Think of Italians and we can’t fail to notice how passionate they are about their food, traditions and culture. Bringing to you this truly Italian dining experience, with all its feels, is Toscano after having won over Bangalore and Chennai folks for over a decade.
Toscano has opened its doors in Pune, right in the heart of Koregaon Park, and is here to transport you to the streets of Italy with its intimate yet soothing ambience and insatiable culinary choices.
Image Credits: Aniruddha Patil
Toscano offers an exquisite range of fine gourmet indulgences from handmade sourdough pizzas to artisan pasta. With an extensive wine bar, you can pair your food with wines to choose from their amazing collection.
Looks like Toscano is all set to sweep you off your feet, Punekars!
There was a time when anyone wanted to open something new they would for sure try to make it in or around Koregaon Park.
But off late all good places seem to be opening Deccan and uske paar! ( Futuristic people know that Pune Metro bringing places closer 😜 )
Thus when I was told of a new kid on the block ( Read Olive Wheat Grape) in the lane of the first kid on the block ( Le Plassir) I wasn’t surprised. And the sheer fact that the husband wanted to take me across the town braving the metro work assured me I was in for a treat when finally invited for a #PEOTasting.
Spicy Kokum Margarita
There we were in the crowded Prabhat Lane, and I saw a place with huge glass walls and tables next to the glass not to mention reserved PARKING, I jumped down and skipping in I went.
Shyam was already there before us ( he also took a short class on how to click pics) and had taken a tour of the place.
While we waited for our fellow diners, I took in the ambience. Nice muted lights, nothing glaring in your face nor so dim that you couldn’t see what you ate. Soft music in the background making a perfect backdrop to drown out the traffic noise yet allow you to have a conversation without shouting at each other.
We were offered two of their mocktails Spicy Kokum Margarita:– Spicy chillie balanced with the tangy Kokum and Cuddles on the Beach:– A guava and pineapple juice base, uncommon and spot on. Both were excellent. Not sugary sweet.
Now as those of you who have been part of PEO Tastings would know, there are two things that go hand in hand here 1. No food wastage 2. It’s about showcasing dishes which the chef feels the PEOple should hear about and not about trying the whole menu or what the invitees feel they are entitled to.
Thus when the Chef mentioned he wanted us to try their Polenta table for the days experience, I am willing to admit I had no previous experience of the same. As explained by the chef this dish requires advance preparation of 4 hours and has multiple components as part of it.
Polenta
First, is the cornmeal porridge poured on a wooden board, on this they add different types of meat or veggies in our case there were chicken wings, chicken kebabs and chicken mince kebabs. This was followed by grilledvegetables:- peppers, mushroom, pineapple, broccoli. Top it with some pesto and marinara sauce. Add some jalapeno, olives and salad leaves. Sprinkle some grated cheese for the finish. A better tasting, guilt-free, tummy and soul-filling meal I haven’t found. Each individual chicken was cooked tender and not chewy or dry. The grilled vegetables didn’t go limp even after being placed on hot porridge. This is one experience I would recommend everyone to try without fail.
After this, we tried one of the dishes recommend not just by the chef but also a fellow diner:-
Mutton Sultan:-Mutton on Brinjal Mash topped with Almond slices. Definitely not to be missed. You cannot imagine how well Brinjal Mash goes with Mutton, the dish was wiped clean.
Brocolli Potato balls:- New dish on the menu, can’t imagine a lighter way of having fried potatoes. Or easier way to get away with feeding broccoli to anyone who usually claims i don’t eat it. They will simply gorge on it.
Flourless Orange and Chocolate Cake
Flourless Chocolate and Orange Cake:-What could there possibly be to not like in that combo 😍😍
I really hope the Metro starts really soon, making travel to Deccan and paar quicker, making trips easier coz I would really really wanna go back soon to try the other new dishes they are whipping up.
Undhiyo, another winter speciality from the land of Gujarat, is prepared with the season’s fresh harvest like the surati papdi, tuvar and vaal beans, green peas, purple yam, sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, raw/ ripe bananas, ivy gourd, brinjals and methi muthiya along with spices and masalas.
Traditionally, this dish is cooked buried underground in an upside-down earthen pot, for hours.
Here’s where you could get a taste of Gujarat, right here in Pune:
Snacks n food- Rashi Gupta
Image Credits: Snacks n Food
Pav Bhaji is one such thing that is synonymous to Rashi Gupta, and this winter she brings to you her authentic Undhiyo. With fresh vegetables all the way from Surat & Ahmedabad, the undhiyo is priced at 600/- per kg and delivered across Pune. Connect to Rashi Gupta on 7755915811to have your hands on this season’s special.
