All posts filed under: Restaurant Reviews

A Dhaba experience in Indiranagar @ Dhaba by Claridges (12th Main)

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It’s been a while since I dined at a Dhaba. After Bobby Da Dhaba moved from Ulsoor, I haven’t even ventured to any place with the name ‘dhaba’ attached to it! Having the iconic Delhi restaurant – Dhaba by Claridges opening on 12th Main in Indiranagar, was definitely a sign to flex my memory. We walked up the stairs that day and were bemused to see milestone markers on the walls, up to the restaurant on the second floor. Bangalore was missing a casual North Indian restaurant that serves up some delhi-style cuisine, and Dhaba by Claridges hits the spot!

Margaritas and lots of fresh Guacamole @ Sanchez (UB City)

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Let’s get it out of the way. Sanchos is now Sanchez. Their new menu is decidedly hip and happening, so none of us should care that the ‘os’ was replaced with ‘ez’. Located in the piazza of UB City, the Mexican restaurant serves up some taquitos, nachos and tamales in style. When you get to sip on lip-smacking Margarita’s and delicious ceviche in a setting like this, there’s very little to complain about. Sanchez is known for their party like atmosphere as much as their food, but with the recent tweaks to the menu – I’m betting the food will be the main draw. They still make a pretty mean Margarita and I definitely recommend the Mango version, though the classic will always be my favourite. If you have deep pockets they have a range of imported tequilas you can try. Go ahead and loosen those purse strings, I don’t think I’ve seen these bottles anywhere else. We spent a good four hours mulling over our drinks and taking bites of their to-die-for Charred Corn …

Colonial hangover @ The Whitefield Arms (VR Bengaluru)

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Whitefield, that suburb of Bangalore that’s now the new ‘IT’ location has a new watering hole in The Whitefield Arms.  With the influx of the IT crowd and the expat population, Whitefield is slowly becoming a coveted spot for some weekend indulgences. The English pub and café (with a marked colonial hangover) is a part of the Waverly Hotel & Residences in VR Bengaluru. A moody ambience indoors, with tungsten bulbs, leather bar stools and cozy booths sets the tone for some tipple in the evenings while the cheerful picnic-table seating outside, is primed for a good breakfast or an afternoon of beers. Freshly brewed craft beers are on the cards once they get their brewery license. You can order al la carte from their hot breakfast menu (which runs till 10:30 AM everyday) and have the option of adding a cold buffet to it at a nominal price. The all day dining menu has decided anglo-indian influences and you will see that reflected in the names as well. The Earl Grey mixture with JW …

In with the new @ Raj Pavilion (ITC Windsor, Golf Course Road)

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There are many reasons I will always love ITC Windsor, one of them is the white, bright and beautiful Raj Pavilion. Built to emulate the 100-year-old Glass House in Lalbagh, just walking into it lifts my spirits! The décor makes me feel like I am in a sophisticated English Tea Party and for once colonial hangovers are never more welcome! I was invited to try the new menus being launched across the ITC Pavilion’s in the country (#trendingatpavilion) and was truly chuffed that Raj Pavilion was my calling. In keeping with the ‘Responsible Luxury’ theme of the ITC properties, the new menu focuses on locally and responsibly sourced ingredients fashioned into delicious and stunning entrees, appetizers and desserts.

Night Market Treats @ The Fatty Bao (12th Main, Indiranagar)

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A nip in the air, winter woollies and Christmas cheer all around – the holiday season is finally in swing. The Fatty Bao after bagging the “Best Pan Asian Restaurant 2017” at the Times Food Awards, has one more reason to celebrate! They are closing the year with a bang and letting us in on the festivities, with the Night Market Festival. This feast from the east will let you relive your Asian holiday shenanigans in Indirangar. The carnival atmosphere adds to the charm and gets you in the mood for some street food, grills and innovative ‘Root to Fruit’ cocktails.

My Favourite Food Festival – Aquafest 2016 @ Karavalli (Residency Road)

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It’s time to indulge! Karavalli’s famed Aquafest is back and is going to leave you in raptures till the end of this month. A veritable feast from the sea, Bangalore’s most esteemed dining institution brings to you sublime flavours of the southern coasts. Like every year, the menu is a careful composition of recipes gleaned from homemakers with a deep love for their cuisine, perfected in the rustic kitchens of Karavalli over 26 years. Chef Naren and team have an outstanding menu this November and I for one am always surprised on how they keep pushing the perfection envelope!

Breezy Lake Views and Pan Asian Delicacies at Aroi (Sarjapur Road)

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Aroi is not kidding when they call themselves a lakeview restaurant. The cheery terrace space adorned with large birdcages and rattan chairs with colourful cushions, overlooks the surprisingly well mainted Kaikondrahalli Lake. A venture by a foodie engineer called Jacksy Chan (it’s the truth) who gave up his IT career to bring the taste of South-East Asia to Bangalore – the cuisine on offer is true to its roots. Delicacies from Malaysia, China, Vietnam and Thailand vie for your attention here and with good effect!

Lazy Afternoons @ Fresh Pressery Café (Lavelle Road)

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I’m always on the lookout for wonderful little spaces that serve as an oasis from the hustle and bustle of our dear burgeoning city. Located on the Lavelle Road offshoot in the erstwhile space occupied by Cinnamon and now the GoodEarth store, is the very welcoming Fresh Pressery Café. An extension of the cold pressed chain – Fresh Pressery’s ideology, the café caters to all those health nuts that like their food and drink – light and healthy.