A slice of Morroco

Hurry to get a spot under the Gulmohar tree at Alfresco and enjoy Mediterrenean treats Alfresco, the new restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton on Nagar Road, offers a dining experience, with a difference. To quote General Manager Vijayan Gandharan, "We called the area 'charbesque', because the food here is cooked over charcoal or barbequed. And 'alfresco' because beyond the coffee shop is an open area, so our patrons can experience a natural ambience. Dotted with bamboo trees and waterfalls, the garden area is under the canopy of a gulmohar tree, making for a picnicky outdoors atmosphere. Alfresco serves Mediterranean and Indian cuisines. Executive chef, Sanjay Mitra elaborates, "We finalised the menu after extensive research. Our Mediterranean fare has a dash of South African flavour. The Moroccan dish Tagine involves marinating the meat with Moroccan spices which is then cooked over charcoal along with the vegetables." Moroccan spices are more subtle than Indian spices and the aromas are more subdued as well. The Alfresco menu offers a large selection including salads off the charcoal grill, desi barbeque, bake dishes, side dishes and desserts. Mediterranean bell pepper salad, Chef's tossed salad, Blackened fish, Pesto garlic prawns skewers, Crispy potato skins are among the dishes. Pastas and pizzas come with a wide range of toppings and sauces. We sampled Tagine, the stew with meat and vegetables cooked in a Tagine pot, and served with Harissa chutney made from jeera, pepper and garlic. The stew is complemented by garlic bread, couscous pilaf, jacket potatoes and sauteed vegetables. The Blackened king fish marinated with pepper, jeera and Moroccan spices is seared and grilled over charcoal. For dessert we tried the char-grilled pineapple served with vanilla ice-cream, barbequed split banana and grilled chocolate brownie. The food was filling tangy and tasty and along with the natural ambience and spot-on service, Alfresco deserves a four-star rating. The place to got to if you have a yen for char-grilled or barbequed Moroccan style food. Alfresco is another welcome addition to Pune city's evolving food space.