A DRIVE down Residency Road might have you taking a second look at what appears to be a row of giant books, with interesting names. This is the facade of the new outpost of the popular watering hole, Sotally Tober. The interiors are equally interesting. While their first outlet, in Koramang-ala, is inspired by a drunk artist, their new location is designed around a tipsy writer. The sizable bar is located right in the middle, with access from both the smoking area, which looks out onto the road, and the indoor space, with its dim lighting and quirky artwork on the walls.
In a pickle
With an aim to sample the new offerings at the Residency Road outlet, we stopped by for dinner on a weekday evening. The starters on the menu are classic bar eats but with slight twists and tweaks to make the dish unique to Sotally Tober. Case in point, the Upinakai Paneer Tikka. Marinated in yellow chilli, stuffed with mango pickle and cooked in the tandoor, this dish was well balanced.
The Pork Cheesy Potato Skins were also impressive. The skins are stuffed with sour cream, barbecue sauce, salsa and pulled pork instead of bacon for a truly unique experience. The Kaffir Lime Chicken Tikka also proved to be offbeat and delicious. The lime gives it a distinct Thai note but the marination brings you back to the motherland. A few other appetisers that stood out were the Duck Samosa (filled with slow cooked duck and served with Sriracha mayo) and #Soto Pork Belly (pork belly sauteed with Asian spices, honey and rum).
Meals ready
For mains, we highly recommend the Rava Fried Mackerel. Served with red rice, a beans poriyal or palya and Kerala-style fish curry sauce, this was like a home-cooked meal. The fish, coated with semolina and fried to crispy perfection, proved to be a little on the eggy side (thanks to the coating) but it was delicious nonetheless. We wrapped things up with the Carrot Halwa with Whisky Rabdi. The halwa, served as quenelles, was not too sweet and the whisky cut the sweetness in the rabri.
Boasting a spacious venue with a young and quirky vibe, and a menu that is not fussy or over the top, Sotally Tober is the answer for those looking for a friendly neighbourhood pub in the Central Business District.
Rs.1,200++ for two. At Residency Road