If you happened to notice, there is a spurt of new restaurants opening in Delhi, each seeming to be more inviting than the other. But the discerning population of the capital city picks wisely, almost unanimously. One Golden Mile in Netaji Nagar houses some high-octane resto-bars and the latest entrant to the club is Noche. A venture of First Fiddle Restaurants by Priyank Sukhija, Noche brings to fore a never-seen-before Latin experience and it piqued my curiosity to pay it a visit.
The mosaic compass at the entrance, the flying sunflower painting on the staircase, the astronauts hanging from the ceiling lights and giant pencils lining the pillars - all of it offered quite a visual treat. But the real treat was yet to come. Of course, I'm talking about food.
Noche, Delhi
Modern culinary scene in India has seen a significant bent towards international cuisines but the charm of traditional flavours has not yet waned. Award-winning chef Priyam Chatterjee has managed to meld the best of both the worlds in a taut harmony that signifies diversity yet unity of the world.
I joined the chef's special table for lunch and after a hearty conversation with chef Priyam, I realized how much thought and efforts had been put into curating the menu that reinvents Indian flavours with Latin influence. The artisanal beverages have been inspired by Giuseppe 'Papi' Stasi, best known for his brand TrashTalk based in Barcelona, Spain. The cocktail bar expands over 4000 sq ft, featuring indoor as well as outdoor seating.
My Gastronomical Journey At Noche:
The meal kicked off with some lip-smacking plates of Nachos. CHICKEN, BEANS & GUAC was an enticing amalgamation of khurchan and Jhalmuri beans, topped with fiery sauces. It was one of the best nachos I'd ever had so it straight off goes into my list of Top Recommendations. BLACK BEANS, AVACADO GUAC nachos were also a good eat but my palate took me back to the chicken nachos.
BARCELONA SHRIMPS & GARLIC looked like a regular prawns dish but it came with the surprise of Vindaloo flavours and I was all smiles.
Barcelona Shrimps and Garlic, Noche
MUSHROOM & HABANERO - a melange of different kinds of mushrooms filled my heart with the familiar velvety 'malai' and galouti masala. If you are fond of Ceviche, try it in all-new avatar of a chaat here with SPICED TUNA BHEL. Then it was time for some crispy EMPANADAS but with a twist. While I loved TOMATO & MANCHEGO, I would probably pass the ones filled with kadai chicken. But soon the Mexican food lover in me was overjoyed at the sight of a variety of TACOS, and all of them made in authentic style, won my heart. I highly recommend CHICKEN MEXICALLY and LAMB YAKHNI BARBACOA tacos. The Lamb Arzo Biryani was made with orzo pasta instead of rice. While it was a unique creation, staunch biryani lovers may miss the traditional flavours of whole spices.
Chicken Mexically, Noche
The hefty meal worked up my appetite for some desserts, and I had not an inkling what was in store for all us. It was not just desserts, it was a fine work of culinary art! HERMES PEFUME actually tastes and smells like an invigorating perfume. THE TREE OF LIFE is a life-like creation with unbelievable edible elements. SNICKERS & BOUNTY brings together our love for both the iconic chocolates. THE NOCHE TRES LECHE is a beautifully created petal flower that looks and tastes heavenly. The desserts are crafted with so much creativity that they stimulate all of the senses. So all these four desserts 'top' my list of Top Recommendations.
I left Noche with a full stomach and a fuller heart. I am already waiting to go back again!
The Tree Of Life, Noche
What: NOCHE
Where: One Golden Mile, Block A, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi
When: 12noon - 1am
Cost: INR 2,500 for two people (approx.) without alcohol