Carnival Court Kakkanad

Carnival Court – Infopark Kakkanad

A Food Court That Comes As A Boon For The Kochi Techies.

Enjoy The Carnival !!!

By Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

This all new, sprawling 24 hour Food Court is a welcome boon, for the thus far, neglected lot of IT professionals toiling hard, at the Kakkanad Infopark, Kochi. So now whether it is, to grab a hurried coffee, enjoy a relaxed lunch break with friends, celebrate a colleague's birthday or have a quick midnight snack, Carnival Court has something on offer, for each of these needs and more.

This chic eatery has a simplistic and minimalist, Bauhausian modernism associated with its styling. The brushed black exposed ceiling, with its network of wires, light domes, conduits, plumbing pipes and overhanging air ducts, gives a lot of cold character to the upper element of the space. The intermittent, black-domed, even-spaced, dangling, overhead lamps, suspends that distinct black element just above head level. The black theme continues from the exposed ceiling onto the tiling of the sidewalls, where the food counters are located, in the shape of an inverted letter 'L'. The palette is then, suddenly contrasted with the advent of seating in bold bright colors, around white-topped tables, resplendent on a contrasting faux-wooden brown floor, that are orderly placed along the transparence of floor to ceiling glass windows, which captures and puts in perspective, the contrasting natural and manmade, beauty and chaos outside, in one framed vista. For beside the picturesque fenestra, with its cascading sunlight, is a quite-flowing rivulet, with a neighboring, undulating, rain-ravaged street, that hosts a steady flow of wobbling, crater-avoiding, automobiles, that move like slow, stuperous, drunken vehicles, in front of those looming concrete blocks of the Infopark, all these are captured and encased in one fascinating, contradictory and dynamic composition, by that window. Energy saving has also been ensured, as there is absolutely no need for any artificial light by day, in the common seating area, because of the abundant natural light flowing in through those copious water-facing recesses.

The Carnival Group, founded by the Mumbai based GBC, has its core business in Media, Cinemas, Audio Video, Event Management, Film production and distribution. They have now added an amusement cum hospitality vertical, which offers a unique package of world class food, fun and entertainment, all consolidated under one roof. This brand called 'Carnival Court' is one of the most popular and rapidly expanding chains of Food Courts in South India. They started with their first venture at the International Airport Nedumbassery, in Aug 2012 and followed it quickly with another one at the KSRTC Bus Stand, Angamaly, before opening their third one in Kakkanad, barely two months ago, on 17 June 2013.

The Carnival Court offers a wide variety of cuisines. The Noodle Point offers Chinese, the Kebab Station serves Arabic, Simbly South is the place for South Indian, Swami's dishes out Pure Vegetarian fare, hit Mela for North Indian food, Flambe serves Continental and Kadal offers Seafood. The Gulp has a selection of Mocktails, Smoothies, Ice Creams, Desserts and Cold Beverages and finally the Red Bubble Cafe, is an all night cafeteria with Salads, Burgers, Curry Rice and Sandwich options, besides the brews.

I shall endeavor to give you a brief overview of each of the 9 stalls, including the delivery menu prices in Rupees, which is on average Rs 10 more than the dine-in charges. I shall be putting the costs in (brackets) for ease of identification.

The Chinese ‘Noodle Point’ offers 5 Non-Veg options - Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Fish and Prawns. The cost is between (120) for Beef, (140-160) for Chicken, (190) for Lamb, (180) for Fish and (310) for Prawns. There are 4 Veg options priced between (90) Diced Vegetables in Soya Garlic Sauce to (110) for Chilly Paneer/Gobi Manchurian. Fried Rice & Noodles(V/NV) is priced (90-120). Naasi Goreng is (130). The children absolutely loved the Egg Fried Rice and Chicken Noodles.

The Arabic ‘Kebab Station’, between 1600h to 2300h, offers Shawai & Al-Fahm Chicken (190-360) for half & full respectively. The Barbecued Drumsticks (170), Middle East Combo Platter (360) and Duo Of Kebab at (180) are other offerings. Shish Taouk is also available at a modest (170).

The South Indian ‘Simbly South’ offers Appam/Idiappam/Pathiri/Kerala Paratha (15) with Veg Kadala/Stew/Korma/Peas Curry (70) and Non-Veg Egg Roast/Curry (70), Fish/Karimeen/Neimeen/Squid/Prawn/Crab (190-310). Mutton Chops (180) Chicken/Beef variants come at (130). In addition there are Beef/Chicken/Fish Biriyanis (130-170) and Veg Biriyani (100). Between 1200h and 1500h, there is a selection of South Indian Meals - Fish/Beef/Chicken at (110-120-130).

