A Good Girl

Curiously,we trudge up the stairs – and much later find that there is an elevator at the back of the restaurant. Once inside,however,we are floored. A brainchild of 24-year-old foodie Neha Singh,the 100-cover causal dining restaurant is cheerfully girly,with pink couches,low wooden tables with tea-lights,cutesy cushions and flower arrangements.

We are not surprised to find three groups of women occupying the comfy couches and chattering away over thin-crust pizzas and iced teas. Sinking into a couch ourselves,we take in the unrestricted view of the trees outside that adds to the appeal of the place. The menu offers a mix of semi-formal Continental cuisine,starting with all-day breakfast options to summer soups,salads,appetisers,grills and salads. The drinks are all non-alcoholic as of now but the iced teas and coffee are compensations enough.

With a view of the open kitchen which houses a hearth in the centre,we settle for a thin-crust Pizza Pepperoni (Rs 345) along with Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese and Oven Roasted Pumpkin (Rs 225) and Baked Fish Fingers (Rs 275). The pizza doesn’t take too long to arrive and is thin,crisp and well done.

However,the real winner is the salad. Baby spinach leaves,sprinkled with feta cheese along with pine nuts,onion rounds and orange marmalade have never tasted better. Strips of roasted pumpkin,an unusual choice,adds to the flavour.

The Baked Fish Fingers with parmesan and parsley crust comes straight out of the oven and is a little greasy for our liking.

Tempted to try something new,we opt for the Café’s special — Chicken Panquette (Rs 325). The delectable chicken breast covered with puff pastry served with gravy made from port wine and honey turns out to be a filling. The flavoursome meal ends with chocolate eclairs served with ice-cream (Rs 155).

Given the fact that Girl in the Café is spearheaded by a vivacious girl,there’s a lot of attention to presentation and flavour in the food. It’s something not just the ladies but the men will relish as well.

Meal for two: Rs 750 (including tax)

Location: SCO 117-119,Level II,

Sector 17,Chandigarh