Mango Mania Festival @ 12th Main, Grand Mercure Bangalore

This fruit needs no introduction - It's called the 'king of fruits' and is my only respite during the summers. My love for mangoes got me really curious drive up to Grand Mercure Bangalore where a special menu has been crafted to celebrate the season and love for mangoes. They call it the 'Mango Mania Menu' and is available as an a-la care option at 12th Main - a fine restaurant at Grand Mercure, Koramangala.

Menu:

Being a specially crafted menu and to pay tribute to mangoes this menu will be available only until the 17th of May for you to try. 

What tempted me totally and to tempt you as well - each of the preparation on the menu; be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian; starters, mains, desserts or beverages contains mango in it. Here's a look at the menu:

What We Ate:

Pretty much all of it from the menu, Yes, we were a group of about 10 of us so tasting most of the menu listings was an easy task. Of all that we ate and drank, here's what appealed to my palate and I think you will share common views with me once you've tried them.

It all began with the arrival of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian salad. Mango Caprese Salad (Yes, you heard it right - Mango Caprese) was the first to arrive on our table and was an absolute stunner. The mango used was well ripened and beautifully complemented the creamy soft texture of the cheese. The cherry tomato and lettuce added a nice flavor too.

Shrimp and Raw Mango Salad comes with a soy-chilli dressing. The salad gets its punch from this very dressing. Hence, I recommend you ask for the salad to be served with a generous amount of dressing and you are up for an excellent salad.

Other starters included Falafel Mango poppadums and the chicken, mango poppadums. Both were baskets made out of poppadum and filled with respective fillings. I didn't get to try the vegetarian version which was filled with mango and falafel but the non-vegetarian one was nice. Distinct flavors and textures could be identified as a result of the chicken, sweet mango and the spicy poppadum. Made for an interesting appetizer but jumped up a notch when the previously served soy-chilly sauce was poured in to the poppadum baskets.

Chicken, Mango Filled Poppadums

For the mains, a look at the menu and a few dishes caught my interest right away. Let's begin with 'Stuffed chicken breast' which was served with a mash of potatoes and mango,and veggies in jus. There was a lot of mango as the chicken stuffing too included raw mango and mushroom. Great for a mango lover! I absolutely loved this preparation and only looked forward to the other mains.

'Grilled Fish with raw mango parsley picada, roasted baby potatoes and a mango tender with coconut salsa was a much awaited dish. The topping of the bean sprout was weird and to what it looked didn't complement well with the dish. Each of the elements tasted brilliant on its own but together they were unable to whip up a storm.

What tempted me to try the next 2 dish was the description on the menu - Balsamic Grilled Vegetables, Parmesan Mango Polenta and a glaze of Pomegranate'. I just know I wanted to try this preparation to savor the complexities of flavor coming from the various ingredients like balsamic, mango and pomegranate. It was brilliant and was loved by each one of us on the table.

The second was the raw mango, spinach and ricotta ravioli in a mango sauce. A real delight for a mango lover. This dish had many takers on our table and did have its share of repeat order. 

Last of the mains - 'Thai Green Veg Curry with jasmine rice' also had mango chunks in it and made for a fabulous dish. Again, this was loved so much that a repeat of this was called. I hear that the Thai Green Curry on the regular menu at 12th Main is equally good and is one dish that must not be missed. I know for sure that, the next time i'm at Grand Mercure - 'Thai Green Curry' will be on my table.

While this was the good stuff, the menu did have it's share of misses. The alcoholic menu was interesting but when served was a disappointment. Likewise, in the mains I hear, "though cooked perfectly, the tenderloin steak lacked any mango ingredient to it and this was the cause of disappointment." Anyways, there's nothing interesting about recommending what not to eat. I love food and love to share only what to eat. Moving on...

We had to end with desserts which again were; of course - Mango based. I'm usually content with the other courses and am pretty much done till we arrive to the sweet endings. Like always, this time too I had no appetite for desserts but there were 3 of them served on the table. Of the 3, I enjoyed the passion fruit mango tart though I wished the dough was slimmer than served.

