Nov 05, 2006 08:16 PM
5945 Views
My Bengali wife was overly frustrated at having to eat at the Sagars and Adigas after she moved into Bangalore from Kolkata. In my desperate search to end her misery, I discovered 36 Chowringee Lane. We did know the existence of 6 Ballygunge Place at Indira Nagar, but also knew that it was expensive. And if the standards of their restaurant in Kolkata was anything to go by, we would not quite recommend their food.
36 Chowringee Lane, on the contrary, was a blessing indeed. When I discovered this restaurant, my fingers were crossed, knowing the kind of finicky people Bengali's are about their food. I was hoping against hope that this place served authentic Bengali food with reasonably elaborate variety because these are two aspects that Bengali's crave for when it comes to their food.
The first element of worry was the experience I had, when I called in for reserving a table for two on a Saturday evening. While my intent was to somehow make it for dinner to this restaurant that night, I knew at the back of my mind that it was virtually impossible to get a table in any decent restaurant in Bangalore on a weekend unless one planned for it well in advance. The owner Mr. Subhrajyoti Dasgupta answered my call almost before the phone started ringing, and informed me that no reservation was required. Now this was disappointing because I knew that there was a sizable Bengali population in Bangalore and that there were not too many good Bengali Restaurants. My instinct concluded almost instantly that this was not a good restaurant. None the less, we decided to hazard a try.
The second point of disillusionment was the approach to the restaurant. Located on the beginning of a narrow street off a busy junction, the building housing the restaurant was run-down and drab. There was just enough parking space for 2 or 3 bikes. The corridor leading to the crude elevator was dingy and seemed more like an approach to an office than a restaurant.
The final blow was the realisation that we were the only guests at the restaurant that evening.
The posters of Bengali Cinema and Theatre were just about the only elements breaking the monotony of the otherwise dull and drab walls. These, with the glass topped tables & cane chairs was all one could call decor.
Having come this far, we resolved to accept whatever was in store for us.
Our apprehensions were however replaced with a sense of relief when Mr. Dasgupta came over to our table and indulged us in a dialogue regarding the menu. This he did in immaculate Bengali much to the delight of my partner. The suggestions of the dishes and accompaniments were characterised by passion. And thankfully the choice of fish was genuinely Bengali. ( We learnt later that all fish was flown in fresh from Kolkata)
Food was served in glass crockery. There was no service, so to say. The dishes were just delivered to our table and we were expected to help ourselves. This blended perfectly with the homely ambience of the place. Food was delicious. The fish was fresh. All of what was served was cooked just as a mother would in a typical Bengali household.
While we happily polished off every morsel of what was served, the biggest surprise of the evening was the modest bill.
Coming from a non-Bengali, you might think I am no authority, but I can tell you all foodies out there who love Bengali food, that this is the THE PLACE to go in Bangalore. And all those waiting for an opportunity to travel to Kolkata to taste the best of Bengali Cuisine, your wait has ended.
It is indeed unfortunate though that such a place does not have any takers. In the several visits we made to this restaurant we almost invariably found ourselves to be the only guests. I am not sure whether it has to do with the location or the fact that they do not serve alcohol.
Going by my review, if any of you in Bangalore are inspired to pay a visit to 36 Chowringee Lane, here's the address, telephone nos. and restaurant timings.
36 Chowringhee Lane is at No. 1, Milkman Street, Langford Road, Shantinagar Nanjappa Circle, Near Hockey Stadium, Richmond Town, Bangalore 560 025. Phone: 51240979/ 98863-02578. Lunch: 11a.m. to 3p.m., Dinner: 7 to 10.30 p.m.
