Farshid8217;s fare

IT was not the end of the story when the pub Shock, in Akshay Plaza on Dhole Patil Road, closed down. What was born, just last week, is such...

IT was not the end of the story when the pub Shock, in Akshay Plaza on Dhole Patil Road, closed down. What was born, just last week, is such a pleasant surprise, that you really don8217;t mind the closure of the noisy pub. The new place now is called Farshid8217;s. Why? Simply because it is run by Farshid, whose fascination for exotic cuisine dates back to his childhood days. Pray, what is the accent of his restaurant, in a city which is already jam-packed with eating out places? Seafood, says this charismatic owner. He explains that Pune has several interesting joints where you get superb seafood but there is none where you can relax in a comfortable atmosphere. Thus, targeting at the upmarketish8217; crowd, Farshid, has within a week, virtually converted his restaurant into a crowd puller.

Just taste the ubiquitous Tomato Soup and you will realise its unique taste. Or try the exotic Zuppa Di Pollo8217; 8211; creamy chicken broth in white wine, flavoured with nutmeg which costs Rs 40, which is highly recommended. If you are a vegetarian you may try the Zuppa Di Pomo Doro Cornebe8217; which is a tomato soup flavoured with tarragon, rosemary and garlic and garnished with basil and cream.

Farshid8217;s is an interesting combination of the Continental and ethnic South Indian Food. The appetisers in both these cuisines are delightful. If you love non-spicy food, go in for the Prawn Cocktail8217; for Rs 70 which comes to you in a dessert glass. Tender prawns in cocktail sauce dominated by shredded red cabbage is a wonderful treat to begin with as are the Golden Fried Prawns8217;.

In the Indian starters, strongly recommended is the Dry Chicken Koliwada8217;. Farshid8217;s seems to have become a hit with seafood lovers with crabs8217; in great demand. Jumbo prawns, lobsters and crabs either in Tandoori, Hariyali or Hyderabadi style are available between Rs 225 and Rs 260.

In the Continental cuisine, there are a variety of steaks to choose from. Chicken breast stuffed with mushroom, celery, onions, garlic and oregano and served in brown sauce is called Pollo Arrosto8217; and costs Rs 110. Others in the chicken variety include Chicken coq-au-vin8217; which is chicken sauteed in a red wine sauce or Suprema De Polo Valadostana8217; 8211; chicken breast, stuffed with ham and cottage cheese and topped with creamy sauce. In the vegetables, Verdure Brochette8217; 8211; cubes of paneer and bell peppers, with pineapples and mushrooms, served with yellow rices, seems interesting.

Farshid says in the South Indian section, steamed rice and Ghassi that8217;s typical coconut-based gravy is a must. This gravy could be had with crabs, rawas, pomfret, lobsters, surmai and/ or prawns. It is indeed delicious and quite pleasantly different than the usual Punjabi gravies.

The restaurant has a pleasant decor with one of Mario8217;s delightful sketches. With a seating arrangement of 75 people at a time, what makes it comfortable is the substantial space between tables. One thing is for sure, Farshid8217;s is surely a change for the better. Nobody is going to miss the dance floor or the techno music. Thank you, Farshid.