Verdict:

You love mangoes and love it in every way it can be served. This festival has got to be on your mind. It clearly shows Executive Chef Vijay David's love for mangoes and trait of being experimental and innovative with food.  

The ambiance at 12th Main is fabulous with options for both indoor and outdoor seating. While the outdoor setting is fabulous, the flies can be a problem. Barring that, 12th main has always been a pleasure to dine at. Grand Mercure Bangalore nestled in the residential by lanes of Koramangala also boasts of another brilliant restaurant 'By the Blue' which is a pool side set up serving Indian cuisine.

A mangolicious meal for two at 12th Main will cost around Rs. 2500 plus taxes and charges. 

Quick Tips:

Go enjoy the Mango Mania menu at 12th Main, Grand Mercure Bangalore before it ends on 17th May.

Mango Mania menu is served only for dinner between 7 pm to 11 pm.

While you try this out, I'll soon be back with more 'Mangolicious' posts from some restaurants across Bangalore that are running a Mango festival.

Address: 12th Main Restaurant, Grand Mercure Bangalore, 12th Main, 3rd Block, Koramangala, Bangalore

Phone Number: +91 80 4512 1212 

Ottimo @ ITC Royal Gardenia, Bangalore

'Ottimo' ('Excellent' in english) is the most recent restaurant offering from ITC Hotels in Bangalore. This Quintessential Italian restaurant replaces West View Grill and resides in ITC Royal Gardenia which also houses 'EDO' - one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Bangalore.

Resident Chef Vittorio Greco of Italy, takes centre stage in the kitchen of Ottimo. Inclined towards traditional Italian cuisine, Chef Greco at Ottimo offers a rare fusion of traditional Italian with emphasis on both nutrition and fresh ingredients which are sourced both locally and internationally. While maintaining simplicity and keeping food at its authentic best, plating of food at Ottimo is exquisite and in true sense signifies 'food porn'.

Menu:

The menu showcases specialities of Rome, Florence, Parma, Milan and Livorno in the form of appetisers, soups, pastas, pizzas, other main course dishes and desserts. The menu offers both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with plenty of options to choose from. On our table was a pre-fixe 4 course meal which included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

What We Ate:

I was late for dinner and when I arrived, what I first saw on the table was these really pretty looking  Aperitivo. There were 3 of them -

'Paramigiana de Melanzane' is the chef's deconstructed version of the classic Paramigiana. Served cold and presented with a twist to the classic, this was a ball of deliciousness. The best way to enjoy this creation is to take the whole ball into your mouth in one go and let the magic happen in your mouth.

Paramigiana de Melanzane

'Rocher Al Fegato Grasso' is another aperitif of Foie Gras stuffed in a Ferrero Rocher. Foie Gras was my first time and was not something that appealed much to my palate. I enjoyed the rocher though. On a more serious note, a Foie Gras enthusiast was really happy with the preparation and gave it full marks. So I'd say, this didn't appeal much to my palate but for you it may not be the same.

Rocher Al Fegato Grasso

A lamb aperitivo which is a preparation inspired from Chef Greco's mother but comes with a twist from the kitchen. This dish is still being experimented with and will hopefully make it to the regular menu soon.

Moving on, we headed for the next course - 'Antipasto' which is an appetizer and signifies a start of a traditional Italian meal. On the vegetarian side it was Potato dumplings with gorgonzola in bell pepper and tomato coulis. Chef Greco loves to experiment not only with the food preparation but also with plating the food and this is what he did with this dish. We had this antipasto presented to us in the form of an abstract art. If the looks aren't sufficient; I will add that, "this dish was a fantastic preparation and set the state for a lot more to come."

