Yesterday was a long day and a day without breakfast and a lunch. Two coffees and a cookie saw me through most of the day and by evening I could hear the jungle in my stomach. As luck would have it, I had to go halfway across town towards Hauz Khas Village for another meeting. I wanted it to be a food hop kind of evening, beginning at Futomaki for some Sushi, then #SocialOffline for a drink and snacks and then either The Toddy Shop or Coastal Cafe for a meal. My plans came to an abrupt halt because I couldn’t locate Futomaki in a crowd of restaurants, quick bite and curio shops. So I called them only to be told they take orders for the day by 11 am. I was uncomfortable because of the humidity and quickly needed to rest in a cool place, when I saw the board for #SocialOffline. A pretty hostess guided us inside to a large table with comfortable cushioned sofas. We were seated next to a large wall of glass, which overlooked the beautiful emerald green lake, some dense trees, happy couples and some birds returning to their nests.
As we leafed through the menu, I was struck by this sense of nostalgia that this was the same place, where Bistro once stood proud. I grew up in the shadows of the Hauz Khas Village fort and Bistro was always there. When I started to work and had my first meal there, it was a feeling of satisfaction. There was a loss, when it shut down. But I am glad that #SocialOffline has made its presence there, with brick exposed walls and pillars, naked bulbs and unfinished chairs with rags and leather making up for the upholstery. The contrast between the erstwhile Bistro and #SocalOffline couldn’t be more stark. 
By the looks of it, it is evident that this new kid on the block will go places. The food was fabulous, the location was comfortable and the area, spacious. The tiny restaurants at the Hauz Khas Village are nothing compared to this one. Spread over two floors #SocialOffline is aimed to seduce the entrepreneurial community. I being an entrepreneur myself and always looking for good and reasonable places to meet clients am always stuck between a Starbucks, Costa or a Hotel Coffee Shop. But this place with wi-fi, easy on the pocket plans seems like a perfect networking place.
For food, the menu offered from so many other restaurants, notably “order what our staff eats” from The Indian Accent Menu, Vada Pao from The Dhaba and Soda Bottle Opener Wala, Burgers from so many other joints, Salli Boti from Cafe Lota and Soda Bottle Opener Wala. The menu even features Andhra Biryani (perhaps inspired by Andhra Bhawan), Chakna menu from Punjab Grill, Fish Tacos from Ogaan Cafe and many more.
The menu is no doubt exhaustive and has something for everyone. And before my tummy growls were heard on the next table, I quickly 
settled in for Sid’s very posh social breakfast tray of champions. The wait of 10-12 mins was agonizing to say the least but what made a grand entry on the table was a feast for the eyes. Warm crusty bread, dollops of butter and sweet mixed fruit jam, Heavy servings of bacon rashes, two fat sausages, two egg omlette, baked beans, two hash browns, a grilled tomato and a large cup of coffee. And yes two shrewsburry biscuits. I like my coffee black. Looking at the large cup of coffee, my companion remarked that a child could drown in it easily. Trust me if I was not that hungry, this would have been an easy meal for two. The quantity was substantial, but the food was tepid but I was in no mood to complain. At Rs. 280 plus taxes I think it was a steal, where some places charge as much for a sausage or bacon rashes.
The pace at which I polished of the tray, amused the manager on duty Chetan, who thought I was breaking my fast with this tray. I am so glad that Delhi has a place where I can sit for hours, work, gaze and left undisturbed.
What put me off was an irresponsible couple with a toddler in arms. They let the toddler roam around the place with a fork in his hand. 
And it had to happen, the toddler fell on the hard stone floor and was bawling his guts out. The mother then paced around the whole place pacifying the toddler in her arms. The father was absolute nonchalant about the incident and least bothered. Well the worse, the toddler could have poked himself in the eye with the fork, but then who cares? Another thing were the presence of houseflies.
I will surely come by another day for a relaxed time at the #SocialOffline
Belly Curious 