History on your plate
26 April 2013 7:48 AM IST
They call it Daniell’s Tavern and they dish out some of the best recipes from the east, north and south of India. Of course I did a double take and checked out the name again. There’s a story behind it, the Sr. Executive Vice President and General Manager, Vijay Wanchoo had told me in a conversation.
Daniell’s has a menu that revisits India from the eyes of Thomas and William Daniells. The uncle and nephew team came to paint the rich culture of India’s locales in 1786, in the midst of colonial era to assist the expanding British Empire. While they painted, they also got the chance to enjoy the local cuisine which got recorded meticulously in their diaries. The menu at this restaurant is right off those pages.
The restaurant greets you with a wonderful sense of comfort. It feels like splendid home to us localites, but for the foreign clientele, which Chef de cuisine Ved Prakash tells us – is the major bulk of diners; it is a beautiful mix and match of luxury and indigenous charm. From the fresh marigolds on the tables to the live kitchen and the paintings on the walls – the romance fuses with the food on the plate.
In a fresh innitiative to celebrate all things Punjabi, Daniell’s Tavern cooked up a storm. Apart from their signature dishes like Azeezun’s Glory (Navrattan Khaas) and Merchant’s Bounty (Keerai Masial), they dished out delicacies like Bhatti da Murgh, Macchli Amritsari, Maa ki Dal and Paneer Lababdaar.
Served with Sadda Chawal and assorted Indian breads – ‘Punjab’ was quite a celebration. The Maa ki Dal was an absolute favourite. I do believe there is something eternally comforting about dal-chawal and no this isn’t the Bengali in me speaking! The Punjabi Meat Masala was perfectly done and that gets a thumbs up along with the Shamiana Prawns.
The chef suggested the Tandoori Salmon (apparently a hit with foreigners) but it was turned down for the Macchli Amritsari – I was already bursting at the seams. Salmon is a very soft fish and it is almost a matter of mastery to not ruin it on the tandoor – definitely something to try the next time round. With Hastings Choice (Matka Kulfi) to round it up – Daniell’s Tavern is not something you want to miss when you are at the Imperial. Pencil in a date soon!
DETAIL
Meal for two: INR 4000 + taxes without alcohol
Timings: 6:30pm to 11:45pm
Daniell’s has a menu that revisits India from the eyes of Thomas and William Daniells. The uncle and nephew team came to paint the rich culture of India’s locales in 1786, in the midst of colonial era to assist the expanding British Empire. While they painted, they also got the chance to enjoy the local cuisine which got recorded meticulously in their diaries. The menu at this restaurant is right off those pages.
The restaurant greets you with a wonderful sense of comfort. It feels like splendid home to us localites, but for the foreign clientele, which Chef de cuisine Ved Prakash tells us – is the major bulk of diners; it is a beautiful mix and match of luxury and indigenous charm. From the fresh marigolds on the tables to the live kitchen and the paintings on the walls – the romance fuses with the food on the plate.
In a fresh innitiative to celebrate all things Punjabi, Daniell’s Tavern cooked up a storm. Apart from their signature dishes like Azeezun’s Glory (Navrattan Khaas) and Merchant’s Bounty (Keerai Masial), they dished out delicacies like Bhatti da Murgh, Macchli Amritsari, Maa ki Dal and Paneer Lababdaar.
Served with Sadda Chawal and assorted Indian breads – ‘Punjab’ was quite a celebration. The Maa ki Dal was an absolute favourite. I do believe there is something eternally comforting about dal-chawal and no this isn’t the Bengali in me speaking! The Punjabi Meat Masala was perfectly done and that gets a thumbs up along with the Shamiana Prawns.
The chef suggested the Tandoori Salmon (apparently a hit with foreigners) but it was turned down for the Macchli Amritsari – I was already bursting at the seams. Salmon is a very soft fish and it is almost a matter of mastery to not ruin it on the tandoor – definitely something to try the next time round. With Hastings Choice (Matka Kulfi) to round it up – Daniell’s Tavern is not something you want to miss when you are at the Imperial. Pencil in a date soon!
DETAIL
Meal for two: INR 4000 + taxes without alcohol
Timings: 6:30pm to 11:45pm
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