Morbidoni di patate e gorgonzola con pepperoni dolci e pomodori

On the non-vegetarian front was another fabulous dish of gratinated scallops ad shredded cuttlefish with leek coulis and pumpkin. I absolutely loved this dish and imagined this would be the only highlight of the entire meal. The scallops were simply brilliant and looked like they had been treated with a lot of love. All ingredients complimented each other really well and made for a lovely treat.

Capesante gratinate e sfilacci di seppie con crema di porri e zucca

We had just begun... Soon followed the next course - 'Primopiatto' which translates to first course. I was blown away by 'Risotto con funghi selvaggi, scampi e cipollina croccante'. A simple and exquisite dish of wild mushrooms and shrimp risotto with crispy shallots. Yes, you know I don't like mushrooms, but this preparation had me stumped. Easily the best risotto I have ever eaten. Another highlight of the evening.

Risotto con funghi selvaggi, scampi e cipollina

The vegetarian option for the first course was yet another delicious preparation - Tortelloni di melanzane con salsa al pomodoro fresco e ricotta salata. A preparation of roasted aubergines in homemade tortelloni dusted with smoked ricotta and tossed in fresh tomatoes.

Tortelloni di melanzane con salsa al pomodoro fresco e ricotta salata

'Secondo piatto' the next course also considered the main course comprised of 'Sea bass crusted with pistacchio and served with a sicilian styled fresh vegetable caponata. Expectations were at its peak and for me this dish did not do the trick. I wished the fish was more moist and flaky while the pistacchio crumble could have been finer.

Filetto di branzino in crosta al pistacchio con caponatina di verdure

On the vegetarian plate was a bed of delicious tomato tomato and basil sauce on which came a  buffalo mozzarella sphere stuffed  parmesan spaghetti. The presentation was really fine and the Parmesan spaghetti along with mozzarella cheese made for a fine combo with the sauce.

Sfera di mozzarella di bufala e spaghetti in salsa la pomodoro

'Dolce' - What arrived was a show stopper - A chocolate based desert called 'Torta Caprese con sorpresa akka caniglia'. A ball shaped casing of hard chocolate with a gooey center of white chocolate, dark chocolate cake with a burst of tantalizing vanilla. The only perfect end to a lovely meal is this very chocolate dessert. I was suddenly hungry and polished off the plate clean. Felt like I'm in Heaven...

Stage 1 - Chocolate Dessert

Stage 2 - Steaming hot chocolate being poured over

Stage 3 - Chocolate crust melts to give way to the decadent chocolate cake and white chocolate

What's an Italian meal without an accompanying wine!!! As we cruised through our meal, we enjoyed sipping a few glasses of the Fratelli white wine.

Verdict:

It was a long eating session and the food was fabulous. Normally, for an invited event I do not include comments on service for it is expected to be top notch. However, I must mention that i was delighted to see the staff paying attention to the other guests dining at the restaurant, guiding and suggesting to them various options and ensuring they had a fabulous experience. 

The interiors of the restaurant are really classy and rich. The coat of arms; specially crafted for Ottimo, elevates essential herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage to royalty like status. In all, its a nice place to dine at with Chef Greco raising the bar by retaining the authentic flavors of a traditional Italian meal yet incorporating his nuances and giving the food a very contemporary feel.

An average meal for two at Ottimo will cost around Rs. 4000 ++. This does not include alcohol. As for the parking, it's no hassle for ITC Gardenia provides for valet service.

Quick Tips:

Go here for a leisurely meal. There is a lot to be enjoyed at Ottimo but for me the highlights of the meal were - Paramigiana de Melanzane, scallops and cuttlefish dish, mushroom and seafood risotto and the chocolate dessert.

Address: ITC Gardenia, 1, Residency Road, Bangalore

Phone Number: +91 80 4345 5140 

Monkey Bar - Indiranagar, Bangalore

Double the Fun... Two's better than One...

A new monkey is in town... Indiranagar holds the crown...

Yes, you may have heard the buzz or read the words - Monkey Bar opened doors of its 2nd outlet (3rd in India) in Bangalore earlier this month. If not for the crazy schedules for the last 3 weeks, Monkey Bar was my go to place to enjoy a piece of Bangalore Nightlife.

