(L-R) A.D. Singh, Avantika Saraogi with her husband Ashray Butta
Pictures: Rashbehari DasIt’s been five rocking years since Monkey Bar (a part of the Olive Group of restaurants) raised a toast to Calcutta, with its fresh innovative cocktails, deliciously playful gastropub food and offered that spectacular view of the city’s skyline. Celebrating the special occasion, Avantika Saraogi, local partner of Monkey Bar, hosted a birthday bash on September 15 in the presence of A.D. Singh, managing director, Olive Bar & Kitchen Pvt Ltd, along with some eminent faces of the city. “I feel emotional and nostalgic, it takes me back to five years ago when I was struggling to open the restaurant, all the licensing drama, all the pains of starting out in a state like West Bengal, all the rules to be followed and boxes to be checked. It was my first venture and it taught me everything, life lessons which I carry with me till today! The most important one being — we should only stress out about things which are within our control or where we can do something to make a difference, that’s our responsibility, but things like the weather, c’est la vie!” said Avantika.
Actress Koneenica Banerjee looked pretty in an one-shoulder number as she posed with hubby Surajit Hari
Jessica Surana Gomes and Neeraj Surana
Sohon Saha of The Spirits
Sudip Mullick of Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick
Tanmoy Roy of The Grid
Footwear designer Rohan Arora
Sumit Choudhary, executive chef Monkey Bar Pan India, The Fatty Bao Delhi and Calcutta
Designer Ratul Sood
Subhash Sinha, general manager, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
Avishek Sachdev, hotel manager, Fairfield By Marriott Kolkata
General manager, JW Marriott Kolkata, Sumeet Suri with wife Roma
Mitali Rannorey and Avishek (Bambii) Das made us go #Aww
Pinky and Shaun Kenworthy
A yummy food selection at the party included dishes like Naga Pork, Bandel & Malai Fish, Lasooni Prawn and Paneer and Tarkari Shashlik, while signature Monkey Bar cocktails like Mangaa, Copper Monkey and Gin & Daarun kept everyone hic happy!