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. 

Sundown At Unplugged Courtyard...

Unplugged Courtyard is one of the long-standing lounges in the heart of Delhi at Connaught Place. Located in L Block, its appearance at the entrance is surely deceptive as it seems to be a quaint little outlet but has a dedicated outdoor seating area that is perfect for sundowners.

Of course, when I heard that UC is heading to Gurugram with a new outlet, I decided to refresh my palate by heading to UC CP after a casual movie outing.

The ambiance is a heady mix of rustic and modern, with moderately lit premises and decor elements that range from glass bottles to monochrome photography and wooden logs, while the outdoor sun is perfect for the nippy chill in Delhi.

The menu features a mix of Indian, Italian, and Continental preparations and service is done with a smile. Also, UC has been nominated for the title of 'Bar with the Best Ambiance' multiple times over.

The cutlery is designed in the manner of tools like wrenches. pliers, bolts etc. and the menu is also presented on a clipboard.

Coming to some of the popular dishes at Unplugged Courtyard that I'd recommend savoring...

Beverages: 

FYG - For Young Girls was a concoction of rose and guava that had rose petals enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Indiana was UC's take on Aam Panna - the summer drink - and hence such nomenclature.

Appetizers:

Chili Paneer Ghosla or Chili Cheese Nest had the tangy cottage cheese cubes in an edible noodle bowl topped with a cheese slice and julienned bell peppers.

Classic Falafel had the quintessential Middle Eastern touch complete with the crispy patty. soft pita, and hummus on the side.

Tandoori Fish had chunky fish morsels marinated in a mint paste and finished on the grill.

Chermoula Mushroom had button mushrooms sandwiched together and a flavorful mint dip to go with it.

Main Course: 

Ravioli Al Pomodoro was the classic Italian dumpling pasta done right at UC with spinach and a delectable sauce.

Devil's Pizza had a classic thin crust and chicken chunks, jalapeno, and sweet corn.

Dessert: 

Walnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream is the classic sweet conclusion and at Unplugged Courtyard also, it was no different.

All in all, I had a nice time at Unplugged Courtyard, as always and I am wishing that the team takes NCR by storm too, with their new outlet. :) 

Living It Up At Liv Bar...

With their motto being 'You Only Liv Once', Liv Bar at The Walk, Worldmark One, Aerocity is a lounge complete with European feels and the jazzy vibe perfect for a Friday evening meal with friends. 

With a moderately lit interior opening up to full view from behind velvet curtains, Liv Bar reflects the liveliness of its concept from its dishes that are artisinally plated and the flavors that linger on the palate.

Featuring the sophisticated European cuisine on their menu, Liv surely promises a meal that is bound to delight its patrons and stay with them for a while after.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Liv Bar over a relaxed weekend, and I must commend the wholesome experience that Liv has been.

Each dish is presented effortlessly all across the meal and service is done with a smile.

Beginning with the Antipasti, be it Patatas Bravas that are presented as barrels finished with aioli, or Arancini Margherita that are crisped to the tee, with a hot arabiatta sauce spicing up the palate to the Spinach and Feta Greek Phyllo Parcels that are an aesthetic as well as delicious delight, and the Tomato Ricotta Bruschette that are the right balance of crisp and smooth, while the Skewered Cottage Cheese are grilled to perfection, there's a nice play of subtle yet striking flavors both on the plate and the palate. 

While the Caprese Salad is a color burst of red and white accompanied with a drizzle of olive oil, Zupetta di Funghi is a creamy broth finished with a sprig of thyme. 

From among the Pastas, Fusili Cacio e Pepe is a simplistic delight with the subtlety of peppercorn, while Potato Gnocchi is well-made. 

Liv Super Greens Pizza is a warm oven-fresh plating of broccoli, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. 

On the other hand, Wild Mushroom Truffle Risotto is unmistakably great with truffles and mascarpone elevating it to another level altogether, Paella Valencia is an arborio rice staple complemented by the vibrant veggies. 

To lend the apt conclusion to a thoughtfully curated meal, New York Cheese Cake with berry compote would be great as you can never go wrong when berries are finished with a hint of citrus, Walnut Brownie with Caramel Popcorn is an in-house specialty that counters the excessive sweetness of chocolate with a few kernels of salty corn. 

On the whole, Liv Bar has nicely debuted on the F&B scene in Aerocity and for an establishment that is about a month old, I hope they keep up the great work. :)