Distance or effort doesn’t count when it comes to have good food. I knew, my flight would reach Bangalore well past lunch time and I might have to eat the in-flight lunch. However, my plans are made and modified around food, not the other way around. I skipped the in-flight lunch, and settled for a can of juice instead. It was year-end and I do not even need that as a reason to celebrate. As soon as my flight landed in Bangalore, I called The Lantern to reserve a table for me. By the time, I reached Ritz Carlton, it was almost 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
There was no body in the restaurant when I walked in. I was warmly escorted to my seat. I was told, as other tables were available I could choose any one, though that place is reserved for me/ Nevertheless, I chose to be seated there, as I liked that place the most.
The menu was wonderfully designed, it was neither too extensive nor too limited. The variety and range in each category was nicely thought out. I chose Granny Smith mock-tail and Crystal Prawn Dumplings to start with. The dumpling skin was velvety soft. The prawn filling was extremely delicious. The Granny Smith was refreshing. The hint of cinnamon and a tang of mint complemented the freshness of the green apples perfectly. If anyone can relate, just imagine the feeling of having a sip (or morsel) of something; and after you gulp it down, you immediately want to reach for the next sip - just because the taste was so wonderful, you just cannot imagine living without it, even for a moment, but then again hesitate thinking that it will end sooner, if you take immediate sips. Granny Smith was exactly that.
I had Chilli Chcken for main course. I would not have Chilli Chicken in any restaurant unless there is no other choice. However, this time I made an exception, just hoping to get a good surprise. And it really was. The sauce had a very nice fragrance. The dish was really good. I was satiated after having the Chilli Chicken. 
Dessert- To have or not to have, that was the question. I could have done without having a dessert. Then again, every meal could be done without a dessert. It’s not an option, it’s a choice! Finally, I made that choice. And what a choice it was! Warm Ginger and Lemongrass Soufflé with Raspberry Chilli Sorbet. It looked like a marvel. The sorbet was placed in a caramelized sugar shaped in a flower cup. The simplicity of presentation enhanced the grandeur of the dish. I got completely immersed in admiring the beauty of it. On being asked by the waiting staff about the taste of the dessert, I realized that it’s been ten minutes and I have not even tasted it. I just touched the Soufflé with my spoon. I literally just touched it and warm gooey goodness oozed out of it. The sight was a splendor. It was like magic. It had a nice rich creamy texture yet it was so light. It just melted in my mouth. The sorbet had that slight sour-sweetness of raspberry and a zing of chilli which elevated the dish to a whole different level. A dash of the lemongrass flavor was doing wonders to the taste of the soufflé. And when you taste a bit of soufflé and a bit of sorbet together, it’s like a burst of magical explosions happening in your taste buds. It felt like time has taken a pause to relish the moment. By far, that’s best dessert I ever had. 
I was happy to have made that choice to go to The Lantern for a rather late lunch. To sum up the experience, the restaurant had a nice ambiance, be it the inside seating area or even the outside layout. The décor was reminiscent of the oriental setting. The staff was great. They were keen on making everything go perfect. The food was fantastic, both in taste and presentation. I might as well take the liberty of saying that it looked wonderful, but it tasted better (as opposed to the reverse in most of the places). I had a wonderful experience.
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