Purple Wok Co. – Noodles your way in Viman Nagar! — Reviewed!

Wok food is trending these days and why not! It is a healthy, delicious and quick meal for any time of the day. One such brand which recently opened in Viman Nagar was the Purple Wok Co. With multiple branches across India, the Purple Wok has a vision of offering International experience while sticking to the basic. I visited the Pune outlet when it was just two days old. It is too early to comment on anything but I would surely love to share my experience.

The purple and yellow color depict the place. With the covered outdoor seating, it is comforting to dine in during pleasant evenings. One can either take away or enjoy the wok box at the place. The concept is really simple – Choose the size of the serving, noodles, the veggies/meat, sauces and done! The USP is Purple Wok Co. make their own sauces and without MSG/preservatives. So, it is fresh and healthy. The prices are also moderate.

We tried the Chef's special Thai Style Wok in which pre-selected veggies are tossed in Thai red sauce. When one says "Thai", I expect some coconut flavour to it which unfortunately missed from the wok served to us. As I mentioned, they are newly opened, the benefit can be given. The strong galangal, coconut, and lemon-grass flavour is what I am looking forward to the next time.

Next up was the customised wok in which I chose Noodles, veggies with Kung Pao sauce. Honestly, it was good but not much of a difference I found in both the woks served to us. The noodles and veggies were fresh but the spark of kung pao sauce was missing. You can any time combine 2-3 sauces at once. Ask the manager for the recommendations.

The beverages were refreshing and paired well with the woks.

This review is purely on the basis of my first visit and mind it when they were only 2 days old. Surely, I will rate them post another visit until they settle down.

The Irish House: Power Lunch Menu! — Reviewed!

What: Power Lunch Menu
Where: The Irish House
When: Everyday

The Irish House is a rustic pub known for offering some scrumptious bar grubs. By the introduction of some healthy, hearty, filling meals, The Irish House has surpassed the stereotype. The new "Power Lunch" menu, both veg and non-veg, has an interesting array of dishes. The veg ones have delectable choices like Grilled Cottage Cheese Lasagne, Whole Wheat Pappardelle, Rosti, Watermelon Salad, Quesadillas to name a few.

 I tried the following....

• Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad (3/5)
• Buckwheat Crepes with Mushroom Ragout, and Grilled Cottage Cheese (4/5)
• Creamy Mushroom Risotto (4.5/5)
• Grilled Cottage Cheese Lasagne (4/5)

Paired my meal with the orange based Tangerine Mojito. Also, had Green Appletini but it was a tad sweet to my palate.

Started the lunch with the Watermelon and Feta Salad (Rs.395). One thick round chunk of watermelon, cut like pizza pieces, on the bed of arugula topped with toffee walnuts and balsamic drizzle. The taste was excellent. The only issue was the inconvenience of taking a bite. Wish it had more of watermelon pieces with lots of feta (who'll say no to extra cheese!)

Was really excited to try the power-packed Buckwheat Crepes (Rs.395). The lip-smacking and healthy crepes were filled with crumbled grilled cheese and mushroom ragout and topped with hot pepper coulis, served along with arugula salad and cheese stick. With the hot coulis, the aftertaste of the crepe is spicy though the cheese stick cut balances the spice. The salad was fresh too. The filling crepe is worth trying.

And one thing you must not miss relishing is the creamy, cheesy Mushroom Risotto (Rs.375). The perfectly cooked risotto was rich and had assorted mushrooms with aged parmesan. With the first bite, the taste lingers in your mouth and I am sure, one spoon is not enough. Highly Recommended!

Last but not least, the Grilled Cottage Cheese Lasagne (Rs.425). The goodness of spinach, veggies on the bed of arrabbiata sauce. It was a burst of flavours and textures in the mouth. The hearty, comforting lasagne will leave you to wanting for more.