The Hills are alive... with the sound of music... and great food...
In the bustling M Block market of Greater Kailash One there used
to be a quaint little café called
Sakley's - The Mountain Cafe. The eatery, fashioned on the idea of
a log cabin in the hills, has been a favourite haunt of ours whenever the girl
gang is done with retail therapy. My bestie introduced me to it a few years
back and since then, notwithstanding the new launches in the area and the lucrative
happy hour deals, we sauntered into Sakley's without a doubt. Every single time.
Yesterday, as we spoke about where to meet for dinner, my friend informed me about it shutting
shop. My heart sank. I have fond memories of the place. Not only is the food
delicious, but the décor is also pretty, the lights soft and the ambience cozy.
Pine cones studded floors, a woody complexion for the entire insides, the place
transported us to a colonial hill station every time we stepped in. Such was
the vibe.
She suggested we try the place that has opened up instead. Initially
reluctant, I agreed. As I walked up to the restaurant to meet her, my eyes lit
up. NOTHING HAD CHANGED. Except the name. Sakleys is now Music & Mountains - Hillside Café but the heart, thankfully, is still in its place. I sat down after letting
out a mini yelp of glee.
The old menu has been retained. We immediately ordered the
Pine Dew Bruschetta with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil dressing and
microgreens. It set the mood for a jolly evening of giggles, gossip and gags. I
wonder why this eatery isn’t much talked about. Because the food is heavenly---
wholesome, diverse and fresh. The variety will leave you spoilt for choice.
For mains, we went for Swiss Chalet Roast chicken with
rosemary baby potatoes and asparagus the Blue Mountain Lamb Shanks with mashed
potatoes, garden fresh salad and lamb jus. When the food arrived, we wondered
whether it was sent out for a little Roman Army! The chicken was delicately
flavoured yet rich and creamy. Even the pieces that were against the grain were
tender. The lamb shanks were like spiced butter, effortlessly falling off the
bone. It was as delectable as delectable could be.
The Italian and Continental spread is exhaustive (and every
portion is huge), with super breakfast options as well. Last time we had the
butter pancakes loaded with cheesecake, homemade preserves and blueberry
whipped cream. Pure decadence. You can also try the Black Forest sautéed
mushrooms and spinach poached eggs with their special Hollandaise sauce. They
have delicious pizzas, steaks, sizzlers, sandwiches and burgers if you care for
artisanal fast food. The vegetarian selection is fabulous, with the strengths
being baked eggplant with homemade cheese sauce and
topped with a parmesan
crust and countryside Ratatouille. Pescatarians can try the grilled red snapper
with homemade Romesco sauce or the Pan seared John Dory. Frankly, I’m still a surprised
why this little gem isn’t lauded? Because it deserves to.
Even though full, we could not, not have desserts. We zeroed
in on the dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate preserve. As we licked
the velvety mousse off our spoons, while carols softly wafted in the air, we rejoiced
at the resurrection of Sakleys and promised ourselves many more visits to Music & Mountains- Hillside Café in the new year.
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