It’s all good in deed
Restaurants located in malls often give off a cramped vibe. So, when we heard of 212 All Good, which opened at High Street Phoenix about three months ago, we didn’t have any expectations. However, nestled in a corner of the shopping centre, the eatery was isolated from its mall surroundings. To the right were some jute bags containing newspapers, and on the left was a wooden bar with stools created from semi-unfinished wood trunks. While microgreens and potted plants flanked one shelf, the other had pictures of different kinds of herbs. Every nook and corner of the space induced the idea of healthy eating in a subtle way.
The exhaustive menu comprised fresh juices, smoothies, ‘bowl meals’ with all kinds of superfood, eggs, soups, salads, burgers, pizzas, small plates and large plates. However, don’t let the names of the dishes deceive you. Each preparation, including the pizzas and risottos, are nothing short of healthy.
For starters, we opted for Asian Summer Rolls (`355) and Grilled Chicken Skewers (`355). What turned up on our table 15 minutes later was fresh bok choy, julienned carrots, red cabbage and prawns (vegetarians can opt for tofu) neatly wrapped in rice paper rolls. Though the menu stated that the dish was accompanied with a spicy peanut sauce, the rolls were doused in a rather sweet sauce. The Grilled Chicken Skewers, on the other hand, were a delight. The tender pieces of chicken were marinated in a flavourful paste made of cashew nuts, garlic, black sesame and parsley. The chicken was so delectable that we didn’t feel the need to reach out for the hot sauce that accompanied the dish.
We washed our palate with Immunity Booster (`195), a juice made of orange, grapefruit, kale, ginger and spirulina. We were slightly apprehensive about the juice being pungent because of the kale, but our attendant assured us that it wouldn’t be bitter. True to their word, the juice, which was neither too bitter, nor too sweet made for a perfect thirst-quencher. Also on offer was a House Cola — a caffeine-free beverage made of 17 natural ingredients.
For the main course, we zeroed in on Cauliflower Risotto (`495) and Barley Seafood Paella (`825). What we initially thought would be a risotto made with bits of cauliflower, was a dish made wholly from the vegetable. It eliminated carbs. Unlike the regular risotto that gets its consistency from cream and butter, this sauce was made of cashews and mushrooms. The paella, too, substituted rice with barley and was cooked with Kashmiri saffron. It was topped with a handful of squids, prawns and clams. Even though the paella was given a healthy twist, we thought the dish was a little bland, and could have retained the flavours of the authentic Spanish dish.
At the end of our meal, we were satiated in a good way. Despite having a full-fledged meal, we felt like we had hardly eaten. With a menu, that is ‘all good’ in its true sense, the eatery does a pretty good job. Although, it is a little steep, it could be every health-conscious person’s haven.