Man of the Match

For the missus, sports bar and sin are spelt the same way. This one in Vasant Kunj will help you change her opinion

Many moons ago when God hadn't created the Xbox (or was it Microsoft) and the couch, teenaged school kids tucked in sleepy hill station boarding schools had something called Sunday outings. When we stepped out donning our Sunday best (tight jeans and loose change for pocket money) and sneaked into dingy joints where we played pool and sipped cheap pale lager. A perfect refuge for those who weren't lucky enough to score a movie date with nubile convent girls that weekend.



Today, in circa 2011, we go to sanctuaries called sports bars. Again, an ideal asylum where you can watch ESPN while sipping beer in peace (without the convent-educated girl you ultimately married). Unfortunately, the problem with spending time in a sports bar is you have to pay a heavy price when you go back home to her. But with Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill, in Vasant Kunj, I believe our woes are over, almost. It is a place where you can drag your partner along without her feeling guilty for falling for your dirty tricks or missing that important episode of Desperate Housewives.

Perfect for a dog day afternoon
When I entered the place, I saw a row of kick bags hanging, that's when I knew they meant business. Imagine the pleasure of punching out your frustration when Munaf Patel drops a catch. A line-up of LCD screens ensures that you don't end up watching only Neo Cricket but can relish F1 races and Messi's or Rooney's antics as well. Then there are the usual pool, ping pong tables plus a beer pong (Beirut) table which they'll set up the moment you are game for it. A few arcade games in a corner for the addicted and yes, dart boards for the frustrated officegoers, husbands etc, etc. Add to that, two private rooms where the missus can nag you in peace while you concentrate on the game.

Diet another day
Now it helps that the people behind the place bear the familiar name simply known as Mrs Kaurs (Khan Market). Though, the slim and savvy general manager Gagandeep Singh hardly looks like a robust Punjabi matriarch, he feeds his guests with equal enthusiasm. The tender Galouti Kebab Canap ufffds, smoked and spiced, are perfect starters to wash down with your beer and thankfully they have a decent sized menu for that. The Underdogg Chicken Wings (again customise it by choosing spicy honey and garlic, honey BBQ, garlic Parmesan) however failed to bring out the rowdy beer guzzling fan in me.

You'll love the Onion Ring Tower here if you are a vegetarian though the portion is a little inadequate if you are forced to share it. Another vegetarian delight is Char-grilled vegetable platter, Herb Rice with Pesto Cream Sauce. If you ignore the sauce the vegetables and rice leave you with a feeling of having chomped on something pleasant.u00a0

And yes, since it's a sports bar, don't keep worrying about those empty calories and order a Quattro Formaggio pizza. The brie, cheddar and mozzarella toppings will extract their price from your waistline but what the heck! That's exactly why they invented kick bags and treadmills.

Man of the match
Underdoggs is the ideal for all the men in the Capital who have been brainwashed by their better halves that sports bars and sin go hand in hand. Good food, a little exercise beyond pressing X Box buttons and changing your convent-educated girl's opinion. For a man, truly priceless.

At: F 38, Level 1, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
Timings: Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 1 am Sunday 11 am to 1 am
Meal for two: Rs 1,600 plus taxes
Ring: 40870531