The city known for its lyaad or lazy/laid back attitude just got another reason to monkey and laze around!

Chef-prenuer Manu Chandra’s ever so popular gastro pub, Monkey Bar has finally swung its way to the East!

The Monkey Bar Kolkata has opened in the ever so busy location of Camac Street. Located on the 9^th Floor of Fort Knox Mall, the gastro pub has a sprawling view of the cityspace! No wonder, the owners have dedicated an entire wall of glass windows to let guests marvel at the beauty that is Kolkata!

I was invited for the pre-launch bloggers meet by the amazing folks at Communications 2.0 headed by Swati Jalan.  Monkey Bar Kolkata is managed by Manu Chandra and his team. Taking charge from the city is Avantika Saraogi along with Sumedha Saraogi.

We started the afternoon with fun games and chit chat with our fellow foodies and hosts.

Since it was a food bloggers meet, food was something we were looking out for! Here is my soulfood experience of what I sampled at the event- (PS: Fret not non-alcohol peeps- All cocktails also have their mocktail versions)

Tipsy Sherbet which was a petite looking cocktail. A new addition in the Kolkata menu, this cocktail has flavors of tequila, rose sherbat to create this interesting blend!

 

Mangaa, is a classic cocktail served at MB Mumbai and Bangalore, has found place in the Kolkata menu. This extremely desi cocktail has vodka, aam panna, lime and fresh mint! You will definitely want more of this!

 

Copper Monkey is an unusual concoction of 100 pipers whiskey, orange juice, passion fruit syrup and mint. It is served in a cool copper mug and is a definite HIC HIC affair!

 

Kerala Red Rice Salad was something innovative and delicious. Prepared with red rice, coconut and chilli, it had typical South Indian flavors and lots of crunchy textures. It was garnished with sweet curry leaves for that extra south indian flavor.

 

 Mac n Cheese Croquettes is a marriage of an appetizer with a main course dish and voila! Mac and cheese, pea, and veggies are deep fried and served with chilli mayo and garnish of parsley.

 

The Mediterranean platter was a wholesome plate of food. The platter is composed of falafel, smoked babaganoush (which comes covered under a mini clotch), spinach ad cheese parcels in filo pastries, hummus, lebnah and olives. The middle east right on your plate! It was absolutely delicious. A soulfood recommendation from me.

 

Smoked Beetroot & Beans Galouti is a veg twist to the immensely popular kebab preparation which uses minced meat. This version has beetroot and beans mixed with spices sitting perfectly on taftan. The mint chutney is a perfect partner to this dish. A soulfood story recommendation this one!

 

The baked brie was a last minute addition to our tasting menu but I am glad that we got to taste it! Bread baked with brie was served to us. We cut open to a melting dome of brie and herbs. It was served with a sweet salsa composed of pears, apple and the sweetness perfectly worked with the cheese. Was extremely soulful for a cheese lover like me.

 

Gondhoraj Lime Tart is a Kolkata addition for the city menu since we love our gondhoraj lemon now don’t we? This beautiful looking dessert looked and smelled like a citrus heaven! Lemon curd mousse topped with blow torched meringue, it was accompanied by texture bits like a pistachio sponge cake and lemon mint gel. Another recommendation from my side!

 

The Snicker Bar is Monkey Bar’s version of deconstructed Snickers bar chocolate. It is a gorgeous looking dessert with milk chocolate ganache, a dark chocolate cake, hazelnut praline cream on top and a salted caramel gel. It felt exactly like a snicker bar in my mouth but with different textures. Nearly licked off the plate with this one. Recommended for all chocolate lovers

The fun and food-filled evening ended with selfie sessions and a tour of the extremely stunning property. The arch windows, the ceilings, the use of wood gives a complete easy feel and will make you want to unwind with a drink or two!

With the city buzzing with so many restaurants, bars and cafes, I am confident that Monkey Bar stands out as a perfect mix of fun and food. Oh and don’t forget the booze! I am heading to the Monkey Bar this weekend, what about you?