Contributed by Pawan Soni
I remember the old times, when the only lounge available at the New Delhi Airport was run by ITC. Every time I flew I would get the same menu, poor quality and the same waiters who always seemed to be in a hurry for reasons unknown. Inspite of the ITC brand name, I could only despair at the quality of everything that was on offer at the lounge. Apparently even established brands do not escape the effects of monopoly.
Since terminal 1D has come up, flying has become so much fun… not only due to the improved seating, better ambiance and effective check-in process, but also the great shopping and eating experience that one can indulge in. I have always liked my meals (mostly breakfast) at Fresco which, while not a gourmet spread, has ample options for a transit passenger to enjoy and appreciate.
On the way to Amritsar for a foodwalk, we decided to check out the breakfast at Fresco. The flight was to depart at 5.30 am, and we were to reach airport by 4.30am as per the latest circular for airport check-ins. But being the foodies that we are, we reached the airport quite a bit earlier to have enough time for a big breakfast at Fresco.
Fresco is located after the check-in at terminal 1D. The breakfast consisted of juices, coffee, tea, and offered many options in eggs, ham, sausages, cereals like porridge and cornflakes, stuffed and plain paranthas, Idli Sambhar, grilled tomatoes, yogurt, cakes, sandwiches, fruits, croissants, cakes and breads. I’m pretty sure I’ve missed out a few things. The quality of food was good, and I did not expect anything better at 4’o clock in the morning.
At Rs360, it is ideal for someone flying early in the morning to have a breakfast at Fresco, and take a small nap in the flight without bothering about the in-flight meal. Moreover, for frequent flyers (like me) of Kingfisher and Jet Airways, a Fresco meal comes free with the lounge card.
Ed: Skip the idlis when you’re there next, unless your purpose is ballast. The picture on the front page is a stock photo and not from Fresco at the New Delhi Airport.
On our culinary visit to Amritsar, we decided to check the breakfast at Fresco. Flight was to depart at 5.30 am, and we had to reach airport by 4.30am latest as per the latest circular for check-in. But being the foodie that we are, we reached airport at 4.15am itself so that we have enough time for the review. So much for the love of food.
Fresco is located after the check-in at terminal 1D. The breakfast consisted of juices, coffee, tea, and offered many options in eggs, ham, sausages, cereals like porridge and cornflakes, stuffed and plain paranthas, Idli Sambhar, baked tomatoes, curd, cakes, sandwiches, fruits, croissants, cakes, breads, flavored and plain curd. Among the huge list, I am sure I would be missing on some of the options that were available. The quality of food was good, and I did not expect anything better at 4’o clock in the morning.
At Rs360, it is ideal for someone flying early in the morning to have a breakfast at Fresco, and take a small nap in the flight without bothering about the in-flight meal. Moreover, for frequent flyers (like me) of Kingfisher and Jet airways, a Fresco meal comes free with the lounge card.
Pavan, good that you enjoyed it. My experience has been bad couple of times that I have visited once as Jet lounge guest and next time paying myself. Pastas left under the flames had become dessicated, sandwiches were made with bread bought off the shelf, though some of the India stuff like Dal Makhani etc. was ok. I was excited about Fresco’s openning here as it is a big name ‘eat all you can’ buffets in Spain and with a very good Pizza, salad and dessert spread (each on their own wont win gourmet contests, but the package is decent), but found the India one disappointing, Maybe they have improved, and this time I should reach the airport with some time to spare
Siddhartha, I have no option but to agree to what you say. I had a pretty bad experience at Fresco. I had ordered for Penne in Pesto Sauce, waited for 45 minutes and then got a service denial after two confirmations. The chef had an open fight with the bearer for taking order for penne in pesto sauce. The restaurant manager was helpless; he kept on pleading his apologies. Somehow the chef who is supposed to win the hearts of the customers at any restaurant decided to be otherwise. So in reality I don’t know what they serve. But they serve very bad attitude for sure. Guys pay if you wanna treated like shit.