It often happens that I find good food at places which don’t get good footfall. My recent visit to Depot 29 inSafdarjung Enclave Commercial complex opposite Deer Park introduced me to some off-beat preparations andflavours which are not explored otherwise.
This casual dining restaurant offering American and Mexican cuisine is owned by two entrepreneurs — Vikas Narula and Girjashanker Vohra and backed by the culinary expertise of Chef Ritu Dalmia. Vikas was an engineer and settled in Australia but his interest in the growing hospitality business prompted him to leave everything, surrender his Australian citizenship and return to India to start Depot 29.
Chef Dalmia has played well with guacamole and offers three variants of it. Out of the three I loved the pomegranate and toasted pine nut variant as it had a mix of textures. The complimentary salsa with baked tortilla was also superb.
Music is key to Depot 29 and it has been designed with proper sound engineering.
Do try out the watermelon salad as it is ideal for the approaching summers. It’s refreshing with marinated ginger keeping it moist and giving a unique taste.
Pan-grilled habanero prawns were slightly overcooked and also low on the spice quotient. Grilled fillet of fish with a drizzle of pink peppercorn and chilli lime was impressive but left a slightly sharp aftertaste on the palate.
The pumpkin and mushroom wellington seemed to be a good option for the vegetarians but for carnivores like me it has to be their coffee marinated mutton chops. Chef Dalmia has created a master dish by tweaking the chops with a shot of espresso changing the definition of lamb chops for me. Though Depot 29’s waffles are famous in town but I gave them a miss to retain the aftertaste of the mutton chops.
Meal for two: Rs. 2000 plus taxes
