Wednesday

Bombay Bites


“Decision time” announces Ashok Kumar, the friendly owner and manager of Bombay Bites in Neutral Bay.  Having whet our appetites with an assortment of pappadams, chutneys and mixed pickles, it’s time to select our menu.

All dishes are made freshly to order, with nothing pre-prepared on the premises.  This is evident in the array of delicate spices and flavours virtually jumping off each plate, creating a delicious experience of genuine Indian cooking.

We start with samosas and adraki lamb chops, which are seared and marinated with an aromatic fresh paste and grilled in the traditional Tandoor oven.  Succulent and tender, mint yoghurt chutney is a perfect complement to the marinade.
Adraki lamb chops
For the main course we elect the traditional dahl tarka (which Ashok says is one of his healthy favourites) and chicken tikka masala cooked to order in the Tandoor.  The precision and detail with which every dish is explained when served enhances the dining experience, giving us an appreciation of the ingredients, method and history behind the meal. The dahl has a gentle flavour that combines perfectly with the richer chicken tikka masala.

Chicken tikka masala


Dhal tarka
Bombay Bites is the pride of the Kumars, a husband and wife team who began their restaurant careers in India before moving to Australia.  A hidden gem that is part of the blossoming restaurant precinct in Neutral Bay, the venue offers a ‘Bling Cushion Room’ and a ‘Hukka Bar’ ideal for private parties as well as the mural adorned restaurant.  The attentiveness of the Kumars makes one feel like a guest in their home, despite the fine dining atmosphere and elaborate Indian decor.

Homemade mango icecream
Finding a separate stomach for the fresh dessert of homemade mango ice cream, the verdict is clear.  For an authentic Indian experience north of the bridge, Bombay Bites gets the thumbs up (just watch out for those jumping spices).

The Hukka Bar
The dishes we loved

-       Adraki Lamb chops (entree)
-       Chicken tikka masala (main)
-       Homemade mango icecream (dessert)

Bombay Bites is at 166 Military Road, Neutral Bay.

Thank you to OurDeal, who provided three courses, a bottle of wine, naan bread and a side platter.

Bombay Bites on Urbanspoon

Sunday

Departure Lounge - Jetsetting to Zimbabwe

African dummers Ki Fetch
There’s nothing that says ‘I need a holiday’ like the prospect of another day at the office during blustery winter July.   With grey clouds gathering at the window, the Microsoft paperclip your most riveting company, the closest beach in sight is in facebook photos travelling friends have tauntingly posted.
Departure Lounge at Piano Room provides a novel escape from the winter blues that doesn’t bite into your leave balance, cost a fortune or require hours of preparation. 

Rich Coombes, Vincent Stander and Daniella Alhadeff (lifeafterfive*) preparing for departure
Transforming into the departure lounge of a different country each week, the event is an initiative by the foodies and fashionistas behind Eat Drink Play and Fashion Palette.   At the Zimbabwe event on Thursday 30 June, charming hostess Sonya Mefaddi hands us a boarding pass and shows us to our seats.  With Shakira and Freshly Ground’s Waka waka (This Time for Africa) playing on arrival and a pair of Cheetahs lounging on the bar, we may be in the heart of Kings Cross but the spirit of Africa is in full force as we order our first cocktail from a safari clad waitress.
The ‘Lion King’ cocktail may not be strictly traditionally Zimbabwean, but no one is complaining as they’re served the delicious frangelico based drink infused with cinnamon and orange peel.   A chef’s tasting plate of African food is served as the skilful Ki Fetch Band of African drummers warm up the crowd. 
 
2 x Lion  King cocktails & chef's plate - only $15

Chef's african tasting plate


The concept is the first collaboration between Fashion Palette and Eat Drink Play. Both companies have a focus on showcasing up-and-coming talent such as emerging fashion designers and inspiring young chefs.
“Sonya and I wanted to combine food and fashion to create something unique and different for Sydney but with an accessible price tag that everyone can enjoy” said Alex Adams, the fabulous foodie behind Eat Drink Play. 
“Guests can expect anything from Brazilian dancers to a mariachi band. Each night will be like stepping off a long-haul flight into a completely different country” added Adams.
Whether you want to samba with the Brazillians, celebrate Bastille Day in true Parisian style or sample Spanish cuisine, Departure Lounge is an opportunity for Sydneysiders to escape to the far corners of the globe – even if only for a few hours.  

Ki Fetch jamming with the crowd

Keen travelers, foodies and fashionistas can purchase a boarding pass online from preferred ‘travel agent’ Our Deal for $15. In exchange for a boarding pass guests will receive entry, two cocktails and a plate from the ‘Chef’s Global Menu’ and a night of worldly entertainment.

Travel Itinerary
9 June - Mexico
16 June - Japan
23 June - Greece
30 June - Zimbabwe
7 July - Morocco
14 July - France
21 July - Old England
28 July - Spain
4 August - Vietnam
11 August - Brazil

Piano Room on Urbanspoon

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