PICS: RUBY TUESDAY

Saffron opened its doors over eight months ago, yet it retains an air of newness. The walls are unadorned, the waiters look quite astounded when they see patrons walking in and the gold gilded, maroon upholstered aluminum chairs still hold on to their plastic covers. The entire ambience is that of a banquet party hall.

As it is situated in the Trade Tower Nepal Complex in Thapathali many people don't know about its existence. Saffron lacks charm, but maybe its attraction is in not trying to be anything it isn't. It's basic, but very conveniently placed to grab a quick bite for lunch after looking through the newest model of cars on display on that section of the road or attending a business meeting.

While the place was definitely a let-down, the food was surprisingly good. A quick word of advice-do not decide on what to eat by reading the menu, for half the things on offer weren't available, so we resorted to asking our server and went by his recommendations. The Buff Momos (Rs 90) were hot and satisfying. And their take on Chicken Sandeko (Rs 150) was deeply fried crispy chicken bits tossed in a sliced cucumber, tomato and onion salad generously garnished with sliced chilies and coriander- crunchy, tart and spicy all in one.

Where Saffron really surprised us was with its entr�es, Chicken a la King (Rs 180) and Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Sauce (Rs 150). While cream can be used to disguise and mask a multitude of faults, and let's be honest, it can make everything taste better, Saffron did not rely on cream to salvage its dishes. The pasta was perfectly al dente and did not sink under the weight of the sauce. The thin strips of carrot and capsicum added texture to the bite. The Chicken a la King didn't disappoint either. The chicken pieces could have been a bit smaller so as to be seasoned throughout and not so dry, but overall the dish was perfectly acceptable.

Saffron does not have a dessert menu but you can order a variety of coffee-hot, cold or iced from the caf� downstairs. We chose the Sweet Lassi (Rs 50) and that came well-blended and chilled, perfect for the hot, muggy weather.

Saffron's price is what made us the really happy. Our entire meal came to Rs 770, which is a bargain in today's age where eating out is fast becoming a luxury because of the exorbitant prices charged by most restaurants. It is clean, has air conditioning, lots of icy cold water and the waiters were very eager, once they got over their initial surprise.

Once you cross the busy intersection at Maitighar and turn towards Thapathali, look towards the left where you will see large gates supporting an arch � that's the entrance to the Trade Tower Nepal Complex. Saffron is on the first floor to the rig