A venue just suitable to be placed in heaven. I entered this place on a hot afternoon and things got transformed in a jiffy. I felt as if i am in an oasis. The beautifully done interiors boast of luxury and sophistication. The use of wood and greens makes this place look heavenly and that is the concept of FIO. They also have an alfresco seating, which is preferable during cooler months or evenings. Located just under the Nehru Place Metro Stn.. in Epicuria Mall. This is probable the place to dine, in the whole vicinity. One can just sit at the bar or the area next to bar , a lounge type or on the chair and table format on the other side. Use of flowers, pots, books and souveneirs on the walls and in the show windows is superb.
Food
They serve authentic Italian, conti, med as well as Indian fare. We started with the salads , yes Caesar of course but this time we were concentrating on their New Summer Menu as well. So , we ordered a Lettuce cup watermelon salad. I must say this Watermelon salad was too good with all good flavors of the balsamic dressing. Then came the Bruschettas but quite unusual and awesome. Use of raw papaya and mango salsa on Bruschetta was really innovative and very refreshing.
We also had the Minestrone soup, which was good. A very innovative dish was the Braised Pommery mustard bitter gourd woith Rigatoni and mustard cream sauce. Yes our very humble , Karela in a pasta. I loved this innovation and the dish too (part of summer menu).
We also tried a few dishes from the regular menu. We had the Roasted Hunters chicken which had ayers of potato with ginger jus. I liked it as the roast chciken had very nice flavors. And yes the Ananas glazed Pork chops were the highlight served with green pea compote and baby potatoes. The Chef is very talented and knows his job well. He has not used Potato mash as the side dish , as its being done everywhere in other restaurants. He has used his culinary skills and imagination to invent new things and make the dishes unique. For the vegetarians , I will recommend the Butter Beans Mushroom and potato rossti. A creamy concoction of all the good and healthy things, much flavorful.
We also tried a sampler portion (specially made for reviewers like us) of the Indian fare. The tandoori platter Non veg is exceptionally done with nice chicken tikkas, and fish amritsari . The vg platter was just fine. The dahi kebab is good but the pea tikki was a ,little dry for my palette. The main course items like Pulao, Amritsari tawa meat and the butter chicken lahori were awesome, though we just tasted a spoon each.
Drinks
We tried almost all the Drinks from the summer menu and found them to be perfect. The Cocktails like Chilly summer (vodka, mangoes, chilli and tabasco) very summery and nice. The Watermelon Spritz (Rum, watermelon, sugar, Mint, midori and lime juice) was very refreshing and perfectly made. With not much use of ice , still well chilled. I also liked the Hot Summer Blues (blueberry, lime and lemonade). Very unique and tasty.
Desserts
They have a nice dessert section which shows Tiramisu Jar, Chocolate mousse, 15 min fresh cake, orange cheese cake etc.
We tried the Orange Cheese Cake which was good but the Tiramisu was very good. We also had the Green mango and blueberry Cheese cake which was part of the Summer Menu I found it to be a little weak.
Overall, a very beautiful place for grand dinners and lunches with friends and family. Impeccable service and well trained staff. Our service lady, Preeti was well versed in her job. We saw her serving skills and she was too good in it. The Menu is good with a nice selection of dishes. Yes it's a little pricey but the quality of food and the ambiance supports it well.
Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi
Phone+91 9899228666,+91 9971004536
Reviewed By : Vickrham (Vicky) TWCI- The Writers Collective of India
email : vickrham.m@gmail.com