dipsFOODboutique: Sonar Tori-Enriched Experience of Ancient Bengali Culture and Cuisine

After watching the trailer of an upcoming film named as ‘Ak je Chilo Raja’ a Bengali (“One that was the king” probably the English translation of the name of the movie according to my understanding) film’s trailer directed by Srijit Mukherjee. I have just flabbergasted, Bengali traditional enrichment, attire and culture overwhelmed my mind. The song of Rabindranath which I heard in the trailer “ Maharaj Aki Saje Ale Hridaya Puro Majhe” (Wonderfully attired you come to my heart, your Highness,Millions of sun and moon fade away on your feet) Completely occupied my senses.

With this dazed mind, I have stopped by my latest food venture named

‘Sonar Tori at City Centre 1, Kolkata

, West Bengal..’ When we spell the name Sonar Tori”, the first thing comes in our mind is the “Sonar Tori” “The Golden Boat”, the most celebrated collection of poems of Rabindranath Tagore. With similar to that believe me this food junction will also mesmerize you and make you nostalgic. I must say very few restaurants/eatery blown me out in this way.

Sonar Tori is significant of the royalty of zamindari era Bengal. Concourse is beautifully decorated with antique items like cage of birds and green coconut made of brass, wall picture, Banyan trees made of brass, lotus, Jasmine are name of few. A sophisticated glass chandelier, luxuriantly furnished furniture increases its sophistication. The main unique thing which I have gone through in

this eatery is private dining areas for large family meals or gatherings which are mostly rare in Kolkata as per my knowledge. Private dining area also blissfully decorated. Over the entire place is perfectly private for your private party with special ones.

The main dining area covers a huge spacious area with the canopied ceiling with numerous bulbs with based in brass plate, posh and relaxing sofas, paintings in silver plates, vintage gas lamps, paintings, , Brass Bells, Typewriter all of these ready to welcome you with its antiquated lavishness of the old golden days. All cutlery made of brass. Plates are made of brass with banana leaf.

Luchis/Puris are served in flower brass pot. Wall décor, lamps and others made of brass mostly. I witnessed the unique recycle of the brass item from regular life. After entering this restaurant time travelled to golden traditional time of Bengal. One can mesmerize by its royal look and slight background Bengali music.

To match its sophisticate décor, its food is also lavish and royal. The Bangladeshi-style biryani had been freshly-cooked and enriched with a subtle delicious flavour. The poppy seed-coated chicken, daab sandesh had been unique items that I've never tasted in any other Bengali restaurant. It was an absolute delight to the taste buds.The thalis confused people with its large variety of items served. You were overwhelmed with Loita Maacher Jhori Bhaja,aam-bhaat, kochu-bhaat which have been literally forgotten. The fulko luchi with delicious aloo dum, would remind you good old Sunday Bengali breakfast.

We had ordered Murgir ghoti kabab, Dhakai Chicken Biriyani,
Mutton Bhuna, Mete Chochori (Liver curyy), Jorda Rubri. Friends mark my wo

rds this was really a good platter. The delicious kabbabs were lips smacking, Biriyani was heavenly and Mangso Bhuna will make you a time travel. The mutton was soft and tender, and the chicken was mouth-watering too. Daab Sandesh and Jorda Rubri splendid. After meal 'paan' or sweet betel leaves you can have from the lounge.Staffs are very well behaved and prompt.

Combination of enriching decoration, music, food of this Sonar Tori will let you think that from all cacophony of life takes time for your own is necessary to cherish the past, to peace to your heart. Sonar Tori will induce you to remember the experience with its hand-outs. This fabulous experience will tickle in my mind for long. With the marvellous song of Rabindranath Tagore I conclude this article.