I wanted to go to Shiro at Hotel Samrat for a long time but got the opportunity only recently when I was invited for a wine-pairing event by Sula Vineyards. The event was a mixer and encouraged its guests to mingle while tasting Asian cuisine at its bite-sized best, something which Shiro is famous for.
The wooden steps leading down to Shiro may feel like a gateway to the dungeons of our times, but the reality of the warmly lit tea candles in am biotic red does take the senses on a bohemian meets romance journey instead. The uber urban chic multi-level seating and walkways added to the charm of the evening, though the most spell bounding event was the emergence of the standalone DJ console from behind a camouflaged sliding panel, hidden behind a wall display of earthenware that looks like it’s mounted on a wooden shelf.
The culinary evening began with the pairing of a mellow yet bubbly Sula Brut Rose with a nice tart flavour which expertly balanced the spicy tone of the starters (Korean Chilli Potatoes & Malaysian Sambal Chicken).
Me and my friend headed straight for the three live Teppenyaki counters where an assortment of sushi were on display and ready to eat paired with a crisp white Riesling which had a fruity bouquet that was refreshing yet hearty (Hardy’s Riesling Gewurztraminer). The Teppenyaki counters were brought to life by the ever entertaining chefs who made their cooking tools sing and dance while flambéing and performing for the crowds. The first of the live counters served assorted vegetables with non-spicy garlic sauce, the second presented us with chicken and prawns in a choice of spicy or non-spicy black bean sauce – both these counters were paired with a Malbec Red which was light with juicy berry flavors but still managed to taste full-bodied (Trapiche Single Varietal Malbec). The third live counter was providing grilled fish, chicken and baby corn paired with a complex tasting but adept Pinot Noir (Cono Sur Pinot Noir). Although Reds are traditionally paired with red-meats, this pairing of white meats like chicken, fish and prawn brought out the flavors in the marinades used.
At this time, we sought some comfortable seating to indulge in the array of dim sums that were presented next – my personal favorite was the Chi Chow (vegetarian) dim sum with amazing flavors of peanut, corn and broccoli bursting forth in a crystal dumpling and the prawn sui mai with the juiciest prawns peeping out from the dumpling. The pairing of the Sula Riesling brought forth the crunchiness of the vegetables and the juicy prawns while providing an under note of liquid delight in every sip.
The favourite pairing, given my sweet tooth, was provided at the end of the evening when we arrived at the dessert course and were presented with the Chocolate Sushi as well as the Coconut & Pecan Tart. My favoured drink of the evening was the one paired with this course – mellow, sweet notes and a crispness that was divinity in a bottle – these are some of the first thoughts that presented itself with the first sip of the Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.
The most amazing transformation of a restaurant into a night club was seen as soon as the totally rocking DJ took over and the DJ console appeared. After that, I don’t know if it was the wine, the foot tapping music resounding and throbbing in our ears and heart, the awesome ambience or the electric DJ, but my friend and I found ourselves on the floor dancing the night away.
Must mention that the staff was very well trained and were ever smiling. They were young and energetic and certainly brought the average age at the table down as they were so attentive.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0
Meal for Two: Rs 2500 (without alcohol) | Credit Card: Yes | Timings: 12.30pm- 3.30pm and 7.30pm-11.30pm (Mon to Sat) | Wheel Chair Accessible: Yes.
Address: SHIRO, Hotel Samrat, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi | Telephone: 011- 26876310, 011-26876311.
BUFFET:
Rs. 1250 (Without Alcohol) Lunch + Dinner
Rs. 2000 (With Alcohol) Lunch + Dinner
SUNDAY BRUNCH:
Rs. 1750 + Tax (with alcohol)
Rs. 875 (buffet for kids under 16)