Continental Escape

For a casual European culinary experience, you can now drop into Krustys at Koregaon Park If you looking for a sophisticated European culinary experience at affordable prices in a casual environment, step into Krustys at Koregaon Park. Rohhan Joshi and his mother Vidhiya are the charming culinary duo behind the city’s latest food haunt. Explaining the concept behind the joint, Rohhan says, “We wanted to create something magical where we could marry the best of fine dining cuisine and a contemporary bistro ambience.” Their first outlet was launched in Kothrud in 2013 and they staked a presence in Koregaon Park a month and a half ago. Their latest branch in Koregoan Park is divided into two distinctive spaces, an inside section and an outdoor terrace area. On one side is the patisserie section with its offerings of cheesecakes, pastries, shortbreads, macaroons, rosemary potato focaccio and other kinds of breads. On the main course are a variety of soups, salads, pastas, risottos, thin-crust pizzas, gourmet submarine sandwiches, burgers and artisanal bakes. To maintain consistency in quality, “ingredients are sourced locally and from abroad. The fish and meat are marinated at the central kitchen and the sauces are also made there. These are then dispatched to both outlets, where they are cooked or finished off in an oven,” says Rohhan. Vidhiya oversees the preparations. For starters, we ordered French Beans and Grilled Chicken Salad in Passionfruit Emulsion, Warm Marinated Mushroom Salad with Balsamic Glaze, Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Spiced Mango Dip; and Black Olives, Sundried Tomato and Basil Pesto Stone Baked Pizza. The ingredients were fresh and the subtle flavours came together harmoniously. No one flavour jostled for prominence over the other. For the main course was the slow-cooked rustic vegetable Cassoulet (cassoulet lima beans, assorted vegetables and herb pilaf), Fettuccine with Mushroom Ragu, Fish en Papillote and Lamb Bourguignon. The fish was particularly aromatic — it is cooked in a paper bag with white wine, garlic, capers, tomato confit and black olives. The Duchess of Cambridge reportedly cooked it for Prince William on their first wedding anniversary. Rohhan guided us on how to eat it: You scoop the succulent fish along with the gravy so that you can taste the various spices. The Lamb Bourguignon was boneless cut of meant braised in red wine, pearl onions, mushrooms and served with herb pilaf. We liked it for the variety of vegetables it brought together, such as broccoli, carrots, etc. and how tender the meat was. Not to mention, the enticing aromas. The outlet plans to make some experimental treats XXX (put frequency) to gauge audience reaction before putting them on the menu. We were treated to a sundried tomato and basil macaroon, so be sure to ask about these at the patisserie counter. The portions are sufficient for two people and sans drinks, a meal for two will come up to Rs 1000. If you don’t have time for a European holiday, dream about it while eating at Krustys. TGS Life picks Warm Marinated Mushroom Salad with Balsamic Glaze Lamb Bourguignon