘bahut bada’ on
flavour.
The melt in the mouth Mushroom Tundey Kebab (served on a thin piece of
baguette toast – so darn yum!), the beautifully moist Nawabi Seekh Kebab, the
delicately flavoured Prawn Gold Coin, the robust Tilwala Paneer and the unique
Baconnaise which was a mix of herbs and coarsely ground bacon bits served with
thin, crisp baguette toasts; all these were superb! The Bacon Cheese
Poppers were also excellent; what’s not to like about cheese and bacon, eh? 😉
We
then moved on to dumplings and a salad. The salad was the Chicken Tikka
Carpaccio Chaat. While the carnivore in me ate (and liked) the Chicken Tikka
Carpaccio, I gave the raw chaat (salad ingredients) a miss. Unfair? Yes, a bit;
but my stomach cannot handle raw food and salads hence gave it a miss.
We were
served two vegetarian dumplings, Magik Mushroom and Malai Broccoli, both of
which were stellar!
The non-veg dumplings served were, Kali Mirch Chicken,
Kheema Ghotala and Tandoori Chicken Momos.
While I loved the Kheema Ghotala
dumpling, I found the Kali Mirch Chicken and Tandoori Chicken Momos lacking in
delicacy with regard to their dense mince filling.
Of all the dumplings we
tried that evening, I’d easily give both the vegetarian dumplings 1st
prize. I cannot stress enough, do not miss out on these vegetarian babies!! A
point I must make; the casings of all the dumpling were light and silky; not
merely to look at but also on the palate. A big plus to the TUF kitchen team
for that!
While
the @FoodProwl team enjoyed the sushi platters served after the dumplings, I
gave them a miss as they contained cucumber, an ingredient I’m severely allergic
to. Unfortunately, because of the added cucumber, it was the same with the
delicate cold Japanese style Tuna & Truffle Pizza. I saw ‘bright green’
when I heard the team oohing and aahing over it, but I dared not touch it for fear
of any allergic reaction. ☹ I did have the Chicken Tikka Pizza, though, and I loved it!
The
Large Foundry Thermodynamics (main course) consisted of Dal Baati Khowsuey,
Dabba Gosht – Roti/Naan, Calcutta Chilly Chicken, Egg Fried Rice and Veg Hakka
Noodles.
The Dal Baati dish is named so because it is served with
accompaniments similar to that of Khowsuey. Though not a big fan of Dal Baati,
I did try the ghee soaked Baati with the dal and I loved it.
The succulent
mutton, that soft boiled egg and the spicy gravy gets Dabba Gosht on the
must-try list. The Chinese dishes were also well made. No complaints there.
We
moved on to dessert and because of the added fruit I gave the Motichoor Sushi a
miss. Most people at the table were a tad apprehensive of this ‘fusion’ dessert
in the beginning but became quite accepting of it after having tried it.
While
I thought the Frozen Gajar Halwa was more like a Gajar Kulfi, I could not fault
it for it’s taste.
The quirky-yummy Foundry Cheesecake had Gulab Jamuns and a
chocolate nut/bolt placed within. I thought the nut-bolt element was damn cool!
The
Urban Foundry has a vibrant, young vibe which is not to say it’s not for not so
young. The food (the new dishes added to the menu and the ‘fusion’ dishes) do
make sense to the palate and the excellent cocktails / mocktails they serve
make this new baby on the Kalyani Nagar block a very hep and happening place. Truly,
a cool place to hang out at with friends and family.
Address: B-3, Ground floor, Cerebrum IT Park, Near Marigold Complex, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.
Tel: 020 71967421
Some more photographs...
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