15 February,2010 08:46 AM IST | | Iona Salter
Bangalore's latest Mediterranean food destination has something fishy on its menu. MiD DAY decided to go and check out what the place was all about and came back thoroughly satiated
For a cross-continental experience with a wee bit of international flavour, head to Fireflies, a new restaurant in the heart of Bangalore.
The antique espresso machine at the fag end of the bar counter catches your eye, the moment you step in. Yes, and that is the only remnant of Giancarlo's, Fireflies' Italian predecessor that was housed in the same place.
Otherwise, the du00e9cor has been completely revamped, with glass lanterns avec twinkling lights covering the ceiling to give the look of real fireflies and add to the already indulging ambience.
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The soft green and cream tones give the place a calming, spacious and elegant feel during daytime.
However over the large tables, your companions can feel far away which can make the conversation quite strained, resulting in a space that's more suited for a business lunch than a romantic dinner.
The diverse menu features everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to Mediterranean pasta dishes.
The specialty here though is seafood and it's fresh enough to fool you into thinking that you're dining in Mangalore, right by the coast, rather than in Bangalore.
While seafood is a theme throughout the menu, the seafood platter is a good place to start if you're overwhelmed.
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The ginger prawns are a real treat and while the calamari seems to be more batter than squid, this is just one minor flaw of an otherwise tasty dish.
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If you're not a fan of fruits of the sea, don't be put off at least half the menu is chicken, red meat and vegetarian options.
Combine this with the wide range of cuisines and you should be able to find something to suit every palate. The pastas, though not authentically al dente, use an inventive combination of ingredients and flavours to give you a truly Italian taste.
The Mediterranean theme continues on the rooftop terrace lounge where you can watch your pizza being prepared and cooked in the traditional wood-fire pizza oven.
The vibe upstairs is suited for a relaxing drink with friends on the lounge style seating.
Come night and the place transforms itself into a hip and swanky lounge with a great view of the UB City on one side.
Swap desserts for a cocktail and try a chocolate martini, which makes for a more convincing tiramisu than the overly-creamy version you will find on the dessert menu.
Fireflies has an extensive drinks list and if you're fond of a drop of imported wine you won't be disappointed with their selection.
If cocktails are more your style, they also boast of their own signature mix, the ingredients of which they keep close to their hearts, but one sip and we thought we'd figured it out. For the non-drinkers, there's a signature Fireflies 'mocktail' too.
Although the restaurant is in its infancy there are grand plans for Fireflies including cuisine-themed evenings and ex-pat Sunday brunches with waffles and maple syrup.
So it's clear that Fireflies is bringing not just the Mediterranean influence, but the Canadian influence too! (Not surprising when you realise that head chef George is from Canada).
Stay tuned and check this place out soon, as this might just be Bangalore's newest ex-pat eatery.
At: Fireflies, Lavelle Road
Call: 4114 0303
Meal for two: Rs 1,800
(There's no such thing as a free lunch. Buy a ticket to the Shaan concert [right]
and help them feed a child 60 times over)
