My office gives a constricted view of the by lanes of Mumbai. The wet street of Mumbai is partly visible and the hang about you can make is by the incessant pour the city witnesses.
There is a tall tree which is visible from the adjoining large glass. The tree is unevenly growing like the Mumbai traffic; it has leaves that are light and furry. I am clueless, if you are expecting the tree’s name. Can’t be a Banyan or Peepal, since I know them really well…
Okay, let’s come back to the weather. This drizzling reminds me of the clammy streets of Kolkata in rains. How I would wish the water on the street to evaporate without leaving a trace, or how I would wrestle my umbrella to keep it upright.
I remember eating at perfectly calcuttan restaurants in these rains. That day also it rained a lot and I wanted to done a Kebab dish at Peter Cat but my South Indian friend suggested Tamarind. He told me Tamarind is one of the rare south Indian specialty restaurants, which serves other cuisines too. Doubting that I would be able to savor my food at such kind of place, I had to lay down my arms for his taste buds. The restaurant is located at Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani.
Ambience of the bistro I must admit was striking. The instrument playing frivolously in the backdrop lit my mood and the scent of food made me ravenous. We ordered Hyderabadi chicken which clearly tasted like one sautéed with Lemon & Ginger. The breads were quite good but the stealer was the Paysam that my friend made me taste.
Kolkata can boast of startling eateries and whether it is rain or heat here are few restaurants you must try when you are travelling to Kolkata:
• Mainland China: I can swear by the exotic Chinese cuisine it serves. It is said to serve the best Chinese and Thai in Calcutta. Undoubtedly anyone’s favorite, if it comes to Chinese. Rice lovers have to try Schezwan rice here.
• Marco Polo: another Chinese restaurant where I had relished eating. My hot favorite hong kong noodles with chicken is a killer.
• Peter Cat: Best thing about the restaurant is its ambience which houses a bar and serves Indian and Continental. You have to try chillo kebabs here. It is supremely Gourmet’s delight. The place’s stylish set up and stucco walls are becoming
• Moulin Rouge: another stealer in Park Street, where you have to go.
• Tangerine: go for à la carte. The French styled bistro looks astounding. I had simple veg food, which wasn’t that good but my friends loved lobster thermidor (however that tasted)
• On track: I would not strongly recommend. Dad and I experienced this restaurant but didn’t like it that much. It is a nice place for kids since it has a different seating arrangement in the form of train, which whistles too.
So that is what you have from my choicest places in Calcutta. But I would still crown the road side joints, puchka stalls, jhal muris and cha over the above. Junk food in Calcutta will win hand down anywhere! The city of joy is a Gourmet’s delight.
