Gourmet Saturday : Ping Pong (BKC)

I am writing this a little ahead of Saturday in case anyone requires dining-out inspiration for this weekend. 

We tried out Ping Pong at Bandra Kurla Complex a few weekends ago, when Mr Jules and I attended an interiors show at the temporary exhibition centre there (Mr Jules rather begrudgingly obviously). Buoyed up by the triumphant purchase of some lovely cutlery (by the people who supply Good Earth but at almost a third of the price!), we decided to celebrate by lunching on Dim Sum across the road at Ping Pong.  Well it is very hard to find decent cutlery in Mumbai you know!

Chic, if standard Ping Pong interior - reminiscent of Chinese Tea Houses.

Ping Pong is actually a Chinese restaurant franchise originating in the UK.  And just like other popular foreign eateries such as Le Pain de Quotidien, Yauatcha and Pizza Express, they have chosen corporate BKC as the best location to enter the Mumbai (nay, Indian) restaurant scene.  BKC is well suited to the modern chain - with its wide pavements, glassy buildings and suited workers. 

Back home in the UK, Ping Pong was always a cheap, convenient place to go for lunch or after work with mates - where you could share simple, healthy dishes with a glass of wine and not worry about the bill. Here, the chain is almost elevated to the 'luxury' category - mostly because the prices are comparable with that of London. (Upon checking the prices, I found that most dishes to be only 25 - to 75 pence cheaper than their UK counterparts - but with service taxes and VAT that saving is negated). Bearing this in mind, I was keen to see if the place would come up to scratch.

Delicious Crispy Asparagus - cooked al-dente and to perfection (Rs 225)
Scrummy Crispy Prawn Balls (Rs 375)

With a glass of Sula Sauvignon Blanc (Rs 350), our Saturday lunch at Ping Pong did indeed make for an enjoyable diversion - it is definitely worth a detour if you are in the Bandra area.  The food was pretty well cooked with only a couple of criticisms: the steamed dumpling casings were perhaps a little overcooked and therefore a bit soggy; and the 'braised pork belly in five spice sauce' was not available. Never mess with me and my belly of pork...it is one of my favourite dishes and I was hugely disappointed not to have it! Oh, and I did find a small piece of packaging fibre in one of the dishes - but they gave us a free dessert to say sorry so I forgave them.

Honk-free zone outside

Saturday lunchtimes at Ping Pong are not busy - the place is filled with affluent office workers during the week and as yet, has not been 'discovered' by those 'Ladies Wot Lunch' (unlike, say Le Pain de Quotidien).  At 1pm the place was virtually empty, although quite a few Saturday workers from the surrounding office buildings (some very poshly suited) did start to drift in from around 1.30pm. Admittedly, we had only gone there ourselves because we had noticed it from the exhibition centre across the way.

To add to the Zen feeling, the road outside the restaurant is honk-free and there is an uninterrupted view of the wasteland from the window-tables - it is actually a great place to get some peace and quiet at the weekend!

Here are some pics of what we consumed:

Choices are made by ticking off a checklist

Prawn crackers with chilli sauce (Rs 150)

One of two steamed dim sum we ordered - Scallops & Shitake dumplings (Rs 350)

To the rear - Spicy Pork steamed dumplings (Rs 350).  Both had three dumplings so tough if there is four of you!

Chicken Rice Pot - makes a nice, healthy filler for Rs 350

I actually found a fibre in my prawn ball - from packaging I think.  I pointed it out to the staff and they later gave us this dessert without us asking for one.  Nice touch I thought.  Molten chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream

The ceiling - wonder what it says?

Chef at work...stacks of dim sum baskets behind him

The glorious pavements of BKC.

Great afterwork enticement - 2-for-1 cocktails Monday to Friday 4-8pm and 11pm to close.

PING PONG

First International Financial Centre Bldg. 

Plot C-54 & C-55 G block, BKC, Bandra (East),

Mumbai – 400 051

tel: +91 22 67413333

Mon – Sun 12.00pm - 12.30am

www.pingpongdimsum.in 

Ubiquitous India: No 4 - Truck Hoppers

This blog is dedicated to the P-Js of Powai.

