Annapurna Sweets Cafe Ekante — Restaurant in West Bengal

#NEWDHABAALERT

Some places just steals your heart away on the very first look - this was one such instance when I visited Cafe Ajante (although it's actually known as #DhabaAjante but the dhaba has been replaced by cafe on social media pages strangely) yesterday evening - my Friday became truly special indeed.. This is a sub brand of #CafeEkante - this gem of a place was inaugurated a couple of weeks ago by Mr. Debashis Sen (#CMD of #HIDCO) - kudos to you sir for this brilliant initiative - this is one hell of an addition to the world class #Ecopark..

This is officially the #first ever #DriveinDhaba of #Kolkata where one can drive in with thier own car - sit inside the car or in the boot space by opening the trunk enjoying the view of the beautiful water body while relishing thier food - it's safe as well in the current scenario since you don't need to seat in a public place hence one doesn't need to bother about sanitization - having said that - one can still opt to sit inside the dhaba as well or on the #Charpais or #Khatiyas placed outside and enjoy the water body view - choice is absolutely upto you.. The tea counter has been placed outside in the form of a shack giving the whole place an authentic dhaba look and feel..

The dhaba has a circular shape which lends an unique look and feel to it's interiors - you are greeted with a positive vibe once you step inside those colourful interiors - different kinds of sitting arrangements are in place keeping in mind the requirement of social distancing - the top to bottom glass covers doesn't steal the view either and gives you a feel of a spacious ambience all around.. There is also a fully loaded selfie zone as well..

How do you reach this place: One needs to drive in (your own transport - two/four wheeler or Ola/Uber is necessary - taking public transport will lead to a long walk) through #gatenumber1 of Eco Park (you can also come in through #gatenumber6 but that will be a longer but more scenic drive for sure).. This is situated just beside the #EiffelTower prototype beside gate one.. #Parking is #Free and timings are from #1pm till #10pm everyday..

Let's get to the most important part of the whole story - food.

For starters, I tried the #TandooriPomfret and was bowled over instantly - the coating was crunchy and the fish inside also left my tastebuds with a tandoori aftertaste - an absolute work of art indeed..

For the maincourse, I ordered #MuttonRaraPunjabi which was a delight to say the least - tender mutton chunks cooked in mutton keema gravy - I paired that with #CheeseKulcha & #MasalaKulcha and it complemented each other perfectly - the kulchas were extremely soft and well made..

For dessert, I decided to go with #AndeyKaHalwa and I am so glad I did - the texture, the aroma and the perfect balance of sweetness just made my day - the perfect end to an amazing dinner..

The service was upto the mark - food takes sometime to be served on the table because everything is prepared fresh and ofcourse, I feel everyone goes there to chill out with all the time in the world.. The pricing is standard keeping the place and amenities in mind..

This looks like the best thing that has happened in the food and hospitality segment in Kolkata during this otherwise doomed lockdown - by the kind of crowd I witnessed yesterday itself without any kind of publicity on a weekday - I already see this space turning out to be one of the most happening food joint in #Newtown undoubtedly in the near future.. Can't wait to be back again soon during an early evening period this time to enjoy the beautiful view better while relishing on some amazing delicacies..

My humble two cents: #MUSTVISIT 🤝

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Journey of an Epicurean Cine Trotter continues.. 👣

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Savoring Tranquility: Café Ekante at Eco Park Kolkata

Nestled amidst the serene environs of Eco Park in Kolkata, Café Ekante offers visitors a delightful culinary experience amidst nature's tranquility. With its picturesque setting, delectable cuisine, and warm ambiance, it has become a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Embracing Nature's Beauty: Eco Park Kolkata, sprawling over 480 acres, is renowned for its lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. Café Ekante seamlessly integrates into this natural landscape, providing a serene oasis for patrons to relax and unwind. Whether seated indoors with panoramic views of the park or outdoors amidst verdant gardens, guests are enveloped in the soothing embrace of nature.

A Culinary Journey: Café Ekante takes guests on a culinary journey, showcasing a diverse menu inspired by regional and international flavors. From hearty Indian delicacies to continental delights, each dish is crafted with precision and passion, using locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and authenticity. Whether indulging in savory snacks, wholesome meals, or decadent desserts, patrons are treated to a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Tranquil Ambiance: The ambiance at Café Ekante exudes warmth and relaxation, with its cozy interiors adorned with rustic décor and subtle lighting. Soft music plays in the background, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to conversation and contemplation. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch with loved ones or catching up with friends over coffee, guests are invited to linger and savor the moment.

Al Fresco Dining: For those who prefer dining al fresco, Café Ekante offers outdoor seating options overlooking the park's scenic beauty. Guests can bask in the gentle breeze, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Whether sipping on a refreshing beverage or savoring a sumptuous meal, the outdoor dining experience at Café Ekante is truly enchanting.

Community Hub: Beyond its culinary offerings, Café Ekante serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting events, live performances, and cultural activities throughout the year. From art exhibitions to music concerts, it provides a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among patrons.

Conclusion: Café Ekante at Eco Park Kolkata is more than just a dining destination; it is a sanctuary for the senses, where guests can escape the chaos of urban life and reconnect with nature's beauty. With its exquisite cuisine, tranquil ambiance, and warm hospitality, it invites visitors to savor moments of serenity and indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Whether seeking a culinary adventure or a peaceful retreat, Café Ekante promises an unforgettable experience amidst the enchanting surroundings...

You get the best sweets of Bengal in one single food park housed in a beautiful period architecture building. Outlets here include Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, K C Das, Banchharam, Naba Krishna Guin, Nalin Chandra Das & Sons, Mithai, Hindustan Sweets, Ganguram, Gupta Brothers, and Mishti Katha.

Hindustan Sweets: Established in 1962, they deserve a special mention for introducing Herbal Sweets in sweetmeat industry.

Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick- Ganesh Chandra Mullick came to Kolkata from Konnagar in 1880. After working for three years in different sweet shops he took 450 square feet of land from the famous and wealthy Harlalkar family of Bengal on rent in Bhawanipore to start a hutment in which he would make and sell sweets. In 1885 he established the first shop selling sweets that had started gaining popularity for its freshness. The tradition was carried forward by his brother Balaram and his son Radharaman Mullick. Baked Sandesh and Baked Rosogolla are among the most popular sweets at Balaram.

Nalin Chandra Das & Sons -There’s a popular saying that goes ‘rosogollar Columbus Bagbazar-er Nobin Das (Nobin Das of Bagbazar is the Columbus [inventor] of rosogolla)’. Rosogolla has since travelled from this shop in Sovabazar across the world. Rosogolla is available in different sizes priced at Rs 12 to Rs 32.

Naba Krishna Guin- Located on Nirmal Chandra Street in Bowbazar, Naba Krishna Guin is famous for its traditional sweets, specially bhaja mishti (fried sweets). The shop is more than 200 years old.

Located in Natun Bazar (North Kolkata), Nalin Chandra Das & Sons is famous for their exclusive quality of ‘karapak’ and other varieties of ‘sandesh’ since 1841. Their specialties includes Chocolate Sandesh, Rose Cream, Orange Cream, Ice-Cream Sandesh, Jalbhara Talsansh , Chop Sandesh , Abar Khabo , Pattis , Monohara , Cake Sandesh , Pista Sandesh

Mishti Katha - Gondhoraj Lebur Sada Misti Doi with infused flavour of Gondhoraj Lebu.

Mithai- Established in 1955, Mithai is another popular sweet shop in Kolkata, is famous for their seasonal sweets.

Ganguram- A contemporary to Dwarik Ghosh was Ganguram Chaurasia who, in the year 1885 had opened a small sweet shop at Maniktala. Ganguram prepares excellent curd and it is this product which brought fame to his business. They had the privilege of catering to Bulganin Krushchev & Chou en lai, during their visit to Calcutta. Bulganin was simply charmed by Ganguram’s ‘cham cham’ & subsequently the item was re-christened as ‘Bulganin’s cham cham’.

Banchharam- Almost 4 decades ago, in 1972, Mr. Banchharam Ghosh, set up a small shop in the heart of Central Kolkata. Today, Banchharam’s procures 130 varieties of delicacy

K C Das- Established by Sarada Charan Das, K. C. Das is the family brand of the ‘Columbus of Rosogolla’ Shree Nobin Chandra Das. They now have outlets all over Kolkata, famous for their Rosogolla and...