Avani Shah
Enjoy Gujarat’s traditional delicacy delivered right at your home. Priced at Rs. 500/- per kg, Avani Shah delivers undhiyo across Pune. Connect to her on 9372925888 to order yours till the winters last.
Dalchini
Image Credits: Dalchini
Dalchini has launched their winter menu, and amongst all the season’s specialities, you must not miss on the Undhiyo here. Head to Dalchini to gorge on this winter’s speciality with piping hot puris for a truly satisfying experience. Where: 3rd Floor, Shri Shankar Bhavan, Paud Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411038.
Meenakshi Ahuja is here cater to your cravings this regional speciality of Surat. The highlight of this Gujarati mixed vegetable dish is her masala stuffing. Contact Meenakshi Ahuja on 9823065776 and pick up your order from NIBM Road, Kondhwa.
You know where to head to treat yourself and your loved ones with this traditional Gujarati delicacy this winter.
A cute and cosy place has just made its debut in Kothrud and is a much-needed addition to the food scenario here. Having lived in Kothrud for most of her life, Saili Jahagirdar Mirikar, the owner, felt the need of a good Chinese and Asian serving place and thus the idea of ‘Zillionth Bistro’ was born. Located in the lane of Kheliya on Paud Road, this place has a peaceful and welcoming vibe to it.
Here are our top 5 reasons why you must visit ‘Zillionth Bistro’:
1. Delicious Food: Serving Chinese and Asian cuisine, ‘Zillionth Bistro’ offers you variety of soups, appetizers, mains, noodles & rice. In addition to this, the place introduces you to Chinese sizzlers and some unique dishes like Orange Chicken and Kaffir Lime Chilli Paneer. With fresh local produced used for cooking and a ‘No MSG – No Ajinomoto – No artificial colours policy’, you know Zillionth Bistro is here to care about you.
Dimsums Image Credits: Chaitra Gindi
2.Pet-friendly: With its arms wide open, Zillionth Bistro is all set to welcome your furry kids. You needn’t worry about leaving your pets at home while you enjoy your dinner as Kothrud is now blessed with a pet-friendly place.
3.Co-working Cafe: Work…WiFi…Coffee… You know what I mean, right? Yes, ‘Zillionth Bistro’ is a co-working cafe too. Not to forget the delicious food to keep you company while you work!
4.Wings by the Dozen: Hosting a party and can’t decide where to order from? Well, Zillionth Bistro has got it all sorted for you! This place not just caters to your party orders, but has introduced a unique concept too-Wings by the Dozen. The next time you want to buy a dozen or more delicious chicken wings, you know where to head to.
5. Upcycled Interiors: Almost 85% of the interiors at ‘ Zillionth Bistro’ have been made using upcycled products, right from the table tops of tiles to the sofa covers made with jeans. The decor here is minimal with cute and eye-catching illustrations of food, hanging on the walls.
Image Credits: Dr Anupam Potdar
It may be the ‘Zillionth’ place serving Chinese and Asian cuisine, but it looks promising. It’s time you visit ‘Zillionth Bistro’ to have a heartwarming meal this weekend.
I have been seeing all those wonderful posts about Cafe idli and those droolworthy pictures were killing me. For some reason I was under the impression they cater for minimum 10 people. (Apparently, the minimum order should be only Rs.500) So, I was patiently waiting for my family to get together and finally got that opportunity yesterday.
I searched a few posts on Peo page and called the number which was promptly answered by Jyothi. She, very patiently answered all my queries and helped me finalise the menu. I asked her to keep the spice level to medium as we have kids in our family.
Delivery was agreed upon by 1 pm which was a bit of a concern, as my family eats a bit early. She accepted my order even though it was well after her ordering deadline the previous day. The next day, I called her around 12 pm as I was a bit anxious about the delivery time and to my surprise she informed me that the food was already out for delivery. The food reached us just in time, everything looked and smelled so good.
The Malabar chicken curry was a super hit with the kids et all. So was the chettinad chicken curry and the chicken varattiyathu. The vegetarian people had the avial. The accompanying appams and parottas just flew off the table. Everyone kept asking me how did you get the spice level just right??! What did you tell her? 🤔(Did I??). The food extremely aromatic and flavourful but nowhere spicy. And the portions quite generous! Except for an occasional ‘more chicken’, ‘more appam’ breaking the silence the usual chitter chatter was missing at the table!
