In the previous few years, the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) has grown far past its preliminary identification as a company hub. Several fine-dining eating places, specialised bars and different culinary institutions proceed to populate the locality. In current occasions, the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in BKC has additional solidified its standing as a cultural hub. Amadeo is the Oberoi group’s standalone restaurant housed contained in the centre and we had been lately hosted for lunch there. Here are a number of the highlights of our memorable afternoon:

_{Photo Credit: Amadeo by Oberoi}

The menu at Amadeo by Oberoi rests on 4 pillars or “micro-concepts” that signify 4 cuisines: Indian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese. The small plates, massive plates and cocktails are thus divided into these 4 broad classes. At the helm of the kitchen are Executive Chef Kayzad Sadri and Chef Gregorio Oblen, who specialises in Japanese delicacies. They are joined by Alisha Rampal because the meals and beverage supervisor. There are devoted counters for 3 micro-concepts (besides Indian), the place patrons can sit and oversee the making of their dishes. These counters supply diners a chance to expertise culinary sophistication in a extra laid-back method.

_{Photo Credit: Amadeo by Oberoi}

We started our meal with the Yasai Kakiage Tempura Maki roll. The first impression was an enduring one – the dish turned out to be one of the best small plate of the afternoon. In this outstanding veg sushi, layers of sentimental cream cheese had been rolled together with peanut-flavoured tempura greens. The maki was topped with potato strands (suppose salli chips which are thinner and crisper), which playfully contrasted the feel of the sticky rice.

After rapidly sprucing off this appetiser, we moved to one of many signature Japanese delicacies on the menu: Chilean Sea Bass, cooked within the Robata model. Also often called Robatayaki, this refers to a conventional Japanese methodology of grilling seafood or greens over charcoal in a particular method. The sea bass was thus endowed with a singular smoky flavour we hadn’t encountered earlier than. The items had been topped with a chimichurri-like sauce, which introduced some freshness to the palette. But we should admit, we’d have favored extra of it on the facet.

Amadeo spans an expansive 14,600 sq. toes and the plush interiors have been designed by EDG Singapore. Along with the counters, there’s seating on the bar, common tables and a espresso lounge on the entrance (with a separate menu). The format boasts one other unimaginable function: a view of the Fountain of Joy, the place a charming lotus flower-inspired sound, mild, and water present takes place within the evenings. Since we visited within the afternoon, we didn’t get to expertise the spectacle first-hand. But it isn’t exhausting to think about the pleasure of such a vibrant show complementing one’s meal. During our daytime go to, the restaurant was suffused with pure mild – a rarity in metropolis eating places that we frequently take without any consideration.

_{The Fuji San cocktail. Photo Credit: Amadeo by Oberoi}

Next on our radar had been the Chinese and Indian menus, however the fascinating vary of cocktails beckoned us first. What would you say to Mount Fuji represented in a glass? We stated, “Yes, please”. Fuji San was a delight to behold and style; managing to do justice to the topic of its inspiration. A concoction of white rum, apple soda, umeshu and grapefruit was served in a glass that mirrored the form of the volcano. We beloved the contact of the lava-like design on the sides. The cocktail was appropriately icy, echoing Fuji’s well-known snow-capped peaks.

_{The Huang Zhi Xiang cocktail. Photo Credit: Amadeo by Oberoi}

The subsequent cocktail we tasted was dramatic differently. Inspired by Chinese flavours, Huang Zhi Xiang is a citrusy gin-based drink whose identify interprets to “fragrant garden”. It comes with a particular bubble, which bursts to go away fragrant wisps to waft over your glass for a number of moments. Whether you wish to take an aesthetic reel to your feed or simply deal with your self to a little bit of theatre, that is the drink to order. If you want to pair your Asian bites with a mocktail, we extremely advocate Light and Fruity. A mixture of ardour fruit, pineapple lime and candy basil seeds, this drink was as well-balanced as its alcoholic counterparts.

Amadeo doesn’t disappoint on the subject of the classics, both. We opted for his or her tackle the Espresso Martini, the Filter Kaapi Martini. Having tried filter espresso elsewhere within the metropolis in addition to age-old institutions in South India, our expectations had been fairly excessive. Our verdict? This is a cocktail value returning for. We had been blown away by simply how precisely the martini managed to seize the distinctive bitterness and the layer of froth the unique espresso is known for. If you are a wine fanatic, Amadeo’s expansive wine checklist options a number of the greatest wines from throughout the globe. You may view a number of the most sought-after bottles as you go from the lounge in the direction of the eating space.

_{Photo Credit: Amadeo by Oberoi}

After the scrumptious subtleties of the Japanese dishes, we had been craving extra strong and acquainted aromas. The Indian decisions at Amadeo are a very good mixture of experimental and classical. The point out of the Thecha Kombdi intrigued us with its description of a “green chilli chicken tikka”. What graced our desk a couple of minutes later was a plate of the juiciest rooster tikka we have had in current occasions. The flavours of the marinade appear to be fused into the meat itself. We anticipated a spicier dish given the “thecha” in its identify – however we couldn’t complain concerning the total impact. The pumpkin murabba – whereas delectable in its personal proper – felt relatively pointless to us. Our suggestion is to relish it after you are accomplished savouring the warmth of the tikka.

_{Thecha Komdi. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

Reliable classics might be necessary to establish. If you desire a small plate with a beneficiant sharing portion or a spicy accompaniment to your cocktail, go for the Chinese Chilli Glazed Lotus Root Chips. It was a mix of spiciness and sweetness that’s certain to be successful at any desk. What impressed us was how crispy they had been regardless of having been blended with a beneficiant quantity of sauces. Furthermore, they managed to retain that crunch even after a major period of time.

_{Truffle Tagliatelle. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

We had reserved the Italian part of the menu for the principle course. The wood-fired pizzas had been extraordinarily tempting, as was the collection of Amadeo’s signature handmade pasta. We lastly settled on the Truffle Tagliatelle. I confess I’ve a delicate spot for ‘minimal ingredient’ pasta and this one solely had parmesan and black truffles. However, in hindsight, the thought of every other addition appears nearly sacrilegious. With each chew, we marvelled on the smoothness of the parmesan sauce, the earthiness of the truffles and the wholesomeness of the handmade pasta. If you needed to dine at Amadeo and have a single savoury delicacy, make it this one.

And should you had to decide on just one dessert, do not miss the Burnt Basque Cheesecake. An undeniably engaging dessert, it’s served with a blinding purple scoop of bitter cherry sorbet and topped with a luscious berry compote. The fairly presentation is just one facet of its dreaminess. The wealthy moistness of the cheesecake, the interaction of the tangy sides and the bitter trace on the finish… sounds of appreciation escaped our lips and not using a second thought.

The subsequent time we go to the NMACC, we are able to already see ourselves making a beeline to this restaurant. In case you are questioning, its identify is derived from a Latin phrase which means “Lover of God”. Like us, should you too worship on the altar of delicious meals, make Amadeo by Oberoi the item of your subsequent gourmand quest.

Where: NMACC, Jio World Centre, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai