There’s something quite soothing about Hotel Diplomat. May be it’s the ‘white’ or perhaps the fact that the historic hotel is still so alive. Or perhaps the way the landmark hotel is “secreted” on such a popular boulevard.   I have happy memories of dining here when the restaurant was Olive Beach. The space is now called Amreli. There is curious novelty is this eatery, conceptualized by Siddhant Lamba (whose family owns the hotel). At a time where all new joints are aiming for the chic, happening look, Amreli portrays a very relaxed, laid back appeal. The art and décor is unlike your usual run-of-the-mill fine-dining restaurants. The colonial feel of…

‘Grand’ is the word that comes to mind as soon as you enter M’Bessy. From the chairs to the chandeliers and cutlery & napkins, everything speaks a royal launguage. M’Bessy derived from Embassy is a  “Republic of Gastronomy” transforming the customer into a splendid world of great food and drinks. The resto-bar houses a furnished vintage European dining area in the ground floor and a contemporary lounge bar in the first floor. Begin with the lip-smacking starters of chicken, prawns, eggplant, broccoli and meat balls. While you wait for your main course to arrive, don’t forget to take a bite into the chicken steak, where grilled chicken breasts are stuffed with a…

Noodles. This is one food item that conjures different images in mind depending on the region you are in. Udon in Japan, Ramen in China, Vermicelli in Singapore…its forms are many. Bringing all the myriad flavours and types of noodles under one roof is Stellar (earlier Nom Nom) at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. Curated by Chef Rajen Pradhan, the “Noodle Festival” is on till June 30th 2016. Using 10 different varieties of noodles – like glass noodles, wheat noodles, Yaki Udon, Yaki Soba, rice vermicelli, hakka – the Chef has created an extensive three-course menu with soups, salads and main course. A supreme delight for noodle lovers! What’s more,…

With Garam Dharam on ground floor, Chew Café on the first and countless ‘unique’ eateries in its neighbourhood, can this restaurant define its niche? What I Liked: The ambience: With large, comfortable leather chairs in one corner, wooden tables and chairs in the centre facing a small stage, and a beautiful patio, you can “choose your own niche at the restaurant”. A busy spot for kitty party ladies in the afternoon, it transforms into a lounge by the evening. The afternoon I went with my friend, there were two kitty party groups giggling away and a couple enjoying a quiet lunch in one corner. The huge space allows that kind…

“I am getting used to the difference in clientele in two markets,” the manager of a recently opened restaurant outlet in Rajouri Garden told us in an “off the record” conversation. After managing operations for a number of restaurants in South Delhi, he said this market was a different experience for him. That the two markets are distinct in terms of demands from customers is well known. I recall a conversation with Mohit Nanda, owner, Grub House on this subject. The menu in the outlet (Grub Pub) in Hauz Khas is different from the one in BK Dutt Market, Rajouri Garden. It is because of the nature of demands that you see pork…

I have been accused of being judgmental on several occasions. Mostly while not picking up a book to read because of its cover or title. If the name doesn’t appeal me, the book will most certainly disappoint me. Abhinav has different take on things. He has an inexplicable power to see beyond titles and labels. So when he convinced all of us to go to Road Romeo for family dinner, I trusted him. (Of course, in this case his power came from a popular restaurant recommendation app!) Road Romeo. Doesn’t sound like a place one would pick to celebrate an occasion with family. It certainly doesn’t sound like a place that…

  If you’re a fitness junkie, you will love this hotel even if, rather especially, if you forgot to pack your workout clothes while travelling for a short business trip to Chennai. Westin Chennai Velacherry allows you to hire on rent sneakers, workout tops, socks for $5. What’s more, if you prefer to get some fresh air in local surroundings while you exercise, there’s something stirring for you. There’s a ‘Run Concierge’ available at your service to share interesting facts about the area or you can simply grab a trail map and take off on your own. Even as your fitness regimen is assured, the hotel also attempts to make…