Just a couple suggestions
1. To keep a banana leaf/butter paper in between two appams to keep them from sticking.
2. Maybe more meaty chicken pieces in the curry. Some of them were too bony. Also if you can try and keep the chicken bit more moist, especially for the dry chicken dish.
Appam although were just right in taste and texture is just not a good idea for a takeout or delivery. You need to have them right off the pan. We did reheat them in the microwave before serving.
Overall, good food, a happy tummy with your loved ones is a perfect recipe for one Happy Sunday!! Thank you team Cafe Idli!!!
One of my sister’s was missing as she wasn’t in town.. but that gives us just more reason to order from you soon. Best wishes always and keep dishing out the good stuff👍
Apologies, for the picture… that’s the best I could manage before the kids dived in..
The festive season is incomplete without friends n’ family, celebrations, traditions, gifts, wines…and delicious Christmas treats, of course!
We know you’re busy with the preparations already, and to make it a little easier, here’s a quick glance at the bakers, home-bakers and cafes all set to make your Christmas merrier with their yummy goodies…
All your ‘festive must-haves’, right from Cookies to Rum-soaked Cakes, are made with love and care by our fellow #PEOple.
Image Credits: Dolche
Dolche Christmas Cakes, chocolates, muffins.. Dolche is here to make your ‘sweet’ dreams come true. Vanilla Choco Chips, Dates & Walnuts, Roasted Almonds Choco Chips, Dates and Banana..you know you have got a variety of X-mas cakes to choose from. Pick up phones and place your orders now! Pooja Gore– +91 99213 51147
A Baked Affair Baked Affair brings to you A Baked Christmas with its interesting Christmas hampers that include traditional rum-soaked Christmas cake, White Christmas cake, macarons and much more exclusively for you. Contact Nikita Das on 9561129654 before the goodies fly off her shelves.
Image Credits:Neha Varma
Neha varma’s creative delights: Homemade Chocolates, Truffles, Cupcakes, Cakes and much more, all your Christmas Treats have been sorted. You just need to hurry up and place your orders soon.
Sumedha Desai Patil Christmas is on the way, and so are lip-smacking goodies like chocolates, rose cookies, kulkuls, donuts, muffins and much more by Sumedha Desai Patil. Book your orders now on 9421323121.
Image Credits:BakeHouse Goodies
BakeHouse Goodies Bakehouse Goodies brings you some great Christmas treats this year…Yule logs, Rum balls, Christmas jar cakes, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Cakes and Chocolates. Contact Tanushree Gogoi on 9819132443 to book your goodies now!
Lillicious Lillicious is here with its Christmas menu that includes Traditional Fruit Cake loaded with soaked-fruits, mini pies made only with fresh seasonal fruits, Chocolate Cake with Ganache spiked with Kahlua and cookies too. Connect to Leelavati Sabale on +919822376006 to book your treats.
Image Credits: Sorted.Delicatessen
Sorted.Delicatessen Sorted.Delicatessen brings to you Christmas hampers filled to the brim with cookies, cakes, crackers, granola, chips, butter, gourmet tea blends and a customized set of candles, as well as guilt-free indulgences. To place your order please contact Kunwar on 9764717901.
Sunaina Pereira brings to you a home-baked Christmas Menu with delicious goodies right from her traditional English Rum Fruit Cake to the Cranberry and White chocolate cookies. You can reach her on 9764640500 to place your orders.
Image Credits: Bake Pure
Bake Pure BakePure is here with its healthy bakes including plum cakes, cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies and much more. They provide Gluten-free, Vegan, Low carb, low calorie, High protein and Sugarfree bakes too. Contact Megha Agrawal on 9665499888 now!
Insatiable temptations by trisha Trishna Punjabi, a home-baker, brings to you cookies, brownies, cupcakes and much more this festive season. To place an order, contact Trishna Punjabi on 8983002700.
Image Credits: Couches The Patisserie
Couches.. The Patisserie It’s Couches’s first Christmas and to make it more special, they are here this festive season with some delicious and exciting cakes like Exotic fresh Strawberry Gateaux, Coconut Strawberry Slice and Hazelnut strawberry With Belgian truffle torte. Connect to Anushka Jaju on 7000424471 and get your cakes delivered doorstep!
Choco Fantasy Christmas is incomplete without sweet treats and Choco Fantasy is here with its chocolate boxes and delicious walnut fudge. Contact Harshita Varma on 9168793030 to grab your treats.
