The last fortnight was supercharged with travel and social engagements—almost as if we had been back in 2019, but with our masks on. I am delighted to report that wine dinners, reviews of not-just-delivery spaces and even tasting events are all becoming a reality. As I have a lot to cover, let me dive in pronto.
Azuki is a fine delivery service in the national capital for Asian fare and I very suggest it. Their fare manages to ride the subtle edge in between as well adapted and as well genuine properly and, most importantly, their vegetarian choices are properly curated and ready. Mushroom bao and curry dim sums are a winner.
Klap, the largest restaurant in the national capital’s Khan industry, also has a significant name behind it, Chef Gurmehar Sethi. He’s a young lad who has established prowess with Thai fare and is now serving up a worldwide compilation which manages to hit all the ideal notes. I cannot wait to attempt their cocktail menu which promises to be equally wondrous. All this is additional accentuated by a slick decor and very good service. It’s a definite will have to-attempt.
I do not know what their proprietary method to freeze fruit pulp is (no added preserves or chemical substances, not even sugar) but LQI guarantees that its smoothie packs shed none of their flavour or wellness worth. I can assure you it is just as very good as shaking up fresh fruits into a smoothie, but substantially more rapidly. I am hooked and at the time of writing this, a dozen more have currently been ordered.
I have in no way been one for protein powders—I choose my nutrition the very good ol’ fashioned way and not in powder form—so I got some mates who are into the scene to attempt the I Am Love protein packs. They all reported far better glowing skin more than a matter of couple of weeks. Sadly, they are nevertheless ugly, but that is alright, I am nevertheless mates with them. Just in case you want a nutraceutical repair to your acne troubles, this could be worth a attempt.
But, unless you as well have prepared fitness center-buddies to attempt on, seek advice from a skin care specialist initial.
Another one for the amino-clan, straight from Dubai, Protein Bakeshop truffles at least came disguised as yummy, gooey chocolates (there’s a complete variety of flavours there). I attempted the truffles, and they didn’t as soon as taste like the sawdust that most protein bars taste like. So, I continued to devour the whole pack more than two sittings. Some may possibly consider I overdid it, but there have been no Hulk-like symptoms but.
Then, you have Hands of Gold—a exclusive proposition that packages the very best of Kashmir and brings it to you. Given how Kahwa and saffron rates can differ, this standardisation of high quality-for-a-value is a fantastic way to preserve the sanctity of such valuable components with a robust sense of provenance.
I have utilised each of them (as also their honey) and I can assure you that, though other individuals may possibly inform you there exists stuff that is far better, this is more than satisfactory for what it is.
Recently, Terroir: The Madras Wine Club invited me to curate a French wine dinner with chef Ajit Bangera of ITC Grand Chola undertaking the menu. For me, to be paired with him was the largest honour. Kudos to club president Minnie Menon and her committee who pulled off a classic formal evening with all the ideal accoutrements, even the chorus of Piaf’s ‘La Vie en Rose’ to gently anoint the evening.
This city seriously requirements to be delved into far better for I really feel the critical level of gastronomy it hides in gets simply overlooked. Three of my major ten areas to consume in India are possibly from Chennai. There is Avartana, India’s only modern southern fine-dining eatery and one which is miles ahead of numerous other individuals which make the major worldwide lists from India.
Pumpkin Tales deserves a mention for its laidback but meals-focused brand of F&B which delivers regularly very good Asian (and continental) grub each time at a pretty reasonably priced value point (shout out for their new dim sum menu and sour dough pizzas a la Chef Chindi).
And lastly, there’s Bread and Chocolate which does the very best almond croissants India has ever sunk its teeth into and I will face off with anyone who challenges that.
The writer is a sommelier