Back to Mirabelle: Pizza Cravings, Traffic Woes & A Meal Worth the Wait

 

After a drive into town and a little window shopping at a couple of new designer stores, hunger eventually caught up with us. There was a brief discussion about whether we should stop for momos since we were quite close to one of our favourite momo places, but our taste buds had other plans. We were clearly craving pizza. It had been a while since our last visit to Mirabelle, so that made the decision easy.

Unfortunately, the journey there turned into quite an adventure of its own. Ever since we left home, we seemed to be stuck behind one frustrating driver after another, each somehow managing to block traffic in the most inconvenient ways possible. And just as our hunger pangs were becoming impossible to ignore, we got stuck behind yet another driver who had blocked the entire crossroad barely 200 metres from our destination. At that point, patience was definitely running low.

Thankfully, after finally making our way out of the jam, we arrived at Mirabelle and headed straight in to place our order. We started with a couple of chilled drinks—an Iced Caramel Macchiato and an Iced Shaken White Mocha—which were perfect companions for the warm afternoon.

For starters, we ordered the Polo Di Spinaci, a delicious beginning to the meal. The mains featured a Polo Picante Pasta and a Cappelletti-e-Olio Pizza, both of which were absolutely satisfying. The real highlight for me, though, was undoubtedly the Polo Picante sauce. It was rich, flavourful, and honestly so good that I’m half tempted to go back just to convince them to share the recipe.

One interesting detail we noticed for the first time was that all the plates and serving dishes were either pink or green. Naturally, I came up with my own little theory that it was a “his & hers” concept. Curious to know if I was right, I asked our server—and to my delight, my deduction was confirmed.

By the end of the meal, we were far too full to even consider dessert. However, that didn’t stop us from admiring Mirabelle’s signature Tiramisu as it was being served to the table next to us. It looked absolutely irresistible and instantly made us regret not saving a little room.

Lesson learnt: next time, no matter what we order, we are definitely keeping space for dessert.

A Charming Mother’s Day Lunch at Eloise – The Bistro

Eloise - The Bistro

This post may come as a surprise, considering how unexpectedly it has appeared after such a long silence. After much thought, I decided it was finally time to revive the blog. The last post dates back to 2018, and while I may gradually try to fill in the missing years with stories and photographs, for now, here’s a lovely recent outing to begin this new chapter.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, I headed out with my family for a delightful lunch at the beautiful Parisian-themed café, Eloise – The Bistro. This eatery instantly charms you with the adorable teddy bear that greets guests at the entrance.

From the moment we arrived, the warm and welcoming staff made us feel comfortable. Guests can either take the lift located at the side or walk through the bakery and climb a narrow staircase that opens directly into the heart of the café.

The ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. Soft French-inspired music played in the background, giving the place the feel of a scene straight out of a 1920s Parisian film. The pastel pink interiors, floral décor, thoughtfully placed mirrors, ceramic plates, paintings, elegant furniture, and refined crockery all came together beautifully, making it the perfect setting for a Mother’s Day celebration.

Once seated, we quickly got down to the important business of ordering. Starting with drinks, I led the way with a frappe, and soon enough, all of us had followed suit. Between us, we ordered almost every frappe on the menu—Eloise Frappe, Café Frappe, Nutella Frappe, and Tiramisu Frappe.

To begin, we shared a portion of Eloise Grilled Prawns, which made for a delicious starter. For the main course, I chose the Lasagne Alle Verdure, while the rest of the family enjoyed Truffle Fettuccine, Flame Grilled Chicken, and Lamb Chops.

No meal is complete without dessert, of course. We ended on a sweet note with a Walnut Brownie, divided into four and happily devoured, along with a complimentary Chocolate Tart as a special Mother’s Day treat.

Would we go back? Absolutely. There were still so many tempting dishes left unexplored on the menu, and after such a satisfying meal, a return visit is definitely on the cards.

Sometimes, the best way to restart something is with good food, good company, and a memorable experience—and this lunch was exactly that.

Eloise Frappe

Eloise Grilled Prawns

Flame Grilled Chicken

Lamb Chops

Lasagne Alle Verdure

Truffle Fettuccine

Walnut Brownie

Chocolate Tart

Exercising My Right to Vote

 

Today marked a very important day for West Bengal as citizens headed to the polling booths to cast their votes and help decide who will form the government for the next five years.

