Have you seen the movie “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar”- yes yes, the famous one by Big B. Now, there was a sequence, where Big B (in his childhood avatar) goes to a house on an invitation, but little does he understand that he actually is not invited? So, after some unpleasant exchanges, he understands the scene but still does not leave, sing some sentimental song and blah blah blah…. Now, this movie is nowhere related to this experience what I am going to share with you- and any resemblance is purely unintentional and coincidental. Welcome to chilis Kolkata.
Somehow, people take me as a food blogger (Now, please don’t ask me what that means or how/ why people think so- maybe because of my size I guess) and invite me to their food tasting events. Normally the expectation is I’ll enjoy my meal and write on the experience with social media updates, which in turn might help them in some business conversion (the tricky part) and also in this process, let me admit, I’ve made a whole bunch of good friends, on whom I can count. Same way, a few days back, I got a phone call from Chili’s for one such event and as I love to make friends, I happily agreed- though this event being a non-commercial one.
The beginning
Well, as we all know (…… might know), Chili’s is a pretty famous Tex Mex food joint (in a layman’s language, mostly American food is served with an emphasis on Mexican food) and this outlet was situated at the Acropolis Mall, Kasba, 4th floor. These restaurants, I’ve seen, are always well maintained (aesthetically) and the service is pretty fast and this was no exception.
But, the first shocker came, when, once we entered, they didn’t seem to have any clue about the food tasting session. Might be, we thought. One gentleman from the joint contacted one of our fellow bloggers and in turn called us over the telephone and invited. Our friend also arrived and told that the gentleman from chili’s will be a little late and we can start off. Again a confusion, normally, in such an event, we are supposed to get a fixed menu or somebody hosting us. Now a lot of things are to be discussed….. a number of dishes that can be ordered, if we can order any drinks (cool, soft) blah blah blah…… Nobody was there.
And experience …
The server was extremely prompt to take the order, in fact over enthusiastic and he suggested us to go for a Non-veg Triple Dipper, basically 3 types of chicken fries (differently shaped and almost identical taste) with 3 varieties of brilliant dips and probably to give them company, 2 pcs of seasoned raw carrot were there. Along with it, we ordered Virgin Mojito and Masala Lemonade (they say, in times of confusion, always go for the virgins- a sexist joke by MCP me, please excuse). The portion size was huge, and at par with Chili’s Bangalore.
Virgin mojito
Non veg triple diaper
Food was good, but the gentleman was yet to come…. When called, the telephonic assurance came to our friend again. Our server friend insisted us to order and we ordered for the Bacon and Cheddar Steak with boiled veggies and mashed potato. Being a bong, we opted for the medium rare variant. Again, nice portion size and ok-ish taste(though not sure what the 4 lone pieces of bacon and some grated cheese were doing on top of the meat piece). The mashed potato had some potato peels (maybe the Tex Mex people like it that way, I haven’t been to that region personally) and the boiled veggies were fine (thank god !!! ).
Bacon and cheddar steak with mashed potato and boiled veggies
The gentleman still didn’t come. Now, I was having some doubt. As per my memory goes, I didn’t smoke any weed that evening- so could it actually happen that somebody invited somebody and was not present (even didn’t inform anybody for the same ? ), I mean seriously ? However, with great courage (what else could we have…), the server insisted for one portion of Bacon Burger. The burger was huge and came with a generous portion of french fry (free from salt and with the peels as expected)….. The patty, though a bit dry (maybe the effect of shooting it for 5 minutes) with those crispy bacon (love them, just love them) and the gigantic bun, was the best dish that evening.
By now, we were confirmed, the gentleman was not coming and we are supposed to eat there, no matter what. So, the dessert came (or rather we were made to choose)- Molten Chocolate Cake (basically choco lava from dominos in a fancy, good sized mold and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which was covered with hard chocolate. A good end it was.
Molten chocolate cake
The ending
Tough times call for Plan B and as we were not hosted, we made the plan that who’s going to play by card (the #Demonetisation effect) and how we’re going to pay her by cash. But, like an angel, suddenly our server arrived and assured we won’t have to pay the bill… And being poor food bloggers, we were not sure what to say….. Maybe the gentleman has not arrived, maybe he had been stuck up somewhere and forgot to instruct his team (I mean really ??? ), but he had been kind enough to waive off the bill. Thanks to Chili’s Management- much appreciated.
So, that’s it. Good food, huge portion size, and unforgettable (the keyword) hospitality …..
But as I said, no resemblance to the movie and no angry young men here….. Any resemblance is purely unintentional.
I can be reached at 9903528225 / indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com
Comments and critics welcome.
