This is one half of the first floor that is done in distinctly different shades from the rest of the space. The arched doorways divide the space into two sections with a faux foliage arch lining the ceiling. Each section can be used for parties or even clubbed together and cordoned off from the rest of the space in case of large private gatherings.
Lake Road now has a quaint dine-and-chill den called Poach-Kitchen. Espresso, from the house of cafe chain Marbella’s. The chill zone is spread across three levels, with each level serving a distinct function. It spans over an area of around 5,400sq ft and can seat around 120 diners. The aesthetics of the space are centred around clean, soft features with plenty of sunlit spaces.
Why the name Poach, we asked? “Poach is basically an essential form of cooking that is a part of the nine key methods of cooking. That apart, we have also tried to reflect on the term of poaching that is common in the F&B space as a cheeky pun, and our menu is basically a collection of 100 dishes that we have poached and borrowed from different cuisines and given it our very own touch,” chuckled Nikhil Chawla, co-owner.
The Telegraph takes you through the various spaces at Poach.
What: Poach-Kitchen. Espresso
Where: P562 Lake Road, Opposite Kamala Girl’s School
Timings: 11am to 10.30pm
Meal for two: Rs 1,200-plus
The ground floor is a space dedicated to coffee and desserts. The tables here as well as on other floors are basically windows that have been recycled. In fact, the upper floor has a wall done exclusively with old cupboards arranged in an artistic manner. There is also an area on the ground floor that is dedicated to hosting small pop-ups and can be used as a display space for gourmet items.
Done in shades of peaches and pinks with muted moss green, this section has windows running all around and lets in plenty of sunlight as well as a spectacular view of the greenery outside. The walls too have floral patterns drawn by hand. Soft lighting and pampas grass chandelier lines the ceiling, lending it a very European vibe.
SIP & BITE
Beet It: Beetroot hummus with orange segments and goat cheese served with pita bread and lavash, the dish is simple yet impactful due to the fine balance of flavours such as the nuttiness of the hummus and the sweetness of the beetroot. Rs 375-plus
Cream Cheese and Wild Mushroom Dumplings with Chilli Dipping Sauce: Melt-in-the-mouth dumplings stuffed with exotic mushrooms and cream cheese. The mushrooms even though properly cooked, have that bite to them and each bite is like a cheesy-umami bomb. Rs 375-plus
Chocolate and Cherry Cake: Coffee Genoise layered with milk chocolate ganache and sour cherries, this is the ultimate indulgence that you wouldn’t want to share. Rs 425-plus
Stack Pancakes: Fluffy and light pancakes are stacked one on top of the other and served with fresh fruits and custard with a side of maple syrup. We loved the addition of custard to the dish. Rs 375-plus
Lady Lavender Tea: Lavender and hibiscus infused tea served with a mixed berry reduction. It’s fruity, it’s fragrant and just so light and fresh. Rs 275-plus
Fruit Loop Shake: Move over Kit Kat and brownie shakes, the Fruit Loop Shake is here. Chocolate and fruit loop blended with a scoop of ice cream is what makes this comforting drink that’s Instagrammable as well. Rs 350-plus
Pineapple Chicken with Sticky Rice: The presentation of the dish will leave you amazed. Inspired by cuisine from the Philippines, this has caramelised pineapple and chicken served with sticky rice, and is a tangy main course. Rs 425-plus
Pictures: B. Halder
