20 September,2010 08:39 AM IST | | Promita Mukherjee
Play the Italian League on your plate. Start from the kickoff, past the offside, into the midfield and shoot a goal at Manchester United Cafe Bar
YES, I like ball games. Especially if the name of the game is football. Reason why I was eagerly anticipating my visit to this recently opened sports bar in Gurgaon. Was I satisfied with what I saw? Read on.
The ambience is warm, and very very sporty
GIVE ME RED
To start with, Manchester United Cafe Bar, contrary to my notions, is not a sports bar. Rather, its a cafe styled bar which has been inspired by and if you could say so, dedicated to the British football club which has a phenomenal fan following in India. The small lobby will not give you any clue to the cacophony inside. But as you open the door and walk in, the music hits you, literally. The lighting is mellow and warm, and mostly red. Probably in keeping with the team's jersey. There is a huge bar area, replete with almost any drink one can think of (which I made the most of later). On one wall is the Theatre of Dreams, with framed photographs of Man U's glorious moments (mostly moods of Fergusson leaping in the air). Yet another wall has photographs with the same theme, with more of the players this time. And you can shop while you eat, official Man U merchandise right in the restaurant.
KICK OFF
In true football style, that's what it reads on the menu card. And there's more, in the form of off-side (for small munchies), midfielders (for the main course), Italian league (for those who can't have enough of the cuisine), substitutes and goal (for desserts). For those who never miss out on Indian fare, there's a section for them too.
I kicked off in style, with Baileys Irish Cream from the bar menu. And as accompaniments, Jalapeno Poppers. Soft and cheesy, they melted in my mouth as I popped them in.
I was hungry and my stomach craved for something substantial. So I ordered the mezze platter, with hummus, tabbouleh, mekhalel and olives, served with pita bread. I love Lebanese, but somehow wasn't satisfied with the hummus. The Mongolian chicken satay that followed completely made up for the spice factor though. And my tummy gave it a big thumbs up. I was going good, so far.
FULL TIME
For the main course, I went for the Manchester Mix Grill Platter which had everything from the rest of the main course menu (read ham, prawns, chicken and sausages). This with barbeque sauce and spicy herbed butter sauce. It was predictable, but good. One important thing, portions are very huge here, so you would do well to share a dish, and not pile on with the order.
GO FOR GOAL
Which are the desserts. After a really long time, I spotted peach melba on the desserts menu. And creme brulee. Needless to say, I still went for my chocolate.
Manchester United Cafe Bar
Food: Tasty
Service: Okay
Ambience: Awesome
Where: Central Mall, Fourth floor, Gurgaon
Timings: Noon to 2 am
Meal for two: Rs 1,200
Ring:u00a0 01244477670