Even with the diverse culture in our country, we Indians bond over one thing for sure- Our traditionally rich food. Winter is the time to indulge in the seasonal delicacies and welcoming the season are the Punjabis with their soul-comforting Sarson da Saag and Makke di Roti.
Give those dinner cooking sessions a miss, and gorge on this comfort food at these places in Pune.
Dilli Chaatt Darbaar Image Credits: Kamlessh Melwani
Bebe Di Rasoi: Moms are all about feeding their kids with makkhan and lots of pyaar, and Bebe is here to bless you with some delicious ‘Ghar ka Khaana’. Next time you pick up your phone to order food, give the saag from ‘Bebe di Rasoi’ a try. Not to miss the sweet handwritten note from Bebe. Deliverying homely experience via Zomato & Swiggy in and around SB Road, Wakad, Amanora and Kalyani Nagar.
Shreeji Naan & Paratha: Another place serving this winter delicacy is the Shreeji Naan & Paratha. You might want to give your usual dinner a miss and gorge on the delicious saag with makke di roti here. Where: Pradhikaran, Nigdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411044
Dalchini Image Credits: Dalchini
Dalchini: Like every year, Dalchini is here with its Winter Menu, and you must visit this place for a hearty meal of Sarson da saag with makke di roti. Not to forget, they are Friends of PEO. Where: 3rd Floor, Shri Shankar Bhavan, Paud Road, Pune
We are already drooling while writing about this winter delicacy and heading out for a yummy dinner of Sarson da Saag and Makke di Roti tonight. It’s time you should too. 🙂
Restaurant – Effingut What – Revamped Menu Tasting Where – At a Private Farmhouse Why – Coz they definitely are the KING of good times and they don’t believe in mediocre! How– The Secret Soiree
A tasting invite like none other ‘𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓢𝓸𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓮 ‘ – all we were told was a time and a date! On the concerned day, we all were asked to wait at Vimannagar, and were told transport has been arranged. Three Innovas arrive ( remember those pressure tests in Masterchef kitchen when three cars arrive! -It was almost the same feeling on reaching the venue.) Meanwhile, the moment those cars took off for the venue, gut feeling intensified – “𝓒𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝓔𝓯𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓽, 𝓷𝓸 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓼𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓾𝓻! “
Amongst the hawww’s and awww’s for the sprawling property we just entered, we were asked to settle on the table. ( A table with the menu, with whats the secret soiree and personalised tags – on a patio and poolside! ♥️) Gut feeling confirmed “𝓘𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓔𝓯𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓽”” aaaand there, the entire team comes out with a SURPRISE and we PEOple were probably excited more than we would be seeing Amitabh Bacchan! This absolutely being the Shahenshah of surprises and why not , Effingut rishtey me toh sabke baap joh lagte hai!
What happens when a legendary place decides to re-do the legendary menu – well they better not touch PEO favourites and believe me they haven’t! – you get another LEGENDARY menu, obviously! And we being lucky-or-what- To get a sneak peek into it, when the Effingut culinary team takes the entire pantry to a private farmhouse , an exquisite table hosted by none other than Manu Sir and team personally! My love for Effingut multiplied many times at that very moment – not that it was any lesser! (Since my friends have given up on कुठेतरी नवीन जाऊयात का? 😋) Heres a thing, that conversation when the Manu Sir asked everyone about theirr favourite places to dine in Pune and why & being able to connect on a place where he also routinely calls appams from- it was an experience of a kind- inspiring and humbling at the same time! For me, its these stories around the food I always cherish and thats what PEO has given me – unforgettable experiences and inspiring conversations! ♥️
So coming to food, it was near perfect- whatever amateurs like us had suggestions about, was taken in the consideration like always!
Crispy Corn Jhol-Bacon Swirls- Thai Devilled Eggs
Crispy corn jhol – Retaining their crispy corn which Im sure most of us have munched on at Effingut, comes back with a 2.0 – more chapata and still cant stop munching on it!
Potato skin chips with a wasabi mayo– I mean they have a whole lotta potatoes on the menu now- and these crispy potato chips went perfectly with the dip – another one you couldn’t stop munching on!
When you see, bacon swirled around some khari- the result being just as crisp, tasty as you imagine but you definitely cannot imagine the makhani mayo dip – try it to know good it was 😊
Thai devilled egg – devilled eggs with a twist, spicy and to top it with the umami of fish sauce- absolutely lovely !
