Ekdalia Rd, The New Café with many Classics and Experimental Dishes

Black is new white. That is the feeling as you enter this cosy quaint English tea house pattern restaurant- Ekdalia Rd (an abbreviation for Road). The location is just around one of the most famous Durga Puja locations - Ekdalia Evergreen Puja. Bare brick walls, with 2 sections separated by a passage and the second portion opens up to a live kitchen. The pictures of some of the legendary worldwide chefs adorn the wall there. The main entrance has the basic industrial look of concrete tiles, wrought iron furniture with non-plastered brick walls throwing up a cosy feeling the moment you step in.

There are many firsts which the restaurant is offering today in Kolkata and it is a coincidence that the offerings are based on black.

Black Rice

A locally produced organic Black Rice (there is no name for that variety yet),

Black Kadaknath Chicken

Black Kadaknath Chicken, which is served with a combination with black rice. The breast portion and leg portion comes in the meal. The menu is a balance of some European classics as well as modern experimental take on comfort food. There is a breakfast option also where the breakfast is served from 7 in the morning.

A classical example of reproducing world food through indigenous produce without the compromise on the taste is what makes this special. Leave aside the black rice which is grown in Birbhum and Midnapore - rural districts of West Bengal, the White Rice which is offered here is also locally procured from the farmers.

Yellow Fin Tuna Steak with Chimichuri Sauce and Black Rice

The idea of being an experimental kitchen for global cuisine with local impact also comes put when one tastes the Chimichurri Sauce with the flavour of Gondhoraaj Lebu, the Triple S Sauce is made with all local produce or the Black Rice Pudding with Nolen Gur.

Starters, an impressive section of salads and then comes the main course.

Pork Steak

It is very comforting to see known names like a Fish and Chips, Mustard Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Lamb Steak, New Zealand Lamb Rack, Grilled Baby Chicken, Lobster Thermidor, Grilled Lobster to name a few.

Our pick for starters, go for Bacon Wrapped Prawns with Mayo Dip. The bacon retains the crisp enveloped around a soft and juicy prawn. One can select from many options from the main course depending on the preference, however, a share of Black Kadaknath Chicken is a must. Point to be noted is that it needs to be pre-ordered / additional time. In addition, one can also look at Fish n Chips but made with Black Snapper.

The tempura platter

Chicken Francaise is also strongly recommended where the classic Italian American dish gets tweaked with the addition of panko from the top. The pastas are hand rolled and hence they are strongly in demand. The Velvety textured Beetroot Pasta with Carbonara is a must-try. In case you drop in for the Breakfast, then you can go for the Breakfast Platter which has bacon and ham sausages, baked beans, eggs, homemade jam made with fresh seasonal fruits and sometimes vegetables too and sandwiches, muffins, potato wedges.This is priced at INR 229 and although named as breakfast platter, this is available all through the day and the hat tip will be to try out the club sandwiches.

There are few firsts in Kolkata for this place and one can only hope for a great successful journey ahead.