Outback Delights

Given the way restaurants and cafes are mushrooming all over the city,it seems theres no business better than making people tuck into a meal.

Cafe Oz aims to recreate the flavours and mood of Australia

Given the way restaurants and cafes are mushrooming all over the city,it seems theres no business better than making people tuck into a meal. The latest cafe to open doors in the city comes from the land down under. Cafe Oz is a spacious new eatery and bar that has set up shop in the heart of Sector 9. Those who are regulars to Delhis upmarket food street in Khan Market will perhaps be familiar with the name. For those who arent,read on.

Step inside the rather casually styled cafe with its brick walls,earthy furniture and it doesnt take too long to familiarise yourself with the Aussie-accented place including the bar,thats called Grog,an Aussie slang for alcohol. Flying in to get the first franchise outlet for Cafe Oz rolling on Tuesday afternoon was the Indian-born,Sydney-bred Dolly Kaur who,interestingly,traces her roots to neighbouring Mohali. I went to Australia 15 years ago and having experienced the Aussie lifestyle,I was looking to bring the cafe-bar concept to India, explained Kaur.

A look at the menu called Tucker (another Aussie slang for food and they do use slangs a lot here) and one realises its not just Australian specials but a mix of favourites like pizzas,burgers and sandwiches. Australia is a melting pot of cultures and the fusion food reflects that, Kaur is quick to point out. So you have the likes of thin-crust pizzas to club sandwiches,soups to salads and pastas finding place on the menu. If you are looking to start your outback journey early on,then the Aussie Style Lamb Kebab (Rs 279) and Cafe Oz wedges (Rs 149) come highly recommended. So does the Oz burger and sub zero beer,the latter being the USP at Cafe Oz. This is draught beer that is served at sub zero temperature and not available elsewhere, says Kaur who is also bringing her trademark Wine Wednesdays and Friday Live events to Chandigarh. Wine drinking is no longer a luxury. We will be hosting wine tasting sessions to excite the Chandigarh palate and also stock on a range of New World wines, informs Kaur who also owns vineyards in Australia.

Another speciality is the premium T2 teas and Vittoria coffees. While the tea selection gives one a choice to sip on the likes of Japanese Sencha (Rs 89) and herbal teas,the coffee is made from 100 percent Arabica beans. Speaking of coffee,if you appreciate it strong then do sip on the Flat White (Rs 99),its an Aussie icon that is for those who enjoy the strength of the cappuccino but not the foam that goes with it. Ready to go down under then?

Meal for Two: Rs 600 (excluding taxes)

Location: SCO 50-51,Sector 9 D,Madhya Marg,Chandigarh.

Contact: 0172-4064990/91/92/93

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Outback Delights

Given the way restaurants and cafes are mushrooming all over the city,it seems theres no business better than making people tuck into a meal.

Given the way restaurants and cafes are mushrooming all over the city,it seems theres no business better than making people tuck into a meal.