Where: 22, Janpath (Opposite Le Meridien)

Cuisine: European

Cost: 1500 for two

Even though I'm not a hardcore cocktail enthusiast, the invitation to review Lutyens Cocktail House sounded interesting. I had heard a bit about this newly opened joint that pays homage to Delhi's chief architect Edwards Lutyens. This is very clear in the British-inspired interiors, paintings and decor of the minimally done-up place. Lutyens Cocktail House has a live bar and a refreshing cocktail menu. It is just like the kind of place where you can socialize with complete strangers at the bar at night or grab a peaceful meal with a loved one during the less chaotic day time. And oh, the view is lovely. It is bang opposite the ever so dazzling Le Meridien Hotel on Janpath.

As much attention is paid to interiors with tasteful vintage bits here and there, the food too, is pure delight. For appetizers, I tried the Wild Mushroom Bitterballen, juicy chopped mushrooms enveloped with a crispy coating- just bang on! The balls came sitting on Truffled Aioli, a French sauce very similar to mayonnaise. I then ordered Harissa Cottage Cheese Brochette- a palate of silky cottage cheese barbequed to perfection in spicy sauce. Both the appetizers are worth trying. I accompanied them with a glass of Apple Cigar- the bestseller cocktail at Lutyens. Smoked Whiskey, a hint of clove, some apple juice, ice and a caramelized slice of apple is what makes this loved cocktail at LCH. It had a hint of sweetness and went very well with my food. The chef then sent Risotto with wild mushrooms, truffle oil and mushroom paste, for me to sample. I am not really a risotto person but this one was just yum! 

I then had Penne Primavera- an absolute winner. The pasta was the right kind of chewy, veggies were fresh and crunchy and the alfredo sauce was delightfully cheesy.  Definitely recommend this one. Next up was the Vegetarian souffle. Artistically plated and complemented by cheese sauce, pickled bell peppers, roasted beetroot and caramel walnuts, the souffle was light and airy. An absolute pleasure to dig into, this one. 

Soon it was time for desserts and I had been recommended to try the popular 'Chocolate Box'. However, I enjoyed gazing it from a distance and clicked a million pictures of it. I wasn't feeling like having chocolate that day for some strange reason and went for a Banoffee Cheesecake. Both the desserts are stunning to look at and as soon as I saw the cheesecake, I was in love. The best part was how light it felt even after I had hogged like, half of it alone. Usually cheesecakes feel extremely heavy and filling to me, but this one was different. Topped with caramelized banana slices, the base of the cheesecake was made of roasted walnuts and gave the cheesecake the much needed crunch. 

With this, my satisfactory lunch date with myself at Lutyens Cocktail House came to an end. LCH scores well on all parameters- lovely interiors, authentic European taste and gorgeous food presentation, and a happening live bar with a cheerful bartender at your service. Oh, and the beautiful view is just the cherry on the cake.The staff is very polite and the service is quick too. It has opened just this month so it's still quite new but I have a hunch, it will be one of the most happening places in the city, tucked away from the usual crowded and congested party hubs of Delhi. A big thumbs up and a 4 out 5 from my side.