Enoteca Wine Bar

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 3 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Rinku Madan

OASIS IN THE OUTSKIRTS

As Bond creator Ian Flemming wrote in Gold Finger, “The difference between a good golf shot and a bad one is same as the difference between a beautiful and a plain woman—a matter of millimetres”. In the case of Enotica Wine Bar, the product of the details exceeds their sum.

A quaint Italian wine bar and restaurant that suits romance for two, Enotica Wine Bar seduces you before you even enter. With floor length windows that allow a generous view of the golf course, the place beckons you. The come-hither vibe immediately convinces my partner and me to come hither.

Their wines are pricey but that's because they're good, and the decor is absolutely mind blowing. That I know is a very corny word but it's most fitting. Dark wood mahogany tables and chairs, deep toned ceramic bar façade, Stölzle Lausitz glasses — all cement that. And there are warm, soft lights tucked around, seriously someone needs to shoot a Karan Johar-type love story here, ladies will be responsible for the repeat value.

It's not that it dares to be different from the others, who loosely base themselves on the “wine bar” theme. Enotica is a one off because it doesn't care about what it should be.This place is not about herding in as many people as possible and shoveling food and drink down their throats from a meal deal menu. It's a place where the wine, food, wine, atmosphere and wine come first. And, did I mention wine? Executive chef Shivananda Kain weaves magic over the Villeroy and Boch crockery with La Tavola cutlery with his creations like the roasted sliced r o s e m a r y flavoured lamb with fresh buffalo mozzarella. An accompaniment to die for is the array of salts served alongside —the Maldon sea salt, Himalayan sea salt and black salt. I ordered a Lambrusco, a red sparkling, and it was perfect. Chilled, bubbly, sweet red wine.

The extensive wine list boasts of labels from around the world. Try Burgundies, Bordeaux and wines from other French regions, Spanish Riojas, etc. Sample new world wines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.Chef Gomes' genius is seen in the pan fried sea bass made like a stew. A Piper Heidsieck Champagne is a perfect accompaniment. While the main dish is a work of science, the wine is art. The Dolco al Cioccolato, a rich crunchy eggless chocolate cake is good, but a Moscatel and infused orange tea were my sweet endings.

Things that make this place fantastic:

• Great ambience. Cosy with dim lighting.

• Amazing wine list with great description. Even if you don't know much about wines, you can be guided by Ashish Gupta, F&B manager, who will help pick out your favourite, based on what you like.

• The wine is fresh, and they are very good about letting you taste the wine before they pour all the way.

• Delicious food.

• Hidden location, an oasis in the outskirts.

• Exactly what a stylish wine bar should be.

• Such a find.