Romanticised to perfection

Food review

Dining has turned out to be much more than just eating good food and having refreshing drinks. It has evolved into an experience which one can cherish beyond those three to four hours of sitting in a restaurant with friends, family and loved ones.

The same has been accomplished by The Hungry Monkey, a casual dining restaurant and bar in Safdarjung Enclave. Located in the busy DDA Market, the restaurant stands out in everything from the interiors, the natural ambience to its cuisines and signature cocktails.

For a first-time visitor, the curiosity will increase to four times the normal, having climbed two floors of staircase to enter in the restaurant. What greets you is a dim-lit hall with romantic candle lights on every table. Exclusive outdoor arrangements have been specially made on the rooftop for those who love to dine in the lap of nature.

With the newly introduced California Tapas menu, chef Noah Barnis has introduced some exquisite food items which he says, “can continue with the endless conversations that people have on the dining table...”

Prepared from a wide variety of local produce and infused with passion, this extensive Tapas menu has been carefully curated keeping in mind the latest food trends of the world. The menu is an adventure in itself for an experience of classic flavours with food items drenched in a surprising fusion of flavours.

For starters, Cold Pressed Plum Tomato, Lettuce and Celery Soup is a must try. Made with finely chopped cucumber ribbons, the soup is a refreshing appetiser. The Roasted Beetroot Tartare with Mascarpone, Mint and Toasted Pine Nuts is a starter enough to make you drooling for the mains. The Tartare is a cold snack with a  blend of beetroot and mint and nuts, which will be refreshing till the last bite. Besides, Fresh Salmon Tartare with Cucumber ribbons and Stuffed Filo Parcels with Roast Zucchini and Broccoli are the other delights for the vegetarian food lovers.

One of the major highlights of the food items in the newly introduced menu is that they are all informal snacks, including everything from appetisers to the main course. According to chef Barnis, this has been primarily done to enable the visitors spend quality time together over enjoyable and delicious food.

Coming to the non-vegetarian menu, the Californian cuisine, is topped by the Secret Agent Chicken, priced at Rs 375. The name of the dish is to keep you guessing till the end as to what is the secret ingredient which gives the chicken a sticky, hot and sweet feel.’

Seafood is probably what one just cannot miss at the Hungry Monkey. Summer Prawns wrapped in Katafi, marinated in light gari, soy and thai chilli vodka sauce will leave you with a mouthful of delectable flavours.

Meanwhile, you can also try Spicy Goan Chorizo Sliders, Pulled Duck Slider, Herbed Crumb Radish Truffle, Mac ‘N’ Cheese and Chicken Leg Slow Cooked in Coconut Curry. 

For desserts, the menu is not very extensive but still includes some tempting White Chocolate Parfait and Pistachio Semifreddo. Last but not the least, chef Barnis has come up with an exclusive range of healthy and light cocktails, smooth and tender, with the right amount of ingredients. 

Flooded with fruity flavours and a tinge of tequila is the Burnt Lime and Pineapple Margarita. You won’t mind sipping through the drink in one go. Also worth a try is the Wild Berry Caprioska and 3 Citrus Gimlet.

FAQs
Address: B 6/6DDA Market, opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi
Table for two: Rs 2,000 ++