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.

Leisurely Dining At The Mellow Garden...

The Mellow Garden is one of the fairly new entrants on the F&B scene in Rajouri Garden. As the name suggests, the outlet has been modeled in the form of a garden.

Spread across two spacious floors with aesthetic interiors based on the garden thematic, I was here recently for lunch and had a pleasant time. Though the ambiance and interiors had a great part to play in forming my impression, the dishes as it is, though retaining the typical presentation, aced the flavors for the most part of it.

The outlet is well-lit and the premises have been designed in accordance with the brand name i.e. garden. The atmosphere, on the whole, is also calming and leisurely just like a stroll in the garden.

With a rhythmic stream flowing at the entrance, cobblestones pave the way to the seating area and a play area for kids, both of which have been tastefully designed.

Here's what I would recommend trying at The Mellow Garden...

Soups

The Talumein or Manchow Soups come across as warm broths to try if you relish a wide bowl serving of veggies and noodles.

Appetizers

Punjabi Machhi Tikka had soft fish fillets complemented with mint dip.

Peshawari Mushroom Kebab had cheese stuffed between soft skewered button mushrooms.

Indian Street Food is a particular section on the Menu mentioned as 'Chatori Chaat' and it had some well-prepared street fare.

Puchka Chaat is served with an assortment of five dips comprising of Jaljeera, Hing, Kala Khatta, Santra, and Pudina.

Fried Dimsum Chaat was an Indo-Oriental preparation, with Chinese dimsums being done the Indian way.

Ragda Masala Chana Tikki had crispy cakes topped with tamarind and paired with mashed peas.

Palak Patta Chaat had crisp spinach leaves topped with pomegranate, tamarind dip, and yogurt.

Main Course 

Veg Dum Biryani came with nicely cooked rice and veggies, accompanied by Raita and salad.

Paneer Tikka Pizza was a crisp thin-crust preparation topped with cottage cheese chunks and veggies.

Desserts 

The desserts at The Mellow Garden earn a special mention as they have some unique flavors to offer.

Jalebi Kulfi and Rose Kulfi with chunks of the round sweet and rose petals respectively had apt flavors.

Paan Ice Cream was yet another refreshing dessert with the appropriate Gulkand flavor.

Kesar Badam Phirni was a sweet delight served in an earthen bowl, topped with nuts and silver work.

On the whole, I had a nice meal at The Mellow Garden complemented by attentive service and would suggest a visit to spend quality time with friends and family alike. :)