All posts tagged: Central Bangalore

Shang Palace – China on a Plate (Shangri-La Hotel Bengaluru, Palace Road)

It should come as no surprise that the newly opened Shangri-La hotel in Bangalore, would choose to have its crowning jewel – Shang Palace, as one of the restaurants. With a heritage of serving authentic Chinese cuisine for 42 years, Shang Palace ensures its patrons get a taste of Cantonese, Shanghainese, Bejingese and Sichuan flavours. A five star restaurant with a focus on value for money and classic Chinese cuisine, Shang Palace is a game changer.

Yauatcha – Anniversary Limited Edition Menu (1 MG Road Mall)

Yauatcha, the holy grail of perfect Dim Sums, is celebrating their Anniversary all this month of November across their outlets in India. Anniversaries call for special celebrations and popping of some champagne – Yauatcha has done this in their own special way by introducing a limited edition set menu. We were invited last week to join the celebrations.

Rim Naam has a new Mistress of Spice (The Oberoi, MG Road)

I am always struck by absolute disbelief when I step into the serene restaurant by the water – ‘Rim Naam’. Considering The Oberoi is located on the bustling M.G.Road, this oasis of beauty and calm is a treat for the senses. Cross over the plush gardens, step into the faux rock cave and gently tip toe your way over the bridge into a wooden structure reminiscent of river restaurants in Thailand. Why, the little gurgling waterfall and the spectacular Koi in the water body surrounding it, will definitely make you feel that way. Rim Naam has been synonymous with fine dining in Bangalore – there is no other place that offers such an enchanting ambience coupled with equally enchanting food. The restaurant has a new mistress of Spice all the way from the Isaan province in Thailand. If that’s not cause for celebration, I don’t know what is?!

Meet, Eat, Drink – Cafe Mezzuna

For those of you who walked by Oh! Calcutta, on St.Marks Road and wondered where it went – Café Mezzuna has taken the spot. The much loved Bengali restaurant has moved to the same building that houses Mainland China on Church Street. Café Mezzuna is the youngest brand of the Specialty Restaurants Ltd. The third in line, after Pune and Kolkata, Café Mezzuna brings Mediterranean Flavous and wholesome food at honest-to-goodness prices to Bangalore. The all-day dining restaurant also offers an extensive bar menu. When you get a pint of Kingfisher at INR 110 and a Long Island Ice Tea at INR 295, it’s time to get the party started.

I am Legend – Szechwan Court (The Oberoi, M.G.Road)

Szechwan Court has been tantalizing taste buds in Bangalore since its inception in 1992. One of the first fine-dining Asian restaurants to grace the landscape, Szechwan Court is definitely legendary. The restaurant that overlooks the Koi pond has always been a proponent of authentic Chinese cooking, showcasing Szechwan, Cantonese and Peking dishes as well. In 2015 the elegant restaurant takes us through a three decade journey, where it weaves in its classics with some modern culinary experiences from China. I am Legend.

Amar Sonar Bangla – Bengali Food Festival @ Cubbon Pavilion (Residency Road)

Bengali Food holds a special place in my heart. From standing in line at the Ulsoor Bengali Association as a nine year old waiting for Bhog to be served, or having the canteen attendant set aside extra rosagullas for me as a student in IIM Calcutta or finally being surrounded by so many Bengali’s at work that Muri Ghonto was as familiar as sambar. I am irresistibly drawn to this wondrous cuisine that has great reverence for its ingredients, method of cooking and perfectly balanced flavours. Like a moth to a flame, I land up at the Cubbon Pavilion for a festival that celebrates the land inspired by poetry – “Amar Sonar Bangla”. Chef Bhagmita Jena hails from Dhiga, a small town at the border of Bengal and revels in the opportunity to showcase a cuisine she adores, to the rest of the world. Years spent in the kitchen watching her mom churn out exquisite Bengali recipes cemented her love for cooking. The diminutive Bhagmita’s passion for her art is clearly visible in the spread …

Chef Vittorio and The Art of Time Travel @ Ottimo (ITC Gardenia, Residency Road)

Ottimo is known for its excellent Italian cuisine, plated ever so brilliantly by Master Chef Vittorio Grecco. The Pan-Italian restaurant has awed Bangalore residents with its renditions of quintessential Italian favorites with a focus on the freshest ingredients. So when the Chef decides to have a food festival called “The Art of Time Travel” – you pay attention! A spectacular four course menu with a twist – one portion prepared in the Classic way and one portion plated in a Contemporary way. The festival which is on till the 2nd of June has Chef Vittorio channel his creativity and playfulness in every dish that hits the table. The future of Italian cuisine might just be taking baby steps in Bangalore 😉 When you are presented with such an alluring menu, it’s hard to be objective with your choices. It’s a blessing that there were four of us and we were not squeamish when it comes to sharing! The end result is we ended up eating just enough, but pretty much trying most of the festival …

Going Street – Church Street Social (Church Street)

Street Food. The way to my heart. Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Bhajjis, Rolls, Kulfi – you name it and I have a soft spot for it all! There hasn’t been a day that I’ve passed a Pani Puri vendor and not wanted a plate of Puchkas. Not to get morose, but I’ve always said my last meal if on death row, will be chaat and biryani… mutton biryani of course. You can easily suss out the character of a city with the street food that’s on offer. Think of the practical and filling Vada Pav of Mumbai, the steeped in history decadent Nalli Nihari of Delhi, the traditional light Idlis of Chennai and the fuss-free hot Balekai Bajjis of Bangalore. Street food is comforting, tasty, inexpensive and above all woven in our DNA.