Since the beef ban in Mumbai, many have questioned the very nature of a democracy that chooses to control what we eat. To eat or not to eat a particular kind of meat is an entirely personal choice and to take it out of that realm and tinge it with politics and religion calls for nothing less than a recipe for disaster. Apart from the loss of livelihood among those in the business as well as the removal of a cheap source of protein for the working classes and minority communities, this ban is a basic violation of the fundamental rights of an individual in a free society. It is the tip of an iceberg that threatens to capsize the dream of a New India sailing on the seas of progress and seeks to control our freedoms -- from the books we read to the clothes we wear...give in to one form of control. Who knows what lies ahead on this increasingly Orwellian future that our country seems to be marching towards. While political agendas could well determine the protein on your plate in Maximum city, Bangaloreans can heave a sigh of relief for the time being at least and go out and grab some steak at some of the legendary steakhouses in the city. Here is our roundup of the five best steakhouses in garden city and we suggest you go out there and grab your favourite joint before it tends to disappear from the menu with the next political reshuffle.
The Only Place
This legendary steakhouse with it iconic pop signage and cheerful checked tablecloths is bang in the middle of the city (Museum Road) and checks all the boxes that make it a steaklover's paradise. Started by Haroon Sulaiman Sait in the 1960s, The Only Place or OPs as it is known has always been a purveyor of good ol' home-style American comfort food -- serving up the perfect hamburgers, turkeys with stuffing and of course juicy and succulent steaks. Forward integrating from his frozen meat business, Haroon's restaurant might have seen its fair share of ups and downs, it is a back to stay and whipping up the mouthwatering filet mignons with as much flair as back in the day. Be warned of the long lines as this place's list of loyalists keeps increasing.
Portland Steakhouse
Keeping it in the family, this lovely and green al-fresco steakhouse tucked away in a quiet corner of Brunton Road is run by no other than Haroon's daughter. This ensures that the cuts of meat are excellent as OPs. What Portland brings to the mix is a more modern and gourmet touch to the steaks, experimenting with textures, flavours and ingredients. For example, one summer they ran a Ghost Chilli festival where all the sauces and rubs were flavoured with the hint of this fiery chilli. The seasonal special menus and the wonderful ambience make this place a good choice for a romantic dinner. An added plus are the fresh and delicious straight-from-the-oven pretzels which are perfect for wiping the last bits of your gravy.
Millers 46
Located on, you guessed it, 46 Miller's Road, this steakhouse is modelled after a saloon straight out of a spaghetti Western. The rustic furniture, barn-style setting and waiters dressed in cowboy outfits just add to the illusion. Also the restaurant serves up some delicious steaks with innovative rubs and sauces. Try their Guatemala special coffee-rubbed steak or their brandied cube steak.
Smoke House Deli
This cafe and deli has brought a gourmet touch to the cafes of the city, tweaking the traditional sandwich, burger, salad and grills menu with innovative ingredients. Their steaks while largely sticking to the traditional recipes, are perfectly cooked with that special touch that will keep you returning for more. The bacon-wrapped tenderloin with burnt butter hollandaise packs a solid flavour punch.
898 Steaks and Grills
This rooftop steakhouse is the perfect place for a laidback lunch. Their delicious steak sizzlers are for those who like their beef to be no nonsense. Order the T-bone steak if you really hungry, otherwise the house special is the classic marinated steak.