Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Eating happily ever after

The past comes fast forward at this restaurant in South Delhi, where images from the golden days of Bollywood cinema keep you company as you eat. No censorship for calories either, says S.M.YASIR.

FILMS MIGHT be a craze in India, but one doesn't really care about reading the censor certificate shown just before every screening. Similar might be the case with Reels, the Nostalgia currently showing at the Sapna complex in East of Kailash. But one look at it, and you know there is something different. Gauge 70 mm might seem usual, but infinity for length will surprise anyone to say the least. It's only when you shift your focus from the several photographs of Bollywood stars to the other parts of the décor that you realise Reels is a restaurant, based on the nostalgia of Bollywood films.

The censor certificate forms the cover of its menu. Turn it over and Raj Kumar tells you, "Jaani Shuru Karo," with a list of tandoori vegetarian items. Turn a page and Garam Dharam invites you for some tandoori non-vegetarian. Agreeing to the invitation isn't a bad option. Not only does it keep Dharam from hitting the roof, it also titillates your taste buds. Even if the murgh malai tikka doesn't melt in the mouth, you are reassured about the food quality by the succulence of the fish tikka. The tandoori chicken is pleasing as usual, while the seekh kababs are passable.

Any more servings there, and you risk leaving out the Big B ki pasand, the Indian vegetarian section. Plenty of options might be available, but leaving out the ubiquitous palak paneer won't be a good idea. It might be mildly sweeter, but the rich creamy taste and the smooth form ensured by grinding the spinach in the appropriate manner, make it a winner. The delectable methi murg from the next section confirms that saag is their hallmark. Chicken strogonoff compensates what the Indian fare lacks. Indian curries might be better to taste, but the presentation of the Continental dishes earns them their place in the menu. Next, try the fettuccine from the pastas section if you have had enough of spaghetti and lasagnes. Not that it is the best, but it isn't bad either.

Memories that whet the appetite at Reels, the Nostalgia in New Delhi. — Photos: S. Subramanium

All this and much more, with music videos being played on the screen in the restaurant, and this film is an entertainer. But beware, as there are prying eyes, even if you are in the loo. So what if the eyes belong to the actors who rest in the frames on the wall?

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Metro Plus    Bangalore    Chennai    Coimbatore    Delhi    Hyderabad    Kochi    Madurai    Thiruvananthapuram    Vijayawada    Visakhapatnam