Izakaya Sunday @ The Pint Room, Ambiance Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
There’s something to be said about a cafe that promotes a bright and cheery atmosphere rather than encouraging shady corners, and with them, help keep alive the ridiculous notions about alcohol, places that serve alcohol and those who drink alcohol. Seirously. They do exist in this very day and age too, created by our own Bollywood, where someone or the other insists on shooting sequences that show every possible negative aspect of every bar in the world, real or fantasized.
If you think I speak of an anomaly, think again. A recent poll conducted on Chef at Large shows more than 10% respondents were uncomfortable taking children to an establishment with the word ‘Bar’ in it’s name, while being comfortable entering restaurants that serve liquor. That’s where The Pint Room shines. Glass walls, bright lighting and comfortable forms of seating ensure The Pint Room has a cheerier atmosphere than most cafes that don’t serve alcohol; indeed a step in the right direction.
I was part of a group checking out a new initiative by The Pint Room last month; an oriental menu paired with Asahi beer from Japan. While I can’t honestly say I enjoyed every bit of the food, I did think the initiative was innovative. Beers priced between INR 175 and INR 800 with representatives from all across the world should light up quite a few faces. Called Izakaya Sunday and priced at INR 1500++, the menu featured Lotus Root Fritters (crunchy and surprisingly spicy; perfect accompaniment for beer), Cheese stuffed chilies (nice again, lots of cheese and a spicy hit towards the end), Steamed non-veg buns and Pork Ssam (wasn’t Ssam or Korean IMO) among other dishes.
What we have here is an establishment that has an ear to the group and listens actively to what it’s patrons have to say. Their customers said, “We love your beers, we love the ambiance, but could you do something about the food please?” All through that dinner, I could feel The Pint Room hollering back, “We hear you and we’re working on it”. That’s what one wants from a restaurant, a pair of responsive ears that ultimately prove the establishment’s respect for it’s patrons. We do love what you’re trying to do guys and can’t wait for you to spread your wings and spread the message of innovation and responsiveness far and wide.
