Spice Art, Greater Noida
The Drunken Botanist
A failsafe formula
Serves Modern Indian
Atmospherics: a surprisingly large space for Cyber Hub, this one is accessed from the entrance of building no. 10 but is also not far from entrance No. 1. Do be informed that it is a considerable distance from entrance no. 2, the most popular entry point to Cyber Hub. The reference to ‘Drunken’ is probably the bar and the ‘Botanist’ perhaps refers to the greens and botanicals that go into the cocktails, such as cucumber, basil, sage, mint, lavender and elderflower. Let it be said that this place is well known for its drinks and its party vibe on weekends. For the rest of the time, the lunch crowd is made up of corporates from the nearby buildings. Most people visit here in large numbers: tables of 12 seem to be the norm. In other words, if you’re looking for a quiet conversation, plan your timing accordingly. The other drawback is the main entrance which does not have an automatic door closer. So, if you are sitting near the entrance to commandeer the only source of natural light in the large restaurant, be warned.
Table talk: Japanese salmon pizza (cold) (Rs 595) is the same okonomiyaki that has been done by several upmarket eateries. This one has no bonito flakes to make the pizza ‘dance’, though it does look attractive with flower petals. The best thing about the menu is the number of street food items. The puchka (Rs 195) though, was a far cry from the Kolkata original. A better idea would have been to rename it something that is not city-specific, so that expectations are not raised. Still, as gol gappas/pani puris go, it was spicy and tangy (and included botanicals!) Botanist potted idli (Rs 225) was a smart enough idea: mini idlis scooped out and filled with sambhar pate and coconut chutney mousse. The idlis tasted as if they had been frozen and then thawed and their texture was rather rubbery, so the execution was slightly unpleasant though the idea was nifty, if not original. The chole bhature tacos (Rs 245) were far better: the chole had the stamp of street-side eating on them. Apart from the first page, the rest of the (vast) menu contains slightly predictable Indian, Asian and western dishes.
Plus and minus: Its buzz on the weekends is said to be admirable.
Must try: Kootu roti, gunpowder chicken, quinoa and couscous pulao
Food: 3.25; Service: 3.25; Décor: 3.25
Unit 1B & C, Ground floor, Bldg 10C, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City
Tel: 9958830546
Open from 12 noon to 12 midnight
Meal for two: Rs 1800
Credit cards accepted; alcohol served
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