Open sesame!

The “khau galli” off Carter Road sort of spoils you for choice and as you walk up and down, you can decide to eat Indian, Italian, Thai and so on.

I decided, for no real reason, for An Open Affair. However, judging by the heat, it seemed wise to conduct this affair in the air-conditioned section.

The eaterie was full of young chatting people and no one appeared to be carrying out an affair either or pay any attention to two ageing women (sorry Rock Chick).

Open Affair was net, clean and small — four of five tables inside and a few more outside. It serves no alcohol and the menu offers a variety that possibly suits its largely young clientele. There is no alcohol served here, so the popularity must be based on the food.

Pasta seemed to be the most popular item on the menu — the eaterie is so small you can’t help knowing stuff like that.

We try a Gamberi Alla Rose Marie as a starter — which was a sort of fancified prawn cocktail. It was quite a large starter — medium-sized prawns, lots of pink tomato-sauce enhanced mayo and salad. Unusual to find something that takes you back to your childhood in a place so young.

For starters Rock Chick had a fish steak in lemon sauce while I opted for a lamb steak with mushrooms and gravy. The fish was good and firm — lots of buttery lemon (lime?) sauce with herbed rice. But it has to be said on reflection that the parts were better than the whole, which was just a tad too much. The lamb steak was well prepared, the meat tender, the sauce light and the mashed potatoes excellent.

By this time we were quite full but when you are in the line of duty, dessert cannot be refused. Here, I put the eaterie to the severe test and it came out with flying colours.

Waffles and pancakes were very prominent on the menu so I decided on Belgain waffles with Nutella and strawberries. A couple of enquiries revealed that the portions were enormous — eight or nine heart-shaped waffles. I asked for two. The waiter said not possible.

I prevailed, the steward intervened, asked the chef who readily agreed. “We cannot refuse a customer,” smiled the steward.

As it happened, three thin crisp waffles topped with loads of Nutella and strawberries arrived — rich and delicious. And, after all that, the dessert was not added to the bill — which was, well, sweet.

Open Affair — perhaps in keeping with the neighbourhood — provided quick, friendly service, believable and edible food and a neat experience.

The prices are a bit on the high side — but that is now par for the course and the customers seemed quite happy. Also the portions were large, so in some sense it is value for money. All in all, a pleasant experience.