Cheers in Kammanahatton

Conversations brewing and I hear someone quoting a word I had coined in the literary world, terming our locality as Kammanahatton. True to its glocal title, this area seems to be burgeoning every day and sometimes totally unrecognizable. From the days of pot hole ridden roads, bare development, this area has seen exponential growth with the mushrooming of new joints for food, drinks, entertainment and social conversations. It’s almost synonymous with Bangalore, the pub culture is raging and here is one more that is making some noise. While I review selectively, this one is special, as I have grown to be a patron of this place that has seen changing hands, yet has retained its culinary perfection and charm. The owners thrive on warmth, personal service while they keep their research updated to ensure they have the best on offer. This is Firehouse Bar & Kitchen, where conversations peak while your plate of soulful food is served with something to cheer about. So clearly I write this not after my first visit, but after this hotspot has become my choice to unwind. It began as our place to celebrate but now has me a regular visitor even on my Friday dates whenever possible, with just a stone’s throw away from home.

There is blend to this place - it’s a culmination of classic and modern, in not just the drinks or food but also in the warmth of its décor. As you drive up to its entrance, be welcomed by the hospitality of their valet, which is precious given that Bangalore has no space to park and makes going out a planning nightmare. As you enter you choose between a quaint dining at the ground level for those cozy conversations or the thumping music to show your best moves on the dance floor with a vibrant bar and a little openness on the first floor. The team here is casual and experienced, ready to give you a detail to all that is planned on the menu. The unassuming chef, is sure to impress you with the finger licking food that he dishes out. With his international exposure, eye for detail and his magic with his own combinations and secret ingredients, I have never left Firehouse disappointed with the yum in my tum. With the sizeable potions, there will always be a price tag to it, but you will see value in that tag. You get a platter of variety all under one roof from continental to oriental, or the charm of some Coorg specialities which is a hot favorite here. Confused with the variety, well they are good at it all, just take the help of the team and they will help you with all that your taste buds are craving for. I am a teetotaler so not the right one to endorse all that is high and wonderful, but with everyone who has accompanied me, they are have been thrilled with all that is to offer. You will find me happy sipping on that fabulous Fresh Lime Soda, and eating sinfully as I plunge into the depth of cheese in that indulgent Fish bake while my kids binge the French fries and Pizza - yes there is Pizza too, that is very child friendly. The bacon wrapped prawns or the oriental fare is the hubby’s favorite order. While I can go on about the many dishes that keep me tingled, it may consume all my words too.

As mums we often look for quick respites and to be able to let our hair down with a ladies night seemed like the perfect answer. We need that dash of madness and uninterrupted fun to recharge us. With proximity, everyone was thrilled and with the joy of fabulous English and Hindi music, we numbed our feet as we danced to every number that played and sipped on the fabulous cocktails and mocktails on offer. Yes you read me right, Firehouse has these fun nights planned during the week that keeps you looking for more, whether it is ladies nights on Wednesdays (Bollywood nights), Corporate nights on Mondays, Karaoke nights (or Kroke nights) on Fridays, Jive nights on Saturdays, there is always something for everyone to eat, drink, dance, sing or even learn. All these at fabulous prices and offers. While these are the days of the week, keep a look out for festivals, celebrations, when DJ’s visit, spin what they mix and Firehouse works its magic. If you have a game to catch make sure to feel the pulse of the large screen as Firehouse gives you the excitement of it all. With new management steering the reigns I hear value Sunday brunches and all inclusive meals should be on their patrons’ checklist.

I am swooned by all that they have to offer. Like every place, they have their hiccups, but they are willing to learn from patient feedback. They will make their mistakes and that’s what keeps them real. They are giving their might and are shaping what best they can. They have plans to revive, renew, refresh and recreate all that is there, with a vision that has set their minds on hospitality. I am no food critic, nor a restaurant reviewer. I write with my heart, when the stomach is content and the mind is calm. My note here will gather you no discounts, nor will it help if you take my name. But a snapshot of vibrance in that space, will tell you more than I have written here. So check it out yourselves - you may like it or may not, but you will get an idea about what I like. Have fun and write in when you do make your visit there. Make it quick cause I read they are part of the Dineout Great Indian Restaurant festival or just plan that memorable Valentine’s day with food, drinks, luck draws and prizes to be won there, and we might just bump into each other! See you soon!