For four years straight, Mangal Dalal spent every Saturday at Indigo Deli when it was newly launched. He absolutely loved the informal eco of its relaxed dining, pleasant music and efficient service. When he and his partner, Nachiket Shetye, recently introduced Citi Dine Fest, on lines similar to the popular culinary event by the two of them called Restaurant Week India, they decided to bring their love for informal dining to the fore. The duo’s decision to expand into another category was obvious, considering the success of Restaurant Week India.
According to them, their entrepreneurial endeavours are nothing more than a reflection of the industry. “Till 2010, we didn’t feel there were enough informal restaurants that got the entire package right—food, service, ambience and price. Now, there are a few that deserve to be highlighted, and that’s what we’re doing,” says Shetye, who along with Dalal believes fine-dining is still more occasion-led, while informal dining abides by no such constraints.
Following a more casual approach to matters of dining held a great potential within its purview, the two thought. “Even though informal can be interchangeably used with casual, I hesitate from using that word because, let’s face it, formal dining is, and always will be, an occasion-led thing. But the opposite isn’t casual either, because Chandni Chowk is pretty casual. We wanted to find something in between. We didn’t have the perfect word and that’s why we went with informal,” says Dalal.
During the upcoming season of the Dine Fest, 15 of the city’s restaurants will be offering a prix fixe menu at slashed rates. “Here, three-courses (with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) will be offered, per individual. These are exclusive of taxes and service as well as dishes ordered outside of the special Citi Dine Fest menu,” says Dalal.
October 23 to November 1 for lunch and dinner. Reservation starts October 18 onwards. The menu is priced Rs 600 plus taxes per person. The same festival is taking place in Mumbai. For reservations, log on to dinefest.in.
The Choice is Right Here
● Benihana, Nehru Place
● Cafe Lota, Pragati Maidan
● Depot 29, Safdarjung
● Desi Roots, Saket
● Diva Spiced, Lodhi Road
● Kylin Premier, Vasant Kunj
● La Bodega, Khan Market
● Lavaash by Saby, Mehrauli
● Le Bistro du Parc, Defence Colony
● Punjab Grill, Saket
● Rara Avis, Greater
Kailash II
● Rustom's, Aurobindo Marg
● The Fatty Bao, Sangam Courtyard
● The Hungry Monkey, Safdarjunj
● The Yum Yum Tree, New Friends Colony