Eight years ago, the posh locale of Kala Ghoda in south Bombay saw the coming in of a cafe and bar space named around the address and the area called 145 Kala Ghoda. Fast forward to eight years later, one destination translated into three other outlets in Bombay, and now a fifth outside Bombay, in Kolkata. The brand is co-owned by Ishaan Bahl, Ritik Bhasin and Sunny Sara of Risa Hospitality.
The Telegraph gets you the first look of 145 Cafe and Bar on the 10th floor of Celica Park on Park Street. The space is brought to the city by Tanay Agarwal and Ayush Killa, partners, Transways Exim Pvt Ltd, and the guys behind bringing successful brands like Pa Pa Ya, Soda Bottleopener Wala, and La Artisan Cafe and Bistro to Kolkata.
The concept behind the high-energy bar space is centred around exotic and craft cocktails that are complemented by a food menu based on international street food. The space is spread over 7,000sq ft, and can seat over 160 guests between its indoor and outdoor alfresco area.
Here’s getting you snapshots from the first look.
The outer area is carefully planned keeping the Calcutta weather in mind. It has a covered roof but is open on the sides for a panoramic city view of the city. There is an air-conditioned indoor space that will be more comfortable in summer with the blinds drawn down. The area has its own bar as well.
If you drop by for a quick solo drink then head to the artistically done bar which is lit up in warm tones. The shiny granite countertop is a great juxtaposition against the warm wood texturing done on the outer area of the bar.
As you enter you will be greeted by the 145 logo. The first outlet that opened on street number 145 in the Kala Ghoda area in Mumbai became the inspiration for the logo and subsequently all other outlets use the same ‘145’ term with their respective locales such as 145 Bandra, or 145 Kamala Mills. The wall has an artistic representation of the horse from the Kala Ghoda outlet.
Kanda Bhajiya Sliders: A popular Bombay snack made using gram flour and onions, fried crisp, are served inside slider buns with kasundi mayo to pay homage to Calcutta flavours.
Guacamole Sev Puri: This popular Bombay street food takes a trip to Mexico as it packs in the seasonings and flavours from the region and adds salsa, corn and guacamole as toppings on the puri. A must-try item.
Magic Masala Potato Skins: Bringing back childhood in a bowl is this bar snack that has perfectly crunchy fried potato skins topped with a bomb in-house spice rub that you’ll be tempted to buy by the bottle.
For a filling plate, you can opt for the Kosha Mangsho with Kulcha. The meat is tender, succulent and loaded with fragrant spices, with the simple kulcha acting as the ideal blankcanvas to hero the flavours of the mutton.
Adam’s Godfather is a spicy, woody drink that you must nurse. This drink is a take on the classic Godfather drink typically made using whisky and amaretto. Apples and cinnamon have been added to the drink to create a unique flavour profile.
Red Velvet Milkshake: Freak shakes are a big menu highlight across the outlets, with an entire milkshake festival that runs once a year. You’ll love digging into this decadent Red Velvet cheesecakeflavoured sip.
Yuzu Sour: If you like your drinks slightly on the citric side, then opt for the Yuzu Sour, a signature cocktail with gin, yuzu, litchi and cucumber
What: 145 Cafe and Bar
Where: Level 10, Celica Park, 24 Park Street
Timings: Weekends- Noon to midnight, Monday to Tuesday 4pm to midnight, Wednesday and Friday- 4pm to 2am, Thursday- 4pm to 1am
Meal for two: Rs 1,200 plus without alcohol and Rs 1,800 plus with alcohol
Pictures: B Halder