In search of fine-dining hotspots in this coveted space located in the vicinity of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and domestic airport

1. Pluck, Pullman
Under the AccorHotels’ umbrella, the 100th Pullman is in India and the firm’s other brand Novotel is right next to it. Pluck at Pullman is the fine-dining culinary space. The USP of flower-themed Pluck is the cutlery. The glasses used for water are designed angular. The cutlery at Pluck comes from Guy Degrenne whose roots go to 1948 when its founder, Guy Degrenne, gave a second life to armour-plating of tanks left over the battle of Normandy in 1944. The recycled steel was used to produce the first matrices for stainless steel cutlery. At the entrance of Pluck is the tea wall, Tea Deli.

The hotel has an organic garden and the vegetables find their way into the kitchens. On a Sunday, years back, long before COVID-19 entered our lives, I had a Sunday buffet brunch there. The spread included global cuisines. The choice ranged from a farm-to-table salad bar and European, Asian and Indian buffets. To talk of what I tasted– Kashmiri Wazwan with Falsi and Kanji, grilled seafood, duck, soups, pasta and more. The dessert table was laden with pastries, doughnuts, even traditional Indian sweets.

Unique to Pullman is the dancing peacock theme and the interior done by Singapore-based Merriem Hall Designs. The dance of the peacock during the rains is what you get to see in the 6,000 hanging lobby lights. But more interesting is the use of colour across the upholstery and in the décor. Following the sounds of nature, the lux-lounge has been named Pling which is the sound of the falling raindrop. It showcases a selection of wines with the signature ‘Vinoteca by Pullman’ concept. And then there’s the signature Asian bistro, Honk, with indoor and alfresco seating, offering Asian inspired street food cuisine. The skywalk leading to Café Pluck, the 24X7 coffee area, is an interesting staircase with the feel of walking through an open area.

If you are looking for more, walk around and you might find yourself in Novotel. Both are interconnected and share a common swimming pool and courtyard. Coming together in the shape of the alphabet E, they also share the herb garden and the Woo Wellness Spa and Salon. Another common area is the convention space which is more than 40, 000 sqft with pillarless ballrooms measuring 12,719sqft. These can be partitioned into three separate halls. The courtyard with its wooden seating is another area to hold outdoor meetings and shows.

Pullman has 270 rooms. There are wide working desks, Bose sound link II and complimentary Wi-Fi and bathtubs. The corridors of Pullman are wider as compared to Novotel which caters to the mid-size segment. The two hotels have a distinctly different interior and gyms.

Novotel is 400-key hotel with a unique Moncierge concept. There is also a Mac station which is free for guests. Through Moncierge (which means My Concierge), the guests can browse and find all they are looking for—travel options, places of interest and more.

2. Delhi Baking Company, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

The Delhi Baking Company or DBC, which is the hotel patisserie, specializes in a wide range of grab-and-go gourmet products including baked goodies, great coffee and culinary lifestyle products as well as a simple eat-in menu. Here you find tasty treats and scrumptious snacks – homemade bread; a variety of sandwiches, freshly-squeezed juices; desserts and a range of exotic gourmet foods. Breads and gelatos being the highlights, Salted Caramel, Masala Chai and Gulkand are delightful flavours. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between.

3. Viva, Holiday Inn, Aerocity

Located in close proximity to the domestic and international airports and with a metro station nearby, it’s convenient for the business traveler. It has 265 contemporary rooms, three dining outlets, leisure facilities such as gymnasium, swimming pool, spa, salon, business centers and conferencing and banqueting facilities.

Viva is the all-day dining restaurant. It has an inviting décor with glass, light, butterflies and Japanese cubicles. The seating varies with long table, a side table with palms by the window, sofas for intimate seating and round tables for business lunch. Viva has a live grill, a lavish buffet, good cocktails and a vast dessert choice. Many years back, I had the famous veg thali which had five veggies, dal, raita, salad, pickle, papad and parathas. Another interesting dish I recall was the salmon steak. Viva Deli offers a choice from croissants, macaroons and more.