The Tuscan Food Festival at The Grand, Delhi

Only a day before I write this did I get to know about the Tuscan Food Festival going on in The Grand, New Delhi. According to information on their Facebook page, the festival was only till the weekend i.e. February 22^nd. However later I got to know that it will be on till 24^th February.

I was overjoyed and really wanted try some authentic Italian cuisine to reminisce Italy. And what better way than this! 

The festival was taking place in The Grand, Vasant Kunj’s restaurant called IT. Weird name, I thought. Why would anyone name a restaurant “IT”? Anyways, I chose to ignore that and focused only on heading there and eating.

My first thought on entering the place was that it was very sophisticated and quiet. Typical instrumental Italian music in the background, dim light, several bottles of wine on my side and a huge barrel at the entrance gave it quite an Italian touch!

Luckily there weren't many people at the restaurant (I blame cricket) so it was less noisy and peaceful.  I started with the Antipasti- a platter of Italian cold cuts, caprese salad with pesto, cheese and fresh mushroom and tomato bruschetta. It was top notch! Fresh and tangy flavors with a hint of pesto in between just added to the deliciousness.

Next up was the Minestrone soup (Le Zuppe) with vegetables and beans.  It was exceedingly hot but homely and delectable.

 A bottle of Cosecha white wine was brought to the table. Very Italian! 

The chef came to the table to discuss the choice of pizzas and pasta. I chose Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli after the soup. It was under cooked when it came, a slight put off which spoilt the mood and the pace of eating. However, I was quick enough to ask the chef to make a fresh batch and re-send after the pizza.

The pizzas were delicious- the Chicken Paprika and the Grand Veg Pizza. Nice crunchy, great choice of vegetables. Even though the chicken pizza was slightly flat and higher on the spice but still worth eating once. The white wine was perfect and added to the flavor. 

Finally came the ravioli, cooked to perfection and delicious! I was pretty much as I expected.

I was a bit tired after eating the ravioli but couldn't imagine going without eating the  main course- Fish in lemon and butter sauce.

Lastly came the Chef's special dessert! I was secretly hoping for a nice flavor of gelato. I was right! There came the pistachio gelato with chocolate and blueberry cake. It was a good day :-)

Overall I recommend the place to anyone for a nice Italian meal. Not typically authentic but I could still go back again sometime soon!

Damage to the pocket- INR 2,000 per person (including wine but excluding tax).

PS- this is my first restaurant review, tell me how I did, would you? :D