Sakura, synonymous with authentic Japanese cuisine in Delhi, has opened its first outlet in GurgaonSakura, the understated and elegant Japanese restaurant in The Metropolitan Hotel that is largely responsible for introducing packs of vinegary rice and raw fish to Delhiites, has now branched out to Gurgaon.It’s located on the first floor of the newly erected Time Tower Building, which is sandwiched between the Beverly Park society and MGF Central Plaza Mall.In Delhi, Sakura has built up a formidable reputation as a restaurant that specializes in light and authentic Japanese food. Since sushi has suddenly become fashionable and trendy, and Gurgaon already has four restaurants that serve this very unique cuisine, there’s no doubt that Sakura’s arrival in Gurgaon sets new standards for Japanese food in terms of both quality and price. Unlike Sakura at The Metropolitan Hotel, which sticks to traditional designs and motifs, the Gurgaon address boasts a business-like ambience with minimalist décor and muted brown tones. There is a smart sushi bar stationed in one corner, so you can sit back and enjoy some sushi art as the chef sculpts them to your taste. The restaurant is lined with tables for four with temporary partitions that can be moved around to join tables for bigger groups. There are private dining rooms with plasma screens and acoustic controls. The tables are laid out with beautiful lacquered bowls and stoneware dishes. The menu, an extensive selection of Japanese cold and hot food, has all the signature dishes of the Delhi branch, like the tray of five Japanese skewers and grilled cod fish marinated in sake.There is a selection of six bentou boxes priced between Rs 900 and Rs 1,500. If that does not qualify for a meal, a full-course Japanese meal at Rs 2,900 will lay out a spread of sushi rolls, some dishes, soup and dessert. We tried the assorted tempura (Rs 650), an ethnic cane tray of prawns, carrots and eggplant encased in delicately crisp and greaseless batter. Temaki rolls (Rs 400 a piece), cone-shaped seaweed sheets filled with rice and fish, are well done.There are a handful of options for grilled or steamed tofu dishes (starting at Rs 250) that are deliciously garnished with Japanese dressings. Sushi trays begin at Rs 1,400 and offer freshly carved portions.Expecting the office crowd to drop in for lunches, master chef Nariyoshi Nakamura has also introduced a special business lunch called Hicawari (Rs 700) that offers a set menu. “We are based in an office tower, so keeping in mind the office-going guests, I have introduced these lunches that are exclusive to the Gurgaon outlet,” says Nakamura, who plans to wrap up his work at the Delhi kitchen by lunch and attend to his Gurgaon guests in the evenings. Meal for two: Rs 3,000ContacT: 95124-4200951Location: Time Tower, Main MG Road, Gurgaon
