Remember that iconic scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Robert’s escargot flies off her plate at her bashful attempt to eat this gourmet bite? It was fortuitously plucked (subtly) from thin air by a prim and proper maître d’hôtel. But that won’t happen at this swanky glass tabled new Fly Dining experience in the sky at Nagwara in the city. Only because even though there is an affable and very helpful waiting staff, the restaurant is perched 160 feet up in the sky with a swanky glass table for 22 with a glass canopy overlooking the Bengaluru skyline, and escargots don’t do too well in mid-air. And, this is not such a meal.
Those who fear heights might need to give this one a miss… but for the rest of the adventure-seeking lot, it promises to be an experience that many millennials are signing up for… What’s not to like about a meal in the sky… as the meal is not the crux, the experience is. The glide up, sitting on a dining table of glass while chomping on chef’s specials to see a spectacular view is a surreal experience… and priced likewise. Not that the moolah is stopping those who aspire to go to the edge of the world for a thrill… this comes slam dunk in the city.
The 22-seater restaurant also rotates, has a safety area and a set up that can be brought to ground zero in minutes. It costs Rs 3,999 per person for a mocktail session, while dinner is Rs 6,999 per head. Pregnant women and children are not allowed, and one needs to be least 135 cm or 4 ft 5 inches tall. Safety concerns are apparently met by the team, according to reports. For Manu Chandra, chef partner, Toast & Tonic, The Fatty Bao & Monkey Bar; and executive chef, Olive Beach, a new idea is always welcome, “A great novelty, it combines thrills with a meal, and I am sure it will be a boon for adrenaline junkies. But as a dining concept, it’s not really complete. But I am sure I’d like to try it once myself.” Culinary expert Raj Sethia, a big foodie says, “The idea is fantastic but the question is, is it really worth that kind of money? And also, how often will a person go there? Is it a one time experience or is it going to be a regular affair; like a usual visit to a favourite restaurant? The price is on the higher side but I think, it is more about the experience than the food itself. It is perfect for people who love adventure but definitely not recommended for people with a fear of heights.”
If the fear of heights is not a criteria, go ahead, as the views of the Hebbal Lake, and the city’s twinkling skyline are worth it. A first in the city, it’s been tried before and doing well internationally. Thrill seekers can revel in the whole experience — sitting at a glass dining table strapped with seat belts, legs flailing in the air, as the culinary team serves up mocktails or a set menu of bruchetta, grilled chicken (or sautéed vegetables) with herbed rice, croquettes, beautifully plated, all premade to be served. The taste, we are yet to experience. The meal per se did not do much in terms of the video we saw and the general comments.
Misha Pamnany-Kariappa, a hospitality consultant was excited about Fly Dining, but says, “I haven’t experienced it yet. Based on what I’ve heard and read, it’s less about dining and more about the experience. Also, it’s very highly priced — what price would one pay for just the experience?”
The company’s social media site has many comments from people who’ve tried it. Satish Kabra writes, “Super experience. Bangalore never looked more beautiful.” Akriti Kedia recommends it, “It was a nice experience. Quite safe as explained by the organisers. There is room for improvement (especially with the food) but they have just started. Overall, it was a nice experience.” City restaurateur Nirmala Balakrishnan has been up there twice, and she recalls, “The experience was amazing. I am scared of heights and was sure that I would chicken out at the last minute. Since I was with friends who had done it, I went along.
I did not feel any fear while going up. It isn’t like a ride… it goes up super slow and steady. And once up, the view is gorgeous, I’m so glad I got to do it. Twice.”
Experientially, a great idea for the up and about millennials (that seems to be the general age group), the food might need a rethink. The whole idea of a meal in the sky surely demands hearty sumptuous pickings too… even if the wind might blow it away.
