Too Blue for Comfort

We got a table right next to the bar,and decided to ignore bar stools that were too close for comfort and looked a few feet away,to the next wall,where embossed human faces covered in gold gleamed back at us — one face was smiling,the other yawning,or maybe screaming,it was hard to tell. We got hold of the menu to avoid looking at the bad wall art and were greeted by the same old continental favourites. “I’m never gonna dance again/guilty feet have got no rhythm”. There were cheers from the patrons at the table covered with empty beer bottles. We were envious of those having a good time,it was clear that one needs a drink to take in this cacophonous setting. Our starters,however,arrived in silence,a tiny break between “Thank you” and “the next song is…”,the Bruschetta with tomatoes and Boccocini (Rs 215) was tangy and the cheese was a guest appearance on some of the bread slices,while the Devilled Chicken (Rs 360) with its spicy Worcestershire sauce-and-mustard marinated chicken bits,was spicy,a perfect accompaniment to a glass of chilled beer. The green mint chutney made it even more delectable.

The after-office hours crowd was busy back-slapping each other and exchanging gossip,a bad idea since everyone is in earshot at this 80-cover restaurant. Our main course orders of Surf ‘n’ Turf (Rs 600) and English Shepherd Pie (Rs 385) tasted like they do at most of the joints lining the outer circle at Connaught Place,the chicken in the overpriced Surf ‘n’ Turf was chewy,the sauce unspectacular. The pie was good but,after a few spoonfuls,we did hope it would be less spicy. The Apple and Cinnamon Pie (Rs 225) was cold and the pastry lining tough.

Blues Cafe & Bar is a perfect place to down a few shots with buddies from work and leave,this is clearly not a place for a sit-down dinner. Just like its sister branch,the Blues Bar,it is noisy and has a boring menu. When we were about to leave,two men from a noisy table of five got up to dance to Dido’s White Flag,raising their hands to “I will go down with this ship And I won’t put my hands up and surrender..” Blues Cafe & Bar does work for some,especially those who need a loud setting to deal with an inner distress. We were happy to get out,but there are many,like the two dancing men,who like their their songs and food off-key.