A new cafe has opened in the DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj and I visited it yesterday for lunch. Le Cantine is lovely little cafe that has a simple decor and comfortable seating. It has an open front to the pathway in the mall so it looks larger than it is. There is a small terrace but sadly it cant be used for eating or drinking due to MCD rules so it will be the place for a smoke break. When I learnt about the team behind the food I knew I had to visit and had built up my expectations.
Instead of larger items, we ordered a couple of small plates to try various things and as it turned out, more vegetarian. We started with the 3 dip platter which was nice, a cold mezze spread accompanied with some soft pita bread and crisp lavaash. Each of the three dips were quite good.
Being my wife's favorite vegetable, next we got the Aubergine Mille Feuille. Now this was no Aubergine Lasagna but a proper mille feuille as you would expect. Each layer of aubergine was thinly sliced and lightly batter fried so it was crispy. In between those layers was a lovely salad of lentils and barley. The flavors and textures worked really well for me and I was surprised to find myself going for a second, third and even a fourth spoonful. I hate to admit it but I would order that again.
Next up, the Polenta looked lovely and although I am not a Polenta person, the squeaky clean plate after my wife was finished with it made it clear that she loved it.
No it was not all vegetarian and I got the Shrimp sandwich and I must say I was both surprised and delighted by the presentation. Delectable butter poached prawns in a lovely sauce were sandwiched between a small piece of sliced bread. The sweet bread with the prawns were a great combination and that again is a must repeat dish for me.
When it came time for dessert something caught my eye in the menu, an Almond Croissant, Berry and ice cream sandwich. It sounded amazing so I had to try it. It was a simple, comforting dessert that just hits the sweet spot. The only issue was that halfway through eating it, the ice cream had melted and that along with the berry compote made the whole thing soggy. It was still yummy but as you would expect, not crisp any more. I would still eat that again :), faster next time.
As usual I think Hanisha Singh has created a stellar food experience and chef Kamal Maggo in the kitchen is doing a great job. I will have to visit many more times as I have marked several items from the menu that I must try soon.
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