Not so Royal

The second level had a strange set-up. The hexagon mirrored wall panels,bright red flaming couches and the haphazard lighting,all added to our confusion. Thankfully,there was a projection screen to distract us from the obscure décor.

Not too impressed with the surrounding,we hoped the food would salvage the day. For starters we ordered the Moroccan chicken satay (Rs 325) on the recommendation of our server. Five chicken skewers arrived,fancily placed with some nondescript coleslaw. The chicken was tender,slightly over-spiced with cloves,but came off the wooden sticks easily. However,it was definitely not marinated in peanut sauce,like most satays,and was even less Moroccan. For a lounge with a screen,it is a plus to have easy-to-eat finger snacks. As for the taste,well,they can hope it will not be noticed once a game begins. The waiters seemed a little distracted as more people entered,because of which,our main course arrived after a long wait. The placed seemed popular with the college crowd,but most were there for the hookah and not the food.

To arrive on our table next was the piri-piri chicken pizza (Rs 325) and grilled sole with parsley and walnut pesto (Rs 475). The piri-piri did not leave us fuming and lacked lustre. The sole was served on a thick bed of oily sauce that was too pungent and did not qualify as walnut pesto sauce.

The fish was unevenly grilled and a task to eat,as it was smeared with the heavy sauce. Since fine dining was not their strongest point,we thought of giving the café a try and ordered a Royce Mocha Frappe (Rs 250). Sadly,it turned to out to be a bigger disappointment than the food. Priced more than double of the frappes available in other coffee shops,this chokey milk mixture left us feeling cheated. We would have stormed out in a huff,but the steep staircase prevented a hasty exit.

Cafe Royce

Address: 41,Defence Colony,Contact: 011-40793435,Meal for two: Rs 2,000