Landmark Cafe

"this is my father here talking toprime minister pandit nehru when he was in bangalore," says k c thyagaraj,proprietor, prakash cafe, pointing to a picture of nehru dining at the rajbhavan. the photo is in an old album that takes you back over 50 years.listening to thyagaraj tell the story of prakash cafe, the 62-year-oldrestaurant on the chamarajpet 1st main road, is a long walk down nostalgiaavenue. prakash cafe was founded by thyagaraj''s father k l chandrashekaraiah. itis hugely popular for its out-door catering in the city and has been catering atmany state government functions for over 50 years now. the restaurant too hasbeen a famous landmark in the city and draws customers from all over. prakashcafe is known for its masala dosa and jamoon, a popular combination with manywho frequent the hotel. "we have always been popular for our dosas and jamoons.i ensure we maintain the same standard and taste even today", says thyagaraj.the restaurant is also known for its idli/vada and kesari bath, which is apopular breakfast combination here, apart from the steaming hot filter coffee. abuffet lunch for rs 30 has just been introduced. "we cater to a wide crosssection of people here," says thyagaraj. "people from all walks of life come toour restaurant. some of our old customers are so well known to us that ourwaiters serve them without asking them what they want," he smiles. thyagarajbelieves that establishing a rapport with his customers is important to ensurethey are satisfied. the interiors of the cafe with mirrored pillars and woodworkis comfortable. the large black and white pictures of raj bhavan lunches datingback 50 years add a quaint touch to the cozy restaurant. an air-conditionedsection is attached for those who want a bit of luxury. prakash cafe also has amulti-purpose hall that can seat 500 people, and 25 standard and deluxe rooms.prakash cafe has catered to a good many famous personalities of the country.most leaders and luminaries visiting the city have feasted on the sumptuouslunches served by prakash cafe at the raj bhavan and other state functions, aheritage thyagaraj is proud of. "my father was keen on ensuring punctuality andquality, and it is a standard i stick to today," he says. the food is cooked inthe cafe''s kitchen and carted to the functions in their own vehicles. while themenu has remained unchanged more or less, the only significant addition is thechaat served in the evenings. "we serve the items that people who come here areused to and want," says thyagaraj who prefers not to expand the menu beyond thesouth indian favourites the cafe has been serving all along. the restaurant nowhas a branch on church street. prakash cafe is one of bangalore''s oldrestaurants that has become an institution. for decades it has warmed the heartsof bangaloreans and its visitors alike. in the years to come too it promises tostand tall as a part of the city''s heritage.