Having celebrated umpteen special occasions with my family at this rooftop restaurant offering an unparalleled view and consistently great food, my heart did skip a beat when I heard that WestView has undergone a makeover. But the transition of West View to ' Ottimo at WestView' is one of sheer delight! After a successful run of 20 years, WestView now offers an enhanced experience. In its new avatar, the choice of food has extended from grills to delicious hand-made pastas, the décor features cheery Mediterranean hues and increased al fresco seating overlooking the verdant Ridge.
"Following its success at ITC Grand Chola and ITC Gardenia, The Ottimo at WestView is already popular among guests," says Zubin Songadwala, general manager, ITC Maurya. Regulars will be happy to know that while the WestView experience will continue to be available with the full range of cold cut offerings, choice of soups, grills and desserts, there are now options such as a Cold Buffet Cart; WestView at Ottimo that includes cold buffet offerings along with a choice of a soup and a pasta; as well as an a la carte menu featuring Italian Chef Greco Vittorio 's creations.
Hailing from Tuscany, Chef Greco owned two successful restaurants before he joined the ITC four years ago. After launching the first Ottimo at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, subsequently another one at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, he is now wowing Delhiites at ITC Maurya. Although I am invited to experience the Sunday Brunch, I simply sit back and enjoy the Chef's classic creations. And what I experience is an exquisite meal showcasing real Italian flavours, presented beautifully, in an ambience complete with live music and the happy chatter of Sunday brunchers.
After a quick round of antipasti, Chef sends out a round of . "I wanted to do something different from the regular tomato and basil flavours," says Chef Greco. And it works brilliantly. Every mouthful is so perfect that I request for another portion of the same. Then comes Chef's version of Eggplant Parmigiana. In Burrata with Sour Cherry Sauce and Toasted Almonds Parmigiana Revisitata a succulent baby aubergine sits on top of a luscious tomato sauce, served with a crunchy parmesan crisp, parmesan mousse and charcoal olive oil. I thought I heard wrong, but charcoal oil it is! "My grandmother used to cook on charcoal fire, and that smokiness is so essential to this dish," he says. Although he does things differently, Chef Greco ensures that he presents classic Italian flavours to his guests.
Then comes the with Mushroom, Ricotta and truffle in parmesan water. "There are only three places in India that serve double pocketed ravioli," shares Chef. "First is Ottimo in Chennai, second is Ottimo in Bengaluru and third is Ottimo at WestView," he laughs with his characteristic Italian sense of humour. In Double Stuffed Ravioli Tortelli with Anchovy and Butter, bite-sized pasta bursts with the wonderful saltiness of anchovies that is mellowed by a light cauliflower cream. The Risotto with Morel Mushrooms is every bit as flavourful as expected by now. Overall, the restaurant offers a lot more choice for vegetarians as well.
Few know that ITC Maurya decided to use in-house talent to redesign the space. The housekeeping team, led by Gurpreet Chadha, has designed both Tian and Ottimo at WestView. While the existing structure, complete with rustic arches has not been tampered with, the restaurant wears a refreshing new look. The black and white chequered floor, and shades of cheery yellows and blues have brightened the earlier muted interiors. The Ottimo Square in the centre of the restaurant has come up where the antipasti counter used to be earlier - it is a large community style table ideal for a large group of friends and family, or for solo travellers or couples seeking a break from quiet tables. The alcove where the grill used to be now features a small bar cum lounge area and adjacent to the Ottimo Square, an open kitchen showcases your choice of dishes being prepared. But what truly takes my breath away is when we step outdoors. The gazebo has been replaced by an infinity fountain and a vertical herb garden.The gorgeous terrace now has seating capacity for upto 50 pax and high tables lend breathtaking views over the ridge.
I had earlier written about WestView in one of the leading international food magazines as a restaurant with a view, and now it has only become better, in every way possible!
, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi.
Weekdays Dinner Only.7pm-11.30pm. Sunday Brunch - 12.30 pm onwards.
Rs 1,200; Prices: Cold Buffet Cart WestView at Ottimo Rs 2,500; WestView Experience Rs 3,500. Appetisers Rs 675 onwards; Pastas Rs 1,175 onwards; Pizzas Rs 1,250 onwards; Mains Rs 1,375 onwards.
