As good as the name sounds, "Le Charcoal" is a North Indian style offers a unique blend of Mughlai, Awadhi and Peshawari foods. The restaurant is located on the ITPL main road in Brookfield area of Bangalore.
The ambience of the restaurant is very much inviting with semi-open and outdoor dining area. The decor is a bit contemporary. However, a lot can be done to create an ethnic ambience wherein any passerby would have one look and know it's a restaurant specializing in North Indian Cuisines. For example, the servers wear a modern semi-formal uniform which can be replaced with ethnic wear.
Now coming to the food, I had an opportunity to experience a morsel of dishes from starters to mains to desserts. I'll provide a brief of some of the dishes I experienced :
Honey Chili Potatoes:
Taste- A bit on the sweeter side. Would have been much tastier with a little extra spice.
Texture- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside- Just the way it should be.
Garnish- Roasted lentils. Gave an excellent contrast with the dish.
Presentation- Presentation was good. However, there is still scope for improvement. For example, the lettuce can be replaced with Chiffonade of Cabbage.
Dahi Ke Kebab:
Taste- Would rate 5 by 5. Can't be better than this.
Texture- Soft interior. The exterior could have been slightly thicker and crispier.
Garnish - Would have been a hit if the kebabs came with some garnish. For example, kernels of pomegranate and some mint leaves would have done the magic.
Presentation - The Kebabs were served with a salad pickled in curd and spices. Wasn't much attractive but with the mentioned garnish it can do wonders.
Lahori Chicken Tikka:
Taste- Delicious just doesn't justify the feeling of these delicate tikkas melting in the mouth and giving a passionate feel of its flavours. It was amazing.
Texture- The chicken was soft and well cooked. The crisp exterior also gave hints of smokiness.
Garnish - Didn't come with much of a garnish. However, the appearance and the taste covered it up for it. Mint springs and can be served as a garnish
Presentation - The dish came with the same pickled Salad. Would have been good if a wedge of lime was added.
Peshawari Paneer Tikka:
Taste- This one is a must-eat even if you prefer something meaty. The taste of these tikkas was simply fabulous. The Tandoori flavours took me to the times of the Mughals.
Texture- The tikkas were soft and juicy. The texture complimented the taste perfectly.
Garnish - Sprigs of coriander and mint could would have made an excellent garnish.
Presentation - The portion size can be increased to 8 pieces and also a wedge of lime or lemon could be served along.
Corn fried Fish:
Taste- The fried fish tasted OK OK. It has tons of potential for improvement. For example, the floury taste from the thick batter can be been done away with.
Texture- The exterior was crispy and too thick. The dish will be a super hit if thicker slices of fish are used.
Garnish - No Garnish needed. The dish will be amazing on its own if the above is implemented.
Presentation - Simple yet elegant. Comes with a homemade Garlic - Mayo Sauce and as an accompaniment.
The ambience of the restaurant is very much inviting with semi-open and outdoor dining area. The decor is a bit contemporary. However, a lot can be done to create an ethnic ambience wherein any passerby would have one look and know it's a restaurant specializing in North Indian Cuisines. For example, the servers wear a modern semi-formal uniform which can be replaced with ethnic wear.
Now coming to the food, I had an opportunity to experience a morsel of dishes from starters to mains to desserts. I'll provide a brief of some of the dishes I experienced :
Honey Chili Potatoes:
Taste- A bit on the sweeter side. Would have been much tastier with a little extra spice.
Texture- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside- Just the way it should be.
Garnish- Roasted lentils. Gave an excellent contrast with the dish.
Presentation- Presentation was good. However, there is still scope for improvement. For example, the lettuce can be replaced with Chiffonade of Cabbage.
Dahi Ke Kebab:
Taste- Would rate 5 by 5. Can't be better than this.
Texture- Soft interior. The exterior could have been slightly thicker and crispier.
Garnish - Would have been a hit if the kebabs came with some garnish. For example, kernels of pomegranate and some mint leaves would have done the magic.
Presentation - The Kebabs were served with a salad pickled in curd and spices. Wasn't much attractive but with the mentioned garnish it can do wonders.
Lahori Chicken Tikka:
Taste- Delicious just doesn't justify the feeling of these delicate tikkas melting in the mouth and giving a passionate feel of its flavours. It was amazing.
Texture- The chicken was soft and well cooked. The crisp exterior also gave hints of smokiness.
Garnish - Didn't come with much of a garnish. However, the appearance and the taste covered it up for it. Mint springs and can be served as a garnish
Presentation - The dish came with the same pickled Salad. Would have been good if a wedge of lime was added.
Peshawari Paneer Tikka:
Taste- This one is a must-eat even if you prefer something meaty. The taste of these tikkas was simply fabulous. The Tandoori flavours took me to the times of the Mughals.
Texture- The tikkas were soft and juicy. The texture complimented the taste perfectly.
Garnish - Sprigs of coriander and mint could would have made an excellent garnish.
Presentation - The portion size can be increased to 8 pieces and also a wedge of lime or lemon could be served along.
Corn fried Fish:
Taste- The fried fish tasted OK OK. It has tons of potential for improvement. For example, the floury taste from the thick batter can be been done away with.
Texture- The exterior was crispy and too thick. The dish will be a super hit if thicker slices of fish are used.
Garnish - No Garnish needed. The dish will be amazing on its own if the above is implemented.
Presentation - Simple yet elegant. Comes with a homemade Garlic - Mayo Sauce and as an accompaniment.