 Restaurant Review: The Tea trove @ 18th Street This is the perfect blending of history and heritage of the "Tea" city of Kolkata to the kitschy style of generations XYZ. This is what they live for — to share the warmth, animated conversation and the most imaginative cuisine. It's a great place to unwind, tailor-made for lounging, even though we seemed like misfits, but what the heck. May this tribe increase... Decor The colourful post-it message board at the entrance takes away attention from the narrow stairways leading to the first floor space. 'Hello, is it Tea you are looking for?' — welcomes the coaster on the table. Black and matured interiors are spotted with the sprightly ochre and lemon green seats. Balanced by the slightly hanging glass verandah with floor seating, overlooking the street. And the display shelves of kitschy traditional metal kettles, for sale, hand-painted by underprivileged children add a wow! With dice games, poker, foosball or watching the Gen XYZ engaged in them, we are hardly bored. Food Tea is clearly the star here. The posh, booklet menu, frames every tea with a photograph. Traditionally spirited Puritea ( 45) or fussy fusion Devil's Will ( 106), hot Pick-Me-Up ( 69) or cold Tea Chillo ( 76), it all comes in a pleasing garb. We choose a Tea of Iceberg ( 75) in Peach flavour and a Matcha Green Teachinno ( 77). And to go with it, Nachos with Cheesy Jalapenos ( 95), Create your own Sandwich ( 95) and Salad ( 120) and Falafel Roll ( 125) from the Day's special. Plus & minus Tea connoisseurs do not be outraged, the hot cup of Japanese Matcha Green tea that came in a delicate blend with foamed milk is flawless, apt for exciting my palate. Along came the warm, cheese sprayed Nachos with an off-the-shelf dip, Panini sandwich with our choice of fillings — tomato, olives, Iceberg lettuce, Caeser salad dressing and oh, with a service faux pas — they forgot to add sauteed mushrooms! But the freshness of the Penne salad with corn kernels, onions, balsamic vinaigrette and innovative cheese crackers topping made up for it. The sophisticated version of the iced tea with natural peach syrup enliven the zing and the pita wrapped crunchy falafel roll is satiating alright. The sweet surprise came right at the end with the Bakhalava ( 45) with chopped almond stuffing, flaky pastry with ample sweetness — an indigenous version of the Turkish original, we enjoyed perhaps, more. |
Labels: Foods
