HIGH ON TASTE

The diner boasts of 140 covers and resembles a floating cloud with nearly a 360 degree view of the city,the busy roundabouts below and the Shivalik hills in the background. Given the fact that there isn’t another restaurant in the city at this height,it’s definitely its USP. The lush green surroundings actually look like broccoli from the top and are unhindered by the huge glass panes and the lounge area,which is quite comfortable.

As for the menu,it is a balanced mix of popular cuisines — Indian,Continental and Frontier. The management calls it fusion and we tried one of their star dishes,kale channe ki cappuccino. A strongly flavoured black chick peas broth,it actually resembled a cup of coffee. Full credit to Chef Vineet Chopra for turning an everyday recipe on its head. Another interestingly-named and sumptuous snack here is ganderi kabab — minced chicken kebabs on sugarcane sticks. These were dipped in a sauce served in shot glasses. We enjoyed the Baluchi salmon,a fillet of blush pink salmon grilled in the tandoor,that was moist and well done.

Though the food has always been the high point at the hotel’s banquet,at Cloud 9,one is continuously distracted by the view. Building an appetite,we headed for the day’s buffet spread and here too,fusion meals were on offer. The Greek salad with fresh feta cheese was crisp and filling. The main course offered a potpourri with the likes of honey and orange glaze chicken,martabaan ka meat,bhartha three ways — a mash made of brinjals,pumpkins and tomato mash and Kabargah — an adaptation of a popular Kashmiri recipe. The desserts bring in usual fare like khajur rabri,apple pie with ice cream and banana split. Our only grouse was the piped music,which played out oft-heard and now old piano rendition of Hollywood tunes by Brian Silas. The restaurant promises live bands/ ghazal singers soon,given contemporary leanings of the restaurant,new age sounds will go a long way in making the Cloud 9 experience complete.

Meal for two: Rs 1,000 ,

Contact: 0172-2700001