While most properties were busy making summer menus, Thai Pavilion at Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon launched a ‘Unique Dining Experience’ at the Private Dining Room. And gathered gourmands for a first look.
Now, truth be told, I’ve never cared much for the whole PDR situation. Part of the appeal of eating out is the hustle and bustle, the laughter from several tables over, the invisible ball of energy that bounces off walls, diners checking out each other’s orders. Then again, that could have something to do with the fact that I’m no moneyed dignitary, nor a semi-celebrity. That said Private Dining Rooms have always held a certain allure, an aspirational value. Now Thai Pavilion’s attempt might not be all that far out, but what it is, is your shot at extra space as well some excellent personalized Thai food.
People can, but don’t necessarily have to, make reservations a month in advance. They discuss preferences, dislikes, allergies, and basically handpick their own meal into a set menu.
This can be paired withsome fancy bubbly too, if that’s your thing (whose isn’t) and have an expert Thai Chef guide you through the whole experience, clearly private enough but not entirely alienating. The placement of this particular pavilion’s PDR is, in fact, such that you wouldn’t exactly be shut in. The meal itself comprised five courses and one wonderfully refreshing, fruity-kaffir limey welcome drink.
In our case, invitees received prix-fixe menus curated by Chef Prajuab Shoosridam, Master Chef, Thai Pavilion, in the days leading up to the unveiling. Alternatively, we could even make requests at the very event- the Chef and staff were open and ever present. I can’t say there weren’t times when we wished our order had been hotter, but we imagine such a situation is less likely to occur if there aren’t as many of you eating. And given the customization quotient of the experience, we would say it’s quite the date destination.
The only catch could be that the distance to Vivanta by Taj, Gurgaon might not seem worth the drive to the typical Dilliwallah, with umpteen options spouting in their own backyard. But what’s a couple of extra minutes for a fully customizable and exclusive culinary experience?
Price – INR20,000 onwards for a couple
Head to – Vivanta by Taj Gurgaon,
Sector 44, Near Fortis Hospital
Gurgaon, Haryana
Tel – 0124667 1234