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Noida has often been treated as
Delhi’s
step sister. Sure, Delhiites wouldn’t mind taking a ride on the
DND or seeing a movie at Wave (with seats where you can actually
manage to stretch your legs). But whenever it comes to food, there
are not too many takers. The people of Delhi are not to be blamed,
until recently, Noida had nothing to show. But the tides are
turning. Let me take you on a journey to the land of good food….
The first in this series of write ups is bound to be Italian,
Italian food being the second love of my life. Let me welcome you
to the world of “Pasto
– Italian Kitchen”.
Opened barely a month back by a young entrepreneur, this place
will give serious competition to Big Chill – the king of Italian
in Delhi and my favorite (Read about it @
http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2005/nov/15pasta.htm ).
Tucked away in a corner of the popular Sector 18 market, just a
stone’s throw from Mc Donalds, you’ll see a canopy inviting you
in. Climb up the aesthetically done steps and you are there! A
small restaurant, with around 10 tables, its cozy at the same time
as being elegant. The ambience is very classy with low lighting
and candles on every table. Its easy to see someone has paid close
attention to detail here. So you won’t be taken by surprise when
you see the young owner walk up to your table and inquire about
the food.
The menu may seem limited but don’t be disappointed. I believe,
it’s often better to have a limited menu with each item being
unique than having a vast menu where you can’t distinguish between
two dishes.
If you love pasta as much as I do, you must try the Pasta with
bacon in saffron sauce. It’s a lightly flavored sauce that goes
well with the crunchy bacon. You may also try the pasta with
prawns in a tangy tomato sauce. The prawns are so soft, they
actually melt in your mouth. If you are vegetarian, you can choose
between pastas (fusilli, penne, spaghetti) and mix it with your
favorite sauce (cheese sauce, arrabiata, carbonara). Expect to pay
between Rs.200 and 300 per dish.
The main course dishes are each different from the other. Try the
chicken breast on bell pepper sauce. The sauce is excellent and
spiced just right. Expect yourself to wipe the plate clean with
the bread. All the main course dishes come with boiled vegetables,
bread and a tangy dip on the side. The prices range from Rs.220 to
around 350.
There is also an array of pizzas and they have got it just right.
I’m not sure if it’s the exquisitely flavored cheese or the thin
crust crunchy base that makes me go back for more. Try the
pepperoni and you would forget Dominos. Vegetarians should go for
the 4-Cheese Pizza. You will thank me for this. A pizza would
typically cost around Rs.250.
Team all this with a lemon ice tea or lemonade (Rs.50). They are
yet to get a liquor license. A pity though, wine would have gone
exceptionally well with all this.
So the next time you venture out to treat the taste buds, just hop
on to DND and let Noida envelop you with open arms. But hey, don’t
take my word for it, go try it out for yourself!!
Location:Sector 18, Noida.
Best to go for:
A quiet evening
The Plus: Excellent food, personalized attention
The Minus: Music may not suit all tastes, get a CD along!
Slightly expensive
Dinner for 2: Rs.800 for non vegetarians and Rs.600 for
vegetarians.
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