A passion for fine dining is what made entrepreneur Ajay Gowda conceptualize Rasa.

"Incidentally, I started this chain of restaurants for my own convenience. Every time I had to meet up with friends, I was asked to travel to other parts of the city such as in and around MG Road, Koramangala or even Jayanagar. Nobody would take the trouble to come to Malleswaram, Rajajinagar or even Dollars Colony which is where I live. Their excuse would always be that this area does not have a proper hang out as such. I have always wanted to start a restaurant, and I happened to check out this building by chance. Looking at its three floors gave birth to Rasa. We have three different restaurants here now, each decorated with a different theme and serving different cuisines. Now my plan is to expand further and make Rasa a popular fine dinning place at locations that don't brag of such an experience till date," says Ajay.

WH@T'S ON tells you what to look forward to...

Hejje

If you like Karnataka's cuisine or even want to know all about it, Hejje is where you should be at. Easily the most successful division of Rasa, some of the must-tries here include akki roti, shavige, the Coorgi pandi curry and the more authentic ragi mudde and nati koli curry. Hejje is named so in order to stress on the fact that this is one restaurant that offers you local cuisine in a rather 'fine' atmosphere.

Khau

This Chinese and Thai restaurant does not have its share of red lanterns and Chinese scripts. It's a relief to walk in to eat Chinese without being in an atmosphere that looks, smells and feels Chinese. Authentic cuisine is what they claim is their USP. It is also one of the few places in the city that lists pork momos on the menu, but then again, consider yourself lucky if it is actually brought to your table.

Sheesh

Roof top bars and restaurants are a big hit in the city, and this one adds to the list of perfect hang outs on a clear night. Already popular with the younger crowd, Sheesh has been designed with an Arabic theme. Fire flames all over the place is what adds to the theme. The best part about being at Rasa and at any of its restaurants is its pricing. It claims to be 'dining at a fine place but spending reasonably', and it lives up to that.