This post will be long. Probably because of the long journey to the concerned place. And an increased use of paeans that this will entail.
The impulse to visiting this place came on a sunny afternoon. A few minutes out on the road led the author and her friend to discover that the day was the first day of the auto strike. So, no autos for miles on end and trust me the author traveled miles before a kindly cab driver took pity on them. Usually, the author is prone to crazy impulses, but this was a lot crazy even for her. I mean, you walk down five miles for an hour till the Secunderabad railway station in order to find a taxi. But, by then, it had become a matter of pride. So, all the way to Road no. 12, hoping that the food did not disappoint.
And, tell you what, it really did not.
When you step out of the elevator, the sight of its promotional board welcomes you. Slightly quirky, it sets a happy tone. The alfresco venue adds to it. The greenery around you is charming and when the wind turns, you can smell the mint planted around the edges of the terrace. A few minutes into sitting down, you realize that the music is low, lilting Italian. That makes a lot of difference.
The distance traversed equaled a very hungry stomach. So, the orders flied out fast. Picante pizza, Passionfruit Iced tea followed by Calabrese pasta for the vegetarian and the Pollo parmigiana for the carnivorous. Desserts - it was decided - would be ordered, if the appetizers or main course was not enough.
The best part of the meal, was the authentic tag attached to the place, is really true. The pizza is baked in a wood oven is soft yet crispy. The sauce is fresh as are the vegetables. Say goodbye to Dominos.
While the iced tea is slightly acidic, the main course more than enough makes up for it. The calabrese is spicy and fragrant. The parmigiana is well-cooked with a crispy crust. While the lettuce is slightly wilted, the roast potatoes served with it is just right - with a slight bite. You dig in and for a long time there is silence on the table - except, of course, the clinking of cutlery.
Perhaps because of the slight disappointment with the iced tea, I ordered a cappuccino. After all isn't that the traditional end to the meal. Oh wait, that is espresso. Still good enough. So, cappuccino, and after some deliberation, the panna cotta. And, oh my, oh my, that is the best ending to the meal. In fact, one of the best desserts I have tasted in a long while. The panna cotta is served with a coulis which provides the tart to the sweet, creaminess that the panna cotta represents.
The review has not indulged in paeans - yay - but it is heading there. And so I will stop. But, I will end with this - for a nice, fun brunch, lunch or dinner to fulfill your Italian cravings - do head there. And, if you have done so, please head over there again.
Location: Road no 10, Banjara Hills, opposite Ratnadeep Supermarket.
What to try: The pizzas, pasta calabrese, pollo parmigiana, pasta alfredo
Review: 3.9/5
The impulse to visiting this place came on a sunny afternoon. A few minutes out on the road led the author and her friend to discover that the day was the first day of the auto strike. So, no autos for miles on end and trust me the author traveled miles before a kindly cab driver took pity on them. Usually, the author is prone to crazy impulses, but this was a lot crazy even for her. I mean, you walk down five miles for an hour till the Secunderabad railway station in order to find a taxi. But, by then, it had become a matter of pride. So, all the way to Road no. 12, hoping that the food did not disappoint.
And, tell you what, it really did not.
When you step out of the elevator, the sight of its promotional board welcomes you. Slightly quirky, it sets a happy tone. The alfresco venue adds to it. The greenery around you is charming and when the wind turns, you can smell the mint planted around the edges of the terrace. A few minutes into sitting down, you realize that the music is low, lilting Italian. That makes a lot of difference.
The distance traversed equaled a very hungry stomach. So, the orders flied out fast. Picante pizza, Passionfruit Iced tea followed by Calabrese pasta for the vegetarian and the Pollo parmigiana for the carnivorous. Desserts - it was decided - would be ordered, if the appetizers or main course was not enough.
The best part of the meal, was the authentic tag attached to the place, is really true. The pizza is baked in a wood oven is soft yet crispy. The sauce is fresh as are the vegetables. Say goodbye to Dominos.
While the iced tea is slightly acidic, the main course more than enough makes up for it. The calabrese is spicy and fragrant. The parmigiana is well-cooked with a crispy crust. While the lettuce is slightly wilted, the roast potatoes served with it is just right - with a slight bite. You dig in and for a long time there is silence on the table - except, of course, the clinking of cutlery.
Perhaps because of the slight disappointment with the iced tea, I ordered a cappuccino. After all isn't that the traditional end to the meal. Oh wait, that is espresso. Still good enough. So, cappuccino, and after some deliberation, the panna cotta. And, oh my, oh my, that is the best ending to the meal. In fact, one of the best desserts I have tasted in a long while. The panna cotta is served with a coulis which provides the tart to the sweet, creaminess that the panna cotta represents.
The review has not indulged in paeans - yay - but it is heading there. And so I will stop. But, I will end with this - for a nice, fun brunch, lunch or dinner to fulfill your Italian cravings - do head there. And, if you have done so, please head over there again.
Location: Road no 10, Banjara Hills, opposite Ratnadeep Supermarket.
What to try: The pizzas, pasta calabrese, pollo parmigiana, pasta alfredo
Review: 3.9/5
Hey! The place totally deserved a 4.5 at least. I mean the panna cotta had fireworks popping in my brain!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I want panna cotta. Aargh!