Get lit with a shot of Lamborghini, before you head to ITC Kohenur's Ottimo for aclassic Italian meal

ITC Kohenur has launched their rooftop bar, Sky Point, and Pan-Italian restaurant, Ottimo, and here's why you need to visit them!
Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Parmigiana

ITC Kohenur has had our attention for its palatial stature and royal Indian cuisine ever since its opening in June this year. This time around, however, we head to the plush hotel to experience their all-new rooftop bar, Sky Point, and fine-dining restaurant, Ottimo. The elevator takes us to the topmost floor and we walk into the swanky bar, almost feeling like we’re in a music video. Courtesy the upscale décor with an orange and pink vintage Fiat car mounted on the ceiling of the island bar.


Tower of fire
With an outdoor seating that overlooks Durgam Cheruvu on one side and the bright city lights on the other, the setting dazzles just as much as the bar’s flaming Lamborghini — gin and Cointreau is poured over a margarita glass (filled with Kahlua, Blue Curacao and lychee) and then ignited. Word of caution though, make sure you use a straw to avoid hurting yourself with the lit cocktail!

Lamborghini
Lamborghini


Cocktail hour
We take our seats in a cosy corner with a glass of Ottimo Sour (bourbon whisky and egg whites, topped with oregano and chilli flakes), and our host tells us that the drinks menu, Tales of Infusions, offers about 20 infused cocktails. We get a gist of it when we’re served their signature Durgam Boulder. A tribute to the beautiful lake after which it is named, this gin-based drink with Baileys and Kahlua is a big draw. Meanwhile, we suggest you bite into their Crispy Chicken Wings or Arancini.

Crispy Chicken Wings
Crispy Chicken Wings


The Italian job
Post our cocktail session, we head to Ottimo for dinner — a Pan-Italian restaurant that shares space with the bar on the 14th floor. While we observe that the week-old diner is already buzzing with food lovers, on the other end, Italian Master Chef Vittorio Greco and his team is busy whipping up a delicious spread for the night.


The fourth outlet in the country, Ottimo boasts of a rustic décor, inspired by terracotta pots and travertine Rosso flooring. We begin our lavish meal with an antipasti — Burrata with Homemade Sundried Tomato and Pesto.

Burrata
Burrata

The colourful salad with creamy burrata and tangy sundried tomatoes makes us say cheese! As we polish off the first course, Pumpkin Ravioli is brought to the table. Cooked with butter, sage and truffle, this succulent entrée has a melt-in-the-mouth flavour. Non-vegetarians who don’t mind experimenting can opt for Rabbit Ravioli with Balsamic Reduction.


However, it is the Eggplant Parmigiana with Basic and Tomato Coulis that tastes just as good as it looks. The perfectly-sized portion is almost crunchy and flavourful. Although it is tough to take a few bites and let this dish go, we are asked to save space for the lamb chops. And, we don’t regret it! The Grilled Australian Lamb Chops served with Gin Sauce and Vanilla Mash, is juicy and delicious.

Grilled Australian Lamb Chops
Grilled Australian Lamb Chops

Just as we sigh after the elaborate dinner, Chef Vittorio is back with Panna Cotta, insisting we try it. The creamy dessert with the sour cherry flavour is worth a try. As we get ready to leave after the extravagant experience, we think that there couldn’t have been a more appropriate name for the restaurant, which in English translates to excellent.

Vertical Panna Cotta with Berries
Vertical Panna Cotta with Berries

Price for two: Rs.1,500 (Sky Point) and Rs.3,000 (Ottimo).
Pics: Vinay Madapu

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