Hornbys Pavilion

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 4 / 5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

Are you a buffet buff? This way, please. Go through the elegant marble passageways, up the elevator and to the ITC Grand Central's 24-hour coffee shop. A popular choice for its lavish buffets. As the book goes to press, I check out the sumptuous spread of South and North Indian food (Rs. 850) including three kinds of idlis, dosas, vadas, stuffed parathas and popular favourites like Puri-Bhaji, Vegetable Korma, Stew and even two desserts! The usual European, Global spread with fruit, bread, pastries, live waffles and eggs counters, fresh juice, boiled eggs, milkshakes and more brighten up many people's mornings between 7am and 10.30pm. Unusual and interesting menu items (Fish Ahoy being the must-try) are available a la carte, but I've always recommended the multi-cuisine rich buffets here, complete with live counters for lunch and dinner (Rs. 1,500 plus taxes), especially the South Indian dishes (Appam and Stew in particular). They tailor buffets to their patron's needs and offer a Children's Buffet (Rs. 750 plus taxes; up to 8 years), Soup 'n' Salad Buffet (Rs. 950 plus taxes) and even an Only Desserts Buffet (Rs. 750 plus taxes). The spectacular Sunday Brunch (don't miss the Roast Chicken) for Rs. 1,800 offers eggless and sugar-free desserts as well. More good news! Midnight Buffets (Rs. 999) are back by popular demand on Fridays and Saturdays from 12.30am to 3.30am. Do ask for the Meal in a Bowl and end up with their signature Pavilion Chocolate Mousse and the Baked Cheesecake with Blueberry. P.S. The Pavilion is dedicated to William Hornby, one of the architects of the glorious while Portuguese Parel.