In the life of a married wo/man, there’s nothing more romantic than the thought of courtship days, memories of their first meeting and recounting of hotspots that technically are nothing but Parks/Restaurants(I won’t go far here:) but get eternally etched in their hearts for a lifetime.
You definitely would have got the drift by now{^o^}
I chose this topic to mark my 10th review(When some really great MSians are already celebrating their 50th, 100th and so on)
The reason I chose this restaurant with a K for reviewing, is because this is the place where I met a great guy, different from the guys I had met before, went around for a few more weeks, before deciding to get settled with each other.
*First the history . 90s.
It had a name unusual in those days - "cool with a K" making it Kool Break instead of Cool break. See? The diff. in effect ?
Rememebr this was before one Ms Kekta Kapoor popularised a single alphabet throughout millions of Indian households and made them forget every other alphabet.
So, this was actually a kool place with a kool ambience(I am getting influenced Ms. Kapoor.(k)ya(k)aroon(k)oi batao?)
Back in 90s, this was a favourite haunt of college goers and hip teenyboppers of Lucknow, large part of them now settled out of Lucknow.
The place was small but comfortable with a nice blend of ethnic and western look in it’s interiors. It had cane furniture which was unique and had a very effective lighting system that ensured you had just enough rays on your meal. Still, it wasn’t dingy. Well balanced interiors.
Food was it’s biggest strength. They were popular for their authentic chinese(I only knew authentic chinese, as whatever they served, but later in life when I got more exposure, I did realise they were truly authentic). The menu wasn’t very elaborate, but had good mix of chinese, continental and american junk food. Soft Drinks were plenty to choose from. Prices weren’t too heavy on your pocket and the staff was gentle and patient(I have seen their Patience being put to ultimate stress test at times)
That was then.
I got a chance to visit Lucknow once again few years back and was appalled to see our little comfy Kool Break with it’s ubiquitous sign board almost a habit with gunjing enthisiasts GONE. It wasn’t there. There was nothing in it’s place.(For understanding Gunjing, search on net or mail me. It’s out of scope here)
But as I slowly raised my eyes to look around, perplexed whom to ask, I noticed a big restaurant a few meters away, slightly pushed back from road and not so visible on main road anymore. The name sounded familiar.
Ok, so, these guys expanded, while I was gone. Good.
Now, it’s no more the same Kool Break. Apart from the name and the food they serve. Well, technically, they stand at par with any other good restuarant in Lucknow even now, what with serving the same good chinese and continental and I thought some helpers looked familiar, but that’s irrelevant here.
The menu card has expanded to include South Indian, North Indian - stuff that uncles, aunties, grannies crave for. Thankfully, their Chinese was still good and we celebrated our first meeting ground with Chilly Paneer and Fried Rice. It has retained the same goodness.
Prices are moderate and food is value for money.
The area is now well lit throughout and has more open space for kids to run amok. It’s nearly 4 times the size of it’s previous version.
Cane chairs are gone and more modernistic furniture is in. Colors are a shade brighter than what I would have suggested them but good for attracting chunni munni munna chikkooos
Gentry now includes everybody - families, college goers, hosteliers, Govt officials(their peons mostly, to get food packed for badaa sahebs and their madams and their munni chikkoos)
All in all, it’s a good place to eat, nothing extraordinary but generally for Chinese and Continental stuff, I would recommend going either there or Spicy Bite. Try their burger or Chilly Paneer/Fried Rice combination.
As for me, it’s a place that’s engraved in my heart forever.