GOOD FOOD BAD SERVICE | RIVERSIDE BAR & KITCHEN

It is quite ironic when a place is named as Riverside Bar and Kitchen, but doesn’t serve alcohol or for that matter even wine. I completely agree with the riverside concept given that they forte (or atleast they claim to) in the sea food genre, but bar? I am still left pondering!

The moment “Riverside Bar and Kitchen” hoarding was put up with a signboard of “opening shortly”, I was waiting for an opportunity to try out this place. Situated right on the Whitefield main road at a mere km walk from Forum Value Mall, this place did manage to gain attention of various foodies that travel this road, me being one from the lot. What got my attention? Well, they do have a fabulous interior, a little sober but attractive one, with lamps hanging from the ceiling and fluorescent sign board at the entrance. One can enjoy the fresh breeze or rain from the seating area if you are lucky enough with the weather. Also this is quite a place to enjoy a romantic dinner with you loved one’s.

I could go on and on describing about their ambience but I am afraid that’s all I can brag about when it comes to Riverside as a whole. If they had worked on everything else just the way they did with their looks this could be one of the best places to go dine at, in Bangalore. Unfortunately they do need to work a lot harder to enter the race.

We ordered for a Tandoori Dum aloo as our starter followed by Vegetable Dum Biryani as our entrée. Dum aloo was perfectly cooked and mixed well with the green, red and pink chatni. Dum Biryani also was commendable. They did manage to capture the biryani aroma and when tasted, the spices seemed to have done their jobs quite well.

Now you must be wondering what went wrong here. Well to start with, they dint serve wine which was quite a disappointment as both of us were looking forward on enjoying a glass of wine. Secondly their service and staff members are quite ignorant and badly managed. It took them a zillion year to get the orders straight and to serve them. We almost waited 30 min to get the attention of one staff member just to place the order, again another 30min to get our starter and then another 30 min to get the Biryani.

A bad service with good food is absolutely not an option if you have to survive in Bangalore. So if the management could try to work on this part, they might do a better job.

When it comes to the VFM, I have absolutely no complaints in the Veg section. But non-veg section, especially the sea food side, the food seems extremely expensive with every dish ranging from 700-800.


RIVERSIDE BAR AND KITCHEN:
ADDRESS: 101 & 45, Main Road,Whitefield, Bangalore 560066
CONTACT NO: 080 49653309

A DISAPPOINTMENT | XPLODE - REST BAR

Yet another disappointment in Sarjapur, Xplode. Definitely makes me wanna Xplode with frustration. 

I wonder how these places are still functioning when customers dont turn up. 

We ended up at this place as Sarjapur as we dint have much of an option anyways other than Big Brewsky. The interiors were confusing with photos of , Angelina Jolie, Michael Jackson, Jimmy Hendrix, Tom hanks, David Beckham etc. up on their walls, trying to make a point i guess, which was too cliche.

Initially we were seated on the ground floor, but had to run upstairs with our food as it started raining profusely. After too much of an effort we did manage to reach upstairs and what we find is the rain following us their. After 15 min struggle between the staff trying to keep up with the rain and trying to close the shutters on all the sides they did manage to full proof the place against rain. But by the end of the it, the tissues were scattered, the menus were on the floors, the food mats were wet and the place was a complete mess.

Although i was disappointed with such carelessness, we had no option but to continue our meal there. We places our orders and waited for it to arrive. As we chit chatted around describing our days, the dishes made their way to our table one by one. I wasnt quite impressed with the presentation and had not much hopes on the taste as well. But to my surprise the food was quite decent, but nothing to be awe'ed about. 

Will i go here again? Probably not! A one time experience is good enough. Although i i feel this pplace is meant for those folks who enjoy drinking beer while listening to music.



XPLODE:
ADDRESS:70, Kaikondrahalli,Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
CONTACT: 080 49652759

COUPLE OF DRINKS | HARRY'S

Been here with a friend of my for a couple of drinks. Ended up ordering Long island ice tea and another drink that was rum based. A great place to enjoy a glass of drink with a friend with some good music playing in background. One can also try on the pool table if interested. 

But kindly note this is an expensive place and we ended up paying 2k plus for 4 drinks and a plate of mushroom starters.

