RESTAURANTS

REVIEW

On a cold, mildly foggy night we find ourselves at Olive at the Qutub, One Style Mile, the eatery of almost legendary proportions in Delhi. We are here to experience something different this time, Greenhouse on the Ridge. “An intimate Tuscan kitchen overlooking a tranquil forest, as our chefs cook right around you” is what it has been described to us as.

We enter a cosy space created within a greenhouse-like structure in the famous courtyard in Olive. Chefs Alice Helme and Flora Hilleary greet us. While there is a pre-fixed menu, the chefs come over to chat us up and find out about the preferences of the group. They talk about their cookery school in Ireland, Ballymaloe, with as much passion as they do about cooking with organic produce.

From running a chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, to setting up restaurants for a new hotel in Rajasthan, Flora is currently enjoying dishing up some exciting European menus for Delhiites. Alice blames her mother and Yotam Otteleghi, UK-based chef and columnist with The Guardian, for her obsession with traditional cooking. And that is precisely what she brings to our table: a mixture of original, fresh flavours.

We start with Pea and Mint Shots, with Parmesan crisps and a dollop of truffle oil and move smoothly on to Rocket, Basil and Parma Ham Salad, which comes splashed with a balsamic and honey vinaigrette, mint, feta cheese and toasted pine nuts. This is followed by Caramelised Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart.

We meander gently towards the main course: Beetroot Risotto with California Wild Rice, Asparagus Spears and Truffle Pecorino for the vegetarians and Roast Reef Cod with Crisp Bacon Mash, Mule’s Sauce, Organic Spinach, Bacon Rashes on the side. The food comes fresh from the fire to the table, smoky hot—very gourmet, yet very home style.

We are stuffed to the gills by the time dessert comes knocking, but who can resist Chocolate Fudge Tart laced with double cream and Spiced Upside Down Pear Tart with Brown Bread Ice-cream? With Olive’s extensive wine list, this makes for a great option if you are taking a bunch of food enthusiasts out.

Femmes Fatale

Chef Flora hilleary (right in the picture above) attended school in Scotland. She once burnt macaroni so badly that it wouldn’t come off the bottom of the pan. She went on to study cookery at Ballymaloe in Ireland and came to India travelling. She stayed on to set up the kitchen at Greenhouse. Chef Alice helme attended an intensive cookery course at Ballymaloe and started a catering company. It operated in London and Wiltshire. A fan of Chef Fergus Henderson of London’s St John’s restaurant, she loves traditional cooking. Cooking classes: Attend one-day classes at the Greenhouse for 3,000 per person.

Gurgaon being a young city, the crowd at the restaurant is lively. You are likely to find a group celebrating a birthday or letting their hair down on a Friday evening.

RECTORY CAFE

102 Lakeshore Ave, Ward’s Island Tel: +1 416 203 2152;

Cuisine: Global

Cost: CAD 100 (approx.) for two(with alcohol)

Reservations: Recommended Wheelchair access: Poor

REVIEW

The USP of this charming little restaurant is the location. Sitting comfortably on an island, Rectory Cafe can be accessed only by a ferry. The greenery that surrounds this rectory converted into a restaurant. Having a meal in the patio garden is the most rewarding option. The interiors, too, are pleasing, thanks to some beautiful tropical landscaping.

Thankfully I had a reservation, as it is difficult to find a place in the patio, more so on a warm sunny afternoon. The menu touches on several cuisines including Turkish, Italian, Greek, Spanish and even Japanese. I start with the simple Moroccan Chickpeas, which are delightful and the paella, though not quite as complex as that in Valencia, is nonetheless good. Other specialities include the Ontario Chipotle Bison Burger and Pulled Pork Panini. Rectory also has a decent cheeseboard and tantalising desserts ranging from luscious fruits to tiramisu and New York-style creamy cheesecake. Unpretentious Rectory Café has for long been a favourite for those who want good, wholesome food.