All over India, on every road, from the busiest expressways to the narrowest country lane - there are people hitching rides or being transported on the back of commercial vehicles.  They are lone riders, family groups, gangs of workers - or travelling companions who are complete strangers to each other. I call them 'truck hoppers'.

Chance for a catch-up and perhaps even a debate?

Sometimes these hitchers stand without the ability to sit; others make seating out of their cargo - whether it be rice sacks, rubbish or an actual chair (as below). Often you will these impromptu passengers fast asleep amongst a load of detritus. Never is there a seatbelt or a strap, and never do they feel the need to close the doors (if there are any) - better to feel the wind in your hair.

Seating provided!

I love the way that cargo transport doubles up as a commuter transport.  I also love the way that groups of men laugh and play about in the backs of trucks. The most amusing aspect, are those who are willing to squeeze themselves into any available space, just to get where they want to go (or have to go).

Mmmm...looks really comfortable!

Of course, the humour masks something more sinister.  People travelling by this method are generally taking their lives into their own hands (as is so often typical in India's Health & Safety free zone). I hate to think what would happen if any of these vehicles had to brake suddenly, or if one was involved with a crash. I recently heard a terribly sad story from a friend: One morning, upon hearing a loud crash outside, my friend's husband went to investigate.  He saw a van carrying marble slabs on the road outside their apartment block.  He asked someone what was going on. It transpired that the van had just picked up two workers from the next door building and these men had climbed into the back of the van. As soon as it had accelerated away, the two huge marble slabs (which had not been strapped on) - fell sideways on top of the two men, killing one and injuring the other.  My poor friend's husband saw the bodies poking out from under the marble. What a waste of a life because of such a negligent disregard for safety.  So even though I approach this subject in rather a tongue-in-cheek kind of way - I actually find these sightings quite stressful.

In my two years in India, I have recorded these shotgun passengers in their hundreds.  Here is a small selection for your delectation (some photographs are fuzzy as I have shot them through a car window):

Govindas on Human Pyramid day - traverse the city by truck

Next few photos - Gods are not precluded from travelling by truck!

This truck carries a buffet...and a chef

This little cow went to market....

Look closely....very closely!

Notice the guy asleep with his head on the other guy's lap?

Do not step over the threshold!

Is he holding the door to stop it falling off or to stop himself falling out?

The Milkman

Children welcome

Looks like poor legroom for these guys.....

I dread to think what these guys are actually sitting on.

Heads peeping out - looks like they are playing a game of cards.

Precariously perched on boxes on top of this drinks truck.

An attempt at holding on....

This woman looks like she is preparing tonight's dinner in the back of this truck!

The Blackbuck Lodge - Velavadar

I was so blown away by the accommodation we stayed in at Velavadar, that I thought it deserved a post all of its own....

On our trip to Velavadar National Park, we were being accompanied by friends who were keen for a break from Mumbai - so upon landing at Bhavnagar airport (a mere 40 minute flight from the big smog), I was nervous about what lay ahead. It's always a bit like that when you recommend something to others, especially if you have not been there first yourself.

The drive from the airport to our accommodation was dusty, arid and frankly uninspiring - with a monotonous flat landscape, little greenery and ugly industrial vistas. Not only that, but the straight road to Velavadar - although not particularly busy - was dotted with accidents and turned-over vehicles. With a lack of seat-belts in our car and our luggage strapped precariously to the roof, I was not feeling particularly at ease.  I wondered what our friends were thinking.

But that was all to change as soon as we entered through the gates of The Blackbuck Lodge, one hour later.

WOW.

View of the pond from the reception verandah.  So peaceful and calming. The resort is spread around one small lake and two watering holes to the rear- making it easy to see wildlife which is attracted to the water.

Alighting from the car, we were led into a reception area lined with coffee table books and past editions of Vogue and comfy sofas upon which to read them.  We checked in without issue and drank our refreshing welcome drinks on the verandah overlooking the pond.  Everything was so beautiful and so peaceful that any worries I'd had, immediately disappeared. 

After this, our luggage having been taken ahead, we were accompanied up a winding path, past the restaurant building to our accommodation - one of 14 independent cottages nestling in grassy parkland. I couldn't believe my eyes as I stepped over the threshold into our cottage - every possible comfort had been taken care of - from the plump cushions on the bed and window seat, the large satellite TV, the marble floors adorned with rugs, the pencil drawings on the stone walls and the beautiful teak furniture - all giving the impression of a luxurious African safari lodge.  Upon speaking to the owner later, he confirmed that he had indeed taken inspiration from his wildlife travels in Africa.

