Chili’s Grill & Bar brings back The Original Lipsmackers Circa 1975

Chili’s Grill & Bar started operations way back in 1975 in Texas, USA, with just 11 dishes & drinks. The popularity grew to such an extent that the brand managed to carve the initial footprints in the casual dining space of the country and subsequently the international market. 

Chili’s Grill & Bar, brought back the original lipsmackers in the form of a Limited Time Offer across all their outlets in Bangalore (Orion & Phoenix Market city), Mumbai, Pune & Hyderabad. I was invited to review the same with some other food bloggers. 

                       

Chili's serves American food influenced by Tex Mex Cuisine. The interiors of the restaurant were funky as it was decorated with pictures from The USA and also a mini jet plane.

                    

The following gorgeous menu was served to the food lovers as a part of lip smackers. Offering a range of quintessential American favorites with a tagline of “Taste an American Original”, Chili’s Grill & Bar promised a gourmet experience like never before. The Original Lipsmackers Circa 1975 menu saw the inclusion of their famous Home Made Chili such as Texas Red with Beans and Chili’s Pie, along with Chili’s Special Soft Tacos which are tacos served with rice and beans, just like the Cowboys liked them. We were prepared to encounter a Texan standoff as we tried to choose from a variety of delicious burgers like the Our Own Chili Burger, Chili’s Trip, Terlingua Pride and No Bun Burger. No matter which one we picked, we were sure to win! Just so that the vegetarian guests do not feel left out, they could experience the same menu in vegetarian options too.

                        

                       

But I didn't wanted to go with the crowd so I preferred something from the regular alacarte menu. Here are some of the items I tried at Chili's Grill and Bar:

Triple Dipper as part of the non-vegetarian appetizers. This was basically a combination of 3 of my favorite appetizers - Chicken Crispers, Wings over Buffalo and Boneless chicken wings. I loved the Chicken Crispers but found Chicken Wings to be a little spicy. 

In Southwest Grill, I tried Fajita Chicken Quesedillas. These were marinated chicken with fajita onions and Jack cheese in butterly toasted tortillas. 

In Seafood, I tried Blackened Salmon which is one of the new dishes on the regular menu. This is Salmon fish seared with peppercorn spice, served with cilantro rice, seasonal veggies and cilantro aioli. 

Finally I went for the Chicken Ranch burger which I enjoyed a lot. This was crispy breaded chicken with tangy wing sauce, cool Ranch dressing, lettuce & tomato. The burger was served with homestyle fries. 

Chili's is at 2 different locations in Bangalore and opening currently at a secret 3rd place too! 

Address 1: Chili’s Orion Mall, Store  No  R3  &  R3-  A,  Rajajinagar  Extension, Malleswaram  (W),  Bangalore 560022

Phone: 08022682126

Address 2: Chili’s Phoenix Market City #20 UG Level, Outside Courtyard, Phoenix Market City, Mahadevpura, Bangalore -560048

Phone: 08067266406

Times City Gourmet Week 2014 - Memories of China at Taj Vivanta

Ever since I have been to the Times Food Awards 2013, my wish list of visiting the restaurants in Bangalore has increased.  And the time has come to taste and savour the gourmet food being served for the whole week in different restaurants.

Memories of China at The Taj Vivanta is also serving the gourmet food as a part of the Times City Gourmet week 2014.

                         

The ambience of the restaurant depicts the Chinese tradition and culture.  It was relaxing to spend time and relish great food.

There was a set menu and also we could choose what we would want to eat from the same. We started off with soup and appetizers

                                 

                           

Crab meat with wild mushroom soup with vegetarian shark fin and double boiled chicken soup with chinese pok choy and crispy golden fried prawns and five spiced fish in Shangai style were served in the starters menu.  I rejoiced at the first part of the menu as I always had a liking for Chinese food.

                           

Sautéed Prawns with dried chillies and shallots was the unrivalled item on the whole menu.  As I come from a coastal region and being fond of eating fresh prawns and fish, I was totally flattered and bowed to the chef. 

Undone noodles with smoked fish fillet in a superior broth, sautéed sliced beef with wild mushroom in Yakiniku sauce were also served.

                          

And the last one the menu, dessert ; exotic fruits and deep fried sesame dumpling stuffed with ferrero rocher were the show stoppers. 

                       

On the whole an amazing experience to remember till next year.