Lido (Coffee Shop) at Hotel Ista, Bangalore

The old Lido cinema screen gave way to creation of the Lido mall and the Fame Cinemas in Bangalore (just off MG Road). As I write this - Big Bazaar is looking at setting up shop there. But the hidden treasure there is the hotel Ista (on top of the complex) which has its own entrance and its own set of beautiful restaurants.

By Bangalore standards - this is by far the best coffee shop I have come across - whether it is ambience, quality of food or service - a fantastic combination!!!

We went in to be awed by the open feeling in the coffee shop which is on a covered-open air setup (on a partially open 4th floor terrace which is covered well). The coffee shop opens up right into the pool and the palm trees make the ambience vey romantic! My mom thought it was a Persian touch although I felt there was a contemporary touch to it. We ended up agreeing that it is a mix of both.

They have continental, oriental, italian, western and indian on their coffee shop menu which I think is great for choice. We ordered as we wanted. Thin crust pizzas and vegetable shaslick. Couldnt have asked for more. The pizzas were fresh from the oven (including the crust) and the shaslick had grilled veg sheeks with rice and tomato based sides (of course the menu had a more sophisticated description than what I give).

There was a nice menu for the buffet (but not for me - it was a cold menu!).

I would not do justice if I do not mention the exquisite italian brouche with olive oil - that keeps you busy while you wait for food.

Romantic evening, business meeting, casual dinner, friends get together or just some coffee - I would go there again!

Style - 5 stars

Would I go there again - ABSOLUTELY!

Food for two - Rs 1000

Shiok - Inner Ring Road - Domlur Bangalore

This is a relatively new place in town. A small cosy place on the Inner Ring Road that connects Indiranagar to Koramangala.

We were actually driving down to another place when we remembered this attractive board and were fascinated by the name - Shiok.

It was a very warm welcome - the manager and the waiters were very welcoming right from the moment we walked in. It was not all that crowded perhaps because it is relatively new. The interiors are nice and woody - which we thought was neat.

Starters was a unique dish of King Prawns in Black Bean sauce - which we really liked They had opened up the prawns well and garnished with the usual chinese dressings which made it taste quite good.

We tried Indonesian Chicken Chill and the Sumatra Fish (Red Curry). Both were fine. I would not say the food is exceptional but certainly something we liked. I thought the rice was intentionally left a little uncooked but over the years have realized that this is how they like to serve it in Far Eastern restaurants.

They have a decent variety of chicken, lamb, beef, seafood and of course vegetarian options. They have also tried to mix in a little bit of chinese into the menu but I would rather go to Shiok only if I want Thai or Indonesian food.

Quantities served are reasonable (we eat less and ended up consuming just half of the 2 main course dishes served).

Style - 2 Stars

Will I go there again? - Yes (specifically for Indonesian )

Dinner for 2 - ~ Rs 800 total