Portico Restaurant - Sayaji, Pune

mk.voice.4u DAKSHINAMURTI FILMS 18 months ago

Superlative Buffets as always… not to be missed at least (Mango Fest till 22nd May - Brunch)

If you are staying at Sayaji, live in City of Pune, or just happen to be on four wheels on Mumbai-Bangalore Bypass Highway, do take a break and visit Portico and have scrumptious lunch/dinner - a quick one or a comfort convoluted one. You would undoubtedly love it.

These days, dinner is being offered with a special theme - Mango Fest. And you cannot afford to miss it, I bet!

You may start off your meal with sweet and tangy, mint flavoured Mango Panna, the most thirst-quenching summer beverage that has not only abundance of nutritious benefits it obviously works as an absolute aperitif.

Do try Hara Bhara Kebabs that have crispy crust but soft from the heart. With no existence of any greasiness, it must be tried with sweet and sour ‘Mango Chutney’ that enhances the taste and flavour further.

I did try Som Tum Mamuang aka Thai Green Mango Salad with brilliantly balanced sweetness and warmth of the mango with the acidity of the lime juice and the kick of chilli. I personally loved it because of its delightful range of textures: the gentleness of the mango contrasting the crunch from the peppers, lettuce and nuts.

I personally love a dish that has all five tastes, Khatta, Meetha, Namkeen, Teekha and Kasaila and to my surprise Aam ki Aamti (Indian Lentil with Raw Mango) was the faultless and flawless food item. The Winner without a doubt! And it went so very well with simple Boiled Basmati. And naturally for me there was no further need to try Daal Bukhara or Daal Lasooni Tadka after this.

I would indeed bring up a Signature Dish “Mediterranean Vegetable Terrine” specially prepared by Chef Shankar who has about 50 Associates working with him. MVT was undeniably an excellent delicacy. Visually as well as taste and flavour wise. Just sharing that Terrine is a deep sided mould used for baking, steaming and freezing foods. Packed with the summer's best produce, especially zucchini, tomatoes and basil, drenched in Olive Oil with subtle garlic flavour it was so very balanced that there was no need to have as an accompaniment grilled garlic toast or fresh tomato sauce. Simply Mind-blowing!

What being revealed here are just a few items, there is abundance of Veg and Non-veg Items prepared with immense care and enormous concern with magical touch. So very superior and splendid in overall taste and flavour.

I was so very amazed and impressed by the Dessert Station. There was a huge assortment of Mango based Desserts and they all were far-fetched, fanciful. Mango Kalakand, Mango Rabri, Mango Rasmalai, Mango Cheesecake, Sugar-free Mango Gateaux, Mango Cake, Mango Vanilla Panna Cota and above all nice range of Fresh Mangoes on display. Pick up a mango you would like to try, hand it over to the Chef behind the counter and he would give it to you diced.

Though I consider sugar to be “Dangerous White Drug” I couldn’t stop myself from trying Mango Rabri (Mango Basundi) and Mango Rasmalai. Both were outstanding with no excessive sweetness. I did request the Production Department to serve me if possible Two Scoops of Mango Ice-cream on the bed of pulp of Best Quality Mango topped with Diced Mango, it was prepared and it was like HEAVENLY!

I must extend my sincere thanks the entire Brigade of Chefs in the Production Area especially Vinod, Rajendra, Bharat, Praveen, Mahesh and Kamal.

It is interesting to know that under the leadership of Mr. Kanojia, (GM) Portico does have themed Buffets quite often.

Do visit Portico. If you are driving by, turn your mundane or planned journey into an immense Culinary Journey.  Do not miss the opportunity at least now. Mango Festival does steal the show. For me there is Buzz-line that comes naturally – “Aam Ke Aam, Gutthliyon Ke Bhi Daam”. Kudos!

Shashank Tamhaney 14 months ago

With a variety of options for Veg, Non Veg and Desert items this buffet is one of the best in town. There were 5+ items each for veg and non-veg. There were also several live counters including chat, noodles, and live sweet counters. In the desert section there were different pastries, cakes, laddoos, waffle and other indian sweets as well. The ambience of the restaurant is also very good. There is a big space outside the hotel where you can park your vehicle.

Komal Adhav 12 months ago

Celebrated Mother’s Day with Mom at Sayaji , a well known 5 star Hotel located in Wakad , Pune

Portico , the Buffet restaurant here had organised a special Mother’s Day Brunch last Sunday

It was an amazing experience, Mom thoroughly enjoyed the classy ambience, variety of food , Live Music and Mother’s Day special desserts .

Highly recommend this restaurant for Buffets & Brunches

The Crowd at the restaurant clearly shows how popular this place is

Currently they have the Mango Carnival going on so don’t miss it.