We were invited to the media launch of Barcelos’ newest addition at Hauz Khas, the modern day chic hub blooming around the historic grounds.
Going with the tagline, ‘One cannot think love sleep well, if one has not dined well’, we give it to Barcelos for putting in every effort that goes into a making a dining experience memorable. The brand is named after a quaint Portuguese town, and the interiors are all decked up to overwhelm you with wanderlust. Just as you’re reeling in the overpowering wanderlust, the hunger pangs strike you and you remember you can overcome your craving for travel at least partly by savoring the food.
Without much ado, we bring you the best ones from the menu of the launch. (#SpoonBonus: We tell you how it made us drool, so it can strike you right in the feels)
1. Hey Rosey
Photo by Sonal Chanana
Barcelos’ website says it is a place to have a leisurely and hearty meal or a slow cup of coffee. The beauty lies in the fact that the restaurant captures that in this drink. One sip and you feel you’re in heaven. Rose syrup and rose water combine to give that ethereal flavor and aroma. To top it off, the drink is brought to life and beauty by Sprite and rose petals. Molecular Gastronomy at its best!
2. Cheesy Mushroom Wraps
Photo by Sonal Chanana
Mayo + cheese + mushrooms + tortilla wrap. That’s a perfect, filling combination. One bite into it, and with the mayo dripping down our fingers, we knew we are going to have a ball.
3. Tangy Mango
Photo By Sonal Chanana
If there is something that justifies the phrase a burst of flavors, it is this mocktail. With strong mango (read: aam panna) and gol gappe ka paani flavors, this was that paragon of all desi drinks. We couldn’t help but think how this was a trailer for all the Paper Boat drinks. Molecular gastronomy gets better.
4. Kiwi Cooler
Photo by Kritika Narula
To say we relished the mocktails the most would be an understatement. With its light green color, perfectly placed kiwi chunks as garnish and the typical sourness of the fruit, it is the most refreshing break from the routine, staple mocktails like blue lagoon or ginger ale. Kiwi being the royal fruit, we are beyond pleased to savor this version of it.
5. Falafel Wrap
Photo by Sonal Chanana
Tortilla with tabouli and jalapeno. Falafel wrap is a foolproof concept.
6. Mini-burgers
Photo by Sonal Chanana
When Barcelos entered India, it created a furor over the black burger with claims that they’ve used herbs and organic ingredients to darken the bun. Pretty soon came the red and then the white burger. Here we have to admit it was weird eating an orange in a burger, but it was worth ticking off our foodies’ bucket list. When the black burger sits in front of you, the question is: ‘To bite or not to bite into this bizarre burger?’
7. Veri Peri
Photo by Sonal Chanana
Also known as Home of Peri Peri, Barcelos offers you a choice of sauces, varying in accordance with how spicy each one is. So we have Peri Peri, Mild Peri, Veri Peri and Supa Peri. The lunch table was a playground as we tried sauce after sauce with our wraps and burgers.
#SpoonBonus: The chocolate truffle cake served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, was just as scrumptious as it was photogenic. When has chocolate ever gone wrong?
Photo by Kritika Narula
On that note, we suggest all of you to visit Barcelos. On a student’s budget, this can be the ideal place to host your next party.