Shopping on the menu

The Guide takes you on a four-cafe crawl to gape at art or window shop designer wear, while you sip on a soothing latte

Bangalore and its quaint, charming little cafes have become synonymous. We scout through bistros that come with the charm of being housed in heritage bungalows overlooking lush greens.
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Many of them are more than just places to hang out over a chilled glass of frappe and come with a theme some with art splattered on the walls, some music based and others with chic designer shopping at boutiques attached besides other activities lined up for you, urging you to take a quick break.

GLOBAL TREE CAFE

Nestled bang on the bustling St. Marks Road is F&B's Global Tree Cafe, a restaurant cum cafe. Walk in to pick yourself a Ritu Kumar or let some local artist's work be a sight for sore eyes as you order yourself a quick snack.

The spacious cafe is warm and sunlit, the muted tones of the wall creates a pleasant soothing feel with colourful cushions thrown around amidst wooden furnishings and is just the kind of place for weary travellers or shoppers to sit back and chill.

The cuisine is predominantly European, Indian and Pan Asian. There is also a bar attached for those who would like to nurse a drink while unwinding.

What's hot: We ordered the Grilled Chicken Fillet: a continental main course with chicken strips laid on a bed of rice and baby spinach tossed with a creamy mustard and garlic sauce.
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The chicken strips were grilled to a crunch, the sauce was mild and not too spicy just the way we like it and this one pot meal was very filling for us.

We got good value for money on our meal and the portions served to us were quite generous.

What's not: The collections they stock are not added upon for many days.u00a0
At: Pappana Street, St. Marks Road, Bangalore. Call: 4033 3888
Meal for two: Rs 800

RAIN TREE CAFE

Bang opposite the sprawling splendour of Hotel ITC Windsor is this 75-year-old heritage bungalow that houses all things stylish.

Stroll through the rooms inside the bungalow and lay your hands on a Wendell Rodericks or a Ritu Kumar.
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If you prefer some ethnic clothing, look for Anokhi alongside stylish glass and porcelain designer accessories.
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But the bungalow's best kept secret is the tiny Rain Tree cafe - a cozy joint to take a breather before you head home or to your next shopping sojourn.

The cafe comes with a no-fuss decor. Simple wooden paneling along with wooden chairs and tables form a snug cranny that overlooks the greens. Take your pick between coffee, desserts and snacks.

What's hot: We like their Cheese Lasagna and Lemon Tart. There's also rich homemade cakes and sandwiches on the varied menu.
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We also tried the Aioli Chicken Sandwich that came stuffed with loads of shredded chicken and creamy aioli.
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The sandwich was perfectly grilled and the aioli had a bit of garlic, with a hint of mustard, without being overpowering.

The aged building and the vast garden lend a sense of being laid back, making it a perfect getaway for a candid coffee.

What's not: Too highbrow.
At: 4, Sankey Road, High Grounds, Bangalore. Call: 3272 3251
Meal for two: Rs 500

THE ROGUE ELEPHANT

Just off the herd is this tiny garden eatery alongside Ambara Boutique. Ambara offers traditional sarees, designer kurtis, bags and silver and terracotta jewellery.

The store encourages you to browse and then head outside to this little cafe at the back patio with potted plants strewn all over, which are also up for sale.

The food is simple, with soups, salads, starters and sandwiches on the menu. Cuisine is Italian, Thai and Indian for mains along with desserts and beverages.

What's hot: We recommend Chicken Coronation sandwiches that come with chunks of chicken, spinach, tomatoes, onions and mayo filling and wholesome. Wash it down with an iced tea.

Also try their creamy, seasonal fruit Panacottas. Anand Chettur and his partner Sheila Appa's intimate greetings will add warmth to your cuppa cappuccino.

What's not: The limited seating area makes it cramped sometimes when there are larger groups wanting to hang out there.
At: 119, Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Aga Abbas Ali Road
Call: 2534 0657
Meal for two: Rs 500

HATWORKS BOULEVARD

This one's not a tough call to locate. Right in the middle of the busy Cunningham Road is this old-style bungalow converted to a shopping den with Fresco, an all-day dining al fresco cafe with trees all around.

The cafe doesn't do chic linen and posh ambience, what it focuses on, instead, is comfort food home made pastas, lasagnas, risotto and the likes.

They are all made fresh and after you place your orders, so be prepared to spend a long, lazy and leisurely afternoon or evening if you please. Don't forget to feel virtuous and order their desserts too.

The shopping is endless here with Julie Kagti and Fuel forming the highpoints. While Julie stocks traditional embroideries on natural handwoven fabrics, Fuel stocks top notch Indian designers like Vikram Phadnis, Nishka Lulla besides others.

To further pamper yourself book a date at the Serene Spa or pick yourself a piece of art from the Crimson Art Gallery, which stocks established artists paintings.u00a0

What's hot: The variety in shopping at the boulevard and the sinful desserts at Fresco.
What's not: The service is extremely slow at this cafe.
At: Hatworks Boulevard, 32, Cunningham Road, Bangalore.
Call: 5132 7555
Meal for two: Rs 700