Soft
tinkling laughter, languid whispered conversations, summer shine filtering in
gently – this is what greets you as you step into the Café at Hyatt Regency,
New Delhi. This is soon becoming my favourite place to brunch, and ever since
their invite to sample the new summer buffet menu, I have been there once more
and probably suggested it to all of my ladies that lunch groups. Not saying men
wont enjoy it equally much, though.
This is ‘the’ place
for the best of this season’s salads, fresh juices, summery cocktails and the
most fabulous desserts. The menu includes exotic, mouth-watering appetizers,
hearty salads, fresh pasta, delicious Indian curries and perfectly-cooked
grills amongst others. Diners can experience a full Sunday Brunch from the five
interactive kitchens, served with champagne, wine, beer, fresh juices and iced
teas.
Chef Abhishek Singh, Chef De Cuisine at Café said, “We wanted to
enhance the variety and quality of the buffet menu by laying emphasis on European,
French, British, American, Spanish, Indian and regional Indian cuisines. We
have increased the number of salads and added a variety of Indian curries with
breads. Patrons also have a choice to ‘Make Your Own Salad’ or indulge in some
hearty cheese, ham/salami selection.”
Though I did briefly
indulge in the very fragrant and flavorsome Indian curries, it was the salads,
grills and desserts that stole my heart. The salads featured a range of
seasonal summer veggies and the exotics too. Pairing delicately prepared meats
with fruits, citrusy or lightly creamy dressings, every spoonful promised
heaven. The especially developed salads by Chef Abhishek Singh were a study in
aesthetic and flavor. The platings ranged from minimalistic to hearty,
depending on what the ingredients demanded. Our tasting table welcomed with the
Italian Berry Fizz cocktail, a delightful coming together of bubbly and
raspberries. For those who preferred to stay stone cold sober, there was the
Café Summer Cooler, a refreshingly happy mocktail. And then followed one after
the other, the new masterpieces, weaving in seamlessly with our pick of salads,
mains, breads and cheeses from the buffet.
We started out with
the Mango and Papaya Carpacio. Sweet, succulent bites of cool fruit most
beautifully flavoured with a citrus dressing, blue berries and arugula.
Californication was another level altogether, a rather colourfully interesting
coming together of Californian strawberries, Californian grapes lettuce and
bacon. The Balsamic Marinated Vegetables were just
so lovely, like this little cityscape, where the skyscrapers were actually fine
slivers of zucchini, beets, etc rolled up like towers! The Cous-Cous Salad With Caponata and also the Shrimp and Avacado Salad were delightfully light.
However, the star of the evening for me was the Chef Salad, the most brilliant
salad of fresh figs, rocket, poached pears and feta. This is what I keep going
back for.
The
mains and grills need no praise, they are always just so damn good at Hyatt,
you can take it as a given you will be happy with them.
On to
my favourite part of the meal – the desserts. Pies, puddings, mousses, sorbets,
soufflés, mithais, cookies, marshmallows, tarts…there was nothing I could find
missing!
Hyatt
Regency has always been on top of the charts when it comes to promoting natural
and fresh ingredients. Farm fresh fruits and veggies being served direct onto
our tables this summer is the latest example. One should not miss such good
salads made with the best organic stuff available in a new and innovative
manner.
CAFE , Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.
Compiled and Edited By : Sonalini Chaudhry
Pics by : Vickrham (vicky)
Email : vickrham.m@gmail.com