As Virat’s boys take on the Knights in a few hours, you could head for the address where the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper hosted his teammates when in Kolkata for the last face-off with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Located at 13 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Virat Kohli’s very own one8 Commune lets you just be and enjoy yourself — whether you're tucking into a laidback meal, grooving to live music or catching the latest IPL action live. A neon No.18 jersey — Virat’s number for the non-followers — welcomes you to the resto bar as you settle down in the circular sofas. Order from a multicuisine spread and sip on their signature cocktails — solo, with your buddies, or with your date, and it’s an evening well spent.
A neon jersey with Kohli’s number holds pride of place at one8 Commune, including the Kolkata location, though the decor changes in each city
“The vibe at Kohli’s F&B chain is unique to each location. While his signature and jersey are common across all outlets, the resto bars in Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Kolkata have spiced things up with different styles that capture the essence of each location,” said Sushree Vaish, head of marketing at one8 Commune, India.
What’s on the menu
If you are at Virat’s resto bar, order his favourites. The Mushroom Googly Dim Sums, which look like adorable little pockets of pink. The real surprise is the filling which is a rather healthy mix of assorted mushrooms, cream cheese, vegetable broth and truffle oil. These dumplings are among the cricketer’s top picks.
Mushroom Googly Dim Sum
“While dining with his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammates at Kolkata's one8 recently, Kohli had ordered his all-time favourite, Mushroom Googly Dim Sums, along with the refreshing Superfood Salad, both of which are mouth-watering dishes,” said Agnibh Mudi, corporate chef for one8 Commune, Kolkata.
L-R: Superfood Salad, Tartar Topped on Avocado
Another dish Virat is known to order is the Tartar Topped On Avocado. The dish, which looks like it’s inspired from avocado on toast, is a bread-less version with a crispy corn and scallion topping laid over a bed of sliced avocados.
Those looking for more filling options or for a main, can give their pasta a try and be in for a surprise. “Spaghetti in Parmesan Sauce is a cheesy delight. Once you order it, the chef with an entire kitchen ensemble and a bowl made up of parmesan cheese comes to your table to show off his culinary expertise, literally catching every eyeball in the room,” Mudi said.
Bar stop
When it comes to creativity behind the bar, one8 Commune livens it up with its signature cocktails. One of them is the Smoke Marmalade Sour, a bourbon cocktail with a gentle mix of the resto bar’s in-house marmalade and fresh pineapple. “This leisure drink tastes similar to a whisky sour but with a zesty punch and an enhanced floral aroma,” said Neeraj Sharma, Head of Mixology at one8 Commune, India.
L-R: Cocktails Smoke Marmalade Sour, and Monday
If you’re in the mood for fruity cocktails, the gin-based Monday that infuses grapefruit and hints of rose and is topped with tonic and bubble splash, is a must try.
“With summer on, sangrias like Berry Boss, mainly Shiraz with light watermelon notes, alongside a mixed berries sorbet, should be the perfect indulgence,” Sharma said.
The Shiraz sangria, Berry Boss
Ticking the boxes
Kohli's culinary venture is a family-friendly spot on weekdays, but Saturday nights are a different ball game altogether. The place turns into one of the best dance floors to bust out those moves you’ve practised all week to hip-hop, techno, and Bollywood numbers.
Through the week, one8 Commune is a perfect family dining spot, and Saturday nights the energy goes up with a younger crowd
It is a delightful experience to be part of the Saturday night scenes at Kolhli’s resto-bar. The place is usually full of a younger crowd, dressed in their best, and in a celebratory mood. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown night of revelling or simply some good food and nice conversations, one8 Commune ticks all the boxes.
All the details
What: one8 Commune
Where: 13, Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
When: 11:30am-11 pm (Weekdays & Sunday); 11:30am- 4am (Saturday)
Virat's Favourite: Mushroom Googly Dim Sum, Superfood Salad & Creamy Avocado Tartare
Drinks to Grab: Monday, Berry Boss & Smoke Marmalade Sour
Pocket Pinch: Rs 2,000 for a meal for two with alcohol
