Zura, a bistro and bakery, has been soldiering on since it began operations a couple of years ago in Sector 29 SCO, which is also known as the restaurant supermarket of Gurgaon. I am here at the invitation of the proprietor and master baker Nidhi Wadhwa to preview Zura’s winter menu.
I ask Nidhi about the thinking that has gone behind choosing the winter menu. “We have looked at fresh winter ingredients, and created a menu that perfectly complements the weather” she explains. With that as the preamble, we start the sampling session with my favourite food for the Delhi winters – the soups.
I am served the creamy spinach soup (Rs 175) first. It tastes fresh and homely, and so does the rosemary infused chicken and leek soup (Rs 195). Both the soups are light on the palate, and yet have the depth of flavour. Coming to salads, apple, feta and greens in cinnamon infused sun-dried tomato in honey mustard vinaigrette (Rs 255) is a pleasant, healthy salad. The warm goat cheese salad and grilled peppers (Rs 255) form a great combination, with the smoky creaminess of the goat cheese going beautifully with the texture of the grilled peppers. Chicken Strips, mixed leaves, almond slivers in Asian sesame dressing (Rs 295) is more substantial and will appeal to chicken lovers.
The appetizers are chicken centric, designed for the chicken adoring diners of Gurgaon. Chicken tikka bags (Rs 395) are unique in their shape of small little ‘potlis’ without sacrificing the taste. Rosemary chicken skewers (Rs 395) are flavourful, and bruschetta pomodoro (Rs 325) has the freshest of tomatoes, making it an addictive bite.
In the mains, there is a bigger variety on offer. The pan seared basa served on a bed of risotto primavera (Rs 555) has a perfectly grilled fillet of basa. What is endearing about this dish is a ‘chatpata’ (spicy) version of risotto it is served with, which appeals a lot to my desi taste buds. Mushroom and cheese stuffed grilled chicken breast served with spagetti aglio’olio peperoncino and grilled veggies (Rs 525) is a dish that is wholesome and comfort food to the core. Zura style Amritsari murg served with cumin rice (Rs 495) is has thick, rustic, gravy and is a complete meal in itself. Back-wurst sausages with homemade onion gravy and German potato salad (Rs 425) are not as impressive as the other dishes, and tenderloin medallions with parsley mash, grilled veggies and red wine jus (Rs 555) can taste much better with a better quality of meat.
Desserts are an area where Zura never fails to delight and today is no exception. The spiced creme brulee (Rs 275) is technically perfect and tastes great too. But my all time favourite, where Zura easily leaves everyone else behind is the Tiramisu (Rs 275), which is simply irresistible with the right medley of cocoa, espresso, savioardi and mascarpone.
Zura is a perfect option for a family outing or just hanging around in the cosy company of friends. It offers comfort and relaxation, something that is always welcomed when one goes to dine with family and friends.
Ratings out of 5
Food: 4.0 | Ambiance: 4.0 | Service: 4.0 |Overall: 4.0
Meal for Two: Rs 2000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes| Timing: 12 Noon to 12 Midnight
Address: SCO 40, Sector 29, Gurgaon | Phone: +91 124 42515445 / 88822 61619
