Everything Worth Checking Out At Delhi's Eldeco Centre

While various pockets in Delhi continue to emerge as centres for cultures and cuisines, its affluent South Delhi has always somehow managed to gain and regain the bragging rights as the trailblazer. Setting another example now is its Eldeco Centre in Malviya Nagar, boasting of an impressive amalgamation of food and art through its various luxury retail and dining places. Each new one is adding to its must-experience quotient. We have narrowed down the list to five places you should be ticking off soon. For, be it global or indigenous flavours, music or arts, or a date with everything sweet, these places have you covered.

Manam Chocolate

It has only been a few days since this internationally acclaimed ‘theatre’ of chocolate by Chaitanya Muppala opened its doors to its first retail and experiential outlet outside Hyderabad. And, apart from being a quick lesson in the world of Indian craft chocolate, it has already captivated many with its engaging flavours and experiences. A truly immersive space, it not only boasts of a Craft Chocolate Beverage Bar serving contemporary and classic shakes and blends, but also a ‘Make-Your-Own Tablet’ station where you can mix and match all the flavours your heart desires and Team Manam would keep a record of it for posterity and your repeat orders. Need help in understanding and going beyond the rudimentary way of savouring chocolate? Sign up for Manam classroom, which organises regular sessions and workshops for the same. Also, its cafe’s entire menu is an ode to the fine flavours of cacao.

The Piano Man

The tickling of senses is only heightened at this grand gothic-inspired music room. Drawing inspiration from the European churches, this Piano Man is the third of the iconic venues in the story that was started by Arjun Sagar Gupta in 2015 as an intimate jazz club. It is impressive with a seating of 300, vintage dark wood interiors, and a must for any music aficionado, gastronome, or for that cultural night out. Come for the acts and music, and stay for Phuket fish, Koliwada Prawns, Truffle Chicken Kiev, paired well with DJ’s Cliffhangers, picantes, and good-old Old Fashioneds. After hosting India’s first ever drag musical – Superqueens,, its grand stage welcomes it again on July 29. Their special cinema screenings have ‘50 First Dates’ on the calendar this month – August 17.

Arts Room

True to its name, the place celebrates art both in its décor and dining, owing respectively to Navneet Randhawa and Randeep Bajaj. While the interiors, rich in textures and colours bring a lot of old-world charm alive, the cocktail menu is all about celebrating Picasso, Dali, Frida Kahlo, FN Souza... ‘The Two Fridas’ feature hemp seed-infused tequila with watermelon and chili saccharum. Gin-based ‘The Kiss’ pays homage to Art Nouveau. The new cocktail menu, to be launched on July 30, has music as its muse! The inspiration and ambience are furthered with a rotating showcase of artworks by renowned Indian artists. Currently ‘Summer Collection’ by Studio Kishangarh is on display, inspired by Mughal gardens and Kishangarh miniatures. The food, meanwhile, rightly merges old and new. Also, there is a dedicated cafe-style space for breakfast, with Bahrisons' pick of reads making for an ideal company.

Latoya

Since opening earlier this year, it has been introducing all to true diverse flavours of Latin America. Another gem by Saket Agarwal, Latoya brings the vibrancy of the region alive with its earthen tones highlighted by green, and a culinary journey that includes Peru’s ceviches, stews of Brazil, Argentinian grills, Mexican tacos, and more. The cocktail programme extensively features Latin American spirits like rum and agave, complemented by tropical fruits and spices. For every burst of colours and flavours that a plate of Salmon and Orange Tiradito is, there is a plain-looking but equally salivating glass of spicy and savoury tequila-based Papi Chulo or whiskey-based El Dorado. Their signature Passports Nights are a quick journey through one Latin American destination at a time. It is Peru on the cards for July 26-28, followed by Argentina, Colombia, and some Indo-Latin Fusion.

Indy by Q’la

After the European flavours of Zorba and Q’la, this one is a back-to-roots tale by multifaceted entrepreneur, Ranjan Chopra. From ghee roasts of the south, reimagined kachoris of the north, costal delights, Bombay bhel, nadru galoutis, aromatic breads of Kashmir, to jalebi sandwich fulfilling every sweet tooth, Indy harmoniously blends various flavours. The drinks play their part, with Banarasi Paan, Pandan Path, Kashmir Valley or Goa Carnival bringing distinct flavours alive. Currently, the place is celebrating the monsoon with a special menu featuring regional delights from the length and breadth of the country, albeit with a twist. Think ubiquitous ‘ram laddoo’ from Delhi, with radish and raw papaya salad, Indori Khees (grated corn speciality) in a chaat avatar, and more. Also coming soon is After Hours – an Omakase mixology experience.