AS REFRESHING AS COENTRO
Have you noticed that recently some new restaurant hubs are gradually coming into being? Alongside locations like Dhanmondi, Banani 11 and Baily Road, etc. new areas have become hotbeds for hanging out and eating out.
One such location is Progati Shoroni. And one of the eateries that have opened is Coentro.
As you take the small flight of stairs, the decorative glass bottles hanging from the ceiling might remind you of another place: Cilantro in Dhanmondi. And the feeling will be reinforced when walk inside.
Coentro is basically the second branch of Cilantro. Both words mean coriander: 'coentro' is a Portuguese word while its older counterpart is Spanish.
The similarity of décor between the two reassures their connection. The simplistic, black, wooden tables and chairs provide a cosy and relaxed setting. To contrast with that, the red bricks on some of the walls call for a sleek and chic ambience. Hanging from the ceiling are recycled glass bottles and funnels, with a tiny bulb of light on each of them. Random and curiously shaped glass containers -- jars gone wrong during glassblowing -- adorn the bar counter.
There is also the option of sitting at the low-table on benches with cushions -- a choice to be opted for if you want to curl up.
Coentro focuses on Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines.
Let's start off with appetisers. Try out their nachos with minced beef, which is very popular among the guests. There is also an array of 'tapas' you should delight on. Tapas, a pride of Spanish cuisine, are eaten as appetisers or snacks.
For example, Gambas Pil Pil is prawn sautéed in paprika, garlic and olive oil. Complete with Italian brown bread on the side to dip on the mix with which the prawns are sautéed, Gambas Pil Pil is a spicy delight.
Or, try out Coentro's poutine. Although the eatery specialises on the aforementioned cuisines, it does bend the rule to include some other foods as well. The Canadian dish, poutine, is a glorified version of French fries, if you will. The fries are accompanied with cheese, minced beef as a topping. If you want your fries with gravy, poutine may be the best option.
Wash down these scrumptious delights with the restaurant's novel drinks. Black Jack is a spicy drink of blackberry juice. Dirty Gold is sweet and tangy, made with olives. The curious AunkKing is a tamarind drink popular in Rangamati, which was introduced to the owners of Coentro by two of their employees, named Aunk and King.
You might go for the platter (serves two people) which spans a full-course meal -- from appetisers to desserts and a drink made with strawberries and lemons.
But let's jump to the main course now -- the protagonists! The platter boasts a generous assortment. There are a couple of chicken skewers and herbs rice and Spanish rice. The sirloin steak is accompanied with vegetables. For those who love fish, there is a fillet for them. Meanwhile, a piece of soft and juicy Peruvian chicken also makes its presence. Two sauce holders, one containing tartar sauce and another boasting Coentro's house-special, complement the items.
The beauty of the colourful assortment is in its variety. Cooked to perfection, there is fish, chicken and beef, along with vegetables. So you cannot possibly go wrong with it!
The platter will provide you 'cajeta' rolls as desserts. With the hot and soft rolls containing cajeta -- a kind of caramel -- and peach compote outside, this Mexican dessert is sheer happiness.
You can also try out some 'churros' -- Spanish donuts, which are rather long and cylindrical in shape.
And to top it all off, have a cup of their coffee, which features an exclusive mix of beans from Latin America and Central Africa.
For anyone who is interested in cuisines of Mexico, Spain, Portugal and the like, Coentro and Cilantro are two eateries you must visit. The owners will soon inaugurate the third branch, which will be in Uttara.
With its great food, beautiful ambience and live music -- which is held on most weekends (check their Facebook page for announcements) -- the eatery is a great place to hang out at.
FYI
Location: Areeb Tower, 48 Progati Avenue, Block J, Baridhara, Dhaka. Contact number: 01766449917. Facebook page: Coentrobd. Email address: [email protected]. For home delivery: Foodpanda; HungryNaki.
Photo courtesy: Coentro
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