Hard Rock Cafe

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

A throbbing, noisy, boozy night avatar for you? Or a more sedate, quiet one through the day? Choose your time to match the schizophrenic personality of this centrally located cafe. Dramatically lit split levels characterize the warehouse-like look of this cafe that displays on its deep velvet walls memorabilia that most of the young rockers would appreciate - Eric Clapton's Versace suit, one of Tom Petty's guitars, Prince's Purple Rain military-style coat, and even one of David Bowi''s signed suits! While these priceless pieces of Rock 'n' Roll history aren't for sale, the Rock Shop at the entrance offers pins, collectibles, those popular Hard Rock logo T-shirts, glasses, caps and other accessories for fans. Although food isn't the focus here, the over-sized portions (with prices to match) in the non-vegetarian selections are surprisingly good. Check out the new dishes, from Chicken Pakoda and Saag Paneer to Smoked BBQ Chicken, Chicken Tikka Burger, Pulled Pork/Chicken sandwiches and wind up with White Chocolate Banana Pudding or the traditional Mexican dessert of Tres Leche oozing with flavoured cream. But, of course, the legendary 10oz Burger with uncompromising succulence (Veg, Cheese and Chicken) is the best bet spiked with Classic Rock, Heavy Metal or Tangy Barbecue sauces on request. Nachos come laced with sour cream and cheese, crispy and flavourful. Choose Tupelo Chicken Tenders, Chicken Quesadilla or Chicken Wings over leathery Potato Skins. Other unique menu items include a Granny Smith Apple Beef Burger and Classic Patty Melt in addition to Grilled Mediterranean Linguine and Beef/Veggie Fajitas. Desserts are strictly average. "It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A" belts out the enthusiastic staff of Hard Rock Cafe who pause on the hour to climb up and dance on the wooden panelling that segregates the bar floor from the rest of the restaurant to stir up the crowd, inviting patrons to sing and gesture along with them. Loud rock music and a bustling bar (check out the discounted beverage menu during Rocking Hours on weekdays). rnP.S. Mon-Thurs: Rs.445 Corporate Buffet with live pasta, live salad bar, soup counter and buffet counter. 2 veg, 2 non-veg, 2 rice, 1 dal, 1 roomali roti, 2 desserts and ice-cream of your choice (strawberry, vanilla and chocolate). Quick lunch option. Drinks are an add-on. Try the Rock 'n' Roll Lunch - soup, set menu and a drink. Band nights on Thursdays, entry 8pm onwards (Rs.150/person): band starts at 9.45pm and plays till 12.30am. Do call and check the International artists performance dates here.rn