Mr Slytech checks into High-Tech
I really dont know what to make of the amusing claim by the promoters of this ‘secret’ bar, despite the version given in their press release. The grunge interiors of this bar surely could not have been the erstwhile office of a start up company (not their’s) which went bust, as is claimed by Azure Hospitality, which owns best-seller brands like Mamagoto and Dhaba by Claridges? A good marketing ruse?
All said and done, however, Slytech located in the same premises as Mamagoto and Dhaba by Claridges in Kondapur has the funnily quirky element in place, as well as a wonderfully-priced exhaustive menu, which might just prove to be the right merry destination to unwind for all the techies in Kondapur and beyond. Right from the little front office desk stationed outside just like any “boring office” and with a receptionist to boot to the graffiti of the grizzly bear holding up a beer bottle, its casually irreverent. Of course, the bouncers standing near the door are a dead giveaway!
At a recent bloggers table hosted by the management, I enter the secret door to a pretty informal bar ambience, with dim lighting, a lot of faux leather sofas, graffiti on the walls, as well as a chandelier. Also playing is some rather loud music by a live band.
Founded in 2013, grounded in 2016…Techies never quit, reads the menu with a grizzly bear holding a beer bottle. I order a Forgetful Honeymoon first, spiced rum laced with triple sec, lime and nutmeg dust and cinnamon served as a martini, but it does not do much in the ‘spiritual upliftment’ department. Next up is a Speakeasy Breakfast, bourbon maple syrup shaken with apple juice and finished with orange peel. Now this is definitely something with more character, and I soon find myself getting into the groove of the evening. I like Mr Miyagi too, orange marmalade, with triple sec, gin and lime, shaken into a martini. Keeping us company are plenty of starters like Trainee’s Kolkata Jhaal Muri, that lovely tangy crispy popular snack from the streets of Kolkata, Natwarlal’s Sadak Chaap Aloo Chaat (yummy!), Golmaal Rings (onion rings, plain and simple!), Kudos Keema Pav (quite a filler), So Fried Chicken Sliders, Fish Pointing Fingers, Dharamshala Chicken Momo, Retro Momo etc.
For the teetotallers, there is a host of mocktails, sorry Bad Decisions (at least thats what the menu terms mocktails, and hopefully not speaking for the consequences of these choices) too, like Thai Nimboo Paani (nimboo paani with a twist of kaffir lime leaves) and Special water (nariyal paani and pineapple juice
While there is a live band performing in the evenings, be prepared for high-decibel accoustics. Since its a pretty closed in area, it surely is not going to be too pleasurable a watering hole for those who like a quiet drink and talk with their friends.
Apart from the easy ambience, the other USP of this place is its extremely friendly pricing, with most cocktails were in the range of Rs 129 to 419 and short eats like Jhaalmuri, Code Peanut etc start from Rs 99 to Rs 349 for Keema Pav.
All in all, I would recommend this place as a merry place to unwind, for the techies, given its splendid location right next to the Google office in Kondapur.