HARRY'S

ADDRESS: 1, SJR Primus, 1st Floor, Adjacent Raheja Arcade, Koramangala Opposite Forum Mall Signal

CONTACT: 9620813000

VERY BAD EXPERIENCE | CIRRUS

Under any normal circumstance i do not go to places that are rated 2.5 or below in any of the food sites. but this was an exception. Cirrus had arranged a DJ on this particular day with a dance floor and my friend was very keen on going here. As much as i dint want to go, i had no choice and somewhere deep down i knew it would be a disaster, which is exactly what it was.

Not only did they have a dance floor up until 11 pm in the night, their food sucked as well. Most of the food we ordered was kg's of salt in it or the food was too greasy to be tasted. 

We ordered quite a lot of things, but sadly all of it turned out to be a disaster. We even returned a dish because of its salt level and the replaced dish again had the same outcome. The service was poor and i got this feeling that they do not care on what the customer thinks. We ended up paying 5k for an experience that is not even worth mentioning.

A big NO to this food joint.


CIRRUS:
ADDRESS: Reid & Taylor Building,765, 5th Floor, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Near Sony Center
CONTACT: +91 9986035778, +91 9731154784 

A MUST VISIT PLACE IN KORAMANGALA | GILLYS

If you that kinda person who wants to enjoy a glass of drink with some amazing loud music playing in background, trying to unwind the tension out and just enjoy a couple of drinks with some friends then this is the place. I have been here so many times, that i have lost count of it. 

I always wind up here when i want to enjoy my drinks with some of my fav music playing in the background. They even have xbox with them if u like to play on it.

I have tried their wine sangaria, cosmopolitan, colada, Daiquiris. Although their is nothing like an awe factor on their cocktails i would keep going back for the environment and music.

GILLY'S

ADDRESS: #91, Jyoti Nivas College Road, 5th Block, Kormangala Industrial Layout,Koramangala Next to City Union Bank

CONTACT:  +91 99014 10088, +91 81052 31584

FBAB 3RD FOODIE MEETUP | DISTRICT 6

I’ve risen from the dead y’all. Buhahahaha...Just kidding, I’ve been very busy and may be teeny tiny bit lazy, but don’t worry. I’ve been eating, and believe me in plenty. Here is one of my recent accomplishments that I am all set to brag about ;)

The fabulous FBAB (Food Blogger Association, Bangalore) teamed up with District 6 to create an extravagant  meal for their friends and blogger pals this past Sunday. Invitees convened at the District 6 venue at 12.30pm for some lip smacking treat; it was great to catch up with Deepa, Sayoni, Shruthi, Hari, Nameesh, Chef BB, Guru, Naveen and Caroline.

The brunch kicked off with the Beer tasting which was very conveniently served in a wooden crate. The tasters included 6 variety of beer: the Liberator – Lager, The chief, Dark Lord, The Kapitan, Smoking Konig, Radler. Not being an avid fan of beer, I politely tasted all of them and later declined each one of them finally settling for a glass of Red Wine. If i had to pick one among the given options, I would undoubtedly go with the Radler which was the least bitter among the all and most of my fellow bloggers/beer lovers would disagree, if you know what i mean.

The benevolent host that they were, swarmed us with there cocktails choices too. We got to taste a variety of drinks including a spicy Margarita, Mojito, tailor-made bloody Mary and few more, although i must point out, most of the drinks needs a slight bump in alcohol level. If i had to pick the drink of the day i would undoubtedly go for the Sangaria, which imparted its presence not only on me but the entire foodies group.

They presented us next with there Sunday platter which includes 3 combos of both Veg/non-Veg each: 

The Veg Combo included the Tandoor Platter, Crispy Platter and the Fry Platter.

The Tandoor platter served Paneer Tikka, Kele Ki Galouti and Sarson Wali Gobi. Paneer was cooked perfect and blended well with the mint chutney and the Laccha Onions, the gobi was perfected too although I would suggest for smaller pieces to be served, and the Kele Ki Galouti tasted well, but the Galouti was too soggy and squishy. 

The Crispy Platter included Assorted Veg Tempura, Sichimi Corn and Thai Lotus Stem Chips. Hats off to the chef with the Lotus Stem chips. It blended well with the Chilli Sauce and Wasabi mayo. Sichimi Corn was quite alright and could have been better if the corn were soaked in little thinner batter. Assorted veg Tempura was quite on-off to me, depending on which veggies I ate.

