BackMeetings over meals: European flavours
A rendezvous over breakfast, talking business over high tea or conversations at a bar with bespoke cocktailsBengaluru eateries where you can mix work and play
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Bengaluru is no longer just a hub for information technology (IT) businesses. From real estate developers to non-IT start-ups—the city sees many business travellers stop through for a day or two, rushing in and out of meetings. Business districts such as MG Road, Whitefield, Hebbal and neighbouring areas are thriving as a result and cafés and restaurants offer enough benefits for those who like the idea of working meals outside office premises and conference rooms. Here are four eateries, some new, some old, that offer an innovative take on modern European food and provide a perfect space for one-on-one huddles or long conferences.
Breakfast
9am-3pm (Mondays closed)
Red Fork , 12th Main, Indiranagar (41154372)
Why here
Eat & drink
Red Fork is all about its blackboard menu. While there are some regular features, the menu changes according to the availability of ingredients and the chef’s whims. From Green Eggs and Ham, a delicious creation of eggs and pesto served on ham and a brioche (250), to Sweet Corn Fritters with Roasted Tomatoes and Salsa (225), and Mushrooms on Brioche (250), the menu is perfect if you’ve got a long day ahead. And to wash it all down, there’s coffee, tea and seasonal fresh juices.
Chef recommends
Xerxes Bodhanwala’s breakfast menu is all about simplicity and innovation. He recommends the Spring Onion Pancake with Smoked Salmon and Poached Egg (250) because it’s light. The Chilli Scrambled Egg on Sourdough (190); and Akuri, the Parsi style masala eggs (180), are two other dishes you might be tempted to try.
Something healthy
Opt for the Tribe Breakfast (350), which serves home-made cereal with milk, poached eggs on sourdough and smoked salmon. For vegetarians, a bean stew with a fresh salad is served in place of eggs and salmon.
What’s missing
There’s no dedicated parking. It could do with a few more vegetarians dishes.
Spend
Meal for two, approximately 850, plus taxes.
Lunch
Noon-2.45pm
Caperberry ,UB City, Vittal Mallya Road (8762933355)
Why here
Caperberry is an intimate space, where one can work without being interrupted by constant flow of diners. The service is prompt and you won’t find servers hanging around your table without reason.
The menu is nouveau European. Being centrally located, it’s convenient and there’s free Wi-Fi. The eatery can call for cabs and also keeps a guide book on Bengaluru if you want to visit other spots after the meeting. One of their tables can seat up to 20 people.
Eat & drink
If you don’t have the time to browse and pick from an à la carte menu, the prix-fixe lunch at Caperberry is a good bet. You can choose from a two-course or a three-course lunch, which comes with a glass of sangria. The menu has an equal number of choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, with a cold soup for the summer months, salads and desserts such as the eggless and sugar-free Vanilla and Black Pepper Panna Cotta, served with cherry compote, vanilla sauce and a crunchy tuille, and the Churros Moderne, in which baked churros powder and spiced warm chocolate are served with cinnamon sugar. There are no additional beverages offered on the prix-fixe menu unless you go for the three-course meal, but you can order separately from their à la carte beverage menu.
Chef recommends
Abhijit Saha adds elements of surprise in almost every dish. He suggests the Tuna Tartare with Tomato Gazpacho, Beetroot and Feta Caviar and its vegetarian version, the Green Pineapple and Basil Gazpacho with Beetroot Ice Cream; Beetroot and Apple Tartare; and the Herb Grilled Sea Bream with Pomme Lyonnaise, orange-dill sauce and orange segments.
Something healthy
The cold gazpacho soups; and the Vanilla and Black Pepper Panna Cotta.
What’s missing
Non-alcoholic beverages on the prix-fixe menu.
Spend
Meal for one, 750 for a two-course lunch; and 950 for a three-course prix-fixe lunch menu, plus taxes.
High tea
3-6pm
Polo Club, The Oberoi, MG Road (25585858)
Monday-Saturday (book at least a day in advance)
Why here
If you need to use the taxi services, the concierge can book one from an external service provider or ask for a hotel taxi. While refills of tea and some of the food from the high-tea menu are free, cocktails above the stipulated number are charged. Guide books on Bengaluru, maps and newspapers are available. They can seat up to 12 people on a table in the alfresco area.
Eat & drink
The high-tea menu includes finger sandwiches that have cheese and ham, salmon, smoked chicken with mayo, tomato and mozzarella, cucumber and mint, and cheese as filling, a quiche of the day, along with macarons, fruit tarts, English fruitcake, a mousse and carrot cake and English raisin scones, served with cream and preserves. A range of teas and coffee, and any one of the cocktails offered on the alcoholic menu (Earl Grey martini, Peach and Darjeeling Tea martini, or the Coco Long Island Iced Tea) are served.
Chef recommends
Amit Wadhawan says the fresh, bite-sized open sandwiches, especially the smoked salmon ones, are a must try as is the carrot cake with fresh cream.
Something healthy
There’s almost nothing that is deep-fried on the menu.
What’s missing
Wi-Fi is not free. Internet connectivity for non-resident guests is 450 for 30 minutes.
Spend
Meal for one, 1,200, plus taxes,
for the non-alcoholic version; and 1,975, plus taxes, for the alcoholic version.
Cocktails
Noon-11pm on weekdays and Sunday/noon-1am on Friday and Saturday
Drinks
114/1, Sai Complex, MG Road (49652950)
Why here
Also given its location, it’s easily accessible. Free Wi-Fi is available and eight to 10 people can be seated at a table.
Eat & drink
If you are meeting over drinks, the appetizer section offers the quick and easy Olive & Herbs, warm olives marinated with garlic, thyme, rosemary, citrus and bay leaf (150), and a selection of bruschettas topped with sundried tomato tapenade (175). And there’s the Arancini (190), mozzarella-stuffed balls coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Head barman Alfonso del Portillo’s signature cocktails include Afterwork (700) made with Johnnie Walker Black Label, Grand Marnier, lime and chocolate bitters; and the Worcestershire Julep (250) made with Jim Beam bourbon infused with bitter orange marmalade, Worcestershire sauce, mint and Riserva Carlo Alberto bitters.
Chef recommends
The appetizers, especially the Meatball (200)—bacon wrapped in meatball, served with Romesco sauce and Manchego (it also comes with the option of chicken, 190).
Something healthy
A decent selection of salads such as the Greek Salad with vegetables, lettuce, and feta cheese (190); Rocket Salad with fresh arugula leaves, sweet pears, Parmesan shavings and balsamic dressing (195); and Pan Seared Red Snapper, which is served on a bed of sautéed vegetables and dressed with a lemon, ginger and capers sauce (250).
What’s missing
Finding parking on and around MG Road can be difficult, so opt for the valet service.
Spend
Meal for two, approximately 2,500, plus taxes.
This is the first of a series on where executives and travellers can meet and catch a bite while at work.
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