Unlike any other weekend, this specific Saturday was different, I was at Monkey Bar, Indiranagar not at night but at noon. No, it was not for breakfast either. There was a bloggers event organised where we got to tour the venue, and indulge in some lovely eats, drinks and monkey business.

What We Ate:

It was a day out for us friends in the blogging community. There was too much of everything - be it food, drinks or fun. I got to try various drinks over the course of the next few hours which included the fantastic 'Copper Monkey' - a whiskey based drink, my drink for most of the day - 'Ginger Roger' which is a gin based drink with peach syrup and ginger ale. This was not all, there was also a vodka based 'Red Riding Wood', an interesting 'Wild Leaf' cocktail; which is a subtle drink and a new favourite of mine. How can one miss the Monkey special Mangaa!

Giner Roger

You know this.. It's Mangaa

Wild Leaf (Photo Courtesy: Kunal Chandra - Monkey Bar)

For food, there was a never ending menu or it at least seemed to just go on and on right from starters to mains and finishing with dessert. While the menu lay emphasis on the non-vegetarian food, there was sufficient for the vegetarians to savour too.

As you may suspect, it is true that my focus remains on the non-vegetarian section of the menu. In starters, I thoroughly relished the 'Pirogies', 'Crab Rangoon', 'Devilled fish' and 'Tempura Calamari' the most. The pirogies are pan seared dumplings which come with various of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. I absolutely loved this preparation especially the one with a filling of chicken, celery and jalapeños filling.

The crab rangoon is a New York classic wonton filled with crab mean and cream cheese. Pop one in your mouth to enjoy a burst of textures like crunch from the fried wonton wrapper, the freshness of the crab meat and the generous proportion of cream cheese.

Crab Rangoon (Photo Courtesy: Kunal Chandra - Monkey Bar)

Devilled fish is a Thai inspired stir fried fish which got its flavors from the Thai spices, galagal and lemon grass and Tempura Calamari was a preparation having very subtle tasting notes. Both these dishes exuded the use of fresh ingredients and were thoroughly enjoyed. If not treated well both the fish and calamari can be a total disaster but in this case they seemed to be treated with a lot of love and care in the kitchen. We couldn't keep our folks off these preparations.

Tempura Calamari (Photo Courtesy: Kunal Chandra - Monkey Bar)

The Goan Chorizo Pav was very nice too. In vegetarian, the only dish I tried was the lovely roasted beet and orange salad.

This doesn't end it all at all, there was pork sliders and Sloppy Joe. From the two, my vote undoubtedly goes for the barbecue flavoured shredded pork in between the buns and all the works in between and alongside it. Yes, that's Sloppy Joe.

For the mains, there was the Monkey Bar classic Pandi Curry and Pita, the Parsee orderlies' mutton curry and rice and berry pulav - an Iranian berry pulav with chicken in it.

The mutton curry and the coconut rice creates for a fabulous whole some meal for an individual and the Pandi curry with Pita is a crowd pleaser. If you love pork; the coorgi style, Pandi curry with Pita Bread has gotta be on your table.

The berry pulav is a classic preparation at Monkey Bar and is always a delight to eat. It has morsels of chicken kabab and shredded chicken in an Irani berry pulav with flavours also being contributed by saffron, fried onion and potato salli.

Berry Pulav (Photo Courtesy: Kunal Chandra - Monkey Bar)

In desserts, there was 'Chocolate Pot De Creme with salted caramel' and a 'Lemon Cake'. It's hard for me to pick one as I liked both the desserts. On our table though, there were many who were not big fans of the Lemon Cake; but for me - it was a thumbs up.

Lemon Cake

Chocolate Pot De Creme with Salted Caramel

Verdict:

In between all these food and drinks, we enjoyed a few games of pool and foosball available on the mezzanine floor. After senior monkey, the new Monkey Bar did set high expectations and very well lived up to it.

