restaurant review: Wraps & Wings

Unbeknownst to me, this is actually a branch of a chain in London. But upon hearing that, I expected what I would usually expect from a foreign chain. Poor service and lesser flavors at a higher markup. Thank god, I was surprised by Wraps & Wings! Although I haven't actually visited the original chain in London, I have plans to go there on my next visit. But in the mean while I know that I have a location near me here in Mumbai to satisfy my cravings!

Now, onto the review itself!

I have ordered from here twice in the past 5 days. That in itself should tell you how much I have grown to like this place. The first time I ordered from here, I wanted to try many things so I ordered a bit too much. I got the chicken burger, wings, and strips which ended up being a lot but there were plenty of leftovers!

THE FOOD

Chicken Burger Meal:

This came with fries and a soda, so it was a proper meal. The fries were thick cut and came with a small salt packet so you could salt the fries to your taste. This is so much better than ending up with under salted or over salted fries that you would usually get at a fast food joint. The soda was in a bottle which is way better than the paper thin cups they give you at McDonalds or Burger King! As for the burger itself, oh my gosh. This thing was stuffed. Plenty of veggies, and the biggest bun I have seen in India so far. Even better was the fact that they didn't just fry up some pre made patty and throw it in there, they took a couple of chicken strips that were properly marinated and put them in the burger. So much better! Beyond doubt, this was the best chicken burger I have tasted in India so far and I highly recommend it.

Wings:

These were the biggest wings I have seen so far, and also the most "wing-like" wings. I selected the "Peri peri hot" option for the marinade and was expecting it to set my mouth on fire, but thankfully the marinade wasn't too spicy! It was just spicy enough to require the occasional sip of water, but not enough to warrant a glass of milk on the side. I would definitely recommend these, in fact three are more than enough for one person.

Strips:

I tried the "peri peri mild" for the marinade, and it was very different from the "hot peri peri", it tasted a bit more like a kebab, so I would go for this only if you want less of an authentic wings taste and more of a kebab, Indian style of chicken. I would definitely recommend these though, especially for those who don't like bones in their chicken, this is the option for you.

THE SERVICE

Delivery:

The delivery here is so prompt! If they say that they will get your food to you in half an hour, they are not lying! Plus, their delivery boys are courteous and not all disgruntled like they usually are, so tip them!

Service:

The first time I ordered, I used the Zomato ordering app, but the second time I called up on the phone. The guy who takes your order is extremely courteous and he even called the next day to keep my name and number together for the next time I ordered. Now that is quality service!

Packaging:

This is important especially during the monsoon because you don't want your food to get dirty or wet on its way to you. They delivered everything nearly in bags and had brought the food in a travel lunch bag which was reassuring. Even the dips they provided were individually taped to provide protection from any spillage. Major plus points for keeping it all clean!

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

I would definitely recommend that you give this place a try, just be aware that their portions are large so don't go overboard in ordering! Maybe if you are have a small get together or party it would be cost-effective to order from here, not to mention quite tasty!

CONTACT

1&2, Bhakti Park, Wadala, Mumbai 400037

02230150838

Anagha C.

my favorite: breakfast places in Mumbai

This is a continuation of a series, the first part of which is my post on my favorite dessert places, because who doesn't love to start with dessert!

Theobroma
While I know I already mentioned Theobroma in my dessert post, it also deserves a mention in the breakfast category because they have a full service breakfast menu! Plus, the best part is that they open at 7AM. Now I am not necessarily a morning person, nor I am a night owl, it just really depends on my sleep schedule, but having a restaurant open at 7AM is a godsend in Mumbai. Even Starbucks doesn't open that early! The food here is good, and I recommend the eggs Benedict with bacon on the side.

Pricing: $$$$

Seating: yes, there's plenty of seating available at all locations

Location: list of locations here

Suzette's
I mentioned Suzette's as well in my dessert guide, but it operates as more of a restaurant than a bakery. Although they open at 9AM, it's still great for a late breakfast/early brunch. Their crepes are the best you will get in Mumbai, and while they may not be exactly like the ones in Paris, they are still very yummy, if a bit overcooked. I would suggest you go for one of their pre-set crepes, to prevent any disappointment in your own choice! And try to save room for a dessert crepe if you can!

