Sorrento at Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel, New Delhi has quickly gained the reputation of being one of the finest Italian restaurants in the capital. With the onset of winter and a lush alfresco space a sumptuous Sunday brunch by the restaurant was much awaited. Executive Chef Neeraj Tyagi and Italian Chef Luigi Ferraro had already set the ball rolling by maintaining quality and consistency of authentic flavours from Southern Italy; and now the Sunday brunch takes the delciousness forward.
The good news is that in addition to most of the regular (and delicious) dishes that one finds in the a la carte menu, there are some spectacular Sunday specials that are not available during the week. Besides the cheese and cold cuts, there is an extensive antipasti counter that offers as much vegetarian choice as it does non-vegetarian fare. The bruschetta trolley comes with a choice of seasonal tomato, basil, rocket salad, roast chicken, wild mushroom and parmesan snow. And of course you can take your pick from the Neapolitan Pizzas, freshly made pastas and risottos and an extensive choice of grilled meats and seafood.
The menu is paired with an extensive selection of beverages including Carpene Malvolti Prosecco, Grappa's signature Negronis and Aperol spritzers. You may choose one or all depending on how boozy you like your brunch to be. I find the red and white wine popsicles rather novel. Tasting like frozen sangria they may seem more suited for the summer but work well as a fancy palate cleanser! I am told that the lavish dessert selection changes weekly so there's something new to look forward to for regulars. On the Sunday that I visit the dolce includes tiramisu, pastiera napoletana, cannoli, panna cotta, milli feuille, fresh fig and ricotta crostata, chocolate praline tart, tarte au citron and gorgonzola mascarpone.
Brunch Specials
Chef Gagandeep Singh Sawhney takes the time out from his very busy Sunday afternoon (he looks after the brunch at both, Sorrento and Tamra) to show me the brunch specials. The antipasti counter displays an array of fresh produce and special meats. Highlights include baked sardines with chili and Parmesan, deconstructed Caesar salad, zucchini and ricotta roll and Sicilian shrimp salad. I particularly enjoy the octopus carpaccio that is soft to the bite and has a zesty dressing. It is the first time that I have truly enjoyed this creature of the sea. The pearl cous cous and seafood salad is also wholesome and refreshing. I asked for this recipe to replicate it at home and am sharing it with you at the end of this review. The grills also have some specials that are subject to availability such as the filet of halibut and T-bone of lamb. Other meats include the usual suspects - salmon, tiger prawns, Australian lamb chops, pork medallion, beef tenderloin, and so on.
Finally, I must mention that DJ Oma belts out fabulous music that is soothing enough to enjoy your brunch in peace and trendy enough to keep you from slipping into food coma. Overall, the ambience and food are fabulous and this brunch gets a thumbs up from me.
, Shangri - La's - Eros Hotel, New Delhi, 19 Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001.
Rs 3750 plus taxes per person for Brunch with cocktails/Prosecco.
