By Editors
New bars, oriental restaurants and cocktail menus are finding their way into the city. While they settle down and get the wheels turning, excuse us while we have a taste.
DIGGIN
Bang opposite Gargi College, and a welcome entrant for students of Delhi University's South Campus, Diggin has just the vibe warranted by a cafe. It has a relaxed and playful setting - bare-brick walls, vintage-esque furniture, colourful accents, patio-style outdoor seating, and an open cafe counter that personalizes the service. What makes Diggin click is the simple selection of items on the menu - Crispy Zucchini Fries, Caesar Salad, Ham and Cheese Pizza, Lasagna, Coffee and cold beverages - and the price point, which is most definitely student and broke entrepreneur friendly. Though the food is nothing to write home about, it's a welcome pitstop in the Anand Lok area.
Where | Anand Lok Shopping Centre, Opposite Gargi College, Anand Lok, New Delhi; Contact | 011 40800081, 011 40800082
Price | INR 1,000 for two
AKIRA BACK
World-renowned chef Akira Back comes to town! Our expectations from Japanese/Korean joint Akira Back were, admittedly, lofty. Fortunately, the quality and standard that Akira Back stands for all over the world followed through in Delhi as well. The setting of Akira is subtle, and replicates that of any fine dining restaurant in Delhi. What sets Akira Back apart is its innovative menu. Skip the standard order of Sushi and Sashimi, and experiment with food like the Crispy Rice Tuna, Pizza Tuna {highlight of our meal!}, Yellowtail Jalapeño and Negi Hama. To truly enjoy the Akira experience, it's best to order the fusion Japanese creations. Akira Back has swiftly made its way up to one of our most memorable dining experiences.
Where | JW Marriott Hotel Aerocity, Asset Area 4, Hospitality District, Aerocity, IGI Airport, New Delhi; Contact | 011 33036643. Make reservations.
Price for two | INR 4,000+ approx
BREAD & MORE opens in C Block Market, Vasant Vihar
You know you're a 90’s kid if visits to GK's N Block Market included a pit stop at Bread & More. They've introduced a range of pastries and sweets, including French macarons, Danish pastries, Vanilla Mille Feuille, Red Velvet Cake and mini Cupcakes, and single origin coffees. The added cherry {ies} on top aside, Bread & More wins brownie points for maintaining their quality of breads. Focaccia, savory pastries {chicken galette for the win}, whole wheat and oat breads, and baguettes - they've got plenty to choose from. And now, it's all available in Vasant Vihar's C Block Market.
Where | C 21 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
Price | Starts at INR 100
Cocktails Come to BIG CHILL
We walked in for our monthly dose of baked penne Piri-Piri, followed by the Missisipi Mud Pie, but what we didn’t know was that we could start our Big Chill ritual with a Mimosa. Big Chill, East of Kailash, now offers a special cocktail menu, with a sparkling wine infused Mimosa, a mixed berries Sangria {highly recommended}, an LIIT Pitcher {why not}, a Vodka and Cointreau based Kiwi infused cocktail {Green House}, and a vodka, cranberry cocktail {Sea Breeze}. A bit odd knocking back the LIITs in Big Chill, but it’s a very easy habit to form.
Where | Big Chill, East of Kailash
Price | Starts at INR 400 for a glass, and INR 1100 for a pitcher
SPEEDY CHOW for Fast Asian Food
Mamagoto - cheaper. Another wonder from the gentlemen responsible for Mamagoto and Rollmaal, Speedy Chow delivers freshly made oriental cuisine at extremely affordable prices. Although cubby-holes, you can choose to eat at one their joints, but we suggest sticking to delivery {they deliver later than most places}. We find the value meal combos of the highest quality, and they're great value for money. Best news? The Khow Suey {their signature dish} is great, and will be at your doorstep in 30 minutes. Speedy Chow is our pick for quick, affordable Asian meals, and not for its ambience.
Where | Branches in Basant Lok Community Centre, Vasant Vihar, Corner Market, Malviya Nagar, Super Mart, DLF Phase 4 and Kailash Colony Market.
Price for two | INR 500
LBBD reader Rachit Sadana contributed to this edition of New in Town!