Class
will always attract class. And Niche will truly create for itself that precious
niche every restaurateur hopes for when launching into this very competitive
industry. What a spectacular place; I compliment every single mind that went
into creating this epitome of fabulous.
Set
on the second floor in M Block, Connaught Place, Niche is right above Garam
Dharam and Chew. A brilliantly stocked bar welcomes you the minute you set your
foot in. And you will glean its elegance in just a glance. It speaks of
relaxed, luxurious riches. The bar is stately, not loud or garish, not shouting
for attention. Invited as I was for a bloggers meet, little did I know when I
first saw the bar that Niche boasts to have one of the greatest mixologists on
board. The large expanse of a skyroof held me captivated as I stepped further
in and then was lead to a warm leather and wood den like interiors done with
utmost finesse.
Served
first up was the finest welcome drink I have had in a long time. Dillinger was
our aperitif. Dill Vodka, bay leaf, cucumber, grapefruit bitters, a citrus tang
and mustard flowers. It was a burst of gentle flavours, so refreshing that it
set the pace just right for the meal to follow. For the appetizer course, we
were served Paneer Dumka Roll, French Onion Soup Rings, Polenta, Vietnamese
prawns, Pappu Chicken and 57’ Duck Breast and also the Chili Aam Papad Chilean
Pork Ribs. Here is fusion for you at its best. Though I could not sample the
entire vast array, everything was cooked and dished to perfection. The Paneer
Dumka Rolls were absolutely delightful with a wonderful sweet and sour stewed
peppers sauce. Delectable indeed! The French onion soup rings, though a tad
heavy on the pallete did afford and delicious flavor of gruyere. The polenta
was by far the winner, served up with mushrooms, asparagus, baby carrots and
parmesan on a bed of mushroom soil. Beautiful and the most refreshing flavours.
I
gave the prawns and pork a skip here, but the pappu chicken was a delightful Punjabi
style spiced up affair and the duck too was tender and flavourful. The Gourmet
Sorbet Bellini flavored with pineapple and thyme was a very thoughtful pallete
cleanse. I must mention that every dish was served accompanied by a fine wine,
from Fratelli Chenin Blanc, to Hardy’s Stamp Chardonnay Semilion, to Il Casone
Pinot Grigio.
The
Salad course came with a Beets and Goat Cheese salad that was such a beauty to
behold. The flavors matched the beautiful presentation and I would have gladly
wrapped up an entire meal just with that! The Smoked Salmon salad with the
gazpacho was rather wonderful too.
The
main course was a study in brilliance. The Hari Saag was a rather fascinating
take on makki ki roti and sarson ka saag. It was served up as polenta crusted
deep fried youghurt balls in a saag gravy. Accompanied by corn bread, jaggery
chips and white butter soil. The Smoked Mushroom Risotto was one of the finest
I have ever tasted. Not overwhelmed with cream and yet a smooth texture with
smokey undertones. Once again, the accompanying wines were an absolute perfect
match. Unfortunately I had no space left to try the Confit Halibut, Chicken
Breast and Lamb Shank. But I am sure they tasted as brilliant as everything
else.
The
dessert left a lot to be desired in terms of flavor and presentation and that
is perhaps the only area Niche needs to better itself at. However, the farewell
to the meal more than made up! The 1816 FLIP is a must have! Lagavulin 16,
Taylor’s Ruby Port, Cranberry Marmalade, Chocolate bitters all come together
for a damn fine drink served up with popcorn.
Niche is definitely fine dining at its best. Something CP and Delhi really needed. For those with a discerning taste, Niche will definitely not disappoint. Watch out…this is going to be the place to be.
Niche is definitely fine dining at its best. Something CP and Delhi really needed. For those with a discerning taste, Niche will definitely not disappoint. Watch out…this is going to be the place to be.
2nd & 3rd Floor, M-16, Outer Circle,
Connaught Place, New Delhi
Coverage and Review By: Vickrham (vicky)
Compiled and Edited by : Sonalini Chaudhry
Email : vickrham.m@gmail.com