Jalapenos 10, Wood Street, Kolkata-700016 Tel: +91 (33) 2282 0204 As some of the oldest customers of Jalapenos, we have patronised this place since it was a hole-in-the-wall on Ho Chin Minh Sarani. We have tried all the menu offerings, and most of them several times over, to offer this advice - Stay Away if Possible. The current restaurant is tucked behind a coffee shop on Wood Street. And what could have been a cozy place to try foods from multiple cuisines, is a shabby place with waiters vying for a comfortable spot to gaze at the large screen TV on the wall across the kitchen/service area. The place offers pure vegetarian items and is best known for their Mexican, Italian and some Continental dishes. We have tried their Burritos, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Pastas and the Pizzas. And till last year, we would have recommended that you definitely try the Starters and the Pasta. However, our half dozen visits this year (2008) have made us look for other restaurants. This place has left us wanting for service, availability of menu items and even the quality of food served. During our last visit, we asked for salad, pizzas and a pasta, all of which were not available. We settled for a soup, ravioli and a side of baked potato. The French Onion Soup was the first of our many disappointments. It turned out to be an indianized curry, suspiciously of left overs. Any attempts to explain that the soup was expected to have some similarity to the original recipe, was met by nonchalant shrugs that conveyed a take-it or leave it. We were very happy to leave it. Order taking is slow and tedious. There were no recommendations and no customisations. Food presentation was fine. And there were no over zealous managers repeatedly asking us about the dining experience. Tables are close to each other and a loud group will be intrusive. The rest of the eating experience was not memorable. The staff and the service are reluctant. The menu is not expensive and that seems to be the second reasons why people still find their way to fill the tables. The first reasons is its proximity to schools, clubs and malls. Calcutta has seen several new restaurants, many which favour identical cuisines offered by Jalapenos. We suggest that you try the other alternatives. If and when you do dine at Jalapenos, do share your experience. We would like to know about others who agree/disagree. P & P