SISA - It's the latest in acronyms. First we had the movies QSQT, HAHK and K3G. Now it's SISA - Some Indian Some Asian! Next door to Inox, SISA has a café, a restaurant and a lounge bar, each with their own space, distinctive décor and separate menus. And while SISA does stand for Some Indian Some Asian, it also offers some international favourites. The clientèle is a mix of students, moviegoers, corporates, families, and foreign visitors - of whom there are plenty in the area.

Though designed to create three different kinds of ambience, subdued minimalist elegance is a common theme in each of the three sections. The three Directors, Ranjitsingh Ahuja, Harinder Pal Anand and Dhaval Patel took a personal interest at every stage, often overruling professional advice and coming up with their own ideas.

The café that occupies the spacious verandah seats around 50. Ebony and ivory is the theme here, along with chrome and glass - very functional and chic. The menu offers a range of filling sandwiches, tea, coffee, milk shakes and juices. Of good value are the Combo Meals ranging from Rs. 85-145. And yes, this is a place where you can sit down comfortably and dig into lip-smacking chaats (Rs. 30-35) - the fun of roadside eating yet hygienic.

The next stop is the restaurant. One wall is completely mirrored to give an illusion of space; the opposite wall has a huge window covered with two-tone silk blinds. The beige tones are also reflected in the circular fabric chandeliers and the cushions. The Indian section has a popular veg and non-veg selection - Shorba, Paneer Lababdar, Hara Bhara Kebabs and the like. The Chinese offerings include soups, noodles (Rs. 105 -145), and wontons (Rs. 100). A good choice would be the Veg Dumplings with a choice of sauce (Rs. 125) or Cottage Cheese in Honey Chilli Sauce (Rs. 125).

If you're inclined to Thai food, there is Laksa Noodles with Bean Sprouts, or Pad Thai, or Chicken in either the green or red Thai curry. The more adventurous could try the Malaysian Sambal Curry with rice (Rs. 160).

We had the Creole Spiced Chicken with rice. At Rs. 180, it's a complete meal, with the chicken, button mushrooms, olives and bell peppers melting in a creamy tomato sauce.

The Lebanese and Arabian section is worth checking out too; try the Falafel, Hummus or Chicken Shawarma with pita bread (Rs. 100-140). They also have Lamb Kibbeh, a minced kebab with tahini dip, and Shish Taouk - chicken in yoghurt, mint and garlic. Then there is the Mezze Platter, a combo of salads, olive dips and Arabian bread.

The Italian section offers a great variety of pasta. We found the Spaghetti Bolognaise (Rs. 175) a good bet.

Their 'Mithayein' section has an unusual range to round off the meal. While there is Tiramisu, Lychees and Fresh Fruit with Cream, we selected the Brownies and Date Pancakes, both served with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. The latter is particularly filling with its thick layer of minced dates and crunchy sesame.

The far end of the restaurant has wide sliding doors opening into the Lounge Bar, which can fit about 35 people. This can also be booked for private parties, and has a separate entrance for such occasions. Comfortable sofas and bar stools allow you to really lounge in chill mode. The chandeliers are again in beige and black, continuing the colour scheme of the restaurant. The abstract ensemble of large glass and silver cubes on the wall is most fascinating. Altogether a thoroughly warm and welcoming space to frequent!

SISA is at G1, Metropole, Next to Inox Multiplex, Bund Garden Road, Pune - 411 001. Phone 56229945.

Mita Banerjee