Steaks and Rouge festival, Doubletree by Hilton, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi
Good steak is a rarity in this city. Great steak is almost inconceivable. That is exactly why I’ve been on a glorious beef high ever since my visit to Doubletree by Hilton’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill.
The Steaks and Rouge festival has a variety of succulent steaks on offer that would make the quietest caveman (or woman) grunt with delight. The steaks are imported and are certified US Black Angus tenderloin. Seven different types have been created for this special menu: Tenderloin Rossini, Texas style, French black pepper, Barolo, Finadene, Cajun, and Poached. These are best enjoyed paired with some robust red wines from a special menu. The staff is happy to recommend options once you make your selection.
My friend ordered the Barolo Tenderloin (3,000), while I asked for the French black pepper steak (2,900). The Barolo was grilled (lovely dark char marks) and came seated on a bed of mushroom risotto with a Barolo red wine sauce. The risotto was creamy with large pieces of mushroom within and packed full of warm, earthy mushroom flavours. The Barolo sauce was excellent; a beautiful deep red colour, the right balance of salt and sweet, and delectably smooth. The steak itself was executed perfectly (my friend wanted it well done and that’s exactly how it was) – tender and juicy. The wine recommended with this steak was Nederburg, Pinotage; South Africa, 2009 (500/glass). It was a rich, fruity wine that complemented the meat rather well.
The pan-fried French black pepper steak was another winner. It came with smashed garlic potatoes and a creamed Brandy sauce. The potatoes were a delight – such a refreshing change from the boring, overly smooth mashed potatoes we see everywhere. These were done a rustic way – unevenly smashed with a smattering of fresh herbs, chunky pieces of onion and red pepper peeping out from here and there, and slivers of sun-dried tomatoes, which danced around the plate. I asked for my steak to be done medium, and it came to me with just a touch of pink – flawless in my opinion. The brandy sauce was rich and creamy and it offset the strong pepper flavour in the meat very well. The meat itself melted in my mouth, and every single bite was a delight. Both steaks were obviously well rested, as there were no juices running and the meat was incredibly tender. The wine I tried was another red – Peter Lehmann, Cabernet Shiraz; Australia, 2008 (600/glass). Strong plum and mint flavours came through in this full-bodied wine, which I drank in large mouthfuls between bites of steak. The steaks also came with extra sauce in a bowl. This allowed us to shamelessly slather our pieces of meat in the glorious sauce before transporting them to our mouths and almost dying with bliss.
On until the 15th of December 2012, stop by the Roadhouse Bar and Grill at DoubleTree by Hilton, Mayur Vihar to awaken your inner caveman. Serious meat lovers – this is one you’re absolutely not allowed to miss.
French, Black Pepper Steak
