Relish world gourmet fare at The Hiatus

New Delhi: Green vegetables and a hot beverage on a cosy and sunny afternoon makes for a perfect delight during winter. And to treat food aficianados with this experience, The Hiatus in the national capital has unveiled a new menu which promises delicacies from around the globe.

Away from the hustle-bustle, the restaurant is situated amidst verdant greenery in south Delhi's Clarion Collection-Qutab Hotel, and it adds to the overall feel.

The Hiatus, which opened in December 2013, is an endeavour of GB Fine Dine & Hotels Ltd. It serves experimental global cuisine and to maintain freshness for its customers, the fine dining restaurant devises a different menu every summer and winter with an aim to present the authentic flavours of the season.

"We strive to come out with different menus every season. We think it is an appropriate time to bring seasonal menus as these capture the flavour of different seasons with appropriate ingredients," Rajiv Bajaj, VP-operations, told IANS.

According to Bajaj, this time they have emphasised on the flavours and textures of the dishes.

What strikes you is the line - "Progressive Modern Cuisine, Let's take something from HIATUS Lab" - carried on the menu. Bajaj says it is because the restaurant mixes modern techniques to innovate and bring a new twist to its dishes.

The restaurant is divided in multiple sections - The Patio, Chef & You, dine-in-cellar and private dining area. Its walls are adorned by wine and cigar racks.

There is also a special section in the kitchen area for food enthusiasts and bloggers to experience the cooking process. Just a peep into the kitchen took me back to days when I watched the cartoon "Dexter's Laboratory" on TV.

When it came to the food, green was the colour that ruled the servings - whether it was the Broccoli Cappuccino for a soothing effect, or the spinach and soft cheese stuffed chicken breast.

The spinach platter caught my attention due to its unique combination. One may however take time to develop a liking for its offering.

Equally delicious was the wok-tossed scallops with broccoli and lemongrass.

The restaurant not only boosts a combination of style and food but also focusses on the health aspect - this is where the green vegetables do the trick.

With a menu vast enough to accommodate a melange of Oriental, Indian and Italian cuisines, I was overwhelmed with the choice available at hand.

The wait for my food also turned out to be a pleasant affair, as plenty of natural light and the sun streamed through the huge windows.

I started with air (puffed) bread with mini cottage cheese tikka. This cheesy marvel melts as soon as it goes into your mouth. The tomato caviar topping also gives it an interesting twist.

But, if you're not too excited about experimenting with global cuisine, The Hiatus also offers an array of Indian dishes with the right amount of spice and earthy flavour.

For me, Asia Meets Europe, which serves red curry prawns with salsa and lemon air (foaming lemon), was the clear winner as it perfectly blends the taste of Asia and Europe with the right amount of tanginess.

The watermelon salad is also worth trying, especially for its presentation.

I capped off my luncheon with blueberry cheese cake and, somewhere, I felt that in comparison to its main course menu, the dessert section was quite limited.

FAQs:

* Address: Qutab Institutional Area, Clarion Collection - Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Katwaria Sarai, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi

* Meal for two costs Rs. 3,000 (Without alcohol)

* Timings: 12 noon-1 a.m.