Food Review: Tattlers Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 'Tasty Tales...', the tag-line for Chandigarh's newest gourmet eatery, is certainly not an iota out of place. Within two months of its opening, Tattlers is a sea of happy faces, the aroma of delicacies and never-ending gossipy chatter.

Tucked in the middle of Chandigarh's upscale Sector 9 Inner Market, which has evolved as the city's answer to New Delhi's swish Khan Market, Tattlers is an inviting place from the word go.

The food is European inspired, says its proud owner Abhay Jagat, adding that a touch of Indian flavours have been added to many dishes to suit all kinds of palates. "We wanted to have a place where people could gossip in the midst of international cuisine," Abhay said.

So, you find dishes like Spicy Chicken Mango curry, Spezzatino de Angello Daviola (slow-cooked Italian lamb stew served with couscous) and Tandoori Pot Roast Lamb among the non-vegetarian main course and Silken Tofu, Shiitake Mushrooms and Hoisin Sauce served with sticky rice, Raw Mango and Paneer Curry and Spinach and Feta Crepe Ala an Glaxe for the vegetarian main course.

Then, the Angry Chicken Pasta and Wild Mushroom, Garlic and Rosemary Risotto are among the popular choices. For seafood lovers, there are options with salmon, lobsters and grilled prawns.

Chef Atul pointed out that they are very particular about the quality of the meat products, vegetables and other raw material used for the dishes.

The starters, referred to as Small Plates, offer options like Masala Vegetarian French Toast Fingers, Cajun-Spiced Aloo Tuk for vegetarians and Imam Bayidi (eggplant stuffed with lamb mince, cheese and baked), Romesco Chicken Tikka and Mutton Seekh Kebab Lettuce Wrap for the meat eaters.

"We have carefully drawn up the menu to ensure that the dishes do not look and taste of the fusion variety. The food is European, with a touch of Indian flavours," Abhay, who along with his wife Priya Jagat, has virtually changed the culinary course of fine dining, cafe culture and even introduced sumptuous breakfast options for residents of Chandigarh and neighbouring towns of Panchkula and Mohali, told IANS.

For dessert, the options include Salted Chocolate Tattler's Cracker Madness, Eton Mess (sticky sweet mixture of strawberry meringue and cream with bananas and rum which always used to feature in Eton's annual cricket match against Winchester), Chai Ice-creama, Chocolate and Banana French Toast and Scotch and Berry Trifle.

Tattlers, with a classic blue and white colour scheme for its interiors, offers a very English ambience. With comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and sofas, it seats 70 people on the ground and first floor.

The place is not about lunch and dinner alone.

"We have created it in a way that it is also a high-tea place. People can come here in the hours before lunch and also between lunch and dinner to enjoy various eats with their tea or coffee," Abhay pointed out.

"Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious," -- the board outside Tattlers say. Nothing could be truer for this place.

Address: Tattlers, Sector 9 Inner Market, Chandigarh
Cuisine: European/International (with an Indian touch in many dishes)
Price: (for two) Rs 1,200-Rs 1,500
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm