Couscous With Birdsong

They call it Rogue Elephant, because they don’t want to be one of the herd. Now they’ve strayed from the beaten path, literally, by opening up in Basavanagudi, Bangalore’s genteel southern pocket—all wide roads, ancient trees and colonial-style residences in sprawling grounds. The four round tables under an awning in a corner of the garden, at the end of a pretty shaded walkway, are reminiscent of the original outlet in another Bangalore neighbourhood, Ulsoor, but the menu is expanded and improved: they have a working kitchen here, against the assembly line at Ulsoor. A medley of Indian, Mediterranean, Moroccan, the line-up reminds you of lunch at a favourite aunt’s, and the setting and service are just as warm. 

We start with iced teas (Rs 45) and fresh lime (Rs 35), and hummus with pita bread (Rs 100). My lunch companions then home in on the roast chicken (Rs 250)—tried, tested and top-rated from previous visits—while I have the Mutton Rampuri (Rs 295). The gravy is white, not the tomatoey red associated with kormas from that part of the country, and the overall flavour is mild. The chicken, though a bit over-salted for my liking, is comfort food for my friends. For a fail-safe vegetarian option, there’s the Moroccan stew served with couscous and home-made harisa (Rs 225). There’s just enough space for dessert: warm carrot cake with vanilla ice-cream (Rs 75), as always, and delicious, as always. The food is satisfying, not exceptional. But the birdsong, the greenery, and the general sense of peace make for lingering lunches and long conversations—both arts on the verge of extinction. The perfect rewind stop.