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

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

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

Le Jardin Bangalore

This is the coffee shop at the Oberoi in Bangalore (which I regard as one of the established best hotels in the city). Went there for lunch and tried the pre-set menu (with combination of buffet). Basically the salads and dessert are spread out while you can selectteh main course from a choice of 10-15 dishes. Its a different idea but the food tastes good - its as simple as that. I tried the prawns and fish curries. was good. The dal and aloo subzi is always there to accompany the main course order. They can do better with an assorted bread basket! The taste of the food is nice and leaves a light feeling. The curries are fairly spicy but I guess the advantage here is that you can order it as you like - service is pretty personalized. Overall a good experience when you are ready to spend on the higher side. BTW - I would strongly recommend a cup of coffee at their open air bar (Polo Club) - it is served in a tray with some cookies and you will really enjoy it after a nice meal.

Style - 4 stars

Would I go there again - Yes!

Food for two - Rs 2500

Caperberry Bangalore

This one is located on Dickenson Road (right behind the Tanishq showroom). It is a very well done place - excellent food and very nice services. I was quite amazed that it was not crowded on a Friday evening when we went for dinner. There are decent portions of whatever you order - chicken, fish or vegetarian. I tried the grilled John Dorry (if I remember the name correct!). It was white fish - Australian, which had its own taste. I liked it. The chicken, duck and mushrooms looked good too!

Dessert was OK though. It was a fancy preparation (live chilled cooking in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 celsius) but I honestly did not relish the taste as much as I liked the main course. Must mention that the chocolate cake provided by them was at the perfect temperature. Was impressed by that!

Was not in for wines as I had to drive family back but then this is one place where I would say wine would go very well with the food.

If you are in the mood for something different - European - try this place.

For the ambience, service and quality - I would admit I found the prices reasonable.

Style - 4 stars

Would I go there again - Yes!

Food for two - Rs 1000 (without liquor)

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