There’s
plenty of culinary drama, thanks to Chef Vivek Singh of The Cinnamon club
London Fame and Chef Tejas Sovani who diligently style every dish to grades
that would make Jennifer Lopez insecure. The food is almost astonishingly
exotic, gathered from regional India. I
begin my culinary sojourn with a dish called ‘Dhokla Ya Pakoda’; yes an
interesting mix of fried and steamed gram flour, twanging with the gorgeous
flavour of tamarind and mint. Chef Vivek’s strength is his decisive pairing of
unexpected ingredients, which works best with simple dishes.
So the pressed
watermelon crusted with amaranth seeds, date chutney and masala cashewnut is
spectacular. A cheer to the fact that they’re being quite fixated about
ingredients, every dish has a distinguishing flavour, which is quite an indulgence
in these days of ‘one seasoning fits all.’ The highlights are the Pithod and
vegetable galouti, with a nice soft and crisp mouth feel in a bite. Also the
spicy grilled eggplants with thick salan redolent with sesame peanut crumble, rich
and tangy, teamed with labneh and toasted buckwheat.
By
the time I hit the entrée, I am on a food high; the confit of king Mushroom,
designed to go beautifully with a curried coconut sauce; the green and black
gram is crisp, yet moisty and the mushroom, firm and juicy…decadence indeed! The
star of the afternoon, however, is the Mumbai to Jaipur Pink Express, featuring
subtly spiced Dabeli, missal, Ker Sangri, Pyaaz papad ki subzi and Kurkuri
Bhindi…neat and satisfying. Despite protests on being literally ‘FED UP’, I
manage dessert; carrot fudge served with a clove ice cream.
Interestingly, Chef
Vivek and Chef Tejas have made the crossover from desi cliché to clever global,
drawing locals and expats alike. Perhaps thanks to its nifty presentation and perfect
balance. This restaurant will work for you if you like ostentatious gastronomic
capers, bold pairing and brazen Opulence.
FAST FACTS
Amaranta is on Level 3 @ the Oberoi Gurgaon, 443, Udyog Vihar,
Phase V, Gurgaon
This Live Performance is on only until tonight…i.e. 22nd January 2017
For a Chef’s table experience, please call Mallika Dasgupta at +919582944202
On
offer are a Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian tasting menus, I went in for the
former
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