Deli 9

Lately, there has been no dearth of places where you can indulge in experimental eating, what with the city going ga-ga over the onslaught of the global cuisines in the desi arena. From Ohris Mexican meals to Subways genuine Italian salads, and from Athithi Inns Japanese steak to Carrots oriental soups, the cognoscenti have done them all. So, when a quaint little kerbside deli opens its shutters over the never-say-stop Road No.1 of the Banjara Hills, you got reason enough to keep your taste buds wired-up for a novel rendezvous.

The Scene
Deli 9, partly a bakers partly a caf, is a refreshingly new face on the block of eclectic fooding. Its small terrace is interspersed with large potted plants and overlooks the incessant denouncement of traffic etiquettes and rules on the energetic Road 1. The place is reminiscent of the 70s era when penniless painters and pot specialists debated red brigade enthusiasts over innumerable cups of chai, and discussed issues of freedom, especially of the smoking and sexual variety. Its cozy warm all-season interiors are in sharp contrast to the steely wrought-iron chairs on the terrace where languorous warm winter afternoons or romantic breezy summer evenings can be enjoyed; Deli 9 offers the best of both seasons (only if you adhere to the above seating plan).

The Food
While sipping your Latte or Cappuccino, you can exchange biographical confidences about the long succession of passers-by. Simultaneously, you can sound waiters to get enlightenment on the provenance of the available breads and quiches. You can order Doughnuts soaking in chocolate sauce (but must, upon return home, immediately read MAUS report, 3-10-2001, stating categorically that chocolate not only enhances mood but also makes your heart healthy).

On a more adventurous note, you can order any of the Quiches, but well bet heavily on the Smoked Salmon Quishe not for any other reason than its having the most unusual taste of them all. You can compliment your grub with a variety of flavored breads, soups, cakes and pizzas, and be assured of loads of service - be it pulling your chair for you or an informal tte--tte - from the attending staff.

The Verdict
With pricing policy not quite in tandem with its bonhomie and abandonment theme, Deli 9 is a hotspot for all those who believe in fresh air and well-lined wallets. It being a deli, you are not burdened with compartmentalized menu servings, so pick and choose as your fancy dictates. Only, do submit to the better judgment of your waiter.