“I really liked the deco and loved its central location,” says Devendra Devkota who acquired this fantastic place a month ago from its previous owner. Wild West shotguns, saddles and a wide range of classic beer cans and cigarettes turn a corner of the café into a window on the past. The Rolling Stones’ UK tour, miniature scooters, and pictures of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean are reminiscent of an era long gone by.
Some sections of the walls are adorned by black and white pictures of Kathmandu as it was more than half a century ago. From the ceilings hang charming miniature chandeliers of the past. The attention to detail here is impeccable, such that even the light switches look like antique pieces.
Its terrace could be a fresh option if you fancy enjoying your food outside. The breeze ruffles the wind chimes to crinkle softly, creating a calm atmosphere, unlike the hustle bustle below.
Their starter, the Vintage Platter, is a multipurpose delight that welcomes you with a visual culinary flair. A sumptuous combination of sukuti sadheko, French fries, chicken chili, chicken sausage, and coleslaw tastes as good as it invites appetite. This is a popular choice of those who come to enjoy a drink or two at the cafe. Their onion rings are semi cooked, deep fried after being dipped in batter.
Their Mutton Pakku is bound to be a hot Dashain favorite. The taste of the meat is not overpowered by the spices. The soft mutton shreds easily when you bite into it. It is a recipe from Sikkim, prepared with marinated mutton pieces with ginger paste, dry coriander, cumin seeds, chopped onion, nutmeg powder, turmeric powder and salt.
For the main course, their stuffed chicken with rice comes as a hearty temptation. It is chicken wrapped around capsicum, and the cauliflowers served on the side has a distinct buttery taste.
For vegetarians, their green Sichuan with rice is good option. It is mushrooms with seasonal vegetables cooked in gravy. It is peppery to taste, and the mushrooms and the beans are not overcooked. When taken with rice, it is simply scrumptious.
You can wash it all down with their range of shooters and cocktails from a well stocked bar. Their shooter Brain Hemorrhage packs a punch. Their Cosmopolitan is a refreshing concoction consisting of vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
“The party culture is on the rise, and Nepalis love to eat and drink. And more frequently, they do it with friends rather than with family,” Devendra says. Fridays are special music night for its guests. With live music from Vishal and frens who churn out some of the most famous Sufi, Hindi and Nepali numbers, the restaurant entertains its patrons. The room breaks into a burst of claps after each number played by the band hints at clearly delighted eveningers.
At this 100-cover restaurant, at Rs 600 tab per diner, you can enjoy mouthfuls of Vintage’s delights. McCartney, gramophone and beena go with you hand in hand, and a bustling Durbar Marg spreads out before your eyes.
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