23 March,2010 08:03 AM IST | | Rocky Thongam
On a gastronomic quest to the Punjabi heartland of Delhi, THE GUIDE discovered a restaurant that speaks Greek
Lately, the only spiritual pursuit I have been involved in, is being a devoted a mall rat. Some poker-faced security guard sweeps his hands all over my body (while I cover my vital parts in reflex action) and I find myself ushered into a large air-conditioned shrine.
Greek to you: The interiors of Ambrosia
But as the other devotees fawn over their Tommy Hilfigers and Calvin Kleins, to which I always give a committed customary glance too (least I evoke the wrath of my companions who dragged me there in the first place), my interest lies some place else. Restaurants are the sanctum sanctorum in shopping malls; it is where one can really enjoy divine bliss again and again.u00a0
So, following this celestial inspiration (and some prodding from my editor), I made an excursion to a mall. The trip ended after an hour's drive. Phew.
Food
Ambrosia serves Indian, Oriental and Greek. Though the menu is limited when it comes to the Grecian options, I started with Keftetheg me salsa domates or meatballs in tomato and hot salsa sauce, which was appetising, though had a slightly tough texture for my fork to dig in. Revithokefteded, a tongue twister as it is, had a charming effect on the palate. The minced chickpea balls with coriander and green chillies with tahini (sesame) sauce were a delightful surprise, definitely worth their salts.u00a0
The main course was Kotopoulo Me Manitariau00a0-- chicken and mushroom curry in tomato sauce and red wine. My friend ordered a Muossaka, minus the meat. The vegetarian version in bu00e9chamel sauce topped with cheese was the second pleasant surprise of the meal. Its temperature was just right, and the aubergine and other vegetables blended in the mouth well with the soft cheese. The Oriental main course I opted for, was Wok-fried fish with black sauce, and it was a respectable affair.
If it's Indian on your mind, pick from murg tikka haryali for non-vegetarians, paneer tikka kalimirchwali for the vegetarians or the main course, consisting of the ever-popular mutton rogans and shahi paneer kormas. Desserts are basicu00a0-- kesari ras malais and fresh fruits in ice creams.
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Drinks
I stuck to a reliable Jack Daniel's to wash down the Keftetheg me salsa domates, and the combination worked. What didn't was combining the in-house specialty Rumtini (a shaken mix of white rum and sweet vermouth) with the fish salt and pepper in Chinese herbs. For the teetotalers, there's Luscious Love, a mocktail combination of pineapple and cranberry juice with a small amount of peach syrup and a dash of lime. Recommended.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Ambience
The message in the air: When in Punjab, do as the Greeks do. The ambience, however, is a little minimalist for a place with a name like Ambrosia. If the Greek Gods ever decide to make a trip to this place, they would find the walls a little too sober and empty for their opulent taste.u00a0u00a0
The du00e9cor, again, needs some re-thinking. In my friend's words, "If pushed a little further, it could be the set of a monochrome movie." A little colour, and perhaps it could still retain its sobriety and yet become energetic. What is appreciable are the comfortable cushioned seats. The air-conditioning is just right, and the mood lighting isu00a0 soothing. The music is soft enough to let you eavesdrop on the next table. If you live in the neighbourhood, don't give it a miss. And, you're most likely to discover, like me, how every restaurant in a mall is a mixture of boons and banes.
Ambrosia
Where: West Gate mall, Rajouri Garden
Timings: 1pm to 12 am
Meal for two: Rs. 2500
Ring: 43742244, 43742255
