O for awesome

Downsizing doesn't always mean trouble, a limited menu can be a blessing in many ways more than one

Change comes bearing gifts. Thanks to the CWG experience every Delhiite is trying to find legitimacy in this maxim. But truth lurks in strange places; in my case I found it in a restaurant which has downsized its menu.


The staircase leads to a 'cozy' eating space

Old wine in new bottle
The O Experience at Priya Complex, Basant Lok, or rather the lady behind it is no stranger to change. The five-level 'experience' if its old patrons still remember stands where The Bar Code stood once.
On late afternoon weekdays, you couldn't help notice the restless college kids trying to quickly break a leg on the dance floor or simply play tongue-hockey in dark before they rushed back home, (perhaps some still do at the Crystal bar). Today, you see socialites and diplomats in the Fresh Fruit Factory on the ground floor or in The Loft above it.

Small is big
But the amendments don't stop here. Recently, the menu has become smaller (the reason hinted is because of the exodus of south Delhiites shoppers towards the nearby malls) but strangely it worked, at least for me. I didn't have to wreck my brains trying to separate wheat from the chaff. I simply order the best the house could offer.u00a0u00a0 The bar menu boasts of the regulars IMFL to single malts like Glenlivet, Dalmore, Isle of Jura.u00a0 For starter's stick to an Indo-Chine platter here and you are sure you'll get nothing unusual. The paneer tikka, harra kabab, spring rolls and kimchi salad happily slide down your throat.u00a0 From the main course, what I believe deserved mentioning is their aubergine parmigiana. This classic eggplant dish is the perfect stand by for vegetarians. I know of people who argue it the eggplant has to from Naples (Italy) for it to be perfect but then for the humble Indian in me, the layering of eggplants, sauce in between and the garnishing offered here was nearly ideal.u00a0u00a0
End your meal with rose flavoured rice pudding ( well it's phirni flavoured with rose syrup).u00a0

Trapped
Yes, the food left a good taste on my palate, the only turn-off was the wrong choice of table. I was ushered into a 'cozy' corner which left me feeling a little claustrophobic. Having food by a nice window still works for me. But keeping the good food in mind I think i'll let it pass this time.

Where: Priya complex, Basant Loku00a0u00a0
Timings: 1 pm to midnight
Ring: 9650090389
Meal for two: Rs 12,00 plus taxes