Pricing: $$$

Seating: yes, but it's a bit cozy (read:crowded)

Location: list of locations here

The Bagel Shop
Although I don't recommend you go to The Bagel Shop and eat there, I do recommend that you order some of their bagels to take home and try them out! I like to order about a bakers dozen and take them home to eat one each morning or as a snack with butter on it since good cream cheese can be hard to find in Mumbai. Definitely worth it, and the bagels are HUGE!

Pricing: $$

Seating: yes, there is plenty of seating available

Location: location here

Starbucks
While I usually stick to my rule of not eating food at coffee shops (shouldn't this be a rule for everyone?), I make an exception for Starbucks. The salmon and cheese croissant is so yummy that in order it every time I come here and at Rs180 it is quite inexpensive. Make sure you tell them to heat it up for you though so that the cheddar cheese melts too! If you would rather a veg option, then go for their pita and hummus which is a classic.

Pricing: $

Seating: yes, there is plenty of seating available but it is often crowded

Location: list of locations here

Kala Ghoda Cafe

Even though the Kala Ghoda Cafe is located in a bylane of Kala Ghoda, I think just about everyone knows where this is. Right next to Mamagoto's, the Kala Ghoda Cafe is your typical hipster cafe. Dripping in pretentiousness, you might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but once you get past that you can focus on the yummy food! I recommend the carrot cake which is way more authentic than the ones you get at grocery stores in the U.S.

Pricing: $$$

Seating: yes, but there are very few seats so you might just have to get your food to go

Location: location here

I know there are only five restaurants on my list here, but to be honest, not a lot of places open early enough to get in breakfast before work here in Mumbai. But, I will do another installment of this series with a few brunch restaurants to try out, so you can look forward to that! As always, please post suggestions and comments and follow me on Instagram @ribbonsndbows (just send a request and I will accept!).

Anagha C.

my favorite: dessert places in Mumbai

I have a major sugar tooth, but I am not one of those people who craves chocolate 24/7. I have a tendency to get cravings at regular intervals, but when I want chocolate, I need it RIGHT NOW.

This is a just compilation of some of my favorite places in Mumbai to satisfy my sweet tooth, and the first in a series of my favorite places in Mumbai!

Note: Pricing is measured on a scale of $ (least expensive) to $$$$ (most expensive).

Theobroma

The ubiquitous Theobroma. Most of those in Mumbai who like food and desert have been here many times. They have cases full of brownies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and tarts! Literally a desert lovers heaven, as the name itself states. My favorites here include the overload brownie, millionaire, chocolate tart, and the cooknie (brownie+cookie=cooknie, duh).

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, but availability depends on the location

Price: $$

Tart

Although there is a rainbow cake available at Theobroma I am partial to the one at Tart. They have two options available, chocolate and vanilla. Both are cream cheese based, and an absolutely decadent luxury to eat. Best eaten right out of the freezer so that the cream cheese remains cold and dense, I highly suggest this as a rich desert after a light meal (the calories have to balance out somewhere!).

Location: list of locations here

Seating Available: yes, but only 2 tables or so

Price: $$$

La Folie Patisserie

Located in Kala Ghoda, this tiny shop has the best salted macarons I have tasted in India so far! And although I know everybody loves the macarons at Le 15, I think these are even better. Again, they are best eaten cold if you like macarons dense, and if you like your macarons to be traditionally fluffy then maybe wait until they come to room temperature, although you really won't get that unless you are eating freshly cooked macarons. Plus, the take away boxes are adorable, if a little unwieldy.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: no, they have about one table which is almost non existent

Price: $$$

Le 15 Patisserie

Headed up by Pooja Dhingra, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, this not so little chain has definitely managed to keep quality while still maintaining its standards. While everyone raves about their macarons, I highly suggest you try their cupcakes, especially the Belgian chocolate which is so rich that you are sure to be glad of its small size. If you are looking at getting a cupcake-cake for someone, I suggest Le 15 as they have the best cupcakes I've tried in Mumbai. They also have choux, but go early as it often sells out!