Pure Vegetarian ‘Swami's’ offers Appam/Idiappam (15), a choice of Uthappams, Dosas and Puttus in the (40-60) bracket. Aloo Parantha (50) & Poori Bhaji (60). Chaats - Samosa Chaat, Mirchi Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Pani/Bhel Puris cost between (50-70). Pav Bhaji comes at (80). The Uzhunnu Vada, Parippu Vada, Ulli Vada, Aloo Bonda, Sukhiyan, Ela Ada etc are all priced at (15). 3 Idlies (35) all the Stews/Curries/Kormas/Bhajis are (60). Between 1200h and 1500h Veg Meals (80) and Veg Biriyani (90) are also available.

The North Indian ‘Mela’ offers the staples like Nan/Roti/Kulcha/Chapati/Phulka in the (15-35) range, with the rices Steamed/Jeera (60-70) and Veg/Kashmiri Pulaos (80). From the Tandoor one has the famous Tandoori Chicken Full/Half (200-360), Tandoori Prawns (460), Mutton Seekh Kebab (180), Reshmi Kebab (160), Fish Tikka (210), Chicken Tikka (160), Veg Kebab (110) and Paneer Tikka (150). The Non-Veg curries included Chicken Makhni/Tikka Masala/Kadai (130), Fish Amritsari (150) and Mutton Rogan Josh/Rara Masala/Shahi Korma/Vindaloo (170). The Veg fare included Paneer Kadai/Butter Masala (110), Dum Aloo (100), Mixed Veg/Jalfrezi/Aloo Gobi (80) and Dal Tadka/Makhni (70).

 The Continental ‘Flambe’ has Salads Green/Greek/Caesar (80-90-110), Sandwich/Burgers - Veg Cheese Tomato/Veg (70-80), Non-Veg Club Sandwich (130) Beef Burger (120) and Chicken Burger (100). Pizzas Veg Margherita/Napolitana M/L (100-150), Chicken/Beef M/L (120-180). Pastas Penne Alfredo (150) and Spaghetti Bolognese (160). Crispy Fried Chicken (CFC) Combos with Fries, Buns & Soft Drinks with 2/4/6/12 Pc options priced (140/250/350/620), Chicken Nuggets (120) & Fish Fingers (170). Desserts like Chocolate Brownie/Fruit Salad (90-70)

Seafood Specialty ‘Kadal’ offers both Indian and Continental choices. A Kerala Seafood Platter (400), Ularthu/Grilled Squid/Prawns (220-300), Crab Masala (180), Pollichathu Sardine/Mackerel (80-100). Fish curries Mulakittathu/Alleppey/Travancore/Moily (140), Prawn Moily (300). The fry/Pollichathu of Karimeen/Neimeen/Pomfret is charged as per size. The Continental Grilled Seafood Platter is just (400), Crumb/Batter Fried Prawns/Squid (350-220), the Catch Of The Day, and Grilled Seer Fish in Lemon Butter Sauce, are charged as per size.

‘Gulp’ Beverages offers a range of Mocktails(True Blue, Tornado Twist, Blue Lady, Brimstone, Green Apple Mint Cooler)/Cold Beverages(Seasonal Fruit Juices)/Smoothies(Berries Blast, California Rainbow, Berry Banana Punch, Mango Banana Smoothie)/Milk Shakes(Regular-Vanilla/Strawberry, Premium-Chocolate/Butterscotch/Pista) (90-70-100-110) Packaged Water (25), Soft Drinks 600/300ml (40-25), Fresh Lime (20) Fresh Lime Soda (25), Ice Creams (Premium/Ordinary) 2 scoops (60-50) and Iced Tea (50).

Between 2300h to 0700h the All Night  Diner ‘Red Bubble Café’ has Veg/Non-Veg Salads (80-100), Beef/Chicken Burgers (90), Veg/Chicken/Club Sandwiches(60-90-110), Curry-Rice Combo Fish/Chicken/Veg (140-120-100).

They also have a Breakfast service, between 0700h to 1000h, for the office goers, that has Eggs To Order (60), Cereals (70), Samosa/Cutlet/Cookie (15), Coffees - Normal, Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Latte (20-40-50), Teas - Sada, Masala, Green, Chamomile (15-20-35) and Hot/Cold Chocolate (50).

There are some exciting ongoing offers, like a 15% off, between 1500h to 1900h, on the weekdays, Monday to Friday, at all the specialty cuisine stations. Kadal offers an everyday of the week, special flat 15% off, for all hours. During the weekend a single bill in excess of 1000, gets to choose from one Ice Cream/Milkshake/Chicken Nuggets, for free. There are Red Bubble Cafe combo offers of Veg/Non-Veg Sandwiches for (75-100) or Veg/Non-Veg Burgers for (90-110) served along with French Fries, Coleslaw & Soft Drink.

In addition to the expansive Food Zone, this food court boasts of a fairly large Fun Zone, called ‘E Drive’. Here one can hangout with friends and colleagues, playing Snooker, Air Hockey and PlayStation Games at very reasonable rates. The Snooker Table is yours at (60 for 30 mins or 100 for an hour), Air hockey at (50 for 15 min spells) and PlayStaion at (30-50 for 1-2 Players for 15 mins).

There is also the thoughtful provision of an enclosed intimate lounging space, that can seat around 40 odd people, away from the bright, open dining areas. This is just right for customers, who prefer some privacy, or need some solitude and be left alone. The space can also be used to host celebrations and small private get-togethers.

The biggest bonus of all, for people who reside in Kakkanad, is that a call on the Hotline number 8113070707 between 1100h to 2200h will ensure prompt, scooter-borne, hot-cased, home delivery within 5 kms, for orders above Rs 200 and also within 10 kms, for orders above Rs 500. This distance for deliveries, was previously unheard of, in Kochi and a God sent boon for both, the busy office worker and the lazy home dweller.

This contemporary, subtly styled space, wears a bright and cheerful look, manned by a smartly turned out and courteous staff, this joint looks efficiently managed. It is very neat and clean, well maintained, with ample seating, the only time I envisage the place will fill up, is during the rush, of a working day, lunch break. The food was freshly cooked, promptly served, hot and well presented. The water services and clearances were prompt and smooth. Even the toilets were very clean and tidy. However the car parking availability, may need some urgent augmentation, alternatively valet parking if possible, would be a welcome facility to add. I would like to also suggest two minor additions, in the available space, one a small gym, for the fitness conscious. The second one, a 20 seater mini theatre, for the movie, sports, music & TV buff, that facilitates screenings of movies, cricket matches, other global sports events or music, news or popular serials, when not engaged in private screening. This asset, could also double up as a venue for private corporate presentations/training. That would then complete the package of food, entertainment, fitness and relaxation. It will encourage people, who have a lonely existence, after their office engagements, to hangout longer, in company, having the choice of doing the things they love to do with friends, all in the same environment. This will build the brand and encourage loyalty, which will translate to greater footfalls, and additional turnover on the food front, as well as generate more alternate revenues, from the same space.

Honestly, I am no great fan of food courts. I went only on the insistence of my mall rat, elder son, with little hope of discovering any new place, I might grow to like. But then, I was in for a surprise, each one of us, including my children, were charmingly bewildered at the marvellous taste of the food, we had ordered. It was delicious and made by skilled hands, well versed in the cuisine. The portions were copious too, leaving everyone feeling pleasantly satiated. In fact, all of us enthusiastically tolled the bell while exiting, indicating our happiness, at being unexpectedly, so well fed. We would definitely be returning here more often and will also be using the home delivery.

Carnival Court, I feel has aptly filled a much needed void, in the neglected Kakkanad foodscape. It is a winner all the way. The location is perfect, the timing of launch very right and the 24 hours eatery concept, is ideal for the location and the patrons likely to frequent the facility. The absolute clincher however, is the variety of cuisine, all deliciously prepared at very reasonable pricing. Being just round the corner, I am positive that this Food Court will be patronized by the starved, teeming, brainy techies of the many buildings in Infopark, and also the lucky residents of the high rise apartments proliferating in the neighbourhood. These people, who had earlier had no choices, are now spoilt for choice, with the arrival of Carnival Court. It is definitely worth a visit, to get a first hand feel of this new, wonderful and bustling 'fun-eating' place.

Go enjoy the Carnival!!!!

Timings:

Breakfast -       Red Bubble Cafe -   0700 - 1000
Lunch -     Swami's, Simbly South -  1200 - 1500
Kebabs -              Kebab Station -  1600 - 2300
All Night Diner - Red Bubble Cafe -  2300 - 0700

Phones:

Ops Manager- Aneesh George          +91-8943354613

Guest Relations- Maheshwari Menon +91-8943354614
HOTLINE -

Home/Office Delivery(1100-2200)     +91-8113070707

Address:

Carnival Court, Infopark Kakkanad

Opposite Leela Infopark, Phase IV,

Infopark Road, Kakkanad, 
Kochi - 682030

Links:

Facebook page  - https://www.facebook.com/CarnivalCourt/info

Website           - www.carnivalcourt.in

Cafes & Eateries

"Kaira"

A Haven for the Nadan Kerala Gastronomical Expedition!

By – Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

   The Kochi food scene is certainly abuzz with exciting happenings, options and launches. This weekend we discovered yet another new destination in our continuing food journey through Kochi - 'Kaira'. This name has a Greek origin and translates to mean - "a place where good things happen". This unknown nugget of trivia is emblazoned on the welcome plaque that greets us, as we step into the restaurant. True to its name, we were taken on a pleasant gustatory joy ride of the flavors of Kerala.

   Away from the bustle of rush hour, this new eatery is cradled literally in the heart of the city, in the tranquil neighborhood of Kacheripady. This restaurant serves only ‘Tani Nadan’ - Kerala cuisine. An elegant two-storied building with abundant parking invites you into minimal interiors that have an innate sophistication, which is tastefully furnished thereby imparting a warm welcoming ambience. The place accommodates 74 covers, of which 40 are in two air-conditioned niches in the inner recesses of the building hidden from the entry non air-conditioned section. The most exclusive seating however is the lone six-seated al-fresco dining alcove overlooking the manicured verdant surroundings, which is an airy jut out from the main dining hall. It should be an ideal hang out for some serious buddy-time with bosom pals, in a serene setting.

   Opened with much fanfare, just over four months back, on 9 Sep 2012, by Shri Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, this new place is promoted by two mavericks, who also share an ‘Antony ‘middle name;  that have recently forayed into the restaurant business with fresh business ideas from Europe. Set in the expansive estate of Mr Lal Antony Katticaren, Chef Dony Antony Pattam, who is a master at continental cuisine, returned to his motherland, after spending over a decade, honing his culinary skills under many celebrated master chefs in London, to set up this enchanting joint venture. The potential to showcase the Kerala cuisine in an innovative manner that was not attempted  before, led them to handpick a team of experts counting a dozen; captained by a home-grown culinary talent, the Taj-inducted Executive Chef Saji Alex, a Kerala cuisine veteran, with over two decades of distinguished experience with the Casino group. For this fresh team, this new venture affords a unique opportunity to synergize their expertise and parade the well known delicacies in a novel original presentation.

   The menu is Spartan in choice but covers every edible delicacy one would like to sample. So one gets to choose from a choice of dishes done in vegetables, mutton, beef, chicken, duck, shrimps or fish. They are then presented in various forms, among others as Varatiyathu, Ullarthiyathu, Porichathu, Thalichathu, Pollichathu and the like. Mutton and Chicken Biriyanis are also being served. However, the signature dish, we are told is the ubiquitous favorite - “Duck Roast".

   I was very keen on sampling their cooking, hence I chose the fish curry meals which was served to me in the traditional style on a fresh, green banana leaf, albeit on the table. This choice, really allowed me to have a tasting of a variety of dishes all at one go - quite like a served-buffet on a leaf. I was totally overwhelmed by the gustative explosion that genially invaded my palate. It was amazing the way they captured the subtleties of all the various flavors, leaving my taste buds titillated by the bitterness of the Pachadi, umami-ness of the Beef Varatiyathu, tangy saltiness of the Meen Curry, sourness of the Naranga Achar and the sweetness of the Semiya Payasam. My word, this treat was totally unexpected, yet counts among the tastiest sadyas I have enjoyed in a long while.

   A quick word on the service, it was courteous, efficient, prompt and unobtrusive. Finally, the pricing of the menu is unbelievable; all the dishes come within the price band of Rs 100 to Rs 200. Pinch yourself; you will get the best Kerala meal for 2 for around Rs 400. Grand Hotel, since 1963; after ruling the realm for half a century; a new pretender to the throne has arrived at last, be prepared for an exodus in droves to ‘Kaira’ the new benchmark for the best ‘Nadan Kerala Cuisine’.

   It was great chatting with the Restaurant Manager Mr Subash, who also apprised me of the future plans. On the anvil, at this extensive facility that has been tastefully created are, an exclusive Seafood Grill with 36 covers, a Banquet Hall catering for 150 pax and a Coffee Shop with both indoor air-conditioned and outdoor seating with 16 covers.

   We as a family loved the ‘Kaira’ experience, more so, the tastes of what we chose to have today; to the extent that we all have even chosen our menu for the next visit; which we all know, will be pretty darn soon; only because there is magic in the tastes being dished on those copious steaming platters, that emerge from the kitchen in this great new dining place. The taste is simply irresistible! Am positive before the year is out, you will proliferate, dictated by the success of this restaurant and a growing clamor for another similar 'place where good things happen'.

   Well Done Team Kaira! Way to go Messrs Lal Katticaren & Dony Pattam, yours looks like a partnership destined for prosperity.

Timings - 11 am to 11 pm

Address - 41/3639 - Kacheripady,

Chittoor Road, Kochi - 682018

Tel - 0484-4041666

Mobile - Manager - 9400439151