Is the new Monkey any different from the old? My answer would be a 'Yes' and a 'No'.

Yes, it is different -

 - The new Monkey Bar on the 12th main road of Indiranagar is more spacious than its predecessor.

 - The new Monkey Bar has new introductions on its menu

 - It does not have a basement like the one in Ashok Nagar. But, fret bot my friend; it has an equally amazing mezzanine floor.

No, it is the same -

 - It has the red scooter too. (Manu, what's the story behind the scooter?)

 - It's got the same feel, the open brick walls, the rustic interiors like a New York style pub

 - It lays emphasis on natural lighting

 - The menu does have the Monkey Bar classics

 - A foosball and pool table.

 - Buzz speaks fun, food, drinks and monkey business.

Quick Tips:

Head here for pure monkey business. I hear a new cocktail has been introduced in the last few weeks and it's aptly called 'Kalabandar'. I' won't say more about it, but here's a picture to leave you with.

Drink responsibly & most importantly eat well as you drink.

Cheers!!!

Address: #610, 12th Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Near Crosswords, Indiranagar, Bangalore

Phone Number: +91 80 4411 4455

Kempegowda International Airport - An Experience, Bangalore

I have always loved the elegance of the Bangalore Airport - KIAL (Kempegowda International airport. The glass ceiling makes way for all natural light during the day while the nights are well lit, unlike various airports when the lighting just seems inconsistent.In numerous visits what has worked for me is the spaciousness, the lighting (both natural and generated) and the cleanliness.

This view only got renewed when I got the privilege of spending a day at the airport, exploring the new offerings that are now in place for a discerning traveler. For this specific day, the corporate office of KIAL organized for journalist passes which provided us with special access to the airport terminal. We did get through special lines meant for the airport crew and team but I must make a mention that, "At no point in time was the security compromised. We did go through the same elaborate security check process as would anyone at KIAL."

Post its inauguration in May 2008, the airport recently underwent an expansion to increase its capacity to support 18 million passengers per year. With this expansion, KIAL has not only achieved increase in capacity but has also given travelers numerous reasons to arrive in early to the airport and spend time experiencing a wide array of services that have now been introduced. 

For travelers with lots of time on hand:

On the international departure side of the airport, 'Bar 380' is the new and swanky bar. It offers the best of views of the one and only airport runway and the Bangalore landmark 'Nandi Hills'. The name 'Bar 380 Degrees' is an ode to the first A-380 which is expected to make its first landing at the Bangalore airport in the near future. Going by the theme, the menu presented is in the form of a passport with a lovely listing of international food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). I tried the 'BIAL French fries', 'Bruschetta', 'fish and chips' and a lovely 'fresh watermelon juice. My pick of the lot was the good old 'Fish and Chips' and the fresh watermelon juice. Pricing here definitely intrigues me as it busts the age old myth that, "Pricing at airports are really unreasonable and sky high."

Clockwise from the top: Menu for the day, Coaster and Passport style menu at Bar 380

Sampler Platter

Known to have one of the highest international traffic in the country, the airport has a fabulous duty free shop which boasts of a lovely collection of duty free goods like alcohol, perfumes and a lot more at prices better than US, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong airport; to name a few. If your question is - Did I get to buy liquor from the duty free shop? My answer is  - 'No, as a boarding pass is mandatory'. But, how I wish....

Unlike most airports, the emphasis here is on serving freshly prepared food and beverages to travelers. Keeping this in mind, in addition to 'Bar 380' KIAL has also introduced 3 other restaurants - 'Noodle Bar', '7 Tawas' and 'Malgudi Tiffin Center'. '7 Tawas' offers North Indian food like samosa chaat, kathi rolls and more while 'Noodle Bar' offer Chinese food where one gets to assemble their own noodles for instance. At both these restaurants, you get to see the food being prepared right in front of you. 

When can you grab a grub? Anytime of the day or night - It operates round the clock.

