Menu of the Toast & Tonic, Richmond Road, Central Bengaluru

Ruth DSouza

4.5 /5

Erstwhile Monkey Bar on Wood Street was transformed into this beauty called Toast & Tonic, an East Village style pub. On the tables, you will find house-made salts too. Let us start with the house specials in terms of the 'G&Ts' – you have a choice of vodkas to up the ante on your drink. The 'Herbalist' - Gin, with Basil and Orange Tonic water, with a coriander and orange ice is one way to go. The Gin-tleman's Tonic brings together Jasmine Tea, Elderflower and grapefruit tonic water with rose petal-cucumber ice. It is the house-made ice that adds an amazing range of flavours to the drinks here. If you would rather go the non-alcoholic way, then you can also enjoy the tonics as is – the 'Citrus Basil Tonic' and the 'Flower Power Tonic' with jasmine tea, elderflower and grapefruit are great. As for the food, Toast & Tonic goes the soup and salad way, followed by small plates and then large. Among the soups and salads – the 'Monsoon Bone Broth with Udon', 'Smoked Chicken Stock', 'Shredded Chicken', 'Sweet Corn', 'Black Fungus Mushroom', 'Coriander' and 'Sambal' is perfect for a rainy day and hearty meal. The 'Chilli Tuna Poke Bowl', is a generous portion of Gobhindobhog rice, mustard greens, seaweed topped off with passion fruit and pineapple vinaigrette, fried onion and chia seeds. Every bit as delicious and fresh as the ingredients sound. Fish lovers do not look beyond the 'Smoked Cochin Mackerel on Toast'. The 'Soft Eggs and 'Andouille Sausage on Sourdough Toast' is another flavour packed melange of textures in the mouth. Flatbreads and Burgers are also on the menu and the 'Pastrami' is a T&T signature, serves with 'Rye Pao', 'Butter', 'Pickles', some sharp 'Cheddar' and 'Slaw'. Among the mains, the 'Baked Eggplant Involtini' is a great dish. And if you are looking for a real treat, the 'Flash Aged Steak' that has been air dried for 24-hours and is served with a confit of 'Kohlrabi', 'Turnips', 'Sweet Potatoes', along with 'Gin Hollandaise' and 'Mushrooms' is a must. The 'Expressions of Jaggery' is a great way to go to the end on a sweet note, as is the 'Mango Tango' I had while dining there. A touch of bitterness from the 'Matcha', some sweet and sourness from the mango brings this dessert together. Fairly comprehensive coffee options are available to wrap up your meal. When full, the seating may seem a little too close for comfort, but then, you are in a pub, so be prepared for some boisterous company on adjoining tables.