Feel Alive, Sector 29, Gurgaon

When it comes to a Friday night parties, I am not a big fan of resto-pubs playing the loudest possible music and serving the cheapest dishes and drinks on their menu in happy hours. Neither I am too fond of crowded lounges where you can hardly ever make a conversation. Many of us have moved on over the “My bar” type of parties and would prefer a sophisticated place to relax and enjoy.

Keeping all the above factors in mind, Mr. Vasul Chauhan, whose brainchild Biryani and Quorma Express is doing excellent in the Gurgaon delivery circles, has come with a premium property by the name of Feel Alive at Sector 29. The opulent ambience, the live bar, the elaborate food and drinks menu, the huge TV screens and the plush interiors will compel your heart to skip a beat. And the excitement does not end here. There are five party rooms for group get togethers which can easily seat around 18-20 people with a personal butler, a smart TV, kickass sound systems and comfortable seatings. Thursdays are reserved for Salsa and Fridays are for dancing to a live DJ.

And it does get better with the gastronomic experience….

Suchu wine sangria: After getting to know my love for Sangria, Mr. Vasul Chauhan, an accomplished mixologist himself, conjured a wonderfully delicate Japanese rice wine sangria. The refreshing taste of watermelon, guava and orange cubes coupled with the subtle tanginess of the rice wine was pretty appealing to me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Caesar Salad: Thank God these guys know how to prepare a simple Caesar salad. The lettuce leaves were crisp and the parmesan shavings were fine, therefore adding to more subtlety here. No extra cream or cheese. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Chicken Satay with peanut dressing: After having the same dish at Yo China, I had developed a strong antagonism towards satay dishes. But the one served here is ohh-so-lovely in taste! The boneless chicken pieces are cooked in their own juices, they are soft and tender and topped with coconut milk with peanuts. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Grilled fish stick: Fish grilled in a marination of basil, spinach and coriander with the extra spice of black pepper is a wonderful new entrant. The fish is grilled – no disintegration. But it is slightly salty. RECOMMENDED.

Jalapeno Cheese poppers: If they were called just cheese poppers, then I would have given it top marks. Because these poppers were warm with light melting cheese oozing out and enmeshing the finely chopped vegetables. The exterior was crumb fried and crispy but I really wish they increase the quantity of jalapenos in it if they want the name of the fiery chilli associated with it. RECOMMENDED.

Prawn Tempura roll: Crispy prawns rolled in the finest Japanese rice with sesame seeds adorning the top – can not get better! RECOMMENDED.

Yaki Soba: After this, I am definitely going to forget the Indianised Chinese noodles. Made from buck wheat flour, and cooked in sesame oil, oyster sauce and black pepper, these were ohh-so-light in their slurpy goodness. And lets not forget the fine juliennes of spring onions, cabbage and carrots. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Peri Peri chicken: Not the best one I had. The sharpness and the spiciness of the peri peri sauce was amiss here and the chicken was way too firm and therefore difficult to eat. The potato mash served was smooth but salt was the sole ingredient missing here. The grilled vegetables- bell peppers and zuchhini were done so well that their skins were slightly crusty and their insides juicy.

Chipotle chicken burger: The French fries served with this burger were out of the world and were not overdone. But the burger was a bit of a downer. It was hot but the patty was not grilled properly and was a bit cold.

Taco vs basa: Roasted tacos spread over grilled basa with lemon butter sauce and rice. The tacos were crispy to the core and the basa was delicious. The fish was grilled well and served with blossoming rice with the rich lemon butter sauce. RECOMMENDED.

Bombay Rib pork: The pork was too hard and arduous to cut and served with potato mash and charred vegetables. NOT RECOMMENDED.

Super Sundae: I actually ate this whole dessert. With a vanilla sponge cake at the base and two scoops of vanilla ice cream topped on the cake, this was was heavenly as it was topped with a custard mix, fresh fruits and strawberry tart. The custard mix was so creamy and subtly sweet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Crème Brulee: With a crunchy exterior and soft and smooth creamy interior, this could win your heart. RECOMMENDED.

Burn Bourbon burn: One of the masterpieces by Mr. Vasul, this one combines the fumy flavour of cinnamon and the woody taste of bourbon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.