Passion is the word that I would most associate with Aakarshh and Adarsh Bhargava. I first met them at Streets of India at Swabhumi a few weeks back. I had heard a very positive buzz about My Big Fat Belly or BFB as they refer to it. I liked my interaction with them and I promised to visit soon. A few days later I was on Zomato and bookmarked them and I immediately got a call from them inviting me over. We fixed up for dinner a few days later and boy am I glad I did!
What followed was a feast fit for a carnivore like me…. Adarsh was waiting for us when we reached. I loved the décor, very edgy and yet very chilled. It’s a small cozy place. The ceiling made with old windows was lovely and the light fixtures all made with recycled industrial junk were charming. Some quirky artwork and solid rustic wooden tables with catchy foodie phrases on them made for a very chilled out vibe.

Aakarsh entered shortly after we reached even though he was quite unwell and I thought it was a very kind gesture to take the trouble to be there despite being indisposed. We all chatted and then the food rolled out. Our meal began with Sausages in Chef J’s Signature BFB Sauce. We opted for the Pork Sausages and with one bite I was delighted. These were not sausages out of a packet but lovingly made in house by BFB. They were tasty and had just the right texture and we were very happy with the dish. The BFB sauce was a great pairing and it enhanced but did not overpower the great flavor of the sausages. We were also served up with a lovely refreshing Iced Tea and a Watermelon Mojito (Virgin).
Next up we sampled the BFB Bruschetta Platter (Vegetarian) with three types of Bruschetta’s on offer – Italian Tomato with Parmesan Cheese , Shitake and Button Mushrooms with Truffle Oil and lastly Spinach ,Corn and Ricotta Cheese all of which were really good and rather filling. They were plated on a garden trowel which I thought was a great way to present the dish. A sample of their various house sauces and dips were also put out for us to taste and they were all good but I especially liked the Garlic Aioli, Strawberry Chilli and Thousand Island.

Then followed their Pizza which they call Bellizzaas and believe me they are bellissimo. We had one called The American and it was brilliant. Italian Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese Blend and Pork Pepperoni drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I loved that the ingredients were so well showcased. I am going back for dinner tonight with friends and I will most definitely be ordering it again.

Then the burgers followed and that was what I was waiting for all evening. Regretfully there are very few places in the city that make a good one. The Ultimate Lamb Juicy Lucy with add-ons of Bacon and Sautéed Mushrooms was served and I fell in love! It was the best Burger I have had in Kolkata and I would tell all those who like their burgers to go and try this out as soon as possible. The patty was melt in your mouth delicious and I absolutely loved it. It was served with Onion Rings and French Fries and we polished it all off. Next up was another winner, The Big Bong Burger. A pulled lamb filling with kosha mangsho reduction, a fried egg and cheese sauce. I love burgers and I love kosha mangsho and this was an absolutely perfect jugalbandi of the two.

By now all I wanted was to go home and dream happy food dreams but wait…. there was more … dessert was due. We were served up a Squidgy Brownie with Ice-cream which was lovely. The brownie was actually squidgy and not dry at all. Despite all our protests we polished it off rather quickly.

It was a lovely evening filled with lots of great food made from fine ingredients and no compromises on quality. Conversation was about food, food and more food which suits me just fine. Chef Joseph Gomes was kind enough to show us around his small but spotless kitchen. A special shout to Chef J and his team for such a wonderful dinner. The Bhargava Brothers told me something that rang true about BFB, they said it was a small place with a big heart and that sums it up perfectly.

Picture Credits : Suneha Saha
DISCLAIMER : I was invited for dinner as a guest of The Management but the views expressed are entirely my own.