SMAAASH – GURGAON PUB EXCHANGE

                                         

The mystery was solved once I went inside.They have actually created a very unique and I must say a very popular concept for pub loving crowds – SMAAASH Gurgaon Pub Exchange  is designed to give you the feel of a real stock exchange, the features of the pub include proprietary software and trading servers. The pub is also lined with LCD screens, LED tickers and the legendary stock market ‘gong’, all of which add the ‘traders’ charm to this fun concept . 

As a particular drink gets ordered more and more,the prices start falling and you can end up getting your favourite poison at a ridiculously low price !

The LCD screens keep flashing the fluctuating prices so that you can keep a tab.

                                                       

That’s not all – the place is not only a drinking hole.It is actually a complete recreational and relaxation center . They have gaming alleys with a huge variety of games available and when you get tired of playing , you can unwind with a drink or indulge in the sumptuous food .I did not play any games since I was already quite tired that day and famished

                                           
SERVICE – I give full marks to the service .Everyone on the floor from the bar tender to the manager was very attentive and careful in serving the customers .The service was quite prompt too with food arriving quite fast at our table.

                                                       

 So here is what I ordered as per the recommendations of the chef :

DRINKS 
                                                     

I started with a refreshing  Caprisoka  ( A Vodka based cocktail ) and my partner chose Jack Daniel Whisky with Soda. Reflexively our eyes shot at the LCD screen displaying their prices , it was another kind of fun altogether .

APPETISERS
                                                        
                                             

Smaash Mezze Platter – Consisting of Pita bread served with Baba Ganoush, Falafel, Hummus and pickles .We were really smashed as it was bang on .Loved it . The consistency of the hummus and the Baba Ganoush and I just loved the pickled cucumber !
I will recommend this dish .

                                                            

Dahi ke Kebabs – Kebabs that were crisp on the outside and had hung curd seasoned with jalapenos.I liked them but they were not as soft as some of the other Dahi kebabs I have had .

                                                            

Tempura stuffed  Mushrooms– Mushrooms stuffed with cheese and spinach ,deep fried and tossed with  thyme and Basil . I could taste thyme and basil and it added a beautiful freshness to the juicy and tangy mushrooms .Splendid !

                                                           

Chaing Mai Prawns – Fried Prawns sauteed with bell peppers and chilly flakes .The Prawns were very crunchy and would go very well with a cold glass of beer .

                                                         

Tangdi kebabs – Tender chicken legs marinated in lime and yogurt sprinkle with freshly crushed peppercorns . This was nothing extra ordinary , the chicken legs could have been juicier .

MAINS 
                                                        

They have a vast number of oriental,continental and Indian dishes to choose from ,but we were in the mood for old Indian food after trying the oriental appetisers .So we had :

                                                     
                                                       

Dal Makhani with Lachha Parantha –  The Dal was soft and robust in taste and had a reddish tinge to it (food colour or too many tomatoes ) .The Lachcha parantha was perfect and was quite tasty .

                                           
                                                    

Mutton Rogan Josh – Juicy lamb curry with buttered Naans .This was average in terms of taste and the quality of meat .

DESSERTS 
                                                  

I ditched the regular cakes and Jalebis for a slightly different dessert and we were not disappointed .
We had Darsaan  – It had thin,crispy,flat noodles glazed with honey, sprinkled with nuts and served with a scoop of cold Vanilla ice cream .The strips were not overtly crisp and neither overtly sweet and really worked with the cold vanilla ice cream

FINAL VERDICT – I loved the concept of a Pub Exchange and I think it will work well for large groups . The place is a complete entertainment zone with games , large screens to display your favorite matches and of course tasty food and a large array of drinks to refresh and re-energize you .

I rate it a 4.2/5 .