Killer Combo

As most of you would’ve guessed by now, I’m a big fan of the Zara experience. Therefore, it obviously comes as no surprise when I say that every time something new is launched, be it a drink or a new menu, I’m right up there with my bunch of Zara loyalists to try, test and taste what’s on offer.

So one sunny afternoon, when the boss and I were facing frustrating times at work, we decided to go sample the new Combo lunch offer that just underwent a facelift recently. Off we trotted the two of us, with our uber sweet colleague in tow and found ourselves in the cool confines of the resto bar, which seemed like the much needed R n’ R we required.

To soothe our tired minds, the three of us opted for some refreshing mocktails (A virgin Pina Colada for me and Strawberry Coladas for them) and found bliss on a hot summer day. Perfectly blended, creamy and luscious, with just the right bite of sweet and tart, this kept us happy as we waited for the starters to come.

And then in all its delicious glory, arrived one plate after the other. First up, were the pick of the starters – Crumb-fried curry flavoured eggs served with spicy mayo (perfectly boiled and crisp-fried eggs with a curry cream on the inside that complemented the spicy, golden yellow mayo), Vegetable Quesadilla (the ideal on-the-go meal oozing cheese and crisp vegetables, offset by a tart, pungent salsa verde) and the ever popular Crumb-fried cottage cheese fingers (served with a Zara cocktail sauce).

As we waited for our entrees, the first course being polished off in a matter of minutes, I couldn’t help but notice that even on a Wednesday, the placed was packed to capacity. The main course of choice was Cottage Cheese and mixed peppers in a creamy curry sauce served with rice. Even though this was my colleagues order, much to his dismay I wolfed down most of his dish. The curry sauce was one of the best I have tasted in recent times – creamy, voluptuous, with a full flavour. Also hitting the sweet spot was the Grilled stuffed chicken breast with tomato salsa and potato wedges and the Mixed vegetable pancakes topped with cream sauce. Perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour, it is no wonder why these combo lunches do so well at Zara.

Sufficiently stuffed to the gills, but refusing to take no for an answer, us three musketeers went ahead and asked for dessert and boy! Were we happy! The Cream Caramel with coffee cream was sublime perfection, owing to its light, fluffy airy texture; a sharp contrast to the doughy, sweet, indulgent goodness of the Crispy fried apple roll with vanilla ice cream.  As we walked out with a content smile on our faces, I couldn’t help but break into song and dance...today being ladies’ night at Zara, guess who’s coming to dinner!

Livin’ La Vida Loca

 

When David Villa and his band of boys took home the Holy Grail of football thanks to some brilliant footwork by Andres Iniesta’s 116th-minute strike, the entire stadium erupted in cheer with the vuvuzelas blowing loud and clear. Yes, it was the night when the Dutch dream was shattered and Holland cried orange tears.

Far far away, in a land littered with clichés of being called ‘the mystical place of snake charmers, Kamasutra, sadhus and slums’, and further down south in seemingly conservative Chennai there was one quaint little place called Zara Tapas Bar which was celebrating the victory of Spain. Why you may ask? Well, though they don’t really need an introduction, Zara is India’s first Tapas bar and probably one of the best pubs in Chennai. 

As I sat at the pub on a muggy evening watching the finals, nestling my tall glass of sangria (that is my way of supporting Spain, apart from drooling over David Villa) a thought suddenly struck me! As a resident of Chennai and now well into my drinking prime, I have probably spent many a night at this pub drinking, talking, dancing and simply ‘sitting’ night after night with friends, strangers and just about every body. Such is the charm of Zara. Not once will you feel out of place, not once will you be asked to leave, unless of course you beat up the manager (I wouldn’t advise this because he has personally spoken at length with me about his fitness routine).

Truth be told though, if there is one reason I keep going back to Zara, It is probably because I personally think they have the best tapas, cocktails and food. Their Spanish sangrias, which come by the pitcher or glass is made with a combination of chunky tropical fruits and wines, dances like a Spanish chica doing the salsa in front of me. The starters range from the ever popular nachos, to interesting dishes like the jalapeno stuffed with cheese, spicy chicken and cheese, cottage cheese and potato nuggets, shredded crispy lamb with peppers, mushrooms and pimentos in a red wine reduction…the list just goes on!

I have said this before, and I’d like to reinstate that for me, if there is a bar in Chennai that really just lets me ‘be’, it would have to be Zara. The place has become a friend in need of sorts- Monday blues, Tuesday musings, Girl’s night on Wednesdays, retro Thursdays, or the Friday-Saturday weekend partying, there is something for everybody at Zara. It’s like a one size fits all…sigh, if only clothes were like that!