Continental for a Price and for the Pocket Friendly
Mad House Grill
Location: Pingale Corner, Lane 6, North Main Road, Koregaon Park
Number: 020 2612 4779
Rating: 2.75/5
Tucked in a corner of Lane 6, right next to Silk Route, is Mad House Grill. The place easily seats 30 people with enough space to give each table its privacy. The interiors are well done but apart from the garden table and benches on the outside, there is nothing “mad house grill”-ish about it.
The menu is quite extensive with a nice mix of poultry, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes. Food guides, have recommended the Mutton Raan which, unfortunately, was out of stock when we went visiting. So it’s sensible to call before paying the visit.
The service was average and the wait, a minute too long.
We started off with Chilly Garlic Potatoes & Cheese, which saw only partially boiled. The delayed main course included Cheesy Chicken Breasts and Swiss Steak Mozarella. The poultry was tender, and one was in for a nice surprise with their mushroom and olive stuffing. A word of caution for those allergic to the latter – there appears no mention of it on the menu card.
More often than not, one stays away from beef and mutton for the sheer lack of ability of the chef to turn it into something palatable. The captain was told categorically that I wanted a well done steak. Now I really wonder what would’ve been served had I not highlighted my preferences to the man- despite the knife, I found myself struggling with the undercooked meat.
Yet, in contrast to the mixed feedback I’d received before I paid a visit, I didn’t find the experience as disappointing as had been anticipated. Yet, one is far from getting their money’s worth. For those with a ear for music, let your hopes not soar high; for James Blunt graced the speakers through the entire dinner.
All in all, “Mad House Grill” is a visit for those adventurous with their palate and wallet. Pay a visit for the novelty of the place.
Sweet Chariot
Location: Lane E, North Main Road, Koregaon Park (also in the lane opposite to the petrol station on Fergusson College Road)
Rating: 3.5/5
They became an instant hit with their confectionary. But Sweet Chariot went a step further and introduced pocket-friendly continental cuisine the previous year with their second store off FC road.
While the Koregaon Park outlet seats around 30, the FC road one easily makes space for 40 to 50. Yet, for those finicky about the service, Sweet Chariot is a disappointment. Service is slow and needs to be spruced up.
Yet one tends to fall in line with the above, since the “bill” is worth the wait! Recommended are the Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken A la Kiev and Paneer Shaslik, all for 75 INR only. The A la Kiev is a favorite not just for the taste, but for the sinful sight of parsley butter oozing out of the mashed potatoes! I hope the diet conscious give their strict food regime a miss for a night and try this.
Try and stay away from the Chicken Cheese Crumbs and the Veg/Non Veg Portuguese.
A suggestion though - don’t miss the cheesecakes. They have one of the best cheesecakes that Pune has to offer.
Sahil Khan
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