Go the green mile

Koregaon park's latest restaurant, which will soon allow you to turn artist offers vegetarian delights, and believes in art for charity

Vegathon was full of surprises. Firstly, we were impressed that they wished to make a reservation. We were even more impressed when they called back to re-confirm our visit. Finally, on arrival, a canvas, easel and paint brushes welcomed us. Small tables for two dotted the tiny space, with a bookshelf on the side. We were promptly ushered upstairs to what seemed like a conference room or a private dining area. The table could seat eight and that would be the end of Vegathon.

Vegathon
Food: home-style
Service: polite
Ambience: art cafe


The menu doesn't quite reflect the vegetarian marathon that it's named after. Instead it's a simple two-pager. On offer were fours of each: sandwiches, Indian gravies, parathas, pasta, coffees, mocktails and smoothies. All vegetarian, of course. We began our meal with a Pasta Primavera (Rs 150). It came in a simple bowl dotted with colourful bell peppers and tasted like a herb gardenu00a0-- rosemary, thyme and oregano all came together in this simple but neat meal.

Next, we tried the Mooli Parathas (Rs 75). The triangular pizza-pies seemed a tad too thin to be stuffed and didn't seem to have significant amounts of mooli (radish) in them. But, they went well with the fresh curd and mango pickle they were served with.

Motivated, we ventured further into the realm of the Veg Biryani (Rs 250). This seemed too small a portion for the cost of it but it tasted fresh and home-cooked. Again, the accompaniments worked wonderfully. The Masala Raita and the fresh, rough-cut salad tasted and smelt of farms and earth. It helped us down our very subtle Dal Tadka (Rs 125) and Jeera Rice (Rs 125). We would have appreciated a thicker dal but then, this is as home-style as it gets.

Vegathon soon plans to host art exhibitions. They encourage you to pick up a brush and unleash the artist in you. Should you choose not to, they will also have a portrait artist at your disposal each time you choose to dine here. The proceeds of all these art works (once sold) shall go to a foundation that the restaurant subscribes to. Now that's what we call vegetarian with a heart and an art as well.

From: 11 am to 11 pm
At: Gera Gardens, next to Vivanta by Taj, Koregaon Park.
Call: 7738977777