African safari lodge inspired rooms. I've never slept so well!

The back door of the cottage led straight on to our very own terrace with cushioned teak chairs from which we could survey our own, slightly dried-out watering hole.  You could just sit there all day, waiting for blackbuck, nilgai and birdlife to turn up for a drink.  Which is what we did do a lot of the time!

The huge bathroom was something else - especially the marble lined bath the size of a swimming pool and two rainwater showers.  One inside and one outside!  All the finishes were perfect - no exposed wires, no mouldy walls, no dodgy smells.  The place was spotless and five-star.

Insane marble bath

Although Gujurat is a dry state, The Blackbuck Lodge has a permit to sell alcohol. It's expensive but it's there (and so nice to have a beer after a day of safari-ing).  On our second evening, they had prepared a bar for us in a secluded area near the rear waterhole - with candles hanging off the trees, classical Guju music, a brazier and just the stars for company.  Yes you could see the whole sky lit up with twinkling stars! Such a treat after being in a light-polluted city for so long.

The food choices were a bit limited (after all, there are only 14 rooms at the resort and you can't just walk in off the street), but it was beautifully prepared.  I loved every mouthful.  Each buffet lunch and dinner there were two veg choices (one dry, one in sauce), rice, dhal, and a meat dish for non-vedgers and breads. Both evenings we started off with soup and an appetiser and finish with dessert - such as cardamon scented rice pudding or the ubiquitous Gulab Jamon. Every meal time, the five of us sat indoors at a table laid with crisp white linen but you could also eat or drink at at one of the romantic, canopied tables on the terrace.

At breakfast, I was delighted that there was a) Marmite to have on my toast b) a Lavazza coffee machine and c) eggs made to order.  And there was always a cup of chai waiting when we returned from our safaris.  A pleasing attention to detail - which can be so often lacking in Indian hotels (I am sorry to say) - was to be found in everything at The Blackbuck Lodge.

Buffet in the dining area - service was really excellent

I really do recommend this place as a fantastic getaway from Mumbai - as I mentioned in my previous post, the flight is less than one hour from Mumbai and the drive to the resort a further one hour.  Even if you decide not to take a jeep safari into the park, you can while away hours sitting on your verandah with a book, waiting to see what wildlife will pitch up right in front of you.  Go with friends - as we did, and your evenings will be filled with laughter and stories.  We all came away feeling very relaxed at the end of our stay and ready to face the onslaught that is Mumbai.

And never before have I stayed anywhere in India where they've 'just got it right'.  I have to say very well done indeed to Micky Desai - this place is literally an oasis of good-taste.

More pics of course....

Everything in the cottage was so tasteful

Marble dispensers contain soap, shampoo etc and a mosquito spray is provided.
There are no plastic bags allowed on site - so the bin even contains a brown paper bag.

The outside shower!

The inside shower!

View through back door - leads straight on to parkland

Everything is branded with the Blackbuck logo - even the tea and coffee facilities.

Two comfy chairs on the verandah from which to do your birdwatching

One of the canopied dining tables outside the dining room - takes the heat of the midday sun off you.

Tented sun loungers by the watering hole.

Reception area has sofas and reading matter to suit every taste - including the latest editions of Vogue and GQ magazines.

The dining room.

View of parkland from the verandah of our cottage

Our friends' cottage next door - plenty of privacy and space in between the cottages.

The verandah overlooking the watering hole by reception

The lake at twilight

The owner's resident pug, Mogli, goes on safari

Such attention to detail - even the chambermaids carry wicker baskets in which to put their cleaning materials

The resident duck (one of three that is still alive after his brothers were eaten by local wildlife!)

The 'pop up' bar

The only thing missing at the resort (should you want it) is a swimming pool - but good news is that one is being built and should be ready later this year!


The Blackbuck Lodge
Velavadar National Park,
Dist. Bhavnagar, Bhal,
Saurashtra, Gujarat, IndiaLodge:
Tel: 9978979728 / 9978979729 & 9979157058
Email: 
reservations@theblackbucklodge.com
Website:
www.theblackbucklodge.com