A riot of flavours

Having never really explored the Rajendra Place area, we decided to check out the many popular eating joints there last weekend. However, after a hectic workday coupled with the warm weather, we wanted a place which was conveniently located and was all about good food and music.

Much to our relief, we spotted Lanterns Kitchen and Bar, located a hop away from the Metro station. Known for its dimly lit interiors and pocket-friendly food, we decided to try it out and made a reservation for two.

Inspired by the Irish concept, the restaurant has wooden interiors with raw decorations adorning the walls. Owned by brothers Jasneet and Suneet Sahni, the place also organises live musical performances, and we were lucky to experience one.

Being a Saturday evening, the restaurant was almost packed, but their effervescent staff ensured we did not have to wait. Once settled, they handed out their menu and we ordered Mint Julep, a concoction of Jim Beam, lime, mint leaf and bitters; and Old Passion, a mix of Jim Beam, bitters and orange peels. Both the drinks were refreshing and rich in flavours.

For starters, we ordered Garlic Peppery Chicken and Chicken Coriander Sui Mui Dimsums. The chicken, which was prepared in tomato-based gravy and topped with broccoli, and red and yellow bell peppers, was slightly on the spicier side.

However, it was extremely tender and flavoursome. The accompanying garlic bread added to the taste of the dish, and balanced out the spiciness. The dimsums, too, were steamed perfectly and melted in our mouths.

After the first course, we took a break to enjoy the live music performance and ordered a second round of drinks which comprised the Electric LIIT – an electrifying mix of vodka, gin tequila, rum, triple sec, Red Bull and blue Curacao; and Mango Basil Freezer, which was a mind-chilling mix of mango, basil and rum.

Soon, it was time to order for the main course dishes and we opted for Grill Fish Lemon Butter Sauce from their pub classics and Turkish Kofta Kebab from their Lebanese menu.

While the fish was tender and grilled to perfection, it was not properly deboned and we had to struggle a bit. However, the kebabs were extremely succulent and we ate it till the last crumb.

FAQs
* Address: 163/164, Rajendra Place.
* Timings: 12 pm to 12 am.
* Meal for two: Rs 1,200 plus taxes