Venue: D Blk Market, Vasant Vihar
Date: 7 August 2015

We had gone to watch short film screenings that Shamiana held at bohème, a continental restaurant in Vasant Vihar. It was a rain washed evening and south Delhi was pretty much under water. We therefore decided to make a dinner of the quick bites that were on bohème’s menu.

Since we wanted to focus on films, we kept it simple and ordered Chicken and Corn Pita Pockets and Beetle leaf wrap in chicken. The pita pocket comprised two breads of chicken and vegetable stuffing. The diced vegetables were crunchy, seasoning light and chicken fresh. It was basic and likeable. The Beetle leaf wrap were chef special in the menu. Chunks of chicken were rolled in beetle leaves and possibly roasted. We thought that the idea was novel however a few bites and the taste buds were confused. The pungent flavour of beetle leaves was conflicting with the strong taste of chicken. Both the dishes were served with small helpings of Greek yogurt and some relish.

The décor was typically new age – soothing wall colour and pieces of crafty western knick knacks displayed here and there. The seating arrangement had chairs, few sofas, stools and high stools at the bar. We had visited their earlier outlet at Hauz Khas and felt that the styling of the new place is more uplifting.

While the overall experience was enjoyable (although not much value for money) we are surprised at the insensitivity of the management to have a restaurant on the second floor without a lift! It is nigh impossible for senior people or people with disabilities to climb up the steep and narrow stairs for three stories. The message of the restaurant is extremely discriminatory – as if shouting out – “Elderly / people with physical handicap – STAY AWAY”.