A quaint and cozy bistro has sprung up on the upper floor of The Piano Man in Safdarjung Enclave and it is called Dirty Apron (Delhi is surely getting better at naming its restaurants). At Dirty Apron, they serve Eurasian food and what better than European with touches of Asian for a bistro menu in a city that has a wide palate?
Dirty Apron is owned and run by Arjun Sagar Gupta, an ardent music lover, while fellow food blogger Ruchira Hoon Phillip is the food consultant. Skeeter was at The Dirty Apron in Safdarjung Enclave the other day for a bloggers’ table over lunch. Located bang opposite Deer Park, the approach to the place is easy with plenty of parking space, unlike the neighbouring madness that is Hauz Khas Village. While The Piano Man has a lovely energetic vibe and a following of its own, Dirty Apron is more of a calm and inviting place (read soothing white walls, hanging planted pots and more), just the kinds you’d want to head to after a hectic week at work or a quick lunch on weekdays.
We started with a Pumpkin and peanut butter soup made up with roasted pumpkin puree and creamy peanut butter and served with a portion of ultra buttery and garlicky bread. All flavours complemented the other, and the rich, velvetty, decadent, nutty soup is a must try! A Beetroot, orange and feta salad was up next. Crisp greens, beets, tangy orange and creamy feta built this refreshing salad. Another salad followed – The Warm Asian Potato Salad. Perfectly roasted spuds tossed in an Asian dressing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds were lent a suitable kick from fresh red chillies.
Stuffed Mushroom Nonya Sauce were next. Plump, crispy batter fried mushrooms tossed in Nonya or sweet sticky japanese sauce. Though Skeeter tasted this sauce for the first time, she quite liked what she ate. Mains were Coconut rice with Sambal and Okra served with crispy onions and lime. The ladies finger were tossed in a house-made Malay samabal sauce served with on a bed of coconutty rice – a different preparation of Okra, this.
A woody and hearty wild mushroom risotto followed. There beer cocktails were appreciated by the table. Must try another time. For dessert we tried the Lemongrass and Kaffir lime scented Creme Brulee – which hit the spot and we had to ask for a second round – that good.
Some fabulous food aside, they have a terrific terrace seating, perfect for the spring in Delhi right now. Brightly coloured walls and comfortable seating – one could spend hours at such a pretty place.
Where: B 6-7/22, 2nd Floor, Opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave Market, New Delhi
Phone: 011 33107861
