Reveling In Old-World Charm At Kwality...

A place where Delhi first learned how to dine is now all set to return, hoping to bring back traditions such as delicious and authentic fuss-free food, a dress code, foreign brass bands, formal high teas, and midnight dances.

I am referring to Kwality, New Delhi's single oldest restaurant that has been standing strong in Connaught Place for the last 80 years. Having opened in 1940 by the legendary owner PL Lamba, during the pre-independence time. Kwality has had the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India's post-independence food landscape, introducing Indians to the delights of ice-cream, hotels, and fine dining.

The past Republic Day weekend, I had the pleasure of dining at Kwality, of course, it is the perfect time to revel in some national nostalgia, albeit through the culinary route.

Being pioneers of Anglo-Indian cuisine, the menu at Kwality features a selection of Indian and Continental delicacies, with the ambiance exuding unmatched old-world charm, complemented by polite and attentive service.

The service style is presented with bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch, Germany, and a painstakingly curated silver service.

Designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, the interiors reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, one is immediately transported into a time warp with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical maharajah style polo bar littered with original antiques.

There are almost seventy original photographs of CP by the famous photographer Madan Mahatta on the walls, spanning over the period of 40 years and have captured the essence of the grand Connaught Place and lifestyles post-independence where strong colonial influences can be seen.

Coming to the gastronomic excellence that is plated with a smile at Kwality...

Beverages: 

Kwality Shikanji is one of the in-house specialties, a homemade concoction that refreshes the palate.

Oolong Kangra is one of the warm brews that feature on the high-tea menu at Kwality, a blend straight from the tea estate at Kangra Valley! :)

Appetizers: 

Dahi Ke Kebab were appetizing, melt-in-mouth morsels of hung curd complemented by pomegranate and cashew.

Shakargand Ramadana Tikki was a crisp and flavorful preparation of sweet potato and amaranth, one of the unique delicacies on the menu.

Palak Patta Chaat is one of the quintessential and popular street foods in Delhi and its preparation at Kwality was a vibrant and delicious one.

Stuffed Tandoori Mushroom Tikka had button mushrooms enveloping a creamy mix of khoya and dry fruits, which was delightful.

Paneer Boti Tikka was an elaborate preparation off the grill, with the smoked charcoal flavor balancing the creaminess of cottage cheese.

Kashmiri Paneer Kebab was grilled to perfection with the nuttiness of dry fruits.

Khijiya Papad is one of the in-house special accompaniments to an Indian meal when dining at Kwality.

Soups: 

Minestrone and French Onion are two of the classic English preparations and both were presented with finesse, and the classic flavors intact.

Main Course: 

Grilled Fish is a classic continental preparation that had soft river sole fillets served with a side of grilled veggies and lemon butter sauce.

Desserts: 

Kwality Special Pudding

Parsi Dairy Kulfi

Tutti Frutti

Bread and Butter Pudding

All in all, a meal at Kwality resembled warping to the bygone era in the heart of Delhi. :)

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. :)

Deliciousness In Abundance At AMPM...

AMPM Cafe & Bar from the house of Bright Hospitality is one of the chirpiest places in town where there's always space for some banter coupled with appetizing creations from across the globe.

Needless to say, the feel-good-factor kicks in, the moment you step into the premises, and the newest of the three AMPM outlets across NCR i.e. the one at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, is no exception.

A well-lit premises is accentuated by musically inclined memorabilia and anecdotes, which present an overall lively picture.

Apart from taking Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters on board, AMPM also prompts patrons to #refuelyourphones where power banks are available on demand as life is always on the go.

Music and gastronomy are often the best of pals, and AMPM is a testimony to the fact. While the interiors are bright and inviting, the seating arrangements are versatile and comfy. There are also potted plants and some merchandise to take home if you please.

The variety on the Menu stands by the theme - from AM to PM - with their signature Lickable 'Freak Shakes' complementing the delicious preparations.

There is also a live singing session on Friday evenings. Add to a nice meal, the promptness of service, and just like me, you would also love to visit AMPM quite often.

Here's what I would suggest trying at AMPM...

Lickable 'Freak Shakes' / Beverages:

Valentino is perfect if red velvet is your flavor of the season, topped with a moist cake slice and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

On the other hand, Rosy Baby might be one of the simplest shakes on the menu but the rose and berry flavors pack a power punch.

If you'd like something classic, their Virgin Mojito prepared with a dash of rock salt is a refreshing beverage.

A serving of AMPM's Chamomile Tea is the best alternative to survive the sugar rush afterward. 

Appetizers:

Palak Patta Chaat is the ultimate signature dish at AMPM and is a must-have for the enviable crisp.

Patatas Bravas blends Spanish and Indian taste by bringing to the fore, the classic Dilli-6 potato pops yet keeping the aesthetic global.

Chili Paneer at AMPM is the crispiest take on this Oriental preparation that I have had so far. Served with bell peppers and onions, it sure was delicious.

Veggie Salt 'n' Pepper was an assortment of exotic veggies tossed in spices.

Main Course:

Kadhai Paneer NaanCos are AMPM's Indian touch to a Mexican staple, substituting taco crust with garlic naan and a stuffing of homemade cottage cheese to ace the flavor.

Quesadillas had refried beans paired with peppers and melted cheese in a nifty tortilla paired with salsa and sour cream.

River Sole Fillet is one of the aesthetic preparations from Europe done right at AMPM. Served on a bed of potato mash paired with broccoli, it is a soft fish fillet.

Dessert:

Kulfi Gazzak is a cracker of a dessert with scoops of ice cream encased in chocolate cups and sprinkled with crisps.

On the whole, I had a pleasant meal at AMPM and would visit again soon for a memorable experience. :)