The French Connection

Arthur's Theme, Pune

The Basics - French and Continental, good food, quantities enough for one, good for lunch and dinner, date friendly, reservation recommended, bar, 11:30am-3:00pm; 7:00am-11:00pm.

The Address - 2, Vrindavan Apartment, Lane 6, Koregaon Park. Or call 020-26152710 if you're lost. 

The Verdict - If you're craving Continental/French, give it a try.

Arthur's Theme is a stylish restaurant offering decent French food catering to Pune's swish crowd. It's tucked away in a small lane, almost hidden from the common man's eye. It's small and cosy, reminding me of a den, and the waiters are friendly and well trained. Although they got my order wrong once, the owner, a lovely man, willingly agreed to replace it.

The dishes are creatively (or some might argue, not-so creatively) named after célèbre de française - famous French people. You have Don Quixote, Queen Marchell and Antoinette.

Queen Marchell - Broiled mushrooms stuffed with cottage cheese and herbs, cooked in an oven and served with Santa Monica salsa. It might sound boring, but simplicity is a good thing here. If you like mushrooms and cottage cheese, you can't go wrong with this. If not, Don Quixote might suite you better - it's a pure cheesy delight.

Alfredo - If you like your meat, this kalamiri starter will be your thing. It's marinated in tempura batter and is presented with grated cheese sprinkled on top. It comes with a chili garlic dip and that some of you might find too garlicy, but honestly, it was perfect for moi.     

Zola - Basa fish grilled to perfection and accompanied with Indonesian curry sauce and potato croquettes. While some of you may find the fish bland, the mustard flavoured Indonesian sauce makes up for it. The fish was crisp yet soft and melts in your mouth. Regardless, the dish would perhaps be better with a different selection of fish, especially for those of you who like a more flavourful dish. If not for this, I would suggest Konrad I, a lovely fish dish served with a deadly lemon butter sauce. 

Abel, Henry the VIII - If you generally like chicken, you can't go wrong with these two. The former is chicken cordon bleu and it's just as you would expect it to be. The latter might not sound very appetizing and the chicken-baby corn combination is rather schizophrenic, but the chef gets it right with the red wine sauce.

For dessert I stuck to the classic Crepe that came with chocolate sauce and honey. Sadly I was disappointed. This French pancake was slightly thick and chewy. I'm not sure if I'm ready to give it another try just as yet.

Overall, I was pleased with the courteous waiters and liked the fact that owner would walk around interacting with his customers, taking suggestions and hopefully, implementing them. In typical French style, each dish is made for one and sharing isn't recommended, unless you want to go home hungry. Top off your meal with red or white wine or some beer.

Would I come back next time? I would, just for the food.

What's hot - Alfredo
What's not - Crepe

Your Foodista