Celebrating the new year is usually a roller coaster ride of sinful goodies, potent cocktails and delicious nibbles. And one has to indulge as it's the need of the hour. Now that the hullabaloo is over, and the dust has settled and everyone catches up on their sleep and "health" resolutions, it's time to give you a consolidated flavour of the year… if you've tasted these dishes, then you've got the city on your tastebuds, and if you haven't, then it's time to take the foodie trail...
Sous Vide Beef at Caperberry: Chef Abhijeet Saha has not only brought molecular gastronomy to the city, he has also given a sense of detail to every flavour. Tender lean meat with all its flavours intact, the Picada marinated tenderloin with spinach, potato gnocchi, gorgonzola, and green pepper is a delicious and succulent option.
Fillet Steak at Sunny's : Fillet steak with béarnaise sauce or seared tournadoes of beef in brandy and red wine sauce at Sunny's (Lavelle Road). Somethings remain constant and consistent, and Sunny's is one such restaurant that has kept its taste intact though a little more effort at the Indiranagar branch would be great.
Salmon at Toscanos: Try the Norwegian Salmon which is fresh, pink and delicious. So are the salads and pastas. The ambience is just what one needs to gear up for the year ahead.
Stuffed Cannelloni or Pesto Pasta (vegetarian) at Sunny's: It comes in a creamy white sauce with mushrooms and has a rich texture to it.
Citrus Fish at Spiga: Order the fresh sea bass with a side of some rucola or Greek salad. In lemon butter sauce with garlic potatoes and vegetables, here's a healthy meat, with a not-so-healthy sauce. The presentation and dish deserves a mention.
Peking Duck at Shiros: This classic preparation of roasted duck served in pancakes with cucumber, spring onion and Hoisin sauce is very popular and if you are not prompt, it's over! Unique in its taste and presentation, get away from the usual meaty fare with this.
Risotto at Via Milano's: Try the risotto with rucola pesto, sun dried tomatoes and crispy carrots or vegetable lasagna for something wholesome, filling and tasty.
Ceasar's Salad at Olive Beach: There's nothing like a bite of Ceasar Salad to crunch away on and Olive Beach does it the best (though Olive in Delhi does it better). The leaves, Romaine especially, are fresh, green, the anchovy sauce just right and the meal, light and easy in a pristine, white and serene ambience. Does not get better than this.
Chicken Scaloppini at Olive Beach: Slices of chicken breast, flash grilled and served atop chive mash potatoes and sautéed vegetables served with garlic and lemon spiked lemon jus. The taste and flavours are perfectly blended.
Rendang curry or Mongolian Lamb at Republic of Noodles: The chilli, black bean dip and other sauces are absolutely yum. Asian food lovers should taste the menu here. According to chef Yu Hing Tham, of RON, "the sauces are made with fresh ingredients and prepared in the kitchen from scratch… which makes them worth every morsel-laden dip." The curries are also delicious served with fresh jasmine rice.
Mezze platter at Fava: This gets many takers - vegetarians and others who prefer to taste a plethora of sauces - from the creamy hummus, garlic flavoured, tomato and chilli flavoured dips with warm pita. Try the vegetarian lasagna too.
Laal Maas at High Note: If you'd like a taste of Rajasthani, then ladlefuls of Laal Maas from High Note is something that you should order… and even the Shorshe Malai Chingri which is prawns in mustard flavoured yogurt gravy.
Sarson Ka Saag at Punjab Grill: Any fan of Punjabi food, should try the Sarson ka Saag or Kadhai Jheenga or the Patiala Shahi Machchi at Punjab Grill. A meal you should order on a very, very empty stomach… though it is a tad expensive.
Biryani at Samarkhand: Everyone knows this restaurant for its North-West Frontier cuisine and while there have been reports of the taste falling a bit, the biryani at Samarkhand is a must-have.
Ghosht at Tandoor: Any old Bengalurean will swear by Tandoor as the and extremely butterlicious example of North Indian food, especially as the Punju family behind it are best tasters for its customers. The Dal Makhani, Rogan Josh, kheer are delicious and vegetarians can try the palak preparations or the bhindi do pyaza. Ambience is a bit loud, though.
