While it is not a 'Bangalore Institution' it is a reinvention of an older institution in its newer form. Survival: and its done a pretty good job @ it.
Hatworks Boulevard : is not just a fancy name someone conjured up.
From what I understand, this place was actually a Hat making factory that went out of commision as the trend changed. One of those old Bangalore Houses with its beautiful Mangalore Tiles, Teak Beams and distinct port hole on top. Thankfully, the house and its wonderful environs have been brought upto date and kept intact by the owners who have kept the spirit of the place alive. You have to get there to see how big the place actually is.Reminds one of how old places in Bangalore were well planned: before they were replanned by new builders:) All around : all one can see is high rises.and this place of serenity.
A nice place to spend a quiet afternoon or evening with a friend or alone : The tranquility of the environs around Cunningham /Ali asker Road is all but gone, save a few places like these.
Things to try @ Hatworks:
1) Ample Parking space. For once you dont have to use the streets. You could land a Cessna there : if you can find a Runway!
2) Their breakfast on Weekends: Pretty neat Buffet. They have a good conti buffet spread (The usual Pasta,chicken Sausages, OJ, coffee, Potato Patties,Baked Vegetables) or you could do a la carte as well. Try their buffet on a weekend and their a la carte possibly on a weekday evening. Infact We discovered this place : almost by accident one sunday as Koshy's was super full with a line outside like a soup kitchen!
3)The A la carte menu also offers an array of interesting options: mostly suited to the conti palate. So if you want modifications (read Spicy or Bland): then you should inform the waiter well before hand. Great options on Salads and Maincourse as well. I had a Med. Salad and a Baked Fish. I am not big on seafood : but even when baked, the fish did not smell bad. The white sauce to compliment it was thick given the fact that it was baked. It peeled well.Although both were not extraordinary for me to remember specifically: I couldnt see any issues with them per se.The food has been "customized" to suit a subcontinental palette but without having too much masala.
4) Their Dessert section is something to kill for. Two places you should try desserts (Sunny's) and here. They have a nice section in the back where you can go and pick what you want and they will send it to your table. New York cheese cake, Blueberry pie, Flavoured (read mango and blueberry) Cheese cakes, Oreo Chocolate dips (with the Oreo Biscuits) and my "orgasmic" Bakalava. The Bakalava has a generous sprinkling of nuts in it. and what with the dollop of Icecream and Sauce to match: it is as intoxicating as it is rich. Be prepared to have a guilt trip and spend an excess 20 mins on the treadmill as a consequence!
5)They have a collection of designer stores listed there : Im not sure I saw Ravi Bajaj listed: but I still have Satya Pauls' Black tie. Worth a look if you intend to browse thro.
What does not :
1)They screen matches on a projector adapted to suit the environs. While it is clearly 'adapted' as it was not thought of before : it serves those who come in during the frenzy season. I dont think they have a liquor licence (though I do remember they served Beer and Breezers @ one time): the last time I was there : there was no more of that. I know it costs a bomb to get a Liquor Licence, but I am sure it would help.
2)I am not sure you have active promo going on for the place. I dont see any website that is listed: then again : Im not sure if you want this place to be kept a secret , but I see a few patrons on a regular basis (so I'm not sure about the secret thingie!). More money means more business : and you can keep your USP running, no? Also, maybe a Menu redefinition and (corresponding) increase in pricing. I mean: Olive beach has half the space that you do : and seem to be doing mighty well for it. Think about it.
3) Your stewards are not dressed to match. and the espresso that was ordered came as a whole cup of black coffee. I was informed their meaning of espresso is a full cup. I understand overdose but this is practically not advisable :). I didnt want to yell @ the poor guy as he looked like one of those guys who has been taught the menu,but cannot differentiate if you juggle it around.
3 stars for me. Definitely has the scope to improvize (if not improve) a lot more. Not the place (which is great): but your options (which are not so great:save dessert).
KEWLHERC2JZ
