Oct 27, 2006 02:54 PM
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There are some moments in life that you wait for so desperately, plan them, imagine how amazing they will be and then you get a reality check! Our first anniversary was like that. We made this big plan for a fancy dinner at this exclusive place, only to be washed out (literally) by heavy rains that left us with an option of having bread omelet or order Chinese! The later option was exercised as we watched some movie and chilled! Not that it was a bad anniversary (we were together!), but we always wanted to go to this place at least once.
Thankfully anniversaries are yearly affairs and couple of days ago, we finally managed to go to Grasshopper, a boutique restaurant on Banerghatta Road,Bangalore to celebrate couple of years of togetherness. And what do I say?? It was totally worth the wait.
Grasshopper is one of those elusive and exclusive places that are a treat for every sense. Brainchild of Himanshu and Sonali, it’s an old time bungalow that still maintains its charm. Nestled in greens on all sides, you park your vehicle and are guided to the restaurant by a torch bearer (the battery variety : ). You walk through their boutique stocked with multihued designer ensembles and go out into the balcony that has simple wooden round tables with metal chairs. The tables have a simple minimalist décor of candles and fresh flowers that set the tone for a soothing evening ahead.
Cordially ushered in or rather out to the balcony we took our table. A wine list was presented to us. Not really having a developed taste for wine we didn’t really have the heart to shell out 1k for a bottle of one. They have a few firangi brands and Indian ones including Grover and Sula. We ordered a simple Ginger Lemon with water and there’s one more option of bottle of beer.
Now started the 7 course meal, a lot of which, we didn’t know what it was, inspite of the waiter telling us every time what it is. So, I will not get into major details and mention the highlights that tingled our taste buds or confounded them completely! :p
First came a small fruit (I thot it was Anjeer fruit in its not so dry form) with a small piece of Feta cheese (which incidentally as google tells me is a Greek cheese) and a leaf of tulsi. Now this one DID confound us in term of combination, but it tasted nice. Then we got a plate full of lovely small tomatoes grilled a bit, sprinkled with olive oil, salt and pepper and a cheesy concoction in the centre with mildly flavoured herbs. Delicieux!
This was followed by seekh kabab looking, but continental tasting chicken. It was the softest chicken I have ever had stuffed with cheese and the bite would just melt in your mouth ever so easily almost making you sigh!
Next was sea food, a sea bass (kind of fish as Wikipedia tells me) with some kinda thin n yellow sauce, a bit sour that was served beautifully. The fish was perfectly cooked (not even a chhota bone) and though very bland had its own distinct flavour. This was followed with chicken stuffed with olives and mushrooms I think and was really good. The only downslide was the leafy salad that they served us, which really didn’t have any distinct taste as such and was just a mass of fancy leaves. We aren’t exactly the gourmet variety, I guess! ;) But THAT salad with walnuts didn’t really tickle our tongue. All this was served with couple of types of freshly baked breads.
And after all this we are wondering what next and we are asked for dessert choice. Chocolate Truffle, Almond-Fig Ice-cream, Lemon Cheesecake or Lemongrass Ice-cream. We opted for the first two and absolutely no regrets about that. The chocolate truffle that looked like a really small square of chocolate was thick chocolate that just made you go mmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmmm (lot like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally in the restaurant scene). To say it was fantabulous would be an understatement. The ice-cream was a welcome contrast to the rich taste of chocolate.
We were offered coffee or tea to end our dinner with, but we were too languorously enjoying the taste of desserts to try anything else.
It was time to pay and leave, which brings me to a point, where I need to tell you how it affects your pocket. Deep, my friend, deep. The dinner is priced at Rs.1000/person without taxes or drinks. If you look at it in absolute terms, it IS expensive, but as an entire experience, it’s complete Value for Money.
We didn’t even realize how 2 ½ - 3hrs just passed by just enjoying the sights, sounds and aromas at Grasshopper.When was the last time you spent that kind of time in a restaurant and still left with regret that it wasn’t enough?
The place is reservation only and you can call Sonali on 98454-52646. It’s better to call a day prior. There is no a la carte option, since they cook up whole special meal for you based on your generic food preferences.
So if you are looking at that perfect settingfor that perfect eveningwith that perfect personfor memories that are perfect in making,you won’t give Grasshopper a miss.
Ps: If you like your food spicy or desi, this place would be a complete waste of your time and money ‘coz the food served doesn’t even have a HINT of spice.
PPs : I wonder if THIS title makes ash happy?? Eh?!
