Oriental Bloom, Sector 29, Gurgaon

 

[Rated: 2.5/5]

The Oriental Bloom serves variety of Dimsum and other Oriental cuisine, in a newly opened and modestly sized restaurant accommodating over 50 guests. The chick-modern setting done in hues of red and dark teak food finish gives it a rich feel.

Though on weekends it offers lunch buffet consisting of soup, unlimited dimsum, and a dessert, but we decided to order ala-carte. The first look at the menu, and we couldn’t help but notice that like many novice, restaurant also refers Dimsum as ‘Dimsums’; they better know like ‘hair’ one can not use an ‘s’ to make it a plural.

Bernardo's, Gurgaon - Goan Restaurant

 


[Rated: 4.5/5]

What does it take to be a restaurant which, in its eight-year-long existence, changes location six times across south Delhi and Gurgaon and is still followed by its loyalists? Well, here is what seems to be Bernardo’s simple recipe – take a small space, decorate it simply, serve up authentic and fresh Goan food… and add the personal touch. Like some old black and white photographs from the family album, lovely goan music, cane furniture with brightly coloured table cloth. 

Eest, The Westin Hotel, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2/5]

There was a time when going to a good restaurant would pull people towards starred hotels. Not anymore! The reasons was simple; Service trainings and food consistency where these starred hotel chains could spent upon. Ambience was anyway assured as they were inside a well maintained property. As mall culture took over, restaureurs do not have to struggle anymore to maintain the outside surroundings. Also, the local chains that have mushroomed, spend well on trainings as guests do not mind paying extra for the complete dining experience.

After one of my colleagues unsatisfactory visit to Seasonal Tastes at Westin hotel, I was in no mood to visit the hotel again, but one of my friend wanted to try out their new restaurant, Eest so I succumbed to her temptation. This hotel is run by Vatika, which otherwise has highly ranked restaurant by us like - Coriander Leaf, 56 Italiano etc. As we entered the restaurant located on the first level in the hotel, we found it to be abnormally empty for a Saturday lunch. Wondering if we were at the right place, someone guided us to the table. Ambience was nice, but nothing exceptional for a five star property. 

Cafe Delhi Heights, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Food business is continuously re-inventing the proposition to its customers. I feel excited to see many people from non-industry joining the foray to complete their restaurant dream and bring with them new insights, new values, and new benchmarks. What they miss is the experience and details which only an insider would have.

Café Delhi Heights is opened by next-gen, Vikrant Batra (same chain that owns Batra banquet and ‘Delhi Heights’ restaurant in Delhi) bringing with him the ability to think new, and the experience gained from his parents. We were personally pleased to see the casual seating and the menu which caters to the changing times. I have been longing for an Egg Benedict and a good non-veg burger (Chicken isn’t in my list of non-veg burgers), which I could find in any non 5-star property in Gurgaon. The void was filled by Café Delhi Heights, and this is where I say research and experience come into play in a city which has hordes of other specialty restaurant but lacked a decent café. Picking up the best of world cuisine and showing the evolving taste of Delhi over the last century, café has picked up its theme well.

Slice of italy, Pitampura, Delhi

[Rating: 2.5/5]

I love my Pizza and Pasta. On my last visit to KFC at Netaji Subhash Place metro station, I had noticed this new outlet of Slice of italy next to it. We decided to try it out. Having heard very little about Slice of italy, I was looking forward to it.

We reached the joint around dusk and could see glowing mosaic of colors on it’s signboard. This was a small restaurant with approximate seating capacity for 20 – 25 people. Interiors were nicely lit and well decorated. There were only two more tables occupied besides ours.

Kyoto, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

In the Gurgaon Sector 15 market, known for its Fab India mega-store, lies a quaint little restaurant called Kyoto. It is known for its authentic, homely Japanese food. As I enter, I see a restaurant with modest oriental décor bursting at its seams with hungry gents of Japanese origin.

“Ninety nine percent of our clientele is Japanese,” says Nepal-born Chef Suryanarayan, somewhat distracted, and understandably so, given the teaming crowds eagerly waiting for their afternoon repast. As he hurries back to the kitchen, the chef who started his career as a sous chef in Tokyo does recommend that I try the daily special bento box (Platters) as well as a few other dishes.

My Way Or The Highway, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 4/5]

I just couldn't stop smiling when one of my friends jokingly remarked on hearing the name - My Way or The Highway, “ Is the place owned by a female”. The arrogant sounding name “My Way Or The Highway” is contrary to its name and brings interesting twist to the normal recipes in its menu and offers personalised and courteous service. 

Located on the fourth floor of Centre Stage Mall, vibrant interiors of this 85 plus seater restaurant are spread over two levels with a well equipped bar at first level and a hookah lounge on the upper level. Relaxed seating, pleasant interiors and the not-so-loud setting makes it an apt venue for not-so young who avoids a volume screeching pub, but still are young enough to enjoy their drinks and food in a group or otherwise.

Coriander Leaf, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Coriander Leaf needs no introduction. Located at the heart of Gurgaon city, behind DT City centre mall on the MG Road, Coriander Leaf restaurant has always been a preferred destination for Indian and Pakistani cuisines in a fine dining format. I have personally been to the restaurant several times, and I was happy to be invited to review their independence week special food festival. In the Phillipines and few other countries, the Independence day food festival is celebrated with much fanfare through out the country, and I was glad to note that standalone restaurants in India are making efforts to celebrate the day. However, this day still remains a big untapped opportunity for all in the food business which is a mandatory off for most of the working class.

56 Ristorante Italiano, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4.5/5]

“I serve traditional Italian food,” says Chef Tiziano Ranieri of Ristorante 56, “simple basic food that my mother taught me to cook.” And then this 57-year-old unassuming Neapolitan goes on to wow the palate with delightful flavours, textures and tastes. The high-ceiling, open spaces and the elegant simplicity of the restaurant complement the experience.