++ French Cusine in Pune - Arthur's Theme++. Review on Arthur's Theme, Koregaon Park, Pune

Mecca of cuisine – Koregaon Park, Pune

My never ending voyage in search of exotic cuisines brought me to Arthurs Theme, KG Park.

I stay close to Osho Ashram, Pune and the very reference of this landmark earned me lots of brownie points from people across the globe. It is fun to watch the reaction – ranging from surprise, wicked smile, terrible blushes etc.

The fame of Koregaon Park is not just limited to Osho Ashram, German Bakery etc. Each and every lane is considered to the Mecca of Cuisine. The authenticity and variety offered by the joints in Koregaon Park is simply amazing.

You want authentic oriental food – There is Silk Route & Malaka Spice, Italian and Mexican – There you have Fungo Magico, Sushi and Sashimi is tempting your taste bud – Rush to Harajuku of O Hotel, Greek Delicacies – Errr, you have to travel to Aundh and crash land at Seasons Hotel.

French Cuisine

Whenever you have decided to experiment with unknown delicacies, it is better to refer to some literature. Being a gourmet of first order, I never miss an opportunity to get myself acquainted with the history & philosophy of several delicacies across the globe. I remember reading “Michelin Guide Rouge” that gave me a good idea about the French cuisine.

It is well known that only Chinese cuisine can boast of wide variety of cuisine as French cuisine. Also, understanding the French delicacies is the best way to get closer to the history of the nation. Might be this is the only nation which still believe in two and a half hours lunch break that signifies their penchant and passion toward food.

The traditional French cuisine is quite heavy with creams, cheese, butter and saturated fats. French consumes most of the cheese produced in the world (20.5 KG per person per year).But again, their consumption of wine might keep the lipid profile intact and hence the heart failure rate of French is comparatively lesser than that of Americans.

About the restaurant

It is in Lane 6 of Koregaon Park, opposite to Cosmos Bank. Valet parking facility is available. The joint was started in 1997 and can accommodate 80 guests simultaneously. The ambiance is murky with dim light and dark paint on the wooden furniture. But the underground floor is quite bright and has been recently renovated.

A brief interaction with the man behind the restaurant, Navtej Sawhney (I assume, I talked to him only), who is the winner of King Chef Award in 2004 and got exposure all across the world; gave us an overall idea about the delicacies. Eric, a Belgian gentleman was also closely associated in conceptualizing this restaurant.

Browsing through Menu

They are following a classical French Menu which is quite filling and rich of cream based sauces. With the help of the captain of our table, we have decided on the following course.

Soup -

I have zeroed down at “Leopold II” which was more like a clear chicken and vegetable soup. Quite a “down to earth” and simple preparation made of chicken cubes, mushroom, baby corn, lettuce and carrots. This will cost you INR 100.

Veggies may choose Antoinette (Garlic flavoured soup in mushroom and parsley).

For sea food freaks, Guy of Warwick (wine flavoured sea food soup) would be a good option.

The first experience was quite pleasant and gave me an urge to experiment further.

Starter

I was enthralled by this fine delicacy – Emelie! It is the flattened piece of chicken with topping of seasame seeds and bread crumbs with the aroma of thyme and lemon. It seems to be a dish that is deep fried which is served with a special mayonnaise (cheesy and sour) sauce. Eight pieces in a bowl will cost you INR 140/-.

For veggies, Don Quixote, which is nothing but deep fried cheese croquettes would be a good choice. (INR 135).

Sea food lovers may freak out with Royanne (INR 155) which is skewered pieces of fish topped with Mediterranean herbs.

Gerard (INR 180) is another starter made of prawns marinated in beer batter and served with spicy sauce.

Pasta

By now, Indians are much used to Pasta . I am comfortable with chicken based pasta in cream and cheese and hence ordered Nicole which is served in which is served in cheesy white sauce topped with sautéed chicken. Also, I have chosen my favourite variety of Pasata – Fettuccine. This will cost you INR 215.

This was a heavenly experience! It tasted like Alfredo Pasta and this will reveal the Italian connection on French Cuisine. Wife of Henry II, Catherine De Meidcis was the one who invited Italian chefs with her to France which was instrumental in the fusion of both delicacies. Hence, you may find lots of similarities between Italian and French cuisine. (See – we are getting closer to the history of the country through food)

Main Course

To be frank, we were totally packed but again, how can we leave without experiencing a main course. I chose to have Amanda (INR 145) mainly because it is served with some rice. This is all about two pieces of deboned roast chicken layered with roast potatoes with the topping of a special barbecue sauce. INR 245.

Veggies may opt for Ferdinand (INR 210), which is cheese and mushroom preparation cooked in some flavoured sauce and is served with rice.

In between, they serve croissants with butter cubes which serve the purpose of fillers in between if you want to switch the taste.