Drive away for a leisurely bite

Verve, at this recently renovated resort, is a trendy joint to pick on fusion food post a long drive across the city

We're assuming you've planned your day out or kept atleast a whole afternoon off for a long drive and a luncheon, as Verve, at this city hotel chain in Yelahanka will require you to do so. The atmosphere here is one of understated luxury, with the restaurant looking out onto a broad verandah, fresh green lawns and an alfresco dining area. The interior is airy too, with French windows and mirrors, with a subtle colour scheme, highlighted with funky decor.

Verve
Food: good
Service: excellent
Ambience: average


Grab a quick bite from the buffet or sit down and savour the a la carte menu for a relaxed meal if you have all the time on hand. We set for both, beginning with a sampling from the Indian, Chinese and Continental spread which changes everyday, complete with desserts and salads. Highlight of the buffet were Butter Paneer, Grilled Vegetable Farfalle (bow tie pasta) and Baby Corn in a light garlic and soya sauce, although a little more garlic would have improved it. For meat lovers, there is Lamb Biryani, which we loved with the succulent meat chunks almost falling off the bone.

If you feel like picking from the ala carte menu, we suggest you try the Frozen Tomato Terrine with Mozzarella and Chargrilled Asparagus, which is a visual treat in red and green and the Tender Tandoori Sole, a locally caught fish cooked in a mustard marinade. For a light veggie lunchtime bite, it's the Grilled Paneer Tikka Sandwich, on Italian olive focaccia that is baked fresh in the kitchen.

A surprising blend of east and west, the sandwich is light on the onions and served with french fries on the side. If the long drive past the ailing city traffic has made your hunger pangs kicking by now, go in for a bigger meal and fork in some homemade Fettuccine, layered with vegetables and topped with a creamy tomato sauce, with red peppers adding rich, ripe sweetness.

If you love risotto, we suggest you resist from ordering one here as the risotto with cream and parmesan we were served was slightly overcooked, and too wet for our taste.

For those with a sweet palate, there's creamy Strawberry Mousse and some Bengali sweets. But a must-have dessert would have to be the Chocolate Temptation, which is a preparation of hot chocolate and walnut brownies soaked in rum, covered in hot chocolate fudge sauce, topped off with vanilla ice cream, more sauce and a chocolate decoration. The cold ice cream makes a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavours, and the nuts gave it just enough crunch.

At: Verve, Royal Orchid Resort and Convention Centre, Allalasandra, Bellary Road, Yelahanka
Meal for two:u00a0Rs 1,500
Call: 2856 0668