Dining In Style Courtesy Chef Sanjeev Kapoor...

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is the ultimate personality when it comes to a mention of the gastronomic arena. He is the undisputed king. Naturally thus, when it comes to an establishment in the F&B industry that has to cater to patrons for a dine-in experience, SK Restaurants as a brand has to be the ideal choice.

This was the sole motivation behind my decision to visit Sura Vie, Netaji Subhash Place for lunch and I was sure that the name was enough to guarantee a pleasant gastronomic sojourn, and so it was.

Given the fact that I have witnessed Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's gastronomic prowess in action first-hand, I was even more confident.

Located prominently on the first level in the Aggarwal Millenium Tower, Sura Vie is a fine-dining outlet camouflaged as a casual dining one, thanks to its plush interiors, soothing vibe, courteous and attentive service, all coupled with minimal stress to the wallet.

The name of the outlet 'Sura Vie' is itself intriguing as is proclaimed on the first page of the Menu itself, i.e. Sura Vie as a brand, is a complete package, offering the best of both food and beverages.

The restaurant features two private dining spaces - perfect for large groups or intimate gatherings, as the case may be.

A floral beckoning at the entrance itself is pleasantly welcoming.

Backed by the concept of Buffet and Ala Carte, patrons are spoiled for choice, as whichever pattern they may choose boasts of variety.

The 'Make Your Own Salad' concept at the buffet spread is enticing enough too.

There are few trinkets and flora here and there to up the pleasant vibe of the outlet too.

Here's what I would recommend trying when at Sura Vie...

Try Seventh Heaven, Santra Tantra, or Blue Sparkle if you wish to beat the heat on a sweet note.

Or the tried-and-tested Jaljeera if a tanginess in your mocktail of choice beckons.

With Indian Cuisine being Chef Kapoor's specialty, it comes as no surprise that the Murg Yakhni Shorba comes across as a clear winner, complete with a couple of strands of Kesar too, the authentic Kashmiri way.

As for the classic warm broths, Cream of Mushroom and Tomato & Basil soups were also well prepared.

Among Salads, I decided to opt for the simplistic Caesar Salad, complete with crisp lettuce, baby tomatoes, olives, and croutons.

Appetizers were a mix of Indian and Oriental cuisines, with Stir Fried Veggies In Nest being an aesthetic culinary delight complemented with baby corn, mushrooms, broccoli and the likes served in a crispy noodle bowl.

Among the Indian ones, while Chatpati Khatti Meethi Seekh stole the show with its knack of being presented with veggie skewers being encased in an enviable crispy crust, Makai Creamy Kaju Tikki was perfect with its flavor of the unbeatable combination of sweet corn, cream, and cashew nut.

Teen Mirch Ka Paneer Tikka, on the other hand, had a tangy aftertaste in its soft cheese chunks paired with bell peppers served alongside a savory mint dip.

I again decided to venture on the Indian route for the Main Course, as we settled for the in-house specialty Shaam Savera prepared as spinach and cottage cheese savories in a tangy tomato gravy, and signature Lalla Mussa Dal with black and green lentils, paired with a bread basket.

As the absolute conclusion to the meal, we savored Kulfi garnished with nuts and a warm, soft Brownie chunk paired with ice-cream that had a syrup drizzle as a topping.

On the whole, my visit to Sura Vie was a pleasant one, and I would like to revisit the place whenever I am in the vicinity next. 

Sophisticated Gastronomy At Tamra...

ताम्र is a word of Sanskrit origin signifying copper. Owing to its excellent material properties and heat conduction, it has been a favorite cookware material for chefs in India since ancient times and has become one for chefs across the globe, gradually.

Borrowing from the concept of the metal, Tamra, situated on Level 1 in Shangri-La in the heart of the city, incorporates a potpourri of cuisines and delicacies while overlooking a picturesque garden maintained within the premises of the property.

With a lavish buffet and Ala Carte catering to Indian, Oriental, Continental, and Thai preparations at patrons' behest, they're bound to be spoilt for choice when being at and enjoying their visit to Tamra. Also, in accordance with the name, Indian preparations are served in copper vessels.

The stewards are informed and attentive, and service is courteous and warm, as due care is taken to address any allergens or customizations before hand.

My visit to Tamra came about as a consequence of a celebratory lunch and I thoroughly relished the delicacies prepared by Chef Neeraj Tyagi and his skilled team of chefs.

It comes as no surprise when all the dishes are prepared with such finesse because Chef Tyagi has a backing of a decade and a half along with numerous prestigious accolades to his credit.

Tamra's interactive kitchens emulate early marketplaces, where chefs showcased their skills and presented culinary delights crafted to be sold to visitors and traders alike.

Moreover, the decor too borrows with a liberal usage of copper as decorative trinkets to enhance the vibe that Tamra aims to reflect. Don't be surprised if you spot some rolling pins i.e. the homely बेलन right across the wall or atop the ceiling too. :)

Here's what would be my recommendations to be appreciated when at Tamra...

Beverages:

Mango Tango is a seasonal special and was a concoction of cucumber, mango puree, honey, and ginger ale.

Big Wave was a flavorful mocktail served in a tiki glass, with a prominent lychee flavor.

Asian Lemonade is Tamra's signature beverage, with grapefruit, orange, and cranberry flavors leaving a lingering taste on the palate.

Coconut Mint Cooler had hints of mint, lime, fresh coconut water, and cucumber.

Salad:

Classic Caesar Salad was a delectable spread of Romaine lettuce, croutons, and grilled chicken breast with a parmesan dressing.

Soups:

Minestrone was a classic preparation with tomato broth, beans, parmesan, and veggies.

Green Asparagus Veloute consisted of asparagus ribbons and creme fraiche, thus imparting it a creamy consistency.

Appetizers:

Aam Papad Paneer Tikka is Tamra's signature and the prominent tangy mango flavor coupled with melt-in-mouth cottage cheese could help me see how it is so.

Peeli Sarson Macchi Tikka was an authentic river sole marinated in yellow mustard and cooked to perfection.

Tandoori Tellicherry Prawns are another signature, with the marination of black pepper, brown onions, and curry leaves imparting the tiger prawns a lingering flavor on the palate.

Main Course:

Paad Paak Ruam was a flavorful mix veg stir fry that went well along with sticky rice.

Aaloo Palak Ki Gujia had each ingredient and its presentation working in its flavor, with a fennel based creamy curry, and spinach and potato stuffed in the shape of a Gujia.

Murg Makhan Malai was the most flavorful item presented in the main course, with its tomato based gravy and well-prepared chicken chunks.

Pudina Parantha went along well with both the curries.

Tawa Chicken Biryani, served along with Burrani Raita is a unique preparation at Tamra with the classic Rice delicacy not being subjected to Dum, but instead being cooked on a Tawa. It is undoubtedly a must-try, as the flavors closely replicate that of an authentic Dum Biryani.

Desserts:

Tamra Chocolate is their signature chocolate ensemble and consisted of rich flavors, reminding me of the Chocolate Bomb at The California Boulevard.

Creamy Cheese Cake was a fitting conclusion to the meal, with its pistachio crumble and berry compote complementing the spot-on preparation of the cheesecake.

All in all, Tamra comes across as a classy option for a delectable spread spanning across multiple cuisines which can be relished over some great banter and appreciation of a fantastic view that is the in-house green cover.

Moreover, Tamra emulates an ideal destination for a gastronomic platter encompassing global flavors that make any dining experience memorable. My time at Tamra too stands testimony to that. :)

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. :)