Location: list of locations here
Seating: yes, but it is limited to a few tables and depends on the location

Price: $$$

Sweetish House Mafia

Definitely the best cookies I have tried at any shop in Mumbai, these cookies are fresh, soft, warm and melt-in-your-mouth good. They have an interesting back story as it started as just a Tata Nano with a driver and helper driving around Bandra in a guerrilla style selling cookies with nobody knowing when the next batch of cookies would be for sale, or who was behind this phenom. And now it has become a full fledged restaurant! A success story for sure, they have the regular cookie flavors like chocolate chip and peanut butter, but also Nutella and sea salt. Anybody who has done any baking knows that it is the salt quantity that can make or break a good cookie, and SHM gets it right on. Their cookie milkshakes are a definite must try as well!

Location: list of locations here
Seating: no, only a few bar stools and a counter

Price: $$

Suzette's

Although this is technically a creperie, I didn't really enjoy their savoury crepes. But their desert crepes are meals in and of themselves! They have plenty of options, so I can't even suggest one, they are all good. But beware, these crepes are stuffed to the brim, so make sure you have enough space in your stomach! Not to be eaten after a heavy meal, their desert crepes do not travel well. Plus, go ahead and give their hot chocolate a try, it's some of the best in the city.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, a bit crowded but seating is available

Price: $$$

Chocolateria San Churro

I only recommend this for their churro a, which to be honest, are not that authentic. But, if you are having a severe craving for churros then this will surely satiate. A plate of churros and hot chocolate for two would make a great late night desert date!

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, plenty of seating is available

Price: $$$

5 Spice

Mostly known for their huge quantities of food, 5 Spice also has mind blowing deserts. Their Rocky Road is a feat of engineering and definitely not for the weak hearted. Scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream on top of a brownie covered in fudge, be sure to save room if you plan on having this. Often times I have eaten dinner elsewhere and come here just for the Rocky Road.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: yes, plenty of seating is available

Price: $$

Love and Cheesecake

Those who crave cheesecake made from real cream cheese should definitely head here. They have plenty of different options, and not everything is cream cheese-based. Plus, they now have a little waffle making station where they can make red heart shaped waffles! Too cute, and it would be so sweet on a first date.

Location: list of locations here

Seating: no, none at all

Price: $$$

Pink Sugar

This is a teeny tiny shop located in a byway off Carter Road, but it feels like a world away. No sounds of traffic, no cigarette smoke smells, and fewer people crowding you off the pathways. Although relatively new, the cupcakes here are to die for. The frosting is thick, dense, and fudgy, while the cake itself remains light and fluffy, providing the perfect combination. Be sure to try their chocolate fondant as well, but eat it in the store for the full experience.

Location: location here

Seating: no, only a few bar stools are provided

Price: $$

Please mention any of your favorite desert shops in Mumbai so I can try them out! Follow me on Instagram @ribbonsndbows and subscribe!

Anagha C.

All photos are property of Anagha C, author of Ribbons and Bows.

inspired by: Kendall Jenner's style

VISIT MY NEW WEBSITE:

www.ribbonsandbowsxoxo.wordpress.com

Kendall Jenner: supermodel working for incredible brands like Chanel and Marc Jacobs, and member of the Kardashian/Jenner family (although we won't hold it against her).

It can't be denied, the girl has great taste in fashion, and why wouldn't she considering the brands she works for! But often times she wears clothes which, while gorgeous, often have a high price tag not many of us can afford. But there are plenty of substitutes! And that's what I aim to provide here. A capsule of clothing inspired by Kendall's wardrobe.

First off, Kendall tends to wear casual clothes when she is out and about, a far cry from her sister Kim, she leans towards comfortable T-shirts and jeans, or even leggings. Whatever she wears, she manages to make it stylish often with her accessories, which she keeps to minimum of sunglasses and an adorable cross body purse. Most important are her shoes! I have noticed that she wears a stand out pair of high heels for a more formal occasion (family dinner or something of the like), and casual, comfortable sneakers for just hanging out.

http://www.eonline.com/photos/14382/kendall-jenner-s-street-style/455668

http://www.thepublisherswebsite.com/shop-kendall-jenners-off-duty-parisian-style/

http://celebmafia.com/kendall-jenner-street-style-candids-west-hollywood-january-2014-46661/

http://celebmafia.com/kendall-jenner-street-style-beverly-hills-january-17-2014-45155/

Here are some suggestions for pieces to help you with your Kendall Jenner-inspired outfit! I have included a save option and a splurge option, which often isn't really a "splurge" per say, but relative to the save, it might be a bit more expensive.

