Kochi’s latest pet-friendly restaurant serves excellent continental recipes

Kochi has never been the best place for dog owners who love to dine out with their beloved pet. You know Kakkanad-based Caesar’s Cafe is a heaven for cynophilists when you see a Pug’s face on their logo, who also happens to be the namesake of the outlet.

Located close to the Rajagiri campus, the outlet built in and around an independent house is the brainchild of millennial trio Louis Issac, Jose Paul, and Alwin Savi. 

An old-fashioned radio elicits a quaint mood as we escape the sun into the minimally-decorated diner. Louis waits for us to quench our thirst with a soothing strawberry summer dew drink loaded with mint to begin the conversation.

“Our endeavour is a result of the lack of space we encountered while being students in Rajagiri college. Cafés on busy streets charge the customers more, simply because they spend more on rent. Our location offers continental dishes in a capacious setting without burning a hole in your pockets,” says Louis, as we notice that the menu resembles that of many other popular eateries around the town; until our eyes fall on the economical pricing.

Gathering youngsters
Before we dig into their dishes, we step out to explore the 60-cover space of which 40 are al-fresco. “We’re open to hosting small parties and will also organise live acoustic music events on our open terrace,” says Jose, as we get back to our table where a platter of fish finger awaits us. The crispy and amply filled snack assures us that the trio is down to serious business.

Understanding the psyche of the students, the foodpreneurs are also offering gift vouchers for events conducted on the campus. Their special beef burger infused with spicy mayonnaise and pepper is quite a reasonable, full meal in itself with fried eggs and double patties at just `185.
 

Continental spread
We opt out of sampling the Chinese dishes on the menu like noodles and choose a beef steak doused in mushroom sauce. Crafted by chef Vimal Raj—who has over three years of experience in popular cafés around town—the slightly salty sauce is perfectly suited for the well-done cut served along with mashed potato and assorted veggies.

The owners also inform us that those skilled with brushes may use their designated walls as a canvas. “Our pet pug, Caesar, is under training now and once he gets here we’re also planning to provide special discounts for pet owners,” Alwin winds up, as we chose a grape lime instead of one of their chillers to end the meal.