Feeling a little restless, trying to cope with the pollution, we decided to make a foray into a new complex of cafés and restaurants at the National Gallery of Modern Art. We called in advance to book a table at “The Saddle House”. Surprisingly, the staff training did not include answering the phone identifying the restaurant and taking contact details of prospective diners. Nevertheless, we decided to take a chance and headed to the NGMA.
As you approach the NGMA, you are in awe, because the buildings overpower you and you are intrigued by the passages and steps. Unfortunately, though, they had not realised that there would be a number of senior citizens who live in Delhi who would flock to see the combination of the old and the new.
Our first stumbling block was the attempt to get into the complex. After a number of checks by the security guards, it seemed almost as though we would not be able to reach the new restaurant we wished to try. Going there, you should be aware that you cannot take your car beyond the gate. From the gate the walk to the restaurant involves climbing uncomfortable steps which would be a hazard for anyone who has a mobility problem. Once you reach the top, unfortunately, you have to climb down the same number of steps to negotiate your way to the restaurant.
Having eventually found the illusive restaurant, we walked in expecting at least a half-filled room. We were disconcerted to find we were the sole occupants. The first thing that catches your eye is the garishly tiled black-and-white flooring which looked like a chessboard gone wrong. The thought did occur to us to leave and find another eatery. But the effort of negotiating the steps up and down made us think twice. The wood-panelled walls of the restaurant were adorned with paintings and photographs of horses stationary, walking or trotting, which somewhat made up for the flooring.
The restaurant was a two-in-one with The Saddle House on one side and Amoda, the Indian restaurant, on the other. The bar bifurcated the two restaurants although you could order from either menu and choose whichever table you preferred. Saddle House serves a diverse assortment of Pan Asian and European cuisine. We chose the pan-seared mustard Scottish salmon with sautéed asparagus and the grilled New Zealand lamp chops accompanied with braised spinach. The food was well-presented. The lamb chops had a subtle Mediterranean flavour. The salmon was succulent and the asparagus thick in texture.
The service, however, was below par. Although the restaurant was close to empty, it was challenging to get the attention of the maître d’ or the waiters.
We left with mixed feelings. While the food was definitely the highlight of the evening, The Saddle House could enhance its service, accessibility and atmosphere. The jury’s out…will we go back?
