Go on a southern sojourn at this new lounge that takes you back in time with Chettinad interiors and a veritable vault of spicy cocktails
Go on a southern sojourn at this new lounge that takes you back in time with Chettinad interiors and a veritable vault of spicy cocktails
If loud music, bar tables, or a whole lot of brouhaha on an evening out is your idea of fun, then Sarasam, a new lounge bar in Indiranagar might urge you to sober down. Step out of the lift and you will be transported to a cozy and dimly lit wood-and-cane world.
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A huge painting by artists from Tamil Nadu facing the entrance welcomes you leading to another wall on your left full of framed watercolours of every day life. The frames are lit up by hanging bulbs that lend a very fashionable glow to the space but we only hope that the lights being used are CFLs.
The music is a giveaway and so is the bar tucked in a corner. It's then that you know that you're at a pub. The d ufffdcor is Chettinad inspired with added influences from other southern states. We loved our large couch, vast enough to tempt one to lie down and let loose.
Sarasam, we were told means an uninterrupted flow of light and conversation, and that is clearly what this laid back lounge is out to give you, a lot of space for conversation. The music though western is suitably toned down keeping in mind the muted ambience. The menu is quite a surprise.
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If you are here for something different, we suggest, give the regular Martinis and Margaritas a skip and opt for the Sarasam signature cocktails. Priced at Rs 300 each, these cocktails are a whirlwind of flavours. Innovatively named, a few of them are inspired by south Indian flicks.
We recommend the Khatta Mango, a gin-based cocktail with mango pulp that gave out sweet and sour flavours at the same time.
Andhapuram, a gin and vodka-based cocktail, had the flavours of blue curaco, lime, ginger and a hint of coriander that lent a unique Indian flavour.
If more potent stuff is your pick, then try the Rakta Kaneeru, an interesting mix of scotch, ginger, mint, sugar syrup and a splash of white wine, which after a few knockbacks renders the bloody drink (that's what the meaning translates to) complete justice.
We found the name Sarasam Thenangal quite intriguing with tequila, rum, coconut water, jaggery syrup and pepper, but sadly it wasn't on offer on the Monday night we stopped by.
Besides signature drinks, the lounge also serves some exciting and experimental fusion food, bordering mostly around cuisine from the south of the country. We tried the Ghee Roast Chicken (Rs 240), pieces of chicken dabbed with ghee and roasted to tender perfection.
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The preparation eludes a whiff of rich ghee even before you have tasted it. Also interesting is the Murg Potli Kebab (Rs 240), chicken pieces stuffed with minced chicken and cooked in a tandoor in the shape of a treasure bag. The kebabs were spicy and melted in the mouth leaving an aftertaste of cardamom.
Vegetarians could try the Dudhiya Paneer Tikka (Rs 195), an interesting fusion of grilled paneer with fruits on skewers. There's also Keema Vada, Kozhi Uppu Kari (spicy chicken curry) and Gosht Firdausi Seekh Kebabs on the menu.
True to its name, conversations here aren't a strained affair of trying to get louder than the music. Meant for seasoned drinkers, the lounge is more of a place to unwind rather than party the night away.
At: Sarasam, 760, 3rd floor, 100 feet road, Indiranagar (above Catch Marine restaurant)
Meal and drinks for two: Rs 1,500
Call: 4211 5289
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