Diva Piccola
Sorry for the erratic posts, besides traveling this month has been a sinfully lazy one ! Whoops..
When everyone is jumping the HKV band wagon I suppose why not Diva. Thankfully, its humble and simple decor doesnt take away from the rustic charm of the market. And I'll tell you something else, this little one is no diva. And by diva I mean you wont find showy dishes flambeed or foie gras, but what you will get is classic comfort Italian food. And you can still find solace in the familiar, as Ritu Dalmia's signature is stamped all over . Dishes that aren't cluttered with ingredients, but clean, simple and wholesome combinations. The menu centers mainly around pastas and pizzas, so save your diet for another day. The service is refreshingly attentive and I think their very amiable manager Mousim plays a big part in that. He helped us confused souls maneuver through the menu wonderfully. At the end of our meals when we sat moaning like tortured pigs he very intuitively sent over two cups of hot water to ease the pain . I like not having to ask for good service..
- Mushroom, Leek and Onion Soup - Quite delicious. I found mine a tad salty but my companion did not. Was fairly thick and fulfilling without having to go through a cream overload! Pheuf.
- Non-Vegetarian Antipasti Platter - The Caprese was fresh and pure in every way. The mozzarella especially was wonderful, like it had just been made and served. The Crispy Prawn Appetiser again simple but strangely addictive, but then again how can fried prawns not be. What was nice is the batter was light, perfectly seasoned and the prawns were cooked just right. The other salad was as standard as it could get. Nice on the side after a drizzle of the balsamic dressing, but not anything I would order separately (which you could do). Another classic - Parma wrapped melon - delicious.
- Piccante Pizza - I don't know if its the oven or the chefs, but there is a consistency issue in the pizzas. This one first came to us with an uncooked base at the center. On top of which the meat and cheese had left a lot of water which made it an even stodgier mess. But they fixed it for us immediately and this time it was perfect! May even have found my favourite pizza in Delhi! The toppings of crumbled sausage and salami were absolutely scrumptious. Oh dear I feel a craving coming on...
- Parma, Rocket, Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Pizza - Nothing more needs to be said but yum!! Sometimes its nice to just know exactly whats coming and feel happy about it.
- Pasta w/ Prawns, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil - Simple and scrumptious. No overcrowding of flavours. Three beautiful ingredients that came across crisp and clear.
- Spaghetti, aglio, olio - One of my favourite comfort foods. They made this classic very well. Added shrimp for some carnivore loving. But next time I'm clogging it with cold cuts - just the way I like it! Mmmm .
- Panna Cotta - Not bad, but could have been a little creamier and a little less gelatinous for my liking. Loved the blueberry compote on the side.
- Chocolate Torta - I know everyone loves this, and of course not much to dislike, especially with the vanilla custard but doesnt really blow my socks off. Definitely not as good as their delicious cheesecake. Also have my eyes on the almond cake that looked like something angels would have for tea!
Budget: Mid-Ranged
Alcohol : Not yet
Contact:
011 40536001
1st Floor, 30 Hauz Khas Village. Near Amour