Fry Platter was a welcome of Classical Nachos, Spiced Root Chips and Onion Rings served along Wasabi Mayo and Tomato Salsa. This was one such platter where i had nothing to complain about.

The Non-Veg Combo included The Punjabi Platter, Oriental Platter and the European Platter. I indulged myself with a piece of chicken which i happened to enjoy with immense pleasure and when it comes to the rest of the non-veg spread I stumbled upon good reviews about them from my fellow bloggers. 

District 6 has come up with a teaser for our palate, "Sunday Platter" that includes unlimited veg & non-veg platters (3 varieties) for 799+tax. Its an amazing steal when one gets a 50% off on there beverages and brews aswell. 

Quite the prelude, it was hard to believe we were only just getting started! I was already blown away by the chef's prowess (all three of them.) It was time to officially take our seats as the next course arrived. After a lot of perusing, we swarmed our table with Veg Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Sea Food Biryani, Idiyappam, Makai Palak & Beef Fry. I was feeling pretty stuffed as the entrees hit the table. I managed to taste most of the dishes as they swayed there way to me. The Biryani's were a delight. Most of the restaurants fails to manage the perfect aroma and spices in the Biryani and but District 6 had got it all perfect. The same goes with the other entrees.

All in all our entree succeeded in preparing our taste buds for an impeccable dessert spread of Apple Crumble, Eton Mess, Chocolate Fondant Cake, Baked Cheese Cake and Mango Mousse.My personal favorites were Eton Mess with hidden crunchy meringues and  fresh whipped cream & Chocolate Fondant Cake with the gooey chocolate center topped with vanilla ice-cream complimenting each other.

The dishes served to us this afternoon were evocative of a true creative spirit in the kitchen, where flavors and ingredients of fall were fused with innovative preparations. Many thanks to our amazing trio of chef-hosts for their generosity; providing guests with great food, drinks and fun! This was a most exciting end to a stellar brunch party.

Kudos to the DJ for playing the 70s-80s music. It was truly a delight! Also a special thanks to the brew master for the amazing tour of the brewery, now i can confidently voice out my opinions when it comes to brewing beer. And a special thanks to the head chef of District 6 who made it a point to visit  our table every now and then to make sure we were served well and also to take in criticism as a compliment.

My new moto from today is the 3 I's: "Indulge Inspire Imbibe"
Bon Appetit!

Pic Courtesy: Naveen, Shruthi and Hari


DISTRICT 6:
ADDRESS: 26/1, Brigade Gateway Campus, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleshwaram Located Inside Sheraton  
CONTACT NO: 080 6176 6666

BANGALORE'S LATEST NEWBIE | BURGER KING`

Bangalore received its first Burger King outlet in one of the most hot-shot places of Bangalore, Pheonix Market City which is mostly known for its international brands and a semi adventure sport.

So when i saw a FB update from my fellow food bloggers i couldnt resist but pay a visit on their inauguration day! Darn dont i regret it! Not coz of the food but for the crowd that had turned up to try on this newbie. We almost ended up waiting for an hour in the line just to realize that we were in the delivery line. But to our luck the seating line was moving quickly, so irrespective of the mishap, we walked-in , in another 15 min. But that was not it! There was again a huge line at the counter to place the order and also, if you are lucky you would find a seat to sit. So we strategized: 3 of them would hunt for a seat and the other 2 would place the order.

After much hassle we placed the order, paid through cash as they were not accepting cards, which again was something that i blame them for not being prepared on such an important day. 

We ordered for Veg Whopper, BK Veggie, Chicken Tandoor Grill & Paneer King with Cheesy fries & Salsa Fries.

Veg Whopper was quite big and justified its name. It tasted good and this was the best pick among all the other burgers. What grabbed my attention was the salsa fries were the fries were marinates with salsa and cheese. It was an instant hit in our group and i must say, something different from the usuals at McD and KFC. 

The pricing is very similar to that of KFC with most of it ranging from 60-200 bucks depending on the combos.

One thing i realized is, most of this international franchises are over hyped in India and we Indians get excited when any new international brands open up, but only after paying a visit do we realize how normal it is. 

BURGER KING:

ADDRESS: Level 2, Phoenix Market City Mall, Whitefield