Cap a movie with dinner at Spaghetti Kitchen

A quick flick is a big part of my idea of a fun weekend. But I always hated the soggy chaats and on-the-go kathi rolls that we had to gobble up pre- or post-movie. A fine dining option next to my favourite cinema, I always thought, would make for a complete evening out.

Well, guess what: My wish has just been granted! After Mumbai and Delhi, Spaghetti Kitchen, fronted by chef extraordinaire Bill Marchetti — he who made the ITC’s West View a must-visit for the cognoscenti — has set up shop on the ground floor of the Fame multiplex. Spread across 3,500 sq ft, with subdued lighting and widely spaced tables, this is the perfect place to wind down after a good movie (or a bout of shopping at Lido Mall).

For appetizers, my gang of girlfriends chose the super-delish Grissini, triangles of bread served with four dips. (The warm gorgonzola disappeared the fastest.) And we couldn’t resist ordering the thin-crusted Salad Pizza Parmigiana with fresh greens, sliced olives, wild mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, all drizzled with balsamic gold and honey-mustard dressing. Who’d have known pizza could be so un-sinful?

In the pasta course, the top vote went to the fluffy potato-and-cheese gnocchi with rich Bolognese sauce. And we ended the meal with the hot chocolate brownie served as a sizzler with a generous dose of hot chocolate and a dollop of vanilla gelato.

Mama Mia!

Spaghetti Kitchen. Lido Mall-2, Old Madras Road, Bangalore. Tel: 41738131. A meal for two will cost around Rs 1500 without alcohol.