A taste of Europe

The recently opened CA VA is the place to go if you want carefree conversations with good European fare

The u00a0German actor and playwright Victor de Kowa once said: "Conversation is the art of speaking without thinking." My recent visit to a restaurant helped me put the man's golden words in context and I quite liked it.


The interiors are arranged to give you a feel of Europe in Delhi

Ca va is a recently-opened European diner in Defence Colony's main market. I had heard about the place and the 'bold' initiative it had taken to change DefCol's culinary geography. I landed up at the place a few days ago and realised for once, the rumours were right, well almost.

Easy does it
The tagline 'dining at ease', made me a bit sceptical as I entered the small diner on first floor, for in India 'ease' is easily translated into sloppiness. The d ufffdcor is simple -- neatly arranged tables with small paintings on the walls -- trying to remind you of an erstwhile European era even as you sit in Delhi.

There are no unexpected additions in the room to make it look unusual and that worked for me. When you enter a restaurant you simply glance through the room once and you instinctively know whether you want to place an order or not. Ca Va is a place where you'll choose to sit down and place that order.

The diner's name might make you think of an array of French cuisines but let's face it, you can't survive on French food alone in Delhi, so Italian and Continental dishes have been tactfully thrown in, 'with a twist'.

Biz buzz
But mind you, that doesn't mean the place has only commercial success on its agenda. In fact, Rajneesh, one of the co-owners takes offence when you discuss commercial aspects. "I'm so passionate about food that I sleep, dream and walk food. I simply wanted to introduce European cuisines in this part of the market and it has worked," he claims.

So keeping in mind that business was a taboo topic here, I ended up listening to everything from his love for mussels to retirement in the Andamans. And the food helped, the Paupiettes of Parmesan coated chicken, baked and served with chilli orange dressing made for perfect starters. The meat I'm sure went through some beating in the kitchen for they melted in the mouth. The portions though were a little too small for a man of my girth.

Fine choices
The tender cakes of corn and sweet ginger served with a sweet chilli dip is a fine choice if you are a vegetarian, otherwise stay loyal to your paupiettes. My main course was a pork chop steak with pepper sauce. I'm not an expert but according to me, since the chops are usually made from active muscles, it should be a given that they'll be a little less tender than other kinds of meat but the trick is to also retain the moisture. This one seemed to do so and I was happy putting my steak knife and fork in good use.

However, the polenta steak with sun-dried tomato pesto was not up to the mark. After all, how can cornmeal substitute a luscious piece of meat? I ended the meal with a mascarpone and coffee liqueur. This tiramisu is a must have.

So land at Ca Va if you are tired and want carefree conversation along with some European dishes to sink your teeth into.

At: First floor, 7, Main Market, Defence Colony
Timings: Noon to midnight
Ring: 41676654
Meal for two: Rs 2,200 plus taxes