Masala Chaas @ 7 Tawas

Chicken Tikka Kathi Roll

Busy work schedules sometimes allow no time for a relaxed spa treatment in the regular course of life. So when at the airport with time available before your flight takes off, it might be a good idea to indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the O2 spa.

O2 Spa

By this time, it felt like I wouldn't be able to eat anymore. But the signature offering at the airport - 'Malgudi Tiffin Center' (MTC) was yet to be visited. Located on the domestic side of the terminal, this restaurant has a feel of the refurbished house shown in RK Laxman's 'Malgudi days'. Specializing in the cuisine of South India's Coastline covering Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, this restaurant is a must visit for its sheer delicacies. 

The food arrived and I was all hungry again. A look at the thali and I knew 'It was a trap!' - 'A food trap'; a plate full of food that looked downright delicious. I got to try the 'Gongura Kodi (Chicken)', 'Mangalore Fish Curry' and 'Mutton Varutharacha Curry' with an assortment of accompaniments like 'Malabar Paratha, 'kallappam', 'iddiappam', 'sannas' and 'rice'. Suddenly, I couldn't stop eating for its sheer deliciousness. For dessert there was 'Palada Payasam' and the meal was finally rounded off with a glass full of 'cold badam milk'.

Non-Vegetarian Thali

Vegetarian Thali

MTC opens early at 5:30 AM for breakfast and operates all through till 10:30 PM serving and catering to travelers delicious courses of meals. A breakfast and any other meal at MTC will cost around Rs. 350 and Rs. 900  plus taxes for two, respectively. Totally worth the experience.

For travelers with not much time on hand:

The airport very thoughtfully has also set up express counters at both - international and domestic sections of the airport terminal. For continental stuff, there is 'Urban Food Market' which serves pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and more. It's an apt outlet for those who want something quick - to go.

For the Indian fare there is Malgudi Tiffin Express where you can 'Grab-N-Go' some south Indian delicacies like pakodas, bajjis, rice varieties, some tea or coffee; makes for a perfect accompaniment and an easy way to kill time on flight.

For the non-travelers:
Are you visiting the airport only because you love to drive down the best road in Bangalore? Yes, the very same newly opened stretch of road between Hebbal to the airport? Then there is a lot of grub for you as well - CCD, Cafe Noir, Hatti Kappi, subway and more. And guess what! For all of this stuff, you just need a parking space for your vehicle. No air ticket or no boarding pass required. Again, open round the clock. :)

Signing off:

Non-Travelers - Enjoy your drive and some grub available outside the airport complex.

Travelers - Bon Voyage! And, do include the airport experiences in your travel itinerary .

Address: Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Wish-Dish: Pani Puri at Elco Market, Mumbai

Pani Puri is served in every city of India at almost every street corner if I may be allowed to exaggerate. Such is the popularity and reach of this Indian snack. While this dish has a huge fan following across the globe, there is surely some connection between Pani puri and women. I fail to understand the popularity of this dish among women who seem to be more than happy to make a meal out of it at every chance they can. Frankly, once I'm at it, I can't stop eating either.

So when I was in Mumbai recently, I visited this super famous place - It's been around now for decades and isknown as Elco Restaurant is located in Elco Market, Hill Road, Bandra since probably forever. It started off as a cart and is now a full fledged vegetarian restaurant. 

Ask anyone for must visit places in Mumbai and usually the first to get listed is 'Elco Pani Puri'. It seems like in Mumbai, 'Pani Puri' and 'Elco' are synonyms.

So when I was here, I tried the much famed Pani puri and have since been in total awe of it. The restaurant pays high importance not only to the taste and the ingredients but also pays high emphasis to hygiene. 

The puris were really light, thin and crispy.  The filling included potatoes and lentils. Preferences vary and for my way of eating always includes a mix of both the spicy and sweet water (pani) for that perfect blend of tang and sweetness.

In all, a delight to eat.. And easily the best I've ever tasted. 

