Preview: New Spanish restaurant to open at Shivaji Park

In Spanish, Terttulia means to have an informal chat over a meal. The Spanish restaurant, with the same name, which opens at Shivaji Park next week, could well be that perfect place to catch up with friends

We couldn’t possibly have chosen a better day for a lazy lunch over Sangria, Mojitos and some heavenly Spanish starters and mains. As the skies finally opened up for the first time this season, we walked in to Trettulia, the soon-to-be launched restaurant by the sea near Shivaji Park. It poured outside. Clearly the Gods wanted us to eat to our fill.

Bright floral upholstery on chairs, whitewashed brick walls and statement artworks adorn the walls of Terttulia

Bright floral upholstery on chairs, whitewashed brick walls and statement artworks on walls welcomed us to this chic yet casual and friendly space. We started with a platter of dips and pates, served with lavishes and crusty bread. When it opens its doors next week, we recommend you try the Chicken Liver Pate and the Mushroom Pate.

Mushroom Capuccino with crisp bacon and lavache

For starters, the Chicken Tapenade (Rs 315) and the Chilli Cilantro Basa (Rs 345) are must-tries. Both are flavourful, not too spicy and went well with the Sangria (Rs 410) and the Orange-Basil Mojito (Rs 415) that we ordered. The Portobello with olives and a smear of feta (Rs 335) seemed a little over-spiced, the flavours not quite hitting the right
note here.

The Bacon and Parmesan wrapped Date with Crème Fraiche (Rs 495) was the star among the starters, the sticky texture of the bacon perfectly paired with the sweet stickiness of the dates in a great blend. The mains are all light, and do not sit heavy on your stomach. Imrun Sethi, the owner, explained that the menu has been designed to ensure guests spend quality time chatting, drinking and eating, not stuffing themselves early on in the meal.

The Ravioli, with caramelised onions and generous amount of gorganzola in sage and brown butter (Rs 545), went down smoothly, as did the Pineapple-Glazed Salmon on a bed of vegetable couscous and fried okra (Rs 725). The fish was tender, flaky and the crispy vegetable complemented the couscous well. The Melon Seeds-Crusted Rawas (R615) was firm to the bite, with the spiced pilaf and wilted spinach adding a dash of colour to the white fish.

With the city threatening to get waterlogged, we hurried with the desserts — the Crème Brulee Cheesecake (Rs 255) and the Blueberry Cheesecake (Rs 255) didn’t disappoint. The former is flambed at the table, to get a golden sugary crust that melts in the mouth. Terttulia opens to the public on July 13. Be there or be square!

We cannot rate the place since it was an exclusive preview

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