Second time in a week - Lantern's

Once again, i had to go out with the client's for a courtesy lunch. he place was selected [again by the client] as Lantern's restaurant in Budaiya. Based on my past experience with Trader Vic's, i was a little bit pre-cautious. In the case of disaster, i had a back-up plan for Jasmi's or Pizza corner.

It was a business lunch; therefore, it goes with a agenda. I prepared the documents required for the discussion items and started from office.

The first stop was a at bank. My manager had some work in the bank. We were stuck in the traffic for more than half-an-hour in the busy weekend roads, and another half-an-hour to find a place in the parking lot. After so much of tiring attempts, we managed to park the car and went to the bank, only to find out that the bank officer is out on a prior appointment. All the hassle in the parking lot went waste.

We drove another ten minutes [in fact we swam through the pool of cars] to another office to pick up a colleague. Again, we searched for some more time to find a place to park the car. The sun was scorching outside and the ac in the car was not sufficient. There is nothing irritating like sitting in a car at a speed of less than 10 kmph and watching around for an empty space to park the car.

On our way to the restaurant, we missed the landmark [burger land] and travelled for an extra 15 minutes. Finally, we reached the place.

Lantern's restaurant - it looked like a very authentic chetti nattu house. When we entered, we were greeted by a decent looking, well dressed [with saanthu pottu in the forehead] girl welcomed us and escorted to our table. The first impression was really good.

We sat next to a place which resembled like the "potti kadai" or the paan shop. The water was served in copper glass and the plates kept were copper plates. The juice corner was like the instant fruit bazaar that will be open in the empty space of a stranded van. We had a three course meal.

First round - Sweetened fresh lime soda
Main Course - naan with chicken chettinadu, dhal fry
Dessert - Kulfi

The food tasted really really good and even the thought of it makes me drool even while typing this blog. The reason may be because of the girl who served or the authentic taste of the food.

In between, the food we also had the status update on the planned agenda and all went smooth [may be not as expected, but okay manageable].

When the bill came finally, it was only like "...what is this new practice? i did not ask for it...". Believe me, i will not go back to the restaurant if i have to pay from my packet. My two days allowance is over for one time meal !!!

Leaving the money part aside, it was a nice experience and a nice appetite. Finally, it was a worth mentioning "Bon Appetite"

...bright