Thursday, May 27, 2010

The French Quarter Bistro - Indiranagar

Wonder why we always land up aruond Indiranagar - perhaps distance does matter when it comes to a good lunch/dinner. So this one was a quick bite on a rather busy afternoon. It is almost at the junction of the 100 feet road and CMH Road in Indiranagar. We entered and loved the place - instantly. Nothing special that I can point out but the natural lighting, large glass windows and warm reception was inviting.

We ordered Alergian Fish (which is grilled fish with a tomato sauce on it served with rice) and spinach and cheese au gratin. Both were cooked perfect and very well done. The brouche was good too - specially with the herb butter.

To top it all was one of the best coffees we have had since returning to India.

Service is nice and though a smaller place - would certainly say yes to it next time - perhaps for dinner this time around!

Style - 2 stars
Would I go there again - Yes
Food for two - Rs 600

Friday, May 14, 2010

Arsalan - Koramangala, Bangalore

This one is a famous Biryani joint from Kolkata that has recently opened up in Bangalore. He is located located right opposite the Sai Baba temple in Kormangala 7th Block. Ambience is pretty good and he is experimenting with buffets but I really feel he should focus more on what he is best at - kathi rolls and biryanis.

The chicken biryani was tasty - specially if you like the Kolkata taste of mughlai food! Not very oily which was another good aspect. We also took a veggie biryani just to try and it was also very tasty. But lets be honest - this is not a place for hard core vegetarians. Its worth trying out the chanp and the kababs as Arsalan is good at them.

My view - if you want to have some really nice biryani and are around koramangala - try them! They also deliver at home.

Style - 2 stars
Would I go there again - Yes
Food for two - Rs 400

Heritage of Bengal - Koramangala, Bangalore

This one is a relatively unexplored and new joint. We had actually wanted to go and do Bengali food at Bhojohari Manna's but seeing the crowd - decided to try this relatively empty place right opposite. Its not a swanky place with AC etc. A simply done restaurant on the first floor (mind you - no lifts if that is relevant to you)

We ordered Rohu, Bhetki fish curries - which were quite spicy. The loochi (or puris) are well-sized and relatively oil free compared to other places in town. The aloo dum was well cooked and delicious. Mango chutney was done well too - best of all - it tasted fresh which we enjoyed. I must say that the food was a bit spicy (by Bengali standards) but then it was tasty and just the right amount of chilli - even our 3 year old ate it.

So if you want a simple Bengali meal, dont want a very crowded place and yet want to get some good food - just try this place in Koramangala (an easy way to get there is to come right opposite the Koramangala club). Its on that road.

Style - 1 star
Would I go there again - Yes
Food for two - Rs 300

Monday, May 3, 2010

High Note - Indiranagar

This one is on 100 feet road in Indiranagar. What is nice is the valet parking, roof top setting and good service. In fact there is also a bar below which is quite a nice place.

What I really liked were the mocktails (specially sunset if you like coconut based drinks!). Starters were good and so was the food. What really got me going was the perfectly grilled chicken kebabs that we ordered for starters. The chinese at this place is normal - not a traditional chinese menu but will pass off well if you want to try it without too much authenticity.

The best part for me is the continental spread. That is surely nice and well done. Whether it is the grilled chicken or grilled prawns - they all have a unique flavor. The veggies along with the dishes were also well done. Good pastas that are worth a try for sure.

So for the food, the ambience and the overall experience - this is one place I would indeed recommend!

Style - 3 stars
Would I go there again - Yes
Food for two - Rs 1000