05 June,2011 08:44 AM IST | | Anjana Vaswani
The city's latest foodstuff destination is a whirlpool of choice, so go in with lots of time, a notebook (recipes lie pasted on counters) and serious cash if you have a taste of the exotic. Their five-layer cake costs Rs 2,500 a kg
If you're a need-based shopper, then you may believe you've struck oil at this supermarket, and, wandering customers looking to kill time may appreciate the spacious store with its enormous variety.
But if, like us, you're ruled by impulse alone, then Foodhall can pose a conundrum. Stocked with everything edible in practically every brand, it's impossible to decide what to pick up, and when to stop.
Imported fruits and veggies are up for sale too and if you are on a diet,
you'll love their sliced fruit platters (Rs 60 for a generous portion of
sliced watermelon, kiwi, orange, lemon, grapes and pineapple).
pics/ Bipin Kokate
Not only had hordes of Palladium shoppers discovered the new foodstuff destination at the Lower Parel mall, by the time we got there, they had already dived headlong into shopping.
Luckily for us, a mumbled announcement that included the words "pasta" and "demo," drew the mob towards the entrance, rendering the aisles accessible.
Strolling about leisurely now, we had ample opportunity to spot interesting buys like celebrity-chef Jamie Oliver's seasonings stacked alongside lesser-celebrated spices. Thyme, Lemon and Bay Salt, and, Szechuan, Pepper, Chilli, Ginger and Salt (Rs 275 for 50 g each) were some of the combinations endorsed by Britain's, 'Naked Chef', whose thus-titled show, ironically, was based on his belief that "You don't need to dress up ingredients to make something tasty."
Turn that corner and you are at the rice, pulses and lentils 'touch-and-feel' section where you are invited to examine the in-house brand, Golden Harvest. The brand's Nachini (millet flour) costs Rs 24 per kg, and Chana Dal costs Rs 70 per kg. If that doesn't suit your budget, you needn't worry because whichever brand you favour, they probably stock that too ufffd the range is exhaustive.
Each section includes a write-up on what's for sale. So where the store stocks Couscous, you'll find a sign that details the Mediterranean semolina's health benefits. It's a good idea to carry a notepad along as recipes are interspersed with these signs ufffd we spotted one for Moong Misal, and another for Tur Dal Paratha.
The fresh fruits and vegetables section held a few surprises too. Though Maharashtrian families may be familiar with Kelfulachi Bhaji, and South Indians may enjoy Vazhappoo Thoran, the banana flower is hardly common at supermarkets. With its large purplish petals, this foot-long flower is priced at Rs 30 per kg here.
Imported fruits and veggies are up for sale too and if you're on a diet, you'll love their sliced fruit platters (Rs 60 for a generous portion of sliced watermelon, kiwi, orange, lemon, grapes and pineapple).
The ready-to-go counter is stocked with packed salads, sandwiches and meals (Rs 169 for the vegetarian Indian meal and Rs 199 for the non-vegetarian Indian meal, on the day of our visit).
An extensive daily takeaway-menu spoils you for choice (from 11 am to 10 pm). Additionally, the in-house bakery stocks assorted breads, cakes, muffins, mousses, puffs and rolls (Asparagus and Mortadella bouquets at Rs 80 per piece looked especially interesting). They need four hours to deliver cakes but at Rs 700 per kg for a Black Forest cake, the convenience doesn't come cheap. A slice of Green-apple vodka cheesecake would cost you Rs 150 while their signature five-layer-cake, with Vanilla sponge, French nuts, Praline and Belgian chocolate, costs a whopping Rs 2,500 per kg.
AT: Opposite Manchester United Bar Palladium mall, 4th level, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
