The California Boulevard, Rajouri Garden

CaliforniaBoulevard_im4

Is it just me or has any of you also noticed a rather rare and a very exciting change in our perception towards West Delhi? Our standard choices of a place to dine and party never included Rajouri Garden until the past year. I have seen people changing their perception about this part of the city, right from college students to youth and families. The bustling lane of J Block is deemed to bring back this lost charm to Rajouri Garden and make it one of the most happening places in the capital which draws people in NCR as well to drop by and pay a visit here.

One of the few restaurants credited to change my outlook happen to be AM PM and The California Boulevard. I owe a little bit of my college nostalgia to these two places.

Keeping the personal love aside, California Boulevard is a restaurant that enjoys a healthy mix of crowd, from youth to families. The concept of a Harley Davidson at the entrance is certainly very new, and many of us stand guilty of posing for a picture with it.

The comfort of fine dining coupled with the best of dishes from across the globe make California Boulevard one of my bookmarked places for a relaxed meal with both family and friends. The restaurant  is spread across 2 floors with a décor that looks straight out of a vintage Hollywood flick in everything be it seating, ambience, or music.  A very warm, hospitable and well-dressed staff greet you at the event, which is not expected from a property that isn’t 5 star these days.

Serving world cuisine on our platter, with more than 300 dishes from 30 countries, I bring to you my favorite picks from the appetizers and desserts. I will be back with a sneak peek from their Gurgaon property bringing cocktails and main course for you.

Here’s something which you should NOT miss, and perhaps thank me later 🙂

1. Chocolate Bomb: Molten Caramel drizzled on a chocolate ball that bursts open into Brownie, Ice cream and nuts! A delight for the eyes and the palate, this is one dessert that I didn’t expect to be THIS delicious. Spare your appetite as this one’s quite filling.

2. Red Velvet: After quite a lot of disappointments of finding a decent Red Velvet pastry, this one sure is gooey and perfectly balanced on the sweetness.

Nutella Chocolate Bowl

Nutella Chocolate Bowl

3. Nutella Chocolate Bowl: At first sight, this looks too good to be eaten. Chocolate shavings garnished beautifully, oh what a sight. And with Nutella inside, I really don’t have words to describe the feeling. Yes, you got it right.

Kaffir Lime Chicken Tikka

Kaffir Lime Chicken Tikka

4. Kaffir Lime Chicken Tikka: Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Tikka is nothing short of bliss and probably one of the most underrated pleasures of life. The chicken was juicy, succulent and marinated to perfection. A quick nibble with the drinks and a rather fresh change from usual Chicken Tikka.

Dilli Ki Chaat

Dilli Ki Chaat

5. Dilli Ki Chaat: The authentic flavours of street food in a fine dining place, yes that’s California Boulevard. A trio of Tamarind, Mint Sauce and Yogurt served on crispy Spinach, the result is sheer bliss! Light, tangy and so flavorful, a perfect appetizer to kickstart an awesome meal.

Vegetable Bruschetta

Vegetable Bruschetta

6. Vegetable Bruschetta: It is indeed a rarity for a harcore carnivore like me to vouch for a vegetarian item, but this one just left a lingering taste on my palate. A crispy bread, topped with the freshest of exotic veggies like bell peppers, rocket leaves, artichoke and feta cheese. An ample quantity and right choice of veggies make this my hot favorite.

What: The California Boulevard
Where: 2/5, 1st & 2nd Floor, B.K. Dutt Market, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
Meal for Two: Rs. 1,700 for two people (approx.)