Wednesday Night Bar-Hop

Wednesday night. Usual party night for Bangalore. Saritha was going to bar-hop with her friend Anjali, who was returning home to Barcelona at the weekend. We had Beverley who was leaving tomorrow night after a brief visit. We got caught up in Sari's plan...

The evening started at Liquid, the latest night spot in the newest hotel, Ista. After some misdirections from me to JT, we managed to meet at a quarter past nine. The lobbay of the hotel was somewhat sparsely decorated, very minimalist and clean. We rode the elevator to the fourth floor. When the lift doors opened, we were greeted by these plastic ribbon-type cordon, as if we had just arrived at a crime scene.

The hotel is still a work-in-progress. Certain areas were still being touched up. The signs were still not up for the toilets... Are we in Ally McBeal territory here? Unisex toilets? I didn't think so.

Liquid was situated on an open terrace, bar to the left and four gazebos to the right that were given great ptivacy by the row of plants. Some tables were placed in the middle for those that wanted to dine under the stars. Ternasser remarked that this was much nicer than 13th Floor. Indeed it was.

The snack menu was adequate and some of us started with that and beers. Whereas others had trouble knowing what to order, needing suggestions all the way. Sudeep was already there and Sari and Anjali were on the way. Sean and Tina also turned up. I ran into a few others as well but no one seemed to stay very long.

The band was loud but somewhat lethargic. They won't be playing at my party for sure. Before long, we were ready to hit the next place.

The minute we entered Ice, the vibe was excellent. The place was busy but not crowded. DJ Chicko kept the music loud and thumping.

The first drink I ever had at Ice, on opening night, was a raspberry martini made by Bar Manager Giancarlos. That was the drink I decided to introduce to the Singaloreans. A resounding thumbs up from all. It was very smooth and easy to drink, prompting JT to pratically down the glass in one gulp.

We've been to Ice several times now and had numerous discussions but nothing even came close to the one that Amrita came up with regarding the object on the right. I leave the details to your imagination.

Next up was i-Bar, right next door. What a contrast! Hardly anyone in sight!

We decided to make our own fun instead. Of course my drink of choice here would be a mojito. By then, HL had shifted down his gear to a fresh lime soda. JT joined me for an m and Bev was on another cocktail. There was no one on the dance floor. The is definitely a lot more competition amongst the bars. Even evening are de rigeur if you want to keep them coming back for more.

The champion of the evening? Count: tequila sunrise, tequila pop, raspberry martini and two flamers in a row...

'Five-ten' started and we managed to clear the table in a hurry. Perfect timing as it were as witching hour had once again descended on Bangalore. As usual, I walked home from the neighbourhood bar in the cool night air.