Regional Specialties From A Culinary Journey...

The G.T. Road is a restaurant modelled around the concept of Asia's well-known trade route by the same name - linking four countries and leaving its traces through three empires beginning from the Mauryan Empire.

Spanning across the length and breadth of the massive 2600 km, the Grand Trunk Road still facilitates transportation for commoners and traders alike. And hence, The G.T. Road is a culinary journey that traverses 2600 km to bring the best of dishes from Kabul to Chittagong. 

Spinning off on the concept of dining like a prince but paying like a pauper, G.T. Road caters to the variation of spoilt-for-choice buffet with the local specialties of the countries that the roadway passes through being brought to the table.

The G.T. Road spells vintage like no other, with the customary vintage car at the entrance, coins, rifles, artefacts, photographs and archaic utensils perfecting the ambiance.

On a recent visit to Chandigarh over the long weekend, one of the restaurants we chose to dine at was this one, and pleasantly, the Delhi outlet and this outlet could be said to be the mirror images of each other as far as the overall experience is concerned.

From on-table grills to the live kitchen counter vested in the preparation of the choicest of street foods and also crisp Jalebi, to the extensive variety in Main Course and cheat meal kind of indulgence as far as the Desserts are concerned, this place is for patrons who like being spoiled for choice.

Also, do try their Bunta served in the 'glass bottle with a marble' especially the Lychee variant, and the Kala Khatta mocktail.

As always, a meal here concludes with a handful of सौंफ-मिश्री.

Gastronomic Delights At Raftaar...

Raftaar is one of the lounges on the happening F&B scene in Punjabi Bagh and the place where the sundowners happen is the coveted Club Road.

Modeled after the need for speed, and all things automobile, Raftaar is being marketed as a 'High Speed Bar And Lounge' since its establishment and is spread across two extensively spacious floors, though seating is not crammed at all.

Out of the third and fourth floors that the outlet is set across, the fourth floor also features outdoor seating that could be considered as the smoking zone.

The place is adorned with a life-size vintage red beast parked at the entrance of the premises with a wheel or two being thrown in as a decorative prop. The entrance also features monochrome snaps of vintage automobiles too. The decor and interiors, however, are done with a modern element going into them.

Being marketed as a lounge, the outlet is moderately lit, with two private dining spaces, occasional live band sessions, live screening of sports matches (with the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in full swing), and a DJ to its credit.

Coincidentally, Chef Karan was there to thoughtfully curate a meal for us when we visited the outlet, presenting us with his favorite recipes tuned to our preferences.

I could see why they're the most popular items on the menu and would recommend the same if you visit Raftaar too. All the dishes were brilliantly prepared as well as presented to us, thanks to Chef.

Appetizers: 

Chicken Akbari

Mushroom Galauti was melt-in-mouth and simply fantastic.

Filo Wrap had melted cheese and veggies stuffed in filo sheet and wrapped thereafter. The accompanying dip went along well.

Chicken Cilantro was served in a crust basket, with chicken chunks topped with cilantro.

Broccoli Ki Shami is yet to be introduced into the Menu, and Chef presented it as his special recipe.

Murg Peshawari

Mocktails: 

Paan Asian Mojito had real पान and गुलकन्द going into its making and thus had a lingering flavor.

Head In The Clouds had blueberries and maple foam as its ingredients, and thus had a symbolic face made on top of the foam.

Blueberry Cinnamon was a refresher, with the striking cinnamon flavor.

Pina Colada is the classic beverage done right, and it was topped with cherries.

Main Course: 

Nachos Crusted Fish 'n' Chips is one of the most innovative dishes I've had. It is Chef's spin-off on Rava Fish and was presented as a fantastic platter.

Dhingri Dolma was a fine preparation involving mushroom and minced cottage cheese.

Paneer Khaas Makhani is Raftaar's take on the classic gravy.

Dal Makhni was quite good.

Jaituni Cheese Naan had life-size जैतून or Olive and it went well along with the curries.

Jalapeno Cheese Kulcha can be considered a sibling of Olive Naan and had an appreciable number of jalapenos as a topping.

Dessert: 

Brownie Sundae was served in a martini glass and had cubes of brownie concealed by ice-cream that had a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.

All in all, Raftaar comes across as a perfect option in West Delhi for a relaxed weekend evening with friends over fantastic food and great banter. :)

Vintage Hues At The G.T. Road...

The Grand Trunk Road or GT Road for short is one of Asia's most iconic and longest major roads. The route that existed during the reign of the Mauryan Empire has linked South Asia with Central Asia. It runs across four countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan) and spans major landmarks of Chittagong, Howrah, Delhi, Amritsar, Lahore, Peshawar, and Kabul.

Borrowing from the concept of this roadway that is still in modern-day use for transportation in present-day India and Pakistan, Bright Hospitality has come up with the newest brand in their kitty, catering to buffet family dining that offers a spoilt-for-choice variety to patrons at economical price points, thus establishing themselves at market-competitive prices.

With classic vintage decor boasting of rifles, coins, lanterns, and archaic utensils, that iconic car (aptly christened 'High Maintenance Old Lady') on the welcome aisle against the backdrop of a multitude of city names on the wall, monochrome photographs of the pre-Independence era, spacious seating spanning across two identical floors, and prompt service, GT Road offers an aesthetic breakthrough in the F&B space.

A 'Menu of The Day' is consciously placed on the table each of which features an on-table grill accompanied by dips (say, tomato-garlic, coconut, mint) and standalone appetizers which borrow from specialties of regions lying on the 2,500 km motorable stretch.

As for the Main Course and Desserts, both boast of a concerted Indian buffet spread, and no-nonsense of unnecessary fusion of cuisines. GT Road as a restaurant caters solely to the delectable spread offered by the countries that the road spans along.

At GT Road, they also have a variety of 'मुरब्बा', pickle, and digestive candies to soothe the appetite.

As for the welcome drink, Shikanji was served, and Indian Chaat items were prepared by Chef on a live counter and served as bite-sized portions.

A special mention for the Desserts, for which the heart goes out. Even the ice-cream flavors borrowed from the authentic date and fig flavors that are commonplace in Afghanistan.

Mocktails, on the other hand, are christened as 'जाम-ए-खास' and are curated as per individual liking, in accordance with the pre-set Menu.

A variety of mouth-fresheners, digestive candies, and पान are also customarily presented on completion of the meal.

As I could see on my visit, The GT Road in the heart of Connaught Place is already one of the most popular among families, and I wish that it continues to be so. :)