The Hiatus is a restaurant that opened some time ago at Clarion Collection-Qutab Hotel with the focus being world cuisine and some molecular gastronomy in a setting that promises an opulent dining experience. The name ‘Hiatus’ connotes pause to take a break from the fast life of the city and get rejuvenated. The restaurant is the sum of many parts –the H-Bar with a fair collection of international spirits and cocktails. The walls are adorned by wine and cigars with some good wines and Cohibas. Then there is the chef’s table in the kitchen, the main restaurant serving Indian, Oriental, Italian, Mediterranean cuisines. The open air zone is a cozy space, perfect for the serving freshly grilled cuisine with the added luxury of hookas.

I have been invited by the restaurant for a review. As I enter I am greeted by Executive Chef Ravinder Singh, who has prepared an exciting tasting menu for me. This I find reassuring and professional for a change, and sit down in the posh environs with a bated sense of anticipation. And the food, apart from the desserts, was quite spectacular without exception.

We start with broccoli cappuccino soup (Rs 285), a sinfully delicious treat. Tikki fusion (Rs 250) is our own alu ki tikki in a 21st century international avatar. It has brie stuffed aloo tikki served on green apple chutney, topped with light, airy and spherical yoghurt ravioli made using molecular gastronomy techniques, and a chana chaat. Cottage cheese tikka (Rs 325), served on a pillow of air bread and served with tomato chutney is an interesting take on paneer tikka.

            Brocolli Cappuccino                                          Paneer Tikka

Indian spiced lamb kababs (Rs 525) are delicious seekh kababs served with an onion& basil chutney. Watermelon salad (Rs 385) is served rather innovatively with watermelon spheres served with bowls of feta cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, honey and mustard. Eating the salad can be a fun affair having it with the various options by turns.

      Indian Spiced Lamb Kebabs                              Watermelon Salad

In the main course, wok tossed scallops with broccoli and lemongrass (Rs 985) is enjoyable because scallops are my favourite seafood. I do wish the scallops had been lightly browned at the edges to enjoy the true taste of this God’s gift to humankind.

                                Wok tossed scallops

Steamed fish fillet with spice garlic sauce (Rs 685) served with brown garlic fried rice is most enjoyable. Wild mushroom Risotto (Rs 685) with lots of assorted varieties of mushroom, truffle oil and parmesan shavings is yet another treat. After a long time I am eating a risotto done al dente without the use of any cream.

           Steamed Fish Fillet                                   Wild Mushroom Risotto

In desserts, Tiramisu (Rs 255) and Red Velvet Cake (Rs 255) are both competent without being memorable.

                      Tiramisu                                           Red Velvet Cake

After being wowed by the food, I ask Chef Ravinder Singh about his own background. He reveals some rich experience under Cordon Bleu Chef late Bhikoo Manekshaw, followed by a stint at The Orient Express at the Taj Palace. No wonder, the food is so delicious!

The Hiatus is a restaurant waiting to be discovered. I for one had a great meal, and would heartily recommend giving this place a try.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.3000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Clarion Collection - Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Katwaria Sarai, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi | Tel: 011 33105653