It is said that one can't put a price on comfort...
Ibis (owned by Accor Hotels) proves the contrary by offering their guests well-being at the best price. In a bid to revamp the general perception of Ibis having an economy emphasis, Ibis Golf Course Road, Gurgaon have revamped their all-day casual dining multi-cuisine restaurant Spice It, and I had a chance to visit the unveiling of a concept that imbibes the essence of International and Indian cuisines being served with a twist while offering a relaxed dining atmosphere.
The restaurant is situated on Lobby Level at Ibis and is done in vibrant hues. There are street-smart elements like tiffins, tea kettles, and cycles positioned as counters, while the wall art depicts vivid spices in spoons, and sliced veggies. It is a spacious setting that is well lit, with an adjoining lobby bar, that has the choicest of beverages to prepare, along with a lounge that has games like Foosball and Darts to while away time.
Spice It offers Buffet as well as A La Carte settings for patrons, wherein the buffet features Hawker House counters ranging from salads to appetizers to mains to desserts, all amid a live kitchen setting, for all meals of the day - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Another USP at Spice It across India is that they have the longest running breakfast in town - from as early as 4 AM till noon. As for A La Carte, it is being marketed as 'Multi Cuisine Desi Style' or 'Desi Cuisine Multi Style'.
There is a variety of delicious options for patrons to choose from, and you would be spoiled for choice as far as savory preparations are concerned. The desserts could do with a lot more innovation and variety, nonetheless.
Here's what would be the must-have dishes at Spice It...
Salad and Soup:
Spice It Caesar is their in-house special take on the classic Caesar salad with assorted salad green and a salad dressing.
Tibetan Thukpa was high on flavor with veggies, noodles, and a bit of oil and spice.
Cafe Eats:
Spaghetti Chettinad was a delicious amalgam of Italian and South Indian flavors.
Tandoori Momos were well-prepared and had suitable dips as accompaniment.
Shichimi Spiced Crispy Corns were aptly seasoned and had a vivid aesthetic plating with golden yellows and greens.
Chicken 65 and Bullet Chili Chicken were again, high on the South Indian flavors, complete with curry leaves, lime, and bullet chilies respectively.
Bun-Shun-Wraps-Rolls:
Phulka Soft Tacos were simply melt-in-mouth and owing to the clothespins, reminded me of
'Indo-Persian Kebabs' at Too Indian.
Tiffin Time:
Paneer Tamater Roll is simply the best bet at Spice It. Accompanied by Lahsuni Naan, it aces the flavors and offers a pleasant lingering taste on the palate.
Mutton Pepper Fry is a well-prepared dish and is aptly accompanied by Malabar Parantha.
Meal In A Bowl:
Kadhi Chawal is presented in a vibrant tiffin and is hands-down, the most popular dish that appeals to patrons with a vegetarian preference.
Shanghai Fried Rice is undoubtedly the best bet when it comes to savoring Oriental Cuisine at Spice It.
Andhra Chili Chicken was served on a bed of Lemon Rice accompanied by Appalam.
Nasi Goreng at Spice It was a classic take on the popular Malaysian preparation.
Breads & More:
Chur Chur Parantha was stuffed with choicest fillings and accompanied by Dal Makhni and Boondi Raita.
Kottu is a popular Sri Lankan street fare and was nicely done by the folks at Spice It.
Desserts:
Baked Yogurt was topped with sliced pistachios and Gulab Jamun.
Rasmalai Panna Cotta was accompanied by sliced fruits and garnished with mint.
Parle G Cheesecake seemed like a lift-off from the popular dessert with a mirrored plating
at Farzi Cafe.
All in all, Spice It's #TadkaMaarke avatar has had me pleased to a certain extent with their culinary takes on classic preparations to present a modern perspective to those. :)