Structured Cross Body Bag: save splurge

Leather Trousers: save splurge

Distressed Denim: save splurge

D'Orsay Flats: save splurge

White Sneakers: save splurge

Strapped Sandals: save splurge

For more formal events Kendall obviously wears dressier gowns and dresses which reflect the feel of the event. More often than not this will include a crop top of some sort with a matching skirt or bottom. Other times she might wear a minidress with long sleeves and a high neck. It is important to remember that you have to keep some kind of balance. That means if you are going to wear a mini dress and show off your legs, then keep the top half of your body covered up a bit. If you are going to wear a crop top, maybe wear it with a long skirt.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/stars-flock-new-york-fashion-week-gallery-1.1929493?pmSlide=1.1936168

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/british-fashion-awards-2014-rihanna-4729834

http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/photos/kendall-jenner-emilio-pucci-looks-fashion-week/

http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a28784/kendall-jenner-dosso-dossi-show/

Black Mini Dress: save splurge

White Jumpsuit: save splurge

Red Blazer: save splurge

For exercise clothes, Kendall mainly wears plain black leggings, usually Nike or Lululemon, with a thin strapped sports bra and a structured gray sweatshirt thrown over. While I have provided save options above, I have to advocate for Nike and Lululemon for sports clothing. Almost all of my exercise clothes coming from these two brands, and I use and abuse them, and still they manage to stay in great condition!

If you have any suggestions for a celebrity fashion inspiration, please comment! Follow me on Instagram @ribbonsndbows 

Anagha C.

skin and hair care tips

Skin

Water

The first, most important tip that I can give anyone is to drink lots of water! For the past few months I have been making an effort to drink extra water and it has made a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. It feels softer, smoother, and I no longer have acne, plus my skin is more glowy (!!!). If you are going about this, then I suggest you keep water bottles filled at whatever temperature you like, so if you prefer cold refrigerated water like me, then fill up bottles and keep them in the fridge at night. And note, there is no evidence backing up claims that cold water is bad for you, so don't believe the old wives tale!

Moisturization

Everyone's mom uses night cream, so  you might think that it's only for old ladies, but it's not! Even if you are young, you are never too young to use a moisturizer at night. Now, that doesn't mean you have to go out and buy a $300 pot of La Mer, but if you have a $2 jar of Vaseline, then go ahead and slather that all over your face at night (but maybe avoid your lips), and see the difference the next day.

Lips

During the day, I suggest you use a Chapstick, my recommendation is Burt's Bees Pomegranate Chaptick (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002DPUY06/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1434276615&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=burts+bees+chapstick&dpPl=1&dpID=41wm5i800oL&ref=plSrch), which goes on more smoothly than the regular beeswax lip balm. Plus, it's not as dangerous to apply to your lips as Vaseline which contains petroleum jelly. At night you can use a thicker lip balm which will stay on, my recommendation is Philosophy's Hope in a Stick (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FUSTF2G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1434277130&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&keywords=Hope+in+a+stick&dpPl=1&dpID=31u6SQddZWL&ref=plSrch) but you can definitely use Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0054LHI5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1434277236&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=burts+bees+lip+balm&dpPl=1&dpID=51hgH-osxEL&ref=plSrch).

Exfoliate

Exfoliate your face as often as you think works for your skin (depending on your skin type). I recommend St. Ives Apricot scrub, which I combine with any old foaming cleanser I have on hand and use on a daily basis (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J4YYOWI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1434375225&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=st+ives+apricot&dpPl=1&dpID=413i1ExOWFL&ref=plSrch).

