A New Chapter

into a smoky wooden bar counter.

Still not over our Hobbit hangover we begin our meal with a Mushroom Melange. The dish is presented in a manner that would make George,Gary and Matt beam,comprising assorted mushrooms,sauteed in white wine,spread out on a bed of spinach,which is sprinkled with sundried tomatoes and olive tapenade. Cooked in a manner calculated to make toe-hairs (even non-existent ones) curl,the dish is a dreamy medley of earthy mushrooms elevated with the tang of wine and ever-so-slightly bitter crunch of spinach. We also try the Spiked Picnic Punch,a picture perfect sangria which could have come straight out of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Our fungal fantasies fulfilled,we look to our main victuals and plump for the Patty Melt,(‘a small bun over and under a lamb patty,caramelised onions and lots of cheese’) and the prosaic Pasta (‘penne or fettuccine,doused in your choice of creamy or tangy tossed along with meats or vegetables’),naturally choosing “white” with meat. The melt features a sturdy little burger,inundated in onions and cheese as prophesied. The patty itself could have been a little more melt-y but one can’t fault its robust flavour or that of the accompanying herbed potatoes. The pasta has comfort food written all over it from the schmaltzy,cheesy cream sauce to the perfectly al dente pasta swimming in it. While the enclosed sliced chicken is slightly jaded (bacon or a spicy chorizo would have made for a much more interesting bedfellow),the marriage nonetheless works as will hopefully all of this season’s nuptials. It is wedding season,after all.

Meal for Two: Rs 1,700 (with taxes and alcohol)

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