Going back to the newly opened Smokey’s at cyber hub Gurgaon is like falling in love again. Last I visited Smokey’s few months ago was at GK, Delhi and I still retain the flavors of the juicy sliders burger and hotdogs. With cyber hub becoming the crux of most good eatingout places in Gurgaon, I was longing for Smokey’s to come to near place where I can be more regular.
The ambience is the same; fun, youthful, yet relaxed, and the music loud enough to be heard and soft enough to strike a conversation. Sixty guests can easily sit inside while another twelve can sit in a boluevard setting outside. How I wish they could serve alcohol too in open but with our outdated excise norms one can’t do much. I have already tried few dishes at the Delhi outlet of Smokey’s and this time I try to keep my order as different as possible. Loaded potato skin is stuffed with sour cream, chives and baked with cheddar cheese. Fried potato can be heavy but these are addictive with skin so crisp that they are wiped off in no time.
Prawn are firm and fresh, and calamari non chewy, a good combination Smokey’s achieve in Prawn and Calamari Ajilo that is sautéed in garlic and coriander.
The drinks at Smokeys are not only priced competitively, they are very innovative and refreshing too. I was at a cocktail judging competition recently and I can say with conviction that each cocktail at Smokey’s has a strong case of winning at any such competition. Sherine John, the bar expert, delighted not only with his ability to strike a fine balance of flavors between ingredients but also presents them beautifully in different glasses that are designed to please and excite. The infused negroni is made with Gin in campari and martini rosso while the smoking adds to the taste and eye appeal. Equally interesting is Johns Maltini which is a must try for any scotch/single malt lover. It is a potent mix of single malt, peach, green apple and gingerale. I tried few more cocktails and each one is better than the other. Conclusion is one cannot miss Smokey’s if they love cocktails.
For the main course I strongly control my urge to try their famous burgers, instead I go for the two peppercorn steak. Tenderloin in India is basically buff and at most places go dry and chewy. Not here! I ask for a medium rare and I get exactly that. The tenderloin is marinated with bbq sauce and crusted pink and black pepper, and sprinkled with coriander seeds and rock salt. I love it.
Smokey’s has become my favorite since my first visit and I am glad it did not disappoint this time too. My only complaint is everything one orders is bought as soon as they are ready, even before one can finish the earlier dish. This results in either one eating in too much of a hurry or making the other dish go cold, which happen in our case. So don’t order everything in one go. Enjoy your drinks, order slowly and you are bound to have a great time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 4.0 | Drinks: 4.5 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0
Meal for Two: Rs. 1200 (Without alcohol) | Credit Cards: Yes | Alcohol: Yes | Timings: 12 noon- 11.30PM
Address: Smokey’s, Ground Floor, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon | Telephone:
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.
