With the launch of fresh spots monthly, the neighbourhood of Pallikaranai might soon take over the cool hangout zone tag from nearby Velachery. The new compact casual dining spot at Zone By The Park comes close on the heels of Bazaar and is a beautiful rendition of contemporary meets traditional. We dropped in at Urban Spice Box for a quick fix over the weekend.
AMBIENCE
As you zoom up to the 4th floor, a level below the swimming pool, you’ll be greeted by courteous waiters who guide you toyour table. Settle down in one of their black metal chairs and gaze at the stars, or better still, the open kitchen where you can see your food being prepared. The décor has been kept as minimal as possible with a seating capacity of upto 36 people. Dimly lit with Winchester wall lanterns and ball lamps, USB tries to recreate a traditional South Indian kitchen with beautiful brown pilasters and wood coloured corrugated asbestos roof. The un-plastered walls are painted cream to add to the intimate mood. You can even sit by the gorgeous rooftop pool, while hushed instrumental music sets the tone.
FOOD + DRINKS
If you’re an early riser, you can try the breakfast menu from Bazaar since the kitchen only dishes out dinner but the space is accessible all day. Focussed on Awadhi, Mughal and Nizami cuisine, every dish has been given a signature contemporary touch. Chef S Kathiron and his team have put out a well thought out menu of the best dishes from the three royal lineages. Although you won’t find a mocktail or cooler in the menu yet, if you are in a mood to cool down with a beverage, the mixologists can make you one of their signature concoctions.
We started our culinary expedition with the Murgh Chilgoza (Rs 195)– a light shorba blended with chicken broth, saffron and peanuts. Although we felt that the Tamatar Tulsi Shorba (Rs 175) was a little too light and could’ve been more frothy, the basil did bring in a certain tang. The tandoor section is irresistible and we especially loved the Sarson Mahi Tikka (Rs 475) that mixes basa with mustard, yoghurt and secret spices – all done to perfection in a clay oven. The other two recommendable dishes from the Tandoor section are the Tandoori Murgh (Rs 450) and Maas Ka Soola (Rs 450). While the former is seasoned with roasted spices over charcoal that adds nuance to the dish, the latter is a mutton dish made tender with yoghurt and flavoured with freshly ground spices.
From the kebabs, the Kasturi Kebab (Rs 450) and Kakori (Rs 450) are show-stealers with perfect, authentic taste. The Hyderabadi Gosht Biryani (Rs 475), Lagan Ka Murgh (Rs 475) and Keema Kaleji with minced mutton and liver blended in handmade spices and gravy will have you licking your plate clean. No meal here is complete without royal desserts like the coconut heavy Elaneer Payasam (Rs 215) or the Kesari Phirnee (Rs 215).
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A royal culinary treat of forgotten flavours.
Meal For Two: Rs 1,800
Timings: 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Follow them on Facebook
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**
With the launch of fresh spots monthly, the neighbourhood of Pallikaranai might soon take over the cool hangout zone tag from nearby Velachery. The new compact casual dining spot at Zone By The Park comes close on the heels of Bazaar and is a beautiful rendition of contemporary meets traditional. We dropped in at Urban Spice Box for a quick fix over the weekend.
AMBIENCE
As you zoom up to the 4th floor, a level below the swimming pool, you’ll be greeted by courteous waiters who guide you toyour table. Settle down in one of their black metal chairs and gaze at the stars, or better still, the open kitchen where you can see your food being prepared. The décor has been kept as minimal as possible with a seating capacity of upto 36 people. Dimly lit with Winchester wall lanterns and ball lamps, USB tries to recreate a traditional South Indian kitchen with beautiful brown pilasters and wood coloured corrugated asbestos roof. The un-plastered walls are painted cream to add to the intimate mood. You can even sit by the gorgeous rooftop pool, while hushed instrumental music sets the tone.
FOOD + DRINKS
If you’re an early riser, you can try the breakfast menu from Bazaar since the kitchen only dishes out dinner but the space is accessible all day. Focussed on Awadhi, Mughal and Nizami cuisine, every dish has been given a signature contemporary touch. Chef S Kathiron and his team have put out a well thought out menu of the best dishes from the three royal lineages. Although you won’t find a mocktail or cooler in the menu yet, if you are in a mood to cool down with a beverage, the mixologists can make you one of their signature concoctions.
We started our culinary expedition with the Murgh Chilgoza (Rs 195)– a light shorba blended with chicken broth, saffron and peanuts. Although we felt that the Tamatar Tulsi Shorba (Rs 175) was a little too light and could’ve been more frothy, the basil did bring in a certain tang. The tandoor section is irresistible and we especially loved the Sarson Mahi Tikka (Rs 475) that mixes basa with mustard, yoghurt and secret spices – all done to perfection in a clay oven. The other two recommendable dishes from the Tandoor section are the Tandoori Murgh (Rs 450) and Maas Ka Soola (Rs 450). While the former is seasoned with roasted spices over charcoal that adds nuance to the dish, the latter is a mutton dish made tender with yoghurt and flavoured with freshly ground spices.
From the kebabs, the Kasturi Kebab (Rs 450) and Kakori (Rs 450) are show-stealers with perfect, authentic taste. The Hyderabadi Gosht Biryani (Rs 475), Lagan Ka Murgh (Rs 475) and Keema Kaleji with minced mutton and liver blended in handmade spices and gravy will have you licking your plate clean. No meal here is complete without royal desserts like the coconut heavy Elaneer Payasam (Rs 215) or the Kesari Phirnee (Rs 215).
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A royal culinary treat of forgotten flavours.
Meal For Two: Rs 1,800
Timings: 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Follow them on Facebook
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**