Hair

Coconut Oil

Any old coconut oil will work, you don't have to buy organic coconut oil, but you should be diligent about applying this regularly to your hair. If you have access to a microwave then what I like to do is heat up the bottle for 15-20 seconds and apply slightly warm oil to your roots. You can leave it in overnight, but even half an hour is fine, then wash it out with your regular shampoo and conditioner. I recommend Parachute oil which is easily available at Indian stores.

link

Moroccan Oil

I like to apply this to my dry hair to the ends to get rid of any frizz and calm down any split ends. Usually I will use this either after I have straightened or if I'm going au naturale then I apply it all over, except the roots, to get rid of all frizz. I recommend Organix Moroccan Argan Oil.

link

Heat Protectant

Use heat protectant before you use any hit tools! Easy enough, but each product has its own directions so read them! I like to use CHI 44 Iron Guard which I spray on my ends after my hair is air dried and then just comb it through my hair a bit.

link

Apple Cider Vinegar

This will make your hair so incredibly soft, but you definitely have to try it to believe it! What I like to do is take a bottle of apple cider vinegar, decant it into a spray bottle. Then in the shower I spray it onto the lower 2/3rds of my hair, then shampoo and condition the way I normally would. I use it every time I wash my hair which might be too much for people with delicate or fine hair, but it works for my thick hair. You can use any apple cider vinegar, I buy gallon jars from my grocery store, so anything you can find will work.

link

Anagha C.

upcoming posts

Now that my exams are finally over, I can put more effort into the blog! Within the next week or so you can expect a DIY and outfit post with a new skirt I'm having made, another restaurant review, a DIY of my own if things (read: the project) work out, fashion posts, and hair care advice!

Anagha C.

restaurant review: Ville Vandre

When a friend and I decided to go out for dinner and the location was left up to me to select, I knew I had to pick somewhere good. As I had not been to Bandra in nearly four months, I knew there would be plenty of options considering the rate of turnover there. So when I was trying to pick a restaurant, I remembered a place I had mentioned several weeks back, Villa Vandre. Headed up by a former Pali Village Cafe chef, this restaurant quite certainly packs a punch. It's small size was initially deceiving, as I wasn't sure that with my flying elbows I would fit inside the small shop, but still we headed inside. I might mention that you should use Google Maps to find the place since it's off a small side road, but still technically in Pali Hill. Although geographically it is a bit lonely, we had no difficulties in spotting it as they had a cute sign written in half Hindi half English (those who cannot read Hindi look for the "Vandre" half of the sign which is written in English). The menu is vast with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They serve a small selection of breakfast items, which are available until 1130AM, which I know I will be going back to try. The typical pastas are there along with the sandwiches you would expect and salads.

We ended up trying the mutton dhansak, ploughman's sandwich, jerk chicken, with mashed potatoes on the side. The mutton dhansak was extremely tasty with the mutton perfectly cooked and falling off the bone, indicative of the time that went into cooking it. The jerk chicken came in the form of capsicum and chicken kebabs with a sauce that we already itching to replicate at home! Both chicken and capsicum were cooked perfectly and were soft, a rarity with vegetable and meat kebabs in which the vegetables are often undercooked and hard. The ploughman's sandwich was stuffed to the brim with vegetables and was plenty filling without any meat at all. As for the mashed potatoes, they were the unexpected star of our meal, with a creamy, yet not liquidy which can happen if the chef goes overboard while mashing. The spices ratio was balanced, and the flavors were not at all overpowering. We also ordered the ice cream soda and raspberry soda, both of which were excellent and arrived promptly.

All in all, I highly recommend Villa Vandre for a quiet dinner for two, whether romantic or not, the ambience is great for a quiet night out. Our total bill ended up being Rs 1200, which is quite affordable for the number of dishes we got to try!

Price: Rs 1200 for two (600 per person) $$

Timings: 830AM-1130AM; 1230PM-1045PM

Quality: 4 stars

Service: 4 stars

V/NV: Non-vegetarian food is served here

Bar: not available

Home Delivery: not available

Payment: cash and credit card both accepted

Address:

Shop 3, May Flower, New Kantwadi Road, off Perry Cross Road, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), Mumbai

Anagha C.