It’s Raining Flavours

There are pages after pages of Indian options,ranging from the traditional Nalli gosht to a more fun Martini Pav Bhaji. The continental menu is disappointingly short but features pastas,risottos and pizzas,as well as chicken and beef steaks.

One of the best things about the restaurant is that the chef readily serves a tasting platter of starters for individual guests,which makes it easier to simply pick what they you want to.

The oregano cheese sticks — a mix of cheddar and mozzarella wrapped in pastry sheets and fried vermicelli served with a salsa dip — are worth a try. The combination is at once cheesy and tangy. Til ke aloo is also a great find with a crispy potato cup stuffed with cheese,sesame,pine nuts and peppers.

In the non-vegetarian starters section,those looking for exotic options should try the Malwani kurao fish. Imported from Singapore,it is fried to a crisp and topped with a mixture of cray fish and prawns cooked bharta-style. The restaurant also serves a selection of soups,of which Green Planet is most intriguing. Broccoli,spinach and zucchini lend it a beautiful fern green shade.

The menu also includes drinks ranging from classic spirits and cocktails to innovative smoothies (alcoholic) and mocktails. The wine-based Sangria,Mud Slide smoothie and Baby Love from the mocktails combine ingredients gently.

In the main course,the chef seems more at ease with the Indian cuisine. The dal makhni is as good as it gets while the Nalli gosht is slightly gelatinous and thick. The dish is heavy and recommended only if the rest of the meal is light. In the Continental section,the Strip tenderloin is worth a try. One of the chef’s award-winning recipes,the strips of tenderloin are served in a pink peppercorn sauce that sets off the taste of the beef perfectly. These are accompanied by sautéed scallions and a bed of herbed rice — a big and satisfying meal.

The Spinach ravioli,on the other hand,could have been better. The stuffing is only a small portion of the gigantic pasta pockets that also tastes underdone. The dessert brings back the cheer. The Chocolate lava and ice cream is a sure pleaser,with molten chocolate oozing out of the cake.

The restaurant is a welcome addition to Aundh and makes for a great place to visit with friends and especially,family. Prices are reasonable,and best of all,inclusive of taxes,so you know exactly what you are paying.

Meal for two: Rs 1,500 with alcohol and taxes