Riverside

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Across the river is a small restaurant aptly called Riverside where one can sit on the wooden deck and absorb the beauty of an idyllic river. The Leela has this Italian restaurant, alfresco dining at the river side. Well one has a choice of seating — either out on the wooden deck or in a cosy air conditioned environment with ornate chandeliers. For starters try the Pan Seared Scallops. Now this is one unique preparation — the combination of white and green evokes memories of the Italian national flag. Taste buds at full mast. Also try the Buffalo Mozzarella with tomato, rocket leaves arranged in colour combination and to this is added Balsamic caviar — the granular form makes it appear thus. For mains try the Wagyu Steak. This steak has a marbled consistency because the fat content is high. It is accompanied by bone marrow bruschetta, a chicken liver sauce made with wine and garlic — a great preparation to feast on, or maybe the Duck Confit with homemade linguini. The cooking is a slow process over two hours as it is cooked in fat and shredded and tossed in thyme, white wine and the pasta. For the desserts try Caramelised Pineapple Raisin in apricot parfait — a grilled pineapple disc with a pineapple, apricot and raisin puree mousse with raspberry jelly cubes floating in a pineapple thick puree soup. Or with the music playing in the background get romantic with the Tre Amore — 3 types of chocolate. The first is a homemade chocolate ice-cream on a biscoitte, the second a chocolate pear tart, and the third coffee cream brulee in a chocolate dome. Three loves…what more can you ask for. It's all at the Riverside…down by the riverside.The reservation of tables in advance is advised.