Pranjali Sharma
Latest Reviews
Queenstown Bistro
I recently returned from a fantastic holiday in New Zealand and fell in love with several things, their Sauvignon Blanc and their hand pies topping the list. So, when I returned, I HAD to look for a restaurant that could serve me some delicious NZ cuisine. Queenstown Bistro in Westfield Mall has been a staple there for at least 6 years now but somehow I'd never put Queenstown and NZ cuisine together!
We got reservations for a Sunday night. They made sure to confirm our reservation with us. Once seated, we ordered the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir from the Villa Maria Vineyards in NZ (I had wanted to visit but we ran out of time in NZ). Both wines were delicious. I don't think I can drink any other kinds of Sauvignon Blanc any more!
For food, we ordered the meat pie appetizer (2 meat pies) and the lamb skewers. The meat pie was delicious but a little unidirectional, meaning that it was good meat, but I would've liked a hint of mint, BBQ, some veggies, cheese or something more. Since I may not find those delicious hand pies from Arrowtown, NZ here, these pies were definitely worth trying out (and I will eat them again). The lamb skewers were my friend's favorite. From her first bite, she could not stop raving about how tasty they were. I think they could've had more spice, but honestly, I feel that about any skewer because I like an explosion of flavor with the small bites. The pita bread and hummus that came with them were mouthwatering. I have been rationing myself on the hummus because I don't want to finish it and every day since our visit, it seems to taste better!
To end the meal, we ordered another entree - the chicken pot pie. Ok, that was an explosion! Chef's kiss, 100%. The pie dough was flaky, layered and perfect. The chicken pot pie itself was simply bursting with comforting, creamy, warm flavors. This is an open pie so please don't expect more crust. This was the star of the evening for me.
Next time I come here, the meat pie, the chicken pot pie and a glass of crispy Sauvignon Blanc is what my order will look like!!
P.s. it is primarily patio seating with heaters. The tables are fairly close so when busy, it could get overwhelming. Parking at the mall is either uncovered or in covered garages.
We got reservations for a Sunday night. They made sure to confirm our reservation with us. Once seated, we ordered the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir from the Villa Maria Vineyards in NZ (I had wanted to visit but we ran out of time in NZ). Both wines were delicious. I don't think I can drink any other kinds of Sauvignon Blanc any more!
For food, we ordered the meat pie appetizer (2 meat pies) and the lamb skewers. The meat pie was delicious but a little unidirectional, meaning that it was good meat, but I would've liked a hint of mint, BBQ, some veggies, cheese or something more. Since I may not find those delicious hand pies from Arrowtown, NZ here, these pies were definitely worth trying out (and I will eat them again). The lamb skewers were my friend's favorite. From her first bite, she could not stop raving about how tasty they were. I think they could've had more spice, but honestly, I feel that about any skewer because I like an explosion of flavor with the small bites. The pita bread and hummus that came with them were mouthwatering. I have been rationing myself on the hummus because I don't want to finish it and every day since our visit, it seems to taste better!
To end the meal, we ordered another entree - the chicken pot pie. Ok, that was an explosion! Chef's kiss, 100%. The pie dough was flaky, layered and perfect. The chicken pot pie itself was simply bursting with comforting, creamy, warm flavors. This is an open pie so please don't expect more crust. This was the star of the evening for me.
Next time I come here, the meat pie, the chicken pot pie and a glass of crispy Sauvignon Blanc is what my order will look like!!
P.s. it is primarily patio seating with heaters. The tables are fairly close so when busy, it could get overwhelming. Parking at the mall is either uncovered or in covered garages.
Guru's Restaurant
I got take out and I quite liked it!! This was a post-hike dinner so I was super hungry! I ordered online and the food was ready in about half hour, the time it took me to get there.
I got the chicken biryani and the vegetable noodles. I wanted both to be spicy. They were medium spicy. I would've enjoyed more heat. The chicken was cooked well and there was good flavor in the rice. The raita, mint chutney and the salan were also good. The noodles were on the sweeter side but also delicious. Lots of veggies in the noodles, which I really liked. The portions were huge so they lasted me about 3 meals each.
I got the chicken biryani and the vegetable noodles. I wanted both to be spicy. They were medium spicy. I would've enjoyed more heat. The chicken was cooked well and there was good flavor in the rice. The raita, mint chutney and the salan were also good. The noodles were on the sweeter side but also delicious. Lots of veggies in the noodles, which I really liked. The portions were huge so they lasted me about 3 meals each.
China Garden
0.5 stars extra for the amazing service and the wonderful servers! We came here around 6:30 pm on a Sat evening. Pretty empty so got seated immediately.
The server had several recommendations when we asked and we ended up going with some of her favorites. We got the kung Pao shrimp, the twice baked pork, chicken chow mein and the crab meat and cheese puffs.
Food was served very quickly, and was pipping hot! The puffs were very good, I love mine with the schezwan sauce but also liked to have them with the duck sauce they provided. We asked for the shrimp to be made extra spicy. I loved the extra spicy but it did overpower the other flavors in the dish. Should've stuck to regular spice. The pork was very good, and I are quite a bit of it. I was really full by the time I got to the chow mein so I only had a taste and it was good too!! We couldn't finish so we've boxed it up and plan to eat it on our journey back home.
The tea was excellent and very soothing. This was a good meal but the highlight was the friendly staffers and their quick service. Impressed!!
The server had several recommendations when we asked and we ended up going with some of her favorites. We got the kung Pao shrimp, the twice baked pork, chicken chow mein and the crab meat and cheese puffs.
Food was served very quickly, and was pipping hot! The puffs were very good, I love mine with the schezwan sauce but also liked to have them with the duck sauce they provided. We asked for the shrimp to be made extra spicy. I loved the extra spicy but it did overpower the other flavors in the dish. Should've stuck to regular spice. The pork was very good, and I are quite a bit of it. I was really full by the time I got to the chow mein so I only had a taste and it was good too!! We couldn't finish so we've boxed it up and plan to eat it on our journey back home.
The tea was excellent and very soothing. This was a good meal but the highlight was the friendly staffers and their quick service. Impressed!!