The Humming Tree is an arts, music and performance space in Bangalore that curates fantastic music gigs, fun workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, cultural performances, theatre, spoken word poetry, reading and storytelling sessions and other educational gatherings. And yes, they have a fresh, unique kitchen and bar service that ensures that your time here is well spent.

Name: The Humming Tree

Location: #949, 3rd Floor & Rooftop, 12^th Main Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore – 560038. Phone: 080 – 25210210. Closed on Mondays.

Ambience: The restaurant is located on the fourth floor on a terrace and has al fresco seating. Done up in tones of brown, the decor is rustic and minimal with brick walls and wood seating. The bar is part of the setup and the vibe is energetic and buzzing with life.

What we ate: We decided to sample some vegetarian fare on Chef Anuj Mehta’s recommendation. We started with an assortment of starters including the Potato & Jalapeno Croquettes that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside and melt into your mouth. Perfectly spiced, these croquettes are quite irresistible. We also sampled the Grilled Vegetable Parcels – that are neatly wrapped in eggplant or zucchini. Filled with chopped vegetables these wraps are wholesome and healthy. The taste is superlative and will make all health watchers happy. The Balsamic Roasted Tomato Crostini is another winner for its simple fresh flavours of tomato and cheese that never fails. The Andhra Fries is a speciality here and is served on a small bicycle model, is the Chef’s take on French fries with a curry leaf twist! The Hummus Platter with Homemade Falafel is another must try while you are here. The pita bread is soft and teams perfectly with the accompaniments on the plate. For the main course we tried the Farmer’s Market Pizza, a chef special made with a thin whole-wheat crust, and their special Cabernet Sauvignon infused Marinara sauce and fresh shredded Mozzarella that is delectable. We also sampled Penne Pasta with veggies and white sauce that was a hit with everyone on the table. The grilled ratatouille is another must try filled with egg plant, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, fresh off the grill for its light texture and easy to eat flavours. Also try the sizzler that comes with baked vegetables and rice. We rounded off the meal with a sinful homemade eggless chocolate cake that was absolutely delightful and teamed well with a vanilla ice cream. If you love good food and music, head to The Humming Tree – you will have a great time.

Price points: Rs. 1500 plus taxes for a meal for two.

Here is a the recipe of Fresh Orange and Almond Cake from General Manager & Chef Anuj Mehta

Ingredients:

400g Almond ground

2 oranges, zested and segmented

150 g butter

150 g caster sugar

200 g flour

8 tsp hung curd

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

Method:

In a bowl blend together the ground almond, flour, baking powder and orange zest.

In another bowl cream the butter and the sugar together. Add the hung curd and vanilla and mix well. Fold in the dry ingredients and mix until just blended.

Pour batter into a greased 8 inch round. Bake at 160 degree centigrade for 20 minutes until the top looks dry and a tooth pick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before removing from the tin.

Serve at room temperature garnished with the orange segments.

This story appeared in the Feb 7, 2017 issue of Femina Karnataka Twin here: