Sixteen ways to kill your hunger pangs

I have never been a big fan of buffets. And not only because it calls for lack of creativity but the thought of wasted food can be extremely depressing. I have also never seen a restaurant run out of food during a buffet, so I am safely assuming that there’s always something left over at the end of a service.

But I’ve been ‘informed’, on many occasions, that a buffet is like chocolate cake — it never goes out of fashion.

It did come as a surprise when the Oberoi Hotel decided to go ‘super buffet’ at Le Jardin, introducing practically 16 different items on the menu, which is quite a bit to choose from. The restaurant did have a buffet earlier. But it was more concise, served main courses only on order (from a few options) and had salads, appetisers, soups and desserts on the table.

I am not going to be cocky and say “I don’t know why they’re doing it” because I am happy to assume that the management has thought this new plan through and it will probably be a big hit. What I am going to do is focus only on the food nd not on the ‘whys’.

There are four menus that are served on rotation. The basic structure remains the same — salads, a charcuterie and fromagerie section, appetisers, a pasta counter, a dosa counter, kebabs and dimsums that are served to you, a range of main courses that include vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and a dessert section. Some European, some South-East Asian and some Indian — diversity seems to be the keyword here (I loathe the word ‘multicuisine’).

So while you might be eating Tofu Banana Chilly and Beans And Carrot Poriyal on one day, another day will have dishes such as the Stuffed Chicken Breast With Spinach And Olives and Gratinated Polenta With Creamy Herb Sauce.

What you must have here though is the pizza. Le Jardin has never been discussed from a pizza point of view, but I have had one of my best pizza here.

The one with pepperoni is a personal favourite. A few of those large thin crust slices will fill you up. Then there is the dhokla from the appetiser section. I know it sounds way too basic, but this one is addictive. It’s soft, moist and you’d be tempted to go for seconds.

The dosa counter is one stop I’d recommend. I like the idea of customised dosas. These are crispy and not too large, so that you don’t feel stuffed by the end of it. They’ll make it for you with your choice of filling and chutney.

You can’t go through all 16 dishes, obviously, unless you’re related to Jughead, but picking from the menu won’t be tough — your stomach will tell you what it’s craving for. I liked the idea of a fish curry with steamed rice — very homey. If you go for the Thai curries, they’ll even get you a portion of Jasmine rice from the kitchen. I think that’s what sets a buffet apart, a few thoughtful touches and some sensible moves. Here’s hoping that Le Jardin gets it right.

Where: Le Jardin, The Oberoi Hotel, MG Road

Call: 25585858

Recommended: Pepperoni Pizza; Tenderloin Roulade with Mustard Glaze; Tofu, Pokchoy and Asparagus; Honey Glazed Ham

How much: Rs 975 plus taxes (per person) for food only; Rs 975 plus taxes for unlimited soft drink offer; Rs 1,500 plus taxes for unlimited Tap Your Own Beer offer (only on Saturday)

Hours: For lunch only; Monday to Saturday

Credit cards: Accepted

Parking: Available