What Sam says about_____?: Ek Bar - The Indian Cocktail Bar that is here to stay

Guess who owns the hot new address in Town – Ek bar. Under the flagship of the able leader Mr. A.D singh (Olive Group) and the maestro himself - Chef Sujan Sarkar this place is all set to be launched this week and is ready to set new benchmarks in the Indian Bar scene.

I have always loved Mr. Singh’s philosophy of venturing into the unknown and always offering something new and unexplored into the city’s food space and now he brings to us Ek Bar. It’s a one of its kind Niche Indian cocktail Bar showcasing to the world the Indian story of the cocktail culture. And like we began all fairy tales with the phrase “Once upon a time” referred to as in Hindi as “Ek Bar” hence the name “Ek Bar”. And that is because there is an enchanting story behind every single offering on the menu. And if food and wine could speak they would never narrate a better story as each story behind every item on the menu is beautifully unfolded on your tables by the F&B team at Ek Bar.

A unique concept where Indian Tapas, some superb Indian Bar food and mesmerizing cocktails are all available under one roof. Ek Bar is opening its doors to the public on 23rd September but will initially remain open only in the evenings 6.30pm onwards and will eventually start opening in the day on weekends, in some time. The ambiance is perfect to set you in the mood for some super food and some spicy cocktails right from the entrance. You will be guided upstairs by a beautiful staircase which has a projector projecting Indian food and culture images, which looks truly spectacular. I loved the colourful, quirky yet classy ambiance with beautiful lighting and a super wooden Bar counter. I absolutely adored the bright red comfortable seating and beautifully painted animated murals on the walls.

The evening starts with a beautiful note with the ace mixologist Nitin Tewari's welcome Drink - the Royal Indian Punch - an Indian drink introduced to the British in the 17th Century enjoyed by the Royals now served to you in the heart of the capital. I loved the flavour of the fermented Kahwa tea with pink grapefruit, whiskey, spices and ice, and the fact that it was served in a beautiful Victorian tea cup. Another drink that really stood out due to the story behind it was my gin based cocktail called City of Nizams. This turmeric infused Bombay sapphire Gin , orange syrup with tonic and katori ice with mace and Indian Tonic water re-emphasizing that Tonic was introduced from here to the British. I also loved the Platform at CST infused with Kokum Sharbet and Murabba Mule infused with aam ka Murabbaa and Ginger Beer.

With Chef Sujan’s touch, Food here is definitely worth something to talk about. I loved the fact that he has given his own twist to some superb Indian classics and produced such masterpieces that leave you spell bound. Whether it’s the tuna on top of the Papdi or the super succulent chicken Changezi or the fresh Local Burrata Cheese and also the Chicken 65 Burger or even the brilliant Mawa Carrot cake with some home made Indian Ice cream every dish is so well curated and so unusual and very unlike what one has tried in this city before. Popcorn Khichdi or Chowpatty Ragda were nothing short of soul food for me.The Indian Bar food in the form of Thali’s were brilliant. Loved the Veg, non Veg and Sea Food Thali. I also adored the brilliantly done tender pork belly served with rice dumplings in a Coorgy style gravy. The Banana Tarte Tartin - What a gala end to a grand evening. This majestic dessert - Banana Tartin with Jaggery caramel and Indian Vanilla Icecream is by far one of Chef Sarkar's best Creations and and it did sweep me off my feet. The twist in taste of a jaggery Caramel in this dessert is the real game changer.

Chef Sujan and Mr Singh Ek Bar I am sure Ek Bar has all the ingredients that take to make a winning recipe. Ek Bar surely will be just another Jewel in the Olive Group's crown.

Address : Ek Bar, D -17, First Floor, Defence Colony, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4168 8811

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