Head to Hyderabad's all-new bar Tabula Rasa for quirky drinks

Beat your Monday blues with cocktails that offer a cure, paired with Chicken Cigars at the brand new Tabula Rasa, tucked away in a quiet and private corner in Jubilee Hills. 
Head to Hyderabad's all-new bar Tabula Rasa for quirky drinks


Tabula Rasa – a philosophy that sees the human mind as a blank slate. Translated from Latin, Tabula Rasa the restaurant stationed in Jubilee Hills, is a perfect spot to explore that philosophy. You’re welcomed by blues playing in the background and potted plants surrounded by wooden furniture in the al fresco area.  Had you not known better, you’ll almost expect a coastline on the other side of the bar at the far end of the restaurant. For the attentive eye, rustic doors that lead to nowhere in particular and an old lawnmower transformed into a lamp post that blend into the décor will not go unnoticed. We sit, soaking in the music, before the drinks arrive.


 
Blue and pink
Apart from the usual favourites, the restobar has its own set of cocktails that are not just a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. What catches the eye instantly is the drink they call Monday Blues. Despite the name, the drink does not remind you of Monday Blues. Comprising gold rum, Malibu, fresh cream, chocolate and Blue Curacao topped with crushed ice and coconut, it is as refreshing as it gets. Meanwhile, Rose, served in a margarita glass is a vision in pink – transforming from baby pink at the hem to shocking pink as it reaches the stem. As the name suggests, it is a rose flavoured blend with Bombay Sapphire (gin) and finished off with Gatorade for the kick. Tabula Rasa flaunts a fresh fruit cocktail menu which serves seasonal fresh fruit-based drinks. The Watermelon Martini proved itself a welcome change from the usual fruit cocktails made from canned juices.  

Monday Blues
Monday Blues

 
More to munch
Chicken Cigars arrive on the table first and we hear that that dish is their bestseller. Served atop tangy barbeque sauce, battered and deep-fried chicken fingers are the ultimate finger food.

Chicken Cigars
Chicken Cigars

Another dish from the vegetarian menu that makes for a great combination with the barbecue sauce is the Zucchini and Bell Pepper Roll. Ideal when paired with a beer, the spicy dish serves cooked zucchini rings stuffed with bell peppers. And of course, one could shy away from the usual cheese balls to try the mushroom and broccoli bites, which feature broccoli and cheese stuffed mushrooms batter fried as balls. The classic pork belly served with a herb sauce is a must-try. Charcoal grilled cuts of pork skewered and served over a creamy sauce sits pretty and falls apart effortlessly as you eat it.

Zucchini and Bell Pepper Roll
Zucchini and Bell Pepper Roll

The Cilantro Shrimp is another of Tabula Rasa’s speciality. However, the strong aroma of cilantro hits you before the dish itself hits the table. Grilled to perfection, the shrimps are marinaded with a whip of tangy cilantro sauce. 

Cilantro Shrimp
Cilantro Shrimp


For those seeking solace
While the venue mostly plays classic rock and blues, it also features live musicians on Wednesdays and Fridays. Weekends turn up the heat as the in-house DJ plays crowd favourites. Ajay Mallareddy, who has co-founded Tabula Rasa with Juvvadi Shravan Kumar, is now planning a café menu. “It suits the atmosphere, doesn’t it? I can see youngsters coming in for a chat or just to sit in silence and work,” he says. However, the bar has a lot more to look forward to. He says, “I’m planning a lot of events – like sundowners – here besides the usual menu. As I have noticed, events like that also draw a lot of Hyderabadis in.” 

Price for two: Rs.1,500. Details: 33165177

 

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