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..!!
