RESTAURATEUR Zorawar Kalra headed down to Bengaluru last weekend to launch his newest establishment, BBQ’D with a swanky party. While buffet spreads and craft beer might not seem to go hand in hand, BBQ’D brings it all together with the finesse of a fine dine restaurant. We visited on a surprisingly crowded Monday evening for dinner.
The restaurant has retained the interiors of Made In Punjab which was there earlier, but has introduced live grills, pasta and chaat counters. We started with the live chaat, and although all the dishes were really delicious, our favourites were the chaats. The Dahi Papdi and the Aloo Chaat, made with fresh and crispy ingredients, had us going in for seconds, and even thirds. The appetisers served on the table included a vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizza and steamed momos. While the momos were nothing to write home about, the thin crust pizzas were impressive.
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Next, we moved on to the live grills, the highlight of the menu. Served on a grill at the table, the options include Harissa Chicken, Chipotle Prawns, Grilled Cottage Cheese Satay, Mushroom and Bell Pepper Teriyaki and more. The unique sauces made the grills a hit. The Corn Chowder gets a special mention because of the topping of cheese popcorn, instead of the usual croutons.
The buffet style main course had Italian, Thai, Chinese as well as Indian options. Although already quite full, we started with the BBQ’D In House Special Dal Makhani, rich and creamy, it is as authentic as it gets. The Dakhni Saag, a spinach preparation was spicy and went well with the Malabar Prawn Biryani. Other options include pasta, Thai Green Curry, Andhra Chicken Curry and a Black Bean Sauce Gravy.
If you, like us, judge buffets on the variety of desserts on offer, then BBQ’d checks all the boxes. Choose from Green Apple Jalebi, Saffron Rabdi, Pumpkin Halwa, Rosemary and Pineapple Crumble and more. If you’re feeling a little theatrical, go to the live Candy Floss counter and try the flavour of the day, served atop an ice cream cone.
BBQ’D won us over with its fresh and fine buffet spread at reasonable prices, in the heart of the city.
Rs. 580 ++ upwards. At Vittal Mallya Road. Details: 49652809
anagha@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @anaghzzz