Face the Future

Tucked away behind Select CityWalk is a man's face. No ordinary face, this one's made out of carved wood (painted in silver) and stands about 10-feet-high. This is the entrance to Club Czar, one of the newest clubs in the Capital. It's quite a novelty, especially since you have to tug at a nostril to gain access to the club.

The interiors are very reminiscent of establishments like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe — with black and white leather furniture, plush walls and ambient lighting in shades of red and blue. The video walls (said to be the biggest in Delhi) are certainly eye-catching, though the lighting does, at times, distract the visitors from the whole visual experience. During the day (it opens at noon), the club operates as a restaurant, and transforms into a party destination only after 9 pm. While there is an in-house DJ, the management promises a lot of performances by both local and international artistes. Although entry is free, the management says there will be 'cover charge' during special events.

The club boasts of India's first-ever fully automated bar system. Abroad, this translates into a bank of ATM-like machines, which dispense alcohol, ice and mixers upon the pressing of relevant buttons. While the system at Club Czar is much the same, patrons also have the option of getting a bartender to mix their drinks. Usually, a couple of friendly servers hang around the bar machine to help out the confused clientele.

The food menu suffers from the same identity crisis afflicting so many restaurants these days. It incorporates Continental, Indian and Levantine cuisines, but the dishes are executed quite well. The non-vegetarian Mezze Platter made for a pleasant appetiser, though we wish the kibbeh (lamb croquette) had been a little less chewy. The pickled aubergine (very similar to the Italian caponata), on the other hand, really hit the spot. The Lamb Nisettes were tender and juicy, although could have done with a little less rosemary. The Pollo Ajo de Majo was excellent, comprising herbed chicken and rice, a spicy sauce and loads of melted cheese.

... contd.

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