IndiJoe's sizzler outlet

I am a sucker for sizzlers. So when I heard that IndiJoe’s, one of my fave all-day-diners, has opened up a whole new outlet that serves these wooden plattered smoky delights, my fate for the weekend was sealed.

Plush red leather seats, red brick walls dotted with records, dartboards, saxophones and a giant horseshoe, stained glass lamps and music from the 80’s — the English tavern-meets-retro-pub feel at IndiJoe’s on Church Street instantly set the mood for an otherwise quiet Saturday afternoon.

While agonising over which sizzler to try out — they have chicken, steak, seafood, mutton and veggie — I had Hot ‘n’ Crispy Joe’s Shrimps, hand-battered and crispy fried served with red pepper tartar sauce and fries, as starters. My bud went for the Mozzarella in Carozza, a heavenly combo of melted mozzarella lightly wrapped in crisp slices of farmer’s bread accompanied by a yum pesto and tomato coulis.

Next came the sizzling main course. Sliced chicken layered with cheese, flavored with a light white wine and emmental sauce, alongside fiery spaghetti and veggies spiced with green Tabasco sauce — I had a winner in my Stacked Chicken Valdostana. “Ditto,” said my pal while digging into her Blazing King Prawns cooked in sweet chilli garlic sauce, sprinkled with grilled pepper and Chinese greens and served with steamed rice or noodles, that they flambeed right at our table.

Though I didn’t get to sample any, the maitre d’ assured us that the Crumbling Melting Cottage Cheese — cutlets made out of cottage and Monterey Jack cheese served with Spanish rice and melted cheese — was an absolute must-have for vegetarians.

For dessert, I chose a delicious Fruit Crumble. The fruits, stewed in honey and wine and topped with ice-cream, was a perfect balance to the fiery entree.

All sizzle, no fizzle.

IndiJoe’s Sizzlers. 46/2 Kalpak Arcade, Church Street (opposite Hotel Empire), Bangalore 1. Tel: 41113311. A meal for two, including non-alcoholic drinks, will cost around Rs 1000.