While weekend brunches are ubiquitous in Bengaluru, there was a gap when it came to vegetarian-only spreads. But last Saturday, we discovered something quite exciting in the vicinity of the Bangalore Turf Club. Lush, at the Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, has introduced a Saturday brunch for vegetarians.
As we walked into the plush premises of the hotel and were led to the restaurant, we could get a whiff of freshly brewing masala chai. That ’s when our attention was caught by the long trail of live counters that were set up as part of the vegetarian spread. On offer were chaats, appams, chole bature, grills, dim sums, laksa, cocktails and a variety of teas.
This was the beginning of a longdrawn out meal that was to follow. We started with Samosa Chaat and Ragda Pattice. Both had the right balance of flavours — tangy and spicy — and with a generous topping of crunchy sev.
On a platter
Then we tried the chef ’s special — Vegetable Tempura with Korean Kimchi and Togarashi Mayo, and a Truffle-Scented Avocado Toast with Micro Beet. The tempura was on point and the Togarashi Mayo added the required zest. But it was the toast that truly impressed us with its subtle truffle flavour that blended well with the mild buttery taste of the avocado on rye bread.
From the grills counter, we recommend the assortment of grilled fruits like pear, pineapple and guava. From the kebabs counters we loved the Dahi ke Kebab — a hung curd patty. The sour yogurt flavour paired very well with the mint chutney that it was served with.
The appams, from the live appam counter, were fluffy and was served with a warm bowl of vegetable stew. With so much to sample, we took a while to move onto the main course that included Indian curries, sides, a Mediterranean salad and hummus counter and European favourites.
We tried the Beets and Mushroom Pie — a layered dish with beetroots and mushrooms. The sweetness of the beets combined well with the cheese, and the lush mushrooms made this a winner. From the Indian sides, we tried the Kurkure Bhindi. Fried to perfection, this was crunchy but a tad bit salty. We ended our main course with the comforting rasam and rice — which cannot be missed. The rasam was perfect with its tangy mix of tomato and tamarind flavours.
Sugar rush
Lush offers one of the most extravagant spread of desserts. From gulab jamoons, Mysore Pak, cupcakes and apple pie to mousse, everything on the menu is eggless. The Red Velvet Cake was light and fresh and the Chocolate Mousse, though not as airy and luscious as one made with eggs, didn’t disappoint.
But it was the Chocolate Entremet, layered with chocolate and creme brulee, that demanded a second helping. With over 70 dishes, fruit and vegetable-infused cocktails, and live counters, the brunch at Lush does full justice to a vegetarian palate and surely requires a repeat visit.
Rs 1,099++ per person. At Race Course Road
ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax