The launch of Sonar Tori — the Bengali speciality restaurant from the Ambuja Neotia Group at City Centre Salt Lake — on May 12, was a starry affair with Tollywood actors and actresses as well as people from all walks of life dropping by for a taste of Bengal. Snapshots:

“Walking into the restaurant, you are instantly transported in time to the era of zamindars and you forget you’re on the fourth floor of a mall,” said Tolly star Prosenjit, who picked the outdoor verandah seating as his fave spot.

“It’s just been four-five days since we opened and I think the response has been very heartening. Being a person who enjoys creativity, there’s a lot of banter between Narayan (Sinha, who did the decor of the restaurant) and me — I have bullied him sufficiently and sometimes he has agreed and sometimes not. It was a collaboration where I played the role of a critic and it’s wonderful seeing the guests enjoying here tonight,” said Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group.

“I have worked on the decor for nine months and it’s great to see the guests enjoying the look and feel of the restaurant,” said Narayan Sinha.

With a red-and-white border sari draped in traditional aatpoure style, Montakan Hengsuwan, a consul at the Royal Thai Consulate General in Calcutta, caught our eye for dressing according to the theme of the restaurant.

ON THE MENU

Loitta Machcher Phuchka, Topse Machh Bhaja, Hasher Dimer Pakora and Rosun Lonka Murgi Tikka among the non-vegetarian appetisers and Tandoori Badami Aloo, Sorshe Chhanar Tikka, Fulkopir Doi Bora in Chai Bhar, Panchphoron Bhutta Cutlet and Mochar Shammi Kebab among the vegetarian appetisers kept guests munch-happy at the party.

Text: Anannya Sarkar
Pictures: Rashbehari Das