It adds a bit of excitement to Sector V. Even if the IT sector never sleeps, it’s only inside those air-conditioned offices that techies and tele-callers work 24x7. Outside, the streets are often deserted in the evening. A few pubs and restaurants are open till about 11pm, but most of them don’t do much to fill the stomachs of workers looking for a quick meal late at night. That’s where CB’s Adda steps in. The newest food destination at Sector V, launched last Sunday, provides a combo of a food court — the Grub Grabs — and a multi-cuisine resto-lounge — Wok ’’ Kadai. The best part? Grub Grabs is open 24x7.

“I know many people working in Sector V who felt the need for more eating and hang-out options in this area. I thought this place required something like this,” said Arvind Saraf, one of the promoters of CB’s Adda.

Bright yellow and orange counters, chairs and tables provide a happy ambience to Grub Grabs. A giant collage of stills of Victoria Memorial, the Maidan and other Calcutta hang-outs attempt to establish the food court’s position as the latest adda destination. Alphabetically divided counters serve a mix of Continental, Indian and Oriental cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Momos, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, south Indian fare, chaats and batoras — there is a wide platter to choose from.

For substantial hunger pangs, there are combo meals serving rice, rotis and noodles with main course portions. The Oriental section boasts of the usual Chinese fare, plus other Asian specialities like Thai, Japanese and Mongolian. “Our menu has been designed keeping in mind time constraints of the working crowd. There is nothing on the menu that can’t be prepared in 10 minutes,” explained executive chefs Shankar Rai and Angshuman Deb Choudhury. The prices are also moderate, in keeping with the working lunch (and dinner) target.

If Grub Grabs is informal and chilled out, Wok ’’ Kadai, separated from the food court by frosted glass door and panels, is more luxurious. Dim lighting, a beige-and-black carpet in abstract patterns and a bar (yet to start) create a classy setting. “We are targeting two different groups with the two places. The food court is for the working crowd. We will provide a swipe-card facility to employees working in Sector V, so they can just swipe and order a meal. Wok ’’ Kadai is for lunch and dinner executive meets, occasional outings and special eating-out experiences. Since Kankurgachhi, Ultadanga, Rajarhat and Salt Lake are quite close by, we are hoping to draw the family crowd here, too,” added Saraf. The menu here is more elaborate — kebabs; Oriental starters, soups and main course; Indian, Oriental and Continental fare. A meal for two will cost around Rs 400-500 for vegetarians and Rs 800-1,000 for non-vegetarians.

The launch party of the restaurant on Monday saw a gathering of Tollywood stars — Arindam Sil, June, Gargi Roy Chowdhury, the cast of Lal Trikon, Arnabi and Tota Roy Chowdhury amongst others. “Lifestyles have changed and many professions require people to work late nights. You need places that are open at night. The best thing about this place is that it is open 24 hours,” smiled June.

Poulomi Banerjee

Where do you go for a late-night meal in town? Tell t2@abpmail.com