It’s now an established fact that we, Kolkattans love to eat or rather live to eat and these restauranteurs know it very well. Probably, that’s the reason, nowadays, we see a good number of restaurants, some pretty posh, opening up. But, among all the glitz and glamour, many forget the basic of the food business as to what really really establishes a restaurant. If we take the classic cases, which is even valid today, it’s solely the food and good portion size- secondly the service. And if these factors are taken into consideration, rest hardly matters. So, when we were invited to sample the menu in The Grid, we were slightly skeptic about the offering. Though we’ve heard good about the joint, but still deception is the keyword these days. Let’s talk about Gris, one of the best bar in Kolkata today.
The address is in Topsia area, beside the Skoda showroom. Now, surprisingly, this shad looking building is slowly turning into the hub for some of the city’s finest food joints and banquets. Parking space was aplenty and valet parking was available, so no problem.
I reached a little late and as usual, my good friends there have started. Now, in any new place, I always ask for server’s advice and this was no exception. For cocktail, I was asked for my choice of spirit and accordingly was served The Jamaican Skull (a rum and Bailey’s Irish Cream based cocktail)- the presentation was mind blowing. The glass was brilliant and the accompaniment was a nolen gurer sondesh (yes, I’m not joking).
Jamaican skull
As the side dish, we were served the Bombay Gymkhana Noodles (strong coriander flavored and my favorite and the watermelon salad). Frankly, the salad was overpowered by the noodles (or was it my not-so-strong-affection for fruits) but both were pretty good.
Another beer based cocktail followed with their house-special fiery Dry Chilly chicken (I was heavily recommended for this) and spicy chicken wings. The chilly chicken was damn good and so was the wings. But, the next item took us for a surprise and it was Pork Samosa. Small Samosas fulled with dry pork lean meat and trust me, this dish is to die for- definitely recommended.
Chicken wings
Dry chilly chicken
Pork Samosa
For the main course, we were served the mildly spiced (thankfully) Baked Kolkata Bekti (one of the showstoppers of the day) and the Keema Scotch Egg. Both were lightly spiced and soothed our palate- much needed.
Baked Bekti
Keema scotch egg
We were full, but Supreeta insisted us for their specialty dessert “Guptaji Ka Toast”, which we found out is the cousin of Shahi Tukra who fall in love with chocolate and seriously. It was super heavy and one portion can easily, like easily be shared among 3 persons. The dessert which followed (Sadly, I forgot the name) was two types of choocolate and oreo, and frankly, I can;t describe it, but it was good. For reference, you can show this pic to the server or Chef Chiranjib and he’ll be glad to help you, I can promise.
Gupta ji Ka Toast
The dessert with oreo, chocolate sauce and more and more chocolate
And frankly a meal like this, can’t go wrong with good friends, so overall it was a nice evening. But, word of caution, here, the portion sizes are pretty heavy and mostly all the dishes are, thankfully, value for money. So, the place is definitely recommended for your weekend. A prior reservation is definitely recommended.
Comments and critics welcome.
I can be reached at 9903528225 / indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com !!!
Bon Apetite…
