Roadtrip

So I heard from the grapevine that the owner of this restaurant used to partner with Herbs and Spice. That totally explains the similarities on both the menus and the tastes of the food served. I used to live around the corner from here, so I'd order an entree or two at least twice a week and I was never disappointed.

It's been over a year since I last came but I still like this place. The atmosphere is very laid back and the owner is super friendly. This has become our default post-yoga restaurant.


Shrimp bisque - a bit thick for my liking but the natural sweetness from the shrimp is unbeatable.


Stuffed mushrooms with more mushrooms, onions and cheese - nothing to write home about but it's not bad. I would rather have it stuffed with something else though, perhaps with some chopped up leeks or fennel?


Salad with sprouts - I liked the different textures in this salad but it wasn't really what I had expected. I can't even recall the name of this salad except I know it's not called sprout salad.


Garlic shrimp - I love this! The combination of garlic, basil, and a hint of tomato makes this dish yummy.

Overall Ratings:
Po's: 7.5/10

Would we return?
Yes, probably after yoga with some yogis.

Address:
1st Main HAL 2nd Stage,
3524/1, Service Road
(next to park, opp Subway)
Bangalore,
Karnataka 560038
Phone:080 41155848

Raintree Cafe

One of the (many) reasons why I love Bangalore is for the obscure places you would never imagine exist but they do. Last weekend, "A" and I went to the National Gallery Of Modern Art, which itself was an amazing place to visit and we decided to drop by quaint Raintree Cafe for a cup of latte and an afternoon snack. Raintree is a fashion and craft boutique but they had allocated a tiny space for a cafe that seats no more than 10 people.


I'm unsure of the history behind this property but the vast garden with an old-world charming bungalow made us forget we were actually in the middle of bustling Bangalore city.


Some deserts and small eats (quiche and sandwiches) available here.


Chocolate tart - very moist and not too sweet.


And to finish up the afternoon, a nice cup of latte.

Overall Ratings:
Po's: 8.5/10

Would we return?
Yes and to the boutique as well!

Address:
4, Sankey Road,
High Grounds,
Bangalore

Cafe Noir

The brother of Toscano's owner Chef Jean Michel Jasserand opened a French cafe earlier this year. Cafe Noir is located at the U.B. City Piazza, the same venue as Toscano. The al fresco dining area didn't remind me of cafes along Champs-Élysées but the modern decor and ambiance of the place made me forget for a moment that I was in India.


Onion soup - most onion soups made anywhere in the world is done with beef broth but this one however is made with vegetable broth, which is very welcoming for me who doesn't eat any parts of a cow. Served with a small piece of mozzarella toast submerged into the savory broth.


Zucchini vegetable soup - light broth with pieces of vegetables and a hint of sweetness from mushrooms.


Club sandwich - layers of ham, cheese, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes in between crunchy toast. All sandwiches were served with sides of crispy fries and leafy green salad.


Moist chunks of roast chicken served in a crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette. According to the owner, these breads are baked fresh every morning.


Croque monsieur - "A" thought this was good but I thought it was too close to a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich.


Salmon quiche - the portion is a tad small compared to the rest. I was a bit worried that it might taste fishy (despite the use of smoked salmon) but I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture of salmon, asparagus and egg combination. Be careful not to eat it too quickly, the inside parts are piping hot!


Crème brûlée - the first I've had in a while that's been done perfectly. The perfectly burnt caramelized sugar tops a smooth rich custard.


Other desserts to choose from. The owner mentioned that the pastry chef used only local ingredients.

Our tasty meal for four came up to a whopping Rs1700 (US$39)! When we consulted the owner about the reasonable price, he replied again that using mostly local produce (whenever they can) from chocolate to flour to fresh fruits, have helped keep the prices low. "A" was of course very impressed by this since using local produce equals lesser carbon footprints and is also very eco-friendly. I think this place would be perfect for a quick light bite or a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Overall Ratings:
"A"'s: 8.5/10
Po's: 8/10

Would we return?
Definitely!

Address:
2nd Floor,
The Collection UB City,
24, Vittal Mallya Road,
Bangalore,
Karnataka, India

Spoonful of Sugar

"A" is a little upset that I came here without him. It was a very last minute decision and I didn't even have time to change out of my sweaty gym clothes and the driver (sent by Mama B to pick me and dadi up from home) is already impatiently honking outside at the gate. I've heard so much about this place and even read a superb review about the desserts on the Food Lovers magazine. "A" would have to wait.

Tuscan Chicken Sandwich - this was good! Ok, to be honest, I only took a little bite because Sammie ordered it and I wasn't going to devour the whole sandwich. I'm pretty sure the people at Spoonful of Sugar had coated chicken pieces with sun-dried tomato sauce or some sort of pesto.

Chicken Quiche - the chicken breast chunks were very moist, the quiche wasn't too eggy and the crust actually looks homemade. Needless to say, dadi loved this dish and requested to have her last bite packed in a parcel to be taken home.

Mississipi Mudpie - yum! When I saw this behind the glass window of the refrigerator, it was intact. They must have heated the pie so the chocolate filling would melt and what better way to serve melted chocolate than with custard.

There is not many seatings, maybe a total of 6 tables but it's a cozy and intimate place to hangout with loved ones. Plus, it's always nice when others are indulging along with you.

Follow-up visit with "A"

Sun dried tomato pesto with chicken


Mushroom cheese quiche


Raspberry mascarpone cheesecake


The many dessert choices available here.

Overall Ratings:
Candice's: 8.5/10

Would we return?
For sure!

Address:
421-G, 1st Main Rd, Indira Nagar
Bangalore, Karnataka 560038

(By the way, there are two 1st Main Roads in Indira Nagar. Google Maps might point you to the 1st Main Road next to Domlur, which is wrong. This 1st Main Road is nearer to CMH Road)

Royal Orchid Cafe

Last weekend, I went with "A"'s family to the Karnataka Golf Club for a swim. I won't spend the time complaining about the run-down mold-infested place and their rigid and pretentious behavior but I will let you know that instead of having lunch at the club, we walked across the street to Royal Orchid Cafe for lunch, even though having lunch at the club would have cost us one-third of the price.

The cafe had a wide spread of Indian and western cuisine on the buffet but we went a la carte.

I was as hungry as a wolf after the swim so I ordered a lamb burger, medium-rare. Despite the hunger, the burger wasn't as juicy nor yummy as I had expected it to be. It was sloppy and the meat was dry and bland, despite the added mayonnaise and melted cheese.

"A" ordered the club sandwich that wasn't all bad except the egg layer was overcooked so it was a bit rubbery. The bread were too "toasted" which resulted to a crumbly, messy sandwich.

Overall Ratings:
Candice's: 3/10

Would we return?
Probably not

Address:
1, Golf Avenue, (Adjoining KGA Golf Course),
Airport Road,
Bangalore 560 008,
India