I had always assumed that South Indian food and flavours were extremely immune from being presented in a contemporary fashion with pleasing aesthetics in presentation while simultaneously incorporating modern cooking techniques.
Having experienced a seven course meal at Avartana, the latest restaurant from the ITC Hotels I discovered that that the team under Executive Chef Ajit Bangera and Chef Harish were able to successfully showcase contemporary South Indian food that is firmly anchored in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the South India, in a fascinatingly innovative interpretation of the cuisine and its presentation.
'Avartana' derived from sanskrit apparently refers to rhythm, mysticism and magic. True to its name the team at Avartana has been able to create dishes that are an expression of magical art, with each one of them featuring unique culinary concepts.
Chef Bangera mentioned that he has used lots of modern international cooking techniques in a creative way while curating the menu with his team. The team has been at it for nearly 2 years from conception of the Idea to execution and opening of this restaurant. They have made it a point to choose the choicest of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, to fashion inventive recipes that blend flavours from across the Southern India with techniques from across the globe. The accent has been to marry the robust flavours of South Indian Cuisine with twenty-first century global technology and hence presenting a haute cuisine fine dining experience.
We were treated to a Seven Course menu which I have documented and described below along with a range of Cocktails and Mocktails.
Having experienced a seven course meal at Avartana, the latest restaurant from the ITC Hotels I discovered that that the team under Executive Chef Ajit Bangera and Chef Harish were able to successfully showcase contemporary South Indian food that is firmly anchored in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the South India, in a fascinatingly innovative interpretation of the cuisine and its presentation.
'Avartana' derived from sanskrit apparently refers to rhythm, mysticism and magic. True to its name the team at Avartana has been able to create dishes that are an expression of magical art, with each one of them featuring unique culinary concepts.
Chef Bangera mentioned that he has used lots of modern international cooking techniques in a creative way while curating the menu with his team. The team has been at it for nearly 2 years from conception of the Idea to execution and opening of this restaurant. They have made it a point to choose the choicest of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, to fashion inventive recipes that blend flavours from across the Southern India with techniques from across the globe. The accent has been to marry the robust flavours of South Indian Cuisine with twenty-first century global technology and hence presenting a haute cuisine fine dining experience.
We were treated to a Seven Course menu which I have documented and described below along with a range of Cocktails and Mocktails.
Fennel & Pepper Air
Avocado Fluff on the knife
Fennel & Pepper Air with Avocado Fluff
Distilled Tomato Rasam Poured onto Hebs
Distilled Rasam infused with Herbs, strained with a press
Herb Infused Tomato Rasam served in a Margarita Glass !!
Lamb Brain Dumpling with Coriander emuslsion
Dehydrated Bitter Gourd with Potato and Sauce drops
Rice & Madurai Chutney, Curry leaf gunpowder
Stir Fried Lobster, Charred onions, byadagi Chilli and Garlic
Asparagus and French Beans
Coconut and Turmeric Stew served over the Asparagus and French Beans..accompanied by idiayappams
Chargrilled Pork belly served with Coorg Vinegar masala and topped with Malabar parotta
Lamb Congee
Aubergine Pachadi
Butter Milk Noodles with lime pickle in a pippete
Finger Millet Vermicelli, with Tender Coconut ice cream and Caramelized mil
Winter Paan Nitrogen frozen Paan with Gulkhand
Mocktails & Cocktails
Avartana has a unique selection of mocktails and cocktails infused with Indian spices in fresh flavours which can be paired with the food. Every one of these drinks were unique in the flavours and presentations !
Avartana has a unique selection of mocktails and cocktails infused with Indian spices in fresh flavours which can be paired with the food. Every one of these drinks were unique in the flavours and presentations !
Mount Road 63 Bourbon, Red wine, Orange liquer, Sweet and Sour and Pineapple
Nannari Slush Nannari Extract, lemon and Basil Seeds
The pickle Jar Raw mango, Coriander, Sweet and Sour and Red Chilly
Design and Decor
The interiors of the restaurant look opulent. The banana leaf is a recurrent theme of the design of this restaurant. The banana leaf motif on the carpet, pairs with the banana flower on the partitions.
The upholstery is mellow, light colour scheme, light-coloured wood, silver-hued fabric upholstery, accentuated with objects d’art in tones of copper and amber.
An open and interactive show kitchen demonstrates the drama and flair of preparing food live to interested guests and is a definite novelty for a South Indian themed restaurant.
Avartana also features a Private Dining Room which can accommodates 10 guests.
The interiors of the restaurant look opulent. The banana leaf is a recurrent theme of the design of this restaurant. The banana leaf motif on the carpet, pairs with the banana flower on the partitions.
The upholstery is mellow, light colour scheme, light-coloured wood, silver-hued fabric upholstery, accentuated with objects d’art in tones of copper and amber.
An open and interactive show kitchen demonstrates the drama and flair of preparing food live to interested guests and is a definite novelty for a South Indian themed restaurant.
Avartana also features a Private Dining Room which can accommodates 10 guests.
The Open Show Kitchen
The Open Show Kitchen
The Boat Motiff on the wall
The Private Dining room with a painting by Thotta Tharini on the wall
VERDICT
To call the experience 'Mindblowing' would not be an exaggeration at all. 'Avartana' is definitely going to be a culinary landmark in this part of the world.
If you want to experience what a 'Michelin' grade restaurant feels like do head to the 'Avartana'. I can safely stick my neck out and predict that this restaurant is likely to be the one getting the Michelin Stars in town !!
They offer different tasting menus starting at Rs 2000 for a seven course meal going upwards.
'Avartana' is located in the ITC Grand Chola and is open for Dinner from the 17th of March 2017.
To call the experience 'Mindblowing' would not be an exaggeration at all. 'Avartana' is definitely going to be a culinary landmark in this part of the world.
If you want to experience what a 'Michelin' grade restaurant feels like do head to the 'Avartana'. I can safely stick my neck out and predict that this restaurant is likely to be the one getting the Michelin Stars in town !!
They offer different tasting menus starting at Rs 2000 for a seven course meal going upwards.
'Avartana' is located in the ITC Grand Chola and is open for Dinner from the 17th of March 2017.
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