Heard tons about Magnolia from colleagues and friends and decided to try it out for dinner. I’m not a major fan of Chinese food though I like Thai (and food in general). The first thing that strikes you about the place is its setting and ambience. Its in the midst of a posh and quiet Koramangala residential locality and the structure is very tastefully built and lit up. Despite being a Chinese place its not too dark. The people at Magnolia are vary friendly - the lady at the front desk actually offered to take care of the baby while we ate. The service was very prompt - and yet never felt rushed. I’m no connoisseur when it comes to ’authentic’ Chinese or Thai cuisine (have never been to either place) but it agreed with my tastebuds immensely and did not disagree with my alimentary system later - these being two rather critical criteria in my endorsing a restaurant. We had Thai Tum Yum soup (sounds a lot like mum-mum which is brat’s description od all thats edible). The soup was very good and we kept trying to guess the ingredients...I distinctly remember a hint of ginger and loved it. We then ordered Peking noodles and a thai vegetable dish with it (fried stuff) which was quite good. The best stuff ? The salad they give gratis - its marinated (correct word?) in some sweet-bitter sauce and is astounding. To top it all - the place is not going to make too much of a hole in your pocket. Shouldn’t be more than 150 a head. AND - parking is free and easy on a lovely road lined with trees - you can actually take a stroll after dinner if you’re so inclined. Doesn’t feel like the rest of the city at all. Try it someday - its a great experience.
Addendum: They’re even better. Just got a thank you note from them for the feedback - and a coupon for a free starter the next time I visit for lunch!