The corporate hub of Delhi, Nehru Place, is now picking up as a food hub too. Lots of good restaurants are coming up at the Epicuria Mall, just below the Nehru Place Metro station. One of the debutants is The Chatterhouse, claimed to be the first gastro pub in the vicinity. The aim is to transport the customer to a place where the feeling of bonhomie and camaraderie ensue along with some decent food and beverages at a competitive price. The experience of Sohrab Sitaram, the restaurant’s co-founder, after the successful launches of Tabula Rasa, Chi Kitchen and Bar, Shalom, Laidback Waters and Italic is quite visible in the décor and concept of The Chatterhouse. Its liquor license is still awaited but it is not at all a disappointment as the bartender has to offer some really interesting mocktails. I have amrood chaat which is very refreshing. Tobasco with guava juice topped with chaat masala really gives a nice flavour.
The food menu is diverse and offers dishes from around the world. It’s a nice mix of wood oven Italian pizzas, tandoor dishes of India, pastas of Italy and American burgers and sandwiches.
I start with The Chatterhouse non-vegetarian platter which is dominated by mid-eastern delicacies. Shish touk lacks seasoning which suppresses its flavours. Honey mustard glazed chicken wings again lacks the aroma of mustard. But the mutton boti kabab is exceptional. It is a trio of perfect juiciness, tenderness and flavours.
The Indian platter is worth a try but can be elevated with slight tweaks. My platter of starters is followed by a thin crust pizza which is delicious. The base can be crispier but nevertheless it tastes heavenly. Burger enthusiasts should opt for the juicy luicy burger loaded with a 250 gram meat patty.
After a couple of dishes from across the world, I settle for an Indian main course — mutton qorma and Goan prawn curry. The mutton qorma is more of Awadhi style kundan kaliyan but not a qorma though it is delicious. The Goan prawn curry with steamed rice is average and hasscope for improvement.
The dessert section has some interesting options. I try two of them before signing off. Goey chocolate cake with coffee ice cream is a master dessert to end with. The cake is perfectly moist and flavourful. Though The Chatterhouse special dessert, nachos with toasted marshmallows, brownie bits, smarties and whipped crème, is more of a visual delight.
Meal for two - Rs.800
