Kanua - Chateau
by the Mediterrean An
Authentic Konkani Cuisine off Sarjapur Road There
are some places and people that totally surprise you. Places totally unanticipated
that really gets one hooked... Or people who catch you by the neck and say "I
exist" The Friday dinner at Kanua was one such otherworldy experience. A
close friend had come down for a short visit. He was docked at Sarjapur Road which
is like a trek to the moon from where I work and live in the notorious Bangalore
traffic. After a little chat, we started driving out of the city along Sarjapur
road. The serendipity drive I thought would lead to the magical dhaba by the river.
Suddenly my friend had a brainwave and thumped the mobile.
A
right turn after the Fabmall in Sarjapur Road leads to a dirt track can give any
rally freak an adrenalin rush . The road ends at a 3-storied building on the right
with a vast expanse of grass in front of it. The dimly lit building has a slight
gothic touch and the lovely Blore weather in December makes it chique. A wooden
staircase that winds 2 floors leads to the hideaway.
I
first had the notion entering into an old Goan home with the muted lighting and
portuguese music. Then I imagined sitting in a chateau by the Mediterranean. The
decor is definitely period with doors that open into two, large blocks of wood
for railing and tiled roofing. The exquisite dining area is without walls and
gives a sense of watching a play by nature on all three sides. There is small
lounge area to cool off. The name " Kanua ", I believe is the name of
a lost breed of rice from South Kanara, or par-boiled brown rice.
I
started with an Iced tea. The menu is predominantly fish or atleast that is what
my eyes could read. But there are ample doses of chicken and vegetables. If you
have to absolutely tie it to a region, the Konkan which includes both the Mangalore
and Goan streams suits best. A medium sized white pomphret was the first cold-blooded
vertebrate on the table. I had long since stopped ordering food by their names.
The fish was either baked or medium-fried with right amount of spice. There might
have been a tinge of vinegar thrown in. The masala was not completely dried and
tasted great. It sort of melted like chocolate in my mouth.
The
main course was seer fish curry with rice. Kanua serves two varieties of rice
- the standard Basmati type and boiled ( bee size according to a N Indian friend)
predominant along the west coast. The gravy tasted like the coconut grated &
fried variety, but it was not exactly the same though. There were some unrecognizable
ingredients that made it quite unique with an appetizing aroma. Fish was fresh
and the potions were enough for two.
Now
for the wallet factor. Compared to other seafood places in B'lore like Harbour
Market ( Mohanlal's) & Tiger Bay, the place is light on the pocket. The pricing
is as honest as it can get for seafood out here. The chicken and vegetarian dishes
were also decently priced. Kanua doesn't serve drinks. This was the only glitch
in the otherwise superb experience. But diners can carry bottles which they serve
out there. I would recommend this joint just for the ambience. The top-class food
is an incentive. If you like the old-world charm like at Koshys, the place is
for you. I would have shifted the weekend binge except for the variety and crowd
at Koshys. It can also be ideal place for a heavy lunch with a siesta in a hammock.
Check
this place. It is worth the trek.. ooops the drive.
Ph: 55374471 / 72.
If
you have been to Kanua recently and would like to comment on its quality of food
or anything about the restaurant, plese rate this restaurant
here
Serah
John gving an Excellent rating on all counts says " Enjoyed the excellent
Konkani & Mangalorian food. The service and ambience was so blended and sutbly
beautiful. Tucked away in a quite terrance above the Quetzel factory, this is
a must GO place..!!
