Ranga Shankara

I expect many of us would have heard the name of Ranga Shankara and lots of of us might not recognize it,

Ranga Shankara is a performance space in Bangalore that proffers itself as a premier place for theatre performances. The auditorium was envisioned by Arundathi Nag, in remembrance of her late husband, Shankar Nag, who was a renowned actor in the Kannada film industry (Text from Wikipedia)

This is a one stop destination for all theatre enthusiasts. Ranga Shankara stages theatre almost in each language. You just need to keep a track of the calendar presented on the main page of their website.

 

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But I am intended to talk about its small cafeteria. I and my wife regularly look out for a tranquil and an uncomplicated restaurant where good quality food is served, place which particularly offer value for money. Other day we were hunting for the similar coffee bar on a rainy late afternoon. We required few good coffee sips with a lovely conversation in straightforward yet welcoming ambience. We went to Barista and then to Coffee day but these places are just for show off. I by no means like anything in both the places except for 1 or 2 things. I never appreciated the fact that, why they have to trade a cup of coffee for 100/- in the region where there is an abundance of coffee and coffee drinkers!! Neither both the outlets present anything excellent to eat nor whatever they offer is value for money.

The same evening my wife got struck by the thought of Ranga Shankara’s self-service restaurant and we considered giving it a try. I must tell you that I certainly not expected the place to be so decent, fresh, inviting, peaceful and different.

We ordered for 2 Coffees, 1 Bhel Puri and 1 portion of Chilli Pakodas. In any place up till now, these 3 things might straightforwardly turn into 150-200 rupees but here, it was sheer 75 rupees !!! I was astonished to perceive that how on one hand a flavourless Coffee from CCD or Barista is sold for more then 100/- and on the other hand a much superior coffee and belly full of snacks can be bought for much less than 100/-. We did not try anything else but they have an ample selection of food and drink, from Pasta to Vada Pav till Akki Roti. The place was extraordinary for us and would recommend you all to try it out.

My report card for Ranga Shankara Cafeteria

Price – 9/10

Taste – 9/10

Service – Self Service

Ambience – 9/10

Value for money – 10/10

Will I go back – Definitely

Kamath Lokaruchi

If you are fond of North Karnataka food which to some extent bears a resemblance to the mixture of north Indian and South Indian cuisine then “Kamat Lokaruchi” is the place for you. It’s away from City’s chaos and hence is just right place for a weekend retreat. It’s a kind of place where you would like to stay for hours. People travel from close by cities just to eat Breakfast, Lunch or dinner here. I have also heard that they serve buffet breakfast which is out of this world, will try it in the next visit. “Kamat Lokaruchi” is situated about 50 km from Bangalore city on Bangalore Mysore Highway.

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You will discover classic north Karnataka cuisine, Jawar Roti accompanied with aubergine curry and limitless butter milk is the prime attraction. Other than regular meal, they also serve mini meals which are good for kids and individuals who are not looking for unlimited food. You can also find fresh fruit juices, hot and cold beverages and freshly made sweets straight from the oven. Price tag is what makes this place extraordinary. Full meal is priced highest with a meagre 110/- rupees which is quiet remarkable.

The place has got an open kitchen at the centre, so you can park yourself and spot your food being cooked right in front of you and then comes to your plate right from the hot pan.

It has a lovely ambience which will make you feel like at home and hence you can hang around for long and as a result trip no longer remains just for the food.

Price – 9/10

Taste – 9/10

Service – 7/10

Ambience – 8/10

Value for money – 10/10

Will I go back – Definitely

It’s just a right weekend escape for 4-5 hours and can be extended up to the “Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary” which is just 75-80 km ahead.

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At Ranganthittu sanctuary, don’t forget to purchase the tickets for the boat ride at the entrance itself because they do not put up the tickets for sale inside.

The boat trip in fact divulges the true magnificence of the sanctuary. The water is filled with over 100 crocodiles which will give you a chilling sense of an Australian outback. Do visit it.