Gourmet Safari with Karen Anand@ VR Bengaluru

Karen Anand needs no introduction to the world of culinary events and innovative gourmet spreads. VR Bengaluru in association with her is organising a 2 day special event titled Gourmet Safari showcasing the best of the four restaurants hosted at their premises. I was part of the special preview along with a few other food aficionados and with Karen herself providing us various pointers about the dishes she has chosen.

We started our culinary affair at the Alt, the open air lounge at the 7th floor of VR. I chose my Cocktail as Mojito to beat the sweltering heat. The Amuse Bouche was served up which included Garlic and Chilli Flavoured Chicken served in a crispy basket and Fried Prawns with Wasabi Mayo and Maiden Salt. I was quite thrilled by the prawns and the good portion size really set my expectations up for the upcoming courses.

We then moved over to the very popular and one of Bangalore’s most celebrated fusion Indian restaurants-Salt. Karen welcomed us to the venue and as we were seated for the Appetizers, a tall glass with a Mango Mocktail and Crisps with a unique house specialty-Beetroot Sauce made its way. I was quite amused by the flavour of the sauce. The Appetisers were served in the form of Chicken Malai Tikka, Lamb Galouti and Lasooni Prawn. My personal favourite was the Galouti and I was shameless enough to order another portion of the same.

We made our way for the Mains to Toscano thereafter. Here we were served a glass of Fratelli Chenin Blanc along with the yet to arrive Grilled Tenderloin and Portobello Mushrooms in Balsamic served with Saffron flavoured Asparagus Risotto and Rocket Salad. I was quite satisfied with the juiciness of my steak and the Chenin paired well with it.

The last and final leg of the safari was at the Whitefield Arms where we were served their signature desserts namely Classic Carrot Cake and Chocolate Sin. The Carrot Cake is to die for and I was quite happy to experience it again. After the event drew to a close, we were given a tour of the various other facilities hosted within the VR building. We visited the workplace Hive and the uber chic and classy Waverly Residences, one of Bangalore’s coveted serviced apartments run by the VR team. It was truly an evening well spent. Big thanks to Luv Kumar for the invitation.