Q’la , the word derived from ‘Kila” , the posh ‘seven style mile’ complex in which it is nested, is a modern European eatery located away of the frenzy of the capital’s life behind the Qutub Minar. What earlier used to be Blue Frog, the space has been given the most romantic settings of the city. The warm interiors, the classic café chairs and the wooden work infused in the décor with dim lighting the place gives you a relaxed mood as soon as you enter. Lounge music and candle lights also create an alluring feel that will linger on in the mind throughout the gastronomical journey.
The food menu which spells innovation from the word go is curated by Executive Chef Sanjay Chowdhary who has 3 decades of culinary experience. The extensive food and drinks menu arrives in I-pads, which have been kept for the ease of alteration if needed. There is no traditional appetizer section which is innovatively replaced by ‘Flavors’ section in which there is a range of unique dishes one can start with. The rest of the food menu has an array of salads, grills, pizzas, pastas, mains, sides and deserts.
You are first served the amuse bouche’ which was beautifully presented doublet of silken tamarind flavored tofu on a small spoon with a shot of refreshing mango and fennel flavored fizzy drink. From the beverage section we recommend the signature cocktails starting with THE HIDDEDN SPIRIT, a fun drink with vodka as a base and a flavor of raw mango and kaffir lime. THE BASIL AND ORANGE MARTINI looked refreshing but was a tad more sour then we would have liked. THE HIBISCOUS SOUR was the best one which was flavored with hibiscus, pineapple and bitters and was of a lovely pink colour. MARGARITA BONITA was another cocktail which was balanced and refreshing.
We really recommend the Pimento flavors which consist of cucumber tacos with tuna along with a salsa on the side. But its the Hazelnut that takes your breath away with a beautiful Chicken Liver Pate with a hazelnut stuffed chicken croquette. The Sake and Lemongrass also leaves a mark with an eggplant stuffed with Japanese flavours, topped with mozzarella and served on a bed of polenta.
The desserts include a sorbet, a decadent Valencia Cheesecake with yuzu jelly and blueberry compote and a flourless chocolate cake
Qla also keeps its musical scene alive and kicking by holding live gigs almost every night. In a nutshell , the place is for elite, it certainly seems to be highly priced but all in all an experience to cherish on special occasions.
