Of good music and better food

ELF (eat, love, fun) Café & Bar is perhaps one of the oldest properties in Hauz Khas Village (HKV) which is now bustling with eateries and restaurants. However, the place hasn’t lost any appeal in terms of its façade, interiors or food. Located on the second floor, the place is divided into four parts — casual dining area (with a well-stocked bar and a dance floor), private dining room (a small cabin where 10-15 people can have a group dining experience), lounge (with cosy couches to sit down and relax) and an outdoor sitting area (overlooking HKV entrance).

Unlike many others, ELF Cafe does not have any particular theme and has an ordinary interior with wooden furniture and is dim, gloomy lighted. But live DJ and band performances are regularly organised there. The choice of music earns them a brownie point.

Coming to the food part, the menu has Italian, North Indian, Continental cuisine to choose from.  As Metrolife went to explore the flavours, the chef Shovaram Dangi has had a special menu prepared for us. We were greeted with a welcome drink. Green in colour, the drink was tangy in taste that lifted our mood instantly. We were then served with ‘Manhattan’ among the cocktails. The whisky-based drink was quite strong and left a bitter taste in our mouth. For starters we were served with ‘Stir Fry Vegetables’, ‘Drums of Heaven’ and ‘ELF’s Special Chicken Kalimrich’. Seasonal vegetables tossed on minimal heat, the vegetable dish was well-balanced and subtle in taste; whereas, the chicken dish had nothing new to offer. Our favourite was ‘Chicken Kalimirch’. Tandoori chicken smoked with pepper and served hot is a must try.

Next arrival on our table was ‘California Iced Tea’ and ‘Summer Cooler’ cocktail. Both the drinks were refreshing with plenty of fruit juice and pieces. For the mains, the menu had cottage cheese dressed in picante sauce, served with Mexican rice. Average in taste, the dish failed to win our heart. Next dish was ‘Basa/Lemon Butter Sauce’. However, we were later informed that the dish is not available. Coming to the desserts, ‘ELF’s favourite Brownie Cocktail’ was offered to us. It was their version of choco lava cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Many might find their service little slow, but if you are not very hungry you will enjoy the music and relax.

FAQs:     
Address: 26 A, 2nd Floor, Hauz Khas Village.
Meal for two: Rs 1,600, plus taxes.
Time: 12 noon to 1 am.
For reservation call: 9654581581, 8506892650.