February is the month I prefer eating under the sun whenever I am in Delhi but there aren’t too many options, as Delhi-NCR seriously lacks good terrace or al fresco restaurants. In that regard, I value my recent discovery — TLW, a wonderful gastro-pub, conveniently located on NH8, at Star Mall. Recently launched, TLW has a nice cosy lounge space with huge glass walls looking out at the sky and a spacious terrace.
While its name suggests it’s a liquor place, the gastro-pub actually boasts an amazing and innovative food menu. I was surprised to see such an amazing mix of flavours and presentation of food. Chef Arnab started my gastronomic journey with a piping hot carrot and orange soup. On the terrace with sun rays falling on my soup, the orangish-ness of the dish was even more highlighted. The flavours were subtly wonderful. After a long time I really enjoyed an outstanding soup.
Even the Caesar salad had fresh veggies with char-grilled chicken, and the dressing was bang on. The starters came as a platter, with delicacies with a twist. The paneer tikka was marinated in harissa and served with tamarind compote unlike the standard chilli marination and mint chutney. Devilled eggs, a perfect winter dish, was done up with chipotle and paprika dust which just took it to another level. Subtle changes made a whole lot of difference to the flavours.
Chicken drumstick lovers should try their guard of honor chicken which is also done with a twist, setting an example of how a simple meat cut can make a difference to the dish.
The cold jumbo prawns were presented in a martini glass which gave the preparation a spectacular look. Each dish at TLW could be adjudged as almost done to perfection and it should soon become known for its food rather than its liquor.
The starters were sumptuous and sufficient, but I still sampled the braised lamb shank, a main course dish, which had a very peculiar gravy differentiating it from the regular lamb shanks served everywhere else. It had a tanginess and a smooth texture which really went well with the egg-parantha served alongside. The chef has really worked hard on the combinations of the dishes and the pairing of chutneys and sauces.
The only thing TLW lacks is variation in desserts, but I think their triple sundae would suffice in the approaching summer.
Meal for two: Rs.1200 plus taxes
