Tokyo Mon Amour

Guppy by ai has been Skeeter’s favourite over and over for its non-intimidating yet non-casual vibe and is the perfect spot for some afternoon Sushi hogging with the girlies before a movie date or a relaxed evening. Their new menus that give regulars something new every season are what Skeeter usually looks forward to – a new ingredient here and a new preparation there, is always welcome. This time round, they’ve turned their bar area and the courtyard into an eclectic pop-up bar called Tokyo Mon Amour or Tokyo My Love - the Tokyo connection being their tie-up with Le Bistro du Parc, a French bistro and Skeeter was invited for an experiential evening. What is served as a result of this collaboration is Japanese food with touches of French and it is starkly different from the regular Guppy menu. There are numerous small plates and a bevy of cocktails lined up on the menu.

But before we hop on to that, a bit about the look and feel. At Tokyo Mon Amour there are tall wooden tables with fresh flowers on each of them, candles spelling zen and some really good music – all elements that leave you feeling chipper. Outside, the courtyard tree is bound with a string of fairy lights, lighting up the space and giving it a new flavour. The pop-up has been designed by Naina de Bois-Juzan of Le Bistro du Parc and the food comes from the able kitchen of Guppy by ai’s Chef Vikram Khatri. This was my second different experience of the same space, the first being a La Compagna dinner. It is fascinating to see how they do something different with the space each time. From a sit down dinner to now a flattering pop-up.

We started the evening with a Wasabi Mimosa, a perfect summer drink, with the tang from oranges finding a friend in the sting of Wasabi. It paired well with a refreshing Cured Tomato & Gingko Nut Salad which is a three-day cured chukka tomato salad also starring palm heart, celery, grapes and gingko nuts with a ginger-citron dressing. Skeeter looks at it as an attempt at presenting a tapas (a la Japanese and French style) style menu which most restaurants tread towards warily as the smallish portions are despised (and criticised) by many. Skeeter’s take bing that Tokyo Mon Amour portions are apt for their format and well worth the dough.

The Cheese Korokke came next– deep fried, crunchy on the outside croquettes filled with gooey cream and gruyere cheese were served with Mayo and Worcestershire sauce. Curry Pan bread caught Skeeter’s attention too. This Panko crusted Japanese ‘Kare’ bread was made of a slightly sweet dough, filled with a spoonful of curry, panko crusted and deep fried. Though the server politely informed us, still do remember that the bread is hot enough to scald the palette.

It was washed down with the Ichigo Punch made with Sochu, mixed berry compote, fresh strawberries and topped with sparkling wine. But Skeeter’s second favourite cocktail was the Painap Flip stirred up with brandy, thyme, fresh pineapple, lime and sugar. Though Skeeter's eyeing a white wine sangria pitcher for her next visit as it is summertime! For the eats, the Mushroom & Asparagus Gyoza came with an unusual combination of rustic tomato salsa, chives and cream reduction. They’re gluten free, crisp bottomed pot stickers and exude a melody of flavours. These certainly call for repeats. 

We were wise not to do that as a brilliant Home smoked brie, fresh figs, rice crackers & greens was to be had. Queen of cheese, the soft brie, smoked in-house comes seated on a black serving plate and looks as good as it tastes. Wonder why we don’t see many cheese platters on Delhi menus?

Skeeter could not end her evening without having the Black rice sushi roll with Avocado, Cucumber & Cream cheese finished with tempura crisps and sesame seeds. The only Guppy offering that makes an appearance at Tokyo Mon Amour. Gratifying, as always!

All the vegetarian dishes are priced between Rs 250 & 350 except the Home Smoked Brie & the Sushi roll. The cocktails carry a maximum tag of Rs 375. The pop-up is on till April 30.

Where: 28, Main Market, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi