Who killed the bartender?

In the newest fully automated watering hole in town, anybody can make a cocktail they say. we concede but truly miss the bartender

In the newest fully automated watering hole in town, anybody can make a cocktail they say. we concede but truly miss the bartender

Perhaps the hardest part of reaching this otherwise easygoing lounge is to get past the security of Embassy Golf Links, with repeatedu00a0 explanation of why you would like to visit Fusion Lounge. For those who live or work within this gated community, things are of course, easier. After a half hour ordeal, a lot of escorting and some rather uncomfortable questions we had made our way inside. The management assured us that the issue will be solved when everyone has access to the swipe cards the lounge is issuing.u00a0u00a0u00a0



Set in an ambience where nearly everything follows uniformity, from IT companies to food courts with similar chairs and cutlery, an automated bar/lounge is not too surprising. We were all set to jump on the bandwagon and have our drinks dispensed, not created that evening. The set up is rather amusing, complete with face recognition, finger print techniques, swipe cards and neon lights. The indoor area, which we first entered, was loud with the music and videos projected on the large, high walls. The bar, tucked away one side, can beu00a0 nearly missed in the darkness.

We followed the waiter to the outdoor section, the most pleasant part of this place. Despite the rain, the staff seemed to want us to settle down outdoors and didn't quite give us the option of the loud indoors. We weren't complaining. The seating turned out to be two benches with back rests opposite each other that rock when you move. We watched the rains sitting by some artificial greenery and swinging along awaiting a volley of tech heavy experiences. What came our way though were a paper menu and a bemused waiter who even asked us if we were feeling upset.

The menu offers regular drinks, some not-so-experimental cocktails, starters and a few main course options. We started with a Tequila Sunrise (R 275) and a Mojito (R 250). The former was an orange and tequila based cocktail, syrupy, sweet and heavily spiked. The alcohol levels did hit us and we could hardly gulp it without feeling the sting. The Mojito was sufficiently lemony and garnished with mint, but this too was spiked quite a bit and we could smell the alcohol even as the drinks were making their way to our table. For the starters, we ordered Punjabi Chicken Stick (R 140) and Jalapeno Cheese Stick (R 125). The chicken was spicy, grilled and came on sticks that you could bite from. We found it a little tough on the bite and decided to leave it aside. The Jalapeno cheese sticks were much better than the previous options, crispy, cheesy but reminded us of its frozen versions.

After the first round of drinks, the waiter sensed our disapproval and offered to get us a Barman special cocktail (R 400). Based with tequila and orange, this cocktail too tasted synthetic and was unable to lift our moods. The Aloo Tikki (R 85) we ordered along with it out of lack of options, was perhaps the best part of the meal. Crispy, mildly spiced and steaming hot, it did make the rainy evening brighter for us.

After our meal, we went around the bar for a tour of the automated systems being used. We were greeted by an unmanned bar with inverted liquor bottles attached to programmed dispensers. When a drink is selected on the computer screen that controls the system, it not only prompts the spirits to be used, but also tells the bartender whether the cocktail needs to be layered, shaken or stirred enabling even an amateur to get it right the first time. The quantities are controlled and the draught beer dispenser also maintains the exact temperature with every mug.

Other features of the lounge include iPhone controlled music, a gaming zone and swipe cards that ensure you miss out on no special offers. Impressive enough, but weu00a0 discovered by then what is was that took away the punch from the cocktails the lack of a man behind them. We longed to break away from the automation and head to the closest bar where cocktails are mixed and created with a personal touch instead of being dispensed. It's after all the bartender who makes a cocktail, not the spirit alone.

Where Fusion Lounge, Pyramid Food Court, Embassy Golf Link, Inner Ring Road, Domlur
Call 41142912
Meal for two R 1,500

Fusion Lounge didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.

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