On September 7, The Bikers Café, Elgin Road, celebrated their eighth anniversary by launching a new wellness-inspired menu curated by chef Shaun Kenworthy. Not just the food menu, but also the interiors of the cafe have been transposed, including the furniture, the feel and vibe of the place, giving it a little French and Irish vibe. They’ve done a wall which inspires people to understand biking and engages them in knowing the history of biking, through the pictures on the wall. “We have also introduced a new cocktail menu, which is again wellness inspired. We will be the only bar in Calcutta, which will be a no syrup and no synthetic bar, that means there will be nothing from the packet. Everything is from fresh fruits and vegetables and are cold-pressed. Why cold-pressed? Because it’s the slow process of squeezing the juices out, ensuring that the healthy enzymes are consumed by the body,” said Sanjay Rajindra Yadav, owner.
The guests enjoyed food from the new wellness menu and savoured the flavoursome yet healthy dishes. The place was buzzing with regular customers who were enjoying the mood.
The Telegraph dropped by.
“Calcutta has been an interesting ride for us. We launched ourselves in 2014, it’s been 8 years since then. We are the only brand in Kolkata and even in Delhi, Gurgaon, which connects with every segment of humans, whether it’s a group of women, group of men, group of friends or a group of teenagers and obviously bikers. We’ve seen a very high loyalty factor in Kolkata versus the North India, which has been a win for us. On the 8th anniversary of the café, we are thrilled to launch our new wellness inspired menu, which is basically a combination of comfort food and pub food and a touch of wellness element in every dish we do. This menu has been inspired by the new lifestyle of the new generation plus people’s preferences these days,” said Sanjay Yadav (right). “So I remember coming to the opening of this place 8 years ago. It’s great to see this place still buzzing which is rare for many newly opened bars and restaurants. A great 8 years is a great milestone with a brand new menu. Sanjay is a great guy, I think the brand is great,” said chef Shaun Kenworthy.
Australian consul general in Calcutta, Rowan Ainsworth (left) with Daniel Sim, deputy consul general
Pinky Kenworthy with Meghdut Roychowdhury.
Nil of Dev R Nil
British Deputy High Commissioner Nick Low and wife Karita
ON THE MENU
The wellness bar menu includes special nature- inspired cocktails and mocktails made from fresh vegetables, fruits, cold-pressed juices mixed with herbs, spices and edible flowers.
Prawn Tempura Roll, a healthier alternative than most bar food, this has taste, crunch, but also balances out on the health factor.
A wholesome Cajun Chicken Fingers which is light and crispy with tender chicken inside. It's not fried multiple times so as to retain the health element.
Panko Fried Green Beans with Chilli Tartar has the green beans replace the usual potato fries which is healthy, crispy and goes great with any alcoholic beverage.
Avocado Hummus and Beetroot Falafel Mini Platter, comes with the good fats of avocado in the hummus, and the addition of beetroot in the falafel is a good source of fibre.
Korean Grilled and Smoked Chicken also known as Dak-kkochi is a healthy appetiser that does away with the usual frying.
Thai Rock Papaya Peanut Salad is a filling and nutritious salad which is a great beginning for most meals especially if you are weight-watching.
The Throttle Killer: Made with homemade orange and marmalade with orange pulp cooked with orange juice and candied ginger, it has a refreshing orange with spicy ginger aftertaste. (Recommended spirits: preferably bourbon/in/vodka)
Vampire: A cocktail with cold pressed beetroot juice with a dash of coconut milk and fresh basil. (Recommended spirits: gin/vodka/white rum)
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
