JOIN USAway from the cacophony of Connaught Place lies Informal which can best be described as a charming place serving finger-licking global food. The moment we entered the place, which marries the allure of a nightclub with a cafe’s laidback charm, we were impressed by its wood, glass and metal decor. But little did we know then that their food would only add to the experience and make it an evening to remember.
Situated on Tolstoy Lane, Janpath, the cafe-cum-lounge is sprawled over 6,000 sq ft and has three floors with a fairylight illuminated terrace garden and a cosy rooftop. It also has a ‘Barber’s Corner’ with barber chairs where diners can sit, put on a wig and wrap a cape around their necks before bartenders start pouring drinks down their throat until they give up. Once done, a quick cleanup and you are packed off to your table.
We settled ourselves on the terrace and decided to trust our server, Achem’s recommendations, staring from the drinks down to the main course dish. And our anticipation lasted only a short while, as all her suggestions were one better than the other.
For drinks, Metrolife tried their signature cocktails, House Hunter and Switched on Fire. While the former was a dark rum-based drink with lime wedges, thyme and mint top up with soda; the latter was a mix of wheat beer with dark rum and a sprite
top up with ginger ale. Both were extremely freshening and set our mood for the evening.
Soon food started flowing in, and the first dish to be served was Ham Croquetas, a speciality from Madrid. The small bread crumbed fried food rolls filled with ham, cheese and the mild seasoning simply melted in our mouths and within seconds we had eaten the appetiser down to the last crumb. But what added wonders to the dish
was the accompanying onion puree, which was mind-blowing.
Next up was Classic Chilli Chicken marinated with exotic herbs, which was much like the regular chilli chicken, but a bit chewy.
However the gravy was a spicy mix of various herbs and vegetables and left us with a smarting sensation on our tongues.
We were still soaking in the flavours of the two dishes when Bhatti ka Murgh and Murgh Angare were served. Both the non-vegetarian dishes from their tandoor section were spiced and baked to perfection. The chicken was tender, juicy and a delight to gorge on.
To give company to our dishes, Achem offered to get us a speciality cocktail made and there was no way we would have refused. So before we knew it, a concoction of vodka, pineapple, apple and passion fruit juice was served, which refreshed us all over again.
For main course we wanted something light, and were suggested Charcoal grilled basa fish casserole in whiskey orange sauce, served with beetroot chips. Grilled to a T, the fish was light, flavoursome and perfect in every way.
Full beyond measure, just as we decided to end our gastronomic journey, their chef said we could not leave without tasting their Charcoal grilled lollipop. We staged a little protest, but as he promised that we will not be left disappointed, we gave in. And after devouring on those little leg pieces, we realised how we would have missed out on a delight had we not tasted the lollipops.
Satisfied, we left Informal with smiles on our faces and stomachs, promising ourselves to come back and relish all that was left on their menu.
FAQs:
Address: 52, Tolstoy Lane, Janpath.
Meal for two: Rs 1,000 plus taxes
Timing: 12 pm to 12 am