Prince J, a Kodaikanal native and the resident “mixologist” at Secret Society, has a few nifty tricks up his sleeve when it comes to whipping up cocktails. His Smoked Maple Negroni, for instance, which is off the menu but available by request, involves a smoke machine and a process that is as dramatic as it gets. The mix of Campari, Martini Bianco (vermouth), Bombay Sapphire gin and maple syrup in a glass is first placed under a fishbowl and then steamed using a smoke machine. The flavour that lingers is strangely similar to bourbon, with a smokey aftertaste. Things get more interesting with his vodka-based shooter, The Hulk, which involves an infusion of blue curaçao, injected into the glass with a syringe, making the drink turn a spooky, mutant green, much like the skin of Bruce Banner’s alter ego. The shooter itself is rather potent, though unlikely to transform you into a superhero.
Grin and beer it
Just over a month old, the Secret Society is a franchise of the Habanero chain, run by the duo of Rohit Nair and Tarun Nair. The pub vibe is complete with a rock playlist, steampunk-style industrial piping in the interiors, faux ornate mirrors, and homegrown replicas of famous paintings (we don’t mind saying, the versions of Vermeer and Dalí look more accurate under the influence). A large screen presents live shows, while in-house DJ Prashant Amir plays RnB on Fridays. The beers at hand are limited, of local brands Sterren and British Empire; they will begin serving Heineken, Sol and Kingfisher soon.
Snoopin’ around
Until then, the cocktails are your best resort. The Purple Rain is inventive (vodka, rum, cherry and blue curacao, lemonade), and the Fire Extinguisher (white rum with lemonade) brings its own theatrical elements, while the fiery Kinectic Burn (sic) of tequila, watermelon and basil goes down like a mini inferno. The menu includes a couple of other mystery offerings — the Secret Potion (vanilla vodka, passion fruit, pineapple juice), and the Secret Stash (white spirits, a peach and Red Bull).
Among the eats, served by Chef Sachinder Negi, the chicken skewers, spicy wings, loaded potato skins and batter-fried zucchini are among our top recommends. The pizzas are hot favourites, we’re told, and the All Meat pie was worth it. As for the society in question, there isn’t much esoterica to unravel (no Doylean whodunnits or Carrollesque free falls here). The hosts plan to open a bakery at the venue’s entrance, and the main entry will resemble the door of a refrigerator — that’s really just it! Once you step in, the only sleuthing you’d be required to do is to find your way out at the end of the evening.
Evening for two with drinks approx `1,500.
Details: 9176790918