Bay of Bengal

A wonderful experience with bengali food at 6 Ballygunge Place prompted us to try out the recently opened Bay of Bengal for lunch this Saturday. It is located above K. C. Das on St. Marks road.

First impressions were not favourable, a dark narrow stair way with some dangerously hanging cables led us to the entrance. Just at the entrance was an overflowing dustbin and a pile of crap.

Decor is simplistic, the restaurant is well lit though tables are placed a little too close to each other. The table napkin was not as clean as one would like.

The service is extremely courteous, bordering on apologetic. Being a hot day, the AC not working at its best, was enough to put us off. The menu is surprisingly limited and any vegetarians had better avoid this place, unless they want to eat Russian Salad bengali style.

To start with and to compensate for the AC, we ordered Aamras. It was chilled but rather thick, the taste was quite alright though. A better one can be had at Bombay Post.

We skipped the starters and went straight to the main course with Steamed Rice, Baby Naans, Chicken Korma and Pomfret Jhol. The Pomfret was perfectly done, in a mustard gravy, not too spicy though a tad salty for my taste. The waiters were not keen to serve and we had to do the honors ourselves. The korma was average. The baby naans were excellent.

Bay of Bengal is an entomologists paradise, with innumerable flies that will join you for lunch, I also saw a red ant walking across the table.

Eager to get away from the flies, we skipped dessert and ordered a mineral water bottle, which was not available chilled. On asking for finger bowls, we were told that hot water wasn't available! This is a first for me - Finger bowls with water at room temperature and a slice of lemon.

The restroom is very very bad; period. I will not go further and ruin anyone's appetite.

All in all, this is not a place we will be visiting again. Lunch for two will set you back by around Rs. 400. Tread in only if you are willing to sacrifice hygiene for good taste. We'd rather recommend 6 Ballygunge Place for a true Bengali food lover.