The Zanotta @ The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon

The Zanotta, in Leela Kempinski Hotel, Gurgaon, is billed as an Italian restaurant, has its own wine library and is open only for dinner. On the other hand Zanotta does not have an Italian chef and the food is more in line with what is called modern European than classical Italian.

For appetizers try the Pan –seared Foie Gras and Vanilla and Anis infused Pears (Rs 750) or for Caramelized Goat Cheese (Rs 600). In the latter the cheese is cut in a neat and generous portion and seated on a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of tomato concasse. One of the chef’s special is the Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Carrot Foam. Creamy with a pleasant bite, the asparagus was plump and fresh and the carrot foam a non-intrusive dimension.

The main course was Grilled Tiger Prawns served with black Risotto and mascarpone cheese. The lightest, least filling of the desserts seemed to be the old favorite, Tiramisu. Zanotta’s version was light as air, not too sweet and the Havana rum infused in it did not overpower. A meal for 2 would come to around Rs 3000.