Spicy Kheema Bunny Chow-Pork Ribs-Lemon Crusted Fish
They have also included some of the dishes from the chilli fest they had sometime back and I was really happy to see that guntur chilli chicken make it to the regular menu! The spicy kheema bunny chow from various options in the bunny chow was one of my favorites that night- I finished the entire thing , getting stuffed, not thinking what all was supposed to come after that- but then, perfectly done kheema with a perfectly done bread – whats not to love about it! 🙈
The next ones which came post the kheema bunny chow actually I had no more than a spoonful of it but all I say Prawns laksa will be the next khao suey here for sure – A coconut based curry but spicier and served with noodles- fabulous!
Lemon crusted fish – a fried fish fillet served with green garlic pilaf – Fried fish, a hint of parmesan, subtle garlic and rice. Super comfort food 😊 Sloppy chicken burger – Really sloppy, really messy, really good!
Pork Ribs in classic BBQ sauce, served with potato wedges, classic coleslaw and buttered corn – Just go for this one if nothing. Though I must tell you, slow cooked pork, an option of what sauce and sides you prefer and a choice to spike it up with Old Monk or JD ( Yes,Yes!) Is what’s in store 😋
Tiramisu
Tiramisu – Their take on the Italian classic and BRAVO! Sizzling brownie and hazelnut cheesecake has some serious competition now! ♥️
On the whole, the new menu card is very attractive, very organized, has like different sections to choose from, and so many good food options that you are going to be spoilt for choice! 😊 (P.S.- Khao Suey, mustard chilli prawns, mutton biryani, butter chicken stays – hushhh! )
Thank you team PEO and team Effingut for this amazing-amazing experience! ♥️
I had the Desi Ghee Misal and the Special Misal. The Special is served with grated Cheese, a mound of butter and a very tiny portion of dahi.
It’s is really the best Misal I have had yet in the Greater Pune area.
The spice level is just right and doesn’t stupefy or paralyse your taste buds, while the flavour of Desi ghee is cherry on top. Lovely lovely.
The grated cheese does subdue the flavour profile quite a bit, so you’ll not be tasting the real deal. But it is good nonetheless.
They gotta focus on plating well and it’d be great to have chopped onion on the side. The portion size isn’t that inspiring, but it’s good enough.
Bhadang Bhel
Also tried the Bhadang Bhel and it was a pleasant surprise. Fresh bhadang doesn’t turn soggy that quick, and there’s a plethora of crunch elements in it to keep you interested till the end.
Wanted plain Taak(buttermilk). Got it at Chinchwad but was refused at Sangvi. Found both branches consistent with respect to flavours – which is reassuring.
Sangvi is closer home, so that’s gonna be my go-to Misal den here on!
The Misal is priced between ~70-100 ₹ while the Bhel is ~45 ₹
Before you get me wrong, the ‘lick’ here refers to the utterly lick-worthy Mustard Dip served with some heavenly Nachos Crusted Cheesy Chicken Sticks. 😋
Let’s start from the beginning though, shall we?
Visit 1 :
Crackling Ebi Roll
The mood that day wasn’t so great. Not much time till someone asks ‘Isn’t breakfast late’?
Running errands since the morning and no time for a bite at all. Plan was of breakfast but add beer to the equation and it magically becomes brunch 😝
Had read about their Kheema Misal Pav here on PEO quite a few times but decided to go for Kheema Pav instead.
Kheema Pav : Kheema was good, not much to rave about but boy, oh boy those Pavs 😍 Some of the best Pavs in the city imo. Extremely fresh, soft, sweet and buttery. We ordered 2 extra jodis just to eat by themselves. #HighlyRecommended Vegetarians, literally order any other dish that includes Pav and join the club. INR 375/-
Crackling Ebi Roll : This was a recommendation from our server. Although, didn’t quite impress. Can give this one a miss. INR 425/-
Visit 2 :
Went solely for the Kheema Pav. This time, ordered an extra jodi along with the initial order itself. 🙃
Nachos Crusted Cheesy Chicken Sticks
Nachos Crusted Cheesy Chicken Sticks : Nachos, cheese, chicken. 😋 All of my weaknesses made into a deep fried snack. Served with a Mustard Dip, this one is another dish worth going back for time and again. #MustTry INR 225/-
Oblique Kitchen 17/1/B, Plot 9, Opposite Moreshwar Sabhagruha, Kothrud, Pune (Lane Opp Subway, Karishma Society)
