This new cafe in Indira Nagar has no connection to the French Impressionist painter Oscar-Claude Monet, except for the fact that the owner is a big fan of the artist. As you enter Monet’s Bistro, you get the impression that this cosy cafe has been put together with much thought. The muted tones in cream, off-white and teal with the warm lighting, minimal furniture and large windows give it a very French vibe. Set up by 32-year-old Hayat Merchant, Monet’s Bistro isn’t the quintessential cafe.
This is because, it doesn’t serve regular sandwiches. The speciality is their selection of croissant and brioche sandwiches and a variety of hot chocolate. Hayat, who completed a pastry course from Le Cordon Bleu, Paris spent two years as a pastry chef in Dubai at the French bakery chain, Paul, before she came to Bengaluru.
The menu reflects Hayat's varied experience. It includes a little bit of everything she has learnt as a student and then as a chef. From this assortment we first sampled the Smoked Chicken Jalapeno Poppers. The jalapeno pod was slit in the centre and was stuffed with smoked chicken and cheese. The cheese helped balance the spiciness. However, we were most impressed with the Falafel with Hummus and Tzatziki that was served next. The creamy texture of the hummus and the fresh and tangy flavour of the tzatziki went well with the falafel.
Korean delight
After this interesting start, we tried the Korean Bulgogi Croissant sandwich. Unlike the original bulgogi that’s made with either beef or pork, this one is made with pan-fried sliced lamb. What we liked about the filling was the medley of flavours — sweet and spicy thanks to the use of black pepper. The flaky croissant and the succulent slow fried meat worked well as a combination.
Next, we tried the Smoked Mutton Korma Brioche sandwich. The creamy and subtly tangy yoghurt in the korma was the highlight of the stuffing.
Chocolate therapy
After the mains, we sampled the hot chocolate and eclairs. Our pick was the Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. The blend of chocolate with the creamy peanut butter was comforting.
From their range of Eclairs, we chose the Rose and Saffron Eclair. Topped with a rose petal, this wasn’t too sweet and the subtle notes of rose and saffron were on point. Monet’s Bistro is definitely worth more than one visit purely because of its eclectic menu.
Rs 600++ for two. At 80 Feet Road, Indira Nagar
ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax