Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. That is one place I have liked since when I visited there for the first time a few years ago, and it remains one of my favorite malls in Pune. I don’t know if it is the design or the number of shops and restaurants there, but it wins hands down every time.
And now I have one more reason to visit Phoenix. 212 All Day Cafe & Bar started their Pune operations a short time back here at the Phoenix Marketcity. A casual Cafe ambiance with an open kitchen gives it a very bustling feel.
The quirky elements like the 212 cafe sign on the wall that greets you, is made of egg cartons and you will find some Chai Kettles and pots and pans hanging on the walls, adding to the informal feel.
Although I know it is terribly hot outside right now, Winter is round the corner. That would be the perfect time to try out their open air seating in the the mall courtyard.
This will also be the perfect place to hang out during a concert or other events on the courtyard, with fountains and all the excitement of the mall happening around you.
But as Chef Paul Kinny says, the most important part is fresh, tasty food. And the cafe sticks to this mantra without a doubt. So here’s what you must try when you visit Phoenix Market City next time.
1 Beer Battered Onion Rings
So simple, yet it is so difficult to find good onion rings here. Cafe 212 get the formula just right. I have tried Onion rings at few places and the batter feels closer to pakora than onion rings the way I like it. Not sure if it is the corn meal or bread crumbs that give a robust, crispy texture, but the onion rings here are much closer to Burger King or Red Robin.
And where there is oil, there must be something to quench the thirst. A citrus based drink is perfect to cut the grease. With Citrus Tingler, you get a combination of three!
2 Gambas Caliente
Gambas Caliente is heavenly for shrimp lovers. The mildly cooked prawns are easy to bite into and tossed in fried Garlic and paprika.
3 Truffle & Roasted Garlic Hummus
It is so rare to find anything flavored with truffle oil. The Hummus is creamy and a good light snack if you are in just for a drink.
I love pita chips. I am more used to a thicker version, but although thin, the pita chips tasted just as I remember and are a favorite accompaniment for Hummus.
4 Buffalo Wings
The Buffalo Wings are tossed in the traditional barbecue sauce, which is slightly sweet and tangy. If you are one of those who associate chicken with a lot of spice and heat, the taste of the barbecue sauce may need an adjustment.
The chicken was cooked right, and I liked that it was accompanied with wet tissues. So you don’t need to worry about getting your fingers messy.
5 BBQ Chicken Burger
Shopping is tiring. You need constant replenishment to keep going.
Another snack or Small Plate dish on the menu that can keep you mobile are the Hand Made Sliders. These little devils, served with fries with some salad are a perfect pit stop choice. The toasted little buns with a grilled boneless chicken breast packs some flavor and nutrition. And you also have the fries for an instant energy boost.
6 House Style Caesar’s Salad
I love Caesar’s Salad and used to gobble up huge quantities of it. Caesar’s salad at 212 All Day Cafe Bar will not disappoint you.
The dressing is thick and creamy enough to coat the Iceberg lettuce, but not runny. The crispy, garlic flavored croutons along with lightly grilled chicken add to the flavors and provide the crunch. I would have loved to see some Parmesan shavings on the top.
7 Spiced Arugula and Feta Salad
If you are a salads fan, you should definitely not miss the Spiced Arugula and Feta salad.
Arugula gives this salad a unique taste, and so do the candied walnuts. The salad had a bit of bitterness and a strong Walnut flavor. However, the sweetness of the candied Walnuts gave it a very balanced taste and Feta provided the surprise. Overall, it was very refreshing with fresh Green apples and orange slices.
8 Crumbling Crostini Chicken
Surprise Surprise! This is surely the star of the Starters.
The lightly roasted chicken is mixed with a creamy mustard dressing and served on a bed of puff biscuit. It is so delicate, yet not soggy at all. you will love the feeling of biting into the soft chicken and then the brittle flaky biscuits, which then all melts into your mouth in a few moments.
9 Risotto Al Funghi
Risotto is not something you will find on many multi cuisine restaurants in Pune. It is a special dish that needs to be slow cooked with patience and the right kind of rice. And you can spot that the rice used at 212 All Day Cafe Bar is not something you will find on the local store shelves.
Risotto or I should say instant Risotto was a go-to dish when in college. I rarely get to eat that now. The mushroom Risotto is the perfect comfort food at the end of a hectic day when all you want is a drink and some mildly spiced, non oily food to retire.
10 Penne with Sundried Tomato Creme
Cooked Al Dente, the pasta tastes tangy, balanced by the Parmesan in the sauce and coats the Penne Rigate pasta used in the dish. No runny sauce – that is a huge relief.
The extra dollop of the thick sauce on the top ensures that the dish is not dry. And you always have the Olive Oil on the table if you think you need a bit more juice.
11 Chargrilled Chicken Breast
I love Indian food. But every now and then I also get very bored of it. And then a simple grilled chicken and mashed potatoes is what you have to fall back on. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it enjoyable.
It is great to see this classic dish on the menu at 212 All Day cafe Bar. The mashed potatoes, I thought, were ever so slightly dry, but then you may not feel the same way. The chicken was not overcooked and there was enough Black Pepper sauce to run through the chicken portion. The slightly crunchy veggies completed the perfectly balanced dish – a great choice for a lean lunch.
12 Cajun Spiced Shrimp
If chicken is not your meat of choice, you can still have all the comfort of meat and potatoes with the Cajun Spiced Shrimp.
Although the shrimp may not look appetizing, don’t let that fool you. No matter where I have tried a similar shrimp based dish, it has always looked like this. But this one was well seasoned and you will love the Cajun blend of oregano, garlic, and celery which gives it a much complex taste than the black pepper jus.
I am sure I will visit this place many times more to further explore their menu. And if you are in the mood for some continental food, 212 All Day Cafe Bar at Phoenix Marketcity is the place to be.