18 December,2013 07:36 AM IST | | Kiran Mehta
In the labyrinth of Bandra's numbered roads, we discovered Eddies Bistro that reminds one of an Irish pub, albeit well-lit for the image. The bistro, set in what appears to be a long corridor and recreates Ireland with its large green logo gracing the entrance, chairs upholstered in green, wood-veneered tables, retro frames gracing the walls plus an open bar area, and a very relaxed feel.
Mix Crumb Crusted Chicken with House Dip was a delish bite.Pics/Amit Jadhav
Setting into the guzzler's mode, we asked for the drinks menu. Alas! the liquor license is still expected and that would have to be another day. In a style typical of a bistro, the menu comes with no-frills yet is extensive in variety. It's divided into simple sections like small plate, fat plate, buns and breads, desserts and so on. The first section, small plate, includes an array of choices like Mac and Cheese Bites (Rs 250), Baked Ravioli (Rs 210), Thai Fish Cakes (Rs 270), Miniature Lamb Burger (Rs 290) as well as Soup of the Day. With a welcome nip in the air, a soup it was for us. Today's special was a Spinach, Goat-Cheese, and Walnut Soup as informed by our attendant. Minutes later, the mis-informing server bulletins that Tomato and Fennel Soup (Rs 175) is what is brewing in the kitchen.
Seared Pomfretu00a0is a winner for au00a0main course
We ask for one serving of the soup in two bowls. Again the server confused, says sharing "may not be possible". A few minutes later, the soup comes served in two elegant bowls - sufficient for the pair of us. The tomato soup is creamy and delicious plus delicately flavoured with fennel with a few seeds thrown in. Still looking for âsmall bites' we asked for a recommendation and Mix Crumb Crusted Chicken with House Dip (Rs 230) was what was urged.
It came piping hot and crispy, in 10 minutes flat, a token of punctuality, the hungry stomach approved. The Crumb Crusted Chicken is true to its word while a lavish helping of spices adds taste. Next, we order the Thai Fish Cakes (Rs 270). The fish was tender yet a tad bland, considering it is a Thai variation of the dish. The dollop of the spicy sauce was the saving grace.
The Irish pub interiors can prove to be rocking if the bistro pulls up its socks
Fat plate has a lot on offer too. The Seared Pomfret tempted us with its fare of risotto, red pepper sauce and corn puree (Rs 500). The repeated prompt serving of dishes in no time was earning several brownie points. The Pomfret, thankfully had no fishy after-taste, and went well with creamy risotto. Our eye, next preened a Soya Burger (Rs 240) for a takeaway. After a 30-minute ride, our burger was warm and hardly dishevelled. Both the burger and the potato strips lacked taste, though.
Our package also contained sweet treats: Baked Chocolate (Rs 150) and Pear Tarte Tartin (Rs 180). Rich in chocolate and offset by a biscuit-y crunch, the Baked Chocolate could quite easily be called sinful. The Pear Tarte Tartin was sweet-and-sour and contrasted the Baked Chocolate -- with a lighter, fluffier texture. During our payment, the bill was wrongly computed, a dampener on our soiree. Yet, Eddies Bistro left a pleasant memory and with a better grip on vegetarian fare and information hiccups, the Bistro can just might emerge as the next gastro-pub.
