By Yashasvini Kumar
A wise man once said a long, lazy brunch was the best way to spend a Sunday. In complete honesty, this man may not have been all that wise, but it’s definitely my favourite way to spend a Sunday, and I was intrigued by The Hiatus’ claim that it had the best new brunch in town.
Removed from the madding crowds of malls and markets, the name aptly describes the verdant little hideaway that this restaurant is. The décor is open and understated, with a particularly lovely patio {where I plan to spend most of the winter of 2014}. Other interesting nooks include a separate dining room for groups looking for seclusion, and a most unusual wine cellar that can be booked with a completely customised menu and personal butler. If you want more action, you can also reserve the chef’s table; you’ll be seated in the {air conditioned} kitchen and can watch Chef Piyush whip up all your heart desires right before your eyes. To digress for a bit, why is it that the ways to make money are so dull, but the ways to spend it so infinitely fun?
By way of food, the chef allows for a great jaunt across continents with his travel inspired choices – his recent experiments with the Sunday brunch menu included a fun 'street foods across the world' range, with an emphasis on a distinct cuisine each Sunday. I was skeptical of following haleem with churros, and purists will scoff, but I quite enjoyed the range of options and imagine someone hosting a diverse group would be relieved that there was something for everyone. The sushi platter worked well, the Lebanese dips were light and fresh, and the puffed rice salads inspired by Calcutta… tiny cups of cleverness.
The cocktail menu has the usual suspects, as well as summer classics involving jal jeera, cucumber and watermelon. Apparently you can pick any ingredient you like, and the bartender will try to fit it into a drink for you. Good service, a variety of cuisines, and pretty interiors make The Hiatus a relaxing escape.
Notes in our Little Black Book |
With some unexpected services on offer, peaceful ambience, and a perfect patio, The Hiatus breaks into the city’s brunch roster with a flourish – a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
Where: Clarion Collection - Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Katwaria Sarai, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi
Price: Sunday Brunch INR 1,100 + tax {without alcohol}; INR 1,800 + tax {with alcohol}; A la carte INR 3,000 for two