Election Day is always a reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with living in a democracy. It is a chance for every eligible citizen to have their voice heard and play a part in shaping the future of the state.

Like every responsible citizen should, I too stepped out and exercised my right to vote. It may seem like a small act, but collectively, these individual choices determine the direction in which our state moves forward.

No matter the outcome, participating in the electoral process is an important civic duty. After all, change begins not just with opinions, but with action—sometimes as simple as standing in line and casting a vote.

Discovering Naga Cuisine at Naga-Ki

 

One of the best parts about exploring the city is stumbling upon places that introduce you to something entirely new. Today’s find was a beautiful restaurant serving Naga cuisine, tucked away in Bhawanipore, called Naga-Ki.

Since we were not particularly familiar with Naga food, we decided the safest and most sensible option was to order the Non-Vegetarian Thali—the perfect way to sample a variety of dishes and get a better understanding of the cuisine.

The restaurant itself was done up very tastefully—simple, yet stylish. Rich dark veneer panels gave the interiors a warm and inviting feel, while the walls were decorated with artefacts and items representing different Naga tribes, adding character and a cultural touch to the dining experience.

As for the food, it was delightfully uncomplicated yet packed with flavour. Every element on the thali felt thoughtfully prepared, giving us a lovely introduction to the distinct tastes and ingredients that define Naga cuisine.

Now that we have a better understanding of the various components and flavours, perhaps next time we’ll be a little more adventurous and skip the safe route altogether. An à la carte exploration may very well be on the cards for our next visit.

Unexpected Guests in My Balcony Garden

 

One of the joys of having a little garden on my balcony is that it attracts all sorts of visitors. Over time, it has become a small haven for various creatures, especially birds. From cheerful sparrows to curious mynas and lively bulbuls, there is always something fluttering about among the plants.

So, when I woke up this morning and found a nest lying on the floor, I wasn’t entirely surprised.

It had fallen from its rather strategic location on top of the wall-mounted fan in the balcony. Since I barely ever use that fan—and truth be told, hardly ever think to look up at it—it had once again become the perfect hidden real estate for a feathered resident.

This isn’t even the first time a bird has decided that the top of the fan makes an ideal nesting spot, and I’m quite certain it won’t be the last. Somehow, despite all the available corners and plants in the balcony, that fan remains prime property in the eyes of my winged visitors.

Moments like these are a gentle reminder that when you create even a small green space, nature finds its way in. My balcony may be mine, but clearly, it is shared with a few regular tenants as well.

An Easter Tradition at Saldana Bakery

Saldanha Bakery Easter Egg

Come Easter, there is only one place we think of when it comes to getting our Easter eggs—Saldana Bakery.

Over the years, this has quietly become one of our little Easter traditions. No matter how busy life gets, we always try to make time for a visit and pick up our Easter treats from this iconic bakery.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about returning to the same place year after year. The excitement of Easter, combined with the familiarity of a much-loved bakery, makes the outing feel special every single time.

For us, Easter just doesn’t feel complete without making that stop at Saldana Bakery and bringing home their Easter eggs. Some traditions are worth holding on to, and this is definitely one of them.

An Evening at The Strand

 

No visit to Kolkata feels complete without spending some time at The Strand, one of the city’s quintessential attractions and a must-visit for tourists. So, after a satisfying lunch at Peter Cat, we decided to make our way there for a relaxing riverside outing.

After a bit of searching, we finally managed to find a parking spot and then walked towards the crossing to enter The Strand. Part of the charm of getting there is the little adventure itself—you have to cross a railway track before reaching the beautiful riverside promenade.

Once there, the riverfront offers a wonderful escape from the city’s bustle. Walking down the stairs at one of the many ghats, you can easily find boatmen offering short rides on the River Hooghly. We opted for a leisurely half-hour boat ride, which gave us beautiful views of the river, the city skyline, and the iconic bridges nearby. Of course, safety comes first, and the boatman ensured that everyone wore life jackets before setting off.

After the boat ride, no riverside experience is complete without indulging in some local street food. A serving of jhaal muri, some papdi chaat, and a refreshing cup of chai or a glass of soda shikanji felt like the perfect way to unwind by the water.

