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Orient Express, Sardar Patel Marg
Taj Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg
Home Delivery: No.
Parking On Weekdays/Weekends: Easy. Efficient valet service.
With a décor recreating the train that inspired an Agatha Christie mystery, the restaurant became a trend-setter when it opened, and quickly established itself as the favoured venue for celebratory occasions. But with formal dining going out fashion along with its classical French menu, the restaurant has been having an identity crisis, which explains why the space outside the 'train' has been converted into a casual dining area where you can order finger food with your drinks. Nevertheless, it remains the best place, despite the white gloves and white tablecloth, to celebrate an anniversary or a special birthday, or to woo the woman of your dreams.
The chefs need to be inventive with the menu to bring it up to date, but we have our own favourites: Puree of Shiitake Mushrooms and Morels enhanced with Grappa; Seared Herbed Scallops with Creamy Ragout of Blue Crab; Camembert Souffle with Paprika Beurre Blanc; Baby Lobster with Smoked Pepper Coulis; Pan-Seared Breast of Cornfed Chicken Filled with Creamed Leeks, Garlic Confit and Butterscotch Jus; Griddle Cooked Saffron Risotto on Glazed Green Asparagus with Truffle Oil. For dessert, try the Warm Chocolate Pudding, with a liquid chocolate centre that oozes out gently.
The five-course dinner is priced at Rs 1,895 plus taxes; the fixed-menu lunch cost Rs 950 plus taxes; on Saturdays, a couple can have lunch for Rs 1,450 plus taxes. The coffee at the end of each meal is perfect and the service is flawless.
Wine List: Apart from over-priced Bordeaux First Growths (just right for the Char-Grilled Rack of Lamb or the Roasted Tenderloin, provided you're in the mood to spend to impress) and Burgundy Reds like the Echezeaux Grand Cru 2000 from Albert Bichot, the list has great selections from California – chardonnays from Cakebread Cellars and Stag's Leap; the sauvignon blanc Conundrum 2001; the prestigious cabernet sauvignons: Caymus 2000, Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 1999 and Clos Pegase 1999.
The rest of the list doesn't have much to write home about. Still, you must have the Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (New Zealand), Marchesi di Frescobaldi's Luce 1999 and Marchesi di Barolo's 1998 Barbaresco (Italy), and Vina Tarapaca's Piritas Chardonnay 2000 and Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 1999.
Food 7
Service 8
Décor 8
Meal for Two: Rs 3,500
Ac-Yes
