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The Times of India
VINITA DAWRA NANGIA
16th October 2009, 12:00am
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When the blue mood strikes...
There are cocktails. And then, there are
cocktails with an imaginative flair that actually work as mood
enhancers. |
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Top this with a bartender
who gauges moods intuitively, suggesting just the right ingredients to
take you to the next level, and your evening is made!
Try the newly opened The Blue Bar at Taj Palace. Provided Bartender
Nicholas Hawkins is in his element and you in the right mood, the
experience is bound to be uplifting. If you do not like the cocktail he
conjures for you, I am willing to swallow my words, stirred and shaken,
in the next infusion this bartender from London concocts for me!
There is nothing blue about The Blue Bar – mood, color, nor lighting.
The first thing that strikes you is the seductive symphony of the place.
It’s as if the deep red chairs, the rippling effect of lighting and the
black carpet with diamante sparkle conspire to lend a sexy quotient. As
a result, you glide in rather than walk, and feel generally happy with
life as you soak in the ambience. The bar manages to achieve classy
elegance infused with welcoming warmth.
Infusions are what inspire Nick. He waves away my request for the safe
and well-tested Mojito, suggesting a martini instead. Leftfield (Rs 450)
has Tanqueray gin and aged balsamic vinegar with elderflower cordial.
The flavors from the drink rise to tickle the senses before hitting the
tastebuds – the experience is guaranteed to take you someplace else!
Another interesting concoction is Open Sesame (Rs 450) – sesame seeds
muddled with vanilla sugar, honey and fresh pineapple shaken with Makers
Mark bourbon.
For a unique experience, do try Cigar Infused Woodfords Reserve
Manhattan (Rs 650) – sheer bourbon for a while in your mouth, and then
the cigar flavour kicks in.
Only the finest spirits will do for The Blue Bar cocktails. Amongst
brands the bar houses are Hendrik’s Gin; Maker’s Mark bourbon, the
American whisky with a Scottish heritage; Grey Goose and Ketel One
Vodka; Rhum Clement, one of the world’s purest rums; Patron Anejo
Tequila, premium tequila to be savored like fine scotch, and more. The
bar has around 56 varieties of single malts and a wine list of more than
450, of which 20 are served by the glass along with champagne. For eats,
you could try the bratwurst (Rs 1200), oysters (Rs 1500), smoked pepper
infused chicken morsels (Rs 650) or goat cheese with piri-piri olives (Rs
400), but if you are a bacon fan, don’t miss the Pancetta crisps with
fig and orange dip (Rs 650). Of course if you plan to gorge on
Vietnamese fare next door at the new Blue Ginger, skip snacks here.
The music played enhances the mood of the place and is conducive to
conversation – a rarity in Delhi bars! Want a bit more quiet? Step out
with your drink into the alfresco area and sink into comfortable couches
as you enjoy the Taj lawns and poolside view.
The Blue Bar is all set to offer serious competition to its sister
concern, Rick’s at Taj Mansingh, which has won the Times Nightlife Guide
Award for Best Cocktails for five consecutive years. If The Blue Bar can
maintain quality and consistency, they surely will be strong contenders.
So, the only Blue that needs to be checked out today is not just the
mega movie in theatres, but the Taj’s latest offering to Bacchus as
well! What remains to be seen is if Delhi’s fickle swivellers will swing
to The Blue Bar in a big way. If they do, they may stay.
The Blue Bar | Taj Palace Hotel
Category: Bar & Alfresco
Opening hours : 12.30 pm - 1 am (All Days)
Dress code: Smart casual; no flip flops or shorts
Capacity: 65 seated |
