Let's Have Something Out of the Box!

Cafe Out of the Box, Khan Market has been one of the most popular hangout places for youth and families alike ever since its inception six years back. 
It was a chance visit to OTB post a tiring shopping spree. The restaurant is quaintly situated in the bylanes atop a flight of stairs and spans two floors - one for families as a naturally lit section and the other as a lounge that is a moderately lit section. 

Screening of World Cup matches and ambient music in the backdrop along with comfy couches as the seating arrangement make a meal worthwhile at OTB. 

OTB as a concept encompasses some of the best dishes from across the globe with authentic flavors being perfected in their kitchen. 
To begin the meal at OTB, go for some Creamy Corn Chowder that is a warm broth served with crunchy puff sticks on the side. 

From among the Entrees, while All-Season Christmas Canapes are bite-sized crunchies, Czech Savory Bramboraky are crisp and warm potato pancakes finished with a tomato relish. 

While the Cuban Cigar Rolls are crisp and cheesy with various condiments as a garnish in a martini glass, the Napolina Risotto Bowls are balls of flavor that elevate the classic Dal Chawal Arancini, and the Duo of Tandoori Florets presents cauliflower and broccoli in dual variants - creamy and pickled. 

However, the Paneer Tikka Pate and Mushroom Tikka Pate are fusion dishes as they are served with soft Pavs and buttery garlic bread respectively. 

As far as Main Course is concerned, two of the options are definite;y worth the flavors, one Sayadeya that is OTB's take on the Egyptian staple with grilled fish served on a bed of couscous rice with veggies on the side, and two Chimichurri Paneer Roll that has pinwheel-shaped cottage cheese rendered in creamy tomato gravy with Lachcha Parantha to go along. 

For Dessert, of course, is the classic Walnut Brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and layered with chocolate syrup. 

On the whole, Out of the Box has stood the test of time and quality with some delicious preparations up their sleeve. 

A Visit To The Luggage Room...

The Luggage Room is one of the fairly new entrants on the F&B scene in the heart of the capital city. 

An offshoot of Sandoz Group, The Luggage Room emulates a lounge perfect for that relaxed weekend meal with friends complemented by ambient music in the backdrop.

I had visited them earlier this month for lunch and the place was easy to spot given its prime location in M Block, Outer Circle right above House of Commons and adjacent to 38 Barracks and The G.T. Road.

The Luggage Room is located on the second floor and can be moderately or dimly lit depending on if your visit coincides with a party being held there. As the name suggests, The Luggage Room features a wall of backpacks and every element in the decor borrows from the concept of a suitcase. Be it the door at the entrance, the menu, the table or even the platter in which the dishes are presented, almost every facet speaks of 'luggage' at The Luggage Room.

Coming to what would be some of the well-made dishes worth a try at The Luggage Room...

Appetizers: 

Mushroom & Cheese Cigar Rolls were crisply served in shot glasses with a sweet chili sauce at the bottom.

Ajwaini Fish Tikka came with an in-house tartar sauce and the fish fillets were soft and flavorful.

Chicken Malai Tikka was creamy and had mint chutney to go along.

Tempura Vegetables were an assortment of veggies served with a somewhat tangy sauce.

Mint Lemon Fish was an Oriental preparation that had the prominent lemon flavor with bell peppers to go along the melt-in-mouth fish chunks.

Fish 'N' Chips is a classic wherein the fish was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Chips here were not the classic French Fries but some unique fried crisps.

Salad: 

Caesar Salad had the leafy counterpart complemented by numerous chicken chunks.

Soups: 

Tuscan Tomato was served with garlic bread on the side and had a cheesy crouton as garnish.

Lemon Coriander was not just a clear soup with lime and greens but also had veggies for a welcome change.

Main Course:

Special Mix Pizza was recommended by the staff and was a cheesy thin crust preparation loaded with assorted veggies.

Kadhai Paneer was a classic that went well with the bread basket and salad.

Desserts:

Chocolate Brownie with Ice-cream is a classic sweet conclusion and the brownie here was exceptionally soft and moist.

On the whole, The Luggage Room deserves a visit if you wish to relish some nice food over light banter and good company complemented by a musical ambiance. 

This Madaari Of Good Hospitality...

Madaari is the newest entrant on the food scene in Model Town and acts as quite a refresher, adding vibrancy to a rather dull scene. My visit to Madaari came about as a consequence of a food tasting held right before its opening for regular patrons, in order to solicit feedback from the who's who of food blogging.

The place is quite a spacious one with the concept of three monkeys being highlighted on one of the walls, hence complementing the name. Apart from that, the decor is quite gothic with resemblances to lions, deer, archaic clocks, thrones and soldiers being drawn.

The DJ plays the latest party songs and this place is fit for grooving to them with friends. Most of the food has its presentation coupled with a quirk.

Here's what all was served at the recently concluded Blogger's Table.

Appetizers: 

Stuffed Cheese Mushroom Schezwan Sauce

Crispy Honey Lotus

Cigar Rolls

Honey Chilli Potato

Chilli Paneer Dry

Hariyali Paneer Tikka

Roulade Chicken Schezwan Oyster Sauce

Crispy Golden Fried Prawns

Galouti Kebabs

Murgh Zard Gilafi

Mocktails/Shakes: 

Madaari Special (Ice-Breaker)

Oreo Shake

Kiwi Margarita

Strawberry Shake

Main Course (Indian Cuisine served with an assortment of Breads and Salad): 

• Dal Makhani
• Kadhai Paneer
• Veg Biryani
• Butter Chicken
• Mutton Rogan Josh

• Butter Garlic Pepper Fried Rice
• Chicken Pad Thai Noodles
• Veg Chilli Garlic Basil
• Fish in Hot Garlic Sauce

Desserts: 

Moong Dal Halwa

Chocolate Brownie with Ice-cream

I had a good time at Madaari and apart from the fact that it serves great food amid a comfortable ambiance, it would appeal to patrons who look forward to a relaxing time on weekends perhaps. :)