Restaurants

Housed in a former Victorian library, the Cinnamon Club is a grand affair with high ceilings, a gallery of bookshelves and elegant leather chairs, which all help create a colonial atmosphere. On our visit, staff were having a bad day – we witnessed an argument among two hostesses, were gruffly told to wait in the bar even though we had a reservation, then our order was botched. Chef Vivek Singh, thankfully, seems to be running a tighter ship in the kitchen. The food is exemplary. We started off with boti kebab: four tender pieces of grilled lamb infused with garlic, ginger and cardamom, and served with sweetened yoghurt garnished with cumin. A sharp sorbet arrived mid-course as a palate cleanser. Our main course, an organic rare-breed pork loin, was served with quinoa and a selection of vegetables. The pork’s intense flavours of cumin, chilli, dates and tamarind flooded our mouths with each bite. Not to be outdone, the tilapia in a tangy lentil crust was moist and light. Served with chilled yoghurt rice and an exhilarating pea relish that tasted like wasabi, this unassuming fish was transformed into a gourmet marvel. Great food, shame about the service. A new branch, Cinnamon Kitchen, is being planned in the City for November 2008.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009