Get a taste of a Parisian cafe in an Indian setting

Nine years after they introduced the capital to macarons that taste like straight out of a Parisian cafe, the newest offering from the Samandari couple is about authentic French delicatessen as an ode to the city that has given their cuisine steady following. In a classic Indian art house meets French food, the L’Opéra Salon de Thé is an avant garde French culinary setup in the heritage property Bikaner House, famous for its architecture from days of the Raj.

Ambience

The Salon that is reminiscent of a quintessentially uber chic French cafe, hopes to replicate the same experience for Delhiites, complete with its food and interiors. Keeping the setting intimately quaint, the place has a small cover of 30, snugly seated under baroque chandeliers. The French windows reflect the heritage structure, while the fireplace gives it its warmth.

Food

Kazem Samandari, chairman, French Bakery Private Limited shares, “We complete a decade since we decided to make India our home. Salon de Thé  is a gesture of gratitude to the city that welcomed us with open arms. So, we decided to make French food part of the city that has essentially been fed on butter chicken and dal makhni. At the same time, we wanted the new property to not be just another cafe but a French experience in itself, right from the interiors, landscaping, curtain, and of course the food.”

The food is a balanced mix of soups, salads, range of feuilletes and light French meals. The Vegetable Feuillet (Rs 280) is a must-have due to its flakiness from the lightly seasoned puff pastry with fresh vegetables. The Chicken Leek Feuillete (Rs 330), complimented by garlic, cream and subtle herbs is as delicate as it is wholesome while the Cheese and Tomato Feuillete (Rs 280), a Mediterranean delight made with sundried tomatoes and béchamel sauce, is the softer yet equally exquisite option. The Beetroot soup (Rs 220) is delicate, smooth, creamy, combined with an earthy freshness. The Tomato soup (Rs 220) is gently seasoned and minimally spiced to give it a homely taste. The crowned king is the classic French favourite Croque Monsieur (Rs 390) and Croque Madame (Rs 410). These lipsmackingly delicious sandwiches have pork ham, milk bread and melting cheese inside (and a fried egg on top). This place offers a unique French experience, with a mix of old-fashioned dining and a modern touch of elegance.

Meal for two: Rs 800
AT: L’Opéra Salon de Thé, Bikaner House, on the India Gate Hexagon
chhavi.bhatia@dnaindia.net