After completing a successful 10 years in M.G. Road, Tonino owners Parmeet Singh and Simran Sawhney unveiled a new Italian cafe themed extension in Connaught Place, Caffe Tonino, which will be more of an economical hangout spot rather than a fine-dine one. With renowned executive chef Suman Sharma overlooking both the restaurants, the cafe will serve quintessentially Italian cuisine with a twist of continental flavours to suit the palate of the young Delhi crowd.
The place is exquisitely designed with long winding staircases, voids and arches to create a romantic but a chirpy Tuscan ambience. Though it retains the no-nonsense setting of the fine-dine restaurant, the cafe has giant glass windows overlooking the road, where one can sit and leisurely sip a cup of coffee, describing its cafe concept. The white brick walls, which sharply contrast the wooden polished furniture, are adorned with quotations from movies as well as picture frames showcasing the remarkable Italian architecture.
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| Caffe Tonino |
Invited for a blogger's table a few days before the launch, Executive Chef Suman Sharma's special tasting menu consisted of a mix of Italian delights as well juicy American burgers and delicious desserts. We started off with the drinks first; though the cafe hasn't got its bar license yet, they serve some delightfully refreshing mocktails and aromatic cups of coffee. The Beet's Beauty was my personal favourite; not only is it healthy but also tastes better than most of the other healthy products.
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| Entrée |
For most Indians, Italian cuisine directly translates to pizzas. Caffe Tonino, like its parent restaurant serves some mean wood fired pizzas. The cafe uses a white wood-fired oven, in which the pizza remains clean from ash, while retaining the smoky flavour which is loved by all. Laden with cheese and meat, the thin crust is stable representing a proportionate ratio between the base and the toppings. Their pizza sandwiches too are great and come with a good filling in between which counters the dryness of the crust.
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| Woodfired Pizza |
Though the Tenderloin Burger served was a bit smaller than what I expected, it was pretty filling and juicy, with the meat patty inside retaining the flavour and taste of the sauce, the mark of a good burger. There is also a similar burger in the chicken and vegetarian variety and although I didn't try it, the dish was quite well received.
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| Tiramisu |
The meal concluded with desserts, the Arabian Honey Cake and the Tiramisu. Rich with a honey caramel and almond topping, the Arabian Honey Cake is a middle eastern pastry and was made to perfection while the Tiramisu was thick, creamy and had a sublime coffee essence.
Meal for two persons – Rs 1500/-
Address : PVR Plaza Building,
1st Floor, H Block ,
Opposite The Raymond Shop
Connaught Place, Delhi
