May 16, 2002 03:59 PM
5601 Views
(Updated May 16, 2002 05:11 PM)
Bangalore has a lot of Empires scattered here and there. However this review is about the Empire situated next to Infantry Road.
Crowded location
This restaurant is located in between Infantry Road and the Shivajinagar Area. The best way to describe this place is the road which runs parallel to where Pink Panther was located...
Another landmark would be the Army Canteen ( I think it is known as the Golden Palms). You have to take the road next to the canteen and this place is situated on the right side if you coming from Infantry Road or MG road.
The area is crowded and well it might be a little too noisy for people looking for a nice quiet evening !!! Avoid it at all costs.. If you are one of them ... :)
AC and Non AC
You have two choices:
The AC section where you can have your meals with some amount of peace and quiet.
The non AC section has a buzzing atmosphere with people coming and going and the hum of conversation around you.
I had a bad experience in the non AC section but would not like to feel that I am biased... so I personally make a beeline for the AC section.
Filling food
The area and the ambience notwithstanding, I would give a thumbs up sign for the food anyday. The food is good and it is worth what you pay for.
You could go for Kerela Parathas with a side dish, maybe a chicken or a mutton curry. If you are a vegetarian, you could take some paneer dish.
You must not miss the grilled chicken they have to offer. Its ultimate heaven for chicken tastebuds and well you will definitely not regret it if you are a chicken lover. Even if you do not sit and eat, you have to take a parcel home of Grilled Chicken. Its yummmy !!! I am sure your family will enjoy it and its a good starter for your drinks...
The biryani is also good but please for heaven's sake dont go experimenting like ordering Chinese. Go to a Chinese restaurant if you want to eat Chinese. Here if you are confused with the menu, you can ask the waiter what would be fast and good to eat. He will give you good options and in places like these I generally trust the waiter and I have not regretted it as yet. :)
You could only wait that much !!!
Service is quick provided you do not order something which sounds exotic on the menu.. The service takes some time in the AC section but just when you think that you need the food... Viola !! there it will be !!! :)
Pricing is good. The grilled chicken (half plate) costs about 60/- I think. Full plate would cost you about 110-120/- thats a full chicken grilled with an unique masala to garnish it with along with onions... :):) yummmmmy
You could have a meal for two for about 150/- at the best.
The best part about this place is that it is open till 1:00 am and the service is equally good all throughout... though the choice of dishes may be few !!!
My thoughts
You need not go out of the way to visit this place but if you are coming back from a late night movie show or a rock show, or coming late from office, or just at the fag end of pub hopping, this is the place you can fill your stomach cooly and go and crash off at home.
It also works if you are somewhat light in your pockets after pubbing and everything !!! Booze is not available here and they accept credit cards.
