From the bustle of Khan Market, all one needs to do is swing open a door and walk up a flight of stairs to be transported to what looks like a charming eatery somewhere in Venice or Milan. Less than a year after its launch, Cicchetti Italiano that serves authentic Italian vegetarian fare, has launched its first cocktail menu and it is everything – and more – that one has come to expect from Chef Parth Gupta – the talented chef, who also helms Bloom Café and Cakery.
Cicchetti Italiano’s philosophy is derived from Aperitivo Hour – an Italian ritual where friends, colleagues and families gather post work and have a glass (or two!) along with small plates of nibbles. At his restaurant, Chef Parth aspires to bring in that same sense of celebration with platefuls of delicious food and drinks that spark conversations that go well into the night.
Just like his food menu, the cocktail menu too feels like a journey through Italy’s cobblestone streets, tiny trattorias, bustling markets, and seaside lemon groves. The first part of the cocktail menu pays homage to the Aperitivo Hour with some delightful Spritz and Negronis. The Chef, who took a solo trip to the Italian countryside in August, has also created a selection of drinks that celebrate the various ingredients Italian cuisine is known for. “On my trip to Italy, I discovered that each region focusses on an ingredient. For instance, lemons in Amalfi, pistachios in Sicily and Saffron in Milan. I wanted to create drinks using these ingredients so I could transport you to Italy with them,” says Chef Parth, adding that the drinks are shaped by his travels, memories and culinary instincts.
Giving the Aperitivo Hour due credit, I started my drinks journey at Cicchetti Italiano with Bellini Rose – a delightfully refreshing drink with sweet and tart notes from the raspberry and peach puree with rose. Sparkling water and Prosecco keep the Spritz light and crisp.
In between mouthfuls of their delicious Caprese bruschetta, made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto and basil, and Gnocoo Fritto, dough pillows akin to our golgappas, filled with flavourful condiments, I ordered a Napoletana which comes with a cutesy garnish of a mini bruschetta on crostini. Think Naples and pizzas come to mind and with this drink, Chef Parth wanted to do just that – all the elements of a Margharita pizza into a cocktail. Parmesan vodka, San Marzano Tomato Cordial and a light cheese foam lend the drink a flavour profile which travels from sweet to umami and savoury.
In between the merriment, Chef Parth brought out the Limoncello (homemade Italian lemon liqueur) and Orancello (homemade Italian orange liqueur) for us to taste. While the former is expectedly tangy and tart, the latter has a delicate, floral aroma which reminds us of orange blossoms. For those who cannot do without their Tiramisu, try their drink, also named Tiramisu. The creamy, bittersweet dessert has been transformed into a smooth cocktail, while the Picante Italiano is a savoury and tangy twist on Picante with tequila, bell pepper shrub and tamarind.
All that headiness rightfully deserved some good food on the table and I ordered the Spaghetti Aglio Cacio E Pepe, probably the lightest pasta I have tasted. Lightly tossed in garlic, the Chef has finished the classic spaghetti with pepper, caramelised onions and aged Pecorino Romano. For my last drink of the night, I decided to go with the Campi Di Pistacchi. The gin-based drink is inspired from Chef Parth’s visit to Bronte in Sicily which introduced him to the best pistachios he has ever eaten. The creamy and floral drink has all the nutty goodness from homemade pistachio paste, lavender pineapple and sage.
Even after all that food, I felt something was missing. What could it be I wonder, and I smiled as I realised that I don’t have the usual heavy feeling I associate with a grand meal such as this! It is, as Chef Parth had told us right at the beginning, because of the handcrafted breads, cheeses and sauces, ensuring the meals are light and easy to digest. Free from guilt, I ended the night with the stickiest toffee pudding in town topped with Belgian chocolate and caramel ganache. Will I be back for another round of drinks? I say ‘Cin Cin’ to that!
Address: 70, Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Timings: 12.30 pm to 1 pm
Cost for two (approx.): INR 2,500 plus taxes
