The city that never sleeps is in a lull of sorts. Given the Supreme Court ruling that allows for the denotification of inner city highways, pub and bar owners heaved a sigh of relief. But till July 11, that relief is only on paper. Till they are allowed to serve alcohol, pubs on these city streets are still shut, or serving food and mocktails, till they gong their tipple’s arrival. Church Street, JNC Road in Koramangala, MG Road and other places across the city wear a deserted look, but for what it’s worth, here are some city hubs that recently joined the Soho inspired list that serve some truly gastronomical dishes that you must have. We list the 9 best dishes in the city from the new restaurants that you have to tuck into… and even a mocktail or two to tide this waiting period away.
Ceviche and Steak at Sly Granny
It’s probably the only place in the city serving this Latin American and Caribbean delicacy which has finally found its way onto city tables. The one at Sly Granny is perfect. Imbued with tang and crunch, it works best raw, though Indians aren’t that big on anything that has not been marauded with masala and fire. Co-founder and director Kabir Suri of Azure Hospitality with Chef Varun Pereira bring a three pronged sumptuous menu of European, Continental and global cuisine.
Black Pepper Beef and Tuna Buri Bop - Gochujang Buri Bop at Shizusan Shop House and Bar
The beef is so tender, and has fresh pepper inspired goodness. The sautéed version is super, and so is the interesting Tuna buri bop, which comes on a hot stone, that makes it an interactive meal, quite the fad today, and the chef wields his knife and wok-a-fies it into the fried rice. Delish.
Sushi and Dimsums at Miso
The sushi and dimsums at this new Pan Asian walk-in bar in town are the best thing for an evening out, or for that matter a lunch. Rajesh Ahuja and his team have given us a chic dimsum bar that serves delectable Pan Asian. Try the California Maki Rolls and the chicken dimsums, perfect and flavourful. Dunk it into the delicious dips, especially the chilli and black bean.
The sushi and dimsums at this new Pan Asian walk-in bar in town are the best thing for an evening out, or for that matter a lunch.
Andhra thali, Biryani, Mutton Chops and Mudde at Akshara
It’s full up for lunch, and it serves the best thali and chops in the CBD, apart from the older originals… and gives one a slightly uber thali-fied experience. The pappu is delicious, the sambhar too. The chops and mudde are a favourite here and so is the paya soup. A spicy sumptuous ooru meal!
Beef Fillet and Butter Sweet Prawns at Forage
Forage and its creators Himanshu Dimri, couple Mayura Kutappa and Rajnish Kapoor took gourmet and gave it a welcome swirl of health. Forage speaks in clean wholesome nutritious fare, with wellness lessons from these health buffs, who walk the gluten-free, sugar-free protein high talk with their menu. The beef fillet is beautiful. A medium order, with a red wine shallot confit, reduced to perfection and delectable, with a caramelly textured pumpkin mash, and grilled mushrooms. The buttery prawns too are well worth it, succulent and herb infused flavours. A healthy meal that is gourmet by any standards.
The Udon, Clam and Choriz and Pork Belly at Toast and Tonic
Chef Manu Chandra’s gourmet leanings are legendary, and when he sat down to sketch a menu for an East Village Style bar, Toast and Tonic emerged, and stayed in that place for special evenings. The pork belly here is gourmet splendour, and the udon noodles with chorizo and clam with inhouse udon, smoked bandel cheese, black forest ham, onion kick of clams with chorizo flavoured mutterings are just spectacular.
Ceasar Salad, Tenderloin Steak at Jonah’s Terrace Lounge
On 12th Main Indiranagar is this space that has a Kiwi chef helming this cozy terraced haven that serves wonderfully Parmesan-sprinkled Caesar Salad with nice crunchy leafy Romaine lettuce with anchovies, tasting sauce and freshly toasted croutons. Delish. A grilled beef tenderloin, with a delectable, yet light cheese sauce, bacon, mushroom, which came in heaped, a perfect medium rare, with nice blanched veggies and a dreamy buttery mash..This is a must-have.
Beef medallions at Café Felix
From Mumbai, comes this café which is helmed by Rishad Nathani, managing director, Breadbox Hospitality. The chef’s succulent, tender, beef medallions marinated beautifully with a creamy, potato mash are delicious, with a hint of pepper bursting on the tastebuds and broccoli florets. A tiny gravy bowl would have been nice, for more of that delectable jus. Try the desserts by Husna Jumani - well worth a bunch of bites.
The Mocktails Meter
Toast and Tonic offers brilliant mocktails of their gin-infused version infused with elderflower, jasmine and grape fruit or strawberry spiced, citrus and basil, tangy, rose petals with cucumber. Again, Delish! The mocktails at Hard Rock Café and On the Edge are also worth a nice glug. The New Social at Koramangala also has some wonderfully mocktails, like the Acharoshka and the smoked whiskey.