As you sit and enjoy the riverside atmosphere, you’ll also spot the occasional train passing by on the tracks nearby. This is part of Kolkata’s Circular Railway line, adding yet another uniquely Kolkata touch to the experience.

One of the notable landmarks here is Judges Ghat, which is especially famous during Durga Puja season as an important site for idol immersion, or visarjan.

With the river breeze, street food, boat rides, and glimpses of Kolkata’s everyday charm, an evening at The Strand is truly a lovely way to experience the city.

A Classic Meal at Peter Cat

 

Chelo Kebab

There are some places in Kolkata that never go out of style, and Peter Cat is certainly one of them. It remains a reliable choice when taking someone out for a memorable meal, especially if they are visiting from out of town.

Even at 3:00 in the afternoon, the restaurant was buzzing with activity, and we had to wait a little while for a table. Thankfully, the wait wasn’t too long. Once seated on the ground floor, we went straight for the classic order—Chelo Kebab, a must-have at Peter Cat.

While waiting for our food, we were served Coca-Cola in the iconic glass bottles. In a time when plastic bottles have become the norm, this small touch felt surprisingly nostalgic and added to the charm of the experience.

And then came the Chelo Kebab. As Peter Cat’s signature dish, it truly lives up to its reputation. It had been quite some time since my last visit to Park Street, but the Chelo has lost none of its magic. The flavours were just as satisfying as ever, proving once again why it continues to be such a crowd favourite.

After finishing our meal, we decided to explore the restaurant a little more and had a look at the newly added floor in this iconic Kolkata establishment. It was a lovely way to round off a classic dining experience in one of the city’s most beloved restaurants.

Coca-Cola

The Menu

The New Floor

A Visit to New Market

 

New Market is one of those places I usually visit only during Christmas or when entertaining friends and family visiting from out of town. This time, as you may have guessed, it was the latter—an outing filled with sightseeing, shopping, and a touch of nostalgia.

The moment you step into New Market, you are greeted by its signature hustle and bustle. The endless crowds, narrow lanes, and constant movement are exactly what remind me why I rarely come here anymore. Yet, despite the chaos, I still know my way around these familiar passages with surprising ease.

After all, this is a market I have been visiting since I was a toddler. It holds years of memories—family shopping trips, festive visits, and the excitement of exploring its countless little shops. Those memories are warm and comforting, tied to a version of New Market I remember fondly.

But nostalgia can only do so much. The overwhelming chaos that now surrounds the market can feel exhausting, even maddening at times. While New Market still retains its charm and remains an iconic part of Kolkata, visiting it today is often an exercise in patience more than pleasure. Still, every once in a while, it draws me back—if only to revisit a small piece of my past.

Dinner at Sagar Matha

 

Thukpa

If you're looking to grab a quick pocket friendly meal and love Momos & Thukpa, then MOMO by Sagar Matha is the place to go.

Pan Fried Pork Momo

Fried Pork

Cafe De Rois

 

Cafe De Rois Crispy Chicken & Cheese Burger

Cafe De Rois BBQ Chicken Pizza

Cafe De Rois Basilico (Pesto)

Cafe De Rois Alfredo

Cafe De Rois Classic Cold Coffee with Ice Cream

Cafe De Rois Solt & Pepper Shakers

Cafe De Rois Cutlery

Cafe De Rois Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice cream

Street food on Zakaria Street during Ramadan

 

With Eid coming closer, we decided one last trip to Zakaria Street for the amazing food during Ramadan. For those who know, you'll know why this is a must do!

A New Find: Café De Lema

 

Always on the lookout for new places to try, we recently decided to stop by a café we had come across called Café De Lema.

The main reason for the visit was my wife, who had heard great things about their Matcha and was keen to try it for herself. So naturally, that was first on the order list. According to her, the Matcha here is excellent and definitely lives up to the praise.

Now, Matcha may have a loyal fan following, but I have to admit it is not for me—I wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole! Thankfully, Café De Lema had plenty more to offer.

What did win me over, however, were the food options. Their sandwiches were delicious, fresh, and satisfying, making for a great café bite. The pizza was equally impressive, with generous toppings and a well-made base that made it worth ordering.

All in all, Café De Lema turned out to be a pleasant new discovery. While some may visit for the Matcha, others like me can happily stick to the food and still leave satisfied. A cozy spot with something for everyone is always a welcome find.