The food at l'Opéra Salon de Thé transports one straight to France, says Angela Paljor
For all those who live in the capital and love their desserts, l’Opera has featured high in the list of must go-to destinations. And for those who prefer to dig into baked treats while watching a movie, there is l’Opéra Salon de Thé by PVR at Director’s Cut at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. It is the quintessential destination for pâtisseries as it is deeply seeped in its French culinary roots.
It holds out a truly French experience not only for the movie-goers but the entire tri-mall area. The wholesome French atmosphere – from its architecture, classical Parisian furniture to the music — makes for a bubble-wrapped experience.
The menu is an amalgamation of savoir-faire. For vegetarians, there is lentil salad with goat’s cheese along with a selection of fresh sandwiches made with l’Opéra’s French breads. Adding to the delightful experience are their desserts that do justice to their origin unlike the food stores around Delhi that have food masquerading under the classic names.
With a fresh peach iced tea on the side, I was introduced to their exquisite Tomato and boccocini sandwiches served in a rocket which had a nice crusty baguette, with hints of freshly ground pistou. When I dug into the crust of the sandwich, the fresh flavours of tomato with an after taste of pistou, flooded my mouth.
l’Opéra has its own food philosophy revolving around its strong belief in keeping it “French, fresh and simple.” And in the pursuit of these objectives, Mayank Tiwari, executive chef, PVR shared, “We carefully pick the source from where we get the ingredients as every single one of them lends a specific flavour and our cooking techniques are simple. Together, this promises that the overall experience remains casual yet distinguished.”
He was inspired from his stay in lyon and the dishes assembled showcase an emphasis on the quality of produce and precise cooking techniques.
Next, I tried a Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich which was made with dark rye bread and layered with sour cream and a hint of fennel which complemented it to perfection. The soft-textured smoked salmon and the sour cream melted in my mouth.
While I still couldn’t get enough of the taste of the Salmon club sandwich, I was served Monsieur and croque madame which had Belgian ham and Emmental cheese. “A blend of red grapes and slow-roast chicken, in a Dijon marination, makes the filling of our Roast chicken,” added Chef Tiwari.
I had had enough of the savoury dishes and Kazem Samandari, executive chairman, l’Opéra had a line of desserts waiting. Other than the regular l’Opéra desserts, they have five exclusive pastries, including Chocolate and cherry, Vanilla and raspberry, Bailey’s and praline, Chocolate passionfruit and Caramel and apricot.
I had a little France on my table with chocolate, vanilla and a caramel beauty. Samandari suggested that I end my day with chocolate. I couldn’t resist but started with Vanilla and raspberry which had a pastry base, vanilla mousse, raspberry jelly on an almond sponge.
It was followed by artistic Caramel and apricot pastry with caramel mousse, apricot confit, almond dacquoise and almond biscuit. The appearance was fairy-tale and the flavour divine. Each ingredient was able to awaken different taste buds and the Caramel and apricot one left me with an after taste of pure caramel.
The last one was the Chocolate and cherry dessert with a layer of dark chocolate on top with a chocolate almond sponge on a dark chocolate crunchy base. Hazel huts were lined around the pastry which were subdued under layers of chocolates and the complimentary coffee layer.
If you are looking for a place to perk up your taste buds and have a wholesome experience of what French bakery should be in its real sense, then this is the place to be.