With the Qutub Minar literally a stone’s throw away, Dramz Whisky Bar and Lounge probably has the most enviable location in the Qutab-Mehrauli area. The huge space spanning four levels features a wine cellar in the basement, a plush whisky bar at the ground level, a fine dining restaurant serving European fare on the first floor, followed by a covered as well as al fresco setting on the second floor. While sitting on the terrace, we can’t help but wish that the Qutab Minar was lit up like most European monuments to highlight the rich historical heritage of a city.
Chef Pankaj and his team have put together a rather interesting menu that focuses equally on vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and a wide selection of bar snacks as well as mains. Many dishes have the option of appetizer or regular portions.
The Chef serves us a tasting menu featuring dishes that display fancy techniques and yet keep the flavours clean and simple. We start with the perfectly crisp Exotic Mushroom Croquets that give in to a soft cheesy center followed by Chicken Envelopes accompanied by a mildly hot cocktail sauce. The paper thin filo of the Chicken Envelope is flaky and buttery, encasing flavor ful chicken that melts in the mouth. The subsequent dishes appear slowly, giving us time to savour the malts, and probably ensuring that every dish is painstakingly put together from scratch.
A word here about the drinks on offer. The long list of malts, including rare, limited edition whiskies and some from single casks, is truly impressive. The wait staff is well informed about the list of malts available and can also guide guests to choose their tipple for the evening. However, quite a few of them are not currently available due to shortage of supply we were told. Even so, we would suggest that you stick to whisky or wine because the cocktails do not match up. While an attempt has been made to offer exotic drinks like the Kiwi and Wasabi Martini, it is made from a cocktail mix that is too sweet and there is not even a hint of wasabi in it. We are similarly let down by the Chocolate Bog that boasts of the yumminess of Baileys and chocolate ganache but turns out to be just a diluted cold coffee with a hint of Baileys and absolutely no ganache.
B
ack to the food. The Stuffed Mushrooms, Parmesan Cheese and Porcini Dust are as expected and stuffed with mixed mushrooms like shiitake, topped with balsamic reduction. Prawns tossed in Chilli Butter Emulsion are all right except that the emulsion overpowers the flavour of the prawns. The fresh basil, however, adds a refreshing touch to this dish. Next comes the Mixed Garden Greens with Pecan Nut, Dehydrated Feta, Orange Cucumber and Lime Sorbet. Having the sorbet with the greens really uplifts all the flavours in this simple green salad that is sans any oily dressing. The Green Bean Salad with Chicken and Horse Radish Cream too is delicious with slivered toasted almonds and sprinkled vegetable charcoal that adds a wonderful smokiness.
T
he Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup has a lovely grainy texture that lends it a rustic appeal and the Herb Infused Chicken Tea is a clear chicken broth with a “teabag” made with herbs that are grown in house. Both the soups are ideal for warming you up in the forthcoming Delhi winter. The mains include Baked Seabass with Olives, Blackened Aioli and Citrus Foam. Unfortunately, the fish is overcooked and an excessive use of cumin overpowers the other flavours. The Braised Pork Belly, Quinoa and Red Rice, Chipotle Sauce and Dehydrated Apple is delicious, with the sauce beautifully tying up all the elements of this dish. The Slow Cooked Lamb looks a little overdone but is perfectly tender and succulent. The fresh greens really add to the appeal of this dish. Both the Roasted Vegetable in Filo Pastry with Aged Cheddar Cheese Sauce and the Vegetable Pot Pie with Crostini taste quite similar with tomatoes and basil so take your pick.
In desserts, the Wine Poached Pears with Wine Glaze is warmly spiced but the accompanying cream is too dense for our liking. The flavour of the Burnt Rice Pudding is enhanced with tangy lemon curd and fruit jelly.
The Dramz whisky bar and lounge is ideal for a quiet evening with good food and a wonderful view if you like al fresco dining. The restaurant also aims to pep up the place by hosting special whisky and wine tasting events.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 3.5 | Drinks: 3.0 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 3.0 | Overall: 3.0
Meal for Two: Rs. 3,500 (Without alcohol) | Credit Cards: Yes | Alcohol: Yes | Timings: 7.30pm onwards
Address: Dramz, Whisky Bar and Lounge, 1580/1, KD Marg, Near Qutab Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi | Telephone : 9650066666
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.
