Pune’s first soak-themed poolside bar and restaurant perched on the
second level of Novotel Pune in Nagar, does justice to its moniker as almost
every dish has a ‘soaked’ or a synonymous element in its recipe including
cocktails. “Soaking ingredients cuts down on phytic acid and enhances the
assimilation of vital nutrients and minerals, making it healthy,” enlightens Chef Gaurav Mawari who helms the kitchen as the Executive Chef at Novotel Pune, Nagar Road.
Soak attracts a motley of GenZ and vintage locals and expats. The floor to
ceiling glass of the interior dining section seamlessly blends with the poolside setting. The walls of the interior dining session uplift the mood with subtle, nature-inspired paintings in mono tones while a cool, breezy vibe with glowing embers elevate the alfresco experience at the poolside.
The seductive presentation and deliciously eternal taste of each cocktail and starter – fire-kissed and slow-cooked to perfection were impressive. With soaked ingredients further steeped in sauces, curd, or milk the fare offered gastronomic comfort. Thin slices of cottage cheese in Paneer jalli kebab flavoured with chilli paste and fenugreek leaves or Tender Tandoori malai broccoli, and cashew nut, raisins and paneer-stuffed Bharwan aloo that released a subtle sweetness on the palate were soulful treats.
Non-vegetarians can have their pick of bold, smokey charcoal meat and seafood delights. Onion paste-chutney cuddle lamb mince to impart minty flavour to Mutton seekh chilman, Kasundi mustard marinated jumbo prawns, grilled New Zealand lamb chops, Butter garlic squid, Nalli nihari and velvety Delhi 6 butter chicken are worth trying. The menu also sports plant-based meat like Teriyaki mock duck.
The hearty food is aptly complemented by crafted cocktails with soaked
ingredients. Our camera-ready wait for cocktails with anticipation of Instagram reel-equipped flamboyant decants, liquid nitrogen gimmicks or daring flambeed experiments, met with a rather charming twist. Restraint, precision, and the mystical spell of time dominates Soak bar where every swig unfolds a subtle narrative and patience is the finest garnish.
For the mains, we eagerly picked up pieces of fluffy Khameeri naan, dunked it in emerald green Lehsuni palak paneer to get that. Flavoursome Veg dum biryani and Dal makhni with a gentle sense of creaminess made the dish indulgent without weighing heavy on the tummy.
Soak incessantly embodies the spirit of global gastronomy when it comes to their desserts too. Bharwan gulab jamun soaked in a flavoured syrup was a classic done right. Along with Tres Leches – rich and ultra-light sponge drenched in three variants of milk – they made our evening. If you like alcohol in your dessert, go for golden Churros with their saucy plunge in Soak’s signature Baileys, caramel or mocha.
The well-informed waiting staff made it a point to check with our comfort and experience. Dining at Soak is about caressing the timeless. Knowledgeable staff in a tranquil ambiance in an intimate setup where decadent flavours are not rushed – justifies their tagline – Soak it all in!
Address: SOAK, Novotel Pune Nagar Road, Sakore Nagar, Viman Nagar, Pune
Cost for 2: Rs.3500/-
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