29 June,2011 07:21 AM IST | | Ashishwang Godha
The Guide had a confusing time locating this eatery but once the food started talking, we had to admit they were worth the wait
This restaurant review started on a rather confusing note. We walked in, asked for Spice and were directed to a restaurant called Tamarind. Unsure, we asked again. We were assured this is Spice. As we settled down someone came and told us that Spice is next door. We trooped out and settled down next door to what looked completely like a bar. We were handed a menu which read Bar One and we were convinced we were in the wrong place again. Finally, the manager came up and told us that Bar One and Tamarind have got a new avatar and that Tamarind is indeed Spice; a long journey from the menu to the meal we thought.
Bhutta Methi Palak. Pics/Chetan Gandleu00a0u00a0
Finally, we settled down. The menu and the pricing comforted our harried souls. Indian, Chinese and a couple of Italian and Continental options lined the menu. But since their board claimed fine Indian cuisine, we stuck to that option and ordered our meal.
Our rolled papads arrived with a lovely fresh green chutney. Only the papads had been exposed to the Pune air for far too long and we are forced to send them back for a replacement. We decided to give Bar One a shot as well and ordered their Long Island Iced Tea (Rs 259). It consisted of a tall glass of a potent mix in which we could taste each of the flavours involved. It was a nice start that made us forgive our papads.
For starters we tried the Hara-bhara Kebab (Rs 120). The little diskettes of pureed vegetables and spices were melt-in-the-mouth good and the generous servings were an added bonus. The mains arrived perfectly on time; we began with the Bhutta Methi Palak (Rs 130) with our Missi Roti (Rs 30). It was crunchy thanks to the corn and had a hint of bitterness due to the methi.
Our Lahori Murgh (Rs 210) looked like it had a slight overdose of oil but it tasted great. The thick orange gravy was redolent with whole spices and the chicken had been infused with its flavours. It complimented our three-piece Butter Naan (Rs 40). We were prodded on to try their Vegetable Pulav (Rs 110) and we gave in. It came with gleaming green peas and bright carrots and tasted better than its visual appeal. Spice is value for money in all sensesu00a0-- great Indian food, polite service and a calming ambience. It is Nagar Road's
hidden gem awaiting discovery.
Spice
Food: deliciousu00a0
Service: warmu00a0
Ambience: sereneu00a0u00a0
From: 12 pm to 2 pm and 7.30 pm to 11 pm
At: Hotel Park Ornate, Nagar Road.
Call: 41002200
