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Text :
Daipayan Halder
Date:
11th Dec 2009
Place: Delhi
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(Viet)nam ke liye
The one complaint about
Vietnamese diner Blue Ginger and Blue Bar - you cannot do justice to
both in one visit
The problem with going to restaurants in five stars is that the wife is
passionately disapproving of them. But one of the few times she is eager
to visit one is when it belongs to a Taj hotel. In fact, our first
collective memories are of late nights at the coffee shops of Taj Mahal
Palace and Taj Land's End in Mumbai. So, apart from being assured of a
warm evening in the new winter of Delhi at the Blue Ginger restaurant
and Blue Bar at the Taj Palace, I was also ensuring some domestic peace.
But that did not last for long, as we got late for the 9.30 pm table at
Blue Ginger on a Friday evening. The table had "just been released".
Blue bar
As it turned out, we were not going to regret having to wait at
the bar. A disarming smile from Nick, the super perceptive bartender, as
we settled into our red chairs, was all we needed. Our server suggested
we sample the signatures; I ordered a plum-based sake concoction while
the wife singled out absinthe-based offerings. Her choice, Flaming
Scandal (absinthe, tequila and spices), made the server chuckle and
remark that she likes "a man's drink".
As you look around while Nick tries some deft pyrotechnics with
absinthe, you notice that Blue Bar is exquisitely stocked. As we had to
go to the restaurant later, we didn't order anything, but were extremely
tempted to try the oysters, mussels and sole. Even before the drinks
arrived, the wife had decided she was going to try the infusions,
especially the tequila-infused marshmallows and absinthe-infused gummy
bears.
As I enjoyed the rare glass of sake, the wife downed her drink at a
pace the server had obviously not anticipated, because when she looked
around to place her next order, he wasn't there. Which is when Nick came
around the bar to our table. He said they were out of marshmallows and
gummy bears (he has said the same thing to many others, which makes me
wonder if they stock these at all) but offered her bourbon infused with
a Montecristo. While Nick tried to give her a Manhattan, she insisted to
have it straight up. A little surprised, and cautious, he told her to
"go slow", in vain.
Blue Ginger
Just as I was beginning to get worried about reaching home safely, we
were informed that our table was ready.
We decided on soft-shell crabs (what better place in the capital for
seafood) for starters and half a Vietnamese roasted duck for the second
course. We decided on traditional Vietnamese Cari (fish in a yellow
sauce) and shrimp fired rice. One striking thing about Blue Ginger is
that you will never get a blank look from the staff about anything you
ask them, and will get informed responses on what to order.
While the soft-shell crabs served with plum sauce were the perfect
start, it was the duck we were really waiting for (always judge a place
by its mashed potatoes, duck and consistency of liquid soap in
restrooms).
A plate of rice paper (commercially produced in Vietnam, the chef later
informed us), a bouquet of vegetable (don't roll the meat without spring
onion) and accompaniments made eating the duck an elaborate affair. We
would have preferred to be asked whether we wanted the skin separately
and wish there were sugar to eat along with it, too, but the duck was
perfect. And so filling, we almost didn't want to go on to the main
course.
If you are not the one for duck (but really, who isn't?) then do try the
Vietnamese soup mean Pho that
includes noodles, vegetables and chicken. Blue Ginger also has a huge
selection of vegetarian dishes that have been customized for the Indian
palate. We were so impressed with the shrimp rice and fish cari that
though we were stuffed, we ate wholesome portions. And still made room
for dessert! In this case, too, we chose to get adventurous rather than
taking refuge in the safe haven of chocolate. The caramel custard with a
twist of ginger was light, but it is the lemon grass tiramisu that is a
must-have. Though, it is just the last of the many reasons why you will
re-visit Blue Bar and Blue Ginger.
Ambience
Blue Ginger and Blue bar are tastefully decorated. The bar has
overwhelming chandeliers and breezy lighting in tune with the music that
is usually played. The restaurant has booths raised on a platform,
allowing a view over the bar and out into the gardens. Tabletops are
inlayed with mother-of-pearl and set on bronze legs. A private dining
room seating 12 is located off the main hall. We wonder if it's that
good in Vietnam.
Blue Ginger and Blue Bar
Where: Taj Palace,
Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave
Timings: Lunch:
12.30 pm to 2.45 pm; Dinner: 7.00 pm to 11.45 pm
Meal for two: Rs 5,000
Call:
66503665 |
