Tag: Mumbais

South Mumbais Iconic Gaylord Restaurant Gets A Glittering, Elegant New Look – See Inside

Gaylord in Churchgate is not just a restaurant, it’s an institution. Established in 1956, it is one of the most iconic dining destinations in this part of South Mumbai. It is also one of the places that many associate with the nostalgia, glamour and ethos of the city as “Bombay”. The Veer Nariman Road (where the restaurant is located) and surrounding lanes are home to several eating joints. But few have stood the test of time as well as Gaylord. Parts of this landmark restaurant were shuttered for several months for renovation, while it continued operations in the remaining space. Towards the end of April 2024, it finally unveiled its new look and we recently dropped by to check it out.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

The glamourous revamp is the work of Delhi-based Headlights Studio. The new interior design aims to recapture the golden charm of days gone by, with a classic black and white theme adorned with regal motifs. This is further accentuated by a collection of B&W photos from distinguished photographers like Madan Mahatta. Each frame has a story to tell – not always of the restaurant, but of glorious days and cultural moments in the past, which have become a part of the legend of those behind Gaylord. You can spot many famously recognisable faces among them, including Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Ravi Shankar and others. After all, this restaurant has hosted many influential personalities from around the country and globe, over the years.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

The design of the outdoor patio has been influenced by Parisian aesthetics. The indoor seating has been given a majestic makeover with glittering chandeliers, plush seating, Moulin-Rouge style curtains, wooden furniture, vintage artefacts and more. “Gaylord’s new look and menu is not just a celebration but a tribute to its long-standing legacy of 67 years. We promise to keep pushing boundaries each year and preserve our precious past,” said Dhruv and Divij Lamba, the current owners of Gaylord. The restaurant was established by two entrepreneurs from Delhi Iqbal Ghai and Pishori Lal Lamba (Dhruv’s grandfather). The duo had also launched the Kwality restaurant chain in the capital city in 1947.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

Gaylord is renowned for its breakfast treats as well as signature Indian and Continental delights that loyal patrons always recommend. While there have been some additions, most of the old favourites have retained their place on the impressively extensive menu.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

Experience the restaurant’s legacy through dishes such as Sahib Full English, Tier Specialty High-Tea platters, Chicken a la Kiev, Lobster Thermidor, and a range of North Indian delicacies. Vegetarians, we highly recommend their flavourful Soya Chaap and Paneer Boti Tikka. In the main course, don’t miss the delectable Kwality Chana with Bhatura, made in the North Indian style with a dry, spicy preparation of channa paired with an enormous golden bhatura worthy of a regal feast. When in doubt, you can also go for comforting Dal Makhani.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

Non-vegetarians, there are signature dishes featuring different types of meat, so you can easily take your pick. We tasted and enjoyed the melt-in-the-mouth Lamb Galouti, Fish Amritsari, Chicken Gilafi and Gaylord Chicken Kebab. In the mains, the Chicken Chasseur provided an interestingly delicious contrast to the desi indulgences that preceded it. End your meal on a sweet note with unpretentious desserts like Caramel Custard and Malai Kulfi Falooda. Can’t stay for the last course? Grab an indulgent pastry, cheesecake or any other treat from Gaylord’s in-house bakery adjoining the main restaurant area.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

The restaurant has refreshed its cocktail menu to include unique libations alongside the classics, such as the Guava Picante and Gaylord Punch. There are also many non-alcoholic options to choose from. If you want a sip of history and nostalgia, then the Fresh Ginger soda will not disappoint.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

The revamped Gaylord restaurant plans to host many cultural events, including grand piano recitals, live music acts, curated hi-tea parties and much more. It aims to continue to delight its old patrons while attracting newer ones from the young generation to explore its heritage through a fresh lens.

Where: Mayfair Building, V N Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020.

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

_{Photo Credit: Gaylord}

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November 18, 2024
Grand Hyatt Mumbais China House Restaurant Offers A Divine Dim Sum Experience

Dim sums have become a ubiquitous comfort food on menus in Mumbai. From hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale establishments, from bizarre versions at street stalls to expertly curated fine-dining platters the availability and versatility of this treat is as diverse as it is delightful. Some diners in the city prefer to stick to popular, palatable flavours. But there are also others who seek out lesser-known varieties, whether they’re more experimental or “authentic.” Our search for good dim sums led us to the China House Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Mumbai. At its helm is Chef Yajun Zhang, who specialises in dim sums and Sichuan delicacies.

Chef Zhang (on the left). Photo Credit: China House, Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Chef Zhang has been shaping the dining experiences at the China House Restaurant since its inception 18 years ago. Over almost two decades, he has not only honed his culinary craft but also cleverly adapted it to the changing complexity of local preferences. Chef Zhang points out that one of the key factors that allows them to maintain the quality and taste of the food is being very particular about sourcing the right ingredients for the dishes – from the humble schezwan pepper to the duck meat used in signature offerings.

Photo Credit: China House, Grand Hyatt Mumbai

During our meal, we tasted a wide range of dim sums across three categories: Steamed, Pan-Fried and Deep-Fried. Chef Zhang explained some of the finer touches that made them stand out. “Firstly, we ensure that the filling is fresh and keep it chilled so that the flavour seeps in well. When we prepare the dim sum sheets, they are neither too thin nor too thick. We prepare dim sums a-la-minute because if you make and keep them in the fridge, they’re not that flavourful.” One of our favourites was the Steamed Chicken Siu Mai. The chef revealed his secret for perfecting this particular dim sum: hand crushing or chopping the chicken for the filling – but not mincing it. “It should be nice and chunky, and have the right amount of fat in it. We keep it in the chiller for a few hours prior, so that it gets a really good flavour.”

Photo Credit: China House, Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Other non-vegetarian options we recommend are the crispy Deep-Fried Chicken Dumpling, the spicy Black Pepper Chicken Dumpling, the pan-fried Lamb Dumpling with spring onions and the classic Chinese BBQ Pork Bun (this is one of Chef Zhang’s favourites). Seafood lovers can opt for treats such as the Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumpling, Seafood Scallop Sumpling and Truffle Chilean Sea Bass Dumpling. Vegetarians have ample delicious choices too. We especially liked the Edamame Bean Dumpling with Truffle oil and the Mushroom Shape Bun.

Photo Credit: China House, Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Several of our recommendations feature on China House’s Unlimited Dim Sum menu – a curation that also includes an appetiser, a soup, a wok dish, a rice/ noodles serving and dessert. Guests can choose between multiple options under each category while indulging in unlimited portions of different kinds of dim sums. The a la carte menu is quite extensive, aiming to accommodate general and niche tastes. While we chose to let dim sums dominate our meal, we must mention the lip-smacking juiciness of Stir-Fried Sliced Lamb and the surprising subtlety of the Jasmine Tiramisu.

The sumptuous ambience and plush decor, featuring leather armchairs, polished wooden tables and aesthetic lattice screens, enhanced our overall experience. The kitchen, under the guidance of Chef Zhang, ensured our meal was packed with dynamic flavours made with top-quality ingredients. Thus, whether you’re seeking a spot for a romantic date night, a celebratory family dinner or simply an indulgent meal with friends, consider China House Restaurant as one of your next dining destinations.

Where: Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Residences, Bandra Kurla Complex Vicinity, off Western Express Highway, Santacruz East, Mumbai.

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November 14, 2024

Tag: Mumbais

South Mumbais Iconic Gaylord Restaurant Gets A Glittering, Elegant New Look – See Inside

Grand Hyatt Mumbais China House Restaurant Offers A Divine Dim Sum Experience