Latitude

Critic´s Review

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

-By Odette Mascarenhas

It's the Latitude at the Vivanta by Taj, where Chef Sahil Desai serves his signature North Indian, Goan and Italian fare. The flavours, the aromas and the live cooking sounds they all come together in a fine harmony. Dig in. Be thrilled. Rise to the occasion. And while Sundays are supposedly a day of rest remember the taste buds do not need one too. No way, especially when there are peppy brunches and a la carte preparations to tease the palate. The restaurant is always full and the display of food showcases numerous counters on the buffet. But for those who perhaps would like to go desi the old favourite chaat counter is there for you. The salad counter - there is a health concept behind this display. The beans are soaked overnight and you pick it off the turf displayed there. Mix it with the dressing of your choice - vinaigrette, olive oil or even if you want to cheat a little - mayo. The whole counter gives one a health kick...twelve varieties to choose from. Next counter - it's the chef busy at work with the fresh catch of the day. Seafood galore - what more can you ask for. Take your time to linger here a little longer but keep in mind that the grill counter and the stir fry counter still awaits your visit. The hot jalebi counter and the little portions of tempting desserts laid attractively to tempt those taste buds. Latitude is known for the buffets but the Sunday splurge defines creativity. Time is on your side and the live entertainment peps up your spirits. The old retro songs brings back the memories of a glorious youth, but whatever the age you only live once. But there is a la carte too. Order an Italian Minestrone — as popular as the country itself, the 'big soup' is an ensemble of vegetables or lamb, served as a soup with the addition of pasta or rice. Follow up with a grilled Tenderloin Steak (tender beef cut served to perfection with caramelized onion jus and pineapple salsa). The chefs oblige with something local too — Goan Fish or Prawn Curry (seafood selection of your choice simmered in blend of coconut and goan spices flavoured with kokum and relished with rice) or perhaps a Dum ki Parda Biryani (the traditional rice preparation cooked by your choice of chicken, lamb or vegetables with a covering on top of the vessel to retain the smoky flavor). The food will lift you to a higher latitude....you are in the right place.