Price - Rs. 60 per plate

Address - 2/A, Elco Market, 46 Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai

Wish-Dish: Andhra-Style Chilli Chicken, Nagarjuna, Bangalore

What is it that takes you to a restaurant again and again? There can be various reasons for you to make a visit to a specific restaurant. For instance it can be any single or combination of parameters of the below list -

1. The cuisine,

2. The food, 

3. The ambiance,

4. Quality of ingredients, 

5. Service standards, 

6. Value for money etc

Sometimes, it can just be a single dish served at a restaurant which can have you coming back for more every single time. Do you agree?

So here's to a new series of posts titled 'Wish-Dish' where I will share with you dishes which I think in all possibility will have you going back to a restaurant for it.

Let's begin this with something I have on my mind since morning -

Andhra Style Chilli Chicken at Nagarjuna, Bangalore

Andhra as a state may have had turbulent times, economic, social and political uncertainties but this one iconic dish 'Andhra-Style Chilli Chicken' has been consistent in bringing smiles and sighs of content to patrons all through these times.

In Bangalore, one of the oldest and the much famed (for very valid reasons) restaurant Nagarjuna has been dishing out fabulous Andhra- Style food with chilli chicken in particular. 

For all those who have not tried this before, it's fiery, it's spicy, it's hot but if you can take heat it's delicious, it's addictive and it can have you hooked forever. Folks who have eaten it, what do you have to say? 

Best eaten with - by itself, with chicken or mutton biryani, Andhra-style meals and my personal favourite 'with curd-rice'

Price - ₹ 190 ++

Bangalore gets a new life... 'NIGHTLIFE'

It's been a topic in news for a really long time now. There have always been articles of hope, speculation, possibilities / impossibilities, issues related to this topic which has been on a wish list of a lot of us Bangaloreans. 

And finally, the much awaited news arrived a few days ago stating, "Nightlife in Bangalore extended to 1AM". Technically, the restaurants and food joints are allowed to stay open till 1 AM every day of the week but pubs and lounge bars can do so just 2 days of the week - Friday and Saturday. Hearing all the news and reading it for all these days did make me joyous but what was now left was to experience the happening.  

Yesterday was the first weekend and after all these years it was hard to believe and digest the fact that Bangalore actually has an extended nightlife. At least this didn't strike us until we headed out for a quick dinner at 10 PM. Our idea of quick dinner was to grab some rolls and it was there that it came to our realisation that this lovely city was on till 1 AM.

So post our dinner, we drove to this nearby gastropub, parked our car to the roadside and walked up towards this lovely pub. During this walk, we still couldn't put our thoughts together and wondered if the pub was actually open. A minute later, at close to 11:30 PM we were welcomed with a smile and the door opened wide. At 11:30 PM!!! 

We stepped in with joy and what a ball it was. True to its name 'Monkey Bar' we witnessed people really having a great time; sipping on the beers, cocktails and other beverages. To keep the momentum alive, there was pulsating music playing to which party-goers danced and swayed along. If this was not all, there was also foosball and pool table to elevate the experience. 

Getting seating was unimaginable so we settled ourselves to a table nearby the foosball and called for a couple of drinks. Puja called for 'Manga' - a Mobar special cocktail and I settled in for a couple of pints of beer.

Our drinks arrived much faster than we anticipated considering the place was fully packed; and this does deserve a thumbs up. We were enjoying our drinks, the music being spun out by the DJ and watching others play at the foosball and pool table. All of this at 12 AM and I was pretty excited to make a post on My Facebook Page.. 

'12 AM and it's still not late for a couple of drinks, a game of pool or fooseball, great food and music.. It's PARTY TIME Bangalore..

Monkey See.. Monkey do... Monkey drink the good times Brew'

Here are some pictures I have to share:

Wall Frame at Monkey Bar

Foosball

How about a game of Pool?

Manga - Mobar Special Cocktail

On our way back home, it was good to see party-goers flocking out of pubs and lounge bars at 1AM. The city has come alive - Cheers to the new life.... 'NightLife' of Bangalore!