Old world charm meets Gujarati
cuisine at Agashiye
The
Mangaldas Haveli in The city is the place to be if you want to dine in
style. Old world style.
Aptly named Agashiye located
opposite Sidi Sayed mosque, this old mansion is the place to enjoy a nice
dinner with family and friends. And while you wait for your meal, bask
in the royal ambience and enjoy the feel of being pampered.
The Mangaldas family was
among those who started shifting to the other side of the Sabarmati when
the old city became downmarket." However, as in the case of the prodigal
son, the family came back 35 years later to provide a totally new dimension
to the old family home.
Abhay Mangaldas thought of
restoring this old haveli belonging to his grandfather, an affluent
businessman, in 1996. Although the place is located in the old city, Abhay
feels that they have the advantage of being centrally placed. He also
sees a lot of tourist potential as foreigners are very much into heritage
properties.
This is an eating place that
is located at just the right place. A traditional Gujarati eatery that
promises good hygienic food. Food that is as good as home-cooked as it
is made avoiding too much of fat and masalas.
But this is no theme restaurant
like Vishala or Rajvadu. This is an actual haveli. That
is it’s USP and it offers an ambience, which is reminiscent of a typical
Gujarati home with wholesome food that is cooked in front of you.
The 4,500 sq. ft terrace
is segregated into three areas the tented area, cottage and the terrace.
The owners have planned the layout such that they will not face any problems
during the monsoon despite the terrace. The tables will be shifted to
the tents during the rains. So you can relish the romantic atmosphere
and enjoy the rain along with the food.
As the cooking can be seen
the owners plan to invite celebrity chefs. The area seems very conducive
to having musical programmes and other festivals.
Special care has been taken
to keep the kitchen hygienic and clean. Apart from the kitchen on the
terrace there is a 3,500 sq. ft kitchen in the basement, which is used
for basic preparations.
Aerated drinks are not allowed,
so no Pepsi, no Coke and no tinned juices. The owners believe in health
and emphasis is placed on fresh food. Savour fresh and rejuvenating nariyal
pani or you opt for the fruit-juices on the menu. Extracted right
front of you. Try the plum juice — it’s worth every penny spent.
Clarissa Mitchell, a designer
associated with tents, has done the designing, flooring as well as the
lay out. The tent was a joint effort by ‘Abhay’s father, Clarissa and
Kirit Vaghela. "She has actually given the styling and everything else
fell into place," he explains. The lighting and the entrance were done
by Abhay while the plants come from Prem Bhojnagarwala, a horticulturist
The cottage was actually
the bangli and beautifully carved, it reminds one of traditional
Gujarati Workmanship. It is air-conditioned and those who would rather
not sit on the terrace can have their meal in the cottage.
The menu changes each day
and comprises two breads, three vegetables, a chaat, a sweet, a snack
plus chaas.’ Along with other accompaniments. It is a complete meal that
begins with a juice and goes on to the dessert and a paan. The
whole package costs Rs 125 plus taxes and the food is served in kansa
thalis made from an alloy of seven metals.
So, on a leisurely evening,
walk into Agashiye. And luxuriate.
Compiled from Local News Media
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