Burnt Garlic is a cafe-cum-restobar that opened last year on the ground floor of Priya Cinema. In fact, the restaurant is owned by the Priya cinema management and hence, there was a lot of buzz when it opened. The launch day saw quite a few celebrities coming in. Everyone was talking about the interiors designed by a famous city scenographer. Curtains of rolling pins, wall art with fabric plates, patchwork embroidery upholstery, 70’s disco lighting, live gigs. The ingredients were all there for a successful run. The reviews however were not too flattering. I heard from people that the food was overpriced and not up to the mark and hence I stayed away from visiting the place. Nearly four months later, everyone I knew was talking about Burnt Garlic. They were raving about the food, the drinks, the new menu and the slashed prices. I knew I had to visit soon and I did a few weeks back.
The new menu has a pasta and a burger section along with salads, soups, starters, pizzas, main course dishes and desserts. They have also introduced new cocktails to the drinks menu for summer and I tried two of them – Frozen Mango Coconut Daiquiri and the Strawberry and Kiwi Mojito. I was expecting the Daiquiri to have more white rum and coconut flavour but it turned out to be more of a thick mango shake and slightly disappointing. I liked the Mojito though with its strawberry and kiwi flavors. There was enough alcohol and yet, very light and refreshing.
I like salads but I rarely order one when I am eating an a la carte meal. I will order the Savour It salad everytime I go to Burnt Garlic!! Yes, it is that good. The salad is a mix of iceberg lettuce, arugula, oranges, cherry tomatoes, feta and walnuts. I asked for the addition of chicken and with it, the salad became a meal in itself. I loved the combination of the different flavors and how bright and colorful the salad looked.
After having two portions of the Savour It salad, I did not have a lot of place left in my stomach but I did try some Crispy Fried Chicken and Fish in Thai Chilli Sauce. The highlight of the fried chicken was not really the chicken but the green sauce that came with it. It was hot, tangy and citrusy and went really well with the meat. I love sweet chilli sauce with anything hence the fish was an instant hit for me.
I also tried small portions of two dishes from the main course menu. I found the Pan Seared Lemon Butter Bhetki to be a bit bland for my taste. Loved the Chicken Steak with Porcini Sauce and Roasted Potatoes.
Once in a blue moon I eat a dessert that does not have chocolate in it and that day was one. The Caramel Cake with Hot Toffee Sauce was highly recommended and it did not disappoint. Great combination of the buttery flavour of the cake and the hot, caramel sweetness of the sauce.
Last weekend I went to Burnt Garlic again and I came away happy for the second time. Great food, great ambience, good portion size and most importantly, not too hard on the pocket. Definitely worth visiting!
Burnt Garlic
Priya cinema, ground floor, 95 Rashbehari Avenue
Open: 12.30pm to 11pm
Meal for two: Rs 800+
I was invited to dine as a guest of The Management but the views expressed are entirely my own.