Conceptually Yours!

Cashing in on the latest international trend of the ‘Concept Restaurant’ are a host of interesting eateries in the Delhi NCR where everything from themed restaurants to ones where you can buy the furniture are drawing in those seeking to dine with a difference. 

By Raul Dias

Plum by Bentchair
The idea behind the inception of this unique conceptual restaurant is truly an interesting one! The product of a collaboration between a hospitality and a furniture brand, Plum, India’s first true ‘retail restaurant’ offers people the option of buying whatever catches their fancy in the breathtakingly beautiful and eclectic space nestled in city’s plush Aerocity super hub. From the furniture to the lights to the plates, everything is on sale. From the design aspect, the entire restaurant is a display area of different collections and is all about the small details, which are colourful, kitsch (in a good way!) and eye-catching. Every dimension is well-kept and blends into each other rather than being distinctive. As for the food, the Pan-Asian cuisine menu is replete with everything from the smoked eel nigiri to the crispy Thai lotus root and the spicy Cantonese barbeque chicken bao. With the striking, blue butterfly pea flower as the newest rage on the Indian dining scene, here too one can find the Thai ingredient in Plum’s iteration of crispy garlic fried rice with edamame. And for those still craving some sushi, the very innovative Nutella banana sushi seeks to remedy that.
The Walk, Worldmark 2, Aerocity, New Delhi-110037
Tel: 091-7303156444

Nueva
As Delhi’s first Peruvian cuisine restaurant, Nueva which means “new” in Spanish is pushing the boundaries as far as the city’s burgeoning concept restaurant scene is concerned. It does this to enormous success with both its stylish look and with its rather unfamiliar and exotic food offerings. The restaurant’s sophisticated, dark toned interiors and art deco accents are well-distributed between its three zones of the downstairs bar, the main dining hall and the angular 12-person private dining room on the first floor. Besides the strong presence of the expected Pervuian classics like shrimp and scallop ceviches and sushis—that reference the unique Japanese-Peruvian blend that’s known as Nikkei cuisine—there are also plenty of other Latin American dishes and drinks on the menu. From assados to dishes like the castila and saltado de carne, all bring that Latino flare to the experimental diner. Nueva even does a 12-course degustation menu where you can sample small portions of its menu’s top dishes.
Ground floor, Sangam Courtyard, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110022
Tel: 011-65568382/9266668382
 

Unplugged Courtyard
Channelling the chilled-out vibe that transports you straight to the climes of Goa right in the heart of Gurgaon’s precinct of Udyog Vihar, this conceptual restaurant is welcoming, intimate and quite effortlessly dramatic. All that’s missing is the feel of the waves lapping at your toes! The space is understatedly elegant and generously spaced over 15,000 square feet spanning two levels, boasting of a terrace area, a secret garden and a quirky full-scale mock double decker bus that give the place a distinctly ‘comfy’ feel, without ever seeming over-designed. One of the few restaurants in this part of the NCR to offer daily, live acoustic music, Unplugged Courtyard truly lives up to its ‘unplugged’ concept. Offering up an eclectic mix of Indian, pan-Asian and Italian cuisine, the menu is designed and executed by ex-Noma, Copenhagen chef, Akshay Bhardwaj. Here, one can expect to experimental creations like duck kulchas and the atta chicken that’s baked whole covered by banana leave and a sealed with dough along with some beautifully presented drinks to sip on. 
No 9 Convenience Shopping Complex, Phase II, Udyog Vihar, Sector 20, Gurgaon-122012
Tel: 091-9319892965

Le Cirque 
Literally meaning ‘The Circus’, the concept-driven Le Cirque is all about the fun and the whimsical set in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. From the beautifully-appointed bar lounge and the three spacious dining rooms to the alfresco seating with breath-taking views of New Delhi’s majestic Diplomatic Enclave, the 144-seat restaurant is drama personified. Even the exquisite porcelain Bernardaud tableware with its balloon motif mirror the restaurant’s playful side. As for the food, each of the items offered remain true to the Le Cirque vision of classic, yet innovative French-Italian cuisine. Signature dishes include seafood classics like the turbot àla grenoblaise where the fish is served with cauliflower, lemon, capers and almonds and the paupiette of black cod. For afters indulge in the two must-haves—cannoli and the floating island ‘Le Cirque’.           
The Leela Palace New Delhi, Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi-110023
Tel: 011-39331220

Swad
Bringing an interesting desi twist to the NCR’s new-found conceptual dining scene is this all-vegetarian multicuisine restaurant that serves dishes with a quirky spin to them. Imbued with plenty of kitschy elements, the contemporary-meets-Irani cafe inspired décor of the restaurant gives it a casual and relaxed vibe. Here you can tuck into interestingly presented dishes like the masala paneer slider that is injected with makhani gravy, the aloo-wadi curry that comes to the table in a small red pressure cooker or the kulhad wale palak chole chawal that’s served upside down. From the menu’s western and Asian sections, you can pick from Indianised renditions of everything from Mexican chimichanga rolls to the spicy Bangkok Manchurian bowl—never mind the geographical inaccuracies of the words ‘Bangkok’ and ‘Manchurian’ put together in the same sentence!
43, Ground Floor, Chiranjivi Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi-110019
Tel: 091-9821524232


Enter, the concept nightclub!
Toy Room 
Riding the coattails of the concept restaurant boom in the Delhi NCR is this very unique ‘concept nightclub’. With a cuddly teddy bear named ‘Frank’ as its mascot, this 400-seater place is filled with children’s toys and other fun imagery—all in an entertaining, high-octane setting, bringing a subtle innocence to some hardcore partying. The interiors of Toy Room are chic, yet vibrant and quirky. The grand entrance lobby housed with a special merchandise area is dominated by a whimsical rendition of the classic last supper painting. Meander through the narrow passage leading to the main hall which is a L-shaped space with a huge curvilinear island bar serving a range of libations. Interestingly, for a nightclub, the food on offer here is an excellent selection of tapas style, small plates of sushis, dimsum and one of the best iterations of a simple pizza margherita you’ll ever have in the NCR.               
ALOFT Hotel Aerocity, Aerocity, New Delhi- 110037
Tel: 091-9953137673

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the April 2019 issue of Jetwings in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)

Party Paradise

From those legendary beach-side full moon parties to a buzzing, world-class clubbing scene, let the pulsating nightlife of Phuket surge through your veins as you party till the wee hours of dawn!

By Raul Dias

If the island of Phuket were to be a person, it would most certainly be accused of having a multiple personality disorder. It’s virtually impossible to imagine that this beautiful, family-friendly beach town by day can undergo a total volte-face and transform into a buzzing nightlife haven once the sun bids adieu. Ruling the roost as Southern Thailand’s biggest party paradise, the large teardrop island that hugs the country’s Andaman coast is choc-a-bloc with every kind of activity for every kind of party seeker.
Looking to crash one those legendary full moon parties or perhaps burn up the dance floor at a swanky club, dancing to the playlists of international DJs or better still, make your debut at a ‘foam party’? You’ll find it all and a whole lot more in pulsating Phuket…

Where’s The Party?
Augmenting Phuket’s position as Thailand’s island party capital are a whole plethora of world-class nightclubs that provide amazing bang for your tourist buck! One of the most iconic of all Phuket clubs has got to be Illuzion Phuket (+66-76683030, info@illuzionphuket.com). Located along Bangla Road in the Patong Beach area, this club has a ranking 48 out of 100 in the best clubs in the world by DJMAG, number one on Trip Advisor and can accommodate up to 5,000 party goers with hundreds of VIP tables.
Fans of BYOB will love Kor Tor Mor (+66-89-7738496) as you can bring your own hard drinks (you will be just charged for ice and mixers). This fashionable night club located near the Nimit Circle in the main Phuket Town is a magnet for both tourists and Phuket’s hip-n-happening brigade. But be warned…it has a formal dress code where no shorts or sandals are allowed.
For live music head down to Timber Hut (+66-76211839) on Yaowarat Road at the northern end of Phuket Old Town. Housed in a quaint, two-storey red bricked building, Timber Hut hosts a daily live music show in which international and Thai classics are performed by talented and skilled musicians. Why, even rock music greats like Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler was here in 2013, we’re told!
But if you’re more in the mood for a chilled night out, head up to Quip Sky Bar (+66-76355052), Phuket’s first ever rooftop bar on the corner of Phuket and Rasada Roads. This classy restobar brings a distinctly artistic touch to the old city, offering some stunning views, yummy cocktails and a great food menu with a rather unusual line-up of lobster dishes.

Of Full Moons and Foam!
Thanks to iconic, cult-classic movies like The Beach, Thailand’s famed full moon parties have amassed a whole legion of fans. And there’s no better place than Phuket for you to shed all inhibitions and party the night away with strangers. Though a lot smaller than the notorious Koh Phangan Party on the nearby island of the same name, Phuket’s best full moon party is held once every fortnight (next full moon party is on Saturday 27^th October) at the popular Paradise Beach (+66-924856250, info@paradisebeachphuket.com), a mere 4 kilometers from the city center neighbourhood of Patong.
Once you’re done paying the 1,000-baht entry fee—that includes a ‘Premium Cocktail Bucket’ or two beers—expect to be grooving to the beats belted out by international DJs all through the night under the full moon! But for those who like a little break every now and then, there are several chill out spots set up around the main party zone and you can even grab a quick bite at the restaurant alongside. But the best part of this party is the convenient free shuttle bus service that takes you to and from your hotel to Paradise Beach.
Cottoning onto one of the hottest trends in the world of partying—the foam party—Phuket too has its own offering. Spanning over two massive levels, Famous Nightclub and Rooftop Beach Club (+66-76366717) is a vibrant, action-packed destination that hosts its own Famous Foam Party every Monday and Tuesday. Claiming to be the only nightclub in the world with a glass-bottom swimming pool, the foam parties here are a soapy, fun mess as revellers dance (or should we say wade!) to the groovy tracks of Phuket’s hottest resident DJs with a backdrop of psychedelic LCD screens.  

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the October 2018 issue of  Go-Getter, the in-flight magazine of Go Airways) 

Nifty First Dates

Helping you make the most of your first date—whatever the type you’re looking for—is our selection of restobars across the city that offer you everything from the best romanctic views in Mumbai to places where the two of you can show of your competitive side playing boardgames!   

By Raul Dias

For the music junkies
Raasta
This fourth floor, twin levelled restobar is perfect for a date night (or even afternoon!) where music is the binding factor. Offering up a selection of live music gigs with a slant towards Reggae, this place regularly hosts both local and international bands like BLOT that perform on its specially built balcony stage. With a vibe that’s pure Caribbean from its easy, laid back décor to its menu that has everything from meter high cocktails called bongtails, served up in…yes, you guessed right, bongs, to scrumptious finger food like jerked chicken and jambalaya, make sure all roads lead to Raasta for that ultimate first date.
Where: 4th Floor, Rohan plaza, Ram Krishan Nagar, Road no. 5, Khar
Call: 8655000811
Timings: 12pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 2,000

For the city’s most romantic views
Asilo
As Mumbai’s much sought after rooftop destination at the St Regis Mumbai, Asilo is known for its decadent sundowners, lavish brunches and absolutely A-list parties. But it is also one of the most—if not THE most—picturesque places, offering unmatched vistas of the island city below. Impress your date by showing them the city from almost 40-stories high up as you two sip on cocktails like the rum and coconut based Aqua, while nibbling on sushi and smoked salmon rillettes. A great way to start something new, what say?
Where: Level 37, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 61628031
Timings: 5:30pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 4,500

For the (board game) players!
MRP
Claiming to be Mumbai’s… nay, India’s first drinking games bar, MRP or My Regular Place for the uninitiated is a fun, casual mid-town restobar where the two of you can have a memorable first date playing all sorts of games with each other. From snakes and ladders to beer pong, each table here comes with its own box of board games with fun forfeits and wins. Among the drinks, make sure to try the Tiki Tori that’s made up of pineapple juice and three types of rums, while you fight over the last pork belly bao. Remember all is fair in love and games!
Where: Dharamputra Pritam Estate, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar (e)
Call: 9699990036
Timings: 12pm to 3:30pm and 6pm to 1am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 1,500

For the urbane sophisticate
Theory
With its almost 50 shades of black interiors, including a mammoth 100 ft-long pressed charcoal island bar, Theory oozes undiluted, slinky sex appeal and is thus the perfect place for a first date that’s designed to impress and be impressed by. Dress up to the nines and wet your lips with libations like the Asian Mojito, a vermouth and gin based concoction while nibbling on delectable bar bites like the paper thinly-sliced prawn carpaccio anointed with a yuzu-sesame-soy sauce. Decadence with a capital ‘D’, this!  
Where: Unit 1 C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 66666506
Timings: 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 3,750

For the shallow pocketed
The Beer Café
Don’t worry at being called a cheapskate. No one said your first date has to break the bank! With beer starting as low as Rs 169 per pint, your money will go a long way at this fun, cool-n-casual beer café chain that’s done up in cheery shades of yellow with fun bric-a-brac décor strewn about the place. Not fans of beer? TBC offers a great range of inexpensive, basic cocktails like Screwdrivers and Mojitos that pair with bar bites like buffalo chicken wings and cheese poppers.   
Where: Shop 6-7, Ground Floor, Cambata Building, 42, Maharishi Karve Road, Churchgate. (also at Powai, Andheri (w), Kamala Mills, Mahim, High Street Phoenix and even CSIA Airport)
Call: 66153510
Timings: 11am to 12:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 850

For a cozy night out
Swey
Enjoy these last few fleeting days of rain as the two of you cuddle up together on one of Swey’s rather comfortable couches and watch the calm sea below from this not-so-high rooftop Worli restobar. Done up in soothing shades of white and ivory, the huge 15,000 sq ft space is divided up into several smaller nooks, each exuding a cozy vibe. Drinks like the kale-redolent Kale-n-Hearty pair superbly with nibbles like the American fried mac-n-cheese bars and the Goan stuffed squids.
Where: 4th Floor, Atria Mall, Opposite Poonam Chambers, Doctor Annie Besant Road, Worli
Call: 9820436666
Timings: 12pm to 1:30pm and 7pm to 12am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 1,750

For the nervous dater
The Bandra Project
Worried about making awkward conversation on your first date? Fear not! This brand new Bandra hot-spot is so buzzing and lively, that you won’t get a chance to fumble through the date. The fun, affable staff will take the edge of your first date with their quick and efficient service as they ply you with fun cocktails given a decidedly Bandra spin like the cinnamon-citrus Bandra Fest and the lavender-gin-based Joggers Park. And don’t forget to let the small plates like the chorizo-topped ragi pancakes and the prawn potato chops do all the talking, if things get a little awkward!
Where: 602, Doctor BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra
Call: 62506800
Timings: 8:30am to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 2,500

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 28th August 2017 issue of the evening edition of Mid-Day newspaper, India)