Ten-Second Takeaway
Tapping into influences from home town Delhi, Udaipur, Kolkata, Sri Lanka and the Mecca of Food, New York City, where he’s worked, Sumit Batra brings sharp flavours to the western section at The Oberoi. It's really is A Sum-Mit Of Good Food.
Starting Out
Source: The Oberoi
Heralding his arrival {from New York’s The NoMad Hotel, no less}, Sumit Batra is a man of a mission – to balance simple ingredients with new age culinary techniques. And one look at the signature menu {a five-course one} at Le Jardin, and you’ll know his game is on point. Kick things off with Oysters With Mignonette Snow. Fresh, with a sharp taste of vinaigrette, it’s really the hit of ice that makes this dish.
We’ll fight you for the veggie option of Carrot Tartare that comes with sunflower seeds and a multigrain crisp to go with it. After all, it’s got actual carrot mayonnaise, made from scratch. Appetisers include tomato with arugula, Burrata {oh so fresh!} and rye, and the a sweet pea chiffonade with pancetta, onions and parmesan. We preferred this one, and loved how the hint of saltiness from the bits of pork offset the sweetness of the peas. This chef is all about marrying flavour and texture. And testament to that was the avocado gazpacho with cucumber, yoghurt and frost {yes, indeed}. Like scallops? There’s a version with that too.
Main Experiments
Source: The Oberoi
Mains comprise Chilean sea bass {briefly broiled} that was perfectly flaky and went beautifully with with nori mushroom puree, green peas and basil nage for that sharp taste. The lamb with squash and carrot miso puree wins our favour however; mostly thanks to the lightly roasted and crunchy quinoa – perfect to match the soft, succulent lamb. Zucchini grilled with caponata, fritters and garlic yoghurt brings a fresh dish. Especially the thick yoghurt. We might just spoon it up without anything else! We're intrigued by the Cauliflower Variations with Raisin Vinaigrette {especially the caramalisation} but we're not counting it as a favourite. End with the three-textured Espresso Affogato - a real kick to the otherwise mild-flavoured meal.
So, We’re Thinking…
Certainly nouvelle cuisine {read unique but limited portions}, we love that local ingredients take centre stage and {as it should} flavours are crisp and don’t overpower each other. That said, it does leave you feeling hungry too soon after. Maybe because of lack of carbs. Also, the pairings might take some getting used to.
Where: Le Jardin, The Oberoi, 37-39 MG Road
When: Until June 24, Monday
Contact: 080 25585858
Price: INR 1,975++ per person for five courses
Timings: 7.30pm onwards, dinner only
Find out more about them here. Follow them on Facebook here.