The Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is India’s only Sheraton Grand Hotel, and MW – post a relaxing staycation at the property can vouch for the grandeur of all its offerings. The hotel’s location inside a premium complex means access to a host of facilities like shopping malls, hospitals, restaurants and pubs within walking distance.
Apart from 230 spacious rooms and suites for all kinds of travelers, there are food and beverage options that span across cuisines. A swimming pool, excellent gym with outdoor yoga facilities and the impressive Shine Spa are all appealing too. Here are the highlights of our weekend at the hotel.
Feast
The all-day diner serves an array of cuisines, best represented at the Sunday Market Brunch that is a favourite with hotel guests and locals alike. The buffet offers all the cuisines one can think of, but we most enjoyed the local spread of South Indian delicacies, apart from the expansive dessert selection.
Our first meal at the hotel, an a la carte modern South Indian meal, is arguably the most original, exciting meal we had during our stay. Fusion dishes like Roasted flax seeds and quinoa poriyal with mixed greens (super fresh and flavoursome) and Tawa fish with garlic spinach and green papaya chutney put an innovative spin on the cuisines, while classics like Lamb coconut cry, Avial and Amaranth leaf chapatti formed the impressive mini South Indian thali.
Lobby Lounge
The swanky space adjacent to Feast is the perfect setting for a party-starting drink or two. It also offers great scope for networking with other guests staying at the property over a stiff cocktail and delicious canapés. We found ourselves going back for seconds and thirds of the Bravas potatoes, Pumpkin and goat cheese croquettes, Cognac flambéed prawns, Quail samosa and Chicken tikka paddu with thetcha chutney.
Persian Terrace
Bangalore’s dreamy weather is best enjoyed at this open-air restaurant by the poolside. Smoking cocktails like Citrus Gang and Champagne Pearl are a luxe upgrade on the humble sheesha and can keep you company over hours of conversation and authentic Persian food. Our top picks from the menu are the Meigoo kebab (prawns marinated in zesty saffron paste and cooked just right), Hummus, Babaganoush, and Burani Spinach served with pita bread (the spinach is a revelation, trust us) and the saffron lobster. Do save space for dessert, and indulge in the Fig and date tart, Om Ali with saffron and pistachio ice cream.
Club Lounge
For the traveler who must host meetings or just wants to have a small meal while reading for hours, the Club Lounge is a great space. A curated yet varied selection of dishes is on rotation all day, while special set menus can be crafted on request as well. The ultimate luxurious meal of our stay here was the champagne breakfast, with unlimited bubble as well as a divine dish of Champagne stewed exotic fruits, frozen Greek yoghurt and granola crunch. Other must-haves from the menu are Home cured salmon and multi-grain blinis and the Granny Smith and mint sorbet.
Bene
Chef Giuseppe Lioce’s passion for his craft is on full display at this well appointed restaurant and bar that showcases age-old Italian recipes. Chances are that you will find him at one of the open counters, making fresh pasta or ravioli along with his junior chefs, and will cheerily take you through his collection of rare and aged balsamic vinegars. Start your meal with his delicate and beautifully presented.
Capesante mare e monti (scallops in truffle honey, served on a bed of pumpkin puree, asparagus and crispy Parma ham), followed by the masterfully executed Braciola alla Barese (slow cooked aromatic rolls tenderloin, cooked in a rich red wine tomato sauce, crushed potato, green peas and aromatic bene garden oil) – paired with a crisp Prosecco, of course. End your meal on a sweet note with the indulgent Tortino Siciliano (Vanilla sponge flavored with orange rum, stuffed with ricotta cheese and Belgium chocolate, covered with plastic sugar, served with amaretto liquor ice cream).
High Ultra Lounge
The city’s highest party spot is plush, luxurious and offers spectacular cocktails and sushi, among a variety of other dishes. Start off with Moonlighting, a refreshing vodka concoction with lychee juice, lemongrass, ginger juice and rose water, moving on to innovative molecular offerings like the Eye Ball Shot. The whiskey-based Inception is a smooth drink to go with your meal, while dessert hits the sweet notes with Unfinished Business – a sinful glass of tequila, coffee liqueur and sweet vermouth.