01 October,2009 09:25 AM IST | | Alifiya Khan
In Pune, you need not do as the locals do, believes this couple from Wanowrie who run a store selling food items from all over the globe
Parmigiano, Grana Padono, Haloumiu00e2u0080u00a6 do any of these ring a bell? These are not names of exotic foreign dishes but of a few varieties of cheese you could pick off the racks at Wanowrie's Tutto Bene Delicatessen.
Started by Api and Reena Mirpuri a few months ago, the store has earned a reputation for being a "global" food store, suitable for the palates of NRIs, foreigners and Punekaris who have a taste for international food.
For store owner, Api, this venture is part of his hunt for "home" food in Pune. "I have lived abroad most of my life, in countries such as Bangkok, Canada, Spain and the Czech Republic. When I came to Pune to be with my parents, I couldn't find the food that me and my kids were so used to eating. Even if they served Italian, it would be an Indianised version and wouldn't taste the same," states Mirpuri.
That's when the couple sat together and drew a list of products that they used at their home in Prague, which became the first order list for his store. To begin with, the 400 square feet store has well-divided sections. On the left are wall-to-wall racks full of breakfast cereals, salad dressings and accompaniments, cheese and soup packets besides a range of other products. In the middle of the store stands a refrigerated container that stores tuna, cold cuts, ham, bacon and salami among other things. They offer products from countries like Italy, Belgium and Spain.
The store pays special attention to those trying to watch their weight. So, on the one hand, while they have salad essentials like fresh lettuce leaves and bell peppers, Mirpuri has ensured that they stock fat-free tofu, brown rice, soy milk, low-fat mayonnaise and dressings. They also serve freshly-made salads and, at least, 54 types of international sandwiches. Apart from that, they also stock a range of international ice-cream brands like London Dairy, Ben and Jerry's and Weight Watchers.
Prices: The prices of products are slightly heavy on the pocket. For example, a kilo of Gruyere cheese will set you back by Rs 2,250 while 100 grams of Gorgonzola cheese would cost Rs 159.
We liked: Try the Raclette Cheese (Rs 2,290 per kilo). Even the Chicken Caesar Sandwich that is made of multigrain bread, chicken, vegetables and home-made dressings is a good bargain at
Rs 80.
At: Tutto Bene Delicatessen, G-14, Sacred World Mall, Wanwadi.
Open: 9.30 am to 9 pm (Closes on Fridays at 7 pm)
