Fit Foodie Megha

Hoppipolla means hopping into puddles/splash which is in name-sync with the hip bar and restaurant in Aundh – Hoppipola. That's the place to unwind, relax, party, along with board games, Jenga, music, food and drinks. The artistic vibrant wooden door welcomes you to the world of "Eat.Drink.Play". Around 6 years old brand started its first outlet in Pune and then spread its wings in different cities. Model aeroplane swinging from the roof, quirky book shelf, radiant walls with beautiful wooden cuckoo clocks, live band space, outdoor and indoor seating are some of the features of the Hoppipola.

Apart from the regular menu, the restaurant has also come up with new menu for small hunger or filling meal. Some of the dishes like Smart Bhel, Timepass Platter, Mac and Cheese Burger, Truffle Trio Pizza, Bento Box Meal made it to the new one. Tried couple of mocktails. Watermelon based was refreshingly good and the other was green apple with curry leaves, which I liked but it missed the 'wow' factor.

Following are the dishes we tried...

Smart Bhel Salad (3/5)
Timepass Platter (4/5)
Maggi Missiles (3.5/5)
Jalapeno Cheese Bombs (4/5)
Cheese and Olive Garlic Naangles (4/5)
Crispy Batata Buns (3/5)
Mac and Cheese Burger (3.5/5)
Naga Chilli Potatoes (3.5/5)
Paneer Chettinad and Rice Box Meal (4/5)
Choco Blocks (4.5/5)

The Smart Bhel Salad had the refreshing watermelon chunks, arugula, pomegranate seeds, iceberg lettuce, puffed rice, crushed nachos and house dressing of mustard sauce and wasabi. It might be healthy and an unusual chaat but the pungent smell of the dressing kept me away from this. However, the wasabi lovers or mustard sauce lovers can surely hit this salad!

I loved the addictive Timepass platter which was a good combination with the drinks. Chatpata Chana, Moongfali chat, tangy Bhelpuri and my favourite Peri Peri Cheeselings served with Mayo, Ketchup and Coriander chutney. It pairs with the drinks or can be munched until you wait for your food. So so delicious.

Maggi Missiles were unique fritters made with maggi. I wish it had more of maggi masala and a bit more of cheese. Overall, I loved the dish. Jalapeno Cheese bombs were scrumptious and I was smitten by the taste of it. The crusty outside layer and gooey cheese inside elated the taste buds.

Next was the Cheese and Olive Garlic Naangles. Again a distinct dish for starters. The seasoned and nicely cooked warm naan triangles were topped with olive, garlic and cheese. I loved it. It was a cross between Naan and Garlic bread. The flavours were bang on.

Crispy Batata Buns were presented quite fancy on the skewers. Visually it was quite appealing. The bun bread was bit too thick for this dish in comparison to the delicious potato filling. We were informed that the kitchen team is working on that bread-stuffing ratio; hope it works out soon.

Mac and Cheese Burger was quite filling. The patty was heavy with cheese and pasta however the overall burger was tad dry to me. Wish it had more of mayo or ketchup or veggies to cover up. Undoubtedly, the patty was nicely fried and had good texture.

Next was the Naga Chilli Potatoes. I was told it had slight 'Bhoot Jholakiya' and certainly it was very very very mild for the spicy-food lovers like me. The tongue tingling sensation was there but did not feel much of hotness. Those who are not chilli tolerant can stay away as for them it still might be spicy. Personal choices for different spice food lovers. Crispy fried potatoes were sauteed in chinese sauce and topped with lots of honey to balance the spice!

A very nice concept of Bento Box meals, I must say. Served in dabba, we tried Paneer chettinad with rice. It was perfectly balanced and flavourful. Not too spicy but still bursting with myrid flavours and textures. The aroma and taste of ground masala was easily recognizable.

Last but not the least, the highly recommended Chocolate Block. Oh my! What a decadent dessert it was! Molten, gooey, chocolatey lava oozes out from cake and what a deliciousness! A must try.

Overall, it was a nice experience. Mocktails need a bit improvement and couple of dishes too. Otherwise, loved the ambience, service and vibes. Enjoy some more photos...

The rooftop lounge, Rude Lounge, is strategically located on the top floor of the Trade Net Building, Clover Park, Viman Nagar, Pune. The brand is well-established in Mumbai and much talked about its nightlife, party and ambience. Valet parking is available however a bit congested for two-wheelers. The entrance is bit shady and not much appealing once you enter. Escalator will take you on the top floor and then few stairs with red carpet to the lounge. Wall are adorned with quirky 'drinking quotes'.

Ambience: Colorful couches appeals for a comfy dining experience. The lit bar, the birds eye view, the upside down bucket lamps, DJ setting, rock music in the background, the sculpture are some of the features of the happening lounge. It is more appealing post sunset. The crowd seems to be pouring in around 7pm. Open until 12:30 am, the happy hours are also one of the USPs.

Menu:The menu is the combination of Finger food, Continental and Indian which can be paired well with the drinks. Prices are bit steep though. The staff is prompt and courteous. Rude Lounge might have good cocktails, but I was bit disappointed with the mocktails except Fruit Punch. Rest all were bit sweet to my palate. Combined with the soft drinks, following are the dishes we tried...

Assorted Chaat (4/5)
Paneer Cheese Pani Puri (3.5/5)
Veg Bruschetta (Baked) (3.5/5)
Crispy Chilli Garlic Potato (3/5)
Sizzling Brownie (4/5)

Started our evening with the Assorted chaat or the "Chakhna platter" which was served in the "4 portion serving bowl". One portion had Chatpata Chana, other three had Masala Peanuts, Chinese Bhel and Spiced Potatoes. I so loved it. It was suffice for two. All the dishes were equally delicious and had burst of flavours of spice, tangy, sweet and crunch. A delightful plate indeed.

The speciality dish included Paneer Cheese Pani Puri so had to try it. Fancy plating indeed. Each Pani Puri was filled with bit of spiced paneer and cheese and placed over the individual stand. Spicy water and Sweet chutney was served along with it. I wish it had more of paneer to enhance the taste and make it more filling.

Next was the Veg Bruschetta (Baked). When we say Bruschetta, visually its like french loaf piece topped with simple tomatoes, basil and olive oil. The one served to us was the chef's version of it, I guess. Super loaded with cheese and topped with olive, it tasted more like cheese bread. Taste was good though.

Crispy Chilli Garlic Potatoes or any finger food from the menu was the 'ready to cook', I suppose. The fries or crispy potatoes too were dried and fried potatoes tossed in chilli and loads of garlic. It was super spicy. At first it is quite crispy but after a while the after taste was acidic. However, it flushes down well with the drinks.

Last but not the least, the Sizzling Brownie. The gooey, chocolatey brownie topped with vanilla scoop was drizzled with hot chocolate sauce and it tasted heavenly. Loved the taste of it.