New Delhi - Magique
Spring 2008
Frank's view 
'Mediterranean ubercool in Delhi'
Magique is cool, trendy, sophisticated, and in the wrong place.
Whereas Indigo in Mumbai is superbly positioned behind the very grand Taj Mahal hotel, slap, bang in the centre of things, Magique, is in South Delhi, at best 40 minutes drive from the epicenter of Delhi affluence.
The journey through the city to Magique is punctuated by traffic jams and traffic light stops, where the lights remain locked on red for 5 minutes at a time.
Motorbikes swarm through the streets, many carrying families with two children asleep, finely balanced either side of mum, whilst dad weaves through the stationary and slow moving cars.
Eventually we leave the main roads and enter the less than salubrious suburbs. Is this really the way to the slickest restaurant in Delhi? Down half-made roads, past building sites, then sharp left, following a bent sign to Magique.
Smart security guards open the car doors and direct us along a path, lit like an airstrip runway.
This really is the most incongruous restaurant location I have ever seen. It truly is a sparkly oasis, with swinging benches, lanterns, twinkly fairy lights in the trees, and heavy bass driven muzack pumping from substantial speakers in full surround sound. Clouds of water vapour spray across the restaurant.
This is Nikki Beach in Delhi.
The food is very good.
Crispy wontons with crab, lychee and basil (375 rupees);
Kafir lime and vegetable spring rolls (275 rupees);
Chargrilled jumbo lemon grass prawns with mint and peanut salad (850 rupees);
Duck and tamarind sauce hoisin & scallion pancakes (775 rupees).
Magique opened in early 2007 and has mixed reviews from diners, but praise from the Delhi critics.
If you’re in New Delhi and fancy a drive to dinner, give it a go!
Magique
The Garden of Five Senses Said-ul-Ajaib
Mehrauli
New Delhi
+91 09717 535 533
+91 09717 535 544
email: info@magique.in
http://www.magique.in
Special Offer for all Magique Guests
Chetan Swarup has kindly offered ArsyCamel readers who reserve a table at Magique a complimentary soft beverage and/or dessert. Simply mention the ArsyCamel offer when you book. (Arsycamel.com receives no benefit or commission from Magique restaurant.)
Whereas Indigo in Mumbai is superbly positioned behind the very grand Taj Mahal hotel, slap, bang in the centre of things, Magique, is in South Delhi, at best 40 minutes drive from the epicenter of Delhi affluence.
The journey through the city to Magique is punctuated by traffic jams and traffic light stops, where the lights remain locked on red for 5 minutes at a time.
Motorbikes swarm through the streets, many carrying families with two children asleep, finely balanced either side of mum, whilst dad weaves through the stationary and slow moving cars.
Eventually we leave the main roads and enter the less than salubrious suburbs. Is this really the way to the slickest restaurant in Delhi? Down half-made roads, past building sites, then sharp left, following a bent sign to Magique.
Smart security guards open the car doors and direct us along a path, lit like an airstrip runway.
This really is the most incongruous restaurant location I have ever seen. It truly is a sparkly oasis, with swinging benches, lanterns, twinkly fairy lights in the trees, and heavy bass driven muzack pumping from substantial speakers in full surround sound. Clouds of water vapour spray across the restaurant.
This is Nikki Beach in Delhi.
The food is very good.
Crispy wontons with crab, lychee and basil (375 rupees);
Kafir lime and vegetable spring rolls (275 rupees);
Chargrilled jumbo lemon grass prawns with mint and peanut salad (850 rupees);
Duck and tamarind sauce hoisin & scallion pancakes (775 rupees).
Magique opened in early 2007 and has mixed reviews from diners, but praise from the Delhi critics.
If you’re in New Delhi and fancy a drive to dinner, give it a go!
Magique
The Garden of Five Senses Said-ul-Ajaib
Mehrauli
New Delhi
+91 09717 535 533
+91 09717 535 544
email: info@magique.in
http://www.magique.in
Special Offer for all Magique Guests
Chetan Swarup has kindly offered ArsyCamel readers who reserve a table at Magique a complimentary soft beverage and/or dessert. Simply mention the ArsyCamel offer when you book. (Arsycamel.com receives no benefit